IKEA Spice Rack Bookshelf

I have been a bit MIA lately with a crazy work schedule, sorry for the lack of posts. I've been been working on several projects and I am very excited about my latest "craft." A few months ago I had purchased two IKEA BEKVAN Spice Racks ($3.99 ea).

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They really didn't fit my needs in my kitchen so they basically became holders for my wristlets and wallets. I had been searching around Pinterest for spice rack ideas figuring I would just DIY my own when I stumbled upon this.

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GENIUS! I had been looking for bookshelves for James' room (Michael's three-year-old son). I could have gone the easy route and just hung them as is like the picture but of course I wanted to jazz them up. I started this project before the blog so step-by-step pics are not available, sorry! I primed them with Valspar primer spray paint ($3.98) and let it dry overnight. I wanted to use one of James' favorite colors so I went with Valspar's bright red spray paint ($3.98). I did two coats and let it dry for a few days, it was humid at the time so they were tacky to the touch. 

I left the hanging to Michael, power tools and I don't always get along. I absolutely love the final product!

Don't mind the mess of toys in the bins!

We wanted the shelves low enough so James could access them and I think Michael chose the best spot in the room. Overall, I am very pleased with the way these came out!

Breakdown

2 IKEA Spice Racks @ $3.99ea: $7.98

Valspar Primer Spray Paint: $3.98

Valspar Bright Red Spray Paint: $3.98

TOTAL: $15.94

Stay tuned for some more kids room decor and a post about paintable wallpaper coming soon! Have a great weekend all!

Modern Line Painting

I've recently become very interested in modern art and started looking around Pinterest for some inspiration.

I absolutely fell in love with this painting...

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I figured it seemed easy enough to try out!

I gathered my supplies, most of which I already had. I just needed thin tape. I ran to AC Moore and grabbed 1/4inch artist tape for $3.19.

I had previously purchased the canvas, paint and pallet at Michaels Craft Store. I used Artists Loft Acrylic Paint. At the time of purchase they had a sale on the paints 3 for $9! I don't remember the exact cost of the canvas, as it was purchased before this blog was conceived, but I know it was under $10 and it was buy one get one!

I kept the original painting I saw in mind but I figured I would just start placing the tape down and see what happens.

Progress was being made, but fair warning make sure to have the tape cover the sides as well. 

Unless you are planning to frame it, the sides will be visible!

Once I was satisfied I took my paint out and visually planned out my color placement. My plan was to have the overall color be red and the accent pieces to be gray. I decided to start with the red and see what happens. 

It was starting to come together! One key thing to remember is that paint can get under the tape so the best thing to do is to take the brush with paint on it and start on top of the tape (being mindful to not go out of the line!) It takes some patience.

Once I did two coats of red, I started with the gray. I mixed some white in to make it a bit lighter as I had used the gray in a previous project and I knew it was much darker than I prefer.

**Cost Saving Measure: When possible, mix paints together to get your desired color instead of going out and buying a whole new tube of paint.

 I let the paint dry and anxiously awaited the big reveal...

I started to peel away the tape and noticed some of the paint still came through, but I was able to touch it up and it looked great!

Done! I love the overall look and for only spending $3.19 and using supplies I already had, not a bad little project on a Sunday afternoon!

Grunge Textured Painting

So one Saturday evening I got the craft bug and wanted to include Michael's 14-year-old daughter Tori. She loves art and wanted to get more art work for her new bedroom at her mom's house. 

I had found these cool pictures on Pinterest.

http://southernbellesoulmountainbrideheart.blogspot.com/

http://southernbellesoulmountainbrideheart.blogspot.com/

I knew Tori would be game. She loves posting quotes on Facebook and Instagram so this would be perfect.

We ran to AC Moore to gather supplies. I already had a canvas, paint and a magazine so all we needed was Vinyl letters. We chose 1'' letters - they come in a variety of different sizes. 

We went home and decided on colors. She chose green for her background so we ripped through the magazine to find all green pieces. I had her choose a quote that she wanted to use and realized we didn't have enough letters. Back to AC Moore I went to pick up another package. Always plan out how many letters you need, saves you time and gas!

Once she cut out enough paper she began to adhere the pieces to the canvas with my Paper-Source PVA glue that I bought a while back. PVA glue is great for decoupage projects but it is $12.95 and far too expensive for what it is. Modge Podge does the trick and is cheaper, under $10. To adhere she brushed a small amount of PVA on the canvas and placed the pieces on top. We were going for a textured look so the corners of the pieces of paper did not need to be completely stuck. The point is to not have the pieces come off when painting on top. (I had planned on taking pictures throughout the process, but we got wrapped up in the project and I forgot. I am new at this!)

About an hour later she started to figure out where she wanted to place her quote and how long each line would be. That's when Michael stepped in to offer some advice, we had 2'' letters and her quote was a bit long so we needed to make sure we broke the quote up correctly so it would fit. Once that was taken care of we started from the bottom and went backwards placing the letters. We wanted it to be straight so we made a small pen line to place the letters on. Make sure to put the letters slightly above the line so you don't see it in the final phase.

Once all the letters were set she used gray acryllic paint and covered the canvas. I suggested using a little white paint as well to give it some movement. Once it was dry (we were impatient and wanted to see the reveal and started peeling away a little too early) I suggest waiting till it is completely dry. We slowly removed the letters and this is what we saw. 

The darker greens made it a little harder to read but overall for our first run I think it came out pretty awesome. Tori loved it and I'm sure it is now hanging in her bright blue room at home. I'm hoping we make a few more and some can be in her room at our place. 

Breakdown

All materials were laying around the house so I don't have a total cost breakdown. 

The only thing purchased to complete the project were the vinyl letters. 

Cost: $2.49/pkg

Total cost for 2: $4.98

Not bad for some homemade art!

Welcome!

So I've decided to start a blog. Yes, I am well aware of the growing number of blogs out there but I've had a lot of inquires about my crafts  and I figured this is the best platform to share my tidbits for budget friendly crafters.

My name is Lindsey and I'm about to embark on my 30th year on this crazy planet. I've worked as a part-time reporter, graphic designer, pre-press coordinator, production manager (all at the same company, at the same time) and now I manage at a printing company full-time. It's a job and it pays the bills. I live in an apartment in South Easton MA with my boyfriend Michael on an adorable country plot of land that is stocked with goats, chickens, bunnies, koi fish, several gardens, a walking path and a bridge. 

I come from a long line of crafters and have spent much of my childhood tagging along with my mother and two older cousins for their Craft Nights.Growing up I was surrounded by these women who inspired me by creating beautiful homes with their personal touch. I never really felt like I had the creative gene then but as I've gotten older I have started to build little by little. I find that there is nothing more satisfying than making something that you can proudly hang in your home and say "I made that." 

You may also find a few recipes sprinkled in here. I love cooking whether just for my better half or whipping up a meal for the occasional dinner party. I give Michael credit, he is my cooking gineau pig but he is still here so I guess I am doing OK. 

I hope that these entries inspire you to get crafting!

Enjoy!