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Framed Inspiration

12/30/2013

1 Comment

 
I’m a bit of a ditz, in a forgetful out-of-sight-out-of-mind kind of way.  It makes staying on task with stuff, not to mention keeping up with stuff, a little hard for me.  So whenever I can utilize something that will help trigger my memory I’m all over it. 

If you watch HGTV you've probably seen a designer use a board covered with pictures, fabric, furniture cutouts, etc. It’s a great work tool but these boards can also simply be a collection of things that inspire you as well as a way to keep track of ideas and project notes. 

And, it does not have to be an actual bulletin board. Hey, we are way more creative than that, right? Anything that lets you easily collect, see and interchange the things you gather will work.  
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I wanted something pretty that was also portable so I could prop it in whatever space I am working in at the time.  This old frame found at a local thrift store for about $7.00 was just the jumping off point I was looking for.    
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The next step was to fit it with something sturdy and thick enough to support objects pinned to it.  Foam core makes a great backboard for this type of project and can be purchased at most arts, craft and framing shops fairly inexpensively. 

To make it pretty, cover it with whatever fabric you like.  In this case I purchased a bird print burlap because of our whole nest thing we have going on, but you could even use whatever you have tucked away.  You know, like those pretty curtains (or tablecloth, or throw, or…) that just don’t work anymore but you simply can’t bring yourself to give them away.  We all have them, and feel guilty every time we see them buried away unused.  So……

NOTE:   I did just catch this potential problem in time - before attaching the fabric, wrap the fabric around the foam core and dry fit it in the frame to be sure it’s not too snug to fit.   
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You can use whatever method appeals to you to attach the fabric to the backboard, but I really like spray adhesive.  It dries in minutes, but stays tacky long enough to allow for easy tweaking in the first few moments after applying.  After that it virtually disappears and doesn’t leave hard residue or puckering as it dries like other glues.  The only drawback is that it’s best used outdoors due to the odor and overspray, but if you have a well-ventilated area and a drop cloth you should be good to go.  Just as with any DIY product, be careful to follow that package directions.
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And Ta-Da!  Now I can pin project notes, fabrics, pictures, whatever inspires (and reminds!) me.
And while talking about creative idea boards, one idea that I’ve used for years is the inside of kitchen cabinet doors.  In this case I’ve collected photos of kitchens that I love, plus rough sketches of the layout and cabinet ideas.  It’s a little nudge every time I reach for the baking soda ;}
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So set your imagination free, and now you have a way to keep up with it!

HUGS!
Cindy


1 Comment
Rick
12/31/2013 02:54:10 am

You are incredibly creative and I love the way you write.....I'll be following your blog for sure. Do you sell any of the items you're working with??

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    Welcome!

    I’m Cindy, thank you so much for visiting The Quirky Nest. 

    The Quirky Nest derives its name from our Realtor's query, "What are you looking for in a home?" to which my Hero responded, "Something quirky, no cookie cutter houses."  And so this little house became ours.  The fact that it came with no less than five birdhouses plus one vine-wrapped bird condo kinda underscores the whole nest thing
       
    We share our home with one large Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Willow, and two kitty boys named Finneus and Barley.  AKA, the kids. 

    I'm a recently transplanted Southerner. We're not really all that far north of the Mason Dixon Line, but there are moments when I feel a strong kindred spirit with Dorothy.

    I'm the mom of three grown sons and the grand-momma of two beautiful granddaughters. Two fabulous daughters-in-law are an added bonus. 

    I qualify for most, but not quite all, senior discounts.  It’s sort of a blessing with a curse.

    I'm a hunter-gatherer. Antique shops, flea markets, dusty old junk shops and architectural salvage yards are my perfect playgrounds.  Finding that unexpected something that I didn't know I was looking for makes me absolutely giddy. 

    But mostly, I find my greatest joy in helping others, nurturing my family, creating a warm inviting home, and adding a little of my history to the things I touch.

    My Hero and I have a very long list of projects that we are undertaking around our home.  Old houses, with their lath and plaster walls and less than level or straight anything, bring a whole different set of issues to the table and I can’t wait to share our challenges and solutions with you.  

    In 2020 our little house will be a century old.  We, my Hero and I, are working hard to make sure she is ready for the next 100 years and would love for you to join us on the adventure.

    Joy to all!

    Cindy

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