Simple. Effective. DIY.

Simple. Effective. DIY. Divine!

Until next time...

Mike

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DIY Black Lace Candles

Camilla at Family Chic says her DIY black lace candles are the perfect touch for Halloween. But I could certainly see these fitting in many homes year 'round. Or what about an evening wedding...that would be divine!

My suggestion? Dig in your existing stash to find something to re-use, or visit your local thrift store. I'm sure you'll find both lace and votives!

Until next time...
Michael


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Would You Try This? Pallet Floors

If we could hear the fluttering wings of a butterfly that just discovered a sea of lavender fields in Provence, that's what it would sound like in the room with me today. My heart just fluttered when I saw this pallet floor feature at Jetson Green - a blog that showcases sustainable living. And I MUST share this with you - that's not even an option.

And now, to borrow the term from Rachel Zoe...I DIE!

Artic Plank in Iceland is making floors from recycled pallets and scrap wood. Of course it will be much more rustic than your traditional new-wood flooring, but that's the beauty! Just look at all the color variations. Mmmm...I love the dark stains. 

So, my question for you is...would you try it in your own home? I don't know if the character of my house would be able to carry this floor...but I would certainly consider building a little studio out back JUST to get that floor!

Until next time...

Mike

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Random Acts of Kindness

It's the random acts of kindness in blogland that really draw me in. For instance, this weekend I received help from not one, but two other bloggers. Neither of them know me. In fact, it's most likely that neither of them even know I exist. Yet both of them passed on random acts of kindness.

I was selling some of my kid's outgrown clothes and toys at a children's market this weekend (no surprise there, since you know me in the recycle/repurpose spirit of Blue Velvet Chair) and decided to take a few examples of children's gifts I'd made just to see if I could drum up interest before the holidays. I took two baby gifts I recently made, and a few examples of mosaic kid photos I'd also gifted recently. I needed some kind of business card just in case anyone 'bit', but don't have any since I don't sell my pieces (I'm game if anyone else is, though).

Here's what the original pics look like. The mosaics above are made with 1000 photo tiles of the kids (a minimum of 50 different photos give the best results). 

Okay, after that brief interlude, the spotlight goes on Mindy at Lil Mama Stuart. She recently posted a tutorial for making your own business cards. Nothing special about that as I've seen many toots on the subject before. But hers had a flair...hard to miss that she was representing something creative. So...I began to follow her instructions. Which led me to...spotlight 2...Aimee at Sprik Space. Mindy referred to Aimee in her post because of her lovely backgrounds (that come in so many colors). I found one that I thought would be perfect for my aesthetic and style. So I followed the instructions from both of them, made a few tweeks of my own to decrease the opacity of Aimee's backgrounds (I wanted mine to be a more transparent pattern in the background as it was a pretty strong design), and printed myself a small stack of business cards. 

They did just the trick. I only had one person express interest, but guess what - I had a nice looking business card to hand her and say "Call me". My "almost 10"-year old son liked them so much he asked if I would make a set for him. Absolutely!

If you don't have business cards and you are thinking about networking some of your own projects, hop over to Lil Mama Stuart's site and she'll get you started. It's pretty easy and possible to get done in an evening. Or, check out Aimee's backgrounds for your other crafting projects. I think you'll be pleased!

Until next time...
Michael


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Project Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of a big project that I've been working on a few weeks now. Anyone wanna guess what it is?

Watch later this week for the big reveal (assuming I can successfully get it on the wall without breaking it - that's your hint).

Until next time...
Mike

Trash? Or Art!

Oh, this kind of stuff makes me stop and stare. For a really long time. Like if I were looking at another person it would certainly get uncomfortable! Trash? Or art! There's no doubt in my mind. Art!

The fact that the end of the Queen's nose is a shell is not lost on me. And I would love to have some of those brooches in her crown for my collection. The more you look, the more you'll see. Like the little dinosaurs on the Mona Lisa artwork. Mona also has little toy zebras in the upper left corner. 

Unfortunately, Jane Perkins, the British artist, doesn't seem to have a website. Or at least I haven't been able to track one down yet. Her story goes to show that it's never too late to start to create!

Until next time...

Mike

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DIY Scrap Wood Art

It's time to pull all those pieces of scrap wood together because Janine at Salvage Love gave us just the right amount of inspiration to create our own DIY scrap wood art.

Her post comes complete with a how-to, so hop on over to have a look.

Until next time...

Mike

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What's That ?!

I'm looking at the picture, and I'm thinking to myself, "What's that ?!" The site is in french, but I knew the table was recycled and repurposed...but from what?

Ready for this? Repeat after me...a washing machine drum! Made by Isa also has more great repurposed and recycled projects that you'll want to see. 

And it seems as though the French have a thing for washing machine drums. I love this little funky table from Ciloubidouille. Cecile and her son picked up the abandoned stop sign along the banks of the Loire river and used it as the table top - a family after my own heart! Don't miss a visit to her site to see the DIY pictorial. 

After stumbling on these two tables, of course I was curious. I searched for 'un tambour de machine à laver' (washing machine drum in french), and found more drum projects with that sexy industrial feeling to them. This one from Deco.fr has a light installed inside the drum and comes with a fun how-to video. 

I also have to include this little BBQ because it is so deliciously rustic in its natural environment. It's on the french site, Erada, which is dedicated to the village of Erada in Portugal. The author just stumbled upon this repurposed treasure. Check out the site for some lovely pics of this ancient stone village.

This practical drum-turned-fire pit comes from Dr. Qui on Instructables (made in the U.S.?). Since we have nothing but front-load washing machines here in Sweden, I'm thinking the chances of finding an old drum could be pretty good.

Now, back to France. I love this funky column shelf from Adornella - it really adds fun and flair with the little 'doors' that swing open on each drum. It wasn't for sale...because it was already sold before it was finished!

The more you look...the more you find. The possibilities are starting to seem endless. Trash Design Manufaktur in Austria has some great repurposed products for sale, including this modern stool with painted trim. Don't miss the other products on their site if you are looking for inspiration.

Need something a little more country cottage? I think this cute stool via Lara: L'atelier du recyclage artistique is about as close as you'll get considering the material.

First life...cleaner. Second life...illuminator! The originator of this ceiling lamp is not mentioned, but the inspiration comes to us via Environmental Project.fr. 

And these come to us from Bulgarian Alex Kovatchev via Yanko Design. I'm really starting to seriously think what washing machine drum project I'd like to try. Are you tempted yet?

This column lamp from Paul Morini really would be the perfect compliment to any warehouse loft or space. So industrial!

And Laurent Terras gives new meaning to a sunrise ride.

This is the waiting room at a medical office in France. See that kid's table? You guessed it! Washing machine drum! Thanks for the share, L'Art et La Maniere.

There was a great example of an old drum being used as a planter in a veggie garden, but I can't show you that image since it is licensed work by a photographer. But...you can see it here on this Google images page if you look closely for the yellow vegetable.

By nature, a washing machine is quite DIY. However, I don't want to neglect the arts. So, my final project share is this peacock made from a washing machine drum and CDs (amongst a few other bits and parts). It was featured a couple of years back as part of a recycled sculpture show in London.

These last shots aren't repurpose projects, but they are just too good to miss, given the topic of washing machine drums. 

I don't know where this laundromat is located (given the brand of the machines, I assume somewhere in Europe), but a NY pr agency came up with this engaging campaign for Pepto-Bismol. Think "agitated stomach". You can't help but smile. Brought to us via Le198. 

And I can empathize with this this unfortunate cow. I, too, have days where my head gets stuck. Maybe just not so literally.

Have you run across a washing machine drum project lately? I'm really inspired by these repurposed ideas and hope you'll share your find in the comments below.

Until next time...

Mike

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Trash? Or Art!

Look closely at this sculpted tire.

Would you put one of these indoors? Or would it have to stay out?

Thanks, Recyclart, for finding and sharing this artist.

Until next time...
Mike


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Wreaths and Non-Wreaths

I must admit, I'm not a huge wreath person myself. But I do love the inspiration that comes in the form of the wreaths. I even keep a Pinterest wreath board to stash all of that inspiration. Each time I see a wreath that I really love, I'm always thinking "what else could be done with this idea". Like this wreath I found in the archives at Alisa Burke's blog (which I LOVE).

Alisa handpainted canvas squares, then cut circles and stitched them together before adding buttons and creating a wreath. I would actually love a bunch of those circles as a wall hanging...so the inspiration spark has ignited. 

Earlier this year I remember stumbling across a blog talking about "the non-wreath", and that really stuck with me. Kicking myself now for not marking it somehow so I could give credit where credit is due (if it was you, and you are reading this, let me know!). I must be a non-wreath kind of person. After all, I really like the idea of putting other things on the front door of our home. I just bought a really large rectangular frame (like 4 feet tall) at the thrift store this weekend and I'm thinking to myself..."do I dare to put this on the front door to our house with some type of decor inside of it? What will my conservative Swedish neighbors think?" Perhaps they will let this one slide since they've already seen me doing a range of odd things around the home?

Regardless of whether that big frame ends up on our front door or not, I've started to now collect "non-wreaths" on another Pinterest board, so let me know if you have one that I can add. Just leave a link in the comments below.

What's your style? Wreath? Or the Non-Wreath?

Until next time...

Mike

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Hanging Your Art

Hanging your art doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as this delightful display using...hangers!

Heidi at Budget Wise Home gives you a rundown on the supplies needed to create your art trellis and includes a how-to. Follow her series "What to Put on My Walls" if you need inspiration for what to put on your walls.


Alternatively, pick up a ready-made trellis at your local garage sale or DIY store and use that for your indoor art display.


Until next time...
Mike


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Friends Who DIY

Don't you just love friends who DIY?

I had a spontaneous visit a couple of weekends ago by a good girlfriend - we've both been missing in action from each other's lives for a few years, so it was lovely to just sit and chat with her. And you know what we did? Rolled magazine pages together while we caught up! It's what I was doing when she arrived, and she joined right in. Now, you know that's a good friend who will sit with you for a couple of hours chatting and rolling and laughing.

Well lo' and behold, she got inspired and made the most adorable magazine rolls photo frame today.

And I haven't even finished my magazine rolls project yet! Here's to Marie and her inspiration! It gave me the kick in the pants that I need to get rollin' again tonight (pun intended).

Until next time...

Mike

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Light Up The Smile - DIY Chandelier

It may not light up your room, but it will certainly light up the smile on your little princess! This chandelier is made entirely from easy-to-find recycled items.

What you need:  1 paper towel roll, 2 cereal boxes, 1 lg plastic soda bottle, black paint, and some paperclips.

You'll find a detailed tutorial over at Jellyfish Jelly. She even gives an easier version for smaller hands to make their own. I tell you what...I actually had to do a double-take to see that the crystals were from the plastic soda bottle. What a great DIY party decoration idea. Or in the corner of your little princess's  bedroom. Would you put it anywhere else in your house?

Until next time...
Mike


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Trash? Or Art!

Oh the things that people see when they are open to the possibilities! Is it trash? Or art?

Do you see what it is at first glance?

artbusiness.com

If you guessed cardboard box barcodes...you're right! But doesn't it look like a fabulous wooden block installation?

Until next time...
Mike


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DIY Log Pedestal Cake Stand

Sometimes it pays off to go back into the archives. That's where I found this DIY log pedestal cake stand from LaLa Laurie via OnceWed.

Do you have an upcoming party that requires rustic decor? Maybe you can find more inspiration here on Google images for Rustic Party Decorations.

Until next time...
Mike


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I Heart Trees

Isn't this just the perfect little table lantern for an engagement party or wedding reception?

If you haven't run across Notonthehighstreet.com yet, you should definitely take a few minutes to have a peek. This online marketplace for handmade arts and crafts is a powerhouse in England. These cute little lanterns come to us from This is Pretty.

Until next time...
Mike


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A DIY Eureka! Moment

Today I had a DIY Eureka! moment. Unfortunately I don't get them near often enough. I see fabulous projects that others are working with and I get stuck because I don't have those supplies or that know-how. Today was a breakthrough and something finally clicked - I could use the inspiration from another's project and do it in my own way!

I don't know how to knit, but I am a HUGE fan of guerilla knitting and yarn bombs. Looking at these (usually very public) projects with every color of the rainbow makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Yesterday, Sweet Peach blog posted about the Beltline Knitterati, and I was once again drawn into the happiness of the patterns and colors and community of this initiative.

As I looked out my own window at the bare trees in the backyard, I had a fleeting thought of "I wonder how long it would take me to learn to knit and do something like this." Now when I say fleeting, I really mean fleeting.  I have no patience for this handcraft, which is why I truly appreciate others who knit so beautifully. So, I sat and poured over those photos over and over again, until...

Eureka!  I can use old sweaters! They are already knitted, so the hard part would be done. But wait! Dang! I just weeded out my old sweaters at the end of the season last year - so I only have those I plan to wear this year. Hmmm, "It's a great idea and I'm sure it will work - and it is so 'me' to find ways to cut DIY corners", I say to myself as I start pilfering through some bags intended for the charity shops. Bingo! I pull out a colorful knit winter cap that my Aunt Bev made for the kids when they were babies.

They both wore the hat for several seasons, but now they are getting older and want to choose their own hats. I found the yarn strings that held the point of the hat and pulled it apart. Then I found the seam and took those strings out as well. What I was left with was a nice rectangle piece that would be perfect to wrap around a tree. 

But despite my excitement and determination to throw a 'yarn bomb', it wasn't going to be big enough to get around that tree out back that I can see from my window. So, on to plan B. What about that boring cement planter on the front steps that I never got around to mosaic-ing this summer? Yes, that will work. And I set about stitching up a back seam with a large needle and some embroidery floss. I stepped back to admire my guerilla knit exhibit.

It may not be the real deal, but it works for me! 

Aunt Bev has since passed, but I think she would be quite happy to know that her colorful little winter hat will now greet us each time we come home.

Now I've got plans! My next thrift store will definitely include sifting through old sweaters. I've got some trees that need some warm knit jackets for the winter! I can't wait!

Until next time...

Mike

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Also posted with some of my favorite link parties.