February 21, 2013

DIY: Spice Rack Makeover


I've had this cheapo spice rack kicking around in my kitchen for about five years, which, as it turns out, is about five years too many since I have barely touched the plentiful spices stored inside. My mom picked this up for super cheap (like $5) when I moved into my apartment and I used it here and there, but my supply of other spices always seemed to call to me more than these. Cut to years later when all this spice rack does is take up precious, precious counter space and periodically get splattered by the food that I'm cooking in my cramped kitchen. Not the best use, I don't think. Combine that with my constant desire for cute, unconventional storage and a crafty idea was born! I turned a no-longer-used spice rack into a handy-and-always-used craft storage rack, which is now proudly displayed on my sewing table! This kind of spice rack is pretty common, so here's how you can do it too:

WHAT YOU NEED
Spice Rack, Acrylic Paints (white and whatever color(s) you choose), Paint Brush, 
Sticker-Back Glitter Paper, Scissors, Pencil, Sandpaper (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT
1. Empty and clean the spice jars and wipe down the rack itself. I also sanded mine lightly, but that's optional.


2. Paint the rack with a coat or two of white paint and let it dry.


3. Paint the rack with a coat of your colored paint and let dry completely. Repeat until the coverage is opaque.



4. While the paint dries, trace a spice jar cap on the back of the sticker glitter paper. I traced 16 circles, one for each cap. Cut those out. Peel the backing off the glitter paper circles and smooth one onto the top of each cap.






5. Fill the spice jars with bits and baubles and put them back into the rack. You're done! Hooray for you!





These are great for all kinds of storage, like office supplies or beauty tools, but I chose to store my smallest craft supplies here since they can be hard to keep in a visible space. Things like googly eyes, metal studs and tiny buttons can be hard to find when you need them, but in this new storage rack they're always within sight and within reach. Plus, the whole thing adds a nice pop of color (and glitter!) to my craft space, which always puts a smile on my face.

Do you have any fun, unconventional ways that you like to store things?

xoxo,
Michelle

February 18, 2013

ROUNDUP: Vintage Canisters

I am becoming borderline obsessed with hypothetical home decorating, and as a product of that obsession I have amassed quite a collection of vintage canisters on my (also hypothetical) wish list. I have a chrome set currently (featured below) but if I had things my way, I'd have the space for one million more sets! Check out some of the cute vintage canisters I've been coveting:

WOOD CANISTERS
Something about wooden accents in a midcentury shape gets me all excited!


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CHROME CANISTERS
Classic and goes with everything!

I have the same kind of set!
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PRINTED CANISTERS
Fun vintage prints add a touch of kitsch to any kitch!


This one is printed in Russian!
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APPLE CANISTERS
These come in a bunch of shades and seriously could not be any cuter!


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PASTEL CANISTERS
These spring-colored canisters are so sweet.


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ATOMIC TURQUOISE CANISTERS
Bright hues like this one would be an awesome pop of color in any kitchen.


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STACKABLE CANISTERS
These save space by going vertical and look totally mod.


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WEDGE CANISTERS
Wedge-shaped canisters come together as a circle on a lazy susan base - clever!


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FLORAL CANISTERS
Mod 60s or boho 70s, these are pretty, retro and functional!


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CLEAR CANISTERS
See what's inside with glass jars or front side cutouts.


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I doubt that I have enough belongings to fill all of these amazing containers, but I love to imagine the kinds of kitchens they would live in. I find these sets to be a major design inspiration!

xoxo,
Michelle

February 14, 2013

DIY: 12 Awesome Heart Crafts

Partly because it's V-Day, but mostly because I love all things heart related, I've compiled a list of fun and do-able heart themed DIY projects for your perusing pleasure. Click through for full instructions.

SEQUIN HEART SWEATER

HEART PRINT JEANS

WOODBURNED HEART RING

HEART ELBOW PATCH

PAPER HEART WALL ART

HEART BLANKET

SEQUIN HEART T-SHIRT

HEART MASON JAR

HEART RING

POM POM HEART PILLOW

FELT HEART HEADBAND

EMBELLISHED HEART TIGHTS



Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,
Michelle