Paper Mache Pumpkins

Paper mache pumpkins are a great canvas for Fall creativity and with a little paint and patience, these pumpkins looked fancy! These little pumpkins from Inspire Me Home Decor gave me inspiration. SUPPLIES: Paper mache pumpkins Sherwin Williams Chalky Finish Paint (Pure White and Tricorn Black) I had these on hand from when I pained Christmas ornaments. Minwax Polycrylic Semi Gloss Liquid Leaf Painter’s Tape Paint brushes These pumpkins are a good size (10 x 10) which, for me, made it easier to paint. (Old eyes!) I applied two coats of the white chalk paint. Then, tape off the various...

Serena & Lily Inspired Dip Dyed Stool

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,...

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...

Cedar Chest Refinished

This little gem has been sitting in my garage for a couple of years and it was time to make it pretty again. It is a super solid piece with great storage and built in the 1950’s. It is made of red cedar with a lot of red undertones. My first thought was to strip it and then stain it a lighter color. (It’s nice wood so I was reluctant to paint.) Even after stripping and sanding, it was too red to take a light stain. Instead I used Sherwin Williams Snowbound that I had on hand and gold paint...

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...