burlap – Dust Bunnies and Dog Toys

Freebie Doggie Toybox

Published on June 29, 2018June 27, 2018 by JennaLeave a comment

Today’s post is another DIY container, but this time instead of holding flowers it’s purpose is to corral the numerous dog toys that are always around our yard. It started with this free crate I picked up at a work event. The vendor said they had a huge stash of them and wanted to eliminate some so I could keep it.

I first thought about putting cedar boards around it but I couldn’t find a quick and easy way to keep them attached so I moved on to a free covering option I already had in my fabric stash – burlap. I dug out a large scrap piece left over from previous projects and cut did a quick dry ‘test’ fit. Then I trimmed it down and grabbed some twine to secure it to the crate. I pulled apart some of the fibers and threaded the twine through so I could tie it.

The cats decided now was a good time to ‘help’ even though this project wasn’t for them. Apparently burlap is a good spot for a kitty nap…

I conferred with the Hubs about the best way to wrap the box and secure the liner inside. He made a few suggestions and then just told me to hand it over so he could work on it while he watched a movie and I edited client images. Knowing his vast knowledge of knot tying and securing loads from almost 20 years in the Coast Guard I happily accepted the offer. About an hour later he presented me with this.

He wove the twine through the top edge of the fabric and the holes on the crate pulling it taunt as he went so everything stayed smooth on the outside. This will keep the fabric from pulling up every time the dogs pull out a toy.

Meanwhile, Stella was still hard at work on that nap…

I took a break from editing photos and placed the box in the backyard. I was able to fit the toys we had in two smaller baskets into this one container so I went with the spot next to the firewood storage where it’s more out of sight and helps cover the electrical conduit.

It sits under the eave of the house so it’s mostly protected from rain, but because we didn’t cover the bottom any water that does get in it will be able to drain out easily.

Seeing it in place, I’m glad I went with the burlap instead of the cedar. It blends in more, even when it’s filled with the dog’s brightly colored toys. I showed the dogs where their new toys and they didn’t waste any time rooting through the pile to find their favorites and head off into the yard with them. Now if only I could train them to pick up the toys and put them back in the box!

It’s a pretty nice upgrade for spending nada and it keeps the yard a little cleaner. 🙂

Burlap Pepper Pots

Published on June 3, 2016June 22, 2016 by Jenna8 Comments

Hi everyone! I’m feeling quite a bit better and am back to the usual routine, albeit a bit slower than normal. Today I thought I’d share this quick project I did over the weekend to create planters for some extra pepper plants that didn’t fit in our garden box. I originally saw the idea on Pinterest but it didn’t have a tutorial so I just kinda made it up as I went along. These cute pots are actually 5 gallon buckets.

This is how they started life. Not quite the look I was going for. So I dug out some burlap I’d picked up last season and did a test fit to see how it would work. Since my pieces were fairly large I folded them in half, which worked well to block the blue color and store logo on the bucket.

To finalize the fit I laid out the burlap on the ground and wrapped it around the bucket until I was happy with the placement. Then I cut pieces of twine and tied it around the bucket at the top and bottom to hold the burlap in place.

I fiddled with the burlap on the first bucket, trying it both pulled tight and leaving it loose. I ultimately decided I like the loose option which made them look like old grain sacks just filled with dirt. Here they are tied and ready for plants.

The Hubs drilled a couple of drainage holes in the bottom of each bucket and I filled them with soil. Each got a single pepper plant so that when it grows I can add a support stake or cage.

And here’s the finished line up. The Hubs was actually pretty impressed with how nice they turned out – and I know this because he commented on them unprovoked! Since I took this shot the other day Brinley decided to ‘help’ with the gardening and pulled the pepper plant on the right out of the soil. Luckily, I caught it quickly and was able to put it back in and give it some extra watering to revive it but I’m not sure it will make a full recovery.

But even if it doesn’t I’ve got the two others in buckets and three more in the garden box so hopefully, we’ll get quite a few peppers to enjoy this summer! I’ll be sharing more of our garden starts next week so watch for that. Until then have a fabulous weekend! 🙂

Shared on Knick of Time’s Talk of the Town #24.

Showing a Little Love

Published on February 11, 2014February 11, 2014 by JennaLeave a comment

With Valentines Day just around the corner I thought I’d share my seasonal decorations. I kept things pretty simple, using what I already had, including multiple items I use as props for my photography mini sessions – as always, striving for items in my life to be efficient and pull double duty.

In the entry way I dressed up the large mirror with a burlap banner and added some pink, red and gold items to the entry table.

And next to the front door is my little holiday tree decked out with both red and clear glass hearts, Valentines themed ornaments and topped with cupids.

The TV stand got a little attention with flowers and hearts in an apothecary jar, paired with votives.

I also used a cute little heart cut out votive holder I found at a thrift store last year on the side table with some pretty purple and pink faux tulips in a mason jar. Unfortunately, during Stoli’s early days with us he decided that was his primary target of destruction, so the tulips are no more. I’ve since bought some cheap grocery store live flowers, which have lasted pretty well and still compliment the little votive. Somehow I didn’t take a picture of that, so maybe I’ll post one on Facebook later.

The mantel was the perfect spot for a heart garland and some pillar candles. I normally put the heart wreath on the door but I like it here better.

The dining room got the left overs. Some new felt filigree hearts on the lamps, and a rose petal filled basket that holds an XOXO piece I found in the dollar section at Target. Same as the LOVE piece on the mantel.

I really love how the heart looks on the lamp when it’s all lit up at night. And it’s pretty during the day too.

Lastly I put my “Love you more” pillow on the bench near the entry, just to give it a little something. 🙂

So that’s it. Sweet and simple, just like I said. What did you do for Valentines Day decor? Did you DIY something special, or work some bargain finds into a great display? I want to hear about it!

Simple, Rustic Monograms

Published on July 5, 2013 by JennaLeave a comment

I recently created these monogram wall hangings as inventory for a local craft show using materials I had on hand. A cork square, a little burlap, some cord, my Silhouette machine and a sharpie is all I needed. First I covered the 6” cork square with burlap, wrapping it around the edges and securing it on the back with hot glue.

Next I designed a variety of popular initials and cut them out on either paper or wax paper. This was the first time I’d used wax paper to make a stencil and found that it tended to curl once removed from the cutting mat, so the regular paper seemed to work a little better, although I had to be careful not to tear it.

I pinned the stencil to the board and traced an outline of the letter with my sharpie. From there I just colored inside the lines to fill in the remainder of the letter.

Then I attached a bit of fabric cord in a loop at the top of the board on the back with some more hot glue to make a simple hanger. I think they turned out pretty darn cute and priced them at just $5 due to their simple construction. I still have several available in my Etsy shop and still have materials to make more if you need a letter I haven’t created yet.

I also made these fabric bulletin boards using the same method, sans the stenciling portion. It makes them just a little prettier than the basic cork tile on the wall.