Weathered Farmhouse Table (part 2)

Here is how I finished my table...

I stained it the table using  Minwax Dark Walnut stain and let it dry overnight.

I then applied minwax paste wax to the areas I didn't want the paint to adhere too.  I applied a blue/grey paint to the surface and let it dry.  Then I used a metal scraper to remove most of the paint.  I repeated that step applying a cream coloured paint.  Again, I removed the paint with a scraper but I also used a heat gun to make the paint bubble and peel.  This is what it looked like when I finished...

I thought I liked it until I put it in the den.  Too dark!  So I applied another coat of cream coloured paint to the entire table to try and lighten it.  Once dry I used my palm sander to remove the paint.  The second coat of cream paint helped to lighten the table and blend the colors.  I like it much better! I think it looks old and weathered, but I'll let you be the judge!  

Here it is in my den...

Thank you for stopping by...

Lesa

Weathered Farmhouse Table DIY (part 1)

It's been awhile since I've built anything with wood however, I had a visual in mind for a table in my den.  This is what I came up with...

My table measures 30" long x 18" wide by 30" high.  I used 16 ft of 8" pine for the table top and apron and 10' of 2x2 for the legs.  You will need wood screws, glue, drill and bits, clamps (not necessary but helpful), stain, paint, sandpaper and sander, metal scraper and a heat gun.

First, I cut the pine to 6" wide on the table saw.  I need exactly 6 inch wide boards but even though you can buy 6" pine, it actually only is 5 1/4" wide.  Then, I cut three pieces 30" in length for the table top.  For the apron, you will need to cut two boards 16" in length and two boards 26 1/2" in length.  Then, cut those four boards to 4 1/2" wide on the table saw.  Cut four pieces for the legs from the 2 x 2 - 30" in length.

Next, assemble the table top by laying the three boards next to one another wrong side up and Securein place with clamps.  You will need two scrap pieces of pine approximately 2 to 2 1/2" wide by 14"long.  Attach to the back of the table top with wood glue and screws.  

Secure the apron to the bottom of the table top with screws.  Attach the legs with screws.

Even though I didn't plan for this, I added strapping to the front and back of the legs.  I would have added it to the sides as well, however, I didn't have enough wood...as I mentioned, I didn't plan to add this detail.  I think it adds a bit of stability to the table and gives it a bulkier appearance.

I filled the screw holes with wood putty then sanded the table with 100-grit then 220-grit sandpaper using a palm sander.  

Next...the finishing!

Lesa

Three Little Pumpkins

I just wanted to share these three little pumpkins I crocheted...

 I'm normally not a fan of "stuff like this"but when I spotted them on instagram I knew I had to make a set for myself.  The stems are simply twigs I found, cut to size and lightly sanded. 

"Megmade with Love" is the creator/designer of these cuties and she has a wonderful selection of crochet patterns on her blog!  I've included the link if you get the urge to make a few pumpkins either for yourself or for a friend.  They are quick and easy and just a lot of fun.  

https://megmadewithlove.com/blog-2/2017/8/30/free-crochet-patterns-for-three-rustic-pumpkins

Thanks for stopping by! 

Lesa

Crochet Boots

Just a quick post to share with you a pair of fun boots I crocheted for my daughter.  They were fairly simple to crochet and only a few supplies were needed...

 

Two skeins of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn.  I used the colour Oatmeal.  A pair of flip flops and a worsted weight yarn to match the colour of your flip flops.  Three different sizes crochet hooks (B, K, L) and 6 buttons.  The pattern is offered at http://makeanddocrew.com/crochet-boots-flip-flops-pattern-video/, and the video tutorial is great! 

 

I  watched the video twice before attempting to make them, but once you understand the construction of the boot the written instructions are very easy to follow.  Make and Do Crew offers a lot of great patterns together with several different  styles of slippers, shoes and boots patterns to crochet using flip flops.  

 

Thanks for stopping by...have a great week!

Lesa

Monogram in the Round

Just another project to share with you...

 

It measures 28" in diameter and was made using 1/4 mdf board and pine laminate board which was cut into different widths on the table saw.  Then I stained all the boards and painted a few to give it an aged look, using a heat gun to remove some of the paint.

 

The "M" and the 28" circle was cut using my new Dewalt (cordless) jigsaw which made the job very easy!  I've always used a scroll saw for detail work but my new jigsaw is wonderful.  

 

 

I've had a few requests to make these in different sizes and although I'm not in the business of selling items anymore, I figure it's a fun project to create so why not?!  

Thank you for stopping by!

Lesa

"Gather"

Signs seem to be very popular right now and I have diy'ed a few for my home but needed something on a smaller scale for a corner in my dining area.  "Gather" seemed appropriate so here is what I created...

 

It measures 13 3/4" wide x 13" tall which includes the frame.  

 

I used a piece of 1/4" mdf board for the sign and cut a piece of 1" pine into a 3/4" wide strip for the frame.  The background of the sign was painted with Charcoal Grey by DecoArt and the lettering and leafy wreath was painted with my favourite cream coloured paint "Sandbar".  DecoArt's "Buttermilk" is a similar colour.  

 

Once the paint was completely dry I sanded it with 220 grit sandpaper to remove some of the paint and give it more of an aged look.  This also helps to remove any dried paint ridges and gives your hand painted lettering a smoother appearance.

The frame was stained with a weathered grey stain and then I blended a dark walnut stain on top.  The frame was attached with wood glue and an air nailer.  I attached a small self-levelling hanger on the back for hanging.  

I've attached below a closeup of the lettering and if you decide you want to try making one for yourself, I'm hoping you can print the image to the size you desire and use it to trace the pattern onto your wood or use it to cut your own stencil.  

 

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Lesa

Simple Afghan

Here is a crocheted blanket I'd like to share with you...

 

It was very simple to do.  This is my second crocheted project so it was very easy.  

  

I didn't follow a pattern, but if you can chain and single crochet then you can make this blanket in just a few nights in front of the tv.  

 

If you'd like to give it a try here are my "how to" instructions:

You will need:

18 balls of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn (I used "Oatmeal")

Q crochet hook

My finished blanket (not including the fringe) measures 53" x 57"

Using two strands together, chain 65 plus 1 and turn.  Single crochet into each chain until you reach the end of the row (65) then chain 1 and turn.  Keep going in this manner until desired width.  I didn't count the number of rows I crocheted...I just kept going until I was almost out of yarn, but still had enough yarn left to add a fringe to the ends.  The blanket looks good with or without the fringe.  

 

 

It is a very quick blanket to "whip up"  and by using two strands of yarn it makes this blanket very heavy and very warm! 

 

If you are a beginner crocheter like me then give it a try.  It's quick and easy and a lot of fun to do!  

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Lesa

Home and Craft Projects

I thought I'd share several projects that I've completed over the past several months.  I never took photos of "the process" nor did I write instructions for these projects.  Most of the projects I'm about to show were inspired by very creative people on Pinterest so there are many well-written tutorials out there!  I just want to share with you some of my home and crafting projects that have been keeping me busy so...here we go!

First up...a couple of wood signs I made...

 

 

Something to fill in the space at my front door entryway.  

 

An extra-large version of "Let's Stay Home" which I love!  The next picture will show you how big it actually is...my sectional in the tv room is 12 feet across the back.

 

So, in this photo is another favourite project and that would be the coffee table!  Built with pine laminate for the top, 1 x 3's for the frame and all put together with glue and a Kreg Jig.   I painted the bottom with my favourite cream coloured paint and stained the top first with a weathered grey stain and then blended a dark walnut stain on top of that which gave it a driftwood colour.  I then applied a water based satin varnish.

 

 Next...

My entryway table...again, another favourite!

 

I finished it identical to my coffee table in the tv room.

 

I refinished my round coffee table in the living room to match the entryway table and square coffee table...again, love it.

 

Several posts ago, I share this table with you and the process involved when I turned it from an oak kitchen table to a coffee table.  At that time, I painted the base black and stained the tabletop a dark walnut.  I'm loving the new look much better!

Now,  a few textile projects...

 

As you can see from the picture, I knit this quilt in December.  It was knit using size 50 US knitting needles and it took a couple of nights to do.  Very easy and fun to make.

 

I made this pillow using a rug punch tool and scrap yarn I had from previous projects.  I drew the design and "punched away".  I made it for my daughter as an accent pillow in her livingroom as her decorating style is more contemporary with her black leather sectional.  

 

And my last and most recent project...a blanket for my 2 year old granddaughter, Aubree.  It was a Valentines gift for her and I thought she'd enjoy snuggling in it.  

 

It is a crochet patter from MJ's Off the Hook and its the hooded owl pattern that's everywhere right now!  However, I am not a fan of owls and my granddaughter loves cats SO, I created my own version of the blanket using MJ's pattern but creating my own cat face for the hood.  It took some figuring because this is my very first crochet project.  I watched a lot of you tube videos!  MJ also does a wonderful tutorial on how to crochet her shell pattern so thanks to her I was able to make the blanket!!  What's really cute about it is that it folds up into a pillow!!

 

A "purrfect" cuddle blanket for Aubree.  

Well, that's what I've been up too when I'm not at work!  Thanks for stopping by!  

Lesa