Fabric Covered Journals

It's that time! Time to start thinking about Christmas and all the gifts you STILL need. I have been pretty good this year. I started my shopping in July and have managed to NOT keep those pretty gifts for myself. I'll admit, I had to hide them under my staircase to keep from getting at them and using them all around my house. (and I can't say what they are b/c they are gifts for people who read my blog) :-)

If you are still looking for something for that special person, close friend, or yourself... I have just the thing. And it's super simple!!

Just follow these directions and you will have a gift perfect for any occasion.

To create these linen-covered journals, you will need a hardcover journal or notebook, preshrunk linen, needle and thread, and a length of 3/4-inch ribbon long enough to go all the way around the journal plus 12 inches extra. 

Instructions: 
1. Lay the open, flat journal on the fabric, allowing 1/2 inch all around for hems and about 3 inches at each side for the pocket flaps. Center the journal on the fabric and mark where the top and bottom of the covers start and finish, from end to end. 

2. Cut a 1/2-inch vertical slit at each point, fold the fabric twice, and hem. 

3. Make a double hem along each end of the cover. Neatly hem all around the fabric, mitering the corners. 

4. Place the fabric right side up with the journal on top of it, fold over the flaps, and pin them in position. Remove the journal and sew the top and bottom of the flaps securely. 

5. Turn the cover right side out and fit it on the journal. Cut a length of ribbon, fold it in half lengthwise to mark the center, and stitch it securely to the center of the spine to bind book.

(photos and directions Country Living.com)

Headboard Lovin'

I have been drooling over some headboards recently while looking for inspiration for my own. There are so many beauties out there. How is a girl to decide?!

In an ode to my love for headboards I have decided to share some with you here. These are all great DIY projects and super simple. (photos courtesy bhg and diy)

I am seriously drooling over this room. I think this is the one. My heart almost stopped when this photo came up!!! 

This is an old door painted and turned on it's side. I heart this one too!

Two big cushions-super comfy for reading or watching t.v.

Picket Fence HDBD-this would be too cute for a little girls room

I like this canopy-may have to do this for DD.

Ok, I have to tell you (or rather admit) that I was recently shopping and missed a "vision" opportunity. I saw something very similar to this at a yard sale for just a few dollars ($3 to be exact) but didn't buy it because I had no clue what I would do with it. It would have looked funny over a doorway in my home. Of course, now I can come up with a  million ideas!!! Grrr...

This is my 3rd fav! So Loverly!!!!

How neat-o is this?! It's a painted stencil of a hdbd.

So is this one! And I totally Heart this one!!!

Very nifty way to fill neg space! Choose your fav fabric or colors to match the room. Cover some plywood and you have a Very easy hdbd.

My 1st Mistreatment

I am just so proud of myself.

I have been ogling over so many different bed canopies for awhile now, but haven't been able to bring myself to spend the {crazy} amount!

I purchased these two panels of muslin from a yard sale last summer for $6. I have been trying to get hubby to get a rod hung up, but that hasn't happened-the spot is not easy for housing a rod. {Little did I know about mistreatment's then}.

Just a couple of days ago the light bulb erupted! I took those two panels out of my stash and ran upstairs to the bedroom. I knew I was going to do it-make this canopy thing-somehow. I wanted it to be beautiful. Not perfect, just beautiful-to me. :)

The last time we had a canopy was one of those annoying round ones from Pier 1. It drove me nuts, and my hubby didn't care for it too much either {too girly}. This one he is not bothered by so much. {not too girly} and it doesn't cover the whole bed {his favorite part}.

All I did was grab some tacks {could not find my upholstery tacks} and stick it up there. I will eventually change the tacks once the others fall out {gotta love being a lazy perfectionist} lol.

I stumbled upon another blog a few days ago {just 1 day after my 'mistreatment'} and her blog is dedicated to this stuff! How awesome is that!! And she is too cute and funny!!! And she is just like me!!!! {I get more excited with each revelation}

So, if you are in need of sprucing up your home check out Nesting Place. She has so many great ideas and tutorials to walk you through. I promise you will not be disappointed!!!