Mailroom!

I don't know about you, but at my house I feel like we're always fighting a sea of incoming mail.  It ends up in little piles all over the house - the coffee table, the desk in the office, and the hutch in the kitchen are just a few of the temporary (ok, semi-permanent) "homes" our mail finds.  Well, that's all over!  The mail is being evicted from these "homes"!  In fact, I would say it's moving uptown!  I just finished creating a "mail sorting station" and I almost can't wait to check the mail on Monday!  Here's how I did it --- so SIMPLE!!

First, I started with five IKEA FLYT magazine files that I purchased on Amazon for $6.99. 

 

Next, I selected some cute, graphic scrapbook paper.  I decided to go with all black and white paper.  These files will live on my newly chartreuse kitchen hutch so I thought the black and white would really pop against the chartreuse.  I measured the files and cute the scrapbook paper to fit.  Then I used Mod Podge to cover the files with the scrapbook paper.

 

Finally, I added chalkboard labels to each file and my new "mail sorting station" is complete!

 

 

 

** Update ** 

If you know me, you know I'm always updating my décor.  I recently gave these magazine files a quick update using some fabric scraps I had on hand.  You know what that means, it was FREE!  I removed the scrapbook paper so it wouldn't show through the new fabric.  Then I traced the shape of the magazine files onto my fabric and cut it to fit (I cut the fabric about 3/4" larger than the file so I could fold it into the file for a more finished look).  Next, I applied the fabric to the files using my trusty Mod Podge.  For the curved sides, I cut slits 3/4" apart so the fabric would fold into the curve).  In their previous life, I had the short side of the magazine files facing out but I decided to turn them around this time to hide all the papers for a more polished look.  Finally, I found these great free printable labels from mom 4 real, customized them with my text, printed them and converted them to stickers using my Xyron Creative Station.

 







Custom Projects

I've been working on a lot of custom orders lately.  I LOVE custom orders!  Here are a few.

(made to match vintage baseball theme)

(made to match Pottery Barn Kids' Animal Alphabet crib bedding)

Handmade Holiday Swap

This looks so fun!  Milo and Molly are hosting a handmade holiday swap.  I'm participating and you should too!

 

 

http://www.miloandmolly.com/2012/10/the-handmade-holiday-swap.html#

First Craft Show!

I had a great time at my first craft show today!  I had a lot of help.  My dad painted my awesome cabinet and my parents babysat my little man.  My husband helped me set up and hung out with me all day.  He also had the very important responsibility of bringing my pina colada flavored shaved ice!!  I met some great people today and caught up with some good friends.  Good times!!

Fall Felt Flower Wreath

I develop new craft obsessions all the time.  Felt flowers are the current apple of my eye!  There are tons of felt flower tutorials available online.  I like to make a few different types and use them together.  I used some leftover burlap ribbon from my last wreath project to "anchor" the felt flowers.  This was so fun!  Now, I need to start working on the Christmas Felt Flower Wreath!

 

Fall Burlap Wreath

I keep seeing burlap wreaths for fall and I just love them!  So, I had to get in on the action.  I made this little lady yesterday.  I unintentionally bought wired burlap ribbon.  But I'm so glad because the ribbon was much easier to shape as a result.  Our front door is solid wood and requires regular beauty treatments with some Murphy's Oil.  As you can tell, she hasn't had one lately but I actually think the "distressed" look works with the rustic look of the burlap wreath.  Besides, the wreath may be finding a new home next week when I take her to the craft show with me!

First Craft Show!

I'm going to participate in my first craft show on Sunday, October 14th!  Well, my first show as a seller.  I've been a buyer many times!!  It's always been a dream of mine to have my own booth at a craft show.  I'm SO excited!  That excitement has my creative energies flowing so I have several new items to share with you.  What do you think?

(dry erase board)

(dry erase board)

It's Starting to Feel Like Fall at My House!

The pumpkin patch (aka my mantle).  I love these faux pumpkins because you can use them year after year!  I painted them with preppy & playful patterns including argyle, polka dot, chevron, and candy corn.  They're all available in my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagnoliaMommyMade.

 

I picked up this antique frame at a local thrift shop last year.  My hubby helped me convert it to a chalkboard.  I love decorating it for different seasons and holidays.  I borrowed a quote from Emily Bronte to get my chalkboard in the Autumn spirit!

 

 

I think this candy corn pumpkin is my favorite of the painted pumpkins and I LOVE this pumpkin yellow chevron fabric.  I'm planning to make a table runner with it.

 

This tray jumped two decades with just a quick coat of spray paint, a piece of patterned paper, and some Mod Podge!

Chocolate Brown Polka Dot Magnet Board with Blue Ribbon

http://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaMommyMade

Coupon Fun at Target!

• 2 packs of RoseArt markers - 10 ct each
• 2 packs of RoseArt crayons - 24 ct each
• 1 pack of Papermate ballpoint pens - 10 ct
• 3 rolls of Scotch tape
• 1 Reach dental floss

Total = $0.67 + tax!

Get a personalized mug for $1 from Ink Garden!  These mugs are so cute.  You can add caricatures  or pictures of your family members along with their names.  These make great gifts!
Click Here

Back to School

It's almost that time of the year... back to school!  If you would like to start the year off right, I may be able to help.  I've created some great teacher gifts.  These can be personalized with the teacher's name.  If you have something else in mind, email me at magnoliamommymade@gmail.com.  I love custom orders!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/106022975/personalized-teacher-gift-apple-frame

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104237999/teacher-gift-framed-dry-erase-board

DIY Chair Cushions

I found these chairs at Pier 1 recently.  I loved the chairs but I wasn't crazy about the cushions (which were sold separately for $40 each). 


So I decided to make my own.  I made a template of the chair bottom by placing tissue paper in the seat of the chair and tracing the shape.

 

Then I bought a piece of 3 inch foam at Joann's.  Lucky me, it was on sale for 50% off and I had a coupon (as I usually do) for an additional 25% off.  So the foam for two chairs cost only $20.  That's $60 less than the boring beige cushions would have cost.  I used my tissue paper template to trace the shape onto the foam and I cut the shape out with scissors.



Finally, I sewed the cushion covers from some black and cream damask fabric that I had previously purchased from Joann's on sale, of course.  This black and cream damask fabric is my new obsession.  I've been using it on all kinds of projects.  It works like a neutral but it so much more fun than the beige cushions.  And this only took a couple nap times to complete!