Category: repurpose

2021, crafts, DIY, recycle, repurpose

Reduce.Reuse.Repurpose: new uses for old coffee containers

by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment on Reduce.Reuse.Repurpose: new uses for old coffee containers

I know a lot of people who have some of these empty coffee containers lying around.

Did you know you can make some super neat things from them?

I liked their shape and decided to spray paint them blue. I spray painted the lids a metallic silver to make them look like metal.

Then, I attached an adhesive chalkboard labels to the cans to complete the look. I’m going to use them as “kitchen canisters” in my kids’ playhouse or as craft storage in my craft studio.

I have also seen some people repurpose these containers into flower pots.

Source

How do you reuse your empty coffee containers?

2021, bedrooms, cheap decorating, children, decorating kid spaces, Designer dupes, DIY, girls rooms, kid spaces, kids rooms, Pin-spired projects, Pinspiration, repurpose, spring crafts, thrifty decor, upcycle

DIY Shabby Chic Lampshade

by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments on DIY Shabby Chic Lampshade

My youngest daughter wanted a pretty new lamp for her bedroom. We tried to find something that would fit her boho- themed room without breaking the bank, but we couldn’t.

But did you know lampshades are incredibly easy to DIY? All you need to make this one is some ribbon and a hot glue gun.

We found this ribbon at the Wal of Marts.

Then, get your hot glue gun and glue the ribbon to your shade however you want. I put a drop of glue every inch on this one and it has held just fine.

I really love how it turned out. A lot of people have thought it was high end.

Plus, my kiddo is happy and that’s all that really matters, right?

Tune in next week for some more really cute crafts for girls’ crafts.

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

Fun fall crafts: make a toilet plunger tree

by LumberInMyMiniVan3 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!!