apartment guide : easy diy projects + a giveaway

Tue 02.21.12

Updated: we have a winner! Congratulations to Erin! A big fat thank you to the generous Apartment Guide for their fabulous giveaway! Be sure to scroll below to see the rest of our little project!

When the awesome people at Apartment Guide contacted us with a challenge they had for us, we were more than happy to oblige. {It’s kind of what we love to do, after all. ;}} The challenge: To makeover, revamp, repurpose or create something for our home, for under 100 smackeroos. So when I literally stumbled across this crate, I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing with it. For a mere fifty dollars I was totally in love.

It was totally great as it was, but I thought I’d {gasp!} throw in a little fun and give it a personal touch for our home. The first part to one of our favorite songs {and favorite shows!} fit the bill. Bob Dylan’s Forever Young, anyone? Lately, I’ve been a little sentimental. Sometimes I wish they really could stay forever young. Sometimes, I’m glad they won’t because I think it gets even better. ;} It’s a vicious thing, parenthood.

Here’s how we did it:

After wiping it down again, and again, and again…{I’d LOVE to know what this thing was used for back in the day} I broke out some foam letters I had. {You can find these at any craft store-I’ve had mine for years} The initial plan was to dip the letters in paint, and go from there for more of a rustic look. Because I didn’t want to ruin the crate, it took a little planning ahead of time. So I cut a piece of butcher paper to size, and mapped out the first three lines of the song. As it turns out, the letters were the wrong size, and were much too large for what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to overwhelm the crate with paint, but rather give it a touch of something fun.

So, onto the projector we moved. We simply printed the song lyrics out on some transparency, {font = chunky. yes, I am obsessed.} adjusted it to the right size, and started tracing. From there, careful to cover the dark lines, we filled it in with paint and a small brush. I went behind it with an exacto knife and touched up any little mess ups that occurred, as well as scraped away the paint in a few of the places, to make it look older, and distressed.

So there you have it! Our new little addition to our space. It was definitely time for a bit of a spruce up.

Whether you’re living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide offers how-to tips for making the most of your space on a budget. If you’re ready for a whole new space or looking to move, Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect apartment community. If your furniture needs a facelift,  you’re searching for some great vintage pieces or budget friendly ideas and DIY how-tos for any sized home, this site is a great lil resource!

Today, Apartment Guide is here with an awesome giveaway, so one lucky reader can try their own little revamp: A fifty dollar gift card to Home Depot! Want to win?

1. Like Apartment Guide on Facebook and leave a comment here, telling us you did.

2. Follow them on Twitter and leave a comment here, telling us you did.  

3. Circle them on Google+ and leave a comment here, telling us you did.

4. Share this fun giveaway on facebook, twitter or pinterest. Leave a separate comment here each time, telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Thursday night, {2.23} winner announced Friday {2.24}!

GOOD LUCK! May the luckiest commenter win!

Obligatory Disclaimer: Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. partnered with bloggers such as me to participate in their monthly blogger programs.  As part of that program, I received compensation.  They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
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137 Responses to apartment guide : easy diy projects + a giveaway

  1. cheryl says:
    February 21, 2012 at 7:08 am

    this is sweet, awesome and just right! perfect!

  2. Kara says:
    February 21, 2012 at 7:33 am

    i couldn’t love your crate more. i must find a way to use those lyrics now. they’re perfect.

  3. Kimberly says:
    February 21, 2012 at 8:01 am

    little tip in case you don’t already know, if you use a water color pencil to do your outlining, you can wipe it away with water if you don’t cover the lines. I choose a shade similar to my paint color to make it easier to cover and just sponge off anything that still shows. Works great!

  4. Pat Upton says:
    February 21, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Love the shipping crate re-do! I have one in my garage I got years ago at an auction for a couple of dollars. It was actually a WWII soldier’s trunk. I have hung onto it all these years with the intent on doing something like what you show here! Thanks for the incentive! BTW, I liked Apartment Guide on FB!

  5. Seriously Sassy Mama says:
    February 21, 2012 at 8:31 am

    Very cute way to use a crate!

  6. Grace says:
    February 21, 2012 at 8:36 am

    I liked ‘Apartment Guide’ on Facebook.

  7. Kelly S says:
    February 21, 2012 at 9:06 am

    I am actually in the market for my very frist apartment, so this would super helpful! I just “liked” AG on FB. Also, very cute crate. I would have never thought to use it as a side table.

  9. Liz Piccione-Volger says:
    February 21, 2012 at 9:33 am

    I like Apartment Guide on Facebook!

  10. Liz Piccione-Volger says:
    February 21, 2012 at 9:33 am

    Great Giveaway! I just started following Apartment Guide on Twitter

  11. Liz Piccione-Volger says:
    February 21, 2012 at 9:34 am

    I couldn’t help but share the Apartment Guide link on Facebook!

  12. laura says:
    February 21, 2012 at 9:34 am

    I liked the apartment guide on Facebook! :) have a blessed day yall!

  13. Liz Piccione-Volger says:
    February 21, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Guess What? I pinned this link on Pinterest!

  14. Meg Cortijo says:
    February 21, 2012 at 10:19 am

    I liked Apartment Guide on Facebook.

  15. Kristen says:
    February 21, 2012 at 10:48 am

    I liked Apartment Guide on Facebook! Thanks for the giveaway! Love the crate~

  16. Chris says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:36 am

    That crate is AWESOME. Love it! And….I liked Apartment Guide on FB.

  17. Susan says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Love Love Love that crate and that saying. I liked Apartment Guide and could sure use that gift certificate. I am about to close on a 1917 Bungalow, a dream of mine for a number of years.

  18. nancy reid says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:46 am

    I like apartment guide on facebook as nancy reid

  19. Cat Hunter says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:46 am

    Love the crate and I love that you left the wood natural to make the lettering POP.

    I also love the slipcovered couch – please let me know where I can find such slipcover as I have been looking everywhere. Thanks!

  20. nancy reid says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:47 am

    I follow Apartment on twitter as @eyewonit

  21. Stephanie says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:47 am

    I like Apartment Guide on FB (Stephanie B.H.)

  22. Stephanie says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:48 am

    I follow them on Google + (stephanie huddleston)

  25. Schmidty says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:52 am

    I follow Apt Guide on facebook.

  26. Schmidty says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:53 am

    I follow Apt Guide on twitter @rusthawk.

  27. Schmidty says:
    February 21, 2012 at 11:53 am

    I added Apt Guide to my google circles.

  29. Erin Young says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    i like apartment guide on fb

  30. Erin Young says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    i follow AG on twitter

  31. Erin Young says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    i circled AG on google+

  32. Erin Young says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    i tweeted about this giveaway. :)

  33. Jessie C. says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Like Apartment Guide on Facebook
    Jessie c.

  34. Jessie C. says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Follow on twitter@tcarolinep

  35. Jessie C. says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    follow on Google+
    JC C

  40. Michelle Wright says:
    February 21, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    Love the crate. I liked on FB.

  41. kate santeusanio says:
    February 21, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    very creation and good idea!!!

  42. Mami2jcn says:
    February 21, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    I like Apartment Guide on Facebook with my username Mary Happymommy.

  43. Mami2jcn says:
    February 21, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    I follow Apt Guide on Twitter–mami2jcn

  44. Mami2jcn says:
    February 21, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/172049465337839616

  45. Margaret Hong says:
    February 21, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    I live in an apartment and it’s nice to see decorating ideas for a small unit. I “liked” Apartment Guide on Facebook.

  46. Elena says:
    February 21, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    I like Apartment Guide on Facebook as Elena Istomina. Thank you for the giveaway!

  47. Elena says:
    February 21, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Follow Apartment Guide on Twitter @ElenaIstomina

  48. Elena says:
    February 21, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Follow on Google+ as Elena Istomina

  51. Amanda Sakovitz says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    I like apartment guide on fb as amanda sakovitz

    thanks for the giveaway!

  52. Amanda Sakovitz says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    i follow apt guide on twitter @aes529

  53. Amanda Sakovitz says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    i added them to my google circle as amanda sakovitz

  54. Weatherly says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    That’s a fantastic revamp! I love the color you chose for the letters, it goes perfectly with the wood. Thanks for the giveaway! I liked them on Facebook :)
    Weatherly

  55. Jennifer says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    Liked ‘em on FB :)

  57. Weatherly says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    I’m following them on Twitter! @notwaverly
    Weatherly

  60. Jennifer says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    It took A Lot, but I figured out how to create a google circle, and then add apartment guide, but I DID IT!!!

  62. Jennifer says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Shared on FB!!!!

  63. courtney b says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    apt guide fb fan courtney bella

  64. courtney b says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    apt guide twitter follower @meandbells

  65. courtney b says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    apt guide google follower courtney b

  66. beth says:
    February 21, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    I liked Apt. Guide on FB Thanks for the chance to win!

  68. Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} says:
    February 21, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    I just started following them on Twitter! Love the crate:)

  69. Sandra says:
    February 21, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    lOVE this – thank you for sharing

  70. Manette Gutterman says:
    February 21, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    I liked Apartment Guide on Facebook!

  71. Suzanne S. says:
    February 21, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    l like apt guide on fb

  72. Suzanne S. says:
    February 21, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    I shared this giveaway thru twitter

  73. april taylor says:
    February 21, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    I like Apratment guide on Facebook.

  74. april taylor says:
    February 21, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    I follow Apartment Guide on Twitteer.

    @april_pinkchip

  75. april taylor says:
    February 21, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    I follow APartment Guide on Google +

    April Taylor

  76. shannon says:
    February 21, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    Following Apt Guide on twitter (@channynn).

  78. Kelly Duncan says:
    February 21, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    I liked Apartment guide on facebook!!!

  79. Kelly Duncan says:
    February 21, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    I am so excited to see this post of yours. I have a chest like this that was my grandmothers. It is at least 90 years old. Thanks for the idea!!

  80. Stacey B says:
    February 21, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    Liked Apartment Guide via Facebook as Stacey Bico.

  81. Stacey B says:
    February 21, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    Following apartment guide via twitter as @staceyrenee711

  82. Stacey B says:
    February 21, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    Following apt guide on google+ as Stacey Bico.

  84. Jennifer Marie says:
    February 22, 2012 at 6:42 am

    I like them on fb (Jennifer Messner M)

  85. Jennifer Marie says:
    February 22, 2012 at 6:43 am

    I follow them on twitter (JenniferCNP)

  86. Jennifer Marie says:
    February 22, 2012 at 6:43 am

    I follow them via google + (Jen Moyer)

  90. emily says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:23 am

    I liked on FB. Thanks for the chance

  91. Brenda says:
    February 22, 2012 at 10:00 am

    I liked Apartment Guide on facebook

  92. Brenda says:
    February 22, 2012 at 10:00 am

    I am following Apartment Guide on Twitter

  93. Brenda says:
    February 22, 2012 at 10:01 am

    I tweeted about the contest too, thanks for the giveaway!

  94. Sarah @ Sarah in the Suburbs says:
    February 22, 2012 at 10:13 am

    I’m following AG on Twitter!

  97. Sally P says:
    February 22, 2012 at 10:52 am

    I like Apartment Guide on Facebook :)

  98. Sally P says:
    February 22, 2012 at 10:52 am

    I follow Apartment Guide on Twitter :)

  99. Tina M says:
    February 22, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Like Apartment Guide on Facebook

  100. Tina M says:
    February 22, 2012 at 11:13 am

    follow Apartment Guide on twitter

  102. Tina M says:
    February 22, 2012 at 11:15 am

    follow Apartment Guide on google+

  103. Shannel says:
    February 22, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    Love the words. Love the crate. & I love that canvas with the letter “m”. If you made the canvas, what font is the “m” & how did you acheive the distressed look?

  104. Christina says:
    February 22, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Shared about the giveaway on Twitter @dilibertophoto

  105. Christina says:
    February 22, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    I liked Apartment Guide on Facebook

    I already have a plan for that Home Depot gift card ;)

  106. Christina says:
    February 22, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    I also followed Apartment Guide on Twitter. :)

  107. Angie says:
    February 22, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    liked on fb

  108. ♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    I like Apartment Guide on facebook (Louis H Uffmire)

    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

  109. ♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    following @aptguide on twitter @left_the_stars

    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

  110. ♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    I added Apartment Guide to my Google+ circle

    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

  111. ♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    I tweeted your giveaway

    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

  112. anash says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    I follow you on twitter @anashct3
    Thanks for this lovely giveaway!

    Email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  113. anash says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    I added you to my google+ circle
    username: anash ct
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  114. anash says:
    February 22, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/anashct3/status/172509678092288000

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  116. Julie L says:
    February 23, 2012 at 10:32 am

    like AG on fb Julie A Scott Laws
    thanks for the giveaway

  118. Kathie M says:
    February 23, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    I now Like Apartment Guide on Facebook.

  119. Kathie M says:
    February 23, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    Following Apartment Guide on Twitter

  120. Kathie M says:
    February 23, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Re-tweeted your post about his giveaway!

  121. Luci Nation says:
    February 23, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Following Apartment Guide on Facebook!!!

  122. Angela Seaton says:
    February 23, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    I liked Apartment Therapy on Facebook! =)

  123. Kathie M says:
    February 23, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Got a Google+ account so I could circle them:P

  124. Trina says:
    February 23, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    Liked on facebook

  125. Trina says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    Following on Twitter

  126. Ashley Hellen says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I followed them on Twitter!

  127. Ashley Hellen says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    I liked them on Facebook!

  128. Ashley Hellen says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    I pinned this precious project!

  129. Ashley Hellen says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    I tweeted this awesome project!

  130. Louise says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    I emailed this site to two friends…and love that you made these lyrics come alive!

  131. Cindy A. says:
    February 23, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    I like Apartment Guide on Facebook – Cindy A.

  132. Cindy A. says:
    February 23, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    I follow Apartment Guide on Twitter – @normawatson

  135. Rebekah says:
    February 23, 2012 at 8:47 pm

    I liked them on Facebook!