Have you ever come across a fabulous glass bottle that makes your heart scream YES? Or have you simply wanted to use a pretty glass wine bottle for your dish soap in the kitchen? But then you try to remove the label and the whole project, glass bottle and all, ends up in the trash? Seriously! When did they start using atomic solutions to adhere labels to glass? Sometimes those labels may come off easily but the residual sticky adhesive that is left behind is enraging! I’ve gathered some tips for you to help minimize the elbow grease, time, and especially frustration with trying to recycle a glass bottle…or a glass jar. I mean, who can toss a super cute pickle jar? They are handy for so many things! Let’s remove a label from and clean a glass bottle or fifteen.

Clean your Glass

The easiest way to get started cleaning your glass bottle is to simply fill the sink or a large basin with hot soapy water (I recommend Dawn dish liquid). While the sink is filling, I run each bottle under the hot hot water. This helps start the release of the adhesive. Hot water is the best tip to remove a glass bottle label.

I fill each bottle and lay it on its side so that it won’t float. The weight of the water in the full bottle will keep the bottle sitting on the bottom of the sink. Lay the bottles or jars on their sides and fill the sink to above the height of the bottles.

TIP: The longer you let the bottle soak, the easier the labels will be to remove.

You can see where the label is beginning to release in the photo above. The corners of the labels are visibly wet. I turned the bottles over so that the labels were completely submerged in the hot water. It is a much quicker process to do all of the bottles at once in the full sink but I was only doing a few at a time.

Once the labels appear to be completely wet, you can start to scrape off the labels. Sometimes, the labels will peel right off and take all of the adhesive with them.

Often, part of the label is resistant. Soak these a little longer.

Tools to Help the Process

Here are some items you may have in your kitchen that will help with the label removing process:

• Pampered Chef Pan Scraper (they come in a cool blue color now)
• Scrub Daddy
• steel wool (be careful to apply minimal pressure as steel wool can scratch glass)
• butter knife or scraper
• credit card
• Goo Gone or glass cleaner
• Vinegar I keep a gallon on hand for convenience.
• Baking soda and it comes in bulk too.
• bottle brushes or miscellaneous brushes

Often the label comes off but that adhesive does not.

You can spray the glass with Windex and let it sit a while longer. Give it about 15 minutes checking to make sure the label stays well. Then scrub. Most of the time, this worked for me. I had Windex with Vinegar on hand and that worked well.

However, for the really resistant goop, I used Goo Gone.

This is a great product to keep on hand. Simply spray it on, let it sit, wipe off the glue.

Yes, that is a hammered copper farmhouse sink in the photo above. I won it at a DIY conference where Sinkology was a sponsor. You can read about the kitchen I designed around this sink by clicking on the photo below.

The vodka bottle had some adhesive on steroids. I’ll avoid these bottles in the future for sure!

Cleaning Inside the Bottle

For bottles and jars recently emptied, this process can be as easy as rinsing in warm soapy water. But, for bottles that have sit for some time with dried contents inside, this can be a real task.

I always start by filling the bottles with warm soapy water. After an hour or so, I will drain and rinse them. In a perfect world, this completes the process. And for recently emptied bottles this is usually the case.

However, I’ve also tried to clean antique bottles and jars. These are an advanced challenge. But here are a few tips should the soapy water not get you the desired result…

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Funnel one tablespoon of baking soda into your bottle. Be certain that you are at the sink for this next part. Pour one cup of vinegar into the bottle. This will cause the mixture to fizz up and foam, sometimes spewing out of the top of the bottle. Swish and swirl the solution in the bottle. If there are still debris particles inside of the bottle, add two tablespoons of rice and gently shake the bottle. The rice acts as an agitator against the sides of the glass and can help remove stains, etc. For soiled bottles that have been sitting for 20+ years, you may need to repeat this process many times.

Other substances to use instead of vinegar and baking soda are:

• Denture cleaner, which can be used to clean porcelain
• Alka seltzer, the effervescence can clean the glass

Other Helpful Tools to Clean Glass Bottles

Another handy tool is the skinny bottle brush or other kitchen cleaning tools. Check out your local home center and Amazon for great products.

Some power tools come with a skinny long brush to use in maintaining your tool. I always grab these at yard sales and antique stores. They come in a variety of sizes. You can also find tiny cleaning brushes online.

This one is approximately 12″ long with a bristle diameter of about 1.25″. But I’ve seen them in much smaller sizes that would work for antique pharmaceutical bottles. These are wonderful because you can bend and manipulate the handle to get to the correct spot on the inside of the bottle.

I am always looking for more tips for cleaning bottles, and especially for antique bottles with antique stains.

Be patient and LET IT SOAK for a while. Those are my best tips!

What are your favorite tips and tricks?

Here are some of my favorite bottles:

The post How to Remove a Label from and Clean a Glass Bottle appeared first on Shop at Blu.

This is my hammered copper farmhouse sink…

I won this fabulous sink from Sinkology at The Haven Conference several years ago.  It is my favorite part of my kitchen!  It is gorgeous but it does require upkeep.  Do you realize how food particles can affect a copper finish.  I know I didn’t.  And I really discovered my favorite way to clean my copper sink by mistake.  Copper tarnishes and constantly needs to be polished or cleaned.  A sink is especially susceptible to stains and discoloration.  Here is a photo of mine at its worse:

I’ve used cleaners and sealers and polishes but my accidental discovery is easy and inexpensive.  It’s ketchup!

One evening after we had eaten burgers for dinner (my youngest son really dumps the ketchup on), some left over ketchup was left sitting in the sink.  A short time later I returned to the kitchen and saw the glob. 

So I washed it away.  Beneath the glob was shiny copper!  Eureka!  The acidic nature of the ketchup had removed the tarnish.

I’ve tested this method and here are my recommendation for using ketchup to clean a copper sink:

Clean your sink with dish soap and warm water. Make sure the sink is clean of all food particles and debris.

Pour or squirt enough ketchup into the sink to spread a liberal layer of ketchup over the bottom of the sink.

I don’t use this method on the sides of the sink often as they are less prone to have extreme discoloration.

Use your hand or a flat sponge to spread the ketchup and ensure every inch of the surface is covered with ketchup.

Allow the ketchup to sit for 10-15 minutes. You will immediately see the ketchup beginning to work its magic.

You can test a spot after 15 minutes. If the sink is shiny and clear of spots, you can remove the ketchup. If not, let it sit another 5 minutes.

Remove the ketchup by spraying warm water from your faucet sprayer or wipe with warm water to remove all of the ketchup.

Follow up by washing with warm soapy water.

Finally, towel dry the sink and buff to a shine

Apply a sealer to help make the sink more resistant to stains and to keep the sink shiny.

This method has become my #1 method to cleaning my copper sink.

My SECOND Favorite Way to Clean My Copper Sink

This method uses a product that has become quite popular recently, Bar Keepers Friend.

It comes in a powdered or liquid form. I prefer the liquid because, well, it seems less abrasive. This method, unlike the ketchup method, does require some gentle scrubbing. My Scrub Mommy was actually black when I finished. But, I was happy with the results.

I used the same application method as with the ketchup. Just squirt it on and spread it over the sink.

I squirted Bar Keeper’s Friend onto the sink and worked it in with gentle circular motion and light pressure on the Scrub Mommy. This method didn’t work as quickly as the ketchup so I let it sit for 15 minutes. I did have to reapply to a few spots but I was pleased with the result.

After a rinse, the sink really looked alot better.

Key Tips to Maintain a Tarnish Free Copper Sink

The key to a shiny and stain free copper sink is to ensure all food is cleared from the surface after every use. Towel dry the sink to remove water droplets that contain minerals and tiny pieces of food particles. Apply sealer frequently.

A copper sink certainly requires more upkeep than a porcelain, ceramic and most definitely a stainless steel sink. But, to me, it’s worth it!

Here are some alternative methods that I have used. They didn’t work as quickly as the other two methods I just shared.

• vinegar and baking powder
• lemon juice

I guess it comes down to which method I prefer at the time I’m about to tackle the project. The ketchup method does not require any scrubbing or extra effort like the Bar Keeper’s friend method. So, ketchup will remain my go to. Just squirt, spread, and walk away. Return to rinse and enjoy your shiny copper sink!

I will continue to try alternative methods just because…why not??? If you have another method to cleaning a copper sink, please share with me and I will try it!

The post My Accidental Copper Sink Cleaner appeared first on Shop at Blu.

If you have created, built, repaired, or crafted for any period of time, you have developed some craft tips and tricks that make things go a little easier. Whether it’s cleanup or put down, tips save time, money, and energy. So, today, my favorite group of DIY’ers is sharing our best DIY and craft tips. Welcome to a special craft tips edition of the Thrift Store Decor Team!

Today, we we are sharing our favorite secrets!  From stripping or restoring wood, to paint techniques and distressing tips, we are sharing pom pom making instructions and print transfer skills…just to name a few.  Be sure to visit the collection at the end of this post for the incredible tips, tricks, and skills being shared by the Thrift Store Decor Team pros!

Let’s start with one of my favorite tips that I use frequently in my kitchen. You can use this tip on different types of metal but I primarily use it with copper. I’ve used cleaners and sealers and polishes but my accidental discovery is easy and inexpensive.  Here is how I stumbled upon this great tip.

I won this fabulous hammered copper farmhouse sink at The Haven Conference several years ago. 

It is my favorite part of my kitchen!  It is gorgeous but it does require up keep. Click on the sink photo below to read all about my accidental discovery of how to clean my sink. I use this trick several times a month and it might just be my all time favorite tip.

Using a sponge or your hand, spread the ketchup around the bottom of the sink in an even layer.

Here is the complete post on My Tuscan Inspired Kitchen.

Next, I’m highlighting a favorite tip from each of my friends on the Thrift Store Decor Team!

Sadie Seasongoods

I have an innate and deep running love for wood. So this post by Sarah on how to create a wood-like finish on metal is right up my alley!

My Repurposed Life

Gail is the builder in our talented group. This post is filled with fabulous tips as well as detailed instructions. Every home needs a headboard bench and Gail can provide examples for so many styles that you could have one in every room!

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Kristin has found the easiest way to save some family mementos and sprinkle them around her home. We all have a favorite recipe or note from a loved one. What a great way to display a lovely reminder of a special family member.

Petticoat Junktion

Kathy really is one of the queens of furniture painting. In this post, you will find tips on how to replace furniture knobs, paint a piece, use Mod Podge to decoupage fabric, and a few other tips. Kathy can really pack the info into a post.

Domestically Speaking

I seem to be obsessed lately with the idea of creating my own personal artwork for my walls. I want my home to be unique and personal. And Maryann has provided me with a fabulous way to do just that! Change your subject matter by the month or occasion. I can’t wait to try this one.

Our Southern Home

Christy has introduced us to so many skills we can develop to decorate our homes But I absolutely love her furniture transformations. This one is another fabulous project where she repurposes one furniture piece into another highly functional piece.

Here are the direct links to each of my friends’ posts for today:

Sadie Seasongoods     Petticoat Junktion     My Repurposed Life     

Our Southern Home     Domestically Speaking     My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

. Then check out the 80+ projects featuring those incredible tips!

The post I’m Spilling My Favorite DIY and Craft Tips appeared first on Shop at Blu.

I gathered some oranges, ginger, cinnamon sticks and whole allspice for my simmer pot.

I sliced one half of an orange and placed it in a small pot on the stove top.

I added 1 tablespoon of whole allspice, 1/2 cup of sliced ginger, and two cinnamon sticks.

Add 3 cups of water.

Bring to a full boil.

Reduce the burner to low for a slow simmer. Enjoy the fragrance.

Tips for a Great Simmer Pot:

• You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient depending on your preferences. I will add more oranges next time for a stronger citrus scent.
• Keep a close eye on your simmering pot and add additional cups of water as needed. I set a timer for 30 minutes and check the water level.
• Store your ingredients in a glass jar overnight and reheat the next day. You can reuse your simmer pot for 3 days.

Additional Simmer Pot Ingredients:

• cranberries
• apples
• pears
• nutmeg
• rosemary
• lemon
• lime
• pumpkin spice

These are just a few suggestions. You can add any items that appeals to you.

You can also enhance the aroma by adding your favorite essential oil. There are so many possibilities. Start with your favorite combinations and vary the scents to find your favorite!

I would love for you to share with me your favorite simmer pot recipe!

If you enjoyed this post, you might like these:

The post DIY Simmer Pot – A Homemade Holiday Gift appeared first on Shop at Blu.

My next door neighbor, Cindy, has a pine tree that drops the cutest little pinecones. Over the years they’ve gotten bigger. And every year, I grab some and plop them into a dough bowl inside of the front door or load them into a lantern on the front stoop.

With cooler weather right around the corner, pinecones make great decor for both fall and for winter. And the best part of decorating with pinecones? You can find them for free! I’m here to teach you how to get rid of the sicky sap, pine needles and debris that are gathered when you forage for pinecones. Let’s prep some fresh pinecones for use in DIY decor and crafts projects!

If you are joining me from Cindy at Cloches and Lavender, welcome! Cindy is a wiz with baskets and I’m anxious to see what she has prepared for you today.

I am sharing this post as part of the Fall Inspiration Fall Hop! Cindy from Cloches and Lavender is our gracious host. If you haven’t visited her blog yet, swing on by and let her know that I sent you. The next stop on the hop is my good friend Julie at A Loverly Life. Juliet is showing you how to make delightfully easy fall garland.

At the end of this post are the links to all of the bloggers who are participating. It’s a small but mighty group and I know you will be thrilled! Now, lets get busy prepping our pinecones for use in our crafts and DIY projects.

The Problem with Pinecones

If you have gathered pinecones, I mean more than one or two, you know that those little buggers can be pretty sticky. There is inevitably pine sap on most of those pinecones and that means there will be pine sap all over your fingers. Besides the sticky factor, pinecones can also harbor itty bitty bugs and such that you probably would rather not have inside of your home. Have you wondered how to get that pine sap off of the pinecones and how to ensure those bugs are gone? Follow these tips and you will surely be happy with your pinecones and crafts as your fingers will be sap free.

I tested two methods to see which was more effective. And I’m sharing the results with you.

Method No. 1: Baking

The first method is baking. Did you know that baking your pinecones at a low temperature eliminates both the sticky pine sap and the bugs! I was a little skeptical. So I tried it.

I harvested the pinecones from my and Cindy’s yards. Pinecones are sticky and they are messy. Be sure to pick out all of the pine needles, leaves, and debris that can be tucked into or sticking to your pinecones. Be prepared as this is a daunting task while your fingers are covered in sap.

My yard has pinecones too. But they are larger and have super pointy spikes on them. After grabbing just 4 or 5 from my yard, I abandoned the task. It was like grabbing sharp needles. I considered grabbing some gloves but the sharp edges would still remain after cleaning.

I really don’t want to have to deal with painful pinecones in my decor so I decided to only use the pinecones I had already gathered that had rounded edges.

Gather your pinecones and do your best at cleaning the debris, leaves, and pine needles from the pinecones.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking tray or two with aluminum foil.

Place the pinecones on the foil covered tray in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes.

I wasn’t messing around. I loaded up those cookie sheets.

Simply set the trays in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

I made sure the oven was preheated.

After baking, I set the trays on the stove top to cool. I couldn’t resist handling a pinecone or two. I was a bit disappointed because I could still feel some sticky sap. But, with all things in life, sometimes, you must simply trust the process. So I stepped away and let them cool completely. Once the pinecones were cooled off, I handled a few and amazingly, they were sap free! Not a sticky pinecone in the bunch. Success! I supposed the sap completely dissolves in the cooling process.

Method No. 2: Vinegar and Water Bath

The second method is to soak the pinecones in a solution of vinegar and water. I used one gallon of warm water and added one cup of vinegar.

Mix the solution and dump in the pinecones.

I stirred the pinecones around to make certain they were covered with vinegar and water.

I made sure the pinecones were submerged by placing a watering can on top of them since they wanted to float to the top of the bucket. I let them soak overnight and then drained the bucket. In that process alone, my hands became sticky. I laid them in the sun to fully dry.

After two hours, I checked them. I flipped them over for the underside to dry. There was less sap but my hands still became sticky. I left them to dry for another 2 hours. Again, once completely dry, the pinecones were sapless!

While both methods did seem to eliminate the bugs and sap, the oven method was less entailed and much quicker. I simply cleaned the pinecones, loaded them onto the foiled tray, baked for 20 minutes, and allowed them to dry. This process did not entail stirring, weighing down pinecones or extensive drying in the sun.

While the vinegar and water method was also a success, the pinecones did take several hours to air dry in the sun. And remember, I had to flip them for the second side to dry. So if you have small children and time to spare in a sunny area, this may be the method for you.

As much as prepping the pinecones was indeed fun, I also tried 3 methods to remove pine sap from your fingers. This was indeed the most useful test of the day!

So, my crafty friends, now that your hands are clean and your pinecones are prepped…get busy! I want to see all of your pinecone projects!

Here are a few of mine from the past:

Since I now have fresh pinecones ready to go, I’m off to create!

The Fall Inspiration Blog Hop

As promised, here the a few other fabulous fall projects from my creative friends.

Cindy at Cloches and Lavender: Basket Decor

Suzanne at Shop at Blue (You’re here): How to Prep Fresh Pinecones for DIY Decor Projects

Juliet at A Loverly Life: Easy DIY Fall Garland

Robyn at Robyn’s French Nest: How to Use Dried Gourds in your Fall Decor

Kimberly at From Farmhouse to Florida: Fall Decorating Ideas for A Fabulous Table

The post How to Prep Fresh Pinecones in Crafts and DIY Decor Projects appeared first on Shop at Blu.

As a veteran, Dad was a devout patriot.  He was indeed an American enthusiast and you just couldn’t help being patriotic with Dad around.  My normal decorations for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day usually consist of sticking flags into the dirt around the garden.  I don’t think I’ve missed a holiday in years.  

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping  convenience.  As an Affiliate, I earn a small portion from qualifying purchases.

My Simple Tip:  Use Red, White and Blue Flags in your Decor!

Using flags to decorate is really as easy as poking them into the dirt around the yard! 

Inside, you just simply scatter them around your home.  

Display them in a bottle or a mason jar.

Put one in a wreath.

Add some amidst your fresh cut flowers.

Or tuck a few into a plant.

Here is my kitchen.

And here is my kitchen decorated with flags.  So simple, right?

Great Buys on Flags

Walmart had these 4 packs of  4″x6″ small flags for $2.12.  I bought 3 packs.  That’s plenty for the kitchen, the living room and the deck!

I also used my larger flags, that I normally use in the yard, around the house.  These are 12″x18″ and priced at $2.28 for a 2 pack at Walmart.

While I was there, I grabbed a new 4’x6′ flag for our pole out front.  The last flag blew so much it completely frayed to pieces. 

I love to show my American pride by flying a flag outside of our front door.  Several of our neighbors have flags too.  My heart smiles when I pull into the neighborhood.

I keep my flags in a coat closet year round.  But when I take them our for Memorial Day, they stay tucked away near the front door to use again on 4th of July and Labor Day.  That way I have no excuse for skipping the holiday.  

So fly your flags proudly my friends!!!  And scatter them everywhere…it’s an easy way to decorate!

The post Easy Ways to Decorate with Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Decor appeared first on Shop at Blu.

I have selected my favorite DIY gift project from each of my Thrift Store Decor Team friends and I am sharing each specific link for your pleasure.  At the end of these projects is an entire collection of DIY gift ideas we have hand selected to share with you.  So should you be disappointed by local stock or affected by shipping delays, you can still be ready with fabulous gifts for all your special friends and family this Christmas!  Enjoy!

Christy from Our Southern Home made these sweet little photo ornaments. 

She used Pic Monkey to change her photos from color to black and white.  Aren’t they just adorable?  And so easy!  I must admit, Mod Podge is one of my favorite craft supplies!

Maryann from Domestically Speaking shows you how to age a terracotta pot. 

This is a technique you can use for many different items from this simple terracotta pot to a picture frame or even on furniture!  You know how I love paint.  It really can transform trash to treasure.

Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia nails the hot chocolate bomb!

Move over Christmas cookies.  There is a new favorite homemade treat taking over the holiday giving season!  Don’t these look delicious???!

Gail from My Repurposed Life always has a project up her sleeve that takes something that’s been lying around and transforms it into something useful.  Here is her upcycled picket fence.

I mean, who can’t use some more storage space?  And how stinking cute is this wall rack???

Carlene from Organized Clutter is a wiz with a stencil.  She has so many great ideas!

This would be a great idea for a table runner, hand towels, or even a tshirt!  So many ideas.

Sarah from Sadie Seasongoods created these incredible shower melts.

These are the perfect wake me up for a groggy morning.  Or how about an invigorating boost when that winter cold comes calling?  

And here is one of my ideas…wood slice ornaments or gift tags. 

Weren’t these all great ideas?  All super easy but more importantly, they are all doable!!!  Below is a collection of so many more easy DIY gift ideas.  Let me know which are your favorites!

The post My Favorite DIY Gift Ideas appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Some of my favorite decor items are my collection of blue ball jars that belonged to my MIL.  I’ve also collected others over the years. 

What better way to give them a fresh new display than to re-imagine them for Christmas??!  I had the perfect idea in mind.  A quick trip to the local Dollar Tree and I was ready to go!

Our local Dollar Tree was stocked with wonderful items for Christmas! 

All of these things were…yes…ONE DOLLAR!  

I had so much fun switching out the items and creating different vignettes.  If you don’t have any ball jars, just grab some other suitable vessels.  Like these cannisters I purchased for My Tuscan Inspired Kitchen reveal.

And if you don’t have a ball jar, Dollar Tree to the rescue! They had these cute little glass items for a dollar each!

Start by adding your snow to the jar or bowl.

If you have a neutral Christmas theme, you can use white bottle brush trees.  Just set them on top of the snow.

Add color with other little doodads like these tiny presents that I found for 50% off at Hobby Lobby.  They were $1.49.

                       

If you like more color, use green trees or a combination of trees.

 Add color and little props to suit your style.

No. 3 just renovated and moved into the cutest little camper.  So I made this little guy for her.

I did have to put some support under the cute little truck and camper as they were substantially heavier than the trees and presents.  They actually sunk in the snow!  Lol…DIY to the rescue.

I added a little cardboard box to the bowl first.  then I positioned the items and added the snow.

You can add additional color to your Ball globe with a cute but simple bow.

I’m very happy with how this quick little project turned out. 

It took about 10 minutes and added so much Christmas spirit to a little corner of my home!  And the best part is that I simply chose to repurpose some everyday items for Christmas!

Below is the link to the other projects completed by my blogger friends!  A huge thank you to Allison O’Dell from American School of Charm for coordinating this hop.  I can’t wait to browse these great ideas!

The post Repurpose Items for Christmas Decor appeared first on Shop at Blu.

I am sharing this post along with some friends for a Spring Time Celebrations Blog Hop. A very special shout out to Carol from Bluesky At Home who is hosting our hop today. Carol is so gracious in organizing these events so that we can all share our holiday love. If you are hopping over from Annemarie’s blog, Make Every Day An Event, welcome! I know you enjoyed all of the fabulous inspiration before you arrived here.

Let’s Get to the Succulents

One of the best things about succulents is that they propagate quickly.  Mine have even doubled in number over one season.  In most cases, you just break of a piece and tuck it into some dirt.  Shortly you will see new growth.  Grab those new babies and expand your collection of succulent planters!

Our succulent shoes were hands down the most commented upon displays at our store!  Who doesn’t love shoes and who doesn’t love succulents??!!!

Creative Planters for Succulents

I love to plant in all sorts of odd containers…the rustier, the better!  Here is a collection of my favorite succulent planters from years past at The Blue Building!

Years later, I’m still using that same vintage bicycle to hold my succulents. But she does look a little different now!

Succulents are the perfect plant for beginning gardeners because, well quite frankly, they are difficult to kill.  Water them sparingly and they will thrive.  Here in Alabama, they multiply quickly as well.

Tips for Planting Succulents

EASY STEPS TO PLANTING SUCCULENTS:

• Select a vessel or container (or pot or shoe or can or vase).
• Make a hole for proper drainage (it’s critical that the water does not pool)
• Put some soil in your container.
• Fill the container with succulents.
• Water and allow to dry between watering.
• Enjoy your succulents!

Here is a link to a post where I give you step by step instructions in detail.

You can buy succulents online if your local garden center does not have them in stock.  I am including affiliate links below.  However, most garden centers, including Lowe’s and Walmart will stock up on these in spring.

Check your Walmart now! I found these last weekend and they do not replenish once this spring supply is gone…

Grab some succulents and get going!  Spring is just around the corner!

As promised, here are all of the spring projects from my talented friends. Be sure to comment on which is your favorite! I’m having trouble selecting just one!

The post Spring succulent planters appeared first on Shop at Blu.

This post is for my friends who are still afraid of power tools, and for my friends who want to do a super quick project.  Let’s make a DIY picture frame WITHOUT power tools!

Projects are even better when you already have the supplies laying around your house or garage or workshop.  

Here are the supplies:

• several pieces of scrap wood
• Gorilla Glue Contact Adhesive Clear Grip and DAP Rapidfuse All Purpose Adhesive
• clothes pins
• photos
• paperclips
• pliers
• Ryobi cordless glue gun or staple gun (optional)
• small clamps or something to weigh down your frame while the glue dries

STEP ONE :  Design your DIY picture frame

Find two pieces of wood that compliment each other and made a nice match.  My wood pieces are actually pieces of antique doors.  In November, I participated in Vintage Market Days of Birmingham.  The sweet show coordinators, LaDon and Hannah asked me to bring some of our antique and vintage doors for decorating the venue.  The doors are old and some are very heavy and a few were damaged in transport.  If you’ve been in my store, The Blue Building, then you know that I don’t throw anything away that can be recycled or reused.  So I dismantled the doors and saved the wood.  Much of it is for sale at The Blue Building.  The rest is awaiting use in some phenomenal project…like this DIY photo frame without power tools!  Here is a post that tells you how I got this chippy goodness on these doors!  And be sure to look for the pink door from which these panels originated.

And how about these chippy beauties?  One side was pink and one white.  I selected white for this project so that the frame would be more versatile.

So select the size of wood that you need.  I used two rectangular pieces.  You can use square or any shape at all.  My plan was to display more than one photo so I chose this size and shape.  Lay out the wood, hold a few photos up to ensure the size is correct.  Here is what I ended up using:

STEP TWO: Assemble your DIY picture frame

I glued the two pieces of wood with some gorilla glue.  I tried this new product, Gorilla Glue Contact Adhesive Clear Grip.

It is a contact cement.  I remember my mom using something similar to repair broken figurines, candy dishes, and Christmas decor when I was little.  The smell brought back memories!  Do you remember the contact cement that came in a yellow and green metal tube??  I was anxious to try this product so I squeezed it liberally onto the wood and conjoined the two pieces of wood.  The package says it bonds in just seconds but this did not.  I am assuming it was because of the size of the piece.  Perhaps a tea cup handle would bond instantly.  I went to move the wood and it wiggled and moved.  I couldn’t remember where my clamps were, so I placed heavy items on them to hold them firmly as the glue dried.  Are you like me?  Using whatever is nearby to get the job done?

Haha.  I started with the library stool but it wasn’t heavy enough so I grabbed this super heavy palm tree candelabra.  Go ahead and laugh, but that candle stick is weighty!  Still needed more weight so I admitted defeat and grabbed something with real weight. 

Everyone just happens to have a galvanized bucket full of wrought iron fleur de lis finials nearby, right?  I thought so!

STEP THREE:  Attach photo clips

I love the wood look and ease of clothes pins as clips to hold the actual photos.  It would be so easy to switch out pictures.  I was trying to decide whether to paint or stain the clothes pins.  I decided that I liked the natural wood so I left them as it.  But wouldn’t they be cute painted bright aqua or red?

Next, I place the clothes pins in different positions and actually clipped them onto photos and placed them randomly on the boards.  I was using standard sized photos.  So once I decided where I wanted the clothes pins, I was ready to secure them.  I wanted the clothes pins to dry quickly to avoid the possibility of them moving or being knocked out of position.  So I decided to us a different glue product.

I grabbed some DAP Rapidfuse All Purpose Adhesive and applied a thin stripe to the back of the clothes pin and pressed it onto the wood.  I held it there for about a minute and then gently released the pressure.  It seemed good so I repeated the process with another clothes pin.  I allowed an hour for complete drying.

The frame is ready to prop onto mantle or bookshelf as is.  

STEP FOUR:  Attach hardware to hang 

This last step is optional should you want to hang your frame on the wall.  You have several options.  I frequently make my own hooks to hang signs, etc. onto the wall.  All you need are a few paper clips or Christmas tree hooks.  Twist them like shown in the following video. 

Once shaped, you can simple hot glue them into place on the back of your item.  This technique is great for lightweight items.  I would not use these on items heavier than one pound.

 

For heavier items, you can attach the hooks with a staple gun.  The staples keep the hooks more permanently affixed, where as the glue can easily be removed or pulled off.  And a third option is to buy saw tooth hangers or picture hanging hooks.  These are available at Walmart or any hardware store.  

I think I will make some of these in different sizes to take to Vintage Market Days of Mobile next month!  They were super easy and, if I do say so myself, super cute!

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