Stained Concrete. The Mother of all Projects.

HI! Let's talk about stained concrete floors, shall we? I feel like so many people don't understand when I tell them I'm staining my concrete slab.  "Huh? No carpet? No tile? You're dumb. What a dumb idea." Arg, you don't understand. You've seen stained concrete a million times you just haven't noticed it.  Well, if this is your first time hearing about it, GOOGLE "stained concrete" right now (GO! DO IT!) and come right back. Or there's the girl at Lowe's who told me that my "feet would hurt if I did that" because she has to walk around on it all day at work...As if I'd be rackin' up miles in my house for 8 hours a day.  And then there's some of the people that DO know about stained concrete: "I don't like that, that's ugly." WELL, YOU'RE ugly. (Not really, I just don't have a better comeback than that...)

I LOVE stained concrete.  I HATE carpet.  Stained concrete is modern, clean, easy to maintain, and just looks freakin' cool, industrial, and urban.  Whatever it is, I just totally dig the look of it.  Don't think my house is going to be all cold and morgue-y (yeah, it's a word now).  I'm going to have an area rug in the living room.  There are so many different looks and designs you can do with stained concrete.  However, I have my eye on a dark brown flooring color.  I really like the mottled, variegated look that acid staining gives.   I have been researching stained concrete for a solid two months.  I was originally going to do acid stain but after we found out what our flooring looked like, and weighing the pros and cons, I decided on a water-based stain instead.  It's also safer AND less expensive so that's a plus.  It won't make me go blind OR broke.

The thing about staining concrete is the PREP WORK.  It's all about the prep.  What a JOY that was.

Scotty and Dad worked hard at the house while I did some makeup for a wedding on Saturday. They started by pulling up that laminate flooring:

What they found underneath was not just carpet glue like we had originally thought from pulling up a small piece of flooring.  This is WET paint.  They painted and just laid the flooring right down over it, probably thinking it would dry.  Who knows how long it's been like that.  This gives us a whole new obstacle to deal with.  'DOH!

Oh yeah, and TACK STRIPS ARE THE DEVIL.  They are very difficult to remove from the concrete and they leave some lovely HOLES too.  They are all around the room like a charming polka-dot border.  See what I did there? I'm looking on the bright side!

Son of a paint-stain!  Ok, let's get this crap off.  Contractors don't take care of the slab because normal people like to cover it up with carpet or hardwood flooring.  Also, this house was built 10+ years ago before it was cool to do residential interior concrete staining. Looks like they sprayed the doors (and the walls) and the overspray is just chillin' on my floor. There are a couple thin cracks, which I'm fine with, it'll give it character. We just need to get it clean. The living room looks like this:

We went down to Rental Guys and got this concrete grinder.  Let's do some damage.

We want the floor nice and clean and porous in order to accept the stain.  The blade on the bottom didn't cover a ton of area at once so this was a very time consuming process.  We also had to apply pressure so it was a good workout too.

It's getting clean! Look at the difference! 

A few hours into it, we didn't think the paint was coming off as easily as it should have been.  Here I am brushing on paint stripper.  This loosened it up just a little and the grinder was able to get a little more.

Being an innovative thinker.  Small spaces, small person, no big deal.

A huge improvement in the living room.  

Dad was able to use a handheld grinder to get everything else the rented machine didn't get like corners, edges, stubborn paint stains, etc.

Before we left tonight, we scrubbed the floor with hot water and a stiff brush (there was concrete dust EVERYWHERE) then shop-vacuumed it up. Dad and I working together to get everything so clean!

I wanted to do a sample test just in case I discovered that the concrete wouldn't accept the stain and I'd have to eat the money I spent on it.  I think I paid $7.50 for a little sample bottle.  It's meant to be diluted and actually goes a long way.  For the test, I just mixed it in a spray bottle to apply.  However, when we apply the stain to the whole house, we will use a plastic pump sprayer.  I tested it out in my closet, so it would be hidden in case it sucks.

I DIG IT.  I sprayed it on, looked at it for a minute, then turned around and threw my arms around Scotty.  He didn't understand but accepted it anyway.  I was just SO happy that it worked.  These are transparent stains and I like that you can see the concrete underneath. It gives it that mottled look that I like.  I did get a darker color to give it even more contrast. I mixed it up and sprayed that on over the "Milk Chocolate" brown.

Obviously my spray bottle was being dumb and dripping spots all over the place but it actually looks kind of cool, like more textured and stoney.  This is not what it will look like when we are finished.  We are going to apply a glossy sealer to it.  But I am REALLY happy with it so far and I can't wait to see what it looks like with baseboards put in.  We are getting close! Stay tuned for the end result! :)

*THE FINAL RESULT WITH THE SEALANT AND THE BASEBOARDS CAN BE FOUND IN THIS POST HERE.  

Easy Decoupaged Spice Jar Labels

This isn't even creative. I just really wanted all my spice jars to be uniform. I had this old spice rack that was always hidden away with most of the spices unused. I maybe kept one of them in my actual spice cupboard for regular use and that was the one that I dumped out and put my own spice in! This is why I don't like those generic spice rack sets. They don't fit the needs of each individual kitchen. Unused product is wasted product.  I really hate wasting things. 

I am striving for complete organization in the new place. This may seem like such a simple and silly thing to post about but that's what this blog is for, to share my projects with those few people who really love me and care about my life. ;)

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I went to Office Max to look for labels. I really had my eye on these Kraft Brown labels by Avery:

But then I saw the price on them and just couldn't bring myself to pay $14.99.  SURELY I could figure something else out. 

I stripped the yucky old stickers off the lids of the spice jars and cleaned them all out. Look at all these fresh jars! (I LOVE jars).  To buy these basic little guys new in the store would be .99 each. I love having stuff on hand. (Saved me $16 dollars, wooooo!)

What to do with them? I have a silver Sharpie and a white oil-based paint Sharpie and I thought about just writing on the lid and sticking them all in a drawer like this: 

BUT I still really wanted to display them in the cupboard. I just think spices are so pretty! 

I decided to just print out my own labels on regular paper using American Typewriter font and cut them out with a sort of a raw edge.  I love the way the raw edge looks with this font.  Kind of rustic, no?  I then used decoupage (Mod Podge) to glue those little guys to the jar and then put another thin layer over to seal them. They are so simple but I'm happy with the way they turned out. Now they're all the same! Hooray! 

Now go label all of your spices! :)

Dirty Ol' Desk Chair Re-Vamp

This is about as far as my re-upholstery skills go.  I would like to eventually re-do a cooler-looking, more sturdy chair.  But as for now, this is what I have to work with.  No reason to let it end up in a landfill.

This is just a cheap plastic chair but it works just fine.  The fabric was dirty and just wasn't holding up anymore. Time for an update!

I went to Joann's, picked out a sturdy decorator fabric, and went home to gather my staple gun.  On the back rest, I removed the plastic lip that covered the fabric then removed that icky orange stuff.  The pad was in good shape so I left it and just recovered with the new fabric and stapled away.  Then I put that plastic lip back on and put the chair back together.  Ten minute project and a new chair for just $5 in fabric.

Easy Pencil Mirror

Ok ok, I'm on a mirror kick. I can't help it. I've got all these old mirrors just begging to be decorated.  My eyes are constantly open for ways to adorn them. 

This particular one was completely unplanned. 

I was just browsing in OfficeMax For some printable labels for my spice jars. Well I can just forget about being obsessive-compulsive on this one because the labels I wanted were $14.99. For paper? Not today. Probably not tomorrow either.  New plan. 

There I was just walking through the store when I saw this gem.  Wowzers!  Sticks I can glue to another mirror! Look at that sale! I nearly dove into that bin once my mind put two and two together (and ended up with 60 somehow because that's how many I grabbed).  Last night when I was making the magazine mirror, I did think for a split second about using colored pencils (mmmmm colors!) but I just couldn't pass up the price on these.

Annnnnnd it's a teacher theme. The Mr. is a teacher so how appropriate is this?! So teacher-tastic!  How cool of a teacher gift would this make? Nobody has to know it cost me 20 cents. Unless of course they are reading this blog, in which case,  it's the thought that counts and maybe next time I'll just make you a macaroni necklace instead... Jerks. 

I figure I'll add it to my office wall (oooooh hey, it's office themed as well!) grouped next to the magazine mirror. Unless I hate it, then at least I won't have to ever buy pencils again.  But how cool to have a group of mirrors each covered with a different medium? I can dig it.

This literally took me five minutes. I glued four sets of five pencils together first, then glued those to the mirror. Presto. Cake. Done-zo. This is kid stuff. 

How else can we get creative with mirrors?

Recycled Magazine Sunburst Mirror

Well that was TEDIOUS.

At least it was FREE! *High Five!

Before I started, I also planned on making THREE.  I now think one is a good number.  Yeah, I wouldn't want to take away from its uniqueness by making a whole slew of them... Sure, I'll go with that.

I have always loved magazine art. I just think it's fun, urban, colorful and just looks rad.  

I also really dig sunburst mirrors. I've seen a ton of DIY sunburst mirrors (that usually involve twigs or something else I don't have on hand.) 

I had these old mirrors sitting in the garage that I thought would work for this. They were stuck together and adhesive was all over them so I had to clean them up first.  I used a Goo-Gone imposter (some thick orange furniture polish, that'll do) and a razer blade to remove the sticky ickies. 

I used EVERY LAST PAGE in an old magazine. I really thought it was going to take more. I did cut each page in half though. I used a paper cutter so that didn't take any extra time.  I rolled those babies up and glued the edges. After the first two I was ready to poke out my own eyeballs. This is a little more tedious of a project than I prefer. I made bigger rolls for the outside and smaller rolls for the inside. 

FINALLY!

Once I finished the rolls, I used an old lid as a guide and traced it with a permanent marker. Then I used a hot glue gun to attach the rolls. 

As long as it doesn't tragically fall apart, I plan on hanging this up in my guest room/office/craft room.  

Updated Oak Armoire

I don't like the way TVs look.  I have shows that I like to watch, but overall, I hate TV.  I really have to be in the mood.  There are times when TV watching is acceptable and appropriate but I also like visiting with friends and actually connecting with other humans. (And I really like to play outside!)  So... Bad TV! Go to your room! If I want your opinion I'll ask for it!

In my living room, my HUB for socializing, I want that TV hidden away, only to come out when it's appropriate...like when Breaking Bad Season 6 or anything else I like ever hits NETFLIX streaming. :) Did I mention we don't have cable? Thanks Netflix!

This is why an armoire in the living room was a perfect solution (since I can't afford a recessed 50 inch flat-screen in a custom frame pretending to be wall art).

I wasn't seriously looking for a new piece of furniture but did keep my eyes open while thrifting and browsing Craigslist.  But...something magical happened, I found one and didn't even have to go far!  My dad was recovering from surgery and I was visiting with him in his room.  I was looking around and said "OMG, that is what I've been looking for.  To find an armoire just like that to re-do!"  His flat screen TV was on TOP (not inside of it). And there was nothing inside! GASP!!! Unused furniture!? I studied it for a second, imagining all of the things I would do to it (this is starting to get steamy)... then I said, "Dad, can I have that?" The rest is history.  Turns out, Dad has 32 pieces of furniture in his room so we moved the dresser over to replace the armoire as the new TV stand. :)  THANKS DAD! I love hand-me-downs!  My parents got this solid oak furniture set probably 15 years ago when this look was "all the rage".  Insert grumpy cat face here.

Time for an update.  That's the beauty of solid wood, it can be refinished.  None of this cheap particle-board junk that doesn't last and ends up in landfills.

I don't have photos of my step-by-step process but it was rather simple and only took a few hours. I removed all the hardware and took the doors and drawers off.  I laid the doors out on paint cans.  Because it was only stained and I didn't have to strip it, I just gave it a quick sand with my electric hand sander using 220 grit paper.

After sanding I used a tack cloth to remove all dust.  Now time for paint.  I used Behr's paint and primer in one in the color "Espresso Beans".  This will be the same color I re-finish the kitchen cabinets in the new house with.  (Test run on the armoire, woooo!)  I used a brush to cut in on all the panels and detail work and rolled the rest with a small foam roller.  I used 2 coats of paint and am really happy with the result.

I did rough up the hardware a little with sandpaper and spray them with a brushed nickel-colored spray paint.  I'd like to eventually replace the knobs with something a little prettier but for now this will do. :)

EXPLORE...and Save $60...

We love maps and we love travel.  (Give Scotty a globe and he is entertained for hours).  I want to incorporate this somehow into our home.  It just so happens, there is a ton of map decor out right now!

...AND IT'S ALL OVER-PRICED.

Have you been to World Market lately? (Will I mention World Market in every post?) Maybe I will. Stay tuned.

When I saw these, my eyes bulged and my jaw dropped.  

Did you catch that price? You can bet that I let out a "HA!" and put those little letters back on the shelf they were sitting on. 

Let's just head on over to Joann's and see what we can find, shall we?

OH! Thanks Joann, for the $19 in WOODEN letters (Not paper like WM's)

I already had this map-tastic scrapbook paper at home...In TWO options!

Now we stencil. Trace those babies out and get to cutting.  Get as many letters as you can on that paper.  We don't waste around here!

Mod Podge the letters using a brush.  Just a thin, light layer is best or you'll have bubbles and probably end up tearing the paper.  Put the paper cutout on the letter and smooth out with a credit card.

A perfect fit.  I may end up putting another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal and protect.

BOOM! I can dig it. I actually like these so much MORE than the letters at WM.  They look pretty cool on that table but I think I want to hang them on the wall.  They'll look snazzy against the warm gray paint I chose for the house (future post coming). 

DIY Entry Table

Since getting some cheap-o particle board table was not an option, I have been scouring thrift stores, yard sales, and Craigslist for an entry/sofa table to re-do.  I wasn't picky. I wasn't asking for too much: just a simple, waist-high table to furnish the space in my narrow entry way.  It could have been llama-poop green (is llama poop green?) for all I cared, I was ready to refinish it anyway (and if it was a cool piece, possibly even paint it turquoise...ok, now I'm just getting wild.)

After tiring from all of this searching, and from being inspired by every piece of furniture at World Market, I decided I would try to just BUILD one.  I'm not a carpenter, I'm just a girl with access to power tools.  How hard can it be, right? I just want a simple design. LET'S DO THIS.  I'll just head on down to the 'ol Home Depot (AKA FantasyLand for grown-ups).  I did get inspiration from a piece at a consignment store in Chico but knew I wanted to make mine smaller by using 2 boards across the top instead of 3.  I also wanted to use smooth wood instead of the rough fencing on this table. No dimensions, just a general idea of how I wanted it to look: RUSTIC.  (See below for my inspiration.)

After standing in the lumber aisle just staring at planks of wood and using my teeny tiny tape measure, I finally loaded onto my cart:

1- 1"x8' board (which I cut in half to have 2, 4' boards side by side for table top)
2- 4x4 posts (legs)
2- 1x4 boards (for frame under the table top)
1- 1/2 pint can of Minwax Polyshades (wood stain and polyurethane in one. YAY! Less work!) in "Espresso", Satin finish.

Total spent on lumber + stain: $46.38

*Note that I loaded this into my little Honda Accord. I was pretty confident it would fit (do you know many IKEA furniture boxes I have crammed in there in the past? It's incredible really.  After a bit of maneuvering I got the lumber home and was ready to build.

*Oh, I hope you weren't looking for dimensions because there aren't any.  The dimensions in my head go a little something like this: "3.5' and a couple 'little thingies' extra", etc.

Step one: EYEBALL IT! I am notorious for "eyeballing" everything. I have a "that'll do" attitude about many things. This is one of them.  How tall do I want my table? Ummmm, "here's good".  Then measure that "here" height and we're good to go. I know, this is not helpful at all.  Just keep reading. :)

Set up the sawhorses and used a hand saw on those 4x4s to start cutting the table legs. That was by far the hardest part of the entire project.  Talk about a forearm workout. Geez.

Make a rectangle frame to put your table top on. Just go ahead and eyeball that too.  Once you're forearms stop bulging, use a cordless skill saw to make cuts on the other pieces.  Eh, just piece those together in a rectangular-like shape and put screws in them with a handy-dandy cordless drill. Flip that bad boy over and put screws in the top to secure the frame. Once secure, turn it back over like the below photo and you're ready to put the legs on.

Oh! It's starting to resemble a real table!? I mean...of COURSE it is.









Much to my surprise, after the legs were attached, it DID NOT WOBBLE.  Insert shocked face, follow with celebratory dancing. After the celebration, I cut those little pieces that go across the legs...

HOLY HEAVEN! That looks like a table, doesn't it?!

Ok, get to sanding. Luckily I have a sweet little Ryobi electric sander. This thing is SWEET. I have completed projects in the past with just a piece of sandpaper and my hand alone and this little do-dad is pure luxury in comparison.  

The can of stain said to do 2 coats. DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

I actually really liked the look after 1 coat so I didn't do more.  I liked the brushstrokes, the variation of dark to light color and that you could still see the pine through it.  And I'm glad I didn't fill the screw holes. It all matches the look I was going for: RUSTIC.

Ooooooh, it's almost done!  What's that? Time for dinner? I DON'T EAT UNTIL I FINISH. 

I've also been searching for an entry way lamp.  GOODWILL (possibly 2nd favorite store) has some pretty sweet finds.  I found this black distressed lamp base for $6 and this cool cork shade on clearance at World Market. I think it's cozy and can't wait to set it all up together in the house.

I was pleasantly surprised with how this project came out.  Now that I know the design works and was fairly easy to execute, I can see a large rustic dining table in my future. What else can we build? :)

We bought a house!

It happened. We bought our first home.  After all of this excruciating wait time (ok, it was only 2 months), we finally get our keys on Monday. Do you know what this means? (This means we are now POOR). This means I can start working myself to exhaustion each and every day until our home is to my liking. To keep me busy during escrow, I have collected and crafted items for the house (as well as scoured Pinterest until I could no longer stand to look at the computer).  Oh by the way, did I mention that we are poor? Right, all the more reason to get crafty and creative.  I really dislike paying full price when I don't have to.  I'll share with you some of my "life hacks" as I discover them I and hope it can somehow provide inspiration to renew some old junk or improve something in some way.

I LOVE before and after photos so I will attempt to put some here. Thanks for checking it out!