Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Our Weekend: Crafting

What long weekend would be complete without some project to do!? I didn't really have a craft planned for this past weekend, but on Friday evening I was checking out my site meter and I usually check out the links I don't recognize.

One thing led to another and I found this idea! Oh. my. That is so me and I had all those things laying around. I know, I know - go ahead and roll your eyes at me now, it's fine and I'm ok with it! Thinking back to what I spent on all the parts that were laying around - I'm guessing this project cost around $7 - still not shabby.

I had an old board laying on our porch that I'd gotten at the Habitat store, some of the burlap ribbon was in my craft stash, the hooks were cluttering my kitchen counter as I'd bought them on 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby for something else which did not work out, and the screws came from my junk drawer. So, I really did myself a favor by doing this project because I spent nothing and used some things that were truly laying around and creating clutter other places!

The board was red and didn't really go with the red of the burlap, so I spray painted it brown (also leftover). I stapled the burlap on instead of using glue as she did in the initial post and then screwed the hooks in. I plan to touch up the tops of the screws using brown paint just so they blend in a bit better.

I found some sawtooth hangers in our hardware cabinet and voila! I'm trying to decide if I want to hang this somewhere in the house or save it for hanging in our screened in porch that we are hoping to add in the very near future.

Where would you put it? Also, what should I do with this wall? (I know, I don't like flash photos - but it was too dark to take a natural light pic.) I love the chalkboard but it is a bit lost on this wall, so I need to do something about moving it and adding a couple of things. I love this too. Maybe I could do the wall hanging, chalkboard and hang the hooks under it? Ok, give me your thoughts and ideas!

PS: While I'm sharing fun found ideas - check out this grain sack pillow! Love it!

18 comments:

Bonnie said...

I love the hooks!
I saw that grain sack pillow a few weeks ago, and have been itching to get some started, maybe I will have time this week...
The picture (I don't know what to call it) is really fun, if you do that, I'm excited to see how it turns out.
Happy Tuesday!

Unknown said...

I LOVE it, Monica! Great job! :)
Happy Tuesday!

Wendi said...

The alphabet craft is cute! I am thinking of trying it using some girly colors for Megan's room.

And the grain sack pillow... adorable. I don't know what you will be doing with your soon to be porch, but I was thinking some grain sack pillows and your new hook sign would be really cute together.

I have to say I am little jealous that you had time to craft. I am so ready for some craft time!

Susannah said...

Your crafting is beautiful! For the wall, you could center the chalkboard on the wall and paint flowers,verses, etc around it. I painted a verse from Ecclesiastes around the windows of our playroom instead of a valance.

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Hold-it!! You are so amazing, Monica. I am so going to have to add this "new site" to my favorites - to check it out even further. I love what you did, implementing what you already had (supplies) around the house. I tell you, we think alike sometimes.

You're projects turned out so great.

Anonymous said...

Great job!!! I love it! I get so exicited when I see one of these and how they each have a personal touch. Fun...Hope you see the one coming up soon~ Susie

Blissful & Domestic said...

I love it!

Brie said...

Thanks for posting the link to the alphabet letter sign. I saw it in the Pottery Barn catalog and was considering making one of my own one day. It's a great tutorial.

angie said...

First off, my Walmart is drastically downsizing their craft dept., totally eliminating the fabric, ribbon, and sewing notions. I thought more people than ever were crafting??

If you hang your new hooks inside, I would suggest hanging it at the girls' level. Since their (darling) reading chair is already there, perhaps the hooks could hold library bags.

If you save it for your screened porch (how exciting!), the hooks could hold dog leashes, play jackets, and baskets of sunscreen and bug spray. Either way, you can't go wrong. Or maybe....you need a set of hooks for BOTH places!

For the empty wall, I would suggest framing some of the girls' artwork or some favorite illustrations/dust covers from children's books. The alpahbet print is fantastic, too.

Debra said...

Really cute, Monica! I love the typewriter key picture - can't wait to see yours. I think I am inspired, too!

Anonymous said...

Simplenest.net has a great post today regarding decorative wall spaces. Check it out!


Kim from Philadelphia

Melissa said...

Neat craft! I think the board would look good centered on that wall, but low enough for the kids to use. It could be a place to hang coats and church bags. The chalkboard could be used above the board, as you suggested, and then hang other things around it that would interest the kids. Maybe a weather chart for schooling??? This could be a neat corner for learning since you already have the reading chair here.

Kathy said...

I love it! This is just what I need by my kitchen doo...you have inspired me ;)

Elise said...

That is cute!! I love that pillow so much, too!!
Um, as for your wall...You might could frame some photos of your kiddies and hang above the hooks or find some prints, via online sites or postcards, greeting cards, etc. and you could frame them, and hang above the hooks. Do you like numbers or typography?? You could take that sign that Susie made and tweak it and maybe do your last name, a five, or something...
I think that is all I have. I'll let you know if I have anything else. Oh wait...what if you hang that hook rack below the chalkboard and then on either side of the chalkboard, frame your last initial and the other side a 5, in a cool font. You could use the hooks to hold chalk and maybe something decorative.
Elise
Oh, I certainly wasn't rolling my eyes, because I can say I have plenty laying around!!

*carrie* said...

So cute. Maybe you should actively look for crafts that will help you use up the misc. on your counter?! Ha! =)

Ruth said...

I love that from Susie Harris, too. She is great.

Ruth

Anonymous said...

Hi Monica,

If you own your home, I think you should paint the white walls another color. Or ask your landlord, if you rent it. Then I would add decor to it. I like the idea Susannah gave of flowers and words painted in that area along with the chalk board. I am curious about where to center the objects, though. If somebody swung that door open, you wouldn't want the objects to get hit. So should you center the items between the two door frames, or between the door frame on the left (of the photo) and the edge of the door when it is open? Hope that makes sense. Haha! :)

Andrea L.

The Chatty Housewife said...

For the chalkboard, I would move it to the very center of the room and hang it at eye level. Then I would hang some plates around it in a pattern. Either three on top and one on each upper corner/side, or four in an arch above. Mismatched china dessert plates in your colors would look nice.

Another idea is to do the same, but with frames that suit the style of the chalkboard. Fill them with black and white photos of your family.