Refurbished Desk

I had been looking for a desk that I could use for crafts for a while, and I saw this beauty at the Centerville D.I. a few weeks ago. I realize it isn't much to look at in this picture, but it is made of solid wood, has built-in shelving, and was only $30. So, I decided that I would refurbish it and give it a whole new look.

To get started, you will need:

1. Furniture to refurbish
2. Electric sander
3. Paint
4. Paintbrush - I used a foam brush to help avoid brush strokes
5. Drawer hardware (pulls or handles)

Instructions:

1. Wipe down the furniture with a clean, damp cloth.
2. Using the electric sander, sand the furniture. If you sand it to the wood (thus removing the old pain), painting will probably be easier.
3. Begin painting. Make sure that you apply an even coat. You may need to paint more than one coat in order to have adequate coverage.
4. When the paint is dry, apply the new drawer hardware

Here is the finished product: (sorry...these pictures didn't turn out the greatest)

I love how this desk has built-in shelving on the side. It gives me even more storage room.

If you are able to find a decent piece of furniture, refurbishing can be an affordable way to give it a new look. Including the price of the desk, this project cost me less than $50.

Gilt Group

Gilt Group is an online company that sells designer merchandise at up to 70% off of retail prices. They have products for women, men, children, and home. You have to be a member to shop on their site, but membership is free. The website features new sales beginning at 12:00 EST on weekdays. You can preview the sales in advance so that you know what to watch for. Be advised - products sell out very quickly. Some items are still pretty pricey, but if you are looking for a specific designer or don't mind a lot of browsing, I think that you can still get some good deals. I was able to get this shirt by James Perse for $13 + shipping...the suggested retail price was $85! Check them out at www.gilt.com.

Modbe Clearance!

Modbe Clothing is an online/catalog clothing company that sells modest clothing, such as shirts, pants, skirts, and bathing suits. They sell children, tween, women, plus, and maternity sizes. Right now, Modbe is having a clearance sell on their website - you can get shirts, skirts, and other items starting at $5!!! It looks like sizes are starting to get limited...check it out at www.modbeclothing.com.

Accent Pillows

Accent pillows can be an easy, affordable way to add a little personality to your room. These pillows are very easy to sew and making them yourself may be less expensive than purchasing them from the store.

Skill level: Beginner

You will need:

1. Sewing machine
2. Fabric with matching thread*
3. A pillow form

*Some fabric stores sell remnant pieces of fabric at great prices. I purchased my fabric from Material Girls Quilts and was able to buy remnant pieces for about $5/pillow.

Directions:

1. Cut the fabric that will be used for the front of your pillow into a square that is approximately 1" larger than the size of your pillow form. I cut my fabric into a 16" square because I used a 15" pillow - for the sake of these directions, I will include the measurements that I used for a 15" pillow.
2. Cut the fabric that will be used for the back of your pillow into a 16" x 21" rectangle (16" tall, 21" wide).
3. Cut the back fabric piece in half, so that you have two 16" x 10.5" pieces.
4. Next, hem one side (the 16" side) of each back piece. I made a 1/2" hem.
5. Once you have hemmed one side of both back pieces, pin both back pieces to the front pillow piece, right sides together. The hems on the back pieces should be in the middle of the pillow and the fabric should be overlapping.
6. Sew the back pieces to the four side of the front pillow piece. I used a 1/2" hem.
7. Turn your sewn pillow right-side-out and insert your pillow form. Congratulations - you have an accent pillow!

Steep for Cheap

Maren - thank you for this tip!

Steep for Cheap is an online vendor for outdoor clothing and products. They offer one item at a great deal until that item has been sold out. As soon as that deal is sold out, they start another deal. Items can be marked down as much as 50-80%, so deals sell out quickly. The deal changes several times a day, and you can sign up to receive alerts when a new item pops up. Check them out at www.steepandcheap.com.

MyPoints

MyPoints is a website that allows you to earn points for viewing websites, taking surveys, and buying products from some online retailers. You can then redeem your points for rewards, such as gift cards. You generally earn 5 points for viewing the websites that they recommend, 50 points for taking a survey, and then a certain number of points per dollar that you spend. They have a wide variety of online merchants that participate, such as Ebay, Overstock, Barnes and Noble, Gap, and Target. If you don't make a lot of purchases online, it can take a while to accrue enough points for a reward (you usually need around 3500 for a $25 gift card), but if you don't mind being patient, it is worth it. The way that I look at it, they are giving me a free gift card to browse around online, right? To check out MyPoints or to sign up, visit www.mypoints.com.

BabySteals

If you are pregnant, have a baby, or know someone who does, BabySteals is a great website to check out. Every weekday morning, they offer a new "steal", which is a quality baby or maternity item selling for 50-80% off of retail price. The daily steal starts at 9:00 AM and the products sell out quickly. You can also choose to sign-up for a daily e-mail which tells you about the day's steal. BabySteals will either mail your purchase to you or you can choose to pick it up for free at an office in Murray. To visit the website, check out their blog, and learn more, visit www.babysteals.com.

KSL Classifieds or Ebay

I know I know who wants ....glup....used items! However you can find great deals on KSL or Ebay. Some of you might be a little leery about buying on Ebay. With Ebay there is usually a protection policy that keeps the seller from selling you crap and getting away with your money, as long as you follow Ebay rules.

I got a brand new duvet cover normally $119 from West Elm on Ebay for $100. It was still brand new. However what makes this an even better deal is the seller also include the European shams ($50) for free. Ultimately I paid $110 and I got all new bedding. I bought this in the natural color so it goes with everything. I can use all my same sheets and I get a new look every time I change the sheets.

Not bad....a whole new room for $110!