2011 - Page 19 of 24 - Crap I've Made

Review & Giveaway: CanOrganizer

March 4, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 547 Comments

Are you familiar with CanOrganizer?

I’ll admit that I was not, until they contacted me about reviewing their products. I do, however, own 2 other brands/types of can rotation systems, and they were WAY more expensive than CanOrganizer’s. So, I was interested to see how their stuff compared.

The organizers arrived flat and wrapped in plastic. I was a little nervous about assembling them so I turned that job over to Macy. Plus, if a 10 year old can assemble them, anyone can…right?

Here’s what your CanOrganizer will look like straight out of the package:

I liked the fact that it was clearly labeled with which parts to remove and discard. One of my organizers was not labeled, which I’m guessing was a fluke thing, but it wasn’t a big deal. We used one of the others for reference.

There were also printed instructions. We had a little incident with ours getting cut in half by an over zealous kid with scissors:

No worries, though, because there’s also an assembly video online.

And then she got to work.

Success!

I got the cupboard size, because my pantry is RIDICULOUSLY small. It might be my least favorite thing about this house.

The cupboard size held 7 cans, in my highly scientific experimentation.

What I liked:

Both of the other can rotation systems that I own have tracks, making it so that you can only use very specific can sizes. The CanOrganizer boxes have “ramps” (for lack of a better term), so you can use a a variety of can heights. See how the mandarin oranges are way shorter than the rest? They rotated just as smoothly.

The different size options. My pantry is so shallow that the other systems I have don’t work in the pantry and are relegated to a storage room in the basement.

The fact that they could be easily labeled or even craftily embellished. Winking smile

What I’m not so sure about:

I’ll admit that I’m a little worried about durability, with them being cardboard. However, the cost is low enough that I’m willing to take the chance and I’ll definitely be getting some more.

And, we definitely could not have put them together using just the diagram. We for sure needed the video.

What’s in it for you?

A chance to give your own pantry/cupboard/storage room a CanOrganizer style makeover!

CanOrganizer is giving one lucky reader a 4 pack of organizers in the size of her (I mean it *could* be “his”, but I’m pretty sure there are no dudes reading this) choice.

TO ENTER:

Click on over to CanOrganizer and look at the sizes. Come back and leave a comment ON THIS POST (on the blog, not on Facebook or in response to your email subscription) saying which size you’d choose.

Get a second entry for leaving an additional comment telling me what food item you stockpile (for me it’s totally brownie mix).

I’ll leave the contest open through noon on Monday.

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Filed Under: giveaway, review

How to paint a wall mural if you’re not artistic, Part 2

March 3, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 25 Comments

Part 1 is here.

Where were we? Oh yeah…trying to find away around my unsteady painting hand.

I taped off all the straight lines using FrogTape Painter’s Tape.

Image from FrogTape

I find it seals better than the blue stuff and it’s a little more see through. You’re going to want see through…trust.

Next you’ll want to put a piece of tape right over the top of the curved lines, too. See why you need to be able to see through the tape, at least slightly?

Take an X-Acto knife and cut lightly (enough to cut the tape but not enough to screw up your walls) along the pencil line. Peel off the excess tape. Here’s what mine looked like when I was done taping and cutting and peeling everything for the yellow part of my mural.

Apply the paint to the inside of the taped area. I used cheap-o foam brushes for the yellow and green (small) parts of my mural. I used a foam roller for the blue (large) parts. Here’s how much blue we’re talking…

I turned on the ceiling fan so it would dry quicker and applied another coat before peeling off the tape and I let it dry for several hours before putting tape over the top to paint another color.

Here’s a shot whilst I was waiting for the blue to dry so I could paint the yellow.

Clean up any pencil marks that are still visible. I used a fairly dry Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

The final product?

Watch out for the fan when you climb on the bed to take pictures.

Aaaand one more shot:

So, are you gonna try it?

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Filed Under: DIY, paint, Utah Jazz Room

How to paint a wall mural if you’re not artistic, Part 1

March 2, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 10 Comments

Find or borrow some sort of projector or overhead projector. I bought the Tracer Jr. from Artograph.

Image from Artograph

It’s available at Michael’s and sells for $50. I used a coupon and got mine for $30. Tangent: It was obvious that someone else had used and returned the one that I bought and then taped the plastic shut again on the bottom. Don’t do that! Come borrow mine if you’re desperate, but let’s keep it honest.

First of all, let’s talk about the limitations of this projector. The size image you can project maxes out at about 3.5” X 3.5”. It’s really best if you can reduce your image to that size and then move the projector further away from the wall. Trying to project the image in sections (even after drawing an elaborate grid system) will make you curse. Because of the mirrors and stuff inside, you can’t just slide the projector over and have the image cooperate.

It also took me a bit to figure out that you didn’t turn the black part to focus…you slide it in or out. I’m sure none of you would have that issue, though. Winking smile

Are there nicer projectors out there? You bet. Was it worth $30? Absolutely.

So, I printed out a Utah Jazz logo and projected it onto the wall and traced the whole thing directly onto the wall in pencil.

And then I started painting and realized that I am way too uncoordinated to just PAINT something like that.

See those edges on the right side of the ball part? That was the problem. I’d taped off the straight line over on the right and liked how it looked, but I didn’t know what to do about the curves.

So, I had to come up with a plan. A plan which you will hear more about tomorrow.

Open-mouthed smile

Part 2

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Filed Under: DIY, paint, review, Utah Jazz Room

Can Light to Pendant Light

March 1, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 47 Comments

Here’s the ceiling in my kitchen:

You see those rows of lights and then the one weird light in the corner? This one:

That light is over the sink and on a different switch than the rest. And we NEVER use it. Seriously…I turned on the disposal when I tried to turn it on to take these pictures.

Did you know you can buy a kit to turn any can light into a pendant light? Because you can. (Get it? CAN? Ha!) The kit looks like this.

I paid around $20 at Lowe’s.

You adjust the cord length and then just screw it in. WAY easy. You can buy a shade, but I decided to make one.

I picked up this metal Easter basket at Hobby Lobby. It was $4.50 (50% off).

The handle came right off with a little bit of wiggling. You’ll need to trace and cut a hole in the bottom. I used some of those all purpose kitchen scissors because this wire was flimsy. You could also drill a hole, if you’re using something more substantial than a wire Easter basket.

(I swear the hole is centered, the angle is just weird in this pic.)

I gave it a good coat of spray paint and then put it on the kit.

Cute, right?

And, uh, it’s really hard to take a picture of light fixture when it’s on.

So, if you have a can light (or two or three) you’re not loving, think about converting it to a pendant light!

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Filed Under: DIY, home decor, paint

Winner! Winner! Discount Code!

February 28, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 2 Comments

The winner of the $25 gift certificate to Impel Clothing is..

#101, aka Bethany, who said:

“I’m a sucker for cardigans… and theirs are gorgeous!!”

And the winner of the pass to Creative Estates is…

#17, aka Amy at Ameroonie Designs, who said:

“I would love, love ,love to win! I might have to sleep in a tent if I do, but I’d be there.
xoxo,
Amy”

Didn’t win but still want to go to Creative Estates? I’ve got a discount code with your name on it!

Use code “CRAP” to get 25% off. Code is good through Saturday night AND you can still have a Diet Coke out of my bath tub!

Contact me at [email protected] to claim your prize!

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

New Sponsor Spotlight: Whoopdwhoop

February 28, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 8 Comments

Chances are good that if you’re reading this blog (and you’re not related to me) you like to make crap. Do you ever go crazy and make like 15 of the same thing and then look around and wonder what in the world you’re going to do with all those fabric flowers/appliqued onesies/bows/necklaces? My neighbor Jami carries them around in her purse and hands them out to random strangers. Yes, really. If you’re not as crazy as Jami (and really, who is?), Crap I’ve Made’s newest sponsor could be your answer…

McKay says: I am so excited to tell you about a new website that my husband and I have created!

Our vision was to create a community where artisans (that’s you!) could share their talents, creativity and creations with others not
through money, but through swapping. We wanted a place where people could list their handiwork (photography, paper crafts, jewelry, art, sewn items, basically anything that they have handmade) and then swap them for others’ handmade items- completely eliminating the need for money.

Baby bib, artist: Wendy

It was this idea that sparked the life of whoopdwhoop.com. Whoopdwhoop is a unique, currency-free marketplace where individuals can both list their creative endeavors and ‘shop’ for others’ creative endeavors — all without the use of money. Points (whoops) are earned by both listing and swapping your handiwork. You can then take the whoops that you have earned and ‘shop’ within the whoopdwhoop community. It’s the perfect way to partake in some retail therapy and not feel guilty! It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s fun.

Bella tote, artist: Kim (Tangent: I want to buy that purse based solely on the button!)

Our hope is that in this economy where things can be tough, whoopdwhoop will allow people to share their talents, creativity, and creations with others — all by simply swapping.

Here are some other items you can find at whoopdwhoop…

Crocheted owl hat, artist: Lindsay

Feathers and lace hair clip, artist: Nichole

Two button baby moccasins, artist: Sophie Goss

Thanks for having me, I hope to see you whoopin’ it up over at whoopdwhoop.

Happy swapping!

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Filed Under: sponsor

Weekend Giveaway: Creative Estates

February 26, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 75 Comments

I *may* have stayed out a little late last night and then had a full schedule this morning, so I apologize for the delay in getting this giveaway posted. I think it was worth the wait. Open-mouthed smile

Have you heard about Creative Estates?

Go take a look. I’ll wait.

And be sure to check out the INSANELY awesome list of speakers (more have been added, to0).

Did I mention there’s a handmade market?

Sound like fun? Want to go?

I’m giving away a pass!

(Does not include transportation or lodging but does include a Diet Coke from the bathtub in the room I’m sharing with Lara.)

Want to win?

Randoms

February 25, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 4 Comments

You can find me today over at C.R.A.F.T. as part of their 5 on Friday series.

Today is the last day to enter the Impel Clothing giveaway. Go here to enter, if you haven’t already.

Super, super super awesome giveaway (think $150 value) in the morning. It’ll just run through the weekend, so be sure to check back. Want a clue?

And, the current Silhouette promotion (machine, black premium vinyl, frosted vinyl, transfer tape, home décor CD for $225 and/or 25% off premium vinyl) runs through Monday. Code “CRAP” will let you take advantage of the deal.

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Filed Under: ramblings

Blue & Gold Cupcakes

February 24, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 27 Comments

Keller turning 8 last month brought on a whole new “thing” for us.

Cub Scouts.

By the time all 3 boys are done? Many, many, many years of Cub Scouts.

Tonight’s our pack’s (is that what they call it?) Blue & Gold Banquet. My assignment is cupcakes, so I made blue and gold ones. Well…turquoise and yellow. Close enough?

I used the instructions for Colorburst Cupcakes over on Our Best Bites.

Yum?

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Filed Under: food, kids

Stenciled “Fabric” Bins

February 23, 2011 By Char @ Crap I've Made 23 Comments

***February Silhouette deal info at the bottom of the post***

You know the cheap “fabric” bins you can get to fit square bookshelves? Like these?

Image from ClosetMaid

You have some, right? Us too. We have a bunch in the playroom and some in kid closets and I think there are even a few in my sewing room.

They’re practical and they’re cheap. They’re also a *little* bit boring. And, my kids never remember what goes back in which bin. I bet your kids are smarter than mine though, right? Winking smile

I saw this post over on Crafterhours yesterday and I felt my wheels turning! Keller’s new Utah Jazz inspired room doesn’t have a dresser…we’re using lockers instead. And in those lockers? “Fabric” bins.

I used some downloads from the Silhouette store for my clothing shapes…except for the underpants. I drew those on my own using the Silhouette Studio software.

I cut the shapes out of freezer paper and then stenciled using Tulip Soft Fabric Paint in Metallic Platinum. Check out my freezer paper primer for the basics on freezer paper stenciling.

Things you should do differently to stencil on this type of bins:
You’ll need to crank the heat on your iron way down to a wool setting at the very highest. I’d probably start even lower and then bump the temperature up a bit if the paper isn’t sticking. You’ll also want to place a press cloth or a scrap piece of fabric over the paper and the bin before ironing.