Aged Archives - Pretty Handy Girl

accessories, Aged, Build It, decor, distressing, gifts, Home Decor, Trash to Treasure, Tutorial, Upcycling

Rustic Pallet Serving Tray

It’s amazing how serving food on a rustic tray can elevate your standard meal or dessert into an elegant occasion. This simple decorative rustic pallet serving tray is a simple project anyone can do!

Rustic Pallet Serving Tray

When I worked on a deck makeover with my sister, Caitlin (of Symmetry Designs), we shopped for a lot of the accessories ahead of time. She wanted me to find the perfect Bali-esque tray. Unfortunately I was coming up empty-handed. But, sometimes, you just have to DIY it! This Rustic Pallet Serving Tray was the brainchild of my sister, but I took her idea and ran with it.

Here’s how to make one for yourself.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Pallet wood or rustic boards
Thin Birch Plywood
Piece of paper the diameter of your tray
Pencil
Metal ruler
Scissors
Gorilla Glue
Hand weights
jigsaw (or Band Saw)
Dremel Multi-Max or Sandpaper
Drill
Drill bits
2 Drawer Pulls

Instructions:

Fold a piece of paper into eights. Cut a design along the edge. (I used a simple scallop shape like this “}”.)

When you unfold the paper, you should have a paper template to use for tracing.

Trace the template onto a piece of thin plywood.

Use a jigsaw or band saw to cut out the shape. You might find this tutorial helpful for cutting out intricate shapes.

Lay your plywood shape on top of the rustic boards. Move the boards around until you like the sections that will make up the tray. Mark a square around the shape with a ruler.

Cut the boards down to size using the pencil mark as a guide.

Dry fit the boards together on the plywood shape.

Wet both the plywood shape and the boards with a damp rag.

Apply Gorilla Glue to the plywood shape.

Set the rustic boards into the glue on the plywood shape.

Weigh the boards down with weights or heavy books.

Allow to dry for at least an hour. Remove the weights and clamp the boards onto a work surface (with the area needing to be cut hanging over the edge. Make sure there is clearance for the jig saw blade. You’ll need to cut half the boards and then turn and re-clamp to cut the entire circumference. The Rockwell JawStand works beautifully for this task.

Draw a pencil line 1 inch out from the plywood shape. Cut around the pencil line with a jig saw.

Sand edges and grooves with sandpaper or Dremel Multi-Max.

Measure and mark the location of the handles on the tray.

Pre-drill holes using a bit that is the same size as the handle screws.

Flip the tray over and drill countersink holes with a larger drill bit.

Attach the handles with the screws. The screw heads should sink into the plywood.

If you want a truly rustic look, lightly sand your handles.

If you are going to use your tray for food, use a plate or doily under the food.

What do you think? Do you like this beautiful rustic tray? Think you could make one? I bet you could!

You can see this tray and our Bali-inspired deck makeover here.

Pin for later!

June 15, 2020/13 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Aged, arts and craft, Before and After, decor, DIY, Furniture, Goodwill, painting, Painting & Antiquing Techniques, spray paint, Spray paint metal, thrifting, Upcycling

How to Create a Faux Zinc Texture (with Spray Paint)

Want to give something the look of zinc metal without spending money on zinc metal? You can create the look with spray paint and this technique.

How to Create a Faux Zinc Texture (with Spray Paint)

A while ago I was thrifting with a few friends and stumbled across an ugly cabinet at our local Goodwill. The metal chest had extra wide and deep storage, but the worst colors imaginable! The hot pink and mint green were disguising the true potential of the chest. Like a color-blind dog, I was able to see beyond its garish appearance. In my mind, I pictured a vintage metal cabinet with a faux zinc side and chalkboard drawer fronts.

I scooped it up and brought it home. Then the poor chest sat in our garage for months and months until I had a chance to work a little spray paint magic and turned it into….this thing of beauty:

Yes, that is the same chest of drawers! You could do the same transformation. Let’s learn How to Create a Faux Zinc Texture!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Gray Automotive primer
Rust-oleum metallic hammered metal spray paint (silver)
Craft paper
Painter’s Tape
Rubber gloves
White chalk

Instructions:

Clean off your furniture piece really well. Remove any dirt or debris (I actually had to use a little Goo Gone to get rid of some sticky residue. But, lemon essential oil will also work for this task.)

Spray paint your object with automotive primer. (I prefer the automotive primer because it sticks to metal and can withstand a lot of abuse.)

Let the primer dry.

Adding a Faux Zinc Texture:

This is the most exciting part of the tutorial. I created this technique by trial and error and I’m excited by how well this method works for creating a faux zinc texture.

Getting a faux zinc texture is really easy. Just have some gloves on and use a crumpled up piece of craft paper. (A loose crumple works best.)

Spray paint your object with a thick coat of the hammered silver spray paint, (but not so thick that it runs). Let the paint get tacky by waiting a few seconds.

Then use the crumpled piece of craft paper to blot into the wet paint.

Work in small 1 foot sections and pounce the paper a few times. (Too much pouncing and you’ll lose the large textured pattern.)

Let the paint dry thoroughly. Then enjoy your beautiful faux zinc paint job!

Chalkboard Painted Metal Drawers:

For my cabinet, I chose to paint the drawer fronts with chalkboard paint for a nice contrast.

Remove the drawers from the chest. Tape over the drawer glides and slides. Mask off the drawer sides and insides by covering the drawers with tape and craft paper, leaving only the drawer fronts exposed.

Spray paint the drawers with chalkboard paint. (Use three fine coats of paint instead of one or two heavy coats.) Set them aside to dry.

Insert the chalkboard drawers back into the cabinet frame.

Add chalkboard art to your drawer fronts.

The thrifted cabinet has a wonderful texture now and the black and zinc colors work with any color scheme.

The chalkboard drawer fronts allow the flexibility for me to store and label other items inside.

I’m so thrilled with the results! I hope you try to transform your own object, now that you know how to Create a Faux Zinc Texture.

If you use this tutorial, I’d love to hear about it. Better yet, will you send me a picture?

Share this with a friend! Pin this image:

October 14, 2019/6 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Aged, Bin, Build It, clamps, decor, distressing, drill, gifts, Home Decor, Painting & Antiquing Techniques, ReNew, thrifting, Toolbox, Trash to Treasure, Upcycling

Rustic Wooden Caddy with a Branch Handle

Spring is right around the corner and I’m itching to cut some fresh flowers to bring inside. I love displaying them in jars placed inside rustic wooden caddies. Making a little caddy or tote out of salvage wood and branches can be an easy beginner DIY project. But, it’s also satisfying for experienced woodworkers looking to use up some old scraps or upcycle an old wooden box. Here’s how to elevate a simple wooden box into something more quirky and special by adding a branch handle.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Old wooden box (Don’t have one? Make your own wooden box with this tutorial.)
Thick branch
Pry bar
Pliers
Clamps
Wood screws
Drill
Hand saw (coping or hack saw)
Spade bits
Paint
Sandpaper

I happened to be browsing through a yard sale and spotted a sad little box begging for me to buy it and give it a new life:

How could I say no! It was only $3. I couldn’t leave it at the yard sale in its sad burgundy dust-covered state. I brought it home so it could sit in my garage collecting more dust. (This happens more often than I’d like to admit. It’s a sickness I have.)

Using the pry bar and pliers, I pulled off the lid of the box and removed any nails.

Then I had a basic box to work with. You can use this tutorial to create a simple box if you don’t have one.

Instructions:

Cut upper handle supports out of 1×3 or other scraps. Clamp them inside the box.

Pre-drill holes and drive wood screws through the sides of the box and into the vertical supports.

Now it the time to finish the wooden caddy using your choice of paint or stain. (I like to create a rustic look using a relatively dry brush and by letting some of the wood grain show through your brush stokes.)

While the paint is drying, use a hack or coping saw to remove any bumps or burrs from your branch.

Measure the ends of your branch and select the spade bits that are closest in diameter to your branch (you want the holes to be equal to or wider than the branch.)

Drill a hole into each side of the vertical handle supports.

Insert the branch into the side of the caddy. You might have to experiment with which direction to install the branch.

Fill some jars with flowers and set them inside the crate.

Set it out in a prominent spot in your home.

Enjoy your shabby chic crate, caddy, tool box, or whatever you like to call it.

Personally I can’t get enough of this branch handle:

I’m curious, would you have bought that little dusty box too?!

If you liked this tutorial, you’ll love these other easy DIY Projects:

Mini-Picket Fence Caddy

Make Your Own Driftwood Crate

February 25, 2019/33 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Aged, decor, Decorating, DIY, Do It Yourself, Home Decor, Uncategorized, Upcycling

111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas

Do you love farmhouse decor as much as I do? What is Farmhouse Style exactly? It can be described as worn, weathered, rustic, comfy, or anything that reminds us of a simpler time. If you’re like me (and love all things farmhouse), you may find yourself being lured into buying new decor that can put a dent in your budget. But, rest assured, today I’m giving you 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas to help you create the space you desire for less money. Get ready to be inspired!

DIY Lanterns for your mantel or side table.

DIY Sheet Metal Trays to display on tables, counters, or your desk.

Upcycle an old window into sweet wall decor.

DIY Personalized Wood Slice Coasters to decorate your table.

Make a tray from a cabinet door for serving drinks at your next party.

Make this Home State Pride Garden Flag from a Placemat to add some interest to your yard.

Sew these memory making Reversible Recipe Placemats for a personal touch to your tablescape.

Hanging Beaded Flower Vases add color and sparkle to your windows.

Make this State Capital Rustic Tray to carry coffee each morning.

This Artist Inspiration Board is made from an Old Window for the artist in your home.

Another window can be transformed into a memo board with Colored Chalkboard Paint (make custom colors for your chalkboard projects.)

Gorgeous Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Plates to hang on your wall.

How to Install a Scrap Wood Wall to add character to any room!

Easy DIY Yard Stick Star to stand or display on your mantel.

DIY Chalkboard Painted Mugs to give to guests at your next holiday party.

A DIY Metal Number Sign adds rustic/industrial interest to your wall collage.

This DIY Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece adds rustic beauty to your table. Best of all, you don’t need any power tools to make it!

Reusable Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial would be cute hanging on a wall hook in your mudroom. Or use them at the grocery store and watch the other shoppers gawk.

Make Upcycled Cabinet Door Chalkboard Art to add a sweet quote to your wall.

DIY Feather Art is unique and eye-catching.

This DIY Star Garland is simple yet impactful for year round decor.

Customize a tote bag with an old shirt to carry everything you need.

Make a Driftwood Gift Crate to attractively store books, trinkets, or any small items in your home.

Frosted Glass Vases from the recycling bin can be used all over your home, with flowers or none.

This Fork Photo Holder is a simple and fun way to display photos!

An Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame lets your kids write messages on their door.

Decorated Chalkboard Clipboards are a great way to stay organized or give as gifts to the teachers.

Create a Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame to display photos anywhere.

Make a Decorative Barn Door for impactful wall decor.

Dress up a Dormer Window with Shutters to add cute character to a window.

Build a DIY Gift Tray or Box (because you can always use trays for a multitude of things.)

A DIY Barn Wood Picture Frame adds some rustic charm to your art.

Make a Concrete and Wood Planter for your sweet succulents.

This Pottery Barn Inspired Lantern came from a super inexpensive source! You too can score one like it for less than $10!

Learn how to paint and antique an old wash stand or any furniture.

This Rustic Wooden Caddy with a Branch Handle is the perfect farmhouse accent with rustic charm.

Create a Faux Ceiling Medallion with Stencils to add instant decorative detail to your room.

Follow this Aged Painted Pail Tutorial to create chippy paint on almost any surface.

Try Refinishing a Garden Bench to update furniture that has seen better days.

Shutters are great for Displaying Christmas Cards or any cards throughout the year. It’s the perfect tall decorating item for your farmhouse look.

A White Washed Window Box from a Wine Crate is perfect for a farmhouse accent for any window.

This Vintage Step Stool Makeover transformed from an old worn out style to new farmhouse style.

Create a Rustic Wood Headboard to add farmhouse beauty to your bedroom. You’ll be surprised by how affordable this project is.

Cut and Finish an Old Tabletop To Create a Wood Desktop in your kitchen instead of spending big money on countertops.

A White Washed Patriotic Flag adds a patriotic farmhouse feel.

Rubber Bronzing Cabinet Hardware can update your dated cabinet knobs and pulls.

A Painted, Stenciled, and Distressed Table was previously a dumpster cast off.

A Rustic Pie Safe got a vintage makeover with some Milk Paint in a bright color. (Farmhouse style doesn’t have to be colorless.)

Have an old fridge you don’t mind painting? Add a Chalkboard Calendar to keep your family on schedule.

Chippy Painted Corbels are the definition of farmhouse style. This is one tutorial you must read!

This Easy Faux Cross Stitch Tea Towel is a sweet farmhouse accent to your kitchen.

This DIY Chalkboard Calendar Wall is one way to be sure you don’t miss an activity.

A Painted and Distressed Wood Tutorial will help you add rustic colorful wood anywhere you want.

DIY Vintage Painted Oars are a fun way to add nautical accents.

Install a Branch Towel Bar to add some nature to your bathroom.

Chalk Painted Wooden Stools are handy and attractive to have around.

Learn How to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly and save some money on that aged metal look.

My Personal Gray Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe is perfect for the farmhouse aesthetic.

A Scrap Wood Christmas Tree is a great farmhouse holiday centerpiece.

Create Inexpensive Faux Copper Patina to add gorgeous character to your home.

This Book Page Rose Wreath is a beautiful DIY craft.

The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique Tutorial can be used for many items or furniture for a farmhouse look.

Aging and Antiquing Furniture Legs gives it an old, worn and beautiful look.

Build a Blue Loft Bed with colorful wood stain, so pretty!

Make an Old Sign from a Footboard to decorate your mantel. Signs like this sell for hundreds of dollars, but this one will cost you much less!

Create a Unique Wine Rack From an Old Dresser for an instant bar cart.

Old Paintbrush Cabinet Door Handles are a clever addition to your craft room.

An Autumn Book Page Leaf Garland is a pretty and simple DIY craft that looks great.

For your springtime tablescape, make this DIY Springtime and Easter Blue Bird Nest.

DIY a Rustic Farm Crate Sign to fake a farm in your family name.

This Anthropologie Inspired Pendant Light looks like it came right from the farm.

This Patriotic Denim Bunting Tutorial is perfect for your summer decor.

Build a Kitchen Counter Height Desk to customize your organization center.

This Song Lyrics Lamp Makeover has simple colors and is perfect for a bedroom.

Twig Star Decorations are quick and cute farmhouse decorations.

10 Uses for Old Windows help you achieve farmhouse aesthetic in any room.

Log Tea Light Pillar Candles are rustic yet elegant.

How to make a Chalkboard Surface Desk to create a built in workspace for your kids.

Installing Brick Wallpaper Mural gives an aged feel to any room.

Make a Mason Jar Soap Pump and use that blue ball glass to remind you of old times.

This DIY Rustic Cake Stand can be decorative and functional.

Take a plain lampshade and paint it to match your farmhouse-inspired room.

A Spoon Tealight Candle Holder is a great use of old spoons.

Make a Simple Pinecone Garland to bring some outdoors to your indoors.

Build a Wall Chalkboard with a Chalk Ledge for the entire family to use.

DIY Industrial Cupcake Stands are a cute farmhouse style addition to any party.

Learn How to Mount Antlers and bring some farm to your decor.

Here’s How to Build Custom Rustic Wood Box Crates that will fit into many spaces.

You must Build a Giant Chalkboard to decorate for all the holidays.

DIY Interior Cedar Shutters are a staple for any farmhouse home.

Adding these Spigot Handle Drawer Pulls is a cute and creative way to update a dated dresser.

Learn How I Took a Standard IKEA Cabinet and gave it a rustic farmhouse look.

A Farmhouse Bed with Storage is a great addition to your farmhouse styled bedroom.

Use Mirrored Glass Spray Paint to give glass an aged look and make it reflective.

FREE Printable: Fall Chalkboard Art is a great wall decor item.

Build a Trough Centerpiece to add to your farmhouse style dining room.

This Vintage Map Lampshade is perfect for your living room or office.

Re-paint Dated Home Decor to update old decor and transform it into farmhouse style.

How to Build Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign and keep the farmhouse look through the holidays.

This Metal Tree Form is simple and beautiful.

This isn’t a DIY, but thought you should know the Pros and Cons of a Farmhouse Sink before you purchase one.

A DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece adds some shiny and industrial farmhouse feel.

Rustic Wine Crate with Rope Handles are an attractive way to store magazines or books.

Rustic Bark Vases are so easy to make and look perfect anywhere in your home.

Make Your Own Street Sign to add your personal flair to your gallery wall.

DIY Sheet Metal Vase is shiny, industrial and beautiful.

Give Tired Magazine File Boxs a Facelift with rustic, natural papers.

Make Your Own Clock Sign from any flat surface material.

A Family Organization Center Door with aged copper and distressed paint screams of farmhouse charm.

Guess what?! This DIY Faux Aged Metal Pulley is actually a cheap plastic pulley I painted!

Hidden Storage Under Laundry Room Sink makes an otherwise messy space beautiful.

I hope you liked these 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas and found a lot of inspiration! Share it on social media and PIN this image to show your friends how they can save money on Joanna Gaine’s worthy decorating.

If you liked 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas, you’re going to love:

Clever DIY Upcycled Vases

16 Unique DIY Hostess Gift Ideas

April 20, 2018/2 Comments/by Sheri

Aged, antiques, arts and craft, Decorating, distressing, faux finish, Furniture, Painting & Antiquing Techniques

The Best DIY Aging and Antiquing Techniques

Aging and Antiquing Finishes Roundup Social Media Image

Aging and Antiquing Technique Tutorials:

Do you love the idyllic vintage or rustic look? If your answer is yes, then this round up is for you! I’ve curated some awesome projects with full details for aging and antiquing techniques that every DIYer should know. Check them out!

This Rustic Wine Crate with Rope Handles looks great after a little staining and distressing.

Consider Painting a Brick Fireplace to Beautiful Brownstone rather than tearing out the brick you hate.

Learn many of the best techniques for Antiquing and Aging Furniture here.

Check out how you can update your home just by Repainting Dated Decor.

Learn my go to products and tips for achieving the Perfect Rustic Paint Technique.

Learn how to antique beautiful furniture using Asphaltum Glaze.

Check out this White-washed Window Box and see how to get this finish on your next project.

Refinish your furniture in no time using the help of a spray gun used here for Painting an Antique Washstand.

Find out how to get creative and make An Aged Painted Pail using something you can find in the school classroom.

This Shabby Chic Dresser is gorgeous, check out how Holly (a professional refinisher) achieves this finish.

Learn how to make new wood look old, weathered and rustic.

Learning how to Faux Zinc will open so many doors for you! Be creative!

Learn how to get a distressed finish with this Distressed Picket Fence Planter Basket tutorial.

This Chalk Painted, Stenciled and Distressed Dumpster Table gives you all the details on how to make an amazing table like this one!

This Rustic Red Pie Safe painted with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint is a great way to learn about using milk paint.

Don’t buy new, learn how she refinished old hardware to get these Rubbed Bronzing Cabinet Knobs.

A slightly different finish can make any item a statement piece, like this White-Washed Patriotic Flag Sign.

The gorgeous technique on this Painted Distressed Wood Panel could be used for a huge variety of projects.

See how they got this Rustic Wood King Headboard finish. Hint: it involves chains!

Change up your metal bins with some paint, like this Galvanized Tub Storage.

These Vintage Painted Oars have an amazingly realistic finish and look so great! You’ll never guess what they used to be!

Learn how to Create Faux Finished Weathered Wood Grain. Yup, that’s not real wood grain and it looks amazing!

Learn how to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly, sometimes aging just gives extra charm.

Check out how to accomplish this Unique Wine Rack Paint Finish, you’ll be glad you did.

With a little chalk paint and sand paper, you can make a gorgeous old sign from a footboard.

Find out how to Build Giant Vintage Chalkboard and finish it off tonight.

This Faux Copper and Patina finish is stunning, learn how to make it happen on any surface!

Get the Gray Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe. It’s so easy to get the same finish as that coveted store.

Learn how to Paint a Giant Mandala Deck Tattoo and turn something ordinary into something elegant.

Here are some tips and tricks (you don’t want to miss) for Aging and Antiquing Furniture Legs.

This Faux Aged Metal Pulley is just awesome. Find out how it was done.

Learn the technique for this Chalk Painted Wooden Stool, it will be handy for sure!

Make something amazing with this technique, like a Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign.

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have any techniques we didn’t cover here? Feel free to share your tips for aging and antiquing in the comments! Don’t forget to pin this image so you can find it again!

Like the vintage look? You’ll love this Vintage Map Lampshade project:

October 9, 2017/3 Comments/by Brittany Bailey