Travel and Creativity Blog

2014-08-25T13:22:00.005-07:00

This blog will now be my TRAVEL and CREATIVITY blog. In addition to being a creative outlet, this blog will also showcase photos and write-ups that detail my travels.

Apply paint and cute drawer handles to a desk!

2013-01-01T20:09:00.002-08:00

Removed old wooden drawer "pulls" and screwed in fancy ones to add flair to this 1950's desk.

I've been extremely busy lately. Working two jobs, starting a nursing program in January and am off to Vegas tomorrow with my bf!!

Dresser Transformation 11/22/12

2012-11-24T12:30:00.001-08:00

Yes, "improvement" is subjective. Everyone will have a different opinion of what "looks better" and, like everyone else, I choose to transform things to a look that I prefer. I've had this dresser since the early '80's and thought I would give it a face lift. Total cost: $15.00--$12 for small can of white paint and $3 something
for dark chocolate metal spray paint. Oh, and always sand wood before painting it.

Before picture of dresser

I removed the gold dresser handles ( "pulls") and spray painted with dark chocolate color.

All done!

Lemon and Orange Slice Placemats

2012-06-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing from recycled materials in this post, but here are some cute place mats I made a while ago :)

Windmill from reused materials

2012-03-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a garden windmill a friend of mine created entirely from scratch without spending anything or even using a blueprint (she's amazing that way). She used what she had on hand and used free "throw away" house materials at a building/home improvement store. The blades on the windmill are composed of an old counter top (formica) that was going to be thrown out. She cut the formica in the shape of blades and then painted them in a cute design. The structure is made of wood scraps and there is a plastic lattice used on the sides of the base for plants to grow on. Check it out!

Stepping Stone Transformation

2011-12-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

Before

After

All you need is mastic, grout and broken tile (or flat pieces of broken pottery) to make a mosaic on an old stepping stone.

Create a little vegetable garden spot

2011-11-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

First step: Find a space in your yard that gets full-sun. While soil is important, adequate sun exposure is absolutely necessary for gardening; most vegetables WILL NOT grow without sun.

Second Step: Dig out plants/shrubs that are in the way of your garden nook. You need as much space as possible for the veggies without intrusive shrubs hindering their growth or deflecting sun-light. For this project, I had to dig out a large shrub.

Third Step: Create a little path to your garden that serves as a border as well.

Before pictures

After Pictures

Garden area is to the right of the path, beside house.

Blank spot in yard turned into rock sculpture and rock garden!

2011-09-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Before pic

Lay down your weed-block and begin :)

After pics

One of my friends calls my creation "Very Zen". I'm not sure...

Garden Path!

2011-09-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Slate used for path: Goldrush
Purchased: Lowe's Hardware and Garden
Price: anywhere from $3-$9 for 21" pieces.
Extras: Creeping mint smells nice and is a lovely, compact ground-cover that grows between the stones. Mounds of Scottish moss flank the sides of the path.

Before pics

After pics

From Craptastic Plastic to Fantastic Tile and Mastic!

2011-09-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

I had been wanting to take this old, stained outdoor table to the dump but I had a better idea!

Transformation of an old wooden table

2011-09-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

I purchased this scratched up wooden table at an estate sale for $5.00. I tiled the top with shiny, fun glass tile.

Transformation of a seat Cushion

2011-09-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

The price of brand-new foam at craft stores like JoAnn Fabrics is actually quite expensive. I headed to Goodwill and was able to find this cushion for $1. I transformed it into a fun kitchen seat cushion using fabric from my "fabric scrap box". I had never made a cushion with piping before. Piping adds a nice little touch and isn't difficult to do. Please see the evolution below. Always wash anything you buy from a thrift store thoroughly, with hot water before modifying it.