Decor :: Padded Bench

{Supplies needed :: batting, 3" high density foam cut to the desired length, 1/2" to 3/4" plywood cut to length, metal corner brackets, scissors, fabric, 16" pre-made legs, and the following items that are not pictured :: wood stapler, drill or screw driver and liquid nails.}

{Lay the batting down on your flat work surface, then place the foam on top of it with enough space left on the batting to staple, and then the plywood.  Start stapling the batting to the plywood I like to start in the middle on one of the longer sides and work my way out. Once the long sides are done, start on the ends and do the corners last.  You want pull it tight but not too tight.}

{Once the batting step is done you'll want to cut off any excess batting.  Once that's done lay the entire piece on top of your fabric (again leaving space to staple it to the bench). Start stapling the fabric in the same manner as the batting and be extra careful to not pull the fabric too taut.}

{Flip the piece over and make sure that the edges are even, and if you notice any areas that are too tight you can just remove the staples with a flat head screwdriver and restaple that section.}

{Cut off the extra fabric. Then you'll want to mark off where you want to put the legs and once that is done apply some liquid nails to the legs where they'll adhear to the bench.  Once the glue dries determine where you'll want to put the corner brackets (I put them as far in to the edge of each leg - closest to the center as I could).} 

{Once the legs are attached it's all done! So place it wherever you want. We chose to put ours at the end of the bed, but I also think that it would look great in an entry way of a house.}

{Close up of the fabric and legs.}

I have been looking for a padded bench for the end of my bed for awhile and couldn't find one that was either in my price range or the look I wanted.  Since I had an idea on how to DIY this project and the look that I wanted I set out on a trip to Lowe's and Joann's to buy all of the supplies I needed and I'm very happy with the finished product.

Tee with Leather Detail

 {Supplies needed: t-shirt, pleather, needle and thread, scissors, and pins}

 {Pin at desired location and start sewing - a simple stitch works well}

{Finished product}

The lovely Jenni commented and left a link to a tutorial on adding leather to tee.  Unfortunately I did not see the comment until after finishing my version, but I would recommend pinning the patch while wearing it to ensure that it's straight. My patch pocket is a tad crooked which I didn't notice until I was finished.  Other than that, this was was a super easy way to change up a plain tee.

DIY: T-Shirt with Leather

{Zara}

One thing I love doing when I have time is a DIY or craft project.  This weekend on my to-do list I want to recreate a look similar to this top from Zara.  I'm planning on buying a casual shirt from Target and some leather or pleather from Joann's to add a pocket to the front.  I'll be sure to share the finished product on my blog!

Friend's Baby Shower

 {Banner for above the gift table}

{Party favor sugar cookies}

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to co-host a baby shower for one of my best friends.  It was such a fun thing to be a part of, and the planning and setting up was a great time.  Although these aren't the best pictures, it gives you an idea on what we did.

Kate Spade Inspired Canvas

{Mint Loves Social Club}

Among other things, this weekend I am hoping to make my own Kate Spade inspired canvas out of simple supplies from the craft store.  Although, the DIY uses paper circles, I'm considering painting the circles on the canvas rather than using paper and glue.  Hopefully it'll turn out well.  When I hopefully get around to making it this weekend, I'll be sure to share the results!

Inspiration Board

{Start with desired frame}

{Trace and cut foam core board to just larger than the opening of the frame}

{Lay out cork to cover the entire piece of foam core and start gluing the cork.  I outlined it with glue and then put some in the middle too.}

{Once all the cork is glued to the board, insert it into frame.  From the back of the frame, hammer nails in at an angle and bend in towards the foam.  Repeat this for all four sides (Thank you to my BF for helping)}

{Completed cork in frame}

{Pin any photos you like, and then let the inspiration flow!}

I finally found some time this weekend to create my inspiration board.  I had so much fun making this board, and it only took a few items: a frame, three sheets of cork, tacky glue, four nails, and foam core board.

Olive Straw Sunglasses

I wanted to share with you all some of my recent purchases.  I have a nice pair of sunglasses (aviators too), but sometimes I worry about carrying them with me for fear of breaking them! The sunglasses were purchased at Ross, and they're Jessica Simpson brand.  Before unveiling the straw hat in a couple weekends, I'm planning on adding ribbon around the top.  It was such a great deal at Target, only $2.50! Finally, this light weight button up shirt is perfect for spring and early summer, and it was such a great deal at Old Navy that I couldn't pass it up!

Herb Garden

{via Pinterest from Scissors & Spatulas}

While I already have a small window box that I'm hoping has herbs flowing out of it soon, I like the simplicity of the chalk board terracotta pots for the various herbs.  I can't wait to have a bigger space for a plentiful herb garden to add to all my favorite recipes.

Inspiration Bulletin Board

 {via}

{via}

I've been on the hunt for the perfect frame to make an inspiration board for longer than I care to admit.  I've searched all the usual suspects, Goodwill, Ross, Home Goods, Target, to no avail.  I don't know if I am being too picky or if the selection is not adequate to make one from scratch but I haven't found anything.  Do you have any suggestions on where to look?

Christmas Decorations

I thought I would share some of the decorations that I've made and put up in our apartment to make it feel more like home.  With the exception of the ornaments on the tree, all of the decorations are made from things I had around the apartment, and they were all so simple to make!

  {Picture "wreath" on the refrigerator or another surface}

 {Magazine Christmas trees - instructions in this post}

 {Paper ring garland}

{Christmas tree with silver and blue ornaments and clear Christmas lights}

Christmas Stocking

Even though I already have a stocking at my parent's house, I felt like making one for my apartment.  I found the idea on the Better Homes & Garden's website and it couldn't have been easier.  It only took a few items to decorate this stocking, and just a little bit of time.  I chose to decorate my stocking with simple rick rack, but you can decorate it anyway you want.

 {Stocking, scissors, rick rack, Tacky Glue}

{Apply a thin line of glue to the rick rack, and press down on stocking to adhere it}

 {Finished stocking, I wrapped the rick rack completely around the stocking and then cut off the excess.}

Does anyone have any ideas on how to hang the stocking when I don't have a fireplace?

Home-Made Greeting Cards

I've been feeling creative lately, so when Justine mentioned that we make some greeting cards I was excited. Luckily, she had all of the necessary supplies, and it was much easier than I imagined. (Sorry for the iPhone photos)


{Linen background, with turquoise stripe}


{Then I stamped Mr. & Mrs. on the same linen paper}


{Both finished cards}