March 31, 2014

UPHOLSTERED HEADBOARD

Posted by Lori~

I have been staring at the blank knee wall above my bed for years.  We had to go with a platform bed for our story in a half bedroom because we couldn't quite squeeze a box spring up the stairs and into the space.

As a result, we purchased an IKEA platform bed without a headboard.  



I really wanted to attempt to make an upholstered headboard, but the tufting made me nervous.  That was until I saw this tutorial that had zero tufting.  PERFECTION!

My inspiration photo from Thrifty Decor Chick.
The process was easy and super affordable.  You will need a piece of plywood (to fit), a foam mattress pad, a sheet (or other piece of fabric that will not be seen), a staple gun (with staples), decorator fabric (or other fabric--you choose (I went with upholstery fabric, because I liked the pattern and it was on sale)), and keyhole hangers.



You will want to cut your mattress pad to fit.  I ended up piecing a section together.  You will use a double layer of mattress pad with the bumpy side together.  Using a sheet (or other piece of fabric), pulling tightly, staple the fabric to the plywood.  This will secure the mattress pad to the plywood.


I did go back and hammer in the staples to ensure that they were secure.  Mur-Man helped out with the hammering.


The next step is to staple the decorator fabric to the board--pulling tightly as you go.  



I secured the corners like I was wrapping a package, pulling tightly.  In addition, I did cut away excess fabric within the fold to make the corner flatter.  


 

Steve attached keyhole hangers to the back of the headboard.  We chose this hanger option, because we wanted the headboard to attach flat to the wall.


Honestly, the hardest part of the project was attaching the headboard to the wall (getting the nails into the keyhole hangers), but eventually they lined up.


I love it!  I love the contrast with the white bed frame.  


Steve loves the headboard too.  We especially love that the pillows can no longer fall behind the bed.  Next up, throw pillows!  I am on that already and cannot wait to reveal!


Here is the cost breakdown on this project:
Plywood:  $17.00
Foam Mattress Pad:  $11.00
Twin Sheet:  $1.50 (purchased at a thrift store)
Upholstery Fabric:  $17.00 (2 yards on sale)
Staple Gun/Staples:  Already in my tool supply
Keyhole Hanger:  $2.00
Total:  $48.50




LEGO DRAWER

Posted by Lori~

Remember here, when I showed you how I created under bed drawer storage for Mur-Man.  I walked you through the instructions and process.

I was back at it again, but this time I wanted to create a Lego storage drawer for Mur-Man.  Instead of using fabric for the inside of the drawer, I used Lego magazine pages.  Honestly Modge Podge works fabulously on magazine paper.  Because I already had the Lego magazines, this project cost me $3.00 AGAIN!  So thrifty!



Mur-Man's favorite part was loading the drawer up with his Legos!



The drawer fits perfectly under the bed (with side by side storage). 

Mur-Man and Roger all snuggled in!




 

March 26, 2014

EASTER POM WREATH!

Posted by Lori~

Mur-Man and I are really enjoying our Mondays and Fridays together since I switched positions at my little city, ND college.  I am really enjoying the added crafting time.   With Easter coming up soon, it was time to start decorating (and I wanted to do this on a minimal budget--like nothing).

I pulled out pom poms I found in the dollar section of Target.  Seriously, I have said it a million times, but I LOVE the Target $ section, It is amazing!   This project took me just under 4 packs (or $4.00).


I squirted the Elmer's Glue onto the wreath and Mur-man placed the poms.  Once he had enough and his attention span was done, I went back and finished filling in the wreath.
 


I had thought about sewing a mini pendant banner, but then I remembered I had purchased a banner in the clearance section at Target during a previous visit.  Total cost was ONLY .94 cents.



Using scotch tape, I attached the banner to the back of the wreath. 


I love it and this project took under one hour.  Total cost (remember, I already had the glue and wreath in my craft stash) came in at under $5.00.  I LOVE IT!
 

March 25, 2014

WTF (WAY TOO FUN): WE MADE IT ON TV!

Posted by Lori~

Mom, Steve, and I were in NYC 2 weeks ago, and I am thrilled to report that Mom and I made the Kelly and Michael audience.  Check it out!

Actually the photos from below are from 2 different shows (same day recording).  Mom and I switched spots between the two-day segment taping, because there was this annoying column located right between us.  

We loved it--and had WAY TOO MUCH FUN!





March 24, 2014

NEW SHOES--READY FOR SPRING!

Posted by Lori~

We've been adding some new shoes to our household.  First up, Mur-Man received new shoe wings from NYC.  I actually picked up a set for Mur-Man and his best bud Gus.  I was able to attach them to clearance Baby Gap shoes (no longer available online).  He loves them (and I do too)!




While in Fargo over the weekend, I came across an amazing shoe sale at Target.  Shoes were on sale for BOGO (50% off).  I couldn't resist.  Total cost--around $30.00 for two adorable pairs.  I do not know about you, but I am ready for spring!  ND WINTER--GO AWAY!
Click here for shoe details.


Click here for shoe details.



March 23, 2014

MUR-MAN'S ROOM ORGANIZATION UPDATE

Posted by Lori~

I feel like I am non-stop organizing (and re-organizing) Mur-Man's room. Prior to this organization overhaul, we had Mur-man's toys mostly in two toy boxes (one purchased at a garage sale) and my childhood toy box.  I loved them both, but neither of them were the most practical or useful.  It was hard to know what toys he had and where they were. When he did open up the toy boxes, all the toys would end up all over the room.  That's when I decided we needed a new toy plan.



I decided to pull an IKEA Expedit shelving unit out of Steve's closet. Honestly, it wasn't getting used fully and this will be a much better use for the shelf.


We sorted and organized the toys (and loaded up the shelves).  SO MUCH BETTER!





Mur-Man's happy with his new set-up (and so is Steve)!