tutorial

Diy Pallet coffee table, Restoration Hardware knock off

July 4, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: DIY, knockoff, pallet, projects crafts how to, tutorial

This Reclaimed French Floorboard coffee table from Restoration Hardware is totally the look I wanted in the family room, but at $1500 to $2000, depending on the size, it’s too much for my budget. So if I wanted it, I had to figure out how to turn it into a DIY project.

restoration hardware coffee table

Making this knockoff wasn’t hard at all after I figured out how to get the frame made. My husband can weld, but doesn’t have his own equipment, but he knows someone who does. Smile So that solved the dilemma of how to get the frame made.

welded coffee table frame

We bought steel angle iron at Lowe’s and I drew up a plan of how I wanted it to look and the dimensions. My DIY knockoff version is 45” long, 22” wide and 18” high. I plan to have the top come over the edges a little.

welding rusty

The welded parts are very well done. I couldn’t wish for it to be any nicer….as for as welds go. To get a nice rusty patina, we left it outside. I finished it off by spraying it with Valspar clear sealer.

pallet project

A pallet came in handy for the top. I had a hard time using a sawzall to cut it apart so I had to have Bill help. He has much more experience with power tools so it was easy for him. I really struggled and got the blade caught and didn’t even seem to be getting through the nails. I cut a pallet apart before and didn’t have this much trouble. Of course the blade just went through those nails like buttah for him.

pallet project1

I started laying out the top, staggering the boards, so that meant more cutting to get the length I needed. Then we had to stop for the day. It was getting too hot and I had someplace to go so we’ll finish up this project probably on Thursday.

Once it’s in place I’ll show you the room, at last!

small-16-x-20-independence-day-word-art

source

Enjoy the holiday!

Thanks for visiting! Debbie (((xx)))

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A child’s umbrella becomes a Spring door Decoration

March 12, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: crafts, Decorative Details, projects crafts how to, tutorial

Welcome Spring! Inspired by a pin from Pinterest and the warmer weather, I made a pretty new door decoration for Spring. On our front door, a child’s umbrella now welcomes Spring to our house. I found the child size umbrella at Dollar General and used things I had from old wreaths and arrangements. It turned out pretty cute.

Spring door 3

To give the bottom end a little pouf, I stuffed in some newspaper before I added the ribbon.

Next, I loosely arranged the flowers in a small piece of floral foam and then stuffed that in the left side of the umbrella and put more newspaper around it to hold it in place.

Spring door 4

For shaping, I put more newspaper in the other side of the umbrella and added lots of moss on top of that and in the folds.

Door spring flowers

I glued a little nest and eggs on top of the moss.

Spring front door

Here’s the inspiration and mine.

Source: midwestliving.com via Bungalow on Pinterest

The scale of my tulips is a bit too big and the handle is turned but it’s still cute and colorful.

Pansies were planted in the urns and are looking pretty sparse right now but they’ll fill in.

I used moss from the back yard to fill in around the pansies.

We had the most gorgeous weather last week, but this week it’s back to cold and windy with frost warnings at night! Come on Spring!

Added to

Debbie (((xx)))

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Painting fabric on a chair Part 3

January 26, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: decor Details, decorating, Decorative Details, paint, painting fabric on a chair, projects 2012, projects crafts how to, tutorial, Uncategorized

Painting the fabric on this chair is finally finished, at least as far as I’m concerned. Some of the nap of the fabric didn’t take the paint as well as other areas. But it is about 25 years old, so I guess that’s as good as it gets. The back of the chair looks best because there wasn’t any wear on the fabric.

You can see the areas I’m referring to where the fabric is worn. I’m happy with how it looks though. It’s a great color in this green room which I’ll be sharing soon. Today I actually spray painted some accessories for the room outside, because it was so warm.

You can see I used lots of paint and textile medium!
Here’s how I did it;
first I sprayed the fabric with water to really wet it down. Next, I mixed together equal parts acrylic paint and textile medium, thinned it with water and painted the chair in many thin coats, letting it dry thoroughly before adding another coat. I sanded any spots that felt stiff or rough between coats and that really made the fabric soft.
The trim and upholstery tacks got painted too. I was going to take off the trim and add new, but decided not to in the end. I think it looks ok as it is. Painting the legs and wood trim white really makes the color pop.

Here are Part 1 and Part 2 in case you missed them.
This is the basic tutorial from Kristy at Hyphen Interiors, that I used and there are lots of examples of painted fabric and tips on this site.
So to sum it up I’d say, it’s ok for an accent chair in a guest room, but probably wouldn’t work on a full room of furniture or a chair that you like to curl up in. That’s just my opinion.
Smile
When this room is finished I’m going to move right along to the next project; it might be board and batten, bead board wallpaper, plank ceiling or painting the kitchen, family room and powder room. I’m an a roll!

Added to Hooking up with House of Hepworths
Debbie (((xx)))

13 Comments

Painting fabric on a chair, Part 2

January 19, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: decor Details, decorating, paint, painting fabric on a chair, projects crafts how to, tutorial

Part 1 is HERE if you missed it. The chair after 2 coats of paint has streaks that I’m hoping will disappear after more coats. The fabric has some spots where the nap was worn down and I’ve tried sanding, but that didn’t help, but sanding does a great job of softening the fabric.

I sand like an obsessed person after each coat of paint is dry and it’s only those few arrow marked spots that give me problems. The raised spots with rough fabric are harder to paint. I don’t know what caused the fabric to be like that.

Several coats of paint later and this is how she looks. The paint is wet, that’s why it looks blotchy. I’m going to paint the wood white.

Here’s the fabric on the back of the chair. You can see how nice the nap is, and it’s soft.

I think I’m going to like it, flaws and all, just because she’s so pretty!

This little dresser is getting a makeover too. Maybe an ombre pattern like this cute little dresser.

Source: norskeinteriorblogger.blogspot.com via Bungalow on Pinterest

While working on this room I got sidetracked working on 2 projects in the basement. More about that later, nothing décor related, mostly maintenance and housekeeping

The chair is getting there! Yeah

Linked up at

A Shaklee giveaway is going on in the previous post. Don’t miss it!

Debbie (((xx)))

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Painting fabric on a chair, Part 1

January 10, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: decorating, Decorative Details, paint, painting fabric on a chair, projects, projects 2012, projects crafts how to, tutorial

Painting fabric is something I always wanted to do. I’ve seen gorgeous examples on Pinterest and knew I had to try. This chair from my grandmother is the perfect chair to try it on. It’s a chair that I always sat in at her house. At the time it was covered in a textured orange vinyl. After she gave it to me I had it recovered in gold velvet, in the 80’s.

Even after years in the basement, the chair is in good shape with just a few stains and nicks in the wood.

You’ll need textile medium, paint, fine sandpaper, a spray bottle of water and brushes. I’m using acrylic paint but you could use latex too.

I bought all the bottles of My Studio acrylic paint in aqua that were in the store and will be looking for more I’m sure. Mix up equal parts of paint and textile medium and thin with water to make it really thin.

First you vacuum the chair well.

Next, using the spray bottle of water, liberally spray the area you’ll be painting and then just do it. I used a foam brush.

I got the back of the chair painted today and will post the progress as I go along. For the next coat of paint I’m going to try a paint brush instead of a foam brush to see if that makes any difference. I’m not sure yet how I want to handle the tacks. Wish me luck on this one, it’s not looking so pretty at this point. Have you got any tips for painting fabric?

In case you’re wondering where this bright chair will go, in my newly painted green guest room, see post below.

Debbie (((xx)))

14 Comments

Rafflecopter Tutorial

January 1, 2012 By Debbie Filed Under: Blogging, tutorial

Rafflecopter is an efficient way for bloggers to run giveaways on their blogs and you’ll probably be seeing it more often, but can be confusing the first time you attempt to use it. I know I was confused, so I’m going to try to demystify it for you. It’s easy.
Here we go! Vimeo has a short video demo, my explanation is longer.
To demonstrate rafflecopter, I’m using screen shots from different giveaways.

Step 1, log in. Why? Here’s the answer. The short answer is so the giveaway host can get in touch with you if you win.

You can use your email address OR Facebook.

Log in, then click the green box.

____________________________________

After you log in, your name will be in the circled area. You are now able to enter the giveaway.

Step 2 will get you 1 entry, as shown in the green +1 box, Click on that box.

_________________________________________

Follow the directions. Leave your comment in the comment section of the blog then come back and click Enter, in the green box again.

____________________________________________

I’ve circled the completed step. You now have 1 entry.

You can stop there if you want.

Step 3, for another entry click on the green box beside Tweet About the Giveaway.

To Tweet, just click on Tweet beside the red arrow.

This is what pops up, click Tweet.

To find the URL of your Tweet, click on the time in the bottom of your Tweet.

This pops up, here is your Tweet URL, copy and paste it as per the directions on the entry.

After you paste in the Tweet URL click Enter _________________________________________________

You now have completed all ways to enter and have 2 entries.

It may seem like a lot of steps but once you get the hang of it, it’s goes fast!

I hope that helps. I’ve left giveaways because I was confused by Rafflecopter, that’s why I’m trying to explain it.
Here’s my first rafflecopter giveaway. I hope you enter!
Added to Tutorial and tips at Home Stories A 2 Z
Debbie (((xx)))

1 Comment

Simple felt and burlap napkin rings for Thanksgiving

November 13, 2011 By Debbie Filed Under: decor Details, Decorative Details, Fall, projects crafts how to, Thanksgiving, tutorial

The simple beauty of these felt leaf shaped napkins rings inspired me to recreate the look. Leaf shapes cut from felt and sewn with contrasting thread for veining is a quick and easy project.

Source: littlefrenchgardenhouse.blogspot.com via Bungalow on Pinterest

After cutting strips of burlap, I glued them to wooden napkin rings I already had.

A clipart program provided leaf shapes for patterns. Some leaves I cut from felt squares and some from felt fabric, which isn’t as stiff as the squares.

You could glue the leaf to the napkin ring or not, either way looks good.

I like the look of the plain burlap ring with the leaf on the plate. Write a name on the leaf for a place card.

The oak shapes, cut from felt fabric aren’t as stiff, but I like the way they lay on the napkin ring mimicking a real leaf.

You could even skip the sewing and use a marker for the veining and just place felt leaves on the table here and there for decoration. That is; if you have room for turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, gravy and felt leaf decorations! Laughing out loud

Tomorrow is the everything Thanksgiving linky party. Please come back tomorrow and link up! I sure would enjoy seeing your decorations and projects and hearing your turkey story disasters, like not realizing the oven is on broil while trying to roast a turkey! Steaming mad Oh yeah, that was a good one!

Adding to Making the world cuter Monday, The Tablescaper Seasonal Sunday, Inspire me Monday at Singing three little birds, Just Something I whipped up at The Girl Creative, Tutorials and Tips at Home Stories A 2 Z

Debbie (((xx)))

7 Comments

How I created a pleated burlap lampshade

May 4, 2011 By Debbie Filed Under: burlap, Decorative Details, lampshade, tutorial

I found a long, narrow piece of burlap at the thrift store. I knew I could use it for something but didn’t really have anything in mind when I bought it. I think it was 75¢.

So I decided to try and cover a shade with it. Since it was so narrow I added the pleats. That was the only way it would fit to cover the shade.

I ironed in the pleats, trying to keep it wider on the bottom edge, because of the flared shape of the shade.

Then I glued it on the shade, making little adjustments as needed.

I used some sturdy interfacing for the top trim piece, encased it in a strip of burlap, then glued that around the top edge. On the bottom edge I just turned the fabric to the inside of the shade and glued it.

So there it is. It’s not perfect but I like it.

Finally I finished painting the living room. clap Gosh I hate painting! Do you? I’m changing the side tables and accessories going for a fresh lighter look. Fingers crossed And then I going to paint the kitchen and family room! I’ll need lots of energy!

Debbie (((xx)))

6 Comments

The Burlap Trend

May 29, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: decorating, Decorative Details, mmonogram, My home, projects crafts how to, transfer paper, tutorial

The trend seems to be to lighten up with soft colors and natural fabrics. That’s just fine with me because I’ve been feeling the urge to lighten it up. The burlap was 40% off at Joanne’s if you sign up for their mailing list. That’s a great deal, so I got a couple yards. I wasn’t aware that burlap came in different colors and several natural shades, were you? I chose the lightest hue.
Monograms are hot now too and I love them! But, I don’t own one of those fancy embroidery machines and don’t know anyone who does, so how do I create a monogram?

Transfer paper! Since I never worked with this before I wasn’t sure how it would turn out on burlap.

This is the dresser scarf folded to see the monogram on each end. There’s quite a difference. The top one doesn’t look so good, but the bottom one looks great. When I did the bottom one, I cut out the center of the D and what an improvement. I’m happy with the results and I will be using this paper again. It’s a cheap way to get a custom look.

As you can see, I’m recovering the shades on the chandelier. I just stuck them on there for a visual. I’ll be adding a little trim to them and also be UN brassing the fixture. Soon I hope!

For lots more burlap inspirations click HERE to go to Rhoda’s burlap party. There’s some very talented and creative people out there!

17 Comments

Harlequin Pattern Tutorial

April 14, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: harlequin, projects crafts how to, tutorial

Several readers have asked how to do the harlequin pattern, so I’m attempting to do a tutorial. Key word here… ….ATTEMPTING, so here goes….

First measure, then measure again. Determine the size of the area you’re painting. With that in mind, determine the size of the squares.

By that I mean, figure out the size of the squares so they fit evenly within the space. For the pattern to be easy to lay out, try not to end up with fractions. Here’s how I did the desk……..

The area to be painted was, height 18” x width 42”. So I made the height of each square 6” and the width 7”. That gave me 3 squares up & down, (height) and 6 squares across (width).

3 x 6” = 18” height, and 6 x 7” =42” width.

The harlequin squares can be tiny or giant sized, that’s all up to you. Figuring out the measurements in the hardest part.

Next, lay out the pattern.

Find the exact center of the area. You can use a chalk line or a yard stick. Go diagonally from corner to corner, top left to bottom right and vice versa. Where the lines intersect is the middle. Put a dot there. That is the middle of your first square.

Horizontally I’m working with a width of 7”, So I put a dot 3 1/2” from the left and right of the center dot. The dots have to be on a level line so you’ll need a level and maybe a square and straight edge. Mark out 7” from the dots you just made, not the center dot, all the way across.

Next do the same for the height. Go back to the center dot, mark 3” above and below the center dot, then mark a dot 6” from that dot all the way up and down keeping the dots level.

Next, measure out horizontally 7” from the center vertical line at each vertical dot, (the dots you marked for the height) these are the pink dots. Can you see how it’s working out now? Just keep making dots, it’s basically a connect the dots project.

Well, that’s how I do it….there may be an easier way, but I don’t know one. Just practice first and you’ll get it.

It helps to use a colored pencil close to your paint color. I just mark lightly on the surface and it’s barely visible.

Use painter’s tape to tape off the squares.You can’t tape off squares that are next to each other, that won’t work because that tape will be in an area the needs painted. Before I start to tape off, I put a small piece of tape in the center of each square that’s to be painted. Doing that really helps to see the pattern and you won’t paint the wrong square.

On the desk top I used a creamy white color and went over it with a brown glaze for an aged look.

The lime green powder room has a lighter green glaze and fleur de lis at the intersections. I thought of using bees or dots, but decided on fleurs.

Well, that’s it….it sounds complicated but once you start to see the pattern developing, it’s not so hard.

Good luck with this! I’d love to see the finished project.

If you have questions, please feel free to email me.

Have a Great Day!

11 Comments

~Dye Easter Eggs Naturally~

March 30, 2009 By Debbie Filed Under: natural dyes, projects crafts how to, tutorial

Did you ever dye Easter eggs with natural dyes from Mother Nature? The colors that emerge might surprise you.

Coffee grounds will produce a light chocolate color,
tea bags a reddish brown.

These gorgeous colors came from onion skins and red cabbage leaves. The blue, from the cabbage leaves is so pretty.

Turmeric gave this sunny golden color and the beets produced a light mauve, it’s my least favorite.

To make a mottled looking egg with onion skins, wrap the paper thin skins around the eggs, place in a pot with water about 1 inch above the eggs, put a few more skins on top and boil for about 5 minutes, then set aside for an hour. Remove to paper towels to dry.

With coffee & tea bags, you put 4 T of coffee grounds or about 12 tea bags, 1 T white vinegar & water, enough to cover eggs, in a pot and boil the eggs for about 15 minutes. I usually cut open the tea bags.

To use vegetables, you’ll need about 2 cups of material, 1 T white vinegar in a pot of water & boil for 15 minutes. Then add room temperature eggs……make sure there’s enough water to cover the eggs & boil again for 15 minutes.

Leave the eggs sit in the water for more color, that’s the trick. To shine the eggs just rub them with vegetable oil.

Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and basil will all create beautiful colors. And you could create your own colors by combining materials.
I love the colors of eggs dyed this way, the old fashioned way! This must have been how it was done long ago!
Now what to do with all these hard boiled eggs? Egg salad, deviled eggs…any suggestions?

Added to

Have a great day! Debbie

14 Comments

~Harlequins & Valances~

February 17, 2008 By Debbie Filed Under: decorating, Decorative Details, Home, My home, tutorial

I‘ve had some requests to explain how to do the harlequin pattern. Well, here’s the thing…I’m not quite exactly sure how I did this…I have a tendency to jump in & fiqure it out as I go. But, I’m going to try to explain how to do it. Here goes…….

*First paint the wall the background color, that would be your lighter color.

*Next get the exact center of the wall. You can use a chalk line to go from top left to bottom right & vise versa. The center of that X is the exact center of the wall. Put a dot in the center of the X. It is the center of your first diamond.

*Measure the length of the wall to determine the width you want the diamonds. Pick a # easy to work with.

* Measure the height of the wall to determine the height of the diamonds. What I mean by this is to pick a # that will give you full diamonds at the top & sides of the wall…….if that is what you want. You can see that I didn’t to that because I hadn’t thought it out all that much!
This iron planter with a harlequin design was a $6. yardsale find.
* After you have determined the size of the diamonds, you work out from the center on a level horozontal line, placing a dot the width of the diamonds. REMEMBER, the center dot is the MIDDLE of your first diamond so your first dots going right & left are 1/2 the width of your diamond.

* On a level vertical line do the same for the height of the diamonds. Work out from the center, again, the center dot is the middle of your first diamond.

* You just keep doing that until you have the wall laid out, then you connect the dots. You will need to put horozontal dots on one row & vertical dots on the next. This probably doesn’t make sense but it will once you get going.

This may sound complicated but it’s really not. You could try a template or a stencil but you’ll still have some measuring to do.

When doing something like this, where you need to make marks on the wall, I use colored pencils in a color close to my paint color, they blend in well. The fleur was a stencil. I was thinking of using a bee but couldn’t find a stencil I liked.
*Tape off small sections at a time & start painting. That’s it!

Anyone who’s done this pattern, please feel free to jump in here with any advice.

Now to the valance………I’ve had some questions about the pattern & how it’s hung.

The valance is hung on tiebacks from one of my favorite stores, Big Lots! This McCall’s pattern(3632) was meant to be hung on a rod from the 3 rod pockets, but I wanted to try & stagger it with these fleur de lis tiebacks. Underneath this tassel cording is a rubberband holding it on the tieback. Play with it until it suits you, then wrap the tassel around the tieback & fabric.

I hoped that I answered all your questions. Please feel free to ask anytime……I’m complimented by your asking….I may not answer immediately, but I’ll get to it. I’m glad to be able to help anyone with their projects.

12 Comments

Diy Pallet coffee table, Restoration Hardware knock off

A child’s umbrella becomes a Spring door Decoration

Painting fabric on a chair Part 3

Painting fabric on a chair, Part 2

Painting fabric on a chair, Part 1

Rafflecopter Tutorial

Simple felt and burlap napkin rings for Thanksgiving

How I created a pleated burlap lampshade

The Burlap Trend

Harlequin Pattern Tutorial

~Dye Easter Eggs Naturally~

~Harlequins & Valances~

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