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The Shoe Shack

Published on February 21, 2014 by Our Humble Abode6 Comments

For the past, oh, nearly two years, our entry closet has been in pitiful shape. With the standard single shelf and rod set up. Basically looking like this:

In an attempt to sort shoes, I hung an Ikea sorter from the rod, but it took up a lot of space. And we still had piles of shoes on the floor. Well, I’d finally had enough. And Ben must have had enough of my complaining about the shoe mess, because he added simple shelves and new trim while I painted the door.

Obviously, you can see I have yet to paint the walls, but we do have baseboard. Just keeping it real; nothing is finished over night here. Especially when drywall dust is involved. Sanding the ceiling and matching the knockdown wall texture has to happen first. Then the new crown, and finally painted walls. Glorious, solid colored walls!

I’ll be so happy when I don’t have to look at patchy walls. Working up the nerve/strength to deal with all the dust isn’t easy for me, especially in this open of a space. Anyway, how about a look at the much improved storage function closet? Okay, here we are today:

Before putting in shelves, I painted the closet Dragonfly (because I had half a gallon on hand). Ben built three shelves from melamine sided particle board, which is highly wipe-able and holds up to water better than paint. A low double hook holds the boys’ coats, and a higher hook keeps my purse (and usually scarf) handy. The previous owner left a small shoe rack, which works better at the top of the closet to hold bins of hats, gloves, reusable shopping bags, and out of season shoes.

The bottom shelves were so quick to make I wish we had done it sooner. Simple cleats along the back and sides hold the shelves in place, while still giving us the option of removal. To maximize space, the bottom shelf sits 10 inches off the floor (where Ben’s work boots stay). Two more shelves are 5 inches tall, so shorter shoes tuck in without wasting height. Tall boots and bags rest on the top shelf. After seeing an amazing entry closet in the March Martha Stewart, I’d really love to take ours to the next level with pretty bins and baskets.

Maybe I should repaint the inside of the closet a light gray instead of the dark greeny blue? That shoe cubby is awesome, too. What’s your favorite entry organization tip? I love those hanging baskets to corral gloves, hats, and small items, but we don’t have room on our single door. Would the work as well on the inside of the closet?

Cart Wheels

Published on February 18, 2014February 18, 2014 by Our Humble Abode10 Comments

The thrifted bar cart has a new home and new purpose. Miss Scarlett, in the dining room, with the candlestick.

Okay, actually for me, in the dining room, holding plants.

When I bought it, only one shelf had glass. To make the cart fully functional, I had Ben cut a piece of of 1/4 inch MDF and painted it white.

Plants sit on the glass shelf, which is great because it’s super easy to wipe up if I drip water. This sunny spot is perfect for keeping my growing plant collection happy. Including the $2.50 orchid I recently picked up from the grocery store clearance section. It’s not looking good right now (hence the clearance price). Do you have any tips to help me revive this beauty?

The new bottom shelf holds napkins, placemats, extra plates, and a few decorative items including mini disco balls. Having napkins and placemats easily accessible has come in handy at dinner already.

I’m glad to have a place to corral my plants, while keeping them happy. And to put this little wheeled dude to practical use in a tucked away corner.

Tangle of Triangle

Published on February 13, 2014February 13, 2014 by Our Humble Abode14 Comments

Going stir crazy this winter, I’ve been looking for changes I can make to the living room. It’s not terrible, but we have barely touched it. I’d really love a new sofa, but I’m settling for new lamps right now. I remember seeing the Isosceles lamps from Land of Nod (now unavailable) months ago, and loved the simple design.

So I recently made a version for about 12 dollars per lamp because I already had the white shades.

At Home Depot, I bought 12 feet of 1/2 inch round wooden dowel for six bucks. To make the bases, I cut 7 1/2 inch long pieces, with 60 degree angles to form each base triangle. And another set at 3 1/2 inches to make the top equilateral triangle.

A little wood glue and tape to hold it in place until it dried did the trick. To connect the triangles, I cut 15 inch long pieces at a 20 degree angle, though my cuts were slightly off. But that’s okay, wood filler will make it look okay. Ben helped my by shooting in pin nails while I held the pieces together to make this:

The triangles face opposite directions, and the connectors swirl around, point to opposite point.

Fill in all gaps and corners, then let them dry.

Because I wanted slightly rounded corners, I used 50 grit sand paper to quickly take off the extra base triangle point. Holding the sand paper at the same angle as the vertical while I worked made for a more seamless corner. Then I followed up with 150 paper for a smooth finish.

Then, to hold the lamp socket in place, I but two more triangles from 1/4 inch MDF. The top looks normal, but to fit snugly without falling through, I sanded the bottom to fit the rounded shape. Before putting the top in, I found the center and drilled a hole large enough for my threaded piece to fit through.

More wood glue holds this top in place, giving the socket a resting place.

I bought two bottle lamp kits from Wal-Mart for $6.50 each, and used these pieces in addition to the wire.

To cover the threaded fitting, I bought a small chunk of brass tube to make a sleeve. Once cut to size, I spray painted it white to match the lamps.

Then threaded the piece through the hole:

And secured it with the small flat nut on the underside.

After connecting the wires, I popped the shade on and voilà, a new lamp. Like the Land of Nod lamp, the cord isn’t hidden, just tucked in the center and drapes along the back.

No more clinking of lamp chains from our old lights. And the taller lamps give have a warm, even glow. I tried lining the shades with gold fabric, but it blocked too much light, so I had to nix it. All the gold paper I could find wasn’t long enough to fully wrap around the shade.

I’ve got a plan to update those cheapie end tables, too. White marble remnant in the garage, prepare to be used. And look how happy my fig looks! It has already sprouted two new leaves and is working on a third. Those tulips should bloom in a few weeks, too. I’m so excited. Loving all the green in the house during this dark, cold winter. Anyway, back to the lamps. If I were to make these again, I’d make the top triangle a little larger to have a wider spread. But, I’m still happy with the result.

Sealed With a Kiss

Published on February 11, 2014February 10, 2014 by Our Humble Abode2 Comments

V is so excited for his class Valentine’s day party. We’re packaging up pencils, Hershey Kisses, and Tootsie Rolls for each classmate. And each bag is ‘sealed’ with a kiss.

He has been talking about seals for the past month or so, so it seemed perfect for this little punny sticker. If you like it, you can print your own set.

I printed mine on a full sticker sheet, then used a paper cutter to separate each. I left the personalized notes out for these photos, but here’s the matching card.

Happy early Valentine’s day! Do you have any special plans?

If You Mess With the Bull

Published on February 10, 2014February 10, 2014 by Our Humble Abode13 Comments

You get the horns, hung up. Last week, the UPS man delivered our West Elm Mobile chandelier. After living without an entry light for two months, it certainly is nice to see at night again. Right now we have six small round 25 watt globe lights, but I’d love bigger 15 or 20 watt bulbs.

Install was pretty easy, though poor Ben had to hold it while wiring because I couldn’t reach to help. While he had the ladder out, I asked him to hang the Longhorns.

Unfortunately, a stud wasn’t centered on the wall, so the horns are a few inches off to one side.

But, I’m still thrilled to have a light and decor in the entry.

I’ll be even more excited when we get around to other entry changes. Like sanding the ceiling and wall patch, installing paneling on the tall wall, and swapping out the front door and window.

See the tape on the window? We’re hoping to reuse the 8 foot tall glass door from the dining room with a transom style window above.

After researching doors, we really like the look and function of a double door with large windows. A few houses in our neighborhood have full glass double doors and we love them. With below freezing (and lately far below zero) temps, we can’t exactly start on this, but we’re itching to get there.