home decor projects

Silhouette Gallery Wall & Other Vintage Home Decor Inspritation

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Last week I shared with you a hand painted distressed sign tutorial I wrote after documenting the creative process of a new friend, Pam from Little Red Porch. When I met her, I also met Hope, a soldering queen with one of my favorite homes in the world. In the near future you will get some video action that will make you a soldered jewelry master. For now, I am going to show you a glimpse of Hope’s infinite kick awesome DIY decor projects.

How about these harlequin patterned stairs with Joshua 24:15 painted on them? Are you with me? Check out this How to Paint Harlequin Pattern Tutorial from Home Depot. For the Text, just use letter stencils or vinyl cut outs with your die cut machine. Done.

Let’s move onto this eye catching gallery wall exclusively featuring black silhouettes. I love it! I haven’t tackled a gallery wall yet. It intimidates me, to be honest, but this one I can dig. I was so taken in by all the vintage farmhouse loveliness, that it wasn’t until editing this photo that I even noticed the black ornamental wood piece topping the doorway on the right of the image. That would be super simple to make from some plywood, a little black paint and a scroll or jig saw. Simple accent, check.

I spent a good chunk of the day with Hope, and eventually made my way into the bathroom. Upon entering, I made an about face and ran back to her studio for my camera. Love this room!

So inspiring! This little vignette makes me want to raid my lace and buttons for some mixed media fun.

This is a pretty simple concept. Just paint an old tray with chalkboard paint and tie a ribbon on the handle to display.

I was going to save the studio for the soldering post, and I still am for the most part. Here is a teaser. You will see the rest later. It is all this fabulous. To. Die. For.

50+ DIY Scripture/Inspirational Projects to Make

by Johnnie Collier

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I have always loved scripture verse and inspirational art, which is what today’s round-up contains. Having words that feed my soul displayed on the walls or dangling as a charm from my necklace helps keep me centered when life pulls in all of its directions. I am excited to share with you 50+ of my favorite DIY scripture art and inspiration projects. If you have a project that fits, send me a link so I can add it to the collection!

DIY Rustic Hand Painted Signs from Reclaimed Wood

by Johnnie Collier

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I was recently blessed to meet Pam, a local talent with a passion for hand painting rustic, inspirational signs. I have noticed her signs fly off of the shelf (or porch, more accurately). At the venue where we met, every sign I thought needed to come home with me was on hold, waiting for it’s lucky recipient. Pam is a busy mom, wife and small business woman who found the time to invite my husband and I into her lovely farmhouse for a day. As a result I get to bring you this detailed tutorial showing you how to make your own hand painted, distressed wood signs. Pam has an abundant supply of reclaimed wood and a rocking wood shop at her disposal, but you can make these without all of that. The best news is I have had several of you ask about die cut machines and how to make stencils for your signs without one. Pam does this with a cheap text editor on her computer, and a regular printer with black and white ink. Let’s get started!

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE TO TUTORIAL

DIY Storage Boxes from Recycled Pallets

by Johnnie Collier

DIY Numbered shipping pallet crates

Wanna make cool DIY storage boxes from old shipping pallets? That is what you will find here. This project came about because I have never really loved my tapered bookshelf and decided it was time to make it lovable. I found these DIY storage crates from pallets at Ana White, and came up with a plan to make small, medium and large ones to custom fit to my shelves. During the process of getting the numbers on there, I found a cool, accidental image transfer to wood technique. I finished the three boxes over 2 days, including letting stain sit overnight. Keep reading to see how.

SUPPLIES:

Wood from shipping pallets – (There are 1000 ways to break down pallets. I use a pry bar and circular saw. Google it to find videos.)

Kreg jig and screws (My wood was .75 inches thick so I used 1.25 inch Kreg screws)

1×12 board for bottoms of crates

Wood Glue

Clamps

Mod Podge (I used Antique Mod Podge)

Wood Stain and Conditioner or preferred finish

Scrapbooking Attitude or materials for your preferred transfer technique

TUTORIAL:

Based on my 3 shelf sizes, I decided to make three boxes sized as follows: 12×12.5 inch, 13×12.5 inch and 14×12.5 inch. To do this, I cut 6 sides from pallets, each 11 inches for the box sides. I cut a front and box in 12, 13 and 14 inches for each box. The bottom of the box I cut from 1×12 board to 1.5 inches shorter than the front/back pieces of each box (to account for the width of the sides). See all the pieces above.

Here you can see that I drilled pocket holes on each edge of the inner surface of the side boards for each box (to see how to use Kreg Jig and join wood with it, go to my Pallet Sign Tutorial)

Drill pocket holes in the bottom of the box for attaching it to the front, back and side box boards as pictured.

Start by attaching side to bottom using holes you drilled in bottom.

Here it is with all the boards attached. I used wood glue in addition to the screws. I always do. I learned that from Ana.

I sanded with 80 then 120 grit paper.

Clean away debris from sanding with damp lint free towel, then apply wood conditioner. Let sit 15 min, wipe away excess.

I stained with Minwax Classic Gray Wood Stain. I did an extremely quick and dirty finishing job on these since the wood is rustic and uneven anyway. That is one of the many things I love about pallet wood projects. I get to move quick and messy fits right in with the look.

I used these free cool vintage numbers from The Graphics Fairy. To get them filled in, I just pulled them into Photoshop and painted the open spaces black. I flipped them backwards and printed them onto Scrapbooking Attitude, an image transfer product you can read all about in my Image Transfer Halloween DIY using the product.

Cut out around number. Set aside and go to next step.

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge where the image will be placed.

Peel film away from backing and place image, ink side down, onto the surface. Smooth out any wrinkles and press into Mod Podge/wood with fingers.

O.k. Here is where the happy accident starts. You can see the transfer film where you cut out the number and the clear “paper” around it. At this point I would just mod podge over everything, hoping that hid the edge of the film to an acceptable degree. What happened here was I realized I accidentally put the 2 on the largest box, where I really wanted the three. So, I tried to remove it, and the film came away leaving the ink behind! Yay! I did sanded it off the box so I could put the 3 on there, but removed the film for the rest of the numbers. I love how it looks!

Here you can see me removing the film, and the ink staying behind!

Brush a coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface, and the entire box to seal. I used Antique for an aged effect. Let dry and you are done!

So, they are awesome, am I right?

Wanna make everything under the sun from wood pallets?

Check out our 50+ Wood Pallet Project Round-up!

We also have 50+ Image Transfer Projects to inspire your creativity!

Mosaic Frame From Recycled Gift Cards + Free Printable

by Johnnie Collier

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Hi Saved By Lovies! Today I am sharing with you a fun project you can make for next to nothing using recycled gift cards/credit cards. It has all my favorite components, and if I know you at all, yours too. It is a great upcycled craft project, lending to a unique piece of home decor that will leave your friends saying “You made that from what?”. Oh yeah, and since I created a printable to go inside of my new frame, you get that too.

Are you ready? Let’s do this.

Supplies:

Old Gift/Credit Cards (I have had everyone under the sun keeping these for me for months and months)

I used my Sizzix machine and the Squares #3 Die (which is on sale over there for $8.79), but you can use cut squares from your credit cards with hefty scissors, like Tonic Studios Tim Holts Scissors

Craft Glue like Crafter’s Pick, which I use for just about everything. It is non toxic, strong as can be and is great for metal, paper and more

Frame to mosaic

Acrylic paint for tiles if you don’t want to use them as they are (I used Tim Holtz Distress Paint because I am head over heels in love with it)

If you want to use the printable I created from Psalm 56:3, just right click the above thumbnail and the full res version will magically appear. Save it and have it printed your preferred way, or print from your computer.

This verse is coming up all over the place for me, and I use it whenever life hits to remind me that I am held. I created the printable in Photoshop specifically for this frame, so I went simple black and white since the credit cards have lots of color. I used Gill Sans, one of my go to fonts. The lovely crown and design element at the bottom come from Karen at The Graphics Fairy. What would I do without her library of images??!

Find them at the following links to use in your own creations:

Free Vintage Crown Graphic

Free Ornamental Graphic Separators

TUTORIAL:

Cut and paint squares from gift cards into the size you want for your mosaic surface. I used the small and next up size from the Sizzix Square Die.

Lay out your “tiles” to get the design you want before you begin gluing. Trust me. Do that.

Once your tiles are dry, adhere them to the surface of your frame using craft glue. I put some craft glue in a cupcake wrapper and applied it to my tiles with a scrap piece of plastic. You can use a popsicle stick, paintbrush or whatever. Use a thin layer of glue so that if you move your nudge your tiles to get the spacing you want, you won’t have bleeding out from the edges.

Let the glue dry so the tiles are secure and add a photo, mirror, or even leave empty as a design element all in itself!

If you like this project, check out the 20+ Gift Card Projects to Make at Totally Green Crafts

Easy Pallet Sign Using Kreg Jig

by Johnnie Collier

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I have been a long time fan of making signs from reclaimed wood. If you have tried to make a pallet sign, you may have run into the same dilemma as I have. How do you attache the wood pieces together? Some people use the pallets as they are and just paint on them. I prefer each plank to be the touching edge to edge. Before I discovered the Kreg Jig, I scabbed my pallet planks together like I showed you in this How to Make a Sign From Reclaimed Wood Tutorial. This is a way easier process using the jig. You drill perfect pocket holes based on the wood thickness and the join is flush, edge to edge. A Clean, strong, quick and easy attachment, that I am told doesn’t even require wood glue! I used it anyway because I am just like that. Pallet signs have gotten way easier since I made this investment. This is not a sponsored post! Read on to see how it works.

SUPPLIES:

Kreg Jig with drill bits and clamp

1 1/4 inch Kreg Screws

Shipping Pallet Boards (I pry mine off of the pallet with a pry bar a.k.a I have my husband do that part)

Stencils for words (I cut mine with my cricut machine)Wood Stain and lint free cloth

Acrylic paint (I used Tim Holtz Distress paint but anything will do)

TUTORIAL:

I drill two holes in each pallet, one one each end, a few inches in. The pocket guide is set to 3/4 inch since that is the thickness of this pallet wood. You can go down to half an inch but remember to use shorter screws. There is a great chart that shows you what settings to use. So the neck of the drill bit has a stopper that you set, then the guide with the holes that you drill through is set to that number, and there is a corresponding screw length. The jig comes with a handy chart for quick reference. SUPER easy!

Once your holes are drilled in each board (except the bottom one, which doesn’t need holes), swap to the screw driver bit which is shown in the drill in this photo (both bits you need come with the jig).

Add some wood glue or don’t (see above).

Then drill your screw into the pocket hole.

Keep going until all of your pieces are attached. I stained my sign with Walnut color Minwax Gel Stain. Let dry.

Use your stencil to create the phrase. I cut mine from contact paper using my Cricut.

Attach wire to the back with nails or a staple gun and hang!

Over 50 Easy Wall Art DIY Ideas You Can Make

by Johnnie Collier

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Today’s 50+ round-up is all about wall art you can make yourself. This is one of the first things I got into creatively. I would cover old canvases with fabric, stapled to the back and make cheap wall art. From there it exploded, and I tried several of the projects collected here today. You will see lots of upcycled, recycled materials used, as well as designer knock off wall decor. I hope you are inspired to try a few yourself. Please share if you have a worthy project to be considered for this roundup!

How to Resurface a Table with Reclaimed Wood

by Johnnie Collier

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Are you tired of your table, but not in a spot to spend money on a new one? Do what I did and cover your worn out kitchen table with reclaimed wood from pallets, fences and whatever scraps you have on hand. This project was fast, easy, cheap, and I am in love with the new look. I used milk paint for the legs, a first for me. I finished with CeCe Caldwell wax and aging wax. Read on for the full scoop from planning to finish!

I told you about this table/chair set I got at Habitat Restore for $6 and revamped a couple of years back. I spray painted the table top black and the legs silver, the chairs blue and green and this has been our kitchen table since 2010.

I measured the table’s length and width and cut 1×2 pieces I had on hand to frame the it.

I connected the sides to each other with wood glue, a Kreg pockethole and 1 1/4 inch Kreg screws and held them together with corner clamps while the glue dried.. I glued the frame to the table sides with wood glue and 2 inch brad nails, holding in place with clamps until glue set.

For the boards on the top, I just placed them and marked where I needed to cut the ones that stuck over the edge. I cut them, glued the boards in place, and used my nailer to nail some down for added security. I let that dry overnight, planed and sanded the top, stained with weathered wood from Minwax.

I used this milk paint, which comes in a powder that you mix with equal parts warm water.

This is after one coat.

This is after the second coat with 1 hour dry time between.

I love where this chippiness happened! I wanted the look everywhere, but it happend where it wanted.

I painted a few of the boards with the leftover milk paint. I distressed the legs with my hand sander in some spots. To finish, I sealed with a coat of CeCe Caldwell clear wax, followed by aging wax all over.

Easy Mini Pallet Patriotic Canvas Art

by Johnnie Collier

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While we are on a roll with patriotic decor around here, I thought to keep the momentum going with a quick and easy washi tape stars n’ stripes canvas. See how to use craft sticks for a mini pallet on canvas that you can dress up to fit any occasion!

SUPPLIES:

Jumbo Craft Sticks

Fabri-Tac craft glue

An old canvas (can be used; grab one for cheap at a garage sale or thrift store)

Star Template printed to size, and scissors

String, letter stickers, other embellishments

White Gesso

Sponge brush

Acrylic paint in choice of colors

Washi tape in coordinating colors and prints

Scrap white card stock or cardboard

Foam mounting squares or other adhesive

TUTORIAL:

For this project, I updated the Easter Faux Mini Pallet Art I showed you before. Head to that tutorial for how to make the canvas.

I took the bunny silhouette piece and spray painted with blue Krylon I had on hand.

Right click this star image and print to size for your project.

Apply strips of washi tape to scrap white cardboard or card stock. I used the cover flap for a scrapbook paper pad. Cut out your star template and tape on top of washi tape stripes where you want your cut out to be. Cut along template edge to get a washi tape striped star.

Adhere to mini pallet canvas with foam mounting stickers. Embellish with stickers for words, baker’s twine, buttons and more!

For more patriotic project ideas to get you inspired, visit our 50+ DIY Patriotic Crafts, Jewelry and Decor Roundup:

50+ Things to Make from Cement Mix and Concrete Blocks

by Johnnie Collier

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Did you know there are tons of cool, industrial chic DIY projects you can make using cement? This week’s 50+ is all about concrete and you are going to love what you see! I have never worked with it, but after creating this collection of awesome, that is will be changing. I would love to see your DIY concrete projects too!