Quick Change: Re-purposed Coffee Can.

Being a naturally creative person is quite challenging at times. Although I enjoy doing creative things and completing projects, my mind is always spinning with ideas to do this or that (I'm sure I drive Mr. S bonkers sometimes!). So, never one to succumb to boredom, I got a crazy idea to re-purpose an empty coffee can. I love taking objects that serve a specific purpose then making them over into something completely different! Total cost of can: Zero dollars (we had it already thanks to our shared coffee addiction). Total cost of scrapbook paper: Zero dollars, as I already owned it. Taking care of the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle) in one project: Priceless. Here it is in all its metal glory before the ol' makeover:

And after:

Here's a shot of the back. Since my scrapbook paper wasn't wide enough to cover the can, I simply cut a small strip at the top of the paper and just attached it to create a seam. No ruler needed! No, it's not perfect, but it doesn't need to be since no one will see it. This coming from a Type -A control freak, mind you!

This project literally took five minutes from start to finish, and it's such a simple yet fun addition to our home office. All you need is a coffee can, some scrapbook adhesive (glue or double-sided tape would work just as well), scrapbook paper (I used acid-free scrapbook cardstock) and some little jewels with a sticky backing if you want to add some bling. That's all there is to it! F-R-E-E pencil/pen/colored pencils/thingamabob holder! An added bonus? It smells like coffee still, even though I washed it out before snazzing it up. Score!

Bringin' Sexy Back {To The Table}...

Okay, so unless you're like me and are über obsessed with chic-ifying your existing furniture using some paint and new hardware, you probably wouldn't use the word "sexy" to describe your newly painted dresser, nightstand or dining room table. But, in my case, sexy is exactly the word that comes to mind when I think of my newly made-over end table. It went from drab to fab in less than a week (I had to squeeze in sanding, priming and three coats of paint between final exams and homework, otherwise it would have just been a few days). Having gone from a sad, washed out shade of walnut brown to a modern, sophisticated and lively shade of chartreuse, the table is now ready for its big reveal.

Feast your eyes on the transformation:

Isn't she a beaut? She makes my heart go pitter-patter every time I look at her. I don't know why I'm referring to the table as "she", but that's irrelevant. See what a little elbow grease and some paint can do for your dated furniture? Who says you can't be thrifty, "green", and stylish at the same time? Seriously, who says? I'll track 'em down and whip out these before- and- after shots of my cheap DIY makeover. How cheap? I'm so glad you asked! Here's a little budget breakdown (all items, sans table, were purchased at Lowe's unless otherwise specified):

• 100 grit sandpaper - $3.97
• Valspar Ultra-Premium interior latex paint, semi-gloss (1 qt.)- $13.00
• Bulk pack of paint brushes- $4.00
• Kilz interior oil-based primer (1 qt.), white pigmented- $7.98
• Table-FREE (already owned)    

Grand Total= $28.95!