"M" is for Mudroom Bins #5

Build: monogrammed mudroom locker bins

The finishing touch to this locker and bench unit I had built:

Each kid needed a personalized bin for their locker so I made square bins to fit the space complete with their monogram:

The finished size of each bin is 11 1/2"w x 11 3/4"d x 8 1/4"h:

I love seeing the kids actually using the lockers, baskets and bins, it makes all the hard work worth it to know they're getting good use of the piece:

Here's how I made the mudroom locker bins:

1. Cut 1/2" birch plywood to size:

10 @ 11 1/2" x 8"

10 @ 10 3/4" x 8"

2. Assemble using 2" finish nails, I prefer to preset the nails in the end pieces then glue and hammer into the sides (if I had a nail gun this would be much easier!):

3. To ensure the glue and boxes dry square secure with clamps:

4. Cut and nail 1/4" plywood on the bottom then sand:

5. Make handle cutout using circular spade bit.  I forgot to do this before assembly so I secured a piece of scrap behind my cut to prevent splitting:

Start with circles at either end:

Then use jigsaw for middle portion:

6. Paint two coats BM Aura Ocean City blue, then distress edges:

7. Print letters to size, line up and trace outline using ballpoint pen:

8. Paint on and inside indent left from the pen using dark brown:

9. Seal with clear satin poly using foam brush.

10. Cut white felt to fit base, apply spray adhesive to felt then smooth onto base:

11. Trim edges with scissors:

Ready to use.

I'm linking up to:

SAS @ Funky Junk

DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Pretty Things Thursday @ Scissors & Spatulas

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

"C" is for Chevron #2

Sew: monogrammed chevron beach tote

In addition to the original chevron beach tote I added a smaller version with an orange monogram:

And a hint of orange in the lining just for fun:

The smaller version makes for a good purse size when you're out and about:

Small size measures: 12"h x 16"w x 6"deep at base

Large size measures: 16"h x 20"w x 7.5" deep at base

The original version is here:

Here's how I made the chevron tote:

1. Follow the original plans here with modifications below.

exterior chevron: 32" x 17"

interior drop cloth lining: 23" x 17"

interior chevron strips: 3" x 17"

interior orange strips: 2.5" x 17"

Sew the interior lining piece as pictured below, I use 1/2" SA everywhere:

2. Miter the corners at 6":

3. When stitching over the rope handles unravel the rope a bit to flatten and make sewing easier, going back and forward over the rope many times for a secure hold:

  DO NOT clip the excess rope, once bag is turned right side out it will catch between the top stitching for added strength. 

I'm linking up to:

SAS @ Funky Junk

DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Pretty Things Thursday @ Scissors & Spatulas

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

Textiles @ Freckled Laundry
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

"B" is for Burp Cloths #2

Sew: ribbon burp cloths

An addition to a gift for a baby girl shower.

Thick and absorbant plus cute:

This new Mom registered for cloth diapers so in addition to purchasing the cloth diapers off the registry I bought an extra package to make into burp cloths:

Add a little pretty ribbon and she's ready for some spit up:

Here's how I made the burp cloths:

1. Wash and dry 5 cloth diapers, select ribbons:

2. Fold under 1/4" of cut ribbon end and pin in place, use the inner seam of the middle portion of the diaper as your sewing guide:

3. Straight stitch inner side of ribbon first, then outer edge:

Super fast, easy and completely washable.

I'm linking up to:

SAS @ Funky Junk

DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Pretty Things Thursday @ Scissors & Spatulas

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

Textiles @ Freckled Laundry
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

"B" is for Boston landmarks

Paint: Boston landmarks wedding plaque

A special request for a Boston themed wedding plaque similar to the New York and Breezy Point versions I had previously done.

A gift for newlyweds complete with their family name and wedding date.

For this Boston landmarks version I used Quincy Market and the ducks from the duck pond:

The green monster at Fenway Park and the Citgo sign:

A street sign and buildings from the North End where this couple had lived at one time:

The USS Constitution in Charlestown: 

And the Zakim bridge (which is upside down in this picture): 

Here's how I made the plaque:

1. Sketch out landmarks on craft paper cut to size (12"h x 18"l).

Cut outline and trace onto 1/2" MDF board:

2. Paint background then add details:

3. Print lettering to size, position then trace with ballpoint pen to create indent.

Paint on and inside indent.

4. Seal with Minwax spray poly semi-gloss.

5. Predrill holes for hook eyes, use pliers to pry open one side of hook and slip other hook into opening then squeeze shut:

6. Add sawtooth hangers to back.