DIY Projects

DIY: Chalkboard Frames

Jun 08

I have a lot of frames laying around. I have novelty frames from High School, special occasion frames from trips or birthdays. I have a lot. I also have a lot of frames I’ve painted black. Again, I have a lot of frames, especially one I don’t use.

While I like the end result of this project, I would recommend wearing gloves. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, but chalkboard spray paint dries on your hands really gunky and it isn’t a pleasant feeling. That being said, this one is easy, but it takes a few hours.

All you need is some frames, you don’t intend on using, some chalkboard spray paint and chalk.

Step One: Prep your frames by sanding them down. This is especially important if they are glossy.

Step Two: Spray your frames with an even coat of chalkboard paint. Twice (for good measure). Let it dry. I let it sit for quite a while, just to be sure.

Step Three: Rub your chalk sideways, covering the whole surface, then rub off with either your fingers or a towel (or chalkboard eraser, if you have one on hand).

Step Four: Draw whatever you’d like on the frame with chalk.

DIY: Wrapped Mason Jars

Jun 07

This project was super simple and only cost 33 cents per jar, well, depending on if you have jars laying around. I may be a little bit of a craft hoarder, so every jar of spaghetti gets rinsed out, cleaned and stored for projects like this. I wanted to go beyond just pretty flowers in jars, so I decided to wrap them with embroidery thread, although it would be equally as cute with twine or yarn.

I started by dusting off the jars, then taping an end to the jar started wrapping lightly so I could manipulate the way the thread looked. I chose to do one that looked a bit more ombre and a looser wrapped one. Add flowers and you are set. So simple and it took less than a dollar and 30 minutes.

Upcycled: Woven Hamper

Jun 05

I have had my eye on this basket from West Elm for months and couldn’t bring myself to pull the trigger if I had a perfectly fine hamper at home. Mind you, I don’t know where this hamper came from, was it a hand me down from a family friend? Left over from an old roommate? I have no idea. Not too long ago, the adorable Miss Rachel Denbow posted a really cute hamper upcycle on A Beautiful Mess. So, I decided I could do one too! It was super simple and made a huge impact.

I white washed mine by diluting white paint with some water and gave it two coats. Then I used 1 inch tape and created the pattern above. I diluted some yellow paint and painted over the tape, then removed it. Easy as that! :)

DIY Inspiration: Clothing Rack

May 31

I once lived in an apartment that had a huge walk in closet. And by huge, I mean slightly larger than the average apartment closet. Since then, my closets have gotten smaller and smaller and my wardrobe larger. I now share a 2×2 ft. closet and a dresser so full the drawers don’t shut with my husband. It’s time for a new solution.

1. Weekday Carnival

2. Love Aesthetics

3. Apartment Therapy

4. You Have Broken the Internet

5. ReadyMade

DIY: Easy Jute Clutch

May 30

I thought this jute envelope clutch would be a nice summer accessory! Not to mention it was ridiculously easy to make! It took a few episodes of True Blood (I hand sewed it) and two dollars.

What you’ll need:

Half yard of jute

Half yard of fabric to line (I used an old t-shirt)

Scissors

Needle and thread

Paint and a paintbrush

Step One: Figure out what size you want your clutch to be. I used a piece of paper to measure. Triple the length of the clutch cut accordingly. You should now have one long piece of jute and a matching lining piece.

Step Two: Pin your edges together leaving the top free. Sew the edges of the jute and lining together and turn inside out.

Step 3: Fold your fabric to form your clutch (use your piece of paper if you need to). Leave some room at the top to fold over. Sew the edges to create a nice pouch.

Step 4: Cut your top section into a triangle (or whatever shave you’d like).

Step 5: Sew the edges together and your clutch is complete.

Step 6: If you are so inclined, decorate as you please. I used tape to create a chevron pattern and painted over it with white.

Step 7: Pull the tape off and you have yourself a super simple envelope clutch.