Top 10 Projects of 2011

“Everything old can be new again.”

The new tagline for Mad in Crafts certainly applied to all of my favorite posts of 2011.  By either combining classic styles with modern trends or upcycling old pieces to give them new life, all of the projects embody the new focus of Mad in Crafts.

Here, in ascending order, are my favorite posts of the year.  Click on the photo or the link to be taken to the original post.  Enjoy!

#10 - Upcycled Hanging Lanterns

Made from broken solar stake lights and battery-powered dollar store tea lights, these hanging lanterns provided pretty ambiance to our backyard campfires this summer.

COST: $1 for 3 lanterns

#9 - Snarky Christmas Canisters

I was inspired by a sold-out set of Jonathon Adler canisters and used Martha Stewart’s new line of craft paints to create these silly Christmas canisters which hold the three food groups of the holidays: carbs, candy, and calories!

COST: $1 per canister

#8 - Chevron Stage Floor Wall Art

The salvaged floor slats from my high school’s old stage floor became an architectural piece of wall art in this project.  Sentimental and beautiful.

COST: Under $10

#7 - Finger Painted Song Lyric Art

My son and I collaborated on these keepsake poster boards.  We used dollar store materials and our creativity to make art based on a favorite song.

COST: Under $10 (with lots of leftover materials)

#6 - Fall Color-Inspired IKEA Lamp

My first trip to IKEA resulted in this table lamp/modern vase that I then painted in ombre colors inspired by the fall leaves in my hometown.

COST: $8

#5 - Typographical Globe with Upcycled Pedestal

My first ode to typography, my thrift store globe and ugly brass lamp were transformed into a quirky art piece for the living room.

COST: Under $15

#4 - Upcycled House Number Art

I scored some great deals at my local ReStore and turned them into some modern art for my hallway.

COST: $7

#3 - Vintage Camera Tripod Floor Lamp

My grandfather’s camera tripod got a new life as a stylish floor lamp with some bits and bobs from the hardware store.  It is now my favorite piece in our living room!

COST: Under $10

#2 - $6 Cabrillo Nailhead Chest Knockoff

The tutorial for my knockoff of a pricy Bernhardt table was published on Décor Hacks and featured on The TODAY Show as one of their Top 10 DIY Style projects!

COST: $6

#1 - Faux Bronze Animal Bookends

Easily my most popular tutorial ever, these dollar store toys turned bookends were featured on numerous design blogs, including Apartment Therapy and Ohdeedoh.

COST: $4 per pair

MAD IN CRAFTS TOP POSTS – via Google Analytics:
10.  PB-Inspired Goodwill Lamp
9.  Baker’s Rack Revamp
8.  Envirotex Glittery Snowflake Ornaments
7.  Typographical Globe with Upcycled Pedestal
6.  Dollar Store Gold-Leafed Pumpkin
5.  Free Kitchen Décor
4.  Dollar Store Solar Lights Turned Lamppost
3.  Melted Crayon Art Display
2.  Upcycled House Number Art
1.  Faux Bronze Animal Bookends

I had a spectacular year and hope you did as well.  Thank you so much for being a part of the success of Mad in Crafts.  God’s blessings as we start 2012!

Linking to:

 

It’s Overflowing

Delightfully Noted