A tutorial on how to DIY wallpaper with old sheet-music. 
{Of course you could use any vintage papers that are pretty or have special meaning to you.}

DIY vintage paper as wallpaper!  YES! 
I love the way it looks, I love the nostalgia it brings along....  I just love it....

My favorite part of this very fun music wall is when Beth, my pianist friend, comes over, sits down, and starts playing the wall!  She plays short passages from Beethoven, Braum, Bach, folk-music, finger exercises, etc. etc....    They're all on the wall!  I love it....
I could listen to her all day...!
{We play a little bit too, but not like she does....  }

Over the last summer I had collected some vintage sheet-music at thrift stores and estate sales, and always selected those which had the most yellowing....
Then in the fall it was time to wall-paper the wall behind the piano.

We had a little bit of a sneak-peak of the wall
with the post I did on the potato sack stockings.
I am just now getting around to posting how I did it.  {Sorry!!}

I learned quite a bit along the way, and hope that my mistakes and tips will help you out when you paper your wall with vintage music paper or other old pages of some sort.

I had no idea that I had WAY too much musicpapers so now I have LOTS left-over to so something fun with...  :)  Yay!

And now I will tell you how I did it! 
It took me two days beginning to end.

I started by thoroughly cleaning the wall, then painting over it with primer (the wall WAS a deep red: very popular ten years ago....heeheehee). 

These are some of the things I learned along the way (the hard way, unfortunately):

• Using Mod Podge or wallpaper glue makes the sheetmusic very wrinkly.  You might like that, but I didn't, so I removed them, scrubbed the wall clean again, and started over.
• I thought I would like the removable tape, so I could reposition the pages, but alas:  ALL the pages that I used the removable tape with had to be redone, because they were falling off!
• Double sided tape is a little bit spendy, but to my surprise the least expensive variety that I found (Target-brand) was the tape I liked best (for this project)!  Good news!

P.S.  I want to paint my piano.... What color do you think I should go?

• a stack of old paper (book pages, magazine pages, sheetmusic, letters, receipts, etc.)
  
• double-sided tape ( I used 7)
• scissors
• spackling knife

Go through the slides below for step-by step instructions and tips.
Also read the tips above.

Partying with these bloggy friends.... & the Charm of Home, Coastal Charm, Savvy Southern Style, Today’s Creative Blog, Home Stories A 2 Z, The Shabby Nest, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Thrifty Decor Chick, Between Naps on the Porch

Vintage flashcards are popping up everywhere and are used in everything from art to decorating.   They have fabulous style and personality.  Included are several ideas I have come up with on utilizing vintage flashcards in your home decor.

Popping a vintage flashcard (or Bingo Card) into a frame all by itself make for a fun decoration.  Vintage Flashcards are so fun by themselves, they are worthy of a frame....!
(Isn't that brown colored Bingo card below super unique?)

Use vintage flashcards to upcycle an old clipboard.  Nothing adds more "flash" with such minor effort!
Just use Mod Podge to adhere them to the front.

See that red Bingo card in the bird cage?
Isn't it adorable...????
And note how the Valentines message in the frame can be easily changed out for a different phrase. {It is secured with pins around the edges}

See how Jess from Whimsical Treasures used the same cards again for a Christmas message:  Merry and Bright.
Isn't it brilliant?

Add some vintage flashcards to your message board for some vintage flair!

And don't forget the ever popular garland {banner, bunting, streamer}!

Note how the garland above uses vintage flashcards strung together at the top. 
Just punch holes on the left and right top and string your ribbon through them.

Another option is to punch holes at the top of the flashcards and tie the individual cards together {using string, jute, ribbon, etc} one by one as in the picture above. 

Using vintage-looking paperclips to attach the flashcards is an option for interchangeable messages on your streamer.  I haven't had my mantle/fantle very long, but it has already sported the following messages: Happy Birthday, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Christmas,
and now Be Mine.
Soon it will say Pinch Me, or something of the kind, I'm sure....  :)

Clothespins are probably my favorite way of hanging flashcards without damaging the cards; this way the cards can be used again and again, and they will still look great.

Another option is to hang your card using a binder clip.
When your dress-form changes her mood the clip makes it easy to change out the
statement on her necklace...!
Of course you can use those clippies on garlands as well... (with ribbon or lace...  ).

Speaking of statements:  How about writing out a message using word cards:
Above I displayed the cards to spell "I Do" in old mason jars.

I love using vintage flashcards in mixed media 'art'..........!
Like I did in this recent "Love at Home' collection

Decorating with vintage flashcards (& Bingo cards) offers endless possibilities....
In short, this is what I came up with:

• Pop into a frame
• Clipboard
• Inside a Birdcage
• Carefully pin around the edges for interchangeable messages
• Add them to your message board
• Streamer with holes punched and strung together
• Streamer with holes punched and tied together
• Attach with paper clips
• Attach with clothespins

• Attach with clips
  
  • Garland (bunting, banner, streamer) using ribbon
  • Garland using lace
• Display in a mason jars

• Mixed Media Art

Keep an eye out, more ideas are coming soon!

A few years ago my kids went on a photo session with Barb Phillips. 
She suggested the location: 
by the out-of-business restaurant Mill House Bistro in Rigby, Idaho.
It was a BRILLIANT idea!
So we met her there, and she took some super cute pictures, including the one below.

• We LOVE this picture because the kids look super cute, don't they?
• And the sign.... Well, let's just say it has personal meaning to our family....  :)
  

A while later I got to thinking: maybe the owner of the vacant building wouldn't mind if I bought the sign from him/her for my wall at home.
So one day I drove over there with the goal in mind of finding out who the owner of the building was.  There I stood studying the way the sign was attached.  I noticed there were some people a way off with a few pick-up trucks, so I went over there to talk.  I spoke to the first man I came to and said, "Hi!  Do you perhaps know who owns that building?"
He replied, "Well, in two weeks I will.  I'm buying it, and the closing is in two weeks."
So I asked him about the sign and if I could buy it and he said that I didn't need to buy it, he would just GIVE it to me.  But he wanted to wait until he actually owned the building.

What luck!
I felt VERY fortunate!

A month or two later he called me and told me to come pick up the sign, for FREE!
I am such a lucky girl!
Don't you think?
Currently the building is being used for offices.

Because of the "Bistro" part, I had intended to hang this sign in the kitchen.  But after trying it there in several locations, I decided it just didn't look good there.  Soooooo....  it ended up right here in the hall on the yellow wall, above the fish tank.  And I really like it there! 
What do you think?

Ta-DA!  Here is the newest addition to the laundry room:  
a new "chandelier" made from a vintage pot-rack and some old-old silverware... 
I am so excited!

After collecting real silver flatware at estate sales and thrift stores for a few months, I finally had enough to finish the vision I had for my vintage pot-rack (purchased years ago).  I drilled holes along the outer-edge of the pot-rack, drilled holes in the silver utensils; and got to work with a bit of wire. 

I used mostly forks and spoons and just a couple of regular knives, because the knives were not silver throughout but silver-plated, and the metal underneath was too hard for my poor drill-bits...  (I went through quite a few drill-bits making this chandelier....  ).  The butter knives were fabulous though, plus I really like having the variety in shapes. 
I also have a few sugar spoons hanging around...  I love 'em all.......

It sounds so pretty too.  My son thinks this new "chandelier" makes a beautiful wind-chime.
And he's right!  It does!  Sounds just like one when you gently "plunk" it, and the silver utensils jingle....   It's like Christmas all over again!

In stead of wiring a light into the pot-rack, I opted for a simpler method of lighting the pot-rack chandelier at night:  a magnetized battery-powered light I found at Harbor Freight Tools for just a few dollars.  It sticks securely to the top of the metal chandelier, shines nice and bright, and I don't have to worry about hiding the wires and such...  :)

It looks enchanting at night....

{Guest Post from Anisha at NerdWallet}

It is simply phenomenal what you can do with a little creativity and some basic arts and crafts items. This holiday season you can easily save a ton of extra money by following these instructions for DIY holiday decorations! These are easy and cheap enough to do with the kids, friends, and family members of all ages. There’s no reason to break the bank this season, so simply follow these tips and instructions for quick and easy ways to decorate the home this holiday season.

1. Origami Hangers

Origami is perfect for decorative arrangements that last all year long. Always soothing and beautiful, origami is a super fun and easy way to decorate this holiday season. These customizable DIY hangers can be hung from a Christmas tree, mantelpiece, balcony, or anywhere in and outside of the home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• White or colored paper
  
• Markers or coloring tools
  
• Paperclips and/or string
  
• Internet connection or origami book
  

Use the internet or ‘How To’ book to find your favorite origami designs. Fold and create your desired origami designs from the colored paper. Colored pens or pencils can be taken to the paper for additional decorative designs such as eyes, feathers, or surrealist artwork. Paper clips and/or string can be used to hang your fun designs from a Christmas tree branch or other areas around the home.

2. Photo Hangers

Photo hangers, similar to the DIY origami hangers, can be used to portray your favorite photos or images around the home, from a tree, or over the fireplace. Just follow these instructions:

• Printer with Paper
  
• Internet Access or Digital Photo's
  
• Lamination or Clear Adhesive
  
• Paper Clips or Clothes Pins
  

Print out your favorite family photos (smaller sizes work best) and place them on larger designs of colored or regular paper. Wrap and protect with lamination or clear adhesive cover. Poke holes in the tops of each image and thread string to paperclip. Hang anywhere you desire and watch your surrounding comes alive with images and photos of all the things you truly love!

3. Table Candy Placements

These cute little table placements will adorn your table in time for big, delicious holiday meals! Guests will love to sit around these holiday themed placements as they create a holiday feel at just the right time of the year. What you’ll need:

• Styrofoam Cones
  
• Wax Paper
  
• Glue / hot Glue
  
• Peppermint Candy
  
• Ribbons (optional)
  

Bring out various sizes of Styrofoam cones that can be found in any major store’s arts and crafts section. Place these upon clean wax paper and glue peppermint candies around the entire cone. Various designs can be used such as a simple round-the-cylinder design to a spiral design, striped with other non-perishable candies.  Ribbons can be glued under the candies at the top of the cone, or wherever desired. Let glue cool and dry; place upon table when completed.

These holiday tips come to you from NerdWallet.com, an analysis-driven, quantitatively oriented decision website.

Today I thought I's share with you some of the amazing art done by Kris Day.
She is an incredibly talented assemblage artist 
who lives just within a mile or two of my house.

I always love seeing her art.  It is funny and creatively super inspiring!

So I thought you might want to see some of her art too: 
that's why I posted quite a few photo's of her current show: 
running now through Dec 22, 2012 in downtown Pocatello, Idaho.

See this assemblage "phone" on the front of the flyer?  She is so kind and lets me "store it" for her at my house sometimes.  It's so funny and a great conversation started.  She calls this piece" Let's Talk"  and it represents communication of all sorts....

All her pieces are unique and made from all kinds of items used in an unusual way.

Her art pieces resemble clocks, guitars, ships, etc, etc. 
Each assemblage piece takes her about one month to complete.

So if you want to learn more about Kris Day and her art, please visit her website:  KristineDay.com

Hoping you have a great day
{a Kris Day!} 
:)
Crystelle

About five years ago I came upon a wonderful large paper map of Idaho.  (yes, you are right, I got it from a de-junking pile at an elementary school!) 
My husband has a passion for the back-country of Idaho where he has spent many a summer hiking, camping, canoeing, working, fishing, you name it.....
So I was super ecstatic to find this map. 
But alas, I didn't really know where to hang it, and I couldn't figure out how either....
The only thing I could think of was framing it, but I really didn't want to spend the $$$$$$ on that custom framing job....

So there it sat, rolled up in a closet for YEARS!!!!!

Well, it finally hit me:  I figured it all out....
I would hang it roll-down school-map style!

And now our map hangs happily on the wall in the living room.  And I like it there!

It was super easy to do and I spent less than $10 (on the two dowels)
(the map was free.... )
I would have hung the whole thing on a cord at the top, but our ceilings aren't super high, so I wanted to save the space.

If we ever move to a house with taller ceilings I will probably add that....

:)

Anyway, I really like the way this map looks on this large wall.
The colors are simple and calm.  So peaceful for our living/family room.  Perfect.

The library catalog?
I bought it about a year ago on Craigslist. 
It was kinda pricy, but in great condition...  so I couldn't just resist it....

I was so excited that two milk-crates fit PERFECTLY underneath the card catalog!
I use them for my magazines:  Ensign on the left:  New Era and Friend on the right....

I took pictures as I put this map together.  I couldn't believe how easy it was. 
So the tutorial follows....
Hope you like it!
:)



(Note the number love on the vintage shoe makers form....  Love it!)

• How do you like my map?
• What would be your number one map choice?
• Which country/state/city?
  

Materials Needed:

• Large Map
• Two Dowels
• Masking Tape
• Duct Tape
• Two Nails

 
Tips:

• I bought my two 48-inch dowels at Ace Hardware.  I was so lucky: they were the exact right length! 
• After staining the dowels I let them dry for a couple of days before attaching the map.
• I would have used white duct tape, but I didn't have any, and when I checked, the yellow did not show through, so........ I just used what  I had on hand...)
• Position the back side of the map correctly in relation to the dowel using tiny pieces of masking tape.
• Go right over top of the masking tape with the duct tape.
• Use just a skinny edge of the duct tape on the dowel (we wouldn't want it to show on the front....)
• Push down firmly
  
• Don't go all the way to the end:  we don't want to duct tape to show....
• Place one dowel at the top, and one at the bottom of your map. 
  
• Hang your map using two nails:  one on the left top, and one on the right top.

Your map will hang very nice and straight (the weight of the bottom dowel keeps it from rolling back up)

Watch the photos below for some visual instructions:

The quote: "I can do Hard Things" is attributed to  Elaine Dalton. 

She said:  "I had a small plate inscribed with a motto that read, “I can do hard things.  That little plate bearing that simple motto gave me courage. But now if I could change that motto, it would read: “In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.””

Read the original talk here....




I believe "I Can Do Hard Things" also fits in perfectly with Philippians 4: 13

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

I made one for my friend as well, however, she wanted one in the more tan/brown tones.  So using the same techniques as in the tutorial for the black/white sign, I made the above sign for her, using brown/black as the first layer, and tan as the second.  I hope she likes it!  
Crystelle

Make fancy-schmancy Mod Podge wood hangers for yourself, or as a gift.  They are super easy to do, and they are super cute....

Decoupage hangers are great to have on hand:

• In the closet:  clothes will not slide off....
• On the wall:  to display important papers, cards, kids' art

I was asked to come up with an inexpensive, easy and quick craft to make with the Relief Society women in my church and this is what i came up with.  I took pictures as I went along, so follow the tutorial at the end to see what I learned....

Have a great day!
Crystelle

This is what you will need: 

• wooden hanger
• Mod Podge (or similar)
• fabric with fun print,
• tissue paper (matching color)(the kind you use with gift-giving)(mine was "used", which is just fine)
  
• paint (matching color)
  
• brush

The pictures below will show you step-by-step instructions

Linking up to several of these party friends.....

At this time of harvest galore I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate the abundance of fresh produce we have been blessed with....

I've been itching for a "Produce" or "Vegetables" sign for a few years now, and since I have been unsuccessful in finding a vintage one, I decided to make my own....
I think it turned out pretty cute....

Kinda vintage looking, right...????

I am hoping this sign will influence me subconsciously to make lotsa green smoothies for the family and also provide more fresh produce in our everyday menus. 

Could work, right?
 
If I am constantly accompanied by this sign in the kitchen.....? 

Do you think it will.....?

Have a great week!
Crystelle