Pantry Door and a New Years Resolution?

So, this could prove to be a pretty boring post about some random New Years Resolution of which I am not particularly fond of advertising.  I tend to believe that if you advertise your new years resolution, it is a pretty good bet you aren’t going to follow through.  Let’s call this an excuse for a craft project.  One of the things that I don’t do well when I am focused (and sometimes consumed) with work is to cook regular dinners.  So, one of the things I spent my break doing is checking out different recipes on line and pinning them to my pinterest board for future use.  I have actually already made a few of them.  And, spent some time at the book store selecting the right combination of cook books for making healthy and quick meals.  The reality is that I like to make much more than I cook, but I have figured out that I can’t survive on the products I bake alone.  Wait…let’s take that back.  I can survive on the results of my baking; not so sure it would look good on me!

Back to the story…one of the things I have learned is that if I don’t plan ahead my meals, then I tend to go for the quick and easy out of the box when I get home rather than something more well balanced.  In order to better plan, I decided I needed some visual menu (reminder) of what is planned for each night.  There in lies the craft part….

I decided to make a menu board out of the door to my pantry.  Still up for debate whether I like it or not or whether I need to add more to the creation (a few cricut vinyl letters might do the trick).

First, I purchased the vinyl sheets from JoAnn‘s that are removable and can be repositioned.  Then, I figured out where I wanted them on the door and after several trials and errors, got the right fit.  I wouldn’t recommend my approach which is the “that looks about right” approach.  Rather, I would create a template and then cut the vinyl from the template before removing the backing.  It would really make it much easier.  But, I am stubborn and was eager to play with the vinyl.  And, I am not that good at reading directions (or so I am told).

It’s a simple list of supplies that you will need:

• Adhesive Vinyl (photo below of brand that I used from Joann’s)
• Scissors
• Credit Card (not for a new purse either)
• Measuring Tape
• Template Paper or cardboard (if you desire)

Supplies Needed

Adhesive Vinyl That I Purchased

Things you should know:

• This vinyl is super sticky.  Only remove the backing as you work your way down the surface you are applying to.  Do not remove all the backing and then try to adhere.  I promise you that you will make a mess and say things you don’t want to.  Trust me.
• Reveal the top portion of the vinyl sticky back and smooth as you go down the surface removing the backing as you go.
• Continue to smooth as you go…lift up to get out air bubbles if they don’t push out with the credit card.
• Be patient.

Vinyl w/ Backing ... This is how it comes out of the package.

Sticky Mess - Proof that I didn't follow my own tips.

Vinyl Application Complete

Menu Board Complete

As I noted above, I think I might finish this off by using my new Cricut to cut the perfect vinyl letters to make this more permanent.  And, so far so good….three days and three home cooked meals.  Now, let’s see if we can keep this not so New Years resolution going.  :)