Free ornament storage

As I unpacked a new set of glasses that I received for christmas, I had a brain storm!  Since the box already has little compartments and in layers, which is oh so nice, I kept it to store christmas ornaments in.  I like how the bottom section was taller than the top section, so therefore, I could separate them by size.  The box even has cut out handles on each end ~ that will make it easier to pass it on to my husband as he places all the boxes on a high shelf in our garage.

So, the next time you get some new glasses, recycle the box!  Just add a label stating what's packed inside and you are set for next year.

:)

Turn the table!

Here is little table that I got from my mom that belonged to my Grandma.  It had seen better days and reeked of smoke.  (I think the smoke was stuck in the lacquer!) It's not tall enough to be an end table, yet it is a good height to have beside an occasional chair with low arms or put wherever!  It needed some help to be attractive again.

So, I spread out some cardboard and began the messy, daunting task of stripping it.  I could have sanded it using a palm sander, but the lacquer had to come off first.  And if you have never stripped a piece of furniture using paint stripper - take precaution.  Wear heavy duty rubber gloves, safety goggles, old clothes, and work in a well ventilated location, like outside.  The fumes from the stripper can be strong, so you need lot of fresh air.

So, needless to say, I was a real beaut this day out in my driveway tackling this little job!

Once I stripped it, sanded it down using fine sandpaper on my palm sander, I proceeded to paint it black.  To me, a neutral color.  Plus I wasn't really sure where it was going to go.  It was just one of those projects that I just wanted to do because I had the time!

Now for the fun part!  What to do with the top????  I could have painted it.  Nah.  I wanted to try something I had seen before, yet not sure how it would turn out.  So I took a chance.

Check it out.  What do you think I covered the top with?  Yes - I did add nail head trim to jazz it up a bit.

Leather???     No.    Faux leather???  Nope.   Give up???  Brown craft paper.  Really? Yep!

I got it off a large roll at my school (shhhh...) and cut it to cover the top, the sides, and to have a little bit to tuck under.  Next I just crushed it and crinkled it in my hands over and over.  Opening it and crushing it gain.  Twisting.  Rolling.  I wanted it to be pliable and have lots of wrinkles.  Then I used Mod Podge and glued it on to the top, sides, and under the edge.  I rubbed all over the bag with a dry rag to make sure that it was totally glued down and that there were no air bubbles.  I let it dry overnight.  The next day I used wood stain and an old rag  to apply it until I achieved the coloration I liked.  Don't forget to wear rubber gloves again so that your fingernails stay pretty!   I let this dry outside for a couple of hours.  Lastly, I applied 2 coats of poly-acrylic to protect it.  I followed the can for drying times.  

I used some left over nail heads and trimmed it out!  And there you have it ~ a snazzy little table with lots of character!

:)

A New Beginning

First of all, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.  We prepare for this day for soooo long, then the next thing you know, it's over. How can that be?

Now that Christmas has come and gone (by one day I know!) it is high time that I finally get my blog off the ground.

Starting a blog has been one thing that I have wanted to do since I learned how to create and maintain a blog during the 2011-2012 school year.  I often thought about, "what do I blog about?  Who will read it?  Will I have the time to keep it up?"  The answers to these questions in my mind vary from day to day, week to week - all depending on how demanding my school year is.   I am not one for resolutions because honestly, I never keep them.  Sad, I know.  Oe can't wait for the right time ~ who knows when that might be!

Im my blog, I wish to share with others projects that I tackle, whether it has to do with school, home, crafts, whatever!  I am not one to sit still and have idle hands or mind.  I'm a busy body or my might say, busy bee.  Other bloggers have inspired me over the years to revisit my hobbies and be creative again as well as my dear friend, Lori.  So, I dedicate my blog to Lori for inspiring me and encouraging me to go on this venture.  Thanks dear ~ love ya!

So... here we go!

Nevin :)