DIY Corkboard Jewelry Hanger

As part of my room makeover, I really wanted to utilize the empty space on my closet doors. I thought that DIY-ing a simple corkboard jewelry hanger would be the perfect to solution to add a piece of "art" in my room while also making it extremely functional and convenient. After scouring the internet for simple design ideas, I settled on this dandelion image in silver and white because it is simple, achievable, and impactful. Also, the necklaces and bracelets are the main focus, so I didn't want a busy background detracting from them.  

What You Need

wood-framed corkboard     acrylic paints     clear push pins     command strips     paint brushes

 (I got everything from Michael's)

What You Do

Because I didn't want to cover it in fabric or paper, I had to paint several coats of white paint to cover the corkboard entirely, and even then it still wasn't completely white because the cork is so porous and absorbent. 

Then, I followed this tutorial to achieve the dandelion image: http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/tutorial-for-painting-dandelion-wall/

     

  I decided to add the pushpins on the ends of the dandelion buds for the attempted "floating away" effect. Decorative handles work as well, but I didn't want to go through the effort of buying them.     

    Overall, I am extremely proud of the result, especially because it was affordable and easy to do!      

Photo Wall Using Fairy Lights

I'm sure that you have seen several pictures of fairy lights (string lights) used as room decorations and they always look pretty and elegant. Prior to hanging these lights, I had no photographs in my room at all and I was faced with a really empty wall behind my bed. By combining these two elements--using Pinterest for inspiration, I was able to fulfill both of my desires. 

What You'll Need

• Another Person to Help
• Wall With Outlet
• 2 Boxes of Clear String Lights (Mini Bulbs)
• Command Strips Damage-Free Hanging Clips & Strips (I used 6)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Ruler
• Clothespins or Paper Clips
• Pencil

1. Draw It First

Before you stick any of the hanging clips on the wall, make sure you draw out the pattern or design you want to hang the lights on the wall. This will take a lot of trial and error. I wanted to fill up my entire wall with my lights, so the final design I settled on was a horizontal draping of the lights. Also, make sure that your lights are long enough to reach an outlet! My outlet is right behind my bed near my nightstand so it works out well.

2. Measure It Out

I measured out one and a half feet in and half a foot down from the ceiling to place the top two corner clips. You can mark this with a pencil. These top two clips are probably the most important because they set the basic framework for the rest of your arrangement. Continue to mark out where you want the rest of the clips to be placed (I had three on the right and two on the left). 

3. Place The Clips

These Command clips are great because they can be easily taken off and moved. The actual sticker strips can only be used once, but the clips can be reused. Before you use the clips, you should wipe down your wall with some alcohol--I just used a drop of hand sanitizer--to remove any residue before sticking on the clips. Follow the instructions on the box to properly use the clips and strips. 

4. Step Back

You might not be happy with how you first hang the lights (as you can see above it took me several attempts to get it just right), but once you do get it right, it's like a fairy sprinkled fairy dust everywhere haha.

5. Hang Your Photos

baby me <3

Once your lights look just right, you can decide on what photos you want to display. In total, I used 18 photos, an assortment of old photos of when I was a baby, and some newer ones that I printed out on photo paper off Facebook. I didn't have any clothespins on hand, so I just used some large paper clips to secure the pictures on the lights. It's also great that you can you always add more photos, switch them out, or clip on anything else you want to remember (ticket stubs, notes, etc.).

6. Finishing Touches

For the purpose of function and accessibility, I added another clip right next to my outlet so that I wouldn't always have to reach for the end of the string to plug it in. This makes it really easy to plug and unplug the lights because you know the end won't suddenly fling back and mess up the rest of your arrangement. 

I can't even begin to describe to you how much I love my wall now. Every time I turn on the lights and look at the pictures, I get this fuzzy feeling inside that makes me really happy and thankful for all the wonderful things in my life :)

Things On My Bookshelf

Due to my unfortunate lack of a vanity (they are expensive and I have no space), I find myself wanting an area to do my makeup that is outside of the bathroom. Call it the laziness of not wanting to stand up or whatever you want, but I think it's nice to do your makeup somewhere you can sit down, take your time, and actually enjoy the process--even if it is just those five frantic minutes before school when you attempt to look presentable. Previously, I had an unattractive salt crystal lamp and an unplugged mini fan on my bookshelf. Given that it is winter (voiding my need for a fan) and I have grown too sick of that ugly rock in my room, I decided I needed to do some redecorating, which led me to this.

I am always envious of pretty rooms--you know which ones I am talking about, the ones that look straight out of a magazine and "change with the seasons"--because mine has always been pretty ordinary. By adding these few small elements, I can achieve both the look and the function of those "pretty rooms".

1. Mason jars are for everything

Every night, I write down something good that happened during my day and put it into this jar. At the end of the year, I go back through and read all of the notes, recalling each fond memory. This is truly a great reminder that despite how bad the bad times can feel, at the end of the day, there is always something you can smile about. Also, a year is a long time, so this jar will help you move on to the new year with happy thoughts of the year that just passed.

2. Who doesn't love a good mirror?

It may seem really strange, but I use my bookshelf as a sort-of-vanity. My desk is right next to it and I have a swivel chair, so when I do my makeup I swivel on over and use this mirror. It is handy because I face the window so I apply my makeup in natural light, and I can look down into the mirror which makes winged eyeliner a million times easier.

3. Candles make all things better

I love Market Peach. This jar matches my mason jar. Done.

4. Display your makeup brushes

A simple way to add some flair to a tabletop is by displaying your makeup brushes in a cute container. I am currently lacking on the cute container side of things, but this double-ended acrylic container from The Container Store is perfect for separating face and eye brushes.

5. Jewelry fits perfectly in glass

Evidently, I like see through containers. There is something clean and sleek about having a glass container that really catches my attention. Because it is transparent, it creates the illusion of more space, which mirrors do as well. I use this square glass container/vase to store my bracelets which is perfect trick to make your room more aesthetically pleasing: put pretty things on display.

6. Steer clear from clutter

This last point, is really a rule I follow whenever decorating or designing a surface: Less is always more.

Hopefully this will give you some idea on what to put on your bookshelf or vanity or table or desk. Have fun!

What things are on your bookshelf/vanity?