September 2, 2010

Embroidery Hoop Wreath

Image via Budget Wise HomeBudget Tip of the Day: Clothespin Wreath

This vintage clothespin wreath is my favorite embroidery hoop project that I’ve done so far.  It is super easy to make, cheap, and very unique.  Just one trip to the craft store is all it takes to put this together.  The natural wood tone makes it a perfect wreath to adorn your door this fall.

  • Here is what you’ll need:
  • Embroidery Hoop (inner ring only)
  • Vintage Clothespins or Doll Pins
  • Cardboard
  • Glue Gun

I used an 8 inch hoop and needed about 43 clothespins to cover the entire circle.  This will help give you an idea of how many clothespins to buy at the craft store.  A 20 pack at Roberts was $2.99.  The embroidery hoop was a 50 cent thrift store find.

Start by tracing the outside of the hoop on a piece of cardboard.

Then draw another circle about a half inch wider around your traced circle.

Cut the circle out.

Slide the cardboard circle over the outside of the hoop.  It should be very snug.

Now it’s time to glue on the clothespins.  Place some glue on the inside slot as well as the bottom of the clothespin where it will come in contact with the hoop.  Press into place and continue all the way around.

Here it is almost half way done.  When you get near the end with about 5-6 more pins to glue on, stop and figure out how many more will actually fit.  I had to space the last 5 out just a bit to make it look even.

Here she is all glued together.

I decided to keep the wood look (shocking, I know!) instead of using spray paint.  You can paint it whatever color you like, but I chose to keep it simple with a natural wood stain.  I applied one coat using a brush and let it dry overnight.  If you want a glossier finish, just spray on some high gloss enamel once the stain is completely dry.  That’s it!

I can’t decide whether to hang this on the inside (red door) or outside (black door), so I took a few pictures of it on both.

So what do you think?  Red door or black door?

Come back tomorrow for one last  embroidery hoop decor idea.

Update: I’m headed to the hospital right now–I think today is finally the day my baby wants to come.  If there’s no post tomorrow, you’ll know where I am.  Hope you all have a great weekend!

Posted at: 12:00 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Embroidery Hoop Decor | , 2 Comments
September 1, 2010

Embroidery Hoop Decor 3

Image via Budget Wise Home

Budget Tip of the Day: Embroidery Hoop Bulletin Board

Ok this is a little bit of deja vu from the foam core bulletin board frames I posted about last week.  You can make the same thing using an embroidery hoop instead of a picture frame.  The process is almost the same for both.

Here is what I did.

Use the inside hoop to trace a circle on the foam core.   Cut it out using an x-acto knife or razor cutter.  You want the foam core to fit very snug inside the hoop.  I also spray painted my hoop white before I started.

Lay your fabric on top of the inner hoop and place the outside hoop on top.  Press the outside hoop down around the fabric and inner hoop and tighten.  Insert your foam core circle by pressing it in through the back.  Use some fabric glue around the edges for added security.  I did not use spray adhesive (like I did on the frames) to attach the fabric to the foam core because the hoop holds the fabric very tight.

Either cut off all the excess fabric, or wrap it around the hoop and secure to the back with glue or tape.

That’s it!!  Have fun displaying all your stuff.

Come back tomorrow for a new embroidery hoop decor tip.  I am so excited to show you this next one!

Posted at: 12:00 pm by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Embroidery Hoop Decor | , Leave a Comment
August 31, 2010

Embroidery Hoop Decor 2

Budget Tip of the Day: Embroidery Hoop Art

Embroidery hoops can easily double as a picture frame.  They can be used to create some inexpensive artwork for any space.   Start by spray painting your hoops or leave them as is.  Pop in some fabric and you’re done.  You could create one large hoop to stand on its own, or a grouping of smaller hoops using different coordinating fabrics.   I had a bunch of leftover fabric after decorating my nursery.  I used it to make this grouping on some empty wall space in that room.  I spray painted the hoops white and then cut my fabric to size.  You don’t need a lot of fabric, so this project would be a great way to use up all those leftover fabric scraps.

Here are a few more inspiration pics to get those wheels turning.

Image via Apartment Therapy

Image via Spotlight

Image via Ohdeedoh

Come back tomorrow for a new embroidery hoop decor tip and don’t forget to check out the new budget items of the week on the sidebar.

Posted at: 6:56 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Embroidery Hoop Decor | , Leave a Comment
August 30, 2010

Embroidery Hoop Decor

Image via Budget Wise Home

Budget Tip of the Day:  Bag Opener

I have been collecting embroidery hoops over the past couple months to make my embroidery hoop mobile that I featured last week.  I didn’t need as many as I thought I would, and now I have a lot left over.  I thought this would be the perfect challenge for this weeks tips to see what I could make out of them.  I found all of mine at the thrift store for fifty cents to one dollar a piece.  If you can’t find any there, they are still very inexpensive to buy at any fabric or craft store.  I can’t wait to show you the many uses of these hoops this week.

Here is a very practical way to put an embroidery hoop to good use.  Simply use it to keep a bag that you frequently use open.  Just place the bag around the outer hoop and secure it in place with the inner hoop.  I used this one here for our sports ball bag that we keep in our garage.  I’m constantly in and out of it, and it gets old having to use the drawstring so many times.  Now I can easily grab something out and toss it back in.  My boys also think this is a fun way to play basketball.  Another great use would be to use the embroidery hoop on a laundry bag.  If you don’t have much floor space for a hamper, a laundry bag might be the perfect thing to hang on the back of a bedroom or laundry room door.  Use the hoop to keep it open for easy access when you need to toss your clothes in.

Image via Martha Stewart

Posted at: 12:00 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Embroidery Hoop Decor | , Leave a Comment
August 27, 2010

Thrift Store Decorating

Budget Tip of the Day: Mirrored Hook Rack

Whenever I hit the thrift stores, I am always on the lookout for mirrors.  I found this one a few months back and had the perfect thing in mind.  I decided to turn this into a coat rack.  Just a few coats of spray paint and some hooks is all it takes turn something like this into a functional and stylish decor piece.

Here is the mirror before.  It was in pretty good shape.  It just needed a wipe down and some Windex.

I taped off the mirror and gave it 3 coats of white gloss spray paint.

I bought 5 satin nickel hooks at Lowe’s for about $3.00/each.  It was a little more than I wanted to pay, but they were the only one’s I could find that were small enough to fit in the space below the mirror.

That’s it!  Here it is on my wall.  There are some slight imperfections in the mirror that you can’t really see in person, but the camera has magnified them big time.  I am finding that it’s really hard to get a good picture of a mirror.  So try to look beyond the scratches.  I’m happy with the way it turned out.

Here is the price break down.

Mirror: $5.00

Hooks: $3.00/each

I already had the spray paint

Total Cost=$20.00

I hope you’ve gotten a little thrift store inspiration this week.  I’ve had a blast putting all these projects together, although I will say I’m exhausted.  I normally don’t do this many things in one week.  All of the tips I’ve featured this week are simple enough for anyone to do.  You should be able to find most of the needed items at the thrift store an any given day.  If not, just wait a week and go back.  Sometimes I find a bunch of stuff and other days I find nothing.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!  Send me your pics if you try your hand at any of these thrift store decorating projects.

Posted at: 4:56 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Thrift Store Decorating | , 6 Comments
August 26, 2010

Thrift Store Decorating

Bulletin Board Frames

Image via Budget Wise Home

Budget Tip of the Day: Foam Core Bulletin Board Frames

Here is yet another thrift store decorating tip using picture frames.  I always find myself picking up a few every time I go, so I am putting them to good use.  Today I decided to turn my frames into bulletin boards.  They are perfect for staying organized and keeping the counters clean in an office or kitchen space.  These are easy, cheap, and look so much cuter than any bulletin board you would find in a store.

Here are the supplies you will need to make these.

  • Picture Frame
  • Fabric
  • Foam Core
  • Spray Adhesive
  • Spray Paint

This is one of the frames I started with.  It cost me just $1.50 at the thrift store.

Spray paint your frames to match.  These are 3 completely different thrift store frames.  Don’t worry if your frames aren’t the same. They will look great grouped together if you paint them the same color.  I went with a classic white for these.

Pick up a piece of foam core from the craft store for just a couple dollars.  You can even find it at the dollar store.  I already had a bunch of fabric remnants from some old projects, so I used those.

Place the frame glass or backing on the foam core and trace around it.

Use a sharp blade or x-acto knife to cut the foam core.

After your pieces are cut, spray the entire surface liberally with spray adhesive and place your fabric on top.  Smooth it out as you go to make sure it is secure.

Cut any excess fabric off, leaving about a half inch or so around the edges.

Cut out each corner to eliminate extra bulk and bunching when you put it into the frame.

Place the foam core into the frame and you’re done.  With the fabric folded around the edges, it should have a snug fit.  You can replace the frame backing if you like.

Now hang your frames and get organized.  Aren’t these such a cute alternative to a plain old cork board?!  If you ever want to change the look, just use some different fabric to make another insert.  So easy.

Here are a few close ups.

Here is the price break down.

Frames: $1.50/each

Foam Core: $2.00

I already had paint, spray adhesive, and fabric.

Total cost for all three bulletin board frames: $6.50!

I am very happy with that price tag.

Come back tomorrow for another thrift store decorating idea.

I’m linking this one up to Made by You Mondays, Just Something I Whipped Up, C.R.A.F.T., The DIY Showoff, Make it For Monday, Metamorphosis Monday, It’s So Very Cheri, Transformation Thursday.

Posted at: 6:22 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Thrift Store Decorating | , 5 Comments
August 25, 2010

Thrift Store Decorating

Hoop Mobile

Image via Budget Wise Home

Budget Tip of the Day:       Embroidery Hoop Mobile

This thrift store decorating idea is so easy and fun.  I’ve been so excited all week to show you.  You can make your own baby mobile using thrift store embroidery hoops.  I always see these hoops every single time I go, so they are not in short supply.  Pick up a few in varying sizes to create the look you want.  The only other supplies you need are spray paint and fishing line.  Just paint the hoops, hook them together with the fishing line, and hang using push pins on the ceiling.  You can embellish the hoops as much as you’d like, but I wanted to keep mine simple. Once the hoops were painted, putting them together and hanging them took just minutes.  This is a new addition to my vintage inspired nursery and I’m so excited that my new baby (I’m due on the 31st!) will have something fun and colorful to look at.

Here is how my mobile came to be.

These are my hoops.  Each one comes with an inner and outer hoop.  You will use both of them create each ball.

Hoop Mobile

These are my paint colors.  I bought this huge roll of fishing line for just $2.50 at Wal Mart.

Hoop Mobile 2

Give the hoops at least 2-3 coats of paint, allowing for ample dry time between each coat.

Once they are painted and dry, you will assemble them with the fishing line.  Place one hoop inside the other and then start wrapping your fishing line around where they intersect in a criss-cross pattern until they are secure.  Leave enough length on the other end of the line to be able to hang your mobile before cutting it off.

Hoop Mobile 3

Here they are all assembled and ready to be hung.

Hoop Mobile 4

These are very easy to hang.  Cut your fishing line a little bit longer than you want the mobile to hang.  Wrap the extra length around the pin end and push it into the ceiling.  Easy does it!

Here are a few more shots of my completed mobile.

Hoop Mobile

Hoop Mobile

Here is a close up so you can see the fishing line.  You might have to look extra close to find it.

Hoop Mobile

Hoop Mobile

Now I just need this baby to get here.  Click here to see more of my nursery.

Come back tomorrow for a new thrift store decorating idea.

I’m linking this one up to Transformation Thursday, Cheap Thrills Thursday, House of Hepworths, The Shabby Nest, Finding Fabulous , Feature Yourself Friday.


Posted at: 5:03 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Thrift Store Decorating | , 6 Comments
August 24, 2010

Thrift Store Decorating

TieredCupcakeStand8

Image via Budget Wise Home

Budget Tip of the Day:         Tiered Cupcake Stand

Thrift store decorating keeps getting better and more fun for me each day.  This tiered cupcake stand was a snap to put together and only required a couple items.  You’ll need a candlestick, two melamine plates, and a decorative knob.  There are always lots of old candlesticks at thrift stores.  The trick is to find one that will work for this particular project.  You need to be able to unscrew and disassemble the candlestick in 2 places.  If you’re not sure, just test it out while you’re in the thrift store.  If it unscrews then you’re probably good to go.  You can also find these plastic melamine plates at thrift stores.  I found both of these there, but they are also pretty cheap to buy at any home store.  Target has some really cute plates with fun designs.  The best part about this is that you can take it apart when you don’t need it.  You can mix and match the plates to change up the look whenever you like.  Just use the one candlestick and you’re good to go.

Here is the complete play by play:

I started with 2 plates, one candlestick, and one decorative glass knob.

I found a few different candlesticks at the thrift store that worked for this.  They all unscrew in different places, which will give me few different looks to show you.  I spray painted them all white.  I’m not such a fan of the gold, brassy look.

Next you need to drill a hole through the center of each plate.  I used a regular drill bit to do this.  I started with a smaller hole, and then gradually made it bigger by switching to a bigger drill bit each time.  I did it this way so the plate wouldn’t break.  Make sure you drill through from the top of the plate.  I started in the back on my first one and it cracked.  You might need to pick up an extra plate in case the drilling doesn’t go well.  You can use the cracked plate to practice on before you start with a new one.

Once your hole is drilled, take apart the candlestick.

Then simply put it back together, adding the plates as you go.

I used a pretty glass knob to cover the opening where the candle is supposed to go.  I just placed it right in there to cover the hole (no drilling of screwing required here).  And that’s it!

Here is another look using a different candlestick.  This one only unscrewed in one spot, so I turned it into a single pedestal.

Wouldn’t you love to have a party and put all your cupcakes and treats on these plates?!  How lovely.

If you’re not into cupcakes, you could use this as a place to keep your jewelry.

So pretty!

Wouldn’t this make a great gift as well?

The grand total for this tiered stand was $2.00!!  I already had the knob and the paint so I didn’t count that.  Each plate was 75 cents and the candlestick was 50 cents.  It’s so much cheaper (and cuter) than anything like this that you could buy.  This really makes me want to throw a party just so I can serve all the food on these cute stands.

Come back tomorrow for a new thrift store decorating idea.

I’m linking this one up to Get You Craft On , House of Grace, Someday Crafts, Blue Cricket Design, Trendy Treehouse, Fireflies & Jellybeans, House of Hepworths, & Tidy Mom.

Posted at: 12:00 pm by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Thrift Store Decorating | , 9 Comments
August 23, 2010

Thrift Store Decorating

Menu Frame

Image via Budget Wise Home

Budget Tip of the Day:         Menu Frame

All this week I’m going to show you some easy thrift store decorating projects that anyone can do. They will all be very budget-friendly, of course, and won’t take you all day to do. Here is a fun project I saw last week over at Make and Takes. This took me about 10 minutes to make and is now a lovely addition to my kitchen. Use it as a menu board, to do list, or as a place to jot down notes and messages.

Here is the play by play:

Pick up any size frame from a thrift store. There are always TONS to choose from. I was lucky to find one in great shape, but remember that you can easily spray paint any frame in seconds to look brand new. I got this one for $3.00.

Take any piece of decorative scrap book paper, cut it to size, and pop it in your frame. That’s really it.

I had a large sheet of paper, so I used a level to measure and draw straight lines.

This would be fun to use as a to do list. Make sure to use a dry-erase marker!

Everything easily wipes off with a paper towel.

Or turn this into a weekly menu planner. Now everyone will know what’s for dinner.

I used some stickers for the “MENU” title. I don’t like my handwriting, so I think I’m going to find some more stickers for the days of the week. I’m excited to use this. It’s going to make me actually plan my meals each week.

The great thing about this is that you can easily switch out the paper if you want a new look.

Come back tomorrow for a new thrift store decorating idea.

Don’t forget to check out the new budget items of the week on the sidebar for some great deals.

Posted at: 6:04 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Thrift Store Decorating | , Leave a Comment
August 20, 2010

Children’s Artwork Display

Ok here it is. I finally finished this project.

Are you excited to see what I turned these cookie sheets into?

With school starting next week, the artwork is going to come piling in for sure. I wanted a prime spot to display all of my son’s art pieces without them taking over the refrigerator (I can’t believe I will have a Kindergartner this year!).

Here is our new art wall.

This wall is in our kitchen right as you enter from the garage. It has always been dead space that was never put to good use. I thought it would be the perfect “zone” for all the art.  I used Command picture hanging strips to secure these to the wall.  I love this product because they are removable and won’t damage your walls.  I used 2 large strips per sheet.

I thought it would be fun and different to use kitchen items for the display. I simply turned these baking sheets into art frames with a little spray paint. Make sure the sheet is actually magnetic before you buy or paint one. A lot of them are not, so just double check to make sure.

This one below perfectly holds 2 pieces of artwork.

These are the colors I used. Rustoleum Gloss White, Rustoleum Satin Aqua, and Krylon Gloss Ivy Leaf. Each baking sheet got two thorough coats (with plenty of dry time in between). At first I was going to paint them all white, but because most of the art coming home is usually on white paper, I wanted a bit more contrast between the paper and the baking sheet. All white would have been too much white on that wall.

This could also make a fun art display on its own. I love this just as much when it’s empty.

And one last look at the art.

If you don’t have a place for your kids artwork, the best way to stay organized and keep it all under control is to create a “zone” that is dedicated solely to that purpose. Here are more children’s artwork display ideas to help get you ready for the new school year.

How do you keep all the art under control?

Posted at: 8:04 pm by Heidi |Filed Under: Heidi's Projects | 4 Comments
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