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?! 

Kitchen table Re-Do

I bought this table and chair set off Craigslist for $100. When I sent a picture to Sarah, she replied back saying it was ugly. You can't look at the NOW. She is learning!

 

 

I spray painted it black,  and polyurethane everything. I did choose an expensive material to reupholster the chairs. I think it was about $100 for the 4 chairs. The fabric is thick and very durable... a must have {even though all my children are grown and all my grandchildren live in different states}.

 

Baby Jars for touch up Paint

 

If you are like me, touching up your walls is not easy. Imagine going into the cluttered garage and figuring out which paint went with which room. Finally pulling out the gallon of paint, cracking it open with the closest flat head screwdriver and then dousing a brush into the big can. There's got to be an easier way! 

 

To make it easy and convenient grab some baby food jars. Fill it up with paint.

 

 

I typed up labels in Word, labeling which room the paint was used. You may have to be specific. Cut them into strips. I used packaging tape to adhere them to the jars. This way it is organized and easy to identify where the right paint goes.

 

 

Put them somewhere that's easily accessible.  It makes them easy to grab to touch-up in a hurry!!!!  If there is a dent or writing on the wall, I can fix it in no time.

 

Painting - Accent Wall

While my little girl was napping, I took on a project... painting a wall in my 6 year old daughters room. It took me an hour and a half to paint and clean up. So come on girls!... you can do this too!

First, move all the furniture back from the wall. If there are any holes, fill them in. Remove any hardware. If there is any grease/oil marks, use a mild detergent, water and a cloth to wipe down the walls. With the painters tape, tape off the baseboard, ceiling and side walls. I taped in long pieces. It makes for easy removal. Painters tape is a must!! This will leave a straight line when your finished painting. Finally, cover the floor with the plastic drop cloth. Tape it to the baseboard to ensure that it doesn't move.

 

I started painting the edges with a medium sized brush. You can buy them at Home Depot or Lowes.  I also painted around the wall cut outs.

 

 

While painting, create a note for your husband, boyfriend, or child on the wall, take a picture of it & send it.  I sent this to my husband while he was at work. It reminds him that I'm thinking of him!

 

While painting, you don't want to only go up and down. To get better coverage, make Xs and then go up and down. This will help get in all the little grooves in the wall. To ensure even coverage and optimal color, use a second coat.

I added a this fabulous chandelier decal from Target {you can also find them at just about anywhere}.

See! Now wasn't that easy?!