Ribbon Flip Flops

Just thought I'd share these little flip flops on which I added ribbons.

Pretty easy. Great for summer.

Cut a few ribbons and tie them onto the straps.

Add a few embellishments.
I also used some tulle.

You need to put some glue on the knots to make sure they last.

Another chalkboard upcycle idea

I have a thing for chalkboards lately. It's not so 'lately' because it's been an interest for at least 5 years. But, something about the function and form of a cute chalkboard really appeals to me.








I found some old cabinet doors for $1 about a year ago. And they've been waiting for some new clothes.  So, I painted the inside with chalkboard paint, and taped it off to paint the outside frame a cream color.

Then I added hardware I found on clearance at Anthro 4 years ago that were just waiting for a use.

  I needed a way to hang it, so I popped of the little pull tabs on these soup cans and screwed them into the back of the cupboard door.

At Anna's request, here are some pics of exactly how I screwed in the pull tabs and the drawer pull. On the back of the chalkboard, I took very short screws and screwed them into the small spot on the pull tab.

I did this on both sides. And put dry wall screws into the wall to hang it just like a picture. Before I hung it, though, I found a stud in the wall to center the chalkboard on, because I wanted to screw the drawer pull into a stud for more stability.

I got a long wood screw (about 4 inches) and found a stud. Then screwed in the long wood screw through the drawer pull and through the hole in the cupboard door where the original drawer pull was drilled.

 That way the screw would hold the chalkboard into a stud for more stability.

There it is. Another idea to keep you up at night.

--Summer

Turquoise lamp redo

 I found a lamp for $5 at a thrift store a while back. It was an awful fake gold color. I don't have a pic of that, but I'm sure you all know exactly the color I'm talking about. First order of business: paint it turquoise. I first wanted to make a new lampshade for it, but after three failed attempts, I bagged the lamp idea, so I ripped out the cords. I then had just an empty lamp and the blue was too bright. See above.

 So I sanded the blue. Some of the gold came through. Then I smeared dark brown paint over it to soften up the color.

 A few stems of forsythia and it sits pretty happy in my bathroom by the tub.

Happy redo-ing!
Summer

Easy and Inexpensive Window Valence

I came across these adorable little gift bags at the store one day and I thought they went perfectly with the theme and color scheme that I am doing in my little girl's room:flowers in pinks and greens. So I bought a few bags. I also had several cardboard boxes just laying around. They had held picture frames so they were all the same size:

about 9" X 13" and 2" deep.

Then my glue gun and I sat down and got to work

and this is what we came up with:

First, I glued several boxes together end to end. Then I cut one box in half and glued a half on each end perpendicular to my box chain. Then I unfolded the bags and glued them around the boxes. I covered the end caps with tissue paper and added a few ribbons to smooth out the seam lines. Then I poked a hole in each end and slid the curtain rod through.

Because it is so light weight, the curtain rod is strong enough to hold the valence up on its own and I didn't have to punch any new holes in the wall to hang it up.

Gifts - Make 'Em Stand Out!

I had a realy fun present... with a very boring presentation. I wanted my creative bridal shower gift idea to shine a little - maybe even stand out. :)

So I took a boring blue box and covered it with some cute striped wrapping paper using elmer's glue (I was out of good stick glue). Then I tied a simple brown ribbon around it.

It was cute, but not sassy enough for a bridal shower.

So I found some hot pink feathers, buttons, beads and a little hot glue.

Now we're talking!

But don't forget to make the card cute too!

I just glued wrapping paper to cardstock and pulled the same centerpiece trick on the card that I did on the box. It was a hit!

And of course, I filled it with games, candy and a little "eye-candy" for her fiance. :)

~Jannie

Harvest Radish Seeds

Have you ever wanted to plant something, but did not have the seeds. Well, you can harvest your own seeds. Here are some steps to gathering radish seeds.


First: let the radish turn into pretty lil' white flowers












Next, the flowers will turn into green pods.
Leave these alone until they turn...











Crunchy. They will be a creamy white color.











Snap off the pods...













Take your thumb nail and slice into the toasted pod.












You will have several little brown seeds.












I like to store my seeds in glass jars with the most beautiful labels you have ever set eyes on.








Plant the seeds next season.

**Note** if the pods are green and the seeds are not a toasted almond color, they will most likely NOT produce anything next season.... so be patient and let them dry on the radish stock.

--TARA

Pillow Cases (tutorial)

Are you tired of your pillow cases? Or even more, do you need new ones because yours are tired and worn? Well here's a simple idea. Find a great fun cotton or cotton blend fabric.

Use your old pillow cases for a pattern. Be sure to add 5/8" seam allowances and 4" at the top for the hem. Sew side seams. Serge or zigzag. Fold under 1/2"at the top. Press. Next fold again and press 3 1/2" under for the finished hem. Stitch.

There you have it! A new fun pillow case!

I made these for a gift for a sweet niece for her bridal shower.

Congratulations "A" on your upcoming wedding!