Do It Yourself - 2

®
21
IDEAS
UNDER
$50
MODERN
FARMHOUSE
TM STYLE
MAKE THE
LOOK
YOU LOVE
WEEKEND
18 PROJECTS
EASY OUTDOOR
PLANTERS + FURNITURE 3 WAYS
TO ADD
CHARM WITH
RECLAIMED
WOOD
ORGANIZE YOUR GARAGE

ON A BUDGET p. 36
Summer 2019
VOL. 23/ISSUE 3
BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE
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TM
p. 2 6
FEATURES SUMMER 2019
46 MADE FOR ENTERTAINING to bring a hint of farmhouse style to 88 CUT & DYED
Take the party out back this summer your porch, patio, deck, or front door. Learn some tricks to natural fabric
with a deck refresh, complete with dyeing from West Coast craft
projects both underfoot and overhead. 74 WELCOME TO THE CLUBHOUSE “school” WildCraft Studio, along
A mother-daughter duo purchase with plant recommendations on
56 BACK IN TIME a prebuilt shed and make it their own what to look for.
This dreamy farmhouse wasn’t always girlfriend getaway with DIYs and
such a looker, but with smart easy upgrades. 94 STYLE FILES
renovations and design decisions, Turn a cast-to-the-curb
it is restored to its original 1920s 80 WOOD WORKS file cabinet into something
glory—and then some. See the many wonders of barnwood— worth saving with these three
and how it transforms a basic unexpected transformations.
66 MODERN CLASSICS living room—with six mod
Pick from five outdoor planters farmhouse-inspired projects.
BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2019 1

46
56
80
104
at
w lse r c o l or
flora
DEPARTMENTS SUMMER 2019
6 TRY IT 26 WHAT TO DO WITH... 104 TREND SITING

Unleash the power of the sun with The Kreg jig is one of those tools we Get out a paintbrush and
our modern take on sun printing. never knew we needed—until we palette and try the latest trend—
had one. See its variety of uses, watercolor florals.
12 MEET THE MAKER including building a basic box and
This rad Philly pottery company crafting a sleek mantel.
teaches us about historical glaze
techniques, along with what to 36 ORDER IN THE HOUSE
expect in your first pottery class. Make the most of a one-car garage
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
with these efficient and effective
3 EDITOR’S LETTER
16 HANDY GIRL storage and organizing ideas.
5 BHG.COM
Handy Girl puts on her Ms. Fix-It
101 RESOURCES + PROJECTS
hat to help us get a jump on our 42 COOL TOOLS
UNDER $20
summer to-do lists. Tech-powered tools? Yes, please! This
roundup includes tools with tech
ON OUR COVER
20 ON OUR RADAR extensions, plus a few apps to PROJECT JENI WRIGHT
Our favorite finds for summer fun, enjoy this summer. PHOTOGRAPH CARSON DOWNING
both indoors and out!
2 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2019

FROM THE EDITOR
If you’re like me and lack a

dedicated workshop, warmer
weather is your chance to build.
Now is the perfect moment to take over the
porch, patio, garage, or shady backyard spot and
start generating some serious sawdust.
To maximize the season of building, we’ve
created 20 (yes, 20!) carpentry projects—
accessories, furniture, wall treatments, even
a pergola (“Made for Entertaining,” page 46).
Start easy by converting square dowels into the
sweetest houseplant stand, this photo. All you
need are basic hand tools, clamps, glue, and
PROJECT JOHN KNIGHT PHOTOGRAPH, PORTRAIT JASON DONNELLY

pin nails (“Wood Works,” page 80). Expand on
your skills with one of five modern farmhouse
style planters (“Modern Classics,” page 66), or
build them all and become the envy of your
’hood. And don’t miss our introduction to one
tool you must add to your kit today (“What
to Do with a Kreg Jig,” page 26). This handy
helper lets you build sturdy boxes that you can
then quickly customize into a toy box, chunky
mantel, cabinet doors, or modular storage unit.
So break out your saw, fire up some tunes,
and have celebratory libations close at hand
( just wait until you’re done operating those
power tools before partaking). Here’s to
building something amazing this weekend!
Brian Kramer
Editor, Do It Yourself ™
BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2019

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS
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DO IT
FARM BETTER
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TO YOUR WOOD-BASED
TO PROJECT (OR EXISTING

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X marks the spot with this
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DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2019 5
TRY IT
SUN PRINTING
Brighten your day with stunning images you can
make in minutes. No fancy high-tech skills needed
here, just ordinary sunlight and endless imagination.
PROJECTS JODI HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS NICOLAS GOURGUECHON WORDS PAMELA PORTER
LIGHT THE WAY Sun printing makes

it super easy to transfer complex
lace patterns while giving this
classic material a fresh, modern
appeal, left. Cut lace to fit around a
white lampshade. In a room away
from direct sunlight, apply a thin,
even coat of black SolarFast dye to
the lampshade using a foam crafts
brush. While dye is damp, wrap
lace around the lampshade, pulling
taut and tying ends together with
thread or securing with transparent
tape. Expose lampshade to sunlight
according to SolarFast instructions.
After exposure is complete, remove
from sunny area (A) and detach
lace. Hand-wash lampshade
immediately in a bath of hot water
and SolarFast Wash, agitating to
remove excess dye. Let dry.
BECAUSE OF ITS
CYLINDRICAL
SHAPE, THE SHADE A
SHOULD BE ROTATED
IN EQUAL TIME
INCREMENTS DURING
LIGHT EXPOSURE
SO THE ENTIRE
SURFACE DEVELOPS
CONSISTENT COLOR.
SMALL TALK You can display your favorite phrase
on a pillow, this photo, using the sun-printing
technique. Print black typography onto a clear
acetate ink-jet sheet. Cut excess acetate from
around your image. Choose a white, natural-fiber
pillow cover and remove form. Place cardboard
inside cover to prevent bleeding. Lay cover flat on
a sturdy portable surface like a piece of plywood,
pressing smooth with hands to remove wrinkles.
In a room away from direct sunlight, use a foam
brush to apply a thin, even coat of black SolarFast
dye to the front of the cover. While dye is damp,
place printed acetate over dye and position a piece
of glass on top to keep it flat. Move cover into
the sun, exposing to light according to SolarFast
instructions. After exposure is complete, move
out of sunny area, then remove glass, film, and
cardboard. Machine-wash immediately in hot
water and SolarFast Wash, and tumble dry.
DYE SHOULD
DAMPEN BUT NOT
OVERSATURATE THE
FABRIC. USE PAPER
TOWELS TO BLOT
ANY EXCESS BEFORE
APPLYING IMAGE.

A
GET THE PICTURE Turn ordinary photographs

into avant-garde works of art, left. Select an
image with plenty of contrast. Convert the
image to black and white and to a negative and
print onto ink-jet acetate. In a room away from
direct sunlight, use a foam crafts brush to apply
a thin, even coat of avocado SolarFast dye to
thick watercolor paper. While still damp, place
image over dye and position a piece of glass
over image to keep it flat and secure. Expose to
sunlight according to SolarFast instructions. After
exposure is complete, move out of sunny area
and remove glass and image (A). Hand-wash
immediately in a bath of hot water and SolarFast
Wash, agitating to remove excess dye. Let dry.
BUTTONED UP Even tiny

embellishments like these
covered buttons, right,
can make a big statement.
In a room away from
direct sunlight, place
pretreated cyanotype
fabric on a portable hard
surface. Arrange objects
like leaves and botanicals
on top of the fabric. If
your objects are flat, place
a piece of glass on top.
Move arrangement into
the sun, exposing it to
light according to fabric
manufacturer instructions.
After exposure is
complete, remove from
sunny area. Immediately
rinse fabric under
cool water for about
5 minutes or until water
runs clear. Let dry. Follow
covered-button kit
manufacturer instructions
to complete the buttons.
CALL OF NATURE Organic artwork, this photo, is irresistible and
easy to achieve. To make these pieces, follow button instructions
on page 8. Select your picture frames before starting and use the
mats as a guide when arranging your objects. Midday sunlight is
best since the sun is high in the sky and unlikely to cast shadows,
especially if your objects aren’t flat. For a twist on the classic DO IT
blue-and-white print, blueprintsonfabric.com offers colored
cotton fabrics pretreated with cyanotype so you can experiment BETTER
OVEREXPOSE YOUR
with a variety of hues. If your project is two-dimensional like PROJECT RATHER THAN
this artwork, you can also use cyanotype paper, which is widely UNDEREXPOSE IT. EVEN IF
available online or in crafts stores. COLOR DEVELOPMENT LOOKS
COMPLETE, EXPOSE
FOR AT LEAST THE
SUGGESTED TIME.

OUTSIDE THE BOX With a
sun-printed lid, a wooden box
not only holds treasures but
also becomes a treasure itself,
this photo. Choose an uncoated,
untreated, and light-color wood
box and wipe with a damp sponge. In a
room away from direct sunlight, apply a thin,
even coat of SolarFast dye to the lid using
a foam brush. While still damp, place two
strands of beaded necklaces on top. Expose
the box to sunlight, letting the shadows
influence the resulting color. Move out of
sunny area and remove beads. Hand-wash
immediately with hot water and SolarFast
Wash, taking care not to oversaturate the
wood. Let dry, then spray with an acrylic sealer.

ON THE EDGE Wake up plain
bedding with a lively border
design, left. Choose white bedding
that is cotton or another natural
fiber. Use painters tape to mask
off printing area along the edge
of a pillowcase or flat sheet. Print
following the pillow instructions
on page 7 and using teal SolarFast
dye. For a large project such as
the flat sheet, lay it on a protected
work surface in front of a window
exposed to direct sunlight. Block
the light while applying SolarFast
dye and lace, and block the light
again after exposure when it’s
time to remove the lace (A). For a
large project like this exposed in
an indoor controlled environment,
skip the glass and simply press lace
flat to the sheet.
FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 101.
IF FABRIC STARTS TO
DRY OUT DURING THE
EXPOSURE PROCESS
AND YOU ARE NOT
USING GLASS TO
SECURE OBJECTS, MIST
FABRIC WITH WATER
IN A SPRAY BOTTLE
TO KEEP IT DAMP AND
PRODUCE DEEPER OR
BRIGHTER COLORS.
BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E ©ShurTech Brands, LLC 2018/75933

MEET THE MAKER
PALMER PLANTER
COMPANY
Artist and co-owner Naomi Cleary digs into how
her Philadelphia business took shape, and
provides tips on molding your own clay creations.
WORDS JESSICA BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY
THE MAKERS:
NAOMI AND DANIEL
Read on to learn how this creative duo got into
pottery and some tricks of their trade.
O: When did you and Daniel O : Why plant pots?
begin your journey into creating
your own pottery and starting your A: Daniel had made some plant pots
own ceramics company? on the side for fun, and we realized
this is a very nonstressful way of
A: Daniel and I both went to making art. It is not hard to like a
art school thinking we would be plant pot, and people responded
painters, which I think is what pretty so enthusiastically. It is fun to make
much everybody thinks when beautiful things every day, so we
they go to art school. Somehow decided to start a business.
we both stumbled into ceramics
IN EARLY 2017, NAOMI CLEARY
AND HER NOW-HUSBAND,
departments. Daniel took a tour O: What makes your plant pots
DANIEL RICARDO TERAN, of the ceramics program at his different from basic garden store ones?
LAUNCHED PALMER PLANTER art school and fell in love with the
CO., A BOUTIQUE STUDIO material, the tools, the kilns—the A: With our pots, you know who
SELLING HANDMADE GARDEN whole thing. I was sort of forced made your pot and where it was
POTS WITH A CONTEMPORARY into a ceramics class begrudgingly, made, and you can see the mark of
TWIST ON HISTORICAL POTTERY as the jewelry class I wanted to take the maker. You can see our hands;
TECHNIQUES. THEY USE was full. I resigned myself to having you can see our fingerprints where
RENEWABLE WIND ENERGY AND to take ceramics and lucked out we hold the pot to dip it. Every single
SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING PRACTICES with a really great first teacher. pot is different.
IN THEIR POTTERY BUSINESS.
HISTORY REMADE
Daniel and Naomi’s
glossy pots are hand-
dipped in majolica
glaze, a technique
historically practiced
by various cultures
from Spain to the
Netherlands. Inspired
by ancient Persian
pottery and Dutch
delft tiles, Naomi and
Daniel made the blue
stain from powdered
cobalt, which goes
on dusty pink and
emerges from the kiln
brilliant blue. Other
pots are imprinted
with plaster stamps
cast from a treasured
shell collection passed
down from Daniel’s
late grandmother. To
shop Palmer Planter
pots and see the
latest collections, visit
palmerplantercompany
.com.

ANATOMY OF A PALMER PLANTER
SOME PALMER
PLANTER POTS
ARE THROWN ON THE POTS ARE
A POTTER’S WHEEL HELD UPSIDE-
(LIKE THIS LITTLE DOWN AND
BEAUTY!); OTHERS AFTER THE DRAINAGE SLOWLY
ARE SLIP-CAST FROM HOLE IS CUT, EACH POT DIPPED IN
PLASTER MOLDS. IS KILN-FIRED ONCE TO GLAZE.
SET THE CLAY BEFORE
GLAZING AND PAINTING.
PATTERNS ARE
PAINTED WITH
TAPERED CALLIGRAPHY
BRUSHES, WHICH HOLD BEFORE THE POT IS DIPPED IN MINIATURE FLOWER
LIQUID WELL AND GLAZE, THE DRAINAGE HOLE IS STAMPS ARE USED TO
RESULT IN SMOOTH COVERED IN MASKING TAPE MARK THE BOTTOM
BRUSHSTROKES. TO PREVENT GLAZE FROM OF EACH POT WITH A
COATING THE INTERIOR. DISTINCTIVE TOUCH.
TIPS FOR YOUR

FIRST CERAMICS CLASS
Most art centers offer beginner ceramics classes where you can learn the basic materials,
processes, and techniques for making pottery. Prep yourself with Naomi Cleary’s advice.
1 2 3
GET READY TO GET MESSY SEE THE PROCESS THROUGH CUSTOMIZE YOUR CREATION
Although most clay washes out, Don’t squash your first piece if it Get creative with everyday items like
it’s best to wear clothes you don’t doesn’t turn out just right. Use it to plastic forks, cake decorating tools, or
mind messing up. Closed-toe test different glazes and observe how rubber stamps to shape forms. After
shoes and an apron or towel the firing process works—even if firing, personalize your pottery with
are also encouraged. your final product is more of a acrylic paint, permanent markers, or
lumpy mass than a teapot. paint pens.

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eclecticproducts.com
DIY Q&A
HANDY GIRL Follow along with Handy Girl as she

shows how to complete some looming
to-dos on your summer list.
WORDS KELLY ROBERSON ILLUSTRATIONS ANKE REGA
YOU CAN FIX IT!

Big projects are pretty grand.
But sometimes, Handy Girls, it’s
the little Ms. Fix-Its that bring
the most satisfaction. That’s why
we’re focusing on those tiny to-dos
to help you banish eyesores and
update the things that make your
house work harder and smarter.
AN ODE TO BLUE TAPE:

3 REASONS (BEYOND THE OBVIOUS) WHY WE LOVE IT.
1 2 3
‘Cause it makes the straightest, most ‘Cause it helps us organize our cords. ‘Cause you can use it to hold things
beautiful lines when you recaulk a If we’re organizing our TV area and in place without taking off paint.
tub. Scrape the old caulk off using a cleaning up clutter, blue tape is the For example, if you’re replacing an
putty knife, then clean and dry the best for wrapping around cords and outlet cover, it might be tricky to
surface (overnight is best). Apply labeling what really is the TV, the get the new screw, screwdriver, and
painters tape on both sides of the home assistant, and more. And it’s cover all in place at once. Shut off
caulk line, fill in using a caulk gun, not a major pain to unwrap—just the power, remove the old cover,
and smooth with your finger. Then rip it off and access those cords! and use a little piece of blue tape
wait a day and remove the tape. Voilà! to hold the new cover in place.
Windows That Work
I LOVE FRESH AIR! I DON’T LOVE STUCK WINDOWS. (IN MY
CURRENT HOUSE, THE PREVIOUS OWNERS CAULKED SHUT
EVERY. SINGLE. WINDOW.) HERE’S HOW TO UNSTICK YOURS.
• FIND THE • IF THAT DOESN’T
THINNEST PUTTY WORK, USE A UTILITY
KNIFE IN YOUR TOOL KNIFE TO BREAK
COLLECTION AND THE SEAL (USUALLY
EVER-SO-GENTLY FROM PAINT).
TAP IT BETWEEN THE YOU MAY HAVE
WINDOW SASH AND TO DO THIS BOTH
FRAME, WORKING INSIDE AND OUT.
YOUR WAY AROUND
THE WHOLE THING.
CRACKED SHINGLE?
YOU CAN FIX IT.
SOMETIMES YOU
DON’T NEED A
WHOLE NEW ROOF.
SOMETIMES ALL YOU
NEED TO DO IS FIX A
CRACK IN A SHINGLE
OR TWO. AND FOR DEAR HANDY GIRL, I get that, for sure—who wants a
I’m not ready for reminder of a project yet to come,
THAT, MY HANDY GIRL especially when you’re not in the mood,
LIGHT BULB ILLUSTRATION: LE PANDA
FRIENDS, THERE’S a big reno in my or lacking time or budget? But you can
do this, probably in about an hour. You’ll
ROOF SEALANT. SIMPLY kitchen, but I need a replacement tile, an old towel,
APPLY THE SEALANT would like to know an iron, tile adhesive, a trowel, and a
ON TOP OF AND heavy piece of wood or several books.
how to fix a curling Place the towel over the tile and heat it,
UNDER THE CRACK, using the iron until it’s soft and you can
THEN SMOOTH WITH A
vinyl tile that’s scrape the tile out. Apply a thin layer of
PUTTY KNIFE. driving me nuts. adhesive to the floor using the trowel,
and place the new tile. To ensure it
sticks, top the new tile with the wood or
books until the adhesive is dry.

DEAR HANDY GIRL, EROSION IS THE PITS. YOU’RE LOSING SOIL AND ALSO SENDING IT
My backyard is lovely— ELSEWHERE—INTO NEIGHBORS’ YARDS AND THE SEWER SYSTEM. AND
YOU’RE RIGHT: A RETAINING WALL IS A GREAT ANSWER. AS YOU’RE
except for the slope that FIGURING OUT THE SPECIFICS, CONSIDER THESE DIY DESIGN TIPS.
becomes a river of mud
LEVELING IS KEY. Remember all those wall forward (and eventually over). The
every year. I’m thinking rules about patios? Level first, then level general rule is 1 inch of slope for every
of building a retaining again. Those apply to retaining walls, too. 12 inches that your wall rises in height.
The base must be level before you start.
A RETAINING WALL THAT DOES
wall. Any DIY tips? A LITTLE BIT OF THE RIGHT KIND OF DOUBLE DUTY IS EVEN BETTER. Many
SLOPE IS GREAT. Here’s what I mean: of the premade retaining wall products
Look closely at retaining walls in your make DIY a whole lot easier and give you
neighborhood and you’ll see the best ones options for flat, wider “tops,” which can
have an ever-so-slight backward angle. serve as outdoor seating. One we like? The
This helps stop the soil from pushing the Tandem Wall by Belgard (belgard.com).
How to hammer the
“
right way: Keep the
handle end angled
away from your hip to MY GO-TO PAINT
avoid bending the nail. REMOVAL TOOLS
SURE, A HEAT GUN
IS NICE AND SO
ARE HARDWORKING
CHEMICALS. BUT I STILL
LOVE A PAINT SCRAPER.
IT BUILDS MY MUSCLES
(SIDE BENEFIT!) AND
IS SUPER EASY TO
CONTROL. WHEN I
HAVE USED ONE, I’VE
NEVER ONCE SCRAPED
A WALL. IF THERE
ARE TINY BITS OF
PAINT I CAN’T GET UP, I
SIMPLY GO FOR A WIRE
BRUSH FOR THE LAST
LITTLE CLEAN.

#G-R-GEGO-L-
BY--HE- C-(--E—-(—-VE--
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VER-U--PRO from-a-single-pallet:-BHG.com/GardenOrganizer
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Garden Bench project photo

from Woodcraft Magazine,
Vol. 5/No. 28, April/May
Build Your Garden Bench With

Woodcraft Magazine Classic® Project Plans
Our shop-friendly plans feature the best projects from the
pages of Woodcraft Magazine. Each plan includes step-by-step
instructions with detailed photographs, exploded-view
illustrations, a Convenience-Plus Buying Guide and much more.
For A Free Catalog Or To Find Your Local Woodcraft Store, Visit woodcraft.com Or Call 800-225-1153. Follow Us: 19DY05H
STUFF WE LOVE
ON OUR
Bring on the sun and
get some DIY projects
done with these books
and products to
inspire and create.
WORDS AMBER WAGNER
PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY
Round out your wall decor with these

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or rooms that need a little something
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Round Wall Planter, starting at $26;
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1. Relax with the soothing
sounds of bubbling water.
Make any garden zen
with the Sedona rock
fountain. Follow the easy
instructions to install,
then plug in and enjoy.
Sedona Disappearing
Water Feature Kit from
Gardenique, $159;
lowes.com
2. It’s a one-stop box for
all your fix-it needs. Over
100 drill bits will fit virtually
any size you encounter.
Magnetic sockets on the
included drivers make
1 switching bits a breeze.
Manta 112-Bit Driver Kit,
2 3 $60; ifixit.com
3. Go easy on your hands
with ergonomic tools. The
design of the Handle Rite
needle-nose, slip joint, side
cutter, and linemen pliers
is a simple yet effective
rework of the standard
tool handle into a slip-
free alternative. Handle
Rite Ergonomic Loop
Handle Pliers, $18–$20;
thegrommet.com
4. It’s the science of sun
prints in one clever kit
with everything you need
to get started: cyanotype
solution, paintbrush,
transparencies, and more.
4 5 Cyanotype Kit, $48;
texturesfactory
.etsy.com
5. Need new furniture
on a budget? This handy
how-to book not only
has ideas for shelving,
dog beds, and more, but
also gives helpful tips on
sourcing and dismantling
pallets. Pallet Craft, $19;
gmcbooks.com
6. Turn tight spaces and
tiny balconies into an
urban oasis. Stackable
modular planters take
gardening to new heights
and maximize your
growing capacity. 5-Tier
Strawberry Planter in Pink,
$30; mrstacky.com
7. Perfectly trimmed
hedges are within reach.
Telescopic handles extend
up to 38 inches to snip the
tallest of topiaries. Comfort
Max Hedge Shears, $65;
troybilt.com
8. Add whimsy to your
world. Twist to charge, 6 7
press flat, then stash
The Magic Butterfly and 8 9
watch it flutter out of
books, cards, and more.
Reuse it over and over.
The Magic Butterfly, $7;
papersource.com
9. Wire grill brushes can
leave metal pieces behind.
The Grate Grill Scraper is
wire-free and fits any size
to leave behind nothing
but clean grates for peace
of mind in one handy little
tool. Grate Grill Scraper,
$17; sage-owl.com
10. No need to relegate
your mood lighting to
the outskirts of the party.
Tabletop tiki torches will 10
spark conversation while
keeping bugs at bay in a
variety of styles and colors.
Table Torches, from $10;
tikibrand.com

11. Love wallpaper but
hate the commitment?
Coloray has the solution
with peel-and-stick
removable wallpaper.
Choose from dozens of
designs to fit traditional
or modern rooms. The
customizable sizes mean
zero waste. A Poppy Girl
Removable Wallpaper,
prices vary based on size;
coloraydecor.com
12. Grubby grout not
your style? Don’t remove
11 it; refresh it with a grout
colorant kit. The brush-
12 13 on formula is available
in most manufacturer
colors to renew or recolor
existing grout. Grout
Colorant Kit, $22;
groutgetter.com
13. Never forget a name!
These cheeky plant
markers will keep your
garden organized while
your plants mingle.
Each pack comes with
12 markers for indoor or
outdoor use. Yard Goods
Hello Garden Markers, $7;
genuinefred.com
14. From the creative
mind that brought you
Jungalow, this book spills
14 15
the secrets of laid-back
style. Author Justina
Blakeney guides you
through chic homes
and 12 DIY projects to
inspire you to create your
own bohemian haven.
The New Bohemians
Handbook, $28;
justinablakeney.com
15. Pack in the fun this
summer! Ditch the ice
and bulky coolers for this
sleek design. Freeze it, fill
it, and enjoy cool drinks,
food, and more on the go.
Find multiple designs and
styles. Freezable Double
Wine Bag in Sophie, $30;
packit.com

16 17
18
16. It’s a garden in a box! Each

collection comes wrapped in
beautifully patterned cotton
fabric, complete with fabric tuber
bags, printed seed packets, and
instructions for planting and care.
Cutting Garden Collection, $48;
ploverorganic.com
17. Ditch plastic while protecting
produce in this organic cotton
bag. Wet before use (and any time
it dries out) to keep veggies happy
and humid. VejiBags, starting at
$19; vejibag.com
18. Painting is a cinch with
Backdrop. Just choose one of
50 curated colors and have a
complete painting kit delivered to
your doorstep. Trying new colors
is also effortless with the 12×12-
inch adhesive paint samples.
Backdrop Paint Essentials Kit, from
$45; backdrophome.com
BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E
WHAT TO DO WITH
KREG JIG
Having a jig makes almost every cut, drill, or
attach job easier. In short: Get your hands on a jig.
It’s a game changer for DIY building projects.
PROJECTS JENI WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY
WORDS LACEY HOWARD
MAKE IT
TOY BOX
MATERIALS
• Pieces cut from birch plywood • Kreg wood plugs DO IT
and pine project boards (see
Cut List, below)
• Wood filler
• Putty knife
BETTER
PROTECT TINY FINGERS
• Birch edge banding • Sandpaper, sander if desired WITH A LID THAT DOESN’T
• Iron • Primer, paint, stain, brushes SLAM SHUT. PURCHASE TOY
• Metal roller • Template at BHG.com/ToyBox BOX HINGES BASED ON THE
WEIGHT OF THE LID, AND
• Wood file • Jigsaw
FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION
• Kreg pocket-hole jig kit • Water-base sealer or TEMPLATE INCLUDED
• Drill polycrylic IN THE PACKAGE.
• Wood glue • Chisel
• Kreg corner clamps • 2 butt hinges
• Kreg screws • 2 toy box lid hinges
Step 1 Apply edge banding to all wood edges that will not abut
another piece of wood and will show. To apply edge band,
cut the banding a little longer than the piece’s edge. Preheat
an iron; lay the banding centered on the edge and iron it to
the wood. Use a metal roller to press the banding onto the
wood. Apply heat again to any banding that didn’t adhere.
Hold a file nearly perpendicular to the banding and file away
any excess. See “Build a Box,” page 32 for more on banding.
Step 2 Begin to assemble the main box by attaching the ends
and the divider to the bottom. Using a Kreg pocket-hole jig,
drill two pocket holes along the bottom edges of the two
ends and the divider. Drill two holes along the top edge of the
divider and of the end that will go on the shelving side. Run a
bead of wood glue along all of the edges that will be attached
to other pieces. Use corner clamps to hold the end pieces to
the bottom and screw them together with Kreg screws. Use
the same process to attach the divider to the bottom 14 inches
from the end on the shelf side, making sure it is flush with the
front of the bottom. Use the pocket holes drilled in the top
ends of the divider and shelf end piece to attach the stationary
MAKE IT EASY Construction of furniture projects—like this
top piece above the shelf.
lift-top toy box, opposite—is a whole lot easier with a friend.
Step 3 Drill pocket holes on the underside of the shelf along Let us introduce you to your new bestie: the Kreg pocket-
both long sides. Run a bead of wood glue along all of the hole jig. The tool holds tight to a piece of wood and guides
wood edges that will be attached to other pieces. Screw shelf a drill to create accurate, repeatable holes for the purpose of
in place (use a corner clamp where the shelf meets the end connecting two pieces of wood with a strong, stable joint.
and the divider to hold it in place as you screw). Drill two or With Kreg’s jig, corner clamps, and rip-saw guide (it helps
you cut full sheets of plywood without a table saw), you will
Continued on page 28 feel like a pro and take your projects to the next level.
CUT LIST
# PART MATERIAL WIDTH LENGTH DEPTH
1 LID BIRCH PLYWOOD 18" 309/16" 3/4"
1 TOP BIRCH PLYWOOD 18" 159/16" 3/4"
1 BOTTOM BIRCH PLYWOOD 18" 461/8" 3/4"
2 ENDS BIRCH PLYWOOD 18" 141/2" 3/4"
1 DIVIDER BIRCH PLYWOOD 171/4" 141/2" 3/4"
1 SHELF BIRCH PLYWOOD 171/4" 14" 3/4"
1 BACK BIRCH PLYWOOD 141/2" 441/2" 3/4"
1 INSIDE CLEAT BIRCH PLYWOOD 161/2" 11/2" 1"
1 FRONT PANEL EDGE-GLUED PINE 141/2" 293/4" 3/4"
2 FEET CLEAR PINE PROJECT BOARDS 31/2" 14" 3/4"
2 APRON CLEAR PINE PROJECT BOARDS 21/2" 381/2" 3/4"

PERFECT FIT New cabinet doors will refresh your
kitchen with little fuss or expense. To figure out
the dimensions for your doors, opposite, use
the old doors as templates. Choose the material
for your new doors (we used ¾×3-inch poplar
project boards) and your stile and rail width (we
GROWN-UP BOX Once your kids have outgrown this storage went with 2¼ inches). Subtract the width of
piece, use it in an entry or mudroom for tucking away winter two stiles from the width of your old door. This
gear or pet necessities, below. Add a cushion on top to create will equal the length of your rails. The length of
a comfy place to sit and put on shoes. your stiles will be the full length of the door. The
inset panel will be measured once the interior
rectangle formed by the stiles and rails has been
routed and can be accurately measured. Get the
full how-to at BHG.com/Cabinets.
ORGANIC
GREEN
SW 6732
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS.COM
three pocket holes in the back side of the back piece along bottom edge. Stain the front piece to your desired darkness
both short ends. Drill pilot holes in the back piece 143/8-inch in and seal. Once dry, insert the front into the box build and
from the shelf end (these holes will be for driving screws into screw it to the end, bottom, and divider.
the divider). Run a bead of wood glue along all four edges and
Step 6 For the base, drill two pocket holes on each end of both
slide the back panel into the back of the box and attach with
apron pieces, and two or three along the top edges of the
screws using pocket holes drilled along short ends.
apron pieces. Inset each apron piece about 2½ inches from
Step 4 Fill any holes that will show using wood plugs. Apply a the front and back ends of the feet, glue, and screw. Sand,
little glue inside the hole and slide in a plug. Once the glue is stain, and seal the assembled base. Center the base on the
dry, sand off any plug protruding beyond the board. Use wood bottom of the box, and glue and screw it to the box using the
filler to fill any spaces around the plug, let dry, and sand smooth. pocket holes.
Screw the cleat inside the box along the shelf end side (A) flush
Step 7 Create recessed spaces to inset the box lid’s butt
with the top edge to give additional support to the lid (be careful
hinges: Use a jigsaw and a chisel to cut two 2-inch-long
not to screw where screws attach the divider to the top piece).
sections, ¼-inch deep, 2 inches from the ends on the top
Lightly sand, prime, and paint the box build and large lift-up top
edge of the back panel (see detail, page 27). Screw one side
piece; allow to dry.
of the hinges to the top edge of the recessed space and then
Step 5 Using the template at BHG.com/ToyBox and a jigsaw, screw the other side of each hinge to the lift-up lid. To install
cut the curved handle into the top edge of the front panel; toy box hinges, follow the instructions and template included
sand. Drill two or three pocket holes along the short ends and in hinge packaging.

Make your own doors! Get the step-by-step instructions
to construct these cabinet doors at: BHG.com/Cabinets
SIZE IT RIGHT Build a simple, clean-lined box (see “Build a
Box,” page 32) with the dimensions of your choosing to hang
as a mantel or floating shelf, this photo. We employed a bracket
ladder—made from 2×6 lumber—to be the brawn hidden
inside the beautiful walnut plywood facade. To determine
the dimensions of your finished shelf, first choose the length
of your box. This measurement is the length of the walnut
face piece. The height of the face piece, if you are using 2×6
material for the interior bracket, will be 7 inches. The
top, bottom, and end piece dimensions are all
determined by the desired depth of
your shelf. Finish the raw edges of
your cut walnut pieces
with walnut edge banding.
DO IT
BETTER
SHOP FOR LARGE,
PATTERNED CERAMIC TILE
(OURS HAD FOUR LARGE
STARS PER TILE) WITH A
SCORED LINE CONNECTING
THE DESIGNS TO CREATE
THE LOOK OF
SMALLER TILES.

INSIDE JOB An
interior bracket,
constructed like a
ladder with two rails
and rungs evenly
spaced the length
of the rails, far left,
provides stability
and strength to
the floating shelf
or mantel. Our
bracket is built from
2×6 lumber, with
75½-inch-long rails
and six rungs. The 5½-inch lumber prescribed the height
of our ladder and finished mantel. To create the walnut
box, left, use a Kreg pocket-hole jig to drill pocket holes
on the inside edges of both end pieces—where the top,
front, and bottom pieces will attach. Drill several pocket
holes (we did seven) along the long inside edge of both the
top and bottom pieces where the front piece will attach.
Use corner clamps to hold the end pieces to the front
piece; glue and screw them together. Repeat to attach the
top and bottom pieces. Seal, or stain and seal, the box.
Slide the box onto the bracket, then screw up through the
bottom of the mantel through the bracket to secure.
MATERIALS
BUILD A BOX • 3/4-inch-thick Baltic birch (or other)
It’s easy to create all kinds of projects—like plywood
• Birch (or other) edge banding
our stacked-box bookcase, opposite—after you • Iron
master building a box. You can build a box at • Metal roller
any height, width, and depth, with a back or • File
• Kreg pocket-hole jig kit
without, using this basic skill. Here’s how: • Drill
• Kreg corner clamps
A B • Wood glue
• Kreg screws
• Kreg wood plugs
• Sandpaper
• Sander
• Wood filler
Step 1 Cut your building materials to
desired sizes. Apply edge banding to all
paint-grade wood edges that will not
abut or be covered by another piece
of wood. To apply edge band, cut the
banding a little longer than the wood
C D piece’s edge. Preheat an iron; position
the banding and iron it to the edge (A).
Use a metal roller to press the banding
onto the wood (B). Apply heat again to
any banding that didn’t adhere. Hold a
file nearly perpendicular to the banding
and file away any excess material
overhanging the board’s edge (C).
Step 2 Use a Kreg pocket-hole jig to
drill holes in the top and bottom pieces
in the direction of the edges where
they will be attached to the sides (D).
E F
Assemble the box using Kreg corner
clamps to hold the four pieces in place
(E). Note: When assembling the boxes,
the sides will always overlap the top
and bottom and holes will always be
drilled into the top and bottom, not the
sides. Glue and screw each box. Use a
thin bead of wood glue wherever you
attach two pieces of wood. Add backs
to boxes (F), as desired, by drilling
pocket holes into the back piece in the
direction of top, bottom, and sides.
G H
Step 3 To fill holes, put a dab of wood
glue inside the pocket holes and insert
a wood plug (G). Once glue has dried,
sand off any of the plug to be flush with
surface. Fill space around the plug with
wood filler (H), let dry, and sand smooth.
Step 4 Use a sander to sand all of the
plywood ends until they are smooth.
Lightly sand any rough spots on the
paint-grade boxes. Prime and paint or
stain and seal the boxes, as desired.

ECLECTIC MIX Our stacked-box bookcase, this photo, uses
stained boxes, sealed boxes, and painted-white boxes with backs
in them to create a mosaic storage piece that is easily reconfigured
to fit almost any space or purpose. We also built a platform base
to give our bookcase the feel of a finished piece of furniture. To
do so, we cut a plywood platform a few inches deeper and wider
than the bottom row of boxes. We then added three feet and four
aprons to the underside of the platform and used a Kreg jig to
assemble the base. Once our finished configuration was set, we
screwed all the boxes together and to the base for safety.

BOXED IN A variety of sizes and finishes along with offset placement give
our bookcase components, below, the air of a curated collection rather
than a new build. The stained and sealed boxes are made of Baltic birch
with no edge banding, and the painted boxes use paint-grade birch
plywood with edge banding on the exposed top, bottom, and front
edges. See “Build a Box,” page 32, and refer to the charts, left and bottom,
for finished box sizes, a cut list, and placement of each box in our unit.
FINISHED SIZES
(IN INCHES USING 3/4-INCH PLYWOOD)
KEY LENGTH WIDTH DEPTH

A 7½ 12½ 10
B 12½ 25 12
C 17½ 12½ 14
D 17½ 12½ 15
E 25 12½ 17
F 12½ 12½ 12
G 12½ 17½ 14
H 12½ 12½ 10
I 7½ 12½ 15
CUT LIST
(IN INCHES)
KEY # LENGTH WIDTH

A 2 12½ 10
2 6 10
B 2 25 12
2 11 12
C 2 12½ 14
2 16 14
1 16 11
D 2 12½ 15
2 16 15
1 16 11
E 2 12½ 17
2 23½ 17
F 2 12½ 12
2 11 12
G 2 17½ 14
2 11 14
H 2 12½ 10 A
2 11 10
1 11 11
I 2 12½ 15
2 6 15
A C*
B
D* E
STACK BOXES IN A
CONFIGURATION THAT WORKS
FOR YOU AND YOUR SPACE. LEAVE G
THEM UNATTACHED FOR EASY F H* I
RECONFIGURING, BUT IF YOU
HAVE PETS OR CHILDREN, SCREW
THEM TOGETHER AND TO THE
BASE FOR SAFETY.
*FOR THESE BOXES, WE USED PAINT-GRADE BIRCH

PLYWOOD SO WE COULD PAINT THE FINISHED BOX.

GETTIN’ JIGGY WITH IT
A Kreg jig is a tool to guide a drill in creating pocket holes, which allow screws to be
inserted at a shallow angle. Because the screws run along the grain of the wood, the joint
will be much stronger and more secure than one with screws perpendicular to the grain.
SET DRILL SCREW

Measure the thickness of the wood. Place the wood board against the Arrange the boards to form
Set the pocket-hole drill bit to clamp and pull the lever to tighten the desired joint. For added
the specifications on the base of the board against the guide. Be security, add wood glue to
the jig. Set the depth collar to the sure the board is secure, then fit the surfaces where they meet.
appropriate height. Raise or lower the drill bit into a guide hole. Drill Clamp in place. Fit the Kreg
the guide hole piece as needed using steady pressure to the depth screws into the pocket holes
and secure. Clamp the jig securely collar. Reverse the drill and pull and drill screws into place until
to the work surface. Make sure the back to free the guide holes of they disappear into the holes.
guide holes are facing toward you. loose wood chips.
ORDER IN THE HOUSE
TIDY GARAGE
Smart shelving and well-placed rail systems make
this garage an envy-inducing storage space for
tools, toys, and everything in between.
PROJECTS KATE MALO PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN WORDS CHELSEA EVERS
TAG TEAM Keep the whole family in the know

with easy-to-change labels on bins holding
beach essentials, toys, and car wash supplies.
Use a chalk marker to write contents on a
chalkboard label, then attach with twine.
SMALL GATHERING Plastic

baskets offer flexible,
easy-to-wipe storage for
outdoor toys, gardening STACK UP Shelving with vertical runners flexes
tools, and cleaning to store various sizes of baskets, planters,
products. Integrated and totes. When seasons and storage needs
handles mean you can change, simply adjust shelf brackets to
tote them anywhere. accommodate new bins. Space below provides
Weave Curved Rectangle room to park wagons and other large toys.
Basket, $8; target.com
HACK IT MAKE IT BUY IT

DROP ZONE Missing
a mudroom? Create
a space near the
door for storing wet
coats, muddy boots,
and other gear. A
fiber doormat helps
keep the house clean,
and a nonslip epoxy
finish on the floor
prevents accidents.

WALL STAR To avoid YARD DUTY Before
taking up valuable hanging tool racks,
storage space on the measure lawn and
ceiling, install a wall- garden tools to
mount garage door determine how high to
opener. This one has install the rack. Use tool
Wi-Fi connectivity hooks to hang bungee
and a battery backup cords, garden hoses,
for power outages. and leaf blowers, too.
LiftMaster 8500W,
starting at $600;
liftmaster.com
HANG OUT Keep recreation equipment at the

ready with a wall storage system dedicated to
activities. This garage features the Monkey Bars system
(monkeybarstorage.com). Designate a hook for each family
member’s helmet next to their bike, keep sports balls in a
snap-on bag, and store smaller gear in bins on a shelf above. Put
ceiling space into play with a pulley-system storage lift that keeps
out-of-season items like patio furniture and bike carriers off the ground.

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20%
MITER SAW MITER SAW MITER SAW
Customer Rating Customer Rating Customer Rating
WITH ANY PURCHASE

ITEM 69684 ITEM 64686 ITEM 63978
61970/61969 shown
OFF
• Soft-Grip Handle
• Stores Bits 3-1/2" VERTICAL CROWN MOLDING CAPACITY 6-1/2" VERTICAL CROWN MOLDING CAPACITY 7-1/2" VERTICAL CROWN MOLDING CAPACITY
• 2 Slotted
2-5/8" TALL SLIDING FENCES 4-1/2" TALL SLIDING FENCES 4-3/4" TALL SLIDING FENCES
• 2 Phillips Head ANY
SINGLE LASER GUIDE LIGHT LASER GUIDE LIGHT& LED WORK LIGHT LED PRECISION SHADOW GUIDE LIGHT
ITEM*
*56070824 *
$ 139 99 COMPARE TO
$
18999 $ 179 $
19999 $ 299 $
34999
ITEM 39631/69470/98899/61988 shown 56070824
SAVE $89 PROFESSIONAL
WOODWORKER
$
22980 MODEL: 8637
SAVE $90 COMPARE
RYOBI
TO $
269 MODEL: TSS120L
SAVE $200 COMPARE
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TO $
499 MODEL: DWS780
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welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, 56132164 56133906 56133918
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POWDER-FREE 3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE 29 PIECE 10 FT. x 17 FT.
NITRILE GLOVES A AIR COMPRESSORS TITANIUM PORTABLE GARAGE
A. HOT DOG DRILL BIT SET Customer Rating
PACK OF 100 B ITEM 69269/97080 shown
• 5 mil thickness B. PANCAKE Customer Rating
ITEM 61615/60637
SAVE 59% 95275 shown
99 Customer Rating
YOUR CHOICE
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VENOM $5 SAVE 9
$999
$399 9
• Air delivery: 9
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14
97
MODEL: VEN4145 $ 99
7
0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI
1 CFM @ 40 PSI 59% COMPARE TO
DEWALT SAVE COMPARE TO
SHELTER
$
290 SAVE 75 $1 69
$
ITEM 97581, 97582,
37051, 37052, 64417, 64418,
61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown
COMPARE TO $ 62
PORTER-CABLE MODEL: PCFP02003
98 $
56 99 $
6814
MODEL: DW1369
85%
ITEM 62281/61637 shown
1799 LOGIC
$
MODEL: 76377
ITEM 62859/63055/62860 shown
120
19999
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STEEL SERVICE CART HAND TRUCK RATCHETING TIE DOWNS LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM
• 220 lb. capacity • 600 lb. capacity • 400 lb. working load FLOOR JACK
• 10" pneumatic tires NOW • 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles
99 • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8"
$299
9 SAVE
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$6 • Weighs 34 lbs.
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38 99
66%
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MILWAUKEE
$29 $
11 99 COMPARE TO
K TOOL $599
$
59
99 $ $
22 80 SAVE 69%
$
15142 $
7999
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EDSAL
$
90
MODEL: SC2016
63
ITEM 60390/5107 shown
MODEL: 70019
ITEM 62775/62776/62973/95061 shown
3999 COMPARE TO
KEEPER MODEL: 5505 ITEM 63094/90984/60405 ITEM 64545/64552/64832/64980
MODEL: KTI63094
63056/63057/63150/61524 shown 68053/62160/62496/62516/60569 shown

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56159869
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56161404
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TWO TIER EASY-STORE 3200 RUNNING WATTS 7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6"
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MULCHER • 225 lb. capacity RESISTANT TARP
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run time
$289
$1 999
$39 99
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33999
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TORO Wheel kit sold
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72 SAVE 57% $ 99 $
33 88
separately. MODEL: EB4000 COMPARE TO
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$ 99
4
MODEL: 51621 ITEM 62469/62337 shown 49 ITEM 67514
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ITEM 63080/69729/56172/56174/63079 shown
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1500 WATT DUAL 14" OSCILLATING 200 LUMENS LED SUPER BRIGHT 100 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT
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99
$1 09
99 144 99 $ 49
4 $299
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$
60
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9 9
$
28
06
TRITON
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17042 PROMIER COMPARE TO $
292 44
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TOOLS SUNFORCE
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$
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TOOL TIME Modular rail or
pegboard systems make
great customizable storage
for tools and supplies. Hang
hand tools and tape from
hooks, stow spray paint and
aerosols in baskets, and
keep paper towels at the
ready on a hanging spool.
SHELF LIFE
Dual shelving on this
plank-top bench offers
space for baseball cleats,
snow boots, and other
outdoor gear you’d rather
not bring inside. Stoneford
Storage Bench, $94; wayfair.com
BRIGHTEN UP Who says

garage lighting has to be
unattractive? This stylish
farmhouse pendant adds a
pop of color and provides
direct lighting above a work
HIGH & LOW Put space. Hang it at least a foot
every square foot of higher than the height of
space to use when your vehicle. RLM Heavy Duty
you add a shelf above Outdoor Hanging Light in
tall cabinets to stash Red, $118; lampsplus.com
seasonal gear and
holiday decorations.
Simple painters tape
labels make it easy
to see which storage
totes hold Christmas
lights or ski equipment.
Space underneath a
workbench provides
prime storage for
ride-on toys to
charge overnight.
DRIP DRY Flip-out hooks on this

low-profile coatrack make it
a great choice for high-traffic
areas. Install it in minutes with
the included hardware. Flip
5 Hook, $30; umbra.com

HEAVY DUTY These
garage wall shelves
attach to studs or
solid concrete walls
and can be upgraded
to include motorized
racks. Heavy-gauge
steel shelves hold up
to 100 pounds each.
They come in sizes
ranging from 1×4 to
2×6 feet. The system
can be installed by
one person with basic
tools. Pricing begins
at $63 for a two-pack ON TRACK FastTrack wall
of 1×4-foot shelves. shelves hang from rails
fleximounts.com attached to wall studs. Each
shelf can hold 50 pounds.
Pricing starts at $10 for a
4-foot rail and $11 for a 4-foot
wire shelf. rubbermaid.com
Here’s the plan: a folding Adirondack Chair

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Folding Adirondack Chair with Templates

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and get every day FREE SHIPPING!
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For a store near you or free catalog:

Y H A N DY
DI P
IC
NDY PI CK
K
DIY H
COOL TOOLS
HA
2019 N A
DY
HIGH-TECH
Y
DI PICK
SUMMER
Rest easy and let these tech-y tools do the
hard work for you this season.
WORDS LINDSEY M. ROBERTS
1. RACHIO 3 SMART SPRINKLER

CONTROLLER All kinds of conditions
can influence your yard’s watering needs:
types of vegetation, weather, sun exposure, slope, and
more. Flexibility is the name of the watering game, and
a smart controller connected to your smart device helps
save both water and your plants. $230; rachio.com
2. SKYBELL DOORBELL Of all the

video doorbells out there, this one
really has all of the, um, bells and
whistles: motion detection, color
night video, free cloud storage,
IFTTT and Alexa voice command
support, and live feeds that get sent
to you when someone pushes the
doorbell. See, hear, and speak to the
guest through the bell, too.
$199; skybell.com
3
3. PHILIPS HUE WHITE INARA

OUTDOOR LANTERN Light the
night from your smart device,
turning the lantern on, off, or
talk about
dimming it as desired through the
companion app. The smart wall
luminaire can run on a customized
high-tech!
or sunset–sunrise schedule. Plus
it can be paired with existing Nest
or Samsung SmartThings systems.
$50; bestbuy.com
4. BENJILOCK
Lock your gate and throw away the
key—because you won’t need it with
5. GE BLUETOOTH OUTDOOR this fingerprint-controlled padlock.
PLUG-IN ON/OFF TIMER The technology stores fingerprints
MODULE Schedule and control for up to 10 users and comes with
outdoor seasonal and landscaping one traditional key and a battery
4
lights from a smartphone or tablet. that lasts a year before needing
Time it right with seven-day, sunrise recharging. $70; benjilock.com
and sunset, and vacation modes.
$50; homedepot.com
6. SCARECROW MOTION-ACTIVATED 6
ANIMAL REPELLENT Squirt water at raccoons,
deer, skunks, squirrels, and rabbits to get them out
of your landscaping with a mechanical scarecrow.
Heat- and motion-activated sensors run for six
months on a single 9-volt battery, protecting up
to 1,200 square feet. $70; amazon.com

APP ROUNDUP
Load these apps on your phone for
extra summer fun—and a little
added outdoor help.
7 for e
garage
AUDUBON BIRD GUIDE APP
A free and complete field guide to
more than 800 species of North
American birds helps identify
birds near you and keeps track
of birds already seen. It includes
hours of audio clips of songs and 7. GENIE UNIVERSAL
calls. $0; audubon.org/app GARAGE REMOTE
Choosing this garage
STARMAP 2 remote is an open-and-shut
Carry a planetarium with you via case because of its ability to
the Starmap app, designed by operate up to four gate or
astronomers. Hold your smart garage door openers with
device to the night sky to identify preprogrammed settings.
stars, planets, constellations, Compatible with most
and the International Space brands, it’s plug-and-play
Station. Gaze at a moon right out of the box. $35;
map and a 3-D model of the homedepot.com
universe. $0; star-map.fr
MYRADAR
There’s a weather app, and then
there’s this weather app, which
tells you about incoming storms,
wind, wildfire, and more, in
addition to a normal forecast.
Now you can stake your tent in
the right shelter from the wind
and get out of Dodge before a
severe storm comes sweeping
through. $0; myradar.com
SUN EXPOSURE
REFERENCE APP
Know exactly how long you can
stay in the sun before burning,
when to reapply sunscreen, and
how much sun protection you’ll
need based on the current UV
forecast. $0.99; products
.wolframalpha.com 8
GRILLTIME
Have a history of burning the
burgers? Pick the type of meat
and desired level of doneness
in this app, then set the timer.
8. SMOKE ALARM
Charred meat no more.
Check the temp of that beer-can chicken you’re
$1.99; itunes.apple.com smoking from as far away as 300 feet with a splash-
proof thermometer and two probes—one for the meat
and one for the pit. Add Internet connectivity with an
additional Smoke Gateway. $99; thermoworks.com

9
9. MIRACLE-GRO TWELVE
What if your houseplants
could feed you? Grow herbs,
spinach, kale, even tomatoes
in one of two sizes of pots
in stackable frames that
harmonize with living
room decor. Water, feed,
and illuminate with a
trimodal light via a
Bluetooth-connected
smartphone. $299;
miraclegrotwelve.com
get
connected
10
World’s Most Powerful

Leaf Vacuum!
10. DEWALT DCF888B 20V MAX Perfect for

XR BRUSHLESS TOOL CONNECT SPRING CLEAN-UP!
IMPACT DRIVER KIT Track,
manage, and customize tools on DR® LEAF VACUUMS have proven in laboratory testing to achieve
jobsites with a Bluetooth connection the most vacuum power versus competitors. And now, our PILOT
to tools and the Tool Connect App. model combines this same amazing yard clean-up power with an
The app helps customize the speed, equally amazing new price!
Easy Dumping!
torque, precision drive control
feature, and LED light brightness and Rated #1 in Vacuum Power
delay.$154; amazon.com
Unloads with Just One Hand
19D87X © 2019
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SUMMER REFRESHMENT
An outdoor bar outfitted
with summer drink
ingredients was an
essential part of this
deck makeover. It
features a built-in tub
that’s handy for holding
ice and drinks so guests
can help themselves.
MADE FOR
ENTERTAINING Modern updates and comfortable amenities
turn a bland deck into a welcoming oasis.
PROJECTS JESSICA ENO PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY WORDS HEIDI PALKOVIC
LIKE MANY SUBURBAN

NEIGHBORHOODS, THE BACKYARD
DECKS IN JESSICA AND KIRK ENO’S
DEVELOPMENT range from lackluster and
undersized spaces to spacious platforms constructed by
homeowners who refused to settle for builder-grade decks.
Fortunately for the Enos, the previous owners of their
home had replaced the original deck with one that was
generous in size; however, it still lacked a few key features.
Even though it was large, the deck was missing a
defined space for entertaining, and the existing built-
in bench was too shallow for lounging. Structurally,
everything was in good shape but, after several years
of sun and snow, the wood needed refinishing. “I really
wanted to add style to our cookie cutter suburban home
without ripping up the whole deck,” Jessica says, “so we
decided to refinish and add to the existing structure.”
With a few customized features like a plank accent
wall, a louvered pergola for shade, an improved built-in
bench, and custom outdoor furniture, the space is now
primed for outdoor entertaining. “I have more modern
tastes and our home is fairly traditional, so I felt
like the outdoors was an area where I could really
push the limits,” Jessica says.
MEET THE DESIGN TEAM Jessica and Kirk Eno, left,

put their DIY skills to work creating space to relax
and entertain on their deck, while maintaining easy
accessibility to the yard for their dog, Hank.

1 PLEASE BE SEATED The original bench on
the side of the deck had good intentions,
but its proportions were off. “It was really
2 FROM BLANK TO PLANK Before, white
vinyl siding made for a ho-hum
backdrop. Jessica and Kirk covered a
shallow and not comfy at all, so we portion of the siding with cedar 1×4s to
extended it by adding one more board create interest and to define the seating
to the depth of the seat,” Jessica says. area along a recessed exterior wall.
“Outdoor pillows really help soften the
area and make it more inviting.”
RE
BEFO
5
3 THROWING SHADE To prevent the hot
afternoon sun from spoiling a good summer
get-together, the Enos added a pergola.
Louvered slats across the top shade the
seating area during peak sunny hours. By
attaching the slats through drilled pocket-
hole joints in the top of each slat, the screws
aren’t visible from below.
4 GREEN WITH ENVY Lush potted

plants, small potted succulents,
and garden cuttings add pops
of color and texture against
the neutral deck.
6 5 GATHER AROUND The large

coffee table does more than
provide a convenient spot to hold
cups and plates—it grounds the
conversation area. Bonus: The
two top panels lift off to reveal
storage inside.
6 AT YOUR SERVICE “I wanted to

add a bar area so we could stay
outside instead of going in and
7
out all the time for drinks,” Jessica
says. She found the solution with
GIBRALTAR GRAY a purchased shelving unit, which
530-6, ULTRA ADVANCED
SOLID COLOR EXTERIOR STAIN, she retrofitted with a wood top
PITTSBURGHPAINTS.COM and a drop-in metal tub to hold
ice and drinks.
7 COUNTER SPACE For dining

alfresco, the couple built a
space-saving console with room
underneath for two barstools.

BEEFY IRON SHELF
BRACKETS CONNECT
THE TABLETOP AND
LEGS. THE THICK
END ACTS AS A
SPACER, GIVING THE
ILLUSION THAT THE
TOP IS FLOATING.
BARSTOOLS SLIDE
UNDER THE TABLE WHEN
NOT IN USE. LOMPOC 24-
INCH BAR STOOLS, $41;
WAYFAIR.COM
DINING OUT Not able to resist being outside on a perfect summer night, the Enos wanted a spot where
they can dine comfortably on the deck. The console, above, is normal table height and has space
underneath for barstools, so the two of them or their friends can eat dinner or enjoy a cocktail while
seated. The slim table itself requires just six cut boards—each leg and tabletop is made from two boards
connected using a pocket-hole jig and screws. Heavy-duty shelf brackets connect the legs to the tabletop.
MAKE IT
CONSOLE TABLE
MATERIALS
• Two 2×8 boards cut into two 37-inch and four 275/8-inch jig to that depth. Adjust the depth collar on the drill bit to that
lengths measurement. Drill a pocket hole at each mark.
• Chop saw or miter saw Step 2 Clamp the long sides of the 37-inch boards together with
• Pocket-hole jig (we used a Kreg jig) pocket holes exiting in the seam. Fasten boards with pocket-
• Drill and drill bits hole screws to make the console top.
• Clamps
• 2½-inch Kreg Blue-Kote Pocket-Hole Screws Step 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 using two 275/8-inch boards and
• Sandpaper pocket holes at the top and the underside at the bottom to
• Clear waterproof sealant make one leg. Repeat with the remaining 275/8-inch boards to
• Wide paintbrush make the second leg.
• 1-inch and 2-inch #12 sheet metal screws Step 4 Sand; wipe off sanding dust. Seal the tabletop and legs
• 7-inch shelf brackets with clear waterproof sealant. Let dry.
Step 5 Referring to the photo, inset opposite, use 1-inch screws
Step 1 On the back of one of the 37-inch boards, mark to attach the thin side of bracket to the outside middle of
placement of three pocket holes evenly spaced along one long each leg board. Use 2-inch screws to attach the thick side of
side. Measure the thickness of one of the boards and set the brackets to the underside of the tabletop.
ABOVE IT ALL The pergola shades the

space and contributes to its roomlike feel.
The structure extends from a ledger board
bolted to the side of the house, just above the
recessed wall area. A pair of notched 8×8 posts
supports the outside edge of the structure.
Each 2×6 slat is attached at an angle, using a
handmade jig to keep the spacing and angle
consistent. The finished pergola was painted
with white exterior acrylic paint.
DO IT
BETTER
TO PREVENT WATER FROM
PENETRATING THE SIDING
THROUGH THE SCREW HOLES,
EACH STUD SCREW WAS
BACKED OUT, THEN CAULK
WAS ADDED TO THE HOLE TO
CREATE A SEAL BEFORE
THE SCREW WAS
REINSERTED.

DUTY CALLS With its
generous 25×47-inch
size, the coffee table,
right, is big enough
for a large party to
gather around. The
framework is built of
2×2s assembled using
a pocket-hole jig and
outdoor-rated screws.
Evenly spaced cedar
pickets are nailed
to the sides. Once
complete, a clear coat
of waterproof sealer
keeps it looking new
and helps it withstand
the elements.
GET THE LOOK

(WITHOUT THE WORK)
Wood Praiano Coffee Table, $250;
worldmarket.com
MAKE IT
COFFEE TABLE
MATERIALS Clamp the rails to the legs and fasten Step 9 Nail on two corner supports (D) to
• 10 sanded 6×72-inch cedar dog-ear using pocket-hole screws. the inner corner of each leg. Be sure to
fence pickets set the corner supports back to allow for
Step 4 Referring to the illustration,
• Six 2×2 boards, 8 feet long the thickness of the picket sides.
opposite, add two short rails (C) and one
• Two ¾×¾×36-inch boards
leg (A) to the first long side using pocket- Step 10 Nail four short picket sides (G) to
• Pocket-hole jig (we used a Kreg jig)
hole screws. each short side, nailing into the corner
• Drill and drill bits
supports at the picket ends and spacing
• Clamps Step 5 Continue adding each side in the
the boards evenly. Repeat using long
• 21/2-inch Kreg Blue-Kote Pocket-Hole same manner to make a box frame.
picket sides (H) on each long side.
Screws Step 6 Measure and mark the center of
• Brad nailer and brads Step 11 To make a top panel, drill a pocket
the top and bottom rails. Use pocket-
• Clear waterproof sealer hole at each end of each top picket (I).
hole screws to attach a center horizontal
• Paintbrush Use pocket-hole screws to attach the
support (E) inside the frame between the
top pickets to the top ends (J), spacing
top long rails and the bottom long rails.
Step 1 Rip 10 fence pickets in half the boards evenly. Use a brad nailer to
lengthwise, then cut all boards as Step 7 Use pocket-hole screws to attach nail a top support (K) across the center
specified in the Cut List, opposite. the five remaining horizontal supports of the top pickets. Nail remaining top
(E) inside the bottom of the box, evenly supports to the top, spacing one piece
Step 2 Measure the thickness of one of
spacing them. 3/4 inch from one end and the other piece
the 2×2s and set the jig to that depth.
2 inches from the opposite end.
Adjust the depth collar on the drill bit to
Step 8 Use pocket-hole screws to attach
that measurement. Drill a pocket hole at Step 12 Repeat Step 11 to make a second
the two center vertical supports (F) inside
each end of each long and short rail. top panel.
the box, inside the top and bottom long
Step 3 Lay out two legs (A) and two long side rails. Be sure to set the vertical Step 13 Seal the table and top with clear
side rails (B). Leave 1 inch space between supports back to allow for the thickness waterproof sealant. Let dry. Place top
the end of the legs and the bottom rail. of the picket sides. panels on table.

WHAT’S BELOW Two
removable panels form the
top of the coffee table, left
and below. Each piece lifts off
to reveal an opening inside
the table. Cross supports on
the underside lock the top in
place. The opening underneath
is perfect for holding extra
cushions and pillows.
H
A F
CUT LIST
KEY # PART MATERIAL LENGTH
A 4 LEG 2"×2"×8' 16"
B 4 LONG RAIL 2"×2"×8' 47"
C 4 SHORT RAIL 2"×2"×8' 25"
D 8 CORNER SUPPORTS ¾"×¾"×36" 12"
E 6 HORIZONTAL SUPPORTS 2"×2"×8' 25"
F 2 CENTER VERTICAL SUPPORTS 2"×2"×8' 12"
G 8 SHORT PICKET SIDES 6"×6' CEDAR PICKET FENCE 25"
H 8 LONG PICKET SIDES 6"×6' CEDAR PICKET FENCE 47"
I 18 TOP PICKETS 6"×6' CEDAR PICKET FENCE 19¾"
J 4 TOP ENDS 6"×6' CEDAR PICKET FENCE 29"
K 6 TOP SUPPORTS 6"×6' CEDAR PICKET FENCE 25"
WATERPROOFING
SEALANT
CLEAR,
PITTSBURGH PAINTS,
PITTSBURGHPAINTS.COM
WALL TALK A recessed area on the

back of the house was the ideal spot
for making a big impact with a plank
accent wall, left. To start, Jessica and
Kirk screwed a 1×2 header into the
soffit that hung over the wall. They
attached four vertical cedar 2×4s to
the header and the deck floor using
pocket holes and screws—one stud
butts up against the gutter near the
corner of the house, another on the
opposite end of the wall area, and
the remaining two along each side
of the window. Using a nail gun, they
attached the horizontal prestained
cedar 1×4s to the studs, using a
paintbrush handle for consistent
spacing between the boards. They
cut the boards neatly to fit around the
window (A). Since the deck is slightly
sloped, the bottom boards were
trimmed at an angle to create a
flush finish.
“WE HAD OUR LUMBER DELIVERED

SINCE WE COULDN’T FIT IT ALL IN OUR
TRUCK. WE BOUGHT THE PERGOLA
AND WALL LUMBER TOGETHER TO
SAVE ON DELIVERY—SO WORTH IT!”
JESSICA ENO, HOMEOWNER

MAKE IT
OUTDOOR BAR
MATERIALS
• Metal shelving unit
• Screwdriver
• 8-foot 1×8 cedar board, cut to two
40-inch-long pieces
• Miter saw
• Sandpaper
• Clear waterproofing sealant
• Pocket-hole jig (we used a Kreg jig)
• Four L brackets
• Drill and Phillips head drill bit
• Jigsaw
• Metal tub to fit top
• Black spray paint
• Paintbrush
• Four 3∕4-inch #12 coarse sheet metal screws
• Level
• Metal hook
Step 1 Remove the top shelf from the shelving unit. Place
shelf and screws aside for later.
Step 2 Seal the cedar with clear waterproofing. Let dry.
Use pocket-hole joints to secure the wood bar top
pieces (40-inch cedar boards) together. Place the wood
on top of the shelving unit. Attach L brackets to each
corner of the shelving unit, screwing into the leg and the
underside of the wood top (A).
Step 3 Measure the dimensions of the metal tub under
the top lip. Beginning 41∕2 inches from the right edge
of the wood top, transfer the measurements onto the
A B wood. Use a jigsaw to cut along the lines, and wipe off
the sawdust.
Step 4 Paint exterior of metal drop-in tub with black
spray paint. Let dry. Drop the metal tub into the opening.
Step 5 Measure down 10 inches from the bar top on
each leg. Position shelf from Step 1 inside the shelving
unit, aligning the top with each mark. Adjust the shelf as
needed so it is level. Mark the screw holes on each leg.
Remove the shelf and drill 3∕16-inch pilot holes on the
inside of all four legs but not through to the other side.
Attach the shelf to the unit with 3∕4-inch screws (B).
Step 6 Attach a towel hook to the edge of the wood top.
TO BECOME A BAR, A METAL

SHELVING UNIT NEEDED JUST
A FEW MODIFICATIONS—A
BEFORE LOWERED SHELF, A NEW
WOOD TOP, AND A DROP-IN
METAL TUB FOR HOLDING
ICE AND DRINKS.
This Missouri family stripped away
decades of decorating disgraces
from a 1925 bungalow to restore its
Craftsman-style dignity.
FONT TEXTURE: CLICK AND PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK

WORDS SARAH WOLF
PHOTOGRAPHS ADAM ALBRIGHT
STYLIST JESSICA BRINKERT HOLTAM
FIELD EDITOR ANDREA CAUGHEY
RE
BEFO
THERE WERE MANY THINGS TO

LOVE ABOUT THE CRAFTSMAN
BUNGALOW ON A BUSY
STREET IN TROY, MISSOURI—
Luke and Lisa Bass just had to see beyond a
kaleidoscope of colors splashed on nearly every
surface. “Every door had a different color on each
panel, the kitchen cabinets were sponge-painted
blue, and the bathroom tiles were all different
colors,” Lisa says. “Even the trim was painted
something goofy!”
But beyond the color cacophony was a sturdy,
stately house, and many elements, such as the
hardwood flooring and kitchen cabinets, were
solid and worth saving. At 1,600 square feet, it was
sized just right for a young family. “It was in good
condition,” Lisa says, “just not aesthetically. When
A WARM WELCOME The Bass family (Lisa and Luke and it was built in 1925, it was a nicer house, but over
their five children), top, have lived in their Troy, Missouri, the years people threw linoleum and laminate and
bungalow for about 10 years, working steadily to restore cheap things in it. We added back in the nice stuff.”
and refresh the nearly century-old house for modern-day She and Luke turned back the clock by building
life with a busy family. The porch, above, now has greater tables; sewing slipcovers and pillows to plump up
presence, thanks to wide wood steps (which cover the
chairs and sofas (see her blog farmhouseonboone
old concrete ones), simplified support posts (the old
.com for plenty of sewing tutorials); and quieting
Craftsman columns were crumbling), and plywood
skirting to conceal the foundation (it replaced busy- the trim, doors, and walls with soft white or pale
looking lattice). Lisa stripped at least three layers of paint gray paint. Now, it’s an old-timey house with a
from the original front door to reestablish its warm glory. (re)new(ed) lease on life.

DO IT
BETTER
LUKE AND LISA BASS
DOWNLOADED FREE PLANS
FOR BUILDING THE SWING
FROM ANA-WHITE.COM. LISA
TOOK THE INSTRUCTIONS
TO LOWE’S AND HAD
SOMEONE THERE CUT ALL
OF THE PIECES FOR
25 CENTS A CUT.
CHEAP AND EASY!
PUTTING PLANTS IN
COOL CONTAINERS
MEANS THEY CAN MOVE
AROUND AS NEEDED
TO A SUNNIER SPOT
OR TO THE PORCH
FOR REPOTTING OR
DIVIDING.
NEW & IMPROVED Galvanized metal bins and
buckets make rustic and weather-resistant
containers for annuals, and perching petunias
on an old stool gives them a little height and
prominence, above left. Plywood replaces the
wood lattice that used to skirt the house; it even
wraps the sides of the wood steps for a sturdy
appearance, left. The porch was revamped with
new deck boards—the old ones weren’t worth
saving—and a porch swing, which Luke and Lisa
put together themselves, above. Lisa stitched
pillows to soften the seat.

“IF I SEE SOMETHING IN A STORE,
I WONDER HOW IT WAS MADE, AND I
LIKE TO DO IT MYSELF. THERE’S HARDLY
A SPOT IN THE HOUSE WHERE I HAVEN’T
PUT MY OWN PERSONAL STAMP.”
LISA BASS, HOMEOWNER
ALL TOGETHER NOW

In the living room,
Luke, Lisa, and her
cousin Eddie Holt (a
contractor) installed
a wall of shelves
and cupboards, this
photo. For the bottom
portion, they installed
stock upper cabinets
“because they’re only
12 inches deep,” Lisa
says, “so they don’t
come into the living
room too much”—but
still offer plenty of
storage. Lisa sewed
slipcovers to unify
the mismatched
Craigslist furniture
finds and to ensure
that eliminating spills
is just a laundry load
away. “If you saw what
my furniture looks like
without slipcovers, it’s
hilarious,” she says.
“They would definitely
not be in a magazine.”
DO IT
BETTER
A FAVORITE FABRIC CAN
DRESS UP ALMOST ANY
SURFACE. IN THE BASS HOME,
SWATHS OF LINEN DRAPE
OVER THE DINING TABLE AND
DRESSER, AND A LINEN SCARF
HANGS IN THE ENTRY. SEW
YOUR OWN, AS LISA DOES, OR
DISPLAY A FAVE VINTAGE OR
STORE-BOUGHT FABRIC.
FOUND THINGS Plates and pitchers from Lisa’s collection

of ironstone gather on this little dresser—an antiques
shop score—in the dining room, above right. Because
the front door opens directly into the living room with
no transitional space, Lisa created this landing spot with
a vintage mirror, wall hooks, a bench softened with
hand-sewn cushions, and an antique crock, below.
DOORWAY TO DINING “I love these sorts of features

in old homes,” Lisa says of the doorway between
the kitchen and dining room, above. She and
Luke assembled the dining table themselves (they
downloaded the plan from ana-white.com—it was
the first project they ever built), and they hung two
vintage-looking pendants from the ceiling.

LISA’S KEY TO COZY
CUSHIONS? FEATHER-
DOWN INSERTS RATHER
THAN POLYESTER FIBER.
SHE GETS HERS FROM
PILLOWFLEX.COM.
COZY COMFORT The palest gray (Benjamin Moore Gray

Owl 2137-60) tints the walls throughout the dining room,
living room, and kitchen, giving the deep baseboards
and wide window casings clean, crisp prominence. Lisa
sewed the tumble of pillows on the dining room window
seat, mixing large with small, squares with rectangles,
and big buffalo checks with narrow stripes.
LISA UPDATED THE
CABINET KNOBS,
PULLS, AND HINGES
WITH A SHOT OF
BLACK SPRAY PAINT.
THE HARDWARE NOW
LOOKS LIKE RICH
IRON RATHER THAN
WORN BRASS.
+
FARMHOUSE ZONE Once

bright blue, the cabinets
blossomed with coats of
white paint, this photo.
The new apron-front
sink and faucet from
IKEA required shortening
the cabinets and adding
support, “but I wanted
that nice big sink,” Lisa
says. A curtain conceals
where a dishwasher
would normally go—“we
needed more storage for
bulk grains and a grain
mill,” Lisa says (she grinds
her own wheat), “and
that was more important
than a dishwasher.”
BEAUTIFUL BLUES MAKE
SEW SPECIAL
MANY APPEARANCES Almost every pillow, apron, and
THROUGHOUT THE slipcover in this darling bungalow has
HOUSE, WHETHER
ON VINTAGE PLATES been lovingly cut, pressed, and sewn
IN THE KITCHEN, AS
STRIPES AND CHECKS
by Lisa Bass. Here she shares her
ON PILLOWS, OR IN secrets for savvy sewing.
BLANKETS ON BEDS.
Long live linen “It’s my favorite fabric

to sew with,” Lisa says. “No matter what you
make with linen, it fits into the farmhouse
style.” Her source? Amazon.com, where she
searches for Robert Kaufman linen fabric. If
linen is too pricey for a project, Lisa will opt
for a linen-cotton blend. “It’s a lot cheaper,
but it still has the same loose weave,” she says,
“so it gives the same effect without having to
spend $20 a yard.”
Drop cloths for the win For large

home decor projects (slipcovers and curtains),
Lisa pulls out the big guns: Chicago Canvas
cotton drop cloths (chicagocanvas.com).
They’re heavy, wide, readily available, and
ultra-cheap (about $2 a yard!). Lisa clips
out the center seam, then bleaches the
BACK TO GOOD For that farmhouse flavor Lisa adores, cloths so they’re snowy white. Her blog,
she and Luke kept the kitchen clean and crisp in white farmhouseonboone.com, features a tutorial
(paint on the cabinets, subway tile on the backsplash, for bleaching—note that only 100-percent-
quartz-surfacing on the countertops, and a clutch of cotton drop cloths will bleach properly.
Lisa’s ironstone collectibles), above.
Reuse and recycle If Lisa runs across
a ready-made item that’s too beguiling
to pass by (say, striped IKEA dish towels
or a vintage cement sack), she might
incorporate it into another project. Many
a pillow have materialized this way!

BATH REBIRTH This beautiful bath, above, started nearly from scratch—
the couple took the room down to the studs to coax it into the current
century. They tiled the walls and floors, sheathed the ceiling in beaded
board to hide its popcorn texture, replaced the window, and hauled in a
heavy claw-foot tub from Craigslist. The vintage sink, above right, with
its built-in backsplash and drainboard, “is the best find of my entire life”
Lisa says. “I was driving down our street, and there it was at a garage
sale for 35 bucks!” Her cousin Eddie custom-crafted the base to fit the
sink, and Lisa filled out the rest of this little corner with a new faucet, a
shapely mirror from Craigslist, and iron hooks discovered online.
THOUGH LUKE AND LISA DIDN’T

MAKE THESE SHELVES, OTHER
ARTISANS DID—THEY CAME FROM
HARTANDHESS.COM, A SITE WHERE
CRAFTSPEOPLE SELL THEIR WARES.

SOFT TOUCH Handmade pillows on the master bed—the lumbar in
front and the pair behind it, which combine grain sacks, ticking, and
darling ties—mingle happily with purchased pillowcases. The dresser,
another treasure from a garage sale, was teal before Luke stripped
off the paint. “I just love the wood,” Lisa says. Planks of white-painted
plywood mimic shiplap on the walls, creating a charming backdrop
for the iron bed and garage-sale sconces. (The pair was just $5!)
LISA CREATED THIS COTTON

THROW FROM TWO PIECES OF
DOUBLE GAUZE AND CROCHETED
LACE, WHICH SHE SANDWICHED
BETWEEN THE GAUZE LAYERS AS A
FEMININE FRILL. FIND A TUTORIAL
FOR HOW SHE DID IT ON HER BLOG,
FARMHOUSEONBOONE.COM.
CLASSICS
Add farmhouse flair to your porch, patio, or deck with
easy-to-assemble planters that flaunt crisp lines and classy black.
PROJECTS JENI WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS CARSON DOWNING WORDS MARIA V. CHARBONNEAUX
BACKGROUND: OLGERS / SHUTTERSTOCK

BOX HIT With cedar
boards and steel tubes
in the lead roles, this
sophisticated plant
stand, opposite and
left, looks like it hails
from a high-end
garden retailer. Even
if you’re a beginner
with a limited toolbox,
this project comes
together with little
fuss. A handsaw
will do the job of a
compound miter saw,
and a reciprocating
saw is easily rented
from a tool supplier
or borrowed from a
handy neighbor.
MAKE IT
BOX PLANTER WITH STAND

MATERIALS
• Four 1×4 10-foot cedar boards and • 14/4-inch exterior wood screws the trellis. Lightly sand and apply black
three 1×4 8-foot cedar boards • Heavy black plastic exterior stain to all wood pieces; let dry.
• 9 cedar shims • Staple gun
Step 2 Using a reciprocating saw, cut steel
• Three 4/2×48-inch round dowels • Twine
square tubes into four 383/4-inch legs and
• Compound miter saw • 4 small screw eyes
four 144/4-inch supports. Cut the threaded
• Sandpaper • Galvanized wire
rod into four 15-inch lengths. Rough up all
• Exterior wood stain + sealant in black • Wire cutters
surfaces. Coat metal pieces, washer, nuts,
• Paintbrush
and bolts with spray bonding primer and
• Reciprocating saw Step 1 Using a compound miter saw,
black spray paint; set aside and let dry.
• Six 1×1×48-inch steel square tubes cut 1×4 cedar boards into ten 42-inch
• 4/2×72-inch threaded rod pieces (planter box long sides and shelf), Step 3 To assemble the short planter
• Eight 4/2×2-inch carriage bolts six 124/2-inch pieces (planter box short box sides, place three 124/2-inch
• Sixteen 4/2-inch nuts and washers sides), and four 404/2-inch pieces (planter cedar boards side by side, and glue
• Spray bonding primer box bottom). Trim the cedar shims into and clamp the boards. Secure the
• Exterior spray paint in black four 94/2-inch braces and three 114/4- boards using two 94/2-inch braces at
• Exterior wood glue inch braces for the planter box interior each end and 1-inch screws. Repeat
• Clamps and two 133/4-inch braces for the shelf. to assemble the other short side.
• Drill Cut the round dowels into two 45-inch
• 1-inch exterior wood screws lengths and one 42-inch length for Continued on page 68.

Step 4 To assemble the long planter 81/2 inches, 11 inches, and 313/4 inches.
A
box sides, place three 42-inch cedar Step 8 Lay the planter box on its side,
boards side by side; glue and clamp and line up the holes in the steel legs
them together. When dry, using with the corresponding holes in the
11/4-inch screws, secure the long sides planter box. Insert carriage bolts and
to the short planter box sides through secure with washers and nuts. Repeat
the attached braces. Repeat for the on the other side.
other long planter box side.
Step 9 Line up the short steel braces
Step 5 Flip the assembly over. Place an
with the leg holes below the planter
111/4-inch brace 3/4 inch from the bottom
box, and insert threaded rods through
of the planter and secure it to the short
planter box ends using 1-inch screws. the legs and hollow braces. Secure both
Repeat to install the other brace on the ends with washers and nuts. Repeat on
other side of the box. Glue and clamp other side. In the same manner, connect
together the four 401/2-inch cedar the remaining braces to the legs at the B
boards. Once dry, secure the bottom bottom to form the shelf supports (A).
boards to the braces using 1-inch Touch up paint as needed; place the
screws. Flip the planter right side up, and shelf on the supports.
attach the last long brace at the center Step 10 Line the inside of the planter box
of the bottom boards. with heavy black plastic; staple in place.
Step 6 To assemble the bottom shelf, Position the long wood dowels at the
glue and clamp the long edges of the back corners of the box between the
four remaining 42-inch cedar boards. plastic and the wood. Pull the plastic taut
Attach the 133/4-inch braces 15/8 inches around them and staple to hold them in
from each end using 1-inch screws. place. Use twine to attach the shorter
dowel to both vertical lengths (B).
Step 7 Using a 1/2-inch bit, drill four holes
in each long planter box side at the Step 11 Space four screw eyes evenly
following intersections: 11/8 inches from along the top back edge of the planter
top and 91/2 inches from the side, and interior. Thread wire through the screw
81/2 inches from the top and 8 inches eyes and around the horizontal trellis bar
from the side. Drill holes in each steel as desired to create a grid for climbing
leg at each of the following points plants. Fill the planter box with potting
measured down from the top: 1 inch, soil and plants.
STAND-UP JOB Two inexpensive

24×72-inch wood trellises from the
home improvement store make this
plant stand easier to construct than it
looks, opposite and left. Cut 3/4-inch
square dowels into 16 lengths each
measuring 111/4 inches. Stain all wood
surfaces with black exterior stain; set
DO IT aside and let dry. Eight-inch-diameter
duct caps—primed and spray-painted
BETTER
TO EXTEND THE LIFE
black—are the perfect perches for
potted plants. Drill holes 3/8 inches
OF YOUR PLANT STAND,
CHOOSE AN EXTERIOR
down from the top edge of opposite
WOOD STAIN PLUS sides of each cap. Lay one trellis
SEALANT IN AN OPAQUE flat on the ground; stagger caps,
FINISH, SUCH AS centering them within the square
OLYMPIC MAXIMUM. openings and securing them to the
horizontal trellis rungs using 1/2-inch
screws. Lay the other trellis flat on
the ground, place the trellis assembly
on top so it lines up, and secure the
duct caps in the same manner. Stand
up the assembly. Using a pin nailer,
attach the dowels on each side and
at each intersection.

+
A TALL STAND LIKE
THIS ONE NEEDS
PROTECTION FROM
THE ELEMENTS.
SECURE IT TO A WALL
WITH SCREWS OR
STRAPS AS A SAFETY
PRECAUTION.
DOWN AND AROUND
When turned upside
down, tomato cages
become super simple
plant stands, this photo.
Invest in cages made from
heavy-gauge wire so they
can support the weight
of your planters after
they’re loaded with dirt,
plants, and water. Using
wire cutters, remove the
legs and trim the cages
to desired heights. Spray
the cages with bonding
primer and paint; let dry.
For extra oomph, unfurl
three-strand manila rope,
wrapping it around the
horizontal rings as you go
(see inset, below). Secure
the rope ends with a knot
or a little silicone glue.
Small, tapered planters
sit securely in tall stands,
while large, wide-base
planters are best reserved
for short ones.
ALFRESCO ART A
freestanding frame puts
the focus on a bountiful
display of succulents, this
photo. Three rectangular
duct elbows function as
the planter boxes. See
the full how-to for this
project on page 72.

MAKE IT
DUCTWORK PLANTER
MATERIALS frame bottom. Glue and screw in place. clips, and cut excess cable. To finish, fill
• Three 2×2 cedar balusters the ducts with gravel for drainage, sandy
Step 3 Sand the structure. Apply stain,
• Compound miter saw soil, and succulents.
following manufacturer’s instructions.
• Exterior wood glue
Once dry, apply spar outdoor sealer.
• Clamps A
• 1-inch exterior screws Step 4 Install screw eyes 41/2 inches in
• Sanding block from the outer edges of the frame at
• Black gel stain both the top and bottom.
• Spar outdoor sealer Step 5 Drill 1/16-inch-diameter holes
• Paintbrush 11/2 inches in from the edges at both the
• Four heavy-duty screw eyes top and bottom of each duct elbow.
• Drill
• Three 31/4×10-inch 90-degree Step 6 Cut the galvanized cable in half.
rectangular duct elbows On the right-hand side, feed one 30-inch
• 60 inches of 1/16-inch galvanized cable length through a wire rope clip; loop it
• Needle-nose pliers through an upper screw eye and then
• 12 wire rope clips back through the rope clip (A), leaving
• Bolt cutters a short tail and tightening the clip using
needle-nose pliers. B
Step 1 Using a compound miter saw, Step 7 Feed the cable through the drilled
cut cedar balusters into the following holes of all three ducts, securing it with
lengths: two 191/2-inch vertical supports, rope clips above and below each duct.
two 16-inch horizontal supports, and two Feed the cable end through the last rope
51/2-inch base blocks. clip, loop through the bottom screw eye,
and insert back into the rope clip (B).
Step 2 Glue and clamp the vertical and
horizontal supports to form a rectangle; Step 8 Repeat Steps 6 and 7 on the left-
let dry. Add 1-inch screws for extra hand side using the other length of cable.
strength. Place the base blocks 3 inches Adjust the spacing of the duct elbows as
from each side and perpendicular to the desired. Pull the cables taut, tighten the
nutrients—is essential for THRILLER, FILLER, SPILLER Need a little help picking
PLANT healthy plants. To make Plant options can feel the perfect combo?
SUCCESS your own, mix 8 quarts

potting soil with vermiculite
overwhelming, but this basic
rule of thumb can save you
Try these no-fail plant
recipes for your planters:
A planter is only as or perlite, 1 quart coarse time wandering the nursery BHG.com/ContainerIdeas
sand, and 4 quarts aisles. Start with a thriller, an
pretty as what’s growing
sphagnum peat moss or attention-grabbing bloomer PROVIDE TLC While it
in it. Follow our composted manure. Then with a strong upright growth seems like common
planting tips to make sprinkle a slow-release habit, placed in the center. sense, be sure to keep
plant food before planting. Surround it with fillers, up on the routine
sure your containers are
plants with a rounded shape maintenance. When
up to snuff all season. GO FAUX When planting that disguise the thriller’s watering, drench the soil
super-deep tubs or base and add texture or and avoid saturating the
containers, save on soil. complementary color. Finish foliage. (A drip irrigation
THE RIGHT MIX Regular Fill the bottom third with with a spiller, one with a system, found at garden
garden soil is too dense for plastic bottles or packing sprawling habit that trails over stores, is a great solution
containers and may contain peanuts before topping the container’s edge and if you’ll be gone for
disease or pest organisms. with your potting mix. has a leaf or flower shape prolonged periods.)
A good potting mix—one You’ll spend less and your that contrasts the others. All Remove spent flowers
that’s well-aerated, well- pots will be lighter to should have similar water and frequently to keep them
drained, and packed with move as needed. sun requirements. blooming for weeks.

CURVES AND ANGLES Weather-resistant medium-
density overlay (MDO) provides the framework
for a pair of modular planters, this photo. Using
a circular or table saw, cut the panel into the
following: two 17-inch squares and two 32×17-
inch rectangles for the tall planter and four 22-inch
squares for the square planter. To assemble the tall
TO GET STARTED, planter, center the rim of a 13-gallon dairy bucket
DRILL A HOLE on one of the 17-inch squares and trace. Cut a
USING A BIT THAT’S hole 3∕8-inch smaller than your traced circle using a
SLIGHTLY LARGER
THAN YOUR jigsaw. Adhere the squares to the short sides of the
JIGSAW BLADE. rectangles with exterior-rated wood glue, and then
THEN INSERT YOUR drive two screws through each side, countersinking
BLADE AND BEGIN the screwheads. Fill the screw holes with patching
CUTTING. compound; let dry. Sand the entire planter. Prime
and paint the planter, lightly sanding between
coats to minimize brushstrokes. Cover the bucket
bottom with a layer of rocks for drainage, then add
plants. Drop the bucket in the opening. To build
the square planter, repeat the process for the cube
planter using a 171∕2-inch-diameter metal tub and
the 22-inch square MDO pieces.
WELCOME TO THE
A mother and daughter design duo
put their spin on the “she shed”
and build a customized structure
with space to paint, create, and
hang out with friends.
WORDS BRENDA WEGNER
PHOTOGRAPHS BRIE WILLIAMS
STYLING ANDREA CAUGHEY
1
CLUBHOUSE
A SPOT TO CALL HER OWN
QUITE POSSIBLY MADE ELISE
PERSSON THE HAPPIEST
PRETEEN IN TOWN. With the
basement taken over by Elise’s teenage brother
(and his video games and friends), a shed in
the backyard became the go-to place for Elise’s
artistic activities and girlfriend gatherings.
Instead of building the shed themselves,
Anders and Angie Persson of Charlotte purchased
a prebuilt shed from Sheds USA through Home
Depot. After selecting a model online and
making sure it was available in their area, Angie,
an interior designer, customized the shed by
choosing from a variety of upgrades, such as the
French doors that open out to welcome fresh air
yet allow plenty of natural light when closed.
Angie worked closely with a landscaper to
determine how the shed would be incorporated
within their existing landscape. The Perssons
painted the structure the same color as the house.
For the light-filled interior, Elise and Angie made
purposeful design choices to establish a creative
“clubhouse” for Elise and her friends. “I wanted
something that could grow with her and grow 2
with us,” Angie says.
1 Angie Persson recommends

patience and a willingness to
expend some elbow grease to
anyone taking on a project like
this. While purchasing a shed is
faster than building it yourself
or hiring a builder, it takes time
to prep the site where the shed
will be located. When selecting
a site, consider what type of
sunlight the shed will get, how
the shed will affect the view
from your home, and if the spot
has proper drainage. 2 Angie
worked closely with a landscaper
to ensure the shed fits in with
THIS RUSTIC WOOD the rest of the property and
STOOL HAS A CREEPY- that the landscaping is low
CRAWLY TOUCH WITH maintenance. They planted
A SPIDER ETCHED
INTO THE TOP WITH A
mondo grass, a member of
WOOD-BURNING TOOL. the lily family, between the
pavers because it can grow in
both shaded and sunny areas
and doesn’t need to be cut. In
addition to being a practical
choice, the grass features pretty
purple flowers in the summer.

3 While the shed was a gift from her parents, it was Elise’s job to
furnish it. Luckily for her, she had access to items her designer
mother had in storage, such as the vintage chairs and coffee
table. Elise used birthday money, sold dog treats, and had a
lemonade stand to pay for the rest of the items. 4 The layered
rugs on the floor, one of which Elise found in her parents’
garage, add to the cozy vibe and make it a comfortable place
to sit and complete crafts like the yarn-wrapped jewelry tree.

DO IT
BETTER
MAKE SURE TO STAY FLEXIBLE
WHEN DESIGNING A SMALL
SPACE. HERE, THE SWING
CHAIRS ARE EASY TO DETACH
FROM THE RAFTERS TO FREE UP
ROOM FOR SLEEPOVERS
OR IMPROMPTU
DANCE PARTIES.
ELISE ASSEMBLED THESE WALL

POCKETS FROM A CRAFT KIT AND
DECORATED THE PAPER FRONTS
WITH GRAPHIC PATTERNS.
5 Elise purchased the BFF letter

forms at a crafts store and decorated
6 them with paints in the pastel color
palette she chose for her clubhouse.
6 The hanging chairs were an idea
of Elise’s made possible with help
from her grandfather. Large carabiner
clips, like those used by climbers,
hold the swings securely but are
easy to remove. Another space-
saving idea is the drop-leaf table
that has built-in drawers for storage
and can fold flat when not in use.

7 A budding artist, Elise
loves to craft and create.
The arrow jewelry holder
is a kit from Craft Crush
(annwilliamsgroup.com).
8 When she wants more
of a challenge, she paints.
Elise loves all animals, but
especially dogs, who are
often the subjects of her
artwork. 9 Wally Pockets
(wallygro.com) are an
eco-friendly alternative
to the traditional window
box. Made of recycled
plastic, they allow drainage
7 for drought-loving
succulents and are easy
to attach and move.
DO IT
BETTER
CONSIDER THE FOUR
SEASONS WHEN OUTFITTING
YOUR CLUBHOUSE. THE
PERSSON’S SHED HAS
ELECTRICITY AND A SPACE
HEATER SO ELISE CAN SPEND
TIME THERE IN ALL BUT THE
8
COLDEST MONTHS.

10 Inserting shelves between wall studs adds
display and storage areas without using
any precious floor space. 11 Angie and Elise
mounted a whiteboard with a frame they
found at an antiques shop. Although she
can easily change the drawings or phrases
on the board, Elise likes how the “Welcome
to the Clubhouse” lettering turned out, so
it’s remained a constant while drawings and
notes are added and erased around it.
10
11

RUSTIC MEETS MODERN Balancing rough and
PAINTING THE
COLUMN BLACK found elements with sleek modernity gives
BEFORE APPLYING a living room modern farmhouse style, this
RECLAIMED PLANKS photo. Here, barnwood planks wrap a column
HIDES IMPERFECTIONS and create a one-of-a-kind clock face. A DIY
IN THE CUT LINES. glass-topped coffee table is the beginning of a
modern thread that weaves through the space.
FONT TEXTURE: SERGIY BYKHUNENKO / SHUTTERSTOCK

The aged beauty of reclaimed barnwood joins forces with clean-
lined new lumber furnishings to give this living room modern
farmhouse style. Here’s how to re-create the look in your home.
PROJECTS JOHN KNIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY WORDS LACEY HOWARD
BEFORE
DO IT
BETTER
RECLAIMED WOOD CAN BE
VISUALLY BUSY. TO PROVIDE
BALANCE, KEEP WALLS AND
CEILINGS NEUTRAL SO
THEY LET THE WOOD TAKE
CENTER STAGE WITHOUT
VISUAL COMPETITION.
FARMHOUSE FLAVOR The fireplace, flanked by built-in bookcases, is a stunner when layered in barn siding, above. The planks
are installed vertically on the face of the surround and on the sides above the bookcases to give the piece 3-D visual interest. A
hand-hewn beam is a floating mantel. The lighter color wood contrasts the planks and is a visual link to the coffee table.

TIMEWORN The living room accessories—
including the clock on the gallery wall,
left—echo the room’s old-meets-new
design. This timekeeper is an easy DIY using
a 22-inch-round, 2-inch-deep barrel ring,
a few wood scraps cut from larger projects,
and a clock mechanism with a sleek,
modern look. When choosing your clock
mechanism, be sure the shaft is long enough
to reach from the front to the back of your
assembled clock face.
OUR CLOCK REQUIRED

A ¾-INCH SHAFT (ITEM
#HND3194BHT-T;
CLOCKPARTS.COM), AND
WE CHOSE 10-INCH
CLOCK HANDS (ITEM
#10115; KLOCKIT.COM)
DYNAMIC DUO This coffee table is the

definition of modern farmhouse, with
a sleek glass top and stained wood legs.
To give the 2x4 studs a modern square
shape, we used a table saw to rip off the
rounded edges of the cut pieces.
MAKE IT A
COFFEE TABLE
MATERIALS
• Two 2×4 8-foot Douglas fir framing studs
• Miter saw or circular saw
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Square
• 16 #8×2½-inch wood screws
• Drill
• ½-inch and 7/64-inch wood drill bits B
• Orbital palm sander
• 120-grit sandpaper
• ½×36-inch round wood dowel
• Matte black spray paint
• Danish oil (we used Watco in dark
walnut)
• Rags
• Latex gloves
• Eight 3½-inch flat corner braces
• Four 3/8-inch self-adhesive vinyl bumpers
• 1/8×32×38-inch tempered glass sheet
with rounded corners
C
Step 1 Cut the following pieces from the and all edges are flush. Add glue to
studs: four legs (13¾ inches long), two the end of a short L. Clamp the short
long stretchers (27¾ inches), two short L against the end of the spacer block
stretchers (23½ inches), one long spacer with one clamp with the glue against
block (8¾ inches), one short spacer the long L (C). Remove spacer blocks
block (7 inches). and clamps once glue is dry. Repeat
instructions from Step 3—drill plug
Step 2 Using two legs and two long
holes, pilot holes, and drive screws—
stretchers, create two L shapes
to secure the glued joint where the
measuring 27¾×17¼ inches. Using two
short L meets the long L. Repeat with
legs and two short stretchers, create
the remaining two legs and the short
two L shapes that measure 23½×17¼ D
spacer block, reversing the long and
inches. Glue and clamp each L so the
short Ls, starting with the spacer block
outside edges are flush and the inside
clamped to the short L and adding the
angle is square (A).
long L to the short L. Repeat to join the
Step 3 Reinforce each L assembly with two assemblies (D). Sand all surfaces
2½-inch wood screws, which later and joints smooth.
will be covered by pieces of dowel.
Drill holes for the dowel plugs with the Step 5 Cut ¼-inch-long plugs from the
½-inch drill bit. Center the holes on the dowel. You will need 16. Spray-paint one
outside edge of the glued joint. Measure end of each black, and let dry. Dab a
and mark 7/8 inch and 23/8 inch in from small amount of glue on the unpainted
the outside edge. Drill 3/8-inch deep end of the dowel and twist into the
holes at the marked spots (B). TIP: Wrap hole. Gently tap the dowels flush using a
painters tape 3/8 inch from the tip of the hammer and scrap piece of wood (E). Be E
drill bit so you don’t drill too deep. Using careful to not set the dowel deeper than
the 7/64-inch bit, drill pilot holes through the surface. Repeat for all screw holes.
the center of these holes. Keep your drill
Step 6 Wipe a coat of Danish oil onto
bit as straight as possible. Drive 2½-inch
the entire table base. Allow to dry for
screws through the pilot holes. Repeat
5 minutes, and then wipe off anywhere
on all L assemblies.
the oil pooled. Repeat. Paint the corner
Step 4 Attach the four Ls to each other L braces and their screws black, and let
using the spacer blocks to ensure they dry. Attach the braces on both sides of
are evenly inset. Clamp the long spacer the leg joints on each L. Flip the assembly
block to one long L with two clamps, over, place bumper pads on the top of
making sure the block covers the joint the leg assembly, and add the glass top.

IN FOCUS The fireplace
wall showcases a stunning
new look with the help of
barnwood planks, boards,
and a beam, this photo.
The planks are installed
vertically to accentuate
the room’s vaulted ceiling.
The original shelves
were kept in the built-
ins but cut to a shorter
depth and trimmed with
barnwood. The drawer
fronts were replaced,
and cabinet doors were
crafted with the originals
as guides, and the hinges
reinstalled on the new
doors. Black hardware
offers a modern touch.
UPDATE BRASS-FRAMED
FIREPLACE DOORS WITH
SPRAY PAINT DESIGNED
FOR HIGH-HEAT
APPLICATIONS.
“IF POSSIBLE, CUT ALL DRAWER FRONTS FROM
A SINGLE BOARD SO THAT THEY HAVE A
CONSISTENT LOOK ONCE ASSEMBLED.”
JOHN KNIGHT, PROJECT DESIGNER
HANGIN’ AROUND A chunky 7×8×50-

inch hand-hewn barn beam, left, spans the
fireplace with specialty hardware to secure
it to the wall. The precut mantel from
Reclaimed DesignWorks arrives de-bugged,
sanded, finished, and ready to use. Align the
bracket on the beam and mark placement
of holes; bore holes for the bracket rods
with an auger bit. Take care to make your
holes level. Screw the bracket to the wall,
being certain to hit studs. Fill the holes in
the beam with construction adhesive and
slide the beam onto the bracket rods.
WE USED A GLENN
HD 46-INCH MANTEL
BRACKET FROM
SHELFOLOGY TO
HANG THE BEAM. $83;
SHELFOLOGY.COM
CASE STUDY For an easy swap,

we unscrewed the drawer fronts
from drawer boxes and used
the originals as templates to cut
new fronts, right. Similarly, the
old doors inspired the paneled
design of new doors. Four pieces
of reclaimed wood form a frame
(held together by pocket screws),
and a router cut a ¼-inch rabbet
on the inside edge of the door
frame. Square dowels inserted
into the channels hold the metal
panels in place. The weathered
wood on the door fronts was
sanded as little as possible to
preserve the reclaimed look.
Get the look! Visit BHG.com/Barnwood for

more ideas to get modern farmhouse style.
SPECIAL THANKS TO MONTE CARLO FANS,
RECLAIMED DESIGNWORKS, SEA GULL
LIGHTING, SHERWIN-WILLIAMS, TOP KNOBS
THE SIZE OF YOUR

POT WILL DETERMINE
THE LENGTH OF YOUR
STRETCHERS. OUR
PLANTING POT IS
6½ INCHES IN
DIAMETER; OUR
STRETCHERS ARE
7 INCHES LONG SO THE
PLANTER CAN SLIDE IN
THROUGH THE OPEN
SIDES. ADJUST YOUR
LEG LENGTH FOR
YOUR PLANT AND POT.

MAKE IT
PLANT STAND
MATERIALS Step 3 Create the cross shape that supports
• Five 1×1×36-inch square dowels your planter pot by centering two short
• Miter saw stretchers on a long stretcher and attach A
• Square with glue and clamps. Attach the cross to
• Wood glue the box 3 inches up from the bottom (in B
• Clamps line with the long stretchers) using glue and
• Tape measure clamps (B).
• Hammer
Step 4 To create the roofline, glue each
• Nails
short angle support to the side of one long
• Sandpaper
angle support to form an L shape. Allow to
• Latex gloves and rags
dry. To find the angle for cutting the ends
• Danish oil (we used Watco in dark walnut)
to attach to the top of the box, line up the
center of the L (at its point) with the center
Step 1 Cut the legs, stretchers, and supports point of a top long stretcher (C). Mark
from the square dowels (see Cut List, below). where the L meets the corner of the box.
Glue and clamp two legs with two long This will be your final angle cut to the L—it C
stretchers (A) to form a side. The top stretcher should be close to a 45-degree cut. Repeat
will be flush with the top of the legs and the for the second L placed on the opposite
bottom stretcher will be inset 3 inches from side of the box top. Cut, glue, and clamp to
the bottom. Make sure the front and back of the box top.
the pieces are flush and that your angles are
square. Repeat to create a second side. Step 5 Glue and nail the final long stretcher
in place as the peak piece (D). Sand joints
Step 2 Once dry, join the two sides by gluing and edges smooth. Wearing latex gloves,
and clamping them to each other with long wipe on two coats of Danish oil. Allow to
stretchers between to make a box with all dry for a few minutes then wipe off where
the stretchers in line. Make sure your angles the oil may have pooled. Repeat for a
are square and outside edges are flush. second coat. D
CUT LIST
# PART MATERIAL LENGTH
4 LEGS 1×1" SQUARE DOWEL 171/2"
10 LONG STRETCHERS 1×1" SQUARE DOWEL 7"
2 SHORT STRETCHERS 1×1" SQUARE DOWEL 3"
2 LONG ANGLE SUPPORTS 1×1" SQUARE DOWEL 71/2"
2 SHORT ANGLE SUPPORTS 1×1" SQUARE DOWEL 61/2"
THE RECLAIM GAME

Finding quality reclaimed wood can be a challenge.
Here are two of our favorite sources.
1 Reclaimed DesignWorks is a provider on a national

scale (which means it isn’t limited to only a few species
2 Perfect for DIYers, Barnwood2Go offers real reclaimed
barnwood (not laminate) planks for peel-and-stick
of wood and can ship to any destination nationwide). installation. The planks—available in eight color families—
Quality is the company’s calling card. You choose species, come 4–6 inches in width and 1–6 feet in length, and each
style, and finish as well as a custom-cut length. Reclaimed is one of a kind. All you need is a chop saw and a project!
DesignWorks; reclaimeddesignworks.com Barnwood2Go; barnwood2go.com

MADDER
(IRON MORDANT)
MADDER
(ALUM MORDANT)
The age-old craft of

natural plant dyeing
and its rich botanical
hues fascinate a new
generation of explorers.
PROJECTS CHELSEA HEFFNER
PHOTOGRAPHS JAY WILDE
STYLING + WORDS LUANN BRANDSEN
BITTERBRUSH
(ALUM MORDANT)
BITTERBRUSH
(IRON MORDANT)
MARIGOLD MARIGOLD
88 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2019 (ALUM MORDANT) (IRON MORDANT)
PLANT POWER Six
linen napkins show
color variances among
three plant dyes
using two different
mordants, opposite.
A mordant preps the
fibers to bond with
natural dyes. WildCraft
Studio School founder
Chelsea Heffner, right,
stresses ethical foraging
when collecting plants RUBBING HER THUMBNAIL
for dyeing, telling ACROSS A BIT OF ROOT
students to never
harvest in protected ON THE FOREST FLOOR,
wilderness areas or CHELSEA HEFFNER REVEALS
national parks. Jars of
dried plants, below, ITS SAFFRON YELLOW INNER
line the studio’s shelves. BARK. “THIS IS OREGON
GRAPE—A NORTHWEST
NATIVE AND OUR STATE
FLOWER,” she says, as eight basket-
toting students from WildCraft Studio School’s
natural dye plant workshop lean in. “The roots
are used for medicinal purposes, but they also
create a yellow dye. In fall the plant’s berries
are harvested for a purplish dye color.”
As the group carefully scavenges in the
stunning Columbia River Gorge between
Oregon and Washington, Heffner explains
she started WildCraft for moments like
this—to connect people, craft, and land.
“Today, people can get materials from
all over the world,” she says. “But if you
DYE JOB Delicate gather materials from a specific place to
blooms like vetch make something, you get to learn more
and lupine tend to about that environment and culture.”
fade quickly in hot
Back in the studio, students shred harvested
dye baths. Instead of
following the how-to plants to simmer in pots on propane burners
on page 91, steep outdoors. Behind them, a swatch wall from
delicate blooms in past classes (including dye workshops focused
glass jars similar to on farm-raised flowers) showcases yellows,
sun tea, right. greens, browns, and a few rosy hues.
“Part of the charm of natural dyes is
not knowing exactly what color you will
achieve,” Heffner says. “A blue flower doesn’t
necessarily mean blue dye. If you had an
apple tree in your yard, and in spring you
clip some branches, you’ll get a different
color than if you clip it in summer due to
changes like climate or rainfall. That’s why
it’s tricky to get the same color twice.”
But no one is complaining. “I don’t
need consistency to feel successful,”
says student Sarah Morton-Erasmus.
“The process is what fascinates me.”

HUNT & GATHER
Take your pick from these 10 accessible dye
plants offering rich botanical hues.
PLANTS YOU CAN GROW PLANTS YOU CAN FIND
PLANT IMAGES: UNPICT, FLOORTJE, SCISETTIALFIO, JOLOEI, ALEXRATHS, DIANA TALIUN, HONGQUANG09, MSK.NINA, MARIABRZOSTOWSKA / GETTY IMAGES
Zinnia Barberry
(Berberis)
(Zinnia elegans)
DYE COLOR: Yellow-orange
DYE COLORS: Buttery St. John’s Wort PLANT PART USED: Leaves, Goldenrod
yellow, tans, wheat browns (Hypericum perforatum) shoots, roots (Solidago spp.)
PLANT PART USED:
DYE COLORS: Maroons, POINTERS: Wear gloves to DYE COLORS: Primrose
Flower heads protect from barbed shoots.
POINTERS: Use fresh. greens, rosy tan, yellows yellows, golds, light greens,
PLANT PART USED: Whole HARVEST TIME: tans, browns
No need to separate Spring through fall
blooms by color. plant tops yield pinkish- PLANT PART USED:
HARVEST TIME: tan; flowers produce Leafy shoots produce light
green, maroon, and yellow. greens, tans, and browns.
POINTERS: Wear gloves Flowers make bright
to avoid stains. Removing yellows and golds.
flowers is tedious, making POINTERS: Pick flowers
this plant’s value mostly before they start to fade. For
experimental—you can get clearest colors, remove from
four colors depending on Black Walnut dye bath after 15 minutes.
fiber and mordant. (Juglans nigra) HARVEST TIME: Pick
HARVEST TIME: DYE COLOR: Rich
tender shoots in spring
Garden Sorrel Midsummer brown-black and fresh flowers July
(Rumex acetosa) through September.
PLANT PART USED: Husks
DYE COLORS: Yellow- POINTERS: Wear gloves
green, red to prevent stains. Requires
PLANT PART USED: Leaves no mordant. Remove husks
produce yellow-green; roots as you gather (unhusked
yield red. nuts rot quickly). Break husks
HARVEST TIME: Summer into pieces.
through fall HARVEST TIME:
September/October
Dahlia Pokeweed
(Dahlia hybrids) (Phytolacca americana)
DYE COLORS: Yellow, gold, DYE COLORS: Red-purple,
peach, light pink, orange, bright pinks
rusty orange, brown PLANT PART USED: Berries
Yarrow PLANT PART USED: Whole POINTERS: Wear gloves
(Achillea hybrids) flower heads to avoid stains. The mature
DYE COLORS: Yellows, POINTERS: Pick fresh Dandelion plant and berries are
blooms or deadhead just (Taraxacum officinale) poisonous. For best color
golds, olive
PLANT PART USED: past prime. No need to DYE COLORS: Yellows, absorption, soak fiber in
Whole plant separate flowers by color. reddish browns vinegar solution before
POINTERS: Expect nominal White blooms yield little dye. PLANT PART USED: Flowers adding to acidic dye bath.
color changes from HARVEST TIME: produce yellow dyes; roots HARVEST TIME: Fall
different mordants. Summer through fall yield a reddish-brown.
HARVEST TIME: HARVEST TIME: Spring
Spring through fall through fall

A B MAKE IT
DYED FIBERS
MATERIALS
• Fibers
• pH-neutral soap
• Mordant
• Measuring spoons
• Stainless-steel pots
• Rubber gloves
• Heat source (outdoor propane
burners require good ventilation)
• Drying rack
C D • Wood spoons or metal tongs
• Plant material or dried powders
Step 1 Prep fibers to best accept dye

by scouring them in warm water with
a pH-neutral soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)
to remove any residue (A).
Step 2 Prepare alum or iron mordant
solution (4 gallons water + 6 teaspoons
cream of tartar + 8 teaspoons alum
or 4 gallons water + 1 teaspoon iron).
Dissolve mordant crystals (B) in a few
tablespoons of hot water to create a slurry
before pouring into 4 gallons of water.
E F Step 3 Add wet fibers to the mordant bath
and simmer for 1 hour. Shut off heat.
Wearing rubber gloves, transfer fibers (C) to
a metal bowl to cool for about 15 minutes.
Rinse fibers in warm water and use
immediately or hang to dry for later use.
Step 4 Use 1∕4 pound plant material to
1∕4 pound fabric. Tear plant material
into small pieces (D). The more broken
down the plant, the more natural dye
is exposed to seep into the dye bath.
Step 5 Soak plant materials in water (enough
so that they can move freely), then simmer
G about 1 hour or until color blooms in the
+ dye bath (E). Let the plant material soak in
TRYING TO DECIDE the cooling dye bath for several hours or
BETWEEN IRON AND overnight for increased color absorption.
ALUM MORDANTS? ALUM
GIVES NO COLOR TO Step 6 Add mordanted fibers to the dye bath
THE BASE FIBERS, WHILE (F). If you don’t want to risk bits of plant
IRON STAINS THE FABRIC debris blemishing the color, strain plant
A RUSTY TAN COLOR material before proceeding with the bath.
PRIOR TO ADDING Stir occasionally until color is absorbed.
PLANTS (SEE PHOTO C).
Step 7 Remove fibers from pot
and hang to dry (G). The color
will lighten as the fibers dry.

CHEM LAB A plant’s chemical
reaction to your choice of fiber and
mordant plays a large role in the final
dye color. “Animal fibers like silk and
wool have more protein, which allows
the dye to stick to the fiber in a stronger
way,” Heffner says. How you prepare
the fiber with mordants to accept the dye
also factors in, as exemplified by these two
bitterbrush-dyed linen napkins (one prepped
with iron and the other with alum). “The iron
mordants give a darker, more subtle color,”
Heffner says. “Alum achieves the cleanest,
lightest, and brightest version.”
TIME FOR CLASS
WildCraft Studio School offers nearly 75 workshops in crafts,
textiles, native art, and herbal medicine, plus outdoor expeditions.
Director Chelsea Heffner shares insights on finding, choosing, and
enjoying classes at WildCraft or another crafts venue.
1. WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE

CAN I EXPECT? WildCraft
guarantees a hands-on,
active experience surrounded
by other curious, creative
adults. We want people to ask
questions, play, and flex some
creative muscle. (WildCraft
is located in White Salmon,
Washington, with a second
studio in Portland, Oregon.)
2. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR

WHEN CHOOSING A CLASS?
Consider your goals. You won’t
master a skill in a daylong
workshop. Instead, you’ll get
a taste of something or a
fun experience with friends.
To really dig in, residential
programs like Haystack
Mountain School of Crafts
(Maine) or Penland School of
Crafts (North Carolina) offer
full immersions and ample
time to perfect skills.
(SPOON CARVING)
3. HOW CAN I FIND CLASSES

NEAR ME?
Most community colleges
offer continuing education
PHOTOGRAPHS OF CLASSES: MICAH FISCHER, HUDSON GARDNER
workshops that are affordable,

and art museums and
botanical centers also list
upcoming classes. Boutiques
and galleries that sell
handmade goods are breaking
into the workshop scene,
offering short two- to three-
hour classes on a range of
topics. Joining a traditional
guild offers the chance to
take classes in crafts like
basketry, quilting, weaving, and
woodworking. The American
Craft Council (craftcouncil.org)
lists schools by state with
crafts workshops, and sites like
Meetup (meetup.com) connect
you with local crafts groups.

INTEGRATED LABEL
HOLDERS TAKE THE
GUESSWORK OUT OF
KEEPING BATHROOM
ESSENTIALS IN THE
RIGHT PLACE.

Repurposed and redone file cabinets unlock a chic industrial
touch in any room of the house for even the thriftiest DIYer.
PROJECTS CATHY KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHS JACOB FOX WORDS PAMELA PORTER
THIS HOOK USES A

SUCTION CUP TO AVOID
DRILLING INTO YOUR
CABINET. Feca Stainless-
Steel Swivel Suction Hook,
$17; amazon.com
STANDING TALL This vertical file cabinet proves the perfect sidekick to a
petite sink vanity, doubling storage in a small bathroom, opposite and above.
Match the piece to your room’s color palette with spray paint. (We chose navy
for the drawer fronts and metallic gold for the hardware.) Remove drawers,
pulls, and label holders. On a protected surface and in a well-ventilated room,
spray the drawer fronts and hardware with an oil-base primer. When dry,
sand and wipe clean. Spray with desired colors. Let dry and apply a second
coat. When dry, replace hardware and insert drawers back into cabinet.

DO IT
BETTER
BE SURE YOUR SURFACE HEIGHT
IS ONE OF THESE STANDARD
MEASUREMENTS: 29 INCHES DESK,
36 INCHES COUNTER, OR 42
INCHES BAR. THIS WAY YOU’LL
BE ABLE TO FIND A CHAIR
OR STOOL FOR PROPER
ERGONOMICS.

DOUBLE DUTY Tucked
in a hall or guest room,
twin file cabinets create a
customizable low-profile
work space, opposite. Remove
WOOD FURNITURE drawers and pulls and cover
FEET COME IN MANY lock with painters tape. On
STYLES AND SIZES a protected surface and in a
ALLOWING YOU TO well-ventilated room, spray
SUIT YOUR NEEDS. the drawer fronts, cabinet,
THE FEET CAN
and hardware with an oil-base
BE CUT DOWN IF
NEEDED TO ACHIEVE primer. When dry, sand and
THE PROPER DESK wipe clean. Spray drawer
HEIGHT. fronts and cabinet brown—we
used Rust-Oleum Metallic
Rust to mimic a varnished
mahogany finish—and
hardware glossy white. Let
dry, then apply a second coat.
Cut a Baltic birch plywood
base for each cabinet. Apply
a clear sealer to bases and
furniture feet. When dry,
screw feet to bases. Screw
A a base to each file cabinet
and a desktop across the
top, making sure the total
height is a standard 29- to
30-inch desk height. Replace
drawers and hardware. If more
MAGNET storage is desired, consider a
ACCESSORIES OFFER 36-inch-tall counter-height
EXTRA STORAGE FOR desk that incorporates a
OFFICE SUPPLIES. Urbio
custom cubby unit like ours.
Magnetic Modular System
Components, from $13; See cubby how-to, below.
containerstore.com
MAKE IT
CUBBY DESKTOP UNIT

MATERIALS 1 inch shallower than our desktop surface. For the two end
• 4×8-foot piece of Baltic birch plywood pieces, cut plywood to the depth of the top and bottom pieces
• Table saw and to desired height. Ours are 5 inches high. Cut dividers the
• Dado blade same size as the ends minus ¾-inch depth. Cut the back piece
• Sandpaper and tack cloth 1 inch shorter than the top and bottom pieces and the same
• Wood glue height as the end pieces. Sand cut edges smooth and wipe with
• Nails and nail gun a tack cloth.
• Clear coat polyurethane
Step 2 Measure and mark placement for dividers. Use a dado blade
• Drill and screws
and table saw to cut 1∕4-inch deep dados in top and bottom pieces
• Desktop surface (we used Karlby butcherblock veneer
at each end, at the back, and where you want each divider to be.
countertop from IKEA)
Step 3 Apply two coats of clear polyurethane to all surfaces of
the unit, letting dry between coats.
Step 1 For the top and bottom pieces of the cubby unit, use
a table saw to cut plywood to desired size. To allow for Step 4 Screw unit to the desktop surface (A), and then screw
overhang, we made our cubby unit 2 inches narrower and entire unit on top of the file cabinets.

BEST FOOT FORWARD
Furniture feet can sport
a fun accent color, this
photo. We chose Astrid
115 from Pretty Pegs
(prettypegs.com). A
protective clear finish will
protect the paint from
kicks or vacuum nicks,
and a felt circle under
each will keep scratches
off the floor. Fashion bin
labels from balsa tags and
scrapbooking letters.
SITTING PRETTY For the
cushion top, opposite,
cut a piece of medium-
density fiberboard (MDF)
to overhang the front
and sides of the bench
by 2 inches. Cut 2-inch
upholstery foam to the
size of the MDF and secure
using spray adhesive. Cut
batting to fit on top of
foam and attach using
spray adhesive. Cut fabric
large enough to cover
MDF plus about 6 inches
on each side. Lay fabric
right side down and place
MDF on top, batting side
down. Pull fabric taut to
back, stapling at the center
of the top, bottom, and
sides first and then about
every 2 inches all around.
Pull and fold fabric at
corners and staple flat.
DIVIDED ATTENTION
Baltic birch plywood
inserts brighten the
bench interior, and if
your cabinet has raised
metal tracks inside like
ours, right, the inserts
create a smooth base
for sliding bins. To
accommodate the metal
tracks, use a table saw
to cut grooves on the
underside of each insert
to fit over the tracks.
MAKE SURE THE

TOTAL HEIGHT
OF THE BENCH—
INCLUDING THE
CUSHION—MEASURES
A COMFORTABLE
SITTING HEIGHT OF
18–20 INCHES.
RIDE THE BENCH Craft
a perfect hall or entry
perch from a four-drawer
file cabinet, this photo.
Remove drawers and turn
the cabinet on its side. From
Baltic birch plywood, cut
a base and two sides to fit
the cabinet, boxing it to add
stability. Screw the sides
to the cabinet, and on a
protected surface and in a
well-ventilated room, spray
the cabinet and plywood
sides with an oil-base
primer. When dry, sand
metal surfaces and wipe
clean. Spray-paint cabinet
desired color. Let dry and
add a second coat. Apply a
clear polyurethane to the
base. When dry, screw feet
to the base and then screw
the base to the cabinet.
Cut Baltic birch plywood
to fit inside the bottom of
each opening. Seal pieces,
let dry, then fit into place.
On top, secure a cushion
reinforced with MDF.
IT’S A WRAP With this mobile cart, wrapping supplies are handy when you need them and
easily rolled out of sight when you don’t, this photo. Remove drawers from a two-drawer
file. On a protected surface and in a well-ventilated room, spray the cabinet with an oil-
base primer. When dry, sand and wipe clean. Spray cabinet desired color. Let dry and spray a
second coat. When dry, turn the cabinet on its back and cut a base from Baltic birch plywood
to fit underneath. Apply a clear finish to the base and let dry. Add casters to the base, then
screw base to what is now the bottom of cabinet. Measure the inside of each drawer space
and build boxes from Baltic birch plywood to fit inside. Cut dividers for each box, then use a
table saw to cut a half-lap joint in each. Assemble dividers and slide them into the boxes.
IF THE BOTTOM OF
YOUR FILE CABINET
(WHICH IS NOW THE
SIDE) IS RECESSED,
CUT A WOOD END
PIECE TO FIT; SECURE
IT WITH SCREWS
AFTER PAINTING.
100 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2019 FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 101.

FIND CLICKABLE LINKS
TO ALL THESE SOURCES
IN THE DIGITAL EDITION
OF THIS ISSUE.
BHGSPECIALS.ZINIO.COM
RESOURCES
SHOPPING GUIDE
Here’s where to find building materials, furnishings, and accessories shown in
Do It Yourself ™ magazine. We cannot guarantee the availability of items or services.
Lowe’s; lowes.com. Pink pedestal bowl, Wall paint Dignity Blue SW 6804—The
[P] Paint Color Because of the magazine bunny tray—Anthropologie; 800/309-2500; Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
printing process, paint colors depicted on anthropologie.com. Artwork in white sherwin-williams.com [P]. Red stools—
our pages might vary slightly from frame—Porch Light, Des Moines; 515/255- Wayfair; 877/929-3247; wayfair.com.
manufacturers’ colors. Use paint color
5900; porchlightshop.com. White frame Window curtains—Menards; for locations
names or numbers, when provided, as a
starting point. To get a color as it appears in with fruit photograph—Target Stores; throughout the Midwest, visit menards.com.
the magazine, take the page to a paint 800/800-8800; target.com (product line Ceiling-mounted storage lift—Racor;
retailer for matching. varies). Green salt and pepper shakers— racorstoragesolutions.com. Garage
The Brass Armadillo; 800/775-2140; door opener 8500W Elite—LiftMaster;
[T] To the Trade Contact a design
professional to find more information about brassarmadillo.com. 800/528-5880; liftmaster.com. Gray lidded
this product or service. PAGES 30–31 storage boxes RoughNeck—Rubbermaid;
Fireplace tile Star Series encaustic tile in 888/895-2110; rubbermaid.com. Cabinets,
Oxide—Tile Shop; 888/398-6595; tileshop workbench, storage wall at workbench,
.com. Larger framed artwork—Urban storage rails, flooring—Monkey Bars;
TRY IT: SUN PRINTING Outfitters; 800/282-2200; urbanoutfitters monkeybarstorage.com for a dealer near
PAGES 6–11 .com. Smaller artwork—Porch Light, Des you. Ceiling lights Troy RLM 5DRS16MRD-
Product for lampshade, pillow, Moines; 515/255-5900; porchlightshop.com. BC standard outdoor pendant in red—
photograph, jewelry box, and bedding Patterned pillow in chair, rug— Amazon; amazon.com, search: Troy RLM.
projects SolarFast—Jacquard Products; Anthropologie; 800/309-2500; White and gray plastic storage containers
jacquardproducts.com. Product for anthropologie.com. Chairs, solid cream on white shelves Y-Weave extra-large
blueprint photographs Cyanotype fabrics— pillow—World Market; 877/967-5362; storage bin—Target Stores; target.com
Blue Prints On Fabric; blueprintsonfabric.com. worldmarket.com. Gold side table Martini (product line varies).
side table in antique brass from the Metallics
WHAT TO DO WITH: KREG JIG collection—West Elm; 866/428-6468; MADE FOR ENTERTAINING
PAGES 26–34 westelm.com (product line varies). Floor PAGES 46–55
For more information on the Kreg jig, visit pillow, gold frame on mantel—Target Wood, hardware, cedar sealant Ultra
Kreg at kregtool.com. Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com (product Advanced waterproofing sealant in clear,
PAGES 26–27 line varies). gray floor stain Ultra Advanced stain and
Wallpaper Cerina Swallow in pink— PAGES 32–34 sealant in Gibraltar Gray by Pittsburgh
Brewster Wallcovering; 800/366-1700; Panel artwork—Urban Outfitters; 800/282- Paints, white paint Ultra White by Dutch
brewsterwallcovering.com. Garland, basket 2200; urbanoutfitters.com. Chair— Boy, wood countertop for bar shelf,
with tassels, camera—Anthropologie; Walmart Stores, Inc.; walmart.com. pergola brackets—Menards; for locations
800/309-2500; anthropologie.com. Rug, Gold mister, folded throw, pink pot— throughout the Midwest, visit menards.com.
felt pineapple—Porch Light, Des Moines; Porch Light, Des Moines; 515/255-5900; Black bar shelf, blue bench cushions,
515/255-5900; porchlightshop.com. porchlightshop.com. Gold rabbit, two-tone black planters–At Home; athome.com.
Lamp, bunny head, clothing—Target green vase—Target Stores; 800/800-8800; Brackets for table—Metal and Wood Design;
Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com target.com (product line varies). Blue metalandwooddesign.etsy.com. Metal tub
(product line varies). cactus—Hobby Lobby; hobbylobby.com. for outdoor bar—Amazon; amazon.com,
PAGE 28 Wire garden—Anthropologie; 800/309- search: drop-in bar sink.
Artwork, rug—Target Stores; 800/800- 2500; anthropologie.com.
8800; target.com (product line varies). BACK IN TIME
PAGE 29 ORDER IN THE HOUSE: TIDY GARAGE PAGES 56–65
Cabinet paint Organic Green SW 6732— PAGES 36–41 Follow Lisa Bass’ blog, Farmhouse on
The Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794; Professional organizer: Deborah Cabral, Boone; farmhouseonboone.com.
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Cabinet CPO, The Declutter Coach; PAGE 57
hardware—The Home Depot; homedepot.com deb@decluttercoachdeb.com; Concrete planter, watering can
(product line varies). Backsplash hardware— decluttercoachdeb.com. Smith & Hawken, garden gloves—Target;

target.com. Black storage bins—Walmart; canisters—Target; target.com. Egg basket Crush—Amazon; amazon.com, search:
walmart.com. Chalkboard—homeowners’ on island—Great Midwest Antique Mall; Craft Crush. Wall cactus mural, wooden
collection. greatmidwestantiquemall.com. Farmhouse tray, art supplies—Target Stores; 800/800-
PAGE 58 sign at sink—homeowners’ collection. 8800; target.com (product line varies).
Light fixture by front door, fan, lumber— PAGE 64 Outdoor chairs—Texture, High Point, North
Lowe’s; lowes.com. Blanket on swing, Sconce, basket—Joss & Main; Carolina; textureimports@gmail.com [T].
envelope lumbar pillow, denim pillow, jossandmain.com. Tub faucet, floor tile, Llama pillow, small area rug—Cotswold
pillow on rocker—Farmhouse on Boone; sink faucet, hand towels, towels—Amazon; Marketplace; cotswoldmarketplace.com.
farmhouseonboone.com. Striped amazon.com. Shower curtain, shelves—Hart Bamboo ladder—HomeGoods; 800/614-
pillow fabric on swing Coronado in & Hess; hartandhess.com. Wall tile—Lowe’s; 4663; homegoods.com for a store near
navy by Jaclyn Smith—Calico Corners; lowes.com. Rug—Target Stores; 800/800- you. Floor pillows, quilt on ladder—World
800/213-6366; calicocorners.com. 8800; target.com (product line varies). Market; 877/967-5362; worldmarket.com.
Galvanized tub, galvanized buckets, Footed soap dish—World Market; 877/967- Cream planters, vintage metal flowers in
ladder, stool—Great Midwest Antique Mall; 5362; worldmarket.com. Tub, mirror, sink, garden, leather chairs, wood table, white S
greatmidwestantiquemall.com. Bench vases—homeowners’ collection. chair, whiteboard in blue frame, small stool
vintage with cushion made by homeowner. PAGE 65 with spider, mannequin—homeowners’
Rocker—homeowners’ collection. Bed frame, bed skirt, striped bed linens— collection. Smaller dog painting and sheep
PAGE 59 Target Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com painting by homeowners’ daughter.
Pillows, throw on sofa—Farmhouse on (product line varies). Throw blanket,
Boone; farmhouseonboone.com. Wall lamp— tied pillows—Farmhouse on Boone; WOOD WORKS
Lamps Plus; 800/782-1967; lampsplus.com. farmhouseonboone.com. Fabric for lumbar PAGES 80–87
Curtains—IKEA; ikea-usa.com. Curtain pillow Potter Print in Bristol White by Ralph Wall paint Useful Gray SW 7050, cabinet
rod—Lowe’s; lowes.com. Mirror, vase on Lauren—Calico Corners; 800/213-6366; paint Stamped Concrete SW 7655—The
coffee table—Hobby Lobby; 800/323- calicocorners.com. Denim-color linen Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
9204; hobbylobby.com. Storage boxes on pillowcases—West Elm; 866/428-6468; sherwin-williams.com [P]. Ceiling fan Destin
shelves—Target Stores; 800/800-8800; westelm.com (product line varies). Chest, in Aged Pewter—Monte Carlo Ceiling Fan Co.;
target.com (product line varies). Dark blue light fixtures—homeowners’ collection. montecarlofans.com for a retailer near you.
pillow fabric Potter Print in Ardent Blue by Sectional sofa—Homemakers; homemakers
Ralph Lauren, diamond-pane pillow fabric MODERN CLASSICS .com. Wreath of natural cotton bolls on
Diamondots in Indigo by Sarah Richardson— PAGES 66–73 mantel, large white candlestick—Hobby
Calico; calicocorners.com. Crock, stool, PAGES 66–67 Lobby; hobbylobby.com. Arched reading
mirror—homeowners’ collection. Chair Hat, galvanized carrier, trowel—Target lamp, pink throw on sofa, small white
and sofa slipcovers, coffee table made by Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com (product pillow, lavender print pillow, blue pot for
homeowners. line varies). Watering can—Terrain; 877/583- plant stand project—West Elm; 866/428-
PAGES 60–61 7724; shopterrain.com. Gloves—Earl May 6468; westelm.com (product line varies).
Hanging lamps—Lamps Plus; 800/782- Seed & Nursery; earlmay.com. Rug—World Market; 877/967-5362;
1967; lampsplus.com. Runner, napkin tie- PAGES 68–69 worldmarket.com. Cabinet knobs ¾-inch
top pillows on window seat—Farmhouse on Pots—Menards; for locations throughout the Glacier, cabinet drawer pulls 65/16-inch
Boone; farmhouseonboone.com. Curtains— Midwest, visit menards.com. Holland—Top Knobs USA, Inc.; 800/499-
IKEA; ikea-usa.com. Curtain rod—Lowe’s; PAGE 70 9095; topknobsusa.com. Wood for mantel
lowes.com. Rug—Habitat for Humanity Bucket and tub—Fleet Farm; fleetfarm.com. Gray Barn Siding—Reclaimed Design Works;
ReStore; habitat.org/restores for a location PAGE 71 reclaimeddesignworks.com. Large, furry
near you. Vases on table, blue pot on Table, chair—Target Stores; 800/800-8800; pillows on sofa, black-and-white stripe
white chest—Target; target.com. Pink target.com (product line varies). throw—Target Stores; 800/800-8800; target
plates—World Market; 877/967-5362; PAGE 73 .com (product line varies). Horizontal barn
worldmarket.com. Dining table and Bucket and tub—Fleet Farm; fleetfarm.com. photograph—Art.com; 800/952-5592; art.com.
benches made by homeowner. White Watering can, tote bag, rug—Target Stores;
chest, white pitcher, plates on chest— 800/800-8800; target.com (product line CUT & DYED
homeowners’ collection. Tie-top pillows— varies). PAGES 88–93
Farmhouse on Boone; farmhouseonboone To learn more about WildCraft Studio
.com. Buffalo-check fabric Checkered Out WELCOME TO THE CLUBHOUSE classes, visit wildcraftstudioschool.com.
by Robert Allen in Calypso Blue, dark blue PAGES 74–79
lumbar pillow fabric Potter Print by Ralph Shed design: Angie Persson, STYLE FILES
Lauren in Ardent Blue, diamond-pane pillow Swell Décor, Charlotte; 980/224-3317; PAGES 94–100
fabric Diamondots by Sarah Richardson in swelldecordesign.com. PAGES 94–95
Indigo—Calico; calicocorners.com. Shed by Shed USA, installation, materials Wall paint Garden Sage SW 7736—The
PAGES 62–63 for swings—The Home Depot; homedepot Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
Swing-arm lights above sink, island .com (product line varies). Black cloth sherwin-williams.com [P]. File cabinet paint
chandelier—Lamps Plus; lampsplus.com. window planter—Amazon; amazon.com, Pearl Mist—Rust-Oleum; 877/385-8155;
Wall paint White Dove—Benjamin Moore; search: Living Wall by Woolly Pocket. Plants, rustoleum.com. White oval containers
855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com [P]. shrubs—The Essential Gardener, Charlotte; in drawer from the Urbio collection—
Fabric for cabinet skirt—Premier Prints, Inc.; 704/965-1567; lilmikeeats@yahoo.com. The Container Store; 888/266-8246;
premierprintsinc.com. Aprons—Farmhouse Drop-leaf table, chandelier—IKEA; ikea-usa containerstore.com.
on Boone; farmhouseonboone.com. .com. Dog painting at white table—Michelle PAGES 96–97
Faucet—IKEA; ikea-usa.com. Subway tile for Rivera; michelleriveraoriginalart.com. Wall paint Sealskin SW 7675—The Sherwin-
backsplash—Lowe’s; lowes.com. Cutting Crafting kits for yarn tree, string bowls, Williams Co.; 800/474-3794; sherwin-
boards, red striped dish towel, glass yarn arrow, metal wall pockets by Craft williams.com [P]. Desk feet Contemporary

Bun Foot—Waddell; waddellmfg.com. Flooring Barrington in Nutmeg Chestnut DR Lawn ®
Flooring COREtec 7-inch-wide plank

St. Andrews Oak 50LVP209—US Floors;
CDL25-10—Mohawk Industries, Inc.;
800/266-4295; mohawkind.com.
& Garden
800/404-2675; usfloorsllc.com. White Edger
trays in center cubby Large Poppin
Accessory Tray in white, file sorter with
spiral notebook White Poppin Fin File
Sorter in white, three orange magazine
PROJECTS
holders Orange Poppin Magazine Holder,
UNDER $50
brown notebook in white file sorter Poppin
Lace lampshade 6
Metallic Notebook in brown—The Container
Typography pillow 7
Store; 888/266-8246; containerstore.com.
Sun-printed photographs 8
PAGES 98-99
Sun-printed buttons 8 Professional Edges Made EASY!
Wall paint Gallant Gold SW 6391—The
Sun-printed artwork 9
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
Sun-printed box 10
4 WHEEL DESIGN for stable and precise
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Cabinet paint Sun-printed pillowcase 11
operation.
Gunmetal—Benjamin Moore; 855/724- Basic wood box 32 CURB HOP
6802; benjaminmoore.com [P]. Flooring Chalkboard tags 36 feature lets you
Mannington Laminate wide plank French Linen runner (on dresser) 60 straddle a curb,
Oak in Caraway 28021—Mannington; Linen runner (on dining table) 61 with one wheel
800/482-9527; mannington.com. Bench Pillow covers 61 at street level,
feet Astrid in orange 115—Prettypegs; Spray-painted knobs and pulls 62 for stable,
prettypegs.com. Bleached linens 63 precise cuts.
PAGE 100 Tomato cage planters 70 PIVOTING BLADE allows for bevel
19D85X © 2019
Wall paint Canvas SW 7531—The Sherwin- Jewelry tree 76 cuts along garden borders (up to 15º).
Williams Co.; 800/474-3794; sherwin-williams Wall pockets 77
.com [P]. Cabinet paint Hammered Gold Jewelry arrow 78 FREE SHIPPING 6 MONTH TRIAL
rust protector paint—Krylon Products Group; Framed whiteboard 79 SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY
800/457-9566; krylon.com. Table similar A-frame planter 87 Go Online or Call for Special Offers!
available as Colton in blackened metal—World Dyed fibers 91
Market; 877/967-5362; worldmarket.com. DRpower.com/edger
TOLL
FREE 877-220-1524
DIY HOME GALLERY For today’s HOTTEST Products visit HOTtoHave.com
NEED SPACE? DREAM HIGHER! SHELVES THAT SLIDE DIY PATIO FURNITURE REPAIR ELECTRIC INCINERATING TOILET
Custom Loft and Bunk Beds for youth, teen, college & Custom made sliding shelves for kitchen, pan- Replacement Slings, Outdoor Cushions, Vinyl INCINOLET® incinerates waste to a small
adults. Space saving beds in twin, full, queen & king try, and bathroom cabinets. Accessories like Strapping, Patio Furniture Parts, Lawn Chair amount of germ-free ash. No water.
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sleep, study & storage beds. Solid wood, Ready-To- tip out trays, wire pull outs and Lazy Susans. Email: sales@incinolet.com
Assemble & Handcrafted in the USA. 866-739-2331 ShelvesThatSlide.com www.ChairCarePatio.com www.Incinolet.com
YouthBedLofts.com/DIY 800-598-7390 1-866-638-6416 1-800-527-5551
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SUMMER 2019 | For ad rates 352-597-6206 or sales@americasmedia.com

TREND SITING
FLOWER
Better Homes & Gardens is a registered trademark in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Better Homes & Gardens marca registrada en México. © Meredith Corp. 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
1
POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2). NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Do It Yourself, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. In Canada: Mailed under
POWER
Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223. Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may opt out of this service at any time.
Do It Yourself™ (ISSN 1075-1033), April (Summer) 2019, Volume 26, No. 3. Do It Yourself is published quarterly in January, April, July, and October by Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA
50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES: $19.97 per year in the U.S.; $23.97 (U.S. dollars) per year in Canada and overseas.
Watercolor florals are
1. Get lush garden
all the rage—get in vibes no matter your
on the trend by filling leafy curtains.
your home with these Spring Flowers Window
Curtains, single panel
whimsical blooms. from $80; society6.com
WORDS NATALIE DAYTON
PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY
3. Add floral flair to your wall

or shelves with this art print.
Available in a variety of size
and frame options, it’ll be
a great addition 2. Ready to try your
to just about any hand at painting
space. Springtime watercolor florals?
in Marseilles, $25 for Everyday Watercolor is
8x10 print, $48 with a great way to learn—
frame; minted.com you’ll be making your
own art in no time!
Everyday Watercolor, $23;
amazon.com
5. Throwing a summer garden

party? These bursting-with-blooms
napkins fit the theme and bring
poppy color to any table.
Wildflower Napkins (large), pack of
20, $6.50; merimeri.com
4. Cuddle up with
this blossom-covered 5
blanket—its large size
(60×72 inches) is perfect
for snuggling under.
Made of cotton muslin,
the fabric gets softer after
each wash. Big Kid Berry
and Bloom Muslin Quilt,
$85; littleunicorn.com
4

THE PERFECT PAIR ®
from
LILAC SYRINGA
PRESIDENT LINCOLN
Considered the best blue Common Lilac, this classic
favorite has pinkish buds that open to loose trusses of
single, blue-lavender flowers carrying a heady, Lilac
fragrance. 'President Lincoln' is a fast-growing variety
with strong, open branches. A popular selection since
its introduction in 1916. $32.95 each (Item MM067581)
GARDEN NOTES:
Common Name | Common Lilac
Hardiness Zone | 3 – 7S/8W Exposure | Sun
Blooms In | May Height | 8 – 10' Spacing | 8– 10'
Ships from White Flower Farm as | BAREROOT 12-18"
HYDRANGEA ENDLESS SUMMER ®
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This vibrant newcomer to the White Flower
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breakthrough of riveting raspberry to purple
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from a distance. The plump blooms are
densely held on sturdy stems on a compact,
conveniently container-sized shrub that tops
out at just 3 feet. $29.95 plus shipping
(Item MMO63230)
HURRY –
QUANTITIES GARDEN NOTES:
LIMITED! Common Name | Mophead Hydrangea
Hardiness Zone | 4 – 9S/W Exposure | Sun to Part Shade
Blooms In | June – September
Height | 18 – 36” Spacing | 18 – 36”
Ships from White Flower Farm as | One Gallon Pot
Both ship from White Flower Farm in time for Spring planting. 100% guaranteed!
Order online at bhggardenstore.com/duo

or call 1-800-420-2852
Please mention Code SIP29 when ordering.

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