Martha Stewart Living In

Presented by:

Heather Murdoch, Residence Director, IWU

Matthew Damschroder, Director of Residential Life, IWU

Decoupage anything!You can decoupage anything with anything (boxes, bottles, shelves, tables, etc.)If you’re using large pieces of paper, have something to smooth bubblesIf using varied sizes of paper, start with large, work down to smallAdd rubber stamps or paint for accentsYou can’t mess this up, you can always redo it

Decoupage productsMod Podge Gloss Lustre by Plaid. 16 fl. oz available at Michaels for $5.381” Polyester sponge brush available at Michaels for $.33Kids Crafts Frame available at Michaels for $1.99

Upholstering chairsChoose a fabric that coordinates with your living space. The fabric need not be intended for upholstery. A $3/yd calico will work fine and allow you the flexibility to change your mind frequently.Remove the seat from the chair, typically by removing several screws. Remove the former covering, keeping foam and backboard for later.Lay out your fabric and place foam seat side down on top of it placing backboard atop this. Trim fabric to about three excess inches on each side.Turning fabric under to avoid fraying, pull and staple fabric to center of one side, then its opposite, the adjacent side and its opposite.Keeping fabric taut, staple your way to the corner. Form a corner by folding the fabric under as if you were wrapping a present. Place several staples at the corner to ensure it is held tightly.Re-attach seat to chair. Repeat regularly.

Fabrics on cabinets and table tops

Uses the same process as the seat cover we just saw.

Choose lightweight fabrics, particularly in a space where cooking will be happening—you don’t want a fabric that is going to pick up smells or collect dust.

Maintain with warm water in case of splatters and Febreeze regularly.

Painting and borders

Neutral colors are a good choice

You can always add white to create another shade

Look for fun and/or new painting tools (don’t pay big bucks for them)

Always remember plenty of drop clothes and cleaning clothes

Practice different looks on poster board

Tiling and grouting a tabletop

Select and prepare the table. A fresh coat of paint to the legs and sides may be a nice touch. At a minimum, wash the surface to be tiled and allow to dry completely.

Brush thick coat of adhesive on surface and allow to become tacky.

Once tacky, arrange tiles, stones or shards in desired pattern.

Let adhesive dry for 12-24 hours.

Work grout into cracks with grout floater or spreader tool (or credit card) until surface is smooth and level.

After 20-30 minutes, wipe off excess with damp sponge in smooth, flat manner so grout between tiles is not removed.

Allow to fully dry. Polish surface to remove residue.

Tiling/Grouting productsGlass marbles (typically found with the fake flowers) available at Michaels for $1.89 per bagSmall wood tray available at Michael’s for $3.99Make-it Mosaics Adhesive by Plaid. 4 fl. oz available at Michaels for $2.99Mosaic Tile Grout (premium, non-sanded) by Mosaic Mercantile. 16 fl. oz available at Michaels for $12.99

Accenting your space with greeneryPick greenery (or Flowers) that look good together, ie., similar hues, shapes, seasons, etc.

Select things you like

Buy only in your price range

Secure foam

Develop an image in your mind of the shape you like to create

Insert pieces reflecting the desired shape, starting with largest pieces

It’s best to work in odd numbers

Begin to fill in, using pieces of decreasing size, working on the arrangement in a circular motion

Never throw out scraps

NEVER try to ‘fix’ the arrangement once you have placed it somewhere in your home

Basic plant selection and care

Financial

Competitive

Progress

SwagsSwags can be as simple or as elaborate as your taste dictatesStart with basic greenery (or eucalyptus) Select ribbon and flowers/ fruit that will go with your base leavesSecure bow with floral wire ribbonSecure additional flowers or fruit with floral wire or hot glueAvoid the desire to place pieces in the swag symmetricallyYou can easily add pieces of fabric to your swags without the ability to sew. You need only to know a basic running stitch.

Window treatments

You can create darling fabric swags over required university curtains or blinds.You will need a piece of fabric approximately 30% longer then your window, two small nails, and two rubber bands.Baste unfinished ends, treat with fray check or use a pinking sheers to cut fabric so that ends do not frayPlace nails in upper corners of windowUse rubberbands to gather fabric at window corners and secure to nailsGather fabric so it puffs (hiding rubber bands) and drapes in a way you like.

Weaved wonders

Buy baskets when on sale

Spray paint can cover a multitude of sins—you can change the color of the basket or just embellish it

Baskets can hold ANYTHING—they’re great for gathering up odd junk or making decorative statements

Tips for your budget

Once you decide on a budget, stick to it! It may take a little more creativity, but you should be able to find what you’re looking for in any price range– be patient

Get to know an area craft store. Familiarize yourself with their sale patterns and shop accordingly

Drop into a favorite store regularly– you can find the most amazing little treasures in clearance baskets

When you move into a new space, consider how recycling/ reinventing certain pieces can completely change the look of a room