Let's Recap: December 2010-May 2011

So here we are, five days away from the one month anniversary of the launch of this blog!  I can't believe how fast time has gone, and how much fun it has been to share the projects I'm working on with each of you.

Before I released this blog to anyone else, I started early to build some content and I'd like to go back a little bit to recap on some of my favorite projects to date.

We'll start with the category of sewing...

This table runner was so simple, and resourceful!  It was made from the leftover fabric from the curtain extension project that I worked on, which allowed me to incorporate the curtains texture, pattern, and color in another place of the room.  I'm certainly no seamstress, but even with my moderate sewing skills I found this project to be an easy DIY.

Here are the lessons that I learned while working on this project:

1. It's always good to find ways to use materials that you have.  I hold onto fabric scraps could someday be used for another project.
2. Be sure to clean your iron before use.
3. Test your "clean" iron on the back-side of the fabric before using on the front-side.  My iron was leaving some marks on the fabric, especially when ironing the hems.

My second-favorite sewing project would be the curtain extensions themselves.  I think this project was so rewarding because of how much the "six-inches-too-short" curtains bothered me to begin with.  It also didn't hurt that the fabric I found for this project only cost $2.00 per yard...and I only needed a yard-and-a-half...bringing the grand total to a little over $3.00!

Here's what I learned while working on this project:

1. Measure twice...cut once.  I almost ruined this entire project by messing up the measurements for one of the panels.  It was a close call, and luckily it wound up working out, but always be careful.
2. Curtains are a magnet for cat hair!  Apparrently Zach loves the curtains too!
3. Gray fabric tends to look purple in photographs. haha.

Next we'll review some of my favorite gifts...

These Thank-You Buckets were an inexpensive way to say thank-you to some of my friends.  By combining pieces (primarily from Target's $1.00 section), I was able to add a personalized touch, while still spending less than I would have to get each of them a gift card.

Here's what I learned while working on this project:

1. There is no wrong way to say Thank You!
2. The letter "A" is very popular
3. You can create "mini stationary sets" by splitting up a package of twenty-four into sets of three.  Use ribbon to tie them together for a finished look.

These Easter Buckets that I made for my co-workers were bright and colorful.  I was able to use up some of my materials from the Thank You Bucket project, and utilize Target's $1.00 section once again.

Here's what I learned while working on this project:

1. Safety goggles are very important!  While I was trimming the stakes off of the birdhouses some of the dust/debris got in my eye.  It could have been worse, but I have to stress the importance of safety!
2. Plastic grass is a messy material to work with.  It gets everywhere! However, it also adds some nice color to the project!
3. Friends like to receive "Just Because" gifts that let them know you care about them.

Now for some of my favorite refinishing projects to date...

This lamp makeover gave me quite the story.  Live and learn on this project, I guess.  Even though I had to use sand paper to fix the mistakes that I made, the finished product was completely worth it!  I can't wait to purchase the dressing table for the room so that I can put both lamps in their intended places!

Though I learned many things on this project, here are the major take-aways:

1. Never, ever, ever....and I mean never....use Krylon spray-paint!!!  I've used it a few times, and have never been satisfied with the results.  I'm officially adding it to my X list!
2. Be patient and wait for your paint to fully dry before adding the next coat.  Trust me on this one!
3. Go thrift-store shopping and look for the general size and shape of the accessory you are wanting.  Even though the existing color (and gold trim) were not what I was wanting, the size and shape were perfect.  Try to see the hidden potential in things and you'll save a lot of money!

This project to reupholster my dining room chairs was the least expensive of everything I've worked on thus far. Considering I only paid $4.99 for the entire duvet cover, and I used less than half of the fabric from that duvet cover, I'm going to estimate the total cost for each chair at $.25.  Can you believe that? 

Here is what I learned while working on this project:

1. Sometimes something you find might not be exactly what you had in mind, but if it's a good deal, it's worth trying out.  Even though I plan to eventually change out my dining room chairs, spending a few dollars now on a temporary solution was a good choice.
2. Use caution when using a staple gun!  I accidentally kept knocking the staple gun off of the table, which could have turned out badly.  Luckily, I didn't wind up with a staple in my gut, but treat this tool like a loaded weapon.  Always point away from you (and anyone else in the room), and make sure the safety switch is in place when not in use.
3. Fabric can be expensive, so look around your house for any fabrics that are not being used to see if you can repurpose them.  For this project I used a duvet cover that I found at Savers, but I have another white duvet cover that I purchased from Ikea years ago (that we never use any more) that I plan on using to make some window treatments.  Another idea is using old T-Shirts or sweaters to make throw-pillows.  Be creative to turn a dust-collecting item into something you'll use and love!

There you have it, folks!  I've had fun with those projects, and also with some others (like this one, this one, and  this one) along the way! I also hope to get around to this project someday soon, because I think it is one of my best ideas so far for an art arrangement!

There are a lot of projects still to come!  This blog is still in the infant stage, and I have many more ideas up my sleeve!  I hope you'll check in as I go along, and also that you'll share your ideas too!

Comments

[kerri jacobsen]

i love your blog!! please keep up the wonderful work. i am looking forward to more. i have been so fortunate to be a recipient of a "thank you bucket!!"

[AHPCH]

Thanks Kerri! You deserved that Thank You bucket!

[Deanne Purdy]

You are amazing, Kelli. How very delightful to see how you have enhanced Mark's life so splendidly. You are one talented lady!!! Love, Grandma "D"

[AHPCH]

Thanks D!

It's been a lot of fun to work on things. There's still so much to do, but I'm excited about the ideas I have for upcoming projects!