No Sew Table Runner

This no sew table runner is soo easy to make you could make one in every color! Not that you need one in every color, but you'll see what I mean. Because this is made using placemats from Dollar Tree, you could change this out seasonally by using different colors or patterns. Or, you could easily add details with ribbon or other embellishments. The best part? It only costs $3!

Here is how mine came out...

To make this no sew runner, all you need are placemats and hot glue. And any embellishments you want to add.

Before starting I measured the length of my table. I used three placemats.

To put the runner together:

- fold over the seam on the end of one placemat

- glue the seam onto another mat while overlapping by about 1 1/2 inches

- turn over and glue the over hang

- seal the gaps created by the overlap

Repeat these steps to add the third placemat. The folded seams will be on top, creating a tiered look. 

You could stop here and have a nice simple table runner. But, I had to take it a step further to match my color scheme.

I added tassels using twine:

- cut a bunch of strips of twine about 2 inches long

- wrap the twine around hand (or any flat object the desired length of your tassel

- using one the strips, tie on to one end and create a knot

- cut the other end open to create strands

- using another small strip, tie around the strands about 1/2 inch below the top knot to create a loop

I attached the tassels using hot glue.

And here is the final result.

This was my first time making tassels, and I'm loving them! What do you think? Until next time, thanks and God Bless!

Living Simply, 

Mindy✿

Kid friendly Closet Organization

This week I wanted to share another organizing project, and it’s of my daughters’ closet. We have two girls, and they share a bedroom. Which means double the clutter of a child’s bedroom. I’d had an idea of how to improve the closet in my mind. But, since this past summer was a struggle getting them to keep the bedroom tidy, I decided to sit with them and get their input on how to stay organized.

Together the girls and I decided that, for things to get put back in their designated place, we needed to add labels. Ok, easy enough. But, first some rearranging and additional storage was essential. And now they have no excuses, at least when it comes to the closet.

This is what it looked like before...

First I needed to remove the door...

Behind the door were a couple of storage bins that were storing outgrown and out of season clothes. 

I added curtains, with the curtain rod on the inside of the closet.

-These curtains are from Ikea. This set of 2 panels was only $9.99.

Next I added the cube storage organizer...

This organizer is also from Ikea. I got it for $30 during an Ikea family special. In the baskets (from Walmart) the girls will keep undergarments because their dresser is bursting at the seams.

-I added a smaller storage bin (which I had) on top of the cube organizer to keep outgrown clothes. This will be emptied and added to our donation bin in the basement.

On the top shelf are board games.

And these baskets hold rarely used items

The baskets are easily accessed by the girls with a step stool.

 I decided to add command hooks on each side wall (for coats).

Since we don't have a coat closet this will decrease bulk on the closet rod.

I even labeled the shoe rack...

There you have it. A little repurposing, rearranging, and added storage goes a long way to help out a small space. This closet is definitely kid friendly and was easy on the budget. I spent around $50 total including the cube storage baskets. I would love to know how you get your kids to keep tidy!

Thanks and God Bless!

Living Simply,

Mindy✿

How to make a Simple Fall Centerpiece

I know everyone is all goo-goo ga-ga over the Fall season coming but, I wouldn’t mind a little more summer! I am in New England. And us New Englanders know that summer only lasts about four weeks! I’m exaggerating of course, but that’s how it feels. It seems like by the time the temperature gets into the 80’s it starts dropping again.

Ok, now that I’m done complaining, I’ll tell you a few things do like about Fall. First of all, pumpkin flavored everything! I’m talking muffins, breads, coffee. Oh, and I can’t forget about apple picking, apple pie, and apple butter. Yummy! I’m getting hungry now. Most of all I love fall décor. I just love the color pallet, with all the earthy tones. And I love how you can find things in neutral color schemes to match any décor.

So, this week I’m sharing my Simple Fall centerpiece.

To start I’ll show you the supplies. You’ll see in the end I added to what is shown, but mainly for embellishment.

Step 1: painted the pizza pan using chalk paint

-This one small container of paint goes a long way. I’ve used this for several projects and it's only about half empty. 

Step 2: removed backing and all hardware from each frame, then put the glass back in and glued in each corner to secure

-I only used a tiny dot of hot glue in each corner so it wouldn’t show through the glass

Step 3: I added one of these activity sheets to each glass with double sided tape

-This paper combined with the brown frame just screamed fall, but as you'll see I end up removing the paper.

Step 4: created a lantern by gluing the frames together

*Tip – to make the lantern square alternate attaching each frame, one to the back side and one to the side (if that doesn’t make sense I hope it’s clear in the pictures)

Step 5: added embellishments using flowers I had, and the pumpkins

-I painted the pumpkin stems and spray painted the orange gourd

-I made this floral arrangement by securing with floral wire then floral tape.

I decided afterward to add ribbon to the lantern, to cover the seam where each frame is glued together.

And after I had it all set up I decided to remove the paper because I thought it detracted from the look I was going for. But, I’ll show you both setups. Let me know which one you like better.

Every thing pictured here is from Dollar Tree

-Clockwise from top left- with activity sheets, without sheets, close-up of candle holder, candle lit

For this project, I technically only spent $6 for the frames, pizza pan, and candle. Everything else I had at home from previous use or from other projects I am working on. How cute is that candle with the leaf print!?

I hope this inspires you to come up with some simple fall décor. I would love to know how you're decorating for fall! Thanks, and God Bless!

Living Simply,

Mindy✿

Contact Paper Dresser Update

Everyone loves Ikea furniture, right? Ok, maybe not everyone. But, I think most would agree Ikea has decent furniture and household items for great prices. At the same time though, most of the furniture is pretty plain and very simplistic. I’m not complaining, I love the functionality of the pieces in my home, but the design is just a little boring.

Since we’d had our previous bedroom furniture for about ten years, my husband and I decided it was time for an update. And after exhaustive searches at furniture stores we decided it best to just get a few separate pieces rather than a full bedroom set. It was also much more affordable to do it this way. We needed a dresser, and a closet since our bedroom moved to what used to be the living room. Who buys a full bedroom set nowadays anyway?

So, what’s my point? You can buy something plain and give it some pizazz! How do you do that? Well, there are many options i.e. paint, stencils, fabric to name a few. But I am using the easiest method, in my opinion, contact paper.

Here is the furniture before…

-I love the dark tone, but it is very stark and a little too masculine.

When using contact paper there are only 2 steps to take.

1.       Measure the surface to be covered

2.       Cut and apply

But, since I’ve used contact paper many times I’ve learned a couple of tricks to make it easier to apply. Because although it’s a short process it can get frustrating if you try to rush it.

This is the contact paper I used.

-I have had this for a few years and don’t even remember where I bought it, but it was the perfect subtle pop of color.

I didn’t need to measure the top of the dresser because the width of the contact paper was almost exactly the width of the dresser. I did however take measurements for the closet, which you’ll see later.

*Tips*

- when applying, remove the paper backing very slowly and use a straight edge to smooth each section (this prevents air bubbles from forming)

            

- use wax paper between the contact paper and straight edge when smoothing to prevent rubbing the design off the contact paper

- use a sharp blade to trim edges

For the closet, I measured for the inner squares on the door and cut each into two pieces (on the diagonal)

-I only needed two squares to get this geometric look I wanted

After I had finished applying the contact paper, I tied the whole look together by spray painting the dresser knobs

-I used a white primer, then a gold metallic paint

*Tip*

- when painting knobs, make holes in a piece of foam board (or cardboard) and secure the knobs to the board with the screws on the other side

And here is the result.

This cost me nothing to do because I had the contact paper and the spray paint. But, if you were to buy these supplies the total cost (for the paper and paint) would be less than $10 depending on the size roll of paper and brand of paint. Now I have furniture that is customized to my space. And if one day I wake up and don’t like it anymore, I can just peel the contact paper off! Let me know what you think. Have you used contact paper around your home for something other than shelves? Check out my Diy storage box.

Thanks, and God bless!

Living Simply,

Mindy

How to make a Mini Vase

I love flowers! But, I don't like to buy fresh flowers because they eventually shrivel up and die. I believe that fresh flowers are meant to be outdoors where they can flourish and thrive. Just sayin'. I say all that to say, I did this project because I wanted to display a vase with flowers in my kitchen window (above the sink). 

The problem with trying to put a vase above the sink was the fact that there is no ledge to sit anything on. Pinterest to the rescue! I came across a mini vase that someone made out of salt and pepper shakers. The pin had individual shakers as one vase, but I took it a step further.

Take a look...

Here are the some of the supplies. I also used glue and twine.

-The only purchase was one set of the shakers. I had one from a previous project.

Step:1

Painted each shaker. I applied two coats of paint.

-To make this project quicker leave the shakers clear

Step 2:

Glued the shakers horizontally using epoxy glue

- This glue sets in about 30 minutes. You could also use hot glue.

Step 3:

Wrapped twine around the opening to make it look like one piece.

-I secured the twine with hot glue.

Step 4:

Added flowers.

Isn't it the cutest thing? I just love that it matches my décor now, but I can just change out the flowers seasonally or whenever I feel like it. And the best part? I only spent $1 because I had all the other supplies on hand!

As always, thanks and God bless!

Living Simply

Mindy ✿

Small Bathroom Organizing

I know I’m not the only one in the world with a small bathroom. But, you know what comes with a small bathroom? A small vanity! Which means a small space for storage. But, don’t be discouraged, you can make the most of the space you have by getting creative with organization.

As part of our recent home renovation, we had our first-floor half bath upgraded to a full (by adding a shower). Now, that doesn’t mean we gained more space for a larger vanity. But, it’s still an upgrade nonetheless. And not having to share a bathroom with the kids makes it all worth it. So, today I’m sharing how I set up the vanity to maximize storage and keeps things neat and organized.

Since I started with a blank slate, this project was easier to tackle.

I started with the drawers, and simply added bins from the Dollar Tree.

-This is the top drawer with the daily essentials…

-The middle drawer holds hair accessories and combs/brushes.

-And lastly, the lesser used items and unmentionables.

Next, I took advantage of the vertical space under the sink by using stackable bins I had initially gotten to use in the pantry. They were 2.99 for the pack of 3.

-I’m storing all my hair creams, conditioners, etc. in the bins. If you’re a curly haired person you know these are essential!

I also added acrylic organizers to store my nail polish, after realizing I wasn’t putting them to use when I had them stored in a covered container.

To finish it off, I added this magazine holder (which was collecting dust in the basement) to the door because I just love this life hack!

-It's attached to the door with the wired command hooks.

I hope you’re able to use to some of these ideas in your own space!  This cost around $13 including the command hooks. I'd love to know if you would do anything differently. Thanks, and God bless!

Living Simply

Mindy✿