Another DIY Adirondack Set on the Cheap

by Johnnie Collier

We are so excited building things for our new abode! Directly across the street is a lovely, wildflower, rabbit, squirrel and bird abundant park. We’ve decided to rid our lives of cable t.v., which affords us way more extra time than I realized, or care to admit. Instead of vegging out to the news upon awakening, we enjoy our morning coffee on the front porch in our super comfy adirondack set that we built with our own hands! We are forced to be more present and enjoy one another and nature more than ever, but the benefits of minimizing screen time are out of the scope of this article. I just want to talk about awesome adirondack-ness!

This whole set took us a week, a few hours a day or so. We built the exact same set we shared in this DIY Adirondack Set post, so you can find the plan there.

We changed the color scheme. I used Rustoleum Vintage Teal for the table. I found outdoor pillows at Walmart for $5 each that tied everything together!

Here is the first chair finished. Notice all the screw holes we had to fill before painting! I prefer Fast’N Final by DAP.

For the chairs and stools, I used Rustoleum Chalked in Linen White. It took 3 coats, which in my experiences is a lot for chalk paint. All in all, I am happy with the product and will use it again.

All five pieces were sealed with Minwax Polycrylic Water Based Protective Finish. It is my go to!

We love our new set, and our mornings spent together, present and peaceful!

DIY Wood Shim Bookcase

by Johnnie Collier

Whether it’s shiplap or pallet wood, rustic farmhouse-inspired accents and furnishings are on trend. But before you head out to find expensive aged wood, try this wood shim tutorial instead. You’ll find out how to incorporate that farmhouse signature look without breaking the bank with this simple, inexpensive and removable DIY for any bookcase.

You’ll only need one tool, a handful of materials and a couple of hours to elevate a plain bookcase into something so much more. Stacked alternating wood shims provide the texture, and a plywood base gives you the option to attach the panels using tape, making this DIY removable and commitment-free.

Supplies

For this project, you’ll need:

A bookcase (We choose one in a modern style, but you can use one that matches your home’s decor)
(1) 1/4”x 2 x 4 sanded plywood sheet
2-4 packages of 15” cedar shims
Wood glue
Grey tone wood stain
Paintbrush
Mounting tape
Jigsaw
C-clamps
Tape measure
Pencil

Step One: Pick Up a Modern Bookcase

Finding the right bookcase for this project is all about maintaining visual balance. The clean, modern shape of this bookcase is the perfect backdrop to showcase the natural, rustic quality of the cedar shims.

Since this project involves attaching wood panels to your bookcase, you’ll want to make sure that the bookcase you buy can support the amount of wood you want to add without becoming too heavy. It helps to start out with a lightweight bookcase and limit the wood shims to just the back panels of the bookshelf. Assemble your bookcase and measure the size of the space you want to cover using your tape measure.

Step Two: Cut the Wood to Size

Take that measurement and trace it onto the plywood sheet twice. Cut out both rectangles using the jigsaw and set aside.

Next, you’ll need to determine the pattern you want for the wood shim accent panels. You can choose a classic brick pattern, basket weaving pattern or a simple alternating stacked pattern. I chose the latter because it followed the lines of the bookcase and provided a higher-quality finish. Mark and cut each cedar shim to match the width of the cut plywood rectangles. You’ll want to alternate thick and thin sides when stacking to maximize the play on texture and the farmhouse feel. You may need to cut the last wood shim lengthways to finish out the space. Go slow when cutting with the jigsaw to reduce any wood splitting or chipping.

Step Three: Glue and Stain

Once you cut all of your wood shims, you can begin adhering them to the cut plywood pieces. Brush a light coating of wood glue onto the back of the shims and press them down onto the wood backing. Be sure to immediately clean up any excess glue that leaks out, as it can affect how the wood stain reacts with the wood. Clamp another piece of wood to the top of the wood panel to provide consistent, even pressure while the glue dries overnight. An optional improvement is to use small finishing nails to secure the wood shims to the plywood base.

The next day, you can start applying the wood stain to the wood panels in light, even coats. Let the stain sit and penetrate the wood for a few minutes before wiping up the excess stain. I used about two coats to achieve my look. Allowing some of the natural cedar tones to show underneath will give the wood that authentic farmhouse quality. The stain will need to dry for a few hours before you can resume handling.

Step Four: Attach the Accent Panels

Cut several strips of mounting tape and apply them directly to the bookcase section where the wood panels will sit. Pop in your wood panels and press firmly for a few minutes to ensure a tight bond. Add a few books or decor items, and your farmhouse-inspired bookcase is done!

Mateo Londono is a longtime contributor to the Krrb blog who also writes for The Home Depot. He likes to create DIY projects and provide step-by-step instructions like he did in this article. To find a bookcase that you can add your own personal touch to, visit The Home Depot to see their selection of bookcases.

DIY Birthday Decor Balloon Photo Display

by Johnnie Collier

Birthday Party Decor PIN

Add a personal touch to your birthday party decor, with this simple, quick and inexpensive DIY balloon photo display! This project can be translated to fit any celebration or holiday. Use photos of the happy couple for a golden anniversary celebration, or for wedding reception decor. Here you will see adult female birthday party decor, but use your imagination. The possibilities are endless, especially if you have a Balloon Time Helium Tank, allowing you to bring whimsy anytime, anywhere! Let’s get this party started…

For this project, you will need the following supplies:

Balloon Time Helium Tank

Balloon Time Helium Tank

Balloons in your color choice

Ribbon to tie off balloons

Photos to display

Glue dots or adhesive of your choice

DIY Photo Display Using Balloons FB

To create your own balloon photo display, follow these instructions:

Begin by printing off your favorite photos to go with the occasion. I edited photos in Photoshop to give them a black and white, framed Instagram type feel. I created a file sized to 8.5 x 11 inches and pulled each edited photo to the new file. Then I took them to my local big box office supply store and had them print 2 copies of the file on white card stock. It was $1.40 total! Cut them out and set them aside. You have 2 prints of each photo.

Inflating Balloon

Next, turn the green valve four times, counter clockwise. Slide the balloon neck over the black nozzle.

Balloon Inflating

Simply push down on the nozzle to inflate the balloon! So simple to use and convenient to have on hand for whimsical decor, any time.

Photo Display Ideas

Tie a knot in the balloon and attach ribbon to each balloon. Now you can use glue dots to adhere photos to the ribbon. Sandwich the ribbon between the 2 copies of each photo so that when the ribbon twirls with balloon movement, there won’t be a blank side.

That is it! Go grab a Balloon Time Helium Tank and show us what unique balloon displays you can create!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Balloon Time. The opinions and text are all mine.

DIY Slim Color Block Blanket Stand

by Johnnie Collier

As functional as it is chic, this blanket stand can hold several blankets while only taking up minimal floor space. The fun color block pattern adds some visual interest to your walls, and depending on the blankets, you can create a variety of interchangeable styles for your living room. Lean it against the wall by your couch for easy access to blankets on movie night and when the weather is warm, the blanket stand’s slim design stays out of the way.

Supplies:

Two 1 ½“ x 5’ pine handrails
Four ¾” x 14” wood dowels
Miter saw
Electric drill
¾” Forstner drill bit
Orbital sander
Sanding sheets (220 grit)
Wood glue
Four strap (or trigger) clamps
Rubber mallet
Paint and/or wood stain
Painter’s tape
Blankets!

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

This project calls for a slim ladder profile with a modern, clean look. Because of this, I went with round wood stock and dowels, as they are lightweight but still sturdy enough to support the weight of a few blankets. Handrails work perfectly for the sides of the ladder because they have a flat side that can butt up against the wall without rolling.

Step 2: Cut the Handrails to Size

Using a miter saw, cut the two pieces of handrail material down to five feet in length, and the dowels, which will serve as the ladder rungs, into 14 inch pieces. To help keep the blanket stand propped up against the wall at the right angle, miter the bottom end of both handrails.

Step 3: Sand and Prep

A quick sanding with an orbital sander will clean up any splintering on the ends and prepare the wood for paint and stain.

Step 4: Drill the Holes for the Rungs

To make sure the holes are even, clamp the handrails together and mark out the placement for the ladder rungs. Leave enough space between the ladder rungs so that the blankets can fit. Once you have the placement marked, use a ¾-inch forstner bit to drill one inch into the handrails on both pieces. A forstner bit drills neat-flat bottom holes that are more precise than what you can usually accomplish with your standard drill bits or spade bits. The flat bottom holes will allow the dowels to fit securely and ensure the ladder rungs maintain equal length. Use some scrap sandpaper to clean out the holes and remove any stray wood curls.

Step 5: Assemble the dowels
Squeeze some wood glue into the drilled holes and use a rubber mallet to gently tap the dowels into place. Repeat the process for the other handrail to bring both sides of the ladder together.

Step 6: Let the Rungs Set
To ensure a strong glue bond, use 4 flexible strap clamps (or adjustable trigger clamps) to place pressure on the joints. Clean up any excess glue and leave the clamps on until the glue dries, usually eight to 24 hours.

Step 7: Apply the Color Block
Now that your ladder is constructed, you can begin adding a fun color block pattern. I went with a combination of finishes that draws your eye up, going from a dark matte grey, into a glossy green, into a light white stain that shows off the wood grain. Use paint-block painter’s tape to keep your paint and stain edges clean and straight.

Step 8: Find the Perfect Spot, and Enjoy!
Lean the blanket stand up against the wall and place your blankets on the ladder rungs. Have fun experimenting with different colors, textures and patterns to see what works best in your space!

Mateo Londono is an avid DIYer and vegan cook who has a passion for improving and personalizing homes with cool projects. Mateo and this DIY are featured here on the TenX Homes site, where you can find out more about creating your own unique space. You can also visit The Home Depot to find other wall decor accents to make your home your own.

Glam Up Mother Nature for a Naturally Beautiful Holiday

by Johnnie Collier

A foraging trip outdoors starts the holidays off right. It’s a sure-fire way to pick some holiday spirit, and an even better way to save your money for gifts for your loved ones rather than spending it on decor.

Combine your store-bought sparkle with nature’s bounty for beautiful decorations that don’t break the bank. Low- to no-cost natural elements are the perfect addition to your decoration collection for decorating the mantle, tabletop and tree.

Turn collecting natural goodies into a scavenger hunt with the kids. Gather various sizes of pinecones, acorns, bare branches, evergreens and berries. If you don’t have any evergreens outside, you can stop anywhere fresh Christmas trees are sold and get the discarded lower branches for a low cost, or possibly for free. These work just fine to cut up for decorations. Finally, add in goodies from the grocery store like apples, popcorn, cranberries or citrus fruits. Now you’ve got the recipe for a pretty holiday home. It’s time to start decorating!

Nature on Display

Start with what you already own. Clear vases or jars, cake stands, baskets and plates turn into decorations with a bit of creativity.

Create an ornament display that is sure to become a focal point. Collect bare branches and dig into your ornament collection. Tying the baubles on bare limbs makes them stand out and really come to life. Do something as simple as these red balls on one branch, or collect several branches to place in a row of jars. You could even get a large multi-limbed branch to stand in a large floor vase.

You can also fill glass containers with pinecones and acorns. Add a bit of glam by dusting them with glitter or fake snow. Try tucking a few tiny ornaments in the glass container, too—look for a really interesting one to highlight, such as a tiny pair of ice skates or a darling little Santa.

Holiday Arrangement

Create a floral-shop worthy display with a combination of your natural found items and produce. This wonderfully scented decoration is easy to make. Gather up apples, oranges, whole cloves, pinecones and greenery. Select a container—a basket or bowl will work.

Begin by pushing the cloves into the oranges in any pattern you like. If your basket or bowl is very deep, stuff the bottom of it with some balls of paper. First, set in your oranges, toward the center. Arrange pinecones and apples around the oranges. Cut small pieces of greenery and tuck them in between the fruit to hide gaps or any paper that shows. Finish by accenting here and there with a bit of something bright. You can add a few tiny ornaments, colorful cranberries, sprigs of holly or a dusting of fake snow.

Tabletop Centerpiece

A low centerpiece is just the ticket for holiday dinners because you want to be able to see over it and enjoy conversations with family and friends. You can make a beautiful, simple one with your natural collection and some shiny ornament balls.

Collect pinecones, fall leaves, greenery, ornaments and a bit of paint. Check your paint stash for holiday shades of gold, silver, white, copper or red. Choose one you think compliments your ornaments. Paint the fall leaves and a few pinecones and allow the paint to dry. Leave some of the pinecones natural.

Use a flat plate or tray to hold your centerpiece. Snip evergreens in small pieces and arrange flat to cover the plate or tray. Arrange large pinecones in the center and then add the ornaments to the plate. Tuck tiny pinecones and the painted leaves around the large cones and balls.

Let It Shine

Holiday parties and family gatherings are a celebration and celebrations call for candles. Natural elements can come into play with candles. Here are a few ideas:

Place a few cranberries and snips of greenery in a jar. Add water and drop a floating candle in the top. Add glamour by nestling them in some shiny bead garland or silvery icicles.
Place fresh cranberries in a tall vase. Nestle a candle into the berries. Tie a pretty ribbon around the vase.
Arrange three to five tiny votive candles on a plate with a rim. Surround them with fresh cranberries, whole nuts and acorns.

Strings of Fun

Generations of families have enjoyed stringing popcorn on thread to decorate their tree. While you can certainly do just popcorn, it’s fun to give it a glamourous touch, like adding shiny gold jingle bells or a small ornament every so often. Don’t stop with just popcorn – you can string cranberries and even gummy candies!

After the holidays are over, don’t toss out the strings of popcorn and berries. Hang them on bushes in the yard and enjoy watching the birds have a winter feast.

As an organizational expert, Lea Schneider helps homeowners get organized, but also dabbles in decorating. She provides some great tips on using nature to decorate for the holidays. Visit the Home Depot to find a great selection of Christmas decorations.

How to Make Jewelry From Flattened Pennies

by Johnnie Collier

This post has been a long time coming. At this point, I can’t even recall what inspired me to smash pennies and turn them into jewelry, but something did and here we are. I will walk you through the interesting, not entirely legal process I used. Please note that in no way am I encouraging anyone to break the law, or to go anywhere near railroad tracks. The Midnight Rider controversy is no joke. While cute, this jewelry is not worth dying for, so be smart.

SUPPLIES:

Pennies or other coins

Clear masking tape

Jump rings

Jewelry Hole punch

jewelry rivets

Vintaj metal paints

Lisa Pavelka Resin Magic Glos

Magic Glos UV Resin, by Lisa Pavelka

Sizzix machine

Butterfly rings Sizzix Die

Media Mixage Triangle Dies

Media Mixage Circle Dies

Vintaj Vogue Stamping Blanks, Triangle 14mm

Your favorite embossing folders

eyelet setter

ear wire

Jewelry pliers (2 pair)

Paint brush or sponge dauber
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
Non-metal bowl
Paper towels

TUTORIAL:

This is the sketchy part. SBLC assumes no responsibility for any injuries that may occur. That said, this is also the super fun part. Tape the coins to the railroad track as shown in the photo. Not taping them just means searching needlessly after the train has passed, since they get thrown from their original location during the process. The tape keeps them in place.

This is what y0u will have when you retrieve your now flattened pennies. Flat, but yucky, right? No problem. To clean the little guys, pour the vinegar into the bowl and stir in salt. Put about 5 pennies into the solution and let them soak for about 10 seconds. Use a toothbrush and running water to remove debris and rinse clean.

They don’t have to be perfect.

Emboss your pennies and die cut into jewelry shapes. Here i cut the flattened and embossed pennies into circles and attached Vintaj Vogue Stamping Blanks Triangle 14mm using a rivet. Just hole punch the penny circles, insert rivet through triangle and circle, set with eyelet setter and attach jump ring and ear wires. Done!

For this pendant, I die cut a ring with the Sizzix butterfly rings die – a favorite die of mine. I cut a triangle with another embossed flattened penny and painted it using vintaj patina paints for metal. Once the paint was dry, I applied Magic Glos UV Resin, by Lisa Pavelka. I love the domed resin look. You can put this in direct sunlight to cure, or cure it in 10 minutes using Lisa Pavelka’s UV light. I went the 10 minute route! It’s been awhile since I used that stuff, and I forgot how fun it is.

This piece is comprised of a Vintaj metal blank (the background circle) and a flattened penny triangle that I painted with Vintaj Patina. I didn’t seal it. I enjoy the simplicity of the circle/triangle, and love the colors together. After applying the paint, go over the triangle lightly with medium grit sand paper to reveal the raised areas created by embossing previously.

Visit here for more RESIN JEWELRY TUTORIALS

What do you think? Do you have a less illegal method for flattening pennies? Can your rope your husband into doing it for you, like I did?

You can use any coin, by the way. I just like copper.

I’d love to see what you can do with flattened coins. If you don’t have a die cut machine, you can cut shapes with metal shears or tin snips for your own custom creations! Happy crafting!

How to Make a Gorgeous Fall Wreath

by Johnnie Collier

It has been way too long since I made and shared a DIY wreath project with you all. That is why I am a super stoked about today’s simple, cheap tutorial – a gorgeous gilded wreath to adorn your front door. You are going to need just a few supplies and an hour to create your very own. Let’s get started!

SUPPLIES:

Plastic or foam pumpkins and gourds (I got mine for 50% off at Michaels)

Krylon Dual spray paint in metallic gold, or your favorite color

A wreath form, or cardboard with and scissors(I used a pizza box)

Hot glue gun and sticks

Ribbon to coordinate with your paint choice

Drop cloth or old sheet to protect surface from overspray

Begin by laying out your pumpkins on the drop cloth. This project is best done outside since you will be spray painting.

Spray pumpkins per instructions on can. Make sure you are using paint that has primer in it. If not, you will need to prime the pieces first. I love Krylon Dual because it has paint and primer in one. It is my go to product for spray painting.

Now for the wreath form. I showed you how to make your own from cardboard in this DIY Poinsettia Wreath tutorial. For this project, I wrapped the cardboard wreath form in duct tape for durability since I planned to hang the wreath outdoors.

Before attaching the painted, dry pumpkins, place the ribbon around the wreath. Hot glue it into place, then begin attaching pumpkins.

It’s as easy as that!

TIP: For more cohesiveness, once all the pumpkins are in place, use the same spray paint to spray the wreath form where it is visible in the spaces.

For more of our festive wreaths, click:

Saved by Love Creations DIY Wreath Tutorials

DIY Industrial Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

by Johnnie Collier

We needed a coffee table, and I found the perfect-ish plan on Ana White’s website. I used her Factory Cart Coffee Table Plan, with some size adjustments that I will explain. I wanted my table longer and not as wide as hers. You will also learn how to make the less expensive casters with plastic wheels look like the more expensive versions with some spray paint. This project cost less than $50!

I am in love with how the table came out. So, where Ana’s plan shows 23.5 inches, I used 23 inches. Where she used 44 inches, I used 49 inches, and where she used 45.5, I used 51.5.

For the top planks, I used 1×4 cedar fence planks I found on craigslist for free! 14 of them fit in the frame I made, with a tiny gap (less than 1/8 inch) in between each plank. I eyeballed the space. You could use a wood shim, or some other uniform object that is the same width as your desired space.

This shows the 4 support 1×2 boards, and how I attached the 1×6 23 inch boards using Kreg jig pocket holes.

I attached the top planks to the supports below using my Ryobi Cordless Air Nailer and 2 inch nails. This nailer is a life saver and second only to my Kreg jig in terms of my favorite tools!

I filled the nail holes and any other defects with wood puddy and let that dry over night. I then sanded the table down with my orbital sander and applied Minwax Wood Conditioner. I love to use this before staining, particularly in projects with a combo of new and old wood like this one. It makes the wood take the stain beautifully and evenly. So glad I used it here!

After the wood conditioner penetrated for 15 minutes, I stained the piece with my current favorite color, Minwax Classic Grey. This post is not sponsored by Minwax, btw! I just love their wood finishing products!

I sealed the piece with Minwax Satin Polyurethane, three coats, per the instructions on the can.

I couldn’t find the exact casters I wanted, so I bought these 5 inch diameter casters with grey rubber wheels. I removed the wheels from the metal bracket and spray painted them with Krylon Dual in Black Hammered. It bonds to plastic and requires no primer. Just my kind of spray paint!

I love the warm tone of the cedar with the Classic Grey stain!

This is just what I wanted for the space. So happy with the result, and the low cost was a bonus.

Let me know if you have questions!

How to Build a Dog Feeding Station

by Johnnie Collier

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of DAP Products Inc. for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today you get free woodworking plans and distressed painting instructions to build this custom dog feeding station. All of the wood in this project was scored in the Craigslist free section. I literally stalk this section daily, which has paid off in spades over the years!

Saint Bernarnd Puppy

This project is for our friend’s irresistibly adorable Saint Bernard puppy, Willy (above). You can easily adjust the height to fit your animal just right. This was my first time using DAP® RapidFuse™ Wood Adhesive, which I am excited about for many reasons. You will be too! Let’s get started.

Tools and Materials list:

Identical food and water bowls (They don’t have to be the same size as ours, but need to fit in the space dictated by the width of the wood you are using for the top).

DAP® RapidFuse™ Wood Adhesive

¾ inch finished-one-side plywood – 10 feet

Kreg Jig and 1.5 inch Kreg screws

1.5 inch x 0.25 inch trim strips (Or desired wood for trim)

Glue, Pencil, paper, Scissors

Table saw and Jig Saw

Nail gun

Drill

Craigslist free section gave us a section of ¾ quarter inch finished plywood in perfect shape. The piece was dry, flat, hole-free, and large enough to cut out all the pieces.

The first thing to do is to build the basic box using the ¾ plywood. Here are the dimension for each piece:

(2 Pieces) Front/Back – 12” x 23”

(2 Pieces) Sides – 12” x 12”

(1 Piece) Top – 12” x 21.5”

Cut Bowl opening in Top.

Willy’s bowls were the stainless steel, slightly tapered ones with a little ¼ inch lip around the top edge. The trick is to cut the opening so that it is large enough that the bowl slips all the way down in but small enough that it catches the lip of the bowl. Seems simple but because of the slight taper it is a little tricky. Here’s the way I found easiest.

Woodworking project plans Get the bowl into position. For mine each bowl opening ended up being 3.25 inches apart in the center and 7.5 inches in diameter. You can set them however you want visually. Once in place, trace a line around the upside down bowls.

Drill hole for Jig Saw

Use your drill and drill a hole inside the circle large enough for your jig saw blade to pass through.

Insert Jigsaw blade

Using your jig saw cut out the circle you traced on to the top. The trick is to cut the opening so that it is large enough that the bowl slips all the way down in but small enough that it catches the lip of the bowl. If you prefer not to eyeball it, draw a circle inside the traced circle. If you’re like me, I had to do a little finishing touch with the saw and the sandpaper, in order to get the bowls to sit down nicely in the hole. BE CAREFUL don’t get happy with the cutting and make the hole too big. You don’t want the bowl to fall through!

Drill Kreg holes into each piece as follows:

Top
Sides

Use Kreg Jig to Join Wood

For more info on using this jig, see my previous post: How to Make a Pallet Sign Using a Kreg Jig

Assembly – Time to put it all together and talk about wood glue!

Wood Glue Tips

I had the opportunity to try out DAP® RapidFuse™ Wood Adhesive, and I won’t go back to other wood glues! After just 30 minutes, you can plane, sand and stain wood. No more waiting 24 hours. No more not being able to stain. The stuff is also water resistant, so it’s great for indoor and outdoor projects. The joint is stronger than with yellow glue or polyurethane glue, and doesn’t swell, shrink or crack! There is no other glue like it. Seriously.

Wood Glue Application

Apply a line of glue on the side piece.

Attach with Kreg Jig

Attach the side pieces to the front piece first using the 1.5 inch Kreg screws.

Next, attach the TOP piece so that it sits inside the sides and flush with the top edge of the front piece. Also attach the top to the side pieces.

Lastly, attach the back piece in the same way you did the front piece.
Attach top last

Now you have a box that is extra sturdy, with a recessed top that has holes in it to sit the bowls.

Attach Mitered Trim

1. Trim – We decided to cut mitered trim pieces around the perimeter of the Top to cover the little seam and just add a little “finished” look. It’s totally optional. We make our own trim board by using the table saw with the fence set to about ¼ inch and then we rip 1.5 wide boards. You can buy trim board already cut if you prefer. We also mitered the corners but you can butt them if you don’t have confidence in your mitering skill. Just do it like you’re cutting a picture frame and attach it to the box with glue and then small brads in the nail gun.

Sand edges Before painting, sand any uneven areas. How to Chalk Paint Distress Wood

1. Paint – We wanted a distressed look, and decided to go with a stained top, painted bottom. This is a super easy paint distressing technique that you can apply to any project.

Stain top

I stained the top with Wood Finishing Cloths. These are super convenient as they aren’t as messy as using stain from a can, and they contain sealant!

Dry Brush for DIY Weathered Wood Finish
Tape off the top (pictured below). Apply your first base coat color randomly on all sides. This is fun because you paint in every which way, quickly and messily!

Dry Brush on Second Color

Once the first color is dry, apply the second color in the same fashion. I realized at this point I needed to tape off the top so I wouldn’t get paint on the stained area.

Apply Final Paint Color with Wooden Block

A block of wood is a great tool for creating a chippy paint look. You can use a piece of scrap wood, or this fancy distressing tool with a handle. Just get a glob of paint on the wood, and drag it across your surface, repeating until you are happy with the result.

Create Stencil with Cricut and Paint Name

Finally, I created a stencil with my cricut machine and cut it out of white contact paper. I used a dark gray/black chalk paint for this part, applying it with a paint dauber.

DIY Dog Feeding Station Tutorial

Seal as desired and you are finished!

How to Make a Dog Feeding Station FB

Thanks to DAP for the great new woodworking product. I will be keeping up with them here: DAP Facebook, and for sure using RapidFuse in my future builds!

Upcycle Coffee Sleeves into Gorgeous Jewelry

by Johnnie Collier

Today I am sharing with you this great coffee sleeve upcycle. With the amount of coffee I drink, the sleeves were starting to pile up. I saved them, knowing one day, inspiration would strike and I would repurpose them. The idea to create jewelry from them came to me over the weekend as I was sorting through my Sizzix dies. These are easily customizable to coordinate with any style. Follow along and make your very own!

SUPPLIES:

Coffee Sleeves

Acrylic Paint (I used Distress Paint)

Asymmetric Rings Sizzix Die

Butterfly and Rings Sizzix Die

Mod Podge Antique

Non-Stick Craft Mat

Markers to coordinate with paint(I used Distress Marker – Vintage Photo)

Jump rings

Toggle clasp

Ear wires

2 pairs of jewelry pliers

INSTRUCTIONS:

Unfold coffee sleeve.

Randomly apply your favorite acrylic paint colors.

I went for a warm and cool color range.

Once paint is dry, cut out rings with sizzix as shown. If you don’t have a sizzix, you can cut by hand, or use paper punches.

Seal pieces for durability. I dipped them in Mod Podge antique finish.

Brush away excess Mod Podge and let dry.

Mark around the inner and outer edges of the rings. On the left is before marking, the two on the right have been marked around the edges.

Use various jump rings to attach rings for earrings and bracelets as shown.

I am in love with these pieces! Super easy and cheap to make. You could also use the die cut coffee sleeve shapes in your mixed media art.

Another DIY Adirondack Set on the Cheap

DIY Wood Shim Bookcase

DIY Birthday Decor Balloon Photo Display

DIY Slim Color Block Blanket Stand

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Step 2: Cut the Handrails to Size

Glam Up Mother Nature for a Naturally Beautiful Holiday

How to Make Jewelry From Flattened Pennies

SUPPLIES:

TUTORIAL:

Visit here for more RESIN JEWELRY TUTORIALS

How to Make a Gorgeous Fall Wreath

SUPPLIES:

DIY Industrial Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

How to Build a Dog Feeding Station

Top
Sides

For more info on using this jig, see my previous post: How to Make a Pallet Sign Using a Kreg Jig

Upcycle Coffee Sleeves into Gorgeous Jewelry

SUPPLIES:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Meet Johnnie

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50+ Roundups

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Step 2: Cut the Handrails to Size

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TUTORIAL:

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For more info on using this jig, see my previous post: How to Make a Pallet Sign Using a Kreg Jig

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