Category: Woodwork

2021, DIY, family, kid spaces, kids, outdoor spaces, outdoors, projects, Woodwork

DIY: A Swing Set Made for A Princess

by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment on DIY: A Swing Set Made for A Princess

How a few hours on a Saturday can lead to hours of fun

We have an aging redwood playset that my kids have had since my nine year old was two and a half. It’s been a lot of fun, but it is badly aged, and both kids are too big for it. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on a new swingset, since both kids will likely age out of it in the not-too-distant future. But with Covid still on the rise, and the parks being too risky, we decided to DIY a simple yet sturdy swingset they would enjoy.

First, we bought four treated lumber 4X4x8 posts, a treated lumber 2x6x10 board and one treated lumber 4x6x10 post. We also bought metal swing set hardware from Amazon.

Source: Amazon
Source: Amazon (We ordered six of these)

We started by inserting the 4X6 posts into the brackets to create both A-frames.

Repeat on both sides and then insert the 4X6x12 to make the top of the swing set. When all of your boards are inserted into the brackets, stand it up (with help- don’t do this alone) and tighten the bolts with an impact driver.
Then, make sure the ground under your swing set is completely level. If it isn’t, move it around to where you want it.
Cut your 2×6 in half and use wood screws to attach it to the 4×4 posts. This will stabilize it and create your A-frame.
Double check your lag screws and make sure everything is tightened down.
Install your swing hanging brackets. We used six of these and we measured before drilling.
Then, hang your swings and you are done! We reused the swings and trapeze bar from our old playset.

Looks like the tiny Lumbers approve!

2020, 24 Days of Christmas, christmas, holidays, seasonal, seasonal decor, Wood crafts, Woodwork

24 Days of Christmas: How to Make a Farmhouse Wooden Planter Box

by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment on 24 Days of Christmas: How to Make a Farmhouse Wooden Planter Box

A few years ago, I had a little extra scrap wood and I created this. It was a very versatile piece and it was used for almost every holiday….and then I gave the thing away.

The only logical thing to do is build another one, right?

You can make yours any size you want, but to make yours the same size I did, you will need the following materials.

To make a planter box, you will need:

1 1X6 board, at 34 inches long

2 1X4 boards, at 36 inches long

2 1×4 boards cut at 6 inches long

Wood screws

Drill bits and drill

Screwdriver/ phillips drill head for power drill

Wood glue

Wood stain in your desired color. I chose Minwax Dark Walnut

I began by attaching my 36 inch 1X4s to the sides of the 1X6 board. This will create a box with open sides.

Then, simply attach the boards to the bottom of the box. Stain your box with the wood stain. I used two

And when your box is dried and completed, you can fill it with candles, pine cones and Christmas balls. You can use this box as a table centerpiece, on a mantle, or in a low window frame.

Go ahead and make yourself a wooden box centerpiece! They are very cheap and easy to make and you can use them for every holiday.

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, At home, DIY, farmhouse decor, farmhouse style, outdoor spaces, outdoors, Pin-spired projects, Pinspiration, Wood crafts, Woodwork

Scrap Wood Challenge: A Scrappy Grape Arbor

by LumberInMyMiniVan4 Comments on Scrap Wood Challenge: A Scrappy Grape Arbor

Hi, all! It’s been a minute. We have taken a few weeks off blogging and social media influencing to figure out our crazy new lives and schedules amongst the covid crisis. We have missed you all dearly but we are glad to be back online.

As you know, my husband wanted me to get rid of the scrap wood pile in the garage. I told him you can’t just get rid of perfectly good wood…you must build something cool with it.

Enter my grape arbor. We knew we wanted to plant grapes next year, but I didn’t want a traditional low grape arbor. I wanted a tall arbor!

First, I dug holes and sunk four 4×4 posts. I then attached the posts with two 1×6 boards on each side (front, back and sides).

I then cut shorter pieces, just a little longer than the width of the sides. I attached them parallel on each side.

Then, I cut pieces for the top and cut them slightly wider than the top of the arbor.

I kept adding slats until I had it finished.

And I cannot wait until we have actual grapes growing from this thing!! Stay tuned!!

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!!