Be a Reuse Queen

Ok, it’s probably a little conceited to call myself ‘Queen’. Not intended! Just wanted to share my secret as to how my posts always seem to include some random thing that I ‘just happen’ to have. Like in Spice Up Kitchen Containers or No Time Necklace Board. The truth is…I really do have a Mary Poppins bag of things to craft.

This will probably evoke flashbacks to Hoarders episodes or a memory of a crazy garage-sale-shopper who just HAD to have something. Not the case. I just have a small collection going. I will admit this collection used to be much bigger. When I was younger, I would keep any and everything convincing myself that I could and would somehow transform it. Which, is probably true. But ain’t nobody got time for that, even a preteen obsessed with crafting. Now that I’m adult living in a teenie tin apartment, I definitely don’t have the time or room for a collection of craft ‘hopefuls’.

Likables not Possibles

Refine your collection. My tip, find and keep things that you truly like. Yes, you’ll be able to transform anything into totally new and refreshed items. But you don’t want a bunch of crap taking up valuable living space. Don’t just hang on to it because it’s possible.

Limit Your Real-estate

Make a specific spot for your ‘hopefuls’. In my house, their home is a small portion of my storage trunk. It’s double-duty storage and kitty bed. (Confession, this is supposed to be where Willow sleeps but she sleeps right next to my pillow every night.) The trick is finding a controlled spot, one that can get full. This helps you regulate your collection. For me, this is easy because I don’t have a ton of space in the first place. When I get something new that means I either have to get rid of something or do a craft. Tough choice right?

Be a Planner

You all know that planning is just me, part of my personality. But it’s key when preparing for projects. I keep track of everything on my phone, it’s the one thing that’s with my whenever inspiration strikes Make plans for the items you have and keep track of your ideas requiring additional items. Maybe you’ll stumble upon that something perfect that next time you’re out. It’s easier to find what you need, when you know what you’re looking for.

These tips may seem overly obvious. But I wanted you all to know that I truly do ‘pull things out of a hat’ to craft with. It’s my beloved, controlled, ‘hopeful’ stash.

Sleek & Chic Upcycled Mirror

Apologies for the recent lack of posts, I must admit to some creative block. But I’m back! I’ve been rattling my brain thinking of a way to transform this mirror, apparently meant for the kitchen with it’s grapevine details. Not my cup of tea. I decided to recover that facade with something a little more my style and definitely more sleek. I was inspired by the mirror mosaic trends I’ve seen at some stores lately and thought I could recreate the look. Now, obviously you can create this chic mirror without having to upcycle. Just find a large mirror from your local craft store and follow the steps below.

Here’s what you need:

Mirror (This tutorial could be applied to any size or shape mirror. Just mimic the mirror’s shape with your background piece.)
1″ and 2″ Mirror Pieces (These are inexpensive but beware, it’s easy to get pricey with an intricate design.)
Hot Glue (To adhere the mirror pieces.)
Background Piece (A sheet of  black Canson or foam board. Make sure to measure to know how big of a piece you’ll need.)
Cutting Utensils (Cutting mat, X-acto knife, box cutter, metal ruler, etc.)
Twist Ties (I use these in a lot of craft projects. They attach your background piece without being permanent, which helps with cleaning the mirror and wall attachment.)
Paint Pen (This should match your background piece. It’s for touch-up areas.)

Step 1

Clean and prep your mirror. Measure the general shape of the mirror including the center cut out.

Step 2

Use your cutting utensils to cut your board down to size to ‘reface’ your mirror. I’d suggest allowing for a little overhang on each side. For example, my mirror is 20″ x 20″. So I cut a 20.5″ x 20.5″ piece to cover the edge and hide the original mirror frame.

Step 3

Plan out how you’d like your mirror to look using your 1″ and 2″ mirror pieces atop your black board piece. After you have a plan, snap a picture so you’ll remember and remove the small mirror pieces. Now you’ll want to attach the black background piece onto the face of the mirror. Insert holes into the board for twist ties, they’ll attach to the mirror frame to ensure the new face stays in place. Place these holes where you’ve planned a 2″ mirror piece. I created holes on all corners and in the center-sides of my piece.

Step 4

After your black board is attached to the frame, hot glue your mirror places according to your plan. Finish with clearing all those little hot glue hairs from your piece, they get all over the place! Also, my board had a white core. Meaning when I cut the board, the white was exposed. This is what the black paint pen if for! Line the white areas on the inner and outer border with this pen. It will get rid of the white and leave a sleek end product.

There’s your revitalized mirror! It’s so fun with the individual mirrors, I love mine to pieces. I don’t think I could have found one quite like this in any store, plus it’s reuse!

Design is a Plan

My desire to design began as a child when I would create décor for my room, make plans to rearrange furniture throughout my childhood home, drool over architecture on family vacations, and adore retro furniture pieces, like the colorfully iconic Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair. (I actually have a framed photo of this chair at my desk, to constantly remind me of my initial inspiration.)

Who knew I would’ve come full circle, one day gawking at the designs of Charles Eames to now working with the company that sells that exact furniture and still being inspired by his words.

Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose.
-Charles Eames

Charles Eames perfectly defines the purpose for this blog. Design is everywhere. Design can be a vast number of things, but design starts with a plan that solves a problem or enhances a function.  At work these design plans are large, entire schemes to furnish space. But at home I love to create designs for even the smallest purpose; creating a decorative canvas to be hung on a wall, refurbishing an outdated décor piece into something new, or refinishing a picture frame.

I love designing to solve a purpose, no matter how big or small. Join me as I share my design plans with you, hopefully leading you to create your own.