DIY Archives | Page 9 of 21

DIY Bathtub Tray {the little luxuries in life}

September 3, 2015

I love taking baths and have used one of those inexpensive big-box store metal bathtub trays over the years. I threw the last one I had away because it start falling apart.

About a month ago I had the idea of making a new bathtub tray in anticipation of fall and winter which is when I enjoy a soak the most. After purchasing all the supplies I took everything with me when we headed to Alabama a couple weeks ago to visit my husband’s brother. I love visiting my brother in-law because he lives on a farm, has horses and an awesome 4-wheeler which I could spend hours on. He also happens have every wood working tool known to man so I knew I’d have everything I needed to make my tray. Here are some simple steps to make your own:

Supplies you’ll need:

1″ x 3″ Pine Wood Boards ($1.35)

1″ wide decorative cabinet trim ($7.00)

2″ x 2″ x 36″ wood square end baluster ($.97)

Wood Glue

Nail Gun (courtesy of brother-in-law)

Drawer Pulls (optional). I added some to make taking the tray on and off the tub easier. ($2.47 ea)

Stainable wood filler to fill any seams and nail holes.

Wood Stain in your desired finish. A small can is all you need.

Measure the width of your tub and cut the 1 x 3 board into three pieces at that width. Next, cut your baluster into three pieces that are 3″ shorter than the combined width of the pine boards.

Once the boards and baluster are cut, place the boards together side by side. Glue the three baluster pieces onto the long wood pieces (see below), one piece in the center and a piece about 8 inches to the left and right of the center piece. Let the glue dry. Once the glue is dry, flip the board over and reinforce the baluster with nails using your nail gun.

Once I had the tray assembled, I decided to add a hole to hold a wine glass. I measured the base of a standard wine glass and my brother-in-law drilled the hole for me.

Next you add trim. We cut it to size, mitered the corners and attached it around the edge of the tray edge using the nail gun (boy did I love that nail gun).

The last step before staining was to add the handles.

A then a few coats of stain and your tray will be complete and ready for you to enjoy.

upclose detail of tray edge

tip: add rubber bumpers along the tray sides to prevent any scratching on the edge of the tub

I am thrilled to pieces at how my tub tray turned out. I’m hoping to get some R & R this weekend and it just might involve a soak in the tub.

sharing on:

My Coffee Table Has The Blues (but it’s happy)!

August 26, 2015

I am constantly changing out the accessories on my coffee table but the one design element that remains a constant is a decorative tray. I use trays because they add visual layers to the arrangement and they’re great for holding small decorative items and books.

You might remember this brown wood tray that often makes an appearance on my coffee table. It’s sturdy, oversized and I like the texture and pattern of the woven liner but the tray was begging for a facelift. As as thing go, changing the look of the tray led to a mini makeover with the coffee table decor.

Books and flowers are usually the items that add color to the table arrangement but I wanted a bolder color statement so I gave the tray its new look with a coat of emerald green paint (Behr Crown Jewel #P420-7) and new gold handles.

Emerald green has always been a color I love and I plan to use more of it in my fall decor.

Once the tray got its facelift, I went about styling the table with some of my favorite pieces. I recently started collecting blue and white chinoiserie and love the combination of green, brass and blue & white. The combo is eclectic and happy but still has a traditional feel which is right up my alley.

Blue and white ceramics are such a hot design trend right now and I’ve been fortunate to score some great pieces at incredible prices from thrift stores, flea markets and a new shopping source I recently discovered (I’ll share more about it next week).

My coffee table is fairly large and the color pops create the perfect contrast against the darker wood table.

I love how the arrangement turned out and I think the colors are perfect for the last few weeks of summer.

When I’m ready to start decorating for fall, (I’m not there just yet) the DIY pumpkins I’m making will work great alongside the new tray and blue and white pottery.

Product sources:

Wood Tray–Tuesday Morning (purchased years ago)

Gold Handles (Ikea–spray painted gold)

Wood Box–Tuesday Morning (purchased years ago)

Wood Slice–Hobby Lobby

Gold Wishbone–Hobby Lobby

Small Blue & White Lidded Dish–Goodwill

Large Blue & White Vase–EBTH

Large Blue and White Lidded Bowl with Gold Trim–Local thrift store

Brass Turtle–Goodwill

Scalloped Brass Pedestal Dish-local thrift store

Handmade Inspiration

August 8, 2015

Happy Saturday! It’s going to be super hot in most parts of the country so I’ve round-up a few of my favorite DIY projects that would make for a perfect weekend indoors.

Enjoy and be inspired!

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You won’t believe that my friend Elle who write the Splendid Habitat blog made this gorgeous tie-die fabric was made using cooking spices.

If you look under craft maven in the dictionary you’ll likely see a picture of Amber. She is incredibly talented and crafts the most adorable things ever. Her latest obsession is shoes!

These just might be the most beautiful handmade baskets I’ve ever seen. So glad I discovered Alisa’s blog too!

I am so going to make some of this beautiful paper tape. So cute and so easy.

If you’ve got Christmas projects on your mind, you might think about making one of these pennant tree skirts.

Looking for something to do with those near empty bottles of nail polish. Here’s some really cool nail polish diy projects to check out.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a hot summer weekend than crafting. Happy crafting my friends!

Product + Inspiration: Butcher Paper

July 30, 2015

I have had lots of fun sharing these Product + Inspiration post with you and I hope they’ve inspired you to look at products in a new way.
Today I’m sharing one of the most versatile products you can buy and decorate with. It doesn’t involve going to Goodwill or shopping at Ikea, but can be found in the paint aisle at your local hardware store or online from any craft supply shop.

Today I’m sharing decorating inspiration using butcher paper.

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Read the Post

Gift Wrap Inspiration: Washi Tape Ribbon

July 27, 2015

Over the weekend I shared a photo on Instagram of items I’m sending in a care package to a good friend. As I do with all the gifts I give, I wanted to created a special wrap for the gift.

I looked through my wrapping paper stash but didn’t see anything I wanted to use so out came the washi tape and in no time flat I had my box wrapped.

I’ve professed my love of washi tape on the blog before but I have to tell you again, it is one of the best crafting supplies you can own.

The beauty of washi tape is that it can be used in so many different ways and it’s perfect for gift wrapping. To keep things simple, I used the tape instead of ribbon and layered different patterns together to fancy up the box a bit.

I also made a cute gift tag accented with washi tape. I folded lengths of washi tape together to create flags and then angle cut the ends. Using double-sided tape, I attached the washi flags to the gift tap and finished it off with a silk flower.

Happy wrapping!

p.s. the white gift box was part of a box set I purchased from Michael’s. I love that the lids and bottom are separate and that the boxes are thick and sturdy. There are 4 different size boxes in the set and they are on clearance right now at 70% off, so the set only cost me $2.99, less a 20% coupon I had.

Easy Accessorizing Idea–Wood Beads

July 7, 2015

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When in comes to accessorizing, sometimes the littlest item can make the biggest impact.

One unexpected accessory item I’m seeing more and more in room vignettes is a string of beads. Whether draped over a decorative jar or nestled in a bowl, a strand of beads can make a style statement that stands out.

I love this wood bead and tassel strand that Myquillyn over at The Nesting Place created. Such a fun accent hanging on a chair, over the edge of a mirror or on off a door.

Pottery Barn sells a variety of beads which make a fun accent on a coffee table, draped over a decorative jar or gathered in a wooden bowl.

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You can make your own bead strand using beads of any size. Larger beads will make a bolder impact and work great clustered in a tray.

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Sherry over at Design Indulgence is one of the first people I saw using beads as a decorative accent. She has a gift when it comes to accessorizing and I love the way she used beads as part of her decor.

Sherry has beads draped over books, hanging on a bust and placed on a tray.

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I love the look of these natural wood beads mixed with glass beads.

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Making your own bead strand is pretty simple and you can find beads at your local craft store, on amazon and via Etsy. If you need one, here’s an easy DIY tutorial from The Nesting Place and if you’re looking for specialty beads, check out this source.

Have fun crafting and decorating!

Inspiration {plus links you’ll love}

July 4, 2015

Our 4th has started out with rain but I’m hoping things clear up by this evening so the fireworks don’t get cancelled.

While I’m indoors with my stack of mags, I’ll be thinking about this cute outdoor space and the clever diy trick used to create the canopy. You can read all about it here and then check out the links below for more inspiration!

Wishing everyone a fun and relaxing 4th!

image via All You magazine

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Links you’ll love…

DIY’s worth trying:

This simple diy table is pretty stunning!

If you love entertaining you’ll want to make a few of these cake stands.

Such a fun way to get a customize your patio umbrella for your outdoor space.

A great way to re-purpose a scarf and decorate your home at the same time.

Design Inspiration:

These kitchen backsplash ideas are just amazing!

Such a fun way to get a customize your patio umbrella for your outdoor space.

This water-front retreat would be the perfect spot to spend the 4th.

A pretty office tour with the most incredible flower wall.

For your taste buds:

This just might be the perfect summer dessert.

And this just might be the perfect summer cocktail.

Inspiration {plus links you’ll love}

June 13, 2015

Happy weekend!

I hope you have something fun planned this weekend. I’m planning to check out a new to me thrift shop and then I’ve got some work to get off my desk. It’s suppose to be a hot and humid here in Atlanta so whatever I find myself getting into, it will be indoors.

Enjoy these bits of inspiration and design tips!

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I discovered a new website that is all about design, decor and diy! This is just one of the beautiful images I spotted on their site.

One of my favorite bloggers, thrifters and men of style shares great design tips on how to incorporate thrift store item into your decor without making your home look thrifty.