Build It Archives - Page 19 of 55

Toddler Animal Stools

What little toddler wouldn’t love these super Cute DIY Animal Toddler Stools? Are you ready to make this adorable project today? I hope so! They’re made from REAL wood! Scrap wood! Just those little wood cut offs hanging around your garage, so you can build these little stools for free. But, if you don’t have some scrap wood, you can easily make two stools for less than $10 and 30 minutes.

There is no pattern, because the charm is in the imperfections. Feel free to customize it any way you like. I designed a bunny and a fox, but you could easily use those round ears for a dog, the pointed ones for a cat, maybe even get a little crazy and try out some antlers for a deer? Or rounder ones for a squirrel. . . or bear. You get the picture. Change up the shape of the ears and get decorative with the paint and you’ve got an endless array of possibilities ahead of you!

Keep the ears large (each about 6½″ tall and 3½″ wide) to create a back rest. I don’t recommend allowing your children to lean back on them very far, because kids like to tip out of chairs.

Let’s Make these Cute DIY Animal Toddler Stools!

Materials:

(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.)

1″ x 10″ x 2′ pine or scrap plywood (I used leftover PureBond plywood since it’s formaldehyde free)
1″ x 2″ x 3′ (or you can cut down your scrap 1″ × 10″ to size for the legs)
Kreg jig
1 ¼″ pocket hole screws
Wood glue
Latex paint and/or stain

Instructions:

Step 1 – Cut out face and ears:

Cut a circle for the face and the ears out of the 1″ x 10″. The seat is an oblong shape, a little wider in the front. My stool seat is 11 1/4″ wide by 9″ deep. Draw one ear: 6.5″ tall and 3″ wide. I advise not making the ears too pointy or you’ll have to sand them down a lot for safety. Cut your shapes out with a jigsaw, then use the first cut ear to trace another ear for a perfect match.

You could make templates ahead of time if you like, but I like the charm in the irregularities.

Step 2 – Legs

Cut legs to 7″ long. Set the miter saw at a 5 degrees off square angle. Cut both ends, parallel (which means you don’t have to do any flipping, just cut your first angle, slide the leg down 7″, and cut your second). This gives the legs an outward splay so the stool is sturdier. The bunny stool (which was my prototype) has straight legs made from scrap 2×2’s, and they’re not as strong and sturdy as the angled, thinner legs. It’s still good, but the splay and thinner width is better.

Use the Kreg jig to drill pocket holes into the top inside edge of each leg. Add a bead of glue to the top of each leg. Secure the legs to the bottom of the seat with a 1 ¼″ screw.

Step 3 – Ears

Drill two pocket holes into the back of the ear shapes.

Attach each ear with a bead of wood glue and two 1 ¼″ screws. This should make for a sturdy back on the stool.

(NOTE: Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT have your ears come to a point like this. They are very sharp. Round them off slightly so they are not pointed. I’ve already poked myself in the shin passing by, and my daughter poked her cheek picking up the chair. Do yourself a favor and blunt those tips!)

Step 4 – Paint

Now to have some fun! For the bunny, I just used water with a bit of apple green RIT dye so the grain would show through. For the fox, I used a sample of Valspar paint I had on hand, Terra Cotta Red (also diluted with water) to act like a stain. After the stools dry, use untinted semi-gloss white paint and apply one coat for the ears and fox face. Also use white paint for bunny’s eyes and whiskers. (I kept it to one coat so it’s a bit streaky, because again, I like the charm.) Use some black paint for the fox’s face.

These stools are so stinkin’ cute, I want to make an adult sized version just for me!

The total height of these toddler stools are 14″, with a seat height of 7.5″. They are the perfect size for an 18 month old up to a four year old. Keep in mind, you can easily upsize them by adding leg height and increasing the seat width just a bit, as well as enlarging the ears. You can shrink it down the same way. It’s really a customizable piece with a lot of wiggle room.

I’m really excited to make even more! The bunny stool was a gift for a friend. My little one is already asking for a puppy chair to add to her lone fox. I’m hoping to make some for friends and family as I get scraps (because us DIYers always have some scrap lumber lying around, don’t we?)

I hope these cute toddler stools inspire you to make chairs for the munchkins in your lives. If you do, please share some pictures! I’d love to see all the fun animals and creations.

June 21, 2017/3 Comments/by Brooke KillerB

Build It

Easy Solar Light Stand

Hello, Pretty Handy Girl readers! Anika here from Anika’s DIY Life. I am back today with a super easy and quick tutorial to take simple solar lights to the next level in your outdoor decor.

As the weather is warming up, you are probably looking for fun ways to spruce up your outdoor areas. Lighting is a key element for adding magic to those warm summer nights. This easy solar light stand is the perfect addition to your front porch or backyard. Plus, it is easily customizable – you can make it as high or wide as you like.

Materials:

(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.)

4″ x 4″ lumber
LED Solar lights
7/8″ spade bit (measure your solar light tube to be sure)
Wood glue
Clamps
Drill

Instructions:

Step 1 – Cut the 4″ x 4″ lumber down to the sizes you desire and sand the edges. I used three pieces cut to 8″, 11″ and 15″.

Step 2 – Use wood glue and clamps to attach the 4″ x 4″ pieces one-by-one. Allow 12 hours of drying time between each.

Step 3 – Drill holes into the top of each pillar. The 7/8″ spade bit worked perfectly for my solar lights. You may need larger or smaller depending on the width of your solar lights. Make sure it is a nice tight fit.

Step 4 – Fit the solar lights into each hole. You can glue them for permanency. I decided against it so it is easy to change out the lights if needed.

That’s it! They look perfect on my front porch next to the $10 tiered cedar planter. The front porch was very neglected until I gave it a quick makeover. Now it is fun and welcoming, especially at night.

If you love easy woodworking tutorials like this one, I have a ton of them! Come follow along at Anika’s DIY Life!

Until next time,

~ Read More of Anika’s Tutorials ~

June 14, 2017/5 Comments/by Anika Gandhi

Before and After, Build It, Home Tour

Pantry Reveal with Coffee Bar and Hidden Wine Storage

Hidden Wine Storage at Back of Countertop | Pretty Handy Girl

Today’s the day I’m finally sharing the Pantry Reveal, complete with a Coffee Bar and Hidden Wine Storage! Let me warn you, this isn’t your ordinary pantry. This space is multi-functional. The dreams of a better and more organized pantry started four years ago while I was in the thick of our kitchen renovation. For 48 months I’ve mulled over the plans to have food storage that works better for how my family lives. At first I used painter’s tape to try to figure out better spacing (excuse the poor photo quality. This was taken before I improved my photography skills):

The shelves were only 12″ deep in a 36″ deep closet. That’s 2/3 of the pantry not being utilized. I’m sure you or someone you known has a similar 6 foot wide pantry with bi-fold doors. Be sure to share this post so they know there is hope for a more organized pantry.

As another year past, my plans began to take shape utilizing more of the depth of the pantry:

Then my plans evolved into this chicken scratch sketch:

After the plans sat in my head for a while, I used Sketch Up to utilize every square inch of space in the closet side. . .

. . .which you probably saw when I showed you how to build chalkboard front drawers

and how to use vintage rulers as shelf stops.

The closet side of the pantry holds roughly 2/3 of what the original 6 foot wide pantry did!

The other two thirds of the pantry area was set up with upper and lower cabinets and a walnut counter top. I ordered the cabinets from Kith Cabinets (the same manufacturer that made the rest of our kitchen cabinets) because I worried that I wouldn’t be able to match the quality if I built them myself.

The upper cabinet is deceiving because it is actually 18″ deep (as opposed to a normal 12″ deep upper). Which means we have a lot more storage within those cabinets.

We have some amazing storage now! Large pull out shelves hold all the chips, pretzels and snacks. I debated ordering a three drawer cabinet, but ultimately knew I’d prefer the deeper storage that the trays offered.

At some point, I’ll build custom dividers for the chips and snacks. The baskets work well, but there is a 3-4″ gap behind them that I could use. (I’m all about utilizing that space wasted space!)

The drawer is perfect for coffee stirrers, extra k-cups, plastic utensils, straws and more.

Speaking of coffee, it’s a wonderful feeling having a dedicated coffee station now.

When guests come to our house, the first stop (after the mudroom) is the coffee bar! I wish I had a photo of the bi-fold pantry doors before. They were uninviting and bland. This is essentially what they looked like:

Source

BORING!

This is what greets us now:

You may recall our DIY Chalkboard Calendar wall. We still use it for the kids’ and family’s activities. It helps the boys feel more connected with our schedule and lets them keep up with events and upcoming travel.

But wait, that’s not all! Are you ready to see the hidden wine storage?

Hold onto your wine glass!

How cool is that?

We can remove the doors if we want.

This makes the perfect spot for self serve wine at an open house party.

Normally we access half the wine storage at a time.

The real star of this pantry makeover is the rustic reclaimed wood plank wall. (I need to mention that I was approached by Timberchic about working with them on a sponsored post. A year passed before I contacted them back with the idea to use their wood panels in my pantry makeover.)

Those planks are a super DIY friendly product called Timberchic. The wood is salvaged from logs lost during lumber transport in the Maine river and lake systems. You can read the amazing story here and learn how Timberchic is helping the local ecosystem.

The planks can be purchased in 3″ and 5″ lengths. I chose 5 inch planks in a variety of natural and whitewash, then cut them into thirds for my project. (I’ve suggested that Timberchic should sell these thinner planks. Be sure to send them a tweet letting them know you like the thinner look too!)

In the meantime, I put together this little video to show you how easy it is to install the Timberchic panels:

Now we have a beverage center for day or night!

What do you think? Do you like the new pantry, coffee bar and hidden wine storage area?

I’m not sure I can still call this a pantry. A Pantry with Coffee Bar and Hidden Wine Storage?

or does it qualify as a butler’s pantry?

I don’t know for sure, but I do know that I love all the storage. . .

. . .and the view when we come into the kitchen.

Do you have a 6 foot bi-fold pantry? Why not turn it into something you’ve always dreamed about.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Timberchic. I was compensated for my time and promotion of the Timberchic products. As always, I’m very particular about the brands I represent. I only work with products I love and want to share with my closest friends.

June 5, 2017/48 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Build It, Home Tour, organizational tips

Vintage Ruler Stops on Narrow Pantry Shelves

Make Your Own Chalkboard Front Drawers | Organized Pantry | Pretty Handy Girl

While configuring the new pantry, I knew I wanted to use up any and all available space to maximize storage. A shallow shelf took advantage of the 3 inches behind the door frame in the closet side of the pantry. To prevent items from tumbling off these shelves, you can use thin slats of wood. But, I utilized Vintage Ruler Stops on the Narrow Pantry Shelves. Not only do the rulers prevent items from being bumped or knocked off, but they provide a rainbow of color.

If you remember, this was the pantry before:

And these are the plans I made to transform the pantry into something beautiful with more storage.

Installing Vintage Ruler Stops on Narrow Shelves:

(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.)

Optional: Painter’s tape

Instructions:

Cut vintage rulers (or other thin wood material) to the width of the shelf cabinet box. Squeeze a line of Iron Grip Silicone Adhesive along the bottom edge of the shelf and about an inch up on either side.

Press the ruler into the glue and line it up with the bottom edge of the shelf.

Use painter’s tape or a few brad nails to support the ruler while the adhesive cures. Once the GE Iron Grip Adhesive cures it will hold the ruler firmly. Without the adhesive, brad nails will eventually work their way through the wood or fall out.

Repeat for the remaining shelves.

Your shelves are ready to load up with jars and cans!

I love the side storage that was reclaimed in the closet. That was definitely one of my biggest pet peeves about the old pantry — wasted space.

It’s amazing how many jars and cans I can fit on the side.

Do you have a pantry or closet that can use narrow shelves for additional storage? I bet you do ;-).

June 2, 2017/5 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Build It, Video

Pull Out Drawers with Chalkboard Fronts

Did you enjoy that sneak peek of the pantry renovation project? I’m sure you are dying to see what lies behind that closet door. Well, you’re in luck because today you get to see the reveal and learn how I made these Pull Out Drawers with Chalkboard Fronts.

Recently I’ve been putting the finishing touches on the big pantry renovation. Although the space wasn’t that big to start with, I’ve created more usable spots to store our food and pantry items. Part of the renovation involved putting up a wall to create a closet with pull out shelving. This area is 1/3 of the original pantry. But, it holds about 2/3 of the original food items. Amazing!

I started with your standard 6′ wide by 3′ deep closet with bi-fold doors. It may sound like a fair amount of storage space, but the shelves were only 12″ deep and there were only five shelves. Trust me when I say there was a lot of wasted space.

Ready to see the new closet portion of the pantry? Let’s throw open that door and let you see the organization I have in there now!

Hark, I think I hear singing angels! Keep in mind this is only 1/3 of the pantry renovation. The other two thirds will have more storage than you can shake a stick at.

A drastic improvement from the before:

Enough of the ugly, I’m sure you’re really here to find out how to create these fun Pull Out Drawers with Chalkboard Fronts.

Before we begin, I want to thank my sponsor for providing me with GE Iron Grip* 100% silicone adhesive for this project and for the giveaway. Just to be clear, I have partnered with the manufacturer of GE-branded sealants and adhesives to bring you this post, and have been compensated for my honest opinions.

Since receiving this product, I have put it to the test. So far I give it a top score. The curing time is much faster than some other adhesives I’ve worked with. What really sets it apart for me is the clear color, so it blends in with any project: wood, metal, masonry, tile, glass, you name it.

Ready to get building? Great! Let’s get busy making these fun organizational chalkboard front drawers.

Building Chalkboard Front Drawers:

This is an easy build project. You don’t have to use a nail gun if you don’t have one. The brad nails simply hold the box structure in place while the adhesive cures. If you do choose to not use the nail gun, be sure to secure the box with clamps for the required clamp time.

Materials:

(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.)

Optional: Painter’s tape

Cut List:

1/2″ Plywood cut list:

2 – 15 ½” x 6 ¼”
2 – 11″ x 6¼”

1/4″ Plywood cut list:

12″ x 15 ¼”

Masonite panel:

12″ x 6 ½”

Backer band moulding:

12″

Note: If you are using the drawers in an existing cabinet box, measure your opening and create the drawer to your specifications. You’ll also want to follow the guidelines and measurements provided by the drawer slide manufacturer*.

*For this project I used the Blum Tandem full extension soft close drawer slides.

To make things simple for you, I put together this brief video to show you how to build the chalkboard front boxes:

Instructions:

Sand the edges of your plywood pieces to knock off any splinters.

Paint one side of the masonite panel with two coats of chalkboard paint (sand between coats.)

Dry fit your plywood drawer pieces together.

Cut off the tip of your GE Iron Grip* adhesive tube.

Use the stick on your caulk gun to puncture the inner seal.

Run a line of adhesive along the sides of your front and back pieces.

Sandwich the front and back pieces between the side pieces.

Check the box to see if it is square by measuring both diagonals and making adjustments until they are the same length.

Add 2-3 brad nails into the side pieces to secure the box while the adhesive cures.

Wipe off any excess adhesive with a baby wipe or damp paper towel.

If you haven’t cut your 1/4″ plywood base yet, that’s fine. I prefer to cut the base after building the drawer box to insure an accurate fit. Lay the box on top of the 1/4″ plywood and mark the perimeter onto the base.

Cut the plywood base and sand any rough edges.

Run a line of adhesive along the bottom edges of your drawer box.

Line up the base and press it onto the drawer box.

Secure the base with a few nails to hold it in place while the GE Iron Grip* adhesive cures.

Wipe off any excess adhesive that may have squeezed out.

Time to add the chalkboard face. Add a liberal amount of GE Iron Grip* adhesive to the front panel of your drawer.

Center the chalkboard panel on your drawer front. Press firmly on the chalkboard panel to set in place. Let the drawer sit face up until the adhesive has cured.

For a finishing touch, add your backer band piece to act as a handle. Run a line of GE Iron Grip* adhesive along the inside edge of the backer band moulding.

Press the backer band over the front edge of the plywood drawer and chalkboard panel.

Insert your drawers into any cabinet box using the drawer slides of your choice or simply slide the drawer box onto a shelf for better organization of smaller items.

I’m loving my new full extension chalkboard front drawers. It helps the kids (and me) find all our pantry items and keep them organized.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for GE –branded sealants and adhesives.

*Iron Grip is a trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

June 1, 2017/66 Comments/by Brittany Bailey