[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]: 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.

Neighbor Gifts | Merry & Bright Candles

Last night, we went to a live nativity, and you guys, it was fuh-rea-king cold. Yes. THAT cold. After three years in St. Louis, I have apparently forgotten what a cold, Utah winter feels like. As Jeremy says: I'm just not built for out of mall weather. That boy knows what he's talking about.

I put these simple little candles (found here) and tags together to give to neighbors, dance instructors, storytellers, teachers, butchers, bakers, candlestick makers, and all the other hundreds of people you want to give a little somethin' somethin' to during the holidays. I think they're cute, and they say "hey thanks for all you do" without spending tons. (Email me or leave a comment if you would like me to send you a pdf file of the tags.) Do you give neighbor gifts? What are you giving this year? Please share your ideas…unless you're giving something that I can't copy like homemade bread or 60" TVs.  And, if that's the case, where do you live, so I can live next door? I'm not picky--I like big TVs AND homemade bread.

[in five]: Favorite DIY Christmas Ornaments

Hey there! How was your weekend? Ours was great, besides the snow, or, if you're into that kind of thing, let me rephrase…that snow sure is beautiful, and I love sliding around the ice in my car! (Was that convincing?) I actually don't mind it as long as I never have to touch it or drive in it. Is that too much to ask?

In other news, I actually made some progress with the Christmas decor around the casa. Can you believe it? We had a church meeting on Saturday night, and I volunteered had to stay home with Stella, so I made ornaments. Now, if I can just muster the strength to take pictures. (Good thing I'm not at all dramatic.) 

Here are five of my fave DIY Christmas ornaments (links to original posts are under each image).  I made the geometric ornaments--super easy, super cheap, super chic…just the way I like it! How's your decor coming along? At my pace, mine may be all up by December 24th.  Maybe.

image from Make It and Love It via U Create

image from Suburble

image from Cozy Cottage Cute

image from Vintage Revivals

image from Anthropologie

The Advent & 23 Days Till Christmas

Happy December! I am so excited for Christmas, but I've gotta be honest: I've been a complete slacker on the decorations. (I know, it's only December 2, but now the craziness starts.) We finally put the tree up last night, but it still doesn't have ornaments. Speaking of slacking, I always have big plans for an advent calendar that never happens. I love the idea of these ones, but if I don't hurry, I may have to resort to the ones from the store with the, ummm, chocolate. At least I wouldn't eat that chocolate, though, because a) I totally discriminate against sub par chocolate, and b) it's kind of hard to steal your kid's candy from an advent--even I wouldn't do that.  Do you have an advent?

image from Third Floor Design Studio

image source unknown

image from Raumdinge

Stella's Spider Costume & Bag

There comes a time when your child has a very strong opinion about what she wants to be for Halloween. For Stella, this was last year. She was a pirate. This year, she insisted on being a spider. Are you seeing a pattern? Who knows what next year will bring, but I don't think she's planning on being a princess anytime soon.  Either way, she sure makes a cute spider--even when she's trying to be scary!  Here's what I used to make her costume:

black pillow (I got mine from Target.)

two pairs of toddler tights (not sheer)

webbing and buckles (I got mine from JoAnn's.)

batting

needle & thread

safety pins

black duct tape

fishing line

three pairs of black gloves

You can pretty much tell how to make the costume by looking at it, but I'll try to explain it as well. I started by stuffing the legs of the tights with batting. I then hand-stitched the bodies of the tights to the pillow. Each pair of tights faced the opposite way. For example, the legs on the left are from one pair of tights, and the legs on the right are from the other. The gloves are just placed on the feet of the tights. They didn't need to be attached. I then used webbing to make shoulder straps and a belt to evenly distribute the weight. (It's not heavy, just big.) I reinforced the webbing with safety pins, since they could be put deeper into the pillows than a needle and thread.

Once all of the legs are attached to the pillow, I used fishing line to attach the legs in two spots per leg. I made a duct tape "cuff" for Stella's wrist and used that to attach the fishing line to the legs. Without this, the fishing line would dig into her arms. When she lifts her arms, all of her spider legs are lifted as well.

Utah Halloweens are cold, so a long sleeve t-shirt, leggings, a skirt and top hat (because she is a fancy spider), boots, and a fur vest will hopefully keep her warm enough to do a little bit of trick-or-treating!

Her treat bag was super easy. I used a white tote from Hobby Lobby and made the lines with strips of black duct tape. The spider is just two felt circles stuffed with batting and stitched. I hot-glued the four pipe cleaner legs to the bag and then hot glued the spider body over the top of the legs. I then added button eyes.

Thanks to my momma for helping with the hand-stitching and to Jeremy for his awesome knot tying skills. All that practice tying surgical knots has really paid off!

Linking up at 

Fluster Buster

The Dedicated House

Framed Towels | My Dining Room Art

Before I start this post, let's just all try to ignore that awesome dining room light that I referred to yesterday as "rejected clearance," mmkay? Thanks. (BTW, if we owned our house, or even if we were sticking around for more than a year, I'd replace it with something simple like this.) 

Moving on... I am always trying to find an inexpensive way to create large scale art. Though I would love to purchase some great art, it's just ain't gonna happen any time soon, know what I'm sayin'? So, instead, I have to get creative, and lucky me, I have an awesome father-in-law that is willing to frame stuff for me. Like towels. That's right, towels. I bought two of these towels from H&M Home. The towels were attached to masonite using spray adhesive, then the frames were made to size. I stained and sanded the frames, popped the towels/masonite in, and nailed it all into place. (Ok, the only thing I did was stain and sand, but I found the towels and had the idea. Plus, I kept Jeremy company while he nailed everything together and hung them up. That counts for something, right?) The most important part is that I love them, and they only cost about $70 total, which is a great price for something this big. And awesome.

Linking up at

Setting for Four

Coastal Charm

Carolyn's Homework

Fluster Buster

The NY Melrose Family

Ginger Snap Crafts

DIY by Design

Craft Dictator

Clever Chicks

[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