Tag: DIY

DIY: Vertical Pallet Garden

Written by Jenna on April 22, 2013. Posted in Uncategorized. 24 Comments on DIY: Vertical Pallet Garden

The warmer weather has got me movin’ and groovin’ outdoors. This past weekend I got my DIY mojo on for this months Lowe’s challenge and created (what I think) is something pretty cool. Check out my newly created Vertical Pallet Garden using colorful pots…

Though the flowers are finally starting to peak through around the yard, I was in need of color NOW to start decorating my front porch for Spring. I, of course, hit up my local Lowe’s garden center to get my color fix. It’s still the early days of Spring, so the selection (at my local Lowe’s in NY) was limited, but I was able to find a few perennials for shaded areas that would be ideal for under the front covered porch. I chose a few colorful perennials & vines because they could easily be transplanted to the garden at the end of the season (smart & savvy thinking).

Pallets have been all-the-rage for a while, but I just don’t get tired of them – probably because they’re free. I’ve created so many DIY projects with pallets and I just love their old, worn texture and aesthetic. When thinking about this seasons porch, my major desire was to add height. Height = drama, and that was my goal.

For this project, the materials I used were:

Pallet (which I snagged – with their permission of course – for free in the back on my local Lowe’s)
(4) Eye hooks for 100 lbs+
3′ of metal chain
Plastic pots (I used lime green and turquoise from Lowe’s)
Drill with 1/4″ drill bit
3″ S hooks (found in the outdoor section of Lowe’s)
Vise Grip

Here’s the DL (downlow for short) on how I created the Vertical Pallet Garden

1. At the top of the pallet (slats oriented horizontally), screw in (1) eye hook at about 2-3″ in from each end. It’s best to start out by using a large nail to start the hole. Once the hole is started, screw in the eye hooks with the help of a vise grip to get leverage. Unless you’re the Hulk, it’ll probably be impossible with just your bare hands.

2. With the Misters help, we then unlinked one of the chain links and linked it through the eye hook. (one side only – the other side has to wait until hung)

3. Heading over to the house, we installed the eye hooks (using a drill to start the hole) through the siding and into the house about 2″ below the ceiling plane at the same distance apart as the hooks in the pallet.

4. Once the eye hooks were in, we took the loose end of the chain of the pallet, slipped it through the eye hooks, and secured the chain on the other side.

The pallet base is complete!

Then it was time to create the “garden”.

5. Using varying sized plastic pots in fun colors, drill a 1/4″ hole about 1″ down from the top rim. Using a 3″+/- S hook, slip it through the hole.

6. Plant the pretty flowers…

…And it was complete!

The vertical pallet garden adds so much color to the front porch.

S-hooks make it easy to move the flower pots around or bring them into the sun.

A beautiful focal point for the porch.

If you’re wondering about the pretty white wreath, that was a DIY project that was featured on Jen’s blog. It was created for Valentine’s Day, but I took off the paint chip flowers and just hung the wreath plain and simple. Who knows how I will transform it for another holiday or season to come.

I’m still working on the rest of the porch since it’s still in need of more color and pizazz. By late May, I hope to have that done and ready to share. Right now we’re still getting alot of rain and most nights are still way too chilly to get my gardening-on.

I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome of this fun and easy DIY project. It’s brought gorgeous height and beautiful color to my Spring front porch.

To see more creations of mine using pallets, click on the links below:
How-To Make a Pallet Shelf
Monogrammed Pallet Chevron Tray
Pallet Picture Holder
Eclectic Family Gallery Wall

Disclosure: I am part of the Loweâ€™s Creative Team and was provided with a Loweâ€™s gift card to purchase items for my project. I was also compensated for my time to use the products. No one told me what to create, what to buy, how to use the product, or what to write. All opinions are 100% mine!

DIY: Stenciled Shower Curtain using Drop Cloth

Written by Jenna on April 16, 2013. Posted in DIY. 34 Comments on DIY: Stenciled Shower Curtain using Drop Cloth

I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far. Now that I’m coming off my amazing moment high and getting back into my DIY groove, I’m excited to show you the new stenciled shower curtain panel that I recently made for the kids bathroom.

You may have seen a sneak peak of the shower curtain a few weeks ago when I shared some Spring updates. A few of you even commented saying you loved the color choice (I do too).

It’s bright.

It’s bold.

It’s an eye-catcher…

…And I made it myself. It was super easy, inexpensive, and something you can absolutely do too!

The materials I started off with were:

6′ x 9′ Canvas drop cloth (from Lowe’s)
Stencil – I used the same design from Cutting Edge Stencils that I used in the foyer
Paint – Valspar Pantone Emerald – #PN9055
Shower tension rod
Ball style shower curtain hooks
Foam roller
Tape measure
Scissors

Before I begin, here’s my beef with the typical store bought shower curtains…

They’re too short.

Every shower curtain on the market is 72″ x 72″. I like my shower curtains to sit just slightly above the floor, but then there is SO much space left above the curtain area, so it looks strange and you can see the showerhead. You know how I feel about window panels being placed as high as they can go, well I feel the same with shower curtains. When I redid my master bathroom, I ended up using two curtain panels to create a shower curtain. It was an awesome solution! Since the panels were taller than a typical shower curtain, they heightened the space allowing the room to feel much larger.

That being said, this DIY drop cloth shower curtain is 7′ tall; much higher than the norm and there is only about 12″ from the top of the panel to the ceiling plane versus 24″+.

NOW, let’s begin. Here’s how I made this dynamic shower curtain…

1. The canvas drop cloth size I found at Lowe’s was the perfect size (6′ x 9′), so there was essentially no trimming needed. I started off by laying out the large panel on a flat surface – my kitchen /dining area is a large open space and is the ideal spot for big projects.

I placed the stencil in the upper corner of the drop cloth and secured it with painters tape.

2. Using the vibrant Emerald color and a foam roller, I carefully rolled the color over the stencil putting enough pressure on the roller so the paint adhered to the fabric, but not too much so the paint seeped under the stencil. Believe me, up close it’s not perfect.

3. Once the first section was done, I waited about 1-2 minutes and then carefully lifted the stencil and positioned it in the right place next to the previously painted area. The Cutting Edge Stencils designs are awesome because they create each of the stencils so it easily matches up as you move it along your painting surface.

4. I worked my way across and down. And then…

…realized I made a huge boo-boo! At first, I didn’t put anything under the drop cloth and when I went to reposition it, I realized the paint seeped through. UGH! Thankfully it was still damp and the steamer took the paint right off.

Lesson Learned: Put something under your drop cloth before painting!

You live and learn!

5. After the debacle, I was back on track! Once all the stenciling was done, it was time to make the large panel into a shower curtain. With the 6 end, I took the top edge and rolled it over about 4″ (alittle more or less is fine), and ironed a crease. This edge will create the top part of the shower curtain.

6. Once the crease was created, I took it over to the sewing machine and sewed the edge. Take a look at the graphic for the specific spot to sew – this is important!

7. Once the edge was sewn, I layed the large panel out on the floor again. I took the 12 ball style shower hooks and equally positioned them along the newly created hemmed edge.

8. I marked the locations of where the ball style hooks layed. Again, make sure they are equally spaced.

9. Then it was time to create the hole for the ball style hook to fit into. Only trim through the first layer, not through the finished side of the panel.

10. Slip the hook into the hole. If you decide to tackle this project, you could create a true button opening so the fabric doesn’t fray, but I took the easy way out and didn’t, hehe.

It’s almost finished!

11. Once the hooks were in place, I put the curtain on the shower curtain rod. This was the part of the project where I decided the exact length of my newly created shower curtain. If you remember before, I mentioned I purchased a 9′ long piece of canvas drop cloth, so it definitely needed to be trimmed a bit. Once hung, I put a few pins in to mark the finished length that I wanted.

12. Leaving about 4″ extra to create a bottom hem, I trimmed the excess fabric.

13. Lastly, I ironed and sewed the bottom hem so the crease was at the exact spot that I marked with the pins.

And then it was done! Trimmed, sewn, and sitting high on the wall. Perfecto.

The kids bathroom is right at the top of the stairs so this is the first sight you see. (another reason why I wanted something taller than the typical too-low shower curtains).

It surely is dynamic, fun, and unexpected!

What a breathe of fresh air! Don’t ya think?! Canvas drop cloth is a favorite of mine to work with and I’m thrilled with the outcome of the project.

Here are more DIY projects I created using canvas drop cloth:
Placemats with Decorative Top Stitch
Drop Cloth Table Runner
Faux Roman Shade using Drop Cloth
Christmas Stockings
Simple Lined Window Panels with Drop Cloth Lining
Personalized Envelope Pillow

Spring Mantel with Sensational Succulents #LowesCreator

Written by Jenna on March 25, 2013. Posted in Uncategorized. 5 Comments on Spring Mantel with Sensational Succulents #LowesCreator

Happy Monday! Yes, it’s Spring, but sadly it doesn’t feel like it (at least here in NY).

I am so ready for the warmer days ahead and am yearning for the array of colorful flowers, the endless chirping of birds, and the sounds of outdoor laughter. I know it’ll be here soon, but I am just ready for winter (and the endless snow) to be over.

In my search for all things Spring, I decided this years seasonal mantel had to include elements of the outdoors. Last Friday when perusing the aisles of Lowe’s, specifically the outdoor section, I saw a huge display of succulents. I immediately knew they’d be the ideal addition for my Spring mantel!

While in the gardening section, I gathered a variety of succulents in different sizes and styles, along with a new bag of potting mix. I wasn’t going to dare dig through the garage in search of leftover soil from last year, plus I saw this soil that is fast draining and made for cactus type plants. I thought I’d give it a try, since I don’t have a great track record with keeping greenery alive. Yes, I admit, I don’t have a green thumb…

Once home, I collected a bunch of glass vases, dishes, and bowls that I had laying around the house. A few I picked up last week at TJ Maxx, but most I’ve had for a long time stored in the closet.

Then it was time to transplant these beauties into their new homes.

Choosing the right size bowl / vase for the size of the succulent is important. One rule of thumb that I always try to follow is to be sure that the plant isn’t too big for the pot (or bowl / vase in my case) so it has room to grow. The teeny size succulents (which I bought for $2.98/each) went in the smaller bowls and the larger styles ($3.98/each) went into the clear glass vases (which are my favorite because you can see the soil and plant roots – so interesting).

Once the right size “home” was chosen, I loosened up the roots and made the transfer. A few minutes later, all my succulents were planted and ready to add to the mantel.

Gardening in the kitchen isn’t something I would suggest, but with 30 degree temps, I wasn’t going to dare be outdoors longer than I had to. A little mess wasn’t too bad to clean up…

Then the fun started and here’s the result of my natural Spring mantel using sensational succulents…

It’s a beautiful collection of natural elements mixed in with colorful favorites.

Any style bowl, vase, cup, or container will make for the perfect holder to display succulents. My collection includes a clear glass round vase, a similar square style, a plain white double dish, a decorative ceramic bowl, and a white milk glass cup.

Choosing succulents of varying sizes allows for an interesting mantel composition.

Despite the frigid temps, the Lowe’s gardening section is already stocking up on their summer displays including an array of flowers, plants, and a large selection of outdoor furniture.

To gather even more unique, fun, and creative ideas for your indoor and outdoor Spring decor, I would definitely suggest downloading the Lowe’s Creative Ideas app on the iphone and ipad. I’m always checking out the FREE app for great inspiration. Consider following Lowe’s on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram as well.

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Todayâ€™s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

How-To Make a GIANT Inspiration Board

Written by Jenna on February 26, 2013. Posted in DIY. 12 Comments on How-To Make a GIANT Inspiration Board

Pinterest is a favorite for many (including me) who want to organize and keep their online inspiration in one place.

As a visual person though, I feel there is nothing like seeing and holding a picture in hand. I still buy and subscribe to magazines. I still tear out pictures and reference them when looking for inspiration.

Until recently, I didn’t have a “place”, a specific go-to spot, for all my collected loves.

I needed something! Thus the creation of my mega, giant, humongous, and amazing inspiration board…

I am in heaven. This newly created inspiration board is not only functional, but the pictures that are displayed are gorgeous and make the space colorful and fun.

Here’s how I made it.

I started with these supplies:

MDF board (I used MDF because I had a large leftover piece from an old upholstered headboard. A large thick piece of unwarped plywood could also be good for this project)
Fabric (I chose a neutral linen-like fabric which was $4/yd – I bought 3 yards)
Decorative Nailheads (I purchased them at Hobby Lobby for $2 for 50)
Sewing Machine
Screws and Anchors (I prefer plastic toggle drywall anchors – see below for a picture)
Painters Tape
Measuring Tape
Drill
Screwdriver
Level (optional, but very helpful)

1. I started off making sure the MDF board was the right size for the wall. The size was perfect, 3′-9″ X 4′-6″, and didn’t need to be cut. If you’re using this tutorial as inspiration, you can create any size inspiration board that fits your space.

One of the biggest obstacles with making this GIANT Inspiration Board was the difficulty of hanging it.

No doubt, this size board is HEAVY! Drilling through the board was out of the question because it is covered in fabric and hanging it from wire wouldn’t make the back flush with the wall, which is the look that I desired.

SOoooo… Onto a different solution. The basic idea that I came up with was to drill 3 holes into the back of the board that would hang on to 3 screws in the wall.

Let’s take a look at the step by step…

2. After determining and marking the height at which I wanted the board to hang, I layed the board face down so the back was exposed. I took a piece of painters tape and added it to the back of the board making sure it was completely level with the top of the board. The tape does not have to go from edge-to-edge, but I made sure each end was within 12″ of the side.

With a permanent marker, I marked three places on the tape – they do not have to be evenly spaced.

3. Using a drill, I carefully drilled about 3/4 of the way through the MDF back (I DID NOT go through to the front).

4. Once the 3 holes were drilled, I removed the piece of tape and put it on the wall at the height I had determined before. Also I made sure to hang the tape so it was placed horizontally correct – my board is centered on the wall, but that might not be the case for your creation. Be sure to hang it vertically (up and down) and horizontally (left and right) correct.

Something to watch out for…

A laser helps with this part, but if you don’t have one, measure down from the ceiling so that all 3 marks are at the same height.

Also, when the board was laying down, the marks went 1,2,3. Now the marks will be 3,2,1 because of how the board will fit onto the wall. It will make more sense once you’re in the midst of it.

5. Once the wall was marked with the three locations, I drilled the holes. Then added plastic toggle drywall anchors (which hold mega weight) and then the screws. These are like my all-time favorite anchors and screws!!

6. Once the screws were secure, it was time to put on the board. It takes alittle time figuring where the holes meet the screws, but if you measure right and take your time (which thankfully we did), it should work perfectly and be level!

Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of us hanging the board since it was a 2-man job and the kiddos were already asleep (they are my backup photographers), but here’s the result (and part of the next step)…

It’s hanging + straight – YES!

Before hanging this bad-boy on the wall, I covered it in fabric. I chose a loose natural linen-like cotton. Because of the width of the board, I needed to piece the fabric together to make one large piece. I ended up cutting and sewing 4 pieces of equal sized fabric. The result was fairly good, but my lines were slightly wavey. Toss it up to DIY, right?!

Anyway, to jazz up the board (and distract the eye from my wavy lines), I decided to use decorative nail head trim and follow the lines of the seams horizontally and vertically.

7. To start off, I used painters tape and made a level line from top to bottom and then from left to right following the seam.

8. On that edge of the tape, I hammered in the nails with a mallet (a hammer will do but sometimes the metal on metal ruins the nailheads), then removed the tape.

And now was the point of happiness!

I could finally fill up my inspiration board with all the things I love…

MDF board is not exactly like cork (obviously). Pushpins aren’t as easy to push in, but with a bit of muscle and oomph, it works fine. As an idea, a layer of cork could have been added to the front surface of the MDF before the fabric was wrapped around, to make it more “cushiony” and pinnable. For me though, it works fine.

If you know me, I LOVE COLOR, and I have a favorite article pinned on my handmade GIANT inspiration board that I ripped out a recent issue of HGTV Magazine…

I adore the glittery gold disco ball.

Now I have lots and lots and lots of room to fill up. I’m sure it won’t always look this clean. I actually am in love with some of these other GIANT Inspiration Boards!

I hope you’re inspired by my new HUMONGOUS Inspiration Board! I’m loving my new home office / family room. Not only is it inspiring to work in this new space, but I really enjoy flipping through my favorite magazines and actually pinning them I.R.L.

Aside from Pinterest, how do you collect and organize inspirational things?

Trash To Treasure: Upcycled Light To Vase

Written by Jenna on January 30, 2013. Posted in DIY. 4 Comments on Trash To Treasure: Upcycled Light To Vase

Sometimes the most unlikely objects can turn from trash to treasure.

As we’ve been changing the light fixtures throughout our home over the last 3 years (I’m pretty sure every. single. one. has now been updated), most went straight to the curb. A few weekends ago when the last old, brassy light came down in the upstairs hallway, it was half way to the trash, until I had a thought…

Could I upcycle it into something else? But what?? A cloak? Another light? A vase? Should I spray paint it or leave it brass? Lots of thoughts were brewing.

Of course, I forgot to take a pick of the light in it’s old home, but here’s what it looked like right after taken down from the ceiling.

Dust and all…

After giving it a good scrubbing, I decided to leave the brassy finish (I liked the warm hue) and use it as an accessory to hold a vase. A vase within a vase. Yes! Perfect!

I removed the base (which I was going to you as a candle stick, but it all fell apart), as well as the wires.

And then within minutes it went from ugly to this treasure…

O, you know how I love to spend $0 and shop my home!

I’m in love! Such a silly thing made into something spectacular. For now it sits on the coffee table, but I’ve got other ideas for my new found treasure. We’ll see where my thoughts and ideas take me…

What items have you upcycled in your home? How have you made treasure out of trash?

DIY: Glass Jar Pen Holder using a Pipe Clamp

Written by Jenna on January 17, 2013. Posted in DIY. 10 Comments on DIY: Glass Jar Pen Holder using a Pipe Clamp

Are you ready for a super easy project (from start to finish it took 5 minutes) that can be used all throughout the house and cost pennies to create?

I knew you would be!

My revamped central command center has put our family on the right path to an organized year (I’m crossing my fingers it’ll stay that way). You’ve all loved it which I’m completely psyched about and today I’m back sharing the easy step-by-steo on how I created the new glass jar holders hanging on the wall. It’s super simple, so let’s get started!

The one big annoyance with the old CCC was the lack of pen and pencil storage. When in need of something to write with, we would always be hunting around the house and then the task or thought that needed to be remembered and written down was totally forgotten.

NOT ANYMORE!

To start out, I grabbed a few glass jars from the refrig that were either empty or almost near empty. I chose a jelly jar and a salsa jar, but really any glass jar will do! (Unfortunately the diameter of the salsa jar was too big, so I substituted it with another glass jar).

The trick to these babies hanging from the wall is a $1 (I actually think it cost even less $$$) hose pipe clamp (usually found in the plumbing section). I chose a 3″ diameter, but there are larger and smaller styles. The salsa jar could have worked if I chose a 4″+ size.

Once I had the jars cleaned out, they were ready to hang. After some thought (and a few fails), I thought the easiest way to hang the hose pipe clamps from the wall was with a picture hanger. This would allow for there to be only one hole in the wall (easy patch up job at a later date) and I could easily choose the right spot for install.

I wrapped the picture hook around the hose clamp and tightened it a bit so it was secure – super easy. No tools needed other than a hammer.

The result once hung…

And the result with actual pens…

Super easy and unbelievably functional! YES – huge score.

To keep the glass jars even more secure, I added a tacky dot at the spot where the jar meets the wall. Now it stays perfectly in place.

If you want to see more of my Family Central Command Center, click {here}

It’s amazing what can be created with very little money and at the same time be super useful! Now I’m on the hunt for other places around the house where I can stick a glass jar (or two) on the wall.

Do you collect or display mason jars? Ever use this technique of using a hose pipe clamp?

How-To Make a Chalkboard Wall

Written by Jenna on January 9, 2013. Posted in DIY. 10 Comments on How-To Make a Chalkboard Wall

Chalkboard walls are not just for kids. They are super fun & functional for everyone, at any age. While the kids are busy creating new drawings, us moms are making lists so nothing’s forgotten at the store. The need for a chalkboard wall in a home can also change and evolve as your family changes and grows.

Another plus about chalkboard walls is that with the use of chalkboard paint, they are super easy to create. For less than $10 and a few spare hours, a new wall can be created anywhere in your home (or office)!

Earlier this week, I shared my revamped CCC {Central Command Center}. This 30″ wide spot in our home has had about 6 (or maybe more) makeovers, but it’s an intracle spot that keeps our family on track day-to-day.

For this new CCC, I decided to add a chalkboard backdrop. To create this fun, yet important part of the wall, I used chalkboard paint.

This lil’ old can has been around for almost 2 years and has been used on a ton of projects. The largest before this project was the chalkboard wall we created in the basement for the kids a couple of years back. Anyway, this can has lasted a long time!

Before starting the chalkboard wall, I decided I wanted to create a “frame” surround. There really is no “frame” on the wall, but by leaving 3″ of the yellow wall color, a “frame” surround was created.

To create the frame, I applied two layers (two rows of tape side-by-side) of FrogTape. This was my first time using FrogTape and I’m in love! It was great. Y’all know what a pain of a time I had when I painted the mouldings white, well this stuff would have come in handy. Basically this tape has a sealer that when applied to the wall it doesn’t let paint seep underneath. I had a few spots that the paint went under, but for the most part, it was great!

I wasn’t provided product from FrogTape. I bought it myself because I’ve been wanting to try it out for a long time. It gets my seal of approval!

Once I applied the FrogTape and “burnished” it (pressed down really hard at the edges), I was able to start painting.

I applied 3-4 coats of the chalkboard paint so the surface was fully covered and no wall color from underneath came through.

Once I knew no more coats were needed, I removed the paint. If the paint is still wet, that’s okay. As you peel away the tape, you’ll see your crisp, clean line! What a beauty.

And then you’re ready to stand back and admire!

Once your chalkboard wall is complete, the fun of either drawing or layering can begin! Since this is more of a functional spot than a fun spot, I created a Family Central Command Center. This is how it resulted… And you can learn more about it {here}.

Have you ever used chalkboard paint before? If so, what have you created?

Want to see more of my chalkboard projects (using this one can of paint)?
New Years Sparkly Tablescape with Chalkboard Candles
Kids Play Kitchen
Framed Chalkboard Medicine Cabinet
Chalkboard Platter

Stick Star Door Decor

Written by Jenna on November 14, 2012. Posted in DIY. 17 Comments on Stick Star Door Decor

Last week I was vying to create something for my front door to transition the time between now and Christmas.

I’ve had my Fall wreath up for a while and I was ready for a lil’ change. Then while driving over the weekend, I spotted a large wood star on an old, distressed barn. It got me thinking and inspired my latest creation… a Stick Star which I’m now donning on my apple green front door.

In the front of my home is a 20’+ weeping willow tree and it’s beautiful in the summer, but this time of year with all the wind, the soft, thin branches often easily break off leaving lots of piles. When cleaning up the yard on Sunday, we collected a bunch of branches and I knew they’d be perfect for the foundation of the stick star.

With my son helping out, we collected a good pile of branches and I started out making my new door decor. With my ruler in hand, I trimmed the soft branch to 30″ long. And cut 49 more to have a total of 50.

The branches didn’t have to be exactly 30″, but close to it. After 50 were cut, then I broke them into 5 groups of 10. The 5 groups were used for each “leg” of the star.

This was a dry run and I was pretty happy with the direction it was looking. Surprisingly it actually looked like a star, ha!

It was time to put it together!

I disassembled the star mock-up and separated each star “leg”. Using floral wire (or any thin wire would do), I tied each end of the stick grouping so it was secure and “one”.

Once each “leg” was secure on each end, I put them together to create the star. Once the star was layed out, I secured them together with more floral wire.

Since the floral wire is close to the color of the sticks, it really isn’t visible unless you are close to the arrangement.

And honestly within about 10 minutes, it was done. It was really simple to create and something different than I’ve ever created before. And I have to say, once the sticks are together in a bunch, they are really secure as “one”.

It still needed something though, so I trimmed a few branches and berries from my yard and tucked them within the branches.

This pretty and easy to create stick star can be used all year round and dressed up for any occasion. It can be used on a door (like I used it for), indoors, or outdoors.

For my stick star door decor, I cut a 3″ strip of burlap, attached it with floral wire to the back of the branches and secured the top onto the head of the door with push pins. There’s no damage to the door and it can easily be switched out.

And here is the result…

My stick star was super simple to create and didn’t cost a penny! The perfect door decor for the coming Holidays or any time of year. I just love simple, just stylish creations!

DIY: Pallet Picture Holder

Written by Jenna on November 6, 2012. Posted in DIY. 7 Comments on DIY: Pallet Picture Holder

Just last week I finished up a really cute project for a client (which I was super close to keeping, but she was glad I didn’t) and I’m excited to share it with you today!

I’ve been making my way through the huge stash of pallets that I’ve had stored in the garage for quite some time. Pallets are great for projects like this when you’re looking for a distressed, worn result and want to spend little (or no) money. Most pallets, a.k.a. shipping crates, have already been used-and-abused, so they are easy to dismantle and start upcycling.

When finishing up the final details on this clients family room, I showed her this picture of a similar pallet project and her response was YES! And off I was creating this Pallet Picture Holder…

I started off by looking through my pallets (some were new and some had been picked through) to choose the 8 that looked best with each other.

Every pallet that I’ve taken apart (except one), has been constructed using twisted nails, and they are a BIG PAIN! A typical crowbar or hammer won’t be helpful here and so I always use a reciprocating saw. It’s a lifesaver! Actually during this project, my original reciprocating saw broke – what a bummer. Understandable though since I use it ALOT + it wasn’t top of the line (lesson learned: buy quality, buy once).

Anyway, once I took apart the pallet, I gathered the planks I needed (8 total which were about 40″ long) and then cut two pieces for the back that would hold the planks in position.

The overall size of this pallet picture holder is (about) 40″ x 28″.

Using finishing nails, I nailed two in each plank on each side into the back plank.

This was the result when done (from the back)…

I tell ya, this bad boy is heavy! I forgot to take a picture of the picture hanging wire I added to the back, but if you try something similar, make sure the hardware is for at least 100 lbs+. The last thing you’d want is this falling down. It doesn’t weigh 100 lbs, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

This wall decor picture holder is going on a soon-to-be dark chocolate colored wall, so we (the client and I) decided that it’d look best to have the planks be lighter in color. To do this, I added a quick sweep of paint to the surface. The wood of the planks still show through underneath, giving it a rustic worn aesthetic.

This was the point where the pallet went from a blank canvas to a picture holder. And the simple way that happened was by adding clothes pins. Before that though, I gave them a little color. I used a slightly darker color taupe – Annie Sloan French Linen to be exact.

Once the clothes pins were dry, they were ready to be placed onto the pallet.

I wanted to give the option to use 4×6 or 5×7 sized pictures, and with the size of the pallet, I’d determined that 3 rows or 5 across would be the magical number.

Using a tape measure and starting off in the center, I marked where each clothes pin would be placed.

Once the positioning was just right, I added hot glue to the backs of the clothes pins and stuck them in place. They were good as gold!

The last step was personalizing it a bit and adding {our family}. My client is a photographer and huge picture-person, so this totally fit the bill!

And then to finish it all, I gave it a quick sanding with my orbital sander to distress the words and edges.

And the Pallet Picture Holder was complete!

It’s nice “naked”, but pictures make it pretty!

I also had a thought that this would make a great Holiday Card Holder too!

What projects have you created using pallets?

Want to see more of my pallet creations, check them out:
How To Make a Pallet Bookshelf
Wall Decor in my Eclectic Family Gallery Wall
Travel Subway Art Sign
Monogrammed Chevron Pallet Tray
Succulent Arrangement in a Pallet Container

Garage Entry: Kids Art Display

Written by Jenna on October 31, 2012. Posted in DIY. 11 Comments on Garage Entry: Kids Art Display

Many of us have a door in our home that leads to the garage. It’s a metal door and so it’s magnetized, leaving the perfect opportunity to jazz it up, bring color into the room, and display kids artwork, coupons, or much more.

I’m always looking for new nooks and crannies to organize and make life easier! The entrance door to the garage is a perfect spot because it’s the way many of us enter and exit our homes.

As I mentioned (and gave you a sneak peak on) the other day when sharing my new foyer floor, our foyer space is not only the entrance area, but also the spot where the powder room, laundry, coat closet, and pantry are located. Lots of functions in just one area and a place I spend alot of time in (mostly doing laundry!)

The door before was a blah white and with the old darker floor, it was a cavernous hallway. Once deciding to paint the door, I chose the same color as my front door – Valspar Olive Tree WV34010. I really love the cheerful apple green color and with all the other vibrant colors going on, adding another hue would be overload.

So here’s the before & after…

It’s amazing what a little paint can do! I started off by grabbing a small trial size container of Valspar paint at Lowe’s. Since the door has no texture, I used a foam roller to apply the paint. It took quite a few coats – about 5 in all.

Once it was finally done, the space already looked so different, but it still needed more.

I had seen this cute idea a while back and thought it would be fun to try it out on this door.

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I wanted to make “sections” for the kids artwork, plus a spot for pictures, coupons, and/or school announcements and invitations. Using a ruler and pencil, I outlined the “sections”.

And then painted over the lines with chalkpaint in old white.

Okay, so after it was done, I wasn’t loving the result. I liked the look in the inspiration picture, but it wasn’t working with my white-against-green door. Onto idea #2.

Washi Tape! You know how much I fell in love after my Washi Tape Initial creation.

Going over the lines of the paint, I added the washi tape and all was fixed and pretty!

Super cute, right?! And actually, you can still see some of the handpainted parts.

O, how we love thee Ben & Jerry’s – one of our Vermont favorites!

I also made these really cute decorative clothes pins with pretty scrap paper and mod podge – tutorial to come soon!

And one more time, the before & after…

O, do I love this new foyer space. If you haven’t checked out my new foyer floor using groutable luxury vinyl tile, here’s a picture + you can enter to win a $100 Lowe’s Gift Card!

Isn’t it truly incredible what a little paint can do?! Plus this is such a nice area to display some of the kids artwork, especially since the new refrigerator is stainless and non-magnetized.

Do you have a splash of color on your garage entry door? Do you hang anything on it?