DIY Upcycle A Large Chalkboard Sign for Under $10!

My spell checker doesn't like the word upcycle, but it's one of my favorite words in all of my vocabulary. I had to look up the definition of upcycle because I wanted to make sure it wasn't just a word I made up and was hoping it would catch on. It's not. Upcycle: also known as creative reuse {side note, love that!}, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality {yep and yep} or for better environmental value. 

To be totally honest, the reason I upcycle is because I'm cheap. The environmental benefit {less waste in the landfill yadda yada} is just a good side effect of my cheapness. It's why I cloth diapered my kiddos. But I digress... This DIY upcycled chalkboard sign. It's huge. Like really big and I made it for under $10. If you want the real total it was really only $2, but I'm thinking if you want to make something similar, I would venture to guess that I could steer you in the right direction and you could DIY a large {and I'm telling you this is like 8-year-old child sized} chalkboard for under $10. Want to know how? Keep reading!

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How to Make a Large Frame Wood Sign for Under $10!

My favorite projects are always upcycled projects. If you've been reading along for any length of time this wouldn't be a surprise to you. It's part me being super cheap and part resourcefulness. I've always had a knack for being able to see something in a different way. Back when I started to DIY and craft Martha Stewart was big on the scene. I remember one time feeling inspired to create something she had shown on her show only to be disappointed that my limited budget couldn't {and didn't want to!} afford the supplies. I tweaked the project idea Martha Stewart had featured and used supplies I had on hand. The project didn't turn out exactly how Martha Steward had shown, but it had a Rachel flare to it that I liked better. 

I'm sure this is my own memory but it's my memory {and my blog, so roll with me}. One of the projects I remember reading about in the Martha Stewart magazine I flipping through at the library pre-thanksgiving the first year after I got married, had a project that required picking berries and then using them to create a dye that you would then use to color the tablecloth that you hand-stitched. I'm not kidding. I was crafty and resourceful but I wasn't crazy! And that's why I try to focus on real projects here.

It's why the final part of my tagline is real projects {real people, real projects, real life!}. I don't want you to feel like you can't make something. I never want you to feel limited based on your abilities or in your access to materials or heck, even intimidated by the process. The crafts and DIY projects I share are one-of-a-kinds, but they should also help you feel inspired to create your own, one-of-a-kind project using similar items, like this large wood frame sign. I see these all the time at thrift stores and garage sales so I know you have too. And if you don't shop second hand we can't be friends you might just have something similar hiding in storage.  Here's how I made a large frame wood sign for under $10 from an ugly castoff.

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DIY Patio Update on a Budget with the Cricut Explore Air

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut for Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.
I always hated yard work. I'm not sure if it was because so much of my time as a new homeowner was spent weeding during my kids' naptimes only to find myself in an endless loop. It seemed that as soon as I started weeding one area I'd return to where I started only to have to do it all over again. It was exhausting and not one where I could really enjoy the fruits of my labor. My kids have gotten older and I have been a homeowner for two decades now and I'm cautiously going to admit that I think I've fallen into a new love of gardening. It's so satisfying to see new life bloom, spread, and grow and I'm getting more confident in my skills that now it seems like I can sit back and enjoy it. Which is why creating an outdoor patio area where I can sit back and relax is important to me.
Like all things, I'm always on a budget and hit my local thrift shop for some items to help me upcycle my patio space just in time for summer. I used my Cricut Explore Air 2 and I'm excited about the fun updates. I'm going to show you how you can take some thrift shop finds and update them to create a space you can enjoy all summer long! 

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Goodwill Upcycles Lives: Taking Another Chance on the Thrift Store

Several years ago, I wrote a post titled "Is Goodwill too Expensive?" I got a lot of response from it on my blog and I was just reminded of it when I saw a sponsored Facebook post this past weekend. The sponsored post that was intended to get people to shop at their local Goodwill had people sharing some of their own thoughts {as one does on the internet}. It saw a handful of comments, some of which expressed the same sentiments I've thought. Things like "you get the stuff for free, why are you marking it up so much?" and "your merchandise is too expensive" and "I can get brand new stuff at my local Walmart or Target in the clearance section!" 
After the blog post that I wrote about Goodwill being too expensive, I pretty much stopped shopping at the regular Goodwill store altogether. {Side note: I did continue shopping at my local Goodwill Outlet because I do love a good treasure hunt and their pay by the pound prices were far more affordable I thought}. I was recently invited to an upcycle event with my local Goodwill and it was like this event was created just for me because I do love a good upcycle. That day, I learned that Goodwill upcycles more than just donated items.

I'm a firm believer in second chances, not only for donated items, but for people and places too. And after my recent visit, I'm ready to take another chance on Goodwill and here's why.

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Must-Have Thrift Store Decor Finds to Create with the Cricut Explore Air 2

This post is brought to you by Cricut. All opinions are 100% my own. 
You all know how much I love a good thrift store! Shopping second-hand is like a fun treasure hunt for me and I'm always taking the time to dig for that diamond in the rough. I love reimagining something that someone has had stopped finding joy in, and give it that spark again. I also like the price tag! I can usually DIY something with my Cricut and some imagination for a fraction of the price of something I could find retail. And there's something about taking someone's trash and making it into a treasure that is part of the real fun for me. Unique bespoke items are kind of the norm at a thrift shop, which sometimes makes it hard for me to share a project and for you all to feel like you could recreate a piece, but I have found through decades of thrift store shopping that there are a handful of staple items you'll always find easily second-hand. I'm sharing those items with you and giving you a few ideas on how you can upcycle them using your Cricut Explore.

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Simple Paint Update on Fireplace Finials

I've been trying to inspire my readers for years to think outside of the box and look at how something old and dated that would otherwise be cast off, could up be upcycled to fit into your home. Not only is it a good way to use what you have or even to pick up something for a deep discount at a thrift shop or garage sale, but it also keeps more waste out of landfills. I found these two large wooden finials at a garage sale this past summer and knew a coat of paint would do them a world of good. Sometimes, that's literally all it takes to update an item. I'm hoping that this post will inspire you to think outside of the box and pick up something you would otherwise consider dated and give it a transformation with some paint, just like I did with these fireplace finials. 

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Boys backpack upcycle

I have yet another backpack upcycle to share with you. My son started Kindergarten this year with a really cool messenger bag backpack that just isn't realistic for a five year old...although it is pretty cool. Anyway, I had my eyes peeled for a new *cheap* backpack for him and found this black one at a garage sale this weekend for $1.

I wanted a little bit of a Quicksilver graphic feel to it, so I immediately thought of my bleach pen. I grabbed it and set to work.
I even drew a few designs on paper just so I could get some practice doing some funky shapes.
I got all of the bleach on and thought it looked pretty darn good. I was excited to rinse it off and see the design. So I let the bleach sit overnight (about 15 hours)
and in the morning I washed it and guess what? Not all things can be bleached! You can faintly see some purple lines but nothing that stood out. I was so disappointed!

So I headed out to JoAnn's and grabbed a fabric pen for $2. That worked!
And I think it turned out pretty cool.



And if you missed yesterday's post, here's an action shot of my daughters upcycled backpack

I'm linking up here

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How to Make Your Own Vintage Style Varsity Sweatshirt Using the Cricut Explore Air 2

This post is brought to you by Cricut. All opinions are 100% my own.
One of my earliest memories happened when I was shopping at a garage sale. I was barely school-aged buying some newborn baby clothes for my dolls. I remember digging in a cardboard box for the perfect yellow pajamas with snaps in the smallest size they had and offering up the quarter I had in my sweaty palm. I haven't stopped buying second-hand clothes and love that I can take someone's trash and make it my own treasure! Check out how I upcycled my own DIY varsity vintage sweatshirt using the Cricut Explore Air 2 and some garage sale duds I bought for $1.

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DIY Floral Globe

Last week, I shared how I updated my master bedroom closet with some contact paper that I pretended was wallpaper. I took everything out of my closet and as I slowly started to put things back in after the {faux} wallpaper was hung, I realized that I needed some new decor. I had a few things in mind, and while I was walking the aisles of Joann fabrics {I know, I said I broke up with her...but I just can't quit her!} I saw some scrapbook paper that I thought would look amazing in my closet. I just wasn't sure how. And then it came to me! I decided to take an old globe and upcycle it to create a DIY flower globe that would match my new {contact} wallpapered space. 

While I love globes as is, I think this little upcycle was pretty awesome. It cost me less than a dollar and took just a few hours of my time. I'm sharing with you how you can make your own too.

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DIY Projects You Can Tackle Yourself

Whether you’ve just purchased a new home or your home of 10+ years could use some sprucing up, it can be overwhelming sometimes. If the list of house projects is starting to give you anxiety, this is your opportunity to tackle some DIY projects, even if you feel like the least handy person around the home. You don’t need someone to paint your walls or tile a backsplash! With patience and a little time, you can tackle all of these yourself! Making practical and stylish additions to your home can feel intimidating. But these DIY projects are simple enough that you can tackle them yourself!

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Leather coat turned into a pillow for around $2

I love to upcycle.
It's actually one of the things I've been doing for the longest.
I think it's the ultimate recycling.

Crafting and DIY projects can end up breaking the bank and actually, sometimes making things yourself can actually cost you more than just buying the item at the store.  I love all things thrifty and I will rarely make something just for the sake of making it when I can buy it cheaper.

However, in the case of this leather pillow, I was able to whip it up for around $2.  You can't buy a decorative pillow for two bucks!

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Gathered and Foraged Flowers for Winter Arrangements you can DIY on a Budget

Do you have any hobbies? As I get older, the more interested I get in learning new things. It's probably because for decades I was learning constantly; from days at school, to college, to wife-ing and then parenthood. I haven't had the introduction of anything new in my life really, so it was time for a class. If you followed me on Instagram this summer you know that I took one of my raised vegetable garden beds and turned it into a cut flower bed. I planted even more flowers in it recently and I'm hoping for a bounty come spring and summer! In the meantime, I knew I needed a class on flower arranging. I cut a bunch of stems this summer, but mostly I just popped those stems in a vase and called it good. I knew I could do better! I just needed a trick or two on how to do it, so I took a flower arranging class. Friends, I took one class and now I think I'm an expert! But I'm not going to lie, I was pretty impressed with these gathered and foraged flowers I found and used to create three winter arrangements {plus a bonus upcycle on a wreath}. It was so easy, I knew I could share it with you too! Want to learn how to gather and forage for your own winter arrangements? Read more!

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Creating Boho Bedroom Decor with the Cricut Explore Air 2

This post is brought to you by Cricut. All opinions are 100% my own.
We are in a transition phase of our life where we have more bedrooms that are empty than full. We've got young adults who are moving out on their own {and even buying their own houses!} and while I've had a few naysayers tell me to save room because "they'll be back," I'm pretty sure the only time the big kids of mine will be back is to visit. I recently transformed one of the kids' bedrooms into a boho guest room using my Cricut Explore Air 2, and it's slowly becoming my favorite room of the house. I didn't have a huge budget to work with, but it's easy to DIY on the cheap making something custom you love using the Cricut.

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Upcycled {Sweet} Tea Tray

This post is written on behalf of Southern Breeze Sweet Tea. All opinions are 100% my own. 
One of my most favorite things to do is to upcycle things that I find at garage sales and thrift stores. I have a drop down menu full of DIY projects and crafts that I have made using things I've found at garage sales. I don't usually change the items so much, I just give them a little update or add some personalization or character. When I heard that my favorite Southern Breeze Sweet Tea was getting an update, I knew I wanted to help them celebrate their new look by updating something I had. I took a plain tray I bought for a dollar and added some black vinyl to make it not quite so boring. I'm sharing the full tutorial with you on the blog, plus I'm also letting you in on a fun giveaway you won't want to miss!

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How to Get the Fixer Upper Style from a Thrift Shop

If you’re on a tight budget or just looking for a few ways to save some money while giving your home the Fixer Upper treatment, you don’t have to look far to snag a great bargain. Thrift shops have so many great options that need a little coat of paint or some DIY work to give you that Fixer Upper look you’ve been dreaming of! Here is how to get the Fixer Upper style from a thrift shop.

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5 Frugal DIY Swaps for Expensive Decor

If you have been trying to redecorate your home, then chances are you know that it can get expensive very quickly. It takes a lot of cash and a lot of time to put together a beautiful home, and cash only gets you so far. These DIY swaps are inexpensive and so easy to put together! So if you’re looking for a cheaper way to redecorate your home, here are five frugal DIY swaps that you can do to replace that expensive home decor.

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Little Black Shirt Upcycle with Ruffles

Little Black Shirt

I went a little crazy a few weeks ago and got super inspired to try making my own clothes again. I bought a few patterns and grabbed some fabric at the fabric store and set to work only to remind myself why I quit sewing in the first place! It's so expensive and you don't always end up with what you want. I am a HUGE garage sale shopper. In fact 95% of our families clothing comes from garage sales. I rarely pay more than a dollar for any article of clothing, which leads me to why I love repurposing so much. Since it isn't garage sale season, I picked up this little racer back tank at Old Navy for $1.49. I knew it had more life in it than to be just a racer back tank, and thus the story of the little black shirt.

Once upon a time, there was a little black shirt. The little black shirt met another black shirt and a new super fun black shirt was made.

Here's the shirt that was sacrificed. I liked the detail on the top, so I cut just below it. I think I see a dress in it's future.

Here's one idea that I thought of. I cut the sacrificial shirt into 3 inch long pieces and gathered both sides. I placed it down the middle and thought that I would sew it on this way. But instead a happy accident happened and the strip got messed up and became this...

A funky little wave of a shirt! I just placed it on in a sort of zig zag pattern, pinned it down and sewed it on the front of the shirt. What do you think?

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Vintage button ring upcycle

All this week, I will be pulling out some of my favorite old projects from my Holy Craft archives.

I'm currently in Uganda with World Vision on a vision trip and couldn't be more excited to share my trip with you when I return.  In the meantime, if I am able, I will be updating my instagram with pictures.  

For now, enjoy this project from October 2010.

Today I am going to share with you my tutorial on how to make wire wrapped rings using a vintage button.

Here is what you need:

Measuring tape, wire cutters, a button with the shank on the back, 28 gauge wire, a deep well socket (I found mine in my hubby's tool box. I used 1/2 inch but I have little fingers! You can use an actual ring making tool if you have one, I don't, so I made do) and some needle nose pliers

Cut your wire to 36" long

Find the center point of your wire and do a cheesy grin (only kidding about the grin part!)

Starting with the center of the wire, place it on your socket and start wrapping around about 6 times.

Cross your wires and thread each end through the button shank

Pull tightly so that it's close to the socket

Making a figure eight, thread the wire through again with both ends

Equally wrap both ends around the shank covering it with wire to hold it in place. Working from the top of the shank to the bottom closest to the ring.

Start wrapping your wire around the ring on each side. I did about 15 wraps on each side. Make sure you pull tightly and that each wrap is next to the other with no gaps.

Once you have the desired amount of wraps, cut off the excess wire as close to the ring as possible. Using yourneedle nose pliers, squeeze down the end so you don't have any sharp ends left up.

That's it! Put it on and accessorize!

Pretty cool right? And all one of a kind.

You can wrap the whole ring or just a portion of it. Create it any way you like!

I'm sort of a button hoarder, so it's fun for me to find projects that I can use what I have on hand. Is there some craft item that you like to hoard?

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