The Traveling Four

A Lifestyle Blog

Reusable Dryer Sheets DIY

by Leave a Comment

Hey guys, time to help save you a little money when it comes to doing your laundry. I don’t know if you are like me but I can always throw the clothes in the washer and dryer easily, but folding may take me a couple of weeks. It’s funny I am writing this while staring at a basket of laundry that needs to be done.

Any who, the cost of doing laundry can easily add up. You have to buy laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener, fabric softener sheets, vinegar, etc,. I am the type of person that my clothes have to smell good, so I’m willing to spend a little more for a great smelling product. With this reusable dryer sheets DIY recipe, you don’t have to worry about your clothes holding in that fragrance. These help your clothes smell great for weeks.

If you are a “waste not, want not” type of person, then this post is for you. This concoction alleviates the use of spending money on dryer sheets altogether. In addition, you’re saving tons of money because you stretch out one bottle of fabric softener for months. Clothes come out smelling so clean and feeling extremely soft.

All You Need Are:

  • Sponges (without the scrubbing side)
  • Liquid Fabric Softener (whatever your favorite brand is)
  • Water
  • Jar, or Container with a fitted lid

The Easiest Directions Ever:

1.) Cut the sponges into little strips or feel free to leave them whole. Place the sponges into a decent sized jar or container.

2.) Add 1/3 parts of fabric softener to 2/3 parts water to the container.  Be sure to cover the sponges at least half way with the mixture.

3.) Shake well

4.) Place your clean, wet clothes in the dryer. (I would not recommend adding these to dry clothes that you may just be trying to get the wrinkles out.)

5.) Take one sponge square out of the container squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can and place in the dryer with your clothes.

6.) Let your clothes dry. Once they are done they will smell & feel amazing.

7.) Place the sponge back into the container for reusable use.  

Please click below for a free PNG printable.

Article Written By:

Popular Post:

Easy Indoor Flowering Plants

by Leave a Comment

Keeping indoor plants is great for the aesthetics of your home and can improve air quality. Although not everyone has a green thumb and flowering plants can sometimes be harder to care for. Not to worry though, I’ve compiled a list of the ones that aren’t hard to care for. So let’s dive into those easy indoor flowering plants that can add color and vibrancy to your décor in a natural way.

Disclaimer: The traveling 4 are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you). Just click on the link in text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on 🙂.

African Violet

Blue African Violet
Shutterstock/Vadym Lavra

African violets are perennial flowering plants with fuzzy leaves and either white, blue, purple, or multicolored flowers.

  • Sunlight– Medium to bright indirect sunlight for the greater part of the day.
  • Temperature– Medium to high humidity in temperatures above 65oF.
  • Soil– African Violet potting soil or other well-draining soil. Mixing regular potting soil with perlite to increase drainage will work as well.
  • Pot– small pots with good drainage. Re-pot once a year in mostly fresh soil.
  • Watering– use room temperture, non-chlorinated water. Water violets from the bottom to avoid leaf rot. This can be done by pouring water into saucer below plant pot. If there is no saucer place pot into a dish with gravel and water until water is absorbed.
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– African Violet Plant Food
  • Purchase– From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid

This Southeast Asian orchid is also known as the ‘Moth-Orchid’ and comes in many varieties and colors. They were given the name Moth-Orchid due to their moth shaped flowers. These beautiful flowers come in variations of pinks, purples, oranges, yellows or just plain white. You can also find them with multicolored flowers as seen above.

  • Sunlight– low light within 6-10 inches from a window or sliding glass door.
  • Temperature– 60 to 85o F
  • Soil– Orchid bark or potting bark with perlite or sphagnum moss mixed in is preferred.
  • Pot– Pots that are large enough to hold the orchid without them toppling over. Plastic or vinyl works fine but these pots are lightweight so make sure they are large enough to keep plant upright. Ceramic or clay pots can also be used as they are heavier and can definitely hold up these as they grow tall. Make sure the pots have at least one drainage hole.
  • Watering– water once to twice per week. During flowering months of Spring and Summer you can cut watering to every other week.
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– Orchid fertilizer or flowering plants fertilizer. Use fertilizer at half strength and fertilize every couple of weeks during the flowering season.
  • Purchase–From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

Bromeliads are durable plants with a dramatic central flower. They can grow in both hot and dry as well as in cool and moist environments. It’s beautiful, long-lasting blooms come in a variety of colors such as reds, yellows, oranges and purples. Once, the main flower begins to fade the plant will start to decline but baby bromeliads (called pups) will begin to appear around the base. As the babies grow into bigger plants they will begin to produce the dramatic central flower.

  • Sunlight– Medium Filtered Light
  • Temperature– 13oC to 27oC (55o F to 80o F)
  • Soil– Well draining soil. You can also mix potting soil with 1/4 perlite and 1/4 sand to give better drainage. You can use peat moss in your soil mixture. Different Bromeliad species will tolerate different amounts of soil dampness. Make sure to read the care card that comes with your plant or consult your local nursery as to the specifics for your plant species.
  • Pot– Plastic pots with several drainage holes if you live in a dry region. Unglazed clay pots with drainage hole if you live in a humid area. Make sure there is a saucer underneath but don’t allow a lot of water to collect in it. You can put some gravel in the saucer and then place the pot on top of the gravel bed to prevent the soil from becoming soggy.
  • Watering– Water moderately at least once per week and keep water in central leaf “cup”. Plants can also be misted once per week to increase humidity.
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– Any house plant fertilizer or flowering plant fertilizer will do (dilute with water according to instructions). I recommend Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed Bloom Booster Flower Food. Spray fertilizer around base of plant on soil. Don’t put fertilizer directly on plant or in central cup. Bromeliads do not require a lot of fertilizing. Do this sparingly.
  • Purchase– From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

Calla Lily

Calla Lily

Calla Lilies are perennial flowering plants native to Southern Africa. They have arrow shaped green foliage that is often adorned with white freckles. The beautiful, cup-like flowers come in a variety of colors from yellow, pink, orange, white and red.

  • Sunlight– Half shade to sunny position
  • Temperature– 5oC to 30oC (41o F to 86o F)
  • Soil– Plant at least 4 inches deep in potting soil for indoor plants. When the flowers have faded and the leaves died back trim stems down to only 2 inches. Place wet peat moss around base of plant, place on a box and place in a dark place. Moisten moss a few times (but not too damp as not to encourage too much humidity) during this dormancy period.
  • Pot– Pots or planters that are heavy enough to hold the lilies up as they grow tall.
  • Watering– Water Moderately
  • Fertilizer/Plant Food– No fertilization required but can fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
  • Purchase– From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.

Author:

8 Unique Ways to Preserve Travel Memories

by Leave a Comment

Please keep in mind that this post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something I may receive a commission. This does not affect or change the price you pay.

Nowadays everyone takes pictures while traveling, whether by phone or personal camera. Pictures are a monumental way to reflect on all of the marvelous highlights you’ve experienced while traveling. But what happens when those millions of trips you’ve taken start to blur together? When you can’t quite remember where you were when you tasted the best Ropa Vieja in Cuba? Or what Art Gallery you saw that painting that you fell in love with but couldn’t afford?

We all want to remember the highs and lows of our excursions as we travel more and more. In addition to great photos, look into these 8 unique ways to look back at those famous travels.

Travel Journal

Travel Journals are ideal for capturing noteworthy details about your excursions. They allow you to write down the places you’ve visited including each of the unique memories, adventures, people you’ve met, etc. You are not limited to just writing, feel free to sketch or draw your feelings. Don’t be afraid to get personal!

*When choosing a travel journal be sure to look for journals with paper that doesn’t bleed, preferably acid-free paper. Try these options below:

Check out this beauty for only 6.99

Or this Travel Journal for only 14.99. Includes gift box!

Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes are a unique way to preserve and showcase your traveling souvenirs. These boxes are helpful in keeping dust and insects out. Shadow boxes are easy to personalize and fill with your own personality. Depending on the size of your box you can fit anything in it from tickets to t-shirts. Whether you prefer to dump everything in all at once or strategically organize.

Shadow boxes can easily be purchased online or in any crafting store, these boxes can also be made from scratch. If the box that you purchase is not already decorated you can decorate the front with pictures, decoupaged map pieces, or you can use a Cricut to add some cool decorations with vinyl.

Scrapbooks/Photo Books

Oh yes, of course the age-old scrapbook for capturing your greatest moments in a vastly creative way. Scrapbooks are the most time consuming on this list but are extremely fun to create. Your creativity is allowed to roam free. Scrapbooking materials can be costly, so I would recommend being as resourceful as possible with your embellishments and supplies.

If hauling out the craft paper and glue stash is not up your alley try creating a photo book online. Using templates on sites like Shutterfly, Snapfish and Collage can make this task simple but still help add those personal touches. Photo books start at about 4.99, which makes them a more cost effective alternative to scrapbooks.

The best memories are the ones we make together.

-Unknown

Travel Suitcase

This is great idea if you want to up-cycle an old suitcase that you previously used for travels. Suitcase preservation is for the intermediate and novice traveler to house some of your bigger hauls, like afghan blankets, vases, postcards, maps, Dutch clogs etc.

When using a suitcase for travel memories people are going to expect exciting souvenirs. A suitcase let’s people know that you have amazing stories to tell. So, be prepared to have a few great adventures to recite.

Check out this beautiful vintage suitcase

Currency Collection

While traveling whether overseas or around the country, collect currency from every place that you visit and put in a travel jar or display in a notebook. This is a simple way to look back at all of the places that you’ve visit. For all you know that collection may be worth some money some day!

Post Card Ring

Post Cards can be found in gift shops, book stores and some indoor/outdoor farmer’s markets. This is a cost effective option, with a price tag that ranges from .25 to $5.00 depending on where you are. The idea is to collect various post cards and attach them onto a key ring that can be purchased at any hardware or dollar store.

If you want too add a more personal touch write a personal message on the back and mail the postcards to your house.

Travel Map Collages

Try collecting travel maps from every place that you visit. It doesn’t necessarily have to be maps of the country: it can be park maps, subway maps, street maps. Take all of those maps and make a pic collage portrait of them. This lets you piece together your travels from various places, while creating a conversational art piece in your home.

Resin Jewelry

Resin Jewelry is great for displaying small items. Items like seashells, sand, coins, dried flowers, pictures, small souvenirs, mini scrolls, toys. This is something that you can easily do yourself or have made.

If you plan to do this for yourself all you need are simple rings, necklaces, or earring settings and a resin kit. These items can be found at any hobby store (don’t forget to use any applicable coupons to lower cost), Here are two simple you tube videos to show you how easy this is.

Memories to collect while traveling

  • shot glasses
  • matches
  • pictures
  • post cards
  • quilts
  • blankets
  • clothing/garments native to the land
  • beach themed items: seashells, sand, starfish, sand dollars
  • tickets – entertainment, plane, travel
  • Menus
  • key chains
  • gift shop trinkets
  • novelties
  • money/coins
  • Candy wrappers
  • napkins

This article was written by:

Easy Lamp Shade Decoration

by Leave a Comment

An easy way to add a little touch of yourself to your decor is through a technique called stenciling. Stenciling basically copies a design/pattern that is made via cutouts in anything from paper to wood onto another object. You can stencil everything from fabric and pillows to furniture and walls. This technique requires just a few tools and is not very time consuming.

The Supplies

For my lamp shade decoration I decided to employ this technique using a non adhesive stencil I found at Michael’s. The supplies I used for this project were a lamp shade, stenciling brushes, acrylic paint (antique gold), painter’s tape, a paper plate, paper towels, acetone and the stencil. Some people find it easier to use an adhesive stencil, if you do so you probably won’t need the painter’s tape. You can get most of these supplies at Walmart, Michael’s or even at your local home improvement store.

The Process

Tape the stencil to the lamp using the painter’s tape in whatever orientation you choose. Squirt a small amount of the acrylic paint onto the paper plate and dip the stencil brush into the paint. Blot off excess paint on a dry portion of the plate. Now proceed to dab the paint into the cutouts of the stencil. You may have to push down on the portions of the stencil where you are painting to ensure that the paint doesn’t creep out of the cutout area. Using an adhesive stencil usually helps to stop the paint from getting into unwanted places. Use the acetone to clean off the brush if it gets too much paint residue while painting. Use the paper towel to blot off excess acetone so that the brush dries quicker. Continue painting until you finish the stencil transfer and then carefully remove the stencil.

Use paper towel(s) lightly soaked with acetone to clean off any paint from the stencil and allow it to air dry. Once dried move the stencil to the other side of the lamp shade, tape down and repeat the process. On a square shade like the one I used you can do the two adjacent sides consecutively without allowing the first side to dry. After you’ve completed these two sides you will have to allow them to dry. You can then flip onto them to paint the other sides.

On my shade I had to do double coats to get the effect I wanted. In this case you would have to allow drying in between coats on each side or after you’ve done the four sides. On a round shade it’s a similar concept. Allow the top side to dry before you roll it over or if it’s not uncomfortable for you paint it standing up. That way you can just rotate around and paint the entire thing at once then let it dry. Be careful not to smudge the paint with your hands.

The End Product

You can even use multiple stencils on one lampshade or orient the stencil differently in separate spots. Some people even overlay stencils to form an entirely new pattern. I would test this out on a piece of paper first to make sure it doesn’t look too cluttered. Actually testing it out first regardless of the design is always a good idea to make sure it’s the look that you want.

Share with us any stencil projects you’ve done that could possibly inspire someone else’s DIY project. Below is how I did a stencil pattern on a dresser.

To see more of this dresser re-do click this link http://www.thetraveling4.com/home-garden/giving-old-furniture-new-life-redesigning-an-old-dresser/

Author:

Impressive Online D.I.Y. Catalog

by Leave a Comment

I stumbled across this find while looking for supplies on The Home Depot website, and I couldn’t resist sharing it. The Home Depot has a Do It Yourself (DIY) vault of over 200+ DIY project ideas and how-to videos to accomplish a wide array of projects. These projects include everything from how to cut drywall, to growing a garden. There are even projects that you can do with children, like making slime. Many of the individual project pages give you a list of materials and supplies needed, as well as the cut list. I was thoroughly impressed by the available projects and will use this resource in the future. Also note that The Home Depot offers in-person workshops that you can sign up for (when the semi-quarantine is over, of course).

The Traveling 4 is not affiliated with The Home Depot. I just felt this resource was too good not to share. Take a look at their full catalog of projects here. Maybe you will find something that will spark the DIY bug in you. If you do, share your projects with us below.

Author:

3 Easy Home Decor Projects to Complete in One Day

by Leave a Comment

DIY! DIY! DIY! These easy projects are not only cheap but very easy to accomplish. Pottery Barn, Pier 1 Imports, At Home, and Hobby Lobby are great places to grab home decor but some items that you desire can be very pricey. I love to cut cost in half whenever I can and what better way than do-it-yourself projects. Do-it-yourself projects allow your creativity and personality to shine through. These pieces will leave your guests wondering how you pulled them off so easily and all for less than $20 dollars.

Lazy Susan

This Lazy Susan is so versatile, it can be used as a centerpiece, coffee station, makeup holder, or just a simple decoration on the wall. I fell in love with the spinning concept which makes it readily accessible for whatever you decide to add to it. With only a few components you can make this a conversation piece in your home. I enjoyed making this so much I just might end up making a few of these as gifts. All you need is:

  • Circular piece of wood (home depot)
  • 6 inch Square Lazy Susan Turntable Ring (home depot)
  • Screws
  • Tool Bench Felt Protectors (dollar tree)
Dark Walnut Colored Stain…I absolutely loved this color!

This project was so incredibly simple that it only took about an hour to complete (that included letting the stain dry). First, paint or stain your wooden circle with the color of your choosing. I chose the dark walnut colored stain and I certainly can’t wait to do more projects with this color. Apply the felt pads to the 4 corners of the Lazy Susan turntable ring. I like the Scotch brand because they already come with adhesive, so you just press them right onto your surface and they last for a good little while. Lastly, screw the turntable ring into the wood.

At this point you can stop and admire your work or you can chose to decorate it. I decided to do a stencil project on this one but you can do whatever your heart desires. The possibilities are truly endless. If you are thinking about making these for gifts I would buy the stencils that come with about 10 stencils in a pack. If you are great at painting this could be your canvas to put your own personal touch on it. If you own a Cricut machine you can make some awesome designs out of vinyl.

The total cost of this project was only: $ 18.00

Picture Frame Serving Tray

This project is all about creativity and mixing new with the old. The combinations are endless, You can mix and match a variety of colors, paper, and knobs of your choosing to come up with different variations of the same tray. All you need is:

  • Old Picture Frame
  • Scrapbook Paper, Contact Paper or Wall paper
  • Chalk Paint or Acrylic Paint
  • Door Knobs
  • E6000 Glue
  • Mod Podge

I had a cracked frame that I did not want to throw away, so it was perfect for this quick project. I would have preferred to use a frame with the glass in tact that way I could have put the glass back in and made it into a usable tea tray. Trash into treasure was the plan for this project. It took me only 45 minutes from start to finish to make this into a cute conversation piece.

Take the frame apart, clean the glass and set aside. Measure and cut your paper, wall paper or contact paper to cover the frame backing. For this project I decided to use textured paper, it is a very dense paper that almost feels like burlap. You can find textured paper at hobby lobby regular priced for $0.99 a sheet. Cover the picture frame backing in mod podge. Paint the outside of the picture frame whatever color you choose. Once the picture frame is dry add your paper covered backing back to the picture frame. Use E6000 to attach your door handles to the sides of your frame and viola!

The total price of this project was only $9.00.

Three Baskets Wall Decor

This project was as easy as 1-2-3 and can be used for fruit, herbs. flowers, etc. All you need is:

  • 3 black baskets (dollar tree)
  • 3 pieces of wood fencing post (home depot)
  • 1 pack of brackets (home depot)
  • Stencil of your choice

We purchased the 3 pieces of fencing post because they were only $1 a piece and I wanted a more rustic look (*Note: fencing post wood is not completely straight – some pieces may be bowed). At first I was going to leave the tops on the wood but decided against it and we cut them off. First step is to paint or stain the wood for this I used the classic gray stain from Minwax. Brush the sides and random areas with sand paper to give it a more distressed look. Turn the wood over and screw on the mending plate brackets. Use a ruler to evenly space out your baskets and screw them into place.

This step is optional. I decided to do a farmhouse type stencil.

The total cost of this project was only $10.00

There is no right or wrong way for DIY projects. If you don’t like the way something looks paint over it and start over…it’s that easy. If you would like to see more simple DIY projects leave a comment below.

This article was written by:

Easy Indoor Plants

by 3 Comments

Not everyone has a green thumb but most people like to have some type of foliage in their homes, particularly since most indoor plants are great at purifying the air in our homes. Plants are great at bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside, especially during the winter months when people tend to stay in more. Below you can find a list of several of the easiest plants you can care for indoors and all that is required to keep them thriving.

Disclaimer: The traveling 4 are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate Marketing Program, as well as the Amazon Associates Program and are paid for advertising and providing links to said sites if advertised products are purchased (at no cost to you of course).

Different varieties of succulents in a gray terra cotta pot surrounding by decorative stones and ornaments
Variety of succulents

Succulents 

Succulents are plants that have thickened leaves and/or stems that retain water to help them withstand the arid climates that they originate from.  They come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. Succulents can be combined collectively in one pot as shown in my well arranged setting above or potted individually.

Succulent Plants, 5 Pack of Assorted Rosettes, Fully Rooted in 2″ Planter Pots with Soil sold on Amazon for $13.95

Aloe vera plant basking in the sun
Aloe Vera

Aloe 

Aloe is a species of succulent whose leaves generally contain a clear sap or gel that in some varieties harnesses medicinal qualities. 

Red aglaonema plant
Red Aglaonema

Aglaonema 

Aglaonema aka Chinese Evergreens are flowering plants that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. In Asian culture these plants are thought to bring good luck. These easy to grow and low maintenance plants are great for those who are new to gardening because they can withstand drought, dry air and don’t require much light. The NASA Clean Air Study determined that these plants are effective at removing toxins from the air such as formaldehyde and benzene. 

Snake plant in terra cotta pot placed on wooden pedestal.
Viper’s Bowstring

Snake Plant (Sansevieria) 

Also known as Mother-in-law’s tongue, Viper’s bowstring hemp and Saint George’s sword this hardy indoor plant is native to West Africa and is a great starter plant for the novice horticulturist. This plant can literally be neglected for weeks at a time and still thrive. Great for purifying the air in your home by removing or lowering the amounts of such toxins as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. 

  • Pot– Planter with at least one drainage hole. 
  • Soil– well draining soil. 
  • Sun exposure– can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions but indirect sunlight is best.
  • Watering– water modestly when soil dries out (typically every few weeks) and avoid getting leaves wet during watering. Watering can be spaced out even further during the winter months.
  • Varieties– Golden Hahnii, Dwarf Sansevieria, Twisted Sister, Sansevieria Cleopatra and Kenya Hyacinth.
  • Purchase– From your local home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc), your local nursery, or online from Amazon.
Golden Posthos Ivy with streaming vines in a shaded area
Golden Pothos Ivy

Pothos Ivy 

This easy to care for ivy originated in the French Polynesian Islands and, like some of the other plants discussed, it is a great air purifier. One thing to note is that this hardy house plant can be toxic to dogs and cats if consumed in large quantities. So, if you desire to keep this plant in your household definitely keep it out of the reach of your furry friends if they like munching on the leaves of plants. 

Can’t decide on which plant to choose – get a variety of air purifying plants by clicking on the image below

Costa Farms Clean Air-O2 For You Live House Plant Collection 4-Pack, Assorted Foliage, 4-Inch from Amazon- $28.99

Other Plant/Gardening Accessories that you may like (click on image to be taken to site):

Mood Lab Miniature Gardening Gnomes Set of 4 pcs from Amazon– $22.90

FLORA GUARD 3 Piece Aluminum Garden Tool Set (Trowel, Cultivator, Pruning Shear) in Floral Print from Amazon– $18.99

15 Pieces Succulent Plants Tools, Mini Garden Hand Tools Set from Amazon– $10.99

Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Working Gloves for Women and Men from Amazon – $13.97

NEWMADE LA Desk Planter from Nordstrom- $35.00

Plant Stand Wooden Shelf Tiered Flower Rack Holder 37.4×9.8×37.8in from Amazon– $64.99

Freestanding Metal Scrollwork Design 3 Tier Bathroom & Kitchen Storage Organizer Shelf Rack, White from Amazon– $84.99

Foreside Enamel Pot Wall Planter from Nordstrom- $105.00

Giving Old Furniture New Life- Redesigning An Old Dresser

by Leave a Comment

I had an old dresser (pictured above) that was a gift from one of my best friends (not one of the traveling 4 and yes there are more of us, lol). I had gotten a new bedroom set and opted to just redo this dresser to match it instead of spending the several hundred dollars that the new one would cost. Below are the original supplies that I bought to refurbish my dresser, which at first was simply going to be antique white with the original handles spray painted a champagne color.

I began my project by removing the drawers from the dresser and then removing the hardware (handles) from the drawers. I then applied the stripper (with the grain- meaning in the direction of the pattern of the wood and not against it) and let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Next, I used a metal putty knife to scrape the old stain off also with the grain. Once all of the old stain was removed I used the lacquer thinner to neutralize the stripper and clean up any residue. Then I sanded down the dresser and drawers and used the microfiber towel to clean off any of the sanding dust that was left behind. I then pretreated the dresser and the drawers and proceeded to stain with the antique white. As I was undergoing this task I realized that it wasn’t coming out the way I envisioned. This intended design was just too plain for me and I couldn’t seem to get it the way I wanted it so I decided to revamp my design scheme and go a bit more bold. Soon a little more bold turned into a lot more as ideas just kept popping into my head. After a few trips to Lowe’s and Home Depot to gather some new stain, paint, spray paint and a knob to replace one that was missing I ended up with this beauty.

This dresser is what I would call a “statement piece” because it has a lot of “wow factors” and is definitely not for the faint at heart. The alternating red and grey with the black accents really pop.

I spray painted this stencil design on the two lower drawers which brought a nice feminine touch to the bold colors. I also spray painted the original handles and this decorative knob which was a new addition to the dresser in place of the one that was missing.

This dresser brings a lot of life and vibrancy to my room, and all of the intricate details make it one of a kind. That’s the great thing about designing your own decor, you can create unique pieces that truly capture who you are. I hope this project inspires someone to test out their DIY skills and helps them to put a little bit of themselves into the things that surround them everyday.

Crafting Home Decor: Paper Fans/Rosettes

by 2 Comments

On the drive home from our family trip to Charleston, SC my family and I decided to stop over in Savannah, GA for the day and tour the city. We took one of those hop on- hop off bus tours that tells you all about the history of the city and one of the stops we decided to get off on was an area that had lots of little shops and places that sell souvenirs. Across from the Souvenir store we visited was a shop that had some really beautiful paper windmills on the inside of their door (pictured above). I instantly fell in love with them and thought that would make great wall décor for my home. Once we got back home and I got back to work I asked one of my coworkers who is an expert in craft if she would be able to make these paper windmills for me and she said she would look into it. She did some research and said that those types are usually made out of tissue paper and she didn’t know how long that would last as permanent decoration on my wall. She stated that she did come across some videos on how to make paper fans aka paper rosettes using cardstock (craft paper) and that she would get started on some samples for me. I liked the samples that she made so she proceeded to complete the project.  

Supplies you’ll need

Hot glue gun  

Glue stick 

Scoring board 

Craft paper 

Bonefolder (this usually comes with the scoring board) or stylus 

Scissors 

Video she followed

How they came out

How I decorated my wall with them

It was a bit of a challenge getting them to stay layered this way on my wall without them falling off. After some trial and error I figured out that hot gluing some of the fans together and using command strips to secure them to the wall was the way to go. The large grey one is actually a portion of a paper blind that I had left over that I just folded into a circle and used clear command strips to secure the ends together. The command strips are best for securing these to the wall because if you ever want to remove them you’ll be sure not to mess up the wall (i.e. pull off any of the paint).

Other uses for Paper Fans/Rosettes

These paper fans are great decorations for birthday parties, baby showers and even weddings. For these types of events most people will attach streamers to the paper fans and line them across the top of the wall. I’ve also seen them stuck directly on the wall as pictured below. This makes a really nice backdrop for photos or can even be placed on the wall(s) behind the dessert or gift tables. You can find lots of great ways to decorate with these on Pinterest. If you’re crafty and haven’t made these before you should try them out and even if you don’t think you are you can still try them out. They are pretty quick and easy to make and look really nice, especially for those special occasions. 

Image: Courtesy of the True Lovers Etsy Page

Author:

Giving Old Furniture New Life – Redesigning An Old Desk

by 2 Comments

Redesigning old furniture can give your space a brand new look without breaking the bank.

A little over a year and a half ago I bought a house… Yay! With that I now had a space that I wanted to transform into a home office. To me the key part of a home office is the desk. It is where you will do the majority of your work for years to come. So, with that in mind I went on a wild goose chase searching for the perfect desk. My online searches yielded me a ton of different styles and a ton of different price points but I still couldn’t find something that spoke specifically to me.

After weeks of looking online my mom brought me an old executive desk that was given to her. The purpose of her giving me the desk was to redesign it into something that was not only mine but also one of a kind. At first, I wasn’t feeling the desk at all. It had an executive look that was far from the style I envisioned. But my mom convinced me to work through my apprehensions and boy am I happy I did.

Below, is its transformation:

To remove the previous stain that was on the desk we stripped it. We poured the stain remover onto the desk and brushed it on to make sure there was an even coat. Then you let it sit for a few hours before you use a spatula to skim the old stain off. Once the stain started coming off the desk looked so much better to me.

After removing the stain, the desk was sanded using an electric sander. At first, I really liked the way the natural wood looked and considered leaving it in its natural state. But after letting the desk sit for a few days, I opted to paint the base of the desk and leave the natural wood exposed on the top.

The photos above show the finished product after painting the body and drawers of the desk. A clear satin coat of polyurethane was added to the top of the desk to not only protect the wood but to also give it a little shine.

When I initially completed the desk, these blue decorative knobs were added to the top two drawers with the original hardware staying on the bottom four drawers.

Those knobs were replaced with the knobs above which I like a lot more.

Finally, on the inside of the top four smaller drawers, I added wallpaper as a liner. The wallpaper design spoke to me and I felt that it also gave the desk a little spunk.

Now, I have a desk that I absolutely adore. I would have never found this desk, just the way it is, anywhere.

Author:

Extremely Easy File Cabinet Refinish

by 2 Comments

The papers in my house were starting to get out of hand. I literally had filled every unused drawer, cubby hole and freed up counter space with articles of important mail, letters, keepsakes, etc. One day I needed my marriage license and couldn’t find it through the mile-high monstrous mounds. It was at that very moment that I decided I needed to organize these stacks of paper looming around my house. I honestly didn’t think a file cabinet would cost that much and went to search online. I wasn’t too happy with the cost of a basic file cabinet and of course I’m not for paying full price for anything if I don’t have to. The cheapest price of a brand new file cabinet from Walmart is $39.88 and goes up from there.

So I went to my local Goodwill and lucked up with this diamond in the rough file cabinet for only $9.99. As soon as I saw it the wheels started turning in my head and I knew the refinish would be amazing!

Items I purchased to give this old cabinet new life!!!

  • 2 cans of Spray paint
  • 1 can of Clear Coat Spray Paint
  • Shower Curtain
  • Sandpaper
  • Stencils
  • Fabric
  • Spray Adhesive

Lightly sand the exterior surface of the file cabinet to allow for the spray paint to stick to the metal cabinet. Sanding will also remove the exterior gloss finish of the cabinet.

Spray paint the exterior surface of the cabinet. Allow it to dry for 12 to 24 hours before applying the clear coat. Apply the clear coat and allow another 12 to 24 hours to dry before moving on to your next step.

I had in my mind that I wanted to do some sort of stencil project on the outside of this cabinet but decided against it…probably because I was getting so tired of watching paint dry. So I decided to add fabric on the outside doors of the cabinet instead to give it that dramatic effect. I instantly fell in love with this print when I saw it in the store. Please do not ask me what the words say- I have no idea…but it’s pretty, right!

The spray adhesive is as easy to use as a can of spray paint just aim and spray. Remove the handle and any hardware from the front of your cabinet. Spray the entire surface of the cabinet doors with the adhesive. Allow the spray adhesive to get tacky for about 1 minute before placing the fabric on top. Work very slowly when you are smoothing the fabric on the surface of the cabinets to avoid the formation of bubbles underneath. I would also suggest using some sort of smoothing tool, because once the adhesive gets on your fingers it is hard to get off. Add your hardware back on and…Voila, Perfection!

The Cost Breakdown

  • Filing cabinet from Goodwill for $9.99
  • Spray paint purchased for $1.00 a can @ Walmart
  • Clear coat spray paint was $3.00 @ Walmart
  • Shower curtain and sandpaper were purchased from the Dollar Tree
  • Spray adhesive was $6.99 from Hobby Lobby paired with the 40% off coupon, for a total of $4.50
  • I only used a half yard of Fabric from Hobby Lobby paired with the 40% off coupon, for a total of $3.00
  • Stencils purchased from Joann’s paired with 50% off coupon making them only $2.00 (since I decided against the stencils I decided not to add them in the total cost, but just in case you decide to go the stencil route you have an idea)

Total cost of this quick project: $24.49

Here’s a beauty shot of the cabinet in my office/craft room. I am totally in love with this refashion project!!!!!!

This article was written by:

How To Make Your Own Essential Oils

by Leave a Comment

I love being able to say “I made it myself” with the biggest smile on my face. Sometimes you take more pride in things you are able to create as opposed to things you can buy. I got the idea to try my hand at peppermint oil while testing my “green thumb” last spring. I’d purchased a peppermint plant from my local nursery without realizing what I was getting into. I learned quickly that a peppermint plant never stops growing! It is one of those plants you can literally cut a stem off, place it in water and the stem will start to grow roots within a few days. I would harvest and dry the leaves for tea but soon the harvest outgrew me. I needed to find more uses for my plants and went to town researching ways to use peppermint. With my newfound knowledge and unlimited supply of mint it was easy for me to perform a little research and development for peppermint oil.

It may seem like a daunting task to make your own essential oils, but it’s really not hard at all. It only takes a few ingredients and a little patience. Below are two recipes for 4 different types of oils.

Peppermint Essential Oil

What you need:

  • 6 Fresh Mint Sprigs
  • 1 cup Carrier Oil (Any type of Carrier oil like-Grapeseed or Almond)
  • Glass Container with Lid
  • Coffee Filter or Cheesecloth

Wash and pat dry the mint sprigs. Separate the leaves from the mint stems and place in a bowl. Use a wooden spoon or mortar and pestle to bruise the leaves; this is done to release the natural oils of the mint. Pour the bruised mint leaves and the oil in a glass container. Seal the lid tightly and place the mixture in a windowsill for three days. After 3 days use a coffee filter or a cheesecloth to filter the oil from the leaves.

Citrus Essential Oil

What you need:

  • Citrus Fruit of Choice (Orange, Lemon, and/or Lime Peels)
  • 1 1/2 cups of Vodka
  • Glass Container with Lid
  • Cheese Cloth or coffee filter

Peel the skin off the citrus; avoid peeling as much pith (white lining of citrus) as possible. Place the peels on a tray and let dry out for at least 24 hours. Once the peels have dried place them into the glass container and add the vodka. Seal the lid tightly and place the container in a windowsill, allow to set for at least 3 days. Shake the container at least once a day to make sure that the oil is incorporated evenly. Please note the longer this oil sits the better it will be. When the essential oil is ready for use, strain the peels from the oil with a cheese cloth or coffee filter.

Great Uses for Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in so many different products here is a small list for you to consider:

  • soap making
  • homemade linen sprays
  • beauty and skin care products
  • lotions
  • perfumes
  • bug repellents
  • cleaning products
  • wound care
  • aromatherapy
  • and so much more…

This article was written by:

Plant me: Parsley

by Leave a Comment

Parsley can be found in just about any grocery store or farmers market. Parsley is one of the most used herbs in kitchens around the world. Parsley’s strong aroma and sharp taste is like a party in your mouth and gives a dish that extra punch it needs to kick up its flavor. Leaves and stems of parsley can also be used to garnish a dish (just like they do in many restaurants) or added to a salad. Wouldn’t it be great to have this delicious herb growing right at home so that it’s available whenever you want it? Well, it’s easier that you may think to harvest this plant and below I’ll give you some pointers on just how you can exercise that green thumb.  

Growing Parsley: It is best to plant seeds during warmer temperatures in a soil that is rich in organic matter (like Black Gold Organic Compost-BUY) and finely worked.  Plant seeds in rows at least 2 inches apart and approximately a quarter inch depth. Parsley can be a bit fussy when growing from seeds so some may find it easier to grow from seedlings.  

Regular watering to keep the soil moist is a must but be sure your pot has good drainage. You can spread mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture. Adding plant food (like Neptune’s Harvest Liquid Seaweed Plant Food- BUY) is a great way to help your growing parsley to thrive. For a more natural fertilizing additive you can add crushed egg shells to the soil and/or fresh or dried seaweed. Eggshells provide calcium, potassium, magnesium and organic matter to the soil, as well as help prevent blossom end rot. Seaweed is high in nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, helps keep the soil moist and provides organic matter.  

Make sure that you plant/place your parsley in an area where it can get sufficient sunlight, although parsley will also do well in a slightly shaded area. Once plants start becoming full, if planted in a pot instead of in the ground, you may want to start to separate them out. Parsley attracts beautiful butterflies and caterpillars so I hope you’re an insect lover. Once the plant becomes established it can return to your garden biennially (every other year). 

Italian (flat leaf) parsley

To read about the health benefits of this powerhouse herb click on the related post tab below.

Author:

Categories

RECENT