Redesign an Old Bookshelf

I've had this ugly book shelf since college was just sick of it but didn't want to spend the money on a new book shelf. So I made it better, much better! 
This post is PERFECT if you have a cheap old ply-wood type book shelf driving you nuts. Or if you just want to begin 2012 with style!

I think it would also be fun to mod podge scrapbook paper or fabric to the back rather than painting a solid color. I even proposed to my husband using a cheap comic book for the back and he thought it was a little too childish for his office.  Just some alternative options to this post. I would recommend using mod podge to attach the paper and then spraying the back with an acrylic sealant.

This bookshelf is really cheap and so the technique used in this post will NOT be best for a nice, real wood book shelf. For that technique sit tight because I intend to stain my old record player table and will post once done; I will probably start that in a week or two. That will require stain and sand paper. 

This is a quick and easy fix to any CHEAP furniture. Total Cost: Under $20. Total Time: Active time: 30 minutes; Inactive Time: 60 minutes (waiting for paint to dry)

Materials:

• A Piece of Furniture - FREE!
• Gripper Paint - any color (I use grey). Around $5 at Home Depot
• Spray Paint of Choice - I used teal and black. Each was $4 at Home Depot
• Paint Brush or Foam Brush - Under $1 at Home Depot or Micheals
• Material that can get paint on it - I favor old, broken down boxes because the paint won't stick to it (like newspaper will)

Directions:
The first step is to generously paint the intended paint surface with gripper paint. The importance of this step to to literally grip the paint to your surface. It replaces the need for sanding, Yay gripper!! Remember to paint the edges and the shelves. Allow to dry thoroughly - drying directions will be on the paint container.
Helpful Tip: While I favor foam brushes for convenience sake, don't do it! I would greatly recommend using a paint brush to apply the gripper because it will take less time and work.



 

 Lay the book shelf down and paint the back. Because my second color was darker, I didn't see the need to line the sides with paper to protect them. This resulted in getting teal paint on the sides that were easily covered by the black paint later. Allow the paint to thoroughly dry.






Line the interior with newspaper and using masking tape, be sure to secure the edges of the paper. I was a slacker on this step and had to repaint the teal which was an avoidable pain. Don't make my mistake and save some time. Paint the outside being and the shelves your desired color.
Let dry thoroughly and ENJOY!


Now you may be thinking "Gee Sarah, weren't there two shelves when you started this project" and that's very observant because there are. My wonderful terror of a dog mistook my shelf holder things as his toys and there are three lost in my back yard (or maybe his belly). I need to make an Ikea trip to replace them. Oh Titan. That's what I get for doing work in his yard I guess hahaha.
Titan is the GIANT monster husky/shepherd mix in the wagon. Daisy is the other dog; she is my neighbors dog. She is actually a really sweet (and patient) dog.

Bearcake Creations is a great blog if you are interested in fine foods, creative DIY projects, and photography tutorials. Explore the site using the labels on the right. Be sure to leave a comment or "follow" and you will absolutely brighten my day!!!

Coffee Filter Wreath

Make your own beautiful wreath! It is simple to create and looks elegant in any home. Mine is hanging over the fireplace; it would also look nice on a kitchen pantry door or anywhere.

For this wreath I used tan coffee filters, which can be found in any grocery store, but you can also use white coffee filters for a different look!

I have been complimented a TON on this wreath and I think it's because this wreath is so versatile for any home. 

It was a great, quick paced project I did just sitting and watching TV with my husband.

Materials:

• 1 Pack tan or white coffee filters - About $1 at the grocery store
• 1 Straw Wreath or Styrofoam wreath - $4 at Hobby Lobby
• Chocolate Ribbon - $10 at Hobby Lobby but you can buy MUCH cheaper ribbon for around $1-3. 
• Sewing Pins or Straight Pins - $4 at Hobby Lobby for about 750. Just check the sewing section for pins and buy the best deal.

Helpful Tips Before You Start:

Re-purpose a spray bottle lid as a thimble

1. I bought a straw wreath because it happened to be cheaper than the Styrofoam but either will work great for this purpose. Remember, if using the straw wreath, DO NOT UNWRAP IT! I've heard of this happening and it will just create a HUGE mess! Just leave it in the plastic to begin.
2. If you don't have straight pins or just plain don't want to buy them, don't. The pins can be replaced by gluing with a hot glue gun or even mod podge. I used straight pins to ensure the filters do not fall off.
3. If you choose to use pins, your fingers will quickly hate you. Thanks to the craftiness of my husband I used a spray bottle lid as a thimble since I don't own a real thimble. This is in the background (circled in red) in the image to the left.

Directions:

Attach to the wreath with pin

Crinkle in the middle

Begin by taking one coffee filter and crinkle the center. It doesn't matter how you choose to fold the middle - you can't mess this up. Once you crumble the middle and are happy with the shape of this filter attach it to the straw wreath using a straight pin.

 

 Just begin added them and before long you will be almost done! I was going slowly while relaxing and the whole wreath probably took 45 minutes.

Attach the bow

 Using your ribbon of choice, tie a bow and attach to your incredible, new wreath. I used a long nail to attach my bow because I didn't want to smush the coffee filters and this was the only thing in my house long enough that would work. I did this by strategically placing the nail through a back layer of the bow so it cannot be seen when looking at the wreath. Then I fluffed the filters near the bow and adjusted them as necessary. 

Attach the top ribbon

Cut ribbon for the top and simply attach it to the wreath using straight pins. I attached quite a bit of pins to ensure that the ribbon is secure.  

You are done!  Enjoy your new and wonderful wreath! 


  


Don't feel like making this yourself? I get it! That's why I made this one for you! Buy it and anything else in the blog (minus the food sadly) in my etsy shop!
Check out my etsy shop: 
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89949314/20-inch-tan-wreath-with-chocolate-brown

Bearcake Creations is a great blog if you are interested in fine foods, creative DIY projects, and photography tutorials. Explore the site using the labels on the right. Be sure to leave a comment or "follow" and you will absolutely brighten my day!!!

Tin Chalkboard Planter

Never again forget what you planted in the garden with the beautiful and elegant planters. Create hand painted tin chalkboard planters that are perfect for a gardener. They make a great gift for a loved one or yourself. Even if you don't like to garden, these are fantastic. Fill them with candy or whatever you need a container for and simply label them! 

<--- LOOK! I have cactus plants in my yard!! This is only exciting because we just moved from Tampa to Phoenix (because of Patrick's work) and these beautiful plants are everywhere!

Bearcake Creations is a great blog if you are interested in fine foods, creative DIY projects, and photography tutorials. Explore the site using the labels on the right. Be sure to leave a comment or "follow" and you will absolutely brighten my day!!!

Materials:

• Tin Planter - At Dollar Tree for $1 each
• Gripper Paint - At Home Depot for $5.00
• Chalkboard Paint - At Home Depot for $5.00 (Spray Paint)
• Foam Brush or Paint Brush 

Directions:
Using a foam brush, apply the gripper to your planter - I used tin ones from the dollar store but this process will work for any planter (or anything for that matter). Once this dries, apply another coat. Remember, be generous with gripper. The container will have drying tips for both a first and second coat, follow their directions. Allow your second coat of gripper has dry.


I use spray paint chalkboard paint. I don't like to spray it over newspaper because when it dries, it sticks to your project. I prefer an old broken down box. I put the containers upside down so I didn't have to paint the inside. Place your items where you are painting or spraying.


Don't feel like making your own? I get it! That's why you can buy these in my etsy store: 
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/89699758/tin-chalkboard-planter-set-of-two

Chalkboard Napkin Rings

Make your own handmade napkin rings that are cheap and perfect for entertaining! I just love these for parties, holiday events, or as a gift for a loved one. I bought my napkin rings in set of two from a local dollar store here in Phoenix. They came in a set of two making this project extremely cheap. To save even more money, simply use old napkin rings you don't like the pattern on.
Because I had the paint and gripper, this project only cost me THREE DOLLARS! I think everyone should have chalkboard paint and gripper - so you're making a good investment! Plus, I intend to make many more projects using these two types of paint. Just keep following my blog for a ton more uses. I bought grey gripper and use it for EVERYTHING! Remember they Modern Art tutorial in DIY Art Projects? Yep, grey gripper paint!

Bearcake Creations is a great blog if you are interested in fine foods, creative DIY projects, and photography tutorials. Explore the site using the labels on the right. Be sure to leave a comment or "follow" and you will absolutely brighten my day!!!

Materials:

• Dollar Store Napkin Rings - At Dollar Tree - set of two for $1
• Chalkboard Paint -At Home Depot as a spray paint for around $5.
• Gripper Paint - At Home Depot for around $5
• Foam Brush or Paint Brush - Either will cost about $1; but who doesn't have one laying around.

Directions:
Using a foam brush, apply the gripper to your napkin rings. Once this dries, apply another coat. As I learned the hard way, be generous with gripper. The container will have drying tips for both a first and second coat, follow their directions. Allow your second coat of gripper has dry.
Fun Fact: Gripper paint is just a primer that will ensure your chalkboard paint sticks. Otherwise, when you try to write on these, the paint will just wipe off. 

I use spray paint chalkboard paint. I like to paint on an old box I happen to have in our house. Place your items where you are painting and spray. I let them dry and flipped them over and sprayed the other side as well. This ensured that the edges were evenly painted. This spray paint dries really quickly too! 

That's all! Enjoy your beautiful new napkin rings! I told you - SUPER EASY!!!


Don't feel like making your own? I get it! That's why you can buy these in my etsy store:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89698923/chalkboard-napkin-rings-set-of-six 

Paper Flowers

 These beautiful paper flowers are versatile in both color and size. The top left has been crafted out of an old book. The other two are made from regular colored paper. While these flowers take some time, I think they are worth it. I will tell you how to make the flower as well as the center piece.

While I've decided to post prices to the best of my ability, this project was completely free. It's basically just glue and paper so I imagine it's free for you too! Enjoy this incredible inexpensive flower! It can be used in so many ways!

Materials:

• Paper - crepe, sheet music, an old book - really any paper that is thin AKA not cardstock!
• Tacky Glue - or any glue that drys clear
• Pencil or Pen
• Scissors
• Patience lots of Patience

Directions for Flower:

Image 1

Image 2

 The first step of the flower is to decide what size your flower should be. Trace circles on a piece of paper and cut those out - see Image 1. To create these circles I have traced an old tea light candle, buttons, or anything that is a circle and the size you want.


Helpful Tip: Take several pieces and fold the paper in half. This will cut your work by a ton!
I like to separate out the circles with pencil trace. I also keep the separated by size. See Image 2.

Image 3: Stage 1

Each flower is made out of one size circles.  The second step is to begin building your flower. I do this in three stages. 
Stage One: Take SIX circles. Using five circles, create a flower shape. Take the last circle and glue it in the middle. Glue each piece to one another. Helpful Tip: I like to use the circles with pencil marks or errors for this stage. I face the pencil marks down so they cannot be seen. See Image 3. 

Image 4: Fold the circles

Image 5: Glue the Fold

Stage Two: Take FIVE circles and put a slight fold in the middle. Glue the fold on both sides and repeat this for the remaining four circles.  In this stage, the "petals" should have a subtle depth. See Image 4.

Image 6

Helpful Tip: Make sure the fold is the same size helping the flower stay symmetrical. 

  Glue the circles to your flower in a desired pattern. See Image 6.
Helpful Tip: I prefer to alternate with the circles already attached. 
Also, be sure to leave a large center; I use the stage one circles as an outline for stage two.

Image 7

Stage Three: Take THREE circles and put a more prominent fold. The "petals" in this stage should have more depth than the previous stage. Glue the fold on both sides. Once dry, glue these three circles inside the last layer of petals. See Image 7

Helpful Tip: Leave room in the middle for the center piece.


 Directions for Flower Center:
 This is a more simple process than creating the flower itself. It is a five step process. 

 Step One: Take a thick strip of paper and fold it in half.

 Step Two: Cut along the open side.

 Step Three: Roll into a circle.

Step Four: Glue the end to seal.

Step Five: Peel down the strips to create a full look

Simply attach to your flower and enjoy!

Tired of this flower and don't want to make the center? Add a button!!

Bearcake Creations is a great blog if you are interested in fine foods, creative DIY projects, and photography tutorials. Explore the site using the labels on the right. Be sure to leave a comment or "follow" and you will absolutely brighten my day!!!

Scrapbook Paper Glass Magnets

No need to save the tacky pizza company magnets anymore! It's easy and fun to make your own plus you can match it exactly to your style and decor.

Bearcake Creations is a great blog if you are interested in fine foods, creative DIY projects, and photography tutorials. Explore the site using the labels on the right. Be sure to leave a comment or "follow" and you will absolutely brighten my day!!!

Materials:

• Flat Glass Beads - the ones used in fish tanks or center pieces - At Micheal's about $6 a bag
• Scrapbook Paper - $0.50 each page
• Magnets - $3-5 based on what you buy
• Mod Podge - About $5 for this bottle
• Scissors

Directions:

Place your glass bead on the scrapbook paper, the opposite side you will use as to not let pen marks show. Trace the glass bead so that it is slightly smaller than your actual bead. Cut out the circles of paper.

Helpful Tips:

I bought my flat glass beads at the Dollar Tree. While they were super cheap, they were not good quality - filled with black specks and chipped. I will be buying them from a craft store or perhaps even Walmart next time. 

I prefer the larger glass beads to the smaller ones, but it's completely your choice!

Put mod podge on the desired side of scrapbook paper and attach it to the flatter side of the glass bead. Let dry for about 25 minutes or so.

Use mod podge to glue a magnet to the bag of each. I used a self-adhesive roll of magnets that I simply cut and attached. This was a great time saver.

Helpful Tip:

Don't cheap out on magnets like I did. My first attempt with the project will barely hold the glass bead up better yet anything else. Hobby Lobby magnets have a scale of strength on the label!

          Enjoy your new 

       Wonderful Magnets!

Photograph Tile Coasters

Make your own design or photograph coasters for next to nothing. They are quick and easy to make and completely worth the while.

Bearcake Creations is a great blog if you are interested in fine foods, creative DIY projects, and photography tutorials. Explore the site using the labels on the right. Be sure to leave a comment or "follow" and you will absolutely brighten my day!!!

Materials:

•  4x4in Tiles - At Home Depot $0.14

• Pictures or scrapbook paper cut to 4x4inches - $0.50 each page
• Mod Podge - $5.00
• UV Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating - I forget but maybe it was around $10-14. If you know, leave a comment for me and I will update. Thank you!!
• Cork or Felt - $5
• Foam Brush - under $1

Directions:

 

Once you have cut your pictures or scrapbook paper to 4x4 inches, use the foam brush to add mod podge to the back of the picture and the face of the tile.  Let dry for about a half hour or so.

I made the W using my cricut; but you could stencil and cut those out. The W here is roughly 2x2.

Helpful Tip: 

Be careful to not let the mod podge bubble in the middle. 

Be weary of the edges; while they are drying, they will try to pop up. Just push them back down and they should dry flat.

Place the tiles over newspaper and spray with adhesive spray. Let dry for about half an hour and repeat several times. This coating will protect from water and condensation of your cups. They are coasters after all.

Helful Tip: 

Do this part outside because of the fumes from the spray.

Buy the UV Protection Spray if using pictures to help from fading.

Once you feel there are enough layers of sealer, cut the cork and either glue using mod podge or simply attach if it is self-adhesive cork. The cork will keep your tabletops safe. You could also use felt.

Helpful Tip:

Buy self-adhesive cork. It's amazing for this project

Cut it to slightly smaller than the tile and don't bother with perfection since it's just the bottom.

Don't feel like making your own? I get it! That's why you can buy these on my etsy store: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89199894/photograph-tile-coasters-set-of-four