Paris Framed

I've had this old wooden bed frame for quite some time and although it wasn't my favourite, it certainly served its purpose until I found what I was really looking for.  The biggest problem is that I know what style of bed frame I want - it just isn't sold in Canada. In the mean time - this old frame is chipped and looking more ragged by the day.

My solution...come up with a new way to refresh the frame beyond a simple paint job. I'm actually quite happy with how this project turned out and it inspired smaller projects along a similar theme.

My main inspiration came from painted letters you would find on food or potato sacks.  Burlap wasn't going to work in my room so I opted for some soft grey canvas that just happened to be on sale (I love the buy 1 metre get 2 metres free sale)!

I found an address in Paris to use as for the design framed by olive leaves and created my own stencil.

Stencils are so easy to create yourself.  Simply print the word, saying or design out as large as you like on a standard piece of paper. Before you cut out your design - put a layer of clear packing tape over it so your stencil becomes hardier and won't be destroyed when you apply the paint on to it.

I ended up replicating a portion of the pattern on to lampshades and simple white pillow cases.  The overall effect is quite nice and cost me all of $14 for fabric.  I'm never sure when I start these projects if they will actually turn out but luckily this one did.

Magnetic Medicine Cabinet

What started out as a weekend project that I've been putting off for some time turned into a bit of inspiration on a lazy Sunday.

My medicine cabinet was clearly made in the 70s - the inside was a strange orange metal that was begging to be painted.  Having had way too much coffee I opted to choose today to paint it the same colour as my walls.

I was trying to come up with interesting containers to hold my everyday supplies when I remembered seeing an interesting idea someone had posted on Pinterest which suggested gluing magnets to old tins to use as containers.

As my cabinet is completely metal, I  suddenly wanted to glue magnets to all sorts of items...the result is below.

The fresh paint and seaside theme of my bathroom lead me to use river rocks and sand dollars as magnets.  A little hot glue goes a long way.  

The overall effect is fun and quirky.

Adding magnets to containers allows me to store additional items beyond what can fit on the shelves.  Like this idea but don't have any metal in your cabinet?  No worries - simply buy some magnet paint either online or at your local Home Depot.  Happy gluing!