wall quilt title

Today on the Rockstar DIY stage is Jaime, with the tutorial to make this drop dead gorgeous Framed Wall Quilt.

Rockstar DIY Series

If you can sew a straight line I promise you can make this framed wall quilt.  You all are familiar with Jaime from That’s My Letter, I’m sure! She’s one of the regular band members here on PrettyHandyGirl.com. I can honestly say that she is one of the most gifted and talented DIY rockstars I know. She can build, she can fix, she can craft and she can sew. She also balances a job blogging and being a mother. Enough said.

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With that, I turn the stage over to Jaime and her tutorial for creating a Wall Frame Quilt!

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Gather up your favorite fabrics and we will make this statement wall art that would be great hanging nearly anywhere. And, it makes a wonderful gift idea.

wall quilt 3

Although the pattern looks to be a little tricky, it’s actually four of the same pieces sewn together in an X format.

wall quilt detail

wall quilt collage

Materials:

  • 1/4 yard each of 4 cotton fabrics
  • Basic sewing supplies: sewing machine, thread, pins, scissors, pencil, iron & ironing board
  • rotary cutter, clear quilting ruler and self-healing mat
  • 24″ x 24″ cotton fabric (for backing)
  • 24″ x 24″ batting
  • safety pins
  • 1/2″ plywood @ 21″ x 21″
  • 1x2x8 pine board
  • staple gun
  • wood glue
  • miter saw
  • nailer & 1 1/4″ brad nails
  • clamps

Instructions:

Step 1: Begin cutting the fabric into 2″ wide strips.  Looking at the diagram below, you will need multiple lengths of each fabric. I suggest cutting very long 2″ strips which you can cut down later.  I like to fold the fabric in quarters then cut off a 2″ wide strip using a rotary cutter and clear quilting ruler.

wall quilt step 1

wall quilt layout

Step 2:  Sew strips together using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  Determine your pattern, start from the middle longest piece (bright green) then add strips on either side.  With each additional strip, line up the strip with a ‘step down’.  Press.  Eventually you will trim edges with a 45 degree angle which is marked on the quilting ruler.

wall quilt step 2

Step 3: Make 4 identical pieces.  Sew the top square to the bottom squares.  Press. Then sew the middle seam together to make one piece. Press. Be sure to line up the seams. Read more

Install a ReadyMade Mirror Frame on Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Install a ReadyMade Mirror Frame on Door | Pretty Handy Girl

You guys, I can’t believe I have a middle schooler. I know, I know, I’ve been having a pity party for myself for two weeks. But, I’m finally coming to terms with it. This past week, I helped Handy Boy #1 de-clutter his room and carve out a space for him to do his homework (without being interrupted by his younger brother.) We moved his furniture around and actually had a lot of fun talking and working together.

Install a ReadyMade Mirror Frame on Door | Pretty Handy Girl

I also installed a mirror on his door. Although he’s not obsessed with how he looks or dresses yet, I know that time is coming soon. Instead of putting up a cheapy plastic-framed mirror, I worked with MirrorMate to test out their new READYFrame kit. You may remember when I ordered a custom MirrorMate frame for that ugly and naked mirror in my sons’ bathroom. It still looks great today (although I painted it blue for a new look.)

MirrorMate now sells pre-made frames that fit several of the standard sized mirrors you can buy at Lowe’s, IKEA or HomeDepot. I chose the Essex Crosshatch Silver and the tall 16″ x 58″ mirror from Lowe’s.

I didn’t need to purchase any hanging hardware because MirrorMate ships it with your frame.

Install a ReadyMade Mirror Frame on Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Want to see how easy it was to hang and dress up the mirror? I’ll give you a hint, it was easy and it looks beautiful!

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.)

Install a ReadyMade Mirror Frame on Door | Pretty Handy Girl

  • MirrorMateREADYFrame
  • Screwdriver (or drill with phillips head bit)
  • Rubber mallet (or hammer)
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Wet wipe
  • Heavy book or weight
  • Thumbtack or pin
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Cotton ball or rag
  • A helper

Assembling the Frame:

Open up the READYFrame box and remove the frame connectors from the packaging.

Install a ReadyMade Mirror Frame on Door | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the top from the glue and peel off the seal. Poke a thumbtack in the glue bottle to create a hole in the nozzle. Apply glue to the edges of theREADYFrame. Read more

Easy Clipboard Stand | Pretty Handy Girl

Easy Clipboard Stand | Pretty Handy Girl

Today’s project is so easy, I named it the Easy Clipboard Stand (catchy name, no?) This is a great way to upcycle an old clipboard and a scrap 2×4. This clipboard stand is super versatile. It can be used as a traditional stand for announcements; a copy stand; a recipe holder; an art frame or anything you need to bring attention to. Plus, if you use a dark chalk paint color, it can be used as a chalkboard sign. Bonus.

Materials:
(contains affiliate links)

Tools:

Instructions:

Cut the 2×4 scrap to the same width as the clipboard. Set your table saw blade approximately 2/3 height of the 2×4 block. Angle the blade to 15 degrees. Carefully slide the block over the blade. You’ll notice I use a GRR-Ripper Push Block to keep my hands away from the blade. (If you own a table saw, you need one of these!)

Easy Clipboard Stand | Pretty Handy Girl

The 2×4 should look like the photo below.  Read more

Pros and Cons of 4 Types of Picture Hangers

Pros and Cons of 4 Types of Picture Hangers

Hello! It’s Jessica, from Decor Adventures and I’m back this month with some very handy tips to help hang items up on the wall. Do you ever wonder which picture hanger to use? Did you know there are several ways you can hang things up? From curtains to art and mirrors to lightweight decorations — there are many options for hanging (and sometimes you don’t even have to put a hole in your walls.)

I live in a 115 year old house that has both plaster and drywall, and I’ve experimented with many types of ways to hang items on the walls. Today I’ve compiled The Pros and Cons of 4 Picture Hangers.

1. Picture Hooks and Nails:

This is probably the most common way to hang up items. Simply mark where your item will go and hammer in your nail and hanger. Brittany shows you how to hang up items when putting together a gallery wall here.

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Pros:

Hooks and nails come in many lengths so they can work well in most walls and are easy to use. They are also affordable and go into a wall quickly. All you need is a hammer.

Cons:

Hooks and nails don’t always work in every wall type and can rust. They can’t be used in plaster walls. When hanging heavier art, you need to find a stud to nail into. Read more

Metal Number Sign | Pretty Handy Girl

Metal Number Sign | Pretty Handy Girl

Want a quick and easy way to display a favorite number? Create a metal number art sign for your wall; for wedding tables; to commemorate your favorite athlete, etc.

Materials:

Metal Number Sign | Pretty Handy Girl

  • Metal sign (found at Michael’s)
  • Spray Paint
  • Numbers
  • Antiquing Wax
  • Wax brush
  • E-6000 glue
  • Ruler

(Note: You can make your own metal sign by cutting sheet metal and drilling holes into the top. Add some rope to hang it from. I just took the quick route and bought mine.)

Instructions:

Spray paint your numbers any color you like. While the numbers are drying, add some age to the metal sign by pouncing some antiquing wax to the edges.

Metal Number Sign | Pretty Handy Girl

Add glue to the back of the numbers.

Metal Number Sign | Pretty Handy Girl

Center them and line them up using a ruler to help keep them even.

Metal Number Sign | Pretty Handy Girl

Allow the glue to harden and hang your metal number sign anywhere you please.

Metal Number Sign | Pretty Handy Girl

Can anyone guess the significance of #41 on our wall? I’ll save you some time, it’s not my age.

PHGFancySign

 

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