Category: recycle

2021, farmhouse, junking, outdoors, plant stands, recycle, repurpose

A repurposed chair becomes a unique plant stand

by LumberInMyMiniVan3 Comments on A repurposed chair becomes a unique plant stand
A repurposed chair becomes a unique plant stand

A few years ago, my sweet grandpa gave me this chair. He heard I was looking for an old chair and someone had given it to him.

I liked the look of the chair. It was a nice size and I thought it was a cute chair. I just wasn’t too sure about that metal woven seat. The metal was a little sharp and I was worried about my kids cutting their fingers.

So I removed it. I then painted the chair yellow.

I also used a little sandpaper to distress it a bit.

I took some old wood planks and laid them across the bottom rungs of the chair.

I love how cute and unique this chair plant stand is. Plus, if I get tired of it, I can build a new seat for it.

But, the color brightens up our porch, and we get lots of compliments on our “fern chair.”

What have you repurposed lately?

2021, farm, floral, garden, plants, recycle, repurpose, seasonal, yard

New Uses for Old Things: DIY plant pots

by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments on New Uses for Old Things: DIY plant pots

Lately, I find myself trying to save money on my gardening supplies. If you aren’t careful, you can spend a lot on seed cells and plant pots. Why not try to use some of what you already have on hand?

I must have about a hundred of these. And yogurt cups! I decided to peel the labels off and wash them out.

I then spray painted them a color I liked.

And I let them dry for about a day.

Don’t forget to drill a drainage hole in the bottom of the cup.

And then your super cute planters are ready to go!

2021, farm, garden, green, outdoor spaces, outdoors, plants, recycle, repurpose, yard

DIY Raised Beds

by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments on DIY Raised Beds

About four years ago, my grandpa and I built some farmhouse shutters. You may remember them from this post.

I no longer have the window in my kitchen where these were used, and I don’t have anywhere else I’d like to use them. You know lumber is crazy expensive now and I’ve been itching for some raised beds.

I started by removing the hinges and hardware from the shutters. I left the basic shutter shape though.

I then simply joined the sides with wood screws.

And then I added cardboard and chicken wire to the bottom.

Tomorrow I am putting potting soil and plants in it. I can’t wait to show you what I plant.

I am also recycling some other former projects to create more raised beds.

2021, clothing, dance, DIY, life as a lumber, recycle, spending less

How to customize a dance costume (and make it look custom)

by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment on How to customize a dance costume (and make it look custom)

My two daughters are competitive dancers. While custom costumes are the way to go for competition, it’s also a much more expensive route. Thankfully, there are ways to customize an existing costume and make it seem like a custom.

1. Buy costume separates or a shell

We chose to buy this crop top and bottom from Balera. You can buy sequined separates like we did, or plain. It’s truly up to you.

2. Choose the embellishments you want to use

We chose to use a rhinestone appliqué, clear rhinestones and Maribou feathers. We also used E6000 adhesive and a glue applicator.

3. Add embellishments to the bottom

We chose to add only feathers to the bottom of the costume.

4. Add embellishments to the top

Finished product

The result is a very cute, very sparkly one-of-a-kind costume. This was surprisingly easy and you can do it too!!

More costume customizations to come!!

2021, cheap decorating, crafts, DIY, farmhouse, farmhouse decor, Pin-spired projects, Pinspiration, Pinterest roundup, recycle, repurpose, summer fun, upcycle, Wood crafts

Junk Drawer DIYs: make these crafts from things you already have around your home

by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments on Junk Drawer DIYs: make these crafts from things you already have around your home

I don’t know about you guys, but I am itching for a good project. With the current cost of lumber, I have been struggling to find ways to scratch my creative itch.

I’ve got a few scrap wood projects and pallet projects in mind, but until then, I’m making things from what I already have. I’d love to share some of those things with you.

1. Desk storage boxes

Source: Create Fashionable Storage from Ordinary Shoeboxes

I have two daughters and a love for shoes…so you better believe I have a collection of shoeboxes. Get some paint, some metal bookplates and some glue…and you have yourself some new desk storage boxes.

2. Farmhouse candlesticks

Source: DIY farmhouse candlesticks

If you have some candlesticks, some plant pot saucers, white chalk paint and a drill, you can make these candlesticks.

3. White mason jar succulent planter

Source: mason jar succulent planter

If you’re like me, you have an assortment of mason jars lying around. Take a small one, paint it white and pop a succulent in it.

4. Picture frame tray

Source: make a tray from an old picture frame

All you need for this one is some drawer pulls, a drill, a pretty piece of paper and some chalk paint.

5. Scrap wood shutters

Source: scrap wood shutters

Do you have some scrap wood lying around? Just use it to create some faux shutters!! You will need wood, drawer pulls and hinges, and paint or stain.

I hope these five easy and cheap DIYs inspire you! Maybe you can scratch your creative itches, too.