accessories Archives - Page 18 of 32

accessories, Aged, Before and After, copper, painting, Painting & Antiquing Techniques, ReNew, sander, Spray paint metal, Trash to Treasure, Tutorial, Upcycling

Upcycled Plant Cart Saved from “Above the Rim”

Upcycled Metal Rolling Cart Plant Stand | Pretty Handy Girl

This past summer I spied a metal cart in a dumpster. To be frank, I have never truly actually participated in dumpster diving. The thought of actually climbing inside a dumpster has never been on my acceptable things to do list. But, this metal bar cart was floating on top of the trash pile. It was (to quote a Seinfeld episode) above the rim! And it was begging to be upcycled into a beautiful plant cart.

So, I convinced myself it was okay and wasn’t officially dumpster diving. Feel free to debate this fact in the comment section.

I brought it home and knew I could do a quick makeover with some spray paint. But, first it needed a good cleaning and some prep work. The tops of the shelves were very rusty:

Upcycled Plant Cart Saved from “Above the Rim”

And the undersides were filthy. But, the end product was worth it! Here is how to upcycle your own little metal rusty bar cart into a beautiful plant stand!

Materials:

1 Discarded rusty bar cart (rescued from above the rim)
Socket set
Hammer for coaxing rusty bolts loose
Can of Rustoleum Heirloom White spray paint
Can of Krylon Copper Spray paint
Sander/sanding block
Fine grit sand paper
Wire brush
Rag and/or damp wipes
Painter’s tape
Drop cloth
Scraps of wood to elevate while painting
Optional: Drill

Upcycled Plant Cart Instructions:

Loosen corner bolts with a socket wrench or drill and socket bit. Hammer out any that are too rusty to budge. Read more

March 31, 2014/36 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

accessories, arts and craft, Contributor, Crafts, Gift Ideas, gifts, painting

DIY Colorful Coffee Stirrer Keychain

Hello Pretty Handy Girl readers, Jaime from That’s My Letter back again to share a fun craft project. Today we’re making DIY wood keychains using coffee stirrer sticks.

If you love coffee just as much as I do, what could be better than a nifty craft made from coffee stirrers!

The pattern possibilites are endless, stripes, diagonal, rainbow, chevron and on and on. And what a great gift or favor idea for a party – you could paint them to match the party color scheme.

I may or may not have borrowed a few wood coffee stirrer sticks from my local coffee shop with a green and white logo. Of course, I let my daughter do the dirty work but you only need about 5 sticks for one keychain. Or more appropriately you can purchase coffee stirrer sticks or thin wood craft sticks from most craft and hobby shops.

The painted coffee stirrer sticks are sealed with clear gloss varnish which gives a super hard finish that will hold up to everyday wear and tear while protecting the wood and paint.

Try one and I guarantee you’ll be hooked — then you’ll be making different styles and versions for everyone you know in a school or team color scheme ;-).

Materials:

5 wood coffee stirrer sticks
acrylic craft paint
small paint brush
basswood (purchase one stick at 36″ l x 3/32″ thick x 2″w)
super glue (gel version is best)
scissors
rubber bands
clear gloss varnish (Americana DuraClear or similar)
sandpaper
clear gloss polyurethane spray (optional)
drill & small drill bit
keychain hardware

Instructions:

Step 1: Paint wood coffee stirrer sticks desired colors using acrylic craft paint. Paint the edges too but not the back. Read more

March 19, 2014/12 Comments/by Jaime Costiglio

accessories, arts and craft, decor, Decorating, Home Decor, Lowe's Creative Idea, Painting & Antiquing Techniques, Trash to Treasure, Upcycling

Simple Vases using Radiant Orchid {Lowe’s Creative Idea}

There I was digging things out of the recycling bin again. Pretty Handsome Guy gave me a raised eyebrow, but he knew better than to question my motives. I had that idea bulb flashing over my head, and I was ready to transform some jars and tins. With Springtime just around the corner, it was time to force a little vibrant color into our home. I introduce to you the cheapest way to bring Radiant Orchid color into your décor! If you have recycled jars and tins, you are set!

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials:

Kilz Primer
Paint brushes
ScotchBlue Painter’s tape
Sample pot of Pantone Radiant Orchid

Optional: Gold vinyl stripes or washi tape

Instructions:

Clean out your jars, bottles or tins.

Coat the exterior of your recycled vessel with primer. Allow to dry.

Paint each bottle and tin with radiant orchid paint. Allow to dry. You might need two coats depending on the coverage. Read more

February 28, 2014/13 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

accessories, antiques, art, Beach, Decorating, Destinations, Home Decor

Tybee Island – Breeze Inn Cottage Tour

Breeze Inn Cottage - Tybee Island | Pretty Handy Girl

I can’t wait to invite you in to tour this adorable Mermaid Cottage on Tybee Island, GA. Breeze Inn is full of charm, color and antiques. This beach cottage is owned by the fabulous fiction author, Mary Kay Andrews. Decorating and furnishing this cottage was a labor of love for Mary Kay. In fact, she told me that many of the things that you see in the cottage were collected for years before she owned Breeze Inn! Check out this Breeze Inn Cottage Tour – we love it!

Mary Kay was sweet enough to let me tour and photograph her cottage. Won’t you come on in and join me?!

Right inside the door is a one-of-a-kind decoupaged dresser with fun fish decorating the drawers! And I am crushing on the amazing shell framed mirror over it. The plank walls add that perfect relaxed coastal feel to this little house.

You enter directly into the cozy and comfortable living room. The dining room is part of the open front room of the cottage. I can imagine playing games at the table with the kids, while keeping up with conversations happening on the couch.

Just off the dining room is the kitchen. The sherbet green walls are fun and funky… Read more

February 21, 2014/6 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

accessories, antiques, Destinations

Tybee Island – Screened Inn Tour

Who’s still digging out from yet another snow storm? Who’s had enough of snow days? Yup, me too! I’d love to whisk you away with me to a little island off the coast of Georgia. It’s a destination that is brimming with charm and history. Today I have an all access tour to Screened Inn for you. This little cottage was previously a mess hall for the military stationed at Fort Screven back in the 1920’s.

The trees on the property drip with spanish moss and beacon you to slow down and take a big sea air breath.

The cottage is a stone’s throw from the Tybee Island lighthouse and the beach.

Step up onto the screened porch and kick off your shoes.

The door opens and you are transformed back in time with all the antiques that decorate the cottage.