Thriifty Decor Chick: playroom/loft

Showing posts with label playroom/loft. Show all posts

Dream plans for 2015

Hello and welcome to my second favorite time of the year! The start of a new year is always so refreshing and exciting for me – I love decrapifying and organizing and dreaming up new plans for the house. And as much as I love the Christmas decor I absolutely LOVE taking it down and rediscovering our house. It’s a fresh new space! I always share plans I hope to accomplish for each year here on the blog, partly cause it’s fun to share but also because it kind of keeps me accountable. Early this year I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/01/this-is-year.html">did just that</a> – and I’d say I accomplished about half of what I planned. But what I did accomplish was BIG (the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room%20reno">family room renovation</a>). I had planned to get the rest of our interior doors painted black and I only got two more done…whomp whooomp. But <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-white-and-awesome-all-over.html">they are beauties</a>!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeqdtRDYrJGPX6B16sF0SANQLpzllqEdsr6fD74ng7rrdopAnWHAwx6_lIBMVvSupfnaM99JNMA5SqKbVDXWVdzLYq2CTA3Svmm1qxDuzTAmmTHXeVKgkyFDZJmI5awtjx-acmPasVKg/s1600-h/IMG_0206%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="interior black doors" border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvCfU8yaMWkB2ZbktEvCrbbGkF8QDNCpdWSOjR9Yr1S_gCArnw-YCB59nErPp_Fxc7CMflI308fD2xlc3w2Ahfrrhz3E6h7qr9UTdW_BCs9FCUI2x7yxFbk3C-_LhAJg_EX7k67yRaoo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="interior black doors" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUvFsngjn6AF_o-GZft5U2VGSvdwjLU2AGyW1yk1GUcptFuilIhmCq0noq08u8PWXqAeMGCYUqIAaaO4wcBND1LeU5tkMywumC_9z3gcv_Xyy8MK1DpB9jhTyIuu7FW-K6QgMCdV38as/s1600-h/IMG_0200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="black interior doors" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx4NCGAv8o-aZYI4QEAOJuQRsxn7KvpqxCL0agh4zZHPSZ5gw9Rmy0n8W6aGtRV8pkWRyQOXYYZFLs96sO3RDRuvfKPIHXZgNOtBLRbqoL0hJyEF8ZCz8uoYr43rpOL2zPXf0TKUZiyo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="black interior doors" width="290" /></a>  I still have six doors upstairs I’d like to paint but the main floor is done. LOVE how they look. I hoped to get a lot done in the mud room in 2014 and I did – I shared that progress with you <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/12/biggest-changes-in-2014.html">earlier this week</a>. There are two rooms I really wanted to change up this year and I basically did nothing in both of them. Ha! This is how our living room looked late last year: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFvWSkkrAdl9URm7Ock60qviNUPtDqHDfp-NAyw2ZYWFia4UrphRWn2ICVt21h0cYIjnikOwaooQdoviDsRKNT8WZdUTCjmWtH8O5Xxqd4HPnd1H-LC3Au6srspFWa5GTDMKf99C9Ecw/s1600-h/IMG_5516%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sisal rug" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGaqyidDz0BOGFLUqphtMEPASUz9cb2iCqYluPoItd_uNhyuFvxpYX9hIEFp14Sihrg63MKSwXxLY2-NtYxofxzVaTfRh5dRQKnJL6R0KmF1_DE7YdLE1ibpJMc0ahix8j0CCOkio22s/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="sisal rug" width="497" /></a> That rug was a total, epic fail (it literally fell apart with wear and tear from the dog), so we won’t be doing that again. This room is a wide open one with high ceilings but those are the things that stump me. I decided this would be the year that we’d get a new sofa in there because I hate the one we have. I guess hate is a strong word…strongly dislike. It’s been there forever and was one of those I-need-to-fill-this-space-so-I’ll-buy-something purchases years and years ago. You can’t clean it without shadows appearing all over the upholstery and it’s HUGE. It is comfy…it’s got that going for it. Well other stuff became priority so the new sofa didn’t happen. Which is fine because I’m still not sure how I want this room to look. It’s hard to work with because there’s only one usable wall and it’s like 20 feet tall. I laugh that these are my “problems.” Nice ones to have. I did go add the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/diy-craftsman-window-trim.html">craftsman trim</a> to the windows which I lurrrve: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWoHeW0Ve_F6hJfaTFsYPLl8hkta7EEXBiU3X2L-DyGdYEsoWXWRM0ZmxFhmQ34ztBkDtfS-dZ9Sy3fKjhKB1Xi4G810BTcPKsEmcScz6r_tHK8VGOInGWQxRsFylKTonLq_7XD680tc/s1600-h/IMG_8970%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thick trim around windows" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXcGEw-do2Prr_-YjmqCcHD_rAmgxPMnKwDY53iA4ROY7Ev_aNY8OPsHqxtkW21EDtddk8Exc4B_HZ4ChLOGAxIWtXq4bTKJ_hXjXDct9qgeTkSM_OoQ_JnvrV-u-TroVzSKzAj2AjIw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thick trim around windows" width="497" /></a> Those drapes were moved <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/library">to the library</a> and I love them in their new spot! Another space I’ve been wanting to work on for YEARS is our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/playroom%2Floft">loft</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHJ3wUjIWNHRaGjNoMhYA0fNreJ7e7-OFmZKUCc6AhAa7PqXu-3H54bwFmttiQBDc4ZRko_fnQgGwIN_R2liyP8HozNZ25_DFknoFz6Gi74juqW48H8z7kO6DV6LvvCJD4BXQpzyIpFQ/s1600-h/craft-room-table%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY craft table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOE0NcgATQCz_r7CcQyu-PqNNNUkw9celXJ96aqXAPrZ6ADRvy-A-9RLVJ5ctbhQOp53uv83rDQQ8ibWWmeLaX1XFUi3aUKUr7B_D880LR2dRt_KuEsB44n-nsOpn43ic6h3hm8CS8og/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY craft table" width="500" /></a> It’s been many “rooms” over the years – before the kiddo it was a lounging space for us. Then it was a playroom. Now a craft room. Someday (hopefully no time soon) when we move we’ll probably make it into a bedroom so we can sell as a four bedroom. It’s a large room but I still don’t feel like we’re using the space well. I finally came up with a plan and I’m SO excited to get started!! Here’s the layout as I see it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF_Aq_cTuvTpDBOPp3iOek4Sh3DYGzdLV_XhKoU219JUSVe2L7i-6uFVSUljuT_OsAslnRy6r842lZPjNZejr-Vb5gwwMKgX3qbikw1Y30DallRSVn4o5kGHiDbOOMSY91MqhBXdp85A/s1600-h/IMG_0158%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="floor plan program for ipad" border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCetpiApeNMoiUq56tNBEECKRDa16LNcgeiBucyRGu-DHev1RjFtNmoHnXClQdxmCnPp0j8QJGg6R8p1ePinG098_GkVU17FX1frYk1lqZG6PRg6mDaW9ZnjPskq-AcymqeF0fBaTDcE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="floor plan program for ipad" width="500" /></a> Disregard the colors – it will not have a purple rug and pink pillows. ;) I use an app for the Ipad called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/livingroom-for-ipad-floor/id360858983?mt=8">Living Room</a> to create these by the way. I bought it years ago and have used it many times. I planned the both the basement and family room renovations with this app – it’s awesome: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobtivmFLlJiJpndepIwpv73wEt0vbMH-qW7WzovBzqES7WYLHWws233hxX1oTKUjRARXWUPDsTqbK-xBEGupAG4E1USwARKlDeQ3HjKXfHkaQ1Yphfz-Y0ib1IPLx1VatBN5h8fNOlPU/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-12-31%252520at%25252011.18.25%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="floor plan app " border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SW-pI_VB7KJxuMpYExXw4X4tr9NJ_9yviLzCkkM5vkKO5o9UBHQnPrDD6jqxfbTRt5gs_gU6LV467hjGcoA1veK2qe49hZQ9BC6aWPct_TfcPA6ZSs44cPLBdpdflu3iCscg1GF9DGU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="floor plan app " width="457" /></a> Anyway – my plan is to add mega storage. Wonderful, glorious storage. Do you hear the singing?? I hope to add a line of drawers along the long wall to the left. And built ins on each side of the window seat have always been the plan, like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8_dKhUvOdsNLcJftvTcCFgc-cYFBnH7zS6r_wMsAhbhZBlHzayl9s04b6Uaded0XLoHNboX0xSxHNhWWfF87gYhyphenhyphencjEyGGtjq7M7nBT54WNEqNVMxUb-wGCT7Sqkz7qZoXO1u_ENxkY/s1600-h/image%25255B42%25255D%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="built ins and window seat " border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMknTBs7kPHOHaWkPLLj8A9lqJ0JQZ_bz_3NgrhIAwcdls2eNrru0-0Diu0VmQjU1XZU-Jyg4tLarosq3GnnWJXfaaaIP0N3tLPcyo36__QHzGB0KYhVCnFPFsOSisi02lccA_tkLvTs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins and window seat " width="500" /></a> Because the line of lower cabinets will run along the one wall I’ll have to figure out how to butt them up to the built ins around the window on the left side: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF_Aq_cTuvTpDBOPp3iOek4Sh3DYGzdLV_XhKoU219JUSVe2L7i-6uFVSUljuT_OsAslnRy6r842lZPjNZejr-Vb5gwwMKgX3qbikw1Y30DallRSVn4o5kGHiDbOOMSY91MqhBXdp85A/s1600-h/IMG_0158%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="floor plan app" border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCetpiApeNMoiUq56tNBEECKRDa16LNcgeiBucyRGu-DHev1RjFtNmoHnXClQdxmCnPp0j8QJGg6R8p1ePinG098_GkVU17FX1frYk1lqZG6PRg6mDaW9ZnjPskq-AcymqeF0fBaTDcE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="floor plan app" width="500" /></a> This photo shows how I could make it work: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvV7LD64gy1HUTPXr4wAxUGHDSM0JaCmE9k6S8g95pJ1iZ2PtA6yCp29D7HMvCMtxAjQROIqIFoJOabfqv0cmCHGM63R13t0DvSfYjruqHEm7DsCfarFA8HqDtuFzQ-fSK3gBZhLxOdw/s1600-h/ac6a91d99f969bd9fc6036b84ba60112%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="built ins around window" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pB7jgC4eRhnCwEFzjSlebbbMakH-dcureZp1vUxGJQk18AxQb60CX8XDXDeck3hRsJv1zei5VurLXLqWz3GKMIYxmXtCpji5M2nO9I2znO6YEL4lnyuAjHFpEUeIr-XXBXZdxJTC1X0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins around window" width="500" /></a> (<a href="http://www.houzz.com">source</a>) I want build a table out into the middle of the room from the line of cabinets so we have a big spot to sit and craft, wrap presents, draw and color, whatever. Something like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnQnfCCsC6BGWTozzIfivgyknkvmpPo5-sJAASfwroOUebhwKr2X8fhb2S2hl-vYCD_2EuNU557_q3Tjhp2leWiQMnEYw9m71GK5_CFa03i3fP1W3YioJ9qibNc0I0bjJkQDS0BnvQk8/s1600-h/homeoffice-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft room table" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPpZTb6mw1q6McdGGSMofoYJNsDt1ALcwcLrGkfT8L2nCCy6H7uT_qxi_-X9DdK7mdf4J7dUlEZJhYEMn8FICn8vqlRv0JhiaZb7Ge2xldYwqAKfDNkCVWgaVLhw1pY0Oj0wcBXMbTGo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft room table" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.pinklittlenotebook.com/part-3-home-office-reveal/" title="http://www.pinklittlenotebook.com/part-3-home-office-reveal/">(source)</a> Although I want mine to have storage under the end of the table. We currently use my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-craft-table.html">DIY craft table</a> but I think I’d like something shorter at table height. I think it’s just more comfortable to sit down at that level. I’m really excited about how functional this room could be! We will keep a TV up there so we’ll still have a spot to sit and lounge as well. This is one of those rooms we really don’t need – but we do end up spending a decent amount of time in there. I just hate that it’s not as functional and pretty as it could be. Hopefully I’ll fix that this year. ;) First up though – we want to put hardwoods down in the room. The carpet is truly gross but we’ll have to save up for that and I won’t start up anything much else till we get those done. The final project I had hoped to start/finish this year was the kitchen…and I’ve barely touched it! This redo will be one of my biggest yet. Or the biggest. I’ve had a good idea of what I want to do for years now but I’m glad I waited to tackle it because now I’m feeling really good about the direction. I’ll share that plan soon too – it needs it’s own post! Of course not all of this will get done this year. I try to do as much as I can myself and I tend to take my time. ;) Plus finances will determine how much I can get done too – but I’m SO excited to tackle both of these spaces and finish up some others as well! Do you have any fun plans in your house for 2015? It’s such a fun time of the year to dream of what’s to come! Hope you have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve and a great start to 2015!! Thanks for joining me for 2014 – I am truly grateful!!

Dream plans for 2015

Hello and welcome to my second favorite time of the year! The start of a new year is always so refreshing and exciting for me – I love decr...

9:06 AM

How to line drapes (with what you have)

Hello to you all! I have a fun little project for you today – the afters aren’t anything earth-shattering, but it’s one of those to-do items I’ve had on the list (in my head) forever. And I did it without spending any money! I mentioned earlier this week that I’m going room by room in the house decluttering (and cleaning). It’s taking me a long time. Eons. I don’t see an end in sight. Help. me. I have our bedroom and bathroom (and I’m ignoring our closet like usual) and then I’ll move on to the other floors. Working my way down sounded like a good idea when I was all gung ho about this idea weeks ago. Anyway, part of the reason it’s taking so long is because I’m taking care of little (<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-ombre-wall-guest-room-progress.html">and huge</a>) projects along the way. I try to ignore them but then I start twitching and I can’t concentrate and the annoying voice in my head goes “Oh it won’t take long, just do it!” So I do. This is one of those. Our drapes in the loft/playroom/craft room have been hanging for a couple years, but they’ve really been pieces of fabric hanging, not drapes: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROy6dp1VYA6mTZDu_Jf6ftbhq2xDJExilUZys1UeqdT3mIegC01Q7Me4vl0S8nS8-CDR6xW1ZgAP6SpQDr2E9uyv3gvaBpYVcXAFDeExqrq_VDChpRMNaykWWu-7GiHPDU6NfMAXVYmI/s1600-h/IMG_7527%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P. Kaufmann blue green fabric" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv22Vo9o6HGcoxj7sjsNDyoTjz4-nkJanp04hBLuOLShJWTIQZ06EtToTJRKdFKz2sv8wZbPa5dZAoJ1_cmvyZOz-2EaAcCGKWVuHNpY06BDOvWd-CXWkQyMnRJU6nGa8BQtB7rg3qJY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P. Kaufmann blue green fabric" width="400" /></a> It’s what I do. ;) It’s not the first time I’ve done this. If you don’t mess with the drapes you can’t tell too much. It depends on how much light pours in the window. These are a linen-like fabric so very light and sheer and they were looking kind of awful not being lined. Did anyone ever notice it? I doubt it. But it’s something that was bugging me. So I went to my fabric stash for some lining. I went through all of it a few weeks ago and knew I had some bigger pieces. Well…I had two that were about a foot too short and nothing else that worked. And at this point I’m ready to do this thing so I’m racking my brain trying to think of what I could use. I was about to just save it for another day (a non no-spend month day) when a light bulb idea hit me. (LIGHT. BULB. Name that movie.) I knew we had an extra set of cream sheets for our king-sized bed that we haven’t used in a long time. We have two sets we rotate and this was a cheap extra set we never use. So I threw the flat sheet on the floor and realized if I cut it down the middle it would totally work. SCORE! I’ve seen this done a million times so it’s certainly nothing new, but it worked for me since I’m not spending on decor/DIY this month. I figured I’d give you a quick how-to-line-drapes tutorial – but keep in mind I’m not a GREAT sewer. (Seamstress?) I just do things they way they work for me and they’re not perfect. The big thing here – you need to lay your fabric with the print side down. If you’re doing a pillow, both printed sides need to face each other. When you’re done you’ll pull it back inside out so the good sides are out. This hides your seam: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsg6R8gYWSuvp1XuxnBzPUxYbaT_vgjoK9ec_w13hFcw_1K1S1KnmGj-NdVTYdYOT-qOQGPcLOWIgL-7z-mwrLgWbdrcbesOMHg3uEriYXXuRwOhYW5-ib7OOF4aP6bRGOlsnD8ClPYk/s1600-h/lining-drapes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to line drapes" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvckwY0H1tUu6oqe5kwGk5c7I1OU-t8Gk1G-wMFG12qK_neI6Gif85Bk0eEtGtMtJU7ga_SLTNb-X2g8zOmiBAHKA2fpxeQTpi_qaEqJlwxUXreb235wEi5MJ9U7i3jw_t_i8C5V_AOYw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to line drapes" width="450" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7tUsAzkFAPz3wiSoYXueG_HKmQjbHNEYweXBHvMq78q_-nIzN7PhA8L6pGZiyLFpald2An5FDlWUjiOHVTvb8rBA9EVFzYqCPlYNgtAV0YNvMHlWDY_idnTv01CIXlnf_WGrqioLg-Q/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to line drapes" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnqhyZrbqZNy1OW9TxpvAv54WCsAxZQSSAUd3lbwYDr5D4cmXN8ZAIaI2CfhP5nuEj4Cw_enluAq84iQYdn56ojquauSdof5nF29iFCW9BAjP4MKyM9zHnMMJtvxni0BT_ujhBLUZFB0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to line drapes" width="500" /></a> I don’t pin the whole thing to start – just the top. I get that where I want it and pin it, then sew that part first: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTX_iVzNnLQwoKoafePjLfSzyit0twH4bultyuKhVRVjaKIK7YqHGsEFrhfFVT6ZRLhE5X-FJuLuewpEVGNY-QcjArgPMA2S0x4n_i0fDzuzBo2SDFoXfFaxgCSzkRuF6MDlYKvyxFpQ/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how-to-line-drapes4" border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBsJQy0-SmD2vJeSBrVlUWhSqf33hr27mj52q8EKe4SQMKHcbpUvwl7G1PNG3jT09Ym-z2RDdqHqjO9JMf7aweTnIVKJHe_cjIKKVhXq0BGYQCJTV3Lf8V7vqGQOuWJM-cIbrO-riV_I/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how-to-line-drapes4" width="500" /></a> Speaking of sewing. Do not be afraid. This is your friend: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ubn_0yPj-o-WMdB2eowOpHgQ8MqJiHTt0qFGRJk3z8KQ0c4kOwFFYLt90jJ4fD4OjpYXMN29YMiBgFYAlA62mCPxEAHAfKi0GXdngJrdSMfLkKxP4WSF9m_bDp0PsztKQLf-wt1fpVk/s1600-h/brother-sewing-machine%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="brother sewing machine" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi639DngzKUHTFoObwkM-Vrae3uPUNgUYjRf50tJRiU2lIInoT-Ts3Oru2YTSeBQlI4V5Bc7dGGtDp6-81zhDTiQbkEXPvrLpdr9swVy6P6PH-Ynrw8oLlqZ_HzEb-zj87K_6rMtOFEJUI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="brother sewing machine" width="500" /></a> I promise, if I can sew, you can sew. I’m not good at sewing. Not a great sewer-of-straight-lines. But the thing is, no one will notice your lines aren’t straight. YOU won’t notice. (Unless you’re sewing something with vertical stripes and in that case good luck to you my friend.) Half the battle is learning how to get the machine threaded and it’s not hard. It shows you how to do it right on the machine and takes about a minute. Then you sew. Like a boss: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ibRE-gI92XifpGcOYc_SDpaRKyFda3gbe_5qFiyyFOaLQkfqjmMRMU4Xc411_LU7Eu40l6owjWL4txdHeMDfZET0kxGfLDPAXcxELItigr2L0QhVNDSnAb62pAXzQmKuabL5lRaP7r0/s1600-h/how-to-sew%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to sew" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmzfLFCbB33JvBf07At8PbXvjDeHY9zuJzbjEPONWkz_FNGOqKCqQNEgIo9AKo3NKwoCBw4DdmwhuhdRe877GlVUTYVpLs8RwuXiNzVSC6xlEaKrHlZHL2e4f9VL9otgJlg0wK04Z0Mc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to sew" width="450" /></a> I love hemming tape, and for years I used just that. But we have animals and I found I needed to throw stuff in the washer occasionally. The hemming tape will actually hold up for a wash or two, but after that not so much. And honestly? Sewing may even be faster than hemming with tape and an iron. Once you get going it’s super fast. You really want your lining to be slightly smaller than your fabric, so at the end you can iron the edges over so you can’t see the lining. Does that makes sense? You want the printed fabric to be seen from the side, not the lining. (I kind of help that along with the way I hang them too.) The ironing afterwards took longer than sewing each panel, no lie: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93KCcFjz-qrFv7lKpYjFfgYrpxI1ZqZpmeOZpqxQonIErKhYJ94T5IN2c_mqeC3yHwVhyphenhyphenuKw7aFXfOoUV5i3MnGNh6hyphenhyphenFMnVx4twcZ_1PaC8-UEWZBbqLN4kHmHaC6lgoYH5eH-MRvGM/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to line drapes" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq4KQ-twgYQIQt49Pj-Vk-Z_mZucfMi6FUmTfxgWSi1PuwogG9JDRewi5lUrut8yyS1JRG4juuYIGWPrWfEs7LORKIwzGLr5CckuqrG5HF1c1O4UYT70PuqSyoynCgMnjsSYTHvlttpE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to line drapes" width="450" /></a> Here’s an idea of the different the lining makes. It makes them less see through, yes (you can get black out lining from the fabric store) but it also makes them fuller and they hang prettier: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfIpjWmgx-ql47TVC8DAVXBubsdNE1DJrX-fiIycwMxFwetVnQdtJ0tqreOwnKHktd-P-Qwmr3HCIHPHQa0kjqzUP_Kyom79orWGUigvtGQgiUNysEuT0s6-laJGQYxUahQ_33TO58uM/s1600-h/lined-and-non-lined-drapes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="difference between lined and non-lined drapes" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqSWbn6v2Wj5vn4JRFkf25xjpm2v8vwlXiVEexDihqjqTGqzByroBR-maSHCUElIHVdh7ZbTuYZl6gMGUap04ZrXbI3EAs2Sp9YWksdctTm-CKC4kfUue4dHO7AAGCAB7kglGsF73aNQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="difference between lined and non-lined drapes" width="450" /></a> Wimpy on the right, lined on the left. Since I was at it, I took care of another quick little project. You can see in the pic above that the bamboo shades were hanging inside the window. I’m obsessed with getting as much natural light in this house as I can so I moved them up. They now hang on the wall above the window: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzbQqsvMJBMfIgIHyEGg9euGiGnvZN6KppfU1oV9Rl_PIPAL-1vf5jp2Mgw2Z9Fwsyi257UHv_gXzfJ5fDtysDbbDi0rG4BBlR4UXH4_D5hrlpQ0qwY-9ccMyam5ikua3a7SvEpAZIXc/s1600-h/hanging-roman-shades%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hanging roman shades above window" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4U_RcAAssCuxrTxOAqvefot7uqkrxqyd4dhG0DpRMMPxdz9usrcu5BMcTRqvUZRZwml4l6UyEaQR0TyQNRhQBBGwl7Zp15cw0hBvs-TygINFlfF8yx4MnGB_TzK66A9XyzuOw3b-F9bU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="hanging roman shades above window" width="450" /></a> It’s a little thing but it all looks so much better to me!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOEekWMxOiIWVXglSXozc7nASZcwb-2mRBjIuUfckSsM9JsoejRPng-anUrFzOAA-YWp5yW1OnlNhP39KcxA7f8_SfbHZv5a6_hpr6WTsgiS1OYbzKVEaBN9UBFqiftWsu6xLsSawPpc/s1600-h/lining-drapes-with-sheets%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lining drapes with sheets" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRNAS9bXRiFXU543WgdOUoRzhikdXQ9LUQw1lEMVUOkfrJ82lBRFPzOCdsIxXvbg5Apkam5K37csIomW2FWBipedud8kd5VEVm62X94qzHYjHe2QzoeRlHqnkZk_mPMHT03wTEOuSIdY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="lining drapes with sheets" width="500" /></a> I use the little clips to hang my drapes but hate seeing them, so I use <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/tricky-tricky-window-treatments.html">this trick</a> to hide them from view. It gives your drapes the look of pleated ones (that are way over my head). This room is way in between decor-wise, but at least for now it’s decrapified and clean. And the window looks nice. :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLur3j3GYTBS6trRgL8Fd9UjpfgYtQ2dE2HpjMIZw35YiEsCSJXt531vcLcAiWxwhZjMthC-mIkI-rrhjNaIH5wYMrK1ngefxgBr9Xo6l9X8BIMtSx2B8XHHKujS_YRnkGL81s8kwTHRo/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="line drapes with sheets" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo5e943_9XTpfJT8qldtUj5kZAjdiXM1hXgCLfH5HEhGbvToEbq3CWba53GtGMbVR_1rmWs1vQQ0wEj21o1DMcw-gO-LE551id1SgZuuqtf3r8bR5f25W-M7mVaYOKnLxoS6_RohwSXI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="line drapes with sheets" width="500" /></a> The “create” is coming down next. I think I need a break from words on my walls. ;) So do you know how to sew? Have you ever used sheets to line drapes? I use sheets from Goodwill for my spray paint “tarps” occasionally – but I may need to start looking for more to use as lining. After a good wash of course. :)         **You can see more about my DIY craft table <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-craft-table.html">here</a>. **The fabric is called Spring Vine Opal from P. Kaufmann.

How to line drapes (with what you have)

Hello to you all! I have a fun little project for you today – the afters aren’t anything earth-shattering, but it’s one of those to-do items...

7:21 AM

My “new” craft room

Hello there! How the heck are ya? I’ve gotten so little done this week because I’ve been focused on the little visitors I told you about earlier this week. I was SO very naive to think we just had a couple mice. Yes, there are more. No, I’m not ready to talk about it. ;) Maybe next week I’ll be able laugh about it. I may need a few Mickey jokes to get me there. So anyhoo, I did get one project finished up this week that got my mind off things. I am so excited about this space! I showed you my first craft space (in the unfinished basement) years ago <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-craft-room.html">here</a>. Then my plan was to downsize quite a bit and I made my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-craft-table.html">DIY craft table</a> for the basement. Well, the closer we got to finishing up the basement, the more we realized the space plan we had figured wasn’t going to work. I was trying to cram too much in there. So I did some switching around, and ended up with a brand new craft room in the process! We are so lucky to have so much space in this house – in some ways too much for what we need. I wish we had more, say, in the family room and kitchen, and less in spaces like our loft. As the Bub has gotten older we’ve struggled to find a good use for it. This was how it looked last time I showed it to you: <img alt="" border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIYqk0buNMYKkx8kT3KoZc0JYYMyw0nIVoI5cCA7vskVJSei8tX9VhKIH8d0jBusrYIbOzefndQa_9jwCM7H2V8vvzcQkqsWUBuYWJp_a6QtoachHIHFydph3Uz3lAt_280LrZYaxDX4/?imgmax=800" title="" width="450" /> Check out those pinky walls! Ack! It used to be the Bub’s playroom, but things slowly but surely got moved down to the basement. We still had a few toys upstairs in this dresser, and the big coffee table was his spot to work on Legos. And now that the basement is done, most of the toys are down there (and it’s awesome!), so we didn’t really need an additional space the kiddo stuff. Soooo…we had too much in the basement, and not a real purpose for this room, so I thought, why not make it into my sewing/craft room? It’s light and bright -- perfect! I took the craft table apart and we brought it upstairs (all three pieces were BEASTS!): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCfTknRZ9WBihHZIdoUdW4lQtE3mNFKvOhttJa-ThDbvo5RZhshdErzxl-4zkK7V8t9HOuBshM4RKbPvILyh7hZTtTCJeqKI2DIgJ7kgtCn6yqzPeFJou_39WTCqqUXz4g4LpxZ38lps/s1600-h/IMG_3562%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY craft table" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVMRLRFlTRNSc03Zgu94t_YrSiON7XvAtKWnLJ_4PjmDFQG_YldqU12F9OmidhKegxr9C1tfAxH9d0iHiL6IrAnRIJnkX13s6tsfMbsnWy1mxqF2CjzctfOqjEm0ksxxfrAdEYq1vzJQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY craft table" width="450" /></a> We had an extra sofa up there that I gave away to a friend and that cleared up a ton of space. The table is AWESOME for storage – it holds a ton of stuff. I’m starting to move some of my fabric in there too, slowly but surely. The sewing machine will come up from the basement soon, but it’s in the storage room (where THEY have been hanging out), so I’m in there as little as possible lately. :/ The top of the table is our old laminate island countertop and it’s GREAT for crafting – stuff just wipes right off!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKvnx7j267JGiyIfDkjqJoCKsip8q5p2R4bIfZSKLpGE22uwRDwmumvV1QzMw5R4v32Uo4lweZWhhrSYDUtO7O6R0bZvPR3vg1i0VEVDufoa7iUEjDURoAz_GEcuq32-Ovm79X0IUF0Y/s1600-h/IMG_3599%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY craft table" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvq0vFy6ajn1KuUVKwQtYCLmz5d-H4udZ2Egvf8V8xI0IHUyUtdgloqS7bpUqXXSdi7aTW5kjJ3uFQChILh-xVLWy8kJR3m3sEMabYshSWhhWC6Qw3Oz-J3F9ytxipJJw2UKa-A95aR4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY craft table" width="320" /></a> The dresser that used to be filled with toys and games now holds a few more crafty things and my wrapping supplies: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gyKI2I2GFlQXWrPAFRM242Ds3NjSSmxfJq3dTqURgUmlG1hQewDOzi66Y53eeQdfKeol2yCNC7j4TSEsAli0pokowICV5PYv4CoDPyhBOdBKR1l11r29cNNECco4ip0X4CbNLcnpYjI/s1600-h/IMG_3594%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wrapping paper drawer" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSMfzz9ZkKxKePuELvQxKfe_KRxKZDLkyT9fCRMt4yM48TgXDY2yYJ45mDcMIAPYTZngFO333Fm0no0j9LeUm9715tMz3aLJHAThkBmRWsqI88Ab_IVjlsU293z0yq809lQMV89Hgo40/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wrapping paper drawer" width="400" /></a> I still need to organize everything better, but the IKEA Hemnes dresser (more about that <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/04/accidental-redo.html">here</a>) holds a TON of stuff. Love it! The wrapping paper just sits in a big glass jar: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbWIIq_52vVvKb9AXoIebaoN0OYEwNYYZC0SCkfDEcN2D3lGtzVORhLe9x9CWNwg6OupXeHLJw1S9-AX_OwPn_peBI1_xmtQDocE4VZZ_2RFEuXiYpRMRkPx_Cws7BucMxDc25GR-IAo/s1600-h/IMG_3595%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wrapping paper storage" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTPIjJ-FgYyAYvJRKhBSOOUAaA0Wr3W5dnK692SK9pz63swnuOEt29O65mCg1keQtMhj-PCKmzw6zDajmf2H3Xk4FZxKwpvwizexBpiQgeDH1y6lhOEu4Z-ZUBcqxhiswwGBFwnaU_EE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wrapping paper storage" width="331" /></a> My leftover wallpaper that I use for crafty stuff is rolled up in there too. I was so thrilled to finally have everything set up, I worked on a little crafty somethin’ for the room: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXSj0s7DbDg50ZZu3mWtokxU32HfDoo6cc8j3Isdpp_YAHcELOY_6bvUIJASbwNr32Wf2n6XCZ38h3w-uH-CfPUmoFKJT0PynQabMs8vTpBCO7zQgd1WvXHEgXB-3wPVJBubmBGTn6Qo/s1600-h/photo3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA4CxE4vpsciF420hcj4VYDeeMD7VYBPfXXV_Z_XKvWhgrttlYooIApKL3L2xWHnGaADZKBWoq6Q6twzUgxM3eXqqgptiVNNrkm_PvzyWXx1J_QfVZD14PUntjcI5HrteV0g2WomNzI8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="400" /></a> I got the letters at Joann’s months ago (when this process started…I take awhile), and I mixed it up by getting different fonts/types. These were each $3 or $4, but I got them on sale – it seems like they are half off all the time. I grabbed some cute blue and green scrapbook paper to cover the letters – you just spray the paper and letter with spray adhesive, then press it on: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaG2vMoWCfG0-zWMC9eRA0U4z0T6mALs8Zn8veF9vQtkmaJkoIBeqyCGfMk33uhGyj_KTKRvUXMDx9eEWKzmsAI0N707e60h120H69oA_zE_j4NUInZRcbA8kBf83nRhRd7TNVQFlSn4/s1600-h/photo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKndVtYOlWDxhOIT7MB3JILdsOjUzQwRX9ufou4S5dxVpc7xWPLqiiOgDIEMwy4W1fvSFaIVa8h0mJhEPFUT7aUii6dxp3bAEYCy2vmUnKXUqmuSrXb5GGMxqlOj-h59-F0bDLcVqhiLg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="360" /></a> Then use an X-acto knife to cut the paper off around the edges: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouvkHno3pHtk4XcGJ5s4zwzzX2qrImrRr3sRctVLN3gQVM5ZIzhRXF-MWSvk1ikhZmgtVtkhyphenhyphenTWvU9eb5APBHQx5nMcDXobDfRUrnaDmeVcvbhuFxCLa5Jyjlj4gfNi6eeNOWPZnYLw8/s1600-h/photo2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbY2SbQU92Y4kq8erK_OoDcOVN0RRuQEPc2QZOrLergEFo5eKPkP7U4lB_Gu1oVvbbzjcZz83i_WKrTXkJ9XFvC9L_9Xz9-w5ydNTFJScuxBn6u8wcZhNX3rPJto0mCpPVroZrccKW7o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="360" /></a> Afterwards you may have some rough edges – I just sand them down with a sanding block: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTySmSI5Olnoi7kr4hi_JYOKYjOjbg2g-QMu8DMr2fAVV-vo72wj8Ry0HuQoO1vSfILJihU_gl0Dd_k_JDXPBfXFzAv0FRJFr1adAyU9ADFQr2M7iI9AoVhMMgqr33x_jiLrbL0drB88/s1600-h/photo4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRm9IeatRM5STr2COE9msnDlLLQCGLGqBIcQdYToNEawgDeNKPtPzAwwg-MgBuZzATdjAuNuGp80apENfs-cVBPAr4pNLpAbvbybi3dXfNlLtuHEEdhHxS4thcVb4eoNuw_aHuuc4JPk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="280" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmPgYg608p3tUdoMU19LX57EEnBGfjesDnKlMcWzvpJXPINtuUawGugrgAPlC_HqhSPy0k4dn20ClLNgqUFXk2Kkb2PzLXDJDMCDoImLYbh1L3dekNSWFlexanyqfvaUKtnriEhIBLAM/s1600-h/photo5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U03GEexMzbOGgA5h6-vz_DzbPuV4Ij3Q3-L59u2-pzgtNNefxN8Mtcvy8_Q13cpa3F3aD_5BkPFg7H7p8LF7zp4hZXsYdLDhrYKEz3JEj5E-oP1RZCthZLaI8VbTwI8te2MsNcZ-2zM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="280" /></a>    I wait till after the paper is on to paint the sides of the letters (if needed), because if I mess up or tear the paper I can just fill it in with the paint color. I hung them up over the window (where the “Play” letters used to be): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g9SwOlkgC4NSGZEhyP-_r4DKsdvUVYh9Pl4JyO6DIGkanG82Z0KGUiLVO2NQtgOv-JhDNufqTLxhUd6ivubnwbhBXNwb95Qv4K_rMe9KoOqOYs5kwyOu-prUVyL5zzbJElaIHtpOvh4/s1600-h/IMG_3581%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJOmRcYlaQF20oIx7KC1qEgJjkU5OMVfDLV20mjOwA2-iVu95h_3EZWmco3r8ihD5ttlnzLHdhW6kBDTsetNVRTKmO-O_WqzsKNMh8X08QAnuksMF-YWpejq7G_jc4srNbmsQqCxihjA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="450" /></a> I went back and forth on which way that “A” should go – I still don’t know if that’s the right way, but I like it. ;) The other direction looked wonky. I have BIG plans for that window wall, as I’ve mentioned before: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjducH4ElJm_7zB4UDV17XyvnHQIxHkjqaHwqsjT_4CQnMo0aaAX5D55Oj1AIsPf6K8YVeGqc3H9UO81QkZ0rP-HL9jfFKrqfxNzFgJj_uxfznbGrNb3f3i2qJgdLfvwgg1VKrfampWW7I/s1600-h/IMG_3601%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyx-t8eSUDmCxxMKw6LxEiTI6q8n-Emrk7JvGCOtfNmwSvz75qqwd87BX_1NbaNtz159VSMnovxUH9rP-7Qr1HpPzdJGwjjVdkRo8iEmTGeIdr9PKsQ50Q4NoHt3mKc_drpafCvne6FE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="450" /></a> A little something like this would be perfect,  yes?:  <img alt="built ins around window" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/1266706114879765_of3BdmGF_c.jpg" title="built ins around window" /> (<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/bedroom/start=16">source</a>) My plan is to make it similar to the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/library-bookcases-done-boom.html">built ins downstairs</a>, but this one WILL have a window seat. It’s begging for it! :) Oh my goodness, I can’t wait! It’s going to be a little more difficult this time since the space on either side of the window isn’t equal. I think I have a plan of action now though. But until then, it’s still an awesome, bright space with tons of storage – perfect for crafting!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EnNPNnfTxZBuhrY4jwARNWyxdZcAGIx087CNeQBaHampv4lA0suJr6TJ27joBsq6odWjUshOsDOA-CtLFOfXkUtKz7iRNRULIjlH7k2PUhZWmFzzWcvhtNKkbkJ2HfbWQtMJMH7PXPU/s1600-h/IMG_3616%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue green craft room" border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2LktL6ToPWKtCinbXzpLsGj-hD4mUky6P12pLtrQPCezeDqaNs0hTvCbOhNfRYmuclDRiT1ZnQIItauVZxKF-CVn4Urq6bpZ_DSfkI90o5bEXU_XDK2JhnGJIpaa84lMDeaaZrP0osM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blue green craft room" width="450" /></a> I can’t wait to get started on holiday crafts up here! I love to see how this room has changed over the years! Here it is a few years ago: <img alt="" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJV-qb1TMUj1F9bX-Xkrh6brEc2Pa74LWc5dTiUslxehmP4WmIkvDAomhlFzWDoaGdyjTrioy79AOZzheaSNUMovhnqfAei6rDwYjKG5ZVloUcULo5xmdmhyphenhyphenfryVepaifQ87CDbTD8M/?imgmax=800" title="" width="450" /> I can’t believe how much I crammed into that space! And after the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/pink-walls-begone.html">paint job</a>, moving the toys out and most of the furniture: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_YnvxBQkt2JIpMfJq3SnSuT-Ep2rqv6Jw1gS9NcGsUEGv95a0C_OhulUzTg9lpHoemL2NKfDRTbiejvIVf99LV5z-WbP9PXezLbqjrqjJ3wY2v6gPHlEDpyJhZlNNn3Ei4tDQVLEwbc/s1600-h/IMG_3612%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue green craft room" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OM6c2R95FDIetV2JO5b74mYJViP0rWqqkplpyUnZNPI1GPdYVC_xOACbYa4awqeNwwKKDARPQDl2TXrwpFy1whasJ5dA8iwD4M9eEms2xhLpH_Z8VFGjr9Ki3NB5dvu9Zyf33Oaa83g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blue green craft room" width="550" /></a> And yes, I still plan on doing the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/04/gallery-wall-to-be.html">huge gallery wall</a> on that big space above the molding. It’s been on my list…for a couple years. ;) Do you have a spot where you sew/craft? (If you do sew/craft.) I’ve been lucky to always have an area in the house, but it’s funny how we usually end up at the kitchen table. I think now that we have this sunny spot set up we’ll use it much more than before!

My “new” craft room

Hello there! How the heck are ya? I’ve gotten so little done this week because I’ve been focused on the little visitors I told you about ear...

10:54 AM

How to make a bench (and other stuff)

Well hello! OK – I’m finally back with the down low on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/05/closet-turned-book-nook.html">book nook</a> closet. Sorry it took me awhile, but I wanted to make sure I got to all the details and plenty of pictures! First of all – I was totally flying by the seat of my pants throughout this whole thing. If something didn’t work quite right I just figured out a way to fix it. It’s SO not perfect. And secondly, and probably most important…I have to send out a big BOOYAH to my Stink Eye Sis. Remember when we <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/garage-decrapification-again.html">cleaned out the garage</a> and she kept yelling at me every time I wanted to keep a piece of scrap wood? How she even spray painted the ones in the trash can so I couldn’t pull them out again? Well…this WHOLE bench was made with scrap wood only – so I’m doing the BOOYAH dance. Serving up a slice of BOOYAH. Would you like a sip of BOOYAH with that? Excuse me, I’m back. Anyway, I was really excited.  :) I started with the base, and this part was all scrap mdf from <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/08/staircase-is-done-again.html">this staircase project</a>. I’ll show you pics and then explain: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwUI5cXOuWPPucc4KhCBcEnZvxs2IfQxXZN4j53gs23P2CDqCuJGiYdLLBM9Y8hSgejuYlTDqJ_GBsGncJkRJ0nTFfX4ydsIDPevcIVEmrLzfnZxVHVqJQxzAdTpWOtCN9BhaIZTQS0o/s1600-h/Base%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="Base" border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz9PwYFckifCckOsf_XtwIJhSDYHDiCK5Hs1LeLnPHMVBnQMlwqPLX7oGcIeN45SkJFZh-KTxVRaxQl_YgQYgVcerC6t1TD9UruckEr229WUwRzGDaVtaWo2zkvGi9GwpPhaaMeep6tQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Base" width="575" /></a> I did my measurements and laid everything out to make sure it would work. Then I started securing everything to the walls with long screws. I did not take the baseboards off. Our baseboards are practically soldered onto our walls, so they stayed. And they gave me a good strong base to secure the mdf to. I added the center support and screwed in in from the front (it split the mdf a bit, which is OK.) On the back part I just screwed it in from an angle. Then I covered it with slats of scrap mdf: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiWqZ_KksOribNopfP7JMdL9v10LBmmgvpQtIUTDnNO6J89tIQsD3teJdEEArPz4sYX5WakXlDvmiDDxEHih4u0hnHrlOII_L20t4-Kvryle9xYHe-77Lr0IvD2nb9pNF9jH3KFmmtM8/s1600-h/base%20top%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="how to build a bench in closet" border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE9KIdBHXSjy9U1UiOq33QW5aaw9IDtb7MsNqo3z3_YE1iy-TgZOEQxXbwIg5npRnMjyRu9OTiJi4tJb3G7dXMVkI5FnX6WE9NDBn_O-vYrVf0tMt0MmARRfuqmyWmxXZhssHxSvQvi0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to build a bench in closet" width="550" /></a> I used a bead of wood glue first, then my nail gun to secure it along the frame. You can see that I didn’t use one big piece of mdf – I was trying to use what I had, so I just cut them to the right length and made them work. Then it was on to the bench! I used more scrap mdf for this one too: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOpbMVdn-E6D6uYUGX35i-CSpPIY5e5O8sTNNuSOSHxA-bnztJvgU8TRz4nYxazSMWdRow8hkLqGehq-xg6D-ChunzXtyZPY0KFInWJ0HXWZ_ZT-ejDZ3hetNTHuTV60lO9VeDTJ5O30/s1600-h/Bench%20seat%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="how to build a bench seat" border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34u1SP8Dta1rxi5TeYQ4-BKT88NoHxMr6vIN_UUOBiYdZ1-Q5mX2I4D9_mwUwuvwbJ5-W_nIAYxkk8T80h9IJ1RLuSqztz0SCH7R-kbNFR49S8ejK5TErsScaPhoMVfvDEfLvXvbZ1AE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to build a bench seat" width="550" /></a> I did this one very similar to the bottom base. The main difference was finding the studs – as many as possible! And our closet only had three – one on each wall. I was a bit concerned that three wouldn’t hold up my booty, so I added screws in the corners (where I knew the closet was framed) to get some more support. I held up the center braces with brackets I had in my stash. Then I took wood from our old <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/04/make-sofa-table-for-under-20-for-real.html">DIY sofa table</a> (I took it down a while ago) to make the seat. I installed them in that direction (coming out from the back of the closet) because five of those boards just happened to fit perfect that way. If you don’t have scrap wood for a project like this, just have a piece of wood or plywood cut to the exact size of your bench. (Hardware stores will do this for you!) Because I installed the wood that direction, and I was working around the door frame inside the closet, the wood didn’t match up just right at the front. I used a piece of scrap wood from our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/11/tour-of-pot-tay.html">powder room</a> across the front: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFYnaPBog9eUaswsuoOV1EyHat3x-2uBcEqtkqkz0ff4z5cxbdakZ7Qif6UlpSOabPJsxsW5LC1szIhhU68H-5ymOwyNhX5IBYAwIUU6S_l8LHU4qOaU6i9GYkQbOMfeQ9mbrlc5qgQk/s1600-h/Covering%20issues%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="closet bench" border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNchHmdGfuD5KnzX5hmBolnbRYq98PWqh4k1EeHg7LEj_BVqSX1NWTHdqPx81lE_43Tynj_rAx3odmIsLJGHjR16ghxG_bK6eIoUgy3Lp6JRpZoGf1UdLPNGsrQBAQJGtgPt828eB40Fg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="closet bench" width="550" /></a> But there were still gaps. I thought I could cover that with the seat cushion, so I just cut the foam with a little bump out so it would cover all the gaps. I made the cushion like I make headboards, like I showed you <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-make-headboard-for-big-boy-room.html">here</a>. I even used scrap foam (I scored a big roll at Goodwill a couple of years ago) for the seat cushion! BOOYAH. ;) Because I didn’t have a ton of studs to work with, I was a bit nervous about the stability of the bench. I sat on it over and over and it was fine, but wanted to add a little somethin’ to make it even more sturdy. Dad suggested a couple more supports against the door frame: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-KkdTZqTWot4bIzd9MIqsrcsy0QaT2LckhtBhz4Z4Imj63f6xJDEAX26w4dTwf0R9iXzLCBFXkMMC3k3AvoXGgmixIDD3IP4mqjtNBHNygl_vifkHTFvH8P5hbWac_nLNt4XJ5LLVjY/s1600-h/Support%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="support for bench" border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16XN8N-BQMwT8U-cLhqLNdYRT4m8D7088NSIY15vlxCSs2lmqnoPXuoZ0ZZ_qFqUhlqUOM9IJUzToH-Y0ksgyrBwN6koi-Sx-M_ZcQGfqF6GUFwvfeP0cNLumbtVqntMZoYgD48fdb9A/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="support for bench" width="500" /></a> And it did the trick! I have no doubt this will hold up to many sits for many years. :) (And no, I didn’t fill the holes under there.) The bench was DONE – so it was onto the shelves. I used a 1” x 2” piece of wood to build a bracket: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMBqQ6ykEmY2yAu6haclj0fgfiz2EJ5CQhUsj721xQClQZUUw_ivYAcPM49FaBuMdpnDawTWWxnkOQv1TW9lgDvIjc6c8yVqj9-ka6zEOEq5XjSUPLZ_2lGw9Qs7M6cz8X1z2dbEmyAg/s1600-h/shelves%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DIY book shelves" border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_VNDNQQ-t4WURtzPv7t3VISNhOuFA4RQ5LH68jXHpVKEjXfc-cELTOAfn0EbLgYC1fJca82lcOf6LzuvfgpPz6DcXtL7tXtcNyc0Td_QQR3sCY2d6RMCsFh9PvNo7cmLSmSzm_xwH-8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY book shelves" width="550" /></a> Then I used more scrap wood from the sofa table (hence the brown!) and nailed it into the “bracket.” I finished it off with a piece of mdf on the front, and then just painted it underneath so it melted in with the wall. **If I was really good (and patient) I would have covered the bottom with another piece of wood…but I’m not. :) There’s a few issues I hit as I went through the process, and I figured them out along the way. The first was covering where the hinges and the strike on the door frame were. I got a couple of pieces of the thin lattice boards (like I used for the Bub’s <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-install-board-and-batten.html">“board and batten”</a>) and nailed them over the frame: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjU3YuskQqXXWpzTQui94dMulyxo36ajy88uXGf1afiaad_hPlPV9wDHkuLBEtRYPsM898u7EJtF1N9SUKlc8IOSO6a5lEa2OLpc2ROlz0_PisajPBTNfiUT8lK3l6PaqPfy7f19QM38/s1600-h/frame%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="frame" border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NnJ76rRY62UaimAk753X003txr7qWkRUGyEL-cxyEwkcET6F4GxflEylyMsiscp7N30uGeVhya800jSNc-cNpaE00QQTHqvBH3n3GfqQPRbGoFNwB74JuKAAlUftqpm399yEh7niIKA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="frame" width="550" /></a> The top piece was another scrap, so it’s a tiny bit thicker. I caulked the hinge part (picture on the left) and still need to do that a bit more up in the corners. My cushion idea (cutting the foam to hang over a bit) worked pretty well, but then my (not good) cutting job on the foam was showing through and it was driving me crayyyyzay. (It was ragged and you could tell.) I found more scrap wood, cut it to the exact right size, and then wedged it into the door frame right in front of the cushion: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FBsyM6WuNUjzrWRSozvhToNkRZzCoLM5wgjLr0wEkU3Qnrpym_wtDX_CzCNcXo6fWhmAQv1elUFpzdo89OcYwYgq_fK9lw9QfIfsp8vYvMVbjFuAh-OjFmw7t4jpPAs4SwABTqsie3U/s1600-h/bench%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="pirate pillows" border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VqmOxebUC9EKysJSrr_-zQYEIZsf0awH-Kzhn6Ps9d3TYcd4PbRoG_IYMWF9Yeb62ic5roGki6cQnoGnffp1jLt95z2DsGAtj8_weFr5jjtCqP6Vpd1X5dsiEGOdF-vw3defQ4CmM_Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pirate pillows" width="550" /></a> I didn’t even nail it in. It stays put! Usually I miter the corners of the mdf at 45 degree angles, but this time I just butt them up against each other and it worked great!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SIGVr-APfaxkxLeZDKLuCL0Nxne-VRhXnpXx_8ypuObnDj8L3SBY9cc-P6h2hbTEleTGwJHf-P3-d54p7kWtAI6cArx3B_H916l3EPvE2h2d4nO695edUtg-Clb7xNK0LkFS_8c7OEE/s1600-h/IMG_4564%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sq32Ou9rCfRMchWgOH_IVL_XnlosBttK3QD3L1ZehoQQTK3yBItGy_3NUP-hAN_JtxRkm3lc0Yx8pKJu0cm6gZBS_PhC0EBGPGxhRmJ49Y1N3AfBWEactBpj7gpw5LHva2l3jUkYryI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a> You can see how they meet up from underneath: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA08NlOkVTd708LgTvgMCRbUVgajyj2FQOA6gfiDUABzSzm3VoiH3gnoe7YGmWHdQrVPmQPkZ7skQ3wpIbxItFcTb5-FfvBarisTw5RIzJn_UT69pQepmffltAEL6EdDF1OER7a9lvuVg/s1600-h/IMG_4572%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKK34R3_jt9_Dy9yp4XOPMpWPm3MpMB6NR4-q0NTuNZynflM67hRBMOVYJrYAm_VzYDdsS1VQXulcFKe14VM_XbmRo9AfEAICctI2pGlEXgBLbCe0b_XrQWZxKah82nzkRFhAoxnopM4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="400" /></a> I still need to caulk a few spots, but this gives you an idea. I didn’t continue the mdf around the back of the bookshelves: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuclzjd3wKtkjUswynhMilSljcNQ48ZhP5YaUyNmRFAeE5YAZE_ClJaLzsDqfGnQ-c7VLs0WAXUwGsLOlUAHvnYyTuIfACvNjL0MTWRx0-Sy8UNyk91Q0FZCkTjujgqbTFH0UYjM2tWQ/s1600-h/IMG_4571%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdyDS8m6Qo6v268g0_LYytNXjAvggISq_mGxxaOjFPFu6utNXs9Zf1iT_46hJo2ry285LMk7Win9-6KS_n2-K67CrE6WPiIZA9tKUS1hlTHOQxmH75Ue_5aKBuDcEWTxJNtl3Wv64lTs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="400" /></a> I knew it would take up valuable book space. And you can’t see back there with the books anyway. :) Now…for the goodies – the sources for the cute stuff! The light was from Menards for $12, but I was at Lowe’s today and found this cutie for about $18: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfF5ANDyjN61H8qPN4YTROKUlv81PKswbyT594qugTIa4Fz4VcOW413MFOAJC9CaNmTPiswbVcz0s8XdTl-NOmTKTUWl08aHX5xQtweSLd0CC1eJCZn_nS4vyLOi2bM00MmNiIP_7sAM/s1600-h/image%5B7%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UXxYhIv4HHiydzaxv3-cWY3UYCO9LGNjPzcOOiDoec0AQCI7NYooDc1lMdcL9m5K7engcfW8fgQyggPXX9YtsynDE6Jm9wfnmeAnd1VkVFqfR55xUUHiVP3v78Or7Yag6z-sF8herYc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="359" /></a> The basket was from TJ Maxx (already had it) and the “book” label was a cheap chalkboard from Joann’s that’s been in the basement: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitev9xcrSj25Tgok6G8Kg9eezqGB3LLT220onJlFRtNi4jA_eK5kgJfqXV-FFkA_knjGj1JQrrS7UsKBuG-ACf4q75q2CXEyDdutqA6kfTLqdL1aMP_Fk9yzdOxIsjOLk0KMYEDPISS3A/s1600-h/IMG_4576%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_CId8KYcntviBcx5jfTyqOp5bUEmx1peBHA7wgANvXSk7U8XQTiK7s4P3eCv3xT_cenKa1WkNq7leO5SJUS-5b4q4zGCR3lE3LkfBbxK69jCyOqoHZU0dyh9aGR_yyG4ySh6RMv5m7I/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="400" /></a> The “NOOK” letters are cardboard, also from Joann’s, and spray painted in Pistachio spray paint (from Valspar I believe?) The fabric is from Joann’s as well – I only need a bit so it was less than $10! Oh, and the cutie pirate pillows were a HomeGoods find a few weeks ago, $10 each. I love how all of the colors came together!! Throw all that together, and you get the cutest book nook I ever did see: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-JYioctWRb_sOlc0K_aRyVXfytJrdp2kxg-3noBM_SyJLWB_sUGmiYSAaxYM5v1O5fzbeVpFVEA9r-N8V2QbzBWNVZW3-Miz4d8hW2fKnWCFEqTYksB0fce2NeGtHaXSbwtCsIAS5MA/s1600-h/IMG_4282%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="book nook " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vlvbng6A8ZqsGzSnf7FqiHCqdB_A6sBpzqFIQGKUMZ5fPl2BRvwqKwwWXk2l55UcgU90lNXjd4dH8NK4Tf4YfLKG6i4yBPNfxKJ8FCNbKUpyo2KHUD0hd6bor4ha8g1GP-3b-3DLDn4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="book nook " width="500" /></a> Whew!! :) I am playing with the idea of a drape off to the side – hubby thinks it would be so cool. (For the Bub, of course.) I hope that helps! It was NOT hard! I promise you. It just took time and patience. I’ve never built anything on my own, and this went so well for me. And I had a blast doing it! If you have any additional questions, please let me know and I’ll answer them in the comments! Thanks again for all the love on this project!

How to make a bench (and other stuff)

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How to make a bench (and other stuff)

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