copper, DIY, Do It Yourself, Home Office

DIY Concrete Desk Organizer

Hi! It’s Sheri from Hazel + Gold, and I’m excited to share this DIY Concrete Desk Organizer tutorial with you! This organizer was born from necessity. Do you have a jar or cup-like pen holder? Have you ever knocked it over reaching for a pen or pencil? I did this all the time!

One reason they tip is because they aren’t big enough to hold all my items. The other reason is these containers aren’t weighted enough. I knew there must be a better way and I’ve been itching to use concrete for a project. It dawned on me I should make something out of concrete to store my pens, pencils, and paintbrushes. Fellow pen and utensil tippers, want to learn how to create this awesome DIY concrete desk organizer? Then let’s do it!

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.)

Instructions:

Cut scrap wood to create the box mold for the organizer. A rectangle is space saving and easy to create.

Use three pieces at 8 ½” x 4 ½” and two pieces 5″ x 4 ½”.

The longer pieces will make the bottom and sides, while the two smaller pieces create the ends. Spread wood glue along the joints. (Wood glue holds great but allows the box to be easily removed later on.)

Use clamps to assemble and secure the mold while the glue cures.

Let the glue dry for an hour. Then your box mold is ready for casting!

Prepping Mold and Adding Concrete:

To prevent the concrete from adhering to the wood, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the inside of the box mold.

Collect your wine tumblers, concrete mix, water, and stir sticks. (I used large plastic cups to mix the concrete and ended up having to mix three different batches. If you have a larger container you can make one large batch.)

Mix the concrete according to the instructions on the package. You may have to do a bit of math because people typically use larger quantities of concrete and every concrete is different. I mixed it to a milkshake consistency and it came out perfect.

Pour the concrete into the mold, allowing room for the wine glasses.

Set the wine tumblers into the concrete. Make sure they are level, then use masking tape to hold them in place. Pour in more concrete until it reaches the height that you desire. Make sure the widest part of the glasses are submerged in the concrete to hold them securely.

Remove the mold:

Once the concrete cures (mine only took one day) remove the box mold. Use a knife to pry the sections apart at the joints.

They should come apart easily.

The sides may still look dark, but it will lighten up.

Clean up and Paint:

Clean off all the splatter marks from the glasses. Use a retractable knife to lightly scrape the residue off. Follow up with a soft cloth to clean the glasses. They should clean up easily!

Time to make it pretty! Use some masking tape to mask off a line.

Paint the bottom section (or wherever you prefer) with metallic copper paint.

Add a piece of felt to the bottom to prevent your organizer from scratching the surface it sits on.

Your modern DIY Concrete Desk Organizer is finished!

You can use it in your shop, the kitchen, your office, or anywhere you desire!

Wait until you see the huge number of supplies it will hold without tipping over!

What do you think? Would you make one of these DIY Concrete Desk Organizers? Share your thoughts in the comments below and remember to pin this image to Pinterest so no one has to suffer with tipping containers ever again!

Thanks for reading! Come on over to Hazel + Gold and say “Hi!”

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.

~Find more of Sheri’s projects here ~

June 1, 2018/0 Comments/by Sheri

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

Build It, Do It Yourself, Landscaping & Gardening, Mulch path

How to Create an Inexpensive Mulch and Stone Walkway

How to Create an Inexpensive Mulch and Stone Walkway

Spring is on its way and that means more rain. It’s also the time of year when the grass has been dormant and there is more exposed dirt and mud in your yard. Let’s be honest, everyone tends to have problem spots in their landscaping that end up looking like a mud pit. And if you have kids or pets running around, it won’t be long before that mud comes walking into your home.

For those of us that live in the south, mud is not just wet dirt. It’s usually red clay! And unfortunately, it will stain everything you own and make housekeeping a nightmare. Time to come up with a fast and inexpensive solution to the mud problem.

While searching Lowe’s for some ideas, I stumbled across this no-dig landscape edging. I was very excited to see that I wouldn’t have to dig a trench to bury half of it! Instead, it comes with pegs to nail into the ground. Suh-weet!

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.)

Flat stones or stepping stones (cost will vary)
No Dig Landscape Edging Kits
Two different colors of mulch (I used 20 bags -10 for each color) $3 each
Yardstick for your width template
Hammer
Garden Rake

Instructions:

Gather all your materials near the path site. Layout your stones and walk on them to make sure they are spaced for a comfortable gait. (Do you see that stick in the above picture? That is my path width guide.)

Use your path width template (aka stick) to keep your edging equal distance apart the entire length of your path. (You may need to put a weight on your edging or set a peg in halfway to hold the edging in place.)

After the path and edging are laid out, step back and take a look. Make any tweaks to your pathway now.

To set the path, start from one end and insert a peg into one end of the edging.

Then hammer the peg into the ground…

…until it is flush with the earth.

Continue setting a peg every 4-6 feet (and especially at the peak of any curves.)

Repeat for the other side of your path.

Open a bag of mulch and spread to the top of your stones and the edging. Use the back side of your garden rake to smooth the mulch and eliminate any high or low spots.

Repeat until you have filled your entire path. Then spread the second color mulch on the outside of your path.

Don’t you just love the contrast between these two? The lighter colored mulch is cypress and the darker is hardwood mulch. Walk on your stones and put some dirt or sand underneath any that wobble. Now stand back and admire your finished path! I think my favorite stepping stone is the broken heart stone I made with two rocks.

The entire path took me just over two hours. Not bad, and the bonus is that I didn’t need to go to the gym to workout that day!

Want to improve your curb appeal? Here are some tips and tricks to improve your landscaping in no time!

March 2, 2018/54 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

art, Build It, Do It Yourself, Home Decor

How to Build a Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame

How to Custom Build a Vintage Ruler Picture Frame

How to Build a Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame

Every year when I go to meet my sons’ new teachers, I tell them if there is anything that needs fixing to let me know. It’s my small show of appreciation for all they do for my kids. Before Christmas, one of the teachers took me up on my offer. She asked me to fix a frame that had fallen off the wall and broke. I took one look at the cheap MDF frame and knew it was beyond repair. I didn’t tell her, because I wanted to surprise her with a Custom Built Vintage Ruler Picture Frame.

The great thing about this project is it uses cheap 1″ x 4″ lumber. And you can add your own moulding to dress up the frame if you like. Or just leave the frame plain, either way you’ll save major money by building your own custom frames!

Ready to learn how to build your own custom vintage ruler picture frame? Let’s get framing!

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.)

Power sander
Brad nailer
5/8″ nails
1 ½” nails
Miter saw
Staple gun
1/2″ staples
90 degree clamp
2 long clamps (learn how to use two short clamps as a long clamp here)
Ruler
Wood glue
Ear protection
Safety glasses
1″ x 4″ lumber
Vintage rulers
Framing points
5-in-1-tool (or flat edge to press framing points into wood)

Instructions:

This tutorial assumes you have mounted art and glass, but if you don’t you can follow this tutorial for cutting your own art mats.

Cutting the Frame:

Use a table saw to rip your 1″ x 4″ lumber. Run your board through the saw along the 4″ side, then flip the wood up and run it through again. This will take 1/4″ off one corner to create a rabbet to place your art into.

Lay your ripped 1″ x 4″ boards against the fence of your miter saw. (I like to pre-cut four pieces a few inches larger than my artwork.) Cut one end of your boards at a 45° angle (angle the saw blade to position the rabbet on the short side.)

Set one board against your art. Before cutting the other side, measure the width of the art. Add an extra 1/8 inch. Mark the inside corner and cut to length (angling the miter saw blade in the opposite direction as your first cut.)

Take your first cut board and lay it on to of a second board. A quick way to cut them exactly the same length is to place the already cut board on top of the second board and line up the ends. Then line the blade up with the cut on your first board. Clamp the boards down and cut.

Dry fit the two identical sides. Lay one 1″ x 4″ board over the cut boards at a 9o° angle. Mark the inner corner where you need to cut.

Cut the side piece and dry fit to make sure the cut is perfect.

Repeat the process above to cut two identical parallel side pieces.

Dry fit the frame around your artwork to make sure everything is square and fits inside the rabbet.

Assembling the Frame:

Apply a line of wood glue on the corners.

Clamp the corners with a 90° clamp then use your staple gun to fasten them together (on the back side of your frame). The wood glue is strong, but this will hold it in place while the glue dries.

I like to add 1 ½” brad nails (one on each side of the corners) to further hold the frame together. (I don’t want the teacher’s frame to fall apart ever again!)

Clamp the frame and let the wood glue harden. If you don’t have clamps long enough, here is how to make one long clamp with two short clamps!

While the glue cures, cut off any chipped, broken, or rounded ends from your vintage rulers.

Lay the first two rulers against the outer edge of your frame.

Mark the ruler where you need to trim and cut off the excess.

Continue until the outer edge of your frame is covered by rulers. Then start working on the inside of the first rulers. Measure, mark and cut the rulers to fit. Don’t worry if you are left with a small section of frame showing.

After all the rulers are measured and cut, use wood glue to adhere them to the frame. Follow up with a few brad nails to hold the rulers in place while the glue dries.

Sand the edges lightly with your sander to remove any splinters or rough edges.

Securing Artwork and Adding Hanging Hardware:

Fit your artwork into the frame. Place a framing point onto the back of the artwork with the point toward the frame. Use a 5-in-1-painter’s tool (or other flat tool) to push the point into the wooden frame. These will hold your artwork secure within the frame.

Add your hanging hardware. I prefer using D-rings and picture hanging wire, but you can use any hanging hardware you like.

Congratulations! You are done and now have a beautiful (and unique) Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame!

This is an easy project to build and enables you to customize the frame to any size that you need. The vintage rulers add some character and charm to the frame.

I hope you liked this tutorial on How to Build a Custom Vintage Ruler Picture Frame. Check your local vintage shops, Craig’s List or Ebay for some rulers and make one of your own!

Pin or Share this project with your friends! Because friends don’t let friends spend lots of money on art frames!

If you liked this tutorial, you’ll love these frames:

Scrap Wood Shadow Box Frame:

DIY Plywood Frames:

February 23, 2018/4 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Crafts, DIY, Do It Yourself, Gift Ideas, gifts

16 Unique DIY Hostess Gift Ideas

16 Unique DIY Hostess Gift Ideas

Holiday festivities are about to begin, and you don’t want to arrive to those parties empty-handed! Thank your hostess by bringing a thoughtful and personal gift that is sure to put a smile on his or her face. Here is a collection of Unique DIY Hostess Gift Ideas!

YEAR-ROUND IDEAS

Give your hostess something unique like these Personalized Wood Slice Coasters.

Add wine or a few small items to this DIY Gift Tray Box for a sweet thoughtful gift.

These Gold and Marble Coasters would make a sleek gift for your next dinner party hostess.

Add some flowers to a Simple Washi Tape Vase for a beautiful gift at the next party.

Build a Driftwood Gift Crate and fill it with some items as a kind gesture.

Does your hostess love to work in the kitchen? Make some custom Block Print Stamped Tea Towels.

This “Eat Your Veggies” cloth napkin set is sure to be the perfect gift for the hostess with a good sense of humor.

For a hostess who loves gold touches in her home decor, these Tissue Paper Candles would be a perfect thank you.

How about a custom DIY Cutting Board for your next hostess gift? Useful and beautifully crafted.

Impress your host with this adorable Faux Cross-stitch Tea Towel that is sure to make a lasting impression.

Does your hostess love to bake? Make this amazing Rustic Cake Stand!

HOLIDAY IDEAS

These Snowflake Christmas Trivets would be the perfect gift to keep the table festive and protected.

A Paper Bag Ornament would be a sweet holiday gift for their tree.

Make your dear friend some Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar as a thank you for their next holiday gathering.

Add some fun items to this Customized Gift Paint Can for a unique and fun gift! (This would also make a fabulous housewarming gift.)

An adorable set of Chalkboard Painted Mugs would make the perfect gift for a holiday hostess.

I hope this post gave you some great ideas for gifts that you can give to show appreciation for your hostess! We all know how much work goes into a party or gathering. Giving thoughtful gifts is a sure way to keep the invites coming!

If you like this roundup, please Pin this image: