Ready to design your dream space without the stress? I created an AI printable DIY planning kit that blends creativity + clarity using AI-generated prompts. It’s the exact system I use for real life projects! And it’s now available in my shop!
What’s Inside the Printable Kit?
💡 Custom AI prompts to unlock your design ideas
📝 Project planner pages to organize your steps
🛒 Shopping + material lists
💸 Budget section to track costs easily
🎯 Works with your style and space, not a one-size-fits-all template
I’d love to know what project you’re planning next? Tell me in the comments or tag me if you use the planner. I can’t wait to see what you create! If you try it, tag @DIYShowOff so I can cheer you on! It truly means the world to see it being used in real-life projects.
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There’s something comforting about returning to familiar places. Especially the creative kind and I’ve missed this space. After a little time away from blogging, I’m finding my rhythm again and thought I’d start by dusting off a simple, cheerful project from the archives: a DIY pallet flower planter. It’s a reminder that sometimes beauty blooms best when we revisit what we’ve already begun.
Materials I Used for a DIY Pallet Flower Planter
1 kiln-dried pallet (in good condition)
Scrap wood. Here’s what I grabbed: (1) 1×4 board, (2) 2×4 boards, (1) 4×4 block
Exterior nails or wood screws
Wood stain (optional, for color and finish)
Clear protective topcoat (weather-resistant)
Heavy-duty staples or staple gun
Fabric weed barrier or landscape fabric
Potting soil (suitable for flowers)
Seasonal flowers of your choice
How to Make a DIY Pallet Flower Planter
Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Pallet We had plenty of pallets on hand and selected a kiln-dried pallet marked “HT” (heat-treated), which indicates it’s safer for garden use compared to chemically treated wood. We gave it a thorough scrub with bleach and water to clean off any dirt or residue (important if you’re planting anything edible or placing it near your home).
Step 2: Remove Boards to Create Planting Space Using a pry bar, we carefully removed three of the horizontal boards from one side of the pallet. This helped open up the structure, creating more vertical room for taller flowers to grow freely.
Step 3: Sand and Prep the Wood Next, we sanded down all rough edges and splinters using medium-grit sandpaper. I also hammered in any protruding nails to ensure the surface was smooth and safe to work with, especially important for a garden piece that’s often handled.
Step 4: Add Stability and Feet To give the pallet a flat base, we attached scrap 1×4 boards to the bottom edges of each side, creating a shelf-like structure. This gave us a place to attach “feet” made from more scrap wood. We experimented with adding a caster to one side for mobility, but when that didn’t work as well as we hoped, we opted to secure the pallet to the side of our patio swing instead. You could also anchor yours to a deck railing or set it securely into the ground.
Step 5: Stain and Seal the Wood I stained the pallet using Rust-Oleum Wood Stain in Kona, applying it with a brush and wiping away the excess. Although the stain dries in about an hour, I let mine cure for a few days before sealing it. Once dry, I gave the entire pallet a quick coat of clear protective spray to help it stand up to the elements.
Step 6: Cut Fabric for Planting Pockets To create planting pockets, I used newspaper and junk mail to make a simple pattern. Be sure to account for folding the edges under and covering the sides of each pocket. Once the pattern was dialed in, I used it to cut my fabric weed barrier to size.
Step 7: Staple the Fabric Weed Barrier I folded under the raw fabric edges for a cleaner look and then stapled the fabric in place between the pallet boards, forming deep planting pockets. The corners were a little tricky—I used a trial-and-error folding technique and may have gotten a bit staple-happy. My final setup created 12 planting pockets in total.
Step 8: Set Up Your Planter Once everything was secure, I moved the pallet into its final position. You can lean it, secure it to a railing, or anchor it in the ground depending on your space and preference.
Step 9: Fill and Plant Time to get planting! Fill each pocket with quality potting soil and your favorite flowers or herbs. The fabric allows for natural drainage, helping prevent overwatering.
Finished and Flourishing
Ready to bloom! I love how this project gives new life to old materials and brings a pop of color to any outdoor space. If you give it a try, I’d love to see how yours turns out! Tag me on social media @DIYShowOff or leave a comment below!
Let’s Show Off Your Creativity!
Have a DIY project you’re proud of? Whether it’s a craft, home improvement idea, seasonal decor, or something uniquely creative, I’d love to feature it here on the blog or on social media! Sharing inspiring ideas is what this space is all about and your creativity could spark someone else’s next project. Fill out the form below to submit your tutorial, photos, or story. Let’s inspire each other!
Show Off YOUR DIY!
DIYShowOff Spotlight
Have a DIY you’re proud of? I’d LOVE to see it!
Submit your details below for a chance to be featured on DIYShowOff. After submitting, you’ll receive a link to upload your project photos, share description, and complete your submission.
Please note: While I may not be able to feature every project, I read and appreciate each and every one! By submitting yours, you agree that it could be highlighted on the blog, in my newsletter, or on social media. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with me!
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I’m so excited your interested in being featured on DIYShowOff! I’d LOVE to see what you’ve been working on! This is where the fun begins! You’re just one step away from submitting your project details.
Welcome to Suite Thyme, a lovingly restored historic home nestled in the heart of Butler, Pennsylvania! What began as a vision for a cozy, welcoming short-term rental has blossomed into a full-scale transformation filled with character, charm, and thoughtful DIY design. I wanted each room in this 100+ year-old house to create a relaxing, stylish stay for our guests. Read along for the features of the full Suite Thyme before and after makeover.
I’ve created collages of each space and linked to the before-and-after transformations. From the inviting living areas to the serene bedrooms, you’ll see how I’ve blended vintage elements with modern comforts to create a unique guest experience. I love having complete creative freedom and enjoyed the “wow” change from what was to how it looks and feels now.
Explore the transformations below to discover how Suite Thyme combines historic charm with contemporary design to offer a memorable experience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own home or looking for a delightful getaway, I hope these makeovers spark your creativity too!
Suite Thyme Before and After Makeover: Room-by-Room Collages
If you’ve been following along, you know this Suite Thyme before and after makeover has been such a rewarding project from start to finish (or always evolving).
Much of Suite Thyme’s design journey has been shared in my #helloredreno series, but there have been some exciting exterior updates too, including all new windows and a completely fresh look for the outside of the home.
You can’t always see it in photos, but the red paint (which wasn’t original) had become weathered and was peeling badly. And if you’re like me, when a project comes with a big price tag, you want to be wowed by the results. That’s why choosing a new color was such a big deal. I am absolutely over the moon with the decision to go with Benjamin Moore’s Black Forest Green. It’s stunning! Don’t you think?
This late 1800s property has quite a history. We purchased it back in 2017 from a lawyer who had used it as his office for over 45 years. I’ve even heard there was maybe an antique shop here at one point. One of the old deeds I found shows a transaction from 1912. I’d love to dig up more details someday. It’s such a charming little spot, sitting proudly on a corner lot in the heart of the city.
The transformation has been a lot of work, but every step has been so worth it.
What’s next for Suite Thyme? There are exciting plans in the works! We’re hoping to purchase the adjoining property to expand the backyard and improve parking. You may have seen the demo of the abandoned house next door. Fingers crossed it all comes together!
Also on the list: a new metal roof, a concrete patio, and a little landscaping TLC. Indoors, I’m dreaming of a fresh kitchen backsplash and a bedroom refresh. It’s hard to believe how far this little home has come or that it’s already been creating special memories for so many travelers.
Love what you see? You can actually stay here! Book your stay at Suite Thyme on AirBnB right here and experiences it’s charm in person!
Love the Look? Stay Connected or Pin for Later
Thanks so much for taking a look around Suite Thyme! Each room has been a labor of love, and I’m so proud of how far it’s come. Whether you’re gathering inspiration for your own space or planning a visit to Butler, I hope you found something that sparked an idea or made you smile.
Want to see more behind the scenes or stay updated on future DIY projects and room refreshes? Be sure to follow along. Don’t forget to pin your favorite space! You can book Suite Thyme on AirBnB
I am so in love this decadent and decay theme for adding a touch of Halloween class to the front porch! It’s a skeleton with beauty and style and solar fairy lights!
What I gathered:
Supplies:
artificial fall florals
36″ skeleton
clip on butterflies
hot glue
solar fairy lights
Tools: hot glue gun, wire cutters
What I did:
Using wire cutters, I separated some of the florals and removed stems if needed. Then simply secured fall floral pieces and arrangements and accents onto my skeleton using hot glue. A flower crown, some florals over the rib cage and a few tucked within, a wrist and ankle corsage. I added a few butterflies too.
Once that was complete and all of my florals were securely in place, I started at the bottom of one leg and worked my way up the skeleton (there is a LOT of wire so be generous with wrapping and even going back over an area) then back down to the other leg with the string of solar fairy lights.
I used a shepherd’s hook to display in a planter where I could also easily tuck in the solar panel.
Decadence and decay!
Do you decorate for Halloween? Spooky? Creepy? Fun and cute?
Hello, DIYShowOff friends! If you’ve been a DIYShowOff follower, you’ll remember our farmhouse from back in the day. Ready for a farmhouse before & after exterior update and makeover? It’s undergone the biggest before and after exterior makeover to date. It’s hard to believe it’s the same farmhouse. Of course there are still projects on the list (porch railing, landscaping, etc.) but our property has never looked better! The exterior is so pretty and the yard is now an oasis, our personal retreat.
Farmhouse Before
Before…old windows, faded siding, back doors with awnings, sidewalks and a lack of landscaping. An old dilapidated grape arbor.
BEFORE:
We definitely got the side eye when purchasing this fixer upper but my Mr. DIY and I saw the potential.
After: French doors, new windows, new siding, a new metal roof, concrete patio, concrete stairs and a stamped stained concrete pool deck and walkways were added, grape arbor rebuild. Years in the making!
AFTER:
Early Makeover Projects
One of the first projects was installing French doors where the single back doors were and removing the awning. Then came a patio and some landscaping.
Then last year…a major update starting with an in-ground pool installation, stained & stamped concrete pool deck and patio. Check out our complete in-ground pool installation!
Welcome guests!
We have a new front door and porch! Our home didn’t have a front door (original was enclosed to create a ‘sun porch’) which we opened up into a home office when we got new windows. Original front door is in the wood sided addition shown below…
Here it is inside…
Other side of the front yard…
BEFORE:
So we added a new front entry door and front porch leading into our family room. It’s still a work in progress with the need for railing and extending the sidewalk from bottom of stairs to the driveway but looking good!
New Siding
Then new board and batten, cedar shake and ledge-stone (vinyl) siding for an amazing transformation for the biggest “wow”.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Siding is from CVS. Board and Batten color: Carbon Designer. Trim: Linen. Ledge stone siding is Arizona Sandstone and cedar shakes: Rustic Cedar Designer.
BEFORE AND AFTER different view:
Metal Roof
And a new metal roof on additions (keeping the original slate which is still in good condition in a copper color.
After (the transformation)
So, it’s been a minute. Okay, it’s been way longer. But I’m back! I’ve missed our connection. It’s so easy to get lost in the everyday, especially with how blogging has changed over the years and with losing my Facebook page to a hacker leaving me feeling defeated with the disappearance of years of hard work. Time to get back on the horse, ya know?! Time to catch up! I have so much more to share!
Oh you guys, I enjoy hosting at our short term rental, Suite Thyme, here in my small hometown so much! It’s such a joy to make someone’s visit to Butler a memorable experience and to share what I love about where I grew up. The apartment is tiny but big on character and guests love the trendy luxury design and comfortable atmosphere. I really love pampering guests and making them feel so welcomed and special, much as a guest in our own home. I enjoy developing friendships with many of our guests – even if we’ve never met face to face. Although sometimes I’m available for a quick meet and greet, especially if they’ve added services to to their stay. More on that below.
The apartment is located upstairs. There is a wellness studio on the main floor for my office and a place where we hold essential oil classes. We also collaborate with several small business owners and wellness practitioners to offer a “create your own personal wellness retreat” with a la carte menu services in a self care package we refer to as “Thyme & Mint”. Services include yoga from Ambur Waves (Yoga.Movement.Sound), Evangeline (reiki master) from The Lunar Fae Shop and Becca from The Wandering Bramble, Dorothy’s Herb Shop and Herbal Apothecary. We also offer essential oils education, Aroma Freedom and iTovi scans from Wellness Inspired Living. Guests can purchase herbal bath soaks, crystals and essential oils (packaged with their choice of intention collection) in advance and have them ready upon arrival.
The update:
As a member of Butler County Tourism, Suite Thyme recently had the opportunity to put together a proposal for a grant that would enhance Butler visitors’ experiences. I love a creative challenge! The room that is utilized for reiki, sound baths and guided meditation was a bit of a mish mash and in need of some TLC. I designed a medication room with purpose. I submitted by design and plan and was awarded a small grant to make it happen!
Ready for some meditation room eye candy? Let’s go!
The space went from looking like a living room with a sofa and chairs with a small crystal retail area and shelves filled with essential oils and accessories (a DIY essential oil bar) to a tranquil space dedicated to reiki, sound baths, crystal healing, private yoga and meditation There’s even a cute spot at the window with a desk for journaling. Shelves are lined with crystals, plants and self care books. There’s a small library nook with comfy floor cushions, an area for yoga with a basket of yoga mats. I added a daybed for relaxation, a tv for meditation/yoga videos or relaxing music with a bluetooth speaker, a white noise machine with northern lights projector. There are crystal singing bowls for sound healing, a mini waterfall for blocking out small city traffic noise, black out blinds for closing out the busy street. It wasn’t part of the grant, but we invested in new windows for the property as well this year.
Additional purpose and function of the space:
The apartment is small and at times a bride books the apartment for her special day. Things are tight to say the least as the space is a better fit for 2-4 people! Now, this extra room can be added on for an extra fee to act as overflow space and more square footage for bridal party prep. Or if a guest is staying with family but requires a quiet separate area for work, they have the option to add on a separate private ‘office’ and quiet workspace.
The room is now so magical and peaceful…an experience of a calming energy the minute you step through the doorway.
Suite Thyme
The second story of this updated 1880s home boasts a trendy newly renovated efficiency apartment loaded with charm. It’s located just steps from the main thoroughfare of downtown Butler’s best eateries, antique shops, breweries and more. Perfect for festival-goers and travelers looking to enjoy a small town vibe.
This 2nd floor eclectic space located above a quiet by appointment only wellness studio is loaded with personality and beautiful style. Sleeping arrangements include 2 queen beds in the bedroom + a queen sleeper sofa in the living room for peaceful night’s rest and sweet dreams. There is a beautiful fully equipped modern kitchen area tucked into a combined living room/kitchen/dining area. Bathroom includes a clawfoot tub for soaking away tension. Plus, it’s just a short stroll to Butler’s historic Main Street district.
Traveling to the western PA area? Looking to book a self care getaway? I love showing off my hometown pride! Book Suite Thyme HERE. Now booking!
Wishing you a year filled with wellness, peace and happiness!
Gratitude:
A HUGE thank you to Butler County Tourism for the generous funds to create a special space as well as all they offer to promote Butler County and small business owners. So much appreciation for all you do! See more at VisitButlerCounty.com.
A special thank you to my Mr. DIY for his assistance and support. Thank you to my dear friend Shelby for encouragement and brainstorming with this project. To contractor Troy Douthett for his help, thank you! Thank you to Evangeline at The Lunar Fae for her knowledge and input too! So much appreciation for all of the attention and assistance in making this magical transformation a reality! xo
