Canvas Chalkboard and Seagrass Basket Organizer

We don't have much space in our tiny apartment so I thought this idea might help in keeping pens, paper and other junk from collecting on our "already limited" counterspace. 

It was simple and cheap to put together and the pictures are pretty self-explanatory.   I bought the canvas from Michaels for $24.00.  It measures 30" x 48".  I wanted a large canvas to cover all of the existing holes left by the former tenant.  I bought the cafe rod from Walmart for $10.00 together with the curtain rings. 

And, I found the seagrass baskets at London Drugs...regularly 5.99 each - on for .99.  I had the chalkboard paint.

 

To give the chalkboard a bit more interest (for the pictures) I re-created this design from a similar picture on the internet.  As you can see, I simply free-handed the artwork/lettering so don't judge my artistic abilities.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by...have a great week!

 

Lesa

 

 



Canvas & Vinyl Bag

Here's a sewing project I'd like to share with you.  After seeing a bag that my sister-in-law had sewn for herself, I decided to attempt something similar.  I have to admit...hers was much prettier than mine and she is an extremely talented quilter/seamstress.  I just do what I can...

This is what I started out with ...vinyl, natural canvas and 100% cotton (for the lining).

I used vinyl on the bottom of the bag because it will be easy to wipe off if it gets dirty.  Plus, it makes the bag a bit more sturdy.

I also used vinyl (and canvas) for the handles...

 

and I added vinyl for the trim on the inside (liner) pockets.

 

 

When sewing vinyl there are a couple of tips that my sister-in-law shared with me that  I'd like to share with you.

 

1.   Do not use pins to secure the vinyl as the pins will leave permanent holes in the vinyl.  Use hair clips...this is a "brilliant" solution.  These clips will work well on anything that is to thick or too delicate to pin. 

 

 



2.  Use a piece of paper underneath the vinyl when sewing the pieces together to prevent the vinyl from sticking.  It just helps the vinyl to "move with easy" under the pressure foot.  Once you are done sewing you can just rip the paper off without affecting the stitching. 

I am happy with how the bag turned out and it will be very functional for lugging my stuff to and from work.

Thank you for stopping by...

Lesa

Apartment Living

As some of you may know, my husband and I moved from our home in British Columbia to Alberta.  At the moment, we are renting an apartment...however, this is only a temporary arrangement for the next four months.   The apartment is only 825 square feet, but has everything we need to be comfortable.  Two bedrooms, one bathroom, open kitchen and living space and a laundry room.  I am very thankful for the laundry room, as I can't imagine having to run up and down stairs sharing laundry facilities with other apartment dwellers. 

Anyway, I thought I would share a few pictures of our little place with you.  Keep in mind...it is small and I am not allowed to paint or change the existing decor. 



There is my last project...the Ikea pine chest makeover. 

 

 

 

This table is from "Ana White" which I built for our living room in our other home.  Works well against this small wall in the kitchen and provides counter space for my pottery canister set.

We bought this pub-style table and stool set for $100.00.  Not something I would choose for my home, but it works well in our tiny space.

Here is the kitchen island from my other house.  Before we moved, I added castors to the bottom of it to make is more portable for the new space.  I have such little counter space, so I am glad I brought my island!  Great prep and storage space!!

The cupboard doors were missing when we moved in so I made a burlap curtain to hide my pots and pans.

Here are the shelves my husband built for the other house.  And, you may recognize some the the accessories from older posts.

 

 

So there you have it...the beginnings of our temporary home aka apartment living.  Thank you for stopping by...hope your weekend is a great one!

 

Lesa