Treasures from the Trash: A Rolling Cart

Well, hello everyone!

If you've visited my blog in the past, I have a recurring section called, "Treasures from the Trash". It's all about furniture that I see on the sidewalk, the ones that are still in great shape but the owners no longer have use for. So there they are, waiting for the dump truck to come and collect them. 

Such was the fate of this lonely rolling cart:

It has an industrial vibe.  

Made of wood, metal, and casters.

Using some photos from the web, here's how I would transform it from blah to TADA!:

I would add a table top using plywood and stain it to match the bottom shelf. Then I can use this cart for extra storage in the kitchen or dining room:

via World Market

via Pinterest

via Coco Lapine Design

Another idea is to add hardware to make it into a bar cart.

via Overstock

via House of Harper

via Emily Henderson

I could also add extra shelves to keep essentials tidy in the craft room or home office:

via Wayfair

via simplydesigningporch.com

via thecottagemarket.com

via whitehouseblackshutters.com

Or maybe even paint it in a bright color...TADA!

What about you? How would you update the look of this rolling cart?

Happy Day of Hearts

Instead of making Valentine's Day all about romantic love, let's celebrate all forms of love! Why not go out on a date with your parents or grandparents? Get in touch with a friend you haven't seen for a while and catch up over coffee and cake? Or spend some time with a nephew or niece, godson or goddaughter and take them out for pizza and ice cream. You'll make a new memory together and turn an ordinary day from blah to TADA!  

A Pretty Pink Heart

On occasion, we like to order some Chinese take-out -- fried rice, egg rolls, or stir-fried noodles. Ummmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Most of the dishes come packaged in this box. I think it's well designed because it's eco-friendly, can easily be stacked, and transforms into a plate when opened up.

I discard the box but save the wire. Maybe I can turn it from blah to TADA! 

I play around with it and it easily forms into a heart.

I look through my ribbon stash and choose this pink pompom trim.

I attach it to the wire with hot glue.

The wire is now disguised in adorable pompoms.  I used it as an embellishment for gift wrapping:

And that is how I turned a takeout box handle from blah to TADA! Just in time for Valentine gift-giving.

A Crochet Heart

Hi guys! I like all kinds of crafts but I tend to shy away from crochet and knitting. I think it's because these have a specific language and set of rules, whereas my crafting style is more "fly by the seat of my pants" or "just winging it".

But I wanted to improve my skills.

So I took out my crochet hooks from the dark corners of storage. 

And found some of my yarn -- mostly garage sale finds and from the craft store sale bin. 

I really wanted to make a crochet heart.  

And I successfully made one...TADA! Thank goodness for You Tube tutorials and instructions on Pinterest.

There are many ways to make a crochet heart so it's always good to experiment and find the most suitable style for you.

I practiced using different colors and eventually made these from memory. Learning a new skill is always TADA!

Here's how I used the crochet heart I made:

I think that this little heart is a thoughtful token to give away.  

I added a bar pin at the back (secured in place using a glue gun).

I made a greeting card using card stock, alphabet stamps, and ink pad.

I punched some holes... 

So that I could attach the heart pin.

I stamped and signed the back of the card (an extra handmade touch).

Inside, I'm writing uplifting words for someone going through a tough time. Maybe she can wear the heart, snap it on her bag or display it on her work space to remind her that she is in my thoughts.  

Here is another version without a pin. The recipient can use the crochet heart however he or she likes. 

It's attached to the card with baker's twine and has a similar sentiment expressing, "I'm here for you."

I hope this gesture will turn their day from blah to TADA!

A Crafty Tool: Hot Iron Transfer Pencil

I discovered a crafty tool and I'd like to tell you about it.

It's called Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfer Pencil and it comes in handy when you need to transfer designs and drawings to fabric. 

Here's how I used it:

I traced a design from a book with tracing paper and the Hot Iron Transfer Pencil. I used a heavy hand so that it copies easily to the fabric.

This project is a good way to turn fabric scraps from blah to TADA!

I flipped the paper with the design so that the pencil side faces the fabric.

I applied heat from a hot and dry iron, hovering for 5 to 10 seconds.

And here is the design on the fabric...TADA!

I mounted the fabric onto an embroidery hoop and applied embroidery. 

Let me present to you my "ladybug on a leaf"...TADA! 

A quick craft that starts with an easy way of transferring the design to cloth and just adding a few stitches. The pencil marks aren't visible here but can be washed off with cold water and dish soap, then air dried, if needed.

A Bookmark with Page Flags

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and whenever there's a book, there has to be a bookmark to match.

Over the years, I've turned paper and cardboard from blah to TADA! to make my own bookmarks. Here, take a look:

This one is made from a bakery package that I laminated.

This one was cut out from a paper bag.

These were made from clothing tags.

I thought I'd make a different kind of bookmark this time.

The one that contains page flags or mini sticky notes attached to it.

I started with some simple materials: card stock, embroidery floss left over from a sewing project, page flags (from the dollar bin at the craft store), scissors, and craft punches.   

Cut the card stock to your preferred size, curve the corners and make a hole with craft punches.

String and tie the embroidery floss. You can use ribbon, twine or yarn if that's what you have.

Add some color using paint or pens.

Attach the page flags to the bookmark.

And here's a festive bookmark that can be used for books, notebooks, or planners...TADA!

If there's a passage in the book that I really love, I can mark it with the page flags. No pesky folded corners, underlines or highlights with a pen -- we get to keep the integrity of the book...TADA!

This craft is easy to make, practical to use, and a thoughtful gift for fellow book lovers. TADA!