Jewelry Box

This was by far the longest project yet!  I began working on this project a few months ago and I never really had the perfect pieces to put it all together.  Now that it's 100% complete, I'm glad I took my time!  I've wanted a jewelry box to store costume jewelry for some time, however, I didn't want the typical department store fancy wooden jewelry box.  I just happen to find a plain wooden box on sale at Micheal's (who would've guessed... I found something on sale at Micheal's?!) and that's where this adventure began!

To start, I painted the exterior of the box.  I stumbled across stationary that coordinates with my bedding.  Using a little ribbon and Mod Podge, I secured the decorative paper. My jewelry box sat like this for a few months.

Until... I found a mirror to place on the inside lid!  Using scrapbook paper, I created a background for the mirror and added a little ribbon for a delicate touch!  Once again, my jewelry box sat for a few more months.

For the longest time, I wasn't sure how to put the finishing touches on the inside of my jewelry box.  I contemplated using fabric verses paper to cover the bottom.  I also wasn't sure if I wanted to cover the sides or just the bottom with fabric.  I finally decided to cover just the bottom with fabric and paint the sides.  I used a mixture of Elmer's glue and water to secure the fabric to the bottom of the jewelry box. Once it was dry, my jewelry box was FINALLY complete (after about 6 months)!

As I stated earlier, I am very pleased with the way this project turned out.  My ideas changed over time, for example, intentionally I didn't plan on putting a mirror on the inside of the jewelry box.  It wasn't until a mirror popped out of an eye shadow compact that I got the idea!  The same went for the fabric on the bottom of the box.  I was in search of fabric for a while and it wasn't until I ruined a tee shirt when I finally locked into the idea.  I used the old tee shirt to cover the bottom of the jewelry box.  When I purchased the box it was on sale for 49 cents.  I also purchased the stationary used on the top of the lid.  All of the other supplies were from other projects or recycled.

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Making a house a home (Or in my case, apartment!)

This project didn't turn out as planned!  My initial idea was to paint an inspirational quote on a canvas.  I started by painting my canvas green.  While I was cleaning my paint brush, my cat decided to walk across the wet canvas!  Her paw prints were too cute to paint over.  I let the "ruined" painting dry and tried to think of a new direction for my project that would include Olivia's prints.  Tonight I decided to add my own hand prints and "Welcome to our home."  It turned out much better than I expected.  I cannot wait for it to dry so that I can hang it in the hallway!

This was another great project that only cost about $6!  My canvas was only $5... It was purchased at Micheal's during a 50% off canvas promotion.  The paint was 50 cents (each color)!  Even though the project took an unexpected turn, it was still less expensive than purchasing a welcome sign from Walmart or Target... And ours is truly one of a kind!

Breakfast Tray

I have wanted a breakfast tray for a while, but they seemed a little expensive... even for the plain, not-so-durable ones from Target or Walmart.  After checking out sites like Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, I realized I would have to make my own in order for a breakfast tray to fit in my budget!  At Target and Walmart they run from $10-$20.  The other stores started around $50 and went up to $89.

I found a very plain wooden tray at AC Moore craft store.  At first I was planning to paint the tray a solid color, but then I got to thinking... I could use a piece of scrapbook paper and Mod Podge to really decorate it!  I choose a piece of scrapbook paper and coordinating paint, then went to work!  I painted the entire tray and allowed it to dry over night.  In the morning, I applied Mod Podge glue to the back of the scrapbook paper and a little to the tray itself, then secured the paper.  After ensuring all bubbles were removed and the surface was smooth, I applied Mod Podge to the entire surface of the tray.  The Mod Podge is a glue that also works as a sealer.  I added little ribbons to the handles for detail.

I'm very pleased with how this project turned out!  I plan on making a few more!  The cost of this project... Tray- $5.99 (I had a 50% off coupon for one item so the tray was about $3) Paint- 44cents and Scrapbook paper was 50cents... I used Mod Podge left over from a previous project, but it runs about $7 in craft stores.  My total was about $5... and that definitely fit the budget!

Glass Jar Make-Over

I found my second project on Pintrest.  Click here to view original post!  This was another easy little project.  Supplies: Scrapbook paper, paint brush, Mod Podge (the glue/finish), jars, ribbon, and scissors! First, empty and clean jars... I used a spaghetti sauce jar, a mason jar, and a Maker's Mark bottle.

After removing all labels, measure your scrapbook paper to the jar or bottle.  Using the paint brush, apply Mod Podge to the back of the scrapbook paper, and place on the jar.  Smooth out any bubbles or seams, then apply a coat of Mod Podge to the scrapbook paper.  It dries fairly fast.  I just tied a ribbon around the jar and placed flowers inside!

The cost of this project- Mod Podge is roughly $10, scrapbook paper was 50 cents a sheet, the jars should be recycled which makes them... free! I saved some money by using a sponge instead of a paint brush. And, all of my supplies had leftovers for other projects!

My first project...

I was recently paging through the West Elm catalog.  I loved the idea of recycled glass bottles... However, in the catalog, they run from $6-$29.  I didn't want to pay that much.  I knew I wanted something in a blue tone to match my living room.

The cost of this project... $0!!! The Pinnacle bottles came from a bar, I just asked for the empty bottles.  The roses were a gift and I just dried them!  This was a pretty quick and painless project!

I decided to use Pinnacle Vodka bottles! I loved the shape and color.  My first step (after emptying the bottles of course) was to clean them and remove the stickers and foil.  Removing the foil was probably the hardest part to this entire process.  I used goo gone to remove any glue left from the stickers.  After they were washed and dried, I placed a dried rose in each bottle. It adds a great touch to my living room!