Natural Hemp Oil and Faux Rattan Restore an Old Wood Chair
This sad chair lived many years sitting all alone in a dusty corner. No one could sit in it, because its seat had caved in. Then one day it was pulled out of its corner, placed in the backseat of a car, and transported to my studio. And there is where its old life ended,…
Chalk Painted Wood End Table with Rice Decoupage Paper and Scripture Quotes
Are you looking for an easy way to add some pizzazz to a piece of furniture? Look no futher than beautiful rice decoupage paper! It adds texture, color, and a pop of “wow” that is super easy to apply. This classic end table was hiding in the basement with a smattering of spiderwebs and mildew….
End Table Makeover with Chalk Paint and Gel Stain
Do you have a sturdy piece of furniture that is so functional that you can’t let it go, but it’s so ugly that you wish you didn’t need it? I bet it’s a piece that’s seen a lot of things in its life. Just like this end table that used to sit in my aunt’s…
Old Wood Trunk Makeover
When I was a kid, every Christmas my brother and I would haul out my grandmother’s Christmas decorations. All that sparkly tinsel was packed up in two green storage trunks. I think this must have started my love for old trunks. Because now whenever I find an old wood trunk like this one, it sets…
Reusable Wood Turkey Place Cards for Thanksgiving
I have a confession to make. Even though I try really hard to create functional decor, like these custom monogrammed towels, or this vintage file box and this upcycled wall organizer, sometimes a piece wiggles its way into my house just because it’s so darn cute! When I found this adorable turkey place holder design…
Cabinet Door Upcycle: Apothecary Transfer Wall Organizer
Looking for a way to create a beautiful and functional organizer to catch all the things on your way in and out of the door? Then this project is for you! These cabinet doors were just waiting for the chance to become something amazing! Tools and Materials Tools Materials Cleaning & Prepping The first step…
How to Upcycle a Plastic Jar into a Beautiful DIY Coin Bank
This project places heavy emphasis on the word “saving” as we upcycle an old jar into a beautiful and elegant coin bank! Upcycling trash into something useful is so rewarding. Taking literal garbage and transforming it into functional art just gives me all kinds of warm and fuzzies. Before we dive into the nitty gritty,…
Easy DIY Faux Silver Leaf Gift-filled Ornament
It’s gifting time! Which may mean finding the perfect gifts for teachers, bus drivers, co-workers, neighbors, and the mailman, all without breaking the bank. That can feel like a tall order if you also don’t have time (or the inclination) to bake batches of cookies or tubs of truffles! I’m a consummate practical gift-giver, so…
Beginner’s Guide to Semi-Drying Oils for Furniture Finish
Semi-drying oils are the lesser-known cousin of the wood oil finishes family. They offer a soft luster, mild water resistance, and rich wood enhancement. These oils require a lot of patience, as they take much longer to dry than the better-known drying oils. So, how do they fit into the world of oil furniture finishes?…
Polyurethane vs. Polycrylic: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Furniture Finish
So you’ve put in the hard work to strip, sand, stain, or paint that fabulous furniture piece, and now it’s time for the grand finale: the topcoat! But wait… should you use polyurethane or polycrylic? These clear finishes may sound similar, but they each bring their own unique sparkle to the sealing party. Let’s dive…
She Shed Update: Faux Brick Accent Wall Tutorial
Do you remember when I said that I wanted to preserve these beautiful slat walls? The walls that were built from shipping crates from my husband’s great aunt’s store? The walls that are considered a piece of his family history? Yeah. Me too. Unfortunately, that piece of amazing family history didn’t photograph so well when…
She-Shed Take 12: The Big Makeover Reveal
A long, long time ago, (four years, to be precise) when this project first started, I had a vision. It wasn’t of sugarplums. It was a vision of a bright and airy, happy place where I could create without restrictions. I could soak in the sunshine and watch the birds flitter and tweet their way…
She-Shed Take 11: Painting and Stenciling a Concrete Floor
There are so many options to consider when you decide to refinish a concrete floor. Throughout the process of planning, repairing, and updating my little she-shed, I waffled back and forth on how to finish the floor. I considered vinyl planks, painting, sheet linoleum, and tile. In the end, paint won out due to the…
She-Shed Take 10: Are We Painting Yet??
Finally!!! I never thought we would get this far, especially considering where we started, but it was actually time to start prepping the she-shed interior for painting! A good foundation is important for any project, but especially one that you intend to last a lifetime…or two or three. Since this building is on its third…
Where Can I Get That?
Wondering what tool or product to use and where to find it? Check out the “Shop the Studio” pages where I have done the research for you! Some of these products I own, and others I would buy or give as a gift. Find out more by clicking the link below…