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Sawdust 2 Stitches

Sawdust 2 Stitches

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Router Table Station/Solution

August 30, 2015

This is awesome! A pull out router table that locks in place, with plenty of bit storage! www.sawdust2stitches.com  So if you have read more than one of my posts, you have probably  gathered that I am an organization enthusiast. I like everything to have a place, and I love it when everything is in it’s place.  Well, the past few months I have been busy customizing my workshop . I am getting so close! One of the last projects that I needed to take on was a place for my router table.  I wanted it to be easily accessible, but let’s be honest it is not my most used tool, so I also didn’t want it taking up valuable work space.   This was my solution…

 Now let me preface this is not build plans.  I figure the odds of anybody having this exact space as mine was slim to none.  Instead I will be breaking down step-by-step how I did it.

 Here is where I started.  I cut a piece of 3/4″ plywood down to fit within my allotted space.  I then cut out a hole  that would accommodate my router.

  Router Table Station www.sawdust2stitches.com

 I then made supports for the bottom of the shelf, using cut offs of my plywood. (Approximately the dimensions of a 1×3″)

Router Table Station 2 www.sawdust2stitches.com

pull out router table www.sawdust2stitches.com

Once the top of the table was assembled, I began to the tray that will serve as the pull-out drawer.

IMG_6728 ss

 I had this tray of router bits, and I loved the way the rows flipped up to make them easily accessible. I wanted to use the same concept in the drawers.  Well instead of duplicating  it, I  dissembled and adjusted it to fit in my drawer.

IMG_6727 ss  IMG_6730 ss

  I just put a screw in partially through the drawer.  (I did this on both sides of my bit trays. ) The screws serve as pivot points, allowing them to rotate up, and lay back down.

IMG_6729 ss

 Next  I needed to add drawer glides for the inner drawer.  I knew full well I needed really strong full extension ball bearing glides.  “D. Lawless” carries 75lb. and 100lb. glides.  They are the best price point I have found. IMG_6733 ss   Once the drawer glides were installed, the drawer was ready. IMG_6736 ss

 I saved all my finish work for last… honestly, because I had no idea how it was going to pan out.  So I didn’t want to do touch up work all along the way.  I painted all the components the same color as the cabinets.  (You can see how I made my shop cabinets here.)

IMG_6846 ss

To install the  station, I needed to add  100 lb. drawer glides, to the outside of the station. IMG_6847ss

IMG_6725 ss

 Another issue that needed to be addressed was the need for it to be stable and lock in place.  I went for a very basic approach, that worked better than I had hoped.  I installed the lock hardware on the tray.

IMG_6848 ss   I then drilled a hole into the side of the cabinets.   This is where the  cam on the lock will be inserted. IMG_6774 ss  Once the station and the drawer were installed, I added the drawer front. (Just remember to only attach the drawer front to the inner drawer front:)IMG_6850 ss

  There you have it!   A router table that is easily accessible, yet not in the way.  The perfect solution. 2015-08-25 11.56.45 ss

 Pulls out, and locks in place. 2015-08-25 11.55.42 ss

With extending drawer containing all accessories and bits needed!

Hide away router station www.sawduat2stitches.com Last thing it needed ?  A dust and debris collection system. I parked my  shop vac in the next cabinet over.  I used a hole saw and ran the hose through the side of the cabinet and into the back of the router table. It is pretty much perfect.  I love it.

2015-08-25 11.56.19 ss

Isn’t she a beaut !?

2015-08-25 11.55.24 ss

That is all there is to it!  Thanks for tuning in, and take luck,

 Corey

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Light Up Marquee Letters

August 18, 2015

DSC_0292dAlmost exactly a year ago, we were getting ready to celebrate both of my  sons birthdays. (There birthdays are one day apart.)   I got a little over-zealous and threw a carnival themed birthday party. You can see all the awesome details here.

While making the decorations, I some how got it in my  head that  Marquee letters were an absolute must.  NATURALLY?  I  mentally  justified it, deciding it would also make a great addition to the kids room after the party.

How to make your own wooden marquee letters! www..sawdust2stitches.com

So today  I am going to show you how I went about making mine!

I began by  cutting out my letters using a jigsaw and then  using a 1/2″ bit I drilled holes  that the lights will b fed through.  After everything was cut, and drilled,  I sanded down the whole piece.

Tools Suggsted:

  • Jigsaw
  • Drill and 1/2″ bit
  • Sander
  • x-acto knife
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Router (if desired)

Supplies Used:

  •  Plywood
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Ping Pong Balls
  • String Lights
  • Hot Glue Sticks

 

Making marquee letters sawdust2stitches.com

Next I routed out the a groove on the  back of the letter connected all the holes on the back.  This will allow a place for the cord to sit,  should you wish to mount it flat on a wall. If you are resting it on a ledge,  this step is not completely  necessary.

wooden MArquee Letters route out back sawdust2stitches.com

  Next  I primed the letters. After the primer  dried, I gave it a quick once over with a fine grit sandpaper. Wooden Marquee letter sawdust2stitches.com Next I  spray painted the letters.  When using spray paint always remember to use MULTIPLE LIGHT COATS!  It makes all the difference in the world!

Marquee letter sawdust2stitches.com

Once  it is evenly  coated with the base red,  I  used a small amount of black  spray paint and dusted the edges.  (I was feeling impatient that day.)

Wooden Marquee letters sawdust2stitches.com

Now we are ready for the lights!  Feed the lights through the holes.  (In  some cases  my holes were too far spaced, and I simply ad to leave a light in the back.)

IMG_0399

I used  a hot glue gun to secure the light cord to the back of the letter.

IMG_0404

To give the appearance of large bulbs I utilized basic ping pong balls!

IMG_0357

 I simply cut small “x’s”  in each one using an x-acto knife.

IMG_0362

 Then  just pop the light into the “x”.  For good measure I added a small dab of hot glue on the base of the ping pong ball and pressed it into place!

IMG_0407

Look!  Here  they are in all of their photo backdrop glory.

back drop ss

 Can  you tell they were worn out by the end of the party ?

DSC_7250

They found their long term home up in the kids rooms.

 

boys room

Cafe Plantation Shutters

August 5, 2015

I had a dream of beautiful bright plantation shutters in our kitchen dining area.  I quickly  realized that dream was a little far fetched one I started looking into the pricing.  Hot-dang!  Those suckers are expensive!   Challenge Accepted!DIY plantation shutters www.sawdust2stitches.com

 She transforms thrift store doors into planation shutters! www.sawdust2stitches.com

Anyone who knows me, is fairly aware I am pretty  dang stubborn.  Once I had my heart set on plantation shutters,  I WOULD figure out how to do it, within my budget.  So, I hit up our local ReStore,  I was able to find this set of plantation doors.  They weren’t the right size, but for $20  I could make them work! Plantation Shutters Makeover  www.sawdust2stitches.com

  I started dismantling them by removing the tilt bar.  I  just used snips to cut the staple.

Deconstructing a plantation shutter www.sawdust2stitches.com    After I removed the tilt bar, I proceeded to remove the Louvers.  I was surprised at how easily  they  popped out.   I also removed the “shutter pins”.  I saved these, and would use them later. plantation shutters makoever saswdust2stitches.com  Next I needed to create new frames for my plantation shutters.  I cut “stiles” for the frame. Plantation Shutters Cut Stiles www.sawdust2stitches

  I then drilled holes that would receive the shutter pins.

plantation shutters www.sawdust2stitches.com

 I then placed all the shutter pins. Insert shutter pins sawdust2stitches

 I then cut down the louvers to fit my new frames.  I intentionally cut down from both sides so that I could keep the original center staple in place.      Plantation shutters sawdust2stitches.com

Once the louvers were cut to size I needed to drill the center hole that would receive the other side of the shutter pin.

Plantation Shutter pin sawdust2stitches

Next it was time to assemble. I partially assembled the frame using a  Kreg Jig pocket holes.

add top rails

I then proceeded to slide all the louvers in place. Once all the louvers were in place I finished securing the rails to the stiles.

Attach rails on Plantation Shutters Sawdust2stitches

 I then gave it a final paint job.

www.sawdust2stitches.com  plantation shutters

I then needed to replace the original tilt rod. I  first cut it down to size. tilt rod sawdust2stitches.com

I had no clue  how I was going to get these attached, but my husband is a genius and  suggested  simply  buying the same size staples , and simply  push them back in!

Attaching tilt rod sawdust2stitches

…and that is just what I did. I placed a small amount of glue in the original holes, and then placed a staple through the center staple on the louver and then pushed through into the  tilt bar.

DIY Plantation Shutters sawdust2stitches.com

Last thing necessary was adding hinges.  My plantation shutters required two sets of hinges.  One set to connect the two doors to each other and the other st to hang the shutter on the wall.  As you can see in the above image,  I mounted the shutters to frame work around the window. ( I have seen them inset, but this is just how I chose to do it.)

… and that my friends is how I made custom cafe plantation shutters for less than $45 ! Whoot Whoot! diy planation shutters from thrifted doors sawdust2stitches.com  DIY plantation shutters www.sawdust2stitches.com

 Thanks for stopping by and take luck!

Corey

Pottery Barn Inspired Entry Organizer

July 24, 2015

I have spent hours and hours and hours, on every room in our home.  However this little space came together so quickly,  and ironically is one of my favorite spaces in the house!  DIY entry Hat rack sawdust2stitches.comI love the meeting of form and function, it is a great  catch all, but yet has character. I give a lot of credit to the awesome little hat/coat rack. Entry hat rack tutorial Sawdust2stitches.com

Guess what it is super easy to make! I am giving step by step directions over at Remodelaholic today!  Make sure you  head on over and check it out!

entry Organizer Sawdust2stitches for Remodelaholic.com

 

Stair Well Over Haul

July 14, 2015

Originally  our stair well was nothing special.  It did have really  high ceilings,  but that was it.  The only thing that stood out was that it was very poorly lit.  ONE  can light to brighten the entire area.  It had orange oak and off white contractors  flat paint.  Nothing to write home about.  UNTIL NOW!

I wish I had a decent picture of the original! I do however have  a few process pictures, just to give you a better idea

of the progress made. See the yellow post ?  All the dark brown you see was originally  THAT color. Unfortunately, I do not have a blog post for that one…  It happened within days of moving in…  Back before “Sawdust 2 Stitches” was around.

stair rail transition 1 sawdust2stitches.com Brief synopsis: Polyshades are awesome,  I used it on ALL the hand rails.  I also spray painted all the mounting hardware with Rust-o-leum “Oil Rubbed Bronze”.

Moving on.   I then add some character by adding “Board and Batten” to the stair well.   You can see the full tutorial HERE.

stair well sawdust2stitches.com I  continued the board and batten up the entire staircase and through the landing as well.

stair well re-do sawdust2stitches.com

Next on the agenda ?  The lighting, or more accurately the LACK of lighting. This project was NOT an easy task, but  I am in love with the way it turned out! Believe it or not, this fixture is made of wood (obviously), PVC pipe,  Dollar Tree vases and Ikea lamp cords.  You can get more details HERE!

stair well lighting awsdust2stitches.com

Last  thing that needed to be addressed ?  The large blank wall.  It was MASSIVE and so, so, empty…  Anything I could find that was large enough was REALLY expensive; and truth be told, I didn’t really love anything I found.

I decided I wanted to do a gallery wall. However, I did not want it full of smaller frames with images you would not be able to see! I envisioned large black and white architecture images…  You know what is NOT cheap large art prints.

You know what is cheap ? Poster Board!

I grabbed some black  and white poster board, and charcoal pencils, and went to town! (If this is intimidating,  LOOK HERE for some easy alternatives!)

art work for stair well sawdust2stitches.com   That solved the issue of  the art work.  Now I needed  BIG frames.  You know what is expensive ?  Large custom frames. You know what is cheap?  1×2″ boards!

I can show you how to make  your own  rustic custom frames HERE!

rustic frames sawdust2stitches remodelaholic.com   For less than $20, I made all the frames and the artwork.  Booyah!

 That  pretty  much sums it up!  A little bit of money and a lot of elbow grease go a long way!  stair well sawdust2stitches.com  stairwell lighting sawdust2stitches.com  stair well art sawdust2stitches.com

PVC  Light Fixture www.sawdust2stitches.com Thanks for stopping by!

Take Luck,

Corey

Board and Batten in the Stairwell

July 2, 2015

easy Stair Case Makeover with Board and Batten tutorial. www.sawdust2stitches.com

I have put off  painting the stairwell for a long time… a  long, long time.  It was still the contractor’s original ugly FLAT off white paint.   I did paint and accent wall about 2 years ago,  in hopes to  take attention away from all the smudges and little hand prints all the way down the stairs… It worked for a while,  but the number of hand prints have since increased, and become larger, and the assortments of medium increased, it had a nice array of crayon marks,  shoe scuffs, and I kid you not,  I found a booger cemented to the wall…  Yeah, it was time to repaint to a more family friendly WASHABLE finish…

Before board and batten Sawdust2stitches.com

So let the whirl wind renovations begin!  I  knew I wanted to lighted the area, but I definitely  did not want to paint it all white.  So I  took my Family Room as inspiration and  decided to add board and batten to the stair well.

our home family room 3

It would allow me to paint the bottom in a nice high-gloss,  very washable paint,  but it would still allow for some color above the chair rail.

Supplies Used –

  • Nail Hole Filler
  • Sand Paper
  •  1 3/4″ nails
  • Nail Gun
  • 1×4″ Boards
  • 1×3″ Boards
  • Paint-able Caulk (lots and lots of it.)

Tools Suggested-

  • Nail Gun
  • Air Compressor
  • Level

Upgrading the Stairwell 1 www.sawdust2stitches.com

  • Remove Handrail
  • Fill holes
  • Sand Down  Nail Filler

SIDE NOTE:  The baseboards on the stair case were deep enough that the batten  matched up nicely.  However, on the landing there was a lower profile baseboards. I  ended up removing that baseboard and replacing it with 1×4″ boards.

Stair Makeover Sawdust2stitches.com

  • Determine height of chair rail.   Mine  measure 34″ from the top of the baseboard to the top of the chair rail. I used a primed 1×4″ finger board for my top board.
  • Mark placement of board
  •  Install  1×4″ board ( I used 1 3/4″ nails  and a nail gun)
  • If you are doing the entire stairwell, continue the process up the stairs.

Stair case makeover www. Sawdust2stitches.com

Next install the batten boards (the vertical boards).   I used 1×3″ primed finger board.

  • Do Math  ( I hate this part,  but you will need to figure out the angle of your slope etc..)
  • Mark Board Placement (Mine are placed approximately 21″ apart, center to center.)
  • Cut Boards
  • Install ( Again, I used 1 3/4″ nails, and a nail gun)
  • Continue the process up the stairs

Stair well makeover 2 sawdust2stitches.com

Prep for Paint :

  • Fill all nail holes
  • Sand Down filler
  • Caulk all the edges. ( This is IMPORTANT, it will make it look very finished!)
  •  I then painted  all my edges, then painted the interior
    stairwell makeover sawdust2stitches.comAfter the “Board and Batten” was painted, I proceed to paint the wall above the  rail. I used “Silver Birch “by Glidden.

stair case board and batten www.sawdust2stitches.com

 

The final step was to re- attach the handrail.

stair well sawdust2stitches.com

stair well re-do sawdust2stitches.com

I just LOVE the way this all turned out ! Stay  tuned for more info on the Staircase Makeover!

 Take Luck,

Corey

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DIY & Design

Meet Corey

Hi everyone, my name is Corey, and I have a problem. I can’t leave well enough alone… The best therapy usually involves a variety of power tools. So, in the few “spare” moments I am not entertaining my two beautiful, rambunctious, boys, I can typically be found hunched over a sewing machine and/or covered in sawdust. All in the efforts to create a perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality in our home.
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