New calender and a lamp re-do

I've added additions to my desk organization project.  As mentioned in my last post, I wanted to make my small work space better organized but I definitely wanted it cute too!  In fact, I believe that our mood and ability to function at our fullest potential is greatest when our surroundings are pleasant.  That's the biggest reason I love the Interior design business.  I share my passion and I get to help my clients feel good about their living spaces.

I just restocked my Sherwin Williams paint samples.  Instead of throwing out the old ones, I decided to keep them for projects.  I saw some ideas on Pinterest for creating a paint chip calender.  Above are  a couple that I found.  I already had everything I needed to create one for myself, so I gathered up the supplies and went to work!


These are placed inside of a frame so you use a dry erase marker on the glass.  Pretty clever!  Here's how to make your own.
1.  Start with a picture frame (mine is 11x14).  Spray paint it if desired.
2.  Cut a piece of fabric or scrapbook paper for the background (I used burlap).
3.  Cut a piece of cardboard (or in this case a gift box lid) to fit inside the frame.
4.  Use spray adhesive to glue the fabric to the box.  Position cut squares of paint samples on top and glue down.

To give the frame detail, I made muslin flowers.  This is another Pinterest inspired idea, except I made mine a bit differently.  They're cute and really simple!

1.  Cut out 5 circles of muslin.  I used a little red cup to trace.
2. Set the pieces aside.

3.  Take each circle and fold in half, and then in half again.  Cut little scallops out on the rounded edge.  Do this on all 5 circles.
4.  Taking 4 of the pieces still folded, lay them on top of the 5th piece and stick down with a dab of hot glue.
5.  Cut a small round piece of burlap and hot glue it in the center.  Add a small button on top.  Easy!

Here's a side view that shows the dimension.  I just love these!  They may start popping up all over my house!

Here's my calendar!  I placed some jute around the edges to give it more texture.

Now onto the lighting.  I bought this little lamp at a thrift store a while back, not because I loved the look but  because it was the right size.  I've planned to re-do it since I bought it so this seemed like the perfect time.
I began by taping the top with frog tape.  When I paint lamps, I like to put the cord into a plastic grocery bag  and tape the end.  This is an easy solution to keep it paint free.

While the lamp was drying, I covered the lampshade in burlap (surprise!)

I added another flower and some fabric leaves.

I put some rope around the edges for the trim.  I love how it turned out!  I'm not sure why it took me so long to do this.

Since I used cork, burlap, muslin, jute and rope on my projects, I decided to wrap a soup can with more jute to create a nice textured pencil/pen holder.

My desk is organized and much more appealing then it was before.  I have no excuse to not accomplish great things here!