I wrote our name on the lid in marker on the lid of our cooler when I first bought it. After many adventures, the name faded and needs a redo.
I want to decorate and personalize our cooler with some personality. Decorative painting is out. The texture on the big cooler will make stenciling and painting it a nightmare.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
How to Decorate a Cooler with Mod Podge
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Tuesday, July 15, 2014
How to Decorate a School or Gym Locker
My tween niece asked me for some design help. Even though it is the middle of summer, she is already looking ahead and planning on how she will decorate her first school locker. I remember how much planning I put into designing and decorating my school lockers to make sure everything was just. right. So I poked around for locker decorating ideas and came up with LLZ by LockerLookz. (I am including affiliate links for your convenience.)
LLZ is the original brand of high fashion locker decorations developed by two moms who started making decorations for their daughters, and later their friends, with the highest quality products.
How to Decorate a Gym Locker with LLZ by LockerLookz
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Sunday, July 13, 2014
Our Getaway to Put-in-Bay
While Lacey’s separation anxiety is a wee bit better, but it still goes to orange alert level often enough that Husband and I haven’t taken a vacation since she joined our family.
WE NEED A VACATION.
I suggested we go to Put-in-Bay. It is close enough to go home early if we need to and still far enough away that it is Not Home.
This trip also fixes a hideous wrong I committed while growing up in on Lake Erie. I have never actually been to the Lake Erie Islands. I think I broke a local ordinance or something.
Whoops.
We knew we wanted to visit both islands. I wasn’t sure which one we should stay on. I arbitrarily picked staying on Put-in-Bay and I’m glad I did.
There were more things we were interested in doing on Put-in-Bay although I had to fulfill a childhood science class obligation and take a day trip to Kelley’s Island.
Every single science teacher used the Great Lakes and the Kelley’s Island Glacial Groves as an example of how the glaciers changed the landscape after the they receded. I finally saw them in person!
WE NEED A VACATION.
I suggested we go to Put-in-Bay. It is close enough to go home early if we need to and still far enough away that it is Not Home.
This trip also fixes a hideous wrong I committed while growing up in on Lake Erie. I have never actually been to the Lake Erie Islands. I think I broke a local ordinance or something.
Whoops.
We knew we wanted to visit both islands. I wasn’t sure which one we should stay on. I arbitrarily picked staying on Put-in-Bay and I’m glad I did.
There were more things we were interested in doing on Put-in-Bay although I had to fulfill a childhood science class obligation and take a day trip to Kelley’s Island.
Every single science teacher used the Great Lakes and the Kelley’s Island Glacial Groves as an example of how the glaciers changed the landscape after the they receded. I finally saw them in person!
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7/13/2014 09:00:00 AM
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Thursday, July 10, 2014
7 Simple Steps to Tune Up Your Bike for Summer
I didn’t think we needed to do anything to our bikes since they are not fancy racing bikes. I was afraid to take my Toys R Us special to the Serious Cyclist Store for maintenance because I thought they’d make fun of me for riding a kid’s bike (yes, That. Short.) or hard sell me into a fancy bike when I’m not ready to upgrade yet.
Well, a flat tire I didn’t know how to change proved me wrong on all accounts at the Serious Cyclist Store. Like most bike shops, their philosophy is every one needs to start a sport somewhere and they were really nice. They didn't make fun of my kid's bike either. In fact, some of our bike shops hold workshops about basic DIY bike maintenance that they do for coin.
I learned I should take better care of my current bike with some simple yearly bike maintenance that will make it easier to ride and last a little longer.
I learned I should take better care of my current bike with some simple yearly bike maintenance that will make it easier to ride and last a little longer.
7 Easy Bike Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Causal Riders
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7/10/2014 08:00:00 AM
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Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Viking Ship Dining Room Table
THIS.
WANT.
Update: 9/10/14 Reader Mia gave me the source of the artist who created this beautiful Viking long boat table. UNIKA-Rógvi à Bø, design and craft is the artist and craftsman of this stunning work.
Update: 9/10/14 Reader Mia gave me the source of the artist who created this beautiful Viking long boat table. UNIKA-Rógvi à Bø, design and craft is the artist and craftsman of this stunning work.
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Wednesday, July 2, 2014
20 Super Fun Super Sized Outdoor Games
I played a lot of board games as a kid. Between my friends and I, we had and played all of the major games from Candyland to Ants in the Pants to Stratego. (Disclosure: I am included big bold affiliate links in this post for your convenience.)
That’s why I love this trend of super sizing childhood games and playing them outside. If you want ideas on what outdoor games to play at your next cookout or BBQ, think back to the board games you loved to play as a kid and make it giant size!
That’s why I love this trend of super sizing childhood games and playing them outside. If you want ideas on what outdoor games to play at your next cookout or BBQ, think back to the board games you loved to play as a kid and make it giant size!
20 Big Backyard Games
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Monday, June 30, 2014
Aluminum Can Barn Star Wreath
For some reason, I have barn stars on the brain. I notice them everywhere!
Except on wreaths.
Until now.
Husband and I don’t drink a lot of soda, usually as a treat or for some special occasion. Luckily, I came into a bunch of empty pop cans that I didn’t have to drink by throwing my mom a surprise birthday party. You don’t have to acquire your aluminum cans that way. Call a buddy, ask a friend, or heck, treat yourself to a beverage all in the name of making a Fourth of July wreath.
Who knew patriotism could be so tasty?
Except on wreaths.
Until now.
Husband and I don’t drink a lot of soda, usually as a treat or for some special occasion. Luckily, I came into a bunch of empty pop cans that I didn’t have to drink by throwing my mom a surprise birthday party. You don’t have to acquire your aluminum cans that way. Call a buddy, ask a friend, or heck, treat yourself to a beverage all in the name of making a Fourth of July wreath.
Who knew patriotism could be so tasty?
How to Make Soda Pop Can Stars
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6/30/2014 11:40:00 AM
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Wednesday, June 25, 2014
How to Paint a Wavy Side Table
This post brought to you by FrogTape. All opinions are 100% mine.
I needed to repaint the side tables on my porch. I didn't want to paint them a solid color (again) and call it a day. I wanted to jazz them up with some decorative painting.
I needed to repaint the side tables on my porch. I didn't want to paint them a solid color (again) and call it a day. I wanted to jazz them up with some decorative painting.
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Tuesday, June 24, 2014
How to Make a Tiny Uncle Sam Top Hat
I usually wear red white and blue to get into the Independence Day spirit on the Fourth of July. My Fourth of July wear isn’t all that creative. I wear a white shirt with a red skirt and my blue star tie dyed drop cloth shoes.
I figure it is time to make my head as festive as my feet. I love millinery (hat making) and have a thing for fascinators. I took those two ideas, rummaged through the recycling bin, grabbed a cup of coffee, and made a tiny Uncle Sam fascinator hat for the Fourth of July!
I figure it is time to make my head as festive as my feet. I love millinery (hat making) and have a thing for fascinators. I took those two ideas, rummaged through the recycling bin, grabbed a cup of coffee, and made a tiny Uncle Sam fascinator hat for the Fourth of July!
How to Make an Uncle Sam Fascinator for the Fourth of July
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Thursday, June 19, 2014
DIY Personalized Insulated Wine Glass Tumblers
Husband’s family likes to get together in the summer for a family reunion. Grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles gather for good times and good food. Every night the adults open a bottle of wine start a round of Euchre. Playing cards is our excuse to stay up way too late telling stories and busting a gut laughing at each other’s jokes. I’m so glad I married into this family.
I bought a reusable BPA free insulated wine glass tumbler to use instead of a disposable cup for the reunion. I want to personalize my insulated tumbler so I know which one is mine at the party.
Decorated insulated wine glass tumblers: Mommy’s Special Lemonade, Oh No! My glass is empty! It’s an Emergency! Quick, call WINE-ONE-ONE!, Mommy’s Sippy Cup, and If you met my family you’d understand.
I bought a reusable BPA free insulated wine glass tumbler to use instead of a disposable cup for the reunion. I want to personalize my insulated tumbler so I know which one is mine at the party.
Decorated insulated wine glass tumblers: Mommy’s Special Lemonade, Oh No! My glass is empty! It’s an Emergency! Quick, call WINE-ONE-ONE!, Mommy’s Sippy Cup, and If you met my family you’d understand.
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6/19/2014 05:25:00 PM
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Sunday, June 15, 2014
Vintage Train Toy Box Nightstand
My grandfather made me this train toy box when I was a little girl. As you can see, he made it with a lot of love.
And skill. My grandfather had mad carpentry skills he learned from his father the carpenter.
My train toy box has tremendous sentimental value. It was also the most difficult item to keep and make work in the new guest room/craft room. This is the only place we have room for my toy box. Husband suggested I repaint it to go with the color scheme I first wanted for the room.
I quickly vetoed that idea.
Every ding bump and scratch on my toy box came from two little girls having a good time pushing each other around their playroom in this train.
And skill. My grandfather had mad carpentry skills he learned from his father the carpenter.
My train toy box has tremendous sentimental value. It was also the most difficult item to keep and make work in the new guest room/craft room. This is the only place we have room for my toy box. Husband suggested I repaint it to go with the color scheme I first wanted for the room.
I quickly vetoed that idea.
Every ding bump and scratch on my toy box came from two little girls having a good time pushing each other around their playroom in this train.
This vintage toy box on wheels probably horrifies some kid safety expert because the wheels and vehicle aren’t incased in bubble wrap and the children riding in it didn’t wear safety suits and helmets made from organic feather pillows. Thank goodness we survived!
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6/15/2014 12:30:00 AM
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Sunday, June 8, 2014
30 Things to Carry in Your Car for Summer Emergencies
Summer means more road trips and time in the car. We visit family, go to dog parks with Lacey, and outdoor events. With all of that extra time in the car, we sometimes run into little emergencies (like my car accident last winter.)
More often than not, it is usually something like giving someone else a jump with our jumper cables, or just requires a band aid to fix. Either way it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
Most of the items on this list live in our car full time because they are useful to carry in the car in summer and winter. You probably already have most of the items on the list. The 22 basic summer items don’t cost a ton of money. Most are things you can use year round.
22 Things to Carry in Your Car for Summer Emergencies
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Thursday, June 5, 2014
Duluth Trading Co. Gift Card Giveaway! Closed
I never thought that one of my favorite DIY tools would be a purse.
Last summer Duluth Trading Co. provided me with an Oil Cloth Tote Bag for review. While the bag is a little more rugged looking than what I typically go with, I quickly got over it once I used it.
The tote holds a ton including my DSLR with room to spare so I don’t have to lug a “HEY THIS IS A CAMERA BAG WITH AN EXPENSIVE CAMERA IN IT” bag around and has more thoughtful and useful features than any purse I own.
It is also large enough to carry a bottle of wine. I found that out by accident after a friend needed a little wine and sympathy after a big breakup.
I carried that bad boy all summer and as far into fall and winter as I could until I had to switch to a purse that wouldn’t get wet in the snow. It looks the same when I switched purses this year for summer. It makes a great Dog Mommy purse for the dog park.
See the leather key strap? That thing is GOLD. Can we make it a law that all purses should have a car key strap?
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6/05/2014 01:00:00 PM
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Monday, June 2, 2014
Minion Cell Phone Holder
I’m famous for asking people to call my phone because I can’t remember where I put it after I take it out of my purse. It’s kind of important to keep track of it since my cell phone is also my home phone.
Stuart (my favorite Despicable Me minion!) offered to help me out and allow me to make him into a Happy Meal toy cell phone stand. Stuart came into my life last summer when Christina from A Mommy Story and I did a Thelma and Louise road trip to Blogher last summer.
Well, we were just like them if Thelma and Louise drove an SUV and the wildest thing they did was stop at McDonalds for lunch and Stuarts and not share them with children. Then yeah, that’s us.
Stuart (my favorite Despicable Me minion!) offered to help me out and allow me to make him into a Happy Meal toy cell phone stand. Stuart came into my life last summer when Christina from A Mommy Story and I did a Thelma and Louise road trip to Blogher last summer.
Well, we were just like them if Thelma and Louise drove an SUV and the wildest thing they did was stop at McDonalds for lunch and Stuarts and not share them with children. Then yeah, that’s us.
How to Make an Action Figure Cell Phone, Ereader, or Tablet Stand
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Sunday, May 11, 2014
How to Make Crutch Covers and Pads
I am diligently going to physical therapy and doing my daily homework exercises to heal my leg injury. My physical therapist is happy with my progress. I hate wearing the boot, but it helps with pain management so well I don’t need to take painkillers that make me loopier than I already am or spend my day with my leg incased in ice bags.
That’s good. It also means I am in The Danger Zone.
I am in that place where I feel better and need to try going without the boot for a little bit each day which makes it easy to overdo it and take a step backwards in the healing process the following day. This is easier to control at home. It may not be so easy when we have houseguests because I know we will do a lot of walking.
That’s good. It also means I am in The Danger Zone.
I am in that place where I feel better and need to try going without the boot for a little bit each day which makes it easy to overdo it and take a step backwards in the healing process the following day. This is easier to control at home. It may not be so easy when we have houseguests because I know we will do a lot of walking.
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5/11/2014 09:00:00 AM
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Thursday, May 8, 2014
A Fun and Frugal Summer Table with Dollar Tree #DTSummerFun #ad
I’m thrilled to be partnering with Dollar Tree to share their Summer Fun products with you. This did not influence my opinion in any way because all opinions are 100% my own.
Summer is my favorite season of the year. We have lots of impromptu gatherings with friends and family. The warm weather and sunny days allow Husband and I to host some of the events with his large family because we can move the party outside. To make sure our guests can tell which house is ours in a neighborhood of small lookalike houses, I hang something cute, like paper lanterns, on the front porch.
Summer is my favorite season of the year. We have lots of impromptu gatherings with friends and family. The warm weather and sunny days allow Husband and I to host some of the events with his large family because we can move the party outside. To make sure our guests can tell which house is ours in a neighborhood of small lookalike houses, I hang something cute, like paper lanterns, on the front porch.
Striped LED hanging paper lanterns? Yes Please!
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014
16 Easy DIY Projects for Beginners
I think the best gift you can give someone lacking self confidence is a hammer.
No. Not to make themselves feel better by hitting other people with it, but to use it to build or fix something.
Completing a project is a shot in the arm to the self esteem.
It might have taken me all afternoon, but I held my head a little higher for the rest of the day after completing my first DIY project. Who knew changing a deadbolt door lock can change your world? (Beyond the added security that no one can come in your house uninvited and take your stuff.)
No. Not to make themselves feel better by hitting other people with it, but to use it to build or fix something.
Completing a project is a shot in the arm to the self esteem.
It might have taken me all afternoon, but I held my head a little higher for the rest of the day after completing my first DIY project. Who knew changing a deadbolt door lock can change your world? (Beyond the added security that no one can come in your house uninvited and take your stuff.)
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Sunday, May 4, 2014
12 Natural Gardening Tips for Beginners
Now that I have a house with a yard, I’ve been forced into this gardening thing. Some days I like it. Other days, my fails remind me why I named this blog Condo Blues!
I want to keep our gardening habits as green and eco-friendly as possible because Lacey likes to run into our flower beds even though she knows she shouldn’t. The last thing I want is for her to be covered with or ingest some chemical concoction of unknown origin we put on our plants or in our soil. Frankly, I’m not crazy about Husband and I doing that either.
Husband and I need to rework the front yard a bit after a series of windstorms pelted our bushes and plants. I asked a bunch of blogger friends if they had any green gardening tips that I can learn from and share with you.
I want to keep our gardening habits as green and eco-friendly as possible because Lacey likes to run into our flower beds even though she knows she shouldn’t. The last thing I want is for her to be covered with or ingest some chemical concoction of unknown origin we put on our plants or in our soil. Frankly, I’m not crazy about Husband and I doing that either.
Husband and I need to rework the front yard a bit after a series of windstorms pelted our bushes and plants. I asked a bunch of blogger friends if they had any green gardening tips that I can learn from and share with you.
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Thursday, May 1, 2014
Down and Dirty DIY Spray Paint Booth
Happy May Day!
And Beltane!
Or as I like to call it Spray Paint Weather!
Whoo hoo! Back flips and the happy dance!
My leg hasn't healed and I'm still in a boot, so the the back flips and happy dance are only happening in my mind right now.
But now that it is over 40 degrees (F) and even with my foot in a boot, the spray painting will commence!
I like to spray paint outside because of the fumes. The paint dries more quickly too. I can't do that if it is a windy day. Spray painting in the wind is just as successful as spitting into the wind. Guess how I know?
A windy day was just another factor in this hot mess of a painted headboard.
And Beltane!
Or as I like to call it Spray Paint Weather!
Whoo hoo! Back flips and the happy dance!
My leg hasn't healed and I'm still in a boot, so the the back flips and happy dance are only happening in my mind right now.
But now that it is over 40 degrees (F) and even with my foot in a boot, the spray painting will commence!
I like to spray paint outside because of the fumes. The paint dries more quickly too. I can't do that if it is a windy day. Spray painting in the wind is just as successful as spitting into the wind. Guess how I know?
A windy day was just another factor in this hot mess of a painted headboard.
I fixed it by resanding the bumpy, uneven, crackled areas smooth and repainting the headboard inside the garage.
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Sunday, April 27, 2014
19 Homemade Gift Ideas to Pamper Mom on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day almost snuck up on me. It is going to be here before you know it. This year I’m all about the Mother’s Day pampering because I’m gimping around with an anchor on my foot. I’d like some pampering, especially after a physical therapy appointment. I figure all the mom’s out there would like to receive some DIY health and beauty gifts too. It beats a macaroni necklace.
Unless you, dear child reader you made that macaroni necklace for you mother, grandmother, or World’s Most Fabulous Aunt (that’s me.) You have the talent to make macaroni look line fine art and a woman in your life would never dare leave your masterpiece in the car after she wore it out the door on her way to work. Nuh uh. No way.
Let’s start pampering Mom from the tippy top of her head down to her toes!
Unless you, dear child reader you made that macaroni necklace for you mother, grandmother, or World’s Most Fabulous Aunt (that’s me.) You have the talent to make macaroni look line fine art and a woman in your life would never dare leave your masterpiece in the car after she wore it out the door on her way to work. Nuh uh. No way.
Let’s start pampering Mom from the tippy top of her head down to her toes!
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Friday, April 25, 2014
Retro Metal Chair Redo
When Husband’s grandmother gave us her spare retro card table chair, I bit my lip. We just got married and weren’t in much of a position to say no to free furniture. We needed a fourth chair for our table. although I hoped new acquisitions would move us in a different design direction from Early Early Marriage and Horribly Mismatched Freebies.
Eventually we bought matching chairs for Husband’s heirloom table. I painted and updated the old chairs with some staple gun upholstery. The three freebie doctor’s office chairs from Husband’s bachelor days now hang out on our front porch.
Grandma W’s retro card table chair made its way to the Room Where Old Furniture Goes to Die – the Guest Room/Craft Room. The minute I pulled it up to my material Grandmother’s enamel top kitchen table I knew I need to keep her. The two look like they were made for each other.
Eventually we bought matching chairs for Husband’s heirloom table. I painted and updated the old chairs with some staple gun upholstery. The three freebie doctor’s office chairs from Husband’s bachelor days now hang out on our front porch.
Grandma W’s retro card table chair made its way to the Room Where Old Furniture Goes to Die – the Guest Room/Craft Room. The minute I pulled it up to my material Grandmother’s enamel top kitchen table I knew I need to keep her. The two look like they were made for each other.
The table has two pull out leaves I use if I need more surface space. Cutting fabric on this table is like a dream!
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4/25/2014 08:00:00 AM
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Turquoise and Orange Eco Modern Patio
Despite the weird bit of snow we got yesterday - in April! I'm dreaming of fun outdoor designs for the patio. A recent diet of Yard Crashers marathons and spending an hour and a half in an MRI machine will do that to ya.
I mean, what else are you going to do, while holding as still as possible for so long in a tube while it scans every single angle of your leg and knee? Some people nap. I decorate my patio.
I mean, what else are you going to do, while holding as still as possible for so long in a tube while it scans every single angle of your leg and knee? Some people nap. I decorate my patio.
Turquoise and Orange Eco Modern Outdoor Patio Mood Board
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4/16/2014 10:58:00 AM
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Monday, April 14, 2014
How to Make Duck Tape® Desk Drawer Organizers
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Duck Brand. All opinions are 100% mine.
I am Spring Cleaning my craft room. I need to reorganize the drawers in my sewing desk. Fortunately, another Spring Cleaning project gave me a bunch of empty boxes and jars - the perfect raw material to celebrate Earth Day with an upcycled organizer project.
I cut the boxes and a drink holder to fit inside the drawer. My custom organizers work well but they are not so cute. I gave them a fun makeover with Duck Brand® Tape ( find Duck Tape here) that not only looks prettier but makes the boxes sturdier than they would have been on their own. Bonus!
I am Spring Cleaning my craft room. I need to reorganize the drawers in my sewing desk. Fortunately, another Spring Cleaning project gave me a bunch of empty boxes and jars - the perfect raw material to celebrate Earth Day with an upcycled organizer project.
I cut the boxes and a drink holder to fit inside the drawer. My custom organizers work well but they are not so cute. I gave them a fun makeover with Duck Brand® Tape ( find Duck Tape here) that not only looks prettier but makes the boxes sturdier than they would have been on their own. Bonus!
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Lisa Nelsen-Woods
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4/14/2014 09:09:00 AM
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Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Craft Supply Wall Storage and Room Tour
My craft room is starting to look like a real studio!
I painted the craft room/guest room last summer. Then I lost steam on this room and let DIY fear take over when it came to making over the current furniture. That fear stalled the project until I got a little help from a friend.
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Lisa Nelsen-Woods
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4/09/2014 08:00:00 AM
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Monday, April 7, 2014
How to Make a Milk Carton Easter Bunny Basket
I want to decorate for Easter. I’m running low on ideas that will appeal to our wee holiday visitors.
Save this DIY milk carton Bunny Basket to your Pinterest boards for later! Share it with your friends!
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4/07/2014 02:57:00 PM
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$500 Spring Cash Giveaway! *closeed*
This weekend I spent quality time at my home away from home - the home improvement store. I needed supplies to start the projects I planned to do when it was warm to get me through the Cabin Fever Winter of Our Discontent.
Besides supplies, time, and warm weather to work outside, you do know what else helps when you want to start a project?
MONEY.
And I hope to give it TO YOU.
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4/07/2014 12:00:00 AM
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Thursday, April 3, 2014
11 Painted Desk Makeovers
I’m finally on a roll when it comes to decorating the craft room guest room. The general color scheme is falling into place. The decorating style is gelling into Whimsy Retro Fun.
I don’t know if Whimsy Retro Fun is a real world legitimate design style but it is in LisaLand and that’s what counts.
A friend gave me her childhood student desk when she moved. I took it to use as a sewing table until I was ready to buy a real sewing machine cabinet. One of the surprising of being pint size, is I later realized that the student desk fits me better than a big girl sewing table. Instead of replacing the desk, I put that money towards bigger and better and not sewing machine table things.
Years later the desk doesn’t need replacing but it could use a redo. I poked around for furniture makeover inspiration and found a bunch. Do you want to take a look? Of course you do!
I don’t know if Whimsy Retro Fun is a real world legitimate design style but it is in LisaLand and that’s what counts.
A friend gave me her childhood student desk when she moved. I took it to use as a sewing table until I was ready to buy a real sewing machine cabinet. One of the surprising of being pint size, is I later realized that the student desk fits me better than a big girl sewing table. Instead of replacing the desk, I put that money towards bigger and better and not sewing machine table things.
Years later the desk doesn’t need replacing but it could use a redo. I poked around for furniture makeover inspiration and found a bunch. Do you want to take a look? Of course you do!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
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4/03/2014 08:00:00 AM
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Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Wraparound Recycled Fence Wall Shelves
I don’t have the floor space in the craft room/guest room to add storage shelves for my mountain of craft, art, and DIY supplies. What is a girl to do?
If you can’t build out build up.
Instead of adding artwork to the wall above my craft and sewing tables, I put that wall to work with a set of shelves that wrap around the walls.
If you can’t build out build up.
Instead of adding artwork to the wall above my craft and sewing tables, I put that wall to work with a set of shelves that wrap around the walls.
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4/01/2014 08:00:00 AM
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