inexpensive

I hung this bag above a heating vent next to my supply of ribbon.

I did some shopping today for holiday decorations. As I approached the Christmas department the aroma of cinnamon grew stronger. There they were. A huge box of cinnamon-scented pine cones. Many people were complaining on how strong it smelled, but I loved it!

Some people place them near the heating vents in their house to add the scent to the airflow when the furnace would kick in. I thought about that but was quickly reminded that my precious fur-kids may grab, travel, and chew them.

Then an idea popped in my head. Organza bags! I could place the scented pine cones in the bags to hang high enough that the dogs can’t reach them. You can find the bags at your local Dollar Stores or for larger quantities, check with Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

I’ve been wanting to change the decor in my bathroom for quite some time. These three nails have been on the wall with nothing to accompany them. The bags fit perfectly.

One of the pine cones was so large that it didn’t fit in the bag. I found a home for it right next to my turntable system. The design on the shelving unit holds it upright so that it won’t fall off.

There you go, simple and inexpensive. These would also make a nice gift for someone on your list. Just make sure that they can handle the aroma (and aren’t allergic) . At first when I took the pine cones out of their netting the aroma was strong. The bags offer a slight shield for them, but you can still smell the scent of cinnamon.

Time to get back to the Smash books I’m creating for my nieces and nephews. I’ll be posting a update soon to show you their progress. Polaroid Project? Yep, working on that one as well. My life isn’t normal unless I have my hands into everything.

Last minute ideas for Christmas gifts? Wrapping tips? Lots of fun projects coming soon.

Until the next word…

~Jennifer

(I think it’s time to switch up the signature. Don’t you?)

LOVE IT! Something old with something new

This recycling project has been on my list for over 2 years, seriously! I picked up the IKEA towels during my first visit to their store after dropping off my sister at the airport in Chicago (Julie, you will know how long this has been).

And can you believe that it took us less than 30 minutes to complete from start to finish? When I say us I’m referring to my dad. I presented the idea to him and asked what tools he had available to help me out. I had the blueprint in my head, three vintage spoons, and three super cool cotton linens with hooks on them. The only piece I was missing was an old board. My mom suggested using beadboard. My dad found a piece in the basement and it was the perfect size. I used sandpaper to give it a distressed look.

Beadboard with three vintage spoons

I don’t have much experience with tools, especially those with power, so I left that part for my dad. Using a hammer he flattened the spoons. As you can see in the photo below it gave them an even more aged look.

Spoon on the right flattened with hammer

Using his vise tool he tightened the spoons in place and bent them back with a clamp to create the hook.

I eyeballed a location on the beadboard for each spoon to be attached. As with my handmade cards, I hate to measure. I just wing it!

Almost done…

He added the hardware to hang the finished piece. I asked him to sign the back. I suggested that he should make some more to sell in the Vintage shop in Galena, IL. I got the same smirk from when I asked him to sign the board. Perhaps I’ll just get some additional spoons and place them on the workbench.

I thought about hanging photos from the hooks as well. Making a frame out of transparency paper around a photo. Then adding a hook with fishing line. Lots of possibilities.

Total investment = $5.30.

$5. for the three IKEA linens and .30 cents for the spoons (antique store). The piece of board and hardware was given to me.

A BIG “thank you” to my dad for helping me with this project.

P.S.

I’m trying to convince him to help me build a sofa table. Just a few simple pieces of wood for the base and legs along with some nails. I’m sure there’s something out there I can recycle and create the table. I need it for in front of my picture window in the living room. My dogs love to jump into it every time there is movement outside. And the exercise bike and tv trays that I have there now don’t look attractive at all. I’ll keep you posted on what I find. Any suggestions? Please share in the comment section below.

P.S.S

Another goal off of my resolution list has been met!

Enjoy your evening.

~Jennifer

DIY: Inexpensive Holiday Air Fresheners

Recycled Beadboard DIY Project