Simple ideas for your Thanksgiving table

Fall and Thanksgiving were heralded for the past month on various blogs and Pinterest. How much effort and expense are involved in your seasonal decorations?  My holiday tables always  give a gentle nod to  the season rather than a yell.  Usually I find things to combine from  my garden or my accessory  shelf in my storage room.  It is so much more fun to be thrifty and it stretches you to be creative with less.  In that vein, perhaps these ideas will get you thinking about how  to use what you already have.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJhvgPYprmvMfy2tnF_HVXWVSRtIwchOHI7I-hMsznJZt5oTYlGiXVhdAcjGutu-YMrgjKCTvuSWEBCsVB0S-A8rQknwX6VF9g3VVrh9p4Y722Viook1E2GRzCcR9vFWw34jb-8y7EExv/s1600/35958496995455400_3Si56Fnj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJhvgPYprmvMfy2tnF_HVXWVSRtIwchOHI7I-hMsznJZt5oTYlGiXVhdAcjGutu-YMrgjKCTvuSWEBCsVB0S-A8rQknwX6VF9g3VVrh9p4Y722Viook1E2GRzCcR9vFWw34jb-8y7EExv/s400/35958496995455400_3Si56Fnj_c.jpg" width="318" /></a></div> A few twigs from the garden and several small pumpkins in a large vase.  Simple and beautiful.  No pumpkins?  A trip to the Dollar store is in order for fake fall leaves (or the real thing) or spray paint assorted nuts gold and use those to anchor the twigs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_XO6IzDpJCaxo29dQS5ZUCKtM6zUP4oRCIGNAb2lOX-pnPvF6_Jwod0Rn816AtvWMN6ud3u5qLUTydmp1Hhl-gaiTteVZmKglsMSBa_TeJdvm9g-EzVXejWxngJ855x03LTrM0IQO5xW/s1600/52706258108616097_5vYrVNsN_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_XO6IzDpJCaxo29dQS5ZUCKtM6zUP4oRCIGNAb2lOX-pnPvF6_Jwod0Rn816AtvWMN6ud3u5qLUTydmp1Hhl-gaiTteVZmKglsMSBa_TeJdvm9g-EzVXejWxngJ855x03LTrM0IQO5xW/s400/52706258108616097_5vYrVNsN_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Scoop  out a pumpkin just deep enough to place a candle in it and decorate the edges with faux leaves, twigs and berries.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZQaadbgI9EVI4QP1UvxjfiNnfuV9-q3LbGIkBjkovt8KzFLqH1qIlOQd-RyZZUSQvEMNU0NtdgpFx4HJg8tQaozrycpHaSLh0V4Qipx6uTnDIh-MbYIJ1WLyJlRHO1PPCPa36wbaA3pB/s1600/114841859217478808_tR9kqgIL_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZQaadbgI9EVI4QP1UvxjfiNnfuV9-q3LbGIkBjkovt8KzFLqH1qIlOQd-RyZZUSQvEMNU0NtdgpFx4HJg8tQaozrycpHaSLh0V4Qipx6uTnDIh-MbYIJ1WLyJlRHO1PPCPa36wbaA3pB/s320/114841859217478808_tR9kqgIL_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Collect all t he large clear vases you have, place a white pillar candle in each and decorate with nuts or leaves. Change to red berries for christmas.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1f5rinHrLzuBwrPhqNeCCoG_fkf8RAlgqxpUxgj4CzYT3UsaQ929z1AHUbQTqJ0dgf5_wLnrn_Bue77DM0MfeIhqtI9CYQOgcSikGFXdhGkdOO-43sPjXFG5WAtsyk9rzpGnlwaf9aAf/s1600/136656169913167478_y7KWaDYj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1f5rinHrLzuBwrPhqNeCCoG_fkf8RAlgqxpUxgj4CzYT3UsaQ929z1AHUbQTqJ0dgf5_wLnrn_Bue77DM0MfeIhqtI9CYQOgcSikGFXdhGkdOO-43sPjXFG5WAtsyk9rzpGnlwaf9aAf/s320/136656169913167478_y7KWaDYj_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Use the flowers of the season and bottles to rest one bloom in each .  Line them up along the table.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06b1_GX9LXRb3LOv4atvRsdg64k72uZGA8sPKhqdfJ052SoeRIJBtxah-9f7y3DXls6UWr-8IXVrDEEQF85GmRytMsrM9kc89NmoZ1BIl4ldf1NHVwRKg5zIgA9b2a4dNLmORvmmQ8YYL/s1600/165788830002093244_RaSD9hyz_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06b1_GX9LXRb3LOv4atvRsdg64k72uZGA8sPKhqdfJ052SoeRIJBtxah-9f7y3DXls6UWr-8IXVrDEEQF85GmRytMsrM9kc89NmoZ1BIl4ldf1NHVwRKg5zIgA9b2a4dNLmORvmmQ8YYL/s400/165788830002093244_RaSD9hyz_c.jpg" width="380" /></a></div> Sunflowers, an old brass pan, berries and a green pumpkin.  While real sunflowers are beautiful you can substitute with fake ones.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bTksu93JUYgA0yhn1KtNb_WVGB0YOgCnWedqg3kACP2difzKl4-Gg8I-pocSn_h9Q-LAGw-p7F6h3YaDN45mLQUANJvWmr8ATuEECJ1JsSkgQYtb9KgA2Fqg6q06CBZh_dSH68-lKWbM/s1600/166211042468147536_yv5u8IcJ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bTksu93JUYgA0yhn1KtNb_WVGB0YOgCnWedqg3kACP2difzKl4-Gg8I-pocSn_h9Q-LAGw-p7F6h3YaDN45mLQUANJvWmr8ATuEECJ1JsSkgQYtb9KgA2Fqg6q06CBZh_dSH68-lKWbM/s400/166211042468147536_yv5u8IcJ_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> Small vases with nuts, water and a flower on the top.  What else could you use to replace nuts?  A plaid tablecloth is always so cozy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi5OCZAveLE-dk6V8nzPRMMN3OmiwtK8-bIsMBZ2UkdOjkiUPOetVHDAhSwmHiMBcAQQVjyfplZYfJTQhW4Emyxqy6ia2vMWrg2Wfi8fFQNuMdi1Sz3vhfgThcm4BmVQUxHdANd3kqMTu/s1600/Thanksgiving-Table-Centerpiece-Decorating-Ideas-Pumpkin-Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi5OCZAveLE-dk6V8nzPRMMN3OmiwtK8-bIsMBZ2UkdOjkiUPOetVHDAhSwmHiMBcAQQVjyfplZYfJTQhW4Emyxqy6ia2vMWrg2Wfi8fFQNuMdi1Sz3vhfgThcm4BmVQUxHdANd3kqMTu/s400/Thanksgiving-Table-Centerpiece-Decorating-Ideas-Pumpkin-Decor.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Love this idea of stringing small pumpkins/gourds along the table with ribbon and a garland of berries.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaypkbqSEtEuqn_hZnlvDbGK-L6-DrZlXWTSrqhm3euLQ2pG7X9BcKoDlH6DtugehyphenhyphenY9e4xiwrdjenfVXDs9PV5CSUY04ES7IWPw7OlpEAYd4u-MjXtvSBvNNyQat4eRO0-u_rtXB1hJU/s1600/thanksgiving-table-centerpiece-to-make.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaypkbqSEtEuqn_hZnlvDbGK-L6-DrZlXWTSrqhm3euLQ2pG7X9BcKoDlH6DtugehyphenhyphenY9e4xiwrdjenfVXDs9PV5CSUY04ES7IWPw7OlpEAYd4u-MjXtvSBvNNyQat4eRO0-u_rtXB1hJU/s400/thanksgiving-table-centerpiece-to-make.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Use small potted plants, wrap them in a vivid croton leaf and place in square vases. Keep it until Christmas. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDmmqHmAJ_TqNm-e3ZqtQrQg8q054HBCm5apFJsX8AUpqA2HEoynYR3B780-1VrjaRkzYG_eXsR0pVqlH1Pne8AW-2jeP6WHFBtuP5C4_zDCS8QJ4FdDSm-NMJEfAzB4QF8WPOx-HGUs0/s1600/189784571766715569_XhbYQfTL_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDmmqHmAJ_TqNm-e3ZqtQrQg8q054HBCm5apFJsX8AUpqA2HEoynYR3B780-1VrjaRkzYG_eXsR0pVqlH1Pne8AW-2jeP6WHFBtuP5C4_zDCS8QJ4FdDSm-NMJEfAzB4QF8WPOx-HGUs0/s400/189784571766715569_XhbYQfTL_c.jpg" width="257" /></a></div> I love kale but I've never thought of cutting it and using it inside as a bouquet.  Don't you love the purple ones? <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLLUeuACd9TM0K29wFWSLu1gify-iPiph1GEwDBaVBftBcSEXF17Gfl6DYXUiitm9Ng9jWEKR5BiBzzSZ3CtcaNFIW1fb2gdj9-UNH6A-dTfqAFa5rfICr43zKZF8J1tPvMUiBMMRa0jb/s1600/392831085_hT90Vq7J_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLLUeuACd9TM0K29wFWSLu1gify-iPiph1GEwDBaVBftBcSEXF17Gfl6DYXUiitm9Ng9jWEKR5BiBzzSZ3CtcaNFIW1fb2gdj9-UNH6A-dTfqAFa5rfICr43zKZF8J1tPvMUiBMMRa0jb/s400/392831085_hT90Vq7J_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've been admiring these long wooden boxes for dining tables.  Each season what you put in them changes.  They would look just as inviting along a mantle.  Christmas idea for sure... any bits of wood in your basement? <br /><br />Which is your favourite?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">  All links to these photos can be found on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-table-mantle/"><b>Pinterest  </b></a>board.   </div><i><i></i><br /></i>

Simple ideas for your Thanksgiving table

Fall and Thanksgiving were heralded for the past month on various blogs and Pinterest. How much effort and expense are involved in your seas...

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October Before and After Party!

<p>Hey hey! I totally spaced it on this month’s Before and After Party – I guess all I was thinking about was my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/big-fat-project-fail.html">project fail</a> I told you about yesterday. (Thanks for all the ideas by the way, I think I have a solution!) And hello…October has totally sneaked up on me in general. People, it will be Christmas before we know it!! </p> <p>So let’s kick it off by sharing just a few of the awesome projects linked up last month! </p> <p>I really loved Taryn’s <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/2012/08/diy-side-table-makeover-with-naturally-distressed-wood/">end table redo</a> – the cool wood slatted top especially!: </p> <p><img alt="Upcycled Side Table " height="283" src="http://designdininganddiapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/BeforeAfter.jpg" title="Upcycled Side Table " width="450" /></p> <p>I am and will always be a sucker for white and wood together!</p> <p>Brooke shared her <a href="http://www.designstashblog.com/2012/08/home-tour-how-to-create-living-room-you.html#.UGrjSlHfKSo">living room redo</a> and I especially loved this sweet vignette: </p> <p><img alt="blue and white vignette" border="0" height="563" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VJXr8fWTxo/T97OZlvLFtI/AAAAAAAAAo4/9aV-ADHOidM/s1600/livingroom7.jpg" title="blue and white vignette" width="380" /></p> <p>Aren’t those knobs awesome too? Love that dresser!</p> <p>I was so impressed with Zolzetka’s <a href="http://polish-ed.blogspot.com/2012/05/kitchen-aid-makover-dyi.html">KitchenAid mixer redo</a>!: </p> <p><img alt="painting a kitchenaid mixer" border="0" height="438" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wA7Lv9roSC8/T63DMDTa60I/AAAAAAAAACw/eFkNuRaj6bU/s400/DSCF3241.JPG" title="painting a kitchenaid mixer" width="290" /></p> <p>It did <em>not</em> start out that beautiful cherry red! Who would have thought?? </p> <p>I LOVED Meredith’s <a href="http://newlywedmcgees.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-upholstered-ottoman.html">coffee table turned ottoman</a>: </p> <p><img alt="coffee table to ottoman" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApuR83iP9keELVMRl93pfTQOh1qHohvn-V-l3Ygwt2UV2IDQUgCUMgmi4vgUAvY9QGcVWvSQrwzkE6Ys1Kd9jvF2ZqWU2BZ5JIk3boJFkyQNVuYwguzeg4-SHmNDUnBKww23smU9BqJ4l/s1600/DSC_0315edot.jpg" title="coffee table to ottoman" width="400" /></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Just gorgeous! I’ve had the same plan for a table for the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/dining%20room">dining room turned library</a> – I hope it turns out half this good!  </p> <p>I swooned over Julie’s dining room and especially her chairs!: <img alt="light blue walls dining room" border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9YIH91BIgqNdbSNMz91bwW2-pVLE7_c1uo2K9kPkk3oidLQqmKu_6Q-5C3L2_KX9QtiFRl0PZ-e4mFpiSd4kOFygNYkFPJzRgQ9slGnV6KHjr5fvvn27bOhmqCVs_A6muL0fQqaDWWE1/s640/P8275630sm.jpg" title="light blue walls dining room" width="390" /></p> <p>She shares how she painted them with a weathered wood finish <a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2012/08/painting-weathered-wood-finish-dining.html?m=0">here</a>. Beautiful! </p> <p>Shannon used old fence wood to create a <a href="http://www.foxhollowcottage.com/2012/08/sun-room-bar-repurposed-wood-counter-top.html">decorative ledge</a> in her home: </p> <p><img alt="fence post countertop" border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnnqhBUJcQfuXgfCva7TqUL30R6G9xb95rBJCBolIplN6nxrOjwh_2qEoP-EUolr8_URKy86sHiWSDQvhAXMoB8b_0EDEMqVBDB7X8MtZBVUkxFw03hPB-oJw31086PqPbZMuGTHqMys/s640/sun+room+bar+repurposed+counter+top+foxhollowcottage.com+.jpg" title="fence post countertop" width="390" /></p> <p>I love that aqua color! What a cool idea. </p> <p>And finally, but certainly not least, I really loved Holly’s <a href="http://housebyholly.blogspot.com/2012/08/haydens-crab-shack.html">nautical themed room</a> for her son: </p> <p><img alt="nautical boys room" border="0" height="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAe8Wr1CXwJPsBq6ICnD2GjnX5d2yz5Aa_rFeyHJl2czcdsJxL-PlKhzPwggzbTSIyTdZyD17V2WWZjCjovbHFUzXZG0BLLaC7kxeT28RLi9zPU0teb7zzLAeq5_n0TwZGH9KAkxt2hYKb/s640/Hayden's+Room+130.JPG" title="nautical boys room" width="390" /></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="left">I especially love the little touches she added to the bunk bed to make it feel like fort. How fun is that? </div> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="left">Such great inspiration, yet again! Like always, please visit their respective sites to pin any images you love! </div> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="left">Now it’s time to see what else you’ve all been up to! I’d love a link back, especially if you’d like to be considered for a highlight!:</div> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="center"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7326" height="225" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" title="beforeAndAfterButton_thumb[1]" width="146" /></a></div> <pre style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; text-align: left; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; margin: auto; padding-left: 10px; width: 90%; padding-right: 10px; display: block; white-space: pre-wrap; background: #f0f0f0; height: 45px; color: #777777; font-size: 90%; overflow: auto; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 10px"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" title="TDC Before and After" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" alt="TDC Before and After" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre><br /><br /><p>Link. it. up!: </p><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=198282"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->

October Before and After Party!

Hey hey! I totally spaced it on this month’s Before and After Party – I guess all I was thinking about was my project fail I told you about...

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(Big fat) project FAIL

<p><font size="3">Soooo. OK. I was SO stinkin’ excited about this project. <strong>So. excited.</strong> I saw it on a blog a couple weeks ago and could not WAIT to do it. </font></p> <p><font size="3">It was a mixture of (CUTE!) art and organization and I knew it would be super fun when it was done. But it was a FAIL. And I’m more than a little peeved about it, I gotta be honest. </font></p> <p><font size="3">I saw this idea on the Land of Nod blog (Honest to Nod) and immediately pinned it:</font> </p> <p><img alt="magnetic strips for toy cars (does not work for most metal toys)" height="503" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/130322982938264057_LY7H7Lds_c.jpg" title="magnetic strips for toy cars (does not work for most metal toys)" width="400" /></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">(<a href="http://blog.landofnod.com/honest-to-nod/2012/09/try-this-magnetic-car-mural.html">source</a>) </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">I was <em>so </em>excited, I didn’t waste any time on gathering materials. For me it was an excuse to take the trek out to IKEA (I wasn’t going there JUST for these…but I almost would have, I was that psyched about it). I grabbed five of their magnetic knife strips for my idea. </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">This wasn’t an inexpensive project – each one was $12. <em>Way</em> more than I would typically spend on a project like this. But again. Excited. Giddy. </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">It should have only taken about 20 minutes to hang the strips, but because there are spacers involved when hanging the racks, trying to find the right sized screws in my stash took FOREVER. I should have taken this as an omen, but I powered through, using a level to install each one: </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cawNwdTJEAJP6CPI9O64AsNhIn4npkK4sDQacBU8AyJU4BQNlvDm5qIA1JonTxRNlY9KsTbK39jBYi4sPiZefKbKwpWjheC0D5ucnmlT4rpPrGpwYzb6J1CJbzx3lOTageia5f0FWYs/s1600-h/photo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="installing magnetic racks" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgG27fqnniP-_K4zdhw-Q5Qp-rWhhhnuYUvKIg-OXk-RN4xvHfVWhs7M39qGWz9eFj2QeQZuoRd-oIAGFMFJZU1cO9NVkEZkDGOqj89WdGEAgSOv5Au3nyPNob-TEPy8tnZm1U19gEpA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="installing magnetic racks" width="400" /></a></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">I should mention here that I big time hesitated before using the anchors in the BRAND NEW DRYWALL in our basement – it kind of hurt to do it. Should have taken that as omen No. 2. But I knew this would be here for years and would be <strong>super cute</strong> so I kept on…</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">The design they used on the blog must have taken an obscene amount of strips (were talking hundreds of dollars), so I simplified mine and did an initial instead: </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbHwXtd1Bbjq0fpHG6HgW9HcEKQM22vM_M-_jlWiP8j93_VsngDZEYDCv0wueR8dD31QMursLO0ikY2KhwIY5oUkaHDfXOeisxdthslJRBEph_ve8_6wyj27-a_htSxlJANpxfPM0e_I/s1600-h/photo1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="magnetic strip fail" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkD3I7qm3RXwLd4pDPvwoDiqneS1Ztmghyphenhyphen9gOb2scoY_kIwYQ12Lj1dr7sG4NYunEgfeuEQXhXiorHbEOWuE_feoNGVGkuDbS_6j-DGvteaswSsR90aM3-ddy58I1oY3RbHExcLXOj-s/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="magnetic strip fail" width="360" /></a></font></p> <p></p> <p><font size="3">I was SO excited (have I mentioned that?) when it was done and the Bub and I grabbed the bin of (METAL) toy cars to start sticking them on. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Annnnnd nothing. Not one was sticking. Not even a little bit. <em>Not one</em>. I was digging through, trying them all… all the while whispering to myself “<em>NO. freakin’. way.</em>” </font></p> <p><font size="3">Way. Totally. The metal on the cars (and airplanes, trucks…trains) isn’t magnetic. I got the wheels of ONE train to stick. And there’s another car hanging on for dear life in that pic but it’s just barely on there by the metal in the wheels. </font></p> <p><font size="3">I was HOT. I felt more than a little mislead by the blog post I used for inspiration – I’m pretty convinced they glued magnets to the back of each car for the post. If not…well, they have magical metal toys that stick to magnets. :) </font></p> <p><font size="3">I tried older cars too by the way, some about 30 years old, maybe older? Not one stuck. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Yes, I guess I should have double checked to see if they stuck beforehand. But the post shows that they stick just fine, and I just totally spaced it on the certain metals not sticking kind of thing. They’re METAL cars (and trains, and planes…) and I just assumed it would work. (And we all know what happens when you assume…)</font></p> <p><font size="3">So…now I’m not sure what to do. I could glue magnets to the back of each car – but that’s a LOT of cars and a lot of work and the cost of magnets. A blog friend suggested swiping a coat of magnetic paint along the bottom of each car, which I may try. I have the paint already (from the </font><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/03/show-us-your-kitchens.html"><font size="3">chalkboard in our kitchen</font></a><font size="3">) that I could use. I don’t know if it would be strong enough but I think I’ll at least try it. </font></p> <p><font size="3">If that doesn’t work I’m taking it down and will have to find a use for five stinkin’ metallic racks. I don’t keep our knives out so I won’t use them for their intended purpose. (And that’s a lot of knives people!) I’ve found a few ideas on Pinterest that would work (especially one for the craft room that would be really helpful). </font></p> <p><font size="3">So that’s my latest fail. It <em>does </em>happen around here. Not often, because I usually take EONS to think ideas through. See what happens when I don’t take six months to do something? ;)</font></p> <p><font size="3">How would you try to save this project? If it can’t be saved, how would you use the magnet strips? I have a feeling I’ll need ideas! </font></p> <p><font size="3">Anyone want to come help me patch ten monster holes in my wall? I’ll give you a magnetic strip! </font></p> <p>**Looks like they have edited the post to reflect that they used really old cars. Although as I mentioned, I tried old ones as well and they didn’t work either.</p>

(Big fat) project FAIL

Soooo. OK. I was SO stinkin’ excited about this project. So. excited. I saw it on a blog a couple weeks ago and could not WAIT to do it. ...

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