Shutter turned holder

While I was at the thrift store I came across this shutter. It was ugly brown, paint was chipping. It wasn't pretty, but I knew it could be. You know the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover", that idea applies here. You can't look at something and take it for face value. Everything can be fixed up, painted. It came home with me for $2. I spray painted 3 coats of yellow. I love the sunny color!

 

 

I love the rustic, used, beat up look. To do that, I used an acrylic paint in brown and light sponged it on. You can also wipe off with a damp cloth for a different look.

 

 

 

 

 

I drilled two holes at the top for the ribbon to run through. I love the sunny color!

 

This is a central spot for my kids to hang up their books they are reading for the week. It also holds their spot in the book for next day reading.

 

Did I mention I love the sunny color it adds to my home?! 

Organizing Scout awards

I have two boys in scouts. One is a cub and the other is a boy scout. I am still learning the ways of a Scouting mom. There is a lot to be on top of. One of them is keeping their awards organized. Okay, it's not a must, but it sure does help if you move and can't remember what has been completed. I managed to keep my 13-year olds awards and papers through 4 moves... and one of those moves was across the country.

 

In cub scouts, you have the Rank cards, patches and beads. Most of that is attached to the scouts shirt. For an older scout, there are the awards, blue cards for merit badges, patches, and merit badge worksheets. I was seriously lost when my oldest entered the Boy Scouts. I had blue cards in one draw, patches in my jewelry box, pins in another drawer. I was all over the place. Until I met another scout mom that was VERY organized.

 

She showed me a folder that she had for each of her boys. In the folder, she had the merit badge worksheets, plastic covers and baseball card protectors. Her rule was that the folder never left the house. The scout could remove the worksheets, but never the folder. The folder had everything the scout had earned and needless to say, could never be replaced.

 

I hope that you find this helpful in organizing your scouts awards and paperwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organizing your kitchen sink

I love the idea of my dish soap, hand soap, lotion, sponge and dish brush having a central location. It just makes the sink look clean. I had been toying with the concept that I saw on Pinterest... you know the one with a plate glued to a candle holder?

One night I took myself out on a crafting date. I went to the Dollar store and walked the isles trying to get my idea's flowing. NOTHING! I got into my car and pulled out of the parking lot. Then I started thinking about a pie/cake tin. I drove to Home Depot, again walking down the isles. I started having more ideas. I did buy a HGTV magazine and drove over to Marshall's.

I came across a plate and that's when all of my idea's came into one actual, good {light bulb} idea. I had drawer knobs at home to make cute feet for my sink organizer.

Items needed:
Plate {$7.99}
Drawer knobs {had}
Gorilla Glue {had}

It can really be used for whatever you would like... candy dish, a place the husband's catch all.

Ignore the outlet socket. If you make one, let us know what you come up with.

Hair Accessory Display

I love this craft because it's 1.) CHEAP!! and 2.) you can incorporate help from your little girl. These are great gifts too!

 

I found these cute pre-painted pieces at Wal-Mart for $0.59. You can use any wooden piece.  If you use one that needs to be painted, you can buy an extra one for your daughter to paint while you do yours.

 

I started with this cute flower {I bought a cupcake wood piece that I made for my niece}

Next, I cut a piece of ribbon at the desired length and glue gunned it to the back of the wood piece. I prefer a long ribbon {I have 3 daughters which means I have gazillion bows}.  With shorter width ribbon, cut off about 3 inches. Form a loop with the ribbon and glue at the top. This will be used to hang on a hook.

Hang your bow holder. I prefer a hook that you can easily remove and there is no hole in the wall.

I hide mine inside the bathroom linen closet. It frees up space in the drawers, keeps the flowers looking pretty and easily accessible.