Red Door of Welcome!

 

This door was plain and boring. Something had to be done, so when I walked past the unacceptable colors of paint customers did not want and saw the perfect color for $2.00 I had to get it. The original paint is in good condition so I did not do any sanding on the door. Red needs many coats to come out a uniform color. I started by taping all the windows and on coat 3 or 4 I decided I was just using too much tape when I could use a blade to trim off the excess from the glass.

 

I used a 1 1/2 inch brush to paint the trim and a very small foam roller to do the flat surfaces. Typically I might add Floetrol to help reduce brush marks but didn't on this project. It looks great!! Someone told me having a red door is a welcoming gesture. I couldn't agree more.

Curtains, Curtains, Curtains!

 

This was my starting point. I saw this fabric ages ago at Hobby Lobby and thought I want curtains made from that. I put that thought on the back burner. Several months went by and I saw it in the clearance aisle and decided it was time to swoop it up before someone else did. This is laid out in my front entry because it is a great place to cut large pieces of fabric. I'm doing a simple panel for the sliding glass door. We have lived in this house for some time now and really it is time we get something up at this slider. To do yours you will need:

fabric

lining fabric

thread

tape measure

scissors

pins

sewing machine

 

I measured the area I wanted to cover, determined where the rod would hang, added a couple inches for ruffle above the rod and decided I would sew in 1/2 inch seams. The general rule of thumb is to measure the width of the window you want to cover and then double that number. Unless of course you just want a straight flat piece of fabric hanging there. I did not so I doubled the width. Go ahead and cut your fabric. Next cut your lining fabric the same size.

 

 



Pin right sides together. Mark where you want to leave open for the rod. Sew around all sides of the curtain leaving the rod pocket area open. Turn right side out and press. You can hand sew a hem in this area if you choose. Mark horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the rod pocket. Sew to create your rod pocket.

 

 

And this is the completed project. I wanted to give just a bit of privacy and leave access to the door opening. The dark colors are a good contrast to the lighter walls.

 

This is the curtain rod I bought on clearance. I am all about keeping the budget under check when doing all my projects.

 

 

I bought extra fabric and decided the other windows in the kitchen and side door needed to match. This is over the kitchen sink. I wanted something that laid more flat but had a little something special about them. I decided to make pleats in them.

 

This one is at the side door.

 

At the top of the pleats I added a little bling so I could hide my hand stitching of holding the pleats together.

 

Basically I just added enough width to iron in a pleat. I ran the rod threw the pocket. With the pleat tacked at the top on the front side only, it allows the pleat to remain in place and the rod to go all the way through.

 

I had some fabric I liked to line these two little valances. It really gives a little extra pizazz when you look at the window from outside. Find the fabric you love and give those windows some extra love with your creations!

 

 

Tiling the 1/2 Bath and More

This project was tiling on a budget! I happened to visit the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and they had their open box tiles 10 cents a tile. WOW!!! How could I resist. I chose several tiles I felt would look good in a mosaic pattern. Some where bigger than the 12 X 12 I was shooting for but easy enough to cut down to fit. This is the side entry to the house. You might remember the bench from 

One Little Corner . I finally got to finish off the bench with

quarter round now that the new flooring is in.

 

 

And the view into the 1/2 Bath. I had refinished the vanity and saved the quarter round and finally got to reinstall that as well. I am so happy with the end result and so glad this corner of the house is done!

 

 

This is how you can tile a room of your own. First remove baseboards and old vinyl.

 

I also removed the transition to the side door as I want the new transition to set on top of the new tile.

 

I played with the tiles to see how I wanted them to be laid.

 

Cut and install cement board with the appropriate screws.

 

Sweep up any dust and dirt, mix your mortar per the directions on the bag. I could have used the premixed mortar but really like using the other. Don't paint yourself into a corner so to speak. My layout was odd and I wanted to make sure I had two full tiles to the entry into the kitchen as well as the side entry, so I marked center on the floor and worked out from there. Blob some mortar on the floor use a notched trowel to spread it making sure you cover it well and evenly. Lay your tile giving it a little wiggle, lay the next one close to the first, wiggle it pressing into place and using a level each time a new tile is laid. Use spacers of your choice, mine are 1/4 inch. I have a wet saw which makes it easy to cut the tile. I know the stores sell tools that you can score and snap tiles but really the way to do it is with a wet saw. You can also rent them. And would be well worth it. Measure and cut tiles as needed. Let them dry 24 hours before laying the grout. Most of the grout bags have instructions on them. Mix according to instructions and use a float to spread the grout into the seams. Spreading at a 45 degree angle to the grout lines. Only spread as much as you can keep up with the cleaning it off the tile before it dries. Continue until all grout lines are filled. Over the next few days continue to wipe up any haze left behind. Once completely dry apply a grout sealer. Two coats should do it. Maybe more if you have a child that tends to soak the floor during his evening bath. :)

 

I saved the old baseboard, sanded it and re-stained. I couldn't remember the stain I had used on previous trim so I tested the board that went behind the toilet. Once I found the winner I stained and polyurethaned all the baseboards. I also bought new quarter round and stained it the same color and installed the quarter round once the baseboards were in. I mitered the corners and used a finish nailer to secure them.

 

I really lucked out because I had leftover transition from the dining room floor that I cut down and used some liquid nails to secure it. This transition will come up if we ever get to the kitchen remodel so I just tacked it in place.

 

 

This is the transition to the outside door. I bought three different transitions but ended up taking the 2 metal ones back to the store. They looked so industrial. I chose an oak transition. I cut to fit. Now that the height of the floor is raised I had to cut and install a 1x2 and place it under the oak transition piece on the screen door side. I screwed them into place, stained and polyurethaned.

 

This is just a beauty. You can't even tell where the 1x2 starts and stops.

 

 

 

 

And that's it! If you have questions on how to do this, please leave me a

comment and I will go more into depth. Thanks for checking in on me.

Button Project

 

It's always fun to change things up on your walls. I saw this idea on Pinterest and made it my own. The original was on Etsy and sold as initials for a baby's room. My sister came to visit over the 4th so we embarked on this project.

 

Here's what you'll need:

foam core board

fabric to cover the foam core board

spray adhesive

assorted buttons

frame for your new piece

hot glue

print out your initial in the size desired

thread or twin (optional)

 

 

I purchased buttons in this jar at an Antique Mall. Not only can

I use the buttons but the jar is awesome!



 

 

This is my fabric and burlap I bought cheap at Hobby Lobby!

 

Directions:

Cut your foam core board to the size you wish.

Cut your fabric to cover board and overlap slightly onto the back side.

Use spray adhesive to attach fabric to board.

I choose a taupe fabric and then covered that with burlap.

I also choose to place twine to look like thread in the buttons I had selected.

You can use a fabric marker to outline your initial onto your fabric.

Mock up how you want the buttons to lay before gluing them in place.

Then glue them in place.

Be careful not to burn your fingers gluing those little buttons. Ouch! It hurts.

I cut my foam core to it would be snug in my frame.

Once dry hang in your favorite spot!

 

 

This is my sister's initial. She wants to hang it in a room that does not get a lot of light so she chose lighter tones. She chose not to thread her buttons. The frame was a special find at the Flea Market/Antique stores at First Friday's. Google First Friday's Kansas City. You'll wish you lived here!

 

 

I chose to thread my buttons with twine in a neutral color. But wait! I decided that my "W" was not big enough, so this initial will be a gift to a special friend.

 

 

Here is my new bigger "W". I have laid it out on the "W" I printed and cut out. Soon I will thread the buttons and glue them on. This piece will be part of a photo gallery in my dining room. I can't wait to show you that project.

 

 

 

Recycled Chandelier

 

As you have noticed, we are slowly remodeling our older home to fit us. Step by step, tile by tile, light fixture by light fixture. I love to go to Flea Markets, Antique Shops and Second Hand Stores. You never know what you will come home with. I introduced my son to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in our area earlier this summer. I came home with a chandelier for $15 he bought a desk chair for $5. It is hit or miss so check back with your local stores often as merchandise comes in all the time. This chandelier was a shiny brass. I've seen others repaint them so I thought I would give it a try.

 

I set up a spray both in the basement using sheets and plastic. I just tacked them into the joists. There's a shop light hanging in there so the lighting will be excellent.

 

 

I choose to paint it with a spray paint and primer all in one. This is a Lowes brand. I thought it performed just as well as Krylon or other name brands. Black with satin finish.

 

 





I purchased a canopy as the light did not come with one. I didn't care what the finish

on it was as I knew I would paint it along with the light.

 

I hung the light fixture from a joist in my new paint booth and started cleaning it up.

I took off the candle covers and cleaned them separately.

 

 



Then I cut up an old plastic bag and taped it around the mechanical  and light sockets. Give the fixture several light coats of paint allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next coat. Paint the chain and cord as well.

It was really rainy early this summer so it took a little extra time to

completely dry with all the humidity.

 

 

Replace the candle covers. I had my hubby hook up the electrical. Some new bulbs and that's all there is to it. It not only adds more needed light but is a great piece to look at. I've been busy working on projects this summer. Check back to see what's next.