Monday, July 29, 2013

Introducing my new feature- "What's she going to do with that?"

So, I really like weird things. And I really love making things out of random things. And so, my new feature was born. A couple of times a month I will post a picture of something random that I am going craft with and a few days later I will post what I actually do. I am excited to hear what everyone thinks I am going to make!

My first project involves these guys:
To the comments!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

A bookshelf redo

I have been slowly working at getting my new room into shape and one of my most important projects so far has been to redo my bookshelves. This meant I could get my boxes of books out of my closet so I could use my closet for closet things. Luckily my parents had two bookshelves they were glad to give me. But, me being me, I could not have them look just anyway. So, I did a little bit more than a paint job.
Achieving this look is very simple, but it does take a few days.

What you need:
A bookshelf or more than one
2 shades of paint
Paint brushes and whatever personal tools you need (drop cloth, painters tape, etc.)
Cool paper (wallpaper is an option, but I already had some cool scrap book paper)
Modpodge
Scissors 
Ruler
Sandpaper 

Step 1: Paint
The first step is really basic: paint the bookshelf. When deciding which color to paint where, consider the purpose of the shelves, if it is for display mainly put the darker in the back and use the lighter as the primary color, but if it is for books, which will take up more space, use the lighter in the back because it will show up more than the dark. 
(I have lots of books)
I started with the back, but realistically you could paint either first. 

Step 2: Paper topping
This was actually not something that I planned to do, but I am happy with how it turned out. After measuring the top, I cut the my paper to 4x4 pieces (you can change the size based on your preferances) and placed them on the top and messed around with the patterns until I liked the way it looked. Then, I glued them down. 

Step 3: Kinda continuation of step 2
When I was picking out my papers I found some beautiful small designs that were stand alone that I really liked, so I cut them free and placed them randomly on the shelves and then glued them down again. 

Step 4: Sanding
Even though I liked the look of my shelves as they were I wanted a little more of a rustic look to my bookshelves. So, I used the standard antiquing technic of sanding. I strategically sanded to make the shelves a little more my aesthetic. 

See simple. Now go and update something in your house. 

Love,
SK

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

since I have been home

I have been home for two weeks now. It is so hard to wrap my head around that thought. Since, I have been home I have slept A LOT, told tons of stories, and started on some new projects.

While in Europe I found my heart and eyes drawn towards flowers and gardens. So, a few days after my return to Nashvegas my mother and I went on a trip to the nursery and she helped me pick out some easy to grow flowers. I also decided I really wanted to grow succulents. These are what my pots look like:

Mom and I also went to an epic brownie making class for her birthday. We made treats like this:
 Peanut butter cheesecake brownies. 

 And these:
carmel macchiato mini brownie cupcakes. Yep...

 And this beauty:
A white chocolate raspberry blondies. The crowd favorite.


 We have also kicked up efforts to get the house back in shape. This is an amazing new island for the kitchen that the cats are testing for sittability.

Next post: my bookshelf rehab.