I made these concrete planters in one afternoon using a $5 bag of concrete and supplies I had in the workshop. They look darling with my mini succulents and they were so stinkin’ easy to make!
Here are the supplies I used. Literally an old plastic flower pot, a bathroom “dixie” cup, scrap wood pieces and L-brackets. The “dixie” cups were the right size for the opening that I wanted. Base your container sizes off of the size of plant you are looking to pot. I knew I was putting mini succulents inside, so I needed smaller containers.
Make sure you are using containers that can be either cut or lifted off of the concrete form once it’s dry. Preferably things that can just be tossed after to make your life easier. Just don’t use anything valuable.
*side note* my plastic flower pot had draining holes in the bottom. I simply traced the bottom of the pot and cut a piece of cardboard to fit inside and block the holes. Worked like a charm!
My general recipe was about 1 cup of concrete to 1/4 cup of water. Add additional concrete or water if necessary until the mixture seems “right”. AKA – not runny but fully wet. It’s not an exact science and the best part? It doesn’t have to be perfect!
The other best part?
There is SO much concrete left in the bag! Oh man, the projects I have already been dreaming up!
Best $5 I have spent in a while!!!
Using some extra rock salt we had in the garage, I filled my “dixie” cups to help them maintain their shape when I added the concrete. I found that a small plastic spoon was just enough to work with for the smaller size pot. First, I added concrete mix to the base of each exterior container evenly. Next I put my interior container inside (in this case, my “dixie cups”) right on top of the thin bottom layer of mix I just poured. I continued to fill the pot all around the cup with the concrete. I tapped it a few times to allow the concrete to settle and get any air pockets out.
For the larger rectangular form, I just poured the concrete right in the wood box I made.
*side note* for the rectangle box – the outer frame is attached with L-brackets and it is literally just sitting on top of the red wood slat. It’s not attached. As long as you don’t move your forms around too much, it works just fine this way.
Once fully dry (I let them set overnight to be safe since it was pretty cold in the workshop), pull out the disposable cups. Just a little tug should really be all that’s necessary to get them out. You will be surprised how easily they pop out! And I love that I can just pour the salt back into the bag to be used again – either outside in the snow or inside with more crafting!
On the rectangle, I unscrewed the L-brackets and the wood released immediately from the concrete. Easy peasy!
I decided to spray paint the smaller planter white – because why the heck not? I love the rustic and rocky look of the concrete. There are other smoother concrete mix options, but they’re a bit more expensive.
And I like cheap.
Whad’ya think??
My little ones and not-so-little ones LOVE to create (and make messes). They color all.day.long.
I decided to construct this chalkboard “wall” for them.
The goal was to give them a larger work space for their artwork while simultaneously decreasing the waste of paper in our home.
I had a very specific sized space I had to work with.
Crazy enough, Home Depot had my exact required sizes in precut and sanded pieces of plywood. They will cut-to-size a larger piece of plywood for you at no charge, but I was pretty excited to be able to just buy and leave!
I decided to go with 2 different pieces for this project instead of one large one for a few reasons.
#1 it was easier for me to handle and construct on my own. #2 I wanted 2 separate “areas” for chalking (one for the really little ones and one for the sorta little ones). #3 It’s what Home Depot had in the store and I made it work.
Next, I painted my pieces with black Rust-Oleum chalkpaint. It’s by-far my favorite brand to use. And because my pieces were already sanded and I was planning on “trimming” them out on the sides, I literally just brought them in from our abnormally large van and start painting right away.
I did do a good 3 layers of chalkpaint on the wood. Maybe it’s over-kill, but I knew these bad boys were going to get A LOT of use. So, I wanted to make sure they would last.
I went a step further and created a stool for my lil’ peeps to use to assist them in reaching new heights while Picasso-ing their day away.
This was made from an old fireplace mantle and surround that someone had taken apart and given me as well as 2×4 pieces.
Plus, it really makes the chalkboards stand out in our dining room!
I also attached a lantern to the side of our chalkboard wall that matches the ones hanging from the front of our home library.
They were a set of 3 outdoor lanterns I had found at a garage sale for ridiculously cheap. I love the “Narnia” look they give our library.
I picked out a few wood pieces from my scrap pile/box to use for the shelf. I wanted to take the possible pieces to the kitchen to get a better idea for “under the counter” size preference.
Nothing around here is precise. Just “good enough”.
I used an “oops” color of green that we purchased last year from the hardware store.
Originally I debated what I wanted the depth of the shelf to be. I wound up going with the larger wood piece on the left.
These particular spindles were removed from an unsalvagable wood table. But, new spindles at the hardware store are fairly inexpensive, too. I cut them in half using my handy dandy rotary tool. If you are a crafter and don’t have one of these, stop what you are doing right now and get you one
All the spindles cut, sanded and cleaned. Ready to paint!
I used washers to secure the wood screws I was drilling from inside the cabinet out to the spindles. Although I knew I wouldn’t be putting anything super heavy on the shelf, I like to err on the side of caution….sometimes…
To piece this project together, I probably did it: A) the hard way or B) the wrong way. Either way, this is how I did it and it worked out just fine in the end regardless.
First, I screwed the spindles to the wood so I knew where they would attach and used one of my little people to hold the shelf with the spindles up under the cabinet where I wanted it to hang. I marked the spots where the screws needed to go through the underside of the cabinet. I then removed the spindles from the wood shelf and screwed them each into the predrilled holes (based on the marks I made) in the bottom of the cabinet. Next, I screwed the hanging spindles to the wood piece that also had predrilled holes from the initial attachment.
Basically, I put it together, took it apart, screwed up the spindles and then attached the wood. Not so bad when I put it that way!
Here she is! Absolutely adorable and the perfect holder for my favorite cookbook! It would also make a great storage solution for coffee mugs, wine glasses or even dishes (or paper plates if you are fancy like us)!
I am a bit of a Christmas fanatic (okay. A LOT of a Christmas fanatic!). There’s just something about the season. The songs, the shows, the books and stories. Peace on Earth, goodwill towards men and giving to others. It’s an absolutely magical time of year. And each December, I gift my children with their own Winter Wonderland of sorts. My home is decked out and fully trimmed with the Christmas spirit. Plus, there are lots and lots of COOKIES!
But what my children love most of all about our holiday home is that almost all of our decorations were semi or fully handmade.
And handmade is the best type of ‘made’, if you ask me.
So, I am sharing some ideas to personalize and create a unique Christmas for your family and loved ones (all while saving some major Reindeer Bucks!)
These babies are like a good spray tan. A bit fake but a whole ‘lotta pretty.
This is such an inexpensive way to add this trendy and pricey look to your holiday!
Simply spray equal parts vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) onto a clear glass ornament bulb. A few squirts should do the trick.
While still wet, use a light coat of Looking Glass spray paint on top.
Allow the paint to dry fully and proudly accessorize your tree with these babies like you just spent BIG MONEY!
Go ahead, put your face on it!
These personalized pieces bring a natural element to your Christmas tree and only take a few supplies.
The wood ornaments can be made using cut branch pieces with a hole drilled through the top or inexpensively purchased pre-cut at the craft store.
Print a black and white picture of your choice from your computer onto regular printer paper (make sure to match the size of your picture to the size of the wood piece before printing).
Using a bit of ModPodge (found at any craft store or big box store with a crafting section) and a foam brush, apply a thin layer to the wood.
Next, take your cut out picture and place it on top of the ModPodged wood. Add another light layer of ModPodge on top of the picture and let dry – Don’t panic! The ModPodge will look cloudy at first. But, as it dries, it clears up. It’s like a Christmas Miracle!
A coat of water-based polyurethane on top after the ModPodge is completely dry is an optional step to ensure the longevity of your ornament.
Stick a sticker on it for stickers-sake!
Grab a box of clear, glass ornament bulbs.
Take a sticker of your choice – numbers, letters, names, initials, dates, poop emojis – whatevs.
Make sure the sticker is pressed on completely and there’s no curling edges. Take a craft paint color of your choice, and using light coats, paint your bulb (on top of the sticker as well) with a foam brush.
Once fully dried, slowly peel up your sticker.
Add a small, cut piece of dark-colored paper or fill the bulb with shredded paper to really make your sticker outline stand out.
What the FLOCK?
I for one, luuuuuuurve me some flocked trees. But, man oh man, they are a bit more moolah than I prefer to spend. Especially when “some” in my home (ahem: EDWARD) think we already have too many Christmas trees – I mean, is that even a thing?! I think not.
So, grab yourself a cheapo Christmas tree from the Goodwill, your local second-hand store, FB Marketplace or your Grandma’s attic and make your own.
All it takes is a can of fake snow and a box of baking soda or cornstarch.
Spray your tree with a coating of spray snow and while wet, sprinkle soda or starch all around tree branches until it’s fully flocked to your flocked desire. Dry time is kinda long. So be patient. Once dried, give your tree a good upside-down shake to remove the really loose pieces.
FYI – this is messy. Like, really, really messy! From start to finish and everything in between, this is messy. But, so is any flocked tree.
It’s a commitment to the faux snow you must make, my friends.
Did I mention it’s rather messy?!
“Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree. Your stand is soooooooo ugly.”
But I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be this way! You can love your tree from top to glorious bottom by getting a bit creative.
Using a lampshade, a basket, a large tin can, or whatever else you can scrounge up, you can make a beautiful base for your tree.
“Cause you know I’m all about that base, ’bout that base…”
Boxwood wreaths are so popular right now. I adore them as much as the next crazy Christmas Lady, but have you ever priced out a boxwood wreath? Don’t. Just don’t. Trust me. It’s not good for your thrifty heart.
So, of course, I have a solution! If you don’t have a boxwood bush in your yard, I am sure one of your friendly neighbors do. Ask for a few clippings (or wait until it’s dark and “accidentally” break a handful of twigs off their boxwood) Okay, obviously I am just joking about that suggestion…sort of….
Anywho, take your fresh clippings and attach them to a wire wreath frame or a grapevine wreath using twist ties or craft wire. Add a ribbon bow or a piece of burlap and VOILA you just pretty much became a professional florist.
Just remember to spray your wreath with a bit of water once a day to help keep it fresh. It will dry out and eventually not be as green, but it should keep for the Christmas season!
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Right over there where it says “Do you like me? Cause I like you!” —– Because seriously, I really do! —–
I love creating memorable spaces for my family to celebrate holidays. But, that gosh darn budget seems to always get in my way. So does time, energy and time (wait, did I say that already?!)
I found this fabric bundle in the clearance aisle, but you can find them almost anywhere there’s a craft section. Fabric bundles are squares of fabric placed together with coordinating colors and designs.
What’s even better is that the folds of the fabric from packaging can be used as your cutting lines!
1. Start by cutting the fabric in half lengthwise.
2. Next, cut width-wise leaving 2 squares top and bottom (a total of 4 pre-folded squares).
3. At this point, the cut fabric can be laundered if you are planning on using them as napkins. Once they are washed, you will fold them back into their original fold lines. The fabric will be folded twice in half.
4. Next, use a sharp utility knife to make small openings through all of the layers of fabric. Make the size of your slit based on the width of the ribbon you are using in the next step.
5. Cut your ribbon approx. 12″ long. Pull the ribbon back to front through each slit.
6. Run your fabric through.
7. This is a view of the back of the fabric with the ribbon attached.
TIP: When using ribbon in a project, a small flame briefly placed along the edge of the ribbon will create a heat seal and prevent fraying by melting the ribbon edge.
Using burlap ribbon, cut approx. 18″ ribbon pieces. I chose to “fray” my burlap to give a more rustic feel by pulling apart the strings running the width of the ribbon with a seam ripper. Folding your ribbon about 6″ up, hot glue on each end. After sliding your silverware into your burlap ribbon pouch, wrap and tie a piece of twine in a bow. I tucked in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and eucalyptus to my final bundles.
We have a long, narrow family room with only one true full wall for furniture. This means we have had to be creative with our furniture arrangement. One of the things we did was make our own sort of sectional with a couch and an ottoman. I made the Sofa Headboard to go behind the ottoman and prevent bonked heads and to give a comfortable place to lean back and relax on.
Using the hardware from the glass shades I removed, I attached the new metal shades to the light cords.
I have a confession. I’m a literary nerd. Seriously. Give me alllllll the books. Classics? Absolutely. Jane Austen? 100% (a gazillion%) YES! Children’s? Young Adult? Ummm. Of course! They are also my decor inspiration. I like to think of our spaces in comparison to some favorites. I dream of my garden being admirable to Peter Rabbit. My kids reading nook is referred to as our Neverland Corner. Now, with the addition of our library ladder and lanterns, I am feeling some major Narnia vibes in here.
There’s something so whimsical and enchanting when your home reminds you of beloved imaginary places. And this new library ladder makes me feel so “grown up”.
I have always wanted a ladder that glides across our bookshelves. When I found this vintage ladder, I knew exactly what I could do with it!
With paint, a ladder, a few L brackets, one 2×4, gate hinges, plumbing supplies, a set of furniture wheels and genuine leather straps, I created a new take on this old classic.
After putting a coat of paint on the ladder and wood pieces, I attached the wheels to the ladder. The 2×4 is to add extra support. The bookshelf is solid wood, but not very thick. I just wanted to ensure longevity. I attached the 2×4 with L Brackets as well as screws running from wood to wood.
After assembling the plumbing pieces (I chose to use 3/4″) and attaching one side to the 2×4, I added the steel bar and second flange with the help of one of my older kiddos.
The gate hinges were both a decorative touch as well as a security measure (again, thin shelves).
With the help of another one of my littles, we propped the ladder to the desired height and screwed the leather straps into place.
A bit of leather conditioner on the underside of the straps and voila! It slides to and fro smoothly and easily. And it’s so fun and magical!
The best part is that my kids seem to love it as much as I do!
I have seen so many amazing greenhouses lately. From Pinterest, to my favorite decor magazines, it seems a lot of people are making and designing their own greenhouses. Some are mini versions that sit on your counter while others are huge spaces that resemble glass houses more than plant growing stations. After drooling over so many, I finally decided I needed a greenhouse.
Space is a wee bit tight in these parts (you know, small-ish house with 10 people, 2 dogs, 4 chickens and a bunny…) so I decided to build myself a lil’ one to go in this narrow opening on my back deck. It’s right by the electrical outlet, so I can use special greenhouse lights this winter to keep my plants alive and thriving through the colder months without having to move them inside and take up a lot of our indoor living space. And come spring, I can finally start my own veggies for the garden!
I made this matching awning and greenhouse entirely with scrap wood from our workshop, an old window and a few slate roof pieces I was gifted from a house built in 1907. I started by lining up what wood pieces I had by size. After figuring out which ones would work the best for the frames, I started building. It took a good week from start to finish (these kids apparently need fed 3x a day and I seem to be the only one knowledgeable in the craft of clothes washing), but the end result is even better than I imagined. My favorite feature is the greenhouse door. I really wanted something unique and different. A ‘Statement’ door. I attached this cool piece of art I had picked up at the Goodwill a handful of years ago using a few vintage hinges from the workshop.
This Little Black Greenhouse and awning of mine is proof that you can build anything you put your mind to. And you can do it as inexpensively as necessary. Plus, it’s always so fun to upcycle a good piece of art!
To see more of my Greenhouse, join me on Instagram!
There’s nothing better than spending the long days of summer with my kiddos. I love it when they’re home.
Any breaks or days off we can get together are the best! Snow days? I think I’m more excited than they are! Summer? I squeal with delight!
But, along with my kids being home, it also means more of a mess for me! I find myself constantly cleaning. Picking up the floor, wiping off counters. Laundry on top of laundry.
But, my summer Archnemesis?!?
Cups!
Cups of all kinds. Plastic. Glass. Metal. Tumblers. Jars. Sippy Cups. Mugs. All over my kitchen. Everywhere.
Like a broken record, I would ask every day: “Whose cup is this?” “Which one’s yours?” “Where’s the one you had last time?” “Why are there so many cups?” “Is anyone listening to me?” “Clean up these cups!”
And everytime the answer would be: “I don’t remember.” “I’m not sure which one’s mine.” “They took mine.” “None of them are mine.” “I need a new cup!”.
So, instead of losing my mind daily over Disney-themed plastic cups, I created this Cup Tray to alleviate any confusion and knock our dishwasher capacity down a bit.
Summer Game-Changer folks!
Your cup on your number alllllll day!
And oh, of course, I had to give it a farmhouse feel. It wouldn’t match my kitchen if I didn’t!
It really was a simple DIY, too. I used an extra wood board from my workshop. Drilling holes in each corner, I attached sisal rope end-to-end to serve as handles. Using a mason jar, I traced the circles. I then painted the circles and numbers with a paint pen (but even a Sharpie Marker would work!) Lastly, I sprayed a thin layer of polyurethane to protect the wood and paint.
TaDa! Goodbye 200 gazillion cups, hellllllo clean kitchen!
A few months back I found a pile of bamboo plate chargers for .25 cents at our local ReStore. I knew I could do something with them, I just didn’t know what at the time.
So, of course, I bought them and put them away for almost 6 months 🙂
Then it came to me the other day. I could make a Sunflower decoration out of them for my front porch! (I have no idea where these ideas come from. They literally come out of no where!)
This project was so quick and easy. It took me under 10 minutes to make from start to finish and only required a handful of zipties, twine, a small grapevine wreath, sisal rope and scissors.
First, I laid out my bamboo circles in the shape of the Sunflower.
After slightly overlapping each one, I attached the overlapped chargers with a ziptie.
These aren’t heavy, so a small ziptie is perfect.
Once the outside of the Sunflower was put together, I attached another bamboo circle for the middle. I flipped it backwards so it would stand out from the outer layer.
This was attached with a ziptie as well.
Next, I added the grapevine wreath to the middle. You guessed it – zipties!
At this point I thought I was done. It was cute, but I felt like it just needed something more. I added a section of sisal rope for a whimsical stem and it was perfect!
I love this one-of-a-kind summer addition to my porch!
Perfect!
If you decide to try your own hand at a Bamboo Sunflower, let me know!
I’d love to see yours!
