Upcycle Your Kitchen Pans - DIY Farmhouse Decor

I was going through my pans under my stove and decided it was time to get rid of those non stick ones that had seen better days.

They were not good enough to donate, but hated the thought of throwing them in the trash... until I came across this brilliant recycling idea into farmhouse decor (which I love too!).

Check out this video:

If you are crafty, you probably already have all the supplies needed, but if not, they are not that expensive.

Just think of all the super cool upcycled gifts you could make!

What you will Need:

• Old fry pan
• napkins in a pattern you like (dollar store has loads of them!)
• Mod Podge
• acrylic colors
• twine for the handle
• DECO varnish gloss (to protect your project)
• GESSO 

Method:

Make sure pans are super clean.  Nothing will stick to grease!  I found a final swipe of rubbing alcohol gets rid of any residue.

Using the GESSO paint the pans and let dry between coats.

NOTE:  Gesso is basically a white primer that artists use on canvas for a base.

Make sure the napkin layers are completely separated..   You should be able to see the back side of the pattern.  (Most napkins have at least 2 layers of plain tissue paper behind the pattern.)

Instead of tearing the pattern out, use a tiny paint brush with water to outline the area you want and it will tear much easier.

What to Do About Wrinkles?

If you glue the napkin pattern a bit at a time this helps, but also spreading a piece of plastic wrap over top and using your hands smooth it out.  This stops it all from ripping.

Watch the video to see just how she finishes this project.


Awesome Way to Use Up Those Leftover Paper Napkins!

Check that drawer in the kitchen for any leftover paper napkins from that last party to use for this project, otherwise check the dollar tree or online for some super cute patterns depending on the theme you are going for.

I have also found that the Dollar Tree has an online presence for ordering and having things shipped to you. 

This way you are not only upcycling frying pans, but recycling those napkins too!

Would make an awesome housewarming gift too!

Farmhouse Decor - DIY Shabby Chic Candle Sticks on the Cheap

The dollar store can be our best friend when it comes to DIY and crafting ideas.  But what I love about this craft is that you can upcycle wine bottles to do this, or as Kelly Barlow does in the video, she uses Dollar Tree bottles.  Some of the bottles for oil and vinegar are decorative too.

The secret ingredient to this DIY craft is the crackle medium.  You can get this in most craft stores or online.  Check out the video below:

If you have some unique old bottles, then upcycle them into this project, or get them from the Dollar Tree.

Step 1 - Make sure the bottles are clean, or the paint won't stick properly.  One of the best parts I think, is the twine flowers she makes and attaches to the bottles for that final touch.  You could use different colors of twine but I thought this natural jute looked awesome.

You could sit these on the mantle piece for that farmhouse, shabby chic look.

Step 2 - Spray paint the bottles with the Krylon Spray Paint and let dry.

Step 3 - Cover with the crackle medium and let dry.

Step 4 - Paint with your top color.

NOTE:  When using paint over crackle medium you need to be careful to only coat an area once.  Don't go back and forth or it will lose the aged look.  So use a slightly thicker coat and watch the magic happen.

She uses plain white candles, which I think looks awesome as it makes the bottles the focal interest point of the bottle.

The best part is, you now also have emergency candles.

Group a few different shaped bottles together for a interesting effect.

To keep this DIY on the cheap, get as much as you can from the Dollar Tree or recycle what you have on hand.

The paint and crackle can be purchased online with Amazon below:

It is amazing just how you can transform simple objects into shabby chic with the right products!

You could use this crackle medium on other bottles such as mason jars for the bathroom and more.

Have fun with this DIY for shabby chic farmhouse decor!

DIY Storage for Kids on the Cheap Using Dollar Tree Supplies

Shelves can get expensive, so I came across this super cool way to create storage for your kids toys, shoes, clothes, craft supplies or anything with a small investment at the Dollar Tree.

Check out the video below by Waves and Curls, and see if this doesn't get you inspired to create colorful and cheap storage for your kids.

I thought this was a super cool idea especially for the budget minded.  This doesn't have to be just for kids, you can get different colored bins and use it for craft supplies, shoes, toys or basically anything.

Create this storage unit out of plain colors and it could be for office storage too or even seasonal smaller items in the basement.

What you will Need:

• 6 x large plastic baskets  from the DOLLAR TREE (now online) (any size you prefer, as long as you can find a smaller one that will fit inside.).
• 
  
• 6 x small baskets (that will fit in your larger ones)
• 
  
• E-6000 Glue

• 
  
• Pool Noodle
• 
  
• Knife to cut pool noodle

Method:

It is a pretty straight forward DIY project, but create it somewhere like on plastic or paper or even outside where it doesn't matter if you spill a little glue or make a mess.

Glue the larger bins together using the glue

Cut pool noodles to size and glue between the baskets to create strength.

Wait 24 hours for the glue to completely set.  E-6000 is an awesome glue but it does need time to cure and then it creates a super strong bond, and it is safe on this plastic.

Stand it up and add your small baskets.

Instant Wall Unit!

Create Any Size You Want

The beauty of this project is that you can make it as small or as large as you want.  I personally wouldn't go taller as you don't want kids trying to climb it to get to their things, but you could certainly go wider.

I have also discovered that the DOLLAR TREE is online, which is awesome especially if you need a larger quantity of anything such as these baskets or simply can't get to one close by.

Here is a page just for Plastic storage baskets and you can order the supplies you need for this project.

Instant Colorful Room Decorating

If you create this with complimenting colors this could totally decorate a room and maybe hide a bad wall.

If your kids have small rooms, this would get rid of the clutter off the floor.  It could even be used in place of a dresser.  The baskets on each shelf are easy to get at and is such a fun way to add some color and fun to a room.

Store Lightweight Seasonal Items in the Basement

If you have lots of Christmas ornaments, paper, decorations and other items, you could create a wall unit like this and store the delicate items in the baskets.

This keeps everything off the floor and safer than simply stuffing them under the stairs.

I hope you have become inspired to create a few of these storage systems around your home.