These “Serena and Lily Dip Dyed Stools” are so simple and pretty, but a bit expensive! I wanted to build a DIY version of this and searched for some hacks. In the end, I used tips from Shanty 2 Chic on cutting circles and others for tips on attaching the legs and House Becoming Home for tips as well. This is the inspiration picture! Isn’t she pretty? The materials for this were not expensive, apart from the tools, which I consider an investment. I used a single 2 x 4 x 8 (less than $6); a 2 inch dowel (~$15,...
DIY Projects
Refinished Garage Sale Desk
Making spaces for home schooling is a big topic this year and it doesn’t need to be expensive. This piece was a garage sale find that was gifted to my sister (Cost = $0) . It was refinished using primer, poly, powder glaze, sponges, bondo, shellac that were all on hand. (Cost = $0) The only purchase was a quart of paint that was on sale! ($13) This is a super solid piece and needed only a minor repair on the drawer using bondo. I sanded it down to scuff the surface and mostly removing the varnish. I used a...
Settee Upholstery Success!
Upholstery can be daunting – but, doesn’t have to be! I took an online course created by @chairwhimsy (Wendy Conklin) and it approached upholstery with some simple chairs and worked my way to this settee. My neighbor’s settee needing re upholstery is pictured below. The piece looks to be about 100 years old based on the nails used to attach the fabric and the hay used for cushion. The most challenging part of this project was removing the fabric. The nails were difficult to remove and especially without damaging the wood. I did some minor repair on the wood and...
Restoration Hardware Inspired End Table (White)
I loved this table so much, my daughter and I made two! (The first one was not painted.) These plans from Rogue Engineer as super easy to follow and great for beginners. Using select pine, Kelly worked her way through the cut list. The only thing I would do differently, is to cut the pieces for the top and bottom shelf after the frame is built. This way, you can cut the boards for an exact fit. We had to trim ours down a bit. This was a great project for Kelly to learn how to use the miter saw...
Restoration Hardware Inspired Outdoor End Table
This little outdoor side table is a great project to attempt for beginning builders! (That’s me!) My daughter found these plans from rogueengineer.com and they were simple to follow! This was the second table like this and I learned something each time. For this table, I used cedar. It’s a bit more expensive, but I wanted something more durable for outdoors. I worked my way through the cut list. The only thing I would do differently, would be to cut the planks for the top and bottom shelves after the frame of the table is built for an exact measurement....
Free Little Library
This Free Little Library came to life with 13 cedar pickets and a stained glass window. This project was the brain child of my friend, Chris, who is an avid reader with an adorable lake cottage in Michigan. I am not an experienced builder and have only done a couple of “build” projects – using plans. For this build, I was working around the leaded glass and cedar pickets that were warped (#lumbersupplyduetoCovid). I was able to work with this, especially at 50% off. I began with the door and then built the library to work with the dimensions of...
Baby Quilt with Family Ties
I have gifted many baby quilts throughout the decades, but this one is extra special. My nephew and his wife brought a beautiful baby boy into the world bringing so much joy and the first in a new generation for our side of the family. What better time to carry on memories and from previous generations than with a baby quilt? I am not a professional seamstress, but I can sew squares together and watch YouTube for “how to’s” with the best of them. But, it was the creative journey of assembling this quilt that was the most meaningful. This...
Laundry Room Refresh for $60
This project started with my ambition to put left over DIY supplies to good use and de-clutter my garage! A free cabinet and a buffet top were the beginnings of this laundry room re-fresh! And, this laundry room needed some storage and a little personality. Buffet Top Turned Shelving This piece of wood is the top to a buffet that I turned into my master bath vanity. It’s been sitting in my garage for 2 years and I am happy to give it another purpose! The piece was covered in veneer and fortunately in good shape. I gently sanded the...
Standing Window Flower Box Planter
Really wanting a window flower box but can’t attach one directly under the window? This was my challenge! I live in a townhouse in a HOA community – which means I cannot attach anything to the building. But, window boxes have a certain charm and always look so pretty when overflowing with colorful flowers. I really wanted one! So, a few cedar pickets, flower box liners, nails and some stain were all it took to build a charming, free-standing window, flower box. Materials: Flower box liners Cedar pickets Nailer/nails Mitre saw Rymar Wood Sealer (my son had this on hand,...
Black and White Bathroom Design
Classic black and white design is timeless and always a great option for a bathroom renovation. On this project, my daughter made all the design selections. Check out the “before”picture of her townhouse, master bath! VANITY Double bowl vanities are a great feature in any master bath, if space permits. Each master bath renovation we’ve done in this sub-division, was plumbed for a second sink, and this one was no exception. This bathroom is long and allowed for a 72 inch vanity with 2 sinks and tons of storage. My daughter selected a classic white vanity with black and white...
Sidelight window coverings made in 10 minutes!
While there are several alternatives to covering a sidelight, I needed a simple solution in my investment properties and I wanted to use a curtain. For me, “simple” means minimal effort to hang and little sewing. CURTAIN RODS I found out the sidelight panel is actual metal — who knew?? This means magnetic rods will adhere to the frame. This also means there is no need for a drill to screw in the brackets. And, there is no worry about the placement of the brackets because you can slide them easily for perfect placement. These adjustable magnetic rods were an...
Sourcing Affordable Lighting at Goodwill and Liquidators?
Great lighting is key to the aesthetic of a property and can be a big expense when doing a renovation. I replaced 9-11 fixtures in each of the last three properties I renovated and liquidators were my main source of inventory! I found these liquidators on Facebook Marketplace and eBay and saved more than 80%. Liquidators buy a truckload or a pallet of distressed or returned inventory from large retailers such as Wayfair, Home Depot, Amazon or Lowe’s, as examples, and resell the merchandise on Facebook, Amazon, eBay or even at a storefront, at lower prices. In one instance, I...