The Basement Transformation

My basement looks just like any other basement in the Pittsburgh area (and not like the one in the photo). I even have the Pittsburgh toilet (a random toilet, just sitting there, by itself) and the Pittsburgh shower (you guessed it...a shower head in your basement, just randomly there, but not near the toilet). It is time to get organized with all of the crap we have accumulated since we moved into our house in 2009 and fix it up!

Now, my basement is not horrible in any way, shape or form. It has high enough ceilings that my tall, tall, tall husband can walk through it without hitting his head (a HUGE buying factor of the house), and a cement floor that is in great shape. The windows are just glass blocks and the basement area spans the whole length and width of my house. So essentially, we have a lot of room to work with.

I am not looking for a complete re-model. I just don't have the time, money or effort to want to put that kind of work into our basement, especially in a house that we hope to sell in a couple of years. But my thought is some nice shelving/storage area against the walls so I can nicely organize my holiday items, seasonal clothes, sporting equipment, etc.

I have searched high and low for NICE shelving and storage units for my basement...meaning nothing too fancy, but nothing that is just going to fall apart the second I put it together. But this is where the issue is. I can't find what I want, nor do I think I even know what I want.

I've come to the conclusion that my husband is just going to have to take the lead on this project and just get what he thinks is suitable and just tell me that is that. I've looked at way too many pictures, DIY websites and have looked at other basements that I just want bits and pieces of everything and I know I can't have it all. I am, for once in my life, indecisive, and can not figure this basement situation out.

Has anyone else recently done a mini basement re-model, as I am calling it? Remember, nothing too fancy, too expensive, or a lot of work. I just really want some shelves/storage areas and MAYBE we'll actually put the Pittsburgh toilet in a bathroom-like area...MAYBE.

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Idea Overload

I am attempting to be more crafty. I received a sewing machine for Christmas. I don't know how to thread the machine, but I have already purchased a pattern and material to make a curtain for my bathroom window. A relatively easy first project...at least I hope. My great desire is to make curtains for my dining room. And I am slowly, but surely, learning how to knit. I have so many things I want to create!

I have been stumbling across blogs, like thisismeinspired.blogspot.com, that speak to my trying-to-break-free creative side. The writer has amazingly creative projects and edible treats on her blog. But she explains how she does it, making the finished product something attainable. At the end of a post, I'll think, "That is something I could do". Sometimes that is all the push needed to get started.

Pinterest is another huge time waster, but it can lead to so many ideas. Plus it is addicting!

My cousin, Tammy, is a great motivator for these do-it-yourself projects. And she finds things on the cheap! This past spring, while shopping at a cute little store in Amish country Indiana, I found a candle holder with a cracked base. It was for sale "as-is" for 75% off the original price. While I may have passed up the great deal because of the flaw, my cousin assured me that we could make it look great. And we did! A little garland around the base covered the crack. The original price for the candle holder was $75. But for $20 I was able to make it my own.

For me, finishing a project gives me a sense of accomplishment. I made a ribbon board this weekend from an old bulletin board that I would have otherwise thrown away. I was really happy with how it turned out and it didn't take that long to do. While I probably won't become a crafting maven anytime soon, I think the more I do it, the more I will love it. Not a bad way to spend time!

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