I decided to try a different take on the tray table I made nearly a year ago. This time, it would have a more practical permanent top. Plus, it’s an ideal opportunity to use more of my furniture nails, which I adore. I’m volunteering at a girl’s camp next week, so I’ll post my next project in two weeks. Hope you’re all enjoying your summer! Click here for the tutorial »

So sorry for the suspense regarding my toolbox dresser project. I haven’t made much progress on it yet. In the meantime, I decided to make a starburst mirror. This project was a cinch because I learned from the mistakes I made on my sunburst mirror. The basic materials for this one: an Ikea plant glide (which I also used for my furniture-nail clock), wooden plant markers, and wooden skewers. Click here for the tutorial »

My first project on Craftynest was a spice rack. So it’s fitting that, nearly a year later, I work on another one. I bought this old Spice Islands rack at a thrift store for $3.50. After dumping out the ancient spices, soaking off what was left of the labels, and laboriously scrubbing the jars, they were finally ready to hold my beads. And a little paint took care of the grimy, discolored rack. Click here for the tutorial »

“First rule in government spending: Why build one when you can have two at twice the price?” Any guesses what movie that line is from? I loved these salvaged window frames so much, I bought both. This one was a little worse for wear, but it was nothing wood glue and a fresh paint job couldn’t cure. I got the (free!) wallpaper samples from FabMo, a volunteer effort collecting discontinued fabric samples from the San Francisco design community. Thanks, Hannah and Jonathan! Click here for the tutorial »

I know what you’re thinking: Where’s the “after” photo? Well, I’m in the midst of finals this week, so no time for crafting. This is a project that I’ll be working on during the coming weeks. Here’s what I plan to add to this dilapidated $10 dresser: paint, new drawer pulls and side handles, casters, wooden drawer dividers, and lift-out trays. The result? A rolling tool cabinet, of course! Can’t wait to finish it. Next week: I’ve got another wooden window frame, and I know how to use it. Hint: It’s not a mirror.

In lieu of a project this week, I’m posting some photos I took during one of my walks around the neighborhood. It was an idea inspired by sfgirlbybay. Instead of beautiful, transporting images (I’m not the photographer Victoria is), I shot items that I like. And I found sources to buy a couple of them!

I have a thing for train station clocks. This one is located outside of a restaurant I have yet to try. The pig adds a little whimsy, don’t you think?

I saw this shelf/table/cart on display in a local shop (photographed with permission). Fabulous design.

I am IN LOVE with this stainless steel mailbox. If I were a homeowner, I would buy one right now. It’s made by Ecco Products, and you can buy it at OutdoorDecor.com.

I kick myself that I didn’t buy one of these ceramic owl umbrella stands before Urban Outfitters sold out. They’re made by Two’s Company, and you can buy one at BurkeDecor.com (if you can wait until June) or MadisonAveGifts.com (at a higher price).

This weathered light fixture hangs outside a sleek, modern store. It’s so old, they style looks modern again. Love its swirls.

I actually shot this glitter-encrusted mobile last winter. It’s a Christmas decoration. I was going to make my own, but never got around to it. Maybe this year…

I am SO going to do this treatment on a piece of furniture soon. The harlequin pattern is fun, and the shape of the cabinet reminds me of Belle’s armoire in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

This being Craftynest, I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the giant nests in a nearby shop window. They’re made by Laura Del Fava, a local photostylist, not giant birds. :)

I’ve been graciously nominated for The Lemonade Award three times! I thought it was high time I shared the love too. Many thanks to Stephanie at Confessions of a Compulsive Crafter, Tina at A Few Pretty Things, and Zoe at Conversation Pieces for nominating me. I’m honored to be in such great company!

The Lemonade Award is for bloggers who show great “attitude and gratitude.” Upon receiving The Lemonade Award, you’re supposed to pass it on to 10 fellow bloggers. The choice is difficult because there are so many great blogs out there (which is why I procrastinated passing it along)! Here are my nominees in random order (this is a far cry from an exhaustive list of my favs):

Create Studio
Baca Creative
the long thread
Centsational Girl
Brabourne Farm
the life and times of sticks and bricks
Dollar Store Crafts
Crafty Storage
U create
Making it Lovely

For the winners, here’s what you do:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude.
3. Link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

A few people have asked me for jewelry organizing solutions. You asked for it, so you got it. (More jewelry storage ideas to come.) I bought this Ikea room divider for $10 in the As-Is section last year. I wasn’t a fan of the black hook-and-loop holding it together, but the individual panels make a handy valet for fashion accessories. One panel holds enough for me, but fashionistas may need the entire room-divider to hold all of their accoutrements. I also think the panels would be classy spray painted black. Right? Click here for the tutorial »

I’d like to express heartfelt thanks to Country Living for printing one of my craft ideas and mentioning me in their magazine this month! Check out page 77 in the June 2009 issue. They did their own riff on my modular bookcase made from salvaged drawers. Country Living is one of my favorite magazines, so I’m quite honored. You can also see the article on their website right here.

While I’m at it, click here to see Ghostly Penguin Display’s Flickr page to see how she used my drawers after I sold them to her. So cute!

One of my friends referred to this as the “ugly mirror.” Another friend said, “Whatever you paid for it, you paid too much.” I get more excited about a project when I hear comments like that because I think, “Just wait till they see what I do with it. Muahaha!” For the record, I paid $9 for this plastic thrift-store find. I used leftover materials from three previous projects: shuttered bulletin board, spa slippers, and pants-hanger frames. I only had to buy fabric, paint, and ribbon. Now I just need to find a use for a chipped oval mirror. Click here for the tutorial »