Saturday, February 18, 2012

Brought To You By The Letter M



See this letter M?
It's been bugging me for awhile now, it just seems so dark and dreary. I originally made it out of a clearance letter M and some scraps from our first apartment's curtains, but it was time for a change up. (I of course took pictures for y'all along the way, because I seem to have this problem now where I can't do even the simplest DIY task without taking pictures of the process.).
 So here is what I did, it literally took me 10 minutes to do this and is the same process I used the first time.

Here is a close-up of the M before.
I ripped off the fabric and this is what we had. When I originally bought it was green and white zebra striped. I felt judged by the cashier for buying it and I didn't blame her...it was that kinda ugly. I painted it white before I Mod Podged it last time, but you can still kinda see the zebra stripes.
I wanted to brighten it up, so in true No Spend style I used what I had - which in this case was leftover curtain fabric (again). I wanted to use a fabric that was already in the room since we're getting a little  patterny in there. According to my husband at least, except that he called it "frou-frou". Don't feel bad for him, there IS a giant manly snakeskin on our wall that I'm sure you've noticed.
Anyway, I had juuuust enough left.
I traced the letter onto the fabric...
Then cut it out..
Mod Podged the letter...
Then I carefully placed the cutout on the glue and brushed more over top (to keep the frays in check).
Done. Easy Peasy.

Here it is before and after so you can see how the new fabric brightens up the shelf.

Funny how such a small change can balance out a whole display. I'm always moving things around on there so a few other things changed too...I feel like my before and after should be in a Highlights magazine. Does anyone else remember those, with the "spot five things that are different" photo games?



Ashley
Linked to:
Thrifty Decor ChickAddicted 2 DecoratingA Bowl Full of LemonsSavvy Southern StyleThe Shabby Creek CottageThe Shabby NestTatertots & JelloUnder the Table and DreamingSomeday CraftsChic on a ShoestringMiss Mustard SeedSouthern HospitalitySugar Bee CraftsTip JunkieThe Thrifty Home,  Beyond the Picket FenceOops I Craft My PantsBetween Naps on the PorchNot Just A HousewifeMy Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaI Heart Nap TimeSerenity NowFrench Country CottageRemodelaholicCreations By KaraHomeworkThe 36th AvenueFreckled LaundryCoastal CharmHandy Man Crafty WomanKeeping It Simple,  Blue Cricket DesignBe ColorfulCraft O ManiacSkip to my LouFingerprints on the FridgeDittle DattlePolly Want A Crafter?WhipperberrySassy SitesDIY By DesignThe Girl CreativeIt's OverflowingA Girl ans a Glue GunDelightful OrderFireflies & JellybeansSouthern LovelySew Much AdoYoung & CraftyHomemaker on a DimeBe Different Act NormalPrimitive & ProperLolly JaneDIY Home Sweet HomeLines Across My FaceMaking the World CuterFun to CraftNifty Thrifty ThingsThe Crafty NestRunning with GlitterDesigner GardenCherished BlissCRAFTLil LunaAll Thingz RelatedHouse of HepworthsOopsy DaisyDomestically SpeakingGinger Snap CraftsHome Stories A to ZVintage Wanna Bee,

57 comments:

  1. Oh I like the new fabric much better! And it being a lighter color shows up better against your wall. Very nice. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. MUCH better Ashley! It looks fabulous. Love the shape of your "M"

    ReplyDelete
  3. Found you through the new linky followers blog hop. I'm so happy to be your newest follower, it would be great if you follow me back. :)
    Karah
    thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. The fabric seems made for the letter M. The pattern matched up perfectly with the M shape.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is cute! You may just make me try my hand at mod podge for the first time

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi I am now following you and found you on the linky follower hop! I invite you to follow me over at Hibiscus House, I would love to have you. I can tell I am going to enjoy your posts. I like what you did!
    Sincerely,
    Dolly
    http://hibiscushouse1.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cute!! It looks great with the new lighter fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  8. So pretty. It does brighten up that corner very well.

    -Jazmine
    http://keepitkrafty.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. wow! what a difference...thank you for highlighting this...sometimes I can't picture the difference until i actually see it.
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Stumbling across your blog has led to a bit of an addiction on my end. I came first when I saw your curtain rod finales at a linky party. And I love this project too. I'm so happy to be following along!

    Amy {aprons & ambition}

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the new "M". It's much airier! Thanks for sharing your how to!

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a great idea! I actually already have a letter at home that I can do this too. Thanks for the tutorial!

    I'm a new follower through Linky Followers!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awesome idea!!! I love doing stuff with initials! Thanks for sharing. I would love for you to check out my new-ish craft blog too :)

    Sarah @
    www.dottedlinecrafts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. This looks great and really pops now...thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  15. It does make a huge difference! I love it:)

    Karen@Pocket Full of Pink

    ReplyDelete
  16. That looks so much better!!! It really did lighten up the whole look!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looks great! A little change that makes the whole area pop! I would love it if you would come link up with Busy Monday (open Monday through Thursdays) at A Pinch of Joy, a linky party for ideas that make life better, easier and more fun!

    ReplyDelete
  18. LOVE the new fabric for your monogram! Isn't it funny how one small change can make such a huge difference in your room. now following via linky followers. Hoping you check my blog and follow back

    http://fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very nice! It looks much better now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really like the new look - that is a fabulous pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love this! I was hoping to do this sometime soon as well, thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  22. That fabric is so pretty. I love modge podge - so fun to do!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great idea, good change too! Love to try it sometime too!
    Carla-writes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is such a great idea. I would love for you to stop by and link up at my linky party via: ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com


    Mrs. Delightful
    Ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love it! Now it pops & I love the print too! I would LOVE for you to link this up to My Favorite Things Party going on all week! Stopping by from the Tip Me Tuesday Party. I hope you will stop by & link up, oh & I am your newest follower!
    Much love,
    Iffy
    StayAtHomeNation.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Awesome change! Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
    @delightfullyclever.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. really nice idea.. i love it !!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love your M! Sweet blog you have here :) I'm a new follower via the blog hop! Hope you'll swing over the fence into by bloggy back yard for a bit!

    hugs!
    Lauren D.
    besweetlyinspired.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm totally into your lighter and brighter color. Perfect. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Much better! I really like the pattern you picked out! I just found your blog thru a general search on linky tools. come visit when you get a chance!
    -Jennifer
    Decorated Chaos
    http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. You're right- such a small change = big difference! I love the new fabric, too! Found your blog from the blog hop at 36th Avenue!

    ReplyDelete
  32. So much more noticeable. A real stand out now. Thanks for sharing your fun creation on Motivated Monday at BeColorful
    pam

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love this! I am a Modge Podge newbie and so can't wait to try fabric monograms for our kid's rooms! Great tutorial!

    Would love it if you'd add this to my linky party:

    http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/2012/02/destination-inspiration-linky-party-3.html

    Thanks, Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a great idea! i love your final product. New follower here! I found your tutorial through Lil Luna's link party. :) ~ Megan

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love your m, so cute! Thanks for your comments and support today!
    XO
    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love! I just posted a mod-podge letter on Feathered Nest Friday, too! Mine's on canvas. Of course, I love your fabric and have not used Mod Podge much ever before...glad to know I can use cute fabric, too!!
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  37. Love it....looks fabulous!!!! Have a great weekend!!!
    ~Des

    PS. I am now following you on Google....hope
    you will follow me back :o)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love this! The different fabric changes the look up a lot. What a great idea :).

    I found you through freckled laundry, btw! I'm a new follower and I love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love it! nice and easy idea for anyone to try! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi, I'm visiting from Amanda's linky party. I love this idea! I have a few letters at home that are just painted but still look pretty blah, this seems like a great idea to try on them! Beautiful job!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Very cute, I am wanting to do the same for my little boys' room!!! I am your newest follower!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. What a difference! It totally stands out now! Love it!

    I'd like to invite you to stop by my blog and link this up. I hope to see you there.
    http://littlebeckyhomecky.blogspot.com/2012/02/fantabulous-friday-1-random-happenings.html

    ReplyDelete
  43. Ha ha I used to love those games in the Highlights magazines, reading them in the orthodontists office! ;)
    The M stands out much better now- love the "after"! Thanks for sharing w/ us!
    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  44. The change does make quite a difference, the after picture is much more balanced. I think I will be looking for an S for my wall.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great job cutting! That takes a steady hand!

    We're just starting a new link up party and if you're interested we'd love to have you join in: http://www.waywardgirlscrafts.com/2012/02/wayward-weekend-week-5.html

    ReplyDelete
  46. Love the pattern you chose & the letter! I'm your newest Linky Follower too!

    xo caroline @ c.w.frosting

    ReplyDelete
  47. awesome love the style and creativity come see what tasty treat I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. It makes all the difference and I love the fabric you chose! You have a lovely lovely blog and I am so excited to be your newest loyal follower!
    Cath @ Home is Where my Heart is
    http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  49. Ashley, I posted somewhere...maybe on your about me page. Anyway, got emotional thinking of the sacrifices you and your family have gone through..that I totally forgot to comment on your M. I love the new look and it pops perfectly on that top ledge. Thanks again, Helen

    ReplyDelete
  50. I LOVE the fabric you chose!! It's lovely. Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I really like the fabric so much better, the pattern is so cute. It really pops on the shelf now. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration to Sunday's Best Par.tay!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love your new fabric choice. When it was darker, it sort of blended in to everything else - now, it stands out amongst the crowd! Very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I really love the fabric and wondered if you wouldn't mind sharing the design. The colors are just what I need to pull a couple newly remodeled rooms together.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  54. Visiting from Thrifty Decor Chick! I absolutely love this project....perfect for the bookshelves!

    I am pinning it!

    blessings,
    karianne

    ReplyDelete