DIY Outdoor Giant Dice Game (LCR)

As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas team, I have the option to participate in monthly challenges. One of the themes to choose from for June is DIY Outdoor Games. Our family spends a lot of time together in the summer months at mom’s pool and at our home for cook-outs and bon-fires. Having a few games on hand makes get-togethers fun. 

DIY giant outdoor LCR dice game tutorial

I decided to make a giant version of a new-to-me dice game called LCR. Lowe’s supplied a gift card to complete this project. I think this would be a great summer DIY hostess gift too! 

DIY giant LCR dice game

Materials I used (can be altered using some leftover supplies too):  

  • Scrap 4″ x 4″ 
  • Sandpaper/sanding block
  • Stencils (3 “L”s, 3 “C”s, 3 “R”s and 9 circles). I created my own but Lowe’s also sells vinyl letters or you could draw/paint them free-hand. 
  • Rust-Oleum’s High Performance Enamel (gloss black)
  • Rust-Oleum’s Ultimate Polyurethane spray
  • 2 boxes of large canning jar lids (total 24 lids)
  • Rustoleum’s Self Etching Primer
  • Rustoleum’s Spray Gloss Protective Enamel (red)

TUTORIAL

Dice: 

1. Measure and cut cubes from the 4″ x 4″. Note: A 4 x 4 will more likely measure 3.5 inches, not 4 inches. My cubes are 3.5″ x 3.5″. I used scrap wood since 4″ x 4″ beams come in 10 foot pieces…although that’s great option for making these as hostess gifts this summer! 

cutting 4x4 DIY dice game

2. Sand edges and surfaces of each cube. 

sand wood cubes DIY giant dice game

Note: You can paint dice any way you choose: All one color with a different color lettering, color the lettering and leave the dice wood-toned, staining the wood and painting the lettering, etc. I will probably try something different with my next set so they’re each unique. 

3. Apply vinyl lettering/circles: one L, one R, one C to each die (the real game set shows them all beside each other on 3 face sides), then apply 3 circles to each die. Make sure to press them down securely. 

DIY LCR dice game tutorial

4. I elevated my dice and used a roller to apply my paint. Once dry, I flipped each die and painted the bottom side. 

giant LCR dice

5. Peel away vinyl stencils.

outdoor dice game tutorial

6. Once dry, I sanded each die for a distressed look then wiped them clean with a damp cloth. 

giant LCR dice game

7. Spray each die with a lacquer/clear coat sealant and let dry. 

sealing DIY dice

Chips:

Spray each side of each canning jar lid with self etching primer (allowing to fully dry on one side before flipping and spraying other side). Repeat with spray gloss protective enamel. Each coat takes a long time to dry, especially around the rubber seal of the canning jar lid. I found working outside helped speed up the drying process. 

DIY giant game chips tutorial

Time to Play!

DIY Outdoor LCR Dice Game Tutorial

Game Rules:

  1. Each player starts with 3 chips. 
  2. First player rolls the dice. 
  3. L = give a chip to the player to on your left. C = give a chip to the center pot. Roll an R = give a chip to the player to on your right.  Roll a dot = keep chip.
  4. Pass the dice to the player on the left for their turn. 
  5. You roll as many dice as chips you have (if 4 or more, roll all 3 dice).
  6. Losing all of your chips doesn’t mean you are out of the game…the game changes quickly! There is a chance another player will roll an L or an R and pass more chips to you. 
  7. Last person possessing one chip wins the center pot. 

DIY giant outdoor LCR dice game tutorial

See more fun DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas, follow Lowe’s on InstagramPinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app!

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*Disclaimer: As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Creators and Influencers network, I received a Lowe’s gift card to complete this project. The tutorial images, instructions and opinions are my own. DIY results may vary.

THAT DIY PARTY and DIY Project Highlights

Hello, DIY friends! A brand new week, a brand new DIY link party, DIY highlights and a DIY Show Off weekly recap. And Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads! 

that diy link party

DIY Show Off Weekly Recap:  Old chandeliers get a new purpose. Our family had a great time making these, even the kids helped! DIY chandelier planter tutorial.

how to make a chandelier planter

I’m co-hosting a Summer Inspiration: Recipes Link Party. If you have a favorite summer recipe to share or are looking for some delicious summer food ideas, check it out!

summer-Inspiration-Recipes

Get the recipe for this yummy EASY pineapple mandarin orange trifle summer dessert

pineapple-mandarin-orange-trifle

My husband, Mr. DIY, is sharing an entire awesome summer BBQ menu with recipes. Got a minute? I’d love for you to pop over and pin for later! 

  • Smoked ulled pork sandwiches
  • Dill red potato salad
  • Crunchy vinegar cole slaw 
  • Easy orange pineapple trifle

vinegar coleslaw recipe

Not a new ideas, but ‘new to me’ DIY decorative baseboard trim tutorial

DIY decorative baseboard trim

SHOWING OFF:  It’s my favorite time of the week, seeing YOUR creativityHere are some highlights from last week’s DIY party for some summer time DIY inspiration.

DIY highlights 20

~Awesome Rooms~

I love everything about this amazing living room at Charming Zebra (and her beautiful home shared in a mini updated home tour). 

Living Room at Charming Zebra 

An (unbelievable transformation) cutest cottage kitchen makeover at Shabby Love with the sweetest attention to detail. Wow!

cottage kitchen makeover at vintagemellie.com/Shabby Love

Let’s join Manuela on her beautiful screened porch at A Cultivated Nest. You bring the cookies, I’ll bring the lemonade. 

screened-porch-decorating at A Cultivated Nest 

Dawnelle invites us over to her beautiful and inviting home at Just Dawnelle

home tour at Just Dawnelle

Awe…check out the sweet modern nursery reveal at Tiny SideKick. So many fun DIY details. Love the ceiling!

modern boy nursery at Tiny SideKick

~Fab Furniture~

This changing table transformed into a beverage station at Twelve O’Eight is awesome! A must do for our barn patio, don’t you think? Yard sale time!

beverage and drink stand from changing table at Twelve o Eight

 

~Amazing Accents~

Sometimes the cost of drapes means saving or going without but Lisa shares at great tutorial on turning sheers to black-out drapes at Before Meets After

sheers to blackout curtains Before Meets After

Maryann’s hanging mason jar succulents are so cute! See more details at Domestically Speaking

mason-jar-succulents at Domestically Speaking

 

Awesome DIY Roman shades with grommet detail tutorial at Just the Bees Knees. They’re fabulous!

DIYRomanBlindswithGrommetDetail Just the Bees Knees

And another great curtain DIY… curtains from sheets with black out lining tutorial at Better with Age.

curtains from sheets with black out lining at So Much Better With Age

~Outdoor Projects~

How cute is this outdoor foot washing station at Bles-Id? What a great idea. I know after a day of being outside in flip-flops, this would come in handy! 

foot washing station at Bles-Id

Outdoor hanging candle holders at Living and Learning with Luisa are an easy and cute outdoor decorative accent…great idea!

easy outdoor candle holders - living with luisa

 

This is the dreamiest front porch ever. See the beautiful pergola at French Country Cottage

pergola at French Country Cottage

~Tips & Tricks~

Great tips for growing and storing onions from the Seasoned Homemaker. Must give this one a try!

Pin Courtesy: Follow THAT DIY PARTY highlights Pinterest board with highlights from the That DIY Party links every week to re-pin my pins linked to original party link sources.

thatdiyparty.pinboard

More DIY Highlights: Previous week’s DIY highlights if you missed them. So much creativity!

DIY Highlights 19

THAT DIY PARTY: Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

DIY Show Off

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1. Please use the button above or text and link to this post to share the linky love. Here is the link: http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/. I’m not one to double check and will feature your DIY project if I love it whether you linked back or not. However, I’d love for you to share a link, share on FB or by tweet or pin too! Invite your friends!

2. This blog linky party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted. Please share your link one week only.  Please do not link recipes, giveaways, linky parties, promotions or a collection of inspiration that isn’t your own DIY project. 

3. By joining the party, you give permission for your project to be featured and ‘shown off’ via blog highlight, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, G+ and the possibility of being featured on a new DIY feature site coming soon! 

4. If you’ve been featured, feel free to proudly display a DIY Show Off “I’m Featured Button” found here.



Chandelier Planter Tutorial

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. See the planning and source to my inspiration here

About a month ago, we hosted a Mother’s Day BBQ for our family – filled with good food, a fun gardening project and great times…stuff special family memories are made of.

With a paid opportunity to partner with Miracle-Gro (for the record, I accepted this opportunity because we do purchase Miracle-Gro products), our BBQ included getting creative with the women in my family so they’d go home with a beautiful unique hanging flower planter gift. The Gro Project is a great resource for new growers/gardners to start their own grow story. I started the prep work in advance, so that the fun part of planting flowers was the only concern on the part of my guests.

How to Make a Chandelier Planter

how-to-make-a chandelier-flower-planter

Materials:

  • Chandelier (try Craigs List, Ebay, thrift stores, yard sales)
  • Terra cotta pots and saucers (The same number as the “arms” of your chandelier. Ours all had 5.)
  • Outdoor-rated spray paint
  • Waterproof glue 
  • Plumber’s epoxy putty
  • Flowers, plants
  • Moisture Control Potting Mix
  • “S” hook for hanging (and the chain that comes with the chandelier if needed)

Tools:

  • Wire cutters
  • Garden trowel

1. Slide off the plastic ‘candle’ holders and remove all electrical/wiring from the chandelier using the wire cutters.

removing-wiring

2. Attach terra cotta saucers using epoxy putty and glue. The epoxy putty helped to keep the things in place since clamping isn’t possible.

chandelier-planter-tutorial

Repeat for attaching the pots. I let the glue dry 1-2 hours before spray painting and allowed it to cure several days before planting.

how-to-make-a-chandelier-planter

3. Spray paint the entire thing (even your chain if you’ll be using it). I found that hanging the chandelier from a low tree branch to be the easiest process (especially if the chandelier’s shape doesn’t sit level) but you could also do a 2 step process (position upside down on drop cloth/cardboard, spray paint, dry, flip and the spray from top and let dry). Some parts of the chandelier’s design may also be removable (simply unscrew) and can be taken apart for spray painting if needed. Wear a mask if you’re working under poorly ventilated conditions or breezy weather and eye protection.

spray-painting-chandelier

4. Dry. Since I worked in advance, the chandeliers had several days to dry/cure. The glue did expand and become visible. And a little scratching of the paint happened in places as well. But as we say around here, “imperfection adds character” and those things are not something you pick out and focus on when the project is complete (any imperfections stand out in the  completed project below?… nope!) You could lightly sand and spray a base primer on your chandelier as well.

drying-chandeliers

5. Plant! We had several color coordinated flower options on hand as well as some ivy and used Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Soil – perfect for container gardens.

chandelier-planter

It figures. After a beautiful sunny week of temperatures in the 70s, Mother’s Day proved to be windy and in the 50s. Brrr! I set up the ‘planting station’ on our barn patio to escape the windy conditions.

planting-chandelier-planter

Even the little ones had fun planting flowers for mom in little watering cans from the dollar store…

miracle-gro-moisture-control-potting-mix

addy-planting

planting-flowers

6. Water according to plant instructions. NOTE: The Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix protects against over & under watering. Virtually fool-proof if you do not possess a green thumb.

7. Hang! Ta-da…

aqua-chandelier-planter

pink-chandelier-planter

navy-chandelier

mint-chandelier-planter

orange-chandelier-planter

Note: My chandelier planter is hanging from a plant hook on our patio. Sunlight and watering are not an issue. The design of some of the chandeliers posted above also allow for table top display. I only ‘display’ my chandelier planter like a ‘chandelier’ on our covered patio as party decorating (a few hours then back to the hook). Also, drainage is limited due to the glue however, I water daily and the Miracle Gro Moisture Control Potting Soil contributes to a healthy balance.

chandelier-tree

You may have spied my chandelier planter used indoors at our Summer Home Tour too…

chandelier planter

and hanging in the tree as a photo prop for the easy shaded DIY DOG BED

diy-dog-bed-tutorial

For more planting tips and inspiration:

  • Visit Miracle-Gro online to access their expansive library of articles and videos full of expert gardening tips for beginners and professionals alike as well as online tools to help growers solve common garden problems and find the right products to to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden.
  • Check out  as a resource to start your own story.
  • “Follow” the Miracle-Gro Pinterest page for more fun garden projects.

Visit Sponsor's Site

 

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Summer Home Tour

Welcome to the Summer Tour of Homes Day 2! If you’re following along and just popped over from visiting Emily’s gorgeous home at Decor Chick, welcome guests!

Summer Tour of Homes

I’m so excited to participate in Day 2 of the Summer Tour of Homes hosted by Gina at the Shabby Creek CottageIt’s my favorite time of year! Longer days for productivity and lots of DIY.

DIYShowOff Summer Home Tour

Are you ready for LOTS of pictures? I hope so! summer chalkboard

Most of our summer is spent outdoors. We do a lot of summer entertaining, hosting BBQs and family cook-outs. So making our outdoor areas pretty is where our tour begins…

barn patio

We have a bank barn which we use for storage (much like a huge garage), but the bottom part opens up into our BIG party gathering space in the summer where we can set up volley ball in the yard and sit around a bon fire.

teeny tiny scary before picture…

barn before

The barn patio area provides a covered space for setting up a picnic buffet for entertaining or a quiet place for relaxing. Improvements are still on the DIY ‘to-do’ list but you can see it’s a big improvement already. This area has been a great location for grad parties, a co-ed baby shower BBQ, a fashion photo shoot, family reunions, picnics and cook outs.

barn patio makeover

outdoor entertaining

outdoor living

party patio

barn party patio

red and turquoise patio

Sources: DIY painted foam playmat art tutorial, tire planter tutorial coming soon, DIY tissue paper poufs and banner, old weathered door/barrel buffet, spray-painted accessories (Rustoleum Lagoon), turquoise crocheted accent pillow (Target), red petunias, outdoor area rug (Better Homes & Gardens, WalMart), red accent pillows (Target), blue mason jar vase, red outdoor fabric table cloth (Kmart), DIY framed chalkboard. 

The patio off the back of our home also got a mini-makeover last month with some cleaning, refreshening accents with some spray paint, some re-arranging, flowers and a few new decorative touches…

(see the before the patio and installation)

before

patio-before

patio makeover

patio-makeover

patio makeover

The patio swing was looking a little tired and inspired an outdoor swing/daybed makeover patio daybed

My hubby’s favorite hobby is cooking and having fresh herbs near the French doors to the kitchen is convenient. Decorative and functional with our free standing pallet herb garden

free standing pallet herb garden

patio accents

One of the things I loved about the property when we purchased our home was the mature huge grape arbor. It was very rickety but the grapes were plentiful…

before

grape arbor before

We rebuilt the framing and added a gazebo to the center…

grape arbor gazebo

This year we’re recycling a pile of old bricks for a paved walkway and seating area underneath the gazebo (more on that coming up this summer). Again, a work currently in progress, but check out those vines! LOVE!

grape arbor gazebo

It’s been a while since I’ve done a home tour. Things are mostly the same with some rearranging but here are some most recent pictures. Our house before was down right disgusting and scary but we saw past that to the potential…location, charm, character, size. But definitely a true fixer upper. 

kitchen (links to kitchen before/after, more pictures, DIY door clock tutorial, spice loft, sliding ladder, marble subway tiled backsplash how-to, painting cabinets, cook book library, etc.)

farmhouse kitchen makeover

kitchen tour

before

kitchen before

 after…

farmhouse kitchen

farmhouse kitchen tour

eclectic farmhouse kitchen

eclectic kitchen tour

The French doors lead right to our patio. It’s so convenient for entertaining and hosting BBQs. The sun sets on the other side of the house so evenings are shaded and comfortable. Perfect for alfresco summer dining. 

before…

farmhouse kitchen before

farmhouse kitchen before

now…DIYShowOff kitchen tour

powder room before and after

powder room

dining room

before

dining room before

now…

diningroom tour

diningroom makeover

DIYShowOff diningroom

farmhouse dining room

eclectic dining room

DIYShowOff dining room

I’m always re-arranging the sitting room. It’s gets a makeover about once a month. It’s an ever changing multi-functional space. Sometimes it’s a sitting room, sometimes a dining area or mudroom.

before

sitting room before

This month, it’s a small office/work space…

office space eclectic hallway DIYShowOff Home Tour sitting room

DIY: no sew script drop cloth curtains, wall mounted pallet shelf, French doors, slate floors, pet gate, globe light fixture cover.

half-globe-light-cover

Our stairway landing hasn’t changed at all. I just love it the way it is. For now.

stair landing

And the family room is still a work in progress so these are a bit of a reveal since I haven’t shared little things in this room before, but fun DIY art and lots of color adds a touch of summer…

family room

Still a lot of DIY planned for this room!

DIYShowOff family room tour.jpg

headboard door pediment tutorial

turquoise french doors.jpg

family room accents.jpg.jpg

DIY chevron garden sign, painted thrift store candlesticks, Today will be the Best Day sign, DIY curtains (fabric is Waverly Santa Maria Desert Flower), window/chandelier coffee table, and a DIY chandelier planter tutorial coming soon.

chandelier planter.jpg

eclectic family room makeover.jpg

free standing fireplace surround with pallet shelving faux fireplace with pallet shelving

eclectic family room tour.jpg

Last but not least, even CocoRosie, our Italian Greyhound, enjoys the summer weather with her shaded dog bed

DIY shaded dog bed

Whew! Lots to see, right? Thanks for sticking around if you made it through it all! You can see more room by room before/after and DIY at the DIY Show Off Home Tour

Are you all set for summer? Don’t forget to link up your summer home tour on Friday, June 7th at the Shabby Creek Cottagesummer-tour-of-homes-schedule

DAY 1 (June 3rd)

2 – The Nester @ Nesting Place
3 – Mandi @ Vintage Revivals
5 – Ashley @ The Handmade Home
6 – Kristin @ The Hunted Interior
 

DAY 2 (June 4th)

1 – Beckie @ Infarrantly Creative
3 – Chris @ Just a Girl
4 – Brooke @ All Things Thrifty
5 – Karen @ The Graphics Fairy
6 – Emily @ Decor Chick
7 – Roeshel @ DIY Show Off
 

DAY 3 (June 5th)

1 – Melissa @ The Inspired Room
2 – Wendy @ The Shabby Nest
3 – Donna @ Funky Junk Interior
4 – Marianne @ Songbird
7 – Brittany@ PrettyHandyGirl
 

DAY 4 (June 6th)

1- Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality
2- Traci @ Beneath My Heart
3-Stacy @ Not Just a Housewife
4-Jen @ Jennifer Rizzo
5-Lindsay @ Makely Home
6-Sandra @ Sawdust Girl

THAT DIY PARTY time!

Hello, DIY friends! Happy June! It’s my favorite season: Summer! Sunshine and warmth, beautiful weather, picnics, cook-outs, swimming and family time. But it’s also a great time for DIY. Spray painting outdoors, working in the yard, long days for productivity! Bring it on!

that diy link party

DIY Show Off Recap:

Thrifty gallery wall and room accents

thrift store gallery wall

Painting  and stenciling faux-paneled walls

lilac and white damask

SHOWING OFF:  Here are some highlights from last week’s DIY party for some summer time DIY inspiration.

DIY-highlights-18

~Awesome Rooms~

Wow! Ashley’s dining room reveal packed full of amazing DIY projects at Bigger than the Three of Us is a must see!

dining room makeover - bigger than the three of us blog

Linda has a dining room reveal at It All Started with Paint. I love her navy walls, beautiful white board and batten and that fabulous rug.

dining room reveal at It All Started With Paint blog

It’s so fun when a room reflects personality and interests. How about this awesome music and fashion inspired office/craft room at If It’s Not Baroque Design…great reveal with lots of before/after shots.

music fashion inspired office at If It's Not Baroque

beautiful bathroom makeover (and board and batten) at DIY with Jen and B.

bathroom makeover at DIY with Jen and B

A bright and happy vintage inspired bathroom reveal by Tricia at Simplicity in the South.

bathroom reveal at Simplicity in the South

Rita Joy, I’d be happy to be home every time I walked into this beautiful entryway! See the evolving entryway at Harbour Breeze Home.

entryway-makeover at Harbour Breeze Home

Karri joins the room reveals with sharing her gorgeous bathroom makeover at House of Tubers.

bathroom makever - House of Tubers

~Fab Furniture~

Thanks to Deb, I’ll be keeping my eyes open for one of these while yard sale shopping. Bar cart makeover at Lake Girl Paints.

Bar Cart with Gray and White Stripes - Lake Girl Paints

Korrie has been trying her hand at furniture building lately and is quite awesome at it. Her latest DIY adventure includes building a dresser at Red Hen Home. Wow!

Red Hen Home Handbuilt Bedroom Dresser

Kitchen island envy! Courtney’s DIY (Ikea hack) kitchen island at Golden Boys and Me is ahhhh-mazing!

diy kitchen island at Golden Boys and Me

Meredith uses beautiful overlays to take a boring old dresser to beautiful office storage piece at Meredith and the New Yorkie. So pretty!

Dresser-With-Overlays at Meredith and the New Yorkie

~Amazing Accents~

I love patriotic decorative accents this time of year, don’t you? Check out the awesome Pottery Barn knock off patriotic banner at Remodelando la Casa. Love it, Cristina!

pb knock-off Patriotic Banner at Remodelando la Casa

For those of us without an i-Home for our i-Phone, try this! (I am!) Chaney shares how to make an i-phone speaker at May Richer Fuller Be. Yep, that’s an empty toilet paper roll.

DIY iPhone Speaker - May Richer Fuller Be

Awesome DIY pendant light at Teal and Lime. LOOOOOOVe it, Jackie!

diybrasspendantlight at Teal and Lime

Agi shares how she made this darling DIY letter holder at Passion Shake.

DIY vintage letter holder at Passion Shake

~Outdoor Decorating~

Diane shares great tips for how to plant a beautiful flowering window box at An Extraordinary Day. Gorgeous!

How-to-plant-a-window-box-garden-Dragon-Wing-Begonias-AnExtraordinaryDay

Not only does Krista work her decorating magic inside, her summer deck-orating at the Happy Housie is just as stunning. You don’t want to miss her pretty view or her upcycled colander succulent planter as well. So much to see!

Decked-Out-for-Summer-at-thehappyhousie

House numbers and a flower box? Yes, please! See the house number sign tutorial at Second Chance to Dream.

house number sign tutorial at Second Chance to Dream

So clever and so creative – an old crockpot becomes a planter at Redoux.

crock pot planter at Redoux

~Tips & Tricks~

Therese shares her experience and tips on choosing hardwood floors at Fresh Ideas Studio. I have to agree with her. We’re thrilled with our extra durable hand-scraped/antique bamboo floors.

choosing hardwood flooring - Fresh Idea Studio

Shannon shares her experience and some great tips & tricks for stenciling with chalk at Fox Hollow Cottage. Can’t wait to try this on my chalkboard wall. Thanks, Shannon!

How-to-Stencil-with-Chalk at Fox Hollow Cottage

Pin Courtesy: Follow THAT DIY PARTY highlights Pinterest board with pins from the That DIY Party links every week to re-pin my pins linked to original party link sources.

thatdiyparty.pinboard

More DIY Highlights: Previous week’s DIY highlights if you missed them. So much creativity!

DIY Highlights

THAT DIY PARTY: Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

DIY Show Off

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1. Please use the button above or text and link to this post to share the linky love. Here is the link: http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/. I’m not one to double check and will feature your DIY project if I love it whether you linked back or not. However, I’d love for you to share a link, share on FB or by tweet or pin too! Invite your friends!

2. This blog linky party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted. Please share your link one week only.  Please do not link recipes, giveaways, linky parties, promotions or a collection of inspiration that isn’t your own DIY project. 

3. By joining the party, you give permission for your project to be featured and ‘shown off’ via blog highlight, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, G+ and the possibility of being featured on a new DIY feature site coming soon! 

4. If you’ve been featured, feel free to proudly display a DIY Show Off “I’m Featured Button” found here.


Free Standing Pallet Herb Garden

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.

free-standing-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.

pallet3. 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.

vertical pallet garden

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.

vertical pallet garden tutorial

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).

staining pallet

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

vertical pallet

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. vertical pallet garden tutorial

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

vertical pallet garden tutorial

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!

planting pallet garden

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!)

vertical pallet herb garden

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!

free standing vertical pallet herb garden

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

free standing pallet herb garden

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

free-standing-vertical-pallet-herb-garden

Whatcha think?

More patio projects…

patio-makeover outdoor patio swing makeover

 

Sharing at:

Patio Swing Before and After

The patio makeover is looking so good but our canopied swing was looking a little tired…

patio swing makeover

see patio makeover

patio-makeover

I love the drapes we use on our gazebo every year. I purchased them years ago from Moshells.com. The sheer drapes go up in May and come down in October. They hang outdoors for those 5 months in the rain, in the sun. These were the most affordable sheers I could find and I am so happy with the quality. No fraying, no fading. Still good as new…

grape arbor gazebo

So when I decided to give our canopied swing a makeover, I knew I wanted to use sheer drapes again (perfect for a romantic summer vibe).

how to add curtains to a patio swing

Did I mention that not only do I love the quality but the prices are budget friendly? Yup! The sheer panels I chose are $3.99 each.

moshells-sheer-panels

I used seven 84″ sheer curtain panels to enclose our canopied swing. Here’s how I did it (drawing it up seemed easier to explain)…

I started with the top (shown in center below), then pinned and sewed each of the other panels around the top curtain panel:

easy-DIY-swing-drapes

 

Wasn’t that easy?!

Then I slipped it into place (under the canvas canopy but over the frame).

installing-sheer-panels-to-swing

{I added some outdoor solar lights for night time too.}

And the curtain panels blew around in the breeze. That won’t do!

patio swing makeover

To keep the curtains from blowing around, I purchased galvanized pipe (two 60″, two 48″ and two 6″) and gave them a coat of brown spray paint. Once dry, I simply slid them into the bottom hem of the sheer curtains.

diy drape weights

The 60″ pipes for the sides, which are long enough to tuck on the inside of the frame (longer than the curtain hem). I’ll probably even grab some pipe caps next time I’m out.

diy patio swing curtains

The 48″ pipes are for the back side (because the curtains overlap…one long continuous pipe won’t work)… When it’s functioning as a swing, the pipes will hang/weight the sheer drapes. When it’s in the daybed position, they’re tucked under the frame before frame pins are inserted.

back of patio swing

I used the 6″ galvanized pipes as weight for the front curtains which are tied back with organza ribbon.

ribbon curtain tie backs

I also covered the cushion (super easy envelope-enclosure pillow cover style). Fabric is Maco Indoor/Outdoor Pisa Texture Cocoa.  Just one huge pillow cover…the fabric design lining up just right was a happy accident! Love when that happens!

outdoor cushion cover

{swing}

patio swing cushions

{daybed

Before…

patio swing makeover

After…

patio swing makeover - after

patio swing makeover

Much better, right?

covered patio swing

Our swing folds down into a daybed. When we’re entertaining, I simply remove the pins and fold it up into more of a ‘bench with back’/swing position for additional seating. But when it’s just us, this daybed set up is perfect for lazy naps on warm afternoons. Just ask CocoRosie…

canopied patio swing

For those who have inquired, this is the Hampton Bay Sonoma swing which we purchased in 2008. I can’t find it available anywhere now. Here is what I was able to find that is similar: Target Pergola Swing, Target Gazebo Swing.

patio daybed

You may also be interested in our free standing pallet herb garden

free-standing-vertical-pallet-herb-garden

 

Sharing here:

*Big thanks to Moshells who generously provided me with the above sheer drapes in exchange for my review. Watch for the ‘free shipping’ promotions! I am a previous satisfied customer (present and probably future too) and as always, opinion, experience, tutorial and photos are my own. 

Premium Miracle Gro: The Gro Project

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Our family loves outdoor get-togethers when the weather cooperates and it’s the start of BBQ season around here. With the help of Miracle-Gro (a sponsored event), I’m planning a fun family backyard BBQ for Mother’s Day.

I’m using The Gro Project to ensure growing success. Have I mentioned I do NOT have a green thumb? I’ve always heard that gardening can be fun, easy and enjoyable and this is the perfect opportunity to “grow” as a gardener with a gardening expert holding my hand.

They have a few really cute and fun garden projects to inspire some growing-creativity:

the Gro project

  • Toyrarium (this looks like SO much fun…digging in the dirt with little ones!)
  • Ukelele Garden (fun for a luau themed party)
  • Origami Garden (so many custom color options)

Since I’m planning something special for Mother’s Day, I’ve decided on a beautiful creative container garden idea for the females in our family. Our thrift stores/yard sales are filled with cheap brassy chandeliers and we’ve started collecting them.  I’ll share more details and the DIY instructions soon but here’s a peek at our inspiration:

chandelier-planter

{source – etsy}

Thinking I might even add a small matching toyrarium planter for the 2 precious nieces and 1 adorable nephew (all under the age of 5) who will be in attendance as well. Doesn’t a gardening themed BBQ sound like a great time?

We will use Miracle Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, ideal for container gardens – exclusive formula absorbs 33% more water than ordinary potting soil and protects against over and under watering! Which means…my project has an awesome chance of surviving! (Hellooooo, green thumb!) and the little ones will have a summer opportunity to take care of something they planted. Easy peasy!

Mr. DIY will control the BBQ tasks. Menu includes:

  • BBQ/smoked ribs
  • a vinegar-based coleslaw
  • dill/red potato potato salad
  • fresh brewed iced tea and mojitoes
  • raspberry/lemon trifle

For more gardening tips and information:

Check back to see how our chandelier planters turn out! Can’t wait to show you!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Patio Season {small updates}

I love that the weather is warming up! We have a patio off of the back of the house which we utilize as an outdoor room in the spring, summer and fall. We spend a lot of time in this space, weather permitting. It’s not a pretty sight by the time winter ends. Blah! The Lowe’s Creative Ideas challenge this month is outdoor mini-makeovers. Perfect timing!

patio update

Trip down memory lane: When we purchased this house, we installed two sets of French doors. There were concrete sidewalks with ramps to the old ‘single’ doors. When we bought the house:

house-before

A few years ago, we installed a concrete patio

concrete-before-after

but we never replaced the siding where the old ramps were located. (I also address the dirty concrete. Keep reading!)

missing-siding

I headed to Lowe’s with iphone pictures and measurements. The Lowe’s associates were super helpful in directing me to the siding supplies, advising what I’d need: a “J-channel” to match up/attach the vinyl siding. They even provided tin snips and a tape measure so I could cut it to fit in my vehicle.

j-channel

Installing the J-channels was easy, just nail into place. Then we just  a close-matching piece of vinyl siding (“heather”, also available at Lowe’s) and snapped it into place.

installing-vinyl-siding

Finally! No more embarrassing eye sore of missing siding…it’s those little things that really bother the home owner more than anyone else, ya know and one that is so surprisingly easy and cheap, I’m wondering why we put it off. Hopefully with some age, it will blend in even better.

before-after-siding-fix

I moved all of the furniture and gave the concrete a good scrubbing (water + Krud Kutter). It cleaned off the surface dirt and mildew but not rust or grease. However, it looks a much brighter!

scrubbing-patio

I used spray paint to freshen up some existing decorative accents, planters and a ‘grill cart’ and added some colorful flowers to planters and window boxes.

patio-accessory-update

Some new things available at Lowe’s:

Outdoor area rug defines the cozy seating area…

patio-makeover

Love this umbrella candelabra (misted with Rustoleum’s “Lagoon” spray paint to match other accents) and beautiful fat hanging flower baskets…

umbrella-candle-holder

The sun sets on the other side of the house. Sometimes evenings are chilly. This wood burning firepit is perfect for a little heat (and roasting marshmallows)…

firepit

 

Cutest decorative owl candle holder…

owl-candle-holder

When it’s warm and not raining, I start my day with a cup of tea here. When we entertain small groups and it’s warm, this is the party location…lots of family dinners/cookouts and since it’s right off the kitchen, hosting and clean up are super convenient. It’s also where we enter the house. Now it’s visitor-worthy, pretty and relaxing. C’mon over!

patio-before-after

 

BEFORE

patio-before

AFTER

patio-makeover

More pics…

patio-flowers

cocorosie

 

patio-makeover

patio-makeover

Next up for this space:

  • rearranging some of the furniture another time or two
  • pallet herb garden
  • canopied swing bling
  • patio pet bed
  • raised flower bed
  • grape arbor/gazebo path/patio is on the DIY list again (maybe this year?!)

Free Standing Pallet Herb Garden:

free-standing-vertical-pallet-herb-garden

Patio Swing Makeover:

how to add curtains to a patio swing

 

Sharing at Project Inspired.

See more fun DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas, follow Lowe’s on Instagram, Pinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app!

Spring 13 Blogger Badge Subscribe Banner Version

*Disclaimer: As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Creators and Influencers network, I received a Lowe’s gift card to complete this project for a mini outdoor makeover challenge, however the tutorial images, instructions and opinions are my own. 

DIY Feature: Vertical-Pallet-Garden

Since finishing our wall mounted pallet project and we use a pallet as shelving in our faux mantel

diyshowoff-pallet-projects

and I have a few more wood pallets for DIY projects, I wanted to share this beautiful vertical pallet garden from Amanda at Mommy is CooCoo.

before:

pallet

vertical pallet garden tutorial here

vertical-pallet-garden-tutorial

after:

vertical-pallet-garden

Awesome, right? A beautiful garden feature! Love it! Now if the weather would cooperate around here, I’d be a copy cat!

Thanks so much for sharing, Amanda!

DIY Project Parade and 13 Outdoor DIY Highlights

It’s time for the DIY Project Parade! My favorite time of the week for sharing DIY home improvement and decorating projects, visiting friends, sharing ideas.

I have to tell you – I had the most amazing week meeting so many of my DIY blog {and non blogger} friends at the Haven Conference. I was seriously so star struck. Blog. Friends. In real life!  We’ve virtually visited each others’ homes, shared and laughed and cried and seeing friends in person and hearing their voice (instead of their words in my own reading voice in my head) was truly a special treat. I even made new friends! The Haven team did an awesome job coordinating a super fun and interactive event. More on that and pictures as soon as I’m back home and caught up. I’m blogging from Atlanta, “ya’ll”. ;) Oh, oh, oh! And guess who won $1000 worth of Purdy paint supplies AND a Home Depot garden crate gift basket full of goodies? Yep…this girl! Woo hoo!

Back on topic: Last week you shared your creativity. I’d highlight everyone if I could but you’ll have to visit the 6/17 DIY linky party for the complete list of links. Here are just a few amazing outdoor related projects that made me gasp with DIY delight {which goes something like this…”OMGosh! I’m so doing that! Why didn’t I think of that? I want that!” ::pin:: ::pin:: ::pin::}…

{please pin from original site}

Dawn from Creative Cain Cabin invited us to her welcoming, relaxing front porch for a little lemonade and some oohing and aahing over her beautiful outdoor retreat.

cottage front porch

Northern Cottage inspired us to take a break from the indoor projects and to get some fresh air outdoors and dig in with her beautiful DIY potting table

diy cottage potting table

{wouldn’t that look perfect here on our barn patio?! yes, i think so! useful + pretty!}

*SNEAK PEEK ALERT*

white cottage barn

Last year, our patio looked so pretty and fresh:

This year not so much (it looks like someone pulled out the patio furniture and walked away so far…oh, that’s exactly the situation).

BUT Kelly’s patio reveal at Eclectically Vintage is motivation to go out, fluff some pillows, move around some patio furniture and get the patio all primped and ready for summer. I’m the only one who hasn’t done that yet, aren’t I? I love her mix of eclectic and vintage (hmmm, where have I heard those two descriptions used together before? 2 happy words.)

eclectic vintage patio reveal

Keeping with the outdoor theme, Kelly’s DIY stamped garden markers (must see her clever garden container!) are super sweet…

diy stamped spoon garden marker

Marji at Ashbee Design has this amazing daisy ladder in a corner on her porch and holy cow! It’s something we all need! Looks DIY-easy enough and it’s another way fun way to decorate seasonally! Love it! Must check back to see what she does for the 4th of July with it!

diy daisy ladder

Okay, last week I shared a look at my DIY garden sign

summer decor

and last week, Shelley from Sew & Dipity shares the DIY garden sign jackpot with so many great ideas, inspiration and quote suggestions… for indoors or out!

diy garden signs

Did you have a chance to stroll through Cathy’s front yard, i.e. cottage garden? It’s a story-book fairy-tale dream-come-true at My 1929 Charmer in the summer time. It’s beautiful…

cottage garden

Outdoor umbrella getting a little tired? You won’t believe the umbrella transformation by Katie at Creatively Living…genius!

painting outdoor umbrellaSpeaking of genius DIY’ers, Peggy at Pig Logs and ‘tater Berries shares how a tomato cage turned into a beautiful outdoor cage chandelier. It’s a beautiful makeover story…

diy cage chandelier

YOU CAN DO THIS! Addicted 2 Home Decor makes repurposing an old lamp base into a beautiful DIY bird bath look super easy! So creative!

diy bird bath

Summer get-togethers are so much fun, even a party for two. Have you seen the gorgeous DIY outdoor mini bar and entire patio from Barb at Turtles and Tails? This girl knows how to entertain!

DIY outdoor mini bar

My blog friend, Daune from Cottage in the Oaks has my favorite summertime porch this year. Inspiring and full of charm. I know you’ll do a double take. I thought it was an inspiring photo straight from a Pottery Barn catalog. So much summer decorating goodness…

summer front porchMelissa from Daisy Mae Bell has a back yard that you won’t want to leave. Ever. In fact, I might head over there and camp for the summer. It’s amazing!

back yard makeover

Have you been working outdoors or indoors? Let’s see what you’ve been up to!

DIY Show Off
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1. Please use the button above or text and link to this post to share the linky love. Here is the link: http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/diy-project-parade/.

2. Your post must be recent, shared at one DIY Project Parade only (not continuously) and be DIY related.

3. Include your name or blog name and project title. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your DIY project post url).
4. Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.
5. This blog linky party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted. Please share your link one week only.  Please do not link recipes, giveaways, linky parties, promotions or a collection of inspiration. 
6.  NOW you can “like” the links!  What a fun idea!  Most liked links may be included in a post of DIY Project Parade highlights later in the week, featured on DIY Show Off Facebook or Pinterest.

7.  Visit a few other links to make some friends and to collect some creative inspiration!

*Don’t forget to enter to win*

Granite Gold cleaning kit & $50 Bed, Bath & Beyond gift card

granite gold products Bed Bath & Beyond gift card

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DIY painted foam playmat becomes wall art

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}

How to paint a foam playmat, floor mat, do it yourself, DIY, vintage restaurant sign, aged, distressed, lobster, beachy, New Orleans

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…

barn patio makeover

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

barn patio after

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

and now…

painted foam playmat

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?

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Spring Time Porch Primping

Spring is the season to freshen up the porch! Meet: Amy from

The Blissful Bee blog

Amy is a very new blogger (welcome to blogging, Amy!!!) who has a strong passion for creativity and a real talent for stunning decorating. I’m just sharing one part of her gorgeous home…how her porch went from blah to beautiful!

Continue reading

DIY Show Off – DIY Grape Arbor and Gazebo

The Grape Arbor Transformation in Progress.

I fixed up the bistro set I scored for $15 at a yard sale. It’s painted to match our existing patio furniture for extra seating under the grape arbor.
The cushions we have are brown for the most part except for the swing which has sage/tan and gold stripes so I felt limited by that.  :(  But, I was able to find a fabric that looks good with everything!
I wanted round extra-poofy cushions for the chairs.  Goal achieved and then some. Oops! It’s cushion overkill.  But, it is what it is.  No pattern and my first attempt at round, 3D cushions with piping.  Not too bad but definitely  Poofy. Tall. Unique.  :)
First, here was the grape arbor when we bought the house.  Quite a rustic eyesore but potential beauty in those old vines regardless and a 50 foot mostly shaded area not to mention tons of grapes!
Before Pictures - Here is what it looked like the day we closed on the house.
Yikes!
 Here’s a close up.  ”Hello Chippy!”
Even at it’s ugliest, it was a beautiful space for my brother’s small wedding in 2008.
And a great space for shaded seating for my sister’s baby shower last year.
Mr. DIY (and talented stepdad, Butch) built up the new wood structure around the old rusty iron skeleton, lifting and shifting the grapes in the process before removing the old iron poles.  It’s about 7′x7′x50′ (except for the gazebo area).  The grapes survived the stress!
Here are the after pictures with the new bistro set and sheers.
I sewed ribbon to sheers that I got here (very cheap + no fading from being outside for two summers) to tie to the grape arbor to disguise the imperfections…I mean create a romantic atmosphere.
Too windy for candles in the candelier but we do have white lights at night that follow the lines of the gazebo.
And the grape arbor now ‘in progress’
Still a little work with the pavers or flagstone path underneath.  It’ll look so much better after staining the wood structure, but what do you think so far?   Care to join me for a glass of wine and relaxing under the rotunda?  Perhaps with Keanu Reeves from a Walk in the Clouds?  :)
And some new pillow covers for the existing patio furniture (and the swing fabric that I had to consider with the new fabric).
And my window boxes:

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DIY Show Off – Barn Patio Before and After Makeover

Barn Patio Before & After
I’m so excited to share my barn before/after pictures. This space was completely un-usable, except to store/throw junk. Now it’s a functional clean party space hidden from the rest of the house and road. I’m still working on some additional DIY touches, but in the meantime, I think you’ll agree that the transformation is a HUGE improvement.
To keep costs low since this area is only used for occasional entertaining, we re-used a lot of the things we discovered in the barn already (and more DIY coming). We also obtained a few things from estate sales.
Before (left side):
The “barn red” paint was faded to a really ugly pink. The ‘floor’ was dirt with broken bricks/pavers. There were LOTS of spiders.

We took out the crumbling brick and concrete pavers that formed a broken floor on top of dirt, some broken glass and weeds. We added paneled siding to the back wall and painted (thanks to Butch for his help!). We poured a concrete patio (professionals did that part since it was a large area).

My husband framed the door and the wreath was on clearance at Joann Fabrics for $8.

I’ve had these old looking milk bottles for years … in the basement/storage.

I also have special plans for the short table (hope to finish it this week).

I love it. I changed my mind – it’s not all about entertaining. This is a great spot to relax! The wicker furniture was picked up at an estate sale. Isn’t the footstool the cutest? I didn’t even bother with repainting it. I loved it the light faded blue that it is. I did give the wicker chairs a coat of white spray paint to freshen them up.

I sewed cushion covers with fabric I bought at Goodwill. (I’ll spare you the nasty before picture.)

We found the old Coca Cola sign in the barn.

I made a table from a crate and old window we also found in the barn.

The other accents we got at estate sales (the book and gauge). The blue canning jar I confiscated from my brother. The bird house was hanging on the old grape arbor.

The only thing new is the birdie cloche I got at TJ Maxx a few months ago (how perfect for a barn!) and the white lantern (above).

I also ran out of time for replacing the hanging light bulb fixtures since I’m so indecisive. Paper lanterns for less than $2 on sale at Michaels (until a more permanent choice is made) and I already had the area rug too.

I did make a chalkboard from one of the old windows.

The tables looked liked this before. The first one was actually nailed to the back wall.

Tables/etc. now, with new legs and paint and a “found” bench…they’re perfect for picnics, cookouts and to use as a buffet table.

Here is the transformation one more time:
Before

New Back Wall

New Concrete Patio
Russ tries out the paint sprayer

And now….

I do have a huge wall to decorate yet too and I’ll share details as they happen.

Latest Updates:

white cottage barn

DIY painted foam playmat becomes wall art

painted foam playmat
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DIY Show Off – Patio installation and makeover

Back of the House Gets a Transformation:

Still a lot of overgrown landscaping to tackle but our home when we bought it.
Hard to see from the distance, there were two single doors with awnings. Ugly. But I could see potential which is a good thing most of the time, except that “potential” doesn’t happen over night! Right away, we installed two sets of French doors. I love them! It changes the entire look of the back of our house. However, the old sidewalks didn’t line up and we lived with it for 2 years.
And take a look at the old light fixtures. Yuck!
We decided to put in a concrete patio off the back of the house. However – the concrete part wasn’t DIY. It was way too big of an area and required professionals.

Here’s another before shot (that’s the nasty carpet Mr. DIY tore out to reveal hardwood floors):

Before (after installation of French doors, the concrete sidewalk didn’t line up anymore). We also just removed some shrubs from this area which makes it look really messy here:









We got some new furniture (the table/chairs go under the grape arbor when it’s completed). Mr. DIY changed out the lights for me to give it an updated fresh look.

Again – before:

After:

2011 updates:

 

We also hung window boxes to help disguise the old upstairs windows to help pull the main level and upper level together. You can’t see the window boxes well in the pictures…but here is what they looked like before they were hung:

My House Number Flower Pots were featured in Better Homes & Gardens 100 Decorating Ideas for Under $100!

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DIY Project Parade

Long day of good food and sun = worn out! I’ll edit this post and share what I did this week tomorrow but if you’ve had a chance to DIY this weekend, let’s see it!

I hope you’re having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Edited: Remember this bistro set I snagged for $15 at a yard sale? It was ivory and rusty.

After some sanding, I used spray primer.

Then, I was going to do something fun and crazy but after some thought, I decided to make it match the existing patio furniture and to put it under the grape arbor for extra seating closer to the patio.

Our patio furniture looks like this. Aged bronze:
I gave it a coat of oil rubbed bronze spray paint:

And then, I used the gold leaf Rub-n-Buff using a dry brush to create the gold markings that my other patio furniture has.
A little goes a long way!

And came up with this:



Side by side, before and after:

The Rub-n-Buff is awesome. At first I used a rag and learned that a little goes a long way so then I applied it with the dry brush to get the aged bronze look. I can’t wait to try it on another project. The coverage is amazing. I think it’d be perfect for creating a French Provincial look since it covers so well. We have a bedroom set that look like this:

and it would be perfect for the same effect! It’s permanent and dries really fast.
I love the metallic sparkle.

More to come! I’m working on cushions and throw pillow covers for all of the patio furniture along with something else pretty for the grape arbor seating area. :)

The DIY Show Off

If you’d like to link YOUR DIY project post to The DIY Show Off Project Parade:
  1. You must use the button above and link to this post to share the linky love.
  2. Include your name or blog name and project title. Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your DIY project post url). Feel free to link a Past Post, just invite your readers in a current post with a quick note.
  3. Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.
  4. If you notice your link has disappeared - please add the link back to The DIY Show Off to your post today with a quick note to your readers about the party and try again! I love when everyone participates and readers check out everyone’s links, but I think the return favor of linking back is the nice thing to do so everyone plays fair and enjoys all of the projects and links. Also – this blog party is for DIY projects only. Links not related to DIY will be deleted.


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Need more livable space, try underdecking for that raised deck and get more room.

Spray Paint Post by Decor Mama

Hi! TGIF! Ready for the weekend?

I’m having a crazy next few days with hosting a huge BBQ/baby shower but I have time to introduce a DIY-er for the 2nd time. Jane from Decor Mama had a great post on spray paint (I’m addicted – easiest way to DIY a transformation). Look at her Adirondack chairs. So cute! I love all of the outdoor/patio projects going on. (and remember Tricia’s Adirondack chairs?)

Thank you so much for sharing Jane! Your chairs look so bright and so fun!

Here is her post and head over to her blog to say hi! Have a great weekend everyone! I can’t wait to catch back up with you/your blogs and your projects!







Spray paint is a DIYer’s best friend! Let me list the reasons why:

  • Inexpensive…I’ve said this before but paint is cheap!
  • Easy…just point and spray. Now of course you need to spray long even strokes holding the can 8 – 10 inches from your target. Also, remember to apply several thin coats of paint.
  • Fun…I think of all the Do-it-Yourself projects out there, spray painting is one of my favorites, and often provides instant gratification.
  • Economical…did I mention spray paint is cheap. Let me reiterate this…you will save $$ on every project!
These Adirondack chairs had seen better days for sure, and frankly I was undecided as to whether I should re-new them with paint or just trash ‘em. But the DIY diva in me came out and got the job done, although it did take months to finish. FYI…never start a project at the start of Summer, as this is just a crazy, busy time of year. In my case, I had to compete with kid 1′s Summer baseball, and kid 2′s Swim team, not to mention North Carolina’s hot & humid weather. (painting & high humidity are like oil & water…they don’t mix) This project also took longer than I expected because the wood in these old chairs is really old and therefore porous (even with two coats primer). As a result, the paint kept soaking into the wood, rather than coating the surface of the wood. No worries…these things happen with DIY projects and you can be sure nothing ever goes perfectly. So the solution I found was to spray on a couple of extra coats of paint. Here’s a run down of the steps I took to complete this project. First, I lightly sanded the wood and removed all loose dirt and paint. Second, I applied two coats spray primer – Killz is my primer of choice. Third, I applied several thin coats of spray paint in Rust-Oleum’s Regal Red. And finally, I applied one light coat of Polyurethane protective clear finish. Here’s a link: How to Spray Paint Like a Pro.

Now that these old chairs are finally finished I am, once again, thrilled with the result! I can’t wait to kick back with the Hubby and a glass of wine on a breezy Summer’s night and enjoy the fruits of my labor. That’s the beauty of DIY projects…it’s all about taking old pieces and giving them new life…and for me there’s nothing more rewarding! Got Spray Paint?

Patio Primping

I love Amber’s quick, easy & inexpensive patio makeover. Adding color made her space fun and her furniture look brand new. Here is here email:

As new homeowners, we have had all sorts of projects, but when my mom recently visited from Michigan, she helped to create some of the cheapest and most dramatic makeovers so far!

The house we moved into had been vacant but “staged” for almost 6 months. Part of the staging was an aging lounge chair in the back yard. We didn’t think much of it when we saw the house and figured it would be gone when we got here, but our neighbor saved it from the Goodwill trip for which it was fated. When we finally signed the papers, he was proud to give it back to us, but we didn’t share the enthusiasm.
While browsing in a high-end store in a neighboring town, my mom spotted a terry cloth lounge chair cover, to be used poolside. We noted its construction and thought of giving the old lounge chair in the back yard a facelift with a similar treatment. Later that day, while shopping at Target, I spotted a large outdoor table cloth in bright stripes. At $19.99, it seemed like the perfect solution for covering our chair.
After measuring the chair, we determined that it would be easiest to keep the original hems on three sides by leaving the table cloth full length. We then created a pocket at the top to slip over the back of the chair and keep the cover in place. A few seems and a few ties later, and we had created a cheap solution to our ugly chair.
As if fate was shining upon us, my husband and I were showing my mom around the neighborhood later in the week, when we spotted another lounge chair in the trash pile at the end of a neighbor’s driveway. Knowing that my mother is a firm believer in the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” I shouldn’t have said a word, but my loud mouth blurted out, “Look, another lounge chair like the one we just covered!”
Maybe you can see where this is going…

Later that afternoon, my mom and I made a covert mission back to the neighbor’s driveway to pick up the ugly chair, and after another few seems and ties, our original creation has a twin.
Both chairs were covered with the same $19.99 table cloth, but I went back to Target to buy another to make some additional outdoor accessories. Overall, I spent just over $40 for the chairs, new patio chair seats, a small table cloth for the patio table, and a pillow for one of the lounge chairs. I have additional fabric left over and have big plans for another small head pillow and a larger pillow for another patio chair.

Cost: $40 (for everything, $19.99 for two lounge chairs)

Time: 2 hours

Skill level: Beginner. Sewing stripes is so easy that a first-timer could do it. If you were to choose a pattern, it would up the skill level a bit.

Tools: Measuring tape, sewing machine, pins, fabric (Optional: grommets and grommet maker for patio chair cushions, filling for pillows)

FANTASTIC job Amber! So clever! I love the fun summer stripes and the new look of your patio! Thanks for “showing off”!

If you’re new to the DIY Show Off, check out these beautiful outdoor makeovers too:

Bench from a Bed at Bungalow

So many talented ladies. So many creative bloggers! Isn’t it exciting?

Debra from Bungalow has a couple of inspirational & beautiful projects. I came across her blog a while ago and I’m so happy to be a follower. I’ll share one of her unbelievable transformations today and one tomorrow. I love this project. I love the post which includes inspiration pieces and DIY steps too and I love her version the best. Here is her post:

Creating a bed from a bench has been on my to do list for a long time. Here are some examples from a file of pretty benches that I saved for inspiration.

This child’s bench, done up Mackenzie Childs style, (where you’ll finds tons of painting inspiration) is from Junkmarket style as is the romantic one under it.jbench_lg 167_lginspirasjon%2Bbildet%2Bkommer%2Bfra%2BBelle%2BMaison%2BSjekk%2Blinken%2Bmine!

I can’t remember where this pretty red and white one is from. I’ve always loved big gingham checks. This black one from Design Sponge is even upholstered!bench_after_side_rect540 DSCN4703

The bench above is from Robojunker.

Here’s mine…….I finally got this bench, that my husband and I created, up from the basement and tackled the job of painting it.

bed bench

You can see it’s just a headboard and footboard and a few extra pieces of wood put together to make a bench. I sanded it and even used a router on the seat edge. spraypaint2 001

While I was painting, I decided to do these pieces too, that’s another post, and to go ahead and get one of these spray can attachments.

IMG_0065

Wow, this gadget makes painting easier, at least for me. I think I’m a much better painter when I use it, I only got one run!

Here’s the finished project. I like the way it turned out. Simple. After I sprayed it, I glazed it, added some spatters and stenciled it.

IMG_0092

Glazing this piece was fun and fast. I used some glazing medium, craft paint and a little water. A small brush got the glaze in the crevices and then I just wiped until it looked good. d

I used a toothbrush to splatter here and there. /SluC3N3B3ZI/AAAAAAAAHCY/GPsQWeUsHkw/s1600-h/DSC04331%5B5%5D.jpg">DSC04331

I think I’ll add a cushion covered in burlap and a small pillow with a starfish design. I bought a striped cushion and pillow last year at a yardsale and they are perfect for recovering.

Debra – this is the cutest idea! You did a gorgeous job! I will be keeping my eyes open for beds at yardsales now. Thank you so much for ‘showing it off’ to us!

Stay tuned. Tomorrow’s feature will be Debra’s amazing kitchen island makeover!

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Would you like to be featured and introduce yourself to The DIY Show Off readers? Do you have a creative project or makeover that you’d like to show off? Let us know! thediyshowoff@gmail.com

Tricia's Cheerful Adirondak Chairs – A Makeover

Meeting blog friends is so special sometimes, isn’t it? That’s how I feel about Tricia. She’s a creative genius! She’s sweet, thoughtful and hilarious.

I have been patiently waiting for Tricia from The Boutelle Family Zoo to submit one of her creative projects to show off and finally, she’s sharing something. It’s about time, Tricia! ;) This project is perfect for summer. Great deal (lucky girl!) and beautiful transformation. I want to know where I can pick up a set for $20. I never seem to have such luck! Here is her blog post:

Before and After Adirondack Chairs

Well folks, they are FINALLY finished, the adirondack chairs, that is.

Let’s do a quick little refresher.

A couple of months ago, hubby and I picked up this fantastic set of adirondack chairs, which included a loveseat and two chairs.

We payed $20.00 for the whole shabang!

Amazing deal, but I can’t just leave something as is, so they had a little work done.

Here we go.

Before

After

Here they are being enjoyed by our littlest monkey.


Here’s the Breakdown:

  • set of chairs: $20
  • Most gorgeous blue paint ever: $18
  • (Winter Surf by Behr on sale at Home Depot)
  • I still have 3/4 of a gallon left.
  • (So I guess that makes it $4.50 in paint)
  • Burlap for pillows: $4
  • (Jo-Ann Fabrics w/ 50%off coupon)
  • Pillow stuffing: free
  • (from a couple of old pillows)
  • Having the PERFECT place to sit and enjoy some time in the sun (or shade):
  • PRICELESS!


Sorry. Totally cheesy.

I couldn’t resist.


No, so really total cost: $28.50 for the whole deal!


Yay!

Head over to Tricia’s awesome blog and check out more of what she has going on. Not only does she have creative talent with DIY projects, but she has an entertaining and humorous writing style as well. You can’t help but smile.

Tricia – as usual, another awesome DIY project! I love the fun color! Thanks so much for sharing!

House Number Flower Pots

Our home sits back from the road and with two driveway entrances, I wanted to make it easier for first time guests to find us.

I don’t have a before picture, but I purchased terracotta posts from WalMart.

I used my favorite trigger spray paint, Universal Hammered Metal in Hammer Brown that I used on our herb garden urn.

(Sneak peak of flower/window box project too!)

I then ordered vinyl house number from etsy seller, VinylVineyard and applied 1 to each pot. After that I added a coat of satin finish lacquer.

And here is my completed project. Our house sits back from the road and is surrounded by bushes with the house numbers only displayed on the mailbox. So, this is our way of helping first time visitors find our home!

*Another sneak peek at the window boxes. Installation pending concrete patio.

Update: The concrete bench along with the concrete urns and a cast iron birdbath were treasures (hidden in overgrowth that we couldn’t even see until we cleared it out) came with our home.I was clapping and shouting “Hercules! Hercules! Hercules!” when Russ was moving it. Thankfully it’s 3 pieces but,

Lesson for the day: When husband is lifting a very heavy and awkward stone bench, do NOT make him laugh unless he is wearing steel-toe boots.

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