Upcycled Easter Basket

Do you upcycle? Yea, me too...I look at everyday items, items that are normally thrown out, and think to me, myself and I : "What can I make out of this?"

Me says, "That is trash, throw it away, you can't keep EVERYTHING!!!".....

Myself says, "But it is the perfect size to do something with, plus, think of the landfills!"

Ok girls, calm down...I am going to do something with it, just watch!

This is a clean empty container....I'll let you go ahead and read what it is....that IS why I take so many daggone pictures after all!....
Ok great! If you want to turn this:

Into this:

Follow along, because "WE" are gonna show you how!
The container really is ideal, it's pretty durable and plastic, it does seem like a waste to throw it away, Myself is smiling....
Rip the paper off and you're ready to start!

Save those lids though!!! I will show you what you're going to do with those in just a couple of days....Myself smiling and nodding...

I created gift tags for our little Easter baskets and although you will not have something identical to upcycle, think about tags from clothing, shoes, linens, etc....those can all be transformed into something of use...this tag was off of a bottle, actually had the ball chain with, and all I did was cover with paper on both sides, punch a new hole and you've got yourself a tag!

This is what you'll need:
Upcycled container, this could be anything, paper, plastic, even a tin can would be cute
Mod Podge
Scrapbook paper (I chose 3 coordinating patterns)
Crepe Paper
Rick-Rack or ribbon
Hard felt
Embellies
Easter Grass
Candy (a lot )

Measure your container and cut scrapbook paper to size.

Slather the container with Mod Podge. Not too much you don't want any bubbles, apply the paper and smooth around with your hands.

Next cut a strip of coordinating paper and put round the top (or bottom, I did both ways)

Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the top and let dry.
Creating the handles I used hard felt, that is the stiff type of felt that is located right next to the regular felt in you craft store, it just comes bigger and the colors are limited...but it is great for this use.
I love Rick-Rack and it comes in great color and sizes, I chose a pink and aqua to coordinate with my paper selection .

Using pinking shears, I cut approx. a half inch or so and glued the rick-rack on. The hard felt is 12'' wide and that worked fine for my container.
I did this in tandem, while waiting for the Mod Podge to dry...

When your container is all dry, it's time to embellish and add the handles. I did not use to many embellies because the paper has a lot going on. I put rick-rack around the seam and a button.

Now to put some foo-foo around the opening...

I used crepe paper and hot glue and created a ruffle just inside of the mouth of the container. After you are all done gluing, fold the crepe paper down, like this:

I cut an additional half inch of felt to cover up the inside, this gave it a nice clean look, and won't interfere with the candy eating

Next, I put the handles on with hot glue

Embellish how you would like! Again, I kept it pretty simple, but you could really go to town! Let your imagination lead you!

Finally, fill with candy almost to the top, add a little Easter grass, and then put some more candy! I love it!

I think Me, Myself, and I are very happy!

I'll be showing you what to do with those lids next, stay tuned!!

Easter Tablescape (#2)

Don't be bashful!
Easter is just around the corner and I've been tablescaping with one of my favorite food groups!
CHOCOLATE!
This is one of my favorite color pallets, it's quite a cool pallet but the chocolate bunnies warm it up!

I created a centerpiece in a milk glass vase and I've been enjoying it so much, you might even see it on my last and final Easter Tablescape next week!
I "created" a few different elements for this table. Because I've been on some kind of spray paint frenzy, I made some candle holders using Terra cotta pots and saucers and spray painted them with my all-time favorite spray paint. Yes, you read it right, Krylon Blue Ocean Breeze, has moved onto my "all-time favorite" list! It was formerly just on the favorite list...

The goblets I'm using are actually from Christmas, but I use silver year round and I really liked the elegance it brings to the table, not to mention goes along with the silverware.

I was thinking about the Chocolate theme, so before the fumes settled, I spray painted some standard plastic eggs with Design Master 'October Brown' Spray paint, added some Ric-rack and a button. This color is the most perfect chocolate color! It looks a little "Tiffanyesque" :)

Ok, next on the list to get a fresh coat of ocean breeze: charger plates...I have had these for years, they are a dime a dozen nowadays, and I got these at Big Lots, super cheap. They were gold and honestly, I just didn't use them, I'm a silver gal. I see using them a lot now!

Napkins from Tuesday Morning
Dinner plate, Dollar Tree, Salad Dessert plate, TJ Maxx

The table covering is just some fabric I had in my stash

I used my glittered eggs, again, I just didn't use the pink and yellow

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you're inspired!

I'm going to be showing how to make this super cute treat basket out of recycled goods, next week.....I can't wait to show you! You'll be surprised what I used!

Logan's Room: Lil' Cowpoke Armoire

I have been working steadily over the past month on Logan's room and slowly but surely it's been coming together. I will be revealing projects as I complete them, so stick around, you might see something you like! It's so fun doing kids rooms!

As an introduction to the pallet we I selected, here are some of the linens. Most of this (and more) handmade by loving grandmothers, but we will get in to that a little later....

The Color Pallet: Primarily primary (hardy, har, har) Red, Blue, white. With a little black, white and green.

Feature fabrics: Lil' Cowpokes (With all colors mentioned above), blue ticking, denim, and cable knit

First project: Armoire

I purchased this small armoire from the GW back in North Carolina and I remember the day well. I was on the hunt for an armoire to house all the the scrap booking gizmo's and gadgets I had acquired over the years. when I saw it, I bought it. done deal. now. how to get her home.

Back then mom was still with us and I called her because she drove a little Chevy truck. she met me at the GW and in the back it went. we merrily drove it to Parkertown Rd. back then we lived next to one another too...

It has served me well all these years and even made the move to Missouri...Here at this house, Logan's room is where it ended up.

It's a nice size, but not heirloom quality, so I decided to paint it. Typically I automatically think black, but I wanted to do something different and a little more fun and upbeat.

The doors had thin removable panels held in with flimsy plastic thingamabobs, like I said: not an heirloom

Now if you are a professional painter, scroll down a bit, I did not take the door off at all.....yep, I primed it as it stood! I did take the drawers out, if it makes you feel any better, but I was going for some kind of rough, rustic look and painted hinges were working for me!

I primed and painted it white.

WHITE?

What? That's it?

How is this more fun and upbeat?

Hold on to your britches, fun and upbeat is on the way!!

I found these really cute, cast iron drawer pulls with a star at Hobby Lobby and they are just perfection for the Lil' Cowpoke look!

I started thinking about the doors and the removable panels and I wanted to do something different, plus most of the panels were cracked and broken anyway....

I had several thoughts: fabric, chicken wire, just new panels, painted, then it hit me....

Weathered wood.

Not just any weathered wood, this whole section of fence was in the back yard for ages and it was perfect. Free. Weathered wood. This was going to be good I could just feel it!

I measured the space and cut 12 of them. I loved it, it was exactly what I was looking for! I cut them length wise to give more of an impression of shutters, verses doors, so if we ever move back to eastern NC, this piece can go coastal with a change of hardware!!!

I color washed every one of them in the "color pallet" colors and it went so quick and easy!

I used standard acrylic craft paint, and I am so happy with the results

I was going to distress the edges, but decided against it. I want the doors to take center stage and I don't want to over do it. Believe me, being in a four year old's room, distressing will happen anyway!!

Inside, books movies, toys, the usual suspects :)

The two drawers, linens for Logan's bed, etc....

I did leave one of the shelves in the original state, just a reminder of it's former look...is that corny?

I am really super pleased with the results and I can't wait to show you more! I've got some fun projects and vintage finds waiting in the wings! I hope you'll join me!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you're inspired!