15 January 2010

the new craft room revealed, part 1

It's taken me too long to get this up!  Truth be told, I am always adding something here and something there in my house.  But for now this room has reached completion.  It will take me a few posts to show all the fun details.

Today I am focusing on my 2 most motivational words, which I've hung on the wall: inspire and create.

I may or may not have used hot glue to get these letters to stick to the wall.  Ok, I did.  This after trying small nails, sticky tack and even glue dots.  And yes, I used chalk to draw the scrolly pattern around it.  The letters came plain, and I painted and distressed them myself.



                                       





I really love how "inspire" turned out.  I love to mix and match patterns and textures.  Love.  And instead of hanging them, I decided to sit them on top of the mirror and lean them against the wall.  A lot of you have made the mod podge letters, I am sure.  But if not, here is a quick tutorial:

materials you'll need:

scrapbook paper
scissors
pencil
mod podge
wall letters
brayer

First, trace your letters onto the FRONT of some scrapbook paper (so you don't end up with backwards letters - don't worry you can erase the pencil lines later).  Cut the letters out.  Apply a coat of mod podge onto the wooden letters, working quickly, and smoothing evenly.  Lay your scrapbook letter over the top.  Using your brayer, smooth out any air bubbles trapped under the scrapbook paper.  Let dry for 10 minutes or so.  Erase any stray markings.  Then apply a final coat of mod pdge over the top of your letters to give them a finished look.  Let dry a LONG time before handling/hanging.

Voila!  You're done.

Next up, my armoire turned desk!

Linking up with Blue Cricket and Today's Creative Blog!





22 comments:

Swimmingmom said...

I KNEW it would come out great. So clever. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!! It should be in a magazine.

caralee said...

It looks so good Lei! I love the color and the feel of the entire room. Fabulous~

Shelah said...

looks amazing, Lei!

someone else said...

That looks great! I'm so impressed.

Erin Chavez said...

Leilani, you're craft room is beautiful. I wish I could do something like this for my mom. We've slowly been working on her craft room for a very long time and sad to say I do not have the decorating skills that are required.

Nettie said...

I love it, Lei! I can't wait to hear about your armoire. I'm trying to convert mine to sewing storage.

Katie said...

The room looks even more amazing in person. It's stunning and I wish I had your talent.

Live, Love, Craft said...

OH WOW! THAT IS AWESOME! I am in love with the color and I can't get over those adorable letters!

Dani said...

Gorgeous! SO much talent in one person!

Company EIGHT said...

Great job! Love it!

Char @ Crap I've Made said...

Love, love, LOVE it!

Tigersue said...

It looks so lovely. I wish I had a space that really worked for me. Alas I honestly don't think it will happen in my lifetime. I'm still without my family room that was to have been done 15 years ago. :)

What is a Brayer?

Lei said...

Tanya - a brayer looks like a small paint roller, only it is hard not soft. It kind of steam rolls out the air bubbles. I think it was originally used in printing.

utmommy said...

I love it! It's beautiful!

Chic Mommy said...

Wowsers what a room. I love everything about it. I dont have a room dedicated only for my crafts...just a small space in the corner of our master bedroom. I just redid as well....half the run is decorating the space.

Yvonne said...

It looks so beautiful. I love it.

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Oh, I would have the creative juices flowing in here! Fab-U-Lous!

Expressions by Heather said...

I looove it! So fun!

Thanks for linking up with Talented Tuesday!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Love the black and teal together - It's gorgeous! You did a fabulous job!

Kim -today's creative blog said...

That turned out great! Love it.
Don't forget to link me too. sniff sniff.

Julie P said...

I haven't left a comment here forever but have to tell you how much I love everything in this room. You did a fantastic job, and it's gorgeous!

* The Design Confidential said...

these are wonderful! i NEED some too, now!