Lake Rock Shoe Rack

 

I grew up in Western Montana and I still have family that remains there.  Last Summer we had to opportunity to join my parents and siblings along with their families in Montana.  One "blast from the past" was visiting Flathead Lake, more specifically, Trinity Lutheran Camp, near Big Fork.  I spent countless carefree weeks at this camp and along the gorgeous shores of Flathead.

    Here is a childhood photo circa 1981 (one of the few swimsuit pictures I'll post of myself):

The stones in this area are brilliant colors with interesting patterns. They are usually buffed smooth from glaciers and water.

 

 

My relatives usually scoop up a few handfuls of these stones so I can create crafts with them.

    In this case, I chose to create a bring-nature-inside style of furniture.  To make this project I used several slats of old heavy boards.  I cut tree limbs into 4 inch segments to serve as the pillars, and used a screw gun to attach the pieces. Finally came the fun part!  I glued the rocks along the edges to create a rugged boarder.  I coated each rock with clear nail polish to bring out the color and character.  The clear nail polish also makes the rocks appear wet, as though a wave had just crashed over them.

 

 

My Little Red Wagon

 What do you do when your kids have outgrown their toddler toys?  You upcycle them into gorgeous planters, of course!

 

 

Cross Stump

 This beautiful creation is in the yard of one of my friends.  As you can see, this once was a stump that had a rotten center.   I'm speculating that after the tree was cut down, the rot was cleaned out, leaving only the healthy exterior.  Four chunks were cut away, thus forming 2 crosses connected at the arms.

 

If I may, I would like to go deep with this post.  I feel like this stump is a unique symbol of Faith.  Sin eats away at our lives, causing deterioration and decay.  But if we hold fast Jesus, our faith will always remain and hold steadfast.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new CREATION.  The old has PASSED AWAY, behold, the NEW has come."

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

Repurposed Planters

 Use old cans, colanders, etc. for charming planters.  Simply cover with a fresh coat of spray paint and give old items a second life! Hang your planters from a shepherd's hook or from a fence.  It's fun to see how a fresh coat of paint can transform an ordinary object into eye-catching yard decor.

    However, after awhile, rust will start seeping through creating even more character on your planters.  Have fun!

 

    

Blue Bottle Tree

 

What you will need:

•colored bottles (Bud light Premium bottles are recommended)

•square cut lumber pole

•square base (at least 1.5' x 1.5')

•brackets to secure the base to the pole

•20-30 3" screws

  

Galvanized Porch Decor

 Sometimes pulling together a simple "country" look is just a matter of visiting the local flea market or auctions or the barn out back.  So often, objects that have become obsolete can have charm and be upcycled for a welcoming look.  Other times you can purchase cheap items in modern store to finish creating a cozy spot on your porch.

Here are the items shown:

 •Welcome sign: 

       •2 x 4 at local hardware store: $5

       •galvanized letters: $1.47/letter at   

            Walmart

       •Wood stain: $5

Planter Buckets: These can easily be found at Walmart for $3 or you can find a sturdier model at an antique store for a few more dollars.

 

Half Gallon Jar Food Storage

 In our neck of the woods, we have millers (tiny moths) that invade most any dry baking ingredient in the kitchen.  They leave behind "cobwebs" in our flour, cornmeal, sugar, rice, etc.  it's very aggravating to dump out a whole sack of flour because due to the offspring of these tiny pests.  I have found the best solution is screw top lid containers.  While this could quickly get expensive, I was able to find gallon canning jars at Wal-mart at $15.97 for a 6-pack. (So it's about $2.67/Jar when you break it down - quite reasonable!) 

Here are the things you will need:

 

  

1.) run the jars, lids & rims through the dishwasher to sterilize them.

2.) paint each of the lids generously with the black spray paint.

 

3.) use the paint pen to label each lid.

 

4.) fill each jar and screw on the lids and you are set!

 

Vertical Bottle Garden Art

 

Here are the items you will need:

 

 

 

 

1.) scrape the labels off the bottles.  I have found that running the bottles under hot water makes the adhesive gummy and peels off more easily.

2.) scrape at the corner of the labels with a flat head screwdriver.  Once you have a corner started, rip the label off quickly (like a band-aid!) 😊

  

3.) Glue the bottles end-to-end at the bases.  I prefer E6000 glue.

 

4.) Place along a 90 degree area where the wall meets the counter or floor to assure the the bases are aligned evenly.

 

5.) When the glue has dried (it takes about 24 hours to cure) place a cork in one end of the bottle necks.  This will insure that rain won't get inside.  With the absence of water, it will keep the bottle from cracking in freezing weather.  It will also prevent mosquitoes laying eggs & mold from growing inside during the summer months.

 

6.) hammer the garden stakes into the soil and place the open-ended side on the stake.  Be sure that the stakes are far enough apart that the bottles won't crash together on a breezy day.  Top the remaining stakes with the rest of bottle sculptures.  Enjoy the blue light streaming through each morning & evening!  They are also beautiful to watch sway on a breezy day!

Pallet Jewelry Rack

 

With most pallet projects, the smooth deck boards are used, but the runners are discarded.  I found a use for the runner which will give your room a rustic look and aesthetically display your jewelry.

Here is what you will need:

The runner board of a pallet (see diagram below)

 

 

 

•If the runner is really weathered, it would be wise to power wash it before you begin attaching the hardware.

Use a yard stick/meter stick to evenly mark  off the points where the drawer pulls will attach.  Use a tiny drill bit to start the holes.  

 

Screw in each drawer pull.  Flip the board over and attach the saw toothed hangers.

Blue Bottle Garden Art

 

Czech Glass Bead Jewelry

 

I found these Czech glass beads at Hobby Lobby the other day.  The interior of the beads are painted, but the glass of the bead is clear and frosted.  When light is cast on it, it appears that they are almost glowing.

Here is what you need:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 EARRINGS: carefully bend the earring wires up and thread the beads on the wire and very carefully bend back down.

NECKLACE: thread the beads onto the wire to whatever length you desire.  Bend the ends and slip on a tube crimp and jump ring.  Slide the end back through the tube crimp and secure it using the needle nose pliers.

 

 

Secure both ends this way.  Make as many strands as you would like.  When you are finished with the strands, attach each Jump ring to the clasp and the other ends to the clasp loop.  Enjoy your new jewelry (especially on a sunny day!)