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November 18, 2014

Tutorial Tuesday: DIY $2.00 Curtain Rods!

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Good afternoon, savvy savers! For this weeks Tuesday Tutorials post, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite tricks for finishing off the look of several rooms in my home, DIY $2.00 curtain rods!

To achieve this look:

Materials Needed: 

  • 1 dowel rod
  • 2 screw-in door pulls
  • E-6000 epoxy
  • 2 1 inch tea cup screw hooks
  • Curtain panel

Instructions:

  1. Purchase a dowel rod to fit the length of your window; dowel rods are great as they are inexpensive, come in 12, 18, 24, and 36″ lengths, and most are under $1.00!
  2.  Paint your dowel rod. I used a free paint samples from Lowe’s; they currently have 2013 and Spring 2014 Valspar paint samples for only $0.68!
  3. Next, drill a hole in each end of the rod; a length of 1/2″ deep is fine.
  4. Now, smear a small amount of E-6000 epoxy onto each door pull, and then screw into your pre-drilled holes on each end of the dowel rod.
  5. Finally, measure and install a 1 inch teacup hook on each side of the window, where the rod will sit; if the hooks are not deep enough they can be stretched with pliers.
  6. Now the fun part, hang your rod! 

That’s it! Why pay upwards of $30.00 for a barred curtain rod, when you can make your own for $2.00! This rod is so versatile, in that you can hang wither a traditional rod and islet curtain, os can use the same rod for a islet and clamp-style curtain, for a more cafe inspired look, as well! Why pay upwards of $40.00 at department stores!

Here’s to saving!

Misty

 

Organizational Tips: Hanging Utility Closet Organizer!

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Good morning, savvy savers! For this weeks Organizational Tip, I wanted to show you how I organize my hallway utility closet. I use a very basic hanging shoe organizer, purchased online for under 10.00!

The organizer holds everything:

  • cleaning clothes and wipes
  • buffing pads
  • steamer clothes
  • air fresheners
  • batteries
  • mini flashlights
  • puppy pads
  • emergency candles
  • small accordion files which hold appliance instructions and warranties
  • interchangeable parts for my Shark Vacuum
  • and cordless keyboards and car detailing kits

I love being able to use a basic, vertical surface to hold what use to be a laundry basket full of miscellaneous household and cleaning items in my utility closet! This organizer has freed up three kitchen drawers, a bin in my shed, and allows me to know exactly where emergency items are when needed the most! I love knowing just where everything is without having to endlessly search drawers, cabinets, bins, and the like looking for that one small, evasive item desperately needed to finish my task at hand! This small purchase has made a major impact on the functionality of my home!

Here’s to organizing!

Misty