Faux Arched Window Topper Under $1.00
We installed faux blinds over our bathtub in our bathroom (from Home Depot). I’ve been looking at this space above the blinds wondering what I could put up there that looks good and finishes off the window. We checked into a custom topper but they are very expensive. I tried using sheer material and I also tried to use extra faux slats that we had from another window and neither of them worked.
I got an idea to use a foam board (20x30) from my local dollar store. It turned out really good and it gave me the look that I wanted all along!
I cut a decorative piece for the front and I was done! The fit is tight enough in the arch that I didn’t have to secure it or glue it into the window frame.
BEFORE and
AFTER photos
It’s certainly not perfect and I don’t think anyone will notice, but it works, and for only $1.00!! I still have some foam board left over for other projects.
I started off by cutting a 2 1/2” wide base the length of the window so I could hot glue the slats to it.
This is a view of it laying down.
I cut and glued a decorative arched piece for the front and the
Faux Arched Window Topper Under $1.00 was done!
Patchwork for Master Bedroom Under $5.00
I’ve had this frame for years and it’s just taking up space in my closet. I took it apart, painted it with left over paint from another project, and I’m going to give away the print.
BEFORE
AFTER 
I first had to figure out the size of each square to fit in the frame.
These remnants are super cheap at Triad Fabrics in Roseville.
Made a template and cut the fabric.
After figuring out the pattern layout and sewing everything together, I added 1/4” trim to make it look like the squares were separated with a thin strip of “wood”. I found out quickly that sewing on such a small trim can distort the square, especially those squares that have lines in the design. I love the colors but don’t love the crooked lines… urgh!! I used a basting stitch for everything so if and when I decide to take the whole thing apart and start over, it won’t be horrible to rip out the stitching. It’s hanging on the wall and the colors look great in our room.
Saving The Lemon Tree - March
We planted this lemon tree 3 years ago in the ground and it did not do good at all. We had to baby the hell out of it and nothing was working. Hank built this little green house out of PVC and heavy plastic for the winter time in an effort to save it from the cold and frost… that didn’t work either!
So after 2 1/2 years we decided to pull it up, dig an even bigger hole and build a raised bed with lots of good dirt. We thought for sure that giving it that extra really good dirt it would grow… NOT!!! We decided to give it one last try and move it to the other side of the house where there is more protection from the wind & cold, there is not as much sun, so we were not sure how it would work. But at this point we had nothing to loose except the tree, which it was loosing it’s life anyway.
We put it with the other fruit trees we planted last year. We had to move more fricken rocks… what else is new.
Dug a big hole and constructed the half circle retaining wall to match the other fruit trees.
Here’s the finished product in it’s new home on March 19th. We were able to do this project in just one day!
Just 6 weeks later there is so much new growth on the tree, compare the tree above to now! It’s the best it’s looked and we are so happy we decided to save it. Can’t wait for the lemons to arrive!!!
Raised Garden Bed - March
When we lived in Milpitas we had the BEST garden and produced wonderful fruit & vegetables. Since we moved to Lincoln in 2005, we have not been able to grow anything in a garden even though we’ve tried many different things and areas… extremely disappointed with this.
We found this really cool 4’ x 8’ garden bed at Costco for $80 that just pops together in a couple of minutes and it has a warranty for 20 years. We couldn’t even make it for that cheap, so we thought we’d give it a try.
We thought we were being very proactive to plant the garden just a few days before we left for a 16 day vacation. We thought it would have a 2 week head start in growing. Little did we know that the weather would be horrible when we were away. Rain, hail, high winds, no sun… WTF???? Our poor little garden is off to a bad start and almost got beat to death. Hopefully it will start growing soon.
Bar Closet Make Over-LONG Ongoing Project
We have a closet behind our wet bar and we just have extra beverages stored in it. We really don’t need a “closet” so we decided to make it an extension of the bar area.
First thing was to install electrical for the wine refrigerator (which was given to us), under counter lighting, and outlets for plugging things in.
Next, we removed the baseboards and door frame.
Dry wall work is VERY messy, from the mud to the terrible dust. We’ve been at this for over 2 months due to being out of town so much and attending to other projects and life in general. Our house is a mess, but we WILL finish this damn project!!! I will publish more pictures in future blog updates, so stay tuned.
Fence Repair
We had a rotted out post on the side of our house that needed repair. We fixed it and all we need to do is paint it.
Christmas Stocking
I had been using the same Xmas stocking since 1977, so I thought it was about time I got a new one, right?!?!? I knew I wanted something with fur so I went to the fabric store armed with my coupons in an effort to make it inexpensively. I could have just purchased a stocking, but that’s no fun! I got everything on sale and made it for $12 and I have enough fur left over for another small project.
Lesson learned: working with fur is a pain in the ass!!
It took a while to make because I didn't have a pattern nor instructions, but I figured it out. It turned out really good after lining it, adding the fur, and a little bling... I'm good to go!
