Picture Makeover for Holidays

November 30, 2017 By

I am constantly looking for ideas that provide functionality and decor options as we continue to settle into our smaller home. 

I’ve wanted something to put over the buffet that had a Christmas theme but haven’t come across the print, size or dollar amount I wanted.   Plus I didn’t want another picture to store.  Then  I got the idea of covering the existing picture that hangs in this area with holiday gift wrap to provide a blank slate.  I’m pretty happy with how this project came out.


This is the picture I removed from the wall.


I used a good quality wrapping paper and blue painters tape to adhere.


My goal was to be able to use the bow and letters over each year and also not damage the picture  underneath.  Using a piece of jute in the corner (I glued with a bit of hot glue on each end) allowed me to tie the bow onto the jute instead of gluing the bow directly onto the paper.


I purchased 3 wood letters from Hobby Lobby and a $1.99 bottle of red chalk paint.  

Two coats of red, then a clear wax and finally a dark wax layer and they were ready to be adhered.  


I chose this product to adhere the letters to the paper.  They worked great.


Bow and letters attached.

Why I love this idea?

  • The roll of wrapping paper can be used for many years to come.
  • The only storage will be the bow and letters.
  • The motif can be easily changed up,
  • JOY – Jesus Only You is perfect to sit above the manger scene I’ve had since childhood.
  • It’s easy and fast.
  • Can be used for other holidays
  • It’s frugal.
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Picture Makeover

July 16, 2017 By

A few weeks ago I had a chance to visit a few thrift stores.  I found a few new toys for my grandchildren, a cd, a journal and I found the picture I’ve been looking for to place on a wall above my desk at work.  There was a connection when I saw the picture.  It reminds me of one of Jeff’s and my favorite moments when we visit Oceanside.  We check the time for sunset, then head down to the beach and sit on a wall about 15 minutes beforehand watching the sun disappear slowly into the ocean.

I’m going to tell you the story of the picture and its makeover.  Please excuse my reflection in the pictures.

I purchased at a Goodwill.  Price $3.99.  It had a wood-colored frame that was peeling in a few places.  I came home and took all the pieces apart, carefully handling the glass.  I wet a soft towel and wiped down the frame and glass.  

I used Goo Gone to remove the sticker and glue residue and a glass cleaner on both sides .

I went through my paint supplies and held them up to the print deciding on a combination of two blues I had.  I laid down a shower curtain from the Dollar Store to protect my rug.  I mixed up the paint and begun to apply the blue letting it dry between coats which doesn’t take too long in Arizona.  I usually put a layer of saran wrap on the plate for easy cleanup but forgot this time.

I wanted the picture to be a constant reminder of one of my favorite verses “Be Still and Know that I am God.”  Mark 4:39, Psalm 46:10. I pulled my leftover stickers and fortunately had the letters to spell out “Be Still”  I had in mind to use one of the pieces of Oregon driftwood my friend and coworker Cindy had brought me back for her vacation last year.  

I had a little Mod Podge and placed a few layer over the self adhesive stickers.

I then took the painted frame and driftwood piece outside and gave it a good coating of sealer.

After the sealer had dried, I put the glass, print and cover back together.  Then glued the driftwood piece where I wanted it.

Here is the finished project which is now on my office wall.

 

 

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Football Bouquet

November 2, 2016 By

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I wanted to share 2 ideas that were used at our college’s homecoming tent this year.  They can easily be used to decorate your own football game day.

The first one: creating a football bouquet from a clay pot that is painted with brown craft paint – several coats.  Once the paint is dry, blue painters tape was used to mark off football lacing, white craft paint is used in between the blue tape lines or if you have a steady hand, this can be done freehand.  A styrofoam ball will be needed to sit on top of the painted pot.  The size will depend on your size of clay pot.  Then lollipops were inserted into ball.  I found some green grasslike plastic at the thrift store and we tucked in around the top of the pot.

Inspiration came from 2 sites I found on Pinterest (one doesn’t have a link so unfortunately I can’t give credit).  But here is the picture.

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Here is the other idea that was utilized – lollipop bouquet (this is a much smaller clay pot than I used and dum dum lollipops were used.  Our bouquet used tootsie pops.)  Besides we are Arizona State University and I couldn’t use lollipops called Dum Dums – so wrong.

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The second idea is an inexpensive way to create a football garland.  It is a free printable from Centsible Life  Download, Print on color printer, cut and glue or tape. 

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It is fun to find ideas to create a fun atmosphere as we gather to cheer on our favorite team and create memories.

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