How to Make a 'Stained'-Grain Footstool

Tools/Supplies:

-         Wooden Footstool

-         Acrylic Paint (works best in a dark color- red works very well)

-         Sandpaper

-         Brush

-         Polycrylic (my replacement for polyurethane)

Time Commitment:

 ~ 30 min – 1 hour (plus drying time)

How to Make it Happen:

1) Sand the bare footstool to remove any splinters (having pieces come off will spoil the effect). Note that you can use this technique on any bare wood furniture, but it will work the best on long flat pieces of wood with a knotty grain. This footstool has a pretty plain grain, so the effect will be subtle.

Step 1- Prepare for painting

2) Brush acrylic paint onto the footstool- I use a nearly dry brush on the legs, since I’ll just be distressing them. Cover the top of the stool with a thick layer of paint to make sure it really soaks in.

Step 2- Paint top with a thick coat of paint (then thin coat on the legs)

3) Lightly sand the legs to give them a distressed look, then sand the top of the stool in the direction of the grain until the wood grain shows through. This gives the top of the stool a ‘stained’ effect in the grain. Seal the wood using polyurethane (follow manufacturer’s instructions), then relax and enjoy your new stool!

Step 3- Sand and seal!

 

[xπ]

How to make an 'Antique' Painted Wood Picture Frame

Tools/Supplies:

-         Wood Frame

-         Acrylic Paint

-         Sandpaper

-         Stain

-         Brushes (I use foam)

-         Polycrylic (my replacement for polyurethane)

Time Commitment:

 ~ 30 min – 1 hour (plus drying time)

How to Make it Happen:

1) Here are the materials I used- substitute sizes & materials as you like (as long as the frames are made of wood). Note that these are from my Hanging Sign Frame tutorial- this time I’m only going to finish one of the frames.

Step 1- Wood frames

 

2) Brush acrylic paint onto the frames- you don’t have to cover every square inch. Let the paint dry, then use sandpaper to rub sections of the paint off the frame. By sanding the frame to bare wood, you give places for the stain to soak into the wood.

Step 2- Paint and sand

3) Brush stain onto the frame, wipe away excess. The frame will have a dappled, distressed look. Let the stain dry, then coat with polycrylic (following manufacturer’s directions). Your frame is done!

Step 3- Add stain and seal

[xπ]

How to Make a Ribbon Wreath

Tools/Supplies:

-         Foam wreath form

-         Pins

-         Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

-         Ribbon & Fabric

-         Flowers/Garland Decorations

-         Hanging hardware

Time Commitment:

 ~ 2-3 hours (depending on how hardcore you get with decorating)

This project is based on a wreath I saw at the Longwood Gardens Christmas Displays, and has been modified for a spring wreath!

How to Make it Happen:

Step 1- Get the right base

 

1) This is the kind of form that works best- if it’s not smooth, the ribbon will look bunchy. It can be harder to find, but it’s worth it.

Step 2- Start covering

 2) For this wreath, I am using strips of fabric and will cover them with some ribbon. Wrap the fabric or ribbon tightly around the form and use straight pins to hold them in place.

Step 3- Ready for outside decorations

3) The ribbon part of the wreath is finished! If you don’t want to decorate the outside of the wreath, then you’re done at this point- but I’m adding fake flowers and ivy.

Step 4- Hot glue gun time!

                                                                                 

4) Cut flowers and ivy, leaving an approximately 1/2”-1” stem to glue to the back of the wreath. Decorate until you’re happy with the look, then add the hanging hardware to the back of the wreath.

Step 5- Tada!

5) Hang your wreath and enjoy! This can be made with a variety of ribbons and decorations, so modify as you like!

[xπ]