There was a tree pattern on this three panel room divider but I sprayed it with primer years ago. The back of the panel is white. She has definitely seen better days.

You know I love color. I had grabbed this wrapping paper on sale a year ago with the intention of using it on a tray for my office. I am still loving these vibrant colors so I decided to use this color scheme for my panel.

During the planning stage, I realized at 15 stripes per panel X 3 panels X 2 coats = 90 stripes to paint??That is a lot of stripes. Then you have to consider laying and securing the painter’s tape because, yes, I can paint, but straight stripes freehand? Nope. Lay the tape, prime the stripe, paint the stripe, let it dry, second coat? Again, a hard fast no. The answer was sitting right there…decoupage the paper onto the three panel room divider.

You know what that logo means…it’s Thrift Store Decor Team Wednesday. Welcome, if this is your first visit! Eight of my creative DIY friends and I share one thrifty makeover on the second Wednesday of every month. Wait until you see the fabulous projects for this month! They are linked at the bottom of this post.

Upcycling a Three Panel Room Divider

My go to decoupage solution is Mod Podge. I love the easy application and the easy clean up. The product always results in a nicely sealed finish. I will share some of my other Mod Podge projects later in this post.

I’ve never decoupaged such a large surface and I’ve never used stripes. So this would be learning project for me. To avoid a long and detailed repetitive post, you can find detailed tips and application process in the following posts. I will just highlight the things that I learned from mod podging large areas with striped designs.

I started by laying the Mod Podge on about and 8-12″ section at a time. Brush the Mod Podge onto the screen and smooth the paper over the area. Hold the roll of paper back and brush the Mod Podge onto the next section. Carefully smooth the paper over the Mod Podge to eliminate bumps and air bubbles. Continue until your panel is finished.

You can see a few of the spots where I rushed the process. See the tops of the two outside screen panels. I had to go back and repair these.

Speaking of repairs, I did have a small tear in the paper when this panel fell over. Also, forgive the lighting variations as I’m trying to master the indoor/outdoor adjustments.

I simply lifted the paper and reglued the area. It’s not a perfect repair, but it will do. It isn’t super obvious in the end product.

It is a little more obvious close up. But from a distance, it is really hard to see the repair. It works! I also had to resecure the paper at the top of the two outer panels with additional Mod Podge. You can see the inconsistencies in the photo below.

Adding Interest to the Three Panel Screen

As always, in the midst of this project, I had a great idea! Why not break up the stripes by creating a functioning chalkboard on the center panel? I could use it as a project board and list my upcoming projects on it. And, if used for parties, I could add a special message for the occasion.

So, I taped off the edges with Frog Tape to make a border, and painted the panel with Chalkboard paint.

Because the base was white, I needed to apply 3 coats for full coverage.

Even though I carefully burnished the edges of the Frog Tape, I did have to go back and edge the chalkboard panel. I suppose this was because the three panel room divider is made of canvas. Thus, the paint got under the edges of the panel. No worries, though. My Zibra brush is perfect for edging! It is great for edges and straight lines. It’s also of mine favorite for painting trim and baseboards as well.

The final step was to reattach the hinges to complete the screen. Here was my first try:

This assembly would be great if you are viewing the screen from the right. I reversed the hinges on the panels as I will be viewing it from the left. You can easily switch them around as needed.

Why Stop Here??!

And, how about a dual purpose screen? I had some textured wall paper in the garage from a kitchen backsplash project from some 15 years ago (remember I said I have stuff??).

I grabbed it and added it to the backside of the three panel room divider for a more neutral look.

I used wallpaper paste instead of Mod Podge to attach the wallpaper. I had this paste leftover in the garage from a previous project.

Wallpaper has really really evolved over the last 10 years. The selection of colors and textures is unprecedented. And wallpaper is so easy to install these days with the availability of peel and stick or removeable wallpaper. You should really spend some time in a showroom. The variety is simply amazing. How times have changed!

I allowed the panels to dry completely in the sun for an hour.

Again I sanded the overage off with a sanding block. And I had to secure a few of the edges with some more wall paper paste.

Finally, I reinstalled the hinges. Now I have two options for this three panel room divider: colorful frontside and neutral backside.

At some point, I supposed I will paint this with a nice mix of white, beige and antiquing medium. This wall paper mimics tin ceiling tiles and I love a good patina. What a great project for the future? For now, I am appreciating the stark clean white amidst my cluttered office.

This three panel room divider will make a great staging area for upcoming events like a planned trip or vacations. We moved our travel items into this space as we were preparing for a recent trip. On the morning of the trip our items were centrally located in this spot so we just grabbed our gear and off we went.

It is also a great focal point for messages and celebratory occasions. Have you seen the available variety of chalkboard markers? Write your messages with better control and fabulous colors. And clean them off with water! Crazy cool.

Realistically, though, I will mostly use this as a planner for upcoming projects. I can stage the supplies behind the panel!

This will especially comes in handy for Zoom meetings and work calls when I’m knee deep in a project or have to break from a project due to time constraints. This hide the eyesore of supplies laying in wait.

Instant camouflage! So quick!

I realize that I am just hiding my supplies, but sometimes you just need a break. Or a new view. Once a month, I do spend a few hours sorting and storing supplies back to where they should be in the closet or the garage. But in the meantime, it’s nice to be able to mask the clutter until I can tend to it properly.

You can dress up your trifold panel with a wreath hanger or two.

Bonus…I still have some of the striped paper left to finish that tray that was the original target for this paper.

Thrift Store Decor Team

As promised, here are the projects from my fabulous teammates!

Three-Tier Wrought Iron Plant Stand for Fall My Repurposed Life
Easy Modern Mirror Edge Domestically Speaking
Hanging Candy Dish Petticoat Junktion
DIY Bird Feeder House of Hawthornes
Pumpkin Decor from Straw Trivets Sadie Seasongoods
How to Make A Painted Surface Look Like Wood    My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
DIY Three-Panel Room Divider Refresh Shop At Blu
Thrifted Pumpkin Basket Makeover  Organized Clutter
DIY Felted Leaves Our Southern Home

More Mod Podge Projects

And here are some of those other projects where I decoupaged with Mod Podge. I hope you find some ideas and consider trying some of these new products.

The post DIY Three Panel Room Divider Refresh appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Day One: Kitchen Cabinets

I started the declutter challenge on Day One with the main upper cabinets near my sink.  These cabinets hold my dishes, glassware, mugs, a few appliances that get frequent use like the toaster and crockpot, and our bread.  These are the cabinets that get the most use so they were a great place to start.

Last year, I had removed some items we didn’t use regularly like tea cups and Rubbermaid plastic bottles.  I moved these to a shelf in the guest bedroom.  My plan is to consolidate existing with additional items to a tub and relocate the tub to the garage since I haven’t really used the tea cups or Rubbermaid.  There are many items in the kitchen that do not get regular use but I am not yet ready to discard.  Perhaps after sitting in the garage for 6 months, I will be ready to rehome them.  We can only hope.  But getting them out of the kitchen is the first step.

Here are the dishware and bread cabinets.

Back when I had my store, The Blue Building Antiques and Consignment, I frequented several thrift stores regularly.  I was constantly buying kitchen gadgets, vintage serve ware, plates, and glassware.  As you know, I have a love for all things vintage and antique.  I was scooping up so many cool kitchen items but many just weren’t practical.  I would eventually move them to the store inventory for resale.  But I have held on to quite a bit.  So a lot of those excess pieces are moving to Etsy.  

I also had complimentary glasses from restaurants that we just don’t use.  So, those will be donated.  Basically, I sorted the glasses into sections:  Daily use, coffee mugs, travel tumblers, plastic glasses and tumblers for out doors (by the pool), cocktail glasses and wine glasses.  Eventually, the cocktail and wine glasses will go to a bar area in the dining room once we expand that bar area.  And some glasses were just beat and placed into the trash-like the plastic we use outdoors when gardening or landscaping.

Over the sink is a smaller cupboard that holds pitchers, a coffee grinder, and my small food processor.  I recently added our vitamins and supplements to this area so there were bottles seemingly everywhere.  Four Rubbermaid pitchers are way too many.  We no longer have 5 children seeking Koolaid in the summer.  And since Pop is now in heaven watching over us, I don’t need those gallon pitchers for homemade iced tea.  I am keeping one for summer but it will be in that tote in the garage.  

I used a few Dollar Tree plastic baskets to corral the vitamin bottles.  These will do for now until I find something more attractive and sturdy. 

Day Two:  Kitchen Pantry -Regularly Declutter

Day Two area of concentration was the pantry cupboards.  Mr. Blu does a great job of maintaining these areas.  We did have some outdated and expired items.  So those were trashed.  And I have identified a few areas that need small baskets or bins to better organize items like packets of taco seasoning, gravy mix, ranch mix, etc. I also rehomed some items to the “not currently using bin”.

And here is a smaller cupboard with coffee, spices, etc.  There is not a real wow factor in this pantry cupboard as I have been working hard to maintain this one.  So let’s call this my inspiration!!!  

Day Three:  Kitchen Drawers

The dreaded drawers!  In my kitchen, the drawers and junk drawers go hand in hand.  So I started with the utensil drawers.  Our main utensil drawers was one that I sorted last January (read about that HERE) and it has remained relatively tidy.  This drawer was actually the one area in the entire kitchen requiring the least attention!I continued with the next utensil drawer which merged into the junk category.  The easiest way to tackle this mess was to empty all 3 drawers and begin to sort.  You would not believe the things that a DIY’er tosses into a kitchen drawer.  Electronics, hardware, assorted tools, a small tv (really small), curtain hardware, light bulbs, ten cell phones, cookbooks…we don’t have all day so I will just share the photo.

I sorted items into the following piles:

• old electronics and accessories – cell phones, camcorders cords and chargers, extension cords, power cords for Lord knows what.
• cookbooks.
• hardware – screws, nails, hooks, staples, bolts, zip ties, etc., basically anything that belongs in the garage.
• trash – lids without partners, parts to items long discarded, worn knives and gadgets
• things to donate – items I know we will never use.
• items we frequently use.

Then I placed these items into the 3 drawers.  

These drawers contained happy reminders of a home well loved and lives well lived.  It was fun to sort through old recipes as well.

Day Four: Under Sink

We had so many pots and pan!  I donated a few, moved a couple to the camping tote, and threw a few in the trash.  A future project will be to research drawer slides and lid organizers to make this space more efficient and the pots and pans more easily accessible.

Day Five: Junk Drawer-Ultimate Declutter Task

Like I stated above, I have many junk drawers.  But this one is the original.  It is where we drop the mail, receipts, phone chargers, coupons, etc.  It is now sorted and organized.   A declutter success story!  This will be a weekly task as this drawer is also the “quickly hide it drawers” if someone comes over unexpectedly.  

Day Six: Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are mostly stored under the sink counter.  This is an area that is easier to maintain since I pull items from here on a daily basis.  I will be looking for some sliding baskets to help make these supplies easier to access.

Day Seven:  Fridge and Freezer

Since upgrading all of our kitchen appliances last year for My Tuscan Inspired Kitchen,  And HERE is the post about the new appliances.  I’ve been very conscious of keeping these areas clutter free and organized.  This was a good opportunity to removed the massive amounts of Holiday Beer from the fridge and relocate it back to the overflow refrigerator in the garage.  Don’t be alarmed as we don’t drink nearly as much Sam Adams as this before photo would lead you to believer.

I’m headed to the grocery store today so I left some space for new items.  Below is one the french drawer in the fridge.  Love this for meats, cheeses, etc.  I will be searching for more organizers that will help keep these items from moving around when the drawer is opened or closed.

My kitchen is completely decluttered and reorganized!  This has been both a liberating and an inspiring challenge.  I am ready for Week 2.  Will you join me?  

Guidelines:

• Remember, go at your own pace…there basically are no rules!
• If you have already tackled the day’s listed task, simply pick another.
• Share your photos at The Blue Building Facebook page.
• Share your tips as well!  I know you have some great secret tips!

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope this challenge has helped you in some way! 

Here is next week’s task list:

The post January Declutter Challenge: Week One Recap appeared first on Shop at Blu.

The challenge runs through the month of January.  I will post the weekly challenge every Monday.  Choose what you like and proceed at your own pace.  Don’t be shy!  I want to hear all of your declutter tips!

Guide for Week One

Inspired by Every Day Savvy’s Blog

My inspiration for this challenge comes from Every Day Savvy.  We are following their graphic so I encourage you to visit their blog for great ideas.

How to Participate

This challenge is live on my Facebook page: The Blue Building Antiques.  I will be sharing my daily progress photos on that page.  Each week I will share my favorite tips and advice from readers as well as my favorite bloggers.  

Move at Your Own Pace

I am headed to the kitchen to tackle those cupboards.  What is your first target area?

The post Declutter Tips: A January Challenge to Declutter appeared first on Shop at Blu.

While I am loving my new kitchen, it is time to pare down and make this gorgeous space work better for our shrinking family.  

Over the years, I have accumulated extra dishes, bowls, pots and pans of every size, silverware, glassware, cups, etc.  Add owning an antique and consignment store into the mix coupled with an addiction to vintage items and you have the perfect formula for clutter! 

I mean, how much of this kitchen display do you thing I packaged and brought home when I closed The Blue Building in 2019?  

With 5 children it is simply easier to have more than enough as opposed to being short.  We never had to run the dishwasher or wash dishes in order to serve a meal.  We are indeed very blessed.

#1 now has a family of his own.  #2 is married as well.  #3 lives nearby in his own home. #4 also lives nearby in her own place as well.  That leaves Mr. Blu, #5, and me!  So our kitchen that at one point served 9 (including my parents), now needs to function for 3.  

I would imagine at some point, extras will be needed when everyone is visiting.  But those items can be stored away and utilized only when visitors are here.  I no longer need 15 dinner plates, 15 soup/cereal bowls, 15 glasses or stock pots in which to cook 2 pounds of spaghetti.  It’s time to pare down and to live more simply.

While I would love to have some state of the art or brand new organizing accessories for my drawers and cabinets, that will come as I exhaust the list of priority projects in our home.  Those items can be so expensive and after all of our improvements in 2020, my budget is a big fat $ZERO!  So, for now, or at least until I clean out the garage and can access my wood working tools to build some new drawer dividers and the like, I will simply gut each drawer, clean the current organizers, donate or store excess items, and refill my cupboards and drawers with just essentials.  

First target…the silverware drawer.  Having run my own antique store for 10 years, I have been to thousands of yard and estate sales.  There is not a kitchen gadget that is safe from me!  I love them.  And if they are vintage…even better.  But, do I NEED them??  More often than not, that answer is no.  

Here is what was in my silverware drawer:

I found my Pampered Chef scraper that has been missing for 18 years!  Actually, I found both!  They were all the way in the back of the drawer under the organizer.  I could probably stop right now because I can’t imagine being more satisfied with this project than I am right now!  But…I will continue.

Being in the antique and consignment business means that you keep “like” things together.  So if you find a beautiful vintage slotted spoon along with its gorgeous matching serving spoon, you keep them together even though you only need a slotted spoon.  This is curse.  And eventually, you must recognize that you don’t need the serving spoon so you must set it free.  Reality is that there is someone out there who needs that serving spoon!  “It’s a crime to separate them,” the voices scream.  Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s a crime for me to have this much crap.  So some of it is going!  

How many sets of vintage measuring spoons does one kitchen need? Or carving knives? 

I dumped it all out on the kitchen table.  While the trusty Rubbermaid silverware drawer organizer was soaking in a bleach bath, I sorted all of the utensils into the following:

• KEEP IN DRAWER for daily use
• move to OCCASIONAL USE basket to be stored in pantry
• move to STORAGE for large parties/visits
• DONATE
• TRASH

                           
 

On the 12th Day of Christmas, my hoarding drawer revealed:

And here is my newly purged drawer:

Much better!  One drawer down and 7 to go…then on to the cupboards and pantry!  This organization task will take me a while.  I must do it in stages because purging, for me, is overwhelming.  So, stay tuned for more progress…a little at a time!

I’m sharing this post as part of a January Organizing Blog Hop with some incredibly creative friends!  Thanks to Sydney from Sydney and Co. for coordinating this hop.   Head on over to check out the other post on great organizational tips!

The post The struggle continues: ORGANIZING! appeared first on Shop at Blu.