Homemade Clip-it-Ups (another long post but with lots of pics :-)

A few months ago I made a homemade version of Simply Renee's Clip-It-Up (CIU).    For details as to how I made this CIU please go here.   Since then I have noticed so many wonderful versions of this same product.  This post will provide you with a small sample of some of the many different versions of CIU trees. 

Floor Model
This has got to be one of the most wonderful inventions for scrapbookers.  Its practical . . . you can see what's on the tree and the items are easily accessible . . . and yet its still beautiful.  Luv it!  I am using my tree to store my acrylic stamps, embossing folders and dies.  

Unlike some other floor models my tree has 4 tiers.  I did not notice that one of the lamp shades had supporting wires that connected the top ring to the bottom ring.  So instead of buying that last lamp shade with a spider support system like this

I bought this instead.  

It was a happy mistake though because I ended up with 4 tiers rather than 3. 

Desktop model

This beauty was made by Pauline van den Bosch. In her version Pauline used a beautiful, yet sturdy, decorative flower pot for the base of her tree.

For instructions on how to make a desktop version of this CIU tree please watch Margaret's  tutorial. 

Table lamp
I may make one of these CIU to display my ATCs. 

Shoe Rack
I am always amazed by the creative imagination of others.  While I see a product meant to organize shoes someone else had a vision as to how they could create a homemade CIU from a shoe tree.  Simply amazing! 

Like the original CIU this version of the tree also several different models.
 
The desktop model

Photo courtesy of Debbie J

The floor model

Photo courtesy of the Container Store



 The floor to ceiling model

Photo courtesy of Julie F

   You can find video instructions on how to make your own version of a shoe tree CIU right here. 

Ceiling Model
Don't have any floor or desktop space in your craft room for a CIU?  No problem.  You can hang your CIU from the ceiling like Brenda did. 


I hope you have enjoyed seeing the different versions of this wonderful product. Moreover I hope it inspired you to make your own little tree.


As always, thanks for stopping by . . .

Yoli

Finial for my Clip-it-Up

When I made my Clip-it-Up I purposely left some of the threaded rod exposed at the top of the tree. My original intention was to add a decorative curtain rod finial. However I decided it would be much more fun to create my own decorative topping rather than to using a traditional finial.

As you can imagine, my head is spinning with so many ideas. The plan is to change the topping with the seasons/holidays. For now, the first of such finials/topping is the little cake I made the other day. It's just too stinkin' cute don't you think? LOL

As you can see from this picture, I've added a few more items to the tree. Items such as my embossing folders and a few large Sizzix Tim Holtz's dies I have in my collection. Unfortunately, I've run out of clips. If you own a Clip-it-Up I would love to hear what you are using for clips. I've used some of the Clip-it-Up clips. I've seen others use paper clips and shower curtain rings. What are you using?

As we remember today, on El Dia de los Muertos, all our loved ones who have passed away I leave you with this picture. This art piece was created by the kids at our local community center using rice, beans and chiles. Pretty awesome if you ask me.

As always . . . thanks for stopping by.

Yoli

Homemade clip-it-up

I am so excited to finally own a clip-it-up. I absolutely loved the floor model by Simply Renee but could not justify the cost. Inspired by Sharyn Carlson's Clip-it-Up I decided to make my own.

I owe such a debt of thanks to Ryan from our local Ace Hardware store. He was such a trooper. I came in the store armed with a video and a vision and he helped me make it a reality. That was EXCEPTIONAL customer service!!!

How did I . . . oops I should say we since Ryan was an integral part of this project . . . do it? I've attached the video that provided the original instructions. However rather than using PVC piping I purchased a halogen lamp ($15), an idea I found during my research. We cut out the electrical cord and modified the base to make sure it was sturdy but otherwise we followed the instructions on the video.

I was able to find two of the lamp shades at a local thrift store. One was $7 the other smaller one was free. Yeah! The bottom shade I purchased at Target for $15. I made a 'mistake' when I purchase the bottom shade. I did not realize it had metal connectors between the top and bottom ring. However, this may be a blessing in disguise since I have 4 tiers to my clip it up rather than three. I'll live with it for awhile and see if it works.

I am using my clip-it-up to organize my acrylic stamps, embossing folders and possibly my Cricut cartridges on it. I've run out of clips so my clip-it-up is looking a little sparce but overall I am just delighted with this project. Now all I need is a few more clips and a finial for a decorative touch.

Final tally:
$15 -- lamp
$7 -- shade from thrift store. Top rung was free
$14--bottom shade from Target
$8--estimate for 40 Clip-it-Up clips
$8--threaded rod
$3--estimate for washers, nuts and the like

$55 TOTAL. A savings of almost $140! PRICELESS!!!



Thanks for stopping by . . .

Yoli