"Iron" Headboard (trickery)

Is there anything better than the feeling of making something yourself for SUPER cheap, and having people think it was store bought and expensive? Nope. Not to me anyway. Especially when it's something that completely changes a room. A perfect example of this type of project was a PVC headboard that looks like iron. #fooledyou

This bed frame and headboard set from Urban Outfitters is $800. My bed frame and headboard set was about $50. And $35 of that was spent on the plain metal sturdy frame. Enough with the numbers, the other great part is how relatively simple it was to make!

You Will Need:
4- 10' PVC pipe poles 3/4" thick
2- PVC elbow joints for 3/4"
14- PVC t-joints for 3/4"
PVC pipe cutters
Measuring Tape
Sharpie
Spray Paint
Plastic sheeting or area okay to paint it

My dimensions are for a queen size bed but it would be easy enough to adjust the width as needed. Mark off your measurements with a sharpie and use the pipe cutters to cut to length. Here's a list of cuts:

1 piece- 60"
2 pieces-6"
2 pieces- 18"
6 pieces- 24"
10 pieces-11.5"



I know 11.5" is kind of a weird measurement but using the t-joints adds a tiny bit of length. Using a full 12" would make the detailed section too long for the top bar and too wide for the bed. Push all the pieces firmly together. You can use a rubber mallet if you're having trouble getting them as tightly as possible. After this picture, I added t-joints to the bottom pipes too.



To paint, I used Rust-oleum in hammered finished antique pewter. It has a primer in it and is also suitable for plastic. Give it all 2 coats and a day to try between each one.I just happened to have these large sheets of plastic still around from when I bought my mattress. They were perfect to guard the background from rogue spray paint. Be sure to wear some kind of shoes though - the bottoms of my feet were antique pewter for a week, Ikidyounot.




After it dries thoroughly just put it behind your bed. I haven't attached it in any way, just let it rest between the bed and the wall in the corner and it's fine. I wouldn't lean on it myself but it's perfect for pillows and looks cute with a blanket over the top rail as well.

Can you tell it's made of $10 worth of PVC and a good can of spray paint? What color would look best in your room? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Weekend Inspiration: Snow Days

Well, this time last week we were just getting over a 3 day snow break. Today, it was 70 degrees outside. It's nice to be able to walk outside again but I have to be honest and say I miss it a little bit. With memories of sleeping in and watching the snow fall still in my head, the weekend inspiration is snow days! Since many parts of the country still have a few months of cold left it's got to be relevant to someone still...






1. Snow day popcorn is everything you need. And by that I mean white chocolate nutmeg.

2. This cozy cartoon is everything I want on a snow day.

3. If you're in a place that doesn't normally get snow you can make the most out of it for the time being by making a duct tape sled.

4. Warm your bones with a caramel apple cider cocktail.

5. If you'd rather not eat the snow, can you paint with it instead.

6. Macaroni snowflakes would be adorable to make with kids or as simple snow party decorations.

7. When life gives you snow, turn it into snow cream.

Is it sunny and warm where you are or is it still snowy? How is your favorite was to spend a snow day? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Last Minute Valentine Idea! (3 Day Snowpocalypse/Craftathon)

As everyone has heard by now, the south got slammed with Winter Storm Pax this week which has resulted in my work being closed for 3 days. Growing up in Florida, we never had snow days. Hurricanes days, yes. Snow days, no. Even though I lived in Montana I don't think I ever had a snow day until this week. I can't even imagine how much snow would be required to shut everything down there... *shudders with snowy thoughts* But here in the south, where snow is possible but not necessarily expected it only takes a few inches to shut it down. That said, I finished the Valentine's I would be giving out if civilization in Greenville is allowed to continue again. 

I tore the existing tag off a tea bag, folded washi tape over it and cut it into a heart shape. It took about 30 seconds. I just happened to have these little cello bags so I put the tea bag in there to give away. I couldn't resist the urge to incorporate a pun ("You're my cup of tea!"). Sealed the bag with another little piece of washi tape and it's all ready to give away to coworkers or friends.



I have made the most of these snow days. By that, I mean I've slept in, stayed in pajamas, eaten junk food, and watched wayyyyy to many movies. AND crafting!  Scrapbooking, crocheting, sewing, printing. The life and times of a lazy crafter. It's been wonderful :)

Wherever you are I hope you're safe, warm, and have everything you need to make fun last minute valentines. How did you spend your snow days? Did you make anything? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Weekend Inspiration: Valentine's Day!

I shamelessly love Valentine's Day. Yeah I know all the arguments: blah blah commercialism, blah blah single, blah blah shouldn't need an excuse for chocolate. STEP OFF ME. I love it anyway. Why? Because making people feel loved is something I feel like we should all be doing all the time anyway regardless of relationship status or day of the year. Usually my love is expressed in the form of food, more specifically sugar. I promise I will reach beyond the norm and find other ideas for this Valentine's themed weekend inspiration.

Make your own Conversation Candy hearts. You know, so they can say things that make sense instead of sounding like a creepy middle schooler wrote them.

Glitter sidewalk chalk! If you don't want this, I don't understand you.

I made these mini heart pies last year for the people in my office. They were so much fun to make and everyone loved them.

Knitted Heart Valentines. Because we knitters have so much love to give.

This pretty paper heart garland could easily be up all year round.

  

Who knew homemade crayons could make such a beautiful Valentine gift? As a (pseudo) adult, I would be thrilled to get this from anyone.

We're all a little more lovable when we're caffeinated.

A sweet, healthy touch to any Valentine's cocktail, heart shaped ice cubes made with pomegranate seeds.

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? A big trend seems to be staying in this year. As a shameless homebody I fully support this idea. Whatever you do, and whomever you choose to spend it with, I hope it's a day full of love (and sugar).

Sheila

A New Love: Craftsy

Hi Y'all! It's been a minute since my last post (and by a minute I mean a few weeks) but not for lack of ideas or enthusiasm. Do you ever have something you're so excited about that you don't know how to fully convey your sincere appreciation? I hope so because then you'll understand my feeling while I'm telling you about my new favorite time-spend: Craftsy.

What is Craftsy? A little crafter heaven. On a website. For reals. Check it out. What makes it so awesome? First there is a blog section with a ton of ideas, tips, patterns, and anything else you can think of related to crafting. Second, it's a store with great craft supplies and not terrible prices for the quality. They always seem to have a sale going which helps too. Third, and my personal favorite, CLASSES. You can learn a lot from the internet but it's not always easy to keep it organized and it's easy to get overwhelmed. Craftsy has a ton of classes at varying prices, including free mini classes. I just signed up for this one and can't wait to try it out.

If you're looking for some inspiration, or just a tune up to your skills this is a great way to spend a few hours and still feel like you're accomplishing something. If you've always been interested in picking up certain skills but don't have time for a public class schedule or want to teach yourself, this might work for you.

Craftsy in no way sponsored this post, I just think it's really cool and you might enjoy knowing about it. If you do sign up, please tell me what classes you take or what you end up making. I'd love to know!

Sheila

P. S. It's too cold in South Carolina. What is this about!?