Recipe Card Holder Valentine Gift

 

The $ Tree currently has some super cute Valentines Day items, like these stickers.  I wasn't sure what I wanted to use them for, but I knew I really needed to think of something.

I tested and found they stick quite well to metal washers (I like the ones just slightly larger than the sticker), and metal washers stick quite well to magnets.  Voila!  Cute Valentine magnets.

I also checked to see if magnets would stick to the fake metal trays at the $ Tree, and they do!  This is great, because I am in need of something to hold a recipe while I'm baking.  With the not-so-pretty conduit running under the kitchen cabinets of my 1929 home, I can cover some ugly and create function by attaching the tray to it with magnets.  

I plan to paint mine antique white, but I wanted to share it this way in case anyone needs an inexpensive idea for a Sunday School or Daycare project.  With several kids sharing one sheet of stickers, plus the cost of a washer, magnet, and tray - the holders could be made for about $1.25 each.  I think some mommies and grammies would think this was a sweet gift to hold a recipe or picture. 

Don't you think these are darling stickers?

What ideas do you have for them.....I'd love to hear.

$ Tree Candlesticks/Vases

I made these candlesticks for Valentines Day this year, but never got around to posting them.  You can find similar versions all over Pinterest and Blogland, so I didn't figure mine would be missed.

However, I've had a lot of fun using them in different ways so I thought I'd share an idea or two.

Spray painting the candlestick before gluing the pieces together with E6000 glue really added a nice touch of color.  I'm actually surprised how many ways I can use them in hot pink.  I think a red set is next on my list.

I love to use fillers I already have on hand like......dried peas, candy, moss, colored water, dirt.......and these colorful pony beads!  They remind me of jelly beans - which I think I will eventually replace them with.

Also, notice the hair bands I put around the base.  This is an easy way to add some fun color, but it also creates a great place to tuck a flower or glue something, since I really don't want to glue permanently to the glass.

For Valentines Day, I partially filled them with conversation hearts and a candle.  I think the egg is pretty cute for Easter, too.  My next idea is to see how they would look with Minnie Mouse cake pops for my grandbaby's birthday.  I think they could make adorable centerpieces!  When I get that far, I'll come back and post a pic.

Thanks for stopping by the Tub!

Ellie

Fast, Fun, & Fabulous - Wire Cloche

Have you seen these Frenchy wire cloches that are so cute for decorating, especially for spring?  Wow, I thought I might like to have one until I looked at the price.  Ouch!!!

 So........how would you like to make one 

for a little over a buck?

I took my favorite crafting medium from the Dollar Tree, a little wire waste basket, and cut the bottom completely off of it.  Then I shaped and molded until it had a nice cloche shape.  Finally, I glued a bathroom knob hook to the top.  I picked this set up at a garage sale for next to nothing.

Isn't it adorable? 

 For a $52.50 savings - I'll take mine any day.

(There is not a hook hanging down inside - that is the S from the weather vane behind it)

I found that by using a table top and pressing my hand against the inside of the basket - it helped with the molding.  I shaped a second cloche by forming it around a glass cloche I already had.  I liked the glass cloche method the best, but perhaps not everyone has one to use as a form.

 

Thanks for stopping by the Tub!

Ellie

Fast, Fun, & Fabulous Lampshade

If you've followed my blog for a while you might remember this cute cloche lampshade I made.  You can see more on that post here:

I crafted it from one of those fabulous little wire trash baskets you can pick up now and then at the $ Tree.  I love these little things and purchase about 10 every time they have them in stock.

 Which is a good thing because they are a great go-to craft material for all kinds of - "Hmmm, what could I use to make a _______?".  Most recently I, again, found myself in need of a lampshade.  The one that came on this brass and marble antique lamp (garage sale $2) was too large to fit my table, but the lamp just wouldn't be ignored - it had to have its place with the cherubs and other Valentines-y things.

The lampshade really took no time at all, because nothing was altered from its original state.  I simply draped a large doily over the wire trash basket, strung red tulle through the doily, and then fussed it a bit.  Fast, Fun, & Fabulous, and perfect for Valentine's Day!  It think this would be super cute hanging as a chandelier, too - Don't you?

Thanks for visiting the tub!

 Ellie

Frenchy Clock Update

Yesterday I shared a basket for holding keys that I made by cutting apart a wire trash can from the Dollar Tree.  Today I thought I would share a clock that I updated using the top portion of that same wire trash can.

To see the instructions for this wire basket, go here.

Taking the top portion that I had removed, I cut off about another 1 1/2 inches to form a wire ribbon.  See the bow I fashioned from it above.  Next, I laid the remaining metal ring on a table with the cut wire facing up.  I began stretching and pressing the wire flat until it formed a nice wreath shape. 

This is a picture of the clock before I added the wire trim.

Using hot glue, I simply attached the wreath to the back of the clock.  This is how the clock looks after adding the trim. Just a fun little update using some wire that would have otherwise been trash.  I think it gives the clock a little extra French-appeal.

I have another idea of what to do with the wreath, but I'm not able to finish it yet - perhaps soon.

Uh-oh, would you look at the time (pun intended)?  My grandbaby is now 4 days overdue!!!  I guess I better run.  Where is she?

Thanks for stopping by,

Ellie

Upcycled Key Basket

I told you when I realized these wire baskets from the Dollar Tree were wire and not plastic - my brain went into overload with ideas.

First, I made this lampshade by just shaping and molding the basket until it resembled a cloche hat from the 1930's.

 Now, I keep thinking of things to make by cutting the basket apart.  This idea came from our need to have a basket by our back door to catch keys in.  I know I could put any number of containers there, but this seemed to fit just what I was looking for.

I measured up from the bottom of the wire trash can about 5 1/2 inches and cut all the way around the basket with wire cutters.  The wire is perfectly aligned from the top, so it is easy to figure out where to cut.

After I removed the top portion of the basket, I started bending the sides of the bottom into an arc.  I kept turning the basket in my hands, repeating the same bends and flaring the top until I was satisfied with the shape. 

This basket started out black, but I prefer antique white in this space - so I spray painted it.  I think some of the paint will chip off as keys are thrown in, but the antique white with black chips showing through suits me fine.

Edward inherited several hundred old postcards from his grandmother.

They are all very wonderful, and I'd love to share some with you from time to time. 

This one was mailed in 1903.  Look at the handwriting! 

I have another idea to show you tomorrow that I made from the top portion of the basket.  I hope you will come back to see.

Thanks for stopping by,

Ellie


PS - I'm not finding the wire baskets at the Dollar Tree right now.  I did purchase some recently, but didn't find any this week.  I know they've run out before and then restocked.  I hope they will be back soon.

Parties I Will Be Linking To:

Sunday - The Sunday Showcase Party at Under The Table and Dreaming, DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff   

Monday -  Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Tuesday - Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife,  

Wednesday - Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

Thursday - Open House Party at No Minimalist Here,   Catch As Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

Friday - Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home, Weekend Wrap up Party at Tatertots and Jello   

Decorative Plate Made With Starch and Fabric

I love the Dollar Tree/Store!

I know it runs in our blood because my daughter just told me her favorite outings with her grandmother (my mother) when she was a little girl - were to the Dollar Store.

Here is a craft that will cost you about $1.10, 

but has big dollar appeal.

Simply take a glass plate from the Dollar Tree

cut out a circle of fabric the size of the center of the plate

wet the fabric with liquid fabric starch

smooth the fabric onto the plate

and let dry.

Isn't this stunning?

When you are ready to do something different, 

just wet the plate and peel the fabric off.

My kind of decorating!

Thanks for stopping by,

Ellie

Lavender Tub Tips 


If there are bubbles in the fabric when it has dried, slightly dampen the bubble and lay the plate - fabric side down on a flat surface.


Also, if the frayed edge of the fabric is noticeable, dampen the edge and smooth the threads in place.


Should you have dried starch on the clear part of the plate, just wipe off with warm water and a paper towel.

Parties I Will Be Linking To:

Sunday - The Sunday Showcase Party at Under The Table and Dreaming, DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff   

Monday - Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Tuesday - Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife,  

Wednesday - Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, 

Thursday - Open House Party at No Minimalist Here,   Catch As Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

Friday -  Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home, Weekend Wrap up Party at Tatertots and Jello