Up-Cycled Wristlet Using Feather Boa

Project Cost: $3.00

Materials: 

1. Marabou Feather Boa ($4.99 at JoAnn Fabric. I used a coupon!)
2. Wristlet/clutch (Up-cycle one like I did or find them cheap at Target or Wal-Mart)
3. Needle/Thread

How To:

1. Wrap the boa horizontally starting at the top
2. Stitch as you wrap at sides and middle

Tip: Do not cut the boa, as it could unravel. Use all six feet. I tucked the tail (probably 6 inches or so) up under the horizontal rows to conceal it.

 :) Easy and inexpensive. I love accessories!

Tip: If you want to re-purpose the boa or just want the old clutch back, simply cut the stitches and you're good to go!

Master Closet Makeover

Our master closet was in need of serious organization (see before picture below). We hated our builder's grade wire rack that went around the whole closet at eye level. You couldn't add a rack below or above. Initially, we were going to hire California Closets or Closets by Design. They create beautiful closets, but costs thousands. I also looked at systems from Lowe's and Home Depot. Again, I would be spending at least $1500-$2000 for a closet of our size.

After scouring the internet for different options, I came across Ikea's Expedit shelving group. The units come in a variety of sizes and are inexpensive. I like options. We desperately needed more shelving storage. With a little planning here is what we came up with. The hanging rods are Allen and Roth white curtain rods from Lowe's. The brackets and shelves that accompany the rods are also from Lowe's. 

We purchased two units that were $70 each and stacked two units that were $40 each on top. They are secured to the wall with included brackets. Our ceilings are 8ft. high.

I added another cube in the center of the closet for a place to fold clothes and extra storage...You can't have too much!

The cost of the below wall was $80. $30 for the grey piece of furniture and $50 for the white shelving. There are four shelves, two on each side stacked, from Lowe's. Everything else I already owned. To see how the furniture was painted visit this post: Focal Point Furniture.

Ikea offers a variety of doors, drawers, baskets, and bins that all fit perfectly into each cube. You can customize it as little or as much as you need.

For my shoes we purchased a Billy bookcase from Ikea for $50 with a $20 height extension unit. In order to maximize the space in your closet you must go up! Use all of your wall space from floor to ceiling and purchase a stool. The bookcase comes with optional doors.  

Progress Photos:

This is was my closet on a bad day. Unfortunately, it had a lot of bad days. Embarrassing, I know!

The paint color is Scandinavian Sky, Olympic brand (low odor, low VOC) from Lowe's. 

This wall is my husbands. The rest is all mine! :)

One last look at the before and after (click on image to enlarge):

Focal Point Furniture

Cost of project = $30

This piece was purchased for my master closet makeover (post soon to follow). I wanted a neat focal point for the space without spending lots. I spotted this for $20 at the thrift store. SOLD! The door panels are exquisite! Although I scrubbed it inside and out, I don't think I will store clothes in it. Probably just costume jewelry, off season shoes and other trinkets that cluttered my closet.

The before again:

I chose cool blues and greys for the closet. Lowes offers a new brand 'My Color: Inspired by Pantone' of already mixed paints. It is low odor, low VOC, and costs about $10. The paint is ideal for furniture as the primer is already built in. Color = 'Griffin'.

Give the piece a light sanding and paint using a fine bristled brush. I used a cabinet roller for the top and sides. Two coats was perfect. I even have some leftover.

Here is a preview of the finished closet! CLICK HERE to view post.