Moms do it ALL. Their lives are one long illustration of what it is to "give back." Why not let a fun DIY project give a mom you know what she most wants for her day: just a little moment with her family, a day to remember. A recent survey revealed that many moms don't receive a card or present on holidays, even though they give so much to everyone else. With Mother's Day just a few months away, consider a kitchen spruce-up as a gift this year. It is possible even on a tiny budget, like the project shown below.
Better Homes and Gardens' Do-It-Yourself magazine featured this project and it received the honor of appearing on the cover. Thank-you to Susan Andrews for creating the partnership with BH&G to help this deserving family. We worked with Jody (mother of five), and her family, to brighten the space and make it symbolic of motherhood. Her life in non-profit work had been all about giving. Now, it was her moment. Really, aren't all moms non-profit workers? This kitchen started out a dismal, barren gray and received a cheerful makeover. A group of give-back minded craftspeople helped Jody to have this special space. Jody and her family worked together with the team. The thrifty and nifty projects included:
A Floral Color Palette: The geranium pink, delphinium blue and daisy yellow for the walls and cabinets were all taken from Jody's favorite flowers. Paint averages $14 a can – so have a painting day to enliven mom's space.
Refacing The Old Cabinets: Master kitchen designer, Steve Heiffus, volunteered his talents for the reinvention of the cabinetry. New doors added to the existing cases made for a budget-friendly fix-up.
Salvaged-Tin Backsplash: Recycled turn-of-the-century tin ceiling was used as countertop backsplash and wainscoting. Tin backsplash: $150.
Fireplace Settee: A bricked-over fireplace had a bench added to it to make it functional for the table. Our dear friend, the late Phyllis Harris, gave it a distressed and crackled finish. Phyllis also helped create the accent colors for the new cabinet doors. Materials cost for a paint crackle kit: $75, DIY!
Paint Canvas Chairs: Jody painted blue denim and white canvas slipcovers in her symbol for family – bountiful fruit. Worldwide, fruit baskets are a symbol of prosperity. Think of your own symbols to use in more meaningful decorating. Kelee Katillac showed Jody how to draw and transfer a simple painted pattern to the canvas. Jody had never painted before. We think she is a natural. Don't you?
Small budget makes big creativity: Old chairs get fresh slipcovers. Fabric costs per chair: $45. The slipcovers are machine washable – great for families with kids. Andy and Laura Rowzee helped by sewing them for us. Rowzee Upholstery has always been a talented and giving business in Kansas City, Missouri.
Heirloom Curtains: Hand-embroidered sheets were cut into thrifty and nifty cafe curtains. Sheet for 4 windows: total $90.
Cabinet Dress-up: We added a set of vintage glass doors to match the 1915 pedigree of the Edwardian Home and a "feature door" with photos of Jody's mother as a child. Door and glass costs: $250/door. Our friend, craftsman Lew Edmister, worked on the tin splash and doors. His daughter, the talented Kelly Edmister also helped out.
ALL PHOTOS: © Roy Inman DGB Team Post
