wood paneled frame

I absolutely love the idea of signs you can change with the season - be it picture frames, chalkboards, cute bunting... It saves a lot of time (and money) - and can also be much easier to match to your home decor.

I saw similar frames on Pinterest - and knew I wanted to make one for the upcoming holidays.

This project is SO easy (no hardware!) - and can probably be completed with things you already have laying around your garage.

I started by digging out an old antique frame out of the collection my father in law had given me.  The one I used is about 2'x3' - I wanted it large enough to hold a wreath.

I primed it with Kilz spray primer, then spray painted it (Heirloom White Rustoleum 2x spray).

I then cut my scrap wood to fit the frame, stained it (Minwax 'Dark Walnut') and distressed with with my electric sander.

I simply stapled the wood slats together so give them a little security, and used wood glue to attach to the back of the frame.

Clamped it together and let dry overnight.  I decided not to use any hanging hardware, since I will be using a cookbook stand to display it, in case I want to switch up the direction it lays.

I absolutely LOVE it and know it will get lots of use in the months to come!  (Cross is from Hobby Lobby).  

I'd love to see your pictures if you decide to try your own version!

xoxo

Fathers Day DIY

I hope all you Dads had a wonderful Father's Day!! My family headed to Maine for a wedding (which was SO much fun), so we gave my husband his gift early... First off, I must say, he is VERY hard to shop for.  I knew I would give him a typical homemade "footprint" gift - but now that Vinnie is eager to help build things, I thought it'd be awesome to make something Anthony could USE for years to come!

I decided we would make him a bar cart for our front porch.

I started with this:

I first separated the two pieces, removed the particle board bottom slat, and thoroughly sanded it down...

Then came the fun part!  Here's what I used...

I added wheels onto the bottom of the cart (two locking, two free)

I stained the whole piece with Dark Walnut, and poly'ed all but the top and two sides...

I used this awesome spray and sprayed the top of the piece and two handles... 2-3 coats and it looked perfect!  The finish is amazing!

I then sprayed both sides with this chalkboard paint - I understand many people are "over" the chalkboard trend, but I am not! Especially with a little one around - I say, bring it on!

I reattached the hardware, filled a galvanized bucket with craft beer, wheeled it on the porch, and that was that!  I am SO happy with how it came out! I hope it gets lots of use this summer!  

xoxo

distressed robin's egg

Pinterest is addicting... I swear I find at least 20 projects, daily, that I want to replicate! This is one of them...

My inspiration... Though, I wasn't going to go for such a severe finish.

My girlfriend picked this dresser up and decided it wasn't her style, so I happily headed over to her house to load it up! 

(This gem, right here)

Here's what I needed to finish it!

First off, I knew I needed to add legs... One of the easiest ways to transform a piece of furniture.  Not to mention, SO affordable!  These legs ran $3.25/each, and the casters were another $2.78/each...

Hardware can add up... Quickly.  My first memorable project last spring was a $1 stool for the foot of the bed I found at a flea market... The hardware I bought to replace existing ended up costing $48.  Kind of defeats the purpose, so I'm all about salvaging existing, if possible! I sprayed the pulls and knobs on this bureau with "hammered" look chestnut rustoleum... On such a small scale as this, the effect isn't crazy, and it works SO well to "antique" up otherwise boring metal.

I sanded down the drawers and bureau, and primed with Kilz... While primer was drying, I stained unfinished legs with walnut stain, and attached casters to the bottom of bureau.

(I apologize for the lack of progression pics... I was on a mission to start this, then hit the beach while the paint set!)

After primer dried, I sprayed all (except the top) with heirloom white, then robins egg blue.

Once I got home, I was ready to stain and distress!  I simply used 100 grit sandpaper and the claw end of my hammer... 15 minutes later, I was happy! I went over claw marks with a q-tip dabbed in walnut stain, then quickly wiped off with a shop rag... Then smoothed all over with 150 sandpaper 

And my electric sander...

I finished it off by staining raw wood on top with the same stain and clear glossy polyurethane!

Finished and happy in the guest room!  Perfect place to store fresh towels and sheets!

Happy Sunday!!

xoxo

$5 rustic shelf

$5 makeovers seem impossible... But they are NOT!!!

I had a ton of projects in the works today, and needed a "quickie" to occupy my down time... You know the kind.... 

 While at Home Depot I picked up two brackets.... I said to the poor soul waiting on me, "I don't need fancy.... The cheaper the better."  

I got the two I needed for less than $5. I had he scrap wood waiting for me at home.

All I had to do was paint cheesy brackets and stain wood... I used these;

My favorite products/shades I always have on hand!

Two coats on each.... Easy enough!

Then I had my amazing husband anchor each bracket into the wall. A million swear words later, she was up and level! I didn't intend to use this shelf for anything too heavy, so the stained plywood is just resting on top!

Love it!! 

I tossed on a few pieces, and voila!  $5, 1 hour, and a husband headache later and you have a sweet shelf that looks like it costs way more than it actually did!

xoxo

winter grey

I picked up this corner table last summer at a yard sale... For $1!  

I always love going to yard sales later in the day - because even if I miss the best stuff - people are typically pretty eager to let what's left go for CHEAP!

I had sprayed it yellow months ago -  but it definitely didn't do anything for me - so I decided to freshen it up a bit...

I sanded it down, primed it, sprayed it and sanded it again.

One final coat and I am in love!  I even dressed her up with a beautiful new crystal knob.

Xoxo

diy growth chart

Let me start by saying this is the EASIEST and one of the cutest projects I have ever done!  

I've seen these in multiple stores - and for some reason they always carry a hefty price tag (I've seen some as pricey as $75... Ridiculous).  I knew I could make one totally custom (and certainly of better quality - since I would be able to handpick my lumber) - for a fraction of the cost.

I started with a gorgeous piece of birch wood - and cut it into a 6" wide by 4' tall board - and stained it.

Before the stain could set fully I wiped it down with a damp shop rag - let dry - and lightly sanded it.

I then made my "ruler" markings with a piece of chalk and my son's 6" Ninja Turtles ruler (work with what you've got!)...

I decided to start my chart at 1 1/2' - I wanted it raised off the ground - of course I assume my son will ultimately grow taller than 5'6" - but if he's still eager to be measured come high school... I'll cross that bridge then...

I went over my lines and numbers with cream colored acrylic craft paint and one of his destroyed Melissa&Doug paintbrushes... 

After the paint dried - I dry brushed another coat of stain over the entire board.

I hung it simply with two eye hooks, picture wire, and a 1/4" picture hanger...  Total cost of entire project - about $7!

I can't wait to put this board to work!!❤️

xoxo

rustic bureau makeover

Happy Mothers Day weekend!!  I just wanted to share a fun little makeover I finished today!

I am loving the look of weathered wood lately, and this little bureau was the perfect piece to try it on a larger scale!

I apologize for the lack of a good before picture - I know I took one, but have a feeling little Vinnie deleted it😁

You can see it there peeking out behind the desk - it was painted black and primed everywhere but drawers - I first sanded it down to bare bones, and let Vinnie clean it up for me.

I then started weathering it using the technique I shared last week... First stain, then a dry brush of cream colored acrylic paint.

Notice the cute little legs I added - I just spray painted them with the same color I sprayed the knobs I used.

Aftere the paint was set, I nailed on a piece of palette wood painted to match as a backboard and sanded down the whole piece.

Attached the dry knobs and there she is!

Have a great weekend!

Xoxo