Glass Cabinet Tutorial

Hope you all had a great Easter. We enjoyed spending time with family and hunting eggs.  It was the first time we got our girl a basket with goodies. She was in Heaven with the few candies she was allowed to eat.

So on to what some of you have been waiting for...

 This is by no means an exact way to put glass into your cabinets.  This is how WE did it.  I hope that this only helps serves as your inspiration and maybe a little guidance to do your own.
 *You will be needing some basic tools for this project.  If you're lucky enough to own a jigsaw and a drill then you're in business. If not, then maybe you could borrow or rent one.

We started out with a sturdy, solid wood cabinet with a rectangular trim.  I'm not sure how common this type of cabinet is, but you can take this tutorial and match it to fit the needs of your cabinet.  It shouldn't be that different.  For the full reveal click here

Here is what ours looked like

 

Step 1: We removed the trim which left a rectangle "shadow" of the shape.  If you don't have this trim "shadow" then you will have to measure where you want your glass to go.  I wanted our glass to fit right in the middle of the shadow, so when we put the trim back on, the glass would rest nicely in the shelf of the trim.

Then we drilled holes in all four corners of the rectangle shadow.

Step 2:  My husband measured/drew a line right down the middle of the "shadow" because we wanted to be sure to cut a straight line and then put the trim back on later.  Once the trim was back on there would be a little shelf for the glass to rest on when you turn it over.

Step 3: Cutting the door. My husband lined up the jigsaw into one of the holes pre-drilled in the corner.  These holes help  facilitate the jigsaw into your wood. Then he slowly cut on the line all around the rectangular shadow.

Step 4:  Once the rectangle hole was cut out.  We had to nail the old trim back on to it's original place.  This was a little difficult. 

Step 5:  I didn't get a pic of this.  But after we put the trim back on, I primed and painted the door.  Once it was dry I turned the cabinet over spread a thin layer of window glazing on the backside of the trim and placed the glass onto the little shelf created by the overlapping trim from the front. I pressed the glass gently all around and allowed to dry over night.  This is pretty heavy duty glue, but just to be sure we added a little bit more security on the back.  With some more nails.

We got our glass cut to size, by taking the actual cabinets up to Lowes and having them cut each piece to the size of the specific cabinet.  They were about $7 each.  I also spray painted all my hinges with oil rubbed bronze, all new pulls.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

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Reasons to Skip the Housework 

Vintage Sheet Turned Shower Curtain

I’m redecorating my girls bathroom.  It’s been the same since we moved in 4 years ago, and I wanted something a little more girly and sweet.  I’m not quite finished yet, but I did whip up this cool vintage sheet into a shower curtain.

I really love the look of the Shabby Chic shower curtains, but not the price tag.  And if you’ve ever look at and felt them, they almost look and feel like an old bed sheet.  Soft and worn.  So in my mind I thought “I can go to the thrift store find an old sheet and make one!”

And that’s just what I did.

  Do you see the blue color on the wall?  That’s the new color, I’ve been a little under the weather the past few days so haven’t been able to finish.  But today I’m feeling better, maybe do a little work in there.  Also painting the cabinets and getting new hardware for them.

Final reveal soon to come :)

Total cost: $3 compared to $29.99 for the Shabby Chic one.

If you have a sewing machine, this is pretty easy to do.  

I lined up the new one with the old one, pinned and cut it the same size.  Then sewed up the rough edges, and sewed some button holes at the top.  I didn't even know I had this feature on my machine but I figured it out and made them then cut them out.  You could also use some grommets.

And there you have it!


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The Sasse Life
Remodelaholic 
Fingerprints on the Fridge 
Someday Crafts

How To: Stain a Dresser Top

Here is a step by step tutorial of how I stain my dresser tops.  If you don’t know how to do this,  this post is for you.
                                               This dresser had one of the worst tops that I had ever worked with
                                                            It was covered with water rings and scratches.
Step 1:  Some may not choose to do this, but I find it makes the sanding part a little easier.  I choose to strip off the old varnish first.  I use Citristrip I get from Lowes.  It’s a better alternative to those stinky strippers of yester year.  And it works great.  Follow the directions on the bottle and get a good tool for scraping off the stuff.  It gets pretty messy so wear some gloves.
After you scrape it all off and it’s dry move on to the next step.
Step 2: (You must have a sander for this part)  Sand the heck out of it with some 60 or 80 grit paper.  I recently got an orbital sander and it works great.  It will take a bit of elbow grease, but it will be worth it in the end.  I also highly suggest you get a nice breathing mask, it’s probably not a good idea to be breathing in that dust. After this sanding part, go over it again with a 120 grit to get the top smooth.
Step 3: Make sure you clean the top of all dust.  I just use a wet rag and wipe it down several times.  Allow it to dry completely.  Then if you want a more even distribution of the stain, I recommend using a wood conditioner.  I use Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner.  Follow directions on can.
Step 4: Get the stain you want to use, I use Dark Walnut by Minwax.  Use a good quality brush and begin to paint it on with the wood grain.  Allow it to sit for as long as you want.  The longer you let it sit the darker it will be.  However try not to let it completely dry.  You will want to wipe off some after 15 min or so.  If it’s not dark enough for you, do this process again.
Step 5:  Once you achieve your desired color, allow it to dry.  You can also brush some polyurthane on top as a protective coat and to make it shiny. Clean your brush right away, because the stain is a b*%$@ to get off when it dries.

So there you have it.  My basic 5 steps for achieving a beautiful dark stained top like the ones you see here.

 

Burlap Bulletin Board

I decided to do a quick little project today, took me less than and hour.  I saw this photo a while ago, can't remember where.

I loved the look of the burlap bulletin board, so I decided to make a smaller version of my own.

I had an old picture frame from the thrift store that I had already spray painted white.

The picture in the frame was made out of a hard white board, so I used that as the "bulletin" piece.  You can probably find this board at any craft or home improvement store.

I cut out and hot glued a piece of burlap around the board.  Pulling it taught as I went.

Then put the board into the frame and stapled around the edges, through the board and into the wood on the back of the frame.

Very easy!

Once the baby comes, we are moving the office downstairs.  This new bulletin board will be a perfect addition when it's all set up.

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Today's Creative Blog

Chair Upholstery and Cording How To

 This chair was a little bit different than this one, and easier.

At first I thought I would have to take apart like the last one, but it turned out it wasn't necessary.

All I had to do was rip the old fabric off the chair. It was stapled just around the perimeter off the seat.  Not folded under and stapled like most chairs.

 I figured that would be the best way, look what I was up against!  I wasn't about to try and take this apart.

You must make sure that you take the old fabric off gently, trying your best not to rip it.  Because you will need it as a template for your new fabric.

Place the old fabric over your new fabric and cut around it.  There were little notches to cut for the posts that run around the edges. Cut it out exactly like the old fabric.

Once your fabric is cut to size, either use the old batting and cushion like I did, or buy new stuff.  I didn't see any reason to because it was still in good shape.

Carefully place your new fabric in the exact same place as the old.  It is a good idea to take lots of pics before to know precisely where everything was.

Staple the fabric around the perimeter, pulling it tight as you go.  I didn't take a pic of this part.

It's not that hard though, you can always pull the staples out and start over if you mess up.

 

 The cording~

I always thought this was going to be so hard, but really it is quite simple,  if you have a sewing machine :)

I pulled the fabric off the old cording and re-covered it with the new fabric.

But if you don't have that option, you can buy it at any fabric store it looks something like this

So here is what I did.  I'm not saying this is the right way because I was just winging it.  I am by no means a seamstress, but this worked for me and it can work for you as well.

First I cut the piece of fabric to the length of the cord, wide enough to have extra on the sides.

I took the cording and wrapped the new fabric around it

like so.

Holding the fabric tightly closed around the cord I began to sew close to the outside of the cord

Sew all the way down to the end of you cord, it should look something like this.

Cut off the excess fabric

o

Now, take your new cord and hot glue it around the bottom of the seat, where the tattered edges and staples are. If you don't have a hot glue gun, I highly recommend you get one.  You will use it all the time.

The finished look

You CAN do this!  

Please let me know if you have further questions.  

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Remodelaholic

Burlap Vase How to

I saw this great idea from Cassie over at  Hi Sugarplum!  She copied a $50 burlap wrapped vase from Ballard. When I saw her post I immediately wanted to give it a try on my own.  However, I did it a little differently.

I got the vase from the dollar store and another small one.  

 First, I Cut out each piece of burlap to fit perfectly around my vase. Then I used a lighter to gently burn off the tiny "hairs" on the edges.

 Where Cassie used glue, I tried Mod Podge.  I slathered on a thick layer of the stuff all over the burlap piece, then carefully wrapped it around the vase.  The Mod Podge made it a bit stiffer and more fitted to the vase.

 Then I allowed to dry for about 30 min.

And......

First the Ballard version

And mine!

 

The burlap adds great texture to any decor.

I just love them so!  Perfect for Thanksgiving table decor.

Linking to~
 http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-30/
http://thehandmedownhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/share-your-fall-projects-linky-party.html
http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/2010/11/making-monday-marvelous-32.html

http://madincrafts.blogspot.com/2010/11/mad-skills-30.html

Quick Little Tip

As I was moving my most recent piece to its new location for the time being, I did something I've done for years now.  I thought you all might benefit from this little tip, unless you already know about it. 
When moving something buy myself, and on a hard floor, not sure this works as well on carpet.  I put pot holders under the feet and slide it across the floor, like so...

As long as the piece is not too heavy this should work.  Slowly lift one leg at a time and shimmy a pot hold under each leg.  Gently slide the piece across the floor, and voila!  Instant furniture movers!

Craigslist Tips

Almost every time I tell someone I use Craigslist, I get a weird look.  Like "Are you crazy , that's so dangerous." The only people who don't judge me for using it, are those who have used it themselves and had a good experience.   I think the Craigslist Killer has ruined it for a lot of people, thanks a lot, loser.
Anyway, so after I tell people about my wonderful experiences with it, they seem to loosen up and decide they will check it out.  I have a few rules I follow to help those of you out there who have yet to find your treasures through the wonders of the Internet.

#1~ When answering an ad, be polite and specific. You are more likely to get a quick response and potentially get the piece.  When I get a rude response from some one, or they are very wishy washy  I just delete their email.
You want to do business with someone who seems reliable and polite.

#2~ Go with your gut instinct.  I can't stress this enough.  If something doesn't feel quite right to you, listen to your feelings and move on. 

#3~ When going to a house to pick up a piece, always bring someone with you.  Whether it be your friend, husband, older child or your sweet old grandma, bring a buddy.

#4~When picking up a piece, never go into the house to get your items.  If at all possible, request they have the items outside for you to look at.  If they can't meet that request, move on.  Also if you are selling something from your own house, have the items out side for them to look at. 

#5~ If something you want seems to be priced too high, don't be afraid to negotiate.  Many people are desperate to make a sale, and will go down on their price if you are willing to buy quickly.

These are my top five rules I follow, I feel they have worked very well for me.  I have been using Craigslist for several years now.  Bought many pieces of furniture and got several nanny jobs.  I know there are people who have bad experiences, but if you follow these helpful tips and a few of your own, you will be fine. If you use Craigslist, or any other types of Internet classifieds, tell me your tips!

Here's my latest acquisition from good ole' Craig

 

I don't think I can bring myself to paint this baby. I'm in the process of sanding it down right now. 

Reveal coming next week!

Sweet baby shower

 My friends and I threw a baby shower last weekend for K.  She is having a boy, and didn't want the traditional shower with games and all that normal "baby shower" stuff.  So we kept it simple and inexpensive by using what we had and making all our own food.  I wanted to share with you how to have a great baby shower on a budget.
First of all, have it at someones house.  I've been to showers at restaurants, and as lovely as it may be, must cost a fortune.  We had this one in my back patio/carport area.   We decorated it with love, and with all my beautiful plants that are still in bloom.

 Before~ Not much to look at, but it has potential.

 Here is what we did with it

 I borrowed tables, and we brought all the chairs we had between the 4 of us.

Added flower center pieces, and thrift store white table cloths.  

Another tip is to have some help planning the party.

  The four of us planned and split the cost of everything.

The food spread. 

Homemade chicken salad, pasta salad, tomato basil salad, dirty rice, bread and cookies.

I think it's important to keep things simple, and elegant. 

 Pumpkins make a perfect center piece.

The weather was perfect, which made for a nice relaxing atmosphere.

Any ideas on how to have a low-cost party? Do tell!

*All photos (except top one) by Jessica Mahady

Check out her site here

Quick decor tip for Fall

Although I don't usually decorate for fall indoors, I do like to set out a few things on my front porch. This was seriously quick, easy and best of all CHEAP!  So if you are looking for a way to brighten up your front entry for visiting guests, take a bit of time to search around your home for things that could be considered fallish.   I also went up to Lowe's and found these  large mums for $2 each on their clearance rack.  They said it was because they were "All bloomed out."  But they looked pretty good to me!

 The pumpkin was $5, and the lantern from an estate sale a while ago.

                 The planter I had in my backyard, not being used. And the tin one was a gift.

I brought down this chair from the guest bedroom to add some height, so everything wasn't just sitting on the same level.

All for a total of about $9.

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