17 August 2011

From Plant Container to Candle Holder


Let me show you a few plant pots that I got from Target's
dollar section a few years ago:

They remind me a lot of Japanese ceramics.

These pots come out every summer because I like
to grow fresh herbs in them. This was the first
summer I tried it. For the succeeding summers,
I took the herbs out of the plastic containers &
replanted them directly into the pots.

But when the herbs have been used & summer is over,
the pots are kept to wait for next year.
Such a blah.

Until I thought of an idea:

Turn the pots over and use them as candle holders!
Perfect for any season.
TADA!

16 August 2011

Let there be Light


Today, I'm taking a few blah things out of storage.

The first is this set of lights which I only use for
the holidays to dress up a tree or door frame.

The second is this vase that only gets to
hold flowers once or twice a year.

But what if we put them together?

Simply plug it in and...

Two blahs transformed into a TADA!
Now I can use this light fixture all throughout the year!

See you tomorrow.


15 August 2011

Summer Lights


Happy new week everyone!

It's the middle of August and I'm in a slight panic.
I'm realizing that summer is slowly slipping away.
It's my favorite season because I like the weather
(even if it can get a bit steamy and humid) &
there are so many things going on outdoors.

So I promise to dine outside as often as I can
whether it's at the park, the terrace of a nearby
restaurant or just my balcony.

And it's this reason why all this week, it's all about
"summer lights" and how to make them.

Let's start the week with this one:

blah: empty soda bottles

Fill them with something colorful like beads, marbles, beans,
cute-shaped pasta or sweets (ex. Smarties wafer candy).
Other options include gum balls or gummy bears.

Then add candles and TADA!, a pretty and
practical centerpiece for a picnic table!

12 August 2011

Milk and Sugar


Our final ceramics make-over involves these two items:

A sugar bowl missing a cover

A plain white creamer

With the help of this pen, I'll turn
them from blah to TADA!

My design choice: writing the word "sugar"
in different languages.

I did the same with the word "milk".

Now even if I didn't get these as a pair,
they look like they're meant to be together.

Let them dry for a full 24 hours.

Then bake these in a 300 degree F (150 degree C) oven
for 35 minutes. This process makes the ink permanent
and the manufacturer says it can withstand the
dishwasher.

Allow to cool before use.

Add the sugar...

...and the milk, half and half or cream,
and they're ready to make their debut
in your next dinner party.


I hope you liked my blah to TADA! project this week.

Have a sensational weekend!


11 August 2011

Eggs-cellent Transformation


How's your Thursday coming along?

Today, I'm giving this blah egg cup a TADA! make-over.

And I'm doing that with this Pebeo Porcelaine pen
that I bought at my favorite craft store.

It's easy to use: Make sure the surface of your project is
clean. Shake the pen, uncap and on a sheet of
paper, press the tip of the marker until the paint
flows. Try writing or drawing on the paper before
you start on the ceramics. You can draw your
image on with a pencil or transfer a design
using carbon paper before inking. Or if you're
daring, draw directly. And if you make a mistake,
use a damp paper towel or moist towellettes.

When you are pleased with your design,
let it dry for 24 hours.

To make the design permanent, put it in
a 300 degree F (150 degree C) oven
and bake for 35 minutes. If you are
making multiple projects, bake them
at the same time to save energy but
don't overcrowd the sheet pan.

TADA! A modern look for my egg cup!

10 August 2011

Painted Plate


Do you want more ideas on how to turn old
ceramics from blah to TADA!?

blah: a lonely dessert plate

Draw on it using this special pen.
This is drawn freehand using floral stationery
as inspiration.

Dry, bake and cool.

Use it as a tray for your favorite products.
TADA!

09 August 2011

Accessory Dish


I found this ceramic dish for $1.00 at a shop in Chinatown:

It's meant to hold sauces and condiments but
I was thinking of another use for it.
It just looked a little too blah.

I used the special black pen I introduced yesterday to
draw a chevron pattern inspired by this rug:
Doesn't it look more TADA!?

I let it dry for 24 hours then baked it in a 300 degree F
(150 degree C) oven for 35 minutes. Baking makes
the pattern permanent and shouldn't wash off.

After letting it cool, here's what I used it for:

This is where I keep my hair clips organized.
TADA!