Simple, inexpensive DIY key rack

10% off in my ETSY store for a limited time!  Coupon code:  HappyFall

 

We've needed a key rack for a LONG time now.  I just wanted something very simple and plain but never found what I was looking for in the stores (at least not for a reasonable price).

 

After losing my keys for the 1000th time the other day, it was time to head to the hardware store!

 

 

We bought an unfinished strip of wood (it was 2" wide 36" long and 1" thick?) they had several dimensions to choose from.

 

DIY Key Rack in 7 steps:

1) Cut wood to desired length (ours is hanging below an 8X10 picture frame... so we made it the same width of the base of the frame)

 

2) Decide how many hooks you need, and mark their spacing on the wood

 

3) Drill holes (smaller than the screw on the hooks) where you marked your hook locations

 

4)  Sand the edges of the wood

 

5)  Stain the wood & let thoroughly dry

 

6) Add wall mounts (I just drilled 2 holes at an angle in the back of the wood)

 

7) Add hooks on front & hang on the wall!

 

 

The hardest part??  FINDING my keys... to put on the rack :)  hahaha.  Haven't lost them since though!

 

 

SIDE NOTE:  Price out the hooks when bought individually, or in a variety pack!  We saved about $6-8 by getting a variety pack of hooks (we did end up making a couple of key racks) rather than buying the hooks in smaller packs.  Now we have extra too for future projects!  

Also, we used squared off hooks rather than the classic rounded hook for a slightly different look.

organizing: sneak peek

I'm still organizing around my house (probably will be for quite awhile) and I've been painting and helping out at my parents lately too.

 

 

Here's a look at one of my craft cupboards (in progress)

 

Hmm... I don't remember putting a cat in there.... he's my little helper, I guess, lol.

end of summer

I can't believe how quick summer flew by... we're trying to fit more "warm weather" activities in as long as possible.  Have to break out the wetsuits soon if waterskiing is in the future :)

 

 

I've been organizing my house lately, and planning for some exciting things in the next few months!  I'll post in depth on the organizing in the near future. 

Fabric labels

I made fabric labels to sew onto my luggage tags using an amazing tutorial from Dolls and Daydreams. 

 

Here's how the labels turned out:

(this was after I used some of the labels)

 

I had a little trouble feeding the fabric/freezer paper through my printer.  It took a few printer jams and lots of grinding noises before I got it to work...  I may not have cut the paper just right.  Eventually it worked though, and I'm happy with the outcome.  (and my printer survived... this round at least!)

 

 

 

 

Business cards

I've been working on my Etsy shop a lot lately.  Here's a look at some business cards I made:

 

 

After making a few cards, I decided to order some from VistaPrint.  I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival in my mailbox :)  I'm still planning on sewing fabric onto those when they arrive, so they should look pretty similar to the ones above.

 

 

Next project for my etsy shop.... (besides adding new designs) is making fabric labels.  More on that later!