Super Sweet Vintage Statement Piece

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

Ass Kickin' BBQ Sauce for All Things Summer

     I absolutely love this time of year, which is probably why I blog so much less, but honestly, I should make more of an effort because if there's one thing I learned by going to grad school in Denver, it's how to enjoy your damn summer. Stop and smell the flowers people. Life is right there in front of you, and watching the world around you wake up for the warmth is a beautiful thing, despite our crazy weather. However, things have settled down here in D-town and it's time to live it up. Go outside. Spend time on a rooftop, relax, cook outdoors, ride a bike, drink some brews, listen to some live music, and - most importantly - cook up some fabulous food!

    So in order to kick off summer on the right foot I've decided to share a pretty amazing secret recipe of mine, my BBQ sauce. Tangy, thick, and with a little kick, this sauce is not only guaranteed to please, but the recipe itself makes a large amount and by freezing it, this will last you all summer long. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't take a lot of effort to make. If you aren't a fan of the spice, you can omit the chilies.

    First I'll start off by sharing the actual secret, I've adopted this recipe from one of the best BBQ joints in this country: Dinosaur BBQ (the original is in Syracuse, NY...UPSTATE PRIDE!). MB and I went here countless times in college, and these guys know their shit. My aunt and uncle make the three hour drive from Buffalo to here at least annually. Needless to say, I've adapted one of their recipes to fit my own taste, and I must say, the result is worth a try. This recipe uses different chilies and is more adapted to a paleo diet. I won't give the original recipe because of my respect for intellectual property, but below is an image of the book - and yes, this recipe is a definite indicator of the quality of awesomeness of recipes in this gem.

buy it...for serious

     Well without further adieu...recipe after the break...

     I absolutely love this time of year, which is probably why I blog so much less, but honestly, I should make more of an effort because if there's one thing I learned by going to grad school in Denver, it's how to enjoy your damn summer. Stop and smell the flowers people. Life is right there in front of you, and watching the world around you wake up for the warmth is a beautiful thing, despite our crazy weather. However, things have settled down here in D-town and it's time to live it up. Go outside. Spend time on a rooftop, relax, cook outdoors, ride a bike, drink some brews, listen to some live music, and - most importantly - cook up some fabulous food!

    So in order to kick off summer on the right foot I've decided to share a pretty amazing secret recipe of mine, my BBQ sauce. Tangy, thick, and with a little kick, this sauce is not only guaranteed to please, but the recipe itself makes a large amount and by freezing it, this will last you all summer long. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't take a lot of effort to make. If you aren't a fan of the spice, you can omit the chilies.

    First I'll start off by sharing the actual secret, I've adopted this recipe from one of the best BBQ joints in this country: Dinosaur BBQ (the original is in Syracuse, NY...UPSTATE PRIDE!). MB and I went here countless times in college, and these guys know their shit. My aunt and uncle make the three hour drive from Buffalo to here at least annually. Needless to say, I've adapted one of their recipes to fit my own taste, and I must say, the result is worth a try. This recipe uses different chilies and is more adapted to a paleo diet. I won't give the original recipe because of my respect for intellectual property, but below is an image of the book - and yes, this recipe is a definite indicator of the quality of awesomeness of recipes in this gem.

buy it...for serious

     Well without further adieu...recipe after the break...

     I absolutely love this time of year, which is probably why I blog so much less, but honestly, I should make more of an effort because if there's one thing I learned by going to grad school in Denver, it's how to enjoy your damn summer. Stop and smell the flowers people. Life is right there in front of you, and watching the world around you wake up for the warmth is a beautiful thing, despite our crazy weather. However, things have settled down here in D-town and it's time to live it up. Go outside. Spend time on a rooftop, relax, cook outdoors, ride a bike, drink some brews, listen to some live music, and - most importantly - cook up some fabulous food!

    So in order to kick off summer on the right foot I've decided to share a pretty amazing secret recipe of mine, my BBQ sauce. Tangy, thick, and with a little kick, this sauce is not only guaranteed to please, but the recipe itself makes a large amount and by freezing it, this will last you all summer long. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't take a lot of effort to make. If you aren't a fan of the spice, you can omit the chilies.

    First I'll start off by sharing the actual secret, I've adopted this recipe from one of the best BBQ joints in this country: Dinosaur BBQ (the original is in Syracuse, NY...UPSTATE PRIDE!). MB and I went here countless times in college, and these guys know their shit. My aunt and uncle make the three hour drive from Buffalo to here at least annually. Needless to say, I've adapted one of their recipes to fit my own taste, and I must say, the result is worth a try. This recipe uses different chilies and is more adapted to a paleo diet. I won't give the original recipe because of my respect for intellectual property, but below is an image of the book - and yes, this recipe is a definite indicator of the quality of awesomeness of recipes in this gem.

buy it...for serious

     Well without further adieu...recipe after the break...

     I absolutely love this time of year, which is probably why I blog so much less, but honestly, I should make more of an effort because if there's one thing I learned by going to grad school in Denver, it's how to enjoy your damn summer. Stop and smell the flowers people. Life is right there in front of you, and watching the world around you wake up for the warmth is a beautiful thing, despite our crazy weather. However, things have settled down here in D-town and it's time to live it up. Go outside. Spend time on a rooftop, relax, cook outdoors, ride a bike, drink some brews, listen to some live music, and - most importantly - cook up some fabulous food!

    So in order to kick off summer on the right foot I've decided to share a pretty amazing secret recipe of mine, my BBQ sauce. Tangy, thick, and with a little kick, this sauce is not only guaranteed to please, but the recipe itself makes a large amount and by freezing it, this will last you all summer long. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't take a lot of effort to make. If you aren't a fan of the spice, you can omit the chilies.

    First I'll start off by sharing the actual secret, I've adopted this recipe from one of the best BBQ joints in this country: Dinosaur BBQ (the original is in Syracuse, NY...UPSTATE PRIDE!). MB and I went here countless times in college, and these guys know their shit. My aunt and uncle make the three hour drive from Buffalo to here at least annually. Needless to say, I've adapted one of their recipes to fit my own taste, and I must say, the result is worth a try. This recipe uses different chilies and is more adapted to a paleo diet. I won't give the original recipe because of my respect for intellectual property, but below is an image of the book - and yes, this recipe is a definite indicator of the quality of awesomeness of recipes in this gem.

buy it...for serious

     Well without further adieu...recipe after the break...

Tips to Help You Eat Healthier and Save Money

     Yes I know it has been forever. This life is crazy as we all know, so I've been quite busy. However, I've gotten a mild cold, which has allowed me to slow down a bit and get a chance to write. It's been a while since I've written about one of my favorite subject, food. Mmmm...food...

     So many people claim to not have the time to cook and, by default, eat healthy. No, I'm sorry, Lean Cuisine definitely doesn't count. Some people think it costs more to eat healthy, while that is somewhat true, it really doesn't have to break the bank. Yes, I won't deny eating grass-fed beef is definitely not a cheaper option, but if you can't afford grassy cows doesn't mean you need to settle for Tyson's Anytizers either, chicken does not have nuggets.

Tips and Tricks after the break...

Thanks Google!

     Yes I know it has been forever. This life is crazy as we all know, so I've been quite busy. However, I've gotten a mild cold, which has allowed me to slow down a bit and get a chance to write. It's been a while since I've written about one of my favorite subject, food. Mmmm...food...

     So many people claim to not have the time to cook and, by default, eat healthy. No, I'm sorry, Lean Cuisine definitely doesn't count. Some people think it costs more to eat healthy, while that is somewhat true, it really doesn't have to break the bank. Yes, I won't deny eating grass-fed beef is definitely not a cheaper option, but if you can't afford grassy cows doesn't mean you need to settle for Tyson's Anytizers either, chicken does not have nuggets.

Tips and Tricks after the break...

Thanks Google!

     Yes I know it has been forever. This life is crazy as we all know, so I've been quite busy. However, I've gotten a mild cold, which has allowed me to slow down a bit and get a chance to write. It's been a while since I've written about one of my favorite subject, food. Mmmm...food...

     So many people claim to not have the time to cook and, by default, eat healthy. No, I'm sorry, Lean Cuisine definitely doesn't count. Some people think it costs more to eat healthy, while that is somewhat true, it really doesn't have to break the bank. Yes, I won't deny eating grass-fed beef is definitely not a cheaper option, but if you can't afford grassy cows doesn't mean you need to settle for Tyson's Anytizers either, chicken does not have nuggets.

Tips and Tricks after the break...

Thanks Google!

     Yes I know it has been forever. This life is crazy as we all know, so I've been quite busy. However, I've gotten a mild cold, which has allowed me to slow down a bit and get a chance to write. It's been a while since I've written about one of my favorite subject, food. Mmmm...food...

     So many people claim to not have the time to cook and, by default, eat healthy. No, I'm sorry, Lean Cuisine definitely doesn't count. Some people think it costs more to eat healthy, while that is somewhat true, it really doesn't have to break the bank. Yes, I won't deny eating grass-fed beef is definitely not a cheaper option, but if you can't afford grassy cows doesn't mean you need to settle for Tyson's Anytizers either, chicken does not have nuggets.

Tips and Tricks after the break...

Thanks Google!

Re-vamping Wooden Shelves...(or anything else you can think of)

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

So Easy My Dog Could Do It Pt 2: Reusable Swiffer Pads

     This is one of my favorite tricks, because it works like a charm and it's so easy! If you have a Swiffer, or any equivalent sweeper/mop product you will never have to buy those expensive (and wasteful) pads again.

The great secret after the break!

     This is one of my favorite tricks, because it works like a charm and it's so easy! If you have a Swiffer, or any equivalent sweeper/mop product you will never have to buy those expensive (and wasteful) pads again.

The great secret after the break!

     This is one of my favorite tricks, because it works like a charm and it's so easy! If you have a Swiffer, or any equivalent sweeper/mop product you will never have to buy those expensive (and wasteful) pads again.

The great secret after the break!

     This is one of my favorite tricks, because it works like a charm and it's so easy! If you have a Swiffer, or any equivalent sweeper/mop product you will never have to buy those expensive (and wasteful) pads again.

The great secret after the break!

So Easy My Dog Could Do It: Part I - Fixing Crumbled Makeup

     Hey there Internet world!

     I've decided to add a series onto my growing number of tutorials: So Easy My Dog Could Do It. Named this way because my dog (I love her dearly) is particularly intellectually challenged. This week I'm showing you a SUPER EASY tutorial on how to fix powder-based makeup that may have broken into tiny, unmanageable pieces. Many people just get tired of dealing with it and throw it out, or turn it into something else. While I encourage turning something old into something new, there is now no need to fret - you can still use that eyeshadow that has...err...seen better days.

     I'll even take it one step further and include an easy (hopefully reminder) to clean your brushes as well!

Tutorial after the break.

This happened while I was in Asia, and I continued to travel with it - making it particularly messy, but I'll show you how to get it back into tip-top shape!

     Hey there Internet world!

     I've decided to add a series onto my growing number of tutorials: So Easy My Dog Could Do It. Named this way because my dog (I love her dearly) is particularly intellectually challenged. This week I'm showing you a SUPER EASY tutorial on how to fix powder-based makeup that may have broken into tiny, unmanageable pieces. Many people just get tired of dealing with it and throw it out, or turn it into something else. While I encourage turning something old into something new, there is now no need to fret - you can still use that eyeshadow that has...err...seen better days.

     I'll even take it one step further and include an easy (hopefully reminder) to clean your brushes as well!

Tutorial after the break.

This happened while I was in Asia, and I continued to travel with it - making it particularly messy, but I'll show you how to get it back into tip-top shape!

     Hey there Internet world!

     I've decided to add a series onto my growing number of tutorials: So Easy My Dog Could Do It. Named this way because my dog (I love her dearly) is particularly intellectually challenged. This week I'm showing you a SUPER EASY tutorial on how to fix powder-based makeup that may have broken into tiny, unmanageable pieces. Many people just get tired of dealing with it and throw it out, or turn it into something else. While I encourage turning something old into something new, there is now no need to fret - you can still use that eyeshadow that has...err...seen better days.

     I'll even take it one step further and include an easy (hopefully reminder) to clean your brushes as well!

Tutorial after the break.

This happened while I was in Asia, and I continued to travel with it - making it particularly messy, but I'll show you how to get it back into tip-top shape!

     Hey there Internet world!

     I've decided to add a series onto my growing number of tutorials: So Easy My Dog Could Do It. Named this way because my dog (I love her dearly) is particularly intellectually challenged. This week I'm showing you a SUPER EASY tutorial on how to fix powder-based makeup that may have broken into tiny, unmanageable pieces. Many people just get tired of dealing with it and throw it out, or turn it into something else. While I encourage turning something old into something new, there is now no need to fret - you can still use that eyeshadow that has...err...seen better days.

     I'll even take it one step further and include an easy (hopefully reminder) to clean your brushes as well!

Tutorial after the break.

This happened while I was in Asia, and I continued to travel with it - making it particularly messy, but I'll show you how to get it back into tip-top shape!

Cleaning and prepping glass jars

     Re-using glass jars is an effective and easy way to store things. Different sizes work better for different uses. Food storage, craft supplies, gifts, you name it, jars offer a great way to package things with no cost (you are going to buy whatever is in the glass jar anyway right?).

     However, there are a few annoying things about jars. First, how do you get those pesky labels off? Secondly, what about the smells of certain jars that held pickles or garlic?

   Tips, tricks, and how-to's after the break!

     Re-using glass jars is an effective and easy way to store things. Different sizes work better for different uses. Food storage, craft supplies, gifts, you name it, jars offer a great way to package things with no cost (you are going to buy whatever is in the glass jar anyway right?).

     However, there are a few annoying things about jars. First, how do you get those pesky labels off? Secondly, what about the smells of certain jars that held pickles or garlic?

   Tips, tricks, and how-to's after the break!

     Re-using glass jars is an effective and easy way to store things. Different sizes work better for different uses. Food storage, craft supplies, gifts, you name it, jars offer a great way to package things with no cost (you are going to buy whatever is in the glass jar anyway right?).

     However, there are a few annoying things about jars. First, how do you get those pesky labels off? Secondly, what about the smells of certain jars that held pickles or garlic?

   Tips, tricks, and how-to's after the break!

     Re-using glass jars is an effective and easy way to store things. Different sizes work better for different uses. Food storage, craft supplies, gifts, you name it, jars offer a great way to package things with no cost (you are going to buy whatever is in the glass jar anyway right?).

     However, there are a few annoying things about jars. First, how do you get those pesky labels off? Secondly, what about the smells of certain jars that held pickles or garlic?

   Tips, tricks, and how-to's after the break!

Recycling Candles

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

DIY Coasters

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

DIY Obsession

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!