'Easy Embellish'

Tired of the same old white lampshade or solid-colored mirror over your vanity? A little embellishment thanks to Better Homes and Gardens goes a long way with these 5 easy, do-it-yourself ideas:

1. Personalize your message board

When I was in college, I personalized my plain cork message board using ribbon, colorful tacks and a furry boa to staple around the border. Ribbon is just the beginning. Glue crystals around the edges of the board instead, or apply rub-on transfer words for a personalized message at the top of your board.

2. Transform a chandelier

Take that simple chandelier hanging in your dining room and make it the focal point of all dinner parties to come. Paint a thick half-inch band along the top and bottom edges of the shade on your chandelier. Then, either paint the shade using fun stencils or accessorize with eyelets by punching them through the shade and adding a touch of clear glue.

3. Enhance a chair

There’s paint, of course, but there is nothing as unconventional as using black-and-white graphics for a bold transformation. Make a black-and-white photocopy of a graphic image or pattern. Then place the photocopy on top of adhesive-back paper to trace the design/pattern over it. Cut out the pattern and remove the backing to apply the adhesive to the chair.

4. Accessorize that mirror

You love the mirror hanging over your vanity, but you can’t bear to look at the dull frame any longer. It’s time to accessorize. Protect the mirror with painter’s tape and then glue wooden balls around the frame. Have the wooden balls match the color of the mirror, or paint the balls and mirror frame a different color if you’d like. Create several rims using the wooden balls and allow drying time in between.

5. Embellish desk supplies

Most people never think to personalize their desk supplies even though they’re likely never to throw it away or replace. Take some time to update your home office – beginning first with your supplies. Find your pencil cup holder and either use some peel-and-stick metal squares (found in most scrapbooking stores/aisles), or add a clever phrase on the holder with the help of a rub-on transfer.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of www.bhg.com