Crafts Archives - Page 9 of 45

Crafts, Holiday decorating, Thanksgiving

DIY Wood Burning Trivets and Coasters

Wood Burning Cork Trivets - Great Gift Idea!!!

DIY Wood Burning Trivets and Coasters

Hi there, Pretty Handy Girl readers! I’m Vineta from The Handyman’s Daughter, back with another tutorial for you! Every time we host Thanksgiving dinner, we seem to run out of trivets and coasters before the turkey hits the table. This year, I’m solving that problem by making a set of trivets especifically for Thanksgiving!

By using a wood burning tool, instead of paint, the design won’t be transferred to the bottom of a hot plate or glass. These trivets would make a great hostess gift if you’re not hosting the feast this year!

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.)

Instructions:

Guess what! This was my first time wood burning, yet it was really easy to learn. If you can color inside lines, you can do this!

Brush off any loose cork from the surface of your coaster or trivet. Center your stencil on top, then trace around the outside edge with a pencil.

Remove the stencil and touch up any spots that are hard to see.

Open a nearby window before you start. Wood burning cork can create some smoke, and you don’t to set off the fire alarm when you have a hot tool in your hand!

Set your wood burning tool to medium heat. (The guide I used recommended a medium-high heat for burning cork.) Personally, I’d suggest staying on the lower heat end for more control over the color.

Use the tip of the wood burning tool to fill in the small penciled areas.

Use the tip to outline larger areas. Once the outside edge is done, fill in the centers. Slowly drag the flat edge across the surface to burn it to your desired color. The cork will flake off if you burn it to a crisp, revealing a new layer underneath. Just repeat the process with a little less heat.

Combine multiple stencils to create new designs!

Use the flat edge of the wood burning tip to create crisp, straight lines. Drag the wood burning tool from the edge to fill in the rest.

Keep the wood burning tool as vertical as possible. If the side gets too close to the cork, it will start to burn and ruin the design. Luckily, I bought some extra trivets.

For the larger cork trivets, I cut out a few stencils with my Silhouette machine. You could easily print a design on paper and cut it out too!

The designs really stand out on the larger cork trivets! I love how this pumpkin turned out.

I’m especially pleased with this Thankful design. I could use it year round.

No more water rings on your coffee table this Thanksgiving. . .

. . . or burn marks on your dining room table!

Wrap up a set to give as a hostess gift, or keep them with your Thanksgiving decor for next year!

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

~ view more of Vineta’s projects ~

November 1, 2017/6 Comments/by Vineta Jackson

Crafts, Halloween

Spooky Spider Halloween Sign

This black and silver Halloween sign is a spooky way to decorate for the holiday.

Spooky Spider Halloween Sign

Hi there, Pretty Handy Girl readers! I’m Vineta from The Handyman’s Daughter, back with another tutorial for you! This time, I’m making a spooky spider Halloween sign to coordinate with the rest of my black and silver Halloween decorations.

I love making signs out of scrap wood because a) they’re free and b) it whittles down my enormous scrap pile! You may have seen this teacher sign I posted here a few months ago. My personal favorite is the Let it Snow sign I created for my winter mantel.

Creating a three dimensional element to a sign really makes it pop! I’m adding plastic spiders to this Halloween sign for a similar effect. Nothing creeps me out more than a dangling spider!

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.)

Scrap plywood
Drill
3″ hole saw attachment (or a jigsaw)
Black and silver paint
Plastic spiders
Fishing line
Hot glue gun

How to Make a Spooky Spider Halloween Sign

Measure the size of your plastic spiders. Mine are about 2 1/2″ across. This will determine how big a hole you need to make.

The spiders will dangle in the center of the holes, so words like BOO or SPOOKY will work best for this Halloween sign. You can create a design using a Silhouette or Cricut machine (this is the file I used), or use a simple letter stencil.

Mark the center of the O with a small drill bit.

Place the bit of a 3″ hole saw on the mark and cut a circle all the way through the plywood. Sand all the edges smooth.

Paint the entire board including the inside of the holes black.

Apply the stencil to the board, centering the O’s over the holes.

I decided to try this silver paint marker instead of regular paint to see if it helped prevent bleeding under the stencil.

Unfortunately, I still needed to touch up a few spots with a flat bristled artist brush. Sigh.

Time to add the spiders! Use a hot glue gun to attach a strand of fishing line to the back of the spiders. I had this fishing line left over from creating my kokedama, and it just happened to be the SpiderWire brand. How fitting!

Center the spiders in the holes, and attach the other end of the fishing line to the back of the Halloween sign. I also hot glued the top ends of the spider legs to the top of the O’s to keep them from twisting on the line.

I added another spider to the front of the sign with hot glue. Now it’s ready to join the rest of the Halloween decor on our newly remodeled mantel!

I’m not a huge fan of orange, so most of our Halloween decor is silver and black. This Halloween sign fits right in!

Have a happy Halloween!

~ view more of Vineta’s projects ~

Did you like this project? If so, I know you’re going to go crazy over these DIY Spider Stools:

October 4, 2017/2 Comments/by Vineta Jackson

arts and craft, Build It, Crafts, decor, Popular, Stashbusting, Trash to Treasure, Upcycling

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

If you make things out of wood you know almost every project leaves scrap wood. Why not use up those scraps by making some of these 71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects?

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

These projects definitely won’t break the bank and they will keep the scraps out of the trash. As a bonus, most make a great gift idea. Enjoy!

Relax in style with this Rustic Wood Bathtub Tray.

This Rustic Pallet Serving Tray is beautiful and functional.

Have some family fun with these DIY Yard Dice.

Make this Switches and Locks Playboard for a little one in your life.

Simple Create Art Block Holders for your craft area or to give as a gift.

Make this unique and clever DIY Feather Art using old yardsticks and scraps.

This cute Rustic Wooden Caddy with Branch Handle can hold anything.

Celebrate fall with a beautiful DIY Fall Leaf Art Sign.

Make this White Washed Window Box from a discarded wine crate.

Love your city? Create the perfect Coffee Serving Map Tray.

A few boards are all you need to make this Personalized Wall Shelf with loads of storage.

Build an adorable House-shaped Mailbox.

Forget a wreath, remind everyone that home is where the heart is with this House-shaped Door Decor.

All these amazing Storage Options using just one board!

Get organized with these simple DIY Drawer Dividers.

Show your appreciation to a teacher with this Wooden Sign Teacher Gift.

Brighten up your Springtime table with these Bunny Place Cards.

Repurpose and make a Mousetrap Memo Pad.

Make a Valentines Wreath from tree branches for a loved one.

Customize this Rustic Farm Crate Sign for your home using new scrap wood (plus, learn how to age the wood.)

Make this Decorative Shelf using Crown Molding.

This DIY Lollipop Stand is sure to be a hit at your next party.

Share your love with this Valentine String Art Engraving.

This DIY Marble Toss Game would be fun for anyone.

Be the coolest parent around by making these DIY Kids Scooters.

A Jewelry Organizer is simple yet a must-have.

Organize your fruits and veggies with this DIY Produce Rack.

These whimsical DIY Owl Bookends add fun to any room.

Keep your keys close at hand with this magic State Pride Magnetic Key Holder.

These Snowflake Christmas Trivets are perfect for your holiday dinner.

What kid wouldn’t love this DIY Spider Stool?

An Apple Pencil Holder would make a great gift for your favorite teacher.

This Doorstop With a Handle makes an adorable stop that also helps keep your door open.

Super cute! This Rustic Home Sign can be made in any size using scrap wood.

Create a Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign for perfect holiday decor.

Add some character to your room this fall with Framed Pumpkins.

These Easy Gold and Faux Marble Coasters are modern, clean and you can make them with scrap wood!

Make these incredibly simple 4×4 Picture Frames to display your memories.

Forget the skirt, make a Christmas Tree Crate to hold your tree.

Have a fair amount of scraps? Make this Lost and Found Center for your local school.

Make a Rolling Plant Caddy so you never have to carry heavy planters again.

This Candle Lantern From Leftover Trim is sleek and modern.

Does your kid need a DIY Karate Belt Display? Make one easily!

Your furry friend will love this DIY Cat Scratcher Post.

Make this Folding Guitar Stand to keep your instrument accessible.

These adorable Toddler Animal Stools would be loved by any child in your life.

Make this Are you Woman Enough? Plywood Sign for your shop, or customize the wording easily.

Make a Tray Gift Box for your next present.

This Rustic Wood King Headboard is simple and affordable.

Make this fun summer display for a party or lemonade stand. Who doesn’t love Giant Citrus Fruit?

Let the kids play for hours with this Hot Wheels Car Racing Ramp.

Create this Wood and Copper Cake Stand for an awesome display of your baking masterpiece.

Rustic and soft Fabric and Wood Coasters are easy to make for gifts.

Build some Rustic Wooden Box Crates for your cabinet or shelf.

How sweet are these Floating Wood Block Picture Frames?

You can make this Easy Wooden Chalkboard Sign for any season.

These Rustic Wood Lanterns are the perfect decor for any room.

Find free driftwood at the beach and make your own Driftwood Gift Crates.

Endless options with these Scrap Moulding Trays.

Wow your visitors with these Plywood Frames with Glass.

Use various scraps to make an adorable Scrap Wood Christmas Tree this year!

This Reclaimed Wood Wall Hook and Vase would look great in an entryway.

With a bunch of scrap wood you could Install a Scrap Wood Wall.

Keep your device upright with this Scrap Wood iPad Tray.

This Scrap Wood Wine Holder is simple, but oh so handy.

Keep your tools, cleaning supplies, and so many other things organized in this Scrap Wood Caddy.

This Two Tiered Plant Stand is a modern and stylish way to display your plants.

This Industrial Ironing Board Rack would save space and keep you organized.

Display memorabilia in this awesome DIY Shadow Box Frame.

This Scrap Wood Planter Box is a quick and easy way to grow your own herb garden this year.

Keep your recipes or notes at eye level with this Easy Clipboard Stand.

If you like these projects, please share! Here’s an image you can pin it on Pinterest:

Which were your favorite scrap wood projects? And other ideas you have for using up scrap wood? I’d love to hear it.

Here are some other round ups you may like:

35 Upcycled DIY Gift Ideas

25 Ideas for Tabletop Gardens and Terrariums

Pin for later!

September 1, 2017/8 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Crafts, Recycling Box, Upcycling, vase

Faux Stone Vase from Recycled Bottle

Make a Faux Stone Vase from a Recycled Bottle | Pretty Handy Girl

Hey, guys!! It’s Anika from Anika’s DIY Life back again with a quick and easy project. I hoard glass bottles and vases. My garage has an entire shelf full of bottles and I love giving them fun updates like this 5 minute marbled vase and the upcycled spice bottle “wind-chime”. Recently I turned my attention to this bottle vase and decide to make a Faux Stone Vase from a Recycled Bottle.

I bought the bottle vase at a yard sale about 8 years ago for $0.50. At the time, it “kind of” fit in with my decor, but over time it started to look out of place and needed an update. Nothing a little bit of spray paint and clay flowers can’t fix. Want to see how to create your own Faux Stone Vase from a Recycled Bottle with 3-D Clay Flowers?

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.)

Old vase of your choice
White spray primer
Stone spray paint (I used Charcoal sand)
Oven bake clay
Colored spray paint of your choice (I used Candy Pink)
Hot glue gun

Instructions:

Step 1 – Use rubbing alcohol or lemon oil to remove any sticker residue. Clean the vase well with soapy warm water to remove any old dirt and grime.

Step 2 – Give the bottle a couple coats of spray primer. Allow to dry. Coat the bottle with a few layers of stone spray paint. (Tip: when using the stone spray paint, use quick short bursts. This gives the best coverage and texture.)

Step 3 – Mold the oven bake clay into flower shapes. You can make flower petals by rolling a ball, then press it between your fingers into shape.

Step 4 – Bake flower petals in the oven per manufacturer instructions. After they cool, spray paint them to your desired color (or leave them the color of your clay.)

Step 5 – Glue the flowers onto the vase using hot glue.

What do you think of the Faux Stone Vase from aRecycled Bottle? That’s a big change. I love the texture of stone and the chic vibe of the pink flowers!

If you like hoarding recycled glass jars and bottles, you’ll love these 20 upcycled bottle and jar ideas:

Until next time,

~ Read More of Anika’s Tutorials ~

July 12, 2017/4 Comments/by Anika Gandhi

arts and craft, Crafts, decor, Upcycling

DIY Glass-Etched Vases

Happy New Year! This is Lindi, visiting again from Love Create Celebrate. How many of you are deep into cleaning and purging mode?! My husband and I have already cleaned out FIVE closets since the New Year! We’re pretty proud actually! lol. When I was cleaning, I came across these old milk bottles and had the perfect idea to DIY them! I can’t wait to show you how easy it was to make these Glass-Etched Vases.

I’m ALL about quick and easy DIYs. I try to make things that are easy, functional, and that I will be proud to display in my home. Since I didn’t want to purge these old bottles, I found the perfect solution.

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.)

Glass bottle or vase
Glass Etching Cream
Foam brush
Elastic bands

Instructions:

Start by placing your elastic bands at various angles around your bottle or vase. Make sure that the elastics are tight (so they don’t slip) and flat.