Almost-FREE Decorating Ideas

So my computer died and I can't upload photos from my camera. I have to limp along on a borrowed computer and use cell phone pictures. If you can excuse the poor photo quality, I'd like to share 4 no-to-low cost ideas I used in Molly's tween bedroom re-do.

1. Ribbon drawer pulls. This inexpensive dresser previously had TWELVE knobs butterfly knobs that Molly didn't like anymore. I did not want to pay for 12 new ones, which would probably have cost more than the dresser itself, so used satin striped ribbon for drawer pulls. Because the drawers glide open easily, the ribbon is an easy, inexpensive solution that will last a long time.

2. Carpet tile area rug. The shag rug we wanted from Target was 60 dollars, which was more than I wanted to spend. I went to a carpet store and asked for carpet samples. They gave me as many as I wanted for free! I put them in a pattern I liked, flipped them over, and used duct tape to secure them to each other. When I flipped them over again, I had a rug for ZERO dollars!




3. Spray painted hardware. On the room's other 3 dressers (yes, I know-- too much furniture!) I spray painted the hardware to match the room. This should be an easy change when Molly wants to change her color scheme again (ugh!)
4. Duct taped stool. Molly's new bookcase is very tall. Fortunately, Tom secured it to the wall for me. Still, I needed a way for Molly to reach the top shelves. We found an aged (gross!) step-stool on the curb and I covered it with turquoise duct tape. Nearly free and super fun! Colored and patterned duct tape is very popular with the tween and teen set right now. In fact, I think Molly's favorite part of her room was the extra roll of duct tape I gave her to go with it.

Before:

After:
So there you have it. If I've learned one thing from my kids, it's that their taste in room decor does not last forever. Having some free-to-low cost projects helped me create a fun room without breaking the bank.

This Post May Rock Your World

...in a good way, I hope!

At the risk of sounding a tad melodramatic, I must share with you a 5 second project that could make the world a much better place.

I wear long sleeved tees and jeans pretty much all the time, even to work. It drives me crazy when my tee rides up and my jeans ride down. No matter how long my tee is to start with, through my meticulous laundry habits, the shirts get shorter and shorter.

I don't want to wear "Mom Jeans," but I don't want the whole world seeing my business either. While I've started to wear tank tops a lot, it has been hard to find ones I like that are long enough to prevent plumber's butt every time I bend over.

I saw an ad in the back of a magazine for the Hip-T, a band of fabric used to-- shall we say-- "close the gap," but I was not excited about paying $19.95 + shipping.

Sooooo, enter my 9 year old daughter's tank tops from the yard sale pile.

I grabbed some scissors and cut off the shirts right below the pits. The reason I picked my daughter's tanks rather than my own is that I wanted the band to be snug, and the tank-top material seemed to double or even triple in size as soon as I cut it off the shirt part. Trust me on this-- that's some stretchy stuff.

I was already dressed, so I just pulled the band on over my boots and jeans (stretching it further) and went to work. All day I felt covered and comfortable.

I made sure the band was a good length for maximum movement. Seriously, I could reach things on a high shelf or do jumping jacks or yoga (as if!) and still have prime real estate covered.

So, how did it work?

No sudden gusts of air as I sat at my desk! I was able to bend over to pick up boxes without feeling like I was offending people! And on the way home, the cold leather seats in the car did not give me a chilly surprise. This little band never once rode up the way a tank top would have.

All of that cozy comfort made me realize just how uncomfortable I usually am tugging and adjusting my jeans and shirt all day.

Here's a pic at the end of the day.

It appears that contents may have shifted during the course of the day, or it could have been all of those cookies. A quick trip through the wash tightened it right up again. Too bad that doesn't work for thighs.

If this starts a revolution, I'd like to ship these tank top bands to any woman my age or older who insists on wearing low jeans with a thong. Eeek. Now wouldn't that make the world a better place?

The End.


Linking up to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!