SALVAGED WHIMSY: diy

Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Driftwood Picture Frames

We are lucky to live in a lake community.

Besides the fact that I LOVE wearing a swimsuit for a quarter of the year....stifle your laughs, that was a blatant lie. Thoughts are things, right?

But really, living near a lake has many benefits, one of which is driftwood.

...driftwood, you ask?

Yeah, driftwood.

If you know me, you know I like free stuff.

Driftwood is free.

I also like natural stuff.

Driftwood is natural.

I've been collecting big pieces of driftwood since we moved here, and have a growing pile collecting in my garage.

The last time we took the kids to the beach, I noticed how pretty the smaller twigs and sticks were and picked up a couple handfuls.

(My sweet husband doesn't even bother to ask any more.)

The first project I decided to try was a picture frame.
So, using a natural-colored frame from the Dollar Store, I grabbed my handy-dandy (and nearly dead - is it bad when it smokes?) glue gun and went to work.

A couple tips if you decide to make one...

-- I suggest starting by covering the inner edges of the frame first, and then working your way out.

-- When you cut or break a stick, it looks better (IMO) if you lightly sand the tip (which I did not do on the one pictured here - it was my first try).

Another tip...make sure the font you use for your sign has an apostrophe*.

(*If an apostrophe is required for your phrase)

I did not do this and didn't realize it until I came home from taking it to the shop.

Nice.

Here are a couple other frames I've made:

I made the inserts using backgrounds from Mel Stampz blog - there are lots of different background options there - and Picasa to add the words.

Mel Stampz

If you'd like to use one (or all) of my little inserts for any reason -

they're all yours....but if you make a $1,000,000,000 from them, I expect a cut! ha!

It can't be enlarged very big, this frame is 4x6" and it was a little blurry. But, I did fix the apostrophe!

I love this quote - I even painted it above a window in my last house.

And they're free.

Free is good.

Planning to share my little frame at these link parties:

No Minimalist Here, the shabby creek cottage, The Charm of Home, The Shabby Nest, Redoux, French Country Cottage

take care -

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Whimsical Wednesday: DIY Floral Pom Pom Vines

Weddings are a great source for DIY decor ideas...so I do my fair share of wedding-related blog surfing. It's hard work, but ya know, I'm willing to make sacrifices for a good (thrifty) DIY idea.

When I came across this DIY Wedding Pom Pom Vines tutorial from Once Wed, I knew immediately that it would be my next Whimsical Wednesday Idea...

With endless color possibilities, this would make a beautiful addition to a nursery or little girl's (or boy's) room. I think it would also be pretty on a mantel or shelf for spring and Easter.

It could even be used for retail displays to add a little whimsy.

I made these pom poms for my sister's wedding, and they are very easy...though it took me a couple tries to get them to look the way I wanted them (so don't despair if the first few aren't picture-perfect).

Once Wed offers a beautiful tutorial filled with lots of pictures.

I'm hoping to be able to start trying out my Whimsical Wednesday inspiration ideas, so I can share my experiences with you...but it's been pretty crazy around here lately.

If you make one of these little lovelies, I'd be thrilled to see your finished project!

Have you been inspired by any wedding or party-related ideas lately?

take care -

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Let's Go Shopping: Etsy Treasury Tutorial

Hello, my name is Erin and I'm addicted to...

You thought I was going to say Pinterest? Yeah, that's a given, but I've developed a bit of an obsession with creating Treasury Lists on Etsy.

It's like shopping for free. Granted, you don't get the stuff, but it's fun to look, right?

Here's a snapshot of the last one I created about PASSION:

Tasty, right? and Pink. Life doesn't get much better than that. Other than the fact that I was wearing sweats and sat in my toasty little house while I "shopped."

It also inspired me to create this:

I googled it, and I don't believe I stole it? Please let me know if I did! If you like it, please feel free to use, print, sell, share, put it on a billboard.. (I'd love a link back, if you don't mind. pretty please)

So anyway, back to shopping...

You don't have to be an Etsy seller to create treasuries...it's free to anyone, you just need to be a prestigious member of Etsy.

Per Etsy, a "treasury" is "an ever-changing, member curated shopping gallery." Oh yeah, I said "shopping gallery." Consider it an educational experience and maybe a resume builder? (ahem, Gallery Curator) No going to the mall anymore...we are simply browsing the Retail Museum.

Wanna try? You sure you're up to it?

Well then, follow me, my dears...

Oh, didn't have to load up the kids or warm up the car, and we're already here at the Magical Mall - AKA Etsy!!!

How convenient!

Since this is a special mall for beautiful, talented, and important people, you'll need to sign in or sign up...consider it the country club of online shopping. It's very exclusive (not really - it's open to everyone) as you'll see when you check out the amazing array of shops (this is true!)

Go ahead...I'll wait.

tap

All signed in? Good. Now, still on the home page, you'll want to find the Handpicked Items section:

and click on "See More"

Here you'll find Treasuries created by "Member Curators." Please don't wander off, I'll give you free time to do that later. Focus. On the right side, click on "Create a list"

I know you're excited, but before you wander off, a couple tips:

1.Give your new treasury a title (can't save without it)

~~2.Make sure you stay together and hold hands with your partner~~

2. Check the "only you" box (consider this your "dressing room" and you don't want anyone to see you until you're "dressed")

3. Be on your best behavior (read the Treasury Guidelines on the right)

4. Open another window of Etsy to do your "shopping"

Still with me? If not, please step off to the side, and I'll review the procedure with you again in just a moment.

Now, it's time to shop!

In your 2nd Etsy window, start browsing through the shops at your leisure.

Now, isn't that a pretty little chalkboard. Great choice! (tee hee).

Once you've made your selection you need to copy the Listing ID #

Highlight the "listing ID #" and copy it.

Now, return to your original Etsy page:

Choose a box and "paste" Then click "ok"

and...

Now before you wander off unaccompanied, a couple more tips for you:

1. Once you have 4 items selected, SAVE it. SERIOUSLY, I've lost several lists by accidentally hitting the "back" button. It doesn't "auto-save" for you, so save often.

2. Click edit to make any changes.

3. Hover over an image to remove it. So I don't lose things I like along the way, I'll copy anything I like into my treasury, and then delete as needed.

4. Drag and drop images to change order.

Are your feet hurting yet? Or maybe, is your bum tired?

I hope you had fun on our little shopping excursion, I know I did.

Once you've completed, and you've primped to perfection...

...don't forget to change the settings to share the fun with everyone. Also, you can add up to 18 tags and leave a note for your visitors and adoring fans.

Important Disclaimer: I am, by no means, an expert at Etsy (nor do I work for them or have I been compensated)...goodness, I think I've been on there for 3 months or something. It's something that amuses me, and thought you might find it entertaining as well. I can not be held accountable for undone laundry, uncooked meals, or your unclean house due to hours spent curating your retail museum.

If you are an Etsy expert, I invite you to correct anything I've said, please. I do not want to misinform or cause any type of shopping trauma that may lead to years of ~~retail~~ therapy to cure.

As I continue to research this topic, it's vital to my studies that you share your treasury lists with me (pretty please!)

Well, it's been fun, we'll have to do it again sometime soon. Maybe next time we can grab lunch!

Shared here:

MONDAY:

Kristen's Junk Drawer

DIY Home Sweet Home

Thrifty Decor Chick (1st Monday of Each Month)

TUESDAY:

My UnCommon Slice of Suburbia

Kammy's Korner (Trash to Treasure)

WEDNESDAY:

Very Merry Vintage Style

{primp}

It's Overflowing

Domestically Speaking (Paint Projects)

Faded Charm (White Projects)

THURSDAY:

The Brambleberry Cottage

No Minimalist Here

the shabby creek cottage

House of Hepworths

Momnivore's Dilemma

From My Front Porch to Yours

FRIDAY:

Miss Mustard Seed (Furniture Only)

Redoux

French Country Cottage

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home

SATURDAY:

I Can't Stop Crafting

Lolly Jane Boutique

Funky Junk

Be Different, Act Normal

{nifty thrifty things}

SUNDAY:

take care -

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Salvaged Whimsy - 2011 In Review

I wrote my first post on August 1, 2011, so I don't really have a whole year to review, just 5 months. My original intention was to write about my kids more, but it seems that Salvaged Whimsy took on a mind of it's own (nothing ever listens to me around here!)

First of all - and most importantly -

Your 5 favorite posts of 2011:

5. Repurposed Drawers Project:

4. Halloween Trash Wreath Tutorial:

3. Two Drawers Repurposed into a Basket:

2. Easy (Cheap) Christmas Coffee Filter Decor Tutorial:

1. Rolled Paper Flower Tutorial

Pleated Wreath

And, in case you missed them--

A couple of my favorite projects:

(in no particular order)

The Farm Table made out of an old door and reclaimed barn wood:

Kitchen Island

Magazine Rack Upcycle

Silhouette Drawer Upcycled to Shelf

Painted Cedar (Hope) Chest

Also...in 2011, I was hoping to reach 100 followers (I love each and every one of you, by the way!)...and I'm currently at 149--thanks to you. I started an Etsy shop and have my own booth in a local antique store. My family is likely planning an intervention to confront my Pinterest obsession. I've also found my way around Facebook. - finally! But most importantly, I've met the most amazing, kind, and caring people (ahem, YOU) - and that's the most exciting thing of all.

Between getting married, renovating and selling a home & buying another, and having 2 babies ALL in less than 4 years----and then moving over an hour away--I've lost touch with most of my friends.

I'm so lucky to be able to stay home with my babies - but I'm still pretty timid about taking them both out by myself (anywhere that there's not a cart or some type of restraining device available :). I bet you can see where I'm headed here, as I've met quite a few of you in the same situation who have found a "purpose" here in blog land.

On to 2012

If you are having a party to celebrate New Year's Eve, I'm living vicariously through you and did a fun post about party decoration ideas if you're looking for ideas.

I'll probably be in bed by 9pm, so please have a sip of champagne for me!

Looking forward to a wonderfully crafty and creative 2012!

Sharing my 2011 memories at these sites:

MONDAY:

Sumo's Sweet Stuff

The Girl Creative
Boogieboard Cottage
C.R.A.F.T.
Kristen's Junk Drawer
DIY Home Sweet Home
Thrifty Decor Chick (1st Monday of Each Month)
The Gunny Sack
Ask Anna

TUESDAY:

Home Stories A2Z

Coastal Charm

Homework
At Home With K
My UnCommon Slice of Suburbia
Kammy's Korner (Trash to Treasure)

WEDNESDAY:

The Thrifty Home

Restore Interiors