DIY JCrew Heart Tee

A while back I saw these cute purple and red oversized-heart shirts at JCrew and they were super simple. (Now they've moved on to sequins). So being the DIY kinda girl I am, I decided to just make one. JCrew had the solid colored kids shirts on sale for like $6, so I bought the purple shirt from them. Then it was just a matter of another freezer paper stencil and some fabric paint!

Here's a tip: I bought 2 different colors of red fabric paint because I couldn't decide, but one turned out to be a "pearl" finish. Fortunately I put down one layer of the matte red color first, because the pearl paint is a bit transparent. I wish I had put down 2 layers of matte and then a layer or two of pearl over top. I like the shimmer/glitter the pearl gives, but it took about 6 layers of the stuff to get an even, solid, professional-looking finish.
Ever since this project, Ava is obsessed with Valentines Day and asks me every day to show her on the calendar when it is! Pin It

Colored Spoons Tutorial

I found these amazing spoons over at Ladies and Gentlemen. But what if I don't want serving pieces, I want a full set of flatware instead? That is where the magic of spray paint comes in. Here's my version and how I did it.

What you'll need:

1. Flatware of your choice

2. spray paint metal primer

3. spray paint

4. painter's tape

5. sandwich bag

1. Wrap neck of utensil with painter's tape, being careful to make a straight horizontal line; also make sure you press the tape into any grooves to prevent bleeding or dripping.

 2. Wrap the head of the utensil with the sandwich bag and secure with more painter's tape.

3. In a well ventilated area, hold utensil by the head and lightly spray the utensil on all sides with the metal primer. Repeat. (As tempting as it is, don't spray one heavy coat of primer. It will create drips and also fill in the delicate carvings in the metal.)

 4. Repeat step 3 with spray paint color of your choosing. Allow to dry and remove tape and bag.

5. Stand back and admire.

Note: Should you decide to vary from this design, you probably shouldn't ever spray paint the part of the utensil the food sits on. I doubt spray paints are "food safe".

EDITS: Standard spray paints are not food safe. I used to have a link to some food-safe spray paint, but apparently the company doesn't carry it anymore. Anyone know where you can get some? 
I've been reading about powder coating and it sounds like that might be the best option for heavy use.


Also, I've had questions about how these have held up. I haven't used them enough to give a fair answer, but I will say they've made it just fine through 4 or 5 runs in the dishwasher. Thanks for all your interest!

Pin It

Getting started

I have a bunch of picture frames from thrift stores that I'm going to paint all the same color. I plan to hang them in a bedroom with either a satin or a velvet ribbon. Most have to be sanded and stripped a little, but this one was plastic so he was the first to get tested.

The color may appear different on each monitor, but it's a light, soft apple green color. Unfortunately there aren't a whole lot of great colors in spray paint at the local stores, so choices are limited.

Pin It

Next on my list...

Well ok, truthfully I have a few other things ahead in the line up, but I definitely want to do something like this soon. I mean aren't these awesome?! I saw them at Knack.
I bought a chair to reupholster, but I think tables would be a quicker project, so they might have to cut in line.
Also amazing, and not one I could endeavor to make (but wish I could), is this Fractured Fairytales piece by Thomas Wold, which I found on Elle Decoration. I love that people have the vision to make things like this. And I'd love to have this in one of my rooms.

Pin It