{$100} DIY Wood Plank Table

The warmer temperatures are definately affecting me.  First it was the landscaping.  And now I have found myself all gung-ho trying to get our deck summer ready.

I haven't had much luck by way of outdoor furniture sets.  Don't get me wrong, the prefab sets are great, but I have yet to come across one that I really care for or that will fit my entire family.

I finally had enough of searching and decided to try my hand at making my own.  Sca.ry.!!!

I knew I wanted the table to be wood.  And with my limited {nonexistant really} carpenty skills it had to be something simple.  I settled on a basic plank top table.  Picture...picnic table but with more style.

I started out with two, wooden sawhorses.

These are readily available at most home improvement stores.

I cut down a 1x8x8 in to two, 48 inch pieces...or two, 1x8x4's.

I used these two pieces to extend the width of the sawhorse tops so that my table could be wider.

After I attached the boards to the sawhorse tops, I started attaching the planks for the table top. 

I started with the middle one first, then worked outwards. 

{It might be worth noting that I dry fit all of my planks together before screwing them down.  Most boards, let me rephrase, no boards aren't perfectly straight.  So, it takes a little finagling to get them all to fit just right...sort of like one ginormous puzzle.  It is also important to point out that even though the store says the boards are eight inches wide, they are really more like seven- something to think about when you are deciding what size width you want your table and also when cutting down your boards for the sawhorse tops...take it from me I learned the hard way.}

I ended up using eight planks of wood total...one that I cut in two, and the other seven for the table top.

I spent just under $40 for the two sawhorses {$18.50 each} and about $55 for eight wood planks {$6.69 each.}

For a much needed pop of color I bought this awesome outdoor rug. 

I love it!  I love the colors, I love the pattern and I love that it is made out of recycled water bottles...just doin' my part to save the earth...stylishly, of course.

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to finally have an outside gathering spot for the family.  Last night, after I finished screwing on the last board, all the kiddies came outside to sit down and test the table out.  We ended up eating our dinner around the table and chatted and laughed til it started getting dark.  I am hopeful this table new spot will provide the setting for many more lighthearted family dinners and late night family conversations. 

Awesome, wood plank dining table...$95.

Making memories with the fam around said dinner table...priceless.

Industrial Metal Spheres Tutorial At Lovestitched...and a super, secret, soon-to-be revealed project.

All righty, friends.  I have another tutorial up over at Lovestitched.

It is a super quick, super easy, super cheap and super awesome "how-to" for making decorative, metal spheres like these.

These lovelies are perfect for any space devoid of awesomeness {either inside or outside}, and only cost a few dollars to make.  So, head on over to lovestitched and learn how to make some so you can be the cool mom on the block.

In other news, I've been working on a little something something.  I am hoping to have it completed by days end, so check back later to see.

I'll give you a little hint...it involves a couple of wooden saw horses, some wooden boards and very...very mediocre carpentry skills.  HOLLA!

Gearing up for summer!

Howdy, peepsies! 

The weather has finally decided to stop teasing us...at least I hope so.  It's been beautiful and warm for the last week or two now and I am feeling ready for summer more than ever.  

Isn't it strange how our mental health is affected by the changing of seasons.  I am so motivated to get going on my long list of "to do's" now that I know the snow is in hibernation mode.  I have some big plans, if only I could get Studly on board.  Poor guy!  He freezes in horror everytime he hears me say "hey, I just had a really awesome idea".  We'll see how it goes. 

One of the jobs at the top of my list was to get the front yard landscaped...finally.  So, for the last week or so, Studs and I have been out in the yard digging and planting and watering.  We have no idea what we are doing, but things are looking pretty good so far...the place may be a tangled, jungle mess in ten years, but I guess we will deal with that later.

We have a little spot reserved for a sitting area {on the right hand side behind the rocks} , so I've been "researching" bistro sets and the like.  West Elm never ceases to deliver.  I found this beautiful wood furniture set that I would love to have. 

The dining table and benches would be too big for the space out front, but they would be ideal for the back deck.

This little coffee table and a couple of chairs would be perfect for the space, though.

All of West Elm's outdoor furniture is currently on sale, but it is still a little spendy.  I'm at the crossroads of deciding if I should spend more and get what I love, or spend less and get something that I just like...like this cute, turquoise bistro set from Target.

 I really like the color...naturally, but I don't particularly care for the style.  But bare in mind that this three piece set is $74, while the West Elm coffee table and two chairs is $580.

There is always the option of compromising and buying something more afforadable with a similar look as the West Elm set.

Little, wooden bench

Pottery Barn-$249
Wooden Armchair

 

Ikea-$99

Adirondack Chair

 Cost Plus-$99

Coastal Inspired Adirondack Chair

Cost Plus-$129

My heart is still smitten by the West Elm furniture, but I'll mull it over for a bit and see if I still feel that way.  I guess it's nice to know there are so many options available.  Whatever I decide to do, I can hardly wait to go outside and sit and soak up the long awaited summer sun. 

Are you as ready for summer to begin as I am? 

 

Finding your personal {design} style.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the ins and outs of making a house reflect one’s personal style. I don’t know about you, but sometimes, well a lot of times, I find myself up against a {design} wall. I’m beginning to realize that this usually happens when I’m trying to force something that isn’t really me. This got me to do some deep, thinking? Who am I? What do I really like? And how can I transfer these discoveries into the design of my home. {Who knew interior design was so introspective?}.

Here’s a list of some thoughts and questions I recently asked myself. They helped give me perspective and narrowed down my design aesthetic, and I thought they might help you too.

1- What affect do you want your home to have?

It has been said that there is a definite link between color and emotion. This idea should definitely render some consideration, since the colors you choose to decorate with could quite literally affect your mood.

When I was young and energetic in my twenties, it was all about bright colors.

 I loved the color red…which is one of the most stimulating colors on the color wheel.

{freshhomeideas.com}

But now that I am old and in my thirties and life’s beginning to feel a little more hectic, I find myself favoring a more calm and relaxing atmosphere. Consequently, my color of choice nowadays is turquoise…along with a few other bluish hues.

{chicgeekdesings.com}

Interestingly enough, blue just happens to be one the more soothing colors on the color palette. Believe it or not, your surroundings and the colors within them, can have a profound effect on your emotions.

2- Consider your own personal style.

When designing a room, use your clothes closet to help give you some design direction.

Are you trendy…always wearing what’s new and fresh? Or are you more classic…still fashionable and put together, but with a more timeless style?

Do you wear lots of bright colors,

{housebeautiful.com}

or do you prefer more muted tones?

{freehouseinteriordesignideas.com}

Are you a little quirky {I always reference Zooey Deschanel on this one}

{comohodesign.com}

or do you prefer something more elegant and sophisticated?

{homedit.com}

What is your favorite color to wear? What color is most prevalent in your closet?

What is your outfit of choice? Is it something laid back and comfy {think slip-ons and jeans}

{southerliving.com}

 or do you prefer something a little more glamorous and glitzy {jewelry and heels}?

{lilyandrose.net}

These preferences can help you dictate what interior design colors, themes, vibes and aesthetics you will most likely prefer.

To put it into a practical setting, my very most favorite piece of jewelry is a long, chunky turquoise necklace that I wear with almost everything {my whole entire house is accented in turquoise…go figure}. But maybe for you it is your favorite pair of leopard print flats {consider animal print rugs or throw pillows in your home}

{enchanteddreamweddings.com}

or your favorite gold bangle {consider gold accessories such as lamps and picture frames}

{decorpad.com}

Whatever it is, figure out how you can translate it into your personal space so you can really make it yours.

 

3- What inspires you?

When you are at the store or surfing the net, what types of things seem to really speak to you?

Do bold, geometric patterns get you giddy,

{designshuffle.com}

 Or is it old, vintage items with stories to tell?

{homeklondike.com}

Are you moved by the clean, simple lines of modern design,

{mobfin.com}

or inspired by the rustic, earthiness of farmhouse style?

 {ehomee.com}

Are you inspired by nature, or by the hustle and bustle of city life?

Whatever it is, think about it and narrow it down.

What truly inspires you? Consider every aspect of your life: religion, hobbies, interests, family, traveling, etc., and find a way to incorporate it into your design. 

Another technique I’ve started using is to make a collection of rooms that I not only like, but absolutely love…rooms that I would consider my dream rooms {thanks to pinterest for making this a whole lot easier}. Take a moment to see what all of the rooms have in common. Odds are there will be some underlying thread tying them all together. It might be wall color, or the color palette as a whole. It might be the furniture or artwork, or even the overall style: modern, vintage, farmhouse, boho, etc. Once you’ve got it pinned down, you are well on your way to finding your own personal design style.

Do you have any suggestions to add, or thoughts on how you came about finding “your style”? Inquiring minds wanna know, so don’t be scared to share.

DIY Canvas Photos

 I've been wanting to get photo canvas's made of each of the kiddies for awhile now.  After pricing it all out, I determined it would end up costing between $200-$250 to get five canvas's made.  Now, I love my kiddos and I love nothing more than to see their big, grinning mugs plastered all over the house, but I don't love 'em that much...just kidding I do.  But, $250 just wasn't gonna happen.

So, I started researching ways to do it myself and came across a half dozen or so different techniques.  I finally settled on this version.

All you need to complete this project are:

gel medium {available at any craft store for about $13-14...I used a 40% off coupon and got it for $11}, artist canvas in your desired size {the largest size I could print was 11 x 17 so I bought 11 x 16 canvas's}, and finally a laser printed photo {if you don't own a laser printer, you can get copies made at FedEx Kinkos for around $1.75}.  And that's it.

I started out by, trimming down my picture.

Then I applied an even coat of gel medium

{okay, here's the part where I get real.  The first canvas I did, I applied a nice thick coat of gel medium.  The only problem was that my picture wrinkled due to how thick it was...refer to picture below. 

The second go around I applied a lighter, yet still even coat of gel medium and my picture stayed nice and smooth.}

Then you need to place your photo, face down, onto the gel medium and let it dry {preferrably overnight}

Once it is dry, you need to remove the paper backing by spraying it liberally with water

then "massage" the living daylights out of it.  I say massage because you must have fingers like a ninja...strong yet stealthy.  You must find that delicate balance of firm, yet gentle.  It's hard to explain it, you just have to "get the feel" for it, but just know that if you rub too hard {or don't let your picture dry overnight} you will end up rubbing off the ink...refer to picture below

This is what happens when you get impatient and don't let your photo cure long enough...note how only Quinn's eyes rubbed off...CREEPY!

My nimble fingers in action

Aww, there's that handome fellow.

Once you have rubbed off all of the paper, or think you have rubbed off all of the paper, let it dry again.  This will allow you to see if you missed any paper...again refer to picture below. 

This is what happens when you get antsy and don't double check to make sure you have indeed removed all of the printer paper.

If you still have some paper remaining, just wet the canvas again and gingerly massage.  Continue to do this until your picture looks kinda like this.

Note how the picture looks a little distressed or worn looking.  I actually kinda dig it, so I don't have a problem with it.  I really don't know if it's possible to get a perfect transfer of ink.  So just bare that in mind should you decide to try this out on your own.  A vintage/rustic look can/should be expected.

Finally, to protect it, go over it one more with a coat of gel medium.  And voila.  Homemade DIY canvas's. 

Even with a little trial and error and few "learning experiences" it was still heckalot cheaper to make my own canvas's.  For seven photos, I ended up spending about $44...which is what I would have spent on one canvas had I sent them out to be done.  Seven...actually nine if you count my mess ups...for the price of one.  Now that's my kind of deal. 

Haiku Fans- Not Your Momma's Ceiling Fan

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Haiku Fans for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Let's have a little heart to heart shall we?

I've had a little something on my mind for a while.  It's been a bit of an ongoing debate between Studs and I.  That is the topic of ceiling fans.

Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking.  You're probably siding with whomever is totally and 100%  against these interior decorating abominations, am I right?  {And, that person is me by the way.} 

This is what I think of when I hear the words ceiling fan.  Just, hideous.  That's all I can say.

I had pretty much made up my mind to remove all of the rotating monstrosities one by one {hopefully without hubs putting together what I was doing} even though our house really needs the help dispersing cool air during the summer months.  I had resigned to just putting floor/table fans in each of the bedrooms...they are so much easier to stash away than something bolted to the ceiling.

But then I was introduced to a website,

Haiku ceiling fan

 and I realized that ceiling fans nowadays, are not at all like the ceiling fans of yesteryear.  I have to admit, I'm finding these fans kinda delicious.

I think this white one is my favorite.

 

 

These babies are way more sleek and cool than what I'm used to seeing.  They are definately more eye catching {in a good way} than their primitive, rotating ancestors.

I did a little research on this particular brand of fan just for fun and learned that they are quite cost and energy effecient, only costing about $5/year to run.  I also like the fact that Haiku Fans are a green product, made from bamboo and that they have ten different speeds to run on...including whoosh mode which simulates natural variants in air flow.  Mmm, sounds kinda relaxing {in a beachy sorta way} to me.  It also claims to be the quietest ceiling fan in the world.  The fan motor is some kind of magnet which allows it to function without making much noise and without shaking or vibrating violently...unlike the fan in my bedroom that I'm just waiting to fly off the ceiling in the middle of the night and decapitate hubs and I while we sleep.  The only tidbit of info I was unable to find out is price.  I would be very curious to know how much one of these little beaties cost. 

I'm beginning to think that there may be hope for all those couples out there {including Studly and I} who haven't been able to see eye to eye when it comes to ceiling fans.  

  Now that I've seen how far ceiling fans have come in design and aesthetic, I'm beginning to think that they may no longer be the decorating faux pas they once used to be, but rather a piece suspended artwork? 

What are your feelings on the topic?  Inquiring minds wanna know?