Home Decor Archives - Page 13 of 42

DIY Magnetic Curtain Tie Backs

Hi Pretty Handy Girl readers! I’m Vineta from The Handyman’s Daughter, where I write about home improvement, woodworking and DIY decor. I’m so excited to be sharing my tutorial for creating your own magnetic curtain tie backs with you today. This simple project is perfect for renters who can’t put holes in the wall for hooks, but still want to hold their curtains open to let the sun shine in.

Materials for Magnetic Curtain Tie Backs

Wood shapes (I used 2″ and 2 1/2″ circles)
Craft paint
Ribbon or cord
Magnets
Decorations like faux flowers (optional)
Hot glue gun

Instructions

Start by painting the wood shapes, making sure to coat the edges and back. My curtains have a white and turquoise chevron pattern, so I went with classic white.

Next, apply the magnets to the center of each wooden shape. Make sure to check the polarity of the magnets before you attach them so the two halves attract instead of repel! I paired a larger circle with a smaller one for the back.

Next, wrap a length of ribbon or cord around your curtain to determine where to cut it. You want it tight enough so that the curtain tie backs will stay in place, but not so tight that the curtains look smushed.

Wrap tape around the spot before cutting the ribbon or cord to prevent fraying. Then attach each end to the wooden shapes next to the magnet with hot glue.

Click the two halves together and you should have something that looks like this. Test it out on the curtain to make sure it’s the right length.

Now comes the fun part! You can decorate these curtain tie backs in so many ways, from faux flowers to stencils to stickers. Wander around your local craft store for ideas, especially in the scrapbooking aisle. Just look at all these options!

Even though my faux flowers have an adhesive back, I decided to give it a little reinforcement with some hot glue.

That’s it! Your curtain tie backs are ready to brighten up the room!

When you want to close the curtains, just remove the tie backs and leave them on the windowsill. They’ll be hidden behind the curtain and ready for you in the morning.

These are really fun to make for kids’ rooms too! Be sure to check out the pokeball version I made for my son’s Pokemon themed bedroom.

Until next time!

Pin for later!

February 1, 2017/6 Comments/by Vineta Jackson

Christmas Card Display, decor, Decorating, Holiday decorating, Home Decor, Home Tour

Holiday Home Tour 2016

How to Make a Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign | Pretty Handy Girl How cool! You can use this technique to make or transfer any sign graphic.

I’m so happy to see you again this year! This is my annual holiday home tour and each year I can’t wait to invite you in to see the decorations. (These are my home tours from 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015.) This year I tried to keep it simple, but I did take two days to make a really fun vintage sign. I hope you’ll come on in and see it (and the rest of my holiday decorating efforts.)

Before I start decorating, I like to choose a theme. This year I wanted to create a nature or woodland inspired theme. I pulled the storage bins out of the attic and assessed what I had to work with. Then, I made a list of some items I could use to fill out the room. Next stop was my local At Home store. This home tour has been sponsored by At Home. This year I’ve been thrilled to be an At Home brand ambassador. (You can see a photo tour of the At Home store in this post.

Or come take a tour of my patio decorated for a garden party using several At Home finds (feel free to stay a while if you need to shake off that winter chill by looking at summer photos.)

Finally, you won’t want to miss this drab to fab screen porch makeover that I accomplished with help from At Home.

Have you warmed up yet? Well come on inside and get cozy. I made you some hot chocolate and salted caramel chocolate chip cookies for the tour.

Did you notice the little silver twig tree? That was an At Home find, I couldn’t resist it. The little white lights make the tree glow at night. I also picked up some faux poinsettias from At Home and popped them in my 3 Step Little Red Wagon Planter.

May I take your jacket? You can kick off your shoes if you want to get more comfortable. The shoe storage bench and coat rack were early DIY projects. This mudroom spot is my sanity saver because it holds our daily assortment of coats, backpacks, shoes and socks!

These topiaries from At Home have seen a lot of use. I bought the unlit versions to save money and added my own lights for the holidays. But, honestly the lit versions are only $10 more, so splurge if you buy some for your home.

I decorated the shelf with some reindeer and two DIY cone trees (hot glue and moss or leaves). I also used some wall decal stars from my friend Leen the Graphics Queen (affiliate link.)

The “Post” box keeps all our epi-pens close at hand but not in sight. Anyone else have a collection of epi-pens? 😉

Come on in the living room and sit down. I just finished decorating the tree.

I brightened the tree with lots of feather boas and red ornaments. Plus, I added several of the kids’ ornaments they made in preschool. Those ornaments may not be pretty, but they are precious to us.

Want to make your own decorative bird house topper? It’s a fun little project that will satisfy your doodling desires.

I have to share with you these beautiful pillows I bought at At Home!

They look a lot like some higher end store pillows, but for much less. I especially like the faux fur pillows. They might stay on the couch year round.

Speaking of pillows, I had to buy Bandit a cozy bed from At Home. They have the best prices and selection I’ve ever seen for dog bedding. Good dog, Bandit. It’s about time you fell asleep. This dog is non-stop energy most of the time.

The other find I couldn’t resist at At Home was this pretty shell tray. They have an amazing assortment of trays in all colors, shapes and sizes.

I love using this easy to make shutter screen to display our Christmas cards each year.

This year I added a strand of lights and the vintage sled.

Did you spot my new vintage inspired sign?

I made it this week using all scraps from my workshop. Here’s the tutorial to make your own Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign!

I know I’ve probably overstated this, but At Home has everything for your home decorating! For instance, birch logs can be purchased in the wedding section of At Home. (I’m not sure why they are in that section, but they are.) They were 6 feet tall, but I cut each log into three for display by the fireplace.

I bought the white lantern from At Home to round out my collection. You may not realize it, but that little black lantern was actually transformed from a $5 dated light fixture.

A note about that metallic dot pillow—yup, you guessed it—another At Home favorite find!

Let’s head into the kitchen.

Every year, I like to make a little something I think the kids will enjoy. This year, I created a little snow scene in a cloche.

The cloche is actually the globe from a hanging light. I ditched the light and used the globe to make a fun little snow globe scene.

I used more wall decal stars from my friend Leen the Graphics Queen (affiliate link) to decorate the windows. These little stars add a festive feel in minutes.

On the other side of the kitchen is a desk aka our family command center. The raised desk was a DIY project I built using more ReStore cast offs. And the hutch was built using an old table top. . . seriously!

The little galvanized village scene was created using a variety of At Home accessories. The lighted pine cones came in a set of three and have a timer switch so they’ll shut off at night. That’s one less thing I have to turn off before bed.

I usually let my boys decorate a small tree. This year they added blue lights to this little faux ivy tree. I actually like the soft blue glow at night. My boys. . . they love to go against the grain. 😉

Thank you so much for coming over. I enjoyed your company.

Stop by sometime next week. I’ll be sharing my frugal holiday tablescape with you.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for At Home. I was compensated for my time writing this post. At Home also provided me with a gift card to purchase items to use in this post. All ideas and words are my own. I was not told what to write.

Pin for later!

December 9, 2016/11 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

arts and craft, decor, Decorating, Home Decor

Galvanized Metal Tree Form

Want to make a super cute and fast galvanized tree form? This little galvanized tree will fit in with some of your holiday vignettes, especially if you like the rustic look.

Last year I had fun playing with DIY galvanized metal (otherwise known as aged quickly sheet metal). I made these cute galvanized magnetic windows. . .

. . . and a galvanized star garland.

After cutting out the star garland, I had some leftover galvanized metal. I decided to use it to make a galvanized tree form. Ready to learn how to make your own?

Materials:
(contains affiliate links)

Galvanized Sheet Metal
Zep toilet bowl cleaner
Trash bag
Pencil
Tin Snips
Gloves

Instructions:

Put on gloves when working with sheet metal. It’s a sharp material and can easily cut you.

Follow the instructions to age metal quickly in this tutorial. After the metal has aged and dried. Cut off a large corner from the sheet metal material.

Begin to manipulate the two corner edges rolling in toward each other.

Tightly roll the corner into a cone shape. Roll the metal tighter than you want the shape to appear.

Mark a straight line along the bottom edge of the cone shape to the height you want. Cut along the line with tin snips.

Set your galvanized tree form with a grouping of other tree forms or natural materials and enjoy!

Hope you have fun making a whole forest of galvanized trees. 😉

Pin for later!

December 5, 2016/2 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

accessories, arts and craft, Centerpieces, Decorating, Holiday decorating, Home Decor

DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece

I’m super excited to be back with another fun copper pipe tutorial for you to make for the holidays! Today let’s make this unique DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece that acts as a candelabra . . .

. . . or a floral centerpiece.

This is such a versatile project that can be used for your dinner table, a wedding centerpiece or a vase to hold flowers. If you wanted to alter the design, you could shorten the center pipe and use for a pencil holder. Regardless of how you use it, this DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece is sure to be a conversation starter!

If you had fun getting used to using a Bernzomatic torch last week while making DIY Copper Ring Jewelry, then you’re going to love using a bigger torch to make this DIY Copper Centerpiece.

Not only that, you’ll be honing your soldering skills should you need to use them for a plumbing repair. I’m honored to be part of the Bernzomatic Torch Bearers program. Bernzomatic has sponsored this post to help you with some holiday decorating ideas.

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.)

Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch
Bernzomatic MAP/Pro Gas Cylinder
Bernzomatic Flux & Lead Free Solder
Soldering Board (or non-flammable surface to work on)
3/4″ Copper pipe (3 feet is plenty)
4 – 90˚ 3/4″ copper street corner elbows
5 – 3/4″ T connector fittings
Tape measure
Paint brush
Speed Square and or Level
Safety glasses
Gloves
Pipe cutter
Pliers
Sandpaper for metal
Metal file
Metal Effects Primer
Metal Effects Metallic Copper Paint
Wet rag
Bucket filled with cold water

Optional: Florist tubes

Cut List:

2 – 2 3/8″ pipes
4 – 2″ pipes
1 – 7″ pipes
2 – 5″ pipes
1 – 4″ pipe

Instructions:

Cut your pipes to size. If you’ve never cut with a pipe cutter, you can watch this video to learn how.

Dry fit your pieces together as shown:

Then piece the centerpiece together completely as shown below. (The 4″ section with elbows connects the base pieces.)

The two 5″ pipes will not sit completely inside the “T” fittings. This will provide wiggle room to line up and assemble the top parts with the base. Feel free to adjust the 4″ base pipe until you fit everything together.

Sand all pipe ends with sandpaper.

Pull apart the top and bottom of your centerpiece and place the base on your fireproof work surface to start. (I bought two paver blocks from Lowe’s to use for larger torch projects.)

Use the speed square to make sure all the pipes and fittings are plumb.

Apply a liberal amount of flux to all the connections.

Start your Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch with the easy trigger start button. Heat each connection until the flux melts. Then hold the solder at the connection until the solder begins to flow. (You may need to solder one spot at a time or re-heat the solder and tilt the piece to help it flow around the connection.)

Lift the base with gloves on or pliers and drop in the bucket of water to cool. Alternatively you can cool the pieces with a cold wet rag.

Set the base aside and join the top assembly (1- 7″ pipe, 2 – 5″ pipes and 1 – 90˚ T connector.) Repeat the process of applying flux, heating and spreading the solder.

At this point your parts should be assembled like this:

Slide the two “T” connectors onto your soldered top assembly. Slide the “T” connectors onto the base. Center the 7″ pipe and make sure it is plumb.

Solder the connections around the two side “T” connectors. Your soldering is now done. Cool off the centerpiece with a cold wet rag or in the bucket of water.

Don’t stress if your soldering joints aren’t beautiful, I’ll show you how to cover them. Sand the entire centerpiece to remove any heat marks.

File any bumpy solder until smooth.

Wipe off the centerpiece with a wet rag to remove any metal shavings and dust. Paint Modern Masters Metal Effects Primer on all the soldered joints. Let the primer dry and add a second coat.

After the primer has dried, paint Modern Masters Metal Effects Copper Paint onto the primed solder joints. Feather the paint onto the copper pipes and cover any imperfections. Let dry and apply a second coat.

You are done! Time to show off your new DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece! Add hand-dipped candles to the open fittings. For the center pipe, you’ll need to trim your candle and gently twist the candle into the pipe.

If you want to use the centerpiece for a floral display, fill floral tubes with water and drop them into the openings. (Note: I slipped two 2″ copper pipe pieces into the shortest openings to hide the floral tubes. But, you could just add water to the centerpiece and put your flowers in directly.)

Add your flowers and enjoy!

How fun is this DIY Copper Centerpiece? It would look great as a centerpiece for a rustic or industrial themed wedding or party! You could change the configuration of the pipes and fittings if you like.

Add four more extensions and fitting openings to create a beautiful menorah for Hanukkah!

Don’t walk, run to the plumbing section at your local hardware store and get creative!

Until next time…

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Bernzomatic. As a Bernzomatic Torch Bearer, I was provided complimentary torches and was compensated for my time and efforts. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. I am particular about the brands I represent and will always let you know when you are reading a sponsored post.

Pin for later!

November 28, 2016/17 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Decorating, Home Decor

25 Rugs You’d Never Guess were Painted

Hi! I’m Kathy, and I’m so excited to be bringing you this round up of 25 Rugs You’d Never Guess were Painted!

Would you like to update your room with a fabulous area rug? But, the thought of spending hundreds of dollars has you saying, “No Way!” Relax, adding a new design and color to your space is as easy as a DIY painted rug. Join me on a magic carpet ride to see 25 Rugs You’d Never Guess were Painted.

Can you believe this Aztec inspired rug from Nellie Bellie was created from a drop cloth and cut sponges? I will never look at a painter’s drop cloth the same way again.

(via: Nellie Bellie)

Katie and Eric painted this awesome blue duo-toned rug with foam brushes and a stencil. There’s no singing the blues when your feet touch this pretty rug.

(via: MountainModernLife)

Tape and outdoor paint were the only materials JoAnn needed to create this stylish indoor/outdoor rug. The cross hatch corners add a special design touch.

(via Curbly)

This spectacular outdoor rug was created by Jennifer using stencils and spray paint. I’d buy this rug in a store any day!

(via Tatertots and Jello)

Striped rugs are very trendy, but they can cost a small fortune. Tape off some stripes and you too can have this awesome striped sisal rug.

(via: House Tweaking)

Walk this way! Rachel turned this welcome mat from drab to fab by painting it with colorful geometric arrows.

(via: Curbly)

A plain vanilla door mat got its cheery vibe from a stencil and paint. It’s almost too pretty to wipe your feet on!

(via: Pretty Handy Girl)

Sarah wanted to makeover a rug. She devoted a few hours to create this beautiful gray and white offset striped rug.

(via: Sarah M. Dorsey Designs)

Kayla bought a $15 Walmart rug and transformed it into a beautiful addition to her guest room. I bet you’ll be making a trip to Walmart soon to look at their rug selection. Am I right?

(via: Say Not Sweet Anne)

Ten minutes. That’s all Beth spent turning this rug into a bold statement runner. She simply painted a pink and an orange stripe on this rug in her hallway.

(via: Chinoiserie Chic)

Who wouldn’t love this navy and white geometric painted rug in front of their kitchen sink? Elizabeth at Little Black Door shares how you can paint your own sweet mat.

(via: Little Black Door)

Sarah made this welcoming row house door mat in less than 30 minutes using exterior house paint and painters tape. You can’t even run to the store to buy a rug and get home in 30 minutes. Go ahead, break out your paints and give yourself a new door mat.

(via: Sarah Hearts)

You would never guess this brightly painted Navajo rug was originally a pastel colored rug? Learn how Lindsay made the startling change in four hours.

(via: The White Buffalo Styling Co)

Who doesn’t love a colorful chevron patterned rug? Tanya zigged and zagged her way to create this One Kings Lane knock off rug.

(via: Twelve O Eight)

Elaine hated the rug she ordered online. But, she fixed that problem with paint and an artistic flair. Now her rug doesn’t compete with her leopard stair runner. You have to see both together to appreciate the true beauty.

(via: OMG Lifestyle)

Roeshel wanted something cushy underfoot. She grabbed some interlocking gym mats and painted them to create a soft surface for under the kitchen sink.

(via: DIY Showoff)

Brittany needed an inexpensive rug for her screen porch. She found one at a thrift store and used chalk and butcher paper to create her freestyle design outdoor rug.

(via: Pretty Handy Girl)

Bethany created this elegant living room rug without spending any money! None, zero, zip! I don’t want to give away all her secrets, but I will say she used a leftover can of spray paint.

(via: Reality Daydream)

I’m in love with Toni’s Painted Vinyl Sheet Flooring rug. Pink Polka dots is the cutest idea for a craft space or a child’s room!

(via: Design Dazzle)

You would never guess what was underneath this colorful doormat. Nope, don’t even try to guess. Let’s just say that Melissa got a hold of it and banished the old design out to sea.

(via: Loving Here)

Amy loved her plush memory foam runner, but thought it lacked style and grace. She gave it a beautiful makeover and she and her runner lived happily ever after.

(via: The Idea Room)

Cassity’s rug was making her feel a little blue. She added a pop of pink by painting color inside the lines of this rug and now she’s happy once again.

(via: Remodelaholic)

Shelley wanted a chic aqua chevron style painted rug. She wasn’t going to let anything stand in her way, so she painted this rug using paint and a vinyl stencil.

(via: The House of Smiths)

Ursula took two cotton kitchen rugs and ended up with gorgeous designer style bathroom rugs when she finished with them.

(via: Home Made by Carmona)

Stacy turned a plain white cotton rug into this vibrant Turkish Kilim inspired painted rug for her foyer. Come on, tell the truth! You never would have guessed that it was a DIY painted rug!

(via: Not Just a Housewife)

Have I inspired you? I think it’s time to pick up those paints and add some fabulousness underfoot in your home. If you have any tips for us rug painters, please share. We love to hear your comments! Have a painted rug you want to share? Leave your link in the comments below.

Happy painting!

Pin for later!

June 29, 2016/4 Comments/by Kathy Williamson