DIY Chalkboard

I've been meaning to do this for a while. Once I talked my mom into giving me an old frame I found in her garage, I knew it was perfect.

I felt bad ripping a "painting" out of such an old frame, but once I got it open I realized it was a print them had added texture to with clear paint. Guilt-no-more!

It was easy, just rip it open...

Paint-ready

And assembled! Looks much better! I might re-do it in light gray now that I've had a few hours to look at it. I would have much rather done a fun color, but my kitchen it already black, white, light green and light brown. I don't need any more weird-ness in that mix.

Revamped file box

Previously, I had been using a cardboard file box for our bills and other important papers. I was so happy to see it was crushed during the move. I actually laughed, not exaggerating. I've been sick of it for so long. I was lucky enough to snag a different one from the alley behind our house. Freebie? Yes please! Just so you can see, I went from this:

To this:

And with a little steel wool, tape and Rust-Oleum...

this dirty old file box

Became this!

Whew, now that's better. Maybe not that I don't have to deal with a pepto-pink bills box things will actually get filed where they belong! Probably not, but at least I don't have to worry about hiding this one...

Ice sticks

I came across a few of these ice trays while picking up some quick containers at Ikea, and I knew I had to have them. 

While browsing the grocery store, it came to me... Fruit ice cube sticks! I've seen it done with cubes, but these are so perfect for water bottles and pretty drinks. I'm constantly trying to drink more water, and this seems like a cool way to mix it up.

I used an assortment of berries and mint leaves for my first batch. Chop in half and place into the tray. There's an optional step here to boil distilled water (once it cools it can be used to make clear ice instead of frosted).

Just add water and pop into the freezer.

I was impatient and thirsty, so I popped some out of the tray a little early. 

Looks so adorable in a glass, and definitely adds something special to my boring water. Yummy and refreshing! I might just have to keep these in my freezer all the time!

For some other colors, check out Holly's version at Zucchero Zucchero

Ceramic Project

Lately I've been overwhelmed by a massive amount of ceramic molds I've inherited. 3 storage sheds full to be exact.What is a non-ceramic making girl supposed to do with all of this stuff? While trying to organize everything for donation, I came across some duplicates of some pieces my mom received when I was young. So I decided to finish them, and have my own. Much more fun than trying to convince my mom to give hers to me!

The piece that holds the most memory for me is this polar bear. He is meant to be filled with baking soda, and placed in the fridge. Way better than looking at an orange box when you're searching for food. I think he'll fit in nicely.

All painted and coated! All he needs is a rubber stopper for underneath and we're in business! Apparently the FolkArt paint I used is dishwasher safe, but I'm not eager to test that out anytime soon.

Playing secret bunny

I'm sure you've guessed what I've been up to by the title of this post. I set up a few little surprises this Easter in the form of baskets with goodies. Now that they're safely delivered, sneak a peek! I've been seeing ideas on message eggs around lately and decided to incorporate them into my baskets.

Painted, hollowed out and ready to go.

Cut out some messages to put inside and stick them in.

If you're like me and impatient, feel free to use a hair dryer to speed up the paint drying process. It didn't seem to make any difference visually.

The finished product!

When I placed them in baskets, I customized the outside of the egg with a sharpie (I forgot about that part until the end). Hopefully neighbors and roomies took the hint!

Happy Easter everyone!

Garden time

I finally started my garden this weekend. A little late, but better than never! Because we're moving soon I have to restrict myself to pots for now. I've decided to stop using the little plastic garden markers, seeing as my dog loves to pull them out and throw them on the ground (um, where the heck did he learn to do that?!?). I've been seeing variations of these pots around with chalkboard paint, so I decided to give them a try.

I used some plain terracotta pots, Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint and some painter's tape.

Tape your pot to protect it from excess paint, then go to town! I used 3 quick coats of spray paint, but it dried in less than 15 minutes.

 When the paint is dry, remove the painter's tape and whip out the chalk! As long as Jack doesn't learn to lick the sides of my pots, this might just be the one of the best things ever. 

Book Clutch Obsession

I recently stumbled upon Olympia Le Tan's new book clutch line. While I would LOVE to put one of these babies on my wish list and call it a day, it's not going to happen. They cost between $1,200 and $1,500 a piece. Ouch!

So I set out on a mission to create my own, as quickly as possible. Today in fact. I told you I had to have one!

If you want a quick and easy book clutch you'll need some basic crafting supplies (pictured above) and an old book you want to re-purpose. Begin by painting the outside of your book pages with glue. 

Then measure a border on the inside of your book and cut it out with the X-acto knife.

Then coat the interior of the cut pages with glue and let dry. I painted the outside of the pages of my book gold for a little sparkle. 

It might be a good idea to coat the spine and corners of your book with craft glue. I missed that until I saw this next photo. Oops!

By the way, I LOVE this new "Mischievous Mint" polish from MAC

Ta-da!! The almost finished product. I ordered a magnetic clasp, but for it's appearance tonight a button and some elastic will work. Shhh hopefully no one will notice!

I can't believe everything fits! I'm still planning on making a nicer one out of fabric, but this little guy will hold me over until I get my new replacement sewing machine. Keep an eye out for Book Clutch Part 2!