Random Tips Archives - Page 6 of 7 - Ashley Hackshaw / Lil Blue Boo

A Peek Into Our Closets

August 22, 2011 by Ashley Hackshaw

I think one of the most important ingredients in organizing is shelving! I designed and built every single one of our closets (I like to surprise Mr. LBB when he gets home from work with a finished project.) I used Easy Closets to design each closet and a few days later the UPS truck showed up at our doorstep with 52 boxes of pre-cut shelving, hardware, instructions etc. Every box was numbered and the instructions went step by step through each closet. It was easy. I went with the simplest systems (white, no molding and brushed nickel hardward) and they are the highest quality (3/4″ thick melamine):

(more after the jump)

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5 Minute Curls

July 5, 2011 by Ashley Hackshaw

This hair tutorial may have just changed my life. I watched it last night in bed on my laptop and immediately jumped up, grabbed an elastic headband and completed the whole process in less than 5 minutes.

I woke up this morning, unraveled my hair, pulled the curls out with my fingers (no brushing) and here’s what it looked like:

My hair was dry and the elastic headband was so comfortable to sleep in. Next time I might brush my hair first and maybe add some product……the result was pretty darn good for unwashed pool hair! The only downside was that I looked like Napoleon Dynamite in bed last night with my red elastic headband……

Here’s a link to a video tutorial.

A Tabletop Ironing Board (A Tutorial)

July 1, 2011 by Ashley Hackshaw

I have multiple work areas for projects and I’ve decided I need an ironing board for each one for convenience. This small tabletop ironing board is perfect for my cutting table and other work tables because I can move it around easily and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. It took me about an hour to make but it will save me about 30 minutes every day not having to move from work table to ironing board anymore. I made it using an old wood shelf, felt, fabric and a staple gun:

Step 1: I covered the shelf with a layer of felt first:

Starting on one side I used the staple gun to attach the felt and then moved to the opposite side and worked my way around to the corners last.

Step 2: I trimmed the excess felt and then covered the felt layer with the layer of fabric….

…….and stapled opposite edges ending with the corners.

Step 3: This is optional, but I applied a smooth paper backing to the bottom of the board….it helps the board to slide across surfaces easier when I am reaching for it. To adhere the paper you’ll need spray adhesive…..

…..and apply it to the back of the board:

I sprayed brown contractors paper with a layer of adhesive as well….then placed it on to the back of the board. These two layers will increase the adhesion (just like rubber cement works).

I used a razor blade to carefully trim the edges of the paper (be careful not to cut your fabric):

A smooth backing to the board….nothing to snag on fabric:

Finished tabletop ironing board that can be made in almost any size! Note: if you plan on doing lots of industrial-type ironing you might want to invest in ironing board cover fabric that can withstand excessive heat. It can be found at most large fabric stores.