Updating Frames with Paint

A few months ago, I updated some of my framed art by removing the print and replacing it with fabric.  This past weekend, I updated more framed art in my house.  However, this time, I kept the existing prints intact, and used spray paint for a whole new look.

The prints in need of an update were were mementos from a trip to Dunns River Falls, originally purchased on a Jamaican vacation several years ago.  When we decorated our first house, I framed the two prints, to match the family room decor:

Prints framed in white-washed frames and green photo mats.

In our current house, we hung the prints in the basement for a time, though the framing has not stood the test of time.  We've intended to address the artwork when we eventually repaint the room.  Over the months, the artwork bothered me every time I looked at it - the frames are too small in proportion to the wall and the white-wash finish/hunter green mats no longer appeals to me.

Outdated framing not really the right look in current house.

A few weeks ago, after we updated the basement lighting and added fabric wall hangings, I removed the prints and placed them in storage.  I needed to see the wall empty before I hung anything else there.  I did not know how long the wall would be empty, but I knew I'd feel inspired eventually, and did not want to rush it.  These days, when it comes to decor, if I don't really LOVE it, I am not spending a dime on it.

This past Saturday, we bought a custom-framed panoramic photo of Atlanta at a moving sale (for a fabulous price).  The frame was royal blue, which I knew would not work anywhere in our home.  However, I felt the photo would perfectly fill the space above the massive, widescreen television in the basement.  To remedy the unfortunate frame color, I decided to spray paint the frame black.

Paint is the cheapest way to make the biggest impact - and not just on walls.  Frames are perfect candidates to be up-cycled or recycled using paint.  An hour or two and a few bucks are all it takes.  Keep this in mind before you toss or donate old artwork.  And, keep it in mind when you are shopping at sales, thrift stores, or flea markets.

While we were purchasing black spray paint in the home improvement store, I thought of the Jamaica prints.  What if I also use spray paint to update their look?  It would save me money on artwork and re-purpose items we already love.  We stopped in the craft store to buy new photo mats and headed home to update the art.

Prepare the Frame:  The first thing I did, after pulling the prints out of storage, was to remove the artwork and glass from the frames:

Print, mat and glass from frame.

Frames ready for paint.

The newly acquired print been custom-framed.  Because we did not want to mess with the backside, we used paper and tape to cover the glass front and protect it from paint over spray:

Paper and tape protect the glass while spraying.

Paint:  We used two coats of black, universal gloss spray paint.  The paint works well on wood, plastic, metal etc.  So, we knew we could use it on both types of frame with no issues.  My husband applied the spray paint outside - in a well-ventilated area.

Insert Artwork:  After the frames were dry, I inserted the new photo mats and original artwork, making sure to center the print.

Painted frames ready for artwork.

 And the artwork was ready to hang.

Artwork with new mats and newly painted frames!

Frame update complete!

Rehang Artwork:  Up went the new Atlanta print.  Up went the new artwork.  We added shelves and relocated the pool cues while we were at it.

Updated artwork rehung on walls.

I am so glad I did not wait until we painted the entire room to make this change.  For just under twenty dollars (for the paint and new mats), we were able to breathe new life into our beloved prints.  What a difference this interim update makes.

While the spray paint was out, I decided to update and up-cycle even more artwork: with spray paint:

I sprayed an old frame with white spray paint and replaced the poster with a quilt remnant.

I refreshed an estate sale find with black paint.

Entryway Clutter: Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes!

Cooler weather set me on a closet clean-up this past week.  After I tackled our jackets, I turned my attention to shoes.   As a mom, I spend far too much time thinking about shoes.  And I don't mean my shoes.  Growing kids equal growing feet.  And that leads to a growing collection of shoes, boots, sandals, etc. that still fit, fit well, and will fit soon.  And don't forget about the shoes that we love, that only mom loves, and only child loves.  All these shoes need to be stored so that no one trips over them and so that everyone can find the right pair of shoes when rushing out the door.  No problem, right?

I've got a pretty good handle on shoe storage within bedroom closets.  It's the entryways that can cause the most heartburn.  Through the years, I've used the following methods to store shoes in and around the entryways to our house(s) - with varying levels of success:

• Shoe Baskets
• Shoe Bench
• Shoe Cubby Organizer
• Shoe Rack
• Shoe Cabinet

This past week, I reshuffled the storage options yet again to solve my current storage dilemma   Keep reading to see how I've used each storage solution, individually and in combination through the years:

Shoe Baskets:  When our first-born became a toddler, we realized we needed to toddler-proof our shoe storage in addition to everything else in the house.  We had far less time to spend locating shoes as we headed out the door.  Often, a shoe we thought we placed in one location had been carted away to another, less obvious location.  We bought large, woven baskets and placed them under our front hall bench.  The baskets were attractive, yet unobtrusive,  and kept shoes neatly out of sight of busy, curious toddlers who enjoyed toting shoes.

Felt pads on bottom of basket protect floor.

This solution worked very well for our small family and we relied on it for many years.  However, once our family grew and we moved into a new house, the number of shoes we needed to store were more than those three baskets could handle.

Baskets under a bench in entry hall contain shoes.

Shoe Bench:  We took the baskets with us to our new house, but searched for a larger space in which to store them and the growing collection of shoes.  We liked the idea of an entry hall storage bench and, ultimately, opted to re-purpose our old toy box.  

What was once a toy box...

The toy box started out as a vintage hope chest, painted a buttery yellow color, when we bought it at a flea market.  To use as a toy box, we painted it green, added a cushion to the top, and affixed wooden letters to the front.   We knew we would need to update it again to use as a shoe bench - the scalloped edge was not the look I was after.  So, we removed the scalloped trim along the bottom using a jig saw, painted it black, and added a new seat cushion.

...became an entry hall bench  that stored shoes.

Paired with the pub mirror, which had hooks for jackets, leashes, hats, etc., the bench was a fabulous solution.  Form and function at its best.

Shoe Cubby Organizer:  Although the shoe bench worked really well for the entry way, we often used the garage entrance.  A pile of shoes and sandals began infringing on the tight doorways - we needed a way to neatly store shoes there as well.   A shoe cubby organizer turned out to be the answer for us.

Shoe Cubby Organizer in laundry room/garage entry.

We set up an inexpensive (yet highly effective) cubby shoe organizer in the laundry room, near the garage entry.  Shoes, sandals, cleats, etc. were neatly organized and visible at kid level.  Perfect!

In our current house, we continue to use the cubby shoe organizer at the garage entry.  In this house, the organizer is positioned on the garage-side of the entry:

Shoe Cubby storage in garage

It is still very effective for shoes, boots, cleats, etc.  To add vertical storage to the organizer, I stacked the it on top of a coordinating shelf.  These both sit atop of my old milk crates.  However, the kids don't like to the cubby organizer now that it's in the garage - they are afraid spiders will make a home inside their shoes and bite them.  So, it's useful for their sandals and flip-flops, but not everyday kids' shoes.

Shoe Rack:  Because the kids were not using the cubby organizer, shoes began to pile up in the front hall.  While the shoes were contained to one basic area, they still created a mountain of shoes that was not the overall design statement I was going for.  My solution was to place a three-tiered shoe rack in the lower half of the front-hall closet.

Three-tiered shoe rack helps contain shoe clutter

This shoe rack was mere steps from the mountain of shoes, but it was concealed behind a door.  I loved it.  My kids did not.  I needed to come up with a new plan that worked for them.

Shoe Cabinet:  What I came up with was a shoe cabinet.  Well, really, I came up with redefining a built-in family room cabinet as a shoe cabinet.

Built-in cabinet used for shoe storage

Our shoe bench was already placed against the family room wall adjacent to the cabinet, though it no longer stores shoes.  I borrowed that 10' x 3' slice of the family room, annexed it to the utility closet/laundry room and created a pseudo mud room using all three areas.  The cleared-out lower cabinet, closest to the bench, is now the new shoe cabinet.  A mat sits in front of the cabinet to catch dirt, and the old pub mirror, placed above the bench, holds hats/visors.

Back entry and 10' x 3' slice of family room comprises my pseudo mud room.

Shoes that are not stowed in the cubby organizer on the way into the house can be stored in the shoe cabinet.  If we enter from the front door, we can stow shoes on the shoe rack in the front hall closet.

Problem solved?  for now, they appear to be in check.  Keeping on top of organization and storage is an ongoing pursuit.  As the family grows and changes, so do our organization needs. Hopefully, I've shared some tips that you can use to contain shoes in your home.  Have other ideas?  I'd love to hear them!

Check back with me and my closet clutter projects.  Now that jackets and shoes are controlled, I need to address seasonal gear storage.

Entryway Clutter: Jacket Hang-ups

It's finally cooling off in Atlanta.  And that means it's time for the sweaters, jackets, and coats. So, I set about my annual purge and purchase of kids' coats.  You know - out with the old and in with the new.  I also addressed the coat storage situation.  Sounds simple enough.  However, this turned into a full-blown reorganization project for me this week - a long over-due reorganization project.  Keep reading to see how I optimized storage in my closet and made order out of seasonal chaos.

How to Contain Coat Clutter?

Based on what we saw during our house hunt, coat closets are rare among newer homes in Atlanta.  It's as if someone thinks we don't wear coats in the south!  Trust me - we wear lots of coats in Atlanta.  You do not often see a mud room in homes down here, so we often make do and get creative with stowing stuff in various locations.  For example, many homeowners hang coats in the garage, in the basement stair landing, etc.

Closets:  A proper coat closet was high up on my must-have list for a new home.  I am amazed at the number of homes we viewed that lacked a proper coat closet!  I guess they assume we all want to buy an armoire or use a coat tree?  Our house not only features a front hall closet, but also a closet off the garage, adjacent to the laundry room.

A coat closet in the front hall...

And, one for the back entry.  I reorganized the closet this week.

Over-the-Door Coat Racks:  In addition to hangers, we also use an over-the-door coat rack in the front hall closet.  Why?  Even though we own plenty of hangers, experience has proven that my people are far more likely to hang a coat up if it's easy.  Coat racks are much easier than hangers.  Of course, hanging the coat up as one enters the house via the garage is even easier than walking all the way to the front hall.  So, I added another over-the-door coat rack to the back closet.

Over the hanger coat rack was over-used!

It got so much use last year that it began to bend from the weight of all the jackets.  And, jackets that  hung closer to the door hinge were constantly getting caught when we closed the door.  Every week or so during the winter and spring, I moved a stack of jackets to the front hall closet (properly hung on hangers, of course).  I decided not to repeat this extra work this fall, so I removed the coat rack and re-purposed it this past week.  Now, it holds brooms and bags in the closet.  Here's how I did it:

• I asked my husband to remove the hanger part (using a hack saw): 

Removing the hanger from coat rack.

• Then, we hung it inside the closet using small electrical cable wire clamps, nailed into the studs, to hold the rack in place.

the coat hooks are attached at the studs for stability. 

• My steam mop, brooms, and reusable, canvas shopping bags hang from the hooks.  

Project Re purpose Coat Rack Complete!

Wall-mounted Coat Racks:  When we lived in Savannah, I hung two coat racks on the wall at the garage entry.  One for adults and one for kids.  These racks got lots of use

Two wall-mounted coat racks hung by garage door in our old house.

I initially thought the over-the-door coat rack would work for my youngest child in this house.  However, he is still a bit to short to reach.  And, because he still has trouble with hangers, I decided to hang a coat rack in the adjacent laundry room  (behind the door) for his jackets.  I also store aprons and laundry bags here. 

The rack was re purposed from the garage - it originally held rakes, shovels, etc.  I spray painted it white and attached it to the wall studs behind the door.

Coat rack in laundry room for younger child's jackets.

When door is open, only a small portion of the coat rack is visible. 

If anyone is entering the house via the basement, they can hang a jacket or hat on the wall-mounted coat rack next to that door.

Wall-mounted coat rack by basement entry

Phew.  Coat clutter has been conquered.  One week into the fall and I can honestly say the system is a success.  Check back with me and my closet clutter projects.  I came up with some good ideas for containing shoes and other seasonal footwear. 

Create a Storage Bin using Woven Recycled Magazines

My kids subscribe to kid's magazines.  However, they don't keep the issues stowed in proper holders, organized and labeled; neat and tidy.  They find this solution difficult to use - they're kids.  While I am glad they read and enjoy their magazines, I prefer the magazines be put away when not in use.  This may be the reason I am always looking for a storage solutions that are functional, easy for kids to maintain, and (preferably) stylish.

Last summer, I discovered a project that meets these requirements and more.  It's a magazine bin made out of woven recycled magazines.   The inspiration for this zero-cost storage solution came to me while shopping for milk crate-style storage bins.  I just hated spending money on more flimsy plastic storage!  I wondered if folded magazines would hold up as well as Duck Tape fashion accessories do.  I tried it and found out that it does, indeed, hold up.  Within an afternoon, I turned a few old kid's magazines and some packing tape into a cute magazine storage bin.  Keep reading to learn how to make one of your own.

Create a Storage Bin Using Woven Recycled Magazines

Materials:

• Three to Four Magazines or Catalogs
• Scissors
• Clear Packing Tape

General How-To:

• Collect colorful magazines
  Note:   This project works with any magazine, catalog, or newspaper insert.  A multi-color bin, made from kid's magazines, is great for kids; an all black and white bin would be cool for someone older.
• Tear out enough pages for the five sides of the bin.
  Note:  If you need multiple magazines, keep them the same type (LEGO and LEGO or Vogue and Vogue).   I used approximately 18 pages per side (9 x 9 squares).  So, I needed a total of 90 pages.

Remove each magazine page at the fold.

• Fold one magazine page in half length-wise and crease. 

First fold:  fold page in half length-wise.

• Open the page and fold half of the first side in to meet the crease.  

Second fold:  meet the center crease.

• Fold the other half in to meet the crease.

Third Fold:  meet center crease.

Note:  You can stop here and skip the fourth fold - if you want more more of each page to show in the finished product.

• If you opt to do the fourth fold, fold both sides in half again to meet the crease.
  Note:  I made the fourth fold.

Fourth fold:  Fold each side in half again.

• Fold in half once more along the original crease.
  Result:  You've created the first slat for your woven bin.  The slats I created from the LEGO magazine measure approximately 10" x 1".   

Final fold: Fold along original crease.

• Repeat these steps for the remaining magazine pages.
  Note:  Get the kids involved - the folding is not difficult, just time consuming.
  Result:  You completed all the slats.  Time to weave. 

Four down.  Only 86 more to go.

• Lay the packing tape on a work surface, sticky-side up, and cut a strip of tape that measures the width of your bin, plus a bit extra.  
  Note:   I cut a piece 12 inches long for a 10" x" 10 cubical bin.

The packing tape is 1" wide.

• Place slats on the tape, leaving one inch of tape at the top.
  Note:  I placed 10 slats vertically on the tape for my bin.
  Note:   To make a smaller bin, just cut the folded magazine slats before you seal with tape.  This technique can be used to create all sorts of items - the sky is the limit.

Extra tape will be folded over the row of slats to secure them.

• Begin weaving the additional slats in an over-under pattern,
  Note:  I was able to fit about 8 slats into the pattern horizontally. 

The beginning of the weave

• Tighten and straighten the slats as you continue weaving.
  Result:  You completed one side of the bin.

Weaving on side one complete.

• Tape the side of the bin completely with the packing tape.
  Note:  This process seals the paper and strengthens the construction.  

All taped up and ready for assembly.

• Repeat these steps for the next four sides.
  Result:  You completed all five sides of the bin.  Time to put it all together.
• Choose one of the bin sides to be the bottom.
• Match the edges of  one side piece and the bottom.  Tape along the edge.
  Note:  Tape both the inside and outside to add strength.  

Match sides and tape together with packing tape.

• Repeat with the other side pieces and the remaining three sides of the bottom piece.
  Note:   Make sure that the text on all sides are facing the same direction when fully assembled. 
• Choose which side will be the outside and which will be the inside.  
• Match up the edges of two sides.  Tape along the edge.
  Note:  Tape both the inside and outside to add strength.

Tape the sides together to form the cube.

• Repeat with the other sides.
• Add one last strip of tape along the top edge to add strength.
  Result:  You are done.  Fill up the bin with magazines, catalogs, toys, and other assorted stuff.

Bin created with Ranger Rick magazines

Bin created with LEGO magazines.

Such a great project.  And it cost nothing!  The kids love that we created something ourselves and that it was a 'green' recycling project.  I love that I have somewhere to toss their magazines.   That's definitely a win-win situation.  Try this project with magazines you have hanging around your house!