{idea notebook} your Work of Art

I found this D-I-Y project in Fresh Home Ideas and instantly loved it. What a modern way to commemorate something special and create a piece of art that is truly individual...

1. paint a whitewash background onto cut-to-size plywood
2. buy or create a stencil of a favorite saying, offset the words on each successive line & paint
3. enlarge an favorite image (on a photocopier) to desired size and print it out
4. trace the image directly onto the plywood—or onto wood veneer, balsa or paperboard that you can color and mount onto the board.
5. allow time to dry, then hang or prop up!

*Photography by Sue Ferris via Fresh Home Ideas

{idea notebook} How to Paint a Plywood Floor

                                 Plywood flooring painted to look like weathered planks (image via Coastal Living)

 

Plywood flooring with faux finish by Suzanne Stryker (image via Google)

                                      Plywood flooring painted glossy red by Brownstoner (image via Brownstoner.com)

                                              Checkerboard painted plywood flooring (image via Photo Bucket)

If you are searching for a way to create a beautiful floor while on a budget I suggest painting your plywood sub flooring. Not only is it cost effective it will allow you to create something completely unique and personal to your space.

1. Sand: Sand any imperfections in the flooring (dents, holes, etc.) going with the grain & fill with wood putty. For large areas it is recommended to use a pole sander.  Please take care to use a dust mask and safety glasses for safety!
   
2. Clean: Wipe the floor down using a damp cloth. You must ensure that the floor is completely clean prior to beginning priming.
3. Primer: Once your floor has dried, paint on a coat of primer using a paintbrush (or use self-priming paint). Let the primer coat dry.
4. Paint: Paint a base coat on the floor using a roller. Again, remember not to paint yourself into a corner and start at the farthest corner of the room! A good tip is to roll away from a dry area to a wet area to minimize marks and leave a smooth coat.
5. Pattern: Let the base coat dry thoroughly before painting your pattern. Now is the time to be creative (faux finishes, patterns, faux rugs, etc.) I would strongly recommend using a stencil or painter's tape for any pattern with repeats or straight lines.
6. Cure: The finished floor needs to set for at least two days, after your last coat of paint, prior to stepping onto the flooring.
   

* information in above article referenced from Budget Decorating article by Pamela Cole Harris, via About.com

{idea notebook} Painted Stair Runner

 If you have ever wondered what to do about your staircase, as I often do, it might be worth considering a painted stair runner. I think they can provide immediate character to a foyer, add visual interest to a usually mundane space or punch up a back stairwell without looking out of place.  I particularly adore the numbered stairs that cleverly count the steps to bedtime slumber. If you are looking for a project to tackle over the weekend this could be a wonderful refresh, just remember to set aside ample drying time between coats! (tip: if you remove the painter's tape to early your paint might bleed)



* photography via Apartment Therapy & nest egg

{idea notebook} Me & My Shadow

When it comes to our favorite things and special collections I find it important to consider how we want to present them to the world. What could be more perfect for your special piece than featuring it in a charming shadow box? Not just for little girls with pig-tails, shadow boxes can be sweet or modern depending on how you treat them. And they add great dimension to our often 2-d walls. (This wonderful idea was taken from 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100, Summer 2010 issue) Simply repurpose an old drawer with a fresh coat of paint and some pretty wallpaper or decorative paper and voila, you have a timeless presentation for something you hold dear. Another thought to consider is changing out the drawer knob for an extra personal touch.

*photography via 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100

{idea notebook} Stenciled Window Shade

Transform a simple window shade with a charming stencil. I love this idea taken from Country Living's July/August 2010 issue!

"Painting this birdcage motif is a snap, thanks to a goof-proof stencil ($26; 9"Wx14"H; designerstencils.com). Simply center the stencil on the front side of a bamboo shade- ours cost $21.50 at pearlriver.com- so that the top of the design lines up with the top of the shade; secure with painter's tape. Following the stencil package directions, use a stencil brush ($1.99; joann.com) and acrylic paint to gently tamp the design onto the shade. Let dry for 30 minutes, then apply a second coat. Wait another 30 minutes before carefully removing the stencil. Allow the shade to dry for an hour before hanging.
-Laura Fenton" (Country Living July/August 2010)


*photography via Country Living