Sunday, March 25, 2012

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

Sunday, March 18, 2012

** 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 *** 
:-)

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Ready ... Set... Pillow fight ....


Everybody loves pillows... well I do ..... the more the better :)
Here a few pillow ideas that you can very easy make yourself and have fun doing so.....
****** 

Die-Cut Felt Pattern Pillow

Re-create expensive designer looks on the cheap using unexpected items. Dress up plain cotton pillows by attaching die-cut felt place mats using fabric glue.
Pretty Butterfly Pillow 
Rather than spend a fortune on designer pillows, make this easy-sew butterfly pillow from fabric remnants or embellishments. Here, an ordinary aqua accent pillow takes flight with pretty felt cutouts.


Iron-On Transfer Pillow 
Embellish a store-bought pillow using transfer paper. (Transfer paper works best on cotton fabric.) Using your computer, design and print a letter, number, or other motif to the desired size. Scan quilt fabric and print it onto fabric transfer paper (or ask a copy shop to copy the design onto transfer paper). Trace your printed design onto the transfer paper and cut it out. Remove the pillow form, then transfer the image to the pillow following the manufacturer's instructions. Replace the pillow form

Felt Applique Pillows
Make purchased pillows look like designer originals by decorating them with felt shapes.  Cut felt into interesting designs, such as blades of grass or flowers and leaves, and then attach them with fabric glue.







Ribbon Pillow  
Turning a plain pillow into a piece of art is as simple as adding a few cents' worth of ribbon. Lay the ribbon in an interesting design, pin it in place, and then attach it with fusible web.












Place Mat Pillow
Making pillows is a snap when you use a patterned two-ply place mat as your fabric. Cut a slit through one layer of fabric along the top back of the mat and stuff with batting, leaving the top few inches empty. Fold over the top flap and secure it with a button and a ribbon tie.


Lace Pillow    Glam up inexpensive pillows with lace ribbons and trim, available by the yard at fabrics stores. Hand-stitch the lace to pillow fronts or adhere it carefully with fabrics glue.







                                           Neck Roll Towel Pillow
This neck roll pillow is simple to stitch. Fold a hand towel in half lengthwise and sew about 1 inch in from each corner. Pin a fabric circle into each end and sew in place. Finally, turn the towel right side out and insert a pillow form into the envelope like opening.







Compliment of Better Homes & Gardens