Just a Quickie Re-do

Just when I think I can stay focused a project drags me into it's lair.  I'm not sure where I first saw this brainiac idea for a portable, folding, pretty-much-perfect-height ironing board upcycle but I thought I would do a quick share.  

What is great about this ironing board is you can add some quick table-top area close to where you are working!

First you need an old but sturdy folding TV table.  I have a few around- at the last neighborhood garage sale I picked up a set of 4 for $2.  I had this in mind, but will also more than likely also top one with a flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth for small messy projects.

Next you will need some padding.  You can buy the fancy ironing board cover fabric if you wish, but it is a little pricey and not necessary.  I had some scraps of polyester batting left from an old upholstery project, some smooth white cotton sheeting and I purchased a small/craft size piece of Warm & Natural batting for about $2.50. 

 

 Of course you can use whatever fabric you wish- if you want to co-ordinate with your sewing room etc.  Just be sure that it is not heavily textured because that would transfer to whatever you iron on top of it.

You will also need a few basic tools:

staple gun and 1/2" staples

hammer (for staples that don't lie flat)

pliers (to pull out staples that mis-fire)

scissors to cut fabric

iron to smooth fabric

 optional- drill w/ 1/2" Forstner bit

 

 

 I drilled 4 holes in the tray top to help dissipate the steam, but this is not necessary.  I just like using my drill  :D

 Clean off the tray top and iron your batting and fabrics flat.  I tacked down the poly batting first to help prevent slipping, and then flipped the tray upside down on my layer of Warm & Natural topped with my sheeting.

Now just staple down your layers to the backside like you do for any upholstery project, anchoring each side with a staple before smoothing and finishing each side, then corners.

 Just be sure you staple close enough to the outer edge as to not impede the action of the folding legs.  Trim off the excess fabric and batting.

That's It!!

You now have an easy to store, inexpensive, portable ironing board! 

Happy Crafting!!

Free Ephemera Friday #5

Friday is here again....TGIF lemme tell ya.  This has been a rough, rough week.  Won't go into details but my daughter was mugged by thugs, and it has taken a few days to feel somewhat safe again. 

My awesome new Ranger Melt Art Pot just showed up today, and I can't wait to give it a go!  So excited  :D

Thinking about making an art journal of some type

Maybe a cool card or tag

 

We will surely need some images, now won't we??

Have a great weekend!  I am looking forward to a much better week next week for sure!!

Free Ephemera Friday #4

If you have been keeping up with these, you will have noticed I missed posting last week.  But here is my (adorable!!) excuse:

That is my great-niece and I had such a wonderful time visiting her and my family last weekend!  She is just about 6 months old and all things wonderful and perfect and sweet.  

We stayed at the beach and were blessed with fantastic weather the whole visit.

Here is a pic of one sublime sunrise

So in the few days since I have been back to Texas I have just been playing 'catch up'.  

I do have some great images to share this week.  You may be wondering what this is all leading to, but I promise it's all good!!  Next week I am ordering the Ranger Melt Art Melting Pot and I am so excited about all of the possibilities!

For now- here are a few more images.

Some cool corsets:

Some vintage dress patterns

and some spring chickens :D

Have a wonderful weekend!

Free Ephemera Friday #3

A few more spring images to share

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Opportunity Can Ring My Bell

I have a confession.  An ugly one.  This was my doorbell.

Please be clear....I have tried and tried to do better.  I just haven't been able to find something that was 'me'.

Some options I have explored:

Or possibly???

NO!!!!

But you can see my dilemma.  

Then you know how sometimes two things can just somehow come together in your mind?  Boom! A tutorial was born!!

Simple, pretty and quick.

And we get to play with electricity!

 

Here is all you will need 

An unfinished wooden switchplate

Mod Podge (I used outdoor)

A lovely paper napkin 

Gesso or primer

180 grit sandpaper

Sponge applicator

Screwdriver and/or cordless drill

I also bought a new dark brown cheapo doorbell,

but you could repaint the one you already have if need be

 Lightly sand and gesso or prime the wooden switchplate

I made sure my screw holes lined up correctly (bonus- they did!) and lightly traced where the doorbell housing would go so I could estimate the amount of space I would have left for the design of the napkin to show.  I picked up these lovely spring napkins at Tuesday Morning for $1.70

Once you figure out what part of the napkin you want to use spread a thin coat of Mod Podge on the switchplate.  You are going to get one shot at sticking down the napkin, so hold your breath and bite your upper lip.  Separate the layers of the napkin and just stick the pretty part on.

Smooth it out and tear or cut off the excess.  Add a layer of Mod Podge to the top.  Let dry a few hours and top coat again.  Now the hard part.....walk away for 72 hrs to let it completely cure.  Use a craft knife to cut paper away from the holes in the backplate.

When the wait is over the fun part starts- playing with live wires!

Remove the screws holding the doorbell.  There should be 2 wires connecting it.  Loosen the little screws on the back that hold the wires and carefully remove each one, being sure they do not come in contact with each other.

 Pull the wires through the middle hole of the switchplate, making sure the ends do not touch each other!  Use a screw or find a third hand to hold the plate on the wall while you pick up your doorbell.

 Reconnect the wires to the (new) doorbell and screw it back onto the wall.

I plan to do a different 'theme' for each season, but for now I am just happy to have this to greet my guests!

Happy Spring!!