Family Room Baseboard {DIY installation and caulking tutorial}

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Roeshel

The old baseboards in the family room were 2 inches tall and lacked the character displayed in the rest of our home. The family room was a later addition to the house. After the bamboo floor was installed, we decided to go with a taller baseboard. I chose 6 x 1 inch pine.

Before…

I started to the left of the French doors, measured and cut my board to fit the space. I do not miter baseboards. When you see the finished job, I promise you no one is going to notice that the joints/corners are not mitered.

I moved along, placing my next un-cut 8 foot piece into place from the corner.

Moving along to my third piece, I butted it up against the far wall to where it meets the second un-cut piece placed and draw a line where the two boards meet. This is where I’ll cut.

So simple. I cut all of my pieces and ‘framed’ the room. {pardon the old hunter green furniture}

Starting with “A”, I label each board so I know the order they are to be placed around the room. I got up to “K” I think. You can mark the wall too, but just having the boards in order and knowing where you start works.

Next I hauled the boards to the basement and gave each piece of baseboard two coats of paint {Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace in a semi-gloss finish) on three sides.

My Porter Cable nail gun/compressor makes installing baseboards super easy.

I just a nail every 14 inches near the bottom of the boards and a staggering nail near the top in between the bottom nails.

{bad hair day = hood for pics and if you misplace safety goggles, sunglasses are the next best thing}

Our walls are not plumb. There are gaps where the baseboards gap and don’t sit flush against the wall. But that’s okay.

Enter: DAP DynaFlex. DynaFlex is DAP’s most advanced indoor/outdoor premium latex sealant with technology that is both waterproof and paintable. It combines outstanding durability, adhesion and flexibility with easy tooling, paintability, and low odor, while also keeping insects (SPIDERS!) from entering through small gaps and cracks. It is mold and mildew resistant, making DynaFlex ideal for a wide variety of projects such as sealing around windows, doors, siding, trim, molding and baseboards.

I usually leave caulking to Mr. DIY but this time I did it myself. We’ve been really busy with real life things, so this is a task I kept putting off thinking it would be more difficult and take more time than it did. I was wrong! Caulking is the easiest DIY job I’ve ever done. And it took only about an hour.

Seriously the hardest part was learning how to load the caulk gun. Cut the caulk tube on an angle creating a small hole. And insert the tube into the gun.

Handle up means “on”. Handle down means off.

Turn the tip of the tube so the flat side of the angled cut will rest in the ‘crack’ where baseboard meets wall.

Turn handle up to “on” (work quickly with a full tube – it pushes itself out!) and push the metal tab to start placing a bead of caulk in where the baseboard meets the wall, move along. Push. Release. Push. to maintain a steady bead. I worked in 4 foot sections. (Tip: With a new tube, be QUICK with turning the gun off an on – it will continue to squeeze out when you aren’t looking!) Remember to turn handle to ‘off’ position when you set down the caulk. As the tube empties, it will require more gripping muscle.

I had a small dish of water, a small waste basket and lots of paper towels on hand.

Dip finger into water and smooth out the bead of caulk (paper towels or rags are necessary). If it gets onto something it shouldn’t, it’s okay. It wipes/washes right off.

It created a beautiful straight flat bead filling in the gap between the wall and baseboard.

At first I even lined the top of the baseboard and the wall where it meets the baseboard with Frog tape to create a straighter line.

But found that the extra step wasn’t really necessary. It might be helpful if you had a big contrast between baseboards and walls. But if I made a mess or an ‘oops’, DynaFlex was easy to wipe away/clean when wet.

before

baseboard tutorial

then…{better but yikes!}

now…

Family room still in progress but these small details are important. DAP Dyna Flex is sandable and paintable! It’s tempting to end at this step because it looks good enough, but painting will help seal everything and give it a uniform look. Next up filling the nail holes, light sanding and paint touch up. What do you think? An easy enough project to do on my own.

Cost: approx. $100 for wood and caulk (less than two tubes) for an approx. 200 sq. foot room.

This post is sponsored by DAP but opinion, photos and tutorial are my own.

Rustic DIY and Enamel Tag Tutorial

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Roeshel

Beautiful reclaimed barnwood
Lovely painted distressed furniture
Numbers!

I love each of those things, don’t you? Meet: Kimberly from

Kimberly is a professional home stager and decorator and a nature at decorating and do-it-yourself projects. Here are some of my favorites:

100 year old reclaimed barnwood before:

Now: Reclaimed Barnwood Hutch

Love!

Dresser Before and After

And a tired old dresser before…

gets a new distressed paint technique and a new purpose in the dining room… oh-la-la!

See those pretty number tags too? I don’t know what it is about numbers but I love the charm it adds to decor, don’t you? Kimberly shares how to make these sweet little charms…

Here’s what you need:

Key tag blanks. (I got mine from Ace Hardware, they are steel with a brass finish and are about 1 and 1/2″ across)
Paint and primer (white..but I’m considering doing some blue or dark green ones with white numbers)
StazOn Stamp Ink (and number stamps)
Embossing Enamel (clear)

Prime and paint the tags. Once dry, stamp the numbers using StazOn.

Line a skillet (frying pan) with foil. (or use an electric skillet). Place the tag on the foil and sprinkle with the embossing powder.

Turn the heat to medium and watch as the embossing powder turns to liquid.

When the embossing powder is completely smooth and transparent, gently remove the foil (with the tag on it) from the pan and place it on a rack to cool.

When the tag is partly cool, but before it is completely cool, gently peel the foil from the tag. and return the tag to the rack until it is completely cool. I also used a nail to remove the powder which had filled the hole while the tag was still warm.

So cool!

To pin from original sources and to see more creative DIY and decorating from Kimberly, visit Serendipity.

For more information on enamel tags, see the original inspiration at Can’t Stop Making Things.

Easy Ottoman Makeover

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Roeshel

Wow! Martha from

makes her ottoman makeover so easy, I want to tear mine apart right now and give it a makeover! Take a look at this for inspiration:

Thrift store ottoman – before shot:

1. First, remove upholstery nails and save for use on the finished piece.
2. She covered the top and sides with the same fabric (so that it would show through the burlap).
3. Next she covered the sides with strips of coffee sacks.

4. She painted the legs to bring the light cream.
5. Martha used tacky glue and duct tape (to hold in place) to tack down the sides/seams.

After an hour or so of drying, She simply removed the duct tape.

Isn’t this so fun? I love the mix of striped fabric with grain sack burlap! Great job, Martha!

What do you think? Love it, right?!

To pin from the original source and see more amazing DIY from Martha (so many furniture makeovers with lots of helpful tips) at

Cork/Chalkboard Tutorial

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Roeshel

Have you ever wondered what to do with a collection of wine corks? I love this awesome project from Laura at

who combines corks + wood trim + chalkboard to create a beautifully framed cork board/chalkboard. (Warning: This project may encourage more wine drinking.) Here’s how she made hers:

Materials needed

Wine corks- lots of them (Laura used 350!)
Piece of MDF- pre-cut to 36inch x 24inch
trim for the outside frame
picture frame for the chalkboard
chalkboard paint
paint for the outer frame
liquid nails- to secure your frames
hot glue gun- to secure your wine corks
picture frame wire/screws, or Dischangers or 3M velcro for hanging

Tutorial:

1) Cut trim pieces for the frame.

2) Assemble boards on piece of MDF and secure with liquid nails.

3) Clamp and let dry.

4) Paint outside frame and MDF and picture frame.

5) Paint an inner area the same size of the inside of the picture frame with chalkboard paint according to instructions. Let dry.

6) Attach picture frame (framing the chalkboard painted area) with wood glue.

7) Pre-arrange and secure wine corks using hot glue.

8) Attach picture frame wire/screws, Dischangers or 3M velcro to hang.

9) HANG!

Her finished project looks like something I’d Pin from a Pottery Barn catalog. Awesome job, Laura!

See more DIY, decorating and Laura’s beautiful home tour at

What’s all the HOOPla? DIY Hoop Art Tutorial

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Roeshel

My friend Amanda from

created a wall of beautiful art using embroidery hoops and pretty fabrics. Super easy and affordable do-it-yourself to fill up an empty wall space. So many options for making a design for a custom color palette and space.

Materials:

Fabric
Embroidery Hoops

Tutorial:

Simply stretch fabric in embroidery hoops, trim to size and hang. Amanda recommends not putting a whole lot of thought into it. Sometimes a random surprise is the best plan.

Wall before:{naked!}

Wall after:

Fun, colorful, affordable, super quick and easy wall art that makes a big beautiful statement!

See more creative DIY (and more!) from Amanda at Mommy is CooCoo!

3D “L-O-V-E” Letters – Styrofoam Wall Art tutorial

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Roeshel

Still looking for an inexpensive spring decorative craft idea? This project is super easy and inexpensive and a beautiful large statement any wall any time, but perfect for seasonal (SPRING!).

Continue reading →

DIY Drawer Shelves

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Roeshel

Creative budget friendly ideas like these side table drawers turned wall shelves are such an inspiration. Beautiful, practical and so fun! DIY friends, I’d like to introduce you to Katie, lifestyle blogger at

and I’m honored to ‘show off’ her latest creative do-it-yourself project:

Katie was working with a limited budget of less than $20. She wanted shelving and wanted it to be something you don’t see everyday. This is her creative solution…

Continue reading →

Drop Cloth Headboard Tutorial

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Roeshel

Don’t you just love a good Pottery Barn inspired DIY project? I’m so inspired when I see something not in my budget recreated for a fraction of the price and it’s rewarding. Stretching a budget further with more to spend in other areas or just the ability to have the same look when it’s not otherwise possible. Meet: Susanne from

Can you believe that her headboard is a do-it-yourself version, upholstered using a drop cloth?

Continue reading →

Subway Art Painted Floor Tutorial

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Roeshel

How to paint a {subway art} floor:

Meet: Christine from

Continue reading →

Pottery Barn inspired wooden ball chandelier

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Roeshel

Meet: Jeanette from

What can you do with 600 wooden balls, a tuna can, a vanity mirror and chandelier parts? Yes you’ve read those materials correctly! Unbelievable:

Jeanette made this Pottery Barn Wooden Ball Chandelier!

Continue reading →

Pottery Barn {knock off} Easter Eggs Tutorial

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Roeshel

This tutorial is from last year, but I wanted to share it again since the the time is right. These Easter Eggs are still in the Pottery Barn catalog but they’re also super easy to do-it-yourself.

I fell in love with a Pottery Barn vignette as I often do. This one was for Easter. The PB one is pink but I wanted yellow.

Problem: Silk flowers/branch, pitcher, 2 bunnies = $200 for seasonal decor!

So pretty much not going to happen on my budget.

However, out of budget inspires DIY projects.

do it yourself paper mache Pottery Barn inspired Easter egg

Materials:

Continue reading →

Painted Play Mat

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Roeshel

Painted Floor Mat Tutorial

My Inspiration: With a kitchen remodel nearly done, I’ve been looking for an accent rug for in front of the kitchen sink and stove area. I haven’t been able to find something I like but one I did spy several painted foam mats on Pinterest

Project Inspiration

please pin this image directly from Sarah.Wandering.

Continue reading →

DIY PROJECT PARADE and Valspar Giveaway

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Roeshel

133

This giveaway is now closed. Winner is Sue b. Congratulations, Sue!

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It’s time for the DIY Project Parade and I can’t wait to see what’s been keeping you busy. Have a touch of spring fever? Easter is right around the corner and it’s not too soon to decorate. This week, when reviewing Valspar‘s new line of spray paint, I created a faux-chocolate centerpiece to welcome spring.

Continue reading →

Involving Color

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Roeshel

I’ve “known” Jena from Involving Color for quite awhile and I not only love her creativity and beautiful home, I love her site. She has some new features and really helpful tools so I asked her to share a little about it today. It’s a site you’re going to want to pin or bookmark for when you’re trying to choose a paint color. See paint colors in “real” rooms. Here’s Jena:

Hi, I’m Jena from Involving Color, and I’m so excited to be guest posting here on The DIY Show Off! I’ve been a long time reader of Roeshel’s blog, so when she asked me to come share a little about my site with you guys, I was beyond excited.

Involving Color is a blog all about paint color. I have hundreds (and growing!) reader submitted rooms organized in galleries by paint color and room type. I even have a section just for painted furniture. I recently added a lot of functionality with an improved search and image tags, which I’ll talk about below.

Continue reading →

DIY Project Parade and Time for Dinner – clock themed accents.

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Roeshel

I love banners and enjoy seeing them all over blogland but couldn’t decide what I wanted mine to look like. I knew I wanted it to be “every day” and not seasonal or special occasion. I finally decided on a Love, Eat, Pray theme.

Continue reading →

Quick and Easy Burlap Art

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Roeshel

With the holidays, quick and easy DIY ideas are my best friend, especially when they’re great gift ideas too.

Materials:

Canvas Corp. pre-made stretched burlap
Sharpie/permanent marker (I love the “Stained” by Sharpie for fabric)
Optional: embellishments and hot glue

HOW TO:

Using a stencil or free hand, make monogrammed art work (or silhouette or anything) using a permanent marker on the pre-made burlap wrapped canvas.

It doesn’t get any easier than that! I love how it looks old/faded…

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DIY Project Parade and DIY No Sew Script Drop Cloth Curtain Tutorial

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Roeshel

No Sew Drop Cloth Script Curtain Panel Tutorial

I wanted something different for our sitting room and the new DIY curtain rod. I love the idea of drop cloth curtains…affordable ($25 for a 9×12 drop cloth). I headed to True Value for my supplies:

9×12 drop cloth for three 4′ panels

Sharpie Permanent Marker

I spread the drop cloth out on the dining room table.

I wanted 3 panels. My floor to ceiling height in the sitting room is 7 1/2 foot. I drew up a plan:

I made marks 18 inches (minus 1 1/2 feet) in from the bottom hem (laying out my drop cloth with 9 ft. being the height and 12 ft. being the length). The cut panels are the exact height from floor to ceiling (we’ll worry about exact correct length later…as long as they’re a little longer than needed, it’s all good.

*Tip: The drop cloth will be larger than table (if you have floor space to spread out – that’s great). Otherwise, working from one end, hold up fabric overlapping edge, measure and mark.

I cut from mark to mark. I heard using pinking sheers helps eliminate unraveling (myth as shown below).

*Tip: Large drop cloth is difficult to work with. Pull fabric towards you as you cut.

Next I cut 3 panels out of the 12 feet at 4 feet each. However: I don’t think the manufacturer thought anyone would actually measure a drop cloth, so I had two 48″ pieces and one 42″ piece. (Which is okay – these are decorative and it was okay for my middle curtain to be off a little…but take this into account if it matters for you!!!)

I did not hem cut edges – I like the frayed edge. Left curtain panel has an outer hem by manufacturer, inside is frayed. Middle has two frayed edges. Right panel is reverse of left with an outer hem, inner frayed. Top hem is sewn by the manufacturer.

I washed the panels on the hand wash cycle and dried on low.

As you can see, pinking sheers did not make a difference with fraying…

Unless this is decreased fraying?!

I pulled or cut away the strings. I like the frayed look once the tangled mess was gone.

Next I ironed the panels, using a high temp and steam.

I laid each panel out on the floor and using a yard stick, I made LIGHT pencil lines every six inches starting from the top.

I chose Robert Frost poems. They’re mostly nature related and short. I selected poems that were around 12 lines long. (Panels have 14 pencil lines: Poem title, poem and author’s name = 14 lines too! Perfect!)

Using a Sharpie, I just started copying and writing out the poems…judging/eyeballing whether I needed to write smaller or bigger or insert a symbol to make the lines fit on a line. Sometimes I went over and darkened certain words by tracing again with my Sharpie.)

I didn’t like the “B” at the beginning of one of my poems, so I made a patch of left over drop cloth and this is the only part I sewed – but I patched right over the ugly “B”. You might call it imperfection but I call it character. :)

When finished, I hung the curtains using curtain clips.

For the bottom hem, with the curtain hanging, push the bottom fabric to where the floor meets the wall. Draw a pencil line in that corner. Cut along the line with pinking sheers.

All done. Custom. Affordable and I love the look!!! How about you?

Let’s see what you’ve been up to!

1. You must use the button above (ADD BUTTON HTML CODE FROM SIDE BAR TO YOUR POST) and link to this post to share the linky love. You post must be recent, shared at one DIY Project Parade only (not continuously) and be DIY related.

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, a button or 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. Please share your link one week only.

5. If reading this in an email, pop over to http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com to see the inspiring DIY projects linked up!

6. If you have a Holiday link to share, feel free to link up to here too!

7. 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.

8. Visit a few other links to make some new friends, get some creative ideas and feel free to leave me a comment. I’m likely sitting here on the computer and could use a happy distraction!

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I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

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Sharing here this week:

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DIY Triple Clipboard

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Roeshel

We’re working on a special area for Mr. DIY. Here’s one of the things we made for the area:

DIY Triple Clipboard Tutorial

Materials:

Board (I used a pre-cut unfinished wooden shelf base, approx. 4′ x 12′ x 1″)

Rockler TransTint Dye (or stain)

3 Rockler Clipboard Clips

Vinyl Chalkboard Tags from Ten23 Designs

Screws to secure to wall (or Dischangers)

1. I used the Rockler TransTint Dye to stain my piece of wood which will be the back of my clipboard. (Mix according to instructions – add more for darker/less for lighter color).

2. Allow to dry.

3. Measure and divide board into 3 equal sections (I used a Sharpie – I don’t mind the line showing to separate the clipboard areas).

4. Peel and stick vinyl chalkboard tags into place. I placed mine above the area I intend to secure the clip.

5. Layout clips and mark where pilot holes need to be drilled.

6. Drill pilot holes.

7. Attach clips using screws provided.

(Oh – I wasn’t fond of the brassy color so I gave mine a coat of antique gold spray paint and splattered with a darker brown for an ‘old’ look).

8. All done and ready to hang (we secured to the wall using drywall screws into studs but using Dischangers will allow your clipboard to be more mobile for moving).

More on this clipboard’s specific purpose coming up! You’ll never guess. :)

Ps. Still working on the subscription issues…I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the full post shows in the feed today! EDIT: It looks like the full post is in the feed but images are not. Back to the drawing board! Thank you so much for your patience!

DIY Project Parade ~ Custom Chalkboard Paint Tutorial and Edging Tips

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Roeshel

I recently came across Christina’s chalkboard paint post from Designing by Numbers in the DIY Project Parade (thanks for the inspiration, Christina) and remembered that I had bookmarked Martha Stewart’s chalkboard recipe with grand plans that kept getting pushed back. So, the next day I headed to True Value for supplies. (The True Value in Sarver, PA has a ‘mascot’…the sweetest dog who greets customers at the door, with a roll of duct tape in his mouth. Adorable.)

Our basement stairwell is a blank canvas. Lots of plans, just needed to get started.

BEFORE

I wanted a navy chalkboard so custom chalkboard paint was the solution.

Color: Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

I started with having my primer tinted. Primer doesn’t really tint well, so the closest I could get was a bright periwinkle, but every little bit of pigment helps.

To make my project go quicker and because ceilings are high/scary and complicated, I use an edger.

The secret to using this little treasure is dipping it into the paint at angle, keeping the wheels out of the paint.

Then drag across up the ‘ramp’ of the paint tray to get off excess paint…

I “sneak up” on where the wall meets the ceiling and then move from side to side. (Don’t just smash down near the ceiling and start side to side.) I also ‘smooth’ out the bottom of the edged paint line to keep it from dripping/building up and making a visible line. So: touch the edger to the wall below where you’re going to run your edging, then come back and smooth the line made from the bottom of the edger.

For high up/hard to reach places, I added an extension and stood on a ladder at terrifying heights (remember to keep as little as possible paint towards the side of the edger with wheels)…

Once the primer is applied and dried, it’s time to move on to the next step.

The recipe calls for 2 tbsp. of non sand grout for every cup of latex paint. Here’s the conversion for making one gallon of chalkboard paint:

2 tbsp. for 1 cup

16 cups in a gallon

= 2 cups (32 tbsp.) of non sand grout in one gallon of paint

I used a 5 gallon bucket for mixing.

I alternated adding paint then a bit of grout (thanks to Christina for the tip). Then stirred. Repeat until all paint and grout are mixed.

I used a paint stir. Tilting the bucket helps get the grout/paint mixed that sticks to the sides of the bucket.

The consistency is thick. There are small clumps…keep stirring (a mixer-bit on the drill might be more helpful). I did have a few bumps…but we’re not picky. Most dissolved or smoothed out with a paint brush (a little bit of a pain but overall – it was worth it). If we were perfectionists, we wouldn’t have bought an old fixer-upper farmhouse! This wall will actually be partially covered up (future project) and then a couple of years down the road, it’s being torn out when we get to the big basement renovation. The solution is to lightly sand between coats.

Make sure you use a drop cloth and wear old clothes. Consistency is thick and splatters will occur. (Thankfully we have stairs waiting for slate tile…so although I was careful, it didn’t matter). A mask is preferable too. The fumes were on the strong side. Use same edging technique as mentioned above.

I used a foam roller for the larger/middle task of painting the wall.

Once I finished the wall, I put the lid on my bucket and my paint tray/roller in a baggy and let the wall paint dry overnight.

first coat, drying…

In progress but looking good!

Second day, second coat. Next…the hard part. Rub the entire wall with the side of a piece of chalk.

Then erase.

All set to accept chalk board writing!

More on our stairwell transformation coming up – you’ll never guess what we have planned.

Let’s see what you’ve been up to!

3.Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.

5. If reading this in an email, pop over to http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com to see the inspiring DIY projects linked up!

6. If you have a Holiday link to share, feel free to link up to here too!

7. 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.

8. Visit a few other links to make some new friends, get some creative ideas and feel free to leave me a comment. I’m likely sitting here on the computer and could use a happy distraction!

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12 Bloggers, 12 Colors, 12 Days

of Holiday DIY

Dec. 1st ~ GREEN ~ The Design Confidential

Dec. 2nd ~ WHITE ~ Domestically Speaking

Dec. 3rd ~ BLUE/PURPLE ~ Fireflies & JellyBeans

Dec. 4th ~ SILVER ~ Freckled Laundry

Dec. 5th ~ GRAY ~ Primitive & Proper

Dec. 6th ~ SPARKLE/GLITTER ~ A Girl and a Glue Gun

Dec. 7th ~ MIRROR/CLEAR ~ The DIY Show Off

Dec. 8th ~ EARTH TONES ~ Making the World Cuter

Dec. 9th ~ RED ~ It’s So Very Cheri

Dec. 10th ~ GOLD ~ 504 Main

Dec. 11th ~ CHALKBOARD

~ WhisperWood Cottage

Dec. 12th ~ MULTI-COLOR ~ The DIY Club

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DIY Holiday Highlights Linky Party and Styrofoam Wood Chip Tree Tutorial

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Roeshel

Wood Chip Tree Tutorial

Materials:

2 Styrofoam Cones, two different sizes
Hot Glue
Wood Chips (Grilling section at True Value)
PVC pipe fittings, 2 different sizes
Krylon Fusion for Plastic spray paint (sparkly brown)
Paint, stain or dye
Small Star (holiday pick from craft store)

Tutorial:

1. Spray PVC pipe fittings. Let dry.

2. Attach pipe fittings to bottom of styrofoam cones with hot glue.

3. Using hot glue and starting at the bottom, glue wood chips around the Styrofoam cone.

4. Continue working upwards in layers. Find the right pieces is like putting together a puzzle. I liked using pieces with bark for texture.

Note: The Weber wood chips were cut on an angle. Gluing the angle and attaching to the cone, made the chip stand out a little.

Note: Thin wood chips can be snapped which is helpful for placing on curved surface.

5. Paint or stain the wood chips and let dry.

6. Add star to top by poking wire into Styrofoam or secure with hot glue. Embellish if desired.

My inspiration was the West Elm seagrass tree but due to a shortage of sea grass in western PA, mine turned out different but not in a bad way…

Simple. Pretty. Natural.

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DIY Holiday Highlights and True Value Pipe Fitting Candle Holders

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Roeshel

Who knew that True Value Hardware sold decorative decor? Well, mine actually does sell holiday decorations (and TRAINS!), but this is just about the most simple DIY project ever. Just something I picked up while shopping for another DIY project. It’s got a little industrial character. Just a little creative repurposing that even the most DIY-challenged person (like one who’s brain is already into next week’s vacation)…

Thick emergency candles

Pipe fittings

(you could even spray paint the pipe fittings but I love mine the way they are)

Instant Industrial Candle Sticks…

Restoration Hardware price would be ridiculous. True Value Hardware price is less than $10 for a set of 3.

Not just for Christmas…I love unique objects turned decorating and when was the last time men in your family noticed or commented on your decor? I think this one will get an admirer or two. What do you think?

It’s December – I know you’ve been decorating and working on festive DIY, right? Let’s see!

You must use the button above in your blog post or side bar to share the linky love.

Add your permalink (not your blog url, but your holiday project post url which is the web address that goes directly to your holiday project blog post, not your blog address). Feel free to link a Past Post, just be sure add the DIY Holiday Highlights button to your side bar.

Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.

If you notice your link has disappeared -please check the content of your post. Is it holiday related? 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!

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Learn some fun things you didn’t know about me. I’ve answered 10 random questions over at Making a House a Home where I’m hanging out with my awesome DIY friends, Lana & Joey today!

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(DETAILS AND RULES AT THE DIY CLUB)

12 Bloggers

12 Colors

12 Days of Holiday DIY

Dec. 1st ~ GREEN ~ The Design Confidential

Dec. 2nd ~ WHITE ~ Domestically Speaking

Dec. 3rd ~ BLUE/PURPLE ~ Fireflies & JellyBeans

Dec. 4th ~ SILVER ~ Freckled Laundry

Dec. 5th ~ GRAY ~ Primitive & Proper

Dec. 6th ~ SPARKLE/GLITTER ~ A Girl and a Glue Gun

Dec. 7th ~ MIRROR/CLEAR ~ The DIY Show Off

Dec. 8th ~ EARTH TONES ~ Making the World Cuter

Dec. 9th ~ RED ~ It’s So Very Cheri

Dec. 10th ~ GOLD ~ 504 Main

Dec. 11th ~ CHALKBOARD ~ WhisperWood Cottage

Dec. 12th ~ MULTI-COLOR ~ The DIY Club

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Tips for Painting Bi-Fold Shuttered Closet Doors

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Roeshel

DIY Project Parade

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Roeshel

I‘ve been working on some home improvement DIY and decorating projects but nothing to share in that department quite yet. I’m determined to stop procrastinating, get brave and jump right in this week. However last week, I saw these $448 shoes in the Anthropologie catalog…

LOVE! Well, minus the peep toe. I like gray but I’d prefer black. Did you know I love clothes, shoes and fashion almost as much as I love DIY? Most of my clothes are thrifted…I just love shopping those racks way more than at the mall. Budget. Budget. Budget.

Then I remembered I have these shoes…

Using a flower tutorial from Jones Design Company (love her flower tutorials – I even made some felt flower hair clips too)…anyway, I got to work making flouncy flowers….

Fabric was left over from a sheer curtain that I turned into a pillow cover that I cut up (resourceful)!

and now I have these. Not exactly like the Anthropologie shoes but from old to new and pretty for FREE! And I like them better than the Anthro ones.

Just in time for a real live date night because believe it or not, life is more than DIY (our last date was in April). We have to remind ourselves of that here. We try to make time to do something fun together (although we do find date night at the hardware store fun too but it’s nice to just forget about DIY and refresh once in a while). Last night, we went out for a delicious dinner at Rock Bottom followed by entertainment at the Improv and Sing Sing. Hiliarous!

And instead of looking like this…

I got a little sassy and wore a leopard scarf and movie star sunglasses instead of safety goggles…

and because my daughter says she thinks scarves look better with hair up or back, I wore a ponytail.

The rest of my outfit was toned down. Just black and cream, nothing fancy but all comfy, classic. Can’t get too wild with a leopard scarf. Plus walking around town is chilly in November so pants and sweater it is.

Button Tip – if you have a button that’s ready to fall off or the thread is starting to u
nravel, apply a coat of clear nail polish to keep it from unraveling more and popping off. (Thanks, mom!)

= SECURE

My ~~OLD~~ NEW Flouncy Ruffly Shoes:

(sneak peek of my dressing room – one of those projects I mentioned)

Here I am with my handsome date…(isn’t he cute?):

So, that’s my DIY project and my weekend. Let’s see what you’ve been up to!
(Anyone notice that my post is scheduled for Sunday, 11/13 at 5 a.m. but it’s showing up Sat. night? Strange!)

1. You must use the button above (ADD BUTTON HTML CODE FROM SIDE BAR TO YOUR POST) and link to this post to share the linky love.

3.Or email your link to thediyshowoff@gmail.com and I will add it for you.

7. 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.

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Partying here:
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Remodelaholic’s Anonymous

DIY Cat Window Perch and DIY Project Parade

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Roeshel

Did you remember to set your clocks back? I love that there was daylight so early today and sunshine at that. Sunshine gives me energy. Looks like a beautiful {cold} day. A great day to sit near a window and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your face.After seeing the dog bed at Mox and Fodder featured this week, I made up my mind to do something for our cat. Meet Lalka: Enjoying her new window seat with a view of the barn and her new catnip stuffed dangly toys…

Fun!

A quick trip to True Value for brackets and screws and we were able to get started. Lots to choose from. We chose the shortest gray ones for this project. Bri made a window seat too. Hers is from scratch, mine uses an old breakfast tray. Tutorials for both are shown below.

TRAY TURNED CAT WINDOW PERCH

Materials:

Old Tray

Pillow

Shelf Brackets

Screws

Optional: Line tray with scrapbook paper and secure with Decoupage. I used vintage wall paper. New pillow cover. I used an old pillow and leftover fabric scrap. I also used scrap fabric, stuffing, ribbon and cat nip to make some toys attached with an eye screw.

Here’s what I did (using the optional steps mentioned above):

1. I sanded and scuffed up an old tray. I cut wallpaper to fit inside (not a fan of the chefs!) and secured to the bottom using Decoupage. Let dry.

2. Using left over fabric, I sewed an envelope pillow cover for an old pillow to use as a cushion.

Cut fabric. Allow an extra 1/2 inch on the top and bottom. Triple the side of the width of the pillow.

You’ll have a large rectangle. My pillow is approx. 12 x 18 inches. My fabric was cut to an approx. 13 x 54 inches.

The short sides of the fabric: One edge of my fabric is the selvage end. I sewed a hem on the other end.

One end is hemmed. One end is the selvage (or hem both ends if no selvage).

Hem side:

Fold fabric. Edges should be on top (back side up/out) and be near the middle. Anywhere in the middle works.

I want my selvage end to be inside, the hemmed side out. Make sure selvage is the top folded piece.

Pin and sew both long edges. Reinforce over hem/selvage part of seams.

Flip right side out and insert pillow.

3. I drilled a hole and used an eye screw for attaching catnip stuffed toys on ribbon (see toys below).

4. Measure and mark where the brackets will go. Pre-drill holes.

Our windows are not framed in this room and the tray is a perfect fit underneath the sash.

5. Attach bottom screws of shelf brackets.

6. Hold tray in place (my tray fit perfectly under the window) and mark where holes for short screws need to be inserted into the tray. Pre-drill holes.

7. Attach tray to shelf bracket with short screws.

8. Loop ribbon toys through eye screw.

9. Add pillow!

How it looks from underneath…

Lalka loves her new space…

She’s a big girl for 1 year old. This is more of a look out for birds and squirrels or snuggle in a ball in the sun than a stretch out 4 ft. and relax…she uses the living room area rug for that. On her back. Paws in the air.

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Catnip Stuffed Toys

When Bri and I made the patterns on cardboard, I was thinking “how cute” – I’ll learn how to make a PDF and share the pattern! But then, after actually making the toys, I realized that drawing a pattern must be really exaggerated in detail because you have to look really, really close to realize these aren’t just shapes…oops! It’s okay, the cat doesn’t mind! But I’m not doing a PDF. (You’re welcome…sometimes DIY doesn’t go as planned and lumpy cat toy shapes don’t warrant creation of a printable pattern.) I’m thinking you can make your own that probably looks 100x better. :) Here’s what we did:

1. Make toy patterns and trace onto scrap fabric. I made a fish, bird and mouse.

2. Double fabric with right sides together and cut out shapes.

3. Cut a piece of ribbon. Mine are between 2-3 ft. Grab ends to find center. Hold center and start rolling ribbon.

4. Pin ribbon roll between two sides (right sides facing each other) of fabric. Ends should be sticking out past fabric.

5. Sew around shape, leave an opening for stuffing. I reinforced (back and forth) over the ribbon to make it more durable for pulling/playing. Sew close to the edge but be sure to grab both pieces of fabric. Snip curves.