How To Cover a Fridge in Removable Wallpaper

When we moved into our tiny home a few years ago, we bought the cheapest ($150) fridge we could find that was actually still in good shape. It suited our need for something small, yet spacious. And over the three years of living in our tiny unfinished house we slowly built up a kitchen around the refrigerator and it started to stick out like a sore thumb. The fridge still works great and we want to milk it for all that it is worth, but we need a way for it to fit into our cottage kitchen. Enter in removable wallpaper.

I've seen wallpaper covered fridges floating around for years and years, but honestly never thought I'd do such a thing. I always worried that the wallpaper would just peel off spontaneously or that I'd spill liquid on it and that would ruin it. But since there are many fridge DIYers who have come before me, I figured it must mostly work out okay. 

Everything you will need for this project:

- Wallpaper

- Xacto knife or box cutter

- Smoothing tool (some wallpapers come with this already)

- Degreaser

- Laser level or regular level (optional)

CHOOSING YOUR WALLPAPER

The wallpaper we chose was a little over $100 investment. In some ways it sounds silly to put $100 lipstick on a $150 pig, but to me it's really like saving money since we get to keep out fridge instead of replacing it with a more aesthetic looking one. 

Make sure you are buying removable wallpaper. You do not want the kind that needs paste, you want it to already be sticky. Basically a giant sticker. Patterned wallpaper can help disguise mistakes you make when sticking it down. Our wallpaper design is patterned but pretty linear, so I realized pretty quickly that if I didn't lay it perfectly straight the lines would look wonky. With a solid color you wouldn't have to be so persnickety about the edges being straight (you can cut them off later), BUT if you need to line up the wallpaper edges on the fridge, you'd have to do that perfectly. 

REMOVE THE HANDLES

Our fridge had these really ugly yellowing covers that went all the way to the top and bottom of the fridge. Those slid off with force and then revealed holes underneath them. I wasn't too worried about those holes because I realized the wallpaper was THICK and unless someone finds that hole and sticks something pointy through it, you won't even know they are there. The handles themselves just screwed off with a Phillips head screw driver. Make sure to save the screws! You could take this opportunity to put new handles on if you felt so inclined. I don't mind our white handles as they kind of just blend in- although we still need to figure out how we want to cover up the screws.

CLEAN FRIDGE

Before you put the wallpaper on, the fridge needs to be cleaned really well. We used a degreaser and then a regular cleaner. You could do a wipe of alcohol at the end to ensure there's so grease or cleaner or anything left on the surface. And once it's clean, let it dry completely. It won't take long to dry, but the wallpaper isn't going to stick on a wet surface.

START FROM THE TOP

For the left piece I started from the top left and for the right piece I started from the top right. This was honestly a free for all and I wish I had some really great insight on how to do this better. This is where a laser level would come in handy. The only reason I didn't bring out the level is because I know that our floor isn't completely level which means that the fridge wouldn't be perfectly level. So if I then came and put wallpaper on it that the lines where level, they may not line up with the lines of the fridge. I really wanted to the lines to be parallel to things like the handles and the space in the middle of the doors.

GET IT STRAIGHT

I guess I would say my method was to peel off only a small amount of the backing paper at a time. I pulled it away from the top part of the wallpaper and then stuck the wallpaper on the fridge in on place where I thought it needed to go. I had Casey hold the opposite side of the paper so it wouldn't stick on the fridge while I sorted out one corner. The first piece I had to completely peel off and start again. But it was okay- the wallpaper still re-stuck after being peeled off. 

In the place where my wallpaper hit the edge of the fridge there were pink flowers. I tried to match up where those hit on the edge all the way down. If you look closely at the finished product, it's not perfect all the way down. It seems when I cut out the space for the ice and water dispenser that the wallpaper became askew. But more on that later...

I put the wallpaper on with a little hanging over the top because I wanted to wrap it up and stick down to the top surface. This way the imperfect edge would be hidden up there and from the front the top edge would look perfect. The same goes for the sides. Our fridge door fronts have deep sides, so that needed to be covered as well. 

At some point I felt like there was no turning back and I was like oh well if it's wrong. Once It was as straight as I could get it, I used the smoother to make sure there weren't any bubbles and make sure the wallpaper was completely stuck down to the front surface. 

WRAP THE EDGES

Then it was time to do the edges. This part is interesting because it seems like it should be the easiest. The only thing I noticed was that it was hard to just fold down from the top down. It all wanted to fold down together because the paper is so thick. This ended up causing large bubbles along the edges in places where it stuck down before I got the smoother to it. I would have to pull up some of the edges and replace them while I smoothed over the edge. Not a huge deal, but still something to pay attention to. 

CUTTING AROUND THE ICE DISPENSER

When I moved my way down to the ice maker I used the edge of the smoother to put a crease in the wallpaper right at the top of the dispenser frame. Then I used a box cutter to cut the wallpaper on top of the frame. Don't cut right in the crease, you want to make sure you have extra left over and you'll go back and cut it later. This part I show better on our recent Youtube video where we complete this project. Check it out below!

The last thing I did was cut off all the excess wallpaper along the edges with a box cutter and then I went over everything with the wallpaper smoother. I found some bubbles I didn't realize were there and ended up having to try to get rid of them. This ended up with one spot having a tiny crease because there was nowhere for the bubble to go. Luckily the pattern on the wallpaper disguises it and you can't really see it unless you are looking for it.

BEFORE

AFTER

In the end we love the results and think the wallpaper really adds flair to our cottage-y kitchen. It keeps the brightness of the white without being bland. I hope this post gave you some insight for your own project! Happy DIYing!

Savannah

Read More

The Coziest Winter Hobbies

Every winter we fall into the same routine. More time is spent inside due to the decreasing daylight hours which means much more time on our hands. We like to think of this as a benefit because we trade in our long to-do lists and projects for more time relaxing and doing things to we like to do just for the sake of doing it. 

We've been trying to do more activities instead of watching more tv, but sometimes we do both at the same time! Not all of these hobbies will interest you but I hope you find one that does and maybe this is the nudge to get you to try something new. Doing any of these hobbies will make you an infinitely more interesting person than scrolling your phone or watching tv (no judgement- we do our share of scrolling & tv watching). 

1. Water color: Casey and I recently took a watercoloring class because it was something we were both interested in exploring. It piqued our interest enough that we decided to invest in some supplies so we could leisurely explore watercoloring in the comfort of our home. It's been a nice hobby for both of us because it's affordable to start, the supplies take up minimal space, and you can complete a painting in just a few minutes. I think the key to sticking with a hobby is to be able to finish something and feel like you could do it again. This is exactly what watercoloring is for me- something fun an interesting that I can complete in an evening, even multiple times in an evening if I wish.

We started out buying a set of watercolors in tubes, but almost immediately wanted a palette of watercolors. With the palette it's easier to see the color and there's no time wasted searching for the right tube. It's also almost impossible to not waste some of what comes out of the tube. Our thought process was the tubes would be easier to share between two people, but I still think the palette is a nicer experience, especially for a beginner. 

Our watercolor supplies: watercolor palette (similar) / paper / paint brush set (similar)/ pencil

2. Sewing: We have both been sewing for many years. I learned from my mom and Casey took sewing lessons as a teenager. Sewing can seem daunting but if you start with easy projects, you can build on your skill set and your confidence. Don't go out and buy a new sewing machine. Find a used one on Facebook Marketplace or eBay or some place like that and don't worry about getting one with a bunch of fancy stitches on it either. You want one that can sew a straight line, a zig zag stitch, and be able to do a buttonhole. 

Check out YouTube to learn how to thread your machine and wind a bobbin or take a class to learn the basics. In our area we have a group of ladies who meet at the library and work on sewing projects. Find a group like that and they would likely love to help get you started. 

Some easy projects to get started are: 

Flannel Napkins

Table Runner

Pillowcase Bag (be on the lookout for an updated version on this coming soon)

Dopp Bag/Zippy Pouch

3. Knitting and Crocheting: Nothing says "cozy" like curling up with a ball of yarn and making something with your hands. And what's cozier than yarn?! Plus, the repetitive motion can be incredibly soothing on those long winter nights. With crocheting a lot of people start up with granny squares and that's how we started. I'm currently finishing a giant granny square that will be turned into a tote bag. For something bigger like a blanket, you have to complete a lot of granny squares to make a finished product. But they have these really cute kits that I've heard are even better for beginners because you have a finished product more quickly.  If you want to get into knitting and want a quicker project, look into arm knitting. This crocheted headband is a quick starter project.

4. DIY Skincare products: This past fall we taught a class at a local store about making different natural skincare products. This is something we've done off and on for years and really enjoy. We have a tutorial on how to make your own calendula salve, lip balm, and a hand scrub. The good thing is that a lot of the ingredients overlap so if you can make one, you can usually make them all. And you can even make the hand scrub with things you have in your pantry.

5. Baking: Winter is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen. From loaves of bread to decadent cookies and pies, baking warms your home while filling it with delicious smells. Plus, you get a cozy treat to share in the end! Need inspiration on what to bake? Start out with something simple like these recipes on our other blog: The Easiest Pantry Granola + Gluten Free Sausage Balls. Then work your way up to something more advanced.

6. Reading: There's no better time to lose yourself in a good book than winter. I naturally want to read more in the winter and I'll set these lofty goals for how many books to read in year based on my winter self. Inevitably the temperatures start to warm up and I'm reading less because I'm outside more. But that's okay! You can make up for your summer self in the winter and read as much as you can! Make yourself a cozy reading nook & grab a hot drink and get to reading. 

7. Candle Making: Nothing sets the mood like the soft flicker of candlelight. Why not take it a step further by making your own candles? You can experiment with seasonal scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla and create custom designs to add a personal touch to your winter decor. It also fun to find a vessel for your candle. You probably already have something in your house you can use. I also love to look at antique & thrifts for fun candle vessels. Last year for Christmas we came up with our own scent and made everyone in our family their own candle in thrifted vessels. We have a candle making guide here to help you get started. 

8. Journaling: Winter is a natural time for introspection. We are at the end of the year or at the beginning of a new one which naturally makes us think all the big things. You can start a journal to document your thoughts, set goals for the new year, or simply doodle and brainstorm. We went through a phase of visual journaling where instead of writing words you make a collage of sorts. I've seen people who will save receipts, business cards, menus, etc from a trip or just of the day. Then they will place them in a journal as a way to remember the trip or day. I love this idea and would like to start doing this myself. Journaling can be a great way to start or end your day. 

9. Puzzles and Games: Whether you’re putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle or playing a strategic board game, these activities are perfect for cozy nights in. They’re also a great way to connect with family and friends while staying warm indoors. We love playing card games or dominoes, and if you know of any other good 2 person games let us know in the comments! 

10. Embroidery or cross stitching: This isn't a hobby that either of us has tried but we would like to get into it one day. I love the homey, handmade look of cross stitched & embroidered items. And they don't always have to look so old & stuffy as you can see here. 

11. Wool felting: When I used to work at a summer camp as the art counselor, we had access to lots of wool straight from the alpacas on the property. This meant a lot of simple wool felting was done with the kids. But this is a hobby I have been wanting to try again for myself. I have this long term dream of owning fiber animals (sheep, alpacas, certain breads goats, rabbits, etc) and making things with their fur. There is a lot of steps between shearing a sheep and turn their wool into a sweater. But I feel like wool felting seems a little more instantly gratifying. But I've seen people craft lifelike replicas of people's animals. As with any crafts, I think it can be as simple or detailed as you want. 

12. Stamp carving and block printing: Did you ever cut a potato in half and cut a shape or design in it to make your own stamp in art class? Making your own stamps & block printing can be as simple as that. Get a potato, an xacto knife, and some paint and you can get going. We also used to get those linoleum blocks that you carved to make stamps with. Carving those blocks is really satisfying. 

13. Create a signature cocktail, mocktail, or recipe: This is something I enjoy doing year round but in the winter there seems to be more free time. We aren't as busy trying to work outside until dark finishing a project. Some people have "house drinks" where they have one drink (some are with alcohol and some are without) that is their signature drink they make for their guests. You can make fancy simple syrups or make your own ginger ale. The options are limitless. Make this winter be the one where you master your signature house drink! Our Sunburn Cocktail is super popular and really delicous, but also try out our 3-Ingredient Paloma and Magic Lemonade!

14. Practice a Skill: We follow a homesteader named Jessica Sowards of Roots & Refuge and she has a signature phrase, "turn your waiting room into a classroom." While you're waiting for your dreams to come true, learn a skill that will be helpful. Homesteading is a great example of this. A lot of people want acres of lands with pigs, cows, horses, and a big garden. But you can learn to can foods in your apartment. You can learn how to mend your clothes now. You can learn how to bake a loaf of bread. One of the things we get asked all the time is how do we know how to do all the stuff that we do. We have heavily relied on YouTube to learn a lot of skills but more than anything we just try new things. This next week we're going to be changing the alternator on our truck. Have we ever done that before? Nope, but we're gonna try. Learning new skills is great for so many things specifically your confidence & brain. 

15. Macrame: Macrame was all the rage a few years ago and just like all trends it will come back around. Our old house was full of it! With just a few materials like cotton cord, a wooden dowel, and scissors, you can create beautiful, textured pieces like wall hangings, plant hangers, or throw pillows that add warmth to your home. We made these macrame swings at our old house & people in person and online always loved them! 

16. Jewelry Making: A lot of jewelry projects can be completed in such a short amount of time. It's rather affordable to obtain the supplies, but I will say, the variety of jewelry making supplies out there can be overwhelming. It's best to start with one project and see if you'd like to pursue more jewelry making and go from there. These Wire Ear Cuffs only take a few minutes to make along with some wire and pliers!

17. Friendship Bracelets: You have come to the right place if you are looking for friendship bracelet inspiration. We have a plethora of friendship bracelet tutorials from years past. Turn on your favorite movie and get to bracelet making! Click this link and scroll your little heart out to find post after post about making different types of friendship bracelets. 

We're almost 2 weeks into the New Year but it's not too late to set a goal for yourself, so make finding a hobby you enjoy a goal of yours this year. Or get back to doing a hobby you have enjoyed in the past. Don't get caught up in taking anything too seriously. Let your hobby be fun and relaxing. Thanks for reading! 

Read More

20 Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

If you have waited until the last minute to get your Christmas presents together AND you are crazy enough to want to make gifts, you have stumbled upon the right place. I have a round up of 20 DIYs that make great gifts. They are all pretty easy and not too time consuming. Some of these posts go from many years back because we've been running this blog for THIRTEEN YEARS!! I honestly can't believe it. 

1. Grown Up Friendship Bracelets

What's great about these is there are endless ways to customize them. You could add charms and do any color combo that your heart desires. The metal clasps at the end make them more "grown up" and would be a great gift for any lady in your life. 

2. Elevated Scrunchie

You can use this tutorial to make a regular scrunchie or you can make it with the scarf/bow ends hanging down. I think that detail makes this look at little more sophisticated than a traditional scrunchie. This is the perfect project for using up fabric scraps you may have. It also makes the perfect stocking stuffer!

3. Bath Bomb

The only thing holding you back from making bath bombs before Christmas is the bath bomb mold. BUT you could use a muffin tin or any of the cute small molds that they sell everywhere this time of year. This makes another great stocking stuffer.

4. Flannel Napkins

You could make these napkins with thrifted flannel shirts, sheets, or you could buy new fabric. We love having cloth napkins around as they are much more eco friendly than disposable napkins/paper towels. Also with little effort they can make any dinner table look classier. 

5. Crochet Headband

When we first made this tutorial these were more in style to wear out in public as an accessory. Now, I love it for keeping your hair out of your face when doing you skin care routine and/or makeup. This is inexpensive to make and easy to customize. 

6. Crayon Lipstick

This DIY is so fun and would be a great activity to do after all the excitement of Christmas has worn off or you could make it as a gift. Crayons are naturally non-toxic and you can make any lipstick color your heart desires. 

7. Candles

Everyone loves candles and what is fun about making your own is picking out a fun vessel. Last year we gave homemade candles as Christmas gifts to our friends & family. I loved looking through thrift & antique stores looking for fun vessels. We also had fun coming up with a custom scent. 

8. Tiered Tray

When I was going through our blog and came across this DIY from 11 years ago, I said to myself, "oh this is good." Sometimes when I look back at our old blog posts & DIYs I cringe. But this one has stood the test of time. I always see pretty dishes at thrift stores where there is only one and this DIY makes the perfect use of those. You could easily do this whole DIY with thrifted items and I love that! It could be used to hold jewelry like how we have it pictured here but you cold also do large plates and it could be used as serving ware. 

9. Sugar Hand Scrub

Of everything on this list, this hand scrub is probably the one best suited for a very last minute gift situation. You likely have everything you need to make this in your home. It is also is genuinely magical and leaves your hands feeling so soft. 

10. Lip Balm 

Everyone loves lip balm especially this time of year. Since you've waited until the last minute, you may not be able to find these tubes for your lip balm. But you can pour the mixture into any small container you may find. 

11. Magazine Envelopes

Maybe you are giving gift cards this year but want to personalize the presentation. Well I have the tutorial for you. You can make your own envelopes with magazine pages, book pages, newspaper, scrap book paper, etc. 

12. No Sew Tote

This wouldn't be my choice of design today, but I love the idea! One thing I was shocked to find out was that the reusable totes they sell at grocery stores actually don't have a much better ecological footprint than plastic grocery sacks b/c of their manufacturing process. But everyone has old t-shirts laying around and there are a million at thrift stores. 

13. No Sew Turban from a T-shirt

This blog post comes from when we were in our neon phase. This is another option for using materials you already have at home. I also love this for wearing to keep your hair out of your face when doing your skin care or makeup. 

14. Pillowcase Bag

Here is another way to make a tote but this one requires some sewing. It is a beginner friendly sewing project and requires only a pillowcase. 

15. Macrame Bracelet 

Are we still doing bracelet stacks? I still like to wear a few at the same time but not the 10 I used to wear all at once. This bracelet is a nice on it's own or would go well with with a bangle or a variety of other bracelets. We have 1000 bracelet tutorials (linked below) so make a bunch and give them as gifts :) 

16. Beaded Bracelets

We have a multitude of bracelet tutorials on our blog, because over the years they have been uber popular.  If you are looking for other bracelet tutorials try this Crazy Complicated Friendship Bracelet, Heart Friendship Bracelet, The Ultimate Friendship Bracelet, or The Removable Friendship Bracelet. 

17. Table Runner

You know what would make a great gift? This table runner paired with the cloth napkins from #4. This is an easy sewing project and another one where you could source your fabric from a variety of places. Fabric can be expensive and you may be like us without many options to source fabric locally. Now anytime we're somewhere that sells sheets, we look for 100% cotton sheets in printed fabrics. We've also bought plain white cotton sheets that we've dyed, and I can always find these at thrift stores. 

18. The Five Minute Pillow

We thought we were geniuses when we came up with this idea for making a pillow. You might wonder how on earth you could make a pillow in 5 minutes, and you'll have to read the post to find out! 

19. Zippy Pouch

Savannah made 13 of these this year for her family (hopefully they aren't reading this). For the men she chose canvas fabric in both black & tan. For the women she chose a variety of fun printed fabrics and on the zipper pull we hung tassels and little beaded charms with their initials on it. They turned out so cute! These pouches are something that is easy to personalize and for men especially, not something they'd necessarily buy for themselves but could use. 

20. Block Stamped Kitchen Towel

I am happy to report that almost 9 years later and we still own this kitchen towel and it's one of my favorites. This was a sponsored post but you could make this towel using any stamp you like and a soft fabric paint. 

Thank you for reading! We hope you have been inspired and have found a few ideas for DIY Christmas gifts for your friends & family. Merry Christmas to you and yours!! 

Read More