DIY Lucite Tray

This was such a simple and cool idea, I first saw on the site Aunt Peaches, that I had to try it. When I realized that an inexpensive picture frame could be turned into a touch of luxury, I went on the hunt. I found a frame, I think the size is 8 x 14, for only $0.99 at the Goodwill and bought a few things from the craft store to change a picture frame to a lucite tray. I couldn't decide whether to use the draw liner or the contact paper, they were both so cute. Having all the components to create a simple vanity tray I was ready to begin.

1. Remove cardboard from inside the picture frame
2. Cut draw liner to size
3. Add contrast color (black felt) then cut out letter or shape
4. Adhere letter to felt 
5. Cut "bling" to size and hot glue to felt (hot glue felt to draw liner to make it secure)

Viola! The project is complete.

NOTE: I didn't take a picture of the picture frame on the front side, what you see is the cardboard filling on the back

Time: Less than 30 minutes (cut, assemble and clean up)
Level of difficulty: Easy

All Bottled Up

Terrariums are beautiful mini container gardens and I've always admired the creative art in designing them and wanted to make one for years. I finally made one, as a gift, for a good friend and loved making it so much I know I will make more.

Beside purchasing the container, I also found the clock house, at the thrift store and added it for a touch of whimsy. I used pebbles from and old aquarium thinking it would make an interesting "walkway" to the front of the house.

When making any terrarium all that's needed is a container, plants, rocks (pebbles), soil and creativity. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be.

Time: 30 minutes (assembly and clean up)
Level of difficulty: Easy

Pallet Project

Wow, I can't believe it's been three years since my last post. Time goes by so quickly, but I've been busy and in the next few post I'll share a few of the things I have done over my hiatus. For the past few months I set out to re-purpose a pallet that had been laying in the backyard for far too long. I've seen different versions and designs of decorated pallets and it wasn't until I saw this design in Good Housekeeping that gave me inspiration and motivation. This is what my pallet project turned out to look  like:

I bought two hooks from the hardware store and my sweetie screwed them in the back of the pallet. I painted the wood and sprayer a sealer on it to protect the finish. The four decorative pails were purchased at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore; I drilled a few holes for drainage and used S hooks to attach each of the pails to the pallets. I painted the other three containers (silver, brown and lime green -- the only color spray paints I had on had). I bought pots at Ikea which were typically used in the kitchen to hold utensils, with holes in the bottom of the containers; the silver holder came with the container.

Image from Good Housekeeping

Time: 3 hours (prep, painting, planting and assembling)
Level of difficulty: Easy