easy Archives – Rise and Renovate

The Do’s and Do Not’s of Decoupaging + My Own Fail

January 30, 2017 1 Comment

Guys. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling extra crafty and wanting to try something new! With this adventurous spirit, I decided to try decoupaging some decor. I’d done it once or twice before so I assumed I was a pro. I assumed so wrong. ? Now I’d like to share my “Pinterest Fail” and my “Pinterest Win” and maybe teach you a thing or two along the way! My first idea was to design two prints and decoupage them onto 16×20″ canvasses. That doesn’t sound too hard, right? RIGHT?? Well, my frustration began when I started using my worst enemy, scissors. ✂️ ? ?

The Scissor Folly

I am convinced that I was absent from Kindergarten the day Mrs. Hegeman taught us how to use scissors. I’m pretty much incapable of cutting a straight line, so I thought I’d be “innovative” and show you an easy way to help you cut a straight line with scissors. I’m yet to find this easy way. ?

First, I tried putting a piece of painter’s tape along the line to cut, but the tape was crooked and I ripped my paper. Second, I tried folding along the edge to cut, but my fold was crooked. I ended up with this:

DO NOT: Try an innovative way to cut a straight line on your only print.

DO: Invest in a commercial-grade straight-edge cutter or a YouTube video with better tips. ?

Decor, DIY Projects

DIY Bathroom Mirror Frame for Under $10

January 18, 2017 39 Comments

Okay guys. If there were only one DIY project I could share with you, I think it would be this one. It is so. easy. and transforms your bathroom. Affordably. It involves the #1 thing you look at in the bathroom: your mirror!

When we were thinking about re-doing our bathroom, we started looking at new mirrors… but they were expensive! I wanted to keep our bathroom makeover cheap, so I wasn’t interested in spending $50+ for a new mirror. That being said, I hated the “builder” mirror that was in there – you know, it’s like a giant slate of mirror. It gets the job done, but it’s so blah.

As I was searching around on Pinterest for bathroom makeover inspiration, I came across a DIY bathroom mirror frame on a fun home decor blog called Cherished Bliss. I pinned it knowing it would be something I’d actually come back to later. Would you guess that the mirror above turned into this one??

Okay, let me show you how we did it!

DIY Projects

Mama’s Amazing DIY Accent Wall

September 5, 2016 9 Comments

I’ve said it before, but my mom is pretty much amazing at everything (see: 4 Home Decorating Tips from My Ingenious Mama). I love bouncing ideas off her to get inspired. When she gets an idea in her head, there’s no stopping her. As was the case with her accent wall!

My parents moved to Arizona a couple years ago and I couldn’t wait to see what they would do with their new home. As crazy as it sounds, one of my favorite parts has become their entryway – you can see why.

My mom put up this accent wall ENTIRELY on her own, from beginning to end (like I said, pretty much amazing), for only $125! I want to do something similar in our master bathroom, so I got the inside scoop and I’m sharing every detail! Here’s my Q&A with the woman herself: Mama.

DIY Projects

Step-by-Step Guide to Hang Floating Shelves

August 28, 2016 4 Comments

I love the look of floating shelves – you know the ones: they look like they’re magically protruding out of the walls:

Beautiful.

But have you ever hung one up yourself? Have you? I did (kind of). I cried and got so frustrated. I drilled a hole just 1/8″ off, and the shelf wouldn’t hook on to the screws and hang properly.

Thank goodness my handy husband came to the rescue to give me a few pointers and console me in this low time.

I’m writing this post to save you from going down the road I traveled down. Here is how to actually hang these floating shelves with NO TEARS, and lots of accomplishment and pride.