5 Minute DIY Key Chain

I've been itching to play with leather for quite a while.  Now that Hubby and I are sharing a single key to our new (to us) car (a reluctant purchase to replace our falling apart old suv), we needed a keychain that we both could live with.  Challenge Accepted!

I picked up a remnant of leather from the fabric store and a rivet kit from Michael's (with a coupon) and decided to have a bit of fun.

I cut a piece of leather in the desired shape, then folded it through the key ring.

Once I followed the riveting directions (pun intended) I ended up with a cute leather unisex keychain, that took me a total of 5 minutes to make.   But I couldn't just leave it there, oh no, although I should have.  I had also been itching to use metal stamps once used by my grandpa and thought I might be able to get it to work on the leather.  Not my best idea.

Although not an epic fail, it didn't exactly work as planned... I'm blaming it on the leather... it was too supple.  That's what I'm going with, ok?

Yes, Dexter is the car's name... yes, we name cars.... people probably think we have kids when we talk about who's taking Dex and who's taking Lola that day (yes, Lola is our other car.... she's kinda slutty and likes taking her top off....she's a convertible).

Anyway... I called a do-over and repeated this process without the stamping.  Much better.

I'm already racking my brain to come up with awesome projects that I'll be able to successfully use the stamps metal on.  Oh the options!

Craigslisting

I'm very impatient.  Of the 3 showings Frankie had yesterday, we've only gotten feedback from one (pretty decent review).  I'm hoping the lack of reviews from the others means they're working on their offers.  A girl can dream, right? Speaking of dreaming, I've been perusing my local Boston Craigslist again- never a safe pastime.  Unless something is beyond perfect, I can't justify adding another item to our tiny, already filled home, so I'll just daydream about the amazing rooms these pieces could go in.

If I didn't already know that my dining room can't handle a piece of this size, you can bet your bum I'd be taking this 1948 hutch home.  At $100 it's an amazing price for a beautiful piece that doesn't look like it needs any work.  Quick, I need a client room so I can design a space around this!!!

And speaking of pieces that I NEED.... I'm really trying to talk myself out of this one.  Alas, I shouldn't buy it, since we already have a bar cart and no space for another.  But it's an amazing price- $75 for a beautiful bar cart- please go buy it so I can live vicariously through you!  If you buy it, I'll even style it for you.

This little Persian rug would be a nice addition to almost any entryway.  Mix it with some more modern pieces and it'll lend a classic, collected look to the space.  Although not a steal, still a pretty good deal at $100.

This FREE sofa could definitely use to be reupholstered, which isn't cheap, but once complete, this would be an awesome sofa and still be less than comparable new sofas.  Just picture it: remove the skirt and arm covers and reupholster it in a crisp gray linen- timeless.

Not a home run at $60 (a bit overpriced if you ask me), I would LOVE to see this antique iron chair frame brought back to life.  The shape is so interesting- it just screams garden party!

And just for proof that people will put anything on craigslist and prices are sometime beyond ridiculous, can I interest you in a creepy metal mask for.... $300??  What the WHAT??

And now that I've scarred you for life.... have you seen any fun/scary/awesome deals on craigslist lately?

Frankie: Week 16.5/Reveal pt2!

I hope you enjoy these weekly updates as I learn to navigate through the business of flipping houses.  Check out other posts about Frankie the Fliphouse HERE. Frankie is LISTED!!  Woo hoo!!  and I'm spent.  I hope you had a chance to check out part 1 of Frankie's reveal on Friday, if not, I'll give you a few minutes........ I'll share the link for the listing at the end of the post, but I wouldn't want you getting distracted before I show you the basement that I'm jealous of.

My own basement is old, tiny, and may be filled with stuff (just maybe)....  much like where Frankie's basement started, except his was very dirty and filled with old water damage and dangerous wiring.

There were remnants of walls, falling down ceiling tiles, and 3 layers of stylish wallpaper in some areas.  Sailboats are all the rage.

Again, the photos from the original listing showed the true character of the space:

Really pretty, right?  But wait!  I said I'm jealous of this basement...

Now it's open, bright, clean, and fraught with possibilities!

Everything that had gotten water-damaged over the house's 50+ year life was removed and practically every surface got painted.

Have I mentioned there's also a half-bath in the basement?  We didn't change it much- removed a not-to-code shower pan and cleaned it up.

Back in the main area, all the utilities are nicely tucked into a storage room behind the 2 doors.  I couldn't help myself and had to style the laundry area a bit with IKEA shelves and cute Target dollar spot bins.

Can I take this basement and move it below my own home several towns away?  That would be lovely.  Can't you just see the possibilities down here?  Man cave?  Play room?  Craft room/work area?  Guess which one I'd go for!

AND as promised, check out Frankie's MLS listing and pass it around if you know anyone in the market!