Category: repurpose

2020, crafts, decor, fall, floral, repurpose, seasonal, Seasonal art, seasonal decor

Fun fall crafts: make a toilet plunger tree

by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments on Fun fall crafts: make a toilet plunger tree

Recently, we went to see my aunt and my grandmother. Both are extremely talented crafters. My aunt made this adorable little fall tree from dollar store goodies.

My aunt’s little fall tree

Hers turned out so cute, I had to ask how she made it. They are fairly simple to make and easily made from what you see in the picture.

Toilet plunger, old bucket or basket, floral foam, fall florals, jute twine and Spanish moss

Apparently I buy waaaaay too much crafting stuff, because I already had all of this on hand. Except the plunger. My aunt did gift me the plunger.

First, add your plunger to your bucket or basket. Seriously. Just set it in there.
Cut your floral foam carefully and add it to the bucket until the plunger is steady.
Begin attaching your foliage to the top of the plunger. Keep adding foliage until you get the look you’re after.
Lastly, wrap your plunger or “tree trunk” with the twine. I hot -glued mine. Then, hide the floral foam with some Spanish moss.

And voila! Enjoy your cute little tree! I may add lights to mine.

This was easy and fun to make!

2020, crafts, decor, DIY, fall, farmhouse, farmhouse decor, farmhouse style, Pin-spired projects, Pinspiration, Pinterest roundup, projects, repurpose, seasonal, Seasonal art, seasonal decor, Wood crafts, Woodwork

Fall Wood Crafts You Can Make Right Now

by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment on Fall Wood Crafts You Can Make Right Now

Hi, all! We have begun a renovation project right now and things in our lives and our home are a bit crazy. Instead of walking you through a woodworking project this week, I am going to instead share some simple and easy wood crafts anyone can do.

1. Candy corn from scrap wood- Megan Plus Five

This candy corn by Megan Plus Five is cute and would be simple to make. Plus, I have a lot of scrap wood I could use.

2. Wooden post pumpkins

I found these cute 4×4 post pumpkins on Etsy. I have an extra 4×4 sitting around and this would be super easy to make!

3. Scrap wood pumpkin- The Summery Umbrella

This cute little pumpkin would be easy to make! I like the wood slide stem and burlap bow too.

4. Pallet wood sign

You have probably seen these little pallet signs all over Pinterest. You can make them for every season and holiday- these are especially cute.

5. DIY Wood Block House

I found this super cute house on Pinterest, and even though it’s not necessarily fall, it still would be a super cute addition to your fall decor.

Hope you enjoyed this roundup! We will see you Saturday!

2020, make it yourself, outdoor spaces, outdoors, Personal, projects, remodel, repurpose, Wood crafts, Woodwork, yard

Repurpose and Remodel: Restoring a Handmade Porch Swing

by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment on Repurpose and Remodel: Restoring a Handmade Porch Swing

My grandfather was an excellent carpenter. He and his brother built me many neat things over the years but my favorite is this porch swing.

It’s handmade, solid wood and heavy. In fact, it’s so heavy that in the 15 years since he built it for me, I’ve never had a place to hang it. It’s been in my mother’s basement for years.

As you can imagine, 15 years in a damp basement takes its toll. We had several rotten slats and a rusted chain. We were blessed the frame was still in good shape .

I promptly ordered the things I thought we would need and I got to work replacing the slats that were rotten or warped. I toyed with replacing all the slats but since some were in great shape, I decided against it.

I then gave the whole swing a good sanding with my orbital sander and removed the rusty chain.

I then put two coats of primer and one coat of paint on the swing and replaced the chain with a new one.

My mom got me this arbor for my birthday so I could hang the swing. It’s very pretty and very sturdy. And we know the song isn’t hanging straight- the arbor isn’t exactly level yet. We haven’t anchored the arbor yet because we are waiting to put down some pea gravel to deal with the mud. We also want to cut those bushes but there are birds nesting in them, so we want to wait until they leave.

I’m so excited to have this swing at my house- finally! I miss my grandpa so much so I am happy to be able to have this gift he personally made for me. It looks so pretty hanging from the arbor. It brightens up our yard quite well!!

I can’t wait to finish this area so I can show it to you!!

2020, budget decorating, decor, decor tips and tricks, decorating tips, farmhouse decor, lanterns, recycle, repurpose

Shop Your House: Don’t buy new, repurpose instead

by LumberInMyMiniVan1 Comment on Shop Your House: Don’t buy new, repurpose instead

Have you ever had something in your house that you love, but due to its age, it doesn’t look as good as it used to? Or maybe it’s not something that doesn’t look usable anymore but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of it.

At our wedding eleven years ago, we lined the sidewalk of our reception hall with lanterns hanging from shepherd’s hooks.

I have about four of these sitting in my garage right now.

It’s faded. There’s candle wax melted in the bottom of it. It doesn’t look so hot. But you all know about my love of spray paint.

I covered the glass with painter’s tape and got to work. I put two coats on my cute little lanterns.

I let them dry for about 24 hours. The finished project looks pretty great. Next week, I will show you how they turned out, and where I am using them.

2020, crafts, DIY, projects, recycle, repurpose, rustic DIY, Woodwork

Scrap Wood Challenge: Adirondack tables

by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment on Scrap Wood Challenge: Adirondack tables

This week we are once again sharing a scrap Wood challenge, but as my husband pointed out, is it really a challenge to build something from an Ana White plan? After all, she makes it so easy.

And what is a group of Adirondack chairs without a side table? I truly did challenge myself with this one, as I did not use any kind of plan. I simply figured out how big I wanted the table and went from there. I didn’t really think I’d need a plan, as a table really isn’t hard to build.

You will need:

4 2×4’s cut to 15 inches (45 degree angle on each side)

5 1×4’s cut at 17 inches

4 2×2’s at 18 inches

2” wood screws

1. I began by cutting my 2x4s to 15 inches at 45 degrees on each end.

You will want your cuts to be in the opposite direction.

2. Make a “picture frame.”

Then, drive your screws at an angle to join the edges.

2. Flip it over and attach the slats at 1/4 inch apart.

A little imperfection is ok.

3. Flip it back over and attach the four table legs.

Almost done!

4. Flip your table over

You have just built a table!!

And now you can sand or paint it any way you like!! Hope you enjoyed!