Fabric Magnet Board

This is my work space situated in a corner of my dining room, you can imagine how drab it was without the magnet board above the desk. 

I knew it needed something big in that vast grey space.... 

and it all started with this frame (which I got for free). I spray painted it white.

When I was last at my parents house I had asked my dad if he had some metal laying around his shop that he could cut for me. He came up with the brilliant idea to re-purpose an old washer ... you heard me, a washer! 

He cut out the side of a washer that was just sitting down at my grandpa's farm. Awesome right?

Here it is:

I then covered the metal with some fabric using spray adhesive. 

I also ended up duct taping it on the backside just to make sure it didn't go anywhere.

With some help from the hubby we glued the metal into the frame then hung it up.

After I was done making the actual magnetic board I needed some cute magnets to go with it. 

So I made some bright and colorful fabric covered button magnets.

A relatively easy project and it looks fantastic above my desk (and it's practical too).

I added this cute printable to add some more character to the space (and let the kids and hubby know that 'I love everything' about them!). 

It's actually a black and white image. You color it in so you can make it to match any space, so cool.

You can get it for free at Tried and True.

Happy Wednesday!

linked up:
Sugar and Dots

Favorite Things Party

Right after moving I hosted a Favorite Things party. I had wanted to host one since seeing this post last summer. And let me tell you, it was SO much fun!!

There were 11 women that came.

We had draw prizes, party favors, played a game, ate tons of food and of course drew names for the 'favorite' items. Not to mention all the chatting that was going on.

Once the party started I was too busy hosting that I forgot to get a group photo, so I only have a few shots that I had taken before the activities were in full swing.

Above: Each person entered their name three times into the large jar for the 'favorite things' and once into the small jar for door prizes.

Below: I supplied a bag for the ladies to put their goodies in from the evening. I had them write their name on them so they wouldn't get mixed up and save me the hassel of calling around if someone left theirs behind.

Above: The ladies all filled out these small questionnaires. As a party game we played something like Scattegories (if you have a unique answer you receive a point). Of course the winner got a prize. It was lots of fun and even some of my really close friends had answers that I never would have guessed, it was great to get to know people a little bit better. (Questionnaire idea from here)

Below: What's a party without party favors?? I gave out a few of my little favorite things. Each lady picked out a ring (made by me), a bookmark (the free printable from this post), and an inspirational quote in a frame (free printable here).

Each brought three of the same favorite thing (worth around $10). This was the whole point of the party. It was great to see all the goodies lined up on the table.

My favorite thing that I handed out (which I forgot to get a picture of) was a smashbook with washi tape.

There was such an array of items: from lip balm to scarfs, sunglass holders to coffee mugs, there was even mini bottles of wine.

How it works:

One person goes first, stands up and explains their item (why it was their favorite and where you could get it) then draws three names out of the big jar. Those three people would get that item. The first name drawn from those three would then take their turn explaining and drawing names etc etc. I found this way worked really well. Of course if a person drew their own name they would just redraw. And once a name is chosen that slip does not go back in the jar.

Below is what I ended up with. A contigo travel mug (love these!); mascara and lip balm; chocolate, mints and a claw foot bathtub ring dish. So much fun right?!

And let's not forget the food....it was potluck!

No one needed to eat supper that night! haha

I really want to host another Favorite Things Party....but hubby says I can't... for now.

Happy Tuesday!

P.S. Check out this party and this one, for more inspiration when planning your own Favorite things party.

Linked to: Sugar and Dots

Bookshelf Bookmark (Free Printable)

 

 When I saw this idea and free printable over at Handmade Hezzahvife, I thought it was a perfect idea to help me with my new years goal of reading more. Thanks Heather! I already keep a reading journal (Nerd alert!) but I thought this would be a great visual reminder of what my list was looking like for the year. 

As you finish a book you simply write it in along the spine of one of the books on the shelf.

I just finished The Hobbit so I already wrote one in, yay!

This project couldn't be easier! Simply go over and get the free printable. Print it on cardstock and cut out. At this point you can either use as is or adhere to some pretty scrapbook paper (which is what I did). I also punched a hole at the top and added some ribbon.

And for those real keeners, the printable comes with a book shelf for the back as well. 

I'm not sure I'll get there but I figured dream big, haha.

Well one down, let's see how full my bookshelf will get!

P.S. Heather also made a super cute Viking plush, check it out if you're interested!

linked to:
Sugar and Dots

Frame Update with a Free Printable

This mirrored frame was simple to re-do. It used to have gold along the edges until I spray painted it black:


I then found this Free printable at Sprik Space. This image came in six different colors and this green one matched our master bedroom decor perfectly. (Unfortunately I had planned to have the pictures going length-wise so I had to cut out the bottom half of the image.)


Sprik Space has a lot of awesome free printables, check them out under 'freebies'!
Just for fun, below is another one of my favorites. It comes in 13 different colors. I love the 'Salmon' I just haven't found a spot for it yet!


Anyways back to the frame redo...
After putting the printable in the middle slot, I then added two of my favorite pictures from our honeymoon (us at long beach, Tofino on Vancouver island...gotta love camera timers!).


Here is another shot of it on the wall in our room.

I have been working on some really great projects lately, I'm getting excited to share them with you!! Happy Weekend!

linking to:
tatertots and jello
i heart naptime
sugar and dots