Inspiration

Merrill, the Girl of a Thousand Dreams, has been dreaming about owning some Kate Spade polka dot plates for what feels like her entire life. But does anyone actually need plates that cost $140 for a set of five? That’s where Merrill’s “alternative plan” comes into play that involves dollar store plates, glass paint, and paper hole reinforcement stickers for that perfect polka dot. Merrill says, “Lesson learned: Never buy something for $140  when you can make it for $5! Merrill:1 Kate Spade: 0”

While strolling the aisles of Target, Beth from B & B Build a Better Life found a cute candle stand designed to hold an arrangement of pillars. Beth loved the concept, and even though the price wasn’t too shabby, she knew she could make something even better and cheaper. Off to ReStore she went, and the results are fabulous!

Bethany from Sawdust and Embryos loves geography, so when she came across a unique United States coffee table, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to put her mad scroll saw skills to work! Bethany opted to make a plaque instead of a table since the Florida peninsula seemed susceptible to busting off easily with twin toddlers running free. Here’s from Bethany: “I love that it has an amazing wood grain, a pop of color for personality, and a heart marking the spot of where we live in Iowa. One of my FAVE projects!”

Now, I know these aren’t knock-offs exactly, but I am so smitten with Brooke’s spinning chore charts at All Things Thrifty I simply had to …

Amanda from Love and Renovation shares an easy peasy tutorial for adding a little fun to your fridge. Amanda and her husband cut some plastic animals in half, added magnets, and spray painted the whole shebang a bright sunshiny yellow. I know my kids would get a kick out of these!