Modern Bird Feeder Update

Home. DIY.

Last November, we decided it was time to bring some colorful wildlife with a modern bird feeder to the back deck during the cold months, and boy did it deliver.  We have had constant winged visitors in all sorts of colors and sizes.

The bird cafe feeder has held up very well over the winter, but I would recommend using an adhesive stronger than silicone if you plan on attaching it to a vinyl fence post like we did.  A few weeks ago I noticed it was slightly loose while sitting on the post so I knew it was time to take action.  This provided an opportunity to wipe down the feeder and give it a fresh look for the new warm season. After removing the feeder from the fence post, I removed the silicone caulking and applied JB Quick Weld that Jeff had in the garage.   The JB Weld is much stronger and will hold for much longer. 

Overall, the bird cafe has been great!  We love the fine feathered friends that have visited our modern bird feeder. The only downfall is that there is bird seed remnants all over the deck. 

<3 MK

Shur-Line Touch Up Painter

Home.

Shur-Line touch up painter

After prepping, taping, and applying numerous layers of paint this past weekend, the last thing I really want to talk about is painting, but I feel like I must.   Jeff and I are feverishly working to finish our basement before the weather gets too nice that we don’t want to spend any time inside.  Luckily it rained this past weekend while we were painting all the trim and doors in our basement.  And there was a ton of trim to paint.  Check that off the long list of to dos.

Now, back to the real reason for this post, the Shur-Line touch up painter.  Although we didn’t use this handy tool for the large painting job, I did do some touch up painting on our bedroom and master bathroom walls this weekend as well.  For walls that are easily scuffed and marks, this painting tool is a must.

This tool keeps the paint inside and is sealed and locked away for future uses.  The roller is made of fabric so when covering up the wall blemishes, you wont see any brush lines.  It also comes with a stand for easy storage.  Just one hint, when using it again after a period of time, you might want to squeeze it slightly to get it going again.  Don’t squeeze to hard or it will go all over the place.  You can also buy replacement rollers if needed.

I love this tool so much I am getting another one for the white walls around the house and the gray in the basement.  It provides way more than $8 in value for the convenience of being able to pick it up, paint and immediately make things neat without getting out the brushes, etc.

The Shur-Line touch up painter looks a little funny just sitting there, doesn't it?

This is not a sponsored post, the opinions are all mine, just simply passing on a tool that can make everyone’s busy live just a bit easier.

<3 mk

Fabric Covered Filing Cabinet Makeover

Home.

Fabric Covered Filing Cabinet Makeover

I've been MIA for the past few weeks.  I feel like I have been doing tons of projects, making tons of dinners, i.e. things in the food, fashion, home realm, but not posting updates.  I seem to have caught an early spring fever.  Now it's time to catch up, starting with this great looking filing cabinet makeover.

Metal filing cabinets are pretty ugly.  They belong in an office building, not so much in a home.  There are filing cabinets that are made for the home like this or this, but they cost a good amount of money.   Instead, I figured out a way to take one of those old school metal cabinets and warm it up for you own home office storage needs.

With a few yards of fabric and some glue, you can make this filing cabinet your own with a few steps and some time.

• Clean the cabinet with an alcohol / water mixture; make sure it is completely dry.
• Iron the fabric.  The wrinkles will not go away when gluing. 
• Measure and trim the fabric from the top all the way over both sides in one solid piece. Make sure there is an overhang of about a ½ inch to the front, sides, back and bottom. 
• Start at one of the top corners and spread a thin layer of Mod Podge using a foam brush.  If your fabric has lines line mine did, you will want to line up the fabric to make sure the over hang and fabric is straight.

Mod Podge - An indispensable DIY supply

• Continue spreading the Mod Podge on the top and rubbing the fabric so it is straight and flat. Make sure the fabric sticks so that there aren't any air bubbles.
• In sections, spread a layer of glue and then press the fabric.  Do this all the way around the top and sides. 
• Depending on your cabinet, you will need to trim the fabric to fit around the corners in the front. I used a technique similar to folding a present for the corners.  
• Spread a layer of Mod Podge as a topcoat on the fabric to finish the project.

Hints: 

• Spread the glue evenly.  You don’t want any glue stripes on the top layer of the fabric.
• Stay away from super dark fabric.  The black fabric looks great in the photo, but I was not a big fan of how it turned out in person.  There were some flaws in the metal of the cabinet, which show through on the flat black.
• Mod Podge comes in a variety of finishes.  I used the glossy finish.  
• Instead of using fabric you can also use wrapping paper.
• Use thinner fabric that isn't stretchy.
• Add wheels if your cabinet allows.  Casters were added that we bought at our local hardware store and screwed on with nuts and washers.  They usually run for about $4- $5 each, but worth it if you plan on moving the heavy cabinet around. 

A great way to keep track of our race numbers for a future possibly project

Cost Breakdown:

• 3 yards of fabric cost a total amount of approximately $15 on sale, purchased at Hobby Lobby.  
• Large bottle of Mod Podge - $7.99; only about half of it was used.
• Filing cabinet was bought used from the Restore Store for $25 with 25% off which came to grand total of $19.50. 

Overall, I’m loving this project!  It took a few short hours to complete and the filing cabinet has been completely transformed for under $40.  You can literally choose any pattern, bold or neutral and make it one of a kind.

<3 mk

USB Outlet and Phone Holder

Home.

USB outlet and phone holder

Are you tired of searching around for the charger for your cellphone or having the cords dangling everywhere?  Yeah me too.  There really isn’t a need to go on a hunt for your charger anymore or have those cords being an eyesore. Installing a USB outlet and phone holder in your regular outlet is easy and inexpensive.

Here's what you need, all from Amazon naturally.

• Leviton USB charger receptacle
• Leviton Decora Mobile Device Station
• Any dual outlet wall plate for rectangular aka "deco" receptacle

Installation is as easy as replacing the outlet.  Here's the outlet without the Mobile Device Station attached.

The best part of this outlet, is there is still is a regular plug and then two USB plugs in place of the second plug.  If you have the room, you should also purchase the outlet cover that has a section attached to hold your phone.  The cover looks like a double outlet holder, but has a perch to keep your phone while charging. There is also an area to wrap your cord so you don’t have any hanging around.  To make it even tidier, there are extra short charging cables available.

USB Outlet and Phone Holder

This was a quick and easy fix to minimize cords and expensive electronics hanging around on the floor.  We even installed the outlet in my mother’s home for her iPad. 

<3 mk

Laundry Room Refresh Part 2

Home.

Back in September I posted about my laundry room update…Part 1.  Well, it took me some time to get to part two. Life tends to get in the way of all good project intentions.  After making the signs and doing all the work, I realized that there were a few more things that I wanted to do and we're on to Part 2. 

For the last few months I went out on a hunt for a few more items that had purpose and also had the look I wanted for the room.  I ended up making most of the items myself.  I added a valance, ironing board, and a new light fixture.

I made actually made the ironing board cover back in October.  I used the same fabric from the project for the valance over the window.  A full size board wasn't necessary since I rarely iron as we have a steamer.  It's hung on the wall with a hook that easily attaches to the built in hook on the ironing board.

I honestly wanted to purchase a window treatment, but never found what I liked, but making the valance was just too easy. I followed the tutorial from Life.Love.Larson. to aid me in the process, but I actually used my sewing machine instead of just using the ironing tape.  Either is a good option.  I ended up using the leftover fabric from the ironing board project.

The light fixture is my ultimate favorite item in the whole room…well, the washer and dryer are to be honest.  I have wanted a drum light fixture for a while, but didn’t have the need for one until the current fixture broke when changing the bulb. Oops!  I didn’t cry at all.  Score for me and fulfilling my need for a drum light fixture.  This Portfolio Chrome Pendant Light was on sale at Lowe’s for $98 and I used a coupon for 10% off. Winning!  I wish I could say that installed it, but I’ll give all the cred to Jeff.  I blame a bum shoulder as my excuse.

So, the room is complete until we make a counter to go over the washer and dryer.  It totally isn't a needed item, but if the granite matched the granite from the sink that is already in there…even better.  I know that is a long way in the future, but a girl can dream; anything to make doing the laundry a bit easier.

<3 mk

DIY Pantry Shelf Liners

Home.

Self adhesive shelf liner

Do you have wire shelves in your pantry or any closet in your home?  Do those wire shelves have spaces that don’t really hold all your smaller items?  Yeah, me too.

I love our pantry.  It's what I have always wanted to store all the necessary dry and canned cooking items as well as cooking appliances.  It truly was one of the many reasons I wanted this house.  The only issue I had was with the wire shelving that was through the entire closet.  The wires allowed for small items and organizers like the one below to slip through.

Before

After

A simple adhesive shelf liner was necessary, but not possible with the wire shelves.  A way to use the shelf liner was to create a base to wrap the liner.  Answer…foam board or cardboard boxes.

This self adhesive shelf liner came from amazon.  The chevron pattern had me as soon as I spotted it. There are also tons of other patterns in various colors. You can always go to your local store and purchase the average liner, but it truly won't be as cute as a popular chevron.

Cut a large box or foam board (display board) to the measured size of the space and then apply the liner after measuring so it will fold over the edges cleanly.  Two people are necessary if you want the shelf liner to adhere to the foam board/cardboard box without having wrinkles.

Super simple way to solve a little pantry problem and it looks pretty cute as well.

<3 mk

Ikea Dresser Hack

Home.

Ikea Hemnes dresser hack - After

A few weeks ago I hinted about another painting project when I updated my bar/dining side table.  Well, after many years of wanting to do this project, I woke up last weekend and just did it.  It felt so good to update a dresser that I've had since I first started working as a teacher.. over ten years ago!  Like the bar table, this was a big purchase for my early 20s self.  It was still in good condition, but sorely needed a facelift.

Ikea Hemnes dresser hack - Before

Inspiration.

The inspiration for this project came from many sources, including these two.

The Painting.

This painting project was a lot simpler than the Ikea bar/dining table because it did not have as many nooks and crannies. The exact Hemnes dresser that I have isn't the same as it was when originally purchased, but it basically is the same idea. It took less than ten steps and about two days with lots of downtime in between.

Cleaning:  There wasn’t a finish on this dresser.  I simply used the frugal alcohol water mix spray we use to clean everything.  When the drawers were removed, there was a beautiful layer of dust collected in the back that was cleaned off, ewww. 

Prepping: To make the painting process easier, I took out all the drawer sliders on the inside.  Two screws each with the electric screw driver is all it took.   Taping off some of the areas could have been done, especially on the drawers themselves, but the way the lines were on the dresser, it wasn’t necessary.  I was able to paint without getting paint on the side drawer areas because they were not flush with the face of the drawers. The inside wasn’t completely painted, but one can only see that if you take out all the drawers and investigate.

Primer coat:  I used a foam brush and small foam roller for the two to three coats of tinted primer.  Our local home improvement store paint department chose the primer especially for the job I was doing.  They tinted the primer as dark as they could get it, which was a dark gray color.  I know in the past I have been able to get my primer tinted black, but at this store they said they couldn’t do it.  

Top coat: Black glossy paint.  It took about three coats with the foam roller and small foam brushes.  Give yourself some time between the coat to let dry and really pay attention to any drip marks.  They really show up when it is a glossy paint.  I painted outside on a warm sunny day so it didn’t take much time to dry in between coats.

Wait:  After all the painting was done, I waited a few days before I put the dresser back together (sliders) and put on all the decorative ornaments.  It felt a bit tacky after day one so I just let it sit until there was time to put it all back together.

Decorate: You will need to play around with how and what you want to decorate the dresser, or even at all.  There have been a ton of ideas where people are decorating the outside with grommets, etc.  I had seen an idea with metal L-brackets, which I took and ran with it.  The L-brackets are very inexpensive (pack of 4 was under $2 at Walmart) and easy to attach to the outside.  I also attached new handle hardware.

Ikea dresser hack money saving hints.

Hint 1: To ensure the L-brackets line up perfectly, use another L-bracket to be the measuring tool.  Simply line them up with the outside edge and screw the inside L-bracket in place.  See below.

Hint 2:  Play around with different styles of decorations.  The brackets also come in simple flat plates or t-brackets that you can also use to attach any way you choose.  It all depends on the layout of the dresser and your particular style.

Hint 3: Hardware handles can be expensive.  I was lazy and didn’t want to fill in the existing holes on the drawers to put in double handle holes.  Through some research at our local store, I had found single hole handles that resembled the style I was going for.  They were about $7 each at the local home improvement store.  That was a bit more expensive than I wanted to spend especially since this dresser had seven drawers.  Jeff came to the rescue and found the exact same brand on ebay for less than $1 each.  SCORE!  Lesson learned, do some research prior to purchasing.

T-handles from eBay - $1 each!

Overall, my impulsive move last Saturday morning paid off.  The dresser looks so much better in the room with its new finish and decorative metal touches.  The best part was that it looks like a whole new dresser with the materials cost of just under $20. One wouldn't think that I disliked painting by the amount of things I've repainted recently, but I still loathe painting!  It is like running or working out to me, I enjoy it, but only when it is all over and done.

The results.

Remember this DIY personalized acrylic serving tray?

Do you have anything you have been wanting to give a facelift?  Just do it.

<3 mk

Quick and Easy Picture Gallery

Home.

Easy Picture Gallery using Ikea Ribba shelves

So have you ever put a good amount of time into doing something and then never actually used it?  Well, I spent a good amount of time prepping and planning a picture wall for our dining room and then never ended up using any of it.  Frustrating yes, but the final product of what we ended up doing is way better than originally planned - and painfully easy.

In our last home, there wasn’t a wall space big enough to put many of our framed pictures together in a large cluster. We ended up having a mini gallery in the front entrance and some in the living room.  With the new house we have the space to put all of those pictures together.

When it comes to home projects, I'm usually not heavy on the prep work.  I want the instant gratification of the final product ASAP.  I occasionally realize I need a different brush or more taping when my hands are covered in paint or something.  So when I actually did all of the prep work for this project and did not use any of it, it proves that I've been doing it right all along!

Similar to what I did by tracing and cutting all the frames.  Look how much fun they are having!

First, I gathered all the pictures I wanted mounted.  I then used left over boxes we had to trace and cut the outlines of all the pictures we were going to use.  Using paper that can be taped to the wall is much easier to visually see what the final product would look like.

Layout possibilities for hanging pictures

I also used inspiration for different frame layouts (see above) and then measured and laid out the different combinations to use.  I did this for short amounts of time over a few days and came up with a few possibilities.  And then…I saw this.

Inspiration from Ikea

This IKEA inspiration totally took all the work I had done and negated it. All my work and effort gone because we like this idea better.  It also has the added benefit of requiring far less work.

I went on a day trip to IKEA and purchased the Ribba shelves that came directly from the inspiration on IKEA’s website.  They come in black and white and in two different sizes.  I ended up purchasing two of the longer 45 ¼” versions in black for $14.99 each and one of the shorter 21 ¾” version in black for $9.99.  

After some quick planning we ended up recreating the idea of the inspiration photo.  Obviously our pictures weren’t the same, but we really went with the idea and weren’t trying to be original.

We didn’t end up using the two of our larger wedding pictures that were to go on that wall, but they ended up together over the newly painted bar table.

There are still a few empty picture frames that will eventually have something.  With time, the ideas for their contents will come.  Our experiences in our new house, new state, new lives will help with that.

<3 mk