I’m a serial upcycler. When I can find relatively free materials and turn them into something worth displaying, I’m thrilled! This Magnetic Chalkboard frame is one of those upcycled projects I am proud of.
Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame
Earlier in the week, I showed you the changes I made in my oldest son’s bedroom. One of the switches I made was to replace his bedroom door because the old one had cracked after one too many slammings. Ugh, cheap hollow door.
In an effort to keep my son from taping all types of signs to his new door, I found an ugly old frame and married it with some scrap metal from a junky set of shelving a neighbor was throwing away.
That’s not real wood, it’s metal…fake wood metal. Yuck. Wait until you see how they were transformed. You won’t believe your eyes, so watch closely how I made this Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame.
Before you leave this tutorial thinking you can’t possibly make this project because you’ll never be able to find cheap faux wood shelves, let me share with you some alternate materials you can use!
(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.)
Optional: You may need some Goo Gone, a scraper, and rag to eliminate any glue on the back of the frame.
Instructions:
Begin by cutting your metal (or backing) to fit into the back of the frame.
Paint one side of the metal with chalkboard paint. Let it dry. Apply a second coat of chalkboard paint. Let it dry.
While the chalkboard paint is drying, time to work on the frame.
If your frame has paper on the back, peel it off and use Goo Gone, a scraper, and sander to remove any of the glue residue.
When the chalkboard paint has dried, insert it into the frame, chalkboard side up from the backside of the frame (are you seeing where I’m going with this?)
The back of the frame is much prettier than the front, but in order to hold the chalkboard in place, we need to cut some picture molding. Cut the end of your molding at a 45 degree angle. Fit it into the frame and mark where to make your second cut.
Continue fitting and cutting molding around your frame.
Once all four pieces of molding fit, you are ready to secure them.
Apply a bead of wood glue along the inside edge of the back of the frame.
Set the molding pieces in place and wipe up any glue that squeezes out.
Clamp the molding pieces and the frame. Allow the glue to dry for at least an hour.
When the glue has dried. Attach two D-rings to the back of the frame.
Season the chalkboard with the side of a piece of chalk. Then use a dry rag to buff it off.
Time to hang it up! (In my case, I hung it on my son’s door.
To keep the frame from bouncing any time the door is opened or closed, I put a 3M Command velcro strip between the bottom of the frame and the door.
Now my son can put up pictures, messages, and more without damaging the door.
Pretty cool huh?! Would you ever guess the back of an ugly frame and metal shelves could look this beautiful?
I especially like the little metal fasteners showing in the corners of the frame.
Tell me, do you have an ugly frame hanging around your house? Have you ever looked at the back and found it more beautiful than the front?
Have you seen those neon orange fake pumpkins and nearly vomited because you wouldn’t dream of decorating with them. I mean—get real—everyone would know they were fake. Ah ha, but have you seen the price tags? $1 – $6? For that price you might just be willing to take a leap of faith with me, wouldn’t you? Awesome, because I’m going to show you how to faux paint a fake pumpkin so you can decorate with them year after year and fool your friends.
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.)
Start by painting all the pumpkins with Chalk Paint (use gray, white, green and blue paint.) Allow the pumpkins to dry.
Painting Realistic White Pumpkins:
It helps to look up some pictures of real pumpkins to refer to.
Using the stencil brush, paint a mixture of grey and white on one of the pumpkins.
Before the paint dries, dab some of it off with the sea sponge. (Keep your sea sponge dry, not wet during the process.)
Dip the stencil brush into the white paint and add paint on the outer most bumps on the pumpkins. This is adding highlights.
Dab the highlights gently with the sea sponge to blend.
Use the fan brush dipped in a small amount of green paint inside the pumpkin ridges. Dab the ridges with the sea sponge to blend.
Have you ever seen a truly unblemished pumpkin? I think not. It’s time to add some spots or marks on the pumpkin to truly fool your friends. Dip the end of the paint brush into brown paint and dot it onto the pumpkin. Blot the spot with a sea sponge and maybe even transfer a few new spots with the sponge.
Paint grey around the base of the stem and into the grooves with the round paint brush.
Paint brown and green paint onto the pumpkin stem. Blend slightly with the sea sponge.
Can you spot my fake white pumpkin? Well, of course you can because I just showed you how to paint it. But, it will definitely fool your friends!
Painting Realistic Blue Pumpkins:
Painting blue pumpkins uses the same technique as painting the white pumpkins, only using a few different colors.
Use the stencil brush to paint blue onto another pumpkin. Dab the blue paint while it’s still wet with the sea sponge.
Use the fan brush dipped in gray and brown craft paint to fill in the ridges.
Dab the paint with the dry sea sponge to blend.
Add some highlights with a mixture of grey and white. This serves two purposes. 1) It adds dimension. 2) It tones down the excess blue on the pumpkin.
Paint the stem the same way you learned above.
To truly fool people, set up your fake pumpkins with some real pumpkins and real gourds. Sooo, can you spot the fakes?
How many did you get right? The metallic gourd is simply spray-painted with copper spray paint. But, I did try my hand at faking a green and yellow gourd using the same technique as the pumpkins, but adding green to the top and yellow to the bottom.
Okay, I’ll give you a second shot. Guess the fakes:
How did you do this time? Ha, you can now apply for a job as an art forgery detective ;-).
Now seriously, how many people will be viewing your pumpkins that close? Umm, next to no one. Normally they’ll view them from afar.
Get your paints and palette out and go fake some fakes! It will be our little secret.
We recently completed Habitat for Humanity Bathroom Renovations in a Weekend.
I don’t usually work for others, but when the executives at my local Habitat for Humanity office asked me to come in and take a look at their dated bathrooms, I said I could. But, I quickly stated I don’t traditionally offer my general contractor services to anyone. Most of you know that Habitat for Humanity is one of my top charities. And for good reason! Our local Habitat for Humanity has built over 600 homes to help address the affordable housing crisis in our area. I would do anything for this organization, but renovating two bathrooms wasn’t a job I’d usually tackle unless it was for one of my own properties.
However, when I saw their sad and dated twin bathrooms, I changed my mind about offering my services. I knew I could improve the bathrooms as a way of thanking the employees for the work they do for our community. I also knew it would be a great way to keep busy before closing on Millie’s Remodel. Between Habitat for Humanity’s calendar and mine, we finally settled on the last weekend before I signed the contract on Millie.
In my head, I thought it would be a quick two day renovation easily accomplished over a weekend. Instead, it turned into a four day marathon working into the evening on two of those days. In an effort to explain my faulty time estimation skills, I submit two facts:
I’m an overly optimistic person. I will always see the glass half full.
I’m not the sharpest math person and forgot to multiply my time by two for two bathrooms.
Oops! Luckily, I got some help from two local friends: Sophie from @TheHipperFam and Stephanie from @UncommonOutpost. Without their help, I might still be working on these bathrooms.
The Before:
Although the pictures look dark, what you can’t see in these photos is the horrible flickering fluorescent light fixtures. The lighting was so dismal, I knew I had to change out the fixtures. Because no matter what updates were made, the lighting would always act as a wet blanket on the new look.
The old vanities were both built for handicap accessibility which left no room for storage under the sinks. Therefore, each bathroom had a ReStore salvaged kitchen cart to make up for the lack of storage. But, the carts were dirty and looked out of place in the bathrooms. I knew I had to come up with a plan to get rid of them.
Speaking of dirty, the walls definitely needed a new coat of paint. The grime and scuffs were everywhere.
The Design:
For the design plans, I challenged myself to work within a small budget and use as many items as possible from the Habitat ReStore. With this in mind, I created a plan in Photoshop and submitted it to Habitat for Humanity for approval.
Luckily they loved the design idea and gave me the go ahead to renovate the bathrooms. But, I kept a few things secret from them. After all, what fun is a makeover project without a little surprise, right?!
The Renovation Plan:
Electrician to replace CFL tube lights with LED Recessed Can Lights
Pretty Handy Girl build storage cabinet and one handicap sink frame
Plumber to Remove Sinks and Toilets
Remove all Fixtures from Bathroom
Remove Flexible Vinyl Baseboards
Clean and Patch Walls
Clean floor with TSP Cleaner
Paint Walls
Lay Waterproof LVT Flooring
Sand and Prep Reclaimed Lumber
Install Reclaimed Wood Wall
Install Vanities
Add Wood Baseboards and Paint
Plumber Replaces Toilets and Installs Faucets
Add Mirrors, Art, and Replace Fixtures
Stand back and admire the renovation results (and snap a few pictures)
Let the Habitat for Humanity Bathroom Renovations Begin:
A few days before I started the renovation, my electrician stopped by the offices to swap out the old fluorescent lights with brighter (and less flickery) recessed LED lights. Immediately the room felt brighter, but it wasn’t as bright as I had hoped. To help lighten the space more, I chose light paint shades for the walls. The colors I selected are from Magnolia Home Paint Line because I loved working with the paint in the Saving Etta house.
The handicap accessible bathroom was painted Carter Creme. I knew this color would look beautiful with the reclaimed wood wall and add a little warmth to the room.
I would have liked to use the same color in the other bathroom, but the vanity color was already a cream color and I didn’t want to draw attention to the slightly dated vanity color (or accidentally match it). Using Cloudy Gray, a paint color with cool tones, helped tone down the warmth of the vanity and provided some contrast.
Both paint colors were light enough to do wonders for improving the light in the windowless bathrooms.
After painting, Sophie and I worked the afternoon to lay LVT waterproof flooring (also from the ReStore) in one bathroom. The flooring went in very easily, but we did have to slow down to cut around the toilet flange and the doorway.
After Sophie left, I tackled the second bathroom floor, working late into the night. It’s amazing what a difference the new waterproof LVT flooring made in these bathrooms.
On Sunday, Stephanie helped sand and prep reclaimed lumber from the ReStore for installation. We ran out of weathered boards, so had to improvise with a vinegar and steel wool concoction I whipped up the night before. My friend, DIY Pete, has a great tutorial for making this solution here. After the boards were dry, she and I clad the back walls of the bathrooms with the reclaimed lumber.
To achieve the striped look, we alternated the weathered side with the protected side of the wood. These boards were originally subflooring in an old house, so they have lots of character, nail holes, and a beautiful warm color. To protect the boards from water and to keep them from flaking, we coated them with a clear varnish.
Finally on the afternoon of Day 4, I gave my plumber the go ahead to come back to install the new toilets (courtesy of Wilkinson Supply Co.) and the sink faucets. Stephanie and I worked feverishly ahead of him trying to hang the mirrors and art.
We replaced the dated oak mirrors with pretty gold framed ones. I found the first mirror super cheap at a thrift store.
The other one was a gold art frame from the ReStore. I replaced the picture with mirrored glass and it looks like it was always a mirror!
This is a little message area was created by screwing two drawers (salvaged from the ReStore) together and adding cork and a clip board.
The handicap bathroom needed additional storage since it didn’t have a sink cabinet. To solve the issue, I built this little wall cabinet using an old window from the ReStore.
Then I added a little reclaimed door latch to keep the door closed. Hooks on the side are for hanging up a purse or light jacket.
Two Bathrooms in One Weekend – The Reveal:
Are you ready to see the final results? First here’s a reminder of what the bathroom looked like four days earlier. (The new LED light was already installed by my electrician in this photo.)
And here’s what the same bathroom looks like now!
Originally I thought we could secure the sink base to the studs. But, after discovering the studs were all metal, we decided to add one leg to the front corner of the sink apron for more support.
The art quotes were created by reusing ReStore art frames. I simply created some watercolor art and added the quote in Photoshop.
The twin bathroom looked like this before:
And now!
The sink vanity was from the ReStore. We were lucky the Raleigh ReStore has a huge selection of donated cabinets.
I documented the entire renovation on video, hopefully, you’ll enjoy watching the whole Habitat for Humanity Bathroom Renovations process.
Want to Help Habitat for Humanity and Work Along Side Me?
Have you ever wished you could work next to me? Learn some tricks and tips of the trade? Well, now you can! I’ve signed up to volunteer for this year’s Women Build, She Nailed It Campaign with our local Habitat. This is a one day opportunity to help build a house with ALL WOMEN! Don’t be intimidated, you won’t be asked to do anything you aren’t comfortable with. But, you may gain a little empowerment and learn a new skill or two!
The date is Saturday, September 28th in Wake Forest and I’d love to meet you there and share a day of swinging hammers. What do you say? Want to join me? If you can’t, but still want to contribute, please make a donation to the Women Build Campaign. Even the smallest donation will help us accomplish our goal.
Again, I have to give a huge shout out to Sophie from @TheHipperFam and Stephanie from @UncommonOutpost who came to help me on this project and gave up their weekend. Also, a big thank you to ALM Plumbing and Wilkinson Supply Co. for donating the toilets.
I hope you liked the video. If you aren’t subscribed to my YouTube channel, definitely do so now to stay up to date on all my tutorials and renovation projects!
See you all soon.
Be sure to pin this image to share how to accomplish a bathroom renovation in one weekend!
https://www.prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/close-up-gold-frame-sink-top.jpg9331400Brittany Baileyhttps://www.prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2019-07-12 07:00:002019-11-03 17:51:18Habitat for Humanity Bathroom Renovations in a Weekend
Do you have a window in your house that puts you on full display? Or maybe your neighbor’s house is very close to your’s and you feel like they can see in your window (especially a bathroom or bedroom window.) Sure you can add curtains or blinds, but then you won’t get the natural light you want from your windows. Today I have the solution to your privacy needs without blocking the light. Let me show you how easy it is to install privacy film to your windows with professional looking results.
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.)
Privacy Film >>Get 20% OFF anything at StickPretty.com by using “PrettyHandyGirl” in the coupon code area!<<
About the Privacy Film:
Before we begin, I have to tell you when Stick Pretty approached me about using their product I was thrilled to find they have some very attractive options for privacy film! Those of us that shop at the big home improvement stores know the options for privacy film are fairly limited. Feast your eyes on just a few of the beautiful adhesive film patterns Stick Pretty has to offer:
And there is a semi-transparent option for blurred viewing (less opaque.)
That’s not all. You can also order any of the patterns in a sheer adhesive film to dress up your windows. All the adhesive window films are customizable with white, fog, mushroom, or black designs.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Stick Pretty also sells tile decals (to brighten your tiles or cover up ugly tiles.)
And they offer decorative adhesive panels for use on walls, furniture, or anywhere your imagination can think of.
If you find yourself falling in love with any of the products on the Stick Pretty website, don’t forget to get 20% OFF your order if you use the code: “PrettyHandyGirl” at checkout.
Now, on to the tutorial for installing privacy film on your windows.
Instructions:
Watch this quick video to see how easy it is to install privacy film to any window.
Step 1. Clean
Use glass cleaner and a lint free rag to clean the window really well. Make sure there’s nothing on the glass that will stick under the adhesive film (which would stick there forever until you take it off).
Step 2. Measure & Cut
Measure each pane of glass on your window. Add 1/8 of an inch, because it’s better to cut the film too big. We will cut off the excess at the end.
Transfer your measurements onto the privacy film. Use a sharp x-acto blade and a metal ruler to guide your cuts. Apply gentle pressure as you cut the film.
3. Installing the Privacy Film
Carefully peel up your privacy film and take it to the window immediately. If you wait, dust can settle onto your film.
The key to a really good adherence of the film to the window (with no bubbles or wrinkles) is to use a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
It also helps to use a good squeegee.
Spray a liberal amount of the water and soap mixture onto the glass. If you find the film sticking too much to the glass, spray more of the mixture onto the glass.
Line up the film at the top. Using your hands, push from the center, down and out to set the privacy film. If needed, lift the film and reposition.
Use the squeegee to push out any water and air bubbles. Again, working from the center out and top down.
Use a clean rag and run it along the edges to clean up any water that has squirted out.
Step 4. Trimming Excess
If your film is too large and overlaps off the glass, take a sharp x-acto knife and cut off the excess. Peel off the trimmed excess.
Then squeegee the film again and clean it up any water from the edges.
You can see the difference between the regular window glass and the glass with privacy film on it below.
After installing your privacy film, you may see some ghosting between the film and the window. As long as you have pushed all the air bubbles out of the film, the ghosting should go away after a few days. (Can you spot the ghost spots in the picture below? Within 48 hours they had disappeared.)
Hopefully this tutorial will help someone reclaim some privacy in their home without giving up natural light! Pin this image to share with a friend:
Friends, I have a question for you:
I decided to let the video tutorial guide you through the process on this tutorial instead of the usual step-by-step photos. Let me know what you think and if you miss the photos when there is a video tutorial. Thanks for your feedback.
Disclosure: Stick Pretty sent me the privacy film at no cost to try out on the Saving Etta project. I was not told what to say. All opinions are my own. If you use the coupon code: “PrettyHandyGirl” on the StickPretty.com website, you will receive a discount and I will receive a small percentage of the sale. As always, I am very particular about the brands I represent on this website and will always let you know if you are reading a sponsored post or if I received free materials.
https://www.prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/how-to-install-privacy-film-feature.jpg297626Brittany Baileyhttps://www.prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2019-04-29 07:00:002019-11-03 17:44:58How to Install Privacy Film on Windows
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.)
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.
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:
How to Install Privacy Film on Windows
Rustic Wooden Caddy with a Branch Handle
