Crafty Bulletin Board

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Crafty Ideas

Tags

bulletin board, buttons, canvas, crafts, fabric, ribbon, yarn

I think bulletin boards are great items to have. Whether you use one in your office or in another room in your home, they shouldn’t dumb down the decor. Sure, you can easily buy one at the store but usually they are simple and made out of cork. If you wanted one that has a little more style you probably have to pay over $25 for it. I have seen some for $50 and up.

I thought of a cool way to make your own bulletin board and customize it so it looks great in any room. Plus, you will love it because you made it.

{Materials}

stretched canvas (any size)
fabric
scissors
stapler

I am using a 5 x 5 inch canvas but you can use any size. If you need a big one, then go for it. You are going to have to stop at an arts and crafts store to get it so a Michaels or A.C. Moore would be your best bet. (Especially, if you use their coupons.)

Once you have your canvas, you have to decide on what fabric you want to use. You could even use an old shirt or sheet. I used an old pair of pants that are too big. If the pattern is cool, go for it. Make sure you give about two inches more of the size you need.

Now, take the fabric and lay it down and put the canvas on top of it. Take the fabric and wrap it around the canvas and staple it to the wood frame. Make sure its tight! For smooth corners just fold them as if you were wrapping a gift.

Now you need to figure out what this will be used for. If it’s simply for hanging things up than you are just about done. Just add a little extra love with some trim and decoration. You can use ribbons, yarn, fabric, felt, buttons… the possibilities are endless.

If you want it to be more organized, you can add some compartments. I created a small pocket for some pens and small items with other fabric and just stapled it on. I don’t mind that they show but if you do than use thread or safety pins. I like that this project looks hand crafted.

You can also make a space for a small pad you like to keep on hand by cutting a slit and slipping the bottom of the pad through. Have fun with it and customize as much as you need to.

I hope you liked this project as much as I do. I think it’s such an easy way to take something that is functional and make it stylish and unique. It would make a great space to show off your button collection or even hang jewelry. Another great thing you can make is a headboard. Just use a large canvas, cover with fabric and you’re done. That would make a great addition to any room. Now get down and DIY!

Outer Beauty

22 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Crafty Ideas

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

letters, mail, postal service, snail mail, stamps, usps

I know people don’t send letters much anymore with the internet and all but isn’t it nice to get a little something in the mail every now and then? Besides bills! Being an Etsy shop owner I send out packages a lot more and of course I want them to look awesome. Even when I send someone a letter or a check, however small, I like it to have an outer beauty.

Well besides creative handwriting, the other easy way to make any envelope look beautiful is with stamps. Duh! Vintage stamps are so worth the price but only really should be used for events and weddings. Have you looked at the stamps that are available today? There are a good amount that are really cool and some that are so much fun. Here are a few of my favorites you can purchase from the postal service that will bring a nice touch to any snail mail.

Organization Tips

18 Friday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas, Everyday Design, The Home

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

cleaning, mail, money, office, organization

Now that the warmer months are among us its time for Spring cleaning and to get organized. Here are some tips to liven up your space, clean out the clutter and take on a new season with ease.

Keep your home free from clutter by creating a space for everything. Utilize the space you have and make the most out of it. Keep closets in order by storing items you rarely use on top and important products at eye level.

Keep notebooks and other office supplies neatly
stored for easy use.

Even the dog can get organized! Keep all your pet’s
toys in a colorful bucket or bin so they aren’t all over
the place.

Keep magazines in a decorative stand and you won’t hesitate to put them away.

A vintage inspired catch-all holds papers and journals safe and neat under a coffee table.

Use clear containers to see what you have and label items if you rather have stuff hidden away. Add some unique elements, like using ribbon to tie sheet sets together. Recycle old jars to keep detergent in. Replace packaging so items look more refined and fresh.

Colorful boxes add a nice touch to the top of a bookshelf while office materials are safely stored away.

Labeled boxes are a great way to store items because they look neat and are very accessible.

Your Mail & Money

Get rid of all that junk mail by visiting Ecocyle and devote a space to store a shredder. When junk mail comes in, just shred it right away.

Create a shredding station where junk mail doesn’t
have a chance!

Create a space for incoming and outgoing mail and devote five minutes everyday to look through it. Keeping it by the shredder is a smart idea!

Keeping tabs on your bank account balance is smart and responsible. Why not make it easy and fun by using free programs like Mint or Manilla? Having everything in one place is key.

Keep a calendar for bills only. Use different colors or those snazzy star stickers for each of your accounts, and it will be even easier to keep track of when payments are due.

Food

Setting up your week by meals makes grocery shopping and dinnertime much easier. Plus, I guarantee you will save money. Pick one day a week to plan out your meals, and only purchase the ingredients you need for that week. Less food will go to waste and you will know ahead of time what’s in store.

Keep snacks in clear containers in the pantry so you know when you run out. By storing the healthy snacks lower, you encourage both you and your kids to pick them over sweets. This will also add uniformity, color and neatness to the pantry.

Clear jars brighten up the pantry when filled with dry goods. Plus, you can see when you need to buy more.

By keeping labels on food items facing forward you can see what you have. This keeps products organized and you won’t get stuck buying things you already own.

Follow these few tips and you’ll be on your way to a more stress-free and organized season in no time. Make your projects fun and get creative!