Hello all! I have a fantastic DIY project today that will help you with storage, organization, and will free up floor space.
Recently my son moved into his first college apartment and as you would expect in a first apartment, space is at a premium. My son wanted to mount his TV on the wall and also have storage for games and his components. To solve both issues I came up with a floating TV shelf stand that would maximize his storage but also be perfect in small rooms (depending if he wanted it in the bedroom, living room, family room, or other spot.)
There are many tv stand designs we could have bought, but he wanted a floating look and something that went with his modern apartment vibe. Together we talked about several design options, but ultimately decided to build this simple DIY project together.
After building and finishing the floating shelf in my workshop, we transported it to his college town for installation. It was pretty straightforward, but we had to finish the build by drilling holes for cable management once we got to his apartment (and could see the size of the plugs.) Once it was hung, he fished the wires for the TV and components through the holes we made and plugged it into the wall. Then we filled the shelf with games and gaming components.
Measure your TV base before beginning. Feel free to enlarge the width of your floating tv stand. It’s not recommended to increase the depth of your shelf by more than an inch or two. Making your shelf deeper than 12 inches can cause your shelf to sag or not be as sturdy on the front edge.
This shelf is very easy to build and doesn’t require any special tools. You can have it completed in a couple hours and hung on the wall in about five minutes.
First you’ll need a few building materials and the right tools. I’ve listed them below for your convenience.
Floating TV Shelf 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.)
Depending on how tall you want your shelf, you can either use a 2″x 4″ (which would make the opening in your shelf 3 ½” tall). Or you can use a 2″x 6″ (which would make the opening 5 ½” tall). If you have a table saw, you can rip whatever size board to the custom height you want. (For this build, I ripped a 2″x 6″ down to 4″ wide for my frame.)
Once you determine the width you want, cut a piece at 48″ long. Then, cut your three pieces at 10 ½” long.
Installation Instructions:
It’s crucial that you install your shelf to wall studs for a secure installation. For this tutorial I am assuming you are mounting your floating shelf on a wood construction wall with drywall. If you have another wall type, you may need other use strong anchors (masonry anchors or other) to secure your shelf.
Use a level to make sure the shelf is level. Locate at least 2 studs (3 is better) behind the shelf and use structural screws at least 4″ long to attach through the back of the shelf into the studs. And that’s it. You’re done!
This shelf frees up space below for more storage or to keep a minimal and modern look in your home.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Floating-TV-shelf-styled.jpg7681344Shara Mhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgShara M2026-01-02 07:00:002026-01-06 08:20:55How to Build a Floating TV Storage Shelf Stand
Don’t toss that wood! Looking for thoughtful handmade gift ideas? This roundup features 40+ creative DIY gifts you can make from scrap wood, perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
Scrap Wood Gift Ideas
If you’ve ever stared at your scrap wood pile wondering what on earth to do with it, you’re not alone. This collection of DIY gift ideas is here to fix that!
Each project includes a full tutorial and can be made with simple basic tools. We’ll show you how to take pieces from that pile and turn them into a unique piece that’s not only functional but also full of personality.
Whether you’re making something for a friend, a family member, or even yourself, these projects are all about letting your creativity shine.
What’s great about this collection is how versatile it is. From rustic home decor to clever organizers, every idea lets you put your own spin on it and really show off your creative expression.
Plus, there’s something so satisfying about taking something that might’ve been tossed aside and turning it into the perfect gift.
If you love hands-on projects and want to impress your loved ones with something truly one-of-a-kind, these simple scrapwood projects are just the ticket!
Scrap Wood Gift Ideas
45 creative DIY gift ideas transform scrap wood into charming, personalized treasures. From rustic home decor to practical organizers, these woodworking projects make thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts.
Here’s how to make a rustic wood bathtub tray, a the perfect DIY for holding your book, candle, or glass of wine while you lock the door and enjoy a long, relaxing soak.
These DIY gift caddies made from scrap trim are a fun, budget-friendly way to make a unique gift basket while using up leftover wood from your scrap pile.
Looking for a simple project? These quick DIY trays and gift boxes are perfect for organizing, decorating, or gifting. Easy to make and great for any occasion!
Give an old wooden box new life! Add a touch of charm and personality by transforming it with a unique branch handle for a fun, nature-inspired upgrade.
Create a beautiful reclaimed wood wall hook and vase perfect for adding rustic charm and a touch of nature to your home décor. Easy and budget-friendly DIY!
Turn small crates and boxes into gift baskets for friends. It’s a fun way to use leftover scrap wood and create a gift that doubles as a stylish organizer for a desk or shelf. I’ll show you how to make one with driftwood!
Learn how to build a charming striped porch swing using free scrap wood and a little Krazy Glue to hold the slats in place! This easy, budget-friendly project is perfect for adding a cozy spot to relax on your porch.
It’s surprising how a rustic tray can turn an everyday meal or dessert into something special. This easy decorative pallet serving tray is a simple DIY project anyone can tackle! There is nothing better than giving, or receiving handmade gifts!
I spotted a set of yard dice and immediately added them to my “things to make” list. They ended up being surprisingly easy to create and so much fun to play with! Here’s how you can make your own.
Looking for great gifts for the creatives on your list? This block desk & art utensil holder is a fun, easy project that you can customize however you like. Bonus: kids can join in on the painting step!
While you’re sorting through your scrap wood bin, set aside a few pieces to make these charming owl bookends. They’re not only adorable but also perfect for tidying up your bookshelf!
This DIY Snowflake Christmas Trivet tutorial shows you how to make a festive project that doubles as both charming holiday decor and a handy accessory for your big family gatherings.
Learn how to create your own rustic home sign using a scrap piece of wood you probably have on hand. If your wood isn’t wide enough, simply glue two pieces together.
A few scraps of trim left over from a fireplace remodel were turned into a candle lantern with a lovely streamlined look. Add a pair of them to your dining room table for a great centerpiece idea.
Designing this stand was a fun challenge as I figured out the curves and how to make a folding guitar stand that collapses flat for easy storage. I'm so happy with how it turned out!
What toddler wouldn’t adore these super cute DIY animal toddler stools? Ready to tackle this adorable project today? I hope so! And the best part, they’re made from real scrap wood!
Add the flavors of summer to your home decor with these giant citrus slices! This project is a simple way to use up oddly-shaped wood scraps while adding a bright pop of color to your mantel or drink stand.
Spend some quality time making a wooden racing track with your kids! If you have boys, chances are you’ve got Hot Wheels cars at home. This race car ramp makes the best gift.
Make this stylish wood and copper cake stand in just a few steps! Cut a round wooden board for the top, attach a copper pipe or fitting as the base, and secure it with strong adhesive or screws. Finish with food-safe sealant for a modern, elegant dessert display.
These fabric and wood coasters bring a cozy touch of holiday cheer to your coffee table, and the best part? You probably already have everything you need to make them!
Have someone on your gift list who’s hard to shop for? Here’s the perfect idea—make them a wood block floating picture frame using scrap 2×4 lumber and a piece of plexiglass!
I used some scrap plywood to create custom frames for my kids’ silhouettes. Since custom framing can be pricey, and not every piece fits a standard store-bought frame, this DIY plywood frame is the perfect budget-friendly solution!
Looking for a budget-friendly gift idea? Build an iPad tray stand! Using a few pieces of scrap wood, you can create a simple and stylish stand that holds a tablet perfectly for reading, cooking, or watching shows hands-free.
I recently raided my scrap pile and whipped up this easy DIY wine holder. It’s simple, rustic, and easy to customize to hold as many bottles as you need!
This simple and versatile scrap wood caddy is a fun project you can make in no time! Perfect for organizing craft supplies, tools, or even using as a rustic gift basket, it’s a great way to turn leftover wood into something both useful and charming.
I put some of my leftover wood scraps to good use by building a two-tiered plant stand! It’s a simple and stylish project that adds height and dimension to any plant display—perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Turn those leftover scraps into something beautiful with a DIY Scrap Wood Shadow Box Frame! This project is a perfect way to repurpose small wood pieces while creating a unique, rustic frame to display photos, keepsakes, or small treasures.
This easy clipboard stand is a clever way to give new life to an old clipboard and a scrap 2×4. Functional and versatile, this simple project is perfect for organizing your desk or displaying notes in style.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Scrap-Wood-Gift-Ideas-3.jpg12001200Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-11-07 07:00:002025-10-30 19:33:4445 DIY Scrap Wood Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Make gorgeous gifts and crafts using items from your recycling bin, scrap pile or even the trash. 35 creative and eco-friendly DIY gift ideas!
DIY Gift Ideas & Crafts
When it comes to giving something meaningful, DIY gifts are always a win. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, surprising a family member, or getting ready for the holiday season, the best part about these amazing homemade gifts is the love and thought that go into them.
Unlike store-bought gifts, these crafty ideas show off your creativity and add that personal touch everyone appreciates.
In this post, we’re sharing fun and easy DIY gift and craft ideas that are perfect for any time you want to make someone feel extra special.
Gift & Craft Ideas Made from Trash, Scraps & Recyclables
A scrap wood wine holder is a great way to repurpose leftover wood into something stylish and useful. With a simple step-by-step tutorial, you can create a handmade piece that’s both practical and thoughtful—perfect for impressing any gift recipient.
A window box from a wine crate is a creative and eco-friendly project that makes a great gift idea. It’s especially perfect for Mother’s Day, adding a personal touch she’ll love.
20 upcycled recycled glass crafts that make the best gifts! From mason jar projects to your own candles and homemade bath salts, each idea can be customized to the recipient’s interests.
This rustic wine bottle centerpiece gift idea comes with a full tutorial so you can make it yourself. It’s a creative idea that works for any time of year!
Don’t pitch glass bottles—cut them in half and turn them into something amazing! From planters to décor, this DIY is perfect for upcycling your favorite things and makes a unique gift, especially when you add pretty flowers.
Create a living wall lattice privacy screen that not only adds charm to your outdoor space but also goes the extra mile by providing both beauty and function.
Turn old jars and bottles into frosted glass vases from the recycling bin! This easy DIY is budget-friendly, stylish, and perfect for home décor or gifting.
These easy decoupage citrus glass plates are a fun way to add a pop of color to your table or gift. Pair them with a printable tag for a thoughtful handmade touch.
Create a charming vintage-inspired centerpiece using an old produce crate—no power tools required! Perfect for farmhouse décor, seasonal displays, or a rustic touch for your table.
Create beautiful DIY ornaments with beveled glass by upcycling an old brass light—a sparkling, creative project that adds unique charm to your holiday decor!
One of my favorite handmade gift ideas is to put together a gift basket. Here is a charming hostess gift basket in a paint can—a fun, creative way to package your favorite DIY gifts for any occasion!
Craft a rustic wine crate with rope handles—a stylish, functional DIY that’s perfect for home decor, storage, or gifting. This would be a perfect gift for book lovers to hold their favorite books.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Gift-Craft-Ideas-Made-from-Trash-Scraps-Recyclables-3.jpg12001200Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-10-10 07:00:002025-09-10 11:03:1935+ Genius DIY Gift Ideas Made from Trash, Scraps & Recyclables
Today’s tip is a DIY laundry detergent recipe that is gentle on your washer (HE and regular), but most importantly it will save you money!
If you’ve ever looked at the cost of store-bought detergents, you may have choked at the cost. I have a wonderful detergent recipe to make your own own homemade laundry detergent for only $1.25 per year!
And the detergent is low suds and low residue which will keep your washer and clothes cleaner.
How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent
If you think this homemade liquid laundry detergent couldn’t possibly work on dirty clothes, think again. I can tell you that in addition to our regular clothing, I’ve been using this recipe for 9 years on my boys’ clothes, on my own work clothes, and my husband’s karate clothing. And it really works.
The great thing about this laundry detergent is the basic ingredients are simple, gentle on sensitive skin, and can be purchased at your grocery store. Just look on the high or low shelves in the laundry detergent aisle.
If you can’t find them in the laundry aisle, it’s always a good idea to look at your local hardware or home improvement store.
To make the homemade detergent, you only need about 15 minutes and then let the liquid detergent sit overnight. The next morning, you stir, add more cold water, and you are done!
Do you think that’s too much time to devote to making your own laundrysoap? What if I told you that this batch lasts our family of four (did I mention two of them are young boys) six months or more.
Several of you asked me to make a video showing how I make my own detergent. For your convenience you can watch the video, then scroll down to read the directions to make your own laundry soap.
Ingredients:
(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.)
Please note, you can purchase these items cheaper at your local grocery store or hardware store. The links are here to help you see what the box looks like or to order if you can’t get to the store.
Optional: Essential Oil for Scent (see below for scent ideas)
Instructions:
The first step is to cut your Fels Naptha Bar in quarters. Grate one quarter of the Fels Naptha Bar using a fine cheese grater.
Boil 1 cup of water. Pour grated Fel Naptha into pan of boiling water. Stir continuously until the soap has dissolved. Meanwhile, pour 2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) of water into a large container or bucket. Pour dissolved Fels Naptha into the bucket of water. Stir.
Add 1/4 cup Super Washing Soda and 2 TBSP Borax to the bucket.
Add 2 1/2 quarts more water and stir.
Cover the mixture and let is sit overnight out of reach of pets or children. Uncover the bucket and stir the gelatinous mix.
Add 5 Quarts (20 cups) of water to the bucket. Stir.
If your clothing gets stained, try soaking in this miracle stain remover a day or two before laundering. You’ll be amazed how the stain lifts out effortlessly. It’s a great way to get even the toughest stains out.
How did I figure out my cost per year?
I had to do a little guestimating to figure out my cost. In the nine years I’ve been making this recipe, I’m only on my second box of Borax and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.
Each batch of this homemade laundry soap consists of at least 4o cups. If you use the required 1/4 cup per load (do not use more, as more detergent won’t get your clothing cleaner) you can easily get 160 loads of laundry from each batch.
All this to say, I came up with a very conservative estimate that I pay $1.25 for laundry detergent per year, much less than commercial detergents.
The next time you have a load of laundry to wash, give this diy laundry soap a try. You may never buy commercial laundry detergent again!
Storing Your Laundry Detergent:
The first time I started making this recipe, I used my empty laundry detergentplastic container. But, it was often too small for the batch size. Next, I used an empty 2.5 Gallon bucket water jug.
The large drink dispenser holds all the excess detergent. This is a prettier solution to storing all the detergent and looks better on your laundry room shelf.
Gift Idea:
Once you try this DIY laundry detergent, I know you’ll love it. And then you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know!
It does not contain any harsh chemicals and takes just a little bit of time to make. I like to share the recipe with a small sample amount in a laundry themed basket.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DIY-Laundry-Detergent.jpg12001200Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-10-06 07:00:002025-10-05 22:18:11How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent for Only $1.25 per year
If you’ve been searching for a mattress that won’t break down and need to be thrown away after several years, you came to the right blog post. I was like you until I found what I call our DIY Latex Mattress. It’s a great option for any type of sleeper and is eco-friendly.
FYI, this is an article I released in 2014, but I added an update and I still sing the praised of our DIY Latex Mattress! If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you really need to read on.
Our DIY Latex Mattress: the Savvy Rest Serenity
Disclosure:
Here’s the disclosure before you start reading. It seems like every blogger has been approached by a mattress manufacturer. I’ve received a fair amount of pitches as well in my inbox. But, I’ve declined them all. Instead, I chose to approach Savvy Rest because I REALLY wanted to share their product with you. BUT, here’s the whole truth (and nothing but the truth.) Once you learn a little more about latex mattresses, it is going to be a sleep changer for a lot of you! Savvy Rest was nice enough to consider my proposal and agreed to send me the mattress in exchange for a mention on my blog. Just so you know, I choose the brands I want to work with because I love the products. If I don’t like a product, I don’t blog about it. This is one of those products that I have recommended to my friends, family and anyone who will listen to my ravings.
Update:It’s now been over four years since we began sleeping on our Savvy Rest Serenity mattress and we are still happy with it. Recently Savvy Rest asked if I’d like to use affiliate links since I still sing the praises of their product. 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. Now that you know the whole truth, this is my opinion and my story:
Why I Love Our Savvy Rest Latex Foam Mattress:
When I shared our master bedroom plans, I told you that it all started with getting a new mattress. And, I have been dying to share the information about that mattress with you! I literally have to control myself from stopping random strangers on the street to tell them about this amazing latex mattress that I discovered. In fact, as I sit here typing this post I’m worried that it’s going to sound too much like an infomercial because of how much I love our Savvy Rest Serenity latex mattress. In a nutshell, here are the main reasons I have fallen head over heels in love with it:
Comfort & Support: It is amazingly comfortable and supportive. We’ve been sleeping on it for a month now and my back aches are GONE!
All Organic: Made with natural materials. No chemicals, no off-gassing, no bleaching! The cover is made with natural cotton and organic wool. The interior layers are natural talalay latex and/or organic dunlop latex. I have purchased memory foam mattresses in the past and the odor was awful.
Eco-friendly mattress: Not only are the materials natural (harvested from rubber trees in a process that doesn’t harm the tree), but this mattress will last you a lot longer than any traditional mattress (often times latex mattresses can last 20 years or more!) This means less waste going to the landfill! And you know how passionate I am about keeping things out of the landfill.
Customization for Your Needs: It is completely customizable to your support and pressure relief needs. (As well as separate customization for your partner.)
Sounds good right? But, this isn’t your average mattress. I like to call this a DIY mattress because you literally pick three distinct latex foam layers to customize to your comfort needs. First, you choose either talalay or dunlop latex or a combination. Then you can choose between soft, medium and firm. This offers you more firmness options than you can count sheep!
Let’s not forget about your spouse who likely has completely different comfort needs. He or she can chose their own comfort layers when you select the Savvy Rest Serenity split queen or split king mattress. This is the key to a happy marriage, is it not?!
But, I want to back up and discuss a little more about how I realized we needed a new mattress and how I decided on a Savvy Rest mattress.
