Two Ways to Install a Ceiling Hook for Plants

Two Ways to Install a Ceiling Hook for Plants

There are a few different methods to install a ceiling hook to hang a plant from, but this post is going to cover two of them. The first method involves finding a joist, and the second method uses a toggle bolt. Don’t let the words “joist” or “toggle bolt” worry you though, both of these methods are very easy, and require few tools. Read on for instructions for two ways to install a ceiling hook.

Install a Ceiling Hook into a Joist

Hanging a plant hook using a ceiling joist is the most secure way and the safest, especially if you plan to hang a heavy planter.

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.)

Stud finder
Drill
Drill bits (slightly smaller than the screw being used)
Swag Hook kit
Pencil

Instructions:

Step 1

Decide where you will install the hook. Grab the stud finder to locate a joist in that area. Don’t have a stud finder, try one of these 5 Ways to Find a Stud without a Stud Finder. Make several passes to ensure you know exactly where the joist begins and ends, and mark the area accordingly.

Step 2

Drill a small pilot hole into the drywall and joist with a drill bit slightly smaller than the size of the screw being used.

Step 3

Hand screw the hook into place until it is flush against the drywall. (If it becomes too difficult to turn, you can put a screwdriver into the hook to use for leverage.)

Step 4

Hang your planter and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Install a Ceiling Hook with a Toggle Bolt

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of finding a joist, or there isn’t a joist where you want to hang your plant, you can use a toggle bolt with the hook. (Just make sure your plant isn’t heavier than the specified weight limit for your ceiling hook.) It sounds intimidating, but it’s actually very easy!

First, what is a toggle bolt? A toggle bolt is a bolt with “wings” that you hold closed to insert inside a hole in drywall, and once inside the hollow wall the wings spring back open. They are great for using with ceiling hooks!

Instructions:

Step 1

Decide where you’ll be installing the ceiling hook for your plant and make a small mark with a pencil.

Step 2

Make a small pilot hole where you just marked using a drill and a 1/8″ drill bit. If you happen to hit a joist consider going back to the first method above, otherwise you’ll need to move to the left or right of the joist.

Step 3

Using a 3/8″ drill bit and drill, make a larger hole into the ceiling drywall to fit the end of the toggle bolt.

Step 4

Holding the wings on the toggle bolt closed, gently insert the bolt (hinge side first) into the hole in the ceiling drywall.

Once inserted the wings will pop open, securing the bolt inside the drywall.

Step 5

Screw the swag hook onto the bolt, and continue screwing until the hook is flush against the drywall. It’s helpful to pull down gently on the bolt while screwing the hook into place to keep it from just spinning in place.

Step 6

Hang your planter and you are finished with this project!

I hope this tutorial gives you the confidence to install a ceiling hook in your own home!

Check out my other tutorials HERE.

I’m Amanda, and I am the creator and voice behind the food and DIY blog, Domestically Creative. What started as a place to share updates with friends and family after we moved from Illinois to Tennessee and then to Texas, turned into a passion for finding creative and frugal ways to feed us and decorate our homes.

I have always had the “make it myself” attitude and I’m not afraid to bust out the power tools or get creative when it comes to decorating our home on a budget. You can usually find me scouring the local thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales looking for my next makeover (like this litter box cabinet), or dreaming up ways to make our new house feel more like home. My most recent project was giving my home office a much needed facelift. Some of the plans included creating a fun inspirational accent wall and adding pegboard to store my craft hoards.

I currently call Missouri home, where I live with my husband, dog, and 2 cats in a pretty dull, late 90’s split level. My husband and I both love to travel the U.S and recently purchased a small travel trailer to tag along in our journeys. In our free time together we can usually be found working together on a home project, exploring a new place, or just lounging with our pup, Delilah.

I’d love for you to connect with me on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

See all of Amanda’s tutorials HERE.

If you liked this tutorial, you’ll love this two-tiered scrap wood plant stand:

September 11, 2019/1 Comment/by Domestically Creative

Build It

DIY His and Hers Towel Hooks

If you are short on space, add some extra storage and personality to your home with these customizable DIY his and hers towel hooks. No stencil or die cut machine required with this easy font transfer method.

This project was born out of necessity for our camper. Right now we have one small double hook in the camper bathroom and we tend to fight over it. The hook isn’t big enough for both of our towels, so I usually find one has fallen off onto the floor. But, these adorable DIY his and hers towel hooks will help us solve the problem, and give our camper a bit of personality at the same time.

Here’s how to make your own pair:

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.)

1×4 Pine board
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Miter Saw
Palm Sander
100, 150 and 220 grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Wood stain
Polyurethane (oil based)
Foam brushes
“his” and “hers” text printed on paper
Chalk
Pencil
White Sharpie paint marker oil base (fine or medium point)
2 decorative hooks
2 D-ring hooks
Drill
Drill bits

Instructions

1. Cut the wood:

Measure 8″ from the end of the pine 1×4 and mark it with a speed square. Use a miter saw to cut the 1×4 at the marked line. Repeat this step once more for two pieces of 1×4 cut to 8″ each.

2. Sand and stain the boards:

Use the palm sander and 100 grit sandpaper to sand each board, moving the sander with the grain. Step up to 150 grit and 220 grit consecutively to get the smoothest finish possible on each board.

When each board is completely smooth, wipe off the excess sawdust with a clean rag. Then use a tack cloth to wipe down each board to remove any lingering sawdust before staining.

To stain each board, use a foam brush to wipe on a thin coat of stain. Let the stain sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe off the excess stain with a clean rag. Let the stain dry for 30 minutes before flipping the boards over to repeat staining on the back side. Make sure the stain dries fully before moving on to the next steps. (You might need to wait about 18-24 hours.)

3. Seal the Wood

Give both boards a coat of polyurethane. Let it dry and cure for 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

Don’t skip this step! If you do not add a layer of polyurethane, the paint in step 4 may bleed into the grain of the wood.

4. Add his and hers to the boards:

You can use a stencil for this step, or hand letter if you prefer, but this easy font transfer method just may change your DIY mind.

Cut out each word after printing them off onto a white sheet of paper.

Next, take a piece of chalk and shade all over on the back side of the paper.

Place the paper right side up and secure it to the wood board with a small piece of painter’s tape or washi tape. Then trace over the text with a pencil, but be careful not to press in too hard. Pressing down hard while tracing could leave an imprint in the wood.

Remove the paper, and a chalk outline of the text will be left.

Next, use an oil based Sharpie paint marker to trace over and fill in the text. Once the paint has dried, brush away any leftover chalk lines or dust.

5. Seal the Wood (again)

Give both boards a coat of polyurethane using a foam brush. Let it dry before moving on to the next step.

6. Add the towel hooks and hangers

Place one of the hooks in the center of one board under the “his” or “hers” text. Mark where the holes for the screws will go with a pencil. Drill a small pilot hole with a drill bit for each screw. This will prevent any splintering or splitting of the wood when driving in the screws.

Drive the screws into place to finish attaching the towel hooks to each board.

Next, follow the same steps for adding a D-hook to the back of each board for hanging.

When finished, hang your brand new towel hooks on the wall using an anchored drywall screw and stand back to admire your work!

These hooks will be relocated to my camper before our next trip out to save my sanity!

You could also use these his and hers hooks to hold clothes, hats or accessories in a closet. Use them to get the next day’s outfit ready by hanging tops, bottoms, and accessories on them. They would also work great in a guest room for guests to hang up their coats or small bags!

I’m Amanda, and I am the creator and voice behind the food and DIY blog, Domestically Creative. What started as a place to share updates with friends and family after we moved from Illinois to Tennessee and then to Texas, turned into a passion for finding creative and frugal ways to feed us and decorate our homes.

I have always had the “make it myself” attitude and I’m not afraid to bust out the power tools or get creative when it comes to decorating our home on a budget. You can usually find me scouring the local thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales looking for my next makeover (like this litter box cabinet), or dreaming up ways to make our new house feel more like home. My most recent project was giving my home office a much needed facelift. Some of the plans included creating a fun inspirational accent wall and adding pegboard to store my craft hoards.

I currently call Missouri home, where I live with my husband, dog, and 2 cats in a pretty dull, late 90’s split level. My husband and I both love to travel the U.S and recently purchased a small travel trailer to tag along in our journeys. In our free time together we can usually be found working together on a home project, exploring a new place, or just lounging with our pup, Delilah.

I’d love for you to connect with me on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

See all of Amanda’s tutorials HERE.

August 14, 2019/2 Comments/by Domestically Creative

Build It, DIY

30 Creative Craft Room Builds You Can DIY

Is your home office or craft room in desperate need of some storage? Don’t spend a ton of money on brand new furniture or custom closet organizers when you can build it yourself. Check out these creative craft room builds that you can replicate.

DIY Desks

Every craft room or office needs a workstation. These awesome DIY Desk ideas will help you build one to fit your space.

Building a Kitchen Counter Height Desk
Craft Room Work Table Using File Cabinets | In My Own Style
DIY Computer Desk | Love Create Celebrate
Farmhouse X Office Desk | Handmade Haven

Built-in Closet Organizers

If your craft room or office has a closet, you can build custom shelving and storage inside. The ideas below for some easy to replicate builds are awesome.

DIY Craft Closet Organizer Plans | Anika’s DIY Life
Space Saver Craft Closet Storage | Hymns and Verses
DIY Closet Shelves | Amber Oliver

DIY Craft Room Storage

No one can ever have enough storage solutions when it comes to a craft room or home office, so these DIY storage builds are a must!

How to Build Built in Bookcases with Cabinets | H2O Bungalow
How to Create Built Ins from Mismatched Furniture | From House to Home
Industrial Rolling Paint Storage Cart | Simply Designing
How to Build Craft Room Shelves | Crafting in the Rain
DIY Crate Cabinet with Sliding Drawers | Virginia Sweet Pea

Build your own Printer Carts

Currently, my printer lives on top of a dresser in our guest bedroom, but these DIY printer carts have me in the mood to build a new home for it. They all have easy to follow plans for you to build one for yourself!

Industrial DIY Printer Table | Simply Designing
Rolling Printer Cart with Build Plans | Girl, Just DIY
Printer Stand with Paper Storage | Houseful of Handmade

Craft Room Pegboard Solutions

Pegboard is a great solution for using vertical space for extra storage!

Feminine Home Office Pegboard | Domestically Creative
DIY Framed Pegboard | Intelligent Domestications
Framed Pegboard for Craft Room | Crafting in the Rain

Smaller DIY Craft Room Builds

Not in the mood to build something big for your craft space? These smaller craft room builds and organization ideas are definitely worth checking out. I need vinyl craft storage in my craft room!

DIY Scrap Wood Laptop Stand
DIY Crate Shelf | Coastal Kelder
DIY Adjustable Desktop Organizer | The Handyman’s Daughter
DIY Craft Vinyl Storage | Girl, Just DIY
DIY Spice Rack | Anika’s DIY Life

Craft Room Furniture Makeovers

You don’t have to spend a ton of money on new furniture for your craft room. Local thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales usually have great deals on something with good bones. Then, with a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can turn it into something beautifully functional, like these projects.

Repurposed Dresser for Craft Room Storage | Domestically Creative
Craft Organizer That Will Blow Your Mind | Michelle James Designs
Ikea Billy Bookcase Hack with Shiplap | Angela Marie Made
A Mauve-lous Office Cabinet Makeover | Love Create Celebrate
Easy Filing Cabinet Makeover | Repurpose and Upcycle
How to Make a Thread Storage Stool | Super Mom No Cape
Upcycled Bookcase Rolling Work Table | Houseful of Handmade

Don’t forget to pin for later!

Meet Amanda

I’m Amanda, and I am the creator and voice behind the food and DIY blog, Domestically Creative. What started as a place to share updates with friends and family after we moved from Illinois to Tennessee and then to Texas, turned into a passion for finding creative and frugal ways to feed us and decorate our homes.

I have always had the “make it myself” attitude and I’m not afraid to bust out the power tools or get creative when it comes to decorating our home on a budget. You can usually find me scouring the local thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales looking for my next makeover (like this litter box cabinet), or dreaming up ways to make our new house feel more like home. My most recent project was giving my home office a much needed facelift. Some of the plans included creating a fun inspirational accent wall and adding pegboard to store my craft hoards.

I currently call Missouri home, where I live with my husband, dog, and 2 cats in a pretty dull, late 90’s split level. My husband and I both love to travel the U.S and recently purchased a small travel trailer to tag along in our journeys. In our free time together we can usually be found working together on a home project, exploring a new place, or just lounging with our pup, Delilah.

I’d love for you to connect with me on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

See all of Amanda’s tutorials HERE.

If you liked this round up, you’ll love Brittany’s Art & Craft Room tour:

July 10, 2019/0 Comments/by Domestically Creative

Build It, DIY, Do It Yourself

DIY Modern House Number Sign

DIY Modern House Number Sign

A step-by-step tutorial on how to create a DIY modern house number sign that will update your homes curb appeal.

Do you want to update your homes curb appeal? Have you thought about upgrading the look of your homes house numbers? I’m Megan from TwoFeetFirst, and I am excited to share this project with you today. This is an easy DIY project that will update any front porch!

How much does it cost to build a house number sign?

The cost of this project will depend on the number of house numbers you need, plus where you purchase them. The project should cost about $30 (includes all materials) for a three number sign. If you happen to have some of the materials on hand, it will cost less.

DIY House Number Sign

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.)

House numbers (ones used were purchased on Etsy)
5/8″x 3.5″x 6ft cedar picket
1″ x 2″ x 8ft primed trim board
white exterior paint (spray paint works)
100% Tung oil (optional)
1 ¼” finishing nails
wood glue or construction adhesive
two – keyhole hanger
fasteners for wall
white paintable silicone
two – felt pads (optional)

Tools:

Instructions:

STEP 1: Decide on the layout

Before you can start cutting the wood, determine the layout for your house numbers. The easiest way to do this is by laying out the numbers on a solid surface. Move them around until you are happy with the layout.

Then measure the spacing between the numbers and the length from the first number to the last.

TIP: For a professional look, keep the spacing between the numbers the same.

If your spacing between the numbers is the same, add this equal spacing to the top number and bottom. By doing this, you increase the height of the sign.

(For example, my numbers had a spacing of 1.25″. Therefore, I added 2.5″ + my layout measurement (18.5″) which gave me 21″.)

SIDE NOTE: I also used the 3.5″ cedar boards to determine my space. If I used five pieces of the cedar, my distance would be 17.5″ and six pieces is 21″. So I decided to use 21″ to make things easy this way I was not cutting the boards width.

Also, add this spacing to the width of the widest number. This measurement will be what you cut your cedar board too. For example, my number 4 is my widest number, 3.5″. I then added 2.5″ (1.25″ two times) to this amount giving me the width of 6″.

STEP 2: Cut the cedar boards

Now that you have determined the size of the cedar base, you can cut the wood. Cut the board to your width measurement. I will be cutting mine at 6″.

TIP: Use a scrap board clamped to the saw fence to insure the exact cut for all your cedar pieces.

After cutting the cedar board, place them on a flat surface in a column. Then measure the length of all the pieces together, mine was 21″. Cut a piece of cedar board this length. This board will be the back support for the cedar pieces you already cut. We will call this piece the bracing.

Once the cedar boards are cut, cut your 1″x2″ trim. To cut the trim, rotate your saw to a 45-degree angle. Then cut an end of the 1″x2″ board (cut the board with the 1″ side facing up.)

Frame your cedar pieces with the 1″x2″ board. You need to add 1.5″ to the width of your cedar base. My width was 6″ so my measurement is 7.5″. This measurement will be the top and bottom of the frame.

Cut two 1″x2″ boards to this measurement. Remember you are cutting at a 45-degree angle, this measurement is the longest point of the 45-degree, the shorter will be the same width as your cedar boards.

Next, cut the side pieces of the frame (this will be the same length of your cedar base). Again you will need to add 1.5″ to the measurement, my height was 21″ so my size is 22.5″. Cut two 1″x2″ board at this measurement, (remember you’re cutting at a 45-degree angle).

Now test your 1″x2″ frame around the cedar base, adjust the boards if needed by cutting them to give you a snug frame.

SAFETY TIP: If your pieces are too small to hold safely, cut new pieces instead of risking personal injury. Always cut your shorter pieces from longer trim stock.

STEP 3: Paint the frame and seal the cedar

Once you’re happy with the frame, seal all the wood for outdoor use. Paint the 1″x2″ boards with outdoor paint and stain or seal the cedar boards with Tung Oil. Alternatively, you can leave the wood raw and it will grey over time.

SIDE NOTE: Tung oil helps waterproof wood plus it helps to bring out the color in the wood, see why it’s my favorite way to finish wood. I decided to paint the frame white and seal the cedar with Tung oil.

Follow the instructions on how to apply then let everything dry according to the instructions on the containers.

STEP 4: Build the frame

Once everything has dried, place the 1″x2″ pieces on a flat surface. Then arrange the pieces to make the frame.

Using 1.25″ nails, nail the 45-degree angles of the frame together.

Then place the cedar bracing inside the frame, center it then nail into place on the top and bottom.

To help protect the frame from outside elements, the joints (45-degree cuts) should be sealed with silicone. Apply silicone to the joints to seal the gaps.

SIDE NOTE: You will want to do this on any nail hole too.

Let the silicone dry then touch up the areas with paint. Let the paint dry completely before moving on.

Next is adding the cedar to the frame. Apply construction adhesive or wood glue to the cedar bracing. Then lay the cedar onto the bracing, rearrange if needed.

Secure the cedar boards to the sides of 1″x2″ frame with 1.25″ nails.

Again apply silicone to the frame to cover the nail holes. Once it has dried, repaint the areas with paint and let that dry too.

STEP 5: Install the house numbers to the frame

Now that the frame is built the house numbers can be installed. Place the numbers onto the frame then using a ruler align the numbers accorded to your predetermined layout.

Once you’re happy with the placement, use something (nail or pin punch) to make an indent into the cedar where a screw hole is for the house number.

Then pre-drill a hole (smaller than the actual screw for the numbers) in the indented places.

Attach the number to the frame using the pre-drilled holes.

STEP 6: Install hanging brackets and screws

Now that the house number sign is built, you need a way to secure it into place. There are many ways to do this, but I decided to use keyhole hangers.

Before installing the hangers onto the sign, I would recommend installing the screws into the wall. To do this, measure the back of the sign were the center of the brackets will be placed (you should have an idea of where this will be). In my case, the distance was 6.5″-6.75″.

This distance is how far apart the screws on the wall will be placed, secure the screws to the wall at the height you want. Remember to use the correct screws for the material you are securing to (i.e. anchor screws for masonry if you have a brick, block, or stone wall).

TIP: Place one screw then measure the second to the distance you determined before plus use a level!

Once the screws are in place, measure the distance between them because it may have changed. Then attach the hanging brackets to the sign, make sure the distance from the center of the brackets is the distance measurement you just measured.

TIP: Use a drill bit to drill a slightly bigger hole where the screw head will be.

TIP 2: Only attach the top of the brackets then check the level by placing the sign on the wall. If everything is level, attach the bottom screws. If its not level, adjust one bracket until it is level then attach the bottom screws.

You can also place two felt pads at the bottom of the sign to keep it from rubbing against the wall.

Now you can hang your house number sign!

To help you with the process, here is a video on how to make a house number sign.

This DIY tutorial on creating a simple modern house number sign will help you update your curb appeal and will make you happy when you see it!

~Find more of Megan’s projects here ~

June 19, 2019/2 Comments/by Megan Taylor

bathroom, Build It, DIY, Gift Ideas

DIY Wooden Bath Tray with Phone Holder

Are you looking to add some beautiful functionality to your bathroom? This DIY Wooden Bath Tray (with Phone Holder) is the perfect addition! It turns a plain bath tub into the perfect place to relax and unwind. I’m Sheri from Hazel + Gold Designs, and I am excited to share this DIY Wooden Bath Tray with you today. The best part about this tray is the added mount to secure your phone (so you can browse the web or watch a video while you’re relaxing.) Keep reading for all the details on how to make this bath tray 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.)

One board at least 48″ long. (I used brazilian cherry)
Orbital sander
Drill
1 ½” Forstner Bit
Drill bit (sized for hardware screws)
Pocket Hole Jig
Pocket Hole Screws
Wood Glue
Speed Square
Two Drawer Pull Handles
Cell Phone Tripod Adapter
Polyurethane
Ruler
Paintbrush
1″ wood screw

Instructions:

1. Prep the wood

The first step in this project is to cut your wood pieces. This diagram shows the measurements for my bath tub tray, but you will need to measure your tub and adjust the measurements accordingly.

Next, sand your wood pieces. If your wood is fairly smooth you can use a 180 grit then 220 grit. For rougher wood, use a coarser grit sandpaper first.

2. Drill holes

Use a forstner bit to drill shallow holes the size of tea light holders. The candles will sit into the groove making them less likely to slide off the tray.

Use a ruler to mark where you will place the handles.

Use a drill bit the size of your drawer pull screws and drill your holes as marked.

Next, take your two small pieces and drill pocket holes into one side. This is a quick and easy way to attach the bottom pieces of your tray. If you don’t have a pocket hole jig you could use other methods of joinery.

Attach the bottom boards to the bottom of your tray with wood glue and pocket screws. Be sure you size these to fit just inside each side of your tub. This will prevent the tray from sliding anywhere.

3. Finish with polyurethane

Finally, finish the entire DIY bath tray with polyurethane. You may want to use a poly that is made for exterior environments because you need a strong water-resistant finish. I applied three coats, letting each dry completely and sanding lightly with 220 grit sandpaper in between each layer. This gives you a beautiful smooth finish.

4. Add Handles and Phone Holder

Use your drill to attach the handles.

Attach the cell phone tripod adapter to the center of the tray with one screw.

Completed DIY Bath Tub Tray

Your project is finished! Add a washcloth, flower, candles, bath bombs and a glass of wine! They tray turned out so beautiful you’ll want to take a relaxing bath immediately.

Be forewarned your bath times may extend longer than normal.

This DIY Wooden Bathtub tray was easy to make! You should build one for yourself immediately.

Bonus: Your phone holder can turn so you can view things vertically or horizontally! Netflix binge watching? Bring it on.

If you like this project, please share it on Pinterest so others can enjoy it too. Thank you for reading!

Hi, I’m Sheri from Hazel + Gold Designs. Here are a few fun stats about me: I ~~like~~ love chocolate and peanut butter (together of course.) If you like stats, I have been crocheting for about 16 years, crafting for 20, and woodworking for about 4 years. I found a passion in making and being creative and began documenting my projects online at Hazel + Gold Designs.

When not working on projects, I enjoy spending time with my husband, four children, perfect dog, and ornery cat. You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Read all of Sheri’s tutorials.