DIY Paper Frames

So I realize I haven't posted in while. Wow! Time really does fly when you are having fun. Well, guess what? I have all sorts of different goodies for all of you. Let me begin this post by discussing this week's game plan:

• Today: Ikea frame wall art
• Tomorrow: Ombre desk
• Friday: Ribbon hand towels
• Saturday: The Ruffled House Travels: Ardmore, Oklahoma
• Sunday: Well, we will all rest
• Monday: Modernizing Nature to Decorate
• Tuesday: Beer Bottle Decor

Let's start with today's project. I wanted to share a little information about how I came to complete this project. About four years ago, I was shopping at IKEA for my first apartment I would decorate all by myself. I decided I wanted it to be girly, modern with organic and clean lines. So, of course I hit IKEA. Now I will warn you, their products are not meant for a lifetime, but a transition. I love the shape of their furniture, and you can decorate an entire bedroom for about $500.

However, don't get too attached if you move frequently. I will post at a later time, my top 10 IKEA moments with product specifications, but just know that longetivity is not the focus. Back to my new project. Well, last February I created a date book (Tutorial coming soon!) and used a booklet of scrapbook paper. I had several square sheets left over and decided to put them to good use with my IKEA frames. The frames originally cost $1.99 each, but now are going for $2.99 each. Inflation!

Using my ikea frames and scrapbook paper I covered each frame. The tutorial is listed below. I hope you enjoy! Feel free to leave a comment. 

Materials Needed:

• Ikea Frames ($2.99 each)
• Scrapbook paper
• Elmer's clear glue
• Water

Step 1: Gather Materials. Mix 1 part water to 1 part Elmer's clear glue and SHAKE.  Cut paper to fit dimensions of frames.

Step 2: Apply glue mixture to paper and frame. Adhese paper to frame.

Step 3: Wait to dry and hang.

You can also apply a slightly smaller square (such as this one!) to the frame on the top to give a different effect (look at the very first picture of this post!). Please share what you come up with! I would love to see!

Laundry Room Makeover

Do you happen to have a room in your house where you simply shut the door instead of dealing with the disorder? Well, sad to say for me it was the laundry room. Below is a before picture. You will see in the picture the complete disarray of items! The shelving contained light bulbs, cleaner, hardware, laundry detergent and a hanger with swimsuits and underwear to air dry. Obviously, this wasn't working.

The tricky part about this room is that it's basically a closet with a washer and dryer on the bottom with the water heater suspended above the dryer on the right hand side. There are only two shelves to store everything and not much wall space.

The total time this project took me was about 30 minutes.

Step 1: Remove Everything - To get a really good idea of what needs to be put back in the laundry room, let's just start with a blank slate. In the picture below you can see I have taken everything off the shelves above the washer. Also, I removed items randomly strewn on top of the dryer. I gave everything a good vacuum and wiped all of the surfaces down with a damp rag.

Step 2: Sort and Organize - I bought these four containers from the dollar store. I highly recommend purchasing one color and buy labels from an office supply store. Make sure each container is labeled, that way you (and family members) know exactly where to locate an item. My containers are labeled with four categories

• Cleaning - Windex, wipes, new sponges and a scrub brush are located here.
• Lighting - For light bulbs
• Towels - Hand towels, washcloths and cleaning rags
• Washing - Detergent, oxyclean, stain removers, and dryer sheets live here.

Step 3: Label - I bought Avery Labels from CVS. They are about $2 and I use them on everything.

Step 4: Change Jar - I took an old tomato sauce jar, wrapped a piece of scrapbook paper around (secured with double sided tape) and then added another label.

 

Step 5: Hooks - I also added a hook for the dustpan. I figured this would be a good idea for quick and easy access.

Step 6: Decorate - I used decorative plates in the same color scheme to create order and cohesiveness. I love this cobalt blue color, so I hung three to the left and then, placed one above the dryer (in picture above).

There were a few items I removed and found a new home for to include, my drill and hardware, additional storage containers, a wicker basket and TV cables. I also put away all of the miscellaneous laundry items. This is now the perfect apartment laundry room!

Which room do you keep avoiding because you need to organize?