So, after I completed my magnetic storage tins, I realized that I needed some way to know what was inside - at a glance, rather than by opening each to find what I am looking for.

I knew that I didn't want something permanent, as I'm constantly repurposing!

My solution? Little magnetic markers utilizing scrap ribbon, buttons, and... SHRINKY DINKS!!!

If you're familiar with my blog, you know how I love a Shrinky Dink project.

I opted for the regular frosted sheets, rather than the inkjet version, because my printer is out of ink.

{Note to self: Must buy printer ink!}

I used my Martha Stewart 1 1/2" circle craft cutter to punch my tags and wrote on the slick side of the punched circle with a permanent ink pen typically used for scrapbooking.

You can see that I tested one first to ensure that my ink would adhere properly. It did!

I watched the magic unfold in my toaster oven...

By the way, I keep a toaster oven in my studio. It has become just as important as my sewing machine! This is an older one that we own, but it works great for my crafting purposes!

I cut little flags from a piece of scrap ribbon...

Layered my buttons and Shrinky Dinks using E6000 adhesive...

Cut small strips of magnetic vinyl to add to the back...

And, that was it! A perfect, non-permanent, fun solution for labeling my magnetic storage tins.

I can change my mind about the tin's contents and have no problem swapping the labels to reflect what's inside!

I just love the effect, too.

In my previous post, I mentioned that I am revamping my studio space. As part of that, I covered an Ikea magnetic board with burlap and mounted it to the side of my bookshelf with 3-M picture hanging strips.

Here's the finished product.

Click here for instructions about how to personalize an Ikea magnetic board with fabric.

I made a few other magnets with glass tile project fails. They are perfect for adding personality to this magnetic board!

I'll be working on my creative space this week and hope to share the results with you. Now that my classes are over (for a month), I'm doing what I can to usher in peace and calm to my surroundings!

I hope you have a great week ahead! As always, I'd love to hear about what you are working on!

Did anyone pick up on the Nirvana reference? Is that past your time?

{I'm on a 90's grunge rock kick!}

Speaking of the late 90's... I used to love Brighton jewelry! I still do, but my jewelry trends have changed since then.

My husband loves to indulge me when he's familiar with something that I really love - and, for him, he was comfortable going to the jewelry counter and loading up on Brighton.

Brighton earrings. Brighton necklaces. Brighton belts. Brighton shoes. Brighton purses. Brighton sunglasses. Brighton hair accessories. Brighton... lip stick holder...

I just love that man.

Along the way, I've amassed quite a collection of Brighton tins.

I knew I should save them. They are so darn cute and functional!

I'm in the process of reorganizing my studio and had the sudden idea to turn them into magnetic board storage!

This was all that I needed to make it happen.

{By the way... E6000 is the best adhesive ever! Forget super glue! Just a small drop is all you need.}

I used three magnets on the backs of the smaller tins and five on the backs of the larger.

My next step was to gather the small items to store in my cute little heart shaped storage boxes.

That presented another dilemma... how would I ever remember what was inside of each?

That solution will follow in my next post!

This blog post title is appropriate for so many reasons.

First of all, my summer semester is almost over! This time next week, I'll be free from this prison for nearly one whole month. I have an intense fall semester ahead, but after that, I'll be done with my master's program.

**whew!**

Now, back to the project at hand {and more "bustin' out" references to come}...

You should know this about me. When I know that I have people coming over the house, I find the motivation to complete those little projects that I would avoid otherwise. That is the ONLY reason those things get done.

As was the case this week.

We hosted dinner for our 4th of July celebration. Our sofa pillows have long been a source of embarrassment for my husband. He doesn't usually get worked up about such things, but this was a point of contention for him.

I agree. They look terrible. I purchased them to stage our last house when we were selling and they didn't look too bad then. But, my kids have totally abused them since. In fact, one pillow's seam ripped and stuffing is always strewn around our greatroom anytime my 2-year-old is left unsupervised.

{Hmmm... stuffin' is "bustin' out?"}

On Sunday, my husband sighed deeply and said, "Is it really that difficult to sew up this seam? Or make new pillows?"

{Well, no. But, I have 1,002 other things that I'd rather do.}

He doesn't ask for much, really. So, I caved and quickly worked up some new pillows on Tuesday night in anticipation of our company coming over on Wednesday.

I actually like the pattern of the offensive pillows. It coordinates with my other fabrics in the room. So I came up with a 10 minute solution to make us both happy.

The "Bustin' Out" pillow cover!

Here's how I did it.

I cut a square of fabric, large enough to cover the front of my pillow form with a 1/2" seam allowance.

I then cut that square in half and hemmed the inside edges with a 1/2" seam.

I used a zig-zag stitch to give it a more decorative finish.

I overlapped the inside hems by 1/2" and basted into place.

I then cut the back panel for my pillow and sewed the front and back together (right sides together!).

I clipped my corners and turned the cover right-side-out.

I stuffed my old pillow in and called it done!

You'll notice that I altered my seams a bit on the top and bottom of the pillow. I used a narrow hem on the sides, but increased my seam width to give the pillow cover a tighter fit. I wanted it to appear as though the inside form was busting out of the cover.

Ridiculously simple and even my husband was impressed! He couldn't stop smiling - which is a really weird reaction to have about a pillow.

{I guess the previous state was really just that bad!}

Today, I feel so good that my heart is singing. This week ushered in a sense of peace and normalcy that I've been missing for quite some time.

I enjoyed sushi and cupcakes with a dear friend. I chased my kids around the yard. I finished a few assignments ahead of schedule. I spent time in my studio. I used my camera.

My body is healing, my spirit has been renewed, and I feel good!

Speaking of my camera, I rejoined my friend, Megan, on her blogging journey this week. I used to photograph her daily for her fashion/lifestyle blog, Little Maison. It was a bonding experience for us both, but life became too busy to fit it all in.

Megan is getting ready to relaunch her weekly fashion posts and I was thrilled that she asked me to be her photographer again!

Woo-hoo!

Here is my favorite pic of the week. I loved the composition so much that I experimented with several different filter techniques. Thought you might enjoy seeing the variety.

The original:

Edited version #1:

Edited version #2:

And, my favorite:

I swear... even her feet have glowing personalities of their own. She is so precious!

Switching gears... I have a DIY pillow post ready to share with you this weekend. Please come back by to check it out!

Happy Friday!

Just popping in to share a little DIY fail with you.

And, today we're talking hair color.

OMGeeeeeee!!!! That's the worst kind of fail!

I feel like my hair is just too short to justify having it professionally colored. There's just nothing to work with! But... I wanted to lighten up a bit for the summer.

So, I bought this.

What could be more perfect for summer? Caramel color... brass free... ultra lightening...

I'm such a sucker for advertising promises!

This is the result.

What the heck happened here? This is red. Really red. Brassy red with no hint of caramel anywhere!

Oh, well. I'm giving it a week before deciding upon my next course of action.

The greatest thing about short hair is that mistakes grow out quickly.

Hope you're doing great! I've been thinking about you. I'm so happy to be posting... something... anything!!!

Yippee!