DIY Book Ends

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Roeshel

Back to school time! Time to restock the desk area for homework assignments and school projects. Add cute set of DIY book ends to perk things up.

As a part of the Michael’s Makers team, I have the opportunity to create a monthly themed project. This month’s challenge is “Back to School”. A bit of a ‘challenge’ when your nest is empty but these will work in grand-baby boy’s nursery too. 😉

What I used:

4 wood blocks
wood glue and clamps
scrapbook paper and scrapbook cards
multi-surface acrylic craft paint and foam brush
gloss finish decoupage and foam brush
{thin} washi tape
letter A
letter Z
hot glue gun & glue

What I did:

Start with applying a bead of wood glue to each block to create an “L” shape. Clamp, wipe away any excess glue and let dry.

Once glue was dry, I removed the clamps and applied a ‘white wash’ look using a foam brush and multi-surface acrylic craft paint. I only applied one coat so that the wood grain still showed through. Let dry.

Cut scrapbook paper to size for inside of the “L” shape and the outside of the vertical wood piece. I used scrapbook paper and cute patterned scrapbook cards.

Apply a coat of decoupage to one side at a time as a glue. Place scrapbook paper onto decoupaged surface. Smooth out air bubbles. Apply another coat of decoupage over the scrapbook paper, sealing it. I brushed on the decoupage in the same direction as the wood grain. Repeat decoupage + scrapbook paper to all sides. Decoupage will go on with a ‘milky’ look but dry transparent.

Add washi tape to sides, smooth out bubbles/make sure it’s adhered. Apply a coat of decoupage to seal. *There’s also the option to apply the decoupage before the washi tape to act as a ‘glue’.

Apply a second coat of decoupage to all surfaces. I let mine dry overnight.

Attach wood “A” and “Z” using hot glue gun. Wouldn’t they be cute with succulent planters, plastic animals, vases, figurines instead too?

Once hot glue sets, you’re good to go!

Ready for keeping school books within easy reach and an organized desk top. Useful, functional book ends that coordinate with your home office, library, reading room, craft room, nursery or homework station…love it!

See MORE ‘back to school’ crafts from these blog friends:

An InLinkz Link-up

Teachers – It’s time to start planning for the new school year and Michaels has all of the ideas and supplies you need to create a one-of-a-kind classroom, plus you get a 15 percent discount on all classroom purchases!

In addition to the products available for teachers, parents and students can find organizational tools to keep on track throughout the year as well as project ideas to personalize school supplies

Check out Michaels’ Back to School Pinterest Board to find fun and creative project ideas to kick the year off right!

As a member of the Michael’s Makers team, I receive a gift card to complete and share fun craft challenges.

Rustic Glam Woodland Centerpiece and a Mint Mocha Smoothie

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Roeshel

My favorite time of the year is summer and I love spending my days outdoors when I don’t have to bundle up, the sun shining warm on my face, taking a few moments from the chaos on the patio swing to close my eyes while I ponder the day’s plans.

My woodland centerpiece is inspired by summer, talking walks in the woods. A good hike, re-connecting. Mood boosting!

Materials: moss runner, large wood slice, fresh flowers, feathers, white candles, twine, wooden spoons and gold spray painted toy animals.

a blend of natural elements with a little glam

Create a woodland themed vignette. Nature inspired. Peaceful and serene.

It’s a sweet centerpiece for the bistro table under our grape arbor gazebo, all set for some quiet time, counting blessings, healthy meditation and brainstorming up my next big DIY project. Remember to take a few quiet minutes for the sake of your health, to breathe, to think (or not think) and to just rest before tackling the rest of the day.

A shaded haven for catching up with my daughter. We sat there the other day, sipping mocha mint smoothies, talking and dreaming big.

Do you take the time to sit and soak up the good things? What inspires you to live a healthier lifestyle?

Mocha Mint Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients for 1 large serving or 2 small:

3 cups of frozen chocolate Greek yogurt
1 cup of Silk Almond Coconut Blend (grab a coupon!)
Shaved organic chocolate
Fresh mint
1 drop of peppermint Vitality essential oil

Check out the Silk products for yourself on the Silk Facebook page. Cool, refreshing and so good! I hope you get a few happy moments away from summer’s crazy schedule today. xo

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

DIY Pipe Fitting Wooden Coat Rack Tutorial

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Roeshel

This little seating area is great for putting on shoes and a quiet pet resting place and I love the vintage mould (I think that’s what the chalkboard is hanging on) but you know what? I was ready for a change. Surprise, surprise! haha!

Time to get creative and since we love pipe and wood projects for a bit of a rustic industrial style (see this), those are the materials I used to create a pipe fitting wooden coat rack.

What I used:

Three 3/8 inch galvanized flanges
Three 3/8 inch 90 degree elbows
Three 3/8 inch black caps
Three 3/8 inch x close steel pipe nipples
Twelve 3/4 inch sheet metal screws (these fit nicely for securing the flanges to wood)
RustOleum Universal Metallic spray paint + primer (oil rubbed bronze)
Scrap 1 x 6 pine board
RustOleum Ultimate wood stain (Kona)
RustOleum Ultimate polyurethane
2 drywall anchors and screws (to secure to wall)

What I did:

1. I connected my pipe fittings in this order: flange, nipple, elbow, nipple, cap.