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Weekend Project: Slipcover a Thrifted Cube

Not that long ago I was asked to create some cube bean bags. After figuring and re-figuring, I came up with the pattern, added a zipper and filled it with those little styrofoam beads. BIG pain in the you know what. Why go to the trouble when you can find oodles of cheapy cube ottomans […]

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Curbly Roundup: Bringing Nature into the Office

Nature is good for us. Introducing it to the office can help us breathe easier and take the edge out of a stressful workday. When we think of bringing nature to the office, plants first come to mind, and although we’ll be covering vegetation in this Curbly Roundup, we’ll also be exploring a few other […]

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Getting Organized: Home Office Inspiration & How-Tos

When I accepted this roundup assignment of creative & cool filing and organization systems for the home office, I decided to concentrate on DIYable projects only, because, after all, we are DIYers. So I scoured the internets looking for clever, attractive and do-able ideas & how-tos that will not only add a bit of style […]

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How to Make a DIY Adjustable Drafting Table from Any Desktop

Welcome to our newest blog series, My Total Office Makeover, in which Curbly’s editor-in-chief, Chris Gardner, realizes that as a full-time design and craft blogger working from home, he’d better transform his second bedroom into an inspiring space where work can actually get done. Part V: The DIY Drafting Table Having figure out adequate storage solutions, a media […]

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Turn an Old Frame into a Modern Jewelry Organizer

I have to admit two things. One, I’ve been meaning to make one of these, and two, I’ve been a smug one at Goodwill when I discover some of these ornate looking frames are really plastic under some tricky wood grain effect.  Once I tap and hear the hollow, I toss it back like its […]

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My Total Office Makeover: How to Make a Woodgrain Magnetic Memo Board

Welcome to our newest blog series, My Total Office Makeover, in which Curbly’s editor-in-chief, Chris Gardner, realizes that as a full-time design and craft blogger working from home, he’d better transform his second bedroom into an inspiring space where work can actually get done. Part IV: Getting Organized I need a clean desktop to stay focused, so […]

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My Total Office Makeover: How to Make a Custom, DIY Desk (IKEA Hack!)

Welcome to our newest blog series, My Total Office Makeover, in which Curbly’s editor-in-chief, Chris Gardner, realizes that as a full-time design and craft blogger working from home, he’d better transform his second bedroom into an inspiring space where work can actually get done. Part III: The Custom Desk (Read Part II here) Having figured out a […]

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Make a Simple, DIY Calendar You’ll Actually Want to Use

I gave up on paper calendars a long time ago. Not because I’m super tech-y and see them as outdated, but more because I can’t seem to find one that actually works for me. They’re either covered in photos of puppies or art prints, or so soulless and blank that they make me feel like […]

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Desk-A-Day: How to Make a Wall Mounted Computer Station

Today’s Desk-A-Day post is extra special: not only does it provide a bit of inspiration, it shows you how to make your own wall-mounted computer station. This is perfect for those without a dedicated room to house a desktop computer, but who need a little bit of space to get work done without getting absorbed […]

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My Total Office Makeover: The Master Plan, Plus Necessities

Welcome to our newest blog series, My Total Office Makeover, in which Curbly’s editor-in-chief, Chris Gardner, realizes that as a full-time design and craft blogger working from home, he’d better transform his second bedroom into an inspiring space where work can actually get done. Part II: The Master Plan (Read Part 1 here) I looked around at […]

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Five Original Ways to Use String Lights

Who doesn’t love the twinkle of string lights? They lend oodles of atmosphere to any environment. Good News: String lights are on clearance right now! You can save some major cheese by stocking up right now.  Bad News: When displayed plain and lonely, string lights tend to read a little too HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Or worse, […]

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How to Take the Mystery Out of Electricity with Amprobe

Awhile back, the folks at Amprobe offered to set me up with a selection of their residential electrical testing tools. Immediately, I came down with a case of the yips as electricity scares the bejesus out of me. BUT, after taking a few calming breaths, I came to the conclusion that if the Amprobe tools […]

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Workspace: Inside the Studios of 12 Creatives

I’m always fascinated by the spaces people work and create in.  Growing up with a graphic designer / illustrator / fine art painter dad, the garage was typically turned into a studio of sorts where we could all create together and, well, be messy.  I loved the paint splattered floors, the doodles on unfinished drywall, […]

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