Inside The Polka Dot Linen Closet

I am embarrassed to show you the inside of the Polka Dot Linen Closet.  This is before I cleaned it up, I just had to do something!

You all know what it is like, you pull out one piece of fabric and a whole pile falls.

Are you ready???

Oh, I am feeling creative!

I cannot take credit for this idea, I saw it on a blog and I would love to give credit, just claim your idea and I will put your link.

I used comic book backing boards like this, take note of the size and weight.  I ordered them on the internet and I do not remember what site it was, but there are many.

There was 100 boards to a package and I think they were around $12.00.  When I first received them I did not think they were much sturdier than card stock, but they are.  It works perfect for 45" fabric you just fold it once.

Here is my vintage Fabrics, love them!

Roses

This is my lace, I love lace, but I had no idea I had this much!

And whats a Polka Dot Closet without polka dots?

I just love polka dots!

The surprising thing about this project is it did not free up a lot of room in my closet.  It did give me the opportunity to edit my fabric and take a big bag to the Goodwill.  This took a lot of time, I worked on it over 3 days off and on, I bet it took 6-8 hours.

It feels so great to have it done, It sure will be fun the next time I do a sewing project!

In full disclosure I have to tell you I am a neat freak, my house is usually spotless, just don't look in my closets or drawers!

Is anyone else like this where everything is neat, but your closets and drawers are a mess?

Ok, I feel better now that my dirty little secret is out of the closet!

Carol

I am linking up with

In My Own Style Tips & Tricks

Metamorphis Monday At  BNOTP

Songbird "Gitter Done".  Because it was about time I got my closet done!

How to Add Chandelier Crystals to Anything (Part two)

Attaching a Chandelier crystal adds that extra bling to everything!

This is part 2 if you missed part 1 it is HERE 

Before we get started I am having a giveaway for this mosaic shoe, the drawing is 1/15/11

OK, here we go.......

 If I find something that has thin metal I use my Dremel 

Oh, these sconces were just screaming for a crystal

I drilled a hole with my Dremel

Found some decorative pins

And dropped one thru the hole, twisted it into a circle and attached the crystal

I painted this ugly candle opera.

To hang the crystals I used Jump Rings, they are found in the jewelry department at any craft store and come in various sizes.  You could use jewelry wire, but I like the perfect circle especially since I was going to sell this in my booth.

It's not ugly anymore!  It sold immediately, I bought it for $2.00 and sold it for $20

This pole lamp got the same treatment

Some paint, a couple jump rings, and crystals.

Now if you have something that is a bigger diameter than your jump rings will accommodate I use hoop earrings, also in the jewelry department at the craft store, jewelry wire would work for this also, but I like the look of the perfect circle.

Here is a bad closeup picture

I just recently used these on a light fixture I was making into a chandelier

I hung crystals from hoop earrings on the arms that were to big for jump rings.  Then I used my wire cutter to remove the excess.

  Now you will have to take my word on this, by the time I realized I had forgotten to take an after picture (2 days later) this had  already sold for $50.00.  I bought it for $2.50, hung 10 crystals $3.00, added shades I picked up for .25 each and covered them in rose fabric.  Total cost $6.75.

I always look for things that have holes readymade for crystals.

I needed a tray for dessert bars and petite fours (This is the first and last time I will make petite fours, what a pain) for my holiday brunch.

I bought this from another vendor at the antique mall and they all looked at me like I was nuts and wanted to know why I was buying it.  The reason we are all crafty is because we have a vision of what something can be.

Now, if all else fails you can always use a bobache.  You can purchase a bobache for $2.95 at Freedom Crystals , this is also a great place to buy crystals.

Before

After

Just add crystals

Here is another candle using a bobache with crystals attached

Well that's it kids, everything I know about attaching crystals. 

 I know that when I add crystals to anything in my booth it sells quickly and I love the bling and romance it adds to my home.

Do you have any projects in mind?  

Happy Crafting!

Carol

How to Add Chandelier Crystals to Anything (Part One)

Adding chandelier crystals to anything in your home or store turns something average into something dreamy and romantic. 

I am having a giveaway for this sweet little mosaic shoe, you can enter HERE

I am now in my 8th year of having an antiques booth and I have found that when I add a chandelier crystal to anything it sells.   

I have learned through trial and error how to attach crystals to items when there is no obvious place to attach them.

The best place I have found to purchase crystals is Freedom Crystals  or estate sales.

Lucky me a $5.00 find!

Starting with a plain glass candle holder, a little sparkle here would look great!

I use something called DOUBLE CUP CONNECTOR or LARGE BEAD TIP found in the jewelry making section of most craft stores.  I Have no idea why it has two names?

Here is a picture of the two connectors, they look the same to me?

I use E-6000 glue to attach the double cup connector/bead tip.

If you're like me, you don't read directions, why would you on glue, right.  To get the best bonding from E-6000 you need to follow the directions.  Apply a blob of glue to the glass candle holder and a speck to the connector and then you need to wait a couple of minutes before attaching.  We hate to wait!  

Here is your connectors attached, note how they are bent in half at their waist (If they had a waist)

Now, step away from the project.

Leave the connectors for a full 24 hours before you hang the crystals. 

Adding to a plain scroll

This time I left the connector flat and not bent at the waist.

Another option is to use Bails also found in jewelry making. 

I painted a sconce

Then stuck it upside down in a vase, if you turn your item upside down your bail or connector will stay right where you put it while it dries.

Attach the bail with E-6000

Wait 24 hours and hang the crystal

Whenever I hang crystals I have a renewed appreciation for any of you who make jewelry, GEEZ, you have way more patience than I do.  I get so crabby working with little hoops and rings.

Remember to read the E-6000 directions and do not hang the crystals for 24 hours

Stay tuned, my next post will be part 2 of attaching crystals.  Using a Dremel to drill a hole, jump rings, attaching with big rings, and more.

OHH, I bet I have you on the edge of your chair! LOL

Do you have a project in mind yet?

Carol

Broken China Mosaic New Years Giveaway

 To Start the New Years off on the right foot I am giving away this precious little broken china mosaic shoe. 

Ok, so foot and shoe...Maybe a little cheezy ha!

More importantly I wanted to have a giveaway, to say thank you.  I am getting such a kick out of blogging, and  treasure all of the friends I have made. 

This sweet little high heeled shoe is covered with vintage china, stained glass tiles, and a vintage jewel on the toe. 

Occasionally I am lucky enough to find vintage ceramic shoes to mosaic.  

I have this one listed at The Polka Dot Closet

Update- This is sold, but I will let you know the next time I am lucky enough to find one.

Ok, back to the drawing

The winner will be picked on January 15th.

TWO CHANCES TO WIN!

1.  BE A FOLLOWER AND LEAVE A COMMENT. To be a follower just go to the follow button on the left side.

2.  BLOG ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY AND LINK BACK TO MY BLOG FOR A SECOND ENTRY (LET ME KNOW)

I am so excited for the New Year!
I have a couple of fun posts I am working on

The first one will be 
"The secrets to attaching chandelier crystals to anything"  
Stay tuned!

Good Luck!

Carol


Checkout Someday Crafts for more giveaways