Tag: DIY Tutorials

A Compete Guide to Creating Spaces Part Three – Implementation

Published on by citygirlmeetsfarmboy3 Comments

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Here’s what do expect from our Complete Guide to Creating Spaces Series:

Part One: Inspiration – February 6

Part Two: Realization – February 13

Part Three: Implementation – February 20

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!

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Grace In My Space | Aratari At Home | Citygirl Meets Farmboy

She Gave It A Go | Midcounty Journal

 

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.

DIY Farmhouse Sign

DIY FARMHOUSE SIGN 

Step One – Project Supplies

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

Ana White

Sawdust 2 Stitches

Pretty Handy Girl – She also has an amazing list of DIY Blogs here

If you are handy and have done projects on your own before, you may feel ready to figure out the project on your own.  Here are the steps I follow:

  • Figure out all the supplies you have
  • Measure out all the supplies you need
  • Take all your measurements
  • Purchase the supplies

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DIY LAMINATE WOOD WALL 

Step Two – Plan Your Day

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.

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DIY MINI BARN DOORS

 

Step Three – Build It

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!

  1. Gather all your tools and supplies in one place
  2. Make sure you have "messy" clothes on so they can get dirty
  3. Have all of your directions ready
  4. Don't rush the project - take your time
  5. Ask for help if you need it
  6. 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!

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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.

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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!

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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:

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to this:

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DIY Farmhouse Window

Published on by citygirlmeetsfarmboyLeave a comment

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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.

Go follow my Pinterest for ideas (my DIY Window Pinterest Board 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.

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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!

Love,

Kelly

DIY Chippy Paint

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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!

Continue reading “DIY Chippy Paint” →

DIY Peel-n-Stick Wallpaper

Published on by citygirlmeetsfarmboy1 Comment

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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.

Continue reading “DIY Peel-n-Stick Wallpaper” →

DIY Mini Barn Doors

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I collaborated with two amazing companies for this project – The TAD Company and TACKLIFE Tools.  Both are companies I reached out to because I had researched their products and wanted to work with them.  I am attaching links to their sites to help you in your purchases.  These are not affiliate links.  But I was compensated from these companies in product and I was so excited.  I know you will love them too!

Welcome to our tutorial of mini barn doors for the home.  Go follow us on Instagram here and YouTube here to see all our latest projects!

We love all things barn door over here in the Ballard Home.  Last year I built a darling one for our master bedroom for $75 and you can see that post here.   This time around we needed some Mini Barn Doors for our sons playroom and love how they turned out!

Watch this 60 preview of the process and then follow along for all the instructions.

Continue reading “DIY Mini Barn Doors” →

Super Easy Board & Batten Wall with the Zircon StudSensor L70

Published on by citygirlmeetsfarmboy2 Comments

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This post is in paid partnership with Zircon Corporation.  All opinions are my own and I only collaborate with companies that I use myself in my projects.  I hope these links help you as you learn and grow!

Oh how I love Board and Batten Walls! My very first attempt was on my 40th birthday – all I wanted was to learn how to use a nail gun from Mr. Farmboy. I felt so empowered after that day and a woodworking “She-Ra” was released. Later on, I completed a full Board and Batten Wall in my son’s room – all by myself. You can read all about here – it was an exciting project for me.

So, today I am back at it and partnering with @ZirconTools to bring you a super simple DIY tutorial on how to make a Board and Batten Halfway Wall. Yes, I made up that title! Mr. Farmboy came up with the idea of only going up three-fourth the way up the wall and I loved it – hence this project was born.

 

Check out these before and after photos and watch my full DIY Youtube Tutorial here. Now come follow along and learn how to do this easy project that anyone can do!

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Continue reading “Super Easy Board & Batten Wall with the Zircon StudSensor L70” →

Designing a Haven

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Sometimes home decor can become overwhelming and intimidating.  If you haven’t had a background in the design field you might feel like you don’t have a place in the decorating world.  This is how I felt!  I knew I could build something, but to make it look super cute really gave me the scary feels.

Recently I finished reading the book “Designing a Life: From House to Haven.”  I was so grateful for the inspiration that was shared because it gave me confidence that I CAN DECORATE!  We are all capable and possess creativity that allows us to decorate our space.  We just need a few tips to get us started.

That is why today I am sharing Sarah Symonds from Grace In My Space blog.  She is the author of this amazing book and an inspirational decorator and believer.  Her home is simple, uplifting, and a haven for her family.  That is what she teaches all of her readers to shoot for.

The read is a quick one and she gives you step by step ways to create and define your space.  Then you can hop onto her blog and see so many ideas of what she has done to uplift her own home.

Something else I love about Sarah is that she is so personable.  She has created this tribe where you feel comfortable and at ease, like a dear friend at lunch.  I wish sometimes I lived closer so we actually could do lunch!

Her family is very important to her and she is her faith.  I appreciate how well she is able to intertwine family, faith and home so well on her blog.  From rooms to recipes to her Monday Musings, I always leave feeling inspired.

I hope you enjoy getting to know this amazing designer and influencer.  She will teach you and support you along the way of your own design journey.  I hope you snag her inexpensive book on Amazon, I know it will help you as your begin to decorate!

Happy Friday,

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DIY Board & Batten Wall

Published on by citygirlmeetsfarmboy1 Comment

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I love the look of a board and batten wall.  When I turned 40 my hubby asked what I wanted for my birthday.  “For you to teach me how to make a board and batten wall!”  Super random I know, but it made me feel like a grown up to use a nail gun – so that’s exactly what we did.    This was my first big project with an air compressor and a nail gun – both intimidated me.  But it was so much fun! Here it is:

With his help it turned out awesome and I couldn’t believe how easy it was.  It added so much depth to this tiny hall and brightened the room.  I loved it!

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Now, 1 1/2 years later I am finally writing a tutorial on how you can do it too.  First off, watch my 60 second DIY Tutorial on it, and then follow along – I know you will love it!

Continue reading “DIY Board & Batten Wall” →

Do It Yourself Cake Plate

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DIY Cake Plate

Ready to make a super easy cake plate for the holidays? Or even just for a fun display decoration? They are so simple and inexpensive – check out my 60 second video tutorial and then pin it for later when your ready to make yours!

Continue reading “Do It Yourself Cake Plate” →

Easy Stamped Wood Chargers

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I love using my wood chargers on my table settings, especially during the fall holidays.  They are so versatile, easy to use and easy to make.  I first learned about wood chargers from The Shanty Sisters – these gals are my mentors in so many ways (and they don’t even know it!).  Here is a link to their blog post on where I learned how to make them:

Shanty2Chic Wood Chargers

At the time I made these, a Kreg was way out of my wheel house (I was too nervous to use it!).  So I glued my strips together with wood glue and clamped until dry.  If you want to use a Kreg Jig, see my post below for instructions – I love mine now once I tried it!  Additionally, I have a link for more chargers and used stencils to decoration them below.

The Kreg Jig – You Can Do It!

Do It Yourself Stenciled Chargers

You can watch my 60 second video tutorial here and then follow all for all the details!

Continue reading “Easy Stamped Wood Chargers” →