DIY Paper Behind your Shelves with Its the Little Things

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I wanted a background color or pattern for the exposed back of our cabinets, but nothing permanent. I wanted to be able to change it as often as I like.

(visit the original post for the trial and error part of this project to see the amazing transformations and for tips on what not to do!)

I went to Hallmark and found THIS...

It was like it was all meant to be.

Adhesive backed paper meant that I wouldn't have to worry about getting the paper on the wall just right to line up with the tape and make sure it was flat and laid out as perfect as it could be.

I was a little worried when I opened it up because it turned out to be shiny paper. Yikes. Shiny paper gave me horrible results last time. But knowing that the entire piece would be sticking to the back of my cabinet, instead of only the spots that had been taped up, gave me hope.

In typical Hallmark fashion, the paper had cut lines on the back, so it was so easy to cut out the paper to the exact size that I needed it to be...

I stood on the chair, got on my knees up on the counter and pressed it into place.

Now, I don't want you to think that I'm yelling at you, except that I have to tell you...


IT WAS SO EASY!!

So easy.

It is perfectly flat, except where there are flaws in our cabinetry. But you would have to look closely to really see them. I see them only because I am now intimately familiar with the inside of our cabinets.


I put the shelves back in place, and all of the dishes back in and Viola, a whole new look...

I think it looks beautiful.

I put it up inside of our glass cabinets too...

Here you can see just how shiny the paper is, but turns out we actually like it. The shiny, reflective quality makes the kitchen feel lighter and brighter.

Bonus!

I wish you could see the back of the cabinet more when the doors are closed...

Would you believe me if I told you that this morning we were actually trying to figure out where else we could take doors off of cabinets?

We like it that much.

So there you have it:

(I wish you could all see it in person! It's just so pretty!)

The adhesive paper turned a project that was kind of a pain to get right, into something easy enough that I would let my 8 year old do it. He'd do a good job too!

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Thanks to Teri for this fun idea!

For more decor fun, please visit her site:

To have your ideas featured on Crazy Domestic, click HERE

Distressed EAT Sign- from Craft by Amanda

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This was one of the amazing projects linked to our party that I instantly fell in love with!

How cool is this?

Amanda gives a step by step tutorial on her site to show you how to get the look. She tells you the paint colors she used and shows you some distressing secrets.

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How cool is that?! To see the entire tutorial, click here.
See more crafty inspiration at Crafts by Amanda

Hand Towel Apron with A Little Of This-A Little Of That

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I am a huge fan of aprons, and when I saw this one made by Sarah from A Little Of This-A Little Of That, I got so excited! Not only is it super cute, but so functional! I constantly have a hand towel thrown over my shoulder while I'm cleaning the kitchen, but this apron has a towel built right in! These would make great gifts for Christmas!!! Here's Sarah to show you how to make your own!


A friend on mine has a very talented mom who made this super cute apron; I knew I wanted to copy it, and put my own spin on it!

Before I give you the how to, how about if I show you the final product?!

I call this one "The Double Ruffle"

This one is a Single Ruffle, with extra wide Ric Rac trim

Supplies needed:

Hand Towel (17x28 in)

1.5 Yards of coordinating fabric for the ruffle

1 yard of coordinating fabric for tie

Scissors

Iron

Sewing Machine

Steps to a fun apron!

For the ruffle: Lay your 1.5 yardes of fabric on the floor and cut in half lengthwise (long ways)

Fold one piece of the cut fabric in half (right sides together)

Pin along the 3 raw edges.

Sew the fabric together on the three sides you have raw edges meet (you don't need to sew the edge that is folded)

On one of the "short sides", only sew it 3/4 closed, so you will have a space to turn the fabric right side out.

Turn the fabric right side out, using the small hole you left on one short side.

Press your fabric (don't skip this step!! It looks so crisp and professional when you press it!)

Sew a basting stitch (longest stitch setting on your machine) the length of your fabric (long ways).

Gather your fabric in a ruffle by pulling the bobbin thread (the bobbin is the thread that is under your needle; not the thread that comes down from the top of your machine)

Pin your gathered ruffle to your hand towel.

Sew your ruffle to the towel.

Take your fabric for the apron tie, and cut the length of the fabric in half (long ways)

Should look like this:

Now, take that piece and cut it half AGAIN (to create 2 pieces for your tie)

You want 2 pieces for your tie:

Press your fabric 1/2 inch on two long edges of your fabric (this will save you from having to sew this edge down to create a finished edge. SHORTCUT!)

Do this for both pieces. Should look like this:

Pin your two tie pieces (right sides together) along the short edge

Sew two tie pieces together along the short edge to create a really long tie

Use your fabric as a "binding" for your hand towel. Slip your hand towel into the tie fabric (like below) and pin in place

Starting at one end of your tie, sew the tie together, and continue the length of the hand towel all the way to the other end of the tie.

It should look like this:

Hmmm. Looking a little plain. I know, Ric Rac!

Pin on your ric rac, and sew it to your hand towel.

Finished!!

Double Ruffle:

Just for Fun, I made one for Miss J

(who is obsessed with Turtles!)

LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Now go on over to A Little Of This-A Little Of That, Sarah's blog is awesome and has tons of AMAZING ideas!

To have your ideas featured on Crazy Domestic, click HERE