Repurposing Old Window Shutters

I love old stuff, especially old doors, windows and shutters. I've seen some great ideas on the web for repurposing these things, like creating a headboard out of an old door, or organizing your mail with an old shutter. I also LOVE the idea of using an old window pane for framing art or pictures. One thing I was in desperate need of was a way to start organizing my various fabrics, as I have limited space in my not-so-spacious apartment. Well, an old shutter is exactly what I needed. I found this beat up, yellow shutter at an antique store for $12.00. I mean, seriously, how cute is this?

Here are some other great ideas for repurposing shutters:

Mail Organizer, Wall Art, Picture Holders:

http://ohlouisedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/canton-finds-shutters-plus-diy-idea.html

Headboard:

http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/2009/04/diy-able-headboard-ideas.html

Magazine Rack:

http://bargainhoot.com/2011/11/09/diy-magazine-rack/

Burlap Clutches w/ Fabric Flower Pin

I made these really simple clutches for my bridesmaids as a thanks for being a part of our wedding in June 2011. We had a big burlap theme going on so these were a perfect touch! We also incorporated a lot of seafoam green so I chose this pretty fabric to make the flower pins.

I made a matching bridal clutch for myself and used ivory linen and tulle on the flower instead.

I found great DIY tutorials online for the clutch and fabric flowers:)

DIY Clutch Pattern:

http://site.alifosterpatterns.com/blog/2009/12/29/free-clutch-sewing-pattern/

DIY Fabric Flower Tutorial:

http://www.makingthishome.com/2011/04/13/fabric-flower-tutorial/

Here's another clutch I made for a friend...I "dressed it down" with a button instead:)

Fun Fabric Storage Totes

I made these really cute fabric storage totes for my sister and my soon-to-be niece or nephew:) They were easy to make (and fun)! I found a great tutorial online and tweaked it a little bit - the tutorial uses different hooks to attach to a curtain rod but I tweaked it a little bit so that they could hang on separate hooks. 

I did a different variation from the tutorial I found online (I left the rod out and made different loops), but for the tutorial check out this link: http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2010/07/creative-guest-hanging-storage-baskets.html

Here are some pictures of the totes in use - my sister filled them with my niece's stuffed animals and hung them in various spots:)

A Peter Rabbit Themed Baby Shower

I recently planned a really cute Peter Rabbit themed baby shower for my sister which was so much fun to plan. With the help of my mom and aunts (and some internet inspiration) we created a lovely party in honor of my sister and soon-to-be- niece/nephew.

I created cute little favors by hand-stamping muslin bags with a wooden bunny stamp and putting a handmade soap in each one which I found on etsy.com (Elysian Organics).

                                       

We created this lovely gift area with a couple of old curtains and added some color with an assortment of paper poms that we hung from the ceiling, also found on etsy.com (Pom Love).

My Aunt Jane picked fresh veggies from her garden to create these festive centerpieces...they were a hit! And sticking with the Peter Rabbit theme, our menu was a play off of Mr. McGregor's garden patch.

I made cute little cupcake toppers to stick in the carrot cake cupcakes. 

I made this cute storybook garland with paper carrots, scraps of fabric and excerpts from miniature peter rabbit books that I found on ebay...I attached everything to a line of jute with mini clothespins. It was so fun to make!