Dremel Trio

I received a new power tool for Christmas, the Dremel Trio and I absolutely love it.  This tool cuts, sands and routs.  It really is amazing.  What I love is that you can start your cut whenever you want because the bit allows you to make quick and easy plunge cuts anywhere in your work and its very easy to control.

When I made this tray for my ottoman, I had to pre-drill holes in each section before I could use the jigsaw.  Plus, the jigsaw is much harder to control in the corners.  I found myself stopping and continually repositioning the wood piece.  Very time consuming.

However, the Dremel Trio not only allows you to plunge cut, but it also cuts in any direction while keeping the tool in the same orientation.  It makes cleaner cuts and smoother edges requiring less sanding.

This tool is a "new addition" to our workshop, so I'm still learning all about it's multiple uses.  If you like woodworking this is a "must have".

Below,  is my first project attempt with the Dremel Trio.  I love old architectural pieces, so I thought I'd try making a door crown (to look like an old architectural piece).

First I drew a pattern on paper and cut it out.  Then I traced it onto my wood.  I used plywood as this was all I had at the time.  Then I cut it out...yes, with my Dremel Trio.   I then sanded the edges with...you guessed it, the Dremel Trio.  I used a palm samder to sand the top and bottom.

I applied a coat of dark brown paint.  Once dry, I applied a lighter shade of brown paint followed by a final coat of cream-colored paint, letting it dry in between coats.  (I forgot to mention that in between each coat of paint I rubbed candle wax over parts of the wood surface and edges allowing for easier paint removal during the final stage.)

Once it was completely dry, I started sanding the piece to reveal the layers of paint underneath.  I finished by applying dark walnut Danish Oil with a rag and then wiping off to give it more of an old, antiqued appearance.  Attach a self-leveling hanger of the back and I was done.  I hope you like this project.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by.

I am linking to:  Funky Junk Interiors
                        Finding Fabulous "Frugalicious Friday"

Lesa

Live Laugh Love

Here's a project I'd like to share with all of you.  It's my Live Laugh Love plaque.  I made it so I could hang it on the wall, however, I thought it looked good in the wrought iron easel sitting on the dresser at the front entrance.  I combined a bit of woodworking, modge podge and painting to this project.  Here's a bit of a tutorial.

Things you'll need:

Scrap plywood in assorted thicknesses.  (1/4", 1/2", 3/4")
3/4" pine
Scrapbooking paper in colors of choice
Modge Podge OR you can make your own like I did by using white glue mixed with water (to thin it out) and then add approximately 1 tbsp of varnish.  Stir and store in a jar. 
Paint (I used a dark brown paint I had left over from painting a piece of furniture, as well, I used DecorArt Acrylic paint in Arbor Green,  Antique Rose & Buttermilk)
Antiquing medium
Wood Glue
Cardboard

1.  Cut pieces from plywood.  The diagram below shows you the dimensions and thicknesses to cut.  Just a note...the overall dimensions of the plaque is 12" x 12".

2.  For the frame, cut the following from pine:
       2 pieces - 12"long x 7/8" wide  (these are the top and bottom)
       2 pieces - 13 3/4" long x 7/8" wide (these are the sides)

3.  Cut 2 Fleur de Lis from 1/4" plywood.

4.  Lightly sand all the pieces.

5.  Paint the plaque pieces and Fleur de Lis dark brown and let dry.  Apply Buttermilk to the top of the Fleur de Lis, let dry, then sand to reveal the dark brown.  Antique.

6.  Paint the frame pieces with Buttermilk and let dry.  Now apply a coat of dark brown, again, let dry.  Sand to reveal the buttermilk.  Antique.

7.  Trace the plaque pieces onto scrapbook paper and cut each approximately 1/8" smaller (on all sides)  than the actual size.  Apply modge podge to the wood and then the back of the paper. 

8.  Put paper onto the wood pieces and then apply more modge podge to the top of the paper.  Let dry and then lightly sand all pieces.

9.  Apply lettering to the large plaque square.  I painted "Live" with Arbor Green, "Laugh" with Buttermilk and "Love" with Antique Rose.  However, if you are lucky enough to own a Silhouette then you could use that to make your lettering.  Once the lettering is dry, antique all the plaque pieces.

(Enlarge lettering to appropriate size)

10. Cut a piece of cardboard 13 3/4" x 13 3/4" for the backing.  Arrange the plaque pieces and frame pieces on the cardboard and glue in place.  Attach to Fleur de Lis with wood glue.  Let dry.  Attach a hanger to the back.

I hope you enjoy this project.  Thank you for stopping by!

Lesa

I'm linking to:  Sew Dang Cute Crafts "Crafting with the Stars"
                      Blue Cricket Design "Show and Tell"
                      The DIY Showoff



Decorated for Christmas

I just wanted to share a few photos of my home at Christmas.  And, just an update with respect to my post "The Family Christmas Tree", I added my ornaments to my tree and now it feels complete.

This year's ornament to add to my collection from my Mom.

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Quilted Tree Skirt

Kitchen Tree

Well, there you have it...just a bit of Christmas around my home.  Thank you for taking the time to stop by.  I hope you enjoyed your visit as much as I enjoy visiting all of you! 

Lesa


I've linked to Thrifty Decor Chick's Christmas Tree Party and Open House at Coastal Charm

Very Simple

Just a small project to share with you...the bathroom Christmas tree.  I have a very tiny bathroom with little counterspace so I have to keep my decorating (in the bathroom) minimal.  So, I decorated a small artificial tree with book page wreaths ornaments.   It's very plain and simple, but I'm happy with how it turned out.



To make the paper wreaths you will first need 8 pieces of  paper measuring 1" x 2".



Fold all the pieces in half length-wise, so they will now measure 1/2" x 2".

Now fold the pieces in half length-wise so they measure 1/2" x 1".

Take the 4 corners (2 on each side) and fold down to the center to meet at the bottom edge.  (the open edge should be at the top)

With the pockets up, take one of the folded pieces and stick the points of the next piece into the pockets of the first piece.  Continue adding the rest of the pieces into the wreath in the same manner.  Once all the pieces are added, you will need to push the pieces tightly together to shape it. 

Finally, to hang the book page wreath ornaments, I used a large needle and thread and poked a hole at the top of one of the points and tied the thread in a loop to the desired length for hanging on the tree.  Done!

Now, if you don't like my little tree, here's a couple of pictures of my little "Daisy-Duke" - maybe you'll think she's cute!!



Burlap Slipcovers

I was inspired by Diane at In My Own Style when she sewed slipcovers for her dining room chairs.  (she has an excellent "how to" on her blog)  Therefore,  I decided to cover my chairs, however, I used burlap.  Because the burlap frays, I lined my slipcovers with muslin.  Diane's slipcovers had a knot/bow on the back (which I loved but I didn't have enough fabric to create the same) so I added a ruffle to the bottom of mine.  The fabric for the ruffle was leftover material from my kitchen curtains.  I love the look, they were simple to do and they can easily be changed for different decorating themes or seasons. 

Before

After

The ruffle detail

I am linking to :  Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch and to Finding Fabulous

Antique Bobbins

What defines a collection?  Do you have to have more than three of the same thing before you have a collection?  If so, then you can say I have a "small" collection of antique bobbins.

Antique bobbins were made from hardwoods in a variety of shapes and sizes.  I love the patina and distressed appearance that they have from their use in th early textile mills.  They make excellent candleholders, as well, I think that they make a very unique display when grouped together.  The bobbins are attractive reminders of the past.

If any of you have an antique bobbin collection, I would love to see it!

Lesa

I'm linking to:  Funky Junk Interiors SNS "Collections"