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Update Your Old Picture Frames

Geri — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:02:25 +0000

Last week I recovered an old office chair for my new office. This week is all about new frames for my new office. It is easy to find inexpensive frames, but my goal was to personalize ones that I already have. No more boring frames, I want something that says ME! My office space would not be complete without my cherished photos of family and friends. Yes I have pictures, my treasures, everywhere in our home, but in my office I can “girl” it up.

Over the years I have become a little obsessed with scrapbooking paper which I find so beautiful. I have actually purchased sheets during clearance sales at Hobby Lobby not knowing what I will use them for, but for only 10 cents a sheet, I’ll figure something out! I am sure by now you have guessed that I put my purchases to use in revamping my frames.

First you will need to start out with a frame that has a flat surface. I had a couple of plain black ones as well as a couple that I purchased for only 49 cents at our local Goodwill. You will need an exacto knife, white glue and scrapbook paper. Take the glass out of the frame and lay the frame face down onto the paper. I used an old board to cut on so as not to damage the table top. Begin cutting the paper using the outside of the frame as a guide and then the inside of the frame using the exacto knife. Brush on a thin layer of glue onto the frame, making sure to cover all areas before attaching the paper onto the frame. Smooth out any air bubbles then let dry.

Once the glue has dried, you are ready to embellish your new frame. Try using buttons, ribbon, feathers or old jewelry. Take a trip down the crafting aisles of your local Michael’s or Hobby Lobby stores for ideas. The possibilities are endless, have fun with it.

Next week I want to show you all of my thrift store finds that I have added to my new office. Stay with me, my office is almost complete.

Recovering an Office Chair

Geri — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:09:06 +0000

Last week I painted my accent wall and put up a shelving unit over my desk. Today it is all about my “new” office chair, thanks to the generosity of Carol and her husband. The chair found a new home with me and while it was perfect in every way, it didn’t suit my color theme—easily fixed.

Recovering a piece of furniture doesn’t have to be intimidating. I start by making a pattern from an old sheet or better yet an old paint drop cloth. Shape the sheet over each section of the chair and then cut separate pieces for the back and seat cushion. I like to use a marker to write on each pattern piece what it is and how many I will need to cut out. Once the pattern pieces are cut I lay them out on the floor to measure for the exact fabric yardage. Guessing yardage can leave you with not enough fabric or purchasing too much. I am on a budget so I carefully rummaged through the remnants at my local fabric store and found a beautiful piece that matched my “purple” theme for only $7.50—a steal!

I used my pattern to cut out the fabric and then began fitting the fabric pieces onto the chair wrong side out using straight pins. I machine sewed the pieces together until they fit snugly over each section of the chair. It will take a little tucking and maneuvering until it fits perfectly. I used a staple gun to attach the fabric over the seat of the chair—again pulling tightly. There is no exact science, just play with the pieces until they fit. If this process is not an option for you, consider purchasing a simple slipcover. Surefit.com has a large selection of slipcovers, so start there.

I have been accused of being a little (or a lot) “froufrouey”, so after I added a bow to the back of my chair, it now fits perfectly in its new surroundings. Still not done, join me next week for a cool idea on revamping old picture frames.

Reducing Stress at the Doctor’s Office

Carol — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:14:24 +0000

Whether going for a routine health checkup or a visit to the dentist, going to the doctor is near the bottom of many people’s list of desired activities. Nurses pass along these tips for feeling less on edge:

Leave early for an appointment. If you rush out the door and are running late, you’ll get to the office already stressed out.
But expect to wait. Doctors try to run on time, but the reality is they often don’t. Bring something relaxing to do in the waiting room, such as a favorite book or magazine, a book of puzzles, a knitting project or an iPod.
Avoid caffeine. Stop drinking soda, coffee and other caffeinated products at least an hour before your appointment. Caffeine can cause extra jitters and also raise your blood pressure.
Bring company. Ask a family member or friend to come to your appointment. You’ll have a nice distraction in the waiting room and, if you want, an extra set of ears when your doctor gives you advice.
Communicate your fears. Tell your doctor up front if you are nervous and let her know what part of the appointment scares you the most.
Stay in the loop. Have your doctor explain what’s going on at different stages of the visit to avoid surprises.
Use visualization. During shots and blood draws, close your eyes and picture yourself in a favorite place (looking away from needles also can help reduce pain). Relax your muscles as much as possible and breathe slowly and deeply.
Try not to be embarrassed. While you may feel uncomfortable with being naked or discussing sensitive health topics, your doctor likely has seen and heard it all before — often many times a day.