Chic File Cabinet DIY Restyle

I was bummed to get rid of our cute yellow file cabinet when we moved, but I knew that trying to fit a big ol' file cabinet in our tiny Uhaul was just going to take up space we needed for more important stuff.  I figured it'd be easy to find another cheap second-hand file cabinet when we got to Anchorage and that spending 20 bucks on a file cabinet was worth not trying to shove it in a Uhaul trailer that was already going to be packed to the gills.

I'm actually glad we ended up getting a new file cabinet because we needed a 3-drawer one anyway, as our 2-drawer one was getting a little too full.  I found the cabinet below at Value Village for only 12 bucks and knew it'd be a great candidate for a makeover.

It was a little dented, a *meh* shade of beige, slightly scuffed, and had some stickers stuck to the top.  Originally I had planned on painting it for the makeover, but I realized I had some leftover removable wallpaper from Wallsneedlove that I never got around to using for my Winnie, and it ended up being the perfect amount of wallpaper necessary for the project!

What you'll need: 
Spray paint/primer
Masking tape
Removable Wallpaper or Contact Paper

If you need to change the color of the front, which is the only part of the cabinet that shows after you cover the sides, you'll need to paint it.  I used Valspar Project Perfect paint + primer in white to freshen up the front of the cabinet so it would match the wallpaper better. The photo above isn't a true "before" pic because I already sprayed the front, so it looks much cleaner and nicer than it did when I bought it.  You'll want to either remove the hardware (pull handles and such) or mask them off.  I am too impatient during DIY projects, so I just masked them off.

Once your front is the color you'd like, you can apply the wallpaper or contact paper.  I used the Banana Leaf wallpaper from Wallsneed love (and they have hundreds of other designs that would look amazing for this project!), but you could also use contact paper!  I've covered fridges before with chalkboard wallpaper and faux wood wallpaper, and I think marble contact paper would look super amazing on this DIY!

The file cabinet will be too deep for just one width of wallpaper/contact paper.  I ended up needing about 7 more inches to finish the back, so make sure you calculate how much you'll need to cover the area you want to cover.  I actually didn't cover the side against the wall or the back because a) you don't see them and b) I didn't have any more wallpaper.  

I think this is one of my favorite DIY makeovers ever!  Covering ugly things with cute wallpaper is my favorite.  It's so easy and has a HUGE impact.  My next thing to cover is our fridge because it is a super ugly old ivory color (BORING).  I haven't lived anywhere in the past 5 years without covering my fridge in contact paper, actually!  Haha!  Seriously, If your fridge is boring, just go out and get yourself some contact paper and wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am fix that 'ish.  I did a DIY tutorial many years ago for this DIY and it's super easy.  Go do it and thank me later.

Maternity Style // Week 19 + 21

I won't lie, I'm getting to the point where I miss my old clothes and having a waist and dressing the way I'm used to dressing.  At 19/21 weeks, when I shot these outfits, I could still pull off a pretty non-maternity look, but at 28 weeks now I'm approaching the "large and in charge" phase of pregnancy.  Luckily I've acquired some stretchy, but cute, things that have been really nice for getting dressed without feeling like a total scrub (although there are definitely days I spend the whole day in sweats or leggings.

Dressing for pregnancy is definitely a challenge, especially because your body looks so different than you're used to it looking. I need to go thrifting again because last time I scored big time on some really cute (non-maternity) things that work perfectly for a growing bump and those items really helped me be able to get dressed and still feel like I look nice.  Having 3 or 4 more pieces in my closet that fit that bill will be nice, especially for remixing.  I'm really not into buying maternity-specific clothes, except pants, which are the best.  Having clothes that work for a bump but will transition easily into being regular non-pregnant clothes is my goal when shopping.  I don't want to end up with a bunch of stuff that doesn't work once the bump is gone.  

Dress : Forever 21 (similar) | Cardigan : c/o Modcloth (similar)| Necklace : c/o Tribe Jewelry
Shoes : c/o Seychelles (similar) | Belt : Souvenir Shop in Calico, CA
photos by Dan

Dress : c/o Modcloth (similar) | Shoes + Necklace + Shades : c/o Moorea Seal

So it begins.

Well folks, it's begun.  I've made my first purchases of baby things, namely: some tiny onesies and a crib.  We finally got the room cleared out that will be the nursery (a word I kind of hate?  So I've been calling it our bebe den).  Now that it's a blank slate, I can finally start making it into the baby's room.  

Some days I still look in the mirror and think this is all some crazy dream and I'll wake up back in Tacoma in our little house, sans bump, shake my head and be like, "whoa, that was some crazy shit," and go about my day.  It's still bizarre to me that we are here in Anchorage, I'm in my 3rd trimester with a child that will come out and be all mine to take care of in 12 weeks.  In a way, I'm glad that it shook everything up.  I know I was getting restless in Tacoma and was Jonesin' for something new.  We had planned on moving into the Brave and living a mobile life, but honestly, it was really difficult to move out of our house and without the push of needing to move to Anchorage, I'm not sure it ever would've actually happened.  It was just such a cozy house, we were so comfortable.  Even though I wanted something new, something different, change, I'm not sure it could've actually happened without something pushing us to make the move the way this pregnancy did.

I don't feel married to Anchorage the way that I thought maybe I would be, moving back to my hometown.  I have a lot of cognitive dissonance about Anchorage.  Growing up here it was the best place ever and I loved it.  I loved coming back for visits over the years I've lived in Washington.  But now living here its sort of pulled back the veil and I'm not quite as in love with it as I was.  It's like how you idealize an ex, then you date someone that matches you way better, and then you meet that old ex again and realize how they really aren't as great as your idealized memories.  I don't know if we'll end up staying here.  Part of me feels like maybe not, maybe this is just an intermediary place.  But I don't know where we'll end up.  I like Alaska, I like the Northwest.  I want to be near family.  Sitka has been in the back of my mind as a potential home.  I like the idea of my kids growing up in a town like that.

But of course, all that is speculation right now and I really don't care to think about it all that much until next year, after the baby comes and we are ready to even begin thinking about what's next for us.

Maker of the Month: Amy of Little Bright Studio

This is a series I've wanted to do for a long time and I'm SO excited to finally get it started!  One of the things I loved about blogging back in the day was the Blogger of the Moment feature I did.  I got to interview other bloggers I liked, and most of those bloggers became real-life friends, plus it was fun being able to share cool people with my readers and send them over to follow new, rad folks!  

Over the years I've been inspired by so many super cool lady makers who are running amazing creative businesses, and I want to share them with you, because a) they're inspiring AF, b) who run the world? Girls. and c) you should go support them and their small businesses!

My first Maker of the Month is Amy of Little Bright Studios!  Amy makes, quite possibly, the cutest bags of all time.  I remember coming across her stuff a year or two ago and was so taken with how fun and bright her creations were.  I was so excited to do a little interview with her about her creative business and get to know her a little better!

Tell us about your creative business! What do you do? How did it start? Where do you want to take it?

My name is Amy, owner of Little Bright Studio, a handbag and accessories brand based in Portland, OR. With my bags, fun and function come in equal parts: I want them to bring a little sunshine to the world, while giving the wearer a piece that is practically designed and long­ lasting. Little Bright Studio became official five years ago when I closed my portrait photography business to focus on what I love most. It has been a slow progress ever since, but I believe it has allowed me to invest thoroughly in how my brand speaks its message. My goal for Little Bright Studio is to become an internationally recognized brand with strong ethical standards and always synonymous with fun and quality!

What do you do to keep your creative juices fresh and flowing?

I have to make a confession: It’s unbelievable challenging to nurture your creative drive when running a business solo. Because most of my time is spent marketing, researching, customer service, business outreach, etc, creativity can sort of slip away if I let it. The best way I have found to counter this is to actually schedule time to paint, draw, sew, collage, or write. Taking the time to let myself immerse in art does wonder for my business and my sanity.

What is your favorite part about having a creative business?

I’m not gonna lie to you, I seriously love creating spreadsheets to track inventory, finances, wholesale accounts, and just about any other data­ related need! Haha, Of course, I LOVE the aspects of creating pretty things, getting to know people, working with other makers and such, but I thought I’d give a shout out to those entrepreneurs who LOVE their spreadsheets as much as I do.

Do you have a routine that helps you stay balanced? If so, what do you feel is most important to your routine?

Now that I finally have a separate studio 5 miles from my residence, I am sticking to a regular 9­6ish schedule, which of course, is terrible because I want to work 24/7, but it keeps me grounded and able to function better. I also stick to my daily to­-do list as much as humanly possible, beginning with answering emails, making phone calls, and then heading into the meaty part of the list.

What are the biggest struggles associated with having a creative business?

My number one challenge at the moment is reaching that niche market for bags that are bright, colorful, and have a higher price-­point. It is as market that relies heavily on brand loyalty and passionate word of mouth. It is satisfying when I am able to meet more of these ideal fans.

Do you have any advice for others who are thinking about starting a creative business or pursuing a creative career?

It’s not going to happen overnight. And that’s a positive thing, because you DO want to be 99.9% ready when an unexpected opportunity arises down the line after years of hard work. Often times these opportunities occur because you have cultivated a community that respects you, so be kind, be generous with your knowledge, and TRUST ME, the right things will come your way.

Other than what you create for your business, do you have any creative pursuits that are merely for your own pleasure?

I am hoping to score a nice used easel to put in the corner of my living room so that I can be creative outside of my business once again. I have several dress and quilt patterns I need to convince myself to make.

What other makers, creative folk, shops, instagrams, etc. are inspiring you at the moment?

Quiet Clementine in Arkansas for her playful ceramics, Jill Makes from Louisiana makes colorful jewelry, ORU here in Portland waves teenie tiny beads and mixes them with metals for her fine jewelry, and Natelle Draws Stuff in Florida fills my life with the cutest enamel pins in the universe.

Is there anyone who encourages you to pursue your dreams and goals of living a life with creativity at it's core? How do they do that?

Some days I can’t believe how lucky I am in being surrounded by friends, family, fellow makers who are extremely supportive of me, especially on days when it’s tough to see the value of your work. They remind me that creating art is NECESSARY, that my product has an audience, and that’s okay to feel sad at times. My mom, of course, is my biggest cheerleader.

What was the path that brought you to where you're at with your creative business right now? Any specific, notable moments you remember that led you to where you are now?

It’s been 12 years since I began sewing handbags for fun on my mom’s old Sears Kenmore machine. For many years, I stuck to creating one of a kind designs, which was a LOT of fun, but obviously, that kind of business model is tough to maintain sustainably, so I opted to create collections instead. This new collection draws from some designs that debuted on my shop 2-­3 years ago, but I was never satisfied with either the materials I used or their construction. I applied feedback past customers provided into creating a higher quality (and more fun!) product that I can be 100% proud of calling my creation.

Make sure you head over and check out Little Bright Studios' shop, and give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!

If you know of a rad lady who runs a creative business making super awesome stuff who you think should be our next Maker of the Month, submit them at the bottom of the page here!  We love learning about new BA Chicks making stuff, running business, and being generally kick ass and creative.

All photos c/o Little Bright Studios, except last photo via @lalafauxbois

Maternity Style // Week 18

Well folks, it's begun.  I bought a crib and baby clothes.  The first actual baby things I've bought during this pregnancy.  Our nursery room is cleared out (it used to full of stuff in storage), and it's a blank slate!  It's super bizarre to think that a real live baby will be in there by Christmas.  A fact that I'm pretty positive won't sink in until I've pushed it out and am holding it in my arms.  

Little yellow leaves have started falling and it's been interesting to think about how my trimesters have synced up with the changing seasons.  I've been enjoying the shift in season, and I'm so looking forward to having a "real" winter this year, complete with snow (don't let me down, Anchorage!).  I'm usually holding on to summer for as long as I can, but there's something about this year that has me craving the crisp, chilly days of fall and winter, and I'm not even a PSL person!

Dress (old) : c/o Modcloth | Succulent Crown : handmade | Necklaces : c/o Tribe Jewelry