Yay for Halloween!! It’s one of my favorite seasons of decorating. My kiddos love creepy decor, so years ago I set out to find an inexpensive way to take our yard decor up a notch. Having old pallets laying around (yes I collect these!) got my wheels turning. I created a Halloween Pallet Fence and I fell in love! I ended up making so making (and my Halloween Pallet Skeleton Swings) that I had to sell some to make room in my storage area (poor Mr. Farmboy doesn’t have any more space to store them!).
Our 60 second video tutorial will help you get a quick view of this super easy DIY. Then follow the steps to create your own!
My One Room Challenge Laundry Room Renovation is just about finished – welcome to Week 5! I am so grateful to Kirkland’s for sponsoring this project, they have the most amazing laundry room pieces – check those out here!
Make sure to check out the One Room Challenge Blog to see all the updates of the designers participating – their feeds are so inspiring.
This post contains affiliate links to help you navigate to products I have used and am showcasing.
It was now time for me to build a table to cover the washer and dryer to fold my clothes on. My space is limited and I needed all the usable area I could get. This ended up being super easy and very effective for me.
Step One – Shop
I wanted butcher block, but it was out of my price range. You can build a butchers block board, but in the end I decided to use 1×8 pine boards instead.
I measured a 66 inch length and a 30 inch depth in my area. This required four 1×8 boards at 6 feet long and one 1×4 board (this is for the back edge of the folding table).
You can have Home Depot cut them for you as well.
Step Two – Cut and Mount
Cut each of your boards to the length you need. You will then add pocket holes to 3 of the 1×8 boards (read how to do that here).
Attach your boards together, using wood glue and pocket hole screws size 1 1/4 inch. Use clamps to make sure your boards are fitting snug. I also used extra weight on the boards as I attached them together to make sure they were flat when they were screwed together.
You will then add the 1×4 board to the back of the boards. You can use screws right into the back since noone will see these.
Step Three – Sand
Sand down your folding table. I used my Tacklife sander that is from Amazon ($25!). I actually sanded the 1×8 boards first before I mounted the 1×4 board. Additionally I had sanded the 1×4 board seperately. You can do what works for you.
Step Four – Stain
Add the stain of your choice. I used Old Barn Living Weathered One Step Stain – it’s one of my favorites and matched the other shelving in the room. I used 2 coats and then added a top coat.
Step Five – Add Braces
You will lay the folding table onto 2 braces. These are 2×3 boards that are mounted to the wall into the studs. Measure where your studs are, then mark that spacing onto the board and pre-drill your 3 1/2 inch screws into them.
Use a level to mount these into the wall. Make sure they are level!!
Step Six – Add Table
You will gently slide your table onto the 2×3 boards. We added a 1×10 board underneath our table for stability because we didn’t want it sitting on top of the washer and dryer.
Add screws or brad nails into the sides of the table and into the 2×3 boards. Then you are all finished!!
Next week I will showcasing all of the amazing pieces I have picked out from Kirkland’s to finalize this space. I can’t wait to share it with you!
My 4th week of the One Room Challenge has ended and I love the turn out! I worked with Kirkland’s to design shelving for practical and decorative use. I have the cutest pieces coming from Kirkland’s to decorate this space and I am so excited.
The One Room Challenge is sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens, and so many bloggers are participating. Make sure to check out the One Room Challenge Blog to see all the rooms that are being renovated right now, you will find so much inspiration.
This post contains affiliate links to help you navigate to products I have used and am showcasing.
I love floating shelves. I learn all I can from the Shanty2Chic sisters. So make sure to watch all their floating shelf tutorials here – you will learn so much!
I measured and added my “bones” (aka “cleat”) of the shelves.
Then I built the shelf that goes over the “bones”. This measurement was very simple. Once again, to learn how to do this, head over to the Shanty2Chic blog.
I sanded down the shelf with my Tacklife sander. It’s easy to hold and a great starter tool for any DIYer.
We added on the cupboards that we purchased from Ikea. Farmboy had to do this part for me.
Then I stained my shelves with Old Barn Living One Step Weathered Stain (I love this stuff).
Nexr step – installing the cleat onto the wall (measuring for the stud of course to drill the screw into for stability).
I slid the shelf right over the top and used hard nails to attach it to the cleat.
After this I added a faux wood shelf right over the white shelf already installed, staining it first. I used a 12 inch board for the top and nailed it into the sides of the original board. I then put a 1×2 board over the front, staining first.
I loved how these additions changed up the entire room. I can’t wait to get started decorating!
Every area of my pantry renovation has been finished for a few weeks, except for one spot. The closet. It’s a space that I seriously had to ignore because I was so overwhelmed. Each time I opened the door I wanted to close it again! Want to see what I am talking about? Here you go:
I hope this photo makes some of you feel better! It was a hot mess. This week was time to get it done, and I had to build myself up for it. I worked with Extra Space Storage to come up with a simple DIY project to organize a closet and was able to take over their stories – it was so much fun. Now it’s time to show you too.
I decided to take the same idea that I used in building my pantry shelves and make a smaller version of them. If you would like to see a recap of the other projects I have done in completing this room, you can check them out here:
With the help of Extra Space Storage, I finally had the guts to start. First things first – CLEAN IT OUT. This took some time because I had to figure out what to keep and what had to go. I ended up giving a few bags to our local thrift store and that felt great.
Step Two – Assessment
I needed to figure out what I needed stored in this area. My pantry is a mudroom, homework room, craft room and storage room. It wears alot of hats for sure!
The closet needed to house snow clothes, crafts, sewing machines, purses and food. How on earth was I going to get it all in there? Since it’s my only optional space, I had to make it work.
Step Three – Build Shelving
For the top shelf in the closet, I decided to build shelving to make it more effective use of space. This area would house all my crafts. I used the 2×4 stud format from the original pantry design. This is what it looked like on a larger scale:
I wanted just one small shelf and took my height and length measurements. I ended up needing 2×4 boards cut at:
2 boards at 11 inches long (photo below)
4 boards at 36 inches long (photo below)
2 boards 51 inches long
I measured where I wanted my storage solutions before I attached the 11 inch board to the 36 inch boards. I then mounted this to the wall on the top shelf. I did the same for the other side, then mounted the 51 inch boards with screws to make the shelf. I ended up using three 2×4 boards which cost under $10.
This was super easy and very inexpensive shelving.
Secondly I added small 1×6 boards to the back wall with hooks to house my purses. They were hung above the door so they can’t be seen when you look into the closet.
For the next shelf I used shelving from Ikea called IVAR. It is very inexpensive and easy to put together on your own. This would house my extra groceries. If you aren’t interested in building something on your own, this is a really great option for you. Their buckets and bins are also a great price point.
Step Four – Sewing Station
I needed a roll away cart to house my sewing machine and supplies. I found a cart also from Ikea that we were able to put together in an hour. It’s call the FORHOJA Kitchen Cart and was $109. The wheels make it super easy to move in and out of the closet.
Step Five – Organization
I loved being able to throw away things I wasn’t using – yah Marie Kondo! I cleaned out clothes and crafts, then put the rest of the items I was going to keep in organized bins. It was like a breath of fresh air!
I loved connecting with Extra Space for this mini renovation. The pantry closet is complete which make the entire pantry finally finished. Yah!
This One Room Challenge, sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens, is getting me so excited. My laundry room renovation is under way and the first week project is complete – the wood ceiling install. It has been sponsored by Wallplanks and I couldn’t be happier with this product. I will teach you all about it, but first here is my 6 week strategy:
This post contains affiliate links to help you navigate to products I have used and am showcasing.
I have seen wood ceilings for some time now and really wanted to try it out in the laundry room. Additionally, I wanted to use peel and stick wood planks. I connected to this amazing company and know that their products are good to work with. Head over to their site at Wallplanks.com to read about the history and how the planks are made.
Step One – Decide Color and Amount
You can cruise their website to see all the different styles. I love the rich tones of the Normandy – so that is what I picked. But they have many different wood stains to choose from! You will also need to measure the square feet of your space and figure out the amount you need. They sell them in boxes so you will round up to the next box. The area I needed covered required 2 boxes. Use my code #CGMFB for 20% off as well!
Step Two – Find Studs
If you are laying this wood on the floor or a wall, you do not need studs. Quite frankly, it would probably be sticky enough to stay secure on the ceiling, but I decided to find the studs and add a few brad nails into the planks for security. Find your studs and draw lines so you can see where they are during the whole project.
Make sure the tongue and groove are on the exposed side (so you can attach the next piece)
Peel off the backing and press firmly to ceiling (use level)
Make sure to use a level to asure your board is straight
Use weighted roller to ensure adhearing
Make sure to stagger your boards how you desire as you continue this process.
The last plank on the final row may need to trimmed to fit the area. Do this with your circular saw and be careful!
The final product turned out beautiful and only took an afternoon. I am already trying ot figure out where else I can add Wallplanks Peel and Stick Products!
Let me know if you have any questions – this was such a fun project!
The final plans for this DIY Pantry Shelf, made from 2×4’s, is finally here! I am so excited to announce that I have collaborated with the amazing Ashley Basnight from HandmadeHaven to help me create digital plans for you to follow. She is amazing! Her Instagram handle is SmashingDIY and you can follow her here. Make sure to pin these graphics so you can use them later!
The entire step by step project is linked to her Handmade Haven Blog Series here. I created the project and she created the plans – we made such a great team. We will do a few more of these projects together this year and I can not wait. Ashley is a lead blogger in DIY’s and you do not want to miss a single post she shares!
I am listing everything you will need for this project. Then head over to Handmade Haven for the steps to get it done!
Supplies Needed
2 x 4’s (20-22 depending on lengths needed)
Kreg screws (60 2 1/2 inch)
2 inch screws (36)
2 1/2 inch wall screws (6)
Paint color of your choice (I used Real Milk Paint Company – Arabian Night and White mixed)
Stain color of your choice (I used Varathayne Briarsmoke)
Choice of top coat (I used Real Milk Paint Top Wax)
Paint and stain supplies
Sand paper (I used 100 grit)
Tools Needed
Hand drill
Miter saw
Kreg Jig
Level
Measuring Tape
Stud Finder
Sander
You will learn the process in 8 simple steps:
Step One – Take Measurements
Step Two – Purchase Materials
Step Three – Cutting Wood
Step Four – Sand, Paint and Stain
Step Five – Pocket Holes
Step Six – Mount Boards
Step Seven – Put Your Shelf Together
Step Eight – Add Shelves
Want to see how I organized it? Head to this post to watch the tutorial and get all the links to the products I used!
I hope you enjoy this post and let me know if you have any questions!
We will discuss how each of us find our inspiration, how we take it from dream to realization, and finally how we make it come true – implementation.
Decorating spaces can be difficult when you do not know where to start. This is the last post of a three part series I have written (with some amazing other bloggers) to help you find simple ways to decorate your spaces. After INSPIRATION and REALIZATION, it is now time for IMPLEMENTATION. Make sure to check out each of these blogs and the amazing tips they share. Each image is pinnable to save to your Pinterest page as well!
I have discussed ways to find your design style and how utilizing Pinterest can give us tons of inspiration (read that post here). Then I offered ideas on how to find exactly WHAT you want and HOW to make it possible (read that post here). Finally, I am sharing ideas of gaining the courage to actually implement the decorations you have dreamed of.
Now that you know WHAT project you can afford to do, it’s time to figure out the exact things you NEED to make it happen. If you are not used to doing DIY projects, I would recommend finding a blog who has already done your project and given step by step instructions on how to do it. This will be extremely helpful and give you confidence. Some of the blogs I love are:
Shanty2Chic – This is my number one go to blog for DIY projects
It is hard to work on a project 5 minutes here and five minutes there. It can be done but it does make it more stressful. I like to plan a day that I am able to focus my energy completely to getting the job done. It is usually when kids leave for school, and I stop working when they get home. Often I keep working on it once they go to bed.
Are you ready to go? You have done all the prep work and now it’s time to make or build your project. You might be nervous, but you don’t need to be. Mistakes along the way are the best learning opportunity. Most of my DIY projects have “issues”. I don’t care, I learned something with each “issue” I had. And it made me a better builder. Almost anything can be fixed my friends!
Gather all your tools and supplies in one place
Make sure you have "messy" clothes on so they can get dirty
Have all of your directions ready
Don't rush the project - take your time
Ask for help if you need it
Youtube can be your best buddy
Safety Notes: If you are doing something with the electrical wall jack, make sure you turn the power off. Always unplug your power tools when you are not using them. Always wear safety goggles. Cover your carpet before you paint. And stop if you are frustrated. You can always go back in when you are ready. Getting frustrated usually makes for a messy project. These are all things I learned the hard way my friends!
Now just get started. Make the first cut. Paint the first wall. Nail the first piece of trim. YOU GOT THIS.
Once your are done, celebrate! You should be so proud of yourself!
Step Four – Decorate It
This is the funnest part! Once again, this can also be overwhelming. Make sure you go back to your Pinterest boards and get the inspiration you need. Your budget may have dwindled by now, and I do not believe decorations need to be expensive!
FIRST THINGS FIRST – Shop Your Home. What do you have in your home that can be moved around or put somewhere else? Try fiddling with the decor you have and see if it is enough to make a difference. Feel free to find a photo and copy it. There is no copyright to decorating! That is why decorators share their ideas, so that we all can benefit. I often do this with a mantel or small area. Once I copy the image, I then can move pieces around to make it my own. It’s a great first step.
If you do need to shop for a few things, I am adding my favorite budget shops for you to check out. I always SELL BEFORE I BUY. Meaning, I get rid of things in my home and sell them on social media before I go out shopping. It makes your new items basically free!
Shopping Time
Deseret Industries
A Christian owned thrift store, all over the country
Antique or Thrift Stores
Be careful because some stores are way over priced
Amazon
They have so many deals on home decor and free shipping
Kohls
They have higher prices but when you have the 30% off coupon and get Kohls Cash, it’s a good deal
Ross Dress for Less and TJ Max
They get great decor in all the time (Ross is usually cheaper than TJ Max, but more picked over)
Joann or Michaels
I always use my 40% off coupon on their apps when I shop (they have tons of fun home decor)
Kirklands
They have really great sales and you get coupons if you sign up for their newsletter
RC Willey Clearance Center
If you have an RC Willey by you, see if they have a clearance center – their prices are so awesome!
Costco
They have such good deals on furniture, wood flooring and appliances – with the best return policy ever!
Once you are all done, stand back and admire your work. You did it. You figured it out. I hope you like what you see. Often I will close my eyes and open them again just to see my work. Then I walk away and then turn around really fast to see it again! Decorating and creating can bring so much satisfaction to your soul. I hope you are proud of yourself! Send me photos so I can see your work too!
Love, Kelly
PS – Need more ideas on how to create an entire room in 6 weeks? Come read my One Room Challenge Project from last year, and see how I got from this:
I have had a very simple window in my office space for years and decided it was time to dress it up. I am converting this old office into a pantry and this is my second step in the process. My first project was to add Peel-N-Stick Wallpaper to spice up the wall. You can see that super simple tutorial here. Next up will be the pantry shelving!
Once I finished the window treatment, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! I saw lots of ideas on Pinterest and decided upon the Craftsman Style with Fillet and Chasing Cap. I wasn’t even sure what those words meant – but I was going for it. I learned this from True Built Home here.
Here are my before and after photos – it made such a difference. I learned alot from Liz Forez at LOVEGROWSWILD Blog. Her post on a very similar window is so helpful. Read that here.
Supplies Needed:
1×4, 1×6, 1×8 and 1×2 MDF boards per measurements of your window (more details to come in step one)
Paint and Painting Supplies
Painters Tape
Caulk and Caulking Gun
Spackle and Sand Paper
Tools Needed:
Level
Stud Finder
Measuring Tape
Brad Nailer and Air Compressor
Miter Saw
Step One – Measure Your Windows
You will measure the height and width of your windows. 1×4 boards will be on both sides of your window – exact height. 1×6 board will be your window sill and will extend 3 inches over on each side (width plus 6 inches). The MDF 1×4, 1×2 and 1×8 boards will also extend over by 3 inches on each side. I had a 1×8 wood board in the shed so I opted to use that. At my Home Depot the MDF board was cheaper than the real wood. Additionally, Home Depot will cut your boards for you! Read all about it here.
Step Two – Gather Your Tools
I keep all my tools prepped on the window sill so I am ready to grab them.
Blesser House Blog has another blog post on how to install a similar window and she uses real wood and brad nails with a hammer – no nail gun! It’s a great option if you do not want to use a power tool.
Step Three – Find Your Studs
This is important because you want your boards securely in the wall. I use my Zircon StudSensor and marked it with painters tape.
Step Four – Install Boards
First you want to make sure your boards are evenly spaced 3 inches overlap on each side. Most blogs tell you to put the two side pieces on first. I started with the top pieces first. Either is fine. Grab your brad nailer and your level – make sure it’s straight before nailing into the studs. I was alone so YES I picked up the nailer with my feet!
I added the 1×8 board first. I made sure to leave 3/4 inch room to add my 1×2 underneith.
It is very important that your first piece is level. Check and recheck! It will determine the rest of your placements.
Next I added the top 1×2 piece and the bottom 1×2 piece.
I added the window sill next, but this effected the length of my 1×4 boards on the sides of the window – they were too long. I had to use my circular saw (or a jig saw) to cut the sill to fit the area. So if you do not want to make another cut in the 1×4 boards, install them first. Then measure the window sill to fit second. You will basically measure and cut out a corner on each side of the 1×6 board. Install with nail gun.
Finally I added the two sides boards and the 1×4 board underneath the window sill.
Step Four – Caulk
You will want to use paintable caulk. I always use a caulking gun because it’s hard for me to push the caulk out of the tube otherwise. I apply and then use my finger to make it smooth. They have tools for this but I like to use my finger instead. Keep a rag that you can throw away or a baby wipe close to wipe your finger on.
I am not very good at caulking as you an see in the next photo. It never works super well for me. If you aren’t either, don’t worry! You can paint over it. Just make it as smooth as possible.
Farmboy taught me to place a screw into the top so the caulk will not dry inside it. Works great for us!
Step Five – Spackel & Paint
If you are not using a primed MDF board you will need a coat of primer. MDF just soaks up the paint otherwise. Tape your area with painters tape and then add spackle to the small brad nail holes with a puddy knife. Let dry and sand off. Wipe off dust with a dry rag and you are ready to paint! I used 2 coats of Sherman Williams White to match my house.
Pulling off the tape is the best part in my opinion. It means your are done!
This inexpensive project added so much to my new pantry and I love it. Anyone can add this feature, it’s easier than you think!
Chippy Paint is the cutest! I have always wondered how to make something new look old – which is so ironic, but it’s so cute. I searched the internet of the best ways to do it and settled on this one, super easy and fast. Watch this 60 second video tutorial and then follow the steps below. Make sure to pin this image to save in your Pinterest!
I have always wanted to try wall paper but the thought of it intimidates me! I pictured it filled with wet glue and mess up’s constantly. And then I heard of Peel-n-Stick Wallpaper and my world changed. How easy does that sound? I had to try out.
My 4th week of the One Room Challenge has ended and I love the turn out! I worked with 
Photo Credit: Wall Planks - Sponsor
