DIY Book Ends

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Roeshel

Back to school time! Time to restock the desk area for homework assignments and school projects. Add cute set of DIY book ends to perk things up.

As a part of the Michael’s Makers team, I have the opportunity to create a monthly themed project. This month’s challenge is “Back to School”. A bit of a ‘challenge’ when your nest is empty but these will work in grand-baby boy’s nursery too. 😉

What I used:

4 wood blocks
wood glue and clamps
scrapbook paper and scrapbook cards
multi-surface acrylic craft paint and foam brush
gloss finish decoupage and foam brush
{thin} washi tape
letter A
letter Z
hot glue gun & glue

What I did:

Start with applying a bead of wood glue to each block to create an “L” shape. Clamp, wipe away any excess glue and let dry.

Once glue was dry, I removed the clamps and applied a ‘white wash’ look using a foam brush and multi-surface acrylic craft paint. I only applied one coat so that the wood grain still showed through. Let dry.

Cut scrapbook paper to size for inside of the “L” shape and the outside of the vertical wood piece. I used scrapbook paper and cute patterned scrapbook cards.

Apply a coat of decoupage to one side at a time as a glue. Place scrapbook paper onto decoupaged surface. Smooth out air bubbles. Apply another coat of decoupage over the scrapbook paper, sealing it. I brushed on the decoupage in the same direction as the wood grain. Repeat decoupage + scrapbook paper to all sides. Decoupage will go on with a ‘milky’ look but dry transparent.

Add washi tape to sides, smooth out bubbles/make sure it’s adhered. Apply a coat of decoupage to seal. *There’s also the option to apply the decoupage before the washi tape to act as a ‘glue’.

Apply a second coat of decoupage to all surfaces. I let mine dry overnight.

Attach wood “A” and “Z” using hot glue gun. Wouldn’t they be cute with succulent planters, plastic animals, vases, figurines instead too?

Once hot glue sets, you’re good to go!

Ready for keeping school books within easy reach and an organized desk top. Useful, functional book ends that coordinate with your home office, library, reading room, craft room, nursery or homework station…love it!

See MORE ‘back to school’ crafts from these blog friends:

An InLinkz Link-up

Teachers – It’s time to start planning for the new school year and Michaels has all of the ideas and supplies you need to create a one-of-a-kind classroom, plus you get a 15 percent discount on all classroom purchases!

In addition to the products available for teachers, parents and students can find organizational tools to keep on track throughout the year as well as project ideas to personalize school supplies

Check out Michaels’ Back to School Pinterest Board to find fun and creative project ideas to kick the year off right!

As a member of the Michael’s Makers team, I receive a gift card to complete and share fun craft challenges.

Craft Room Tour

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Roeshel

Have you been following along the Craft Rooms and Spaces series hosted by Angie at Country Chic Cottage? It’s so fun seeing where bloggers create, getting ideas and motivation to maybe initiate some spring cleaning and organization in your own space?

Thanks to Angie for the invitation to participate! I had no choice but to finally put things away. Here’s my chaotic craft room when I agreed to join the series…

Yikes!

I’ve made some changes and cleaned things up for your arrival today. Ready for oodles of pics? There’s lots to see!

Looking into the room from the hall (the resin button plaques on the wall are several years old, so no source to list).

One first thing you’ll notice is this room is PACKED full. But when everything is organized and tidy and in it’s place, its a great space for getting creative. The old farmhouse dining room table serves as a great workspace.

The skirt is sewn into simple custom sized rod pocket panels and attached using tension rods on 3 sides. I’m ready for an updated fabric/pattern but what I really love about the skirt is that it hides even more storage (things not so pretty to display, boxes of supplies and such) under the table.

The walls are lined with inexpensive shelving units, some tucked for a perfect fit against the back wall, providing TONS of storage and organization. A string of lights adds a fun festive feel.

A small DIY desk area holds our desktop computer, although I’m more inclined to work from my laptop in the living room most days.

I love the mix of old crates, baskets and vintage finds for storing craft supplies, mason jars for scrap ribbon by color…

I recently added some shelves to the window for plants to bring some “life” to the space.

I love that this window sits low, close to the floor. The shelves add a little privacy (second floor) but still allow for lots of natural light to flood the room.

I don’t remember where I got the light fixture (maybe Urban Outfitters years ago) but I really like the cage and sometimes clip cards or paint swatches there.

The walls are filled with a mix of fun frames collected over time, some with family photos, others just random art or thrift store finds and continues to grow here and there.

Pet Silhouette Art Tutorial

A DIY chalkboard + cork board + burlap message center helps keep ideas and schedules more organized.

A lot going on, right? A LOT of junk which I’ve unsuccessfully tried to downsize but perhaps one day I’ll grasp the truth that if I haven’t used it in 10 years, I probably never will but I’m still waiting for that day to arrive.

Ready to see more craft spaces? Start the tour at here to see Angie’s super organized space. Or if you’re visiting from the creative room at Major Hoff Takes a Wife, welcome friends! I’m so glad you stopped by! Or following along and ready for the next awesome craft room tour on the list? Head over to Homemadeville!