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Wooden Doormat

March 21, 2016

Hey there Sportsfans, I am absolutely ecstatic about today’s tutorial. I am teaming up with Home Depot team to bring you my own personal flair on a Wooden Doormat! I honestly could not be more pleased with the finished product! #diyworkshop #Sponsored

(Home Depot’s Example Wooden Doormat)

Home Depot Offers Workshops!

The Home Depot offers Workshops at all of their locations for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels. If you are interested in learning more, there is more info HERE.
There are three types of Workshops offered – Do-It Yourself (DIY), Do-It-Herself (DIH) and Kids.
Customers can learn how to build décor projects, how to make easy home repairs and how to operate tools through demonstrations and step-by-step instructions.
Visit Home Depot to register and learn more.

Wooden Doormat

Supplies Used:

(4) 1″x 2″ boards
(1) 1″x 4″ board
Sisal Rope
Stain (Consider weatherproofing if applicable)
Wood Glue
2″ Nails

Tools Suggested:

Miter Saw
Drill
5/16″ Drill Bit
Nail Gun
Tape Measure
Safety Glasses

Disclosure: Some of the links provided are affiliate links. By purchasing through these links it supports this site and helps keep content free. You can read more about how we do this with no extra cost to you.

Step 1.

Cut List:

1″x 2″

(2) @ 21″
(10) @ 29″
(2) @ 19 1/2″

1″x 4″

(1) @ 29″

Once all boards are cut , sand smooth.

Step 2. Drill holes

Line up (8) of the 29″ 1″x 2″ boards as well as the 29″, 1″x 4″ board. Measure 7 1/2″ inches from each end and mark. Using a square you can ensure that they will all be uniform.

Once holes are drilled, then sand down any tear out from drilling.

Step 3. Stain

I would highly suggest staining BEFORE assembling. Honestly trying to stain around the rope and down in between the slats sounds like a pain in the… bum, or if you are glutton for punishment, be my guest.

Like I said before, if this is going to be sitting out during the monsoon season in Florida, I would suggest taking extra precautions to treat your wood. (Like put it in a Ziploc bag 🙂 Makes sense right ? I live in Florida where we have a lot of sun and heat… naturally. When selecting a stain I opted for a weatherproofing stain. I used Behr Weatherproofing Stain in “Coffee”.

Step 4. String em’ up Together

Next up, sisal rope! I used 1/4″ Sisal Rope. When stringing/knotting your rope, one thing to keep in mind is that the gaps between the boards needs to be 1/2″. I used spacers to make sure I was making my knots tight/small enough.

Use the diagram below for order, and spacing. Leave about 3/4″ rope cut off from the first and last board. (See image in Step 5. for reference)

Step 5. Top and Bottom

Using the remaining (4) 29″ boards we will make the top and bottom boards that will help frame out the door mat. Following the diagram below secure the boards together. (You will make two of these). First glue them together, and for a little extra insurance reinforce with 2″ nails.

REMEMBER the board with the hole through it will be sitting with the 2″ side up. (see Diagram)

In order to hide the remaining sisal rope, I added a small amount of wood glue inside of the hole drilled into the 1″x 2″ board. Simply insert the leftover sisal rope into the drilled hole with the adhesive. The adhesive will just be a little extra insurance that the rope will not slip out.

Step 6. Attach Sides

Next I added a small amount of wood glue to the ends of all the boards. I then attached the 21″, 1″x 2″ boards to both ends. After making sure all of the spacing was correct, I then used a nailer and 2″ nails to reinforce .

Step 7. Back Supports

Lastly, I added supports to the back side. I wanted this to add strength to the unit, but also really make the knots stand out! I added a small amount of wood glue to the back of the slats, and then reinforced with 1 1/4″ nails.

There you have it folks, a new twist on an old favorite! For sneak peeks of my upcoming projects be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. You can also, follow me on Pinterest to get tons of projects plans from all around the web!

Want to see more awesome ideas !? Check out what these other creative bloggers did with their doormats!

Take Luck,

Corey

Shades of Blue Interiors

Glued N Screwed

Build It, Craft It, Love It

Glass Carboy Jug and Crate

March 15, 2016

Hey there! You may have seen sneak peeks of this project already, but if you haven’t make sure you follow me on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with my most recent projects! This Glass Carboy Jug and Crate is inspired by… my kids! I have seen some gorgeous glass jars/jugs, and LOVE the idea of having a freestanding one in my home. I envision a tall ornate jar with slender delicate flowers… I then snap out of that daydream to the harsh sound of something crashing/banging/thudding/cracking, followed by an outbreak of giggles or a declaration, “Lincoln did it!”/”Wyatt did it!” depending on the severity of the situation. A large gorgeous glass jug seemed like a dream that would have to wait until the kids move out… even then is debatable. (My boys learned their silly antics from someone, *cough* my Husband. So, I guess that daydream would need to take a back burner. Or did it?

While browsing through pinterest I came across an antique crated jug, it was perfect! It was also linked to a dead ebay listing for $195 !!! I loved it, but not that much. I would simply need to make my own! I searched high and low trying to find just the perfect glass jar or jug, and I FINALLY found one that fit the bill! I based the dimensions for this crate off of this 5 Gallon Carboy. If this isn’t your cup of tea, or you have a jug you would like to use, then by all means! With a little bit of math and determination these plans can be totally modified!

How to build: A Glass Carboy Jug and Crate

Supplies Used:

(2) 1″x 3″ boards (it is exactly 96″ so you might want to get 2 to accommodate blade width)
(3) 1″ x 2″ boards
Wood Glue
Stain
5 Gallon Carboy

Tools Suggested:

Miter Saw
Staple Gun/Nail Gun
Sander

Step 1. Prep Boards

Cut List:

1″x 3″ Boards

(4) @ 11 1/4” (Top and Base)
(4) @ 12 3/4” (Top and Base)

1″x 2″ Boards

(4) @ 17 1/2″ (Vertical Supports)
(4) @ 11 1/4″ (Base Slats)
(2) @ 8 1/4″ (Bottom Supports)
(4) @ 14 3/4 long point to short point with 39 degree angles. See Step 6. for details. (Diagonal Supports )

Once all boards are cut, then sand.

Step 2. Assemble Top and Base

Begin by assembling (2) squares, using the 1″x 3″ boards cut @ 11 1/4” and 12 3/4“.
Build two of these Squares. Secure boards together with wood glue, and reinforce with 1 1/2” nails/staples.

Step 3. Attach Top and Base to Vertical Supports

Next attach the two squares (assembled in Step 2.) The first square will be at the base of the 17 1/2” “vertical supports”. The second assembled square will be secured 1″ from the top of the 17 1/2” “vertical supports”. Attach with wood glue, and reinforce with 1 1/2” nails/staples.

Step 4. Add Bottom Supports

Next install the 8 1/4″ (1″x 2″ boards). They will sit flush with the bottom of the crate.Attach with wood glue, and reinforce with 1 1/2” nails/staples.

(View looking directly down on crate.)

Step 5. Insert Base Slats

Place the 11 1/4” (1″x 2″ boards) so that they are resting on top of the “base supports” from Step. 4. Attach with wood glue, and reinforce with 1 1/2” nails/staples.

(View looking directly down on Crate)

Step 6. Install Diagonal Supports

Attach with wood glue, and reinforce with 1 1/2” nails/staples.

Step 7. Apply Finish

I knew I wanted this crate to look old, so I played around with some stain combos. If you are interested here is what I ended up using.

…and there you have it folks ! The perfect solution to my interrupted daydreams.

For sneak peeks of my upcoming projects be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. You can also, follow me on Pinterest to get tons of projects plans from all around the web!

Take Luck,

Corey

DIY Wooden Chandelier Light Fixture

February 29, 2016

Hey all, the awesome Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl extended an awesome challenge. She wanted to see what kind of light fixture we could build/create… Challenge accepted! I decided to stick with wood as my medium. I present to you a DIY Wooden Chandelier Light Fixture!

DIY Wooden Chandelier Light Fixture

Materials Used:

Ikea Cord
1- (8′) 2″x 8″ board
Wood Glue
Jute/Rope
Decorative wooden “foot”
Rope Cleat
Hitching Ring (You can easily use a large screw in hook)
Printer
Scissors

Tools Suggested:

Jigsaw
Scroll Blade
Drill
1/2″ Dill Bit
Miter Saw
Large Clamps

Step 1.

Begin by printing this PDF template. Wooden Chandelier Template

Print both sheets, and tape them together. (Make sure you print at 100% , not “fit to screen”) Cut out the pieces, and then tape together. Trace the design on to the 2″x 8″ board. (You will need 4 total.)

Then cut them out! I learned the hard way that it is infinitely easier if you use a scroll blade and put it on a slower setting!

Step 2.

I then softened the edges, and sanded all of the pieces. After they were all smooth I applied my finish. I first stained mine “Beachwood” by Varathane. Once dry, I dry brushed it with white chalk paint.

Step 3.

Next, take some of the excess 2″x 8″ board. Using this make (2) rectangles that measures 1.5″x 1.5″x 1.5″. In (1) of these rectangles drill a 1/2″ hole through the entire piece.

*or you can always cut these out of a 2″x 2″board. (They are around $1.)

When completed, the one with the drilled hole should look like this.

I picked up one of these lamp cords from Ikea for $5.

Apply a small amount of wood glue to the inside of the cut apart rectangle. Then place the cord in the groove.

Then clamp the two pieces together! Let sit until dry.

Step 4.

Now, to hide every trace of Ikea! I didn’t want a plain old white cord, I wanted something different, unique, and much more complicated and time consuming! Makes sense.

If you are girl, there is a fairly good chance you have already learned technique, while sitting in a cabin full of girls making friendship bracelets. (If you are a guy that did it… I am not knockin’ ya. Haha, it’s totally a good life skill 🙂

So… I proceeded to make (what I refer to as) the friendship bracelet from hell. I kid, I kid, it wasn’t too bad. I knocked it out during the last two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.

Complete steps 1-4, and then repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, almost there, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, just kidding, you are gonna be here awhile; repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, your future grand children will really appreciate all your hard work; repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, You get it.

Now that you have completed your friendship bracelet of eternity; and the top inside joint of your right pointer finger is burning. (If you do this, you will totally understand.)

Step 5.

We are now ready to assemble! Reference the image below, glue and clamp! Allow plenty of time for it to dry before moving on.

Repeat the above step.

Repeat 2 more times. By then it should be looking a little something like this. If not, something has gone horribly wrong. Good luck friend.

Step 6.

Moving on. Once all (4) sides of the chandelier were were in place, I felt as though it was missing something. It needed a tail! I picked up a decorative wooden furniture foot from Lowes for less than $2! It was a little long, but nothing I couldn’t fix.

I cut it down, and then applied glue and clamped while it dried.

Step 7.

Once everything is dried, the chandelier is complete. Only thing left to do is hang it! I wanted something a little unique,so I mounted a “hitching ring” to the ceiling.

I then mounted a rope cleat to the wall so that I could tie it off.

Done and done!

For sneak peeks of my upcoming projects be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. You can also, follow me on Pinterest to get tons of projects plans from all around the web!

Make sure you check out these other light fixtures from more of my talented friends!

Have a light fixture you have made ? We want to see it! Link up below.

DIY Dr. Suess Themed Book Nook

February 22, 2016

Hi all! It’s April back here again from UncookieCutter. I’m excited to be back with you guys this month sharing my kiddos Dr. Suess themed book nook!

We moved into our older fixer upper about a year ago and we had this closet that we never used. Our house is sort of divided into two sections. The best we can figure is that the back part was built as a mother in law suite. We have the kids bedrooms back there and there is a living space between, with a second front door. Beside this door was a coat closet. Since we never use this door, we also never used the coat closet. That living space has become a kid area – the toy closet is here, as well as a space for them to watch movies, play Legos and just hang out. The closet was an eye sore and I wanted to turn it into a space the kids could use.

A little more about me is my daughter is living with autism. She is amazing, but reading comes hard for her. We don’t have that lucky “my girl loves books” thing going on over here. She loves bright, crazy colors and inclosed spaces. And by far, some of the only books she actually enjoys are Dr. Suess books. So, the idea for this book nook came to me after I saw this inspired space by Jennifer over at Fresh Crush.

Adorable.

I started by ripping out the high selves. I wanted to build floating shelves on the side so the kids could get to their books easier. I also had the idea to create a larger space under the bench for larger books. I wanted to make the shelves the right size for books, since when it’s not the right size, it ends up looking like this.

All the time.

So, I started by building the bench. We were leaving for Disney when I started, so we were cash poor at the time. I randomly had a bunch of 2x4s leftover from a project and so I decided it would be cool to use them to create a bench with a ship-lap feel. I built the top first, to fit in the closet. I used wood glue and pocket hole screws to construct a top.

I basically did the same thing with the sides and bottom. I used one of our largest books for reference and built around that. I created the bottom nook to have plenty of space for large books, but didn’t want the books to fall in the nooks and crannies, so I build a simple, book-sized space.

Like I said, I did it all with leftover 2x4s. I thought that plywood would be better, but I really like the way it turned out. Plus, it is crazy strong! I did connect the sides to the wall, but didn’t have to connect anything to the floor or brick. Drywall is easier to fix if it ever needs to come out :).

I built the sides and bottom like the top – with pocket holes and glue. Then I added the back piece by piece and connected it with pocket holes from the back, making sure each one was level. I had to build it into the closet, because I wouldn’t be able to get it into the space had I built it outside and tried to bring it in.

Then I brought the top and added it on. This was the point of the project where I got sawdust all in the house and then the vacuum broke, haha.

Next, I added some floating shelves on the side. I wanted this book nook to be filled with books. I followed this tutorial, but had to modify a bit to fit into the space. I started by attaching a 2×4 to the wall. There was only a stud all the way over by the brick, so I used some heavy duty drywall anchors to make sure it was super strong and would be able to hold books.

Next, I finished the supports. It was hard to get the drill into the tight area, so I brought the side in a little bit on the sides.

I cut some boards to fit on the top and sides.

And then a piece on the front.

Next, I painted and added some trim. Once again, using leftovers, I had a bunch of this trim and used it to cover all the holes and gaps. I also re-used the trim I ripped out of the closet.

This is great stuff to fill in any remaining gaps and holes. It’s sandable and paintable, and works great.

Once I had everything filled, sanded and painted, it was time to add all the fun stuff. Head over to UncookieCutter for details on all the DIY book nook accessories – including the handmade sign, the shoe on the wall details, where I found the cushion and pillows and the rag rug.

Speaking of a shoe on the wall, this is the kids favorite part of the book nook. A little excerpt from Wacky Wednesday, which is their absolute favorite Dr. Suess book.

The kids love it! They’ve been in there non stop. It’s so much brighter and airier now, and fits much better in the kids space. It holds a ton of books as well!

Thanks so much to Corey for letting me stop by again. Head over to UncookieCutter for all the details on this book nook and more fun projects!

April – Uncookie Cutter

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Rotating Shelf

February 15, 2016

This Crate and Barrel inspired shelf is perfect for any space, literally! Whether you need to fill a wide space or a tall space, this unit has you covered. It is designed so that is can be rotated to fit your space needs. I am excited to be teaming up with the great folks over at BuildSomething. You can find full build plans for this rotating shelf and many other FREE build plans over on their site! Make sure you check out the plans HERE!

For sneak peeks of my upcoming projects be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. You can also, follow me on Pinterest to get tons of projects plans from all around the web!

Dresser Makeover into a Mini Mudroom

January 28, 2016

It all started on a HOT Fall Florida day. My good friend Sara and I went and hit up the community garage sale. Let me tell you, we were victorious! I found this wood dresser in decent condition and they only wanted $15 for it. SOLD!
What intrigued me about this piece is that it was symmetrical, (the sides naturally) but also the top and the bottom of the unit were the same! Peculiar right? Well this unique piece ended up in my garage and began collecting dust. That was until Elisha from Pneumatic Addict extended a challenge, the “Organize Build Challenge”. Challenge Accepted!

The premise of this challenge was to create a piece that would help with organization, and also included building elements. Lucky for me, I had this dresser just itching for a nice makeover!

…and when it comes to makeovers no one does them quite like HomeRight! I am so excited to partner up with HomeRight on this project, it is through great companies like HomeRight and affiliate links that I can continue to provide all these tutorials at zero additional cost to my readers! So a big thank you to them! (More info. available here.)

So, let’s dive in, shall we?!

How I turned a Dresser into a Mini Mudroom

I started by throwing caution to the wind and went a little crazy! I removed the drawers and flipped it on it’s end. MIND BLOWN, right !?

I knew I was going to need better access to the inside of the dresser, so I removed the back. I also removed a secondary face frame from the unit. (It just made it look too bulky.) Next, I beefed up the base using 2×3’s.

The reason for beefing up the base ? I wanted to be able to add some base trim, and also give it a little bit of visual weight. I then proceeded to do the same to the top, first by adding the 2×3’s as a base to attach the trim to.

Naturally, next I added the trim to cover up the 2×3’s on the top of the unit. After it was trimmed out, I went a little crazy. I cut out some of the divider/supports! Crazy, I KNOW! ( Don’t worry I had a plan! *fingers crossed*)

Next, I constructed a series of shelves that would be inserted and attached to the dresser. I decided to do staggered width shelves. First for visual interest, and second I wanted to use them for… wait for it… SHOE STORAGE! Gasp, *shock and awe*. I know, right!? The staggered widths would be perfect for my shoes, boots, and would also be perfect size for my kids shoes . Also with the shorter shelves they wouldn’t need to go fishing to reach them out of the back of the cabinet. Once the shelves were attached, it really started to come together! *phew* Next, I needed to add doors. So, I used what I had! I removed the faces from the old drawers.

I definitely did not want this to look like a dresser that I had flipped on it’s side. So, I decided to cut grooves in the panels to give a more rustic apothecary feel. Worked like a charm!

Once the panels were all sanded and prepped, I was ready to prime! So I busted out my handy HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer and got to work!

I was able to prime both my cabinet doors and the dresser/cabinet in just a few minutes! Part of this dresser was oak so it had a really deep set grain, so it required two coats of primer and then it was ready for paint!

There is something about spraying on paint that I find so rewarding! Seriously, look at how quickly I knock out this board, with ZERO brush streaks!

Once all of my painting was done, it was time to bring it all together! I decided that I wanted to add feet, so I simply added some adapter plates, and then you screw the feet in! Easy Peasy.

Next, it was time to face my aversions to hinges and install the doors. Thank goodness it went smoothly! Also at this point I added a piece of wood to the back of the doors to bridge the gap. (Remember we removed the dividers earlier.) You may ask “But Corey, Why? This seems counterproductive!”

Well my friends this part of the reason. I wanted the two drawers/doors on the left side to be one continuous space… it would serve as a place to hang jackets! I even installed a pull out coat rack and key rack so that you can easily find everything!

The reason I cut out the divider bar on the other spaces, is because I wanted to have easy access to the shoe storage below. ( I really didn’t want a bar right in the middle!)

Side note: I had not originally planned to have open shelving. I had installed all the doors and was preparing to install those last two, but I kept staring at it, and ultimately decided I liked it, and that it gave it character. So I 86’d the two last doors. And there you have it folks, my alternative to a mudroom! It has a place for jackets, keys, shoes, and even extra cubbies for glasses etc! All -in – all, I will call this a success! Thanks for stopping by and make sure you see what others did for the “Organize Build Challenge” !

Make sure you check out these other awesome bloggers!

Funky Junk Interiors

Pneumatic Addict

Merrypad

That’s My Letter

The House of Wood

The Kim Six Fix

My Love 2 Create

The Ugly Duckling House

For sneak peeks of my upcoming projects be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow me on Pinterest to get tons of projects plans from all around the web!

Take Luck,

Corey

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Home Depot Offers Workshops!

Wooden Doormat

Step 1.

Step 2. Drill holes

Step 3. Stain

Step 4. String em’ up Together

Step 5. Top and Bottom

Step 6. Attach Sides

Step 7. Back Supports

How to build: A Glass Carboy Jug and Crate

Step 1. Prep Boards

Step 2. Assemble Top and Base

Step 3. Attach Top and Base to Vertical Supports

Step 4. Add Bottom Supports

Step 5. Insert Base Slats

Step 6. Install Diagonal Supports

Step 7. Apply Finish

DIY Wooden Chandelier Light Fixture

Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Step 4.

Step 5.

Step 6.

Step 7.

How I turned a Dresser into a Mini Mudroom

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