Hello Fall Shadow Box Frame

September 3, 2023September 26, 20231 Comment

How to make an Easy Fall Dollar Store DIY.

I can’t resist an Easy Fall Dollar Store Project,

while I’m sitting here hanging onto Summer for as long as I can.

Hello Fall Shadow Box Frame

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

*Disclosure: This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Hello Fall Shadow Box Frame

Directions:

Remove the picture hanger hardware and the twine hanger from the wood shadow box.
Paint the shadow box with Royal Ruby Metallic Paint*.
Lightly sand over the paint using an extra fine sanding block*.
I felt the Metallic Paint was a little too metallic for me, so I went over the paint with a light coat of walnut gel stain. Wipe off the stain with a soft rag.

Hello Fall Shadow Box Frame

I created my graphic using StyleTechCraft Luster Vinyl and a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.
Remove the extra vinyl in and around the letters.
Cut a piece of decorative scrapbook paper to fit inside the shadowbox frame.

Hello Fall Shadow Box Frame

Apply vinyl onto the paper using StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*.
Adhere the finished paper into the shadowbox frame.

Hello Fall Shadow Box Frame

Add Fall Embellishments to the bottom of the shadowbox frame.

The shadow box frame makes a cute little shelf sitter to add to

your Fall Decorations.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

June 30, 2023June 29, 2024Leave a comment

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

I can’t seem to pass up a good bargain thrift store chair.

I found this one last year when visiting my daughter in Wisconsin.

My daughter loves thrifting even more than me,

so, whenever we’re together, we like to check out her favorite Thrift Store.

This particular store always seems to have great bargains,

especially on furniture.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

I wasn’t necessarily looking for another chair,

but when I saw the $1.50 price tag,

I immediately did the “sit and wiggle” test.

The chair was smaller in size but sturdy. (just like me)

There were four chairs in all, so I picked the best one.

In retrospect, I should have taken them all.

I may have if I didn’t have to travel so far with them.

Bargain Thrift Store Chair Make Over

The chair covering was an ugly, dingy green fabric.

The wood was also grimy from years of use.

After removing the seat from the chair,

I gave the wood a light cleaning using Murphy’s Oil Soap*

and a soft rag.

I was careful not to remove all the great old worn patina.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

After removing all the tack nails used to hold down the

fabric, I found this neat, brown patterned vinyl.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

After scrubbing the vinyl clean, I seriously contemplated

stopping at this point. The pattern wasn’t that bad.

But to match it with the other dining room chairs I was recovering,

I decided to go with the plain brown vinyl instead.

I purchased the brown vinyl with a 50% off coupon

at JoAnn Fabrics and foam on sale for 40% off.

It cost me under $5.00 for materials.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

If you were wondering…

I left the old vinyl underneath the new vinyl in case I ever change my mind.

I quickly covered it with the new vinyl using a

Staple Gun and Metal Staples*.

I love finding a little history when redoing a piece.

Underneath the chair in old handwriting, it says… “South end of the table.”

Makes you wonder why that bit of information was important.

$1.50 Thrift Store Chair Make Over

The chair currently sits next to the fireplace in the dining room.

It’s petite and easy to pull up when extra seating is needed.

Not a bad investment.

Amazon Prime Days are July 11-12th.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

June 28, 2023May 13, 2025Leave a comment

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

How to make a Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps.

I love a simple, easy, and inexpensive DIY project.

Add in a little recycling, and that makes me super happy.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

We recently had a new deck built using composite decking materials.

When I saw the leftover scraps, I asked them to save a few larger pieces

of the thick wood and composite fascia boards.

(FYI…Fascia boards are the large boards that go around the outside of the deck.)

I knew they would be perfect for a small bench or side table.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

The fascia board was the same width as the wood board.

So, I used the wood board scrap as it came.

I asked my husband to cut the fascia board the same length as the wood board.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

I stained the wood board using Varathane’s Carbon Grey Stain*

that I had left over from a previous project.

The wood is pretreated. So, I didn’t use a sealer on the wood.

I can always go back and do that later.

We screwed the composite fascia board onto the wood board using decking screws.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

I went to a couple of yard sales searching for table legs that I could use,

I wanted it to be a complete recycling project.

After no luck, I purchased these black hairpin legs from Amazon*.

I love how they look, and they go perfectly with the black railing on my new deck.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

After marking and measuring the placement of the legs,

we predrilled the screw holes before screwing them onto the wood.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

The table went together in a few minutes.

I love using scraps to make something useful.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

This table is the perfect side table between a couple of chairs.

A great place to set a drink down.

It’s also sturdy enough to be used as a small bench for one.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

Even after spending $20 on the legs,

I still have a very inexpensive custom table.

As my daughter-in-law reminded me,

“you can easily spend $20 or more for a small patio table”.

Simple DIY Patio Side Table from Scraps

FYI…I found my Solar Lantern at Homegoods, but you can

easily find other great Solar Lanterns on Amazon*.

Amazon Prime Days are July 11-12th.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

May 17, 2023May 30, 2023Leave a comment

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

Create a Handy Floral Notepad Holder using Sizzix Dies by Eileen Hull.

I am a list maker!

I usually have several lists going at one time.

And, if the list gets too messy, I’ll create a new one.

Lists are my way of keeping me organized.

Post-it notes* are another favorite of mine.

This Floral Notepad Holder is a great place to put my Post-it notes.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

The theme for this month’s Eileen Hull Teams is Die Cut Mania.

The best part about Eileen’s dies is you can mix them with other Eileen dies to create one great project.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Directions:

I used a piece of white mat board* as the base to create the pieces for the Notepad Holder. To adhere the paper to the mat board, I like to run the decorative paper through the Xyron Creative Station* to add a complete adhesive to the back. It makes everything lay wonderfully smooth with no peeling up corners.
Die Cut the pieces for the stand using the Phone Stand Die* for the base, Frame Pocket Journal Die* for the pocket, and the Journal Die* for the decorative plaque. (as shown in the picture above)

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

Gently fold the die-cut pieces on their scorelines.
Adhere the pieces together using a strong adhesive. My favorite for adhering mat board is Dap Liquid Adhesive*. All you need to do is hold the glued piece in place for 30 seconds, and it stays secure.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

To add a decorative element to the edge of the center plaque, use the flat end of a gold calligraphy pen* to add a gold edging. (It may take a little practice to make your lines smooth.)

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

Cut the letters “NOTES” for the front of the pocket using the Alpha Numeric Die* and StyleTechCraft Gold Craft Vinyl*.
Want a matching gold pen for the notepad holder? Measure the length of the barrel. Cut the vinyl 1 1/4″ wide. Carefully adhere the gold vinyl to the barrel. It adds personality to a simple everyday pen.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

Place the letters on the back of a small piece of gridded transfer tape* to line them up straight.
Place the transfer paper onto the small plaque and rub over the transfer paper to transfer the letters.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

Add a decorative strip of coordinating paper onto the front of the pocket and adhere the floral plaque using Rapid Fuse Adhesive*.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

The Floral Notepad Holder looks great on my desk and now I’m even more organized.

“If Friends Were Flowers” Shelf Sitter

May 2, 2023Leave a comment

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

DIY yourself A Happy Little Mason Jar Shelf Sitter.

As Spring turns into Summer, I get inspired to change my decor to happy colors.

I like to open the windows and let in the fresh air.

And…I love to bring in fresh blooms whenever I can.

Flowers make me HAPPY!

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

The Wood Mason Jar Cut-Out…

Sometimes when I see an item at the store, I have a vision of what I want to do.

Sometimes it works out, and other times it does not.

This particular time was the latter.

When I first saw the wood mason jar with flowers cut out,

I saw it stained with only the flowers painted.

So, I stained the wood.

It might have been the stain I used, but I wasn’t pleased with the result.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

After letting it sit overnight, I decided a little acrylic paint might help.

So, I watered down my paints so they didn’t look too heavy and painted away.

While it isn’t what I originally had planned, it’s not too bad.

It’s bright and cheery.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

Doesn’t vinyl make everything just a little better?

For extra personality, I added vinyl lettering using my favorite StyletechCraft* adhesive vinyl.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Wood Mason Jar Cut-Out (Michael’s Craft Store)
StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl: Tiff Blue, Olive, and White*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Tool Kit*
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*
“Monsoon” font from The Silhouette Store

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine* with the “Monsoon Font” from The Silhouette Store to create the words.
Cut the words using StyleTech Craft Glossy Vinyl.
After cutting, remove the excess vinyl using a Vinyl Weeding Tool*.
Lay the transfer paper over the words.
Rub over the transfer paper with a vinyl scraper tool and lift the design from the white paper backing.
Lay the transfer paper onto the sign and rub over the design. Remove the transfer paper.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

To make it a shelf sitter, I glued a small block, “borrowed” from the kid’s block basket, onto the back.
I painted the block with matching acrylic paint.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

Now that it’s finished, I think the shelf sitter would also make a cute Mother’s Day or Teacher’s gift.

So many possibilities.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

April 11, 2023April 11, 20231 Comment

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas is a satisfying Trash to Treasure Project.

Turn an unused/unwanted canvas into an easy DIY.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Several years ago, I got the opportunity to try Splatter Painting at a Trade Show.

As fun and exhilarating (and messy) as it was, abstract art is not my style.

While I would never typically do this with a painting,

this just-for-fun painting left me with no guilt. (splatter painting post here)

I have been using Lang Wall Calendars for years.

And every year, at the end of the year, I have a hard time throwing them away.

I combined the frame under the canvas with the calendar page

for some inexpensive framed art.

Reusing items around the house in new ways is fun for me.

I don’t have to get rid of things I love, and It’s a new way to enjoy them.

And if I change my mind, which I often do, I can always upcycle it again.

It’s super easy to do.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Here’s what I used: (*affiliate links)

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Use a small flat head screwdriver* to remove the staples from the back of the canvas.
FYI…Some frames will come with staples in the corner to hold them together instead of glue.
In that case, you have a decision to make. But because I wasn’t attached to the painting, I had nothing to lose.
Give the frame a light sanding with a sanding block*.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Paint or stain the wood to match your decor.
Rub the finished frame with a clear wax using a soft, clean rag.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

Cut the calendar page a little larger than the inside of the frame.
To give the picture more stability and a finished look, I adhered it to a piece of chipboard before gluing it onto the back of the frame.
Glue the picture inside the frame using a strong adhesive. I like using Rapid Fuse Adhesive*. It is a quick-setting glue and very strong. It works well with paper.

Upcycling an Old Painted Canvas

I put my “New” framed print on my mantel with a couple of old pots for a fun, fresh Spring look.

DIY Spring Bunny Door Hanger

March 3, 2023Leave a comment

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger

How to Make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with Acrylic Paint and StyleTechCraft Vinyl.

I love changing out my decorations with the seasons.

For Spring this year, I decided I needed a new bunny.

This cute little bunny door hanger makes me smile every time I see him.

Dollar Tree* always seems to have the perfect wood cut out for me to use.

And when it only costs $1.25, it’s affordable too.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

Materials Used to Make Bunny Door Hanger: (*affiliate links)

Crafter’s Square 11″ Wood Bunny Shape*
StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl: Salmon, Sea Glass, Olive, Medium Gray, Silver*
StyleTechCraft Matte Removable Vinyl*
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Tool Kit*
Flower Corner, and Easter Bunny Face SVG Files from The Silhouette Store
DecoArt Acrylic Paint: Bleached Sand*, Foliage Green*, Blue Haven*
Plaid Folk Art Acrylic Paint: 2485 Seashell Pink*
Wood Beads*
Twine*

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

How to make The Spring Bunny Door Hanger:

The bunny was a little too gray for my taste, so I warmed up the color by painting it with DecoArt Bleached Sand Acrylic Paint*.

How to Make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with Acrylic Paint and StyleTechCraft Vinyl-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 9785

My project was inspired by a Large Floral Rabbit Decoration that I saw at Michael’s Craft Store. I liked the look of the painted flowers on the rabbit. But since my hand-painting skills are not that good, a floral stencil would have to do.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

I created a stencil using StyleTechCraft Matte Removable Vinyl*, my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*, and the “Flower Corner” SVG file from The Silhouette Store.
I removed all the details inside the cut image with a vinyl craft pick tool. I left only the background.
Paint inside the background using acrylic paint.
I used the same cut stencil for both sides.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

Next came the fun part. I cut all the pieces of the bunny using StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl*, the Easter Bunny Face SVG file (from the Silhouette Store), and my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

After cutting all the pieces, I removed the excess vinyl from around the images using a Vinyl Weeding Tool*.
To transfer the vinyl, lay the Vinyl Transfer Tape* over the image.
Rub over the Vinyl Transfer Tape* with a vinyl scraper tool and lift the image from the white paper backing.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

For the florals, line up the vinyl over the painted area.
Gently rub over the transfer tape with the scraper tool.
Remove the transfer tape.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

To create the handle, paint several wood beads with the same acrylic paint as the flowers.
String the beads onto a piece of natural twine*.
An Easy DIY Tip: Dip the end of the twine into craft glue. Twirl the fibers with your fingers tips to make the strands tight. Once the glue dries, it’s easy to add the beads.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

I rubbed a little pink paint onto the face before adding the whiskers.

How to make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with a Dollar Tree Bunny, Acrylic Paint, and StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl.

I added adhesive rhinestones to the inside of the smaller flowers.
A Hello Spring Greeting finishes off the door hanger.

How to Make a Spring Bunny Door Hanger with Acrylic Paint and StyleTechCraft Vinyl-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 9894

I decided to add the Bunny Door Hanger to the inside of my Boxwood Wreath.

I think it looks cute hanging on my front door.

How to make Plaid Shaker Heart Ornaments for Valentine’s Day

January 24, 20231 Comment

DIY Plaid Shaker Hearts