An Old Washboard for the Laundry Room

I love old washboards and was so happy to find one on our local Craigslist last week.

 

 

This one has great graphics and the glass is in perfect condition.  What better place for it than the laundry room.

 

 

I made these "Mod podged with Graphics Fairy labels" laundry detergent bottles a couple of years ago  HERE.

 

I collect scales and was going to redo the one on the end, then decided I kind of like it in here, especially with the rusty pointer.

 

 

  I filled some blue canning jars with old clothespins, clips and spools of thread.  The chicken wire basket holds dusting and mopping cloths.

 

 

 

Last summer I found this copper washtub.  We use it in here for dirty towels. 

 

 

Thank goodness I have a modern washer and dryer.  I can't imagine the work that was involved in  doing laundry back in the day!

 

Thanks for coming by! 

 

Pam

 

 

I am linking to the following parties: 

 

 



Bird Pillow for Christmas and Beyond

I found this cute bird graphic the other day.  I love, love, love anything with birds on it and love that I can incorporate it with my Christmas decorations.  Of course I intend to keep it out long after Christmas!



 

 

I started with this graphic from The Graphics Fairy

 

 

I printed it off on Jolee's Easy Image Transfer Sheets using my inkjet printer.

 

I cut around the edges.

 

 

I used a Ritva pillow cover that I bought from Ikea last year. 

I put the pillow cover over a board and a pillow case.

 

 

 

I followed the directions on the Jolee's label--twenty seconds on each part, lift up carefully, then set the iron back on another place.  I made sure I got each area several times for 20 seconds each.

 

 

I let it cool for 10 minutes, then carefully pulled the backing off of the transfer.

 

And here's the finished pillow.  Easy and Festive!

 

 

Thanks for your visit!

 

Pam

 

 

 

I am linking to the following parties:

 

 

  

 

DIY Coasters

I'm going to a "Favorite Things" party tonight hosted by my friend Ali @ Just Me and decided to do another coaster project for it.  We have them all over our house and I've given several sets away as gifts.  I really do love the look of them.   

HERE is a link to my other Omni-gel projects.

I started with 4" tiles from Lowe's.  They are called Agora Almond and were 33 cents each.  I put a piece of cork on the bottom of it, cut to just a little smaller than the tile.  I bought a roll of self stick cork at Michael's.

I used graphics from The Graphics Fairy (the Ball Jars, Watering Can and Cloche) and the Bicycle and Ampersand images I found on Etsy.  I printed them off on my laser printer using the normal print (not mirror image).  Remember, if you don't have a laser printer, just print the graphic off any printer and make a copy at Kinko's, then you'll have the right type of copy.   I used the wallet size on Picasa and did one graphic per page.  (I tried to do 2 and 4 graphics per page and they printed too closely together).

I used a foam brush and applied even coats of Omni-gel.  (I buy Omni-gel at Michael's.  It's not easy to find, so you may have to ask a salesperson where to find it there.)   You'll want to brush it on in one direction, let that dry completely, brush it on the opposite direction, let that dry, then brush it on diagonally and let that dry.  Be sure to cover enough of the graphic and surrounding paper so it'll easily fit on a 4" tile.  I then cut the graphic to about 6" square so it's easier to work with.

Once it's all dry (I let them sit overnight after the 3 coats), set the graphic in a tub of water.  I used a dishpan from the Dollar Store.  Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.  If you leave it longer, it's fine.

I took it out and set it on a piece of wax paper.  I used a damp microfiber cloth and rubbed the paper off in a circular motion.  Be sure to get all of the paper off.  I usually run it under some water to try to get everything off.

I then set the wet graphic on the tile and carefully cut to fit the tile.  (it works best if the graphic is wet so it doesn't slide around on the tile while you're cutting it)  Be sure not to cut too small or too big. The edges of the graphic will fit nicely in the grooves at the edge of the tile and you won't be able to see them.

Carefully lift the cut graphic off the tile (it shouldn't be delicate as it's kind of rubbery at this point), spread Omni-gel in a thin layer on the back of the graphic and the top of the tile.  Use your finger to spread the Omni-gel and get rid of any air bubbles.  You can apply some Omni-gel to your finger to spread it easily.  You will have to peel the Omni-gel off of your hands.  :)

Set the tiles aside to dry overnight. 

I put a little sprinkle of salt on them, then spray with a clear sealant.  I found that the salt keeps glasses from sticking to the tiles later on.

I hope whoever gets my 'favorite thing' likes them as much as I do!

Thanks for coming by!

Pam

A BIG Thank You to Palatin Remodeling, Inc. for naming my blog "Best Innovative Blog 2012"  I am thrilled to have won!!

Presented by:
Palatin Remodeling Inc  I am linking to the following parties: Debbiedoo's Newbie Grad Party  Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday   

Updating an Ugly Box with Graphics and Paint

My husband had a box in the garage that originally held a car waxing kit. The box was sturdy and a great size, but not very cute!  :)

I started with a Graphics Fairy label.

   

I tried to 'age' it with tea.  I really didn't have to do this step, as it didn't make a huge difference.

 

I painted the box with a couple of coats of green spray paint.  

I then sanded down the edges.

I cut close to the edge of the graphic, then mod podged it on the box.

I put an antiquing gel on the whole thing, then rubbed off the excess.  They used to sell a one-bottle antiquing gel, but now you buy the Martha Stewart Antique Effect and mix it with any color you want.  I mixed it with the color Vanilla Bean.  I bought both of these bottles at Michael's.  I mixed them together with equal parts.

 

I added a knob so it's easy to open.  I now have a great place to store my weekly ads and coupons.

Thanks for visting!

Pam

I am linking to the following parties: