Giving you a reason to hang it up.....

Check out this awesome little hang out up spot ...
You know we all could use one of those neat corners, 
if anything at least we would never have to search for our key's again because they finally have a place where they belong...

Of course as far as I'm concerned with all of our cool DIY projects there are no rules as far as what colors or theme's you prefer this or any project to be .... 
Our general rule of thumb is "whatever floats your boat" 
However just to give you some ideas I figured why not list a few really unique fabrics and hooks that I found on Etsy and I think would work really well with this project....

Fabric - Landmarks in Europe on Linen (Etsy)

Fabric - Vintage Paris Cotton Blend (Etsy)

Toile Fabric Antique Landmarks (Etsy)

Antique Pink Paris (Etsy)

Toile Fabric Blue European Landmarks (Etsy)

***

While searching up and down the "Etsy coast"...

I also happened to come across some really cool hooks 

that would work perfect with our little project...

So what do you think...

You ready to rock n' roll with this awesome project???

If so then here is everything you will need:

- Three (3) Natural Wood Particle Board (12" x 4' - Lowes/Home Depot)
- Decorative Fabric preferable with a Theme of your choice (1.5 yards)
- Solid Fabric (1/2 yard - preferable matching the background of your other fabric)
- Printable Iron on Fabric sheeting (JoAnn's or Michaels)
- Batting
- Three (3) Decorative Hooks
- Scissors
- Screws & Screw Driver
- Staple Gun
- Iron
***

This is how you do it:

• From your decorative fabric cut out one of your most favorite scene or building 
• Take it to your closet Kinko's/Copy shop and ask them to copy the design of the small fabric piece onto the larger printable fabric sheet (8" x 11")
• Now take one of the wooden particle boards and cover it with a thin layer of  batting material
• Next take your decorative fabric and place it on top of the board (&batting) 
• Fold the fabric neatly over the edges of the board and staple it in the back When pulling the fabric over the edges make sure you keep the design straight and without wrinkles...
• Repeat the same process with the second wooden board...
• Take the third board and cover it the same way as the first two except this time use the solid fabric
• Next take your previously printed iron on fabric sheet and place it close to the bottom center of the board - then take your pre-heated Iron and carefully go over the sheet several times until it completely sticks to the solid fabric 
• Finally screw the decorative hooks into the board (center/top) 
• Now find a good spot in your house for this awesome creation...

          Voila... all done
Happy hanging....

How about some "Switchboart Art"

With school back in session ... the kids are finally out of your hair for a few hours ...
I thought why not take that little extra time and create another one of your own famous wall art....

Of course you know as always it will be easy on your wallet and who doesn't like that, right! 

Ok let's see, how about some sleek 

"Switchboard" Art  

This clean and contemporary art piece will coordinate very well with your sleek home office or any other room for that matter. The savvy style comes from screw less wall plates with black, white, and silver finishes. 


Now, in order to get started you will need to go shopping first and get all your supplies.

Here is your shopping list:

• 1 sheet of plywood (20" x 24" - you may have to get that cut to size)
• Spray primer 
• Paint  (your choice)
  
• 6 White wall plates (without holes)
• 5 Black wall plates
• 6 Silver wall plates 
• Glue (i.e.Gorilla Glue)
• Self-leveling picture hangers 

NOW...
    You are ready to get started..

•  First you need to sand the plywood piece and it wipe clean.

• Next apply spray primer and your paint. 
  You can either paint the plywood the same color as your wall or you can choose any of your favorite colors it is all up to you.
  Either way you have to make sure you allow each coat to dry.

• Then place the wall plates at right angles on the plywood piece - alternating colors any way you like. Glue the plates to the plywood and once again make sure you allow the glue to dry completely

• Finally it is time to hang your new wall art by using the self leveling picture hangers ....

Voila -> all done ....

Was that easy or what :)

Lowes creative ideas

** Starlight ** Starbright ** ...

I am all about soft lighting, candles and whatever else can make a room cozy and comfortable. 

While looking for ideas I stumbled across this really neat one which actually can be displayed not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year. 

I believe anyone can put this together in no time, even for a "DIY Newcomer" I estimate that this gorgeous piece of art-lighting will not take more then two hours tops.

As usual you will have to visit your local art's & craft store to get your supplies, which are...

• One medium or large canvas (seen for around $10.00 on ebay) 
• 100 Mini lights, white
  
• One small can of latex paint (color shown - pale pink, but of course you can choose any color you like matching the decor in your room)   
• Craft clue

Here is how you do it: 

• First paint your canvas with your latex paint (let it dry)
  
• Next plot out your design, either as it is shown in the picture above or let your creative brain run wild with your own design (i.e. Holiday message etc) 
• If you choose to go with the design above pencil the dots on the back, remember to keep them about a half-inch apart. 
• Take an awl or another pointy tool and gently press through each dot to make a hole slightly smaller then the light bulbs. 
• Press one bulb into each hole and secure each one with your craft clue

 *** Voila - all done *** 
:-)

Beautiful Wall Art for less.... a lot less :-)

 I believe that pictures and art work are just as important as beautiful draperies on windows

Although I am sure many artists do deserve to be paid hundreds or thousands for their art, but I never was one nor was I able to spend a small or large fortune on these finer things.

But on the other hand I didn't want to go without art, so one has to be creative on budget!

***** 

I my eyes anything displayed in your house should be a reflection of you and your family or a reflection of all the things you love.

As for myself, well it took me a while trying to figure out what type of art I wanted to display that best reflected me and my family. 

What came to mind, ever since I've been living in this awesome country I noticed one thing about most Americans, all were so very proud of their heritage, their family history or the places they have been. 

What a perfect idea to reflect on my history and where I came from, my old home and all the beautiful places I had visited and now are so far away.

*****

OK, I figured out what type of art I was going to display, next was to to find everything needed on a low budget of course!

I personally liked the picture arrangement shown to the right. This arrangement will give me the opportunity to display all the beautiful places that I lived or I have traveled to in one area. 

My own history all in one spot, 

because pictures will speak a thousand words.....

***** 

Frames Frames Frames -where to get frames!?

Remember we are on a budget, of course we could order

them from one of the fancy on-line stores or buy them at one of the local stores, but in my opinion once it is all put together no one will care where you bought the frames!

So, why not visit the local "Dollar Store" - Yes I said it the Dollar Store! Believe it or not they have a pretty good selection of picture frames.

I found a few of wooden frames and since I preferred for my frames to be in plain black I made sure that the ones that weren't black could be painted. 

***** 

Now where to find our art work.....

Of course once again you can order them on-line and I can recommend www.art.com

They have a huge selection and very reasonable prices, at times you can find pictures for less then $2.00. 

OR

you can use our beloved internet and of course"google it" (i.e. Poster art/European places). If you prefer to find your art on-line it would be helpful if you are familiar with using photo shop or a similar Photo editing tool.

Once you find something you like, simply "right click" and save photo/picture to your computer. Next open it in your photo shop application to edit and re-size it (i.e. 5x7)

and last but not least print it. Preferably using thicker or aged/fancy paper.                                                            Now frame them, hang them 

and voila all done! 

*****

10 Picture frames: $10.00

Fancy print paper: $  2.00

Displaying history: * Priceless *

Not everything "Supersized" 

has to be BAD...

Especially if it is for FREE!!

I recently came across this pretty cool web site called "Block Posters"  

This site allows you to create ANY size wall posters from ANY size images 
and it is totally FREE

Now if that isn't something to smile about .....

Making these very cool Block Posters is very easy ...

All you have to do is upload any image you like (jpeg)

Then you "slice" your image into how ever many pages you would like your poster to be?
It will let you know that if you slice your image into lets say ...

     -> 6 pages that your poster will be 4 ft x 2.5 ft .... 
       -> 8 pages it will be 5' ft x 3' ft ... and so on - you get the idea :)

Once that is done you simply click continue...
    and the site will create a "PDF" file for you

Then all that's left to do is print your pages and yes you know it ...

              Get busy hanging them up....

*** 

Check out some of the sample pictures below -> 

I think they are pretty darn cool.... 

"CARS"  
Well I know a little ones that would just love this one

Or how about this one.....

You may not know who they are, 
but your Teen does ;)

May the Force be with you->

I believe a few of us know this one well 

Bella who..? Edward ..what???

                            Twilight ...what's that ...

NOW IF THAT DOESN'T MELT ANY GIRLS HEART ....

^^^^^^^^

 

WELL DO I NEED TO SAY MORE ....

ONE OF THE MOST LOVED VIDEO GAMES

->> GEARS OF WAR <<-

HAVING THIS IN "LIFE SIZE" COULD HAVE A STRANGE & CALMING EFFECT 
FOR A DIE HARD EPIC / GEARS OF WAR FAN

So what are you waiting for...

go and have some fun

with makings posters.....

*** New Year *** New Art ***

                                        

Well if you have been following my little blog thingy, you know that I am all about affordable Home Decor. Especially since not everyone can afford $500.00 + art pieces. 
So here is something I stumbled upon which I think is pretty unique and as always most importantly it will not break the bank :) 

Did you realize that a simple piece of plywood, a little paint and a couple small shelves can easily become a unexpected work of art!?

Interested? Well here is how you do it:

• Find a piece of plywood > 2"x 2" (at any Lowes or Home Depot), look for one that has an interesting pattern with contrasting light and dark wood.  
• Sand down the most interesting side by using fine-grade sandpaper 
• Next take your White water-based paint, OR any other color you prefer and add water (one part water to one part paint). 
• Then paint the lighter grain in the wood using the water/paint solution. 
• Apply multiple coats to add more contrast. 
• Let it dry... 
• Next apply two coats of Minwax Polycrylic. Let that dry as well... 
• Now cut a 1” x 3” x 6" piece of pine wood into two pieces.
• Those you will use as shelves (14" and 10") 
• Btw. If you don't have a saw you can just ask one of the friendly  Store employees, they will cut the wood for you :)
• Then from behind the plywood, take two 1.5" screws and attach the 14" shelf about 4" from the bottom and 3" from the right edge.  
• Next attach the 10" shelf about 7.5" from the bottom and extending 2.5" from the right edge. 
• Attach 2 D-Rings to the back of the artwork, place them about 2" down from the top and 2" from the side
  
  
  
  
  
  * Hang your newly created art in a desired spot *
  * Voila all done *
  
  
  

  Shopping list:

  - Plywood - 2ft x 2ft ($2.50)

  - One piece of pine wood- 1” x 3” x 6" ($2.00)

  - White Water based paint (or any other color) 

  - small can of Minwax Polycrylic

  - Four 1.5" wood screws

  - Two D-Rings
  
  Lowes creative ideas