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Kellen's Wall Art

One big ongoing project that I have had for the past few years is my son's bedroom. He has his own taste of decorations that is similar to mine. It is quite funny actually. He likes vintage sport, and automobile memorabilia. So basically anything vintage and "boyish".

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Kiddo Project: Refrigerator Art Display

One of my ideas for the school work was to share it with some of our family members. I personally don't like a lot of things on my fridge and art from school gets bent on the edges and curl up. So, I wanted a different, more finished solution. After searching a few different stores for the best solution, I decided that 8x10 glassless wooden frames would be the best. You can find these at stores that sell the poster type art with the faux glass on the poster (a.k.a. plastic wrap). First, Kellen and I sorted the artwork from the mess in the previous post.




Then, we made a few piles of 5 or 6 pieces of art for each person that we made these refrigerator displays for. It would be fun to decorate the wooden frames with scrapbook supplies, but we chose not to this time. Next, we glued magnets to the back so the frames could go on the fridge.

While the glue was drying, I cut the artwork into (more or less) the correct size for the frames. The finished project turned out quite nice. These little frames will give the artwork a finishing touch and the recipients can change out the 5 or 6 pieces of art that we will give them with the frame.
Read More 2 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Back to School: Taming the School Papers

Finally, the last thing on my list. It has actually been a pretty big project! The project was to tame all of the homework, artwork, and work papers that come home from school. First of all, you can see what we did last year. Kellen decorated a paper box and we put all of his papers in that. Then, half way through the year the box was full. Then, it became a mess. That is why we are here. Here is what the area looked like before...



Now, of course it is really hard for me to do something with out taking it to the extreme. So, I thought of lots of potential projects that are related to this one alone. Such as... how could we share some of these pieces of "art" with family members, how could we display some of this "art" in our own home, and what do we do with the stuff that we need to save? But, I remembered that technically all I really needed was a solution to the mess (for now).

I tried and tried to come up with a solution that was better than stashing it all under the built in secretary in the breakfast nook. For my family personally, I just couldn't think of a better solution. Plus, we were already in a habit putting all the papers there. So, I wanted to go with the same idea but a little nicer container than just a paper box. I searched thrift stores and such for a cheap basket (preferably with a lid). Stores such as Hobby Lobby have awesome baskets, but this just wasn't something I wanted to spend very much money on.

After getting very frustrated because I couldn't find ANYTHING, I had a realization that I actually have a storage situation in the secretary. So, my solution was there all along. My suggestion, for anyone else who might use this idea, would be to use a covered basket and put it by the front door, in the laundry room, under the sofa table, etc. For 1st grade, I am just going to use the drawer in the secretary to put his school papers. While I am disappointed that I didn't find what I was thrifting for, this project was technically free. You just can't beat that. The best part is, the school paper mess is very conceiled in the drawer. The moral of the story is, really look at what you have and try to use that as best as you can.

Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Back to School: Taming the Breakfast Situation

Alright, on to the next item to tame. Does anyone else have the same problem with breakfast as me in the mornings? No matter how much earlier we wake up, there is never enough time for a nice breakfast. So, we go for breakfast foods that we can grab on the go. You would think that would be easy enough, right? Wrong. These are the problems with breakfast on school days... I often find Kellen climbing on the counter to get breakfast, if he is not on the counter it takes him a very long time to decide what he actually wants for breakfast, and sometimes if there is a set back in the morning (like when all the socks in the house feel "funny" on his feet) the few extra steps into the kitchen just seems like it takes too much time... and a few times last year it was just so chaotic in the morning that we forgot breakfast altogether because nobody was hungry and nothing reminded us. (When this happens, you are automatically taken out of the running for Mom of the Year by the way.) So, this isn't a huge project. It's just something that I hope saves a lot of stress in the morning.




A decorative bucket, a cloth napkin to kind of drape on the inside, and the breakfast foods. That is all you need. I found all items in my home already. Easy peesy. You can do this too, very very easily. On the bar, by the door to the garage, on a side table on the way out of the house, whatever it takes.

Why this works: Our breakfast bucket is right on the kitchen counter on our way to the garage. It's like breakfast is finding us! Also, my monkey (Kellen) keeps his feet on the ground with this method. And finally, there are only 3 (sort of) options for breakfast in our breakfast bucket. If the selection is limited then the process of elimination is a lot easier. In our bucket we have pop tarts, granola bars, and raisins. Please note: Kellen eats something with the raisins - like a piece of bread or a boost. Here's a close up...

How is everyone coming on their lists?

Read More 2 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Back to School: Taming the Dressing Situation


So here we are, ready to tackle the first thing on my list. Have you started on yours yet? I really can't believe I am showing you the before pictures, but here they are... yes, I know... no wonder dressing is such a disaster.


As you might remember, Kellen does not have a dresser (due to space reasons). So all of his clothes that don't hang up go into that tiny bin situation in the corner. Crafts are thrown in that box on top of the "dresser".

Where am I going with this? Well, the closet is the first thing we look at in the morning and his is a PIT! So, the solution to make dressing Kellen less of a crazy task is to..
1. Organize the closet
2. Create a dressing station

Here's the outcome...


What I have found to be most efficient in organizing closets is to make a list of the main categories that EVERYTHING in the closet can fit into. Kellen's are clothes, crafts, camping gear, keepsakes, stuffed animals, and toys. Then, put things within the reach of who needs to access them. Keepsakes on top, toys on bottom, etc. I added an inexpensive hanging closet organizer for his clothes (undies, socks, white shirts, jammies, swimsuits, and shoes). There is actually a step stool under the hanging closet organizer for him to reach to the top opening. The plastic bins were transformed back to craft bins (original purpose). The green bin on top of that holds Hot Wheels. Above his hanging shirts is his camping gear and his 2 ft wooden tooth (ha!). Above his hanging pants is the keepsake box that accumulates (you guessed it) keepsakes until it's full... then it goes to the attic. The toys could be organized better, but I was doing this for cheap and an extra under the bed storage container and an extra laundry basket is what I had to work with.

On one door, I installed a "dressing station". The other door has Build a Bear birth certificates (Kellen's idea) and a calendar for him to use. For the dressing station I used a $5 Wal-Mart floor length mirror and 6 3M hooks. The mirror and hooks are attached with that awesome 3M adhesive that comes right off when the bottom is pulled. Everyone needs to check it out! I organized his hooks to obviously hold 3 hats, a shirt, pants, and book bag. The plan is... we choose his outfit the night before, then he is totally self sufficient in the mornings if he wants to be. To help him out with color coordinating and finding clothes easier, I also organized his clothes like the colors of the rainbow. (You should meet ROY G. BIV if you haven't already... look him up.)

If you'd like me to come to your house and help you with a closet makeover, just let me know! I'll be there in a flash! I would LOOOVE to do a little girls closet just like this...

How are everyone's solutions coming along? Let us know about it in the comments section!

Read More 3 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Back to School: Taming the Crazies!

Yes. I know. It's that time. Back to school. Let the chaos begin! You know, sometimes chaos is fun. But sometimes chaos gets old. I don't want the same type of chaos as last year - so I made a list of the major things that caused disorganization and craziness. I am inviting all of my readers out there to make the same type of list. It's OK. No one is watching... grab a pen and paper and get to work. then, discuss it with anyone involved in the craziness... Mom, Dad, kids, Grandma - whoever! Then, everyone agrees on a plan of attack (a.k.a. the solution). Finally, we are going to concur some of these crazy things to make room for the new chaos (that we know will come). Carrie, Kami, Heather, and Barry - this for sure means you! Or maybe you don't have kids but you had a case of the crazies last year with your own schedule - you do the same. Jenna, Courtney, Kelly, and you others out there... this is you. We also have some experienced crazy tamers out there to comment on our crazies and maybe offer a solution. Leslee and Glenda this is you. If you are a reader but not a follower, you do it too! Here's my list so no one feels shy...
My Crazy List
  • Dressing Kellen in the morning
  • Feeding Kellen in the morning
  • Wrangling school papers in the house

Please, share your lists and then discuss with your family to come up with a solution! Just add your list to the comments section of this post.

Read More 9 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Make Over: Kelly's Dresser

Kelly, my friend over at Bland Meets Glam, had an awesome dresser make over that I had to share!
She found this dresser on craigslist and decided to redo it. She painted it white and replaced (and repositioned) the hardware. For the full story, please visit her blog.


What a difference it makes! She achieved a clean, modern, sophisticated look for a fraction of the price of a new piece of furniture!
Rule of Three:
Kelly is leaving open the possibility of someday using this piece for a changing table or a buffet in a dining room. For now though, she'll use it as a dresser in her master bedroom. Now that's what I like to call a big bang for your buck!
If you have any furniture make overs, send them to me and I will share them!
Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Make Over: Jenna's Table

Last weekend I made an "emergency" trip to Kansas (a five hour drive) to do a little de-cluttering. My sister needed to make space for some more things. So...this was one thing in her guest bedroom that needed out. A table and three chairs. She got them for FREE!


She got this set from a friend that is sorta family. The set was actually already made over with black paint and green cushions. I'm sure it was a great make over compared to it's original state. But, like with all frequently used furniture... it could use a facelift once again.





My sister decided a patio dining table would be the perfect new function for this table and chairs.





"Wow", is all I have to say! I thought she chose a great brown (exterior) paint and the yellow outdoor fabric seat covers make her chairs dressed to kill! The fabric was a steal at only $8.00 for the three chairs, plus plenty more for a table runner or even place mats. I love how she decided to take something old and make it modern and clean on the cheap! You just can't ask for more!



Jenna is ultimately going to make lumbar pillows (half the height of this pillow) out of this fabric for each chair. She already made two pillows like the one in the picture and uses them on her patio chairs. I think it all ties in quite nicely, don't you think?

She loves it so much she was using it for entertaining the very next day!

Check back for pictures of her complete patio make over!

Read More 4 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Freebie: "I Can Go Anywhere" Bench

I picked up this bench (along with it's table) on big trash pick up day from my nieghbor. I had big plans to use it in my front yard area - but it was too big and needed too much work. I had to put the table back out for trash - but I was not letting go of the bench!


This is what the bench looked like when I found it. Pretty sad, don't you think? Well it really only took a good power wash and a left over can of black spray paint to bring this baby back from the dumps (literally).

My favorite thing about it (and main reason for me keeping it) is that it will go so many places.

Just because you know I have to apply the Rule of Three... here goes...

How about a stylish bench in the laundry room?



Or, for extra seating on the back patio?



Maybe, it will just take up space in the catipillar room (more on that in a different post).



What about a primitive looking coffee table?



Honestly, the possibilities are endless. It's so light it could go anywhere. In an entry way with coat hooks above it... in a child's room with books and pillows... as a seat in the middle of a big walk in closet (my mom actually has a closet perfect for this)...or as extra seating anywhere inside or outside of the house...

Why not let it have a turn in all of these place?
What do you think? What would you do with the bench?
Read More 3 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Rule of Three:

I bet you are on the edge of your seat with anticipation of which Rule of Three I am blogging about. There are so many... will it be about medicine, writing, theater, aviation, survival skills?... maybe about Mathmatics, economics or probability?... (I am an accountant you know)... or maybe about computer programming?...(I also have a degree in that) All of these things have their own Rule of Three. And I am going to talk about... None of them! I made my own!

Back in the day when I had A VERY STRICT BUDGET, but was still trying to furnish my home, I created what I call my Rule of Three. Basically, if I wanted something I need to ask myself this question, "Can it be used in three places" or "Can it be used three different ways". If I couldn't think of three places or uses, I would sadly walk away. But ultimately, I began loving my rule. The main reason is because if you start applying this rule, it is so easy to re-arrange and mix things up (what I call "shopping" in my own home) to create a fresh look (as opposed to buying something new). I would estimate that at least 70% of my decor and some furniture follows this rule. Even if you aren't into saving money, this rule will also help keep the clutter down.
This is one example of an item (or set rather) that I could easily justify three uses for. I know it's confusing that my example is a set of three... but it has nothing to do with the Rule of Three.

In the dining area with faux fruit.
On the kitchen counter with candy or cookies!
In the bathroom holding q-tips, cotton balls, and tissues.
Sometimes you can look a little deeper and get a little more creative...
How about a sleek tablescape made with the canisters only.
A cake plate made with one base and a charger.
And even a luxurious looking finial with one base and one top only.
Now, I'd say that was a good purchase. No buyer's remorse after that one!
Take a look around and look at the things you already own. Please share any things that you found that you can use the Rule Three on for a fresh look!
Read More 2 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Kellen's Bedroom Reveal

It's finally time to see whats been going on in Kellen's bedroom for the past few weeks. After unstacking the bunk beds, painting the walls, creating a "nook" with the window seat, and re-arranging the decor... it's finally done! It was worth the mess and chaos though!

With the beds side by side, there is absolutely no room in his bedroom. But, it was his choice and he didn't mind giving up play room for unstacked bunk beds. As you probably noticed we had to give up the dresser and move his clothes to plastic drawers in his closet. Kellen also collects a lot of things related to vintage transportation, and vintage sports/games. Finding display space and also storage space was quite a challenge.


The sock monkey (made by my cousin Brenna), vintage baseballs (bag of balls for $2.50) a glove ($7 at a second hand store in Hugoton, KS), an old airplane, an old suitcase ($10 at the same second hand store in Hugoton, KS), and vintage looking auto and airplane memoribilla are his most favorite finds in the room.

The newest addition to his collection, a construction light that belonged to my great-uncle, along with old tennis rackets found at a thrift shop for $1 each, and other vintage looking pieces are the beginning of a wall collage that we will add to as we find more "treasures".

The trunk between the beds was actually found a year ago at Goodwill for $5. Kellen spotted it and thought it would be awesome in his bedroom. To me, it just looked like it would take up too much space. Now, it doubles as a nightstand and a toy box. The lamp was a $12 Marshalls find and Kellen found the railroad crossing sign (free) when we were exploring my step-dad's ranch (don't worry, no vandilism was required). And, two years later, the pictures that Kellen made are still perfect for above each bed.

Speaking of the bed, the beds are actually bunk beds (unstacked) that I got a killer deal on. The comforters are white duvets and the sheets are Tommy Hillfiger. The shams are actually from Kellen's old Tommy Hillfiger set. I love having a white comforter in a kids bedroom (if it can stay clean of course) and switching the sheets to create a different look. Tommy Hillfiger makes awesome sheets for kids with surf boards, fish, sports, stripes, all that match the red and navy theme.

Does anyone have any kids bedroom experiences they would like to share? Send them to me and I'll post the pictures on here!

Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Tailored Window Seat Makeover

Well, it's time to see another project! I always wanted a window seat when I was a little girl. I just imagined staring out the window, reading, playing games, and relaxing on it. When I was about 12 I got the window seat that I wanted so badly. Since I was older though, I never created the little "nook" that I dreamed of as a little girl. I was just fine and quite proud of the architectural element of the room, but wasn't as excited about the function anymore. When I bought my home a few years ago, I found myself doing the same thing with my son's bedroom. He had this amazing window seat, and I was proud of it, but I never did anything with it. I knew this was going to be one of the biggest differences design wise of the room. (We had a bad hail storm so please excuse the black plastic on the window and towels trying to keep the glass away. That is a project, too... just not mine.)

When we moved into the house I hung these four basic panels on the outside of the window. They were inexpensive and quick. A 20 minute trip to Wal-Mart and the project was completed. Well, I suceeded in covering up in my child's room what I wanted so badly in a room of mine when I was his age.



So, of course I started brainstorming, and searching the internet. Of course his windows are not a normal size so I knew I was going to have to either a) order custom window treatments or b) make them. We all know 'b)' is much cheaper than 'a)'. So, I headed to the fabric store and bought a ton of navy sportsman fabric and some navy, white, and red prints in the cheapest fabrics I could find. (Which I found out are way more awesome than the regular cotton fabric.) What I created was a curtain that I thought was tailored and crisp looking, that would make his window seat more of a eye catcher. I also created a covered foam cushion and some random pillows that will get nice and cushy as time goes on. In a few years when he wants a more grown up look, I will unstitch the striped ties and stitch on a roman shade mechanism. I think it really opened the space up and provides a nice and cozy little nook to play and read on. I've already had to remake the space a few different times for a picture opportunity, so I think it is already getting some good use!



Total Damage: $110
Fabric - $60.00
Foam - $50.00
Pillow forms - FREE (previous project)
Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Easy Kid Art

One big ongoing project that I have had for the past few years is my son's bedroom. He has his own taste of decorations that is similar to mine. It is quite funny actually. He likes vintage sport, and automobile memorabilia. So basically anything vintage and "boyish". I knew I wanted something different and unique for the walls but we had a few challenges. I still need my son's room to look like a child's room (at the time he made these he was 4; he is now 6). And also, I like to do everything for a little money as possible. So I decided to have him help create his own art and it couldn't have turned out better. I encourage everyone to do at least a small version of this in thier child's bedroom. He gets so many compliments and has so much pride (even still) in his artwork. We haven't changed them yet, but the idea is to change them as he gets older with new drawings and new "mats". I've seen many of these canvas' that are actually personalizable on sites like http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/. Oopsy Daisy makes this particular one I believe and it is $148 for a similar size. I just love them, but I knew I could make something similar for much less.



So.... I went to work. I acquired these picture frames from a company that went out of business (to put it nicely) for FREE! Free? Free? Did you say FREE? Why yes I did!!! I love that my mom trusts me enough to find me "junk" so I can re-use it! I didn't even have to paint them. They were already blue... perrrfect! I bought 3 sheets of scrapbooking paper and cut and re-arranged it for a mat. While I was doing this my son (who was 4 at the time) drew 2 pictures on plain computer paper to "showcase" on his wall. I threw all of this in the frame together and hung them side by side to make them look like a pair. What do you think, not too bad for less than 99% of the price!




Total Damage: $.75
Frames - FREE
Pictures - FREE
Scrapbook paper - $.75

Check back in a few days for another project and ultimately the big kid's room reveal!!
Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Shaggy Shabby Lamp

We've all seen those crazy rediculas lamps that are so ugly they are awesome. They have fringe, or feathers, or something outrageous all over them. Well. I needed one of those lamps for a bigger project in the making. (A functional guest bedroom with the theme of "Shabby Girl Closet", pictures of finished room will come in a few months). And well... here's how it turned out...

I started with a mirrored lamp that was sitting in my "I could maybe do something with this later in life" pile.




Then, I added some "grapefruit pink" fringe to it that I found on clearance. I hot glued the fringe on from the bottom to the top.



In the end, it looked just how I wanted. Shaggy and shabby. This lamp will look perfect in the "Shabby Girl Closet" themed guest room. Check back for the room pictures!



Total Damage: $4
Lamp - Free (already had it)
Fringe - $4 ($8 bolt on clearance, I used half)
Read More 0 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post

Gaudy Frames



My sister and I saw somes frames that we LOVED at a craft fair that were ridiculously priced. The ones that were this size were at least $100. Instead, we went to our favorite craft store and bought the supplies to do it ourselves. We were going for modest-enough-for-a-living-room but funky-enough-to-get-attention. I can't wait to play around with more, funkier ideas! Pretty different, right?





Instructions:
Grab that ugly frame that sits in the closet, or go buy an ugly frame on clearance. Spray paint it the "under tone" color. We chose black to ground the frame a little better. Use acrylic paint and a sponge brush to very loosly paint over the black spray paint. We mixed two different colors of paint to get the right color. Next, make a small arrangement of anything that you find interesting. We used different types of feathers, and a spray painted cross. Get creative and glue it on!

Total Damage: $37
Clearance Mirror - $20
Spray Paint - FREE (past project)
Acrylic Paint - $6
Stemmed Feathers - $6
Hat Feathers - $3
Cross - $2
Read More 0 comments | Posted by Nicole | edit post
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The Projectory

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      A little bit of inspiration... a little bit of ideas... a little bit of DIY... a little bit of organization... a whole lot of projects!
  • About Me

    Nicole
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
    I am just a 20 something girl who needs a serious creative outlet. I am a full time accountant, a full time mom, and also need full time projects just to keep me sane.
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    The Projectory

    A little bit of inspiration... a little bit of ideas... a little bit of DIY... a little bit of organization... a whole lot of projects!

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    Blog Archive

    • ▼  2010 (17)
      • ▼  August (6)
        • Kiddo Project: Refrigerator Art Display
        • Back to School: Taming the School Papers
        • Back to School: Taming the Breakfast Situation
        • Back to School: Taming the Dressing Situation
        • Back to School: Taming the Crazies!
        • Make Over: Kelly's Dresser
      • ►  July (6)
        • Make Over: Jenna's Table
        • Freebie: "I Can Go Anywhere" Bench
        • Rule of Three:
        • Kellen's Bedroom Reveal
        • Tailored Window Seat Makeover
        • Easy Kid Art
      • ►  June (1)
        • Shaggy Shabby Lamp
      • ►  February (2)
        • Gaudy Frames
      • ►  January (2)

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