Bits of wood and metal

What better way to say "I love you" than making her something from bits of wood, metal, and some jars lying around the garage? Rachel showed me something similar online which had three small jars attached to a painted plank via hose clamps. The jars had flowers in them. I figured my hourly rate would be enough of a present, so I would try to use things I had lying around in the garage. I know, How Romantic!

I started by cutting up an old coffee table.

I used my plane to Chamfer the edges.

Remind me to sharpen my plane first next time.

I didn't have any hose clamps, so I used the wire from some Miss Utilities flags I had saved (I knew they would be good for something..) I think the thin, dark (i.e., slightly rusty) wire looks better than the 1/4" thick, raw metal of a pipe clamp.

I bent them about 3/4 of the way around the jars since I figured the would spring back, and then straitened the ends out so they would poke through the small holes I drilled in the plank. They didn't have to be perfectly shaped since they are springy enough to take the shape of the jars while they are under tension. Since the wood looked pretty darn good natural, I decided not to paint it.

I used candle jars we used at our wedding rehearsal dinner. They slide right in. The jars already had the colored ribbons, so I alternated. We can always take the candles out and put plants in .... maybe a mini, kitchen-wall-mounted herb garden.

Another finished product picture (blurry cell phone picture).

I think this took about three hours total, with a Design+Build style of starting work before you know how you will finish it.

What do you mean it's already July?!

Time sure flies, when you're having fun! Josh and I have been busy with our random small projects. Nothing too crazy yet! Josh got around to fixing the shower in our bedroom, just in time for the Ford family to come visit and stay with us! Good timing! We also installed a cat door and have 2 very happy cats that can go in and out and in and out..and in...and out...in out in out in out...whew...It's exhausting just thinking about how many times I had to open the door for those silly cats. Make up your minds! 

 

Yay! Happy Cats!

Okay, this might be a good time for a snack break. I have a few more projects to write about.....

Welcome Back.

So, awhile ago...I took on the project of re-finishing an old secretary that my dad gave me. It had seen better days.

 I found some nifty hardware at a little store I used to work out. Okay, so Anthropologie isn't really a little store. But they do have nifty hardware. I started with sanding down the drawers and removing the existing hardware. Since the existing hardware had left 2 holes, I went to that depot place and got some wood filler. Once the filler was dry, I sanded over it to smooth it out. ...Then the project sat for.....5 months. Oy! What can I say...I take my time.

I'm helping!

And then...once we got a garage with plenty of room for painting and sanding projects....
I took on the Secretary again.

I'm helping again!

So, I still have to finish the chair and the small drawers that are inside the top part. I found some fabric at Ikea that I'm going to reupholster the chair with once its done being painted.


Need a bathroom break?

This might be slightly out of order, but I also finished some birds that I made for my niece Zoe. I got the pattern from a book I found on amazon, One Yard Wonders. I picked some fun purple fabrics to mix and match. Also, I got to use my grandmother's beautiful Singer Sewing Machine. 

 

Oh. Did I mention I got an ice cream maker attachment for my kitchenaid? Dangerous....

So far, Josh and I have made Lavender Honey, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Raspberry, Peach Frozen Yogurt, and Vanilla Fudge Swirl. Where did I get those amazing recipes you ask? Well....Right here. 

Speaking of food, I also grew  1 crookneck squash and 3 bush beans. Yes, I know, I'm quite the farmer.

I can tell you are impressed.

They were delicious, just in case you were wondering.

Man, I feel like I'm advertising for Amazon right now, but I've gotten some neat things on there...so, I went ahead and made Josh a music corner. I got hooks to mount his instruments on the wall in the family room. Now he has a space to play!

That's one excited husband.

Also, I went ahead and got a screen for our sliding door. It seemed that we were turning our house into a Insect House at a zoo. The animals have figured out how to get in and out by sliding under the net. This one has little magnets that keep it together. Very Nifty.

Annndddddd drum roll please.....................

We finally bought our sofa! And Izzy loves it. He has decided that the largest cushion is most definitely for him. You can find it here

Okay! I think I almost covered everything....Until next time!

Cheers,

Rachel