Upcycle Your Kitchen Pans - DIY Farmhouse Decor

I was going through my pans under my stove and decided it was time to get rid of those non stick ones that had seen better days.

They were not good enough to donate, but hated the thought of throwing them in the trash... until I came across this brilliant recycling idea into farmhouse decor (which I love too!).

Check out this video:

If you are crafty, you probably already have all the supplies needed, but if not, they are not that expensive.

Just think of all the super cool upcycled gifts you could make!

What you will Need:

• Old fry pan
• napkins in a pattern you like (dollar store has loads of them!)
• Mod Podge
• acrylic colors
• twine for the handle
• DECO varnish gloss (to protect your project)
• GESSO 

Method:

Make sure pans are super clean.  Nothing will stick to grease!  I found a final swipe of rubbing alcohol gets rid of any residue.

Using the GESSO paint the pans and let dry between coats.

NOTE:  Gesso is basically a white primer that artists use on canvas for a base.

Make sure the napkin layers are completely separated..   You should be able to see the back side of the pattern.  (Most napkins have at least 2 layers of plain tissue paper behind the pattern.)

Instead of tearing the pattern out, use a tiny paint brush with water to outline the area you want and it will tear much easier.

What to Do About Wrinkles?

If you glue the napkin pattern a bit at a time this helps, but also spreading a piece of plastic wrap over top and using your hands smooth it out.  This stops it all from ripping.

Watch the video to see just how she finishes this project.


Awesome Way to Use Up Those Leftover Paper Napkins!

Check that drawer in the kitchen for any leftover paper napkins from that last party to use for this project, otherwise check the dollar tree or online for some super cute patterns depending on the theme you are going for.

I have also found that the Dollar Tree has an online presence for ordering and having things shipped to you. 

This way you are not only upcycling frying pans, but recycling those napkins too!

Would make an awesome housewarming gift too!

Farmhouse Decor - DIY Shabby Chic Candle Sticks on the Cheap

The dollar store can be our best friend when it comes to DIY and crafting ideas.  But what I love about this craft is that you can upcycle wine bottles to do this, or as Kelly Barlow does in the video, she uses Dollar Tree bottles.  Some of the bottles for oil and vinegar are decorative too.

The secret ingredient to this DIY craft is the crackle medium.  You can get this in most craft stores or online.  Check out the video below:

If you have some unique old bottles, then upcycle them into this project, or get them from the Dollar Tree.

Step 1 - Make sure the bottles are clean, or the paint won't stick properly.  One of the best parts I think, is the twine flowers she makes and attaches to the bottles for that final touch.  You could use different colors of twine but I thought this natural jute looked awesome.

You could sit these on the mantle piece for that farmhouse, shabby chic look.

Step 2 - Spray paint the bottles with the Krylon Spray Paint and let dry.

Step 3 - Cover with the crackle medium and let dry.

Step 4 - Paint with your top color.

NOTE:  When using paint over crackle medium you need to be careful to only coat an area once.  Don't go back and forth or it will lose the aged look.  So use a slightly thicker coat and watch the magic happen.

She uses plain white candles, which I think looks awesome as it makes the bottles the focal interest point of the bottle.

The best part is, you now also have emergency candles.

Group a few different shaped bottles together for a interesting effect.

To keep this DIY on the cheap, get as much as you can from the Dollar Tree or recycle what you have on hand.

The paint and crackle can be purchased online with Amazon below:

It is amazing just how you can transform simple objects into shabby chic with the right products!

You could use this crackle medium on other bottles such as mason jars for the bathroom and more.

Have fun with this DIY for shabby chic farmhouse decor!

DIY Storage for Kids on the Cheap Using Dollar Tree Supplies

Shelves can get expensive, so I came across this super cool way to create storage for your kids toys, shoes, clothes, craft supplies or anything with a small investment at the Dollar Tree.

Check out the video below by Waves and Curls, and see if this doesn't get you inspired to create colorful and cheap storage for your kids.

I thought this was a super cool idea especially for the budget minded.  This doesn't have to be just for kids, you can get different colored bins and use it for craft supplies, shoes, toys or basically anything.

Create this storage unit out of plain colors and it could be for office storage too or even seasonal smaller items in the basement.

What you will Need:

• 6 x large plastic baskets  from the DOLLAR TREE (now online) (any size you prefer, as long as you can find a smaller one that will fit inside.).
• 
  
• 6 x small baskets (that will fit in your larger ones)
• 
  
• E-6000 Glue

• 
  
• Pool Noodle
• 
  
• Knife to cut pool noodle

Method:

It is a pretty straight forward DIY project, but create it somewhere like on plastic or paper or even outside where it doesn't matter if you spill a little glue or make a mess.

Glue the larger bins together using the glue

Cut pool noodles to size and glue between the baskets to create strength.

Wait 24 hours for the glue to completely set.  E-6000 is an awesome glue but it does need time to cure and then it creates a super strong bond, and it is safe on this plastic.

Stand it up and add your small baskets.

Instant Wall Unit!

Create Any Size You Want

The beauty of this project is that you can make it as small or as large as you want.  I personally wouldn't go taller as you don't want kids trying to climb it to get to their things, but you could certainly go wider.

I have also discovered that the DOLLAR TREE is online, which is awesome especially if you need a larger quantity of anything such as these baskets or simply can't get to one close by.

Here is a page just for Plastic storage baskets and you can order the supplies you need for this project.

Instant Colorful Room Decorating

If you create this with complimenting colors this could totally decorate a room and maybe hide a bad wall.

If your kids have small rooms, this would get rid of the clutter off the floor.  It could even be used in place of a dresser.  The baskets on each shelf are easy to get at and is such a fun way to add some color and fun to a room.

Store Lightweight Seasonal Items in the Basement

If you have lots of Christmas ornaments, paper, decorations and other items, you could create a wall unit like this and store the delicate items in the baskets.

This keeps everything off the floor and safer than simply stuffing them under the stairs.

I hope you have become inspired to create a few of these storage systems around your home.

Homemade Purple Shampoo - Get Rid of Yellow and Orange Tinges

Silvers and light tones tend to turn yellow and blondes tend to get brassy or orange.  Sunlight and chlorine are color killers for treated hair.

If you dye your hair blonde or even simply highlight it, you have probably discovered just what that summer sun and swimming can do to treated hair.

Purple shampoo is a fast fix that works quite well.  It can get expensive, so I came across this awesome recipe to make your own using grape kool-aid and your own favorite shampoo.

Homemade Purple Shampoo - Check it out:

3/4 teaspoon of grape Kool-Aid powder

4 x tablespoons of your shampoo

Combine in a bowl.

Lather into already damp hair from the roots to the ends.

Let it sit on your head for at least 5 minutes

Rinse and use your conditioner.

If you use this formula twice a week especially in the summer months, you will get rid of that yellow, orange or unnatural brassiness.

How Does it Work?

The purple pigments cancel out the yellow and orange tones.

Don't worry that your hair will turn purple.. it won't

Give Your Hair a Break from Chemicals

I have had friends that simply go back and get their hair re-dyed more often in the summer to get rid of that brassiness, but this is so harsh on your hair.

Try this recipe or if you prefer not to get into a DIY for your hair, you can purchase purple shampoo and purple conditioner that will do the same thing between dye jobs.


This product will keep your hair looking natural.

Recycle Bubble Wrap - 5 great DIY Ways to Reuse and Save Time and Money

Whether you just moved to a new place or received things in the mail, chances are you have some bubble wrap kicking around.  Before you simply toss it, check out these awesome ideas to recycle it!

1.  Line Veggie Drawers

If you just happen to have a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom, one of the downfalls to this setup is the things in the veggie drawers have a habit of freezing or simply getting too cold.

Line the Veggie drawer with a couple pieces of bubble wrap and not only will this insulate against freezing, it will protect delicate fruits and veggies from bruising.


2.  Stop Frosted Car Windows

When the temps begin to dip, save on the scrapping the next morning, by laying a piece of bubble wrap on your windshield and holding it down with the wipers.

Simply take off and your windshield is frost free, saving you scrapping time. 

Store it in your car, as it can also be an emergency warmth insulator for yourself if you ever get stranded on a cold day.



3.  Insulating a Grocery Bag

If you are shopping on a hot day, and you don't have an insulated bag or cooler, then create your own insulator bag by lining a cloth bag with bubble wrap.  This will keep that ice cream cold until you get home.

4.  Bubble Wrap Chocolate Wafers!

Check out this video:

5.  Bubble Wrap Canvas Wall Art

Anyone can do this!  If you don't mind a little bit of DIY, this is a fun no pressure art project to reuse that bubble wrap you just got in the mail or from packing boxes.

Check out this video:

If you use a few colors, this could definitely be a conversation piece!  Abstract art that you have created!

Also great for kids art projects too!.

I hope the above 5 have inspired you to recycle, reduce, reuse the best you can.  Bubble wrap is so useful for more than just popping the bubbles!  (I know everyone does this).

Popping the bubbles is a great stress reliever, so keep a few squares around for those types of days!

How to Kill Ants in the House - 3 Natural Ways - Without Pesticides

Ants are just one of the things that come along with the nice weather.  It is amazing just how they find themselves in your house, but they do.

I had an issue near the front door and noticed them under the mat and around the shoes.  I have 3 cats and a dog, and I didn't want to use any pesticides.

I vacuumed up the first batch, but when they returned, I knew they had added my house to their list of places to check out and party!

I have tried all 3 of these, and most of these products are already in your house, so try these first.

1.  White Vinegar

Mix 50/50 white vinegar and water into a spray bottle (dollar store sells these)

Spray the window sills or the door sills where you have seen ants, no matter how tiny or large they are.  Spray it right on any ants that are there right now. 

With a paper towel, wipe up the vinegar.  It will leave a smell behind that they cannot stand and you will have a clean sill (added bonus).

If you do this often and clean your counters and floors with a vinegar mixture, not only is this a natural cleaner, but ants HATE IT.

2.  Dish Soap

If you don't like the smell of vinegar, or you simply don't have any in the house and you can see a party of ants having a great time on your counter, use this soap method.

Mix one part dish soap to 2 parts water in a spray bottle.

Spray the ants and the surrounding area and wipe away with a paper towel and discard.

3.  Lemon Juice

This is another ant killer and deterrent.

Mix one part lemon juice to 3 parts water in a spray bottle and spray on the ants.  Citric acid will kill them and they can't stand the stuff.

Find the Entrance if you Can

See if you can find where they are coming in.  Check around your window sills and door sills.  Go outside and see if there are ant hills nearby.

Spray Outside Too

If you have found their ant hill or simply where they are hanging out and getting in, then take your spray bottle and spray all around the entrance.  Cut off their path with dish soap, vinegar or lemon juice spray and they will turn around and leave.

Don't Use Commercial Pesticides, Try the Above First.

I made the mistake of putting out those little tins of ant killer and my dog thought they would be nice to chew.  It make him quite sick.  So this is why I don't EVER buy pesticides.

Staircase Ideas - 3 Ways to Decorate Your Stairs on the Cheap

A staircase quite often is the first thing you see when you enter a 2 story house.  No matter how cute you make the entrance those worn out stairs can take away from your hard work.

Just how to decorate your stairs on the Cheap?

Check out these 3 ideas, and hopefully you become inspired.

1.  Stair Decals

These are basically removable stair stickers that you place on the riser.  If you have painted risers and they don't look their best, you can repaint them or simply add some decals.  You can get either inspirational or cute or funny!


If the stair risers are ugly and not in the best of shape, instead of sanding and repainting, add full decals such as the above. If you like inspirational quotes, and your stairs are basic white and you just want to add some pizzaz, these are a whimsical idea and a fun way to remind you and motivate you each time you climb the staircase. If you really want to add a statement, check out this mural idea!

Any of the above will take your eye away from ugly scuffed risers and add some life to your staircase.  They are also removable so if you are renting this is a good idea.

2.  Non Slip Removable Carpet Stair Treads

These will not only keep hardwood or painted steps safe for everyone, it will cover up worn and scratched areas.


This will instantly upgrade and just make your staircase look instantly better with out replacement. Usually the worn ugly areas are the center of the step, so by cleaning and covering them with these non slip treads it will look awesome. There is no glue residue left behind if you need to remove them. So, if you add the new treads and some riser decals, you already have a new staircase on the cheap!

3.  Paint

If you don't mind DIY, you can paint your entire staircase and then add some of the above, or simply paint your railing.

If you railing or banister is glossy or oil based paint or you are not sure, you don't have to sand.

Simply clean with a degreaser and use a high adhesion primer first such as ZINSSER.  I use this on any surface I am not sure of.  I have painted furniture without removing old surface and to this day it sticks.


Try just painting the railing if it is wood. This may brighten up everything right away. Use the Zinsser primer and then any color of latex paint you want. The gloss looks nicer on a railing.

Each Idea Under 50 Bucks!

 The above 3 staircase ideas should get you inspired to take a closer look at your stairs.

Whether you are selling your home or just moving in and don't want the expense of hardwood renewal or sanding, these products make a staircase DIY affordable.

 The stairs cannot be out of commission for long, so if you can do something quickly, then the above ideas will work. Renovations can be expensive, so why not try these ideas?

 Even if you just paint the scuffed up risers and/or add some decals they will look 100% better.

In our house we removed worn carpet from the stairs.  It took some work but was well worth it.  We then painted and used stair treads instead.  Looks 100% better!