Burlap Jewelry Display

If you're anything like me, you have an overflowing jewelry box as well as jewelry randomly placed around your home- bathrooms, closets, side tables, etc.  I needed an organization system because there would always be that ONE necklace I wanted to wear, but could never find!

I decided to try a DIY solution to my necklace organization issue.  There are many posts displaying these necklace holders in cork boards, but I wanted mine to look more ETSYish, so this is what I came up with.

I actually made two types of display.  The first, a framed burlap covered cork roll, and the second, burlap covered bulletin boards with furniture nail heads along the perimeter to frame them.  I knew that I wanted my jewelry display framed, but I didn't want my two bulletin boards to go to waste.  I had previously purchased these from IKEA ($6 each).



I found the frames at Michael's.  I went to the clearance section and found two brassy gold 16x20 frames for $8 each.  With my 15% off teacher discount, I paid about $14!

Since I hated the color, I decided to paint them.  I used a chalky paint (also from Michael's) for about $8.  Then I was off in search of a nice burlap.  I set out to find a gold polka dot burlap (as seen on Pinterest) and even confirmed via their website that my store had some in stock.  When I got there, I fell in love with the contrast of the silver polka dots with the burlap instead.  I also scored some beautiful shimmery burlap.  I used that on the two non-framed bulletin boards.

To make the framed jewelry display, I followed the below steps:

- Paint the frames.
 

- Cut the cork roll to be the same dimensions as the frame's back insert.

- Cut the burlap fabric the same dimensions as the cork roll.

- Hot glue the fabric to the cork roll (I glued the perimeter only). 

- Insert the burlap/cork into the frame, then replace the frame's back insert into the frame.

- Place the jewelry items where you'd like them.








 - Add cup hooks where you've placed the jewelry.  (I used 7/8 inch cup hooks, but you could go for 3/4 or 1/2 inch ones depending upon necklace size).

- Display and enjoy!

To make the burlap covered bulletin board, I followed the below steps:

- Cut the burlap a few inches wider and longer than the bulletin board.

 - "Wrap" the front of the bulletin board like a gift.
 
- Use hot glue instead of tape to secure the burlap to the back side of the bulletin board.


 


 - Use a hammer to nail in the furniture nails the desired distance apart around the wooden perimeter of the bulletin board.

   - I used thumb tacks for this display instead of hooks because I went with more delicate jewelry.  This was just my personal preference.


- Hang to display more jewelry!






 I am very pleased with the way these turned out!

No more hunting for lost necklaces!

Keep Improving!
Nancy

Pine Cone Garland

 Pine cone garland looks so festive during the holidays hanging from a mantle above the fireplace!


This project cost me less than $5 to complete.  If you have twine, a glue gun, and a pine tree, this craft might not cost you a thing! 

 Since I didn't have pine cones on hand, I bought a pack of them (cinnamon scented) from Michael's craft store.









First, I lined up 12 pine cones from largest to smallest to largest.  I wanted the smallest ones in the middle of my garland strand, and the larger ones on the ends.







I wound up only using ten pine cones.  After taking the twine to measure the appropriate length at my mantle,  I realized with the amount of space I wanted, ten would be sufficient.

 

Because I wanted to have the middle of the garland attached to the middle of the mantle, I would need an equal number of pine cones on each side.  I marked both ends and the middle of the twine with a black marker.

 I spread out the twine and placed each pine cone where I wanted it before I began gluing.  This gave me a good visual for spacing.

The way I glued each pine cone to the twine was to add hot glue at the base of the top stem.  I then took the twine and looped it around once, pulling tight on each side and waited ten seconds for the glue to dry.

After each cone was securely glued to the twine, I took my completed garland to the mantle.  I secure the middle of the garland with glue to the top of the mantle, and then placed my mason jar votive on top to hide the tape.

On either side of the mantle, I placed a candle over the end to hold it in place.  You could also add tape for extra security.

I love the way the garland turned out.  I can't believe how quick and simple this was to do with materials I already had (minus the pine cones)!

 

Feel free to pin or share!  Keep Improving!

Cheers!

Nancy

Mason Jar Votive Candle

I think you could make these mason jar candle holders any time of year, really, depending on the color glitter you choose to use!


Materials you need:

* Elmer's glue
* paintbrush
* mason jars and/or old salsa jars (my personal favorite!)
* glitter- any type/color
* tea lights
* a teaspoon of water

I first started by cleaning my salsa and mason jars. 

Next, I added a small bit of water to my glue in a plastic container.  I mixed that together with my paintbrush until it was consistent.

Then, I applied the glue/water mixture to the inside of my salsa jar.  I started at the bottom, then worked my way up the sides.  You don't need a lot of glue here.  The first time I did it, the glue ran back down the sides and was too thick in some places.  The less glue mixture applied, the better!

Once the jar is coated almost completely to the top (next time I won't go all the way to the top because of the lip with extra glue accumulating there), you are ready to add the glitter.

I used an embossing glitter which is very fine.  When I do this again, I will use larger pieces of glitter.  I want to experiment with all types to see which produces the best effect when a candle is inside.

I poured the glitter down four of the sides to the bottom.  I swooshed the jar around so the bottom was coated.  Then I held the jar on its side, gently tapping the bottom of the jar and rotating it until the sides were covered.  Then I poured the excess glitter back into its container, making sure I didn't miss any spots.  Okay, so it didn't all  make it back into the container...

Here's how the salsa jar candle holder looks when lit:

A few days later, I tried again with larger glitter.  Here's what that votive looked like:

Thanks for reading (and pinning)!!

Keep Improving,
Nancy

Metal Bed Frame Makeover

Ever since I moved in April, I have been on the lookout for a queen bed frame for my guest room.  The mattress and box spring have been living on the floor.  The only one in my house who likes this is my dog, who thinks it's his own personal bed.

Luckily, a relative was looking to get rid of a queen bed frame, and this is what I acquired:

I decided to use my trusty spray paint and make the bed look more like the cast iron beds you see in Pottery Barn magazines.

I used the following materials:

Flat black spray paint for the body of the frame and then metallic silver for the four ball posts.











Below are a series of "during" photos.  I spray painted one side, all hardware, then let it dry for about 2-3 hours.  I flipped everything over, painted the back side, let it dry for a couple more house, then brought everything inside overnight.  I used about two coats on each side.

The next day, I needed to do some minor touch ups to any area that wasn't completely black.

Once everything was completely dry (24 hours later)
the bed was ready to be assembled.

  I love the way the bed looks in our guest room-  upcycling at its finest!

 
If you come across anything brassy (bed frame, light fixtures, etc.), that you'd like to update, 

I would highly recommend using a matte spray paint for the job!

Thanks for reading!

Keep Improving,
Nancy