DIY Fridays: Framed Corkboard

[Photo credit: Pottery Barn]

I was tooling around the Pottery Barn's online catalog recently when I came across this framed corkboard. I immediately thought, "Hey, I've done that!" A generous-sized 36x48 inches, this memo/inspiration board is at home in any setting but will set you back a cool $149. So here my friends, is Pretty*Practical's frugal but fabulous version. :-)

I repurposed an old beech RIBBA frame that no longer functioned as such due to missing back hinges. Yup, too many art swappings. I also had an inexpensive cork noticeboard from IKEA that had seen better days.

First, I painted the frame white to contrast with the cork. Then I removed the cork board's thin wooden frame and cut the board down to size. Finally, I applied wood glue to the inside edges of the frame and inserted the cork board leaving it to dry.

Yes, my version is Pottery Barn's 16 x 20 petite cousin, but you can certainly 'upgrade' by purchasing a larger frame and cork board. And with IKEA's large 27 1/2 x 39 1/4 frame retailing for $27.99 I would say you have another $121.01 to splurge on cork ;-) Work it people!

And have a great weekend!

DIY Fridays: Fabric-Covered Lampshades

It has occurred to me that we haven't had a DIY Friday in sometime. So here is my weekend challenge. While browsing in Brooklyn Heights over the summer a quick trip into decor mecca, Nova Zembla, revealed a lighting lover's paradise. Aren't these lamps awesome? I fell hard for the colorful bases and kicky printed shades. Sadly, kicky prints meant pricey. But, I knew this a project a praticalista could pull off!

[Photo credit: Better Homes and Gardens]

If you have a tired lampshade that's just begging for a makeover, Better Homes and Garden has a great tutorial that details how to create a swanky fabric-covered lampshade. So grab your fave fabrics and start gluing! And please do share your success stories. I'd love to see the results!

Have a great weekend!

Cozy Cushions

[Photo credit: pillows by Ruth Singer; heart ornaments by LilFishStudios; handbag by Weezi In Canada.]

Did I mention I really love re-purposing? I think I got it from my Mom, aka MacGyver, who I swear has an alternate use for just about anything.

So, this week's idea comes courtesy of Flickr where I came across this great photo pool called 'Made From Recycled Sweaters'. Its members are a group of crafty ladies who upcycle old sweaters into items like soft toys; handbags; hats; and my favorite, throw pillows!

Even if you only sew by hand the sweater cushions look like a doable weekend project. What an awesome way to re-purpose that favorite sweater you inadvertently shrunk in the wash :-) You can even add sweet little touches like the flower applique in the top left photo. So go ahead and pull those old sweaters out of storage you may be in for a sweater surprise!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Celia

Quick Fix: Window Dressing

As we head off into another busy weekend, I'd like to introduce Pretty*Practical's first 'Quick Fix' feature. In terms of household projects, I am all about instant gratification, so you'll see plenty of fixes that can be accomplished in a few hours or less.

Today's 'Quick Fix' involves improving the rather uninspiring view of my neighbor's unpainted cement wall. With a $3:00 roll of repositionable film from Ace Hardware in hand, I quickly went to work doing the following:

• cutting the film to size
• moving the film around on the glass until I had an even fit
• running my hand across the film to eliminate bubbles

And voila! Insta-privacy that is pretty and still lets light in. In fact, the windows look as if they were purchased this way.

What projects will you be working on this weekend? If you'd like to showcase your DIY successes you can email your pics and a little commentary about your project to prettypracticaldecor@yahoo.com. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

In the meantime, have a fab weekend guys!