DIY Projects Revisited + Updates

This year will mark my 7th year of blogging.  I have published quite a lot of DIY projects and posts here on In My Own Style. Over the years many of you have written to me asking me for updates on how a project I posted about stood up to the test of time.

After moving from the house where most of my blog’s content so far is based, I thought it would be a good time to answer some of these questions here on the blog and not just through individual email replies. I will put these updates into a series of blog posts called: Projects Revisited + Updates.

To start it off, here are three popular projects that I have received many, many questions about.

Crafty Project

Remember this?

My Paint Chip Rolodex.  I love this thing, it helps keep all my contact info and passwords handy. I know I could keep this info on my phone or computer, but I like the old school way of doing some things. This is one of them.  I don’t think I will ever go digital for this.

I use my cell phone for many other things, but I like the hands-on and the pretty visual appeal the Paint Chip Rolodex adds to my desk. I use a paper planner, too. I have tried electronic planners, but always go back to a paper one.

The Paint Chip Rolodex was one of my most popular posts back in 2010.  Sometimes crafty projects don’t last very long, but the Rolodex is still on my desk in 2016.  I use it every… single… day. It held up great until we moved and I took it on our house hunting road trips with me.  The monogram fell off and the tabs got crushed while being stored in my totebag. :-(

Last week while I was watching a movie, I updated the tabs with new paint chips.

This time, however I improved on my original design. I laminated the paint chips with self-laminating sheets that you can buy at Walmart or an office supply store. Now the paint chip tabs should last even longer. I also printed out a new monogram and glued it into the belt buckle frame. I am sure if you ask me 6 years from now, this will still be on my desk.

They still sell Rolodexes like the one I used. You can find them on Amazon: Rolodex VIP Open Card File  I used these Self Seal Laminating sheets to cover the paint chips. 

You can find the original post here:  Rolodex in Artful Order

How to make a Monogram using Microsoft Word

Decorating Project

Not too long ago, I painted a slipcovered chair.

It is a small upholstered rocker for which I made a floral slipcover a long time ago.  After so many years and decor changes in my bedroom I no longer liked the floral fabric, but didn’t want to make a new slipcover to hide the velvet, rust-colored upholstery under it. Instead I decided I had nothing to lose and I painted the slipcover.

Would I do this again?  YES! It has held up beautifully.

Here it is in my new house.

Since it is painted and light in color, it does show dirt and dust. I clean it with a damp soapy rag. The only problem that did occur was during our move.  It got black marks on it in the moving truck.  I figured I would need to paint over the areas, but was happy to find  that Mostenbocker’s LIFT OFF for markers, pens, and inks easily removed the spots.  :-)

Since this is a slipcover, it is a little stiff, especially around the skirt. It also can initially feel cold upon sitting when the AC is on in the house, but warms up quickly.

I can only imagine how much better painting on actual upholstery would be, like a dining room chair seat, not a looser fitting slipcover.  If you are on the fence about painting an upholstered piece in your home…I say go for it!  Try it out on a small piece first to get your nerve up, then tackle a larger project.

Self Improvement Project

Dill Oil – If you use essential oils then you know how beneficial they can be when you find one that works for you.  During our move, I ran out of the Dill Oil I wrote about here and about which so many of you have asked. I thought to myself, “I will be OK without it.”

After about a month of not using the Dill Oil though I noticed the sugar cravings were coming back, big time! As soon as we moved into our new house and I had a mailing address again, I ordered a few more bottles. Dill Oil really works for me.  I have tried many EO’s;  some do not work, other are like miracles in a bottle.  I have found it takes some trial and error to find ones that will work for you.

The other oil that I find amazing is Lavender. I had an ugly quarter sized raised cyst on my back for years.  I was told the only way to get rid of it was to have it sugically removed. It didn’t hurt and was not cancerous, I learned to live with it.

I read that Lavender was good for blemishes and scars and thought, why not try it on the cyst. I rubbed a little oil on it every day and could not believe that in about 3 weeks the cyst was gone. Totally gone. That was over a year ago and it has not returned.  I use many other oils in many different ways from topical, diffusing in the air, to making my own cleaners. Essential Oils are worth checking out. I am sure if I had experimented, I could have removed the marks on my painted upholstered chair with an essential oil. I think I will try one out the next time it gets dirty. :-)

If you have any questions about how well any of the projects or ideas I have posted about have held up, please leave them for me in the comments.

If you have a question about making DIY chalk paint, I am writing a handbook answering all of these questions. I will have that ready very soon. It is the topic I get the most comments, questions, and inquires about.