Recovered Patio set

My beautiful patio set seats were destroyed by the weather and neighbors cats :( So I had to recover the seats. It was really simple all I needed was some new fabric and a staple gun. I found a great deal at Hancock Fabrics on this outdoor fabric for only $6 a yard that was originally $17 a yard. Sweet deal! I removed the seats, measured and cut the fabric, and then stapled it on. So simple and easy. They look much better now. 

Just in time for summer!

Easy and Inexpensive Sandbox

We wanted a sandbox but didn't want to spend $60+ for a wimpy plastic one so we made our own. I got a 3 foot plastic pool for $8 and spray painted it with some paint I had. I poked some holes in the bottom so the rain water could drain. That's it! We poured the sand in (3 bags was enough) and the kids love it! We are going to make a cover for it. Either covering a hula hoop with some kind of  fabric so the boys can take it off themselves or make one like this. http://afbtoday.blogspot.com/2012/03/diy-waterproof-sandbox-cover.html

Sweet Stroller Makeover

I had this stroller sitting in the garage for a long time and now that both boys can use it I thought I would give it a little makeover. First I covered all the belts with painters tape and removed all the bars. Then I started painting, I used Krylon Fusion paint that is just for plastics and it worked great no chips so far. The only thing I did't like about this paint was the first can was really watery and didn't cover very well but the second can was just fine.

Done! Just in time for the MS Walk and the perfect color too!

Handmade Ties!

I had some left over fabric and wanted to try to make them. I found the boys long tie pattern at  http://veryhomemade.blogspot.com/2010/02/okay-so-heres-tutorial-on-how-to-make.html and the bow tie at  http://www.daciaray.com/?p=1019 . I can't wait to try again! Maybe for Easter.

Recovered Car Seat

I got a free car seat that was pretty worn out, so I decided to recover it. It was a little harder then I plan because I took the original cover apart and then sewed it back together (my sewing machine got a work out). I think I will do it differently next time but this turn out just fine. I bought 1/2 yard of each pattern of fabric so the  total project cost $4.44!

DIY Queen Bed Headboard

This total project cost me $6.50! I had scraps of wood leftover from many remodeling projects and I got my fabric at walmart for $2 a yard. For the batting I used a 40% off coupon at Joanns, costing me about $5. Score! So here is a quick glace at what I did.
First I cut my board 58 in x 36 in (you can make it any height you want)

Next I traced the shape I wanted to cut out of the corners. I just used a bowl.
Then I just cut it out of my board on both corners.

I then placed the batting on top and stretched it around the back and pinned it down.

I cut my fabric out and sewed the edges. ( Most people just staple to the back but I didn't have a staple gun.)

Next I slipped the fabric over the top.

 I thought it looked boring so I found some gold thumb tacks and added them to give it a different look.

It was so fun to make and save a bunch of $$$.

Baby Food Jar Pin Cushions

 I needed to do something with all my old Baby Food Jars so I did some research and found this great idea. They were super fun to make. Here is a brief tutorial.

First cut out a circle of fabric, I traced a bowl and then cut it out.

Then sew around the edges

I sewed a button on for fun, you don't have too.

Next I pulled the strings and stuffed it.

And tied it off.

I hot glued it to the lid and then glued ribbon around it.

I did different things to each one, Some I glued bows and others buttons

Finished!!!! 

Sparking Stainless Steel Sink!

I used countless cleaners to try and shine my old stainless steel sink and none really worked. I found this video and tried it. And to my surprise it worked amazingly! I used 2 limes over four days (1/2 slice each day) and it worked great! The lime and the baking soda sizzle (that my favorite part) leaving it sparking clean and cost me only $.44. Yeah!!!

Best Advice I Recived!!!

I Received the BEST advice about keeping our small house more organized and have less clutter.

It was the less you have the less you have to clean, pick up, organize and the more time you have to spend with our family.
I tried it our with my sons toys that seemed to be everywhere and it worked great.

I first went through all of his toys and donated all the ones he didn't play with.
Then I only have one Toy Bin and one small toy box that he can keep toys, the rest of the toys go in a Large bin labeled  "Rotate Toys". Which we keep in the basement and we bring it up about every 4 months to rotate the toys.
 It saves me time picking up toys and money because we don't go buy new toys when he gets bored with them.
 So every 4 months or so its like Christmas for him with all his "new" toys.

Cleaning Drains

I saw a video a while ago on how to "defunk" and clean drains so I thought I would pass it on.
All you need is Baking Soda & Vinegar

Pour about 1/4 cup Baking Soda Down the drain.

Next pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Vinegar. ( I just eye ball everything)

Let set for at about 10 min. And After that just flush it down with some water and your done.

I do this about once a month to deodorize and clean all the drains. Kitchen,bath, and bath tub.

Water, Water, Water!

I have been researching a lot about watering my lawn and garden so I can save water (Money). I found a good website that gave a lot of information.
*Water early morning 5am is the BEST time to water.
* Lawn needs about 1 inch water a week
*Deep watering are better than watering everyday
* When using Oscillating Sprinklers more water evaporates or is blown away
*water the day before you mow your lawn.

Lots of other great information
www.allaboutlawns.com

Bottle Cap Craziness!!!!

My First Bottle cap earrings. I had lots of fun and I will Post picture on how to make bottle car earrings, hairclips, hairband, ect.

Little Girl Hair Clips

I saw tons of girls wearing these and they were super easy to make. I figure the cost for each is about $.50 compared to buying one at the store for $4.85. I would say thats pretty good. When I make the next set I will take step by step pictures.