2014 HomeTalk/ Pinterest Inspired Projects
One of my goals for last year was to get more in touch with my crafty side, which had lain dormant as work, kids and life had left me feeling like I had no time to indulge. Inspired by images here on HomeTalk and on Pinterest, I decided that something was missing in my life, and that it was time to change. Here are some of my projects, with varying results. I know many have done the same with much better results, so please don't judge too harshly!
Nautical Rope Chandelier – We built a stair addition on the front of our house a few years ago, but have not managed to finish it out completely. This past year, my husband put the salvaged wood ceiling in and drywalled and painted the walls. We had a single bare bulb hanging from the ceiling, which did not light the stairs up sufficiently and did nothing to enhance the space. I had spent some serious time searching for the right chandelier, but anything I liked was out of our budget. When I saw a DIY rope chandelier at http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-4813319, I immediately knew if would be perfect (and affordable) to hang in our stairway. I spent $7 on an ugly chandelier at a thrift store, bought $16 worth of rope (2 sizes) and got out my hot glue gun. I burned my fingers multiple times and it took longer than expected to wrap the entire chandelier, but I am pretty pleased at the end result, even though it doesn't really look like the original chandelier that inspired me. The sign on the wall is also one of my new projects.
Wood Signs – During summer vacation, my son decided he wanted to make wooden cutouts from scrap wood to sell and make some cash for computer gear. Since the kids have to come to the Historic Shed shop regularly over the summer, the plan expanded into a major industry that also involved my daughter, creating painted wood signs on scrap shed wood (mostly cypress) as well as the cutouts. Once they had enough signs, we got a booth at a local Greenmarket and the kids were in charge of selling. In spite of the extreme heat, and poor attendance at the market, they made some decent spending money. Of course, they lost interest in making more signs after that, so instead I started making them in my spare time (OK, when I supposed to be doing housework since there is no such thing as spare time). I got enough together and have sold them at the same local Greenmarket. It’s not going to be a second career, but it gives me a hobby that doesn’t cost much and keeps my mind entertained. Plus I can power watch PBS shows on Netflix and Amazon that no one else in my family is particularly interested in (I am now up to date on Downton Abbey, The Paradise, Mr. Selfridge, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) while I paint. I do a lot of beachy themed signs, but also some on local history, which I donate to a local history non-profit to sell.
Garden Jar Accents – When I saw this garden accent project ( http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/how-to-make-garden-treasure-jars-1344487 ), I figured it would be a good craft to do with the kids, and I was right. When we first installed them in the garden in the spring, they looked rather tall and awkward, but by the end of summer, they could barely be seen (there are 2 in the photo below). Basically, you use exterior silicone caulk to glue glass vase stones (from the dollar store) to jars (we used pickle and spaghetti sauce jars). Then you screw the lid onto a stick, pound it into the ground, and screw the jar on. Quick and easy garden accent!
Christmas Pine Cone Craft – For no real reason, except that we have pine trees behind our Historic Shed shop, I tried to recreate this craft I found at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/42854633925766382/ It’s a little anemic, but still works.
Christmas Star Lights – Our neighborhood decided to start a Christmas lighting contest this year. While I knew we were never going to be in the running to win, I figured I should do my part and add a few extra elements to our regular decor. I wasn’t overly successful, but I built two of these lit stars to put up. The problem was, I really needed a few more to hang in the palm tree in our front yard the way I had envisioned, but got distracted by other holiday preparations. I will likely make more next year and perhaps my idea will come together properly. I can’t find the original post that inspired me, but here’s a blog with basically the same thing, although I used scrap wood from our sheds rather than yardsticks: http://artfulparent.com/2012/12/lighted-wooden-stars-trying-out-a-pinterest-idea.html It did look pretty decent lit up at night, but doesn't do much for daytime decorating.
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3 of 4 comments
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I'm impressed-great results! Love the signs-do you stencil or free-hand the lettering?
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WOW! Great job! So impressed and so jealous too! Hometalk projects are so inspiring and I try to do as much as I can around my own home but it feels like it's never enough. Good for you going and getting it done!
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