If there’s an opportunity for a secret room or hidden feature in a home, I take full advantage. If you’ve watched my show or follow me on Instagram, you might have caught on to the fact that I’m all about these special projects. Why not have some fun with the place you spend the most time in? My goal is to always add fun, functional, and unique features into a home. When it comes to #BuildYourHappy, it’s all about asking yourself what will make you smile…and that’s the best place to start. There've been many projects over the years, and today I’m sharing a handful of my favorite hidden projects that make me happy. So whether you’re gathering inspiration or in the middle of working on your own special home project, I hope these spark joy in one way or another. 1 | Hidden Pantry [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Jasmine-by-pantry.jpg?v=1687999007 %] [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Jasmine-in-pantry.jpg?v=1687999007 %] This secret pantry seen in Season 3, Episode 1 of “HELP! I Wrecked My House” will forever be a favorite. I love the styled shelves on the exterior of the door, and the spacious pantry once pushing it open. Instead of a standard pantry door, the shelves add a place for decor and storage. We were also able to make this pantry larger by taking space from the neighboring coat closet! 2 | Hidden Desk [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-kids-paintings.jpg?v=1687999007 %] [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Secret-Chairs.jpg?v=1687999007 %] I’m pretty proud of this one! From first glance, you wouldn’t think this is a desk, it simply looks like a piece of furniture that helps store and organize supplies, books, and crafts, right?! But the secret is, I had this custom built to create a hidden desk. The desk doesn’t take away from the dining room area, instead it creatively saves space. After the kiddos are done with homework or art projects, the family is able to push the chairs back in for that seamless, clean look once again. 3 | Hidden Nightstands [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Jasmine-in-front-of-cabinet.jpg?v=1687999007 image_2:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Jasmine-in-front-of-cabinet-open-drawer.jpg?v=1687999007%] The hidden projects continue! In Season 3, Episode 9 of “HELP! I Wrecked My House”, I incorporated a Murphy bed into an office. While that cleared up a lot of space in the room, I wanted something more. I decided on custom built-ins installed onto each side of the bed that created both a nightstand and small closet. You would never know these are here whether the bed is up or down. 4 | Hidden Pool Table [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Jasmine-by-Table.jpg?v=1687999007 %] [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-secret-pool-table.jpg?v=1687999007 %] Have you ever seen a dining room table that doubles as a pool table?! For a family of game-night lovers, I had to make this work. So when it’s time for dinner and hosting guests, the dining table exists, and when it’s time for some fun and friendly competition, the top of the table comes off to showcase the full-sized pool table. Not to mention, the pool sticks and billiard balls are hidden in the dining room bench. Pretty cool if I do say so myself. 5 | Hidden Play Area [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Countertop.jpg?v=1687999007 %] [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Jasmine-in-Cabinet-Room.jpg?v=1687999007 %] I like to think if I would’ve loved something as a child, then it’s totally worth incorporating into a home. This hidden play area is featured under a kitchen island, because, why not?! It’s a creative space for the kids to hang out, imagine, and create. I love this idea to save space but still have a dedicated space to play. [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Cabinet-Room.jpg?v=1687999007 %] 6 | Hidden TV [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Jasmine-looking-at-fireplace.jpg?v=1687999007 %] [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-Fireplace.jpg?v=1687999007 %] Sometimes you don’t want the TV to be the focal point of a room, I get it! On Season 2, Episode 3 of “HELP! I Wrecked My House”, this custom hidden TV was the star of the show. While I do love and utilize Frame TVs in projects, this takes it to the next level. Controlled by a remote, the artwork moves up and down covering the TV when it’s not being used. 7 | Hidden Playroom [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-hazel-in-secret-room.jpg?v=1687999007 %] [% article-gallery image_1:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1656/6339/files/Jasmines-Favorite-Secret-Rooms-Over-the-Years-hazel-sitting-in-secret-room-painting.jpg?v=1687999006 %] In one of my more recent projects, Camp Roth, I created a secret playroom in our basement. Removing the back of the dresser, I utilized the space under the staircase to create Hazel’s dream play area. So from the outside, you would never know there’s an entire room in here! This is definitely something my family and friends will enjoy and remember about our home. Are you looking to create your own secret room or hidden feature in your home? You’ll soon be able to book a virtual consulting session with me for advice, tips, and tricks! Sign up here to be the first to know.
Have you given in to the temptation that is...wallpaper? If not, maybe I can convince you to take a walk on the wild side. The good news? This ain't your mama's (or grandma's) plastered-on stuff. Even the "permanent" is pretty easily removed these days. Let me show you what I've got in my home, my
Today I'll be showing you my favourite neckline finish for knit fabrics. It's my personal method for sewing knit neckline bindings, and I prefer it to the standard method!
I'm so excited to share with you my newest TPT product! I'll be teaching a human body class this upcoming semester at our local co-op. I needed a human body project for kids in my class that will allow them to organize and store the information we learn. I came up with this file folder
Transform your porch, patio, or any outdoor area into a stunning space with my top fall outdoor decorating ideas and styling tips. I show you how to use seasonal flowers and rich foliage to add color and warmth. Discover creative ways to incorporate lanterns, candles, and string lights to enhance the ambiance. From planters to pathways, every detail is covered to make your space inviting. Be inspired and create a stunning fall space you and your guests will love! RealEstateSpice.com
Hello my lovelies, I’m excited to show you our first lapbook! I found all the components at homeschoolshare.com and I would highly recommend this website. There are LOADS of great lapbooks h…
Finally! The Taxonomy of my Music is complete! While I’m working on my Digital Art assignments I enjoy watching my favorite TV shows. I bring this up to help you get a sense for how long it t…
Dale Chihuly is one of my favorite glass artist. You see his work a lot here in the Northwest. He even had a piece on the Frasier TV show. But not all of us can do blown glass. I really like wh…
When it comes to my Transformations unit in Geometry, I have a mini-project that I like to use. First, I show different company logos in class and we talk about the different transformations we see
Learn to sew a Zipper. This tutorial with show you How to Sew a Zipper in 3 different ways so you can install a zipper in a bag, on a dress, on a pillow...
I was invited to co-host One Hour DIY this week! This was an opportunity to show a quick and fun project you can do in about 1 hour. I considered doing a stenci…
Hey, friends! I'm coming to you today with my very favorite fiber arts projects! Teaching fiber arts is one of my very favorite things to teach, along with clay. This summer and fall, I put in HOURS creating THIS BOOK which will be due out this coming summer: You can preorder yourself a copy here if you are interested! But if you just can't wait, I thought I'd share some of my very favorite fibers projects right here today. Be sure and follow the links to the lessons as nearly all of them have how-to videos that are perfect for you and your students. Let's start with sewing! 1. These GIANT pizza pillows were such a hit last year with my students that I knew I had to do it again. Because I was wrapping my fibers book this past fall, I decided to kick off the school year with fibers. Usually, I'm all about fiber projects in the spring. This is how we displayed the pillows at last year's art show! This year, we also made both emoji and donut pillows (size: HUGE) but for details on those, you'll have to scoop up my book. 2. If you are looking for a beginner sewing project on a smaller scale, you might wanna try these stitched monsters on for size. My kids used Smart Fab fabric for the bodies but felt would work just fine. If you are curious what types of needles and thread I recommend, be sure and check out this blog post as well as the others where I break it down for you. 3. I learned embroidery from my grandma when I was in elementary school and I LOVED it. It felt so good to learn something so "adult" in my mind: creating a picture with needle and thread. I love sharing this experience with my students now too. You can read all about this Our School Has Heart fiber art's experience right here. This year, I decided to live dangerously and introduce embroidery to my second graders at the start of the school year...when they are still first graders, really. It was a bumpy start but they got it and loved it. This lesson can be found in my book but I did create this video a while back to help you troubleshoot stitching with kids: Actually, the above video was created for AOE during one of their online conferences! This is a couple years old but does walk you thru a lot of important details of all things fiber arts and kids. And here is my troubleshooting embroidery with kiddos video. I hope you find them helpful! 4. For even MORE details on sewing and embroidery, along with a book I strongly recommend, visit here! 5. Needle felting with kiddos is not something I do very often...but I do enjoy doing it! If you attempt needle felting with children, I'd make certain it's with a group of kids that understand the dangers of the needle felting tool and are responsible enough to handle it. As y'all know, I LOVE needle felting and have put in countless hours stabbing stuff. If you are interested in learning more about needle felting, start here. 6. One of the most popular lessons on this blog has been my string art lesson. This is based on a project I did in 5th grade and LOVED. My students have loved it just as much. I've created videos to walk you and your kids through this lesson so be sure and check out this blog post AND this blog post! 7. Paper weaving is a must when you introduce weaving to your students. But what to do with the paper weaving when finished? Last year, we made these woven owls and the kids loved them! Both this blog post and the one mentioned above have A TON of videos on teaching first graders (and up!) how to make a paper loom and weave. 8. Circle Loom Weaving has always been a huge hit! I normally do with my second graders in the spring but this year, I did it with third grade in the fall. I can't tell you how many videos I have on this! Be sure and check this blog post out if you have any questions about getting started. 9. Have you ever tried CD or Embroidery Hoop weaving? So fun and easy! Last year, my second graders tackled CD weaving instead of plate weaving. It was a great way to upcycle those stacks of CD's I'd been accumulating. This type of weaving takes less time than plate weaving as you don't have to spend two art classes painting the plates. They also look super pretty in the window when light hits the CD. Video and lesson details here! 10. Whenever I get stumped for a lesson, I just think back to the things I enjoyed creating as a kid. I remember the summer I spent at a vacation bible school learning straw weaving. So fun! My kids love this one too. Details and video here! 11. Want a lesson that packs a huge punch? Tree weaving teaches landscape painting, weaving and so much more! This lesson of mine has been another huge hit on my blog. I have many videos to walk you and your kids through this fun technique. You can find it here. 12. I have yet to meet a kid who didn't love making Ojos de Dios. Why not try expanding on that love by making BIG God's eyes?! We did that here! 13. Pouch Weaving used to be one of my all time favorite things to teach. Because it is complex, I created an entire series of weaving videos for you and your students, including how to create that cool cord. You can find the beginning of the series here. 14. Got yarn? Then you and your kiddos can yarn bomb! What a great activity for your early finishers too. 15. Shibori! I love shibori dying and so do my students. I created a video that explains EVERY one of these folding techniques and you can see it here. So, truth be told: I've been blogging for seven years and teaching for twenty. I KNOW I've left some great lesson links and videos off this list accidentally. So, you are wanting more, give my name and whatever type of fiber project you are interested in a google search...or search in the bar on the side of this blog. Because there are just so many fun fibers lessons out there. AND stay tuned for my book where there are even more!
Make beautiful nature art using sun print paper and natural items you can find in your own backyard. We'll show you how to create these gorgeous prints.
We have a fun new sewing project for you! I'm going to show you How To Reverse Applique Step By Step! I was reminded the other day about these shirts my mom used to make.
How to tie a knot in thread using a quilters knot video tutorial and photo tutorial! (Hi! Want more sewing how to tutorials just like this? Then don’t forget to check out my other sewing how to tutorials or my free easy sewing projects!) This tutorial will be showing you how to tie a knot […]
As much as I love the look of molding, I literally start to sweat when I know I’m about to take on a project that requires angled cuts. Precise measurements mak…
Homemade mozzarella sticks are easy to make! String cheese sticks are coated in batter and deep fried to golden, melted cheesy perfection. I've also included my favorite small batch marinara sauce recipe for dipping.
Hello everyone! Today is my day to post over at All Things Upper Elementary! Today I have posted about a SUPER fun lesson we did Monday using area, perimeter, problem solving and art! Stop by and check it out! Here is a “teaser” photo! Here is the link directly to the post . . . […]
It's no secret that I love C2C (Corner-to-Corner) crochet projects! And one question that has been asked several times is "how do you make your graphs?" In this post I show you exactly how I create my graphs (short answer is Excel and Photoshop) and I also give you links to other tools you can
This step-by-step block printing lesson teaches how to do linocut and foam printing with your students complete with block printing supplies and videos.
In my opinion, Obsidian is one of the best writing tools out there. It doesn't matter if you want to use it for planning your story, writing down your characters' relationships, use it for world-building, or write the whole story! You can easily do all of these steps in Obsidian. This blog post show
The hottest new way to update your kitchen cabinets is here - It's time to try this! In my last house, I painted my kitchen white and shared a tutorial on the best way to paint kitchen cabinets. And I still stand by that tutorial! But, I've also found an
I went down a bit of a rabbit hole the other day, researching a local craft show. That led me to read its reviews on Yelp. Then I started reading reviews for other craft shows in my city. And then I moved on to big craft shows outside of my city. I ended up scanning...
Animal reports are a fun way to get young students excited about doing research. Today I wanted to show how I differentiate my animal research unit for kindergarten all the way up through fourth grade
Do you have backless dresses that simply WILL NOT work with a bra? Sometimes boob tape gets the job done but it has to be a good kind because some of the sticky…
There are multiple options to print.I created two sets with prompts, and one set without a prompt. Choose to print either "This year, I want to..." or "This summer, I want to..." depending on the time of year you are doing this project. There are 8 different sunglasses to choose from, making it supe...
In this hometalk post, I show you how my wife and I used old cedar fence pickets as wood planks on my workshop wall. Additionally, I explain how an existing poo…
I often get a question from my readers - how to sew straight? In this guide, I will show you how to easily keep stitching lines straight. I will talk about topstitching mostly because keeping seam allowances equal is a different topic. Have you ever had problems with crooked stitching lines? I bet you had. Even intermediate sewists are struggling sometimes to do it and had to rip and redo stitching. But sewing in a straight line is much simpler than you think. And I want to help you to sew straight every time.
We are finally turning a huge corner in our homeschool when it comes to writing! This year, my 1st and 2nd grader (pretty equal in their writing abilities) are starting to write more on their own. I'm excited to share some creative writing project ideas we've been doing that don't feel like school! They've actually
These 7 tips show how to make a room look bigger anywhere in your home. Learn how to open your space with paint, furniture, and more.
This is how the experts learn how to caulk like a pro. Follow these quick and easy steps (with pictures) and you can learn too.
The artist Seurat showed us how a simple dot can create great art! Introduce kids to the science of color with these Georges Seurat art projects for kids.
