DIY

OUR FAVORITE D-I-Y PROJECTS  

Herbs in flowerpots with chalk labels that can be changed as often as needed.  Using Benjamin Moore Chalk Paint in multiple colors, paint a shape - here a stencil was used - and fill the shape with COLOR. Label with chalk or a chalk marker and wrap with colorful tissue paper.  You can change the herbs and the labels as needed.

Distressed paint finish. When I'm adding a new coat of paint, I use a rotary sander or start with 80-120 grit sandpaper to fully remove the old stain or paint. Sad smooth as desired. I cover with a primer, buffing wax over areas I don't want to uptake my new finish. For distressing, I use a short length of chain and smack the piece randomly to create soft indentations. For lines, I rub over the surface with a wire brush. I often use nail heads and hammer them into the surface to create round grooves. There are SO many other creative items you can use to mar the surfaces...don't make marks so deep they look like damage! Once you've gotten the aged look you desire, then  paint (any craft paint or brand will do). I often adding a layer of crackle finish between my second and third color coat to create delicate cracks. If you've used wax to hold back the finish coat, use 0000 steel wool to remove your finish from the wax areas, revealing the undercoat. Finishing with a final coat of a flat or satin urethane keeps the color and crackle looking great and easy to dust. 

Decoupage. Fabric and paper are easy ways to transform furniture. Covering door and drawer fronts with decoupage fabrics and decorative papers create tremendous changes very quickly. Don't do the entire piece; instead, cover the door insets, drawer fronts, or even just the top and sides. 

Stencil on a design.  It's easy to add a pattern or drawing to a plain piece with stencils. If you're artistic you can even draw your own. First sand and prime your piece.  Add the color coat...two if you need to. Stencil on or hand paint with craft paints.  If you like, you can add a satin urethane to protect the stencil, or let it age with daily use.

Re-Use Glass Jars and Bottles   There are so many attractive things that you can make and use from empty bottles and jars.  Other than for storage, here are some inspirational images for you to try!

Update old bookcases and furniture   

With flat screen televisions under $100, your old TV 

cabinet may be an eyesore or unused.  A bit of paint, 
some new hardware, and a new shelf, transformed this 
one into a cottage curio that is a new focal point. 
Two-toned pieces work well but don't make them too trendy 
unless you love to re-finish. Covering grainy wood is 
best started by applying a heavy duty primer coat and 
sanding before and between the color coats. 

Updating a dresser is one of the simplest pieces to 

re-do.  This one was painted, stenciled and the top drawers 

were replaced with baskets in the colors of the stencil.  

Adding bun feet and painting the old hardware 

completed the transformation.  If you want a feminine
 look from a boxy piece, do add feet, try a glass pull or knob, 
and even consider a wooden applique 

for large doors and drawers. To make a fussy piece 
more modern, remove embellishments and consider 
applying mirrors on the face.