Cookie Jar Hanging Label

When I make treats for my family, they get placed in our cookie jar, which stays out on our kitchen counter. I've often wished there was an attractive way to label the contents of the jar, especially since I'm apt to try new recipes and no one ever knows what is in the jar.

Enter an idea for a permanent, but changeable label of sorts. I named it my "Cookie Jar Nametag." To make it, I used a small piece of wood, black spray paint, a length of necklace chain, 2 eye hooks and a piece of adhesive-backed white board film.

I sprayed the wood black on both sides, then drilled tiny holes for the eye hooks. I screwed in the hooks, then measured and cut the chain to fit around my jar. Lastly, I placed the white board film on one side. All in all, the project took less than an hour, and now I can label the contents of my jar.

Here's what it looks like:

Here's a closeup so you can see the hooks and chain better:

Of course, I use a dry erase marker so I can change the name of the contents easily. Alternatively, you could paint the wood with chalkboard paint and use a chalk marker instead.

Fancy-cut signs look cute, too. Here's another one that I made with a pre-cut chalkboard sign (from Michaels) and a longer chain:

No more guessing the flavor of the tasty treats that are waiting to be eaten!

Hidden Office

I don't know why, in a large home, finding a spot for my computer desk became a challenge. Maybe it's because my husband's needs got prioritized (as they should, since he's the breadwinner right now), or maybe it's because I like rooms that don't have to serve double-duty. For example, I prefer guest rooms that are always reserved for guests; that way, they don't have identity crises and I don't have to move my personal stuff out when guests move in.

At any rate, I found myself in this situation when we moved into our current home. I definitely wanted my office to be easily accessible, but I wanted our home to look pretty and organized, too. Enter a brainstorm which occurred as I perused a furniture consignment shop: I found a gorgeous armoire which was intended to hold clothing or a television, but I thought it would be a beautiful place for my hidden office.

I bought the armoire, and here's what it looks like; it's in my living room:

Although the inside wasn't set up to be used as an office, all it needed was a pull-out shelf for my computer. Of course, I also added a few more features to make it even more efficient.

Here's what the inside looks like now:

You can see that I added the computer shelf. If you try this yourself, be sure you purchase an armoire with an existing shelf which is the right height for your computer. I measured at home, and I knew a standard chair would fit just under this armoire's bottom. Here is the pullout shelf, close up:

I added baskets for stationary, bills, and office supplies:

On one inside door, I added an adhesive-backed, cut-to-fit, white board:

The other inside door received a corkboard (also adhesive-backed):

The end result is a hidden office area, which is well-organized and in a central location. Happily, it cost less than $650, while "real" computer armoires at a moderately-priced furniture store were over $800, and they were not as ornate nor as well-made.

Have you ever modified any pieces of furniture to better suit your needs?

Portable Puppet Theater

When I was a child, I longed for a puppet theater. There's something about them that inspires creativity in children. The downside is that they are usually large and cumbersome. They can be difficult to set up, and even more difficult to store if you don't have tons of room.

I saw a drapery panel at the discount store one day, and it was made of burgundy velvet. It reminded me of theater drapes, and gave me a great idea for a portable puppet theater. I purchased the panel, and came up with a space-saving and easy "How To".

I started by cutting the panel so that I would end up with 2 shorter panels instead of 1 long one. I made the top panel about 1/3 of the length, and the bottom panel 2/3 of the length. I purchased 2 tension rods, adjustable to the width of a standard door frame.

Then, I sewed each panel on one end (you can use fusible web and an iron if you don't sew). Since one panel already had a rod pocket (remember it was originally sold as a drapery panel), it just needed a hem on the cut end. The other panel needed a rod pocket, so I folded the cut end over to make a large enough pocket for the rod, and I sewed it.

Here's the finished project:

 

I moved the end of a panel over so you can see the tension rod underneath:

 

If you want to get fancy, you can make background "props" out of foam and Velcro:

I simply attached Velcro dots to the top panel, and then to the backs of different foam shapes like this:

To make puppet shows more "official", I downloaded a ticket graphic, printed duplicates of it on red card stock, and laminated them:

One of the best characteristics of this project is that when it's not in use, it can be rolled up and stored in a very small amount of space. The basic theater can be made in under an hour. Add-ons, like the props and tickets, take a bit longer.

I hope this project motivates you and inspires tons of family fun!

Guest Room, Part II: Guest Baskets

We have enjoyed numerous visitors this summer, and I was inspired to add a personal touch in our guest rooms for friends and family to enjoy. The idea came about after a guest mentioned that she missed her robe, which she had left at home. I was perplexed that she never noticed the guest robes hanging in my guest room closet.

I decided I needed to leave a note for new visitors, letting them know about the supplies we have for them, since I don't always remember to tell them. That idea turned into a basket filled with:

• A personal welcome note
• A typed/saved info sheet which includes:
• where to find towels, toiletries, robes, a hair dryer, sunscreen, fan, luggage rack, extra blankets and pillows
• how to adjust the room's temperature
• the address and password to our wireless network
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Pre-stamped postcards
• A local map

So far, I've set the baskets out for our last few visitors, and they've been a huge hit. Here's how they look:

Nifty idea, right? Do you have any traditions for your guests?

4th of July (Exterior) 2011

As promised, here are some shots of our exterior, all decked out for the 4th of July. I hope you enjoyed a festive day, too!

4th of July (Interior) 2011

Happy almost-Independence Day! Here are some pics of our interior decorations. I made most of them; tips follow each picture. Are you ready for the holiday?

 

The Study decor is simply 2 large vases purchased from Michaels, with 3 large flags in each. For the center decoration, I found the 8x10 photo frames at the dollar store, placed a piece of scrapbook paper in each (blue background with white stars), then added the letters, which I had glittered red.

 

The centerpiece is made of styrofoam spheres, with red, white and blue silk rose petals hot-glued to them. I made the extra-tall hurricanes from glass candleholders glued to wooden candlesticks. The stars inside of them came from Hobby Lobby.

I filled glass apothecary jars with stars from Hobby Lobby, basket shreds, and spheres which I had spray painted red, white and blue.

 

This wooden star was originally a Christmas ornament, purchased after Christmas on clearance. I taped it off into 3 sections and painted each section with acrylic paint. Then I drilled a hole in the bottom, and inserted a dowel and wooden base that I had spray-painted black.

 

The word "FREEDOM" is made from 7 separate wooden letters from Michaels, to which I applied craft glue and then red, white, and blue glitter.

  

These stars were also originally Christmas decorations, purchased on clearance after Christmas had passed. I simply taped off the bases and then spray-painted individually for the 4th of July.

I have not decorated our exterior yet; the Las Vegas sun is too damaging to put decorations out in advance. I promise to post them soon!

Let me know what you think; I'd love to see what you did to make your home festive for the 4th!