I grew up in a very creative family, with my parents always knowing how to fix something, make something or adjust something. You name it, they can do it. That do it yourself attitude has definitely been passed on to me. Many times I will see something in a store, whether it be new or in a vintage store, and my first thought is “oh, I could do ___ to make it exactly how I want it.” This can be both good and bad. Sometimes, too many things find their way into my home because I know I can make them work. But, I guess that is good for the impatient person in me, who doesn’t want to hunt around forever for the perfect item. I mean, why do that when you can make it, or fake it, yourself?!

I recently received a book, I Modify IKEA, that while reading got me to thinking about all of the “hacks” I have completed in life. I concluded that there are just way too many to even count! So, I thought I would share a couple of the most recent with you. (And no people, I’m not talking about hacking into cyberspace. I am talking about making something thats original purpose was for one thing into something totally different!)

The above project came about when I came across an old magazine rack I had in college. It’s something I have not used in years, but thought it would make a perfect addition to my fridge for my mail. The shiny lime green didn’t match my kitchen decor, so…I made it work! I painted it a matte ice blue and added magnets to the back so it would easily attach to the refrigerator. I found a fun flower magnet for the front, and painted black magnetic letters that spell “mail” to match the flower. Now it matches my kitchen decor perfectly, and is suiting the new need I had for it!

The second project I am sharing was again something I needed to re-purpose. I didn’t have a picture as large as the frame required and I knew I wanted a space to feature the lovely cards I receive from friends and family, especially over the holidays. Since taping them to the glass of the frame didn’t really work out well, I decided to add cork and make my own pin board. Cutting the cork to size was what took the longest, but attaching it with Velcro and hot glue was quite simple. And now, as I get a card, it easily gets added to my board. Since I just need to pin it on, I can keep on adding and adding!

If you decide to pick up a copy of I Modify IKEA, take a look at these projects…they seemed like the most fun to me!

The lesson I hope you learned today is that you don’t have to settle, and you don’t have to hunt for years for something you want. As Tim Gunn would say on Project Runway, “make it work.” Do it yourself, find a “hack” online, pick up a book or magazine for ideas. Think outside the box and I guarantee you can make your vision a reality.

Signed with Style,