11.16.2012

Blog Feature Friday: Creative Home Expressions

Hi, I’m Kathy from Creative Home Expressions! Katie was kind enough to invite me over here to The Copper Coconut to share one of my makeovers with you. Today I’m sharing a recent tote makeover. I found this one at our local antique mart for $8.00. Kind of plain but I liked the shape and size.


I started out by painting it with my Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.


I then added a graphic to each side; this one from Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict.


I used the Mod Podge method to transfer the graphic to the tote. Using a toner printed/copied graphic {I copy mine at the library}, I cut my image as close as possible. The image must be printed in reverse/mirror image.



Apply Mod Podge to the image side and apply to your piece. Gently smooth it out and then, walk away. I generally leave mine to dry overnight.


The next morning, I wet a paper towel and wipe it over the paper. Just to get it wet enough so that I can rub my finger over it. It will come up like this.


Using light pressure, rub your finger over the paper until it starts to come up. This is what it looked like after my first go over.


Once it is done, you can wax it or apply a coat of polyurethane for protection. I applied a coat of clear wax to the entire piece once I was done.


A new look for a plain old wood tote!



Thank you, Katie, for having me over to visit!

Wow. Isn't that tote amazing?! I love it! And she has so much more awesome stuff on her blog.
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11.14.2012

iSpy Bottle

I feel like I'm always looking for new ways to entertain my toddler. Most moms I know say they end up "rotating" their kids' toys so they don't get bored with them. I saw a this on Pinterest and thought it was a great idea to keep kids busy!

We ended up doing this as one of our MOPs crafts. (See the other crafts we've already done here and here.) It was really cheap and really easy.
What you need:
Bottle (we recycled water bottles)
Misc. items (to make it really inexpensive, find things you already have laying around the house!)
Rice
Hot glue gun
Funnel
Index card (optional)

Step 1: Gather your supplies.
 Step 2: (Optional) Write out your items so your kids can look for specific things.
 Step 3: Fill your bottle with items.
 Step 4: Pour your rice into your bottle (I used a funnel and it was a lot less messy!)
Step 5: Shake until the items are mixed in and hot glue your lid on (to prevent spills).

And there you have cheap entertainment!
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11.09.2012

Blog Feature Friday: Red Hen Home

This week's guest blogger is Korrie. She has an absolutely adorable blog! Check out this repurposed card catalog she shared with us today.

Hi!  I’m Korrie from Red Hen Home, where I blog about furniture refinishing and other home projects.  I’m delighted to be guest-posting here at the Copper Coconut!
Today I thought I’d share a project I finished for MYSELF this fall.  Far too often I get involved in projects that don’t ever stay in my home…but this was an exception!
Last summer (I didn’t say I did it quickly), I came across a card catalog in the local classified ads.

I couldn’t send my sister after it fast enough (I’m good that way).
I love it, but I wasn’t crazy about the bland medium-oak finish.
This spring I discovered a MIRACLE product:  General Finishes Gel Stain.  With it, you can darken an existing wood stain without completely removing the original finish—you just have to scuff it up a little.  (See this post for a more complete description of how to use it.)
I chose to use the stain in Antique Walnut for this project, and this is what I ended up with!

I used three coats of stain, wiped on with a sock, and let each coat dry for about 24 hours in between.

I love the new color, and the fact that there are some variations of light and dark shades.  Some might call that user error, but I prefer to think of it as character!
I love the pull-out trays on this piece!

The card catalog sits in our front-room-home-office, and I see it and smile every day now.

If you’re interested in seeing some of the other office projects, I’d love for you to come visit Red Hen Home!
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Thanks for inviting me to visit, Katie!

How cute is that? And her office is AMAZING. Go check out her blog for more cute things!
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