Phone/Laptop/Tablet Multi-device Charging Station

Everyone needs one of these! This easy to make phone/computer/ipad/tablet charging station is a MUST for all of our tech filled homes.  Keep your cords hidden and give the family a place to keep all of the electronics overnight.  Check out the tutorial in my pages.

Favorite DIY projects from 2013

Just Added!  Check out the tutorial in my Pages on how to build this easy, cute little footstool.  Seriously, everyone needs another little bench, ottoman or stool for the entryway, living room, mudroom or bedroom.  I am planning on making another bigger bench for our entry ASAP!

After!

The pillow? All straight stitching, what could be easier!  Pillows are a great first project for any aspiring seamstresses.  The chair?  I took the bottom cushion off by removing two screws, taped over the chair back fabric, and took a little sandpaper to the arms.  I didn't do much sanding, because I used "BIN primer" (in spray can).  That stuff sticks to almost anything! Great stuff to have on hand.  Once dry (maybe 30 min later), I started adding coats of matte white spray paint.  Rust-0-leum brand has a TON of cool/funky colors and you can get them at any hardware store.  This chair now fits into my rustic/modern beach theme living room much better than if I had left the original dark wood finish on it.  A word of warning on the painting. Be patient!  Light layers that you give ample time to dry will give you the best finish.  You don't want drips or brushstrokes, so this is how you do it!  About three cans of paint later, I had the smooth/ evenly coated cane and frame that I had been envisioning.  It's amazing what kind of new life you can give a chair with the right supplies and a little bit of patience!  

Before

Tape/Plastic cover the fabric and Spray away!

About Me...

"You should make those and sell them!"
This comment cracks me up every time I hear it, and if I had a quarter everytime I heard it...

Why do I create?  Cause it's fun to do NEW stuff! I've learned over the 20+ years of being a craft addict which projects will turn out well, and which are just a big waste of time.  So why not make those and sell them? Well, because I don't want to make the same thing over and over again, but I do love finding and inventing new craft or DIY projects. If I have a "project" to do when I have free time, then I'm happy.  As a business owner and new Mom, this STILL applies.  Ever since I was a kid, my Mom can attest, I needed to have something to DO.  She would probably tell you that I said, "I'm bored" about a MILLION times.  So, as an adult, I've learned to always keep learning to keep the boredom at bay.  Whether it's in the kitchen, or with the sewing machine, or in the garage with power tools, I never stop "doing" stuff.  These little projects that are so fun for me can be fun for other busy Mom's, so I'm setting out to share the goods.  So, I figure my blog will be my new pet project!  My projects are perfect for those thrifty Moms that don't have much time.

I have a few requirements when it comes to sorting out what project to do next.  Thrifty, Simple and Purposeful.  If I can't get it for a bargain, or up-cycle something, then I'm not going to do it.  Why not use something you already have, or can find second-hand?  Someone else's junk really CAN be your treasure.  Be being thrifty, I feel like the possibilities are endless. (Meaning I'll never be bored ever again!)

Secondly, if the project isn't simple enough, it'll never get done.  If I don't have the tools on hand, or if it'll be a big hassle to get the ingredients or parts for the project, then I'm not going to tackle it and I'm not going to blog about it.  It shouldn't take a masters degree to have a little fun with cooking, sewing or DIY.  It is all "do it yourself" isn't it?

Lastly, anything I do has to serve a purpose.  This is how I find inspiration!  Why did I build a bench or make a diaper bag? As my new blog states, "Just Because..." I needed it.  So really, nothing I do is ever really "just because." And, believe it or not, I never run out of things I need, and I'm sure the same is true of you!  When I have a need for something, the first thing I do is figure out how I can make a project out of it.  It's more fun for me to build a bench from scratch than to go to the store and buy one.  And, when you can't find exactly what you're looking for?  Make it!  I think the best part about crafting is that you can completely customize your creations to your own personal style.  There are millions of paint colors out there, fabrics to choose from, and recipes to explore.  Pick things that inspire you, and you'll love them for years.

So, from my eclectic bag of tricks, I will post some of my most loved projects and recipes for you to enjoy too.