Free Standing Pallet Herb Garden

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Roeshel

Our vegetable garden is located a few acres from the house. Wanting to have a small herb garden closer to the patio, grill and kitchen and inspired by so many vertical pallet planters (thanks, Amanda!), Mr. DIY and I created a free standing (moveable) vertical pallet herb garden.

Here is what we did:

Materials: (if referring to our tutorial for your own project, completely read through what we did as I recommend some changes to our experience)

Kiln-dried pallet in good shape
Scrap 1×4 wood
Scrap block 4×4 wood
Scrap 2×4 wood
Nails
Wheel and hardware/screws to attach
Wood stain
Protective clear coat
Staples
Fabric weed barrier
Potting soil
Herbs

1. We have plenty of pallets stacked around here and chose a kiln-dried one, marked with “HT” (heat-treated and less likely chemically treated) and gave it a good scrubbing with bleach as well.

2. We removed a three of the horizontal boards from one side with a pry bar to create a larger space for working and tall growing herbs.

3. Then sanded down the splinters, rough edges and hammered down all of the nails.

4. We added a piece of scrap wood to the bottom of one side (1×4) to create a ‘shelf” type surface to attach a caster/wheel. Inserting the 1×4 took some playing around (prying up one of the pallet boards to squeeze it into place.

5. The other side of the bottom got a 4×4 block (double check for leveling with the wheel side) and a miter-cut scrap 2×4 for support. (If I had to do over, I would skip the wheel and use a 4×4 block and mitered 2×4 on both sides since the wheel is convenient but the vertical height makes it unsteady.

6. One to two people can easily move the herb pallet garden with the supports only and without the wheel. Our original plan was to also attach a handle to the one side (for tipping and wheeling around however kiln dried pallet wood is VERY dense and our screws just kept breaking off…so, no handle for now).

7. Next I stained the pallet using Rustoleum’s Wood Stain (Kona), wiping away after applying. I let it dry and cure for a few days (although Rustoleum’s stain dries in about one hour).

8. I moved the pallet outside and gave it a spray of protective clear coat.

9. Once that was dry, I used junk mail/newspaper to create a pattern, including room for folding the fabric edge under and the sides of the pocket. Then used my pattern to cut the fabric weed barrier to size.

10. I folded under the edges and stapled the fabric weed barrier into place between the pallet boards to create a pocket.

11. Corners were tricky…do what works for you. I can’t explain my complicated folding technique. I think I got a little staple-happy.

12. I just kept cutting and stapling the fabric weed barrier into place. My pallet has 12 planting pockets. All done!

I’ve started some herbs from seed, but I purchased these already started herbs from Lowe’s to fill it up. Instant fresh herbs! Hurray! I planted:

DIY herb garden

basil
parsley
rosemary
dill
oregano
thyme
peppermint
chocolate mint
spearmint
tarragon
lavender
another type of spicy globe basil

Next I moved it into place. Unfortunately our patio is getting a little crowded so rather than have it free standing/showing both back and front, up next to the patio swing seemed to be the best location. (Until I rearrange…you know how I love to move things around!)

Again, I’d recommend support on both ends instead of the wheel. It’s unsteady with the one wheel/one person. Live and learn and DIY experimenting. It’s easy enough, even planted, for one person to move without the wheel. I think two side supports is a better option. It’s also two sided. It’s perfect for creating a border on a patio. Great for small spaces too!

Doesn’t it look amazing?! I looooove it!

We spend most of our time on the patio on pretty days…I love the fresh herbal scents too!

And having fresh herbs right off of the kitchen is so convenient.

Whatcha think?

More patio projects…

Sharing at:

Update for Hurricane Sandy Relief ~ Socks for Sandy

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Roeshel

Socks for Sandy

UPDATE: 11/9 - PLEASE DO SEND UNDERWEAR – ALL SIZES AND ALL AGES; AS WELL AS SOCKS FOR ALL AGES.

What do we send?

Warm socks, gloves, mittens, and winter hats - for all shapes and sizes of people, from babies to the elderly, and everyone in between.

New packages of underwear - again for all shapes and sizes of people, from babies to the elderly – are desperately needed too.

SOCKS FOR SANDY FAQ

I don’t know about you but I love the feeling I get when when my cold feet are warmed by a pair of fuzzy socks and I just feel worse when my hands and head are cold. Wearing gloves and a hat makes being cold more tolerable. It’s heart warming. That feeling of warmth and comfort is something I sometimes take for granted. For the victims of Hurricane Sandy, it’s a reality. I just want to wrap my arms around those suffering from this natural disaster to warm them up. There is a way to help warm those who’ve lost so much from this natural disaster:

Laura, blog friend and member of Hometalk who lives in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, was fortunate that her neighborhood was spared with only minor damages. But just a few minutes down the road, entire areas were wiped out and just across the bay, families also suffered extraordinary damage just as every barrier island and shore town up and down New Jersey’s once-beautiful coastline has.

Laura couldn’t stop thinking about something her sister-in-law (volunteering at the local hurricane shelter) told her: that people were walking around barefoot and just wanted a pair of socks. Even as donations started to pour in to the shelter, Laura couldn’t get the idea of warm socks out of her head. Her idea of Socks for Sandy was embraced enthusiastically with offers of help to make her idea reality.

So here we are. Our mission is a simple one. And has a super fast turn-around time too.

We want to provide socks to warm one’s feet, gloves to warm one’s hands, and winter hats to warm one’s head. All to warm one’s soul. Now.

You can help us gather up some warmth to share by collecting socks, gloves and winter hats, and sending them to:

Socks for Sandy
P.O. Box 520
Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

Please mail by Friday, November 9, since the need is urgent.

This can be a great project to involve your kids in, because it all comes down to giving a bit of warmth to someone in need.

Laura will receive all packages and immediately take these to the local hurricane shelter. Any excess will be given to the other hurricane shelters up and down New Jersey’s coastline.

What started as an idea has blossomed into warmth. And it is simple to get involved.

Another option:

Donating directly to the Red Cross is still the fastest way to get your money into the hands of those who need it the most.

Socks for Sandy: Helping Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Roeshel

Socks for Sandy

So here we are. Our mission is a simple one. And has a super fast turn-around time too.

We want to provide socks to warm one’s feet, gloves to warm one’s hands, and winter hats to warm one’s head. All to warm one’s soul. Now.

You can help us gather up some warmth to share by collecting socks, gloves and winter hats, and sending them to:

Socks for Sandy
P.O. Box 520
Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

Please mail by Friday, November 9, since the need is urgent.

This can be a great project to involve your kids in, because it all comes down to giving a bit of warmth to someone in need.

Laura will receive all packages and immediately take these to the local hurricane shelter. Any excess will be given to the other hurricane shelters up and down New Jersey’s coastline.

What started as an idea has blossomed into warmth. And it is simple to get involved.

Another option:

Donating directly to the Red Cross is still the fastest way to get your money into the hands of those who need it the most.

Adventure at Antique Emporium

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Roeshel

This week Bri and I ventured to a {LARGE} antique shop in Beaver Falls, PA called Antique Emporium. I’m pretty sure I’ve been there before, but before a major re-organization. If I have the place right, before it was packed full from floor to ceiling and quite chaotic (I love that kind of place – where you have to get dirty and dig for treasures and decide you want to see the vintage lamp that’s on top of an armoire sitting on top of a dresser) but this day, in this place, everything was organized into awesome groups. It was still packed from floor to ceiling on all three levels

{3 floors!}

every one of over 100,000 antiques neatly in their place.

It’s the kind of place where you wish you were a contestant in a shopping game. Imagine running through the all those aisles upstairs, down stairs and in my lady’s chamber (remember that frightening nursery rhyme: Goosey Goosey Gander?) filling a shopping cart! Dreamy! But then, stairs (the nursery rhyme!) are not ideal shopping cart terrain, and I’d trip and get scraped knees and a broken arm and knock down the Hummel display {how sad!} and security would not so kindly escort me out and there was a heavy downpour going on with super scary lightening and exploding thunder, so I controlled myself and maintained a leisurely normal person’s stroll up and down the aisles instead, ’cause it’s a classy antique emporium and not a candy shop and I’m a grown up, not a kid.

So…Upon entering, we were welcomed by the friendly clerk and given instructions detailing the 3 {THREE!} floors of antiques (I almost wanted to ask for a treasure map so I could mark “X’s” on where I wanted to go). We were invited to help ourselves to the wine bar…don’t mind if I do! Although I didn’t…it was still before noon after all and that fear of wine+stairs+crashing hummels shattering into 100,000 pieces…no wine for me.

Here are some pictures I managed to sneak in with my i-phone. Doesn’t it make you all nervous to whip out your big ‘real’ camera, set up your umbrella lights and re-arrange the decor? Oh, another dream. haha! I always feel like I have to be sneaky because more than likely – I’m the one being filmed looking all suspicious with my camera-phone, glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one is watching me snap inconspicuous pictures for the sake of blogging.

antique settee {drool!}…

However, I’m sure the friendly, knowledgeble owner – or as we like to refer to him now after our tour around the store, our good friend, Jim, wouldn’t have minded in the least.

Jim was super helpful in answering our questions as well as pointing out favorite antiques and entertaining us with “Jim humor” and interesting stories behind certain treasures. 100,000 antiques and 100,000 facts in that guy’s head. Amazing.

Bri really wanted one of these antique printer shop racks but they served a ‘small world’ display purpose and weren’t for sale (well, everything has a price…just not in her price range). They’re not the print shop drawers that we love to use as shadow boxes, they’re more like pieces of furniture, sort of like a leaning cubby shelves.

Something for everyone…

Medieval antiques…I had my eye on a crown. Shining armor without the knight.

Plenty of home-making gadgets from the 1800s including antique apple corers, hand mixers, old washboards and wringer washers, rug beaters, meat grinders…all for women. Makes me oh-so-thankful to be living in modern times!

antique trivets

Cast iron skillets and a few baffles. Baffling!

We contemplated taking home an antique toy truck…

for Cappy, who wants to do something like this…

inspiration image courtesy: Farm Chicks

I wanted to dig out my dimes and play carnival games to win this pretty antique depression glass but fought the urge (remember carnival coin toss or am I showing my age?)…

Lots of lanterns…

Are you an antique geek {I mean that in a flattering and positive way}? We love antique and vintage for decorating and collecting but not for ‘museum’ style display. I mean, if I found out I owned something really rare and worth a gazillion dollars, I’d ‘freak’ like I won the lottery but there might be the chance that I cleaned it wrong or broke it or gave it a distressed paint technique or repurposed it so for the most part, we collect old cool things no one wants or things that have little value. We’re okay with that.

road signs and license plates…

antique crocks…

What a crock! I love this one! But the price was a little steep at $125 considering I just purchased an old milk can with spout for $15 at a yard sale a month or so ago, I wanted it but I didn’t “need” it…

{hummels unbroken!} and so many antique clocks.

I’m starting a clock collection. Isn’t this sweet:

image source unknown

What else did I see? Too much to mention!

Collector’s items like “Coca Cola” and Santa, even “dogs”
Shining armor without the knight
Antique doilies and lace
Antique radios and old records
Vintage ceramic animals – elephants are a sign of fertility so I quickly moved on.
Vintage keys
Pocket watches
Antique tins and baskets. I love these types of storage possibilities, but these were rare tins and baskets…pricey.
Antique prints, art and posters. Bri snagged a framed vintage ad. Forgot to get a picture though.
Vintage mason jars – love!
Old crates – more love!
Estate jewelry – I love vintage jewelry, especially watches.
Antique cameras and photographs.
Antique morgue accessories! Oh yes I did but didn’t nose around too long in that section!
Vases and urns
Vintage Barbie dolls and dolls
Vintage hats and mufflers, even boots and a few dresses
Plenty of electric fans – no a/c and it was hot hot hot in there!
What didn’t I see?! I don’t know! I think they had it all!

So what did I buy? It was antique overload and believe it or not, I only purchased one thing. The price wasn’t too bad (think of what it’d cost at Pottery Barn or even TJ Maxx). I spent $50 for this GINORMOUS beautiful Victorian terrarium…

{Thank you, Jim, for braving the torrential downpour to haul this to my car for me!}

Ideas?

Reptile cage (highly unlikely since I’m not really a reptile loving kind of girl).
Repurposed bird feeder. I’m sort of upset with the birds around here for their use of the bathroom in my pretty barn patio so no rewards for birds any time too soon.
Display case. Since I didn’t find an antique crown for my not-so-royal head…probably not. I could fill it with my clock collection though!
Bakery case. Bakery goodies! Yum! But, gasp! Chocolate fingerprints on glass! No thanks! Okay, for real…with my sweet tooth, it’d be displaying sugary crumbs more often than goodies.
Kitty time out chamber. Just kidding!
Vignette under glass – I probably will do this with it on occasion since I love to re-arrange and decorate. Something pretty for Christmas with faux-snow and pine!
aTerrarium! {ding.ding.ding.ding.ding! We have a winner!} A plant house (that’s what my receipt reads) Original, no? I’m thinking the cutest little fairy garden with pretty plants, a little path, a fairy, a butterfly, glitter dust, a bottle of Alice’s “drink me” to ‘shrink me’ so I can wander along the pretty paths and nap under a mushroom.

All of this dreaming today, huh? I promise you that none of the following were consumed while writing this post: Wine. Mushrooms. Glitter. I claim a little exhaustion combined with paint fumes.

What would you do with it?

See more thrifty treasures at Rhoda’s:

If you’re local and want to check it out, here’s the scoop:

Antique Emporium

818 Seventh Avenue

Beaver Falls, PA 15010

75 Dealer Booths on 3 Floors

Over 100,000 items ~ 28 years in business

No Crafts & Few Reproductions

See what I’m doing with it and where it’s going coming soon!

*This is not an advertisement. I’m not affiliated with Antique Emporium or being paid to write this post. I’m just sharing our antique adventure and my thrifty treasure.

May you’re weekend be filled with thrifty treasures!

Before & After Series for Habitat for Humanity

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Roeshel

The work that the non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity is so important. They’ve had a huge impact all over the world. It’s only fitting that DIY’ers support the cause (since we too love home improvement). That’s the reason for One Project Closer’s annual Before & After series. OPC started this event four years ago as a way to help raise awareness for Habitat, and to support their mission to provide decent, safe and affordable places to live.

How it Works

If you’re not familiar with the series, here’s the basics: you submit pictures and a story from a home improvement project you worked (no contracted jobs) sometime over the past year. Every week of the summer (June 20 – September 21), a winner is selected and their story is published online. Each winner gets a $50 gift card to either Lowes, Home Depot, or Amazon, and we make a donation of $100 to Habitat for Humanity in their honor! At the end of the Summer, the best submission, as voted on by readers, wins a bonus $150 gift card to one of the three stores above.

This year is different and even more AWESOME because One Project Closer has asked 13 blogs to get involved, each hosting a week, picking that week’s winner, and featuring the Before and After article on their site.

This week’s host is OPC’s The Better Half and the first before and after story is being feature TODAY - here! I hope you’ll check it out and submit your own before and after story!

How to Enter

If you want to submit a before and after story, email your submission to beforeandafter@oneprojectcloser.com or enter via the link party to show off your great transformations HERE. You have all summer long to link up. I’ll share a reminder and link each week.

DIY Show Off News/Updates

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Roeshel

I’m excited to be hosting the North Pittsburgh “I Love Thrifting Day” again this year! I love thrifting day is one day out of the year when thrifters all over the world celebrate the art of thrifting. It is a time to meet new friends, connect with old ones and share the love a a good find.

You can find more information and details coming soon at Mr. GoodWill Hunting.

We have a super fun busy day planned. Here is Pittsburgh North “I LOVE THRIFTING day” tentative schedule for Sat. July 7th:

9 a.m. North Hills GoodWill
10:30 Wexford GoodWill
11:30 Cranberry Twp. GoodWill
12:30 Lunch at Primanti’s
2:00 Gibsonia GoodWill
3:30 p.m. Share and pictures (location to be announced)

Join in for the entire day or somewhere along the way! Plans, locations and time are subject to change. Local to Pittsburgh? Join us! I can’t wait to meet you! We’re going to enjoy a day of thrifty treasure hunting! Bri and I had a blast last year and hope to have a bigger crowd this year.

If you’d like to get your t-shirt ordered, do it by Friday, June 15: http://www.rashoncarraway.com/2012/05/they-are-here.html

The GoodWill stores on the N. Pittsburgh I LOVE THRIFTING day schedule are giving a 10% discount to shoppers wearing the t-shirt {our group}! How exciting!

~*~*~*~

Are you attending the Haven Conference? I am! It’s another fun opportunity to meet my amazing DIY blog friends! I have to admit I’m a little, maybe even a lot nervous! I haven’t made arrangements to meet up or sit with my e-friends/soon-to-be real life friends and fear I’ll be sitting by myself. Seriously…the words to just speak up don’t come to me until after the opportunity has passed. Why is that? Why wasn’t I born more outgoing and brave?! So, if you see me – please introduce yourself! Bri was going to accompany me, but something came up and now I’m on my own. Counting down the days!

And if you have a DIY project you’d like to share or a guest post for the couple of days I’ll be out of town, now’s the time to show off!

~*~*~*~

Don’t forget to enter to win:

~*~*~*~

Granite Gold Giveaway & Review

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Roeshel

Mr. DIY is the cook in our family. He finds cooking relaxing and therapeutic after a long day at work. He enjoys it. {Who am I to argue?}

We were super excited when we swapped out blue laminate countertops for granite last year. On a photo shoot day, it looks like this:

marble subway tile backsplash

When Mr. DIY has finished creating a delicious meal, it looks like this on a good day:

And usually when I clean up, it’s streaky-looking in certain lighting. I was more than happy to try Granite Gold‘s products for a little help with cleaning that mess on a regular basis, to have an easy solution to my almost daily chore.The food is always amazing but the kitchen usually winds up looking like the Muppets Swedish Chef stopped by for a visit…

{courtesy of rubysuncle}

After clearing all of the clutter and crumbs, I used the Granite Gold cleaner to get through spills, water marks and grease…

I love the citrus scent and streak-free formula {not the result I was getting with brand name cleaning wipes}.

Our granite has a honed finish, but the Granite Gold polish brings out the granite’s natural beauty and when used weekly, provides ongoing protection against water marks.

Gorgeous shine! Great for cleaning our Virginia Mist granite and marble subway tile backsplash too!

One lucky DIY Show Off winner will receive:

The Granite Gold cleaning kit includes 5 must-have products:

Daily Cleaner: Our #1 best seller is a streak-free formula that safely deep-cleans natural stone surfaces, leaving a fresh citrus scent
Polish: Quickly add shine and luster to granite and other natural stone surfaces.
Shower Cleaner: Instead of using other household cleaners which can damage natural stone, our shower cleaner is the safe alternative to prevent mold, mildew, soap scum and hard water deposits
Outdoor Stone Cleaner: Easily attachable to your garden hose, it is safe to use on patios, decks and driveways because the biodegradable, ph-balanced formula won’t harm plants, animals, siding or plastics
Sealer: To provide long-lasting resistance to staining and soil build-up you only need to use our natural stone sealer once a year! So add it to your spring-cleaning to-do’s.

Specially formulated to clean and maintain all-natural surfaces, Granite Gold’s complete stone care line gives consumers the tools to keep their natural stone protected and looking first-class. The non-toxic and non-abrasive formula won’t scratch surfaces, is environmentally friendly and safe to use on any food-preparation surfaces.

+ a $50 Bed, Bath and Beyond gift card!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

Sign up to receive the latest stone care advice from the experts at Granite Gold.
Visit Granite Gold on Facebook for latest stone care advice, helpful hints and updates. Leave a comment that you “like” Granite Gold.
Follow Granite Gold’s on Twitter for the answers to your stone care questions and leave a comment about it.
Comment on how you’ve helped spread the word about the Granite Gold giveaway (Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, blogging). {THANK YOU for your help!}
Leave a comment telling Granite Gold which natural stone in your home could use a little special TLC.

Giveaway starts today and ends June 30th, 2012 at midnight EST. One winner will be chosen randomly and announced shortly after.Open to US residents 18+ only. Good luck!

DIY Show Off received compensation and product for this honest review based on personal experience and giveaway was donated by Granite Gold.

DIY painted foam playmat becomes wall art

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Roeshel

The long weekend here means catching up on some little projects that kept getting put off. Remember when I painted a foam playmat, thinking it’d be a great kitchen/cooking mat?

before…

painted playmat tutorial, DIY kitchen mat, Gorilla tape

after…

{painted foam playmat tutorial}

It looks great there, doesn’t it?

DIY, tutorial, painted floor mat

It really does. But, Mr. DIY is the cook and he’s not always neat, if you know what I mean. Food flies everywhere. And you guys – it was just so pretty. I’ve never painted anything so large that came out so well and I just couldn’t let it get covered with food and smashed down by grown up weight and feet and ruined. I’m so proud of that painted playmat. I’ll make another for this area with a farmhouse theme, I promise.

In the meantime, we have this huge blank wall at the barn patio…

Know where I’m going with this? It can be affordable huge DIY wall art too and looks awesome here…

and just for fun, here is what this covered barn area looked like when we bought our house…

and now…

And there will be more projects here on this covered patio area {with better lighting and pictures} as I update this space. It’s great for entertaining: cook outs, picnics and bon fires. It’s a cozy comfortable place to relax and get away from the house too, to curl up with a good book with some privacy, even in the rain.

I love the way the playmat fills up the huge empty wall. What do you think?

Beach Towel Rack

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Roeshel

Warmer weather around here means mom’s pool is open! Woo hoo!

Mom’s pool is right off of their basement/entertaining area with a covered patio (from the deck above).

I recently came across this free standing towel/magazine/blanket rack but didn’t love the price or that the little kids might view it as a jungle gym or that it’d be another obstacle cluttering up the yard or patio.

{Amazon affiliate link}

“Not-in-my-budget” and “not quite what I had in mind” makes me look for do-it-yourself options. I considered making this but while visiting my mom one day, I realized one wall of her covered patio area is a big blank canvas and mentioned to her that she should create a DIY towel bar stretching the length of that wall for hanging beach towels to dry. I thought maybe galvanized pipe and elbows.

But when I recently headed over to mom’s, she had a prettier option secured to the concrete block (masonry bit and screws)…

It’s a large double curtain rod from Lowe’s! {I get my creativity from her.}

It’s perfect for hanging beach towels to dry out of little ones’ reach {pardon “grandma’s playground for the little grandkids”}.

I just thought it was a really great idea and makes an otherwise wasted space useful and no more hanging beach towels on back of patio chairs to dry!

Die Cut Business Cards Giveaway

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Roeshel

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Winner of the UPrinting die-cut business card giveaway is:

I am trying to market my products with some local vendors, so I would hand them out at those initial meetings. Thanks for offering this great giveaway!

Doreen

CONGRATULATIONS, Doreen! I’ll contact you via email.

If you’re a blogger, it’s a good idea to have business cards on hand. Are you attending any blog conferences this year? I’m going to this one:

Do you try to explain to family and friends and acquaintances or people you meet that you have a blog? I find that having a supply of business cards in my purse is really helpful with introductions and explanations.

In the past, I’ve ordered my business cards from UPrinting.com. I simply upload my logo and create/design online. I loved the quality of my last order…

with a new blog design and attending the Haven conference on my schedule, I’m ready for another order.

UPrinting is my go-to place and now they’re offering one lucky DIY Show Off reader the chance to win business cards!

Prize Details :

250 Die Cut Business Card Printing for one(1) winner
Sizes to choose from : 2 x 3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×2″ Rounded Corners, 1.75×3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×3.5″ Leaf, 2×3.5
Rounded one corner, 2×3.5″ Half Circle Side, 2×3.5″ Oval, 2.5″ Circle
Paper to choose from : 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
6 Business Days Turnaround
*Free shipping for US residents only

How to enter:

Leave a comment telling us where you’ll hand out your business cards. Which UPrinting business card design do you like?

Optional Giveaway Entry Requirements: (leave a comment for each entry)

Like UPrinting on Facebook
Follow UPrinting on Twitter
Add UPrinting to your Google+ Circles
Leave a comment on how you’ve shared this giveaway (Facebook, Twitter, blogging, G+ or Pinterest).

Giveaway starts today and ends Wed., 4/25/12 at midnight EST.

Open to US residents only.

Winner will be chosen randomly on 4/25 and announced shortly after.

Good luck!

*This DIY Show Off giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting.com.

DIY Play Kitchen before and after

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Roeshel

I’ve introduced you to Tanya from

in the past. She has some awesome DIY skills and talent. She recently made a play kitchen for her little cousin. This is one of the sweetest hand made gifts ever!

Before:

See full tutorial at DIY Play Kitchen Reveal.

Awesome after photos:

One more before and after:

Before

After

Super sweet! I want to play! Look how real, even down to the dish soap…

I am so smitten with this kitchen and all of that fun food and accessories!

I want the accessories for my real grown up kitchen. Adorable!

Cost breakdown (not including applicable taxes):

Microwave stand: $6.99 (included cute, wooden handles that I painted)
Faucet: $15.00 (with a bit of negotiating, bought from kijiji.ca)
“Sink”: $3.99 (it’s actually a stainless mixing bowl from the thrift store)
“Element”: $1.25 (a cork trivet from dollarama)
Wood for shelf brackets + dowel: $5.00
Primer & paint: leftovers
Legs: Free! (Mom had them lying around)

Total kitchen cost, having paid the tax man (but minus accessories): $34.65

LInks to the DIY accessories:

Tanya! You’re the best cousin ever! This is just so sweet, so amazing. I love it! Thank you so much for sharing. I definitely need to add this to my DIY list for my nephew’s 3rd birthday. I love that you kept things neutral and included a set of ‘boyish’ accessories too…

I love ALL of Tanya’s DIY. She is super talented. Please visit her at

to pin from the original source and see MORE great DIY ideas!

Follow Along Friday

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Roeshel

I discovered a fun way to make some new friends over at Linky Here and had a great time participating. Whether you’re a new or seasoned blogger, this link party is a great way to gain some new followers, discover new blogs and make new friends.

We want to connect with YOU!

Continue reading →

A week behind the scenes at DIY Show Off…

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Roeshel

A bit of a crazy week as usual around here. This isn’t a usual DIY Show Off post. I hope you don’t mind a little personal mid-week detour from a tutorial or before and after. I love reading when you share more than strictly DIY and since my projects are in progress and under construction, I’m sharing a little of what’s been going on this week in the DIY Show Off house.

1. As you know, I’ve been working in the family room. Here’s a sneak peek of where I am…aged turquoise goodness and beautiful rustic hardware:

{details coming soon}

Continue reading →

Planning a Room Makeover – start with a list

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Roeshel

{House Beautiful}

When I’m getting ready to tackle a room makeover, I start with a list of things I want to accomplish, big and small. I like to put mine in a casual outline format in a notebook. No special order, just a collection of ideas, inspiration, design and plan.

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Introduction to Dumpster Diving

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Roeshel

Today ~~Karen~~ aka Good Time Charlie from Redoux has stopped by to share an introduction to one of her favorite hobbies. She’s spent so much time peering into dumpsters that she’s developed some handy tips on scoring the best junk, with the least amount of effort.

Karen loves to restore and refurbish furniture and she’s so good at it! For example…

and if lucky enough, even use pieces she finds on the side of the road, Craig’s list Free, or….DUMPSTERS!
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Valspar Spray Paint Giveaways!

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Roeshel

THESE GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW CLOSED. Thanks for entering. Winner at the DIY Show Off is Sue B.

I had the opportunity to try Valspar ‘The Perfect Finish’ spray paint recently along with Amy, Holly and Cheri. I shared my project on Sunday…

DIY SHOW OFF - Valspar Spray Paint Giveaway

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

Pop over to enter to win 2 cans of Valspar Spray paint for your DIY-stash of materials!

See what the other’s have transformed and enter to win more on each site!

504 MAIN

IT’S SO VERY CHERI

WHISPERWOOD COTTAGE

Good luck!

Lucky Linky Follower – Giveaway

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Roeshel

Do you feel LUCKY?

Cheri (It’s So Very Cheri) and I both ~~pestered~~ kindly suggested to Brent (the creative genius behind Linky Tools and the new Linky Followers) that we were a teensy bit panicked over the Google Friend Connect abandonment and something fun to take it’s place was needed. We rounded up some friends to join a test group and helped to work on the best new follow tool which we announced yesterday.

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DIY Friends and Following + Something New!

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Roeshel

Hellooooo DIY friends! I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Google Friend Connect is going away for WordPress blogs and know that I recently made the switch from Blogger to WordPress to clean things up around here. Change is scary to begin with and having change affect my readers breaks my heart. Thankfully there are other options in order to stay up-to-date!

ANNOUNCING THE NEWEST WAY TO FOLLOW:

Bloggers know a good “follower” tool is really needed. We wish for a simple, fast, easy-to-use and reliable service. Those of us who use Linky Tools and know the owner/creator (Brent Riggs), realized he would be perfect for developing some kind of really easy to use “follower” system. So we contacted him, and he loved the idea.

Introducing LINKY FOLLOWERS (www.linkyfollowers.com)

***IF YOU BECOME A LINKY FOLLOWER OF THE DIY SHOW OFF – HEAD OVER TO THE APT. GUIDE $50 AmEx GIVEAWAY/DRESSING ROOM REVEAL FOR A CHANCE TO WIN (just leave a comment saying you’re a new Linky Follower!)

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Casting Call for America's Most Talented Crafters

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Roeshel

I received an interesting email this week (maybe you did too) with some information I’d like to pass along since DIY Show Off friends are some of the most talented crafters I know! Yes – that’s you! I KNOW you all have that streak of creative genius. I’ve seen it here, there and everywhere and I love it! Here is the information I have:

The $10,000 prize is definitely a reason to at least apply, right? Be brave. Worry about whether you’d be chosen or whether you’d be a dork on camera after the fact! (Oh wait, that’s my secret plan…why oh why wasn’t I born with an upbeat, fun personality that comes naturally?! Is there an online course for that? lol) And what better reason to WATCH this show when it airs than knowing the DIY divas participating and getting to see them in real life or um…reality tv life?! Although, DIY bloggers are such nice people and so drama-free, aren’t we? Guess we might find out! Go. Do it! What do you think?

Decorating dilemma. Advice appreciated!

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Roeshel

I’m having a bit of a DIY dilemma, a DIY moment if you will. I need your help and advice. History of this odd little room: I know I just shared a sitting room makeover with you. I painted the walls then decorated for Christmas. This room is right off of our dining room. The short hall to the right in the picture leads down the basement stairs.

I’ve un-Christmas-ed it and de-cluttering feels so good! But now I’m re-thinking things. I’m so indecisive. DIY is a disease, I tell ya. But friends, it’s a room without a real purpose. It deserves a real name and meaning in our home. It’s actually one of my favorite spaces. Small, lots of light and easy to clean.

When we bought our house, it looked like this: (GASP! Hey…what was it even back then? I have no clue…no one needs 3 back doors/back entryways, do they?) Maybe everyone inside really needed to escape to the outside because it was in poor condition?

We installed French doors to bring in some light.

Much better!

Looking from the dining room:

We added a closet to a corner that housed a cubby area running beside the basement stairs.

Mr. DIY installed the slate tile…

We call it the mudroom…but we don’t enter the house here. We don’t exit the house here either. Maybe sometimes in the summer if we’re entertaining on the patio. But it does have a twin sister on the back side of the house…(into the kitchen which is where we enter/exit):

(Oh…how I miss summer!)

So, anyway, it became the sitting room and it’s had a lot of different looks:

to this:

to this…

then this…

But, the only one who sits there is Lalka. DON’T sit in that seat! Your backside will be covered in fluff.

I just painted the walls last month and I love the drop cloth script curtains (tutorial here) so they’re staying. I also like the mirror (recycled). But other than that, I’m indecisive.

So I was thinking…maybe keep it a sitting room because I love rearranging and decorating in there. It gives me my monthly (maybe even bi-weekly decorating fix!) I’d love to add a settee. I’ve been searching Craig’s List for months to give an old piece a little DIY love but no luck so far. How cute is this one from Frou FruGal?

I’d love to DIY a thrifty treasure to look like this…

{via pinterest}

And then my mind wanders and I think maybe a little more dining area seating would be a nice option? We do entertain on occasion and although our dining room table can seat 8 (10 if we squeeze in), it might be nice to have a little extra dining/seating, especially with nieces and nephews. Something like this…

{via Restoration Hardware}

The views of the back yard under snow or the barn and grape arbor in summer would be pretty at dinner scene. It’d also be an option that works with something else, but that’s a secret.

Or a photography studio? (I take pictures for my family/nieces/nephews.) It might be a challenge to keep it looking nice and a little odd off the dining area (although if I can talk my cook into starting a blog, it might be handy!).

{via pinterest}

Or an office area? Love this the changing ‘studio’ at WhisperWood Cottage (I’m not the only one who loves to rearrange a room!):

But we do have two other “office”/desk areas in our home and I actually sit on the couch in the living room with my laptop. lol Go figure! I should sit in the “sitting room”, huh?

I did warn you that I’m indecisive, didn’t I? What do you think? What would you do? I may have already decided but I’m curious about your input and advice. And with the right idea, I could change my mind…again. Thanks!

PartSelect Contest ~ Guest Blog Post by Roeshel's Dryer

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Roeshel

Guest Blogger: Dryfus (Roeshel’s Old Dryer).

::whispering:: When I overheard Roeshel telling Mr. DIY about the AWESOME contest going on at PartSelect.com with a $5000 GE prize for new appliances (she learned about it from her friend, Gail), I decided to hi-jack the DIY Show Off blog while she sleeps to tell my sob story, for the sake of Laundry Room who has been depressed for four long years…ever since Roeshel and Mr. DIY moved in and started giving all of the other rooms tons of DIY and affection. Laundry Room isn’t a priority because replacing us isn’t in the budget. We’re hidden away and kept secret from the rest of the house and the DIY Show Off readers.

My best friend in the whole laundry room world is Wally Washer (he’s too shy to talk but we’re a great team and work well together). We haven’t earned a place in the DIY Show Off spotlight because we’re mismatched, old, noisy and outdated. We aren’t very photogenic either. Roeshel loves our functions and visits us weekly. We do a great job. But I have to admit, I think she’s ashamed of us. I know she’s considered giving us a DIY makeover. I have nightmares about damask stencils and paint (oh please, PartSelect – save us…we really want to move on to someone who will love us for just doing our job). I can see that look in her eye every time she helps herself to our services…the look that says we’ll one day become DIY guinea pigs. You know Roeshel, once she focuses her attention on Laundry Room, walls will be painted, doors will be added, shelving will be built, plumbing hidden, floor will be tiled, things will get all girly and frou-frou and a new utility sink might even move in. ::Wally grumbles::

Laundry Room is so mad at us for holding up the plans. Laundry Room is a diva and she’s tired of being moved to the bottom of the DIY list. She blames us. She throws a tantrum nearly every day and we have to listen to her go on and on about how she’s ready for her debut and how it’s her time to shine in the DIY Show Off spotlight. We remind her that if it wasn’t for Roeshel and Mr. DIY, Laundry Room would still be living in the dark, damp basement with spiders.

{previous owner’s laundry area}

She’s been upgraded to a new room on the first floor and she still demands more attention. But alas, until it’s in the budget for Wally Washer and I to be relocated to Roeshel’s daughter’s home, Laundry Room won’t undergo a DIY procedure and she is such a pouter. She dreams of DIY surgery. Imagine the glares we get. Time to take action! Winning the PartSelect GE giveaway would be a dream come true for us all.

Here is what we look like now (please don’t tell Roeshel or Laundry Room that we shared these top secret before pictures when there are no after photos to compare! We’d be in so much trouble! It’ll be our little secret! She’d gasp in horror if she knew.) …

{once a short hallway/closet turned laundry room}

Okay, we’re dated. I’m older than Washer. Want to know another secret? Washer has some mold issues. Nothing serious that a little vinegar or bleach and scrubbing don’t handle (he’s due for a routine cleaning), but I think Roeshel’s just ready to move on and so are we. We know there’s a young adult who’d jump up and down for joy that she didn’t have to lug clothes to the laundromat or mom’s house. We’d be loved and be appreciated for our laundry skills with little regard for our appearance.

So, I’m hoping that this post qualifies as an opportunity for a one way ticket to Roeshel’s daughter’s basement and Laundry Room can make friends with new improved better looking GE models who won’t cramp her style. Wish us luck!

::SHOUTING::

Could you use $5000 towards GE appliances? There’s still time to enter if you hurry! Choose from the 5 Official Blog Topics:

Share your worst DIY disaster. But if you don’t make DIY mistakes, choose from the other options:
Highlight your proudest DIY creation ~ I know you have one! Roeshel talks about you DIY bloggers and your amazing DIY projects all of the time!
Interview your appliances…they’re not happy if you’re not happy.
Tell about the coolest way you solved a home related issue. We’ve heard you’re DIY heroes!
Brag about your best trash to treasure happily ever after story.

Lots of ways to enter! See all of the details and enter to win at

PartsSelect $5000 GE Giveaway

I was not paid to share the giveaway details or link. In fact, until I submit my informa
tion with this post to enter the giveaway, PartSelect doesn’t even know Dryfus, Wally, Laundry Room, Roeshel or the DIY Show Off exist. Think you’ll enter? What do you have to lose?

Pin It

Now Closed!

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Roeshel

Would you like to give your opinion and earn a little extra money in the process? Yea, baby! Who wouldn’t? Check out this opportunity from one of my favorite manufacturers! (Sorry, I am not allowed to tell you who they are… so that I don’t bias your thoughts—but trust me they are awesome and I know you’re familiar with them! I’ve met my contacts in real life and I <3 them.)

You just take a quick 2 minute survey to see if you qualify to be a panel member. If approved, this will open you up to money making survey and product testing opportunities throughout the next year. Money AND products for DIY projects, are you in?

If you are one of the first 100 panel members to qualify, you will even get to take your first survey today and have your choice between a $10 Lowe’s gift card or $10 Home Depot Gift card! That should come in handy this time of year!

The secret company is actively looking to recruit some knowledgeable DIY’ers from the DIY Show Off readership for some research. They’re looking for participants to give their honest feedback without telling them what you think they want to know.

If you qualify as part of the DIY expert panel, the first 100 panelists will immediately get sent into the first survey opportunity. After completing the 10-minute survey you will take home your choice of a $10 Lowe’s gift card or $10 Home Depot gift card. Sometimes they are going to ask you to take a survey; at other times participants will be asked to try out a product and give feedback. You won’t be asked to do ANYTHING without being compensated for your time and effort and this is a company that I’ve worked with so I feel comfortable passing along this information to you!

Sometimes I’m asked, how to get involved with companies that support DIY and home improvement. This is your chance. Remember that responding when you see sponsor related posts and giveaways helps get you noticed by sponsors because you’re showing your support. Ready to get started? Click HERE to take the survey to apply. If you want, leave me a comment letting me know! I’d love to hear about your experience.

Depending on the response from my blog, I may receive compensation for sharing this information with you. I’d love for you to check it out and appreciate your support and hoping that you’ll have a great experience and make a little extra $ too!

Good luck!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaways at the top of the side bar! A chance to win more goodies too! :)

7 Sisters DIY

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Roeshel

Meet: 7 friends who follow God and love family, friends, crafting, eating, cooking, baking, decorating, laughing and everything in between. Well they can add 1 more because I love those things too. How about you?

They have some great DIY projects to share today!

Lazy Susan Before & After

GoodWill find/lazy Susan before…

Beautiful now!

Open Cabinet

Before…blah.

Now…

WOW!

Inspires you to take off the doors and decorate a whole new pretty organized area out of an otherwise hidden space, doesn’t it?

See more pics of beautiful vignettes in these open cabinets here.

Yardstick Crate Tutorial - love these! How inexpensive but a great size for storage!

If you haven’t ‘met’ this group of talented ladies, you’ll LOVE their Tutorial Round Up page. Here are a few things you’ll find. Pop over, browse around a bit and say hello from me!

DIY bench with no power tools

photo art

free printables

homemade jam

duct tape flower pens

Reminder: HGTV's Design Star Premiere's Tonight!

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Roeshel

Are you as super excited as I am for this HGTV’s Design Star this year? I really get in to it and feel like I “know” the designers after a fun season, don’t you? I love watching the challenges. I imagine being on the show is a dream come true for the designers, getting to meet extremely talented famous designers and having the opportunity to be the next DESIGN STAR! Imagine overcoming nerves, stage fright and being judged by the best. I’d be a wreck!

This season DESIGN STAR heads to NYC, where 12 talented designers compete to host their own show and where readers can vote daily for their favorite contestant. All will be mentored by season one DESIGN STAR winner, David Bromstad and will be faced with an all-star judging panel of acclaimed HGTV interior designers, Genevieve Gorder, Candice Olson and Vern Yip. It will also include a few celebrity guests! I don’t often watch tv but this is one show I’m going to add to my summer routine. Popcorn and all!

Here are a couple of sneak peeks to give you an idea of what to expect this season:

Premiere is TONIGHT, 7/11/11 at 9/8 C on HGTV! Are you watching too?

Meet the designers and cast your vote at: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-design-star/show/index.html?nl=HGIdeas_v450_P1_DStar&sni_mid=11800&sni_rid=11800.324.945114. I can’t wait to get to “know” them and see some amazing designs! I’d love to discuss your thoughts – they all have such a diverse background. It’s bound to be interesting season!

As a decorating blogger you’re probably very familiar with One Kings Lane and if not – One Kings Lane partners with top brands and designers to give their members insider access to designer decor, entertaining, fantastic gift selections and exclusive tag sales curated by today’s top tastemakers – at up to 70% off retail!

I thought you would be thrilled to know that HGTV has partnered with One Kings Lane on a massive beach themed sale in anticipation for tonight’s season premiere of DESIGN STAR! It’s the first time HGTV has partnered with One Kings Lane for an online sale and I’m thrilled to provide you with all the juicy details.

In today’s “HGTV Bring in the Beach Sale”, HGTV design star bloggers picked a handful of their favorite beach-inspired décor to sell on the site. You can view the inventory and purchase their favorites online beginning at 11am ET/8am PT TODAY! Any product with the ‘HGTV Pick’ icon was hand-selected by HGTV design bloggers. Inventory is extremely limited and once an item is sold out it is gone forever! The sale can be found at the URL below and goes live at 11:00AM ET on the dot:

https://www.onekingslane.com/sales/11307

~*~*~*~

The DIY Project Parade is going on! Link up your latest DIY project or browse the amazing links for ideas!

I’ll be out of town for a couple of days. I can’t wait to share with you where I’m headed and what I’m doing but I’ll still be available off and on throughout the week and still posting.

DIY Show Off ™ – DIY Decorating and Home Improvement Blog

Budget Friendly Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement and Decorating blog

Category Archives: Misc.

Free Standing Pallet Herb Garden

Update for Hurricane Sandy Relief ~ Socks for Sandy

Socks for Sandy: Helping Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Adventure at Antique Emporium

Before & After Series for Habitat for Humanity

How it Works

DIY Show Off News/Updates

Granite Gold Giveaway & Review

DIY painted foam playmat becomes wall art

Beach Towel Rack

Die Cut Business Cards Giveaway

DIY Play Kitchen before and after

Follow Along Friday

A week behind the scenes at DIY Show Off…

Planning a Room Makeover – start with a list

Introduction to Dumpster Diving

Valspar Spray Paint Giveaways!

Lucky Linky Follower – Giveaway

Do you feel LUCKY?

DIY Friends and Following + Something New!

Casting Call for America's Most Talented Crafters

Decorating dilemma. Advice appreciated!

PartSelect Contest ~ Guest Blog Post by Roeshel's Dryer

Now Closed!

7 Sisters DIY

Reminder: HGTV's Design Star Premiere's Tonight!