"Just The Right Shoe" Risers

A long time ago I started a collection of these little shoes call “Just The Right Show” by Raine. As you can imagine, it soon became an obsession! I got them for birthdays, holidays, basically any special occasion. Then came eBay came along, and talk about going overboard. I think I bought 25 of them in one day. Hey, they were only about $1.00 each.

I had these little beauties sitting all around the house. If they matched the décor, that’s where they went. Fast Forward five years and my new house has these great built-ins, so I decided that I needed to group them all together. The only problem there was you can’t see them all. That’s when I decided I needed to build little risers for them. They are little pieces of art, and they deserve to be shown off properly.

The first thing was to measure the space, no point in building something that doesn't fit, right? Because the space isn't that deep, I could only go up three rungs. Since I don’t PLAN on buying anymore shoes, this should be enough. I took the total depth of the shelf and divided it by three to get even spacing.

I used the shelf as the first rung, which was simple enough. Then I started the building. I cut four pieces of plywood of equal width and length. Since these shoes don’t weigh a whole bunch, I didn’t need to use heavy duty wood or nails.

I didn’t want to show the raw edge of the wood, so I put the horizontal piece behind the vertical piece and nailed it in that way. I think it gives it a better look than seeing the multiple layers plywood has.

For the second shelf, I put the horizontal piece on top of the vertical; it faces the back, so there’s no need to worry about the edge. Also, this makes up for the ¾” you lose when the horizontal piece is lower than the vertical piece. Add the final piece and you’re done with that.

For extra support, I cut a couple of support pieces to go under the risers. I wanted to make sure that they fit tight within the shelf so these pieces will be hidden under the risers. Again, this gives it a built-in look.

I secured these with the same nails, and Voila! You’re done.

I have been seeing a bunch of pictures in design books that have been coloring the inside of the shelves/bookcases with an accent color. That’s what I did here.

What do y’all think? I’m pretty happy with it.

Before

After

Now once I figure out what colors I'm going to do in this room (reupholster couch), I plan on painting the inside of the cabinet a color to match.

Custom Bulletin Board

In an effort to be better organized (hence The Projects Project) I needed a bulletin board, but I had NO idea how expensive they can be. Aside from the price, I never really saw any I really liked. Then one day while at Target, I found this roll of cork for $2.00 sitting next to the $22 bulletin boards. No brainer, right?

I took the roll of cork and a piece of plywood, some ribbon, and then in no time, I had a bulletin board that fit my décor.

All you need is the roll of cork, plywood, utility knife, spray adhesive, glue gun, and picture hangers.

For some extra padding, I put a piece of cardboard behind the cork.

Step 1: Measure and cut the cardboard to the size of the plywood (not the cork). Apply spray adhesive to both the cardboard and plywood. Simply line them up and press down.

Step 2: Apply the spray adhesive to the cork (mine was rolled tights, so I had to let it sit overnight unrolled under some heavy books).

Step 3: Center the cork over the cardboard covered plywood and press down firmly.

Step 4: I bought some ribbon that I liked, and with a little hot glue, I applied it to the edge to cover the raw pieces of the cardboard and wood. Besides, it makes it look nicer.

Step 5: Attach the hangers. I chose these for no particular reason, they were just what I had.

 

Step 6: Hang and enjoy!

Stuff Embroidered Pillows

Twelve years ago, I spent three months with my family in Pakistan. Some of my best memories of my AMMMMMMAZING grandmother were from then. Since there isn't much to do there, I learned many of my craft during this time. One of the things my Aunt taught me was embroidery. One of the many things I made was this trio of pillows. I had no idea what I’d ever do with them, but I made them anyhow.

Well, for the last 12 years, they have been sitting in a bag waiting to be stuffed. I finally got the batting I needed, and overnight, I FINALLY had pillows. Still don’t know where they will go, but at least they are done!

Non-Slip Hangers

When I moved into my new house (18 months ago) I decided that I wanted to have a “grown up” closet. That meant, matching wooden hangers. I saw these Dark Wood Hangers at Target. They were the best price, but only one thing, now grip. I have some shirts that have a wide neck, or one-shoulder so I have to use the little annoying strap to hang them with. Well with no traction, they would all just slip off.

That’s when I decided to get a little creative. Hot Glue! Come on, now is there really anything a little hot glue can’t fix? SO simple, and works like a charm!!

Simply drizzle glue over the hanger, let dry overnight, and VOILA! nonslip hangers!!!

Before, barely hanging on......

After, safe and secure!!

Even the one-shoulder number is hanging perfectly!!

AS WITH ALL HOT GLUE PROJECTS, PLEASE BE CAREFULL. IT'S CALLED HOT GLUE FOR A REASON!

Remove Grease from Green Dress

I bought this dress a couple of years back, and I absolutely LOVE it. It is one of my favorite things to wear, especially in the summer when it is so ridiculously hot out. I wore it on my 35^th birthday, and somehow I ended up with grease all over the bottom of the dress. No clue how it got there since I had already done the majority of the cooking before I put it on.

Nevertheless, I cried when it didn’t come out in the wash. My friend told me to put baking soda on it and let it soak. I tried that it didn’t work. Another friend told me to put corn starch on it, still nothing.

Then I went on the internet and saw people saying to put dish soap on it. That seemed to work the best.

I did have to do it several times, but I think it’s made a difference, don’t you?

If you have any other suggestion, please let me know, I don’t want to lose this dress.

Custom iPad Case

Email me to Customer Order Your's Today: Customerservice@tahiradesigns.com

available for Kindle and Nook also

I have a dear friend that is obsessed, and I mean OBSESSED with zebra print. Her birthday is coming up, and I know her family is getting her an iPad. I figured this was a good time to get her something in zebra print that's not over the top. It took some trial and error, but I was able to come up with the perfect case.

 I truly hope she likes it.

Ayaan's Blanket

Eight years ago when my sister told me I was going to be an Aunt, I was beyond excited. I immediately started to think of things I would make for the newest addition to our family. Did I want to start a collection, make a blanket, or start a savings account? So many choices, I eventually ended up doing all three. What can I say; I’m a sucker when it comes to “my babies”. Once they found out they were going to have a girl, I found a rainbow pastel yarn and crocheted a blanket for her.

Fast forward four years, I became an Aunt for a second time.  Unfortunately, life had become very hectic and I had to put off making a blanket for my nephew. He just turned 4, and I couldn’t put off making him his blanket any longer.

So, in keeping with my no project left undone mission, I finished his blanket in record time. It took about a week and a half, but I was able to turn out this beauty. It’s about five feet long by three and half feet wide.

Giving it to him today, made all the cramped fingers and cricks in the neck worth it.

I mean, how can you not love this face???



Magnetic Strip for Pliers

I’m one of those people that when I’m working on something, I seem to accumulate layers of junk on my work surface. That not only inefficient but a pain when you’re trying to look for something and that something usually ends up being my pliers.

While talking to some of the ladies in my Metal Arts class, we started to brainstorm about organization. One of them told me how she used the knife magnets meant for the kitchen in her workroom. What an ingenious idea!!!  So that’s what I’ve done here.

My work surface has gone from looking something like this…..

To this!!!!

I decided this would also be a good place to hang the wire I was working with as well. Lord knows how many times I’ve gone looking for it to be right in front of my face. Well now, it will literally be in front of my face.

Coconut Crusted Halibut with Mango Glaze

There used to be a restaurant in Amarillo, TX call Zen 721. They had amazing Asian Fusion food and a great atmosphere. Every time I went to visit Amarillo, I made my friends go there, unfortunately it is now closed. The last time I went, I was able to get the chef to share is recipe with me. If finally tired it the other night and it was just as good.

Ingredients:

Fish:

Halibut Steak

Coconut Flakes (enough to coat the fish)

Coconut Milk (enough to coat the fish)

2 tsp Olive Oil

Glaze:

6 tbl Mango Jam

2 tbl Rice Vinegar

½ tsp Cinnamon

¼ tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp ginger

1 tbl coconut milk

Halibut:

Place the coconut flakes on one plate. Place the coconut milk on a separate plate. Dredge the fish on both sides in the coconut flakes. Place the fish onto a plate and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.

In a 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the halibut fillets and cook until golden brown and fish flakes easily, about 3 minutes on each side.

Glaze:

In a small saucepan combine all the ingredients and stir over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Plate the halibut and drizzle with glaze.

Could not have said it better myself!

Saw this on http://bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com/

Laundry At Tiffany's

When I moved into this house, all the walls were literally a blank "canvas". Every room was painted a "Canvas" color. While the color is pretty enough, it's way too bland for my taste. In case you hadn't guessed by looking at the den and dining room, I love color, and the only other room I had a definite color in mind was for the laundry room. I figured if I have to be in there, it might as well look pretty.

I think the combination of blue and white is so pretty and clean, and no one does it better the Tiffany & Co. I don't know how many color chips I went through, but I finally found the exact match for my Tiffany's box. I can't believe how a perfect match it came out to be.

Now all I need it the built-ins to create a mudroom (yet another project on my list), but I think it looks pretty awesome as is.

Glass Fruit Repair

Not all the "projects" on my list are difficult, they just need to be done. This was one of them. I received these fruits as a house warming gift when I moved into my first house. Not long after, the tops of them came off. I have been putting off fixing them, but this seemed like the perfect project to do when I really felt like doing nothing.

I found this amazing adhesive while working on another project. It's just as strong as super glue, but you have a much longer work time with it. Of course that means it takes longer to set, but for projects like this, it's not a big deal. Another bonus, it doesn't stick to your fingers, nor does it leave a white residue. You simply rub your hands together, and the adhesive comes off.

It's readily available at any craft store. So worth the $8.00.

This is what I ended up with after letting the fruit set overnight. Definite improvement I would say.

Refinish Dining Room Chairs

I found this amazing table at Ecletic in the Heights in Houston, but it didn't come with any chairs. I had four existing chairs that I was able to use, but I still needed to end chairs. I went to one of my other favorite places in the Heights, Alabama Furniture. A great little consignment shop on Yale St. I got a really good deal on these two chairs, the only thing was they didn't match the table.

With a little elbow grease and some leftover fabric from the other four chairs, I was able to transform these great chairs into these great chairs.

I think they turned out pretty well if I say so myself. Nonetheless, that's another one crossed off my list. Hopefully I can keep with my goal and finish the list before the end of the year. TRUST me, there's still plenty more to go.

Repair Bracelet - 1

Since I started making jewlery, I've been getting a lot of requests to repair my friend's jewelry. This particular project has been on my list for some time now, and I guess I was in a groove today because it finally got done.

This was simple, it was just a matter of getting the supplies. It's four strands on elastic. I'll never know HOW she found all the pearls, but I'm glad she did. This is a great piece. I might have to make one for myself now.

Anyways, mark another one off the list!!

Towel Rack

Now I didn't say all of my projects were glamorous or even neat, but they still had to be done.

When I moved into this house, there was not one single towel rack in the entire house! There were holes of where they had been, but I guess they loved them so much they just had to take them with them. SOME PEOPLE!

Anyways, I finally got my towel racks it up. They are more utilitarian then aesthetic, but they'll do for now. I don't like anything cookie cutter in my house, so until I find something unique I'll stick with these.

Fuzzy Furry Hooded Vest

I can think of no better project to knock off my list on this cold rainy Saturday then to make this vest. I've been eyeing this for a few months now, and decided today would be the day it got done.

I found the lining fabric about four years ago and was just waiting for the right project. The fur was a new purchase for this particular vest.

I'm still a novice when it comes to sewing, but to be able to start and finish this in one day was quite an accomplishment for me. The pattern I used was for a regular jacket, so I had to modify it to make it a vest.

Since the pattern wasn't exact, there was definitely a learning curve. The pattern also didn't call for a lining, so that was another obstacle I had to overcome. One thing to remember, when you're making a vest with a lining, you want to sew the arm holes before you do the side seam. I didn't and couldn't figure out why I couldn't get to the arm holes. For the hood, you want to sew that right sides of the outer fabric/right sides of lining fabric together. That's with the hood inside to where you're working with the wrong sides of the lining.

If it hadn't been for these learning curves, it probably would have only taken half a day to do this.

Oh and one more tip, the fur will shed EVERYWHERE! Make sure you cut with the grain, and when all the pieces are cut, stick them in the dryer. Make sure the setting is on cool, (DO NOT WASH, that will ruin the fabric) this will get rid of all the fuzzies.

I hope you can get some inspiration from this, and don't forget, I am always more than willing to make custom orders for you.

How to Make A Shelf with Mitered Corners

I love going Warrenton, TX during the Texas Antique Weekend, because I always find great things I can repurpose, or just use outright. Almost guaranteed to find something a hundred other people you know don't have. I love being original and hate going somewhere and seeing something that's in my home. I especially hate seeing them on TV or in a magazine.

I found this great old mailbox my last trip out. Since I did not have a bar, nor a place to put wine bottles, I thought this was the best. I mean can you imagine having this many bottles of wine? Now in my new house, I do have a bar, but still didn't want to clutter the counter with a generic wine rack; this was still the best option.


The only thing this really needed was a top, both for decorative purposes and function. I received a great bottle opener for my birthday and didn't want it hidden away in a cabinet.


I had a bench built in the garage, and luckily had a piece of scrap that was the perfect size. All it needed was some molding and a coat of paint. The molding can be found at any hardware store, and I simply used some spray paint. Man spray paint has come a long way with all the different finishes and textures. I didn't want the top to take away from the box itself, so I went with a simple matte finish.


The molding was the hardest part of the project as I had to cut the corners just right. No power tools here. I decided not to cover the back of the piece as it was against the wall and would not be seen. I simply used some brad nails to secure the molding to the plywood. I didn't want the nails to stick out so I sunk the nails to just below the surface.

Mitered corners are HARD! I tried finding how to videos and they weren’t really helpful, so I have decided to put it on here.

Step 1:
Measure the first piece of molding to be cut. To get the correct length to make the corner you need to measure from one end to the other plus the width of the molding. You can use this piece to cut the second piece, but not to make the corner.

Step 2: Cut the piece at the marked line. Molding is such a soft wood that it can be cut with an old serrated kitchen knife.

Step 3: Once all three pieces are measured and cut, mark where the front of the plywood meets the molding. This is your starting point for your angle.

Step 4: To mark the third piece, lay the piece against the wood and lay the mitered piece on top of this piece. This will get the angles to match up once cut.

Step 5: Match up the ends

Step 6: File any ends that don’t match up. Be careful not to do a lot of filing at once, you can always take away, but you can’t put back.

Step 7: Using Brad Nails, nail the pieces on to the plywood.

Since this piece was scrap, it was not perfect so I used wood filler to fill in the holes in the plywood.
After the brads are sunk, I spray painted the entire shelf. I did two coats, enough to cover the wood, but not too think to hide the wood grain.

Now I have a custom wine cabinet that I love showing off. All that's left to do is fill up all the boxes with wine.