A pumpkin patch on the mantel. Fall is just around the corner and the mantel is ready. As usual the TV creates a huge decorating dilemma so I kept it simple. An orange gingham mantel runner and lots of jute and twine covered pumpkins. The pumpkins started off orange: Remove the stem, add some hot… Read more
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DIY Entryway Cubbies (bench portion)
Entryway cubbies built and complete. Today I’m sharing details on the bench portion. One cubby unit on either side of the front door. My version of this system from Pottery Barn: This family of five was using this: And now each child has their own space: Complete with labeled baskets to hold shoes, etc: To… Read more
“O” is for Orange
Orange, red and yellow pumpkin placecards. Ready for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Plastic little pumpkins transformed into pretty placecards. Just add the names and set your table. Or label your food offerings. Easy, inexpensive and fast to make. Here’s how I made the placecards: 1. Find a thick tree branch – approx. 2.5″ diameter. (Easy… Read more
“C” is for Chalkboard
Chalkboard labels. I made chalkboard labels. The perfect addition to wicker baskets. Personalized for each child to call their own. Inspired by Pottery Barn kids chalkboard labels: You can purchase them at potterybarnkids.com – $8 for two labels except right now they are backordered until Oct 3. Who wants to wait that long? Here’s how… Read more
“S” is for Step Stool #2
I built a kids step stool. Miss Lily is turning one, ready to walk and climb so this will come in handy. The plans can be found at Ana White’s site here. To see all the other furniture pieces I made for Lily click here. I added some girlie flowers to pretty it up taking inspiration… Read more
“E” is for Entryway (part 1)
I built entryway locker cubbies with shelves for a beach friend: Two sets. They will be replacing this coat rack: This is a family of five who needs a better coat and entry storage solution. Based on my friend’s ideas and space I came up with this drawing: Two units, one… Read more
How to Personalize with Paint
Everything gets personalized these days and you don’t have to have fancy machines to do a lot of that personalizing yourself. Let me show you a simple DIY handpainted method. How to personalize almost any wood item using a computer print out. No fancy vinyl cutting machine required, just a steady hand and paintbrush. Most… Read more
“N” is for Navy
Navy wool pouch with gingham ruffle. Seasons are changing and so are the pouches. I took an old wool sport coat destined for Goodwill and made a classy pouch. For money and credit cards, cell phone, cosmetics, anything goes. Here’s how I made the pouch: 1. Cut pieces: blue wool – 1 @ 10″ x… Read more
“P” is for Pumpkins
Jute wrapped pumpkins for Fall. While Hurricane Irene was blowing outside I fired up the glue gun for some Fall crafts, wrapping up all my styrofoam pumpkins and gourds with jute and twine. Eventually these will make it to the mantel for Fall. Here’s how I made the pumpkins: 1. Gather your old styrofoam pumpkins… Read more
“M” is for Monogram
A monogrammed terry pouch for Matthew. Our friends have a new baby boy, Matthew Harlan F. I made him a terry pouch for baby toiletries. I usually make the pouches with one letter and ruffles: But boys don’t really do ruffles so instead I did the full monogram: Here’s a few bits on how I… Read more
“S” is for Saddle
A saddle stool makeover. A tag sale find at the neighbors: After some glue, sandpaper and paint: The woven seat was in perfect condition and truly shows it’s age beautifully. I wanted to make the seat pop by using a contrasting color on the wood parts. Here’s how I did it: 1. Glue and firm… Read more
DIY Flatware Storage Box
A knock off flatware storage box. Except the flatware is still in the kitchen drawer so we’ll call this the homework supplies box. I made a knock off of Pottery Barn’s flatware storage box: Minus the French and add some color on the interior and you have this: The typical after school homework session begins… Read more