New vinyl guitar decals!

Introducing new guitar vinyl designs!  Aren't these cool?!  I love them and can't wait to start using them!  Just image them on a wall, canvas or even your car!

Kitchen Re-Do! Painted cabinets and more~

And now for the kitchen!  This is the before-

                                                                            Before




AFTER!



Glaze highlights all of the detailing in the cabinets

I made burlap roman shades.  YES, made them!  This gal has an easy DIY tutorial on how to make them yourself!  (Found her on Pinterest of course!) 


I added a simple valance on top of the Roman Shades,  No sew! I used the fusing tape and an iron to make this.  Super easy!

Lastly, I added some definitions to my glass canisters.  I love the way they turned out.  I must say however, I won't be selling these as the words are so small it is a nightmare to weed the negative parts of the vinyl out of the solid sheet!  If you just want the labels, ie. SUGAR, FLOUR etc.  No problem!  I can do that.  It' the little itty bitty words that were not fun!

This is always time consuming but well worth the effort!  It is actually a simple process. 

Here are some simple step by step instructions~

Quick glance guide-
1- Remove doors and hinges
2-Label doors
3-Clean doors and bases with TSP
4-Sand
5-Prime
6-Paint
7-Glaze
8-Seal
9- Hang

Detailed Instructions-

1-  Remove Each door and hinge ONE BY ONE.
 
2-  Label each door so that you know where it goes. 
(I know you may think that this is a silly step and your thinking- "Of course I will know where they will go"-      TRUST ME....label them.  It is much easier!  I wrote inside the hole where the hinge fits because  it provided enough room to write without it being covered with paint.  Another option is to use painters tape on the back side if you are not planning on painting the inside of the cupboard doors.)  I labeled them "U" for upper and then a #.  For example U1, U2 etc.  L for lower-

3.  Use "TSP" to clean the fronts of your doors and cabinet bases. This is an important step.  It will get all of the hidden grease and grime off of your cabinets.  It's there even if you don't see it! You can get this at your local hardware store.

4. Lightly sand or use a deglosser/liquid sander solution.  This will give the primer a better surface to stick to.  DON"T SKIP THIS STEP!  This is key to a good, long lasting finish.  I would recommend sanding over the liquid because it is a fail proof method.

5. Next prime.  I prefer "Gripper" brand primer as it is amazingly durable.  You can find it at Home Depot.  I cut into the grooves with a paint brush and then immediately roll over it with a smooth sponge roller.  This will prevent brush strokes and give a nice smooth finish.

6.  Time to paint!  Apply at least 2 coats of your paint in the same way you applied your primer.  Use a brush and then roll over it with a sponge roller.  BTW-  The paint people (at Home Depot) tried to tell me years ago when I started doing this not to use the sponge roller because it soaks up to much paint.  Don't listen to them.  :)  This is the only way to get the pro finish you want.  It doesn't soak up that much paint. 

7.  Lastly, if you want to glaze your cabinet doors, mix one part paint, (espresso)  to 2 parts glaze.  Brush the glaze over the doors where there are grooves.  I brushed mine over the beveled part of my doors.

Next, with a lint free cloth, rub away the glaze so that it leaves behind a rich dark color in the grooves of the door.   If you are picky like me, you can methodically pull your rag down one side of the groove and then the other to be sure the glaze leaves a nice straight (ish) line.

I ran a line of color around the edges of the doors as well even though there was no groove.  I just liked the look of it.  Again, I pulled the rag down both sides of the line to get an even line.  (If this seems confusing I basically wiped away the paint on each side of the line so that all that was left was a thin line.) You don't want it to be perfect because it is suppose to look a bit aged.  :)

8.  Last, (because I go a little over the top)  I applied a coat of glaze over the entire door to seal everything and protect the paint!  This makes it easier to clean and since your kitchen gets a lot of wear and tear, it is best to seal everything.

9. Once the cabinet bases and door are dry...(BE PATIENT,)  you get to hang them and admire all of your hard work!

Vinyl decal typography on wall!

I thought I would share one of my designs that I created in my daughters bedroom!  I cut out different sized letters and adhered them on her wall.  Isn't this fun!?  I am pretty happy with the finished product! Yippee!

#vinyldecals, #yellowbedroom, #decorating, #typography

Vinyl Ceiling and light swith medallions!

I have some fun new projects that I have been working on but I had to post this picture of one of my new designs! How fun is this? I took a combination of a design from the "frame" designs and doubled up on it to have a double layered effect. Keep in mind that most of the designs can be "tweaked" to fit your desired results! Think outside the box-

Here is another one I did quite awhile ago and I think I have already posted a pic. :) I created this using 2 of the same designs from one of the embellishment collections (#EM017).  You can now find this complete design under the ceiling medallion section labeled #CME003!

Here is a photo of a simple embellishment around a light switch.  No more boring light switches!

Here are some of the fun options used to embellish your switches and fixtures! Some of the designs are used as monograms and such but any part of the shape can be seperated and used in your design!

Picture frame arrangement ideas!

We have all seen the beautiful wall of framed photos.  It may not be as easy as it looks to create the perfect layout....that is until now!  As I was cruising Pinterest...(do that a bit too frequently nowadays!) and found this wonderful layout article!  Unfortunately there was no credit link.  I will continue to look for the original post but for now I had to share! 

Once you have chosen your layout, use craft paper or brown paper rolls from your local home improvement store and cut out the correct sized squares and adhere them to your wall.  Once you are happy with the layout find the center and simply hammer your nails into the wall thru the paper itself.  :)

EASY PEASY!!!!!!  Please feel free to share any other tips you have for hanging your artwork!  I would love to hear them~

Small Laundry spaces!

Like many of you, my laundry area is in a wonderfully tiny hall closet!  I have the itch to do something with it.  Here are some wonderful design ideas where a small closet has been transformed into a beautiful inviting area.  I may even start enjoying doing my laundry!  (I will let you know when I actually put these ideas to work!)  I absolutely love the first one!  The doors in front of the washer and dryer are a perfect way to hide the appliances.

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens

Martha Stewart

Better Homes and Gardens

casadevalentina.com

Valentine's Day Decor!

This one was so fun and super easy!  As I often do, I was on the hunt for another holiday project.  While in Michael's I found these adorable little baroque frames.  I immediately thought that it would be cute to add them to a wood board and make a cute Valentine's plaque.  The cost of this plaque is under $15 and is a great project to do with the kids!

Here is the tutorial~
Materials-
Wood plaque or board
Off white acrylic paint
Sand Paper
4 small decorative mirrors- ($1.50 @ Michael's)
Scrapbook paper- 3 different designs
Decorative scissors
Hot glue
Medium tack spray adhesive
"LOVE" Vinyl lettering.  Only $3.75!

First you need to get yourself a wood plaque.  I cut and prep these myself.  It is not as hard as you think.  Go down to your local hardware store and purchase a pine board that is about 8" wide.  They usually come in lengths of 6', 8', 10', and such.  If you go to Home Depot they will cut it for you!  Just tell them the length you want and they will cut the board down to create several boards for all of your craft projects!  For this project I used a board that was cut down to 24" long by about 8" Wide.
Be sure to sand the edges and surface of your wood to ensure a smooth finish.  If you have the skills and the tools you can even use a router to give your plaque and decorative edge.

Next, paint the outer edges and a border around the surface of your board.  No need to paint the entire surface because your paper will cover most of it.  As you see below, only about 1/4" of the wood is exposed after the scrapbook paper is applied.

Next, cut your paper to fit your board.  Keep in mind that if you use a board that is longer than 12" you will need to use 2 pieces of paper to cover the length of your board.  My paper measures 6"x 10" each.  This leaves a 1" border around the surface paper.  If you choose a paper with a print, be sure to match up the design at the seam so that the seam is somewhat disguised.  When you apply the frames they will cover a lot of the board so no need to worry about the seems being very noticeable.

Continue to cut a 1" border for the outer edge of your board using scalloped craft scissors to create a cute scalloped border.  Leave one edge straight. It can be tricky to keep your cuts level when using scrapbook scissors.  It makes it much easier to match up your borders if you use your original cut as a template by lightly tracing your original strip onto your paper.  Your will end up with 6 strips- 2 for the side and 4 for the top and bottom.  (See photo below).

Once you have cut all of your paper, do a test run to make sure all of your paper fits the surface the way you want it to.  You will overlap your trim pieces (red) onto your surface paper (pink) so that you cannot see the edge of the pink paper.  Once you are satisfied with the look, use your spray adhesive to adhere your paper to the board.  The adhesive is a great alternative to using Modge Podge and is MUCH less messy!  Just be sure to spray it outside or in a protected area because the over spray of the adhesive will stick to your surfaces and is VERY difficult to clean up.

This is what is should look like-

Now it is time to prepare the frames.  I chose 3 rectangle and one round frame.  Michael's has red, black, blue and cream frames.  I chose red and blue but lightened the blue by painting it. 

Turn the frames over and remove the stand and backing clips. You do not want these on the frames because they are bulky and prevent the frames from lying flat on the board.  No worries about them staying closed because it will be glued shut when you glue it to the board.

Remove the paper inside the frame and replace it with coordinating scrapbook paper.  It makes it easier if you use the original template from the frame to trace your new paper.

Next glue your frames on your board spacing them evenly.  I find it easier to place the first frame and then the last before placing the 2 in the center.  This will ensure better spacing.

Last, place your vinyl letters on the front of the frames and you are done!  (You can order the lettering from me for only $3.75.  Just shoot me an email! designbykelli@gmail.com)

HOW CUTE IS THIS?!

Beautiful vinyl snowflake decals!

I just have to share these GORGEOUS vinyl snowflakes with you!  They look great on windows, mirrors and doors as well as all of your crafting projects.  I am going to place them in my windows in a random pattern to make it feel like snow is falling.  :)

Choose up to 6 snowflakes that fit in a 15" sq area for only $10.00!!!  Just shoot me an email and let me know which ones you would like. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Red and white Christmas. Day 5 of the Chistmas Decorating Ideas Marathon! "RED AND WHITE"

Today's Christmas Decorating Marathon colors are "Red and White!" This one is pretty easy considering red and white are EVERYWHERE this time of year! You can choose to go elegant with soft whites, feather, crystals and velvety reds or you can choose candy canes, dots and stripes. Either way it will look fantastic!

Here are some great entry ways.  Traditional greenery with berries, poinsettias and bows.

Martha Stewart

How fun is this!  They have added woodland animals such as white owls, foxes and cardinals.  I love the snow tipped garland and red berries on the mantle!

This is darling!  A mixture of Christmas ornaments adorn the the mantle.  Just add a few sprigs of red and white to your evergreens and Voila! 

Raz Christmas

This is so simple and very chic!  Crisp white tree with a sparse arrangement or red Christmas ornaments.  Display red and white dishes and stick to simple wrapping.  It looks like a dishcloth is wrapped around the base of the tree...:)

Cafemom.com

This tree is filled with all things red, white and SWEET!

Barefootfloor.com

All I can say is LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this gorgeous wreath.  You could use this with any color combination!

Stacy Bradford

I love this!  Two evergreen wreaths create a Christmas chandelier of sorts!

Martha Stewart

This is beautiful!  Candy canes, and clear marbles create a fun base for the flower arrangement.

Wrap your candles in red and white ribbon.  Notice the little bells attached to the ribbon.

This is gorgeous!  Simple frosted greenery, red berries and faux candy canes create this beautiful Christmas centerpiece! 

Raz Chistmas

This is as about as simple as it gets!  Just add fresh cranberries to your vase and your simple white candle become very festive!

Love this for the bathroom!

Pottery Barn

Any color combination can be enhanced with the right pillows and throws.  They do not need to have a holiday theme, just choose the proper colors!

Homeinspiring.com

Do the same with dishes! Of course, if  you need some decorative vinyl to decorate your dishes, I can help you with that!

BHG

This is a fun and unique way to add color to your room.  Dress up everyday items that you have in your room!

Country Living

Think outside the box!  Wreaths don't just belong on doors!