free projects Archives - white house black shutters

Painted Burlap Bulletin Board and Dining Room Reveal

posted on: February 27, 2013 30 Comments

Recently, we painted our the beat-up, thick wood trim in our 77 year old home in hopes that it would brighten and update the space. And boy did it ever! I’ve already shared the huge difference painting the trim made in our living room turned mom cave. I couldn’t believe the transformation the paint made in our dining room and wanted to share it, but I needed a little something in the wall art department. And yay, I finally figured it out this week, so here it is. I was struggling to find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: dining room, DIY, free projects, furniture, painting, pinspired, renovation, wall decor

Simple Egg Carton Snowflakes

posted on: January 14, 2013 6 Comments

Ahhhh, winter time. It’s the time of year when we are torn between hibernating and tackling stuff like crazy. I’m also always torn between decorating for Valentine’s Day or decorating with snowflakes. I guess both would be cute together, but after the décor-overload of Christmas, I like to take a break from holiday décor. We usually go through about 3-4 cartons of eggs a week and I was looking at our stack of egg cartons wanting to make something out of them. And then it hit me – … [Read more...]

Filed Under: crafts, free projects, kid projects, projects, recycling, repurposing

Milk Cap Glitter Spiders

posted on: October 26, 2012 1 Comment

I love these little spiders, they make me happy inside. I don’t typically do Halloween decor. I’m lucky to get fall stuff up and blogged. Cause every year it’s the same craziness: you have fall décor that goes up when it’s still hot out. Then you put up some Halloween, and BAM, BIG HOLIDAY! Then you take it down and put up some more fall, then BAM, another BIG HOLIDAY! Then it’s Christmas. BAM BAM BAM, BIGGEST OF HOLIDAYS! That’s a lot of holidays and decorating for me, I’m … [Read more...]

Filed Under: crafts, decor, DIY, fall into me, family, free projects, kid projects, painting, recycling, repurposing

Anthropologie Inspired Lattice Tank Top

posted on: September 26, 2012 3 Comments

I’ve painted a lot of stuff over the years. The shutters for our home, many lamps, a box fan, frames, pillows (here and here), furniture, light fixtures. Everything. You name it, I’ve painted it. But I never change clothes when painting. It’s a bad habit that has left me with many good paint clothes. Yoga paints, freshly painted nails, shoes, shirts, my feet, my wedding ring, it’s all met the fate of getting paint on it. I was once asked by the lady at Kay jewelers, “what do you do … [Read more...]

Filed Under: free projects, painting, recycling

Instagram Photo Coasters

posted on: September 10, 2012 15 Comments

Hey guys, I’m going to be on the latest season of “So You Think You’re Crafty”! You can head over and vote for me for this week’s challenge, “Stashbusting”, aka using up supplies you already own so your friends don’t nominate you for an episode of Hoarders. ;) Today, I’m sharing a tutorial for the Instagram Photo Coasters that I submitted for the audition round of SYTYC. They were easy to do, save our tables, and add a bit of personalized fun to the room. I take a ton of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: crafts, decor, DIY, free projects, kid projects, kids, repurposing

Colorful Striped Abstract (KIDS!) Art

posted on: May 25, 2012 23 Comments

These abstract paintings look like something I would buy, but I didn’t buy them. Nor did I lift a paintbrush. I had a hard time titling this post, mostly because I didn’t want you to see the word “kid” and think that it was art that only a mom or grandma could love. But I have to give them credit! My kids LOVE to paint. When I go to paint something, I usually hear “where’s my paint?” I’ll usually get out their color wonder stuff, watercolors, or convince them that they want … [Read more...]

Filed Under: free projects, Goodwill, kid projects, painting, wall decor

Garden Inspired Centerpieces

posted on: May 4, 2012 9 Comments

I am love with flowers and firmly believe that when it comes to your wedding, you should not overlook them. But instead of insisting on roses and other expensive flowers, mix it up, and don’t be afraid to use garden clippings, or even weeds and dirt in your centerpieces! You’ll be surprised at the look you create and even more surprised when it costs you next to nothing. Think I’m crazy? Keep reading, and I’ll show you. :) The flowers for this piece were cut-offs of a flowering bush … [Read more...]

Filed Under: free projects, garden, greatest hits, GREEN LIVING

Repurposed Garbage Wreath

posted on: April 1, 2012 29 Comments

Did you know that we Americans throw out an average of 4-5 pounds of garbage a day? That’s crazy. And sad. We need to end the waste and start doing something with that garbage! Repurposing, recycling, upcycling, whatever you want to call it, I love taking something that you would normally throw away and turn it into something beautiful. Why stop at making wreaths out of book pages, garbage bags, or VHS tape? We’re discriminating against the other less pretty garbage. Well, I think it’s … [Read more...]

Filed Under: free projects, repurposing

Very Hungry Caterpillar Upcycled Wall Art

posted on: March 27, 2012 16 Comments

Do you have a hard time getting rid of books or throwing them away once damaged? While I’d like to consider myself detached (40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS has helped a lot with that!), books hold a sentimental place in my heart. Many of the books I’ve bought were from garage sales, and many of them were books I enjoyed as a kid. I love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, my kids love it, and we’ve spent many a bedtime reading it. We have two copies, one of which was very tattered looking. As I flipped … [Read more...]

Filed Under: free projects, kids' room, spray painted

Back to Back Toddler Beds

posted on: March 22, 2012 7 Comments

I have a confession to make. I, Ann Marie, am a furniture mover. Even if a room arrangement works, I will want to move things around. My mom is a furniture mover, so I know I got it from her. Have you seen this page in the 2012 IKEA catalog? Every time I flip to it, I’m in love. Seeing this room with the beds back to back and the two (cute) sisters who share a room makes me warm and happy inside! I didn’t think it would work, but I wanted it to fit and maybe that would help? … [Read more...]

Filed Under: free projects, kids' room