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Door Knob Silencer: To Avoid Waking a Sleeping Baby

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This door knob silencer is an easy sewing project for yourself or to make for any new mom. I also find it helpful when wanting to have less slamming doors for families that are on different sleep schedules, toddlers that lock themselves into rooms and for animals trap themselves into rooms. It comes in handy on the days that the windows are open and a gust of wind swings the doors shut.  This sewing project takes about 15 minutes to create and the result can give you years of quiet closing doors.


I wish I had known about this easy sewing project when my boys were babies. Trying to sneak a peek into their rooms and not wake them, but as I left the room the sound of the latch would startle them out of their slumber.  So frustrating when you just want to go unwind on the couch with a glass of wine and binge on Netflix. Instead I had to get them back to sleep and defer my moment of free time at the end of the day. Here is your solution to less slamming doors, more restful sleep and hopefully a little me time.

Prepare your material

  • Pre-washed flannel: 7½ inches x 5 inches
  • Fusible Batting: 3½ inches x 5 inches (follow the link to get your own)
  • 2 strips of Elastic: 3½ inches long



Assemble Your Material

  1. Iron your batting onto half of the wrong side of the material. Using one sided fusible batting and press with your iron on wool setting, do not use steam. It doesn’t have to be super secure, just to hold in place while sewing the project.
  2. Fold your elastics in half and pin onto right side of material. Locate the elastic about a quarter of the way along the length of the flannel fabric. Pin the elastic a bit over a ¼ inch from the edge. (This will come in handy when you sew your fabric together, the elastic will stay in place and your presser foot & needle will avoid this pin.) Otherwise you can just tack the elastic in place rather than pinning. 
  3. Fold your fabric in half right sides facing each other and pin off to hold in place. 
  4. Sew around the 3 open edges of the rectangle leaving space at one corner to turn material right side out when done sewing. Sew with a straight stitch with a ¼ inch allowance. Be sure to reinforce the area where the elastic is attached by going over that area a couple times. 
  5. Trim the corners, minding the stitching, to make sharper corners when to right side out the fabric. Turn the project right side out. Remember there are sharp pins inside your fabric, try and remove them instead of getting stuck in the finger. 
  6. Ladder stitch the open area to achieve a hidden seam. If you are not sure how to do this I found this great YouTube demonstration of how to close an opening.

completed Door Knob Silencer!

Door Knob Silencer. Quick and easy sewing project for nursery. New moms would love this functional gift to keep your door latch quiet when the door opens and closes.




There you have it! Your very own door knob silencer. No more slamming doors or noisy latches to waken sleeping babies.

I hope you enjoyed this quick easy sewing craft that you can make for yourself or as a great gift for any new mom.Door Knob Silencer. Quick and easy sewing project for nursery. New moms would love this functional gift to keep your door latch quiet when the door opens and closes.

Door Knob Silencer. Quick and easy sewing project for nursery. New moms would love this functional gift to keep your door latch quiet when the door opens and closes.
Door Knob Silencer. Quick and easy sewing project for nursery. New moms would love this functional gift to keep your door latch quiet when the door opens and closes.


The post Door Knob Silencer: To Avoid Waking a Sleeping Baby appeared first on Fun Happiness & Life.


‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Box: A Family Tradition

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As I am writing this post it is 47 days until Christmas. Life is coming at me pretty fast this year and I haven’t been on top of Christmas presents. I am set with my Night Before Christmas Box. This is one of my favorite Christmas Traditions. It sets the tone for Christmas day and helps my kids get to bed the night before Christmas.


How to make A ‘Twas the Night before Christmas box

This is going to be the easiest how to. Find a large box with a removable lid and cover with durable wrapping paper. I say durable, so you don’t have to recover this every year. Mine so far has lasted 5 years and going strong. We also use it for Christmas storage when it’s not holiday season. See it serves multiple purposes. You so need to make this!Twas the Night Before Christmas Box is a terrific family tradition that helps the kids get to bed, look nice in the morning and kick off Christmas day with JOY!

What to put into your CHristmas Box

  1. Pajamas for the whole family. Getting PJs for the whole family to put on the night before Christmas helps to ensure nice Christmas morning photos. You can have your whole family match or just coordinate. It’s also fun to find goofy PJ’s for everybody to wear! Click on any of the images below to check out more outfits.
    2. A new Christmas book. I love having an opportunity to add to our library. We get out our Christmas books and pop them in our Christmas book box, so it’s easy for the kids to pick up and enjoy all Christmas. I try to add to our home library when ever I can. This year I think I might add a personalized Christmas book. My kids always get excited when they see their own names in a book. Click on the image below to check out one for yourself from “I See Me” line of personalized books.3. Snacks for Reindeer and Santa. This is fun for the kids to dig out of the box and set up the carrots, cookies, with Santa’s mug and plate. Obviously these are perishable items, so you can’t stock this part up early. We have a special mug and plate that only is for Santa, the kids love setting this up in the right place in the house so Santa doesn’t miss it. Click on any of the images below to order one today to have in time for Christmas Eve.

4. Other Ideas: Make your box your own. You can add a Christmas movie with movie treats. A new ornament to hang on the tree. A Christmas puzzle to set up and work on Christmas Day as a family. Hot chocolate and new mugs for the family with peppermint sticks. A new stuffed animal to go to bed with and hug on Christmas Eve night. 

Make It Monday for Christmas

This ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Box is a great way to kick off Christmas Day. It sets the kids up for getting off to bed all in their PJs, the book calms them down to maybe be able to fall asleep, and you never forget to leave a treat for Santa to refresh him as he delivers his gifts! Make this one of your own memorable Christmas traditions your children can pass on to their children. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all!

Twas the Night Before Christmas Box is a terrific family tradition that helps the kids get to bed, look nice in the morning and kick off Christmas day with JOY!

Twas the Night Before Christmas Box is a terrific family tradition that helps the kids get to bed, look nice in the morning and kick off Christmas day with JOY!
Twas the Night Before Christmas Box is a terrific family tradition that helps the kids get to bed, look nice in the morning and kick off Christmas day with JOY!

 

 

The post ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Box: A Family Tradition appeared first on Fun Happiness & Life.

IKEA Hack: How to Update Your Furniture

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I hope you had fun following along with my quickie decor project on Instagram. For videos look under my IKEA hack highlights bubble. If you weren’t there for it, here’s a recap. I decided to tackle a dark Hemnes glass door cabinet in my front room. Are you ready to see how you can complete a quick IKEA hack to brighten and personalize a sad piece of furniture? (the answer is a HELL YES!)

BEFORE:

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

AFTER:

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

looking for more pictures? here you go….

BEFORE:

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

AFTER:

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

Did you see the change in hardware? How about being able to see the treasures inside? Did you notice how much brighter this corner of the room looks? Let’s figure out this easy IKEA hack.

Here’s what you’ll need: (don’t worry it’s a short list)

Step 1: Prep

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

Empty your furniture and clean it up. Take out the shelves as able, the middle one was screwed in for stability so I kept it in. I took the others out and cleaned them up as well.

I needed to sand down the wood that I was going to paint because the coating doesn’t take paint well. To avoid the mess that manual sanding makes I used liquid sandpaper. This was my first time using it and it was super easy. All you need is a coarse clean rag. You wipe down the entire piece following the instructions on the bottle. After that’s done I cleaned up the surface with a tack cloth to remove any additional debris.

Step 2: Prime and Paint

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

I ended up completing 3 coats of paint. The piece was so dark and I was painting it with a much lighter color. Starting with priming the entire inside of the piece and the shelves and then adding on 2 more coats of my color. I chose Sandstone Cove by Behr. I was using the same color I had in my room for a more cohesive look. Cut it in with a bristle brush and then rolled it out with a 1/4 nap roller for a nice smooth finish.

Step 3: Add Hardware

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

Here’s the hardware I used. I was able to use the same holes that the original hardware was in. So this was a quick step of remove the old and pop in the new. But what an updated look to otherwise drab hardware.

Step 4: Have Fun with Your Treasures

IKEA Hack: update your Hemnes cabinet

This was the hard part for me, I invited my neighbor over to help out with the arranging. Here’s her advise:

  • Have varying heights (like peaks and valleys)
  • Put collections together
  • Try to stick with groupings of 3
  • Ground small objects with larger ones
  • Think in layers

Easiest IKEA hack ever! Right? Follow me for more tutorials @funhappinessandlife. Check my stories under IKEA hack for videos of all the steps! The list of supplies you will need to complete this is right HERE.

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Rolling Over the Bed Table: How to Build Your Own

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This table wanted to be built so bad. I saw it at IKEA and thought…I can do that for half the price. The IKEA version is about $129 US currency, other brands are even more expensive. This is the first full piece of furniture I built and stained from scratch. If I can do this so can you! I will tell you my rookie mistakes that I made along the way so you won’t have them. If you do make mistakes, it’s okay that’s the fun of DIY! Check my Instagram highlights “Bed Table” for the video step by step.

Supplies and Tools I used:

If you do not own any power tools, don’t despair. You can get your wood cut at most places you will need to purchase your wood from. All the rest you can do with hand tools, power tools just make it easier! First let’s check out the tools.

  • Power drill
  • Hand sander
  • Chop saw
  • Bristle brush
  • Foam brush
  • Clamps

The supplies are the items we are going to use up and so you may need to replace. All of these can be bought in smaller or bulk sizes depending on how many over the bed tables you intend on building!

  • Stain (I used Ebony, but you can use whatever you like)
  • Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
  • Polyurethane
  • Mineral spirits (for cleaning your brushes)
  • Multiple grit sand paper (coarse, medium, and fine)
  • Tack cloths

Your over the bed table can be held together and made functional with many different options. I listed below what I used, but would love to see what others come up with!

  • One 12″ x 6′ select pine board
  • Two 2″ x 6″ timber boards
  • Corner braces
  • Mending plates
  • Rigid casters
  • Wood glue

Let’s Make This Beauty

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own

Step 1: Buy the Wood

Actually step one is measuring your bed…..so you can buy the wood. I have a queen sized bed frame up on risers. To measure I sat on my bed and measured from the top of my legs down to the floor. I wanted to be sure I could fit under the table. Subtract the height of the casters and viola you’ve got it. Measure the width of your bed for the table top.

I purchased my wood at Menard’s, it’s a large home improvement store in the midwest. Take your time picking out the top piece of wood since this is going to be the one you will be working on for years to come from the serenity of your bed…..

There is a bunch of different options for wood I decided on little more expensive piece because it was better quality. I would avoid any wood that is going to warp or bend, there is no middle support in this table. If you are not sure what is a good wood to use from the assortment, ask one of the employees, if they don’t know, ask someone else.

Step 2: Prep the Wood

This over the bed table project uses all straight cuts. You can have your home improvement store make the cuts, use a chop saw, table or circular saw. I used a chop saw. Of course before cutting I measured like 15 times……well maybe not that many, but I measured it a bunch of times to be sure.

Over the Bed Table How You Can Build Your Own

Next I sanded all the wood starting first with a course sand paper like 80 grit, then 150 grit, and finished with 220 grit. I used my rotary sander and wore a face mask to avoid inhaling all the wood particles. Using my rotary sander I rounded the edges of the top board slightly.

Over the Bed Table How You Can Build Your Own
Over the Bed Table How You Can Build Your Own

Step 3: Stain the Wood

Prior to staining it is always good to apply a pre-stain conditioner. I had a small container of oil based stain left over from a previous project. This was my first mistake. I ran out half way through and started using a water based conditioner for the rest of the project. There is a difference in the stain that I can see, so the side where it occurred is on the bottom of the table.

Over the Bed Table How You Can Build Your Own

Following sanding, wipe down wood with your tack cloth then apply the conditioner in the direction of the grain. Wait 15 minutes for it to soak into the wood and then wipe off the excess with a lint free cloth. Now its time for the color!!

Over the Bed Table How You Can Build Your Own

Stir the stain prior to using, avoid shaking the can, you do not want air bubbles. Apply the stain from the center out in an even layer, to avoid running over. I did not follow this direction very well, you will see later the run over problems I had.

Allow the stain to soak in for up to 15 minutes to have a deeper color on the wood. Wipe off any excess with a clean lint free rag. I wore gloves and switched to a more protective respirator for the duration of the project. After the stain you should wait 4 hours prior to applying more. I ended up doing 3 coats of stain.

Step 4: Protecting Your Desk Top

Over the Bed Table How You Can Build Your Own

After the staining is done and you are happy with the finish, time to seal it with a little polyurethane. I used a water based urethane and applied it with a foam brush. Stain and poly have the same rules: stir to mix, apply in thin coats from the inside out to avoid run over, follow the grain when applying and protect your lungs when using. You need to wait at least 2 hours or until fully dry to apply the next coat. At least 3 coats of poly are needed for good coverage. Sand the poly between coats and wipe clean with a tack cloth to get a smooth even finish.

Step 5: Assembly

Once everything is completely dry check out your wood. Mine had some run over to the a few of the sides so mocked up the fit and put the good sides out and the less attractive sides in.

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own

Using wood glue apply to the insides of the boards and clamp to hold in place. Next I attached mending plates to the reinforce the connection between the two boards. Check out the picture below you can see where my stain ran over, luckily this will be facing the bed.

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own

Let the wood glue cure for about 30 minutes before attaching the top board. Using the clamps to hold the pieces together.

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own

Next add the casters to the bottom of the boards, using wood screws for all attachments.

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own

Then late at night when you are wearing your pajamas assemble the top on the two sets of legs. Just kidding, you can wear your regular clothing, no need for pajamas for this step. But when you are so anxious to complete this project you are willing to complete it in your PJs!

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own

I completed the assembly in my bedroom, because I did not want to climb the steps up from the basement carrying a table the width of my bed. I love how it looks and it works terrifically.

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own

Prices of the Products:

  • 1×12 6 foot Select Pine board $29.48
  • two 2×6 6 foot timber $9.38
  • Mending brace $2.96
  • Corner brace $13.98
  • Rigid Casters $15.96

Total Cost: $71.76

I had all the other supplies I needed for this over the bed table including stain, brushes, conditioner, polyurethane and tools. If you do not have these supplies, it could increase your cost by about $25 dollars.

Let me know how your over the bed table turns out! To stay caught up with all my home DIY activities follow me, Kim Amy on Instagram @funhappinessandlife!

Over the Bed Table How to Build Your Own #DIYfurniture #bedtable

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How to Paint Your Brick Fireplace

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I am always amazed at what just a little bit of paint can do to change the whole feel of room. Having a wood burning fireplace in my home is something I love, but the look of my fireplace was not attractive. It had a gold fireplace insert and soot covered bricks. It made my front room appear dark and dingy. Time to upgrade this fireplace.

BEFORE

How to paint your brick fireplace

AFTER

Paint Your Fireplace DIY painted brick

FIREPLACE BRICK SUPPLIES:

click on any image below for easy shopping

  • TSP solution
  • Scrub brush
  • high nap paint roller
  • large brush
  • interior paint
  • painter’s tape

METAL SURROUND SUPPLIES:

click on any image below for easy shopping

  • foam brush
  • high heat paint
  • painter’s tape

WALL PAINT SUPPLIES:

click on any image below for easy shopping

  • paint roller
  • paint brush
  • painter’s tape
  • interior paint

Step 1: Clean the Brick

Protect the area with paper, tape and protective sheets. Started by vacuuming off the brick of loose debris. Mix the TSP with warm water as the instructions on the label describe. Scrub the bricks with a controlled hand to avoid spattering the TSP around the room and rinse off.

Paint your fireplace, first clean with TSP

Step 2: Paint the Metal Surround

Use high grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of the metal surround so that the paint adheres well to the surface. I like the control I get when I use a sandpaper block, but have a bunch of loose paper. Solution is to wrap the loose one around the other.

Paint your fireplace and metal surround

Use the high heat paint on your surround and any interior bricks. Basic interior paint will work for the bricks outside of the fireplace. Apply the high heat paint with sponge paint brush rather than a bristle brush to avoid brush strokes on the metal surface. Tape off any of the areas you don’t want the high heat paint to touch and apply 2-3 coats waiting for ample dry time in between.

How to Paint Your Brick Fireplace

Step 3: Paint the Brick

Start by painting over the mortar between the bricks. My bricks are very rough I used an older brush and when I was finished with the project it was destroyed. A couple of coats should do the trick.

How to Paint Your Brick Fireplace

Using the thicker nap rollers (the rougher your brick the thicker the nap you will need). My bricks are pretty rough so I used 1 1/4 inch nap roller. Roll out the bricks, allowing drying time in between coats.

How to Paint Your Brick Fireplace

Step 4: Look around the room and find another project…Paint the Wall!

The fireplace looked great when it was all done! The wall needed an update now that the fireplace looked better. Since I had all the supplies out…

How to Paint Your Brick Fireplace

Time to paint the wall a whole new color….since I already had the supplies out. Isn’t that the way it always happens, one project turns into another.

How to Paint Your Brick Fireplace

This room has become my favorite in the house. It is so bright an welcoming rather than dingy and dark. I never knew it was so easy to paint your fireplace.

Paint Your Fireplace DIY painted brick

This is the same room I completed my simple IKEA furniture revamp, check it out here.

Paint Your Fireplace DIY painted brick

Head on over to my Instagram page at Fun Happiness and Life, my highlights contain more pictures. Give me a follow and you can see if I end up adding a mantel!!

All of the supplies are linked in my Amazon Idea List: Fireplace Upgrade, for your easy shopping pleasure!

Paint Your Fireplace, You Won't Believe the Change #paintedbrick #paintedbrickfireplace #paintedfireplace

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DIY Playing Card Holder

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My boys and I have a regular game night. The last time we played I realized the boys needed some playing card holders. In addition to being able to hold and organize your cards, this playing card holder lets your hands be free for munching on popcorn. That’s a win for everyone! The DIY card holder is a simple home project that needs very little supplies.

Let’s do this!

Supplies:

Click on any image below for easy shopping.

  • scrap pieces of wood
  • stain (if wanted)
  • polyurethane (if wanted)
  • felt adhesive rounds

Tools:

Click on any image below for easy shopping.

  • circular saw
  • rotary sander
  • supplies for staining/painting/polyurethane

Let’s Get Started

The scrap piece of wood I would recommend should be about an inch thick, any thicker the cards will be partially hidden. (I know I tried, I wasn’t happy). The size of the each card holder is approximately 4″ x 10″, but these are not exact. It is scrap wood so make it the size you want! Okay time to cut some grooves.

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

Getting to know your saw

Circular saws have all generally the same design. First we need to adjust the depth of the saw as it’s cutting through the wood to make the grooves, not to cut through the card holder entirely. You will need to adjust the depth and the angle of the blade.

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

To decrease the depth that the saw is going through the wood you need to adjust the level of the shoe. (The shoe is the horizontal plate). There is a lever in the back of the saw, typically under the handle. Pull that up and you can adjust that level.

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

The angle is adjusted by the lever in the front. Flip that up and adjust to the angle you prefer, I did about a 30 degree angle. Make sure to tighten the levers so that the saw is secure at those depths and angles.

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

First cut in a scrap piece of wood you DO NOT intend to use for your card holders, just to make sure you have everything the way you like it. Then get out your card holder pieces of wood and cut on through.

Finishing Your Card Holder

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

Next you can either hand sand or use your orbital sander and smooth over all the edges. My kids do not like to get splinters, not sure about yours…. I started with 120 grit and moved to 220 grit. As the number goes up in sandpaper the coarseness becomes more fine.

This circular sander is one of the most helpful tools in my arsenal. I use it for almost every project including the first piece of furniture I ever made, Over the Bed Table. Check out how I treated the wood in this post.

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

Next finish them off with paint, stain and polyurethane of your choice. Bare wood is a great option too. I finished mine with poly because I know my kids will spill on them, or I will, at some point.

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

Next add some little feet to them so they do not scratch the surface of your table. I love this Thomasville furniture and surface protection kit, I use it so often for almost every piece of furniture in my home in some way.

Time to Play Cards

Time to get out the cards and put this card holder to the test. Pop some popcorn and have a fun game night that everyone can participate in!

DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft
DIY playing card holder easily hand made out of scrap wood. Great for playing cards with when you are not able to hold your own. Or want your hands free to eat all the snacks. #adaptivetool #leisureactivity #modification #scrapwoodproject #diywoodcraft

The post DIY Playing Card Holder appeared first on Fun Happiness & Life.

Face Mask Tutorial

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Currently our nation’s healthcare workers have a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks. Children’s Wisconsin, the local pediatric hospital released instructions on how to make face masks. They are currently asking for donations. The following is a face mask tutorial using the instructions they provided. I have also placed a IGTV video tutorial at Fun Happiness and Life instagram page.

Precautions:

Do Not make face masks for donation if there is anyone in your home who:

  • smokes
  • has tested positive for COVID-19
  • has any symptoms of respiratory illness

DO make face masks for donation with:

  • pre-washed fabric
  • in a clean environment
  • with clean hands
  • use supplies you have on hand

Filters: According to Cambridge University (see the article)

Children’s Wisconsin is providing the filters if you are planning to donate.

Here are some recommended filters if you want to place your own.

  • Vacuum bags
  • Tea towels with high thread count
  • Cotton blend t-shirts

Do not try on the face mask you are planning to donate.

Material list:

Click on any image below for easy shopping:

  • 7 1/2′ x 7 1/2″ 100% cotton squares (2): you can use pillow cases, cotton quilting material, cotton tea towels, cotton t-shirt material
  • 8″ Elastic: you can use hair ties, covered elastic or 1/8″ to 1/4″ elastic
  • 5 1/2″ length of wire: you can use florist wire, twist ties, beading wire, pipe cleaners

Tool list:

Click on any image below for easy shopping:

  • Sewing machine
  • Iron and board
  • Rotary cutter
  • Wire snips
  • Needle nose pliers
Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Let’s get started making a Face Mask

Place the two squares of fabric on top of each other, right sides together. Place a pin 1 1/2″ inches in from the edge on the top of the material. Sew a 1/4″ seam from the edge to the pins. This it the top (nose) side of the face mask. You are creating the pocket for the filter.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Iron this 1/4″ seam open, including the gap.

Stitch both sides of seam using a straight stitch.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Place right sides together and sew a seam along the bottom (chin side) of the face mask using a 1/4″ allowance.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Turn right side out and adjust the fabric so that the opening for the filter is about 1/2″ from the top (nose side) of the mask.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Sew along the top of the mask about 1/8″ from the top. This will be the casing for the wire to go over the bridge of the nose.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Crimp both edges of the wire into a very small circle.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Insert wire and center in face mask casing.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Next is to make 3 pleats in the face mask. First fold mask in half and press with your iron. Pinch crease at each end and fold 1/2″ of material down towards the chin. Press first pleat with iron. Repeat making a pleat above and below the original pleat to form 3 pleats all parallel to each other.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE
Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE
Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Sew along each side of face mask to hold pleats in place.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Almost done!!

To finish the sides use about 1 1/2″ wide strip of material to bind the edges of the mask. Fold in sides of binding material and press. Wrap around edges of mask, and sew along each side of the face mask.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE
Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

Tack on elastic ear loops 1/2″ from the top and bottom of the face mask. Stitch back and forth over the elastic to form a secure hold on the elastic.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE
Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

YOUR FACE MASK IS DONE!

If you are planning on donating this face mask please do not try them on!

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

The health care system has limited supplies and they need equipment to protect themselves including these masks. Please consider donating as many masks as you can to your local hospital!

IF you have any questions about this face masks tutorial add them to the comments. You can also find a video face mask tutorial on my Instagram page.

Tutorial for face mask. Following instructions released by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. #facemasktutorial #covid-19 #PPE

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One Room Challenge Week 1: Meet My Room

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It’s that time of year again….actually it was that time of year about a month ago but due to COVID it got pushed back….so now it’s that time of year!! I am jumping into the One Room Challenge (ORC) as a guest participant. This year my room is to make over my home office….craft room….junk room…kids library…. into a guest room and functional home office.

What the heck is an ORC?

The One Room Challenge (ORC) is a biannual event of designers, makers, and DIYers who all sign up to be guest participants in an epic battle. Nope it’s not a battle, it’s like minded supportive people who come together for one month and revamp one room.

One room challenge to make over this small junk room into a guest bedroom and home office. #ORC #oneroomchallenge #guestbedroom #homeoffice
BEFORE

Last year I did a little DIY to my powder room and chronicled it all on my Instagram page. This year I was adventurous and decided to add the blog posts to the experience. I will have a new blog post up every Thursday to document the progress. If that’s not enough and you are looking for behind the scenes action, check out my stories on Instagram at Fun Happiness and Life for daily updates. All of the guest participants are linking up their projects on the official ORC page, go check all of us out we are awesome!

One room challenge to make over this small junk room into a guest bedroom and home office. #ORC #oneroomchallenge #guestbedroom #homeoffice
AFTER

A Clean Slate

First things first a clean slate. This little room has been through a number of changes, but most recently it has turned in to a den of neglect, misuse and destruction. If you want to see my embarrassment and lack of housekeeping hop over to my instagram highlights labeled Guest/Office and the following ORC label.

It’s all cleaned out…well mostly. I still have the kids’ library bookcase, a desk and a file cabinet in the room. The kids’ library bookcase is annoying to move. Currently I don’t know what to do with all the books, so I’m just going to imagine it’s not there. The desk and file cabinet are going to be used in the space, but they need a little DIY fluff to improve their aesthetic.

One room challenge to make over this small junk room into a guest bedroom and home office. #ORC #oneroomchallenge #guestbedroom #homeoffice

The room is on the smaller size, it was perfect for the nursery when the kids were little. It’s dimensions are approximately 11 feet by 8 feet.

One room challenge to make over this small junk room into a guest bedroom and home office. #ORC #oneroomchallenge #guestbedroom #homeoffice

It has two windows located at a corner. Actually every room in my house has corner windows. I love how that looks, but sometimes it makes styling a room and window dressings a little difficult.

One room challenge to make over this small junk room into a guest bedroom and home office. #ORC #oneroomchallenge #guestbedroom #homeoffice

It also has a small closet that has some potential, but needs a little loving care.

One room challenge to make over this small junk room into a guest bedroom and home office. #ORC #oneroomchallenge #guestbedroom #homeoffice

Plans

Tune in next week to see the plans. If you can’t wait I’m sure I will be chatting about it over on my Instagram stories. Let’s be honest I cannot keep a secret. Glad you are coming along on this journey. Drop me a comment let me know if you are participating or just enjoying being a voyeur on this experience!

The post One Room Challenge Week 1: Meet My Room appeared first on Fun Happiness & Life.


One Room Challenge Week 3: File Cabinet Upgrade

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Taking this old file cabinet and giving it an upgrade for the One Room Challenge. First fixing up the file cabinet with some elbow grease and paint. Then I’m planning on making a base so that it raises off the floor and is more portable. Let’s bang out this quick DIY this weekend!

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

FILE CABINET UPGRADE

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

Supplies:

Click on images below for easy shopping.

Cleaning up the exterior with a little Goof Off, some vinegar and possibly some rubbing alcohol. Many stickers and pieces of tape have found their way onto this file cabinet. Goof Off worked the best for me to get the sticky stuff gone and a water vinegar mixture helped to clean up the rest.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

Using the sand paper to rough up the surface so it takes the paint. I started with the areas that weren’t going to be pink with Metallic Pure Gold by Rustoleum.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

Allowed that to dry and covered with painter’s tape before applying the pink layers. A sharp utility knife worked great to get a crisp edge on the tape.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

Ready for the pink paint on this old file cabinet! When using spray paint try to remain 6″ or more away from the surface applying thin layers. This will help you to avoid drips. If drips occur allow the paint to dry, sand off the area and reapply.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

MAKING THE BASE

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

Supplies

Click on any image below for easy shopping

Using scrap wood I had on hand: pressed plywood for the base and ripped down baseboards for the edges. The base wood needs to be strong enough to hold the load, my file cabinet is small (15″ x 18″) so this plywood will be able to hold it. I cut the base about 1/4″ larger than the bottom of the file cabinet.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

The baseboards got ripped down and mitered to a 45 degree angle to frame the base. Here’s the mock up before I started attaching the framing pieces to the plywood. Check out that PINK!

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

Next attach the frame with a combination of wood glue and pin nails. The frame will not be holding up the file cabinet, but it will clean up the edges of my base wood.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice
File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

To cover the pins or any imperfect mitered corners on the frame, I fill with plastic wood. As an alternative you can use a combination of sawdust and wood glue. Allow it to dry and sand flat. Both the wood-glue-sawdust combination and plastic wood are sand-able and stain-able.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

Prior to staining anything I give it a good sand, wipe with a tack cloth and apply some wood conditioner. The pre-stain wood conditioner helps the stain to absorb evenly into the wood. After the pre-stain, I applied 2 coats of the gel stain. When applying gel stain the first layer is applied AGAINST the grain, which is usually hard for me to remember.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

I made the mistake of adding the casters prior to finishing the frame. When you make yours add the casters after the frame is affixed and stained. I found these casters, where else but Amazon.

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

File Cabinet Upgrade is Complete!!

File Cabinet Upgrade for a functional home office with style. #filecabinet #homeoffice

This the first piece of furniture I am placing in my empty room for the One Room Challenge. I am redesigning my catch-all room into a functional office with guest room additions for any visitors. Catch up with my activities over on my Instagram page at Fun Happiness and Life. I saved the process in my highlights under file cabinet.

The One Room Challenge is a great place to find inspiration for your home. Head over and check out what the other guest participants have linked up this week!

The post One Room Challenge Week 3: File Cabinet Upgrade appeared first on Fun Happiness & Life.

DIY Hanging Planter

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This DIY hanging planter hits all the bohemian feels, with the macrame rope, natural wood and terra-cotta pots. It will only take you an hour to put together but draw your eye in any room. The natural simplicity and availability of materials makes this DIY a must for any indoor gardener. This one I hung in my bathroom that I am refurbishing check my progress here.

Collect Your Supplies

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.
  • different sized terra cotta pots
  • macrame rope
  • 2″ thick cookie of wood from downed tree
  • power drill
  • hole saw kit

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE ABOVE FOR EASY SHOPPING TO MAKE YOUR OWN DIY PLANTER

Drill Your Holes

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.

First step to making this hanging planter is drilling your holes. Start by matching up your drill bit to the bottom of your pot to get the closest fit. It will work best if the drill bit is slightly larger than the base of your pot. Once the hole is formed the pot with rest inside the hole and sink in a little for a more secure fit.

To apply a hole saw kit to your power drill, first make sure the power supply is disconnected from the power drill. Insert the bit into the hole saw and slide the saw onto the mandrel. The mandrel is the metal filling that holds the bit. Grip the base of the saw with one wrench and the base of the drill with another to tighten.

Clamp your cookie (circular slice of wood) to your work surface and drill your holes through the wood. Depending on the strength of your drill and the hardness of the wood it may take a little pressure to get through. Your bit will get hot to the touch so don’t burn your fingertips.

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.

Protecting Your Wooden Planter

Depending on where you are planning to place your hanging planter you may have to protect your wood. This one is going into this bathroom right next to the shower, so it needs protection from the dampness. I apply pre-stain or wood conditioner, before staining or sealing any wood.

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.

After 10 minutes pre-stain is applied it’s time to apply 3-4 coats of polyurethane. First coat should be thin and allowed to dry thoroughly. The following coats can be applied with drying thoroughly between each coat. Drying time depends on polyurethane product and the humidity in the air. Apply your polyurethane according to the directions on the can.

Macrame Tying

There are a variety of macrame cords available at craft stores that come in a variety of colors. Use 3 lengths of rope for the macrame hanging planter cut to 6 feet in length. Your length will depend on the height of your ceiling and width of your cookie. Cut the rope longer than you think you will need, you can always cut away any excess.

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.

Overlap the cords and tie a simple knot at the end, this is what will attach to your ceiling hook.

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.

Separate the cords into 3 sets of 2 and tie a simple knot to hold each of the sets together.

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.

Gather the end of the rope leaving plenty of length to trail under the planter. Tie your final knot. Hang your planter inside the ropes. Don’t put your pots into the planter until it’s at the height you want. I liked the look of opening up and fraying the fibers. If the strings are uneven feel free to give it a trim.

Enjoy Your New Planter

Place your plants into the holes in your new planter. I sealed my holes on the bottom of the pots to prevent dripping when they get watered. Just made sure there was a layer of rocks in the base to allow for good drainage. Then sit back and enjoy your beautiful new planter!

DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.
DIY hanging planter made from found wood, macrame and terra cotta pots. This natural planter will add design to any room.

The post DIY Hanging Planter appeared first on Fun Happiness & Life.





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