[so cheap, so easy]: Emily Henderson's Dowel Coatrack

Have you guys seen this? I love it, and I think that even I could handle this. (And, by I, I actually mean me. I could actually do it myself, and not just have the idea then beg Jeremy to do it for me.) I mean, this is right up my alley: a project that entails just looking at the pictures, no reading instructions on this one, folks. Supplies needed are four six-foot dowels, paint, tape, and rope. Paint the dowels, then tie them together. Really.  Check out the full post here.

image from Emily Henderson

[so cheap, so easy]: Outdoor Mason Jar Chandelier

Ok, so here's the disclaimer: I don't sew, and I don't know how to use power tools. So, when I say that something's easy, I mean that it may be easy(ish) for someone who knows what he or she is doing. I may or may not be correct. With that being said, this project looks like it is totally doable...with the right tools (and person). In other words, I bet I could find someone to make this for me.

image source unknown

[so cheap, so easy]: License Plate Art

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite DIYs. I've revamped it from its original form when it was covered in fabric instead of painted. This piece definitely gets a lot of attention--everything from, "I really love that," to "Why did you do that to your license plates?" (The latter is always from men, so those comments don't count!) This project is super easy AND super cheap. All you need is particle board (I had mine cut to 24x32); license plates, of course; furniture nails; spray paint; and paint for the particle board (I used urbane bronze by Sherwin Williams).  Simply spray paint your license plates, paint your particle board (or cover in fabric), and attach the license plates using furniture nails. That's it, you're done! 

[so cheap, so easy]: Decorating with Branches

I'm not sure what my fascination is with sticks and branches, but it's true: I love them. I love the natural, raw, way of them. I'm pretty sure I have them in every room in some form or another. Stella often brings me sticks from outside, because she knows I love them, and I even keep those. When Christmastime rolls around, I have been known to have Hubs join me on a stick hunt, because I like to add them to my Christmas tree or put them in vases and hang ornaments from them. I finally talked him into just letting me store them for the next year, because sometimes those stick hunts get pretty cold. Unfortunately, the sticks from last year have found new homes around our house, so we will need more this year. I have a beaut of a branch that I found in the canyon while riding horses with my family one day. I've been mocked for that thing, but I have grand plans for that thing. I mean, really, look at all the amazing things you can do with a branch. Oh yeah, and they're free. P.S. Does this post make me sound weird or obsessive, or like a stick hoarder? It's okay if it does. I'm okay with all three.

image from Fawn DeViney

image source unknown

image from Canal Vie

[so cheap, so easy]: Oversized Magnet Board

I've had a couple of requests for the deets on my magnet board, so...a year later, here they are. I bought sheet metal measuring 5 feet by 4 feet from a heating and air-conditioning shop. It was right around $40. We (that usually means Jeremy hung it up, and I watched) used 18 screws and 18 washers to attach the metal to the wall. We used so many fasteners just to keep the sheet metal as flat as possible.  Stella is pretty much the boss of this board, and I love that it's a place where we can display all of her works of art. 

[so cheap, so easy]: Office Pinboard

This is completely adorable, and I know I have a bad habit of saying, "How hard can it be?" when really it is usually beyond my skill level. BUT, this, this is as easy as a fabric-covered cork board and some twine and clothes pins. I mean, really, the possibilities are endless. I think I need one of these, don't you?!

image from Derek Swalwell via Desire to Inspire

[so cheap, so easy]: Neon & Gold Succulents

How great are these little pots of pure delight? I know...they are amazing. (I could not, for the life of me, find the original source for these, so if you know, please tell.) Now, I will be the first to admit that I am scared of anything green and living. I mean, the responsibility is daunting, but, I think I may try my hand at succulents or cacti. Plus, Stella asked me what Earth Day was, so I feel like this might be a nice, easy project for her that is totally awesome for me. Just spray paint your pot, plant your succulents, and add your aquarium rocks.  According to my calculations, this project should run right around $25, with the succulents being the majority of the cost (around $16 for a three pack from the Depot). If you know a better, cheaper place to get them, let us all know. I am definitely the last person on earth to give advice on anything that has to do with planting stuff.  Shoes? Clothes? Decor? I'm your girl. Green things? Not so much.

image source unknown

[so cheap, so easy]: Belted Magazines

I am absolutely loving the look of belted magazines--so much, in fact, that I have totally copied this idea for my own house. That's right: I've belted my magazines. Both Jeremy and Stella have taken a long look at them, touched the belt, then just kind of shrugged their shoulders and walked away. I love it when they notice new things, even if they were just making sure I didn't take one of their belts. 

image from Fashion Squad

image from Paulina Arcklin Photography

[so cheap, so easy]: Fur Stool

I decided that my little wooden stool need a little ummph, so I added some fur. I wasn't able to find faux fur that was as long as the faux sheepskin from Ikea, so I just used one of those. Now, if I were a professional and well-equipped instead of someone who just wants to get things done as soon as possible, I would have probably used a staple gun. Yeah, I don't have a staple gun, so I just cut the fur to size and hot glued the thing. It has actually held up just fine, but let's just say this is a more of a do as I say not as I do kind of post, mmmkay?!

[so cheap, so easy]: Chalkboard Cheese Stone

I love to entertain, and I especially love great (and super cute) serving ware. This project is SO amazing: DIY Chalkboard Cheese Stone by Frankie Hearts Fashion. I love it, and even if you are married to someone (like Jeremy) who prefers a brick of cheddar and mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to a nice cheese, you can still use this. Let's be honest, it's all about the presentation and the labeling.  And sticking toothpicks in the peanut butter cups--we're not total ruffians around here.  Check out the full tutorial here. 

image from Frankie Hearts Fashion

[so cheap, so easy]: Jute Twine Art

For those of you who missed my guest post at UCreate, today is your lucky day, cause it's back, baby!  My jute twine art is cheap and easy aaand super chic! I hope you like it!

Here's what you'll need:

-  Frames (I used these frames from Ikea, but anything with a mat will work.)

-  Jute Twine

-  Tape (I used painter's tape, because it can be removed easily from the mat if needed, but any strong tape will work.)

-  Poster Board for Background

-  Paint for Background (I used Restoration Hardware's Silver Sage.)

-  Paintbrush

Now for the whopper of a tutorial: 

one) paint your poster board, and cut it to size; two) tape the twine to the back of the mat in the pattern of your choice; three) assemble your frame, and hang it up! Yup, that's it. When I said easy, I wasn't joking.

2013 Favorite Projects

Tomorrow is 2014. Whaaat? How did that happen? No. I. Dea. All I know is that we moved, we now have a four year old, and Mr. Hubs is FINALLY in the home stretch of his training. That means in 2014, we'll have a new job, another move, and a five year old.  Wow. 

Here are some of my favorite projects from 2013. (Click here for last year's faves.) I hope you have had a great year, and I hope you have a very Happy New Year! Thanks for hanging out with me here on [kreyv].  See you in 2014!

Stella's Book Nook

Framed Towels | My Dining Room Art

Stella's Spider Costume & Bag

[so cheap, so easy]: DIY Ladder

Stella's Pajama Party

The Great Wall of Stella | My Gallery Wall

[so cheap, so easy]: Christmas Poster Hanging

First of all, I'm just going to go ahead and say that I'm sorry for the crappy pictures. I'll just blame it on the poor lighting…and the fact that I'm not a good photographer, but whatever. You win some, you lose some, right?! 

Anyway, this little project came about, because, well, basically, I'm kind of cheap when it comes to holiday decor. There are just too many other things on my list…things that will stay up for more than a month. I have a big wall in my living room that is just waiting for something fabulous, BUT, in the meantime, it is a good place to hang this amazing poster by Caravan Shoppe. The download (which is four prints) was $5, then I paid $9 to print it (36x48). (You can print it for $7 at Staples, but I just happened to be closer to a Kinkos.) I bought one inch dowels at around $4 each and shortened them by just a few inches. I then hot glued the poster to the dowels and rolled it around once on the top and the bottom. I then added jute twine to hang it. It should be easy to store by just rolling it up, but even if it tears, it will only be $7-$9 to print out.  Anywho, it's a good addition to my fake red presents and rain boots that are just there posing for pictures until it snows again. Ew, snow.

[so cheap, so easy]: DIY Urchins

Who doesn't love a super posh, shiny, spiky ball thingy? I know. They're pretty amazing. Aaand cheap. Aaand easy. I have pinned quite a few of these throughout the year or years, or however long Pinterest has been around, but I have yet to make one. I need to get on that. I feel like I'm totally missing out. I have included three different pictures with three different links and tutorials. On your mark, get set, go!

image & tutorial from Curbly

image & tutorial from Craft & Couture

image & tutorial from Full House

[so cheap, so easy]: Duct Tape Tray

Ummm, have you seen this little stroke of genius? A shoebox lid. Covered in duct tape. Very. Chic. Duct tape. Why didn't I think of that?  The original post is from Megan at Honey We're Home, so check it out. As for me, I'm off to buy some duct tape...and I should probably get a shoe box...with some shoes in it. You should, too.

image from Honey We're Home

[so cheap, so easy]: Faux Flowers

As much as I would love to have fresh flowers in my home every day, it just ain't gonna happen. That's right. I just said ain't. Twice. I think these two DIY flowers are a great alternative to real flowers, and they'll definitely add a bit of fun and whimsy to your space. Who doesn't want that? Plus, they're made out of paper bags and coffee filters--doesn't get much cheaper than that! So, which one you gonna make first? Check out the full tutorials at The Crafted Sparrow and One Young Love.

image from The Crafted Sparrow

image from One Young Love

[so cheap, so easy]: Washi Tape Projects

I have GOT to get on the washi tape train. Seriously. Take a look at these projects. Dying over those tea lights. Die. Ing.  Have you played with washi tape? 

image from Trendenser

image from Design Stiles

image from Design*Sponge

[so cheap, so easy]: DIY Ladder

Know what's easy to make? A ladder. Know what's even easier to make? A ladder that is never going to be stood on. Know what's even easier than those two things? Watching someone else make a ladder that is never going to be stood on. That Mr. Hubs...he sure likes to roll his eyes at my DIYs, but as much as he doesn't like to get involved, he can't resist cutting things. He also loves burning things, but I haven't found a way for that particular skill to benefit me.

Linking up at

Imprintalish

The Dedicated House

Fluster Buster

[so cheap, so easy]: Salvaged Wood Tree

During my little computer clean up, while I should have been doing something remotely productive, I also found this image. Adorbs, right? I love this idea, and I especially love the simplicity of the dark, repurposed wood against the white background. Love. It. And now, I think I will spend some time on Pinterest or Facebook or anywhere else I can waste time instead of working on my lesson for Sunday.  What can I say? I'm on a roll.

image from Design Sponge

Linking up at Imprintalish

[so cheap, so easy]: Monochromatic Names

Sometimes Pinterest and this wonderful thing we call the World Wide Web make us think we are over things, because we have seen them so many times. Case in point: monograms and children's names on walls. I love Stella's "S", and I love the idea of a personalized space...I've just seen it so many times, that I'm ready for something different. You? How about painting your letters the same color as your wall? I'm really digging the simplicity and texture it brings to a space, and letters are super cheap and easy to find. What do you think? I love it. And, because I care, I saved you some time: bibliotheque (bee-blee-aw-tek) means library or bookshelves. I can't possibly be the only one that didn't know that, right?  Once again, the fact that I quit french after seventh grade bites me in the butt...

image from Erik Olsson via 79 Ideas

image from Houzz