A Little Hallway Love

As I mentioned in my last post, I've decided to try and make my hallway a little less boring and to spruce it up a bit.   I didn't have much for wood, but happened to find some 2x4's, 1x6, and 1x2's in the shop, so I threw together this bench.

I stained it with dark walnut and then painted it with a creamy white paint.  I wanted to give it a weathered appearance so I removed some of the paint to reveal the stained wood.

Added a canvas pillow and basket for accessories and decided it would look great along the wall with my kids pictures.

I added their initials to their picture groupings to add a bit more interest.  I simply printed off the letters in the font I wanted, traced them onto mdf board and cut them out on the scroll saw.  A quick sanding, some stain and paint and they were ready to hang on the wall. 

I think it looks much better, but I'll let you be the judge!

Thank you for stopping by...

Lesa

Burlap & 2x4's

I have a very boring hallway and I finally decided it was time to do something about it.  I figured I had enough "junk" laying around that I could put something together that would make it a bit more appealing, so this is what I came up with...

I needed a table of some kind that would fit in the tiny space, but everything I had was either too wide length-wise or width-wise, so I went out into the shop to see what type of wood I could use to make a tabletop.   I new I wanted something "heavy" looking so I used 2 x 4's.  I cut three pieces 32" long, glued and screwed them together by attaching 1 x 2 underneath.   I gave it good sanding with 100-girt and then 220-grit sandpaper.  I applied a dark walnut stain, but it wasn't quite dark enough, so I sprayed some oil rubbed bronze (by Krylon) paint onto a damp cloth and rubbed it into the surface.  (this was a bit of an experiment, but it worked!)

Once dry, I need to attach the tabletop to the wall. I found two metal shelf brackets out in the shop and even though they were ugly, I knew you weren't going to see them once I was finished.

After attaching everything to the wall, I took some measurements and made a burlap skirt.  So far, so good.  (except for the pictures I've taken!)

I wanted to hang a mirror, but I didn't have anything large enough for the wall space so I decided to refinish this window.

The "pink" just wasn't going to work with my color scheme so I gave the frame a quick sanding to loosen any chipping paint and then stained the bare wood areas with a dark walnut stain.  I painted the "pink" areas with a dark brown paint and I wasn't going for "perfection".

Once it completely dried, I rubbed random areas with vaseline and then applied a topcoat in a creamy white.  Again, let it dry completely.  Next, I rubbed off the areas covered in vaseline to reveal the basecoat.

I then applied a tinted wax to give the window frame more of an "aged" feel.  I make my own tinted wax with Johnson's Floor Paste Wax and Winsor & Newton Oil paint in burnt umber (this comes in a 37ml tube available at art or stationary stores).  My recipe varies depending on how dark I want the wax so you might want to experiment with this on your own, however, I usually use about 1/2 cup wax to 1-2 tsp. oil paint.  Mix it in a container and apply with a rag.  Let dry and then buff off.

I added a few accessories and now the end of the hallway isn't so boring.

Now I need to get to work on the rest of the hallway!  Thank you for stopping by...hope you'll come back for another visit!

Lesa

How to Make Decorative Lids

I have all kinds of jars and containers that I have saved over the years with plans to use them one day.  None have lids so I decided to make my own. 

*Just a couple of notes before you get started:  I used scrap pieces of pine wood and mdf board.  Depending on the thickness of the wood will determine the width of the lid's rim.  I used 2" pine for the round lid and 1" mdf for the square lid.  I used 1/4" mdf for both tops.*  Also, some of the pictures show the making of the square lid and some of the round lid.

How to make a wooden lid for any size or shape of jar or container:

1.  First thing you need to do is make a pattern.  You can make a paper pattern and then cut and trace it onto your wood or you can skip this step and work directly on the wood (this is what I did).  Trace the top of your jar or container onto the wood.  Now add 3/8"  to the outside edge of the tracing line.  Using a scroll or band saw,  cut on the outside line.

2.  Drill a starter hole, thread the scroll saw blade through the hole and cut out the center.  This piece is the rim of the lid. 

3.  Trace the rim onto a piece of 1/4" wood cut out with the scroll saw.  This piece will create the top of the lid.  

4.  Use wood glue to secure the lid to the rim.  Once completely dry, sand the top and the sides with 100-grit and then 220-grit sandpaper.

Now you can paint, decorate or embellish the lid to match any room or decor!  

I kept the round lid simple and painted the square lid a bit whimsical just to give you ideas and inspiration. 

 

Thank you for stopping by...I hope this project has inspired you!

Lesa

Denim Project Bag

Here's my latest sewing project...I call it my "Denim Project Bag".  I needed something to hold my knitting projects so I created this bag...

I started out with a pair of old blue jeans and the "printed" canvas fabric for the lining.  From both fabrics, I cut the following pieces:

Bottom - 10 3/4" x 7 3/4"
Sides (x2) - 15" x 7 3/4"
Front & Back - 15" x 10 3/4"

First, you are going to sew the denim bag. With right sides together, sew the front and the back to the bottom using 1/4" seam allowance.

Then, attached the sides to the bottom and sew in place, again using 1/4" seam allowance.  Actually, you will use a 1/4" seam allowance for all the sewing.

Now, you are going to sew up all four corners.  Trim any loose threads and turn right-side out. Fold the top over approximately 1" and press with an iron.  Now, sew the top edge in place.

Denim bag done!  Now you will do the same thing with your lining EXCEPT hemming the top edge of the bag.  Also, just leave the finished liner wrong side out.

To make the ruffled edge:

Cut a piece of the liner fabric 70" long by 6" wide.  Fold the fabric in half width-wise and press with an iron so your fabric will now be 70" long by 3" wide.

Here's the ruffling technique...you will need dental floss...yes, dental floss - waxed preferred.  Measure the floss to 70" adding about 3" to each end.  Set you machine stitch onto "zigzag", lay the dental floss onto the top edge (the unfinished edge) and zigzag over top of the floss.  Make any sense?!?  Once you are done, you can now pull the loose floss ends to gather your fabric and the wax helps it to slide easily.

Once you've gathered your ruffle, pin it to the top edge of your liner (right sides together) and sew in place.  Remove any loose threads.

Insert the liner into the denim bag and fold the ruffled top edge over the denim.  There you have it.... You could add handles and pockets, if desired, however, I just wanted something simple to keep my projects off the floor.

(Note...the bag will not stand up on it's own...I cut two pieces of cardboard the same size as the front and back and placed them in between the inside of the denim bag and the liner.)

If you have any questions with regards to my instructions, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by...
Lesa

Dishcloth Giveaway and the Winner...

I want to thank all of you who entered my first "giveaway".  There were 21 of you who entered...more than I anticipated, so thank you!  I had to do the draw the "old-fashioned" way...as the comments were left, your name went onto a piece of paper and put into a jar.  And, the winner of the "Dishcloth Giveaway" is:

Lizzie@PrettyCityThings

Congratulations!  Lizzie, if you would send me an email with your mailing information, I will get your dishcloths sent this week.

Again, thank you to everyone who participated!  Hope you all have a great day and are keeping warm.  We woke up to -40 degrees celsius.

Lesa

Knitted Dishcloths and a Giveaway

The subject of dishcloths may seem a bit boring, but I really wanted to share these with you because I absolutely love them!

At one time, I believed the only type of dishcloth to use was a "J-Cloth".  Once it reached the end of it's life, I would throw it out and use a new one.  I'd cringe at the sight of a crocheted cloth!  Don't know why...I just did.  Well, I've grown up and I've discovered how wonderful it is to use a cotton knitted dishcloth!  Extremely absorbent, very durable and alot of fun to whip up.  They are a great evening project while watching television and very useful, therefore,  I've decided to knit up a bunch to have on-hand as gifts.  There are so many colors of cotton yarn available, but I must admit my favorites are white and a linen color.

There are also many free patterns on the internet; as well, there is a free pattern on the label of the yarn.

If you like to knit buy a ball of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton yarn ($1.88 at Walmart) and make yourself a dishcloth to try...you won't be disappointed.

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY

I have also decided to host my first "giveaway".  I am giving one of you two of my knitted dishcloths to try. I'm a bit nervous about hosting a "giveaway" because its like hosting an "open house", will anyone show up? I guess you don't know until you try, so here is my one rule to entering...

1.  Leave me a comment and let me know what colors you would like...note: you are not limited to the colors I have shown as there are so many available.  I will do my best to use the colors you choose.

You have until Tuesday, January 17th to enter so get your name in if you are interested.  I will announce the winner on Wednesday, January 18th.  Good luck!

Thank you for stopping by...have a great day!
Lesa