Pressed faux flowers behind glass

Pressed Faux Flowers

Hello, Pretty Handy Girl friends! Julie from love my simple home here, with a new DIY project! Pressed faux flowers behind glass is quick and easy to make. You’ll end up with a beautiful piece of leaning art that you can display on a shelf in your home.

Materials:

Faux Silk Flowers
Glass from two picture frames in different sizes
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun
Craft Glue

Instructions:

Choose two different size picture frames (they can be any size you want.) Make sure they will fit on your shelf. I used one 5″ x 7″ and one 8″ x 10″.

Remove the back and the glass from your picture frames.

2. Select the flowers of your choice. Pull the blooms off the plastic stems.

3. Cut the plastic stems from the flowers. Use your scissors for this task.

4. Arrange the flowers any way you like on top of the larger piece of glass. When you like what you see, add a dab of craft glue to the back of each flower and gently press onto the glass.

6. Place the smaller piece of glass on top of your lovely flower arrangement. Grab your trusty hot glue gun and put a dab of glue on the four corners of the smaller glass piece.

7. Flip the glass, then lay the glass down over the flowers. The glass should be centered on the large piece of glass. Gently push down on the four corners and hold it in place for about 30 seconds or more until the glue adheres to the glass. After the top piece of glass is in place, the flowers will lay flat pressed between the two pieces of glass.

That’s it, you now have a beautiful piece of leaning art you can display on a shelf in your home.

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy DIY art idea.

Be sure to check out my other tutorials here at Pretty Handy Girl and over on my website love my simple home.

May 24, 2018/2 Comments/by Julie at Love My Simple Home

Centerpieces, cloche, decor, Decorating, DIY, Home Decor

Spring Cloche Idea

DIY Spring Decor Cloche table centerpiece

Spring Cloche Idea

Hi, it’s Julie from Love My Simple Home back with another simple DIY tutorial. Today I have a quick project using a cloche, faux spring flowers, and live moss to create a beautiful spring cloche.

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:

You can purchase moss at most craft stores or find it free in your yard (like I did.) Did you know moss is super easy to dig up? Just use your fingers to peel it off the ground.

Place the moss on top of the plate and trim the edges so there is no overhang when the cloche is placed on top. No need to worry about the moss drying because the cloche acts as a greenhouse and keeps the moss moist.

Use your wire cutters to trim the branches and stems of your faux spring flowers. Cut them at various heights and make sure to trim to fit inside the cloche. You can make the arrangement full by adding more branches or keep it light and airy with just a few.

Tips for decorating with faux flowers:

Select faux flowers that are in season.
Buy flowers that have the closest color and texture as the real deal.
Add something live to your arrangement to trick the mind into thinking the fakes are real.

After the branches and stems are cut to size, it is time to make your arrangement. Position the tallest branch in the middle of the moss then place the other branches and stems around it. Push the stems and branches inside the moss and dirt for a secure hold.

You might have to play around with the flowers until you get an arrangement you like.

Once you have all the branches and stems in place, go ahead and place the cloche over your arrangement and display it in your home.

That’s it for today, be sure to check out my other projects here at Pretty Handy Girl and over at my blog love my simple home.

If you liked this post, you’ll love these other spring decorating ideas!

Quick Spring Decorating Ideas

Spring Flower Wreath Tutorial

April 25, 2018/2 Comments/by Julie at Love My Simple Home

Aged, decor, Decorating, DIY, Do It Yourself, Home Decor, Uncategorized, Upcycling

111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas

Do you love farmhouse decor as much as I do? What is Farmhouse Style exactly? It can be described as worn, weathered, rustic, comfy, or anything that reminds us of a simpler time. If you’re like me (and love all things farmhouse), you may find yourself being lured into buying new decor that can put a dent in your budget. But, rest assured, today I’m giving you 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas to help you create the space you desire for less money. Get ready to be inspired!

DIY Lanterns for your mantel or side table.

DIY Sheet Metal Trays to display on tables, counters, or your desk.

Upcycle an old window into sweet wall decor.

DIY Personalized Wood Slice Coasters to decorate your table.

Make a tray from a cabinet door for serving drinks at your next party.

Make this Home State Pride Garden Flag from a Placemat to add some interest to your yard.

Sew these memory making Reversible Recipe Placemats for a personal touch to your tablescape.

Hanging Beaded Flower Vases add color and sparkle to your windows.

Make this State Capital Rustic Tray to carry coffee each morning.

This Artist Inspiration Board is made from an Old Window for the artist in your home.

Another window can be transformed into a memo board with Colored Chalkboard Paint (make custom colors for your chalkboard projects.)

Gorgeous Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Plates to hang on your wall.

How to Install a Scrap Wood Wall to add character to any room!

Easy DIY Yard Stick Star to stand or display on your mantel.

DIY Chalkboard Painted Mugs to give to guests at your next holiday party.

A DIY Metal Number Sign adds rustic/industrial interest to your wall collage.

This DIY Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece adds rustic beauty to your table. Best of all, you don’t need any power tools to make it!

Reusable Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial would be cute hanging on a wall hook in your mudroom. Or use them at the grocery store and watch the other shoppers gawk.

Make Upcycled Cabinet Door Chalkboard Art to add a sweet quote to your wall.

DIY Feather Art is unique and eye-catching.

This DIY Star Garland is simple yet impactful for year round decor.

Customize a tote bag with an old shirt to carry everything you need.

Make a Driftwood Gift Crate to attractively store books, trinkets, or any small items in your home.

Frosted Glass Vases from the recycling bin can be used all over your home, with flowers or none.

This Fork Photo Holder is a simple and fun way to display photos!

An Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame lets your kids write messages on their door.

Decorated Chalkboard Clipboards are a great way to stay organized or give as gifts to the teachers.

Create a Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame to display photos anywhere.

Make a Decorative Barn Door for impactful wall decor.

Dress up a Dormer Window with Shutters to add cute character to a window.

Build a DIY Gift Tray or Box (because you can always use trays for a multitude of things.)

A DIY Barn Wood Picture Frame adds some rustic charm to your art.

Make a Concrete and Wood Planter for your sweet succulents.

This Pottery Barn Inspired Lantern came from a super inexpensive source! You too can score one like it for less than $10!

Learn how to paint and antique an old wash stand or any furniture.

This Rustic Wooden Caddy with a Branch Handle is the perfect farmhouse accent with rustic charm.

Create a Faux Ceiling Medallion with Stencils to add instant decorative detail to your room.

Follow this Aged Painted Pail Tutorial to create chippy paint on almost any surface.

Try Refinishing a Garden Bench to update furniture that has seen better days.

Shutters are great for Displaying Christmas Cards or any cards throughout the year. It’s the perfect tall decorating item for your farmhouse look.

A White Washed Window Box from a Wine Crate is perfect for a farmhouse accent for any window.

This Vintage Step Stool Makeover transformed from an old worn out style to new farmhouse style.

Create a Rustic Wood Headboard to add farmhouse beauty to your bedroom. You’ll be surprised by how affordable this project is.

Cut and Finish an Old Tabletop To Create a Wood Desktop in your kitchen instead of spending big money on countertops.

A White Washed Patriotic Flag adds a patriotic farmhouse feel.

Rubber Bronzing Cabinet Hardware can update your dated cabinet knobs and pulls.

A Painted, Stenciled, and Distressed Table was previously a dumpster cast off.

A Rustic Pie Safe got a vintage makeover with some Milk Paint in a bright color. (Farmhouse style doesn’t have to be colorless.)

Have an old fridge you don’t mind painting? Add a Chalkboard Calendar to keep your family on schedule.

Chippy Painted Corbels are the definition of farmhouse style. This is one tutorial you must read!

This Easy Faux Cross Stitch Tea Towel is a sweet farmhouse accent to your kitchen.

This DIY Chalkboard Calendar Wall is one way to be sure you don’t miss an activity.

A Painted and Distressed Wood Tutorial will help you add rustic colorful wood anywhere you want.

DIY Vintage Painted Oars are a fun way to add nautical accents.

Install a Branch Towel Bar to add some nature to your bathroom.

Chalk Painted Wooden Stools are handy and attractive to have around.

Learn How to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly and save some money on that aged metal look.

My Personal Gray Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe is perfect for the farmhouse aesthetic.

A Scrap Wood Christmas Tree is a great farmhouse holiday centerpiece.

Create Inexpensive Faux Copper Patina to add gorgeous character to your home.

This Book Page Rose Wreath is a beautiful DIY craft.

The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique Tutorial can be used for many items or furniture for a farmhouse look.

Aging and Antiquing Furniture Legs gives it an old, worn and beautiful look.

Build a Blue Loft Bed with colorful wood stain, so pretty!

Make an Old Sign from a Footboard to decorate your mantel. Signs like this sell for hundreds of dollars, but this one will cost you much less!

Create a Unique Wine Rack From an Old Dresser for an instant bar cart.

Old Paintbrush Cabinet Door Handles are a clever addition to your craft room.

An Autumn Book Page Leaf Garland is a pretty and simple DIY craft that looks great.

For your springtime tablescape, make this DIY Springtime and Easter Blue Bird Nest.

DIY a Rustic Farm Crate Sign to fake a farm in your family name.

This Anthropologie Inspired Pendant Light looks like it came right from the farm.

This Patriotic Denim Bunting Tutorial is perfect for your summer decor.

Build a Kitchen Counter Height Desk to customize your organization center.

This Song Lyrics Lamp Makeover has simple colors and is perfect for a bedroom.

Twig Star Decorations are quick and cute farmhouse decorations.

10 Uses for Old Windows help you achieve farmhouse aesthetic in any room.

Log Tea Light Pillar Candles are rustic yet elegant.

How to make a Chalkboard Surface Desk to create a built in workspace for your kids.

Installing Brick Wallpaper Mural gives an aged feel to any room.

Make a Mason Jar Soap Pump and use that blue ball glass to remind you of old times.

This DIY Rustic Cake Stand can be decorative and functional.

Take a plain lampshade and paint it to match your farmhouse-inspired room.

A Spoon Tealight Candle Holder is a great use of old spoons.

Make a Simple Pinecone Garland to bring some outdoors to your indoors.

Build a Wall Chalkboard with a Chalk Ledge for the entire family to use.

DIY Industrial Cupcake Stands are a cute farmhouse style addition to any party.

Learn How to Mount Antlers and bring some farm to your decor.

Here’s How to Build Custom Rustic Wood Box Crates that will fit into many spaces.

You must Build a Giant Chalkboard to decorate for all the holidays.

DIY Interior Cedar Shutters are a staple for any farmhouse home.

Adding these Spigot Handle Drawer Pulls is a cute and creative way to update a dated dresser.

Learn How I Took a Standard IKEA Cabinet and gave it a rustic farmhouse look.

A Farmhouse Bed with Storage is a great addition to your farmhouse styled bedroom.

Use Mirrored Glass Spray Paint to give glass an aged look and make it reflective.

FREE Printable: Fall Chalkboard Art is a great wall decor item.

Build a Trough Centerpiece to add to your farmhouse style dining room.

This Vintage Map Lampshade is perfect for your living room or office.

Re-paint Dated Home Decor to update old decor and transform it into farmhouse style.

How to Build Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign and keep the farmhouse look through the holidays.

This Metal Tree Form is simple and beautiful.

This isn’t a DIY, but thought you should know the Pros and Cons of a Farmhouse Sink before you purchase one.

A DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece adds some shiny and industrial farmhouse feel.

Rustic Wine Crate with Rope Handles are an attractive way to store magazines or books.

Rustic Bark Vases are so easy to make and look perfect anywhere in your home.

Make Your Own Street Sign to add your personal flair to your gallery wall.

DIY Sheet Metal Vase is shiny, industrial and beautiful.

Give Tired Magazine File Boxs a Facelift with rustic, natural papers.

Make Your Own Clock Sign from any flat surface material.

A Family Organization Center Door with aged copper and distressed paint screams of farmhouse charm.

Guess what?! This DIY Faux Aged Metal Pulley is actually a cheap plastic pulley I painted!

Hidden Storage Under Laundry Room Sink makes an otherwise messy space beautiful.

I hope you liked these 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas and found a lot of inspiration! Share it on social media and PIN this image to show your friends how they can save money on Joanna Gaine’s worthy decorating.

If you liked 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas, you’re going to love:

Clever DIY Upcycled Vases

16 Unique DIY Hostess Gift Ideas

April 20, 2018/2 Comments/by Sheri

Home Decor, Upcycling

Upcycle a Clock into a Picture Frame

Do you have an electric clock that stopped working? Yes? Well, I’m here to show you how to upcycle a broken electric clock into a picture frame. Hi, Pretty Handy Girl readers, it’s Julie from Love My Simple Home and I can’t wait to share this upcycling idea with you. This awesome marble clock has been with me for years. When it stopped working I decided to upcycle it into this chic picture frame.

Materials:

Old clock
Photograph
Screwdriver
Pliers
Painter’s Tape or Masking Tape
Gold Spray Paint
Double Sided Tape

Instructions:

The first thing you need to do is remove the electric wire (unless your clock is battery-powered).

Using a screwdriver, gently pry off the back plate.

Remove the clock mechanism and lay it on a flat surface.

Remove the wire caps, then disconnect the wires by twisting them apart. Pull the cord through the hole where the clock was and then through the back plate.

This leaves you with an empty hole to use as a picture frame.

The rim around the clock will be used for the frame.

Flip the clock upside down and use pliers to detach the metal case where the parts of the clock are housed.

After the clock mechanism is removed use a screwdriver to pry apart the circular rim. (Optional: spray paint the rim any color you want.)

Select a treasured photo and hold it up to the back of the clock frame.

Before you tape the photograph, test how you want the picture to show in the cutout of the frame. Using painter’s tape or masking tape, secure the photo to the back of the frame.

Cover the back of the photograph with a piece of cardstock using double sided tape.

Place the rim back into the front of the clock frame.

And you have a beautiful new picture frame from an upcycled clock.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Hop on over to my blog for more upcycling ideas!
~ Read more of Julie’s Tutorials ~

Pin for later!

March 28, 2018/3 Comments/by Julie at Love My Simple Home

art, Build It, Do It Yourself, Home Decor

How to Build a Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame

How to Custom Build a Vintage Ruler Picture Frame

How to Build a Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame

Every year when I go to meet my sons’ new teachers, I tell them if there is anything that needs fixing to let me know. It’s my small show of appreciation for all they do for my kids. Before Christmas, one of the teachers took me up on my offer. She asked me to fix a frame that had fallen off the wall and broke. I took one look at the cheap MDF frame and knew it was beyond repair. I didn’t tell her, because I wanted to surprise her with a Custom Built Vintage Ruler Picture Frame.

The great thing about this project is it uses cheap 1″ x 4″ lumber. And you can add your own moulding to dress up the frame if you like. Or just leave the frame plain, either way you’ll save major money by building your own custom frames!

Ready to learn how to build your own custom vintage ruler picture frame? Let’s get framing!

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.)

Power sander
Brad nailer
5/8″ nails
1 ½” nails
Miter saw
Staple gun
1/2″ staples
90 degree clamp
2 long clamps (learn how to use two short clamps as a long clamp here)
Ruler
Wood glue
Ear protection
Safety glasses
1″ x 4″ lumber
Vintage rulers
Framing points
5-in-1-tool (or flat edge to press framing points into wood)

Instructions:

This tutorial assumes you have mounted art and glass, but if you don’t you can follow this tutorial for cutting your own art mats.

Cutting the Frame:

Use a table saw to rip your 1″ x 4″ lumber. Run your board through the saw along the 4″ side, then flip the wood up and run it through again. This will take 1/4″ off one corner to create a rabbet to place your art into.

Lay your ripped 1″ x 4″ boards against the fence of your miter saw. (I like to pre-cut four pieces a few inches larger than my artwork.) Cut one end of your boards at a 45° angle (angle the saw blade to position the rabbet on the short side.)

Set one board against your art. Before cutting the other side, measure the width of the art. Add an extra 1/8 inch. Mark the inside corner and cut to length (angling the miter saw blade in the opposite direction as your first cut.)

Take your first cut board and lay it on to of a second board. A quick way to cut them exactly the same length is to place the already cut board on top of the second board and line up the ends. Then line the blade up with the cut on your first board. Clamp the boards down and cut.

Dry fit the two identical sides. Lay one 1″ x 4″ board over the cut boards at a 9o° angle. Mark the inner corner where you need to cut.

Cut the side piece and dry fit to make sure the cut is perfect.

Repeat the process above to cut two identical parallel side pieces.

Dry fit the frame around your artwork to make sure everything is square and fits inside the rabbet.

Assembling the Frame:

Apply a line of wood glue on the corners.

Clamp the corners with a 90° clamp then use your staple gun to fasten them together (on the back side of your frame). The wood glue is strong, but this will hold it in place while the glue dries.

I like to add 1 ½” brad nails (one on each side of the corners) to further hold the frame together. (I don’t want the teacher’s frame to fall apart ever again!)

Clamp the frame and let the wood glue harden. If you don’t have clamps long enough, here is how to make one long clamp with two short clamps!

While the glue cures, cut off any chipped, broken, or rounded ends from your vintage rulers.

Lay the first two rulers against the outer edge of your frame.

Mark the ruler where you need to trim and cut off the excess.

Continue until the outer edge of your frame is covered by rulers. Then start working on the inside of the first rulers. Measure, mark and cut the rulers to fit. Don’t worry if you are left with a small section of frame showing.

After all the rulers are measured and cut, use wood glue to adhere them to the frame. Follow up with a few brad nails to hold the rulers in place while the glue dries.

Sand the edges lightly with your sander to remove any splinters or rough edges.

Securing Artwork and Adding Hanging Hardware:

Fit your artwork into the frame. Place a framing point onto the back of the artwork with the point toward the frame. Use a 5-in-1-painter’s tool (or other flat tool) to push the point into the wooden frame. These will hold your artwork secure within the frame.

Add your hanging hardware. I prefer using D-rings and picture hanging wire, but you can use any hanging hardware you like.

Congratulations! You are done and now have a beautiful (and unique) Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame!

This is an easy project to build and enables you to customize the frame to any size that you need. The vintage rulers add some character and charm to the frame.

I hope you liked this tutorial on How to Build a Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame. Check your local vintage shops, Craig’s List or Ebay for some rulers and make one of your own!

Pin or Share this project with your friends! Because friends don’t let friends spend lots of money on art frames!