Combining their love of vintage with their penchant for DIY, Sara and Stacy decided to modify a Samsonite to store and charge multiple devices at once, either tucked away in the closed case or displayed out in the open. It’s a relatively straightforward project, but if you’re not ready to tackle the power tools involved, you can pick up one of the pre-made cases in SugarSCOUT’s shop. In the meantime, I’m on a hunt for one of these awesomely pink Samsonite cases. Thanks for sharing, ladies! — Kate

Have a DIY project you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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Have a DIY project you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full how-to after the jump!

(more…)

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Image above: Recycled Road Map Cork Board — use old road maps to create cork boards

Image above: American travel map made from cork to plot your next road trip.

Image above: DIY map lampshade created using an old map and hot glue!

See more map projects after the jump!

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The mighty ampersand takes two things and celebrates how they come together. “You & Me,” “Bread & Butter,” “Sugar & Spice.” Not only does the ampersand combine things, it also stands alone as a beautiful symbol. This year I made my valentine a card that celebrates being together. It is completed with a missing heart on the front that holds our pictures on the inside. In magazines, old books, vintage cards and other ephemera, I’m always coming across gorgeous floral images. Some vintage papers and cards are stained and often only have small sections that are in good condition. I like to find ways to incorporate the beauty of older floral illustrations into more modern designs for artwork and other projects. After giving this card, it can be turned into framed wall art to enjoy instead of being tucked into a drawer! — Ashley Ann

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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We’re taking a short break from valentine projects, but there will be another awesome Valentine’s Day post coming up after this. Grace, Amy and I are gearing up for some major DIY time while I’m in NYC this month, and one of the ideas we’ve been tinkering with involves copper tacks — lots of ‘em. Consequently, I’ve been researching metal tacks, nails and the like, but I had never seen this cool nailhead trim until this amazing ceiling DIY project by Pam of Simple Details landed in my inbox.

Using a cardboard template, a bunch of these nifty nailhead strips and a lot of patience, Pam created the gorgeous octagonal ceiling pattern in her dining room for about $65. I love the look of this; it’s somehow subtle yet impossible to miss at the same time, and the geometric patterns set off the ornate chandelier marvelously. If you don’t have the ceiling conditions to suit this project, worry not: this idea is easily adaptable to other parts of the house. Thanks so much for sharing, Pam! — Kate

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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Of all the holidays, Valentine’s Day seems to scream “handmade cards” the loudest. Glitter, doilies and lace are the usual suspects for decorating, but why turn to them when you can easily create a sophisticated ombre valentine? With this simple technique, there is no need for vats of dye, oodles of drying time, complicated instructions or any special tools. Using materials as simple as paint, water and gravity, the paint pigment naturally fades and blends as it flows down the card, resulting in a painterly ombre effect without all the fuss. The edges of each card are then gilded so your love shines through the moment the envelope is opened. Paired with a classic “roses are red, violets are blue” poem and some heart-shaped Red Hots to fill the envelope, it is the perfect combination of chic and kitsch. And it’s handmade. Happy Valentine’s Day! — Brenna

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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