Thrifty Thursday: Tie Tutorial

Thank you PurlBee for this wonderful tie tutorial! Just in time for Father's Day- visit http://www.purlbee.com/fathers-day-ties/ to learn how to create your own tie for the special man in your life.  With the freedom to choose any fabric or color you like- what a wonderful gift idea and DIY challenge!  Once I find a Dustin-approved fabric, I will be on my way to making my very own tie! Enjoy!

Thrifty Thursday: DIY Wine/Beer Bottle Glasses

My husband and I love wine and beer- well, good wine and beer, which means we usually have many bottles we are getting rid of.  We saw these low ball tumblers at a local wine bar and LOVED them- the color, the shape, the whole idea as well as how easy it would be to do it ourselves, and for basically free. Well, I'm sure we would be motivated to go out and purchase more so we could have a whole set.  So, I found a tutorial that will help us all make our own glasses (whether high or low ball, or even vases) out of our recycled bottles.  You can see the step by step directions here: http://www.zellaguide.com/2009/02/diy-glass-bottle-cutting/

Basically, all you need to do is:
1. finish your beverage so you have an empty bottle (that's the fun part!)


You'll need to purchase a bottle cutter.  They used Ephrem’s Bottle Cutter which can be easily found online for $30-40.  The kit comes with:

• the bottle cutter- to cut the bottles, of course
• a candle- to heat the line which the cutter makes in the glass
• sand paper- to file down those dangerous edges after you cut the glass
• carbide polishing powder- to smooth those edges even more so you don’t cut your lips if you’re making a glass

Now I've seen tutorials online where you're just using string of some sort and a candle so if I can find it again, I'll post a second tutorial and maybe compare the two.  Since this is "Thrifty Thursday" and all, if there is a cheaper way where you don't have to spend $30+ on some tool, then that would be great! Another advantage to making these yourself is that you can choose the color of the glass.  Anywhere from clear to green to amber/brown- whatever works with your decor.  Do share if you decide to try this tutorial- I would love to see pics of a placesetting with some of these included.  Enjoy!

the actual process as seen with a beer bottle

the finished product aka tumblers from Pottery Barn- I personally prefer the raised bottoms of the wine bottles

another idea one could try- vases

Thrifty Thursday: DIY Chalkboard Paint

I used this years ago and even then it was super expensive for a quart of the stuff- but now you can do it yourself for a fraction of the price! And you're not limited to the old school green or black.  Any color you can have mixed at Home Depot or any other store, you can transform into chalkboard paint.  So, if you want to match that kids' room just perfect or have a space in your kitchen for grocery lists. now you can.  Anywhere and anywhere, any color you choose- how great is that? Here's the recipe that Martha herself posted: http://www.marthastewart.com/271574/make-custom-color-chalkboard-paint

Be sure to comment if you end up trying this: so many creative things to do with it- please share!


Custom Colors How-To
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.
1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.
3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.
4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

Thrifty Thursday: Floating Book Shelves

It may seem I'm on a kick with DIY shelving systems.  Well I am but there's meaning behind the madness I promise.
1. We love books in our house.  We both read but my husband reads A LOT and he likes to keep ALL his books.  So needless to say, we own many, many books and I would like to display them (if we must) in a creative way.
2. Shelving is expensive- especially when you consider what it's made out of: wood (and not rare, expensive kind), glue and nails/screws.  So, why spend all that lettuce?
3. I love it when I see something that I like and then realize that "I can do that" and save money at the same time.  And I'm thinking there are a lot of you out there that are thinking the same thing...
4. There are so many GREAT DIY ideas out there! I promise I will eventually get to them all but this is the one I chose today.  So enjoy!

I've seen these "floating" invisible shelves in several stores and wonder when the day will come when I either am crazy enough to spend the money one them or when they will go on sale.. haha! But here is the greatest thing: all you need are L-brackets, a level and a little bit of time.  So simple and CHEAP!! You can find the instructions (if you call them that- it's so self-explanatory) on the  MayDecember Blog

Please share if you decide to attempt this DIY project! I would love to hear from you! Enjoy!

Thrifty Thursday: DIY Bookshelves

I'm so excited to share with you guys that, now, every Thursday will be dedicated to fun, innovative DIY ideas.  I keep finding all these wonderful and clever ways to re-purpose objects or create something you've seen for a fraction of the price.  And I know that if these projects are on my "list" to do, then many of you would be interested in them also.  So, here's to saving money and being crafty! Enjoy!

 

 

I saw this online and traced it back to the blog that originally posted the idea.  This would be perfect for a kid's room.  You need the BEKVAM spice racks from IKEA and the installation is super easy! They look great with the plain wood or you could paint or stain them.  The possibilties are endless! These would be great in an entry hall or office also.  Here's the site to the posting:
http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/03/repurposing-spice-racks-into-childrens.html 
We are keeping this idea to use in a future kid's room but I'm sure some of you are able to DIY now.  Please share if you decide to take on this project (photos welcome) and what you used it for! Thanks and more to come next Thursday!