I got CANned!...again!

I got CANned!...again!

I sooo loved my last CAN project that I did a repeat because I just CAN't get enough.

This time I got CANned in the kitchen.

Tada...

CAN you guess what kind of CAN I used?

(answer at the end of this post)

My kitchen "tool" drawer was full.

I've tried organizing it a few different ways but it still seemed crowded in there.

After my bathroom organize and store project...

(click this link to check it out and

how to instructions for this project)...

it only made sense to do a re-do on my can project.

It's all black so...I heart it!

cost for me = FREE

(already had everything I needed)

answer = large pineapple juice can

Recipe...

Spiked Pineapple Juice

1 large can pineapple juice

1 (or more) can(s) lemon & lime soda pop (according to your taste)

mix and serve cold

Got a kid that doesn't like fruit/won't eat it.

They will drink this!...and ask for more!

Ya...it's got soda pop, but...you can't win them all:)

Chug-a-lug

mileka:)

Personalized Dishware

Problem #1

6 kids + homeschool + home all day  =  lots of dishes to wash!

Solution - kids wash their own dishes...

Problem #2

Denial!

Whose dish was whose?...

The kids didn't want to wash dishes and would blame the mess.

Solution?

Labels!!!

Check this out...

You get 1 bowl & 1 cup!

It's yours!

You clean it!

Each kid has an assigned number

(according to birth order).

Now we know who the dish monsters are!

No more blaming it on the little kids!

If its got your # you clean it!

Supplies:

• contact paper
• pen
• scissors
• spray paint (for plastic - or you can find an art pen that will write on plastic)
• newspaper

 I printed out the font that I wanted. 

At first I tried using a box cutter to cut the numbers out but my blade was dull. 

I ended up using scissors instead. 

I traced the numbers onto the contact paper (put the numbers under the contact paper and trace).

Then I used a scissors to cut the numbers out.  It was a little tricky...I made a couple of mistakes.  No prob...I learned from my mistakes, tried again, and got better results:)

  Ripped a hole in a piece of newspaper (this is where I put the contact paper number).  The newspaper helps to protect the outer surface and keeps paint where I want it. 

 Here you can see the number stuck on (a cup).  NOTE:  press the contact paper down VERY firmly.  I recommend running your finger nail along the edges.  If it is not stuck on good then the paint will leak out.

I used spray paint specifically designed to stick on plastic.  If you use this stuff it will stick onto your plastic and stay!  Believe me...we've used the dishes a bunch of times already and they have held up excellent!  (how do you like my black spray paint nail polish?)

The kids love it!

my cost

Spray Paint $4 (Walmart)

Contact paper $1 (Dollar Store)

Plastic dishware that we already had = FREE

Total = $5

I was totally low on supplies and actually had to buy:(

But I only used a little of each...

which means...lots of left overs...

which means...

more FREE projects to come:)

Happy eating!

mileka:)

Tin Tags (made with soda pop cans)

My kids used to fight over who gets to sit where at the kitchen table.  

So...we assigned each kid a specific spot to sit at.

Then the chair fights began
(we have mix matched chairs, some with cushions and some without).
Kids were pushing and pulling chairs to their assigned spot at the table.

It was all too much!

I had "had" it with the kids!

I first started out with file folder label stickers with their names as a temporary solution. 

Then I saw this great idea on a blog.

I saw the idea quite a while ago and went back to look for it but couldn't find it
(I wanted to give them props for their idea:)

It is a knock off of those tags that are commonly seen on framed pictures or awards.

I call it Tin Tags

made from a soda pop can

my cost = $1
soda pop cans = FREE...recycled
nails = $1

Supplies:

• soda pop can
• scissors
• something with a straight edge
• ball point pen
• black paint (acrylic)
• small nails

NOTE:  Please use caution and common sense when doing this craft.

It can be dangerous and it is possible to get hurt.

(click here to read our disclaimer)

1.  Cut the can top and bottom off and cut through the center so it can open up.

 2.  Cut a piece larger than the size that you want (you will be bending the edges).

 3.  Using something with a straight edge

(I used the handle of a butter knife) bend back the edge
(in toward the outside of the can).

DO NOT crease the edges.

If you crease the edges they will break off and create a sharp edge as if you had just cut it.

 4.  Continue to fold each edge. 
You will have to open up the folds as you go along (be careful). 
If you don't folding becomes more difficult.

  5.  Cut off each corner so that the cut line touches the folded corner.

The cut corners help the edges to lay flatter.

 6.  Press all folds down (but do NOT crease).

7.   Using a ball point pen (my favorite is the Bick Crystal!) write using pressure.

Write using multiple strokes if needed to create an indentation.

8.  Using black paint, paint onto the writing and rub it off
(leaving behind a thin layer of paint).

The paint will settle into the indentation.  This helps to bring out the writing.
You may need to repeat the process if you rubbed off too much paint.  I like to do 2 coats.



9.  Nail it!

Here you can see how I nailed it differently.

Using 4 nails helps to hold the corners down (excellent for the kid chairs).

On the adult chairs I used some left over tiny nails I had laying around.

For the kid chairs (I ran out of those little nails I had).  I bought carpet tacks #3 from Home Depot for about $1.00.  They were the closest the the size I wanted.  There are a ton in the box. 

I'll never ever need to buy tiny nails again!

Here are 2 variations on the Tin Tag:

you can slide labels into either one

 

  Plain Pocket

Curved Pocket

Happy labeling!

Mileka:)

Awesome Finds: FREE Bar Stools

Found...FREE

Q:  Where?

A:  TRASH

I found these chairs in two different areas. 

Both were out on the sidewalk marked "FREE"...so I took them:)

Here is the kicker...ready to get kicked?  Both locations were no farther than1 road from my home!

 The center stool was a light colored oak. 

I painted it using the no prep spray paint method.

(click this link to read more about the no prep spray painting method)

The two stools at the ends were found in good condition (just needed a good scrubbing). 

They were too tall for the height of the island so I cut them down.

1. Remove plastic bottoms on legs.

2. Using a hand saw, cut legs to size

3.  Replace plastic bottoms on legs.

3 free bar stools

(I had black spray paint left over from the kitchen table project)

mileka:)

Take A Tour: The Kitchen (table & trash bag chairs)

I love my kitchen.  I have a huge island and tons of counter space.

And I love my kitchen table.

When we first moved into our house I insisted that I had a table that fit all of my family.  An 8 seater isn't easy to come by (when you are on a tight budget).  I really like the square shaped ones, but...my dining area is rectangular.  Thus, I had to settle for a rectangular shaped table. 

I went onto Craig's list and found an 8 seater for a great price.  Better yet...it was right down the road.  Literally 2 roads down.  Easy pick up.  What else could I ask for?  Well...I would have loved to have gotten it for free...duh.

It only came with 4 chairs.  I was able to find 4 more...FREE (of course). 

Problem - nothing matched

Solution - spray paint it black

Problem - too lazy to sand

Solution - don't sand

 Yes, I spray painted the table and chairs...

and I DID NOT SAND!!!

How?

1. remove chair cushions
2. Wash and scrub chairs (and table).

3.  Dry

4.  Spray paint ($1walmart brand)

5. Two coats

Once again, I DID NOT sand to prep it.

Cost me about $19 in spray paint.

 2 coats on everything.

(note: depending on the type of wood finish you may need to sand.  Everything had a very light finish and the paint took to it well...so I was able to get away with no sanding.  This isn't always the case.  It is always a good idea to test it out).

I have a plastic table covering on my table.  It helps to protect the table top (because I didn't sand it).  I also love the clear table covering because we slip items underneath (study sheets that we use for home school).

Plastic table covering $6

My Grand total (about) $25


I'd have to say this is the best part. 
Some chairs have cushions and some don't. 
I recovered the cushioned chairs with
black trash bags and the same plastic table covering. 
(click this link to see how I did it)

Mileka:)

How to: Window Valance

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are the super duper quick and easy steps.

1. Measure window and decided how long and how wide you want your valance.

2. Cut cardboard to match your measurements.

3. Cover the cardboard with black material (I already had some).

4. Tape the material around the cardboard...making sure to keep the material taut/tight/fitted.

5. Nail/screw in screws, nails, picture hangers to the wall.

(I used a picture hanger because that is what I already had)

6. Measure/mark your valance and make a hole (I used a scissors) where it will hang.



7.  Hang and enjoy!

Total cost = FREE

(click here to read the full post "Take a Tour: The Kitchen")

Mileka :)

Take a Tour: The Kitchen

Total $2.50

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take a Tour: The Kitchen (windows)

Above are my kitchen windows.

I love them because they are so simple.

The items you see in the picture cost a total of $2.50.

Let's start at the bottom...

Flower arrangement...

I wanted to keep my color palate neutral (other than the black of course) so I went with white flowers.

Flowers $1 (Dollar Store)



I got the vase for free...from Brandi.  They were filled with roses (left over from a wedding she went to). 

I heart roses!  Thanks Brandi!!!

I filled it with rice (because that is what I had) and arranged the flowers in the vase.  I didn't like what it looked like from the front so I wrapped it with black construction paper...
yes, black construction paper...and taped it in place.

Flower Arrangement Total = $1

Moving on up...

Plaque
Had to have it...because it said "simple."


Got it at Goodwill for...$1.50.  It was the most hideous brown.  I spray painted the whole thing black and then went back and painted the letters (with antique white-which I already had).  The letters were already carved into to board...so I just followed their lines.

Plaque Total = $1.50



Moving up again...

This is the best part...the free part!
Window Valance

(click this link to see how I made the window valance)

Flower Arrangement = $1

Plaque = $1.50

Window Valance = FREE

TOTAL = $2.50

Mileka :)