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Garage Project
Posted On 03-08-2010 , 11:21 PM
It has been a very busy weekend and Monday for my husband and I. We decided to take on a garage project. My husband actually did most of it, but I helped where I could. I have desperately been needing a work space for all the projects and building I do for my Jewelry Art business. We also needed to figure out a better storage system for all the stuff that just gets thrown in the garage. So we came up with a table that would serve as a good working space with lots of storage underneath. We finished the building today and now I get to beautify it a little. I'm going to paint the top and attach a skirt around the entire thing to conceal the storage.
This was actually a pretty simple project. We just built a basic frame using 2 x 4 pieces of wood. We attached the legs with srews and then added some additional support beams on the top, middle, and back of the table.
We used a half inch piece of plywood for the top and attached with screws.
Now that i know my husband can build basic furniture, I am dreaming of all the cool things he
could build for me. I don't think he's as thrilled about that as I am.
I wil post the fiinal pictures after I put the finishing touches on it.
I am just SO HAPPY to have this workspace. I get to say goodbye to the kitchen counter and the floor!
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Goodbye Daily Steal
Posted On 03-08-2010 , 12:12 AM
The Daily Steal page has officially gone away, but don't worry--it's under construction and will be replaced by a new feature that is more fabulous than ever. I am so excited about the changes and I know you're going to LOVE it. I will still be posting a bunch of new items this week on my favorite things.
I am set to launch the new page (a complete clearance center!) on March 22--two weeks from today. Wahoo! I will keep posting updates as it gets closer.
I can't do a post and not give you any pictures or ideas, so here is a totally FREE idea for corralling those wet boots and shoes. We've had a lot of snow here and this has been a great fix for my kid's boots.
Use a cooling rack and set it on top of a cookie sheet. You'll have an instant drip tray which will keep your floor clean and dry.
Hope you guys have a wonderful week and get inspired by this week's tips. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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Last Week's Budget Tips 3/1-3/5: No-Sew Projects
Posted On 03-07-2010 , 6:40 PM
Here is the recap. I had a lot of fun with these projects and hope you did too.
Image via BHG
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Image via BHG
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No-Sew Bedskirt
Use patterned towels to create a fun and easy bedskirt. Simply take off the mattress and place towels on op of the box spring. In this picture, a layered look is created by mixing both bath and hand sized towels. Give the edges a finished look by attaching bobble trim using fabric glue. Trims are very cheap and there are so many fun options to choose from at any fabric store. It's a great way to customize something to fit your style and personality. |
Image via Martha Stewart
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No-Sew Basket Liner
Add some style and color to any storage basket using oilcloth fabric. Oilcloth is durable, easy to clean, and requires no hemming! Just overlap two pieces crosswise inside the basket leaving a few inches of overhang. Then hole punch each corner and secure together with some ribbon. That's all it takes to create a stylish basket liner. You can find oilcloth at most fabric stores in a variety of patterns and colors. This project is so easy, cheap, and fun. You can also use any other kind of fabric, but you will need to hem the edges first. Keep it a no-sew project by using iron-on hem tape.
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No-Sew Tissue Box Cover
 Disguise all those tissue boxes floating around your house with an easy, no-sew box cover that will complement your decor. All you need is a 15 x 15 inch piece of fabric and some fabric glue. It easily slips on and off when it's time to replace the box. Click the link below for detailed instructions. Simple, easy, and cheap!
Click here for the complete tissue box cover tutorial.
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Image via Martha Stewart
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No-Sew Embroidery
You don't need to be a professional seamstress to get the look of embroidery on linens. All you need is a few supplies and a little time. Here is what you'll need: cording, fabric glue, marker, disappearing ink pen, and graph paper. Fabric stores have lots of cording options to choose from. Using graph paper will help you get a straight pattern. To start, draw your design on graph paper using a dark marker. Put the graph paper underneath the fabric and trace the design onto it using a disappearing ink pen. Go over the traced lines with fabric glue and carefully arrange cording. It is best to work in small sections when placing the cording on. You will also want to use a clear fabric glue, such as Fabri-Tac. Make sure to treat all cut ends of the cording with fabric glue to prevent fraying.
This technique works great on most linens. Try it on bedskirts, pillows, drapes, and more. Create a monogram, or just a simple design as shown on the bedskirt. It's an inexpensive way to add a custom, personalized look to any piece--without using a needle and thread.
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 No-Sew Pillow Cover
Why buy a pre-made pillow cover when you can make one for a fraction of the cost? With a little fabric and some iron-on hem tape, you can easily make your own cover. The best part: it's even removable! Pillows are such a fun, budget-friendly way to change up your decor throughout the year. Make a few different covers using this tutorial and change them out every few months with the seasons--or just whenever you want something new. You can find affordable pillow inserts at most fabric stores, or just make a cover for the pillows you've already got to save more money.
Click here for the complete no-sew pillow cover tutorial.
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No-Sew Pillow Cover Tutorial
Posted On 03-04-2010 , 10:58 PM
Pillows are so easy to make with or without a sewing machine. Here is a tutorial for a no-sew pillow cover. I used some extra fabric from my closet and a pillow insert I already had that has been screaming for a new cover. All you need is fabric and iron-on hem tape to make this. The best part about these is that the cover is removable--so it's super easy to throw in the wash when needed (a MUST for my house)!
My pillow form was 18" so I measured my fabric 19". You'll want to measure the fabric at least an inch or two bigger than the pillow, depending on the width of the hem tape, and how fluffy you want your pillow.
To make it removable, I measured one 19 x 19 inch square and two 19 x 14 inch pieces as shown below.
The smaller pieces will be create an overlapping flap in the back.
Take both smaller pieces and iron a seam on one end.
Cut a piece of your hem tape to size and place inside the seam you just created.
Iron over the seam, holding for about 3 seconds in each spot to make sure the tape sticks well to the fabric.
Take the larger square and place it right side up. Place one of the small pieces facing down on top.
Do the same with the other piece. Those two pieces will overlap on the back and it should
look like the picture below when you are done.
Measure the hem tape and iron it on around all 4 sides of the pillow, holding the iron
in each place for about 3 seconds as before.
Let the pillow cool for about one minute just to make sure the tape is set and will not come loose.
Turn the cover right side out and stuff in your pillow. The back will look like this:
Here is the finished product.
A few different shots on my bed. Not sure if I'll use this in the living room or bedroom.
I also made the zebra stripe pillows (with a sewing machine and batting) using the leftover fabric
from the bench I reupholstered in front of the bed. I'll save those pics for the master bedroom reveal.
I'm getting there slowly, but surely.
These pillow covers are just as simple to make with a sewing machine. If you don't have one, or don't
think you're sewing savvy enough, then try these out with the hem tape. It's so easy and
SO MUCH CHEAPER than buying a pre-made cover.
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No-Sew Tissue Box Cover Tutorial
Posted On 03-02-2010 , 11:07 PM
This is a pretty simple and quick project to make those tissue boxes floating around your house fit into your decor.
You will need a 15 x 15 inch piece of fabric. I used a 14 x 14 inch for this one and it turned out a little too small.
Lay out your square and flip it the so the side you want showing is facing down.
Center the tissue box on the fabric and draw a square around it. I just used a regular pen to do this.
Using a ruler, draw a line from each corner of the box outline to the corner of the fabric making an X.
Cut along the lines of the X and stop at the corners of the traced square.
Cut a 3 inch opening in the center of the traced square using a fabric cutter.
Using a ruler, extend the lines of the square all the way to the edge of the fabric.
This will create 4 triangles that you will cut out.
This is what it should look like after cutting.
Turn your piece over and place on top of the tissue box.
Now you need to assemble the cover just like you're wrapping a present.
It is your choice whether youwant the two triangle flaps on the outside, or inside.
Play with the fabric a little and use pins to keep everything in place
until you have figured out how to secure both sides.
Use fabric glue to secure everything together. Make sure you don't glue the fabric to the box.
You want to be sure you can remove the cover when the tissues are gone. I chose to put
the smaller flaps underneath the larger flap. The fabric wasn't cooperating
and this worked better for me.
As I said before, my fabric piece was a bit too small, so I cut a 1 inch strip of fabric and wrapped it
around the bottom for a cleaner edge. This is also a good fix if your edges don't quite line up.
Use more fabric glue to attach, making sure once again that you glue it to the existing fabric and not the box.
The best fabric to use for this project is felt because the edges won't fray. I didn't have felt
so I used some scraps that I already had. My scrap of this fabric wasn't wide enough, so I
attached two pieces together using iron-on hem tape. This is why you might be noticing an extra
seam in my fabric.
So, yes, the edges are not hemmed and are frayed a little, but I don't mind.
It's not something that is being handled enough that I would worry about it fraying too much.
I think it looks lovely on my newly refurbished bookshelf.
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There are a lot of little steps involoved in the project, but it really is quite simple. This one took me
about a half hour to do, but now that I have figured a few things out along the way, I could easily do
the next one in half that time. Try this one out with leftover fabric scraps you already have. The cover
easily slips on and off when you need to replace the box.
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Finished Bookshelf
Posted On 03-02-2010 , 11:04 AM
I am finally done with my bookshelf. I think it turned out great and is a big improvement from what it was.
Again, here is the before:
And After:
After sanding, filling in holes, and sanding again, I gave it a couple coats of white paint. I used wallpaper for the backing and attached with double stick tape. I already had the paint and the wallpaper that I use for my Jewelry Art, so the total cost of this project was FREE.
My 4 year old insisted on letting him style the bookshelf. With a little assistance, I think we did OK.
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Pictures Are Coming!
Posted On 03-01-2010 , 10:10 PM
I know I promised pictures of the finished dresser, but I ran out of double stick tape and couldn't finish in time.
First thing on my agenda today is to get it done. I will post the pics before noon.
In the meantime check out today's no-sew project tip on the home page. There are some great projects and
tips coming up this week.
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March Challenge
Posted On 02-28-2010 , 11:41 PM
Hi everyone! I hope you had a great and restful weekend. My kids are finally better after a 2 week bout with colds so I am happy. I'm excited about this week's tips and what lies ahead for this month. Can you believe February is over?! It flew by so quick for me.
This month I am giving myself a challenge to spend no more that $10 total on home projects. We are extra poor this month and have a bunch of bigger priorities. So I am going to have to get creative and just use what I have. I don't usually spend that much money on each little project I do, but it quickly adds up. So to kick things off I decided to give one of my bookshelves a facelift. I have one final step in the project before it's done. I will post the finished pics when I finish it later today.
Here are the before and during pics:
I gave it a good sanding, first with a course paper to remove the finish. Then I went
over it with a very fine sand paper to get it nice and smooth.
I filled a bunch of small holes with wood filler, let it dry, and then gave it another light sand.
I will post the finished product TODAY--this afternoon. It is looking so much better!
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Last Week's Budget Tips 2/22-2/26: Stepping Out on the Front Porch
Posted On 02-28-2010 , 10:31 PM
Here is the recap:
Paint the Door
This one seems so simple, but it can do wonders to boost the curb appeal of your home. You can get away with some vibrant colors on a front door and create a welcoming place that you love coming home to. Use an exterior paint with a glossy finish and apply 2-3 coats. Apply a few coats of polyurethane over the top to protect the paint finish. Be sure to tape off any glass panels you may have in the door. You can probably use a quart size container or paint to get this job done, instead of a full gallon, which will save you extra money.
 Spruce up the Lights
Lighting plays a big role in how warm and inviting your porch looks. It is cheaper than you might think to update your current lighting and make a huge impact. The cheapest way is with a can of spray paint. Remove fixture and tape off the glass. Give it a few coats of paint and reattach to the wall or ceiling. However, a common problem for the front porch is that the light fixtures are often way too small for the scale of the house. I have found some incredible deals on outdoor lighting for you today on the daily steal page. I have included 10 inexpensive fixtures starting at under $10.00 up to just $30.00. You will not find prices this cheap at your local home improvement store so take advantage of these deals. A new fixture can add wonders to your porch and make sure it's well lit for all to see.
Door Mat Update
There are so many stylish and inexpensive door mats these days, which makes it a perfect way to add some fun to your front porch. Get a mat that coordinates with other colors you already have out there. You could also create a faux mat or runner by painting the steps and porch leading up to the door.
Click here to see Budget Wise Home's favorite, affordable door mats.
Etched glass look using vinyl
Image via Country Living
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Fun With Numbers
Turn your house number into something that fits your personality and stands out from the crowd. There are many ways to do this on a budget.
- Take down your current numbers, spray paint a fun color, and reattach.
- Vinyl offers a variety of easy options. Just peel and stick the numbers directly to your door.
- Create an etched glass look (red door) with a vinyl adhesive as well. If you've got a house number with a smaller number, try spelling it out using vinyl letters.
- Take a trip to your local home improvement store and buy new numbers in a style that better suits your personality.
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Peel and Stick vinyl letters
Image via My Sweet Savannah
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Etched glass look using vinyl
Image via Apartment Therapy
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Image via Rose Cottage by the Lake
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Accessorize
This is the fun part of dressing up a front porch and there are so many options. Start with stuff you already have. Search your home or garage for things to display. Anything from a bench to an old tricycle to a rocking chair. Use a small table to give height to potted flowers or plants. Find an inexpensive wreath for the door. Or install old hooks for hanging plants. Create a layered look by using multiple items in varying heights or keep it clean and simple by simply placing one plant on both sides of the door--creating a symmetrical look. Before you buy anything, go shopping in your own house. More than likely, you'll have something that will look great on the porch. Another great place to shop: thrift stores. They are filled with old, reusable gems.
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Wal Mart Clearance Finds
Posted On 02-25-2010 , 12:31 AM
I bought a cork board for a project yesterday at Wal Mart, and in the process of trying to gather
my groceries and kids, I left it at the store. When I returned later that night (by myself!) to get it,
I happened to walk right past the clearance aisle. It was my lucky day because I found some
steals on home decor.
Here is the spread:
I went a little crazy with the Paula Deen pumpkin spice candles, but they were all just $1.00.
I couldn't pass that up. Plus, these are great items to have on hand when you need a last minute gift.
The small frames were just $.75 so I grabbed a couple of those too.
The best find was the chocolate brown Canopy drapes. Only $7.00 per panel!!!!
I don't have a place for these at the moment, but I know I will for sure use them for something
down the road. I don't think I'll ever find quality panels for this cheap ever again.
And here is a closer look at the 11 x 14 frame I got for just $4.00.
Again, I don't have an immediate use for this, but I couldn't pass it up.
if you get a chance, stop by the clearance aisle. When I went, most of it was home stuff.
There were still a bunch of drapes left in different colors too. Maybe you can find some good deals.
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