Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Quick n' Easy Wall Decor for babies

I needed something on my son's wall. And I loved the prints i've been seeing lately, the ones that are clean, colorful...and expensive.
So I can make one myself!
So to start, you get on trusty Microsoft Word and throw a design together. Get some ideas from Etsy and all that fun stuff. This is what I came up with:
Then I printed it out.


Then I got a frame from DI and painted it white.




Then I got some red cardstock, actually 2 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 and lined them up in the frame so as to look like it's matted. and put it together!

Very simple to make but makes a big statement on the wall!

Monday, April 26, 2010

I may or may not have....

Grabbed a pallet that was sitting on the side of the road the other day.

Why?

To make these:

Courtesy of Ana over at Knock-Off Wood.

Knock-Off Wood
How could you not try these shelves?!
I see Pallets for free every stinkin' day on Craigslist. It took her about 5 minutes to make them.
It probably won't be that fast for me, but I feel this little project is doable!

This lady is amazing and has inspired me to do what I have always loved to do...make furniture MYSELF!

I did woodworking in Junior high and high school.
I loved that class.
I love making things by myself.
What a sense of accomplishment!

And her blog is just plans and measurements of how to make your own adorable furniture. They are all "knock-offs" of Pottery Barn furniture.

So i am going to attempt these shelves with my pallet that is in the back of my van right now. I will let you know how it goes.
After that, my next project is making bunk beds for the girls. I am so excited for that!

Most women want purses, shoes or perfume for Mother's day.

For me?

I want a:
Miter Saw
Electric Sander
Electric Saw

Not too much to ask, right?

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

coffee table REDO

This to....
THIS!

Inspiration? Ballard Design & Pottery Barn.
Numbers...so hot right now!
This whole project was free, fyi.

My cousin had this coffee table lying around and didn't want it. So I snagged it from her, initially wanting to make a train table for my girls. But I became realistic of how much crap they already have to play with. So I decided to experiment.

First we sanded and painted it. This was a family affair...since mom gets no "me" time.



Next, I used my cricut to cut out numbers in different sizes. I used the cut outs as stencils for the top.
Then I just painted the numbers until it filled the coffee table.
And walla! All done.


I really like how it turned out.
Soooo anyone want it?
I'm selling it.
We are moving and we don't need a coffee table. This was more just for fun and something for me to do.
So anyone living in the Las Vegas area and is interested, let me know!
stufflyssamakes@gmail.com
****UPDATE****
I sold it for $25 :) Not to bad for spending $0 on it :)


Linking up:





The DIY Show Off








DIY Day @ ASPTL












Visit thecsiproject.com

Monday, April 12, 2010

Homemade Freezer Raspberry Jam Tutorial

From here on out, let's not be intimidated by jams. They are so easy to make. I know you read this a ton but seriously, if I can do this, anyone can!

Let's start with what you need:
-3 c. crushed fresh or frozen berries (to smash frozen, thaw out and use a blender)
-a package of Pectin
-5 1/4 c. sugar
-5 8 oz. clean containers (ones that will be okay in the freezer)

Here we go!
Step One:
Go buy your supplies :)
I used fresh raspberries.
As you can see, I was super excited about making jam and was raspberry-happy. But for this recipe, I only used 2 of these cartons or how ever much comes to 3 cups crushed.
This is the Pectin that I bought, Sure Jell. And the recipe I am tutoring right now is found in the box. So you can't go wrong!
Containers, I used the rectangle ones and found them at the dollar store...awesome.

Step Two:
Rise the fruit thoroughly.

Step Three:
Prepare Fruit. I am using Raspberries but Sure Jell has instructions inside their box for preparing all types of fruits. Put fruit in bowl and start smashing. I used a potato masher. You could use a blender but be careful when you do that. It can become too mushy and liquidy too fast. So do not puree! Jam is supposed to have bits of fruit in it.
Step Four:
Add sugar and mix until sugar has dissolved. Then let stand for 10 minutes.
Step Five: Stir package of Pectin and 3/4 c. water in sauce pan and bring to a boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Step Six: Stir Pectin mixture into fruit mixture. Stir constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and no longer grainy, about 3 minutes.

Step Seven: Pour into prepared containers. Leave about a 1/2 inch space at top for expansion during freezing. Cover with lid.

Step Eight: Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Afterwards, place in freezer for up to a year. (thaw in fridge when ready to eat) Or it can be refrigerated up to 3 weeks.

2
It is so so yummy and so so easy. A must!! Go and be domestic!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Guest BLogger over at Craft Envy!

I am excited to be a guest blogger over at Craft Envy!
I'm this week's Fabulous Friend!!
It's a great crafting blog! Two fabulous Ladies, Nicolette and Vanessa, are the masterminds behind it. They have wonderful ideas and tutorials! This is my first time being a guest on a blog! I was so honored to be a part of their blog. Head on over THERE to see what i'm making!