The Penny Parlor

How to Curve a Tile Transition Strip

2012-04-25T13:02:00.000-04:00

I found very little information online for curving a tile transition strip. They come in 8 ft. straight pieces at Lowe's and Home Depot. Fortunately, my brother-in-law curved the tile in his kitchen so we were able to copy his technique. He has hardwood on the other side of the tile, so he used a slightly different strip.

Our strip looks like this:

The idea is to create curves like this:

You can purchase flexible transitions online, but they are more expensive and have shipping costs. An 8 ft. piece at Lowe's is around $10.

First we marked the rectangle of where we wanted the tile to stop. Then we used a string attached to a carpenter's pencil to draw a radius on the corner we wanted to curve. You can't see it in the below photo because the strip is covering it, but you can see the corner.

We had a professional install our tile. He was able to complete the install easily. You will need to snip the aluminum boxes where the tile goes, as pictured below. I've highlighted the line on the floor where our curve is (click image to enlarge detail). Bend the strip as you go. Screw support blocks in the floor as needed to secure curve. Remove them after tile has completely set.

Depending on the curve, you may need to snip a little of the aluminum or a lot. As you can see, the cuts are wider on the bigger part of the curve and narrower when it starts to straighten out.

Click on image to enlarge detail.

Finished product:

Project Basement Part 2

2012-04-24T10:02:00.001-04:00

We have paint, trim, tile and a wet bar to reveal. The tile featured above is MARAZZI Terra 12 in. x 12 in. Bengal Slate Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile from The Home Depot. We used it in the powder room as well with natural grey grout.

Powder Room Flooring

We were able to curve the tile-to-carpet transition strip using a method my brother-in-law came up with. Flexible transitions are hard to come by. We would have had to purchase them online for triple the price, plus shipping. I will have a follow up post on how our tile installer curved the strip with additional photos.

Finished tile for wetbar (grout is still wet)

Wet bar installed. The cabinets are Kraftmaid. The back cabinets will be receiving granite in colonial cream. The wood bar top is getting a routered ogee edge and a dark stain. It is a piece of oak from Ikea $129 (can't beat that!).

Backsplash options

Pendants above bar

Powder room: Allen + Roth stock vanity from Lowe's, Onyx stock vanity top from The Home Depot, smudge free Moen faucet from The Home Depot

I used Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter, throughout the whole basement. It is a mixture between grey and beige.

Grilled Pizza: How To

2012-03-27T12:08:00.000-04:00

Last night we made pizza on the grill. I have to post about it because it turned out so good I will never make it in the oven again. The crust was thin, crispy and tasted like brick oven pizza from an Italian restaurant!

I received a mini pizza grilling set from Sur La Table for my birthday (thanks mom:) ). It comes with two stones and two domes. We used pre-made whole wheat pizza dough, but I definitely want to make my own next time.

Put the stones in a cold grill and heat to 450 degrees
Roll out your dough on a surface dusted with cornmeal
Dust hot stones with cornmeal and place assembled pizza on top with a pizza peel or thin metal spatula
Cover with dome to prevent from burning and infuse flavor into your pizza
Depending on the thickness of the crust pizza will take anywhere from 7 to 12 mins to cook
While that pizza cools, place your next batch on the grill

Sur La Table Mini Pizza Grilling Set

Project Basement Part 1

2012-03-26T15:07:00.000-04:00

We decided to finish the basement, mainly to provide a playroom since our house is being taken over by toys. This space will also allow us to have an additional family room for TV watching and movies. I have a sneaking suspicion the basement will turn into a man cave filled with sports paraphernalia. What's a girl to do?

Inspiration (all images via Houzz, click to enlarge)

Wet bar plans:

Storage and TV area:

Playroom:

Framed Marriage Advice

2012-03-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

Spring and summer wedding season will soon be upon us. Many bridal showers will incorporate the tradition of guests offering marriage advice to the soon-to-be bride.

But what do you do with all of these words of wisdom? I have most of mine in a photo album, but a few that I really like I've framed around the house. You could reproduce them in a text editor, photo copy an original to make it black and white, or tea/coffee stain them to give an antique look (or do all three!).

My original was on pink and green paisley. I copied it to make it black and white, but left the border for interest.

Up-Cycled Wristlet Using Feather Boa

2012-02-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

Project Cost: $3.00

Materials:

Marabou Feather Boa ($4.99 at JoAnn Fabric. I used a coupon!)
Wristlet/clutch (Up-cycle one like I did or find them cheap at Target or Wal-Mart)
Needle/Thread

How To:

Wrap the boa horizontally starting at the top
Stitch as you wrap at sides and middle

Tip: Do not cut the boa, as it could unravel. Use all six feet. I tucked the tail (probably 6 inches or so) up under the horizontal rows to conceal it.

:) Easy and inexpensive. I love accessories!

Tip: If you want to re-purpose the boa or just want the old clutch back, simply cut the stitches and you're good to go!

Master Closet Makeover

2012-02-05T22:22:00.000-05:00

Our master closet was in need of serious organization (see before picture below). We hated our builder's grade wire rack that went around the whole closet at eye level. You couldn't add a rack below or above. Initially, we were going to hire California Closets or Closets by Design. They create beautiful closets, but costs thousands. I also looked at systems from Lowe's and Home Depot. Again, I would be spending at least $1500-$2000 for a closet of our size.

After scouring the internet for different options, I came across Ikea's Expedit shelving group. The units come in a variety of sizes and are inexpensive. I like options. We desperately needed more shelving storage. With a little planning here is what we came up with. The hanging rods are Allen and Roth white curtain rods from Lowe's. The brackets and shelves that accompany the rods are also from Lowe's.

We purchased two units that were $70 each and stacked two units that were $40 each on top. They are secured to the wall with included brackets. Our ceilings are 8ft. high.

I added another cube in the center of the closet for a place to fold clothes and extra storage...You can't have too much!

The cost of the below wall was $80. $30 for the grey piece of furniture and $50 for the white shelving. There are four shelves, two on each side stacked, from Lowe's. Everything else I already owned. To see how the furniture was painted visit this post: Focal Point Furniture.

Ikea offers a variety of doors, drawers, baskets, and bins that all fit perfectly into each cube. You can customize it as little or as much as you need.

For my shoes we purchased a Billy bookcase from Ikea for $50 with a $20 height extension unit. In order to maximize the space in your closet you must go up! Use all of your wall space from floor to ceiling and purchase a stool. The bookcase comes with optional doors.

Progress Photos:

This is was my closet on a bad day. Unfortunately, it had a lot of bad days. Embarrassing, I know!

The paint color is Scandinavian Sky, Olympic brand (low odor, low VOC) from Lowe's.

This wall is my husbands. The rest is all mine! :)

One last look at the before and after (click on image to enlarge):

Focal Point Furniture

2012-02-02T23:49:00.001-05:00

Cost of project = $30

This piece was purchased for my master closet makeover (post soon to follow). I wanted a neat focal point for the space without spending lots. I spotted this for $20 at the thrift store. SOLD! The door panels are exquisite! Although I scrubbed it inside and out, I don't think I will store clothes in it. Probably just costume jewelry, off season shoes and other trinkets that cluttered my closet.

The before again:

I chose cool blues and greys for the closet. Lowes offers a new brand 'My Color: Inspired by Pantone' of already mixed paints. It is low odor, low VOC, and costs about $10. The paint is ideal for furniture as the primer is already built in. Color = 'Griffin'.

Give the piece a light sanding and paint using a fine bristled brush. I used a cabinet roller for the top and sides. Two coats was perfect. I even have some leftover.

Here is a preview of the finished closet! CLICK HERE to view post.

Dollar Store Christmas Ball Wreath

2011-11-28T21:04:00.001-05:00

I'm sure many of you have seen these wreaths on Pinterest. One video tutorial said it cost $35-$40 to make this project. It makes sense since you will need around 80-90 Christmas ball ornaments to complete it (I used 82 to be exact). For a cost effective way to craft, take the route I did and get your ornaments at the dollar store! The finished product will not look like a dollar store discount, trust me.

*** I took these photos with my cell phone, please excuse the quality. The wreath looks even better in person***

Dollar Store Supplies:

28 large ball ornaments (4 tubes)
24 medium ball ornaments (2 tubes)
30 small ball ornaments (2 tubes)
1 strand of tinsel

Other Supplies:

1 wire hanger
Glue gun
Ribbon

This project cost me $9.00 since I had the "other supplies" and took around a half hour to complete.

Step 1:

Take a wire hanger and bend it into a circle (doesn't have to be perfect). Then unravel hook at the top.

Step 2:

Put a piece of tape at the hook end to keep ornaments from sliding. Then start adding a bead of glue around ornament tops to keep them from popping off.

Step 3:

Begin sliding ornaments on wire hanger. I noticed it looks better to try and follow a pattern. I didn't follow a pattern with color since my ornaments didn't differ greatly in color.

Step 4:

When you have the whole wire full, put back into circle and make a hook to secure ends.

Step 5:

Stuff any gaps with the tinsel and hang with ribbon. Tip: I did not hang it from the top where the hook was because it tended to sag into an oval. I kept the hook part on the side.

Finished Product

Foam Tubing Wreath Form Frustrations

2011-11-13T15:45:00.001-05:00

Remember this little wreath tutorial? A fellow crafter commented, "Hi!! Don't know if you know but your little tip about using the foam tubing is all over pinterest! Thanks!!" First thought, yay! I'm glad people are taking advantage of some $$ saving. BUT many are having frustrations with creating a nice, neat circle. I wish to address these issues as best I can.

To those of you who have attempted this and failed, I'm sorry the tip caused frustration. It was the first wreath I ever made using a "form". I saw the foam tubing and gave it a try. Oddly enough, it worked great the first try with no "ovaling", buckling or bending. I didn't add anything to stabilize it, just duct tape to secure the ends together. When I posted the tip, I thought it would work the same for everyone. Not the case!

I'm guessing this foam tubing will only suite wreaths that are smaller in diameter and have "chunky" decor, like the coffee filters. My tubing wreath form was about 8-9" in diameter. The finished product was around 16" in diameter after the coffee filters were added. It's been indoors (not sure foam would do well outdoors) and has held up great since I did it a year ago. If you wish to do a wreath wrapped in yarn, this tip is not for you. That type of wreath will definitely require a more sturdy form, as some crafters are, unfortunately, finding out the hard way.

Another issue is diameter of the tubing itself. Mine was 1" in diameter. One reader posted,

"I think the issue with not being able to get the pipe insulation round has to do with the diameter of the insulation used. At least that's the issue I had. At first I used 3/4 inch diameter tubing and it was bulging and wouldn't get very round. Then I got 1/2 inch diameter tubing and it bends into a beautiful circle without any issues. Hope this helps some others!"

After messing around with it to solve this problem, I have found if you give the tubing a twist while it is straight, then form the circle keeping the twist in tact, it creates a more taut form that will keep a circle better.

I hope this information helps. I have used the tubing successfully and it can be a cost effective solution for some, not all, types of wreaths.

Below is a list of bloggers who have made foam tubing wreaths. Check them out for pictures, tips or tricks.

Check out this tip from Gail Made: How To Avoid Pipe Insulation Wreath Kink!

Visit I Heart Nap Time to see how Jamielyn used the foam piping: Gorgeous Moss Wreath

For the Shoe Lovers: Create a Look for Less

2011-11-07T12:17:00.000-05:00

My friend, Carrie, and I were shopping at Nordstrom over the weekend. Nordstrom has an AMAZING shoes department with oodles of little gems, such as Vince Camuto 'Crane' Pumps, with a pretty price tag of $149.95 a pair.

Cute: Yes. Worth paying $150: No. We left Nordstrom inspired to re-create this look for less. Here's what we came up with...

The 'Amanda' Pump

The 'Carrie' Pump

How did we do it?? A pair of Target pumps + rhinestones & feathers from Michael's Arts & Crafts = Shoe la la, a one of a kind fabulous shoe!!

We ended up spending $4.19 on the rhinestones and $1.99 on a bag of feathers. One pack of rhinestones will be more than enough to do two shoes. I cut each sheet in half so I had an even amount of each size for each shoe. Mighty-Mend-It or super glue will work to adhere the "flair" (I think we used both).

We found the suede shoes at Target for $29.99 and they came in an array of colors. Payless also had inexpensive options:

Attention teens!! You could easily use this idea to create fun prom shoes at a price mom can appreciate. Or, why not add little sparkle to your holiday, office or New Year's Eve party shoes? Kiddie shoes would also be a good application. When baby starts wearing shoes, I'll be sure to add a little bling to hers too :)

DIY Nursery Letters

2011-08-31T12:15:00.000-04:00

I followed the same technique as a previous post, Monograms Made Easy. These are white letter from JoAnn Fabrics. I left them white rather than spray painting them as I did before.

Use spray adhesive to attach scrap book paper to letters
Cut around letters with exacto knife
Apply a few coats of Mod Podge (let dry in between coats)

Butterfly Mobile: A Pottery Barn Knockoff

2011-04-06T19:21:00.001-04:00

I saw this in the Pottery Barn Kids magazine and thought it was

too cute to pass up! The materials were extremely inexpensive

and the craft was really easy to make.

What you need:

2 wooden embroidery hoops (I used a 12" and 14"), you will only use the inside hoop
Fishing line, 6lb. test was the thinnest I could find at Wal-Mart
1 dowel rod, at least 28"
Pink vellum, or any color
A few beads to add weight to each strand
1 wooden butterfly shape (see photo, $.29 at Michael's)

Note: I also used store bought butterfly's that were smaller to add dimension. I found a pack of 110 on clearance for $2.99 at Michael's.

Trace in pencil your butterfly all over one sheet, put the other sheets behind it and cut out multiples at one time. You may need to erase some pencil lines, but that's okay.

I used four strands each in 32", 26", 22" and 18" lengths. String a bead to the bottom and tie a loose knot before each butterfly to hold in place and provide the "floating" effect.

To make the top part, measure your dowel rod the length of your largest hoop, score it and snap it off. You will need two. Next, apply glue where they meet in a X pattern. I had my hubby add a coat of spray paint in Heirloom White. Finally, tie on all the butterfly strands (longest in the middle), attach four more pieces of fishing line to the top and hang it in the ceiling with a screw in hook.

A Penny Parlor Nursery Part 2

2011-04-06T18:51:00.003-04:00

Another nursery update! I've added a gliding chair with ottoman and some decor to the room. Just a few more final touches to go, included the bedding and setting up the changing table. I am hoping this room is a space she can grow into. Not that I want her to grow up too fast :)

Most of the display items on the shelf came from Michael's Arts & Crafts. They were a pretty great match to the crib bedding and were 60% off! The items ended up costing around $2-$4 each with the discount.

The Ikea spice racks turned book shelves were an inexpensive way to keep bedtime stories close by, but off the floor. I am trying to avoid clutter as the room is pretty small to begin with. I estimate they will each hold around 6-8 books, maybe more. They come unfinished, so I painted them the same color as the wall to blend in (China Silk, at Lowes).

Please visit my next post, which shows you how to make a Pottery Barn Kids butterfly mobile!

Did you know? Cutting Blinds that are Too Wide

2011-02-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

I purchased blinds online from JCPenny for the nursery, but they were too wide by just a smidge. The deal was really good so I didn't want to send them back. While researching a solution, I found a great article online about cutting them down to size and it worked like a charm!

A perfect fit!

We actually used a table saw to cut them all at once, wrapping all the slats with painter's tape first to hold them in place, then used the hack saw as shown above to cut the headrail.

Find the directions here: Cutting Blinds

A Penny Parlor Nursery Part 1

2011-02-28T17:51:00.001-05:00

It's about time I get back to blogging! I've been delaying projects for a number of excuses, mostly due to being pregnant. A nursery seems the most practical subject to start back up again.

When I started thinking about a baby's room, I knew I didn't want anything too "babyish". I truthfully wasn't even going in a pink direction for a girl, until I saw crib bedding that I just could not resist. It is classy and elegant, but most importantly for me doesn't scream baby with teddy bears and ducks. (No offense to readers, just my own taste).

CoCaLo Daniella Bedding

The room was completely a blank canvas, as you can see:

When planning for this space, I thought it best to keep the walls light since I picked out dark furniture and because the room is not particularly large. I went with Valspar paint from Lowe's. The bottom color is China Silk and the top color is Bombay all with Antique White trim by Duron.

If I had done a chair rail, rather than a plate rail to separate the colors, I would have done the darker color on the bottom because a chair rail would be a lot lower. I like how the dark furniture stands out against the lighter color.

Trim: I used flat pieces of primed MDF in 3.5" x 8' lengths for the plate rail and crown molding where the wall meets the ceiling. In the corners of the crown I used pre-made blocks. I cannot stress enough how EASY they are to use and make crown molding something ANYONE can do. You can find them at Lowe's. No miter cuts at all. I also used them in my powder room, you can find the post HERE.

Pre-painting the trim before install makes for easy touch up and finishing after the molding is up.

After installing the trim, caulk the seams, fill in any nail holes and touch up with paint.

The crib furniture is Baby Cache Royale and can be found at Babies R Us. Here's a tip, look for floor samples in the furniture department. We were able to get the changing table for less than half of the original price.

Stay tuned for more nursery related projects as I work to complete this space.

$6 Christmas Wreath

2010-11-28T12:35:00.001-05:00

Black Friday shopping led me to my local Michael's Arts & Crafts where almost all of their holiday accents were 50% off. I was able to purchase everything pictured in this wreath (including the wreath itself) for around $6. The crazy part about it!? They were selling almost the exact same wreaths already made in the store for $24!! I added a small string of lights I already had and paired my completed wreath with an old sled I picked up for $6.25 at a thrift store in late summer. This vignette can be used indoors or outdoors.

Linked to:

Mad in Crafts

C.R.A.F.T.

It's So Very Cheri

Keeping it Simple

DIY Showoff

Trimwork Makeover::: Part 2

2010-11-13T19:23:00.001-05:00

Following up on my previous post, Trimwork Makeover::: Part 1, I wanted to show you an update of how things are looking now that it's complete. My dining room is still unfurnished. I'm not ever sure I want it to be a dining room, but the trim looks so LOVELY I will enjoy the space whatever it may become.

Here are the before and after photos. As always, click on any image to enlarge detail.

Prepare Your Garden for Winter So it Blooms in Spring

2010-10-22T11:09:00.000-04:00

Coordinators for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show contacted me about sharing with my readers DIY tips to prepare your garden for the winter so it's blooming in the spring. The show experts have put together a brief list of DIY tips for all of the green (or not-so-green) thumbs out there. I found the information to be very helpful and I think you will too!

FALL GARDENING TIPS FROM THE PROS AT THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW:

1) Continue to water your plants and lawns in the fall, as we tend not to have the rainfall in the fall that we do in the main gowning months. Plants need to stay hydrated just like humans .This allows the plants to properly retreat to their winter states.

2) Remove annuals from flower beds and add them to compost.

3) Clean up planting beds and prepare them for spring plantings. Make sure you remove this year’s annuals and turn the soil. It will make it easier to turn the soil in the spring.

4) Think about having your soil tested now so you can add things to amend it for healthier soil in the spring.

5) Split and replant perennials and /or share them with friends.

6) When removing summer bulbs such as dahlias and gladiolus, plant spring bulbs in their place such as tulips and daffodils.

7) Consider planting bulbs in different directions to naturally delay their bloom time and stagger blooms for a longer season. For example, plant the lowest layer on its side to the right, the next on its side to the left, and the final upright.

8) When raking leaves, shred them before making compost layers with them or using them as mulch. It helps the layer of leaves to decompose more quickly, and in using them as mulch, it allows the soil to breathe better.

9) Using leaves to protect perennials and shrubs planted late in the season can help them if the winter is harsh.

10) Prepare pots on your porches for fall plantings. Consider removing everything and cleaning your pots before planting fall items. At the end of the fall season, cut off plants and add holiday greens and branches before the pots freeze and it becomes too difficult to insert the pine and branches.

If you live in the Chicago area and want to go, below is some helpful information:

ABOUT THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show, is the iconic Midwest horticulture and landscape showcase, will again green the shores of Lake Michigan when it returns to Navy Pier from Saturday, Mar. 5, through Sunday, Mar. 13. Show hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and until 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.

Visitors will be inspired, educated and motivated as they are treated to the best in landscape design and see the latest in sustainable and green products. Themed, “The Sport of Gardening” the show’s 30-plus gardens will again spotlight top Midwest landscapers, growers and garden designers.

Tickets can be purchased online now at www.chicagoflower.com or at the door. There is no service charge when ordering online. Adult tickets are $15 on weekdays and $17 on weekends. Tickets for children aged 12 and younger are $5 every day.

Thrift Store Mirror Revamp

2010-10-16T13:34:00.000-04:00

While at my local thrift store, I found a $10 mirror with a unique top detail. I added some heirloom white spray paint, sanded the edges and rubbed on some mocha glaze to give it that old distressed look. This is an easy way to brighten up outdated, dark wood or faux wood pieces.

Pumpkin Planter

2010-10-04T21:55:00.000-04:00

I had a few planters in spots that were too shady to grow mums. Jab a few sticks in the dirt of the planter, layer with leaves and add a few pumpkins on top. I actually hot glued the pumpkins together just to make sure they stay stacked!

Jute Wrapped Candle Holders

2010-09-30T20:26:00.001-04:00

A great way to "up-cycle" old candle holders. Add a bit of spray paint and wrap with some dollar store jute. Cute and great for fall!

Here is the before:

Another after:

Like the plate monogram above? Find out how to make it HERE.

Plate Monogram

2010-09-30T20:17:00.000-04:00

This easy little project makes a decorative plate more personalized. Great for your own home or as a gift. Homegood's has a wide selection of display plates and nice variety of seasonal plates as well.

I found a set of alphabet stencils at a discount craft store for $1.49!! Tape the stencil centered on the plate. Next, take your stencil brush and dab acrylic craft paint over the stencil. Do not wash the plate or use for food.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, NYC

2010-09-27T15:17:00.002-04:00

Doing NYC in a day is a mixture of excitement and exhaustion. The city is so big! It's hard to pick and choose what sites to see and what shops to visit. This past Saturday my sister, a couple of friends and I ventured to the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in New York City. We found so many great, unique finds, we vowed to go back knowing we could easily spend an entire day sifting through furs, jewels and antique home decor. It was definitely an experience for those who enjoy a good flea market.
(Click on images to enlarge)

For more information visit the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market website. Here is what the site had to say about this popular city flea market:

"Named one of the Top Ten Shopping Streets in the World by National Geographic, Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market sets the standard for distinctive vendors, where collectors and top-notch hagglers including the fashion éclat, artists, celebrities, tourists, and residents shop the market for antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, mid-century modern items–including home decorations and furniture–jewelry, and more.

Located on West 39th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues and open 9 AM – 6 PM every Saturday and Sunday, Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market includes vendors from The Annex, formerly located in Chelsea. The market’s Hell’s Kitchen South location is near the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Times Square."

DIY Pottery Barn Mason Headboard

2010-09-21T20:57:00.006-04:00

Let me start by saying, if I can build this so can YOU! I needed a headboard to complete my guest bedroom and came across Ana White, Knock Off Wood.

She has TONS of DIY furniture plans with a lot of simple, clean
designs and Pottery Barn inspired looks. I choose the Pottery Barn Mason Headboard plan. Find the cut list and all the instructions you need here: Ana White, Knock Off Wood

Inspiration:

Start by making all your cuts (except the top and front trim). Glue and nail pieces together using wood glue and 1.25" and 2" nails.

Stain...wipe on...wipe... off. Seal with poly.

Attach to headboard using 1 1/4" long x 1/4" thick bolts and nuts.

Before:

After:

Like that little tray pictured above?

Linked to:
The DIY Showoff
House of Thrifty Decor
Under the Table & Dreaming