Saturday, April 28, 2012

Vintage Potato Masher Helper




Items Needed:
~Table saw or hand saw
~Scrap wood
~Wooden handled potato masher (as shown)
~Drill and 1/16th drill bit
~2 Wood Staples
~2 Mug hooks
~Hammer
~Pliers, two
~Safe work surface or scrap wood to put underneath

 (drill bit, wood staples, mug hooks)

We used an old piece of barn wood for this project.  I found the wooden handled potato masher at the thrift store for $.50.  You can also find these at flea markets, garage sales and yard sales.  Antique stores have them, but expect to spend $5.00 and up for them.

1. Cut a piece of wood to fit under the bottom of the potato masher. Remember to use work gloves and safety glasses.  Clean the wood with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water if needed.  Allow the wood to dry.  This will be needed for old barn wood.


2.  Position the masher onto the cut wood.  Using the hammer, hammer down both wood staples where you desire, over the bottom of the potato masher. Do this on a work surface or another piece of wood.  If your wood is thinner than the staple, simple turn it over and hammer in the pointed ends.  You can also remove the tips using a hand grinder, but be sure to use safely glasses and use work gloves.




3. Using the 1/16th drill bit, drill a hole on opposite sides of the wooden handle.  For this one, we used two different heights.  Once the starter holes are finished, hand screw your mug screws into the handle.  Use pliers to help if it becomes difficult to twist your mug screw into the handle.


Note:  We used two pairs of pliers to bend one hook wider to accommodate the roll of tape.

That's it!  

We found this idea in a flea market magazine (I apologize, but I can't recall the full name of the magazine).  This was fun to make, and we are always in search for a pair of scissors in the house, or in the barns.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Mini Chalkboard Sign

Use an old metal tray to create new life from it.  Simply wash and dry the tray.

Purchase a can of Chalkboard spray paint and follow the directions on can for applying it.

 I used hooks for hangers, by applying a strong glue to the backside of the tray.  After it dried I tied on scrap twine.

 I used paint tape to cover the edges where I did not want the chalkboard paint.

Once your paint is dry, follow the directions for preparing it to use as a chalkboard.


This mini-chalkboard will be used for a door sign.  You could also use a small one for guests to write you a short note (when you are not home, out in the garden, or doing other outside work). 

 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Crocheted Towel Holder Ring .....with Vintage or Costume Jewelry







Recycle old jewelry for these towel rings (in place of a button).

Pins that have a clasp in the center of the back work the best, but most round 1 inch pins or slightly larger work well for these.

Glamp up a camper/tent or use these around the house.


I crocheted these fun towel holder rings using leftover yarns.  I cannot locate the pattern that I used, but here is a link to another version:  Basic Towel Ring

If I locate the pattern I used, I'll see if I can get permission to copy it or post a link.

You can easily recycle a ring from anything about 3 inches in diameter.  Otherwise you can purchase rings at most craft stores.
 A fun one for Christmas or Valentine's Day

Items Needed:
~3 inch metal ring (or recycle a ring), or use the above pattern
~yarn
~crochet hook (see pattern)
~scissors
~button or recycled pin (see photo)

Vintage pins and costume jewelry are fun ways to embellish towel holder rings. 

Note:  To attach pin simply slide your pin in from the front to back and then back in to the front and clasp it.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Drawer Organizer ~ Easter Basket ~ Gift Basket

If you buy produce that is sold in plastic containers, you may like this idea.  You can also use plastic containers from take-out and more.

Many recycling centers will take this type of plastic.  However, our recycling center does not.  I try to save them separate and drive them to another town, but  it's not always convenient.

Items Needed:
 ~ newspaper
 ~ scissors
 ~ plastic food containers (from strawberries, or other food)
 ~ 1 inch wide paint brush
 ~ decoupage medium
 ~ scrap tissue paper


1. Wash and dry a plastic food container.


2. Cut the lid from the bottom. Note:  You can trim the top of your bottom portion, to remove ridges if you prefer.  For this one we did not, and it worked out nicely.


3. Cut strips of newspaper.


4. Using Decoupage and a paint brush, layer the cut strips of paper and decoupage them to the container.  You will have to do one side and allow it to dry, then decoupage the other side.  Cover the inside and outside completely.


Next, add some color to your new storage container/Easter basket/gift basket.  You can leave it as is, or do the next step.


5. Cut strips of tissue paper.  Using decoupage and a paint brush, glue the strips to the inside of the container. Create several with different colors of tissue paper.

Use your new containers for organizing kitchen, bathroom, office, or other area room drawers and shelves.

Use them for Easter baskets.  Handles can be added easily.

Use them to give gifts in.