Top 10 Project Ideas For Sheet Music And Book Pages

Now that I can make my own "vintage" sheet music, I've been looking at all the great projects out there.  I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you.  Here they are in no particular order.


1.Furniture

Notes From A Cottage Industry

2.  Roses

The Tin Rabbit

3.  Dress Forms

Notes From A Cottage Industry

4. Walls

Chez Fifi

5.  Cones

Room To Inspire

6. Ceilings

Design & Dazzle

7. Book Covers

Mitzi's Collectibles

8. Random Shapes

                                              Mustard Seed Creations

9. Candles

                                                             Let it Shine

10. And of course, Wreaths

Primp

Now...which to do first?

Janet

Make Your Own Antique Sheet Music

I love all the projects everyone is doing with sheet music. Besides ebay, I have no idea where to find vintage sheet music.  So...

I decided to make my own.  I just made photo copies of some sheet music I found at a music store.  I'm not sure about copyright laws, but the copyright date on this music was 1903, and since it's just being used for craft projects, I think it's ok.  Then I tea stained the music.  I used one family size tea bag in two cups water.  I poured the tea into a large pan and soaked the music for 30 minutes.

I removed the music and layed it to dry on some newspaper.  To get the darker stain spots, I sprinkled some instant tea on the newspaper and put the music face down.

It dries really fast and I love the way it turned out. I almost forgot to tell you, I did iron the music.  Put a paper towel on top, iron one side for a few seconds, then turn over and iron the other side.

I tried printing a botanical image on the music.  I think that look has possibilities as well.

I'm sure you could achieve different looks with stronger tea or different soaking times.

And I don't need to tell you all the ways you can use the music.  For now, I'm just enjoying it as it is.

Have you made any projects with sheet music?  I would love to hear you ideas.  Or send me a picture.

I'll be joining some parties, so click on Link Parties on my sidebar.

Janet

Lamp Shade Turned Into Hanging Light Fixture

I made this hanging light for my bedroom using an old lamp shade.

This old lampshade was "unique" to say the least.  It is also very large.

I saw this lampshade at the thrift store one day.  The first thing I thought was "Oh! I love the shape of that".  When I picked it up and saw how large and gaudy it really was, I had second thoughts.  I checked the price - $2.80.  Should I or shouldn't I?  All I need is more junk laying around to fix up, my family would think I lost my mind, and quite honestly, I was a little embarrassed to buy it.  So I didn't.

The next time I went to the thrift store, there it was.  I still liked it, so I decided to buy it.  Trying not to look embarrassed, I took it to the counter.  Apparently the price tag had fallen off.  I told the young guy that worked there that I had seen the price of $2.80.  He said, "Why don't we just make it $1.80", in a "I should pay you to take it" tone.

Still feeling proud of myself for having the courage to buy it, I arrived home with my prize. And then I had no idea what to do with it.  First things first, I ripped the cover off the frame.  The shape I fell in love with really stood out now, and that's when I decided to turn it into a hanging light.

These are the supplies I purchased from The Home Depot.

First you attach the rod through the hole in the shade.

Then run the wire through the rod.

I turned the shade upside down at this point so it looked more like the picture on the instructions.

You screw this cap onto the rod.

And tie an underwriters knot. (Just copy the picture on the package)

Attach the wires to the socket screws and push it into place.  That's it!

A hanging light fixture.  I added the extension cord so it would be long enough to plug in and then just hung the cord from ceiling hooks.

I wrapped the cord with white voile and tan tulle fabrics.

The shade "before" reminded me of the hats the ladies wore at the races in My Fair Lady, so I added embellishments inspired by vintage hats.  A tea stained ribbon, pink velvet rosette that I made, and more tulle.

I didn't know if I would like a "naked" frame, but I really do.  And I vow not to be embarrassed to buy junk any more. Look at the fun I would have missed. I wonder, have any of you ever been embarrassed to buy something ugly?

Click on the link parties list on my sidebar for all the parties I'll be joining.

Janet

Book Page Fireplace Insert

Hello everyone!  I've been suffering from blogging withdrawal.  I don't know why I haven't had time for any projects (besides running a half marathon, working, going to watch my daughter cheer at football games, shopping for a homecoming dress, and so on). But in between all of that, I finally filled that empty space in my faux fireplace mantle.

 Before...

I covered a peice of plywood with old book pages using the starch method you can see here.  I then made a frame for it out of moulding and painted it to match the fireplace.

I glued the frame to the plywood so it could easily be removed from the mantle.  You know how I love to change my mind.  It only took one small nail to hold the frame to the mantle.

I want to hang a floral print in the center, but I haven't found what I'm looking for yet.  So I put a small stool in front and topped it with a pitcher full of the last hydrangeas from the garden.

And here is another look at the after.

Oh! And did you notice my little ten dollar rocking chair?  It's waiting for a makeover, too.

I'm joining the I made it without my Hubby party, Show and Tell Friday, and Saturday Nite Special.  Monday parties are Show off your cottage Monday, Make it 4 Monday, and Metamorphosis Monday.

Janet