This is my favorite time of year. The weather warms up, and we eat all of our meals outdoors. Cleaning and prepping the patio for the summer season was quite the endeavor, but well worth it!

I’ve always loved this old trunk and milk can in our yard, but it’s always been buried or tucked away in a corner. And while the pillows look decent in this image, they are old and incredibly worn. In less than a couple of hours, I recovered both of these with bright, new fabric.  Here’s how you can easily do the same!

Step 1

Measure your pillow.My approach isn’t exactly scientific, but it works. I lay the pillow on the fabric, mark the corners and cut.

Step 2

With your two pieces cut out, pin the fabric right sides together and sew 3/4 sides.

Step 3

On the 4th side, sew approximately 3″ in on each side, leaving an opening in the middle. You’ll use this opening to turn the fabric inside out and stuff your pillow into the new casing.

Step 4

Now that you’ve stuffed your pillow into the casing, pin the raw edges to create a clean seam and stitch. Then stitch the clean edges together to close the pillow. This is the most challenging part.

If you prefer not to close it off, you can add a zipper or try this approach with an open flap.

Pinterest is now the third-most used social networking site. Amazing considering it hasn’t been around for too long, and it’s an invite-only  platform.

I frequently get asked (professionally and personally) -

• What is Pinterest?
• How do I use it? I don’t get it …
• Should my brand be on it?
• It’s probably not going very last long is it?

While no one can predict the latter, given how wildly successful it’s become in a short span of time, I can’t image it’ll go away anytime soon. In fact, if used correctly, it can become a powerful source of traffic to your blog or website. [We'll talk more about personal branding and social networks later this week.] 

The first thing I tell people (consumers) is go on Pinterest with a project in mind. Otherwise the site can be overwhelming and a total time suck. It’s a gold mine for collecting ideas and developing DIY projects. That’s what I’ve used it for. One of my current projects is the baby’s nursery. I created a (very specific) board on nursery dressers.

Meanwhile, I scoured Craigslist and local used furniture stores for a cheap dresser. I scored one for $40.

I shared my Pinterest board with Manfriend, we brainstormed a few ideas together and then he ran with it. Below is the work in progress. We’re reusing paint we have from the Child’s room from 3 years ago. I can’t wait to show you the finished product!

To see how other people are using Pinterest to collect ideas and ultimately save big bucks on projects, check out the article on AOL Daily Finance. 

Related articles

• Pinterest: Shut The F*ck Up About It (stevengradidge.com)

If you live in the Reno area and dig crafting and DIY projects you have to connect with Ashley of Paisley Anne Design. A few times each month Ashley hosts crafting workshops in her home. Everything from bracelet making class, embroidery projects and the latest – basket making class.

I browsed Pinterest for inspiration prior to the class, but ultimately picked out a few materials at the local craft store (ribbon & flowers) and tried to keep the decorations simple.

Ashley supplied the cute baskets and additional supplies, and this is what I created. You can doll up your bike for incredibly cheap!

• Check out your local thrift store for used baskets
• If you don’t have a craft room to raid, head to the local craft store for supplies and ideas. Ribbon, buttons, fabric, flowers – whatever!
• Once you’ve created the bike basket of your dreams, use a couple of zip ties to strap it securely to your bike!

Thankfully Monday was beautifully warm in Reno so I was able to take my new basket for a whirl.

Happy cycling!

Related articles

• Quaint European Bike Baskets – Adeline Adeline Focuses on the Comfort and Relaxation of Biking (TrendHunter.com) (trendhunter.com)