-
Chevron Pattern to Herringbone
Do you remember my Garbage Picking Kit? No? You should really check it out, it’s a pretty funny post. Well, when I was working on that project, I needed something to store all of my tools in so they didn’t just rattle around in the trunk of my car. My solution was an old shoe box. The box I found wasn’t exactly pretty. I decided it needed a little beautifying, so I grabbed some chevron patterned shelf liner to cover the box lid. As I was measuring the paper out, I was struck by a lightning. Okay, not a real lightning. Just a great idea kind of light bulb, but you get my point. Anyways, that’s when I thought it would be fun to change my chevron pattern into herringbone. Here’s how I did it.
Fist, I cut the shelf liner into strips using scissors. I did not do this haphazardly. The method to my madness was cutting straight lines directly through the points of each zigzag.
Next, I removed the backing of each contact paper strip to reveal the sticky side. With sticky side down, I placed each strip making sure to alternate colors with each piece. This is what created the herringbone pattern. Seriously, this project was so ridiculously simple. I feel a bit embarrassed and like I am cheating using this as a blog post.
Because of the size of the shoe box I was using, hubby’s giant feet not mine, I had to add some small pieces of the contact paper to the ends of the box lid to complete it. It took a little finagling (technical term) to get them to look right. But once I had finished, I loved how this turned out! What do you think? So simple, right?
________________________________________________________________ You may also like:
Garbage Picking Kit 
Removing Oil Based Paint & Primer 
Hardware Change-A-Roo 
Faux Roman Shade -
Wood Box Caddy
It’s March 15th, which means that it is time to share our Monthly Home Depot Gift Challenge post. Last month, Emily showed you how she used copper fittings, combined with other supplies, to make an Industrial Book Rack. This month’s challenge item was a wooden dowel and the project was supposed to be a gift for a child. After a little brainstorming and chatting with my sis and hubby, I decided to make a Wood Box Caddy that could be used as an Easter basket for my kids.
This challenge is in no way associated with The Home Depot. We just love their stuff!
Since we have two kids, I obviously had to make two caddies. I bought our boards and wooden dowels from The Home Depot and they cut everything for me while I was there. Behold the wood!
These caddies are pretty easy to whip up, so if you have minimal wood working skills, do not fret. You can do this!
To make one wood box caddy you will need:
- 1 – 1″ X 4″ furring strip (cut into 3 – 12″ pieces and 2 – 7.5″ pieces)
- 1 – 1″ Wooden Dowel (cut to 12″)
- Pencil
- Drill with 7/8″ Spade Bit
- Electric Sander or Sandpaper
- Wood Glue
- C-clamp
- Hammer
- Finishing nails
To start, figure out where the hole for the the dowel will go in the two 7.5″ end pieces and mark it with a pencil. Use the drill with a 7/8″ spade bit to make a hole in each end by lining up the tip of it with the mark on each board and drilling through. Lightly sand any rough areas.
Lay out the 5 boards of the box. Apply wood glue to the edges that will be meeting up by following the guide below.
This caddy is basically one 12″ bottom piece that is sandwiched between the other two 12″ boards on the sides. The 7.5″ end pieces are placed on top of the bottom piece and also in-between the side boards with all of the ends lined up.
Assemble the pieces together and use a c-clamp to hold them in place while the glue dries.
Is this thing reading like stereo instructions? Stick with me. We are almost there.
Insert the dowel through one side of the caddy and add some glue to both ends. Then push the dowel into the second hole and make sure the ends are flush. Wipe away any excess glue.
Finally, secure the sides of the caddy with some finishing nails.
I decided to get crazy and paint both of these caddies white with some chalk paint. Just kidding. I tend to paint everything white. *wink*
Aren’t they purdy? I’m so excited for the Easter Bunny to deliver some goodies for the kids in these. The best part is that once the holiday is over, the kiddos can use these for a multitude of purposes. Matchbox car holder? Check. Nail polish storage? Check. These will be perfect for toting things around the house.
Oh, and I can’t forget the wrapping! As part of the challenge, this gift was to be wrapped in an item also from The Home Depot. Since these will be used as baskets and set out on Easter morning, I didn’t want to hide everything inside, so I decided to go with a clear plastic drop cloth and a lovely white bow. Cute, right?
Like how we tackled this challenge? Head on over to check out all of the other awesome projects involved by clicking on the images below!
-
DIY Split Pea Wreath
Who is ready for spring? Probably everyone who is reading this, including me. I am so tired of all of snow and freezing temperatures. To invite and welcome spring to this part of Earth, I am sharing a Spring DIY Split Pea Wreath. Last year, I had made a spring moss wreath. So this year, I decided I would make one with food. Sometimes we need just a little green in our lives to help break up all that white snow.
To make this wonderful wreath, I used a straw wreath form, a paint brush, Mod Podge, a large plastic container, and a whole lot of bagged split peas.
First, I placed the wreath form in the plastic container and painted the front and sides of it with a thick layer of Mod Podge.
Here is my lovely assistant. Do you like his duct tape arm band? He thought it was cool.
Next, we coated the glue covered circle with the small vibrant colored greens and let it dry.
The little helping hands and I continued this process until every space was filled with peas.
Finally, we were finished and it looked great!
My original plan was to work on this project alone, but I am so glad this was something my three year old and I could do together. It was such a great sensory activity for him. I love how beautiful and simple this wreath turned out too. Okay spring, now it is time to arrive!
________________________________________________________________ You may also like:
Eye Shadow Easter Eggs 
Faux Topiaries 
Gardening Gift Basket 
Spring Moss Wreath -
7 Fun Spring Ideas
I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Spring right on our heels and honestly, it can’t get here fast enough for me. The temperatures here in the Midwest are warming up. And by that, I mean that it was in the 30’s today. Real warm, huh? Anyway, we thought we would share 7 Fun Spring Ideas that will help you kiss the cold of winter goodbye. Plus, you can whip these up in a flash, which is always a good thing.
Click on the images below to learn more!
1. A stylish gardening basket is the perfect gift for kids or adults. The gold accents are gender neutral and almost anyone will enjoy watching their little seedlings grow.
Gardening Gift Basket 2. Recycle an old broken laundry basket to make a neutral planter for your deck or patio. The breathable burlap material keeps soil in and even allows water to drain, so plant won’t drown.
Laundry Basket Planter 3. Try a new take on egg coloring/decorating with this neat idea. Who knew that eyeshadow could be so versatile?
Eye Shadow Easter Eggs 4. Learn how to start your own vermicomposting bin with this simple tutorial.
Vermicomposting 5. Customize a popcorn bucket to make an inexpensive basket for all of your Easter treats. Kids will love these with their favorite character or colors on them.
Easy Easter Basket 6. Create a creative new Spring wreath for your front door with a little moss, a cute butterfly and few minutes.
Spring Moss Wreath 7. Get your seedlings growing in no time. This tutorial uses recycled materials which are great for starting plants.
Toilet Paper Roll Plant Starters So what do you think of our 7 Fun Spring Ideas? Are you as ready as I am for longer days and warmer weather?
__________________________________________________________ You may also like:
Summer Hosta Wreath 
Strawberry Avocado Salsa 
Lavender Wreath 
Concrete-Esque Planter