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 FEATURES
44 FULL OF SURPRISES
After a much-needed remodel,
an inherited 100-year-old
house turns into the
perfect home for a
young couple.
52 BACKYARD BLISS
A dilapidated patio gets an
“Is this even the same space?”
update with new pavers,
furniture, and landscaping.
60 INSIDE THE BOX
Find a new way to display your
favorite collectibles with
shadow box ideas.
66 THE LIVING IS EASY
Bring the party to your place
with these mega-impactful
furniture and food upgrades
for outdoor hosting.
76 ALL DRESSED UP
If you have a basic or dated
dresser, one of these four
simple updates may be
the perfect fix.
BHG.COM/DIY
SUMMER 2018
82 VIEWS ALL AROUND
A greenhouse constructed
out of salvaged windows?
It’s as nifty as it sounds,
and it functions as far more
than just a place for plants.
88 OUTER BEAUTY
Outdoor tile is the common
denominator to make these
five garden projects.
92 ROUGH TO RICHES
Make your own furniture out
of found or purchased
pallets with these ideas—
plus, learn basic tips for
sourcing pallets.
100 CULT CLASSIC
The faces behind popular
blog The Horticult show off
their outdoor living room,
chock-full of gorgeous
gardening and DIYs.
let's
be FRIENDS.
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM
(@DOITYOURSELFMAGAZINE)
FOR INSIDE TIPS AND TRICKS.
WE LOVE TO SEE YOUR
PROJECTS. TAG PHOTOS OF
YOUR PROJECTS WITH
#DIYRIGHTNOW.
DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 1
 DEPARTMENTS SUMMER 2018

8 TRY IT 27 ON OUR RADAR

The soothing trickle of water Find a new hobby this summer
in this little pond planter with fun product picks.
brings a Zen feel to any Plus, check out our roundup
outdoor space. of wood plank options.

13 WHAT TO DO WITH... 32 HANDY GIRL

Tropical materials look right We answer your burning
at home in a temperate maintenance questions about
zone. Create the look with decks, patios, containers, and 92
these sizzling projects. outdoor furniture.

20 COOL TOOLS 112 TREND SITING

Your yard will be the envy of These fruit-theme products
the street after using these are bursting with color and
savvy watering tools. stylish flavor!

22 ORDER IN THE HOUSE ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

This decked-out garage is 4 EDITOR’S LETTER
packed with storage and 7 BHG.COM/DIY
organizing ideas. 108 RESOURCES

PROJECTS
UNDER $20
44 13 66 Leaf-wrapped vase 14
Painted pitcher 15
Painted baskets 16
Coconut planter 16
Painted leaf pillow 17
Framed leaves 18
Bamboo frame 19
Pegboard organizer 22
Basket organizer for string 25
Wood dowel plant stand 37
Air plant light fixture 38
Hammered metal planters 38
Wall planters 40
Decorative wall box 60
60 8 36 Wooden hoop wall display 61
Screen jewelry display piece 61
Custom shadow box 62
Acrylic shadow box 65
Stamped tablecloth 67
Painted herb bowl 69
Etched glassware 72
Flower selfie wall 73
Concrete side table 74
Spray-painted pineapple 74
Pallet shelving 95
Pallet display rack 98

ON OUR COVER PROJECTS LINDSEY BERGER PHOTOGRAPH CAMERON SADEGHPOUR

2 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 COMPLETE COVERAGE
FOR YOUR VEHICLE

Acura · Alfa Romeo · Aston Martin · Audi · BMW · Buick · Cadillac · Chevrolet · Chrysler · Dodge · Ferrari · Fiat · Ford · Genesis
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Smart · Subaru · Suzuki · Tesla · Toyota · Volkswagen · Volvo and more!

Canadian Customers European Customers

WeatherTech.ca WeatherTech.eu

© 2018 by MacNeil IP LLC

 SUMMER IS BETTER
WHEN IT’S WETTER!
IN ADDITION TO
THIS HAND SPRAYER
AND HOSE FROM
DRAMM, CHECK OUT
OUR ROUNDUP OF
NEW AND CLASSIC
WATERING TOOLS,
PAGE 20.

4 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 BETTER HOMES & GARDENS
Editor in Chief STEPHEN ORR
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 LEARN HOW TO BUILD YOUR
OWN OUTDOOR WALKWAY
BHG.COM AT BHG.COM/WALKWAY

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Increase both safety and
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with 13 fresh and fun no one will know your outdoor space with
DIY patio furniture they’re more than just a landscape lighting.
options. BHG.com/ pretty face. BHG.com/ BHG.com/
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DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 7
 TRY IT

PATIO POND
PLANTER
Equipped with both aquatic and soil-dwelling
plants, this peaceful water garden satisfies multiple
senses. Plus, it’s simple to assemble and maintain.
PROJECT + WORDS LUKE MILLER PHOTOGRAPHS CARSON DOWNING
 DOUBLE THE FUN With water on one side
and soil on the other, this 33×18-inch
water garden checks all the boxes for
a statement patio piece. Build the box
yourself with our how-to on page 11, then
deck it out with your fave plant picks (we
ofer some of ours to get you started).

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 9

 1
POND PLANTS
These adaptable plants can be
placed in full to part sun.

1 WATER LETTUCE A floating plant

with roots hanging beneath a
rosette of soft, light green foliage.
Zones 10–11

2 ROYAL BLUE PICKEREL RUSH

Grows 2–3 feet tall and features
intense blue flowers in summer.
Zones 5–9

3 CARDINAL FLOWER Ofers

mahogany foliage contrasting
with spikes of bright red flowers
5 in late summer. Butterflies and
4 hummingbirds love it. Zones 5–9

4 BLUE FLAG IRIS Grows 18–24

inches tall and has pale violet-blue
blooms in early to midsummer.
The swordlike foliage is deer-
resistant and looks good all
season. Zones 4–9

5 CANNA ‘AUSTRALIA’ Reaches 3–4

feet tall and features burgundy
foliage and crimson flowers. Deer-
resistant. Zones 7–10 (or store
corms in cool storage over winter)

6 UMBRELLA PALM Features

expansive fronds atop 3-foot-tall
stems. Zones 8–10
7

7 CORKSCREW RUSH Grows just a

foot tall but is unmistakable for its
twisty green foliage, which is deer-
resistant. Zones 4–9

PLACE WITH A BLACK

PLASTIC NURSERY TRAY.
CUT IT TO SIZE AND FIT
POTTED PLANTS INTO
SOME SLOTS, THEN
WEIGH DOWN THE EMPTY
PORTION OF THE TRAY
WITH ROCKS.

10
 MAKE IT
WATER GARDEN
MATERIALS
• Two 8-foot 1×12 cedar boards
• 3⁄4-inch pressure-treated plywood
• One 4-foot 1×2
• One 4-foot 1×3
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Drill, screwdriver attachment, assorted bits
• 15⁄8-inch × 7 star-drive stainless-steel trim
screws
•#2 Phillips drive 1¼-inch exterior screws
• Waterproofing seal
• Paintbrushes or sponges
• Rubberized sealant
Step 1 From 1×12 cedar, cut two 33-inch
lengths for the side panels and three
16½-inch lengths for the ends and
divider. Cut a 16½×31½-inch panel from
plywood for the base. For the legs, cut
four 12-inch lengths from 1×2 and four
12-inch lengths from 1×3.
Step 2 To build the legs, glue and clamp
a 1×3 to a 1×2 to form four L-shape
corners. Allow glue to dry, then reinforce
the connection with trim screws.
WATER GARDEN 101
ASSEMBLY Add a fountain pump,
water, and your choice of pond
plants to the water compartment.
Weigh the pots down with rocks
if needed (taller plants tend to
be top heavy in a breeze). Fill
the garden compartment with
potting mix and your choice of
plants. We used easygoing pentas,
gomphrena, and licorice plant.
LOCATION Place the pond where
you can enjoy the sight and
sound—a deck or patio is a good
choice. The location should
be close to a power outlet for
convenience (you can position
plants strategically to hide the
power cord). Run the fountain
regularly to prevent stagnant water
that invites mosquito breeding. Or
use mosquito-repellent dunks.
BHG.COM/DIY
Step 3 Glue and clamp the frame
together (A), making sure it is square.
Secure the corners with exterior screws
(these will be hidden by the legs).
Step 4 Apply wood glue to the edge of
A
plywood base and attach to the frame
with trim screws (B). B
Step 5 Rip the center divider by ¾
inches so it sits evenly atop the base.
Attach center divider to the sides with
trim screws and at the bottom with
exterior screws (C).
Step 6 Attach L-shape legs to frame
in each corner with glue and exterior
screws (D). Fasten from inside the box so
screws don’t show.
Step 7 Treat the outside of the planter
box with a protective coating of
waterproofing seal. Coat the inside
of the box with rubberized sealant (E)
C
to make it watertight. We applied a
double coat to the crevices to ensure
a watertight box. Drill several 1⁄8-inch
drainage holes in the bottom of the soil
compartment only.
UPKEEP Our recommended plants, D
opposite, are quite adaptable, so the
planter can be placed in full to part
sun. The water plants will benefit
from periodic fertilizing. Feed
garden plants with a slow-release
fertilizer scratched into the soil.
OVERWINTERING POND PLANTS
If you live in a cold climate, empty
the container in fall and store it
and the pump under cover for the
winter. Most of these plants can be
overwintered outdoors in moist soil
in Zones 5 or higher. Exceptions:
Umbrella palm and water lettuce will E
not survive freezing, so place them
in a tub of water in a cool basement
near a window where they can go
dormant. Air-dry canna tubers and
store them in peat moss or sawdust
in a cool but not freezing location.
 Everyone could use a
little greenery in their lives!

Explore your capabilities with projects like

• Set Up a Cucumber Tower • Create a Tiny Terrarium World Under Glass

• Plan a Bird-Lover’s Garden • Light Your Garden with Romantic Votive Displays
• Hang an Air-Plant Chandelier • Captivate the Senses with an Indoor Herb Garden

www.weldonowen.com
Available Wherever Books Are Sold
TROPICAL MATERIALS
by the lush textures, colors, and plants of the tropics.
PROJECTS JODI HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS NICOLAS GOURGUECHON WORDS BRENDA WEGNER

DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 13

 VERDANT VASE
An arrangement of
tropical flowers packs
even more punch
when you green up
the vase, this photo.
Place a smaller-
diameter cylindrical
vase in the center of
a larger one. Buy a
large plant leaf from a
florist, or cut one from
a houseplant. Curl the
leaf around the smaller
vase. Arrange flowers
(we used a monstera
leaf and heliconia)
in the smaller vase.

14 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 DRESS A BASIC WHITE PITCHER
FOR THE PARTY USING GLASS/
CERAMIC PAINTS AND A SMALL
POINTED BRUSH. AFTER THE PAINT
DRIES, BAKE ACCORDING TO
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

LUSH OASIS For a tabletop that’s redolent of a tropical jungle,

lay it on thick, left. Place a rattan charger and a palm leaf on top
of a woven place mat. Add a table runner with saturated colors.
Use a mix of green, white, and patterned dishes. Bonus tip:
Tropical fruits like mangoes and gauvas can serve as both food
and decoration.

SNIP, SNIP
MOST HOUSEPLANTS,
LIKE THE DIEFFENBACHIA
THAT PROVIDED THE LEAF FOR
OUR ARRANGEMENT, OPPOSITE,
BENEFIT FROM OCCASIONAL
PRUNING. AT THE BASE OF THE
PLANT, REMOVE ANY STEMS
THAT ARE TOO LONG AND BARE.
ARRANGE THE PRUNED LEAVES
IN WATER OR USE THEM
FOR PROJECTS.
 BASKET CASE Capture
the look of colorful
Zulu mbenge baskets
by using crafts paints
to add patterns to plain
plaited baskets, right.
Let the weaving in the
basket determine the
edges of your pattern.
Paint some baskets with
multiple colors, and
stick to just basic black
on others. Hang them
in groups for maximum
impact, opposite.

WHETHER YOU CRACK OR

SAW THE COCONUT, HAVE
A BOWL HANDY TO DRAIN
THE COCONUT WATER
INTO. SAVE THE COCONUT
WATER TO DRINK OR ADD
IT TO A SMOOTHIE OR
PIÑA COLADA.

MAKE IT

COCONUT PLANTER
MATERIALS
• Husked coconut (Coconuts found in
grocery stores are usually husked.)
• Hacksaw
• Putty or butter knife
• Drill
• Masking tape
• 6 pieces jute twine cut into
4–5-foot lengths
• 6 wooden beads
• Black marker
Step 1 Crack a coconut or saw it
in half. Cracking it, like we did, will
give the planter a natural shape,
while cutting the coconut will leave
you with a more defined edge.
Step 2 Place the two halves in
a microwave and cook them
for one to two minutes. Use
a putty or butter knife to slice
into the meat and dig it out.
Step 3 Drill three holes evenly spaced
around the edge of the coconut—this
is where you’ll attach the twine.
Step 4 String a piece of twine through
each of the three holes around
the edge of the coconut. Tie the
pieces (you’ll have six ends) together
above the planter, leaving 2 inches
of twine above the knot to create
a loop for hanging the planter.
Step 5 Thread one of the three
remaining pieces through each of
the three holes on the coconut. This
time, let the twine hang down. You
will use these pieces to decorate the
bottom part of the planter. Hanging
the planter from a doorknob makes
it easier to complete the next step.
Step 6 Arrange twine at each hole so
tails are of equal length. Pull one tail
to the right and loop it around the
left-hand piece from the hole to the
right. Continue around the coconut
until all six twine tails are tied, leaving
three loops. At each of the loops,
split the pieces again right to left,
making another set of loops around
the coconut. Pull pieces so loops
are evenly spaced around coconut,
then tie all six pieces together at
the bottom of the coconut.
Step 7 Use a marker to draw tribal
patterns on beads. String beads
on jute twine and tie them to the
planter. Now you’re ready for a
plant—we recommend one with
a removable pot so you can easily
take it out for watering purposes.

16 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 MAKE IT

ECO-PRINT PILLOWS
MATERIALS majority of the pillowcase surface for the most impact.) Lay
• Pillowcase • Small foam paint roller newspaper or drop cloth to protect the work surface, then
• Pillow form • Fabric paint lay the leaf on newspaper. Roll fabric paint evenly over the
• Cardboard • Paper towels leaf with a paint roller (A).
• Plant leaf • Brayer Step 3 Carefully transfer the leaf to the fabric, paint side
• Newspaper or • Iron down. Set a paper towel over the leaf and roll it with a
drop cloth • White cotton cloth brayer (B). Lift up the paper towel and the leaf, exposing
the print.
Step 1 Remove the pillow form and insert a piece of
Step 4 When the paint has dried, place a cotton cloth over
cardboard into the pillowcase.
the print and iron to set the design. You can wash the case
Step 2 Pick your leaf. (Use big tropical leaves that cover the in cold water after 72 hours. Reinsert the pillow form.

A
WE FOUND OUR
BASKETS AT
HOMEGOODS.
DESIGNS MAY VARY.
homegoods.com

B
 FRAMED FRONDS Leaves
from monstera, croton,
and areca palm look like art
when framed, this photo.
Prep the leaves by pressing
them flat to remove
moisture. Place the leaf in a
large book with newsprint
or paper towels on either
side of the leaf. Set more
books on top. If you plan
to frame larger leaves that
won’t fit in a book, make
a press with two pieces of
plywood. Carefully remove
the leaf and place it on a
piece of art paper. Use a
small piece of double-stick
tape or a few Glue Dots to
attach the back of the leaf
to the paper, then frame.

GET EVEN MORE BEACHY

BOTANICAL PRINT IDEAS
AT BHG.COM/BOTANICAL
 TIED AND TRUE Bamboo sticks (available at crafts stores and garden
centers) lashed together reinforce a tropical vibe, left. Make a clove
hitch around one bamboo stick resting atop a second stick. Start lashing
by twisting the short end around the long and wrapping the jute twine
around both sticks, alternately going over and under each stick three
or four times. Tighten the lashing by surrounding it with three or four
frapping turns. Finish with two or three half hitches. Repeat on the
other three corners of the frame. To finish the frame, tie a piece of
twine from top to bottom and one from side to side. Secure a picture
to the center by taping it to string on the back. String beads on a piece
of twine and tie the twine at the top of the frame to create a hanger.

LASHING
OUT
IF YOUR GIRL OR BOY
SCOUTING DAYS ARE FAR
BEHIND YOU, REFRESH YOUR
SKILLS BY LOOKING ONLINE
FOR VIDEOS OF LASHING,
FRAPPING, AND CLOVE
HITCH. PRACTICE UNTIL YOU
GET THE HANG OF IT.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 108.

 COOL TOOLS

SHAPE OF WATER Keep plants happy and cars clean with

efficient nozzles, hoses, and sprinklers.
WORDS LINDSEY M. ROBERTS

INSIDER TIP: PAIR

YOUR SPRAY GUN
WITH THIS BRASS LIVE
SWIVEL FOR MAXIMUM
WATER POWER
WITHOUT FIGHTING
THE HOSE.

1 2

2. ONE-TOUCH REVOLUTION
SPRAY GUN Not any old garden-
variety pistol, Dramm’s spray gun
1. BRASS WATERING comes in six colors—Red, Orange,
LANCE A professional- Yellow, Green, Blue, Berry—and
quality tool made for has nine spray patterns. $14;
English parks, estates, walmart.com. Brass live
and nurseries, the Haws swivel, $17; amazon.com
all-brass lance is 24
inches long and features
a shut-of toggle for
adjustable water flow.
The rose can be turned
up or down as needed.
$73; homedepot.com

3. RECTANGULAR SPRINKLER
WITH ON/OFF FLOW CONTROL
Fine-tune the water at the sprinkler,
not the spigot, with this new sprinkler
that has an on/of flow control on the
tool. Customize the width and length
of the spray by adjusting intuitive aqua-
color parts. $28; gilmour.com

4. SMALL STATIONARY SPRINKLERS For a simple watering fix, the small sprinklers
from Quality Valve & Sprinkler are a go-to. Each sprays up to 30 feet (depending on water
pressure) and would fit nicely between bushes, such as hydrangeas. Three design options
and colors are scratch- and fade-resistant. $12; gardentoolcompany.com
 5. EASY POUR WATERING CAN Customize your pour with an
outside can that has a rotating watering head; switch from a sprinkle to
a stream just by twisting. A large-capacity 2.6-gallon tank means less
trips to the tap, and the adjustable handle stays out of the way when
filling. Bloem 2.6-gallon watering can, $17; lowes.com

6. GARDEN WATER HOSE

Twist-free, kink-free, tangle-
free … this is a hose that won’t
frustrate you. The durable
metallic outer jacket makes
it resilient against pets and
rodents. It comes in lengths
of 6—100 feet. $39–$339;
armadillohoseproducts.com

7. BULL’S-EYE POWER NOZZLE If firefighters trust it

for wildfires, it’s good enough for your yard. The solid-
brass nozzle delivers 50 percent more power but uses half
as much water as a standard nozzle. It has three modes:
power, heavy spray, and pinpoint stream. $9; amazon.com

9
8

8. STEEL HOSE HANGER No

more putting holes in siding to
hang a hose. This steel hose hanger
fits on any outdoor-mounted
faucet. It’s an easy dismount when
the hose needs to come inside for
winter. $29 (after conversion);
manufactum.com

9. BEEHIVE HOSE HOLDER Conceal and store a garden

hose inside the sweet design of a beehive. Made of durable
resin and metal, the holder has a removable lid and weighs
25 pounds, so it won’t be knocked over easily. Golden
bees are a sizable 41⁄2 inches. $199; wisteria.com

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 21

 ORDER IN THE HOUSE

PARK &
PLAY
Outfit your garage or utility room
walls with space-saving storage
solutions to carve out a corner for
DIY projects and repairs.
PROJECTS BRIAN KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN
WORDS MARIA V. CHARBONNEAUX

buy it

WASTE NOT The Knodd powder-coated metal trash can with lid can handle 1. HANG UPS Keep tools conveniently
wood scraps, sawdust, or anything else that comes your way. $15; ikea.com/us accessible with practical pegboard. Instead
make it of a single large piece, opt for several panels
cut to size at the hardware store. (Keep
stud placement in mind when determining
size—ours are 32-inch squares.) Outfit
them with hanging accessories, grouping
like items: Perch your circular saw on two
pegboard shelf brackets near the other
power tools and your safety glasses.

22 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 2

2. BENCH TIME A sturdy secondhand bufet gets a 3. FOOT FRIENDLY Snap-together,

new lease on life as a workbench base. Ditch the doors, slip-resistant tiles to soften the efects
make it fill holes from hinges, and coat the entire piece with buy it of a hard concrete floor. Border pieces
paint. Top it with a solid-core pine door cut slightly give a finished look. Blue Hawk Loose
wider than the bufet. Support the ends of the 7-foot- Lay Coin PVC Plastic Tile, $7–11 per tile,
long work surface with wood braces extending from $11 for four-piece trim kit; lowes.com
the studs and seal the surface with several coats of
polyurethane. Tuck grab-and-go containers on the
shelves below. Pro tip: Select a furniture piece that’s a
comfortable height for working (about 36 inches).
 KEEP IT WHEEL A garage dolly allows
you to stow heavy paint cans or toolboxes
buy it and roll them out when—and where—you
need them. We coated ours with spray paint
made for plastic. $24; homedepot.com

hack it

PLUGGED IN Save your back.

1 Mount a power strip along the
inside of a stud at workbench
height for tools and chargers.
Dangle clipboards containing
project-specific plans in
the space between studs.

BUY it

WALL WONDER File

project inspiration in a wall
organizer. Hooks equipped
with binder clips ofer a spot
to hang gloves. Classic Mail
Holder, $17; target.com

1. VERTICAL RANGE The 2. WE’RE HOOKED Available

recessed space of an open
make it wall is a gold mine for storage
possibilities, so capitalize! Scrap
2×4s fit between studs to make
shallow shelves for spray paint and
paint samples. Hang paint trays,
a collapsible step stool, baskets,
and more in the spaces between.
in a variety of styles, heavy-duty
buy it Tornado utility hooks are ideal
for hanging almost anything:
paint rollers, power tools, ladders,
electrical cords. Starting at $4;
www.racorstoragesolutions.com

24 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 hack it

HANGING BY A THREAD
A wire basket corrals unruly
spools of twine and string.
Feed their ends through
bottom openings, hang the
basket from above, pull a string
to desired length, and cut.

ON THE EDGE Drill

holes through a metal
yardstick, and screw
it to the edge of the hack it
workbench for easy
measuring. Johnson
Aluminum Yardstick,
$3; homedepot.com

IT’S A STRETCH Extend bungee cords between

studs to prop up tall garden tools. Available in
four sizes and 12 colors. $20–$26 for six-strap
multisize pack; strapgear.com for retailers

Add style that stands on its own legs!

48368
48624

43933

A sleek, simple mid-century modern design, these I-Semble® Hairpin Table Legs
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legs help you make stylish and functional furniture 48624 16" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49.99
pieces. Available in three heights with a satin black 48368 28” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59.99
finish that can be painted to match any decor,
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I–Semble® Hairpin Legs help you customize your
and get every day FREE SHIPPING!
furnishings and Create with Confidence. For details go to rcklr.co/281
or call 1-800-279-4441 and mention
code 281 at checkout.

For a store near you or free catalog:

DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 27
1. Storage and style
combine in this sleek
alternative to shelving.
Strap Droog attaches
to the wall with just two
screws and stretches to
securely hold anything
from letters to shoes.
Strap, $19 each;
droog.com
2. Hand-lettering
1
elevates the charm of
any DIY project. This
lay-flat book is brimming
with font how-tos and
step-by-step instructions
to develop your skills
and give your letters,
cards, and crafts that little
something extra. Hand-
Lettering Ledger, $19;
marykatemcdevitt
.com

3. Ditch the plastic wrap

2 3 and opt for a reusable
solution. Bee’s Wrap
sheets are infused with
beeswax to hold their
shape when wrapped
around jars, fruit, or
sandwiches. Easily clean
with soap and cool
water. Bee’s Wrap, from
$6; beeswrap.com

4. Installing a security
4 5
camera is now as easy
a changing a lightbulb.
This security camera/
floodlight features
motion detection, night
vision, cloud storage,
and a two-way intercom
to keep you safe and
secure. Snap Security
Camera Floodlight, $130;
sengled.com
5. Tote your wine in style.
Soft cushion material
protects the bottle while
an ice pouch keeps it
chilled. Just pop the
top with the included
corkscrew and enjoy!
The Wine Glove, $20;
honeycando.com
6. Hooked on plants but
6
short on space? Quickly
green up vertical surfaces
by attaching a Pot Latch.
Just one screw is all it
takes to install, then slip
in a terra-cotta pot and
enjoy your garden!
Pot Latch, $14 for 12;
amazon.com

KNOCK ON WOOD
Go with the grain this weekend! Whether
you’re comfortable with tools or prefer a
quick fix, there’s a real wood wall decor
option that suits your skill set.
7. These 11⁄32-inch-thick
Skinnies come in nine
styles with the look
of reclaimed wood.
Each low-VOC board
measures 471⁄2 inches
long and installs with
trim nails. Timeline
Skinnies, $5 per board;
timelinewood.com
8. A charred finish
adorns these wood strips
from UFP. Shiplap and
trim boards are available
in various colors and
lengths. Attach 1-inch-
thick boards with furring
strips and trim nails. UFP-
Edge Charred Wood,
starting at $4 per square
foot; ufpedge.com
9. Super strong adhesive
strips easily aix boards
to vertical surfaces.
Just peel and stick the
1- to 4-foot 3⁄16-inch-
thick strips. Stikwood,
$8–$14 per square foot;
stikwood.com
7
10. Reclaimed 8
Indonesian teak is warm
and inviting. Keep it
natural or add pops of
color. Installation takes
only a few common
tools and adhesive. 9
Boards are 1⁄4 inch to
3⁄8 inch thick and
varying or fixed lengths,
depending on the
product line you choose.
Island Timber, starting
at $21 per square foot;
10
islandtimber.com
11. Eco-friendly 11
reclaimed wood gets a
second life as peel-and-
stick wall treatments.
Each plank is 1⁄8 inch
thick and between 12
and 42 inches long. With
both muted and natural
tones to choose from,
you’re sure to find a
winning combination. BOTH TIMBERCHIC
Timberchic, $10–$13 per AND STIKWOOD HAVE
square foot; timberchic ADHESIVE BACKING
.com FOR EXTRA-EASY
INSTALL!

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 29

 12. Attractive in more
12
ways than one, this
cute little cube is a
handy help for your tool
collection. Magnetize or
demagnetize drill bits,
screws, and other items
in seconds to complete
projects with ease. Wiha
40010 Magnetizer/
Demagnetizer, $6;
amazon.com

14

13. Curious about

13
carving? Dive right in
with a richly illustrated
book featuring 12 step-
by-step projects with
templates for beginning
wood-carvers. The
author also guides you
through which tools and
wood species to use
for the best results. The
Wood Carver’s Dozen,
$25; papress.com

14. Disguise a stain, repair a tear, or

just showcase your creative talent! The
Create Me Textile kit’s iron-on transfers
come in fun shapes, are easy to apply,
and are easy on the eye—available in
matte black or gold. Create Me Textile,
$27; moraapproved.etsy.com 15. Save your knees and roll
with ease on a sturdy work
seat meant for mobility. A tray
under the comfortable swivel
seat keeps your tools close so
you’re free to focus on the task
15 at hand. Rolling Work Seat,
$57; harborfreight.com
16. Nothing one-trick
pony about this vehicle 16
escape tool. It cuts seat
belts and breaks glass
safely, and it won’t be
hard to find when you CHECK IT
OUT—A USB
need it because it’s also a
CHARGER THAT
dual USB charger. Ztylus DOUBLES AS A
USB Emergency Tool, HANDY-DANDY
$20; ztylus.com ESCAPE TOOL!

17. Splish-splash a little

17 less with the Aquapaw. 18
The one-handed design
means water stays close
to your pup and speeds
up rinse time. Aquapaw
Pet Bathing Tool, $25;
aquapaw.com
18. Go ahead and judge
this book by its cover.
Bright and cheery both
inside and out, it shows
you how to beautify
your living spaces
with upcycle projects,
party ideas, and more.
Sunshine Spaces, $25;
hardiegrant.com
19. Precisely cut
fabric, leather, and
even balsa wood with
the Cricut Maker.
Expand your crafting
possibilities with
hundreds of available
patterns or upload
your own. Add one
19
of the Adaptive Tools
to cut even more
materials. Cricut
Maker, $400;
cricut.com

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 31

 DIY Q&A

HANDY GIRL
I’m more than a little ready for summer. But it’s not just
about lounging at the pool: I’m itching to spruce up
outdoor spaces and host friends and family. Here are some
answers to your most pressing outdoor DIY questions.
WORDS KELLY ROBERSON

FOR BEST RESULTS

WHEN STAINING YOUR
DECK, PICK A DAY (OR
TIME OF DAY) THAT’S
NOT FULL SUN.

DEAR HANDY GIRL,

My wood deck is in good shape structurally
but could use a little love—it’s faded and
doesn’t appear to be repelling water very well.
I don’t know where to start. Help?
DEAR READER,
I’m glad your deck is sound; that’s half the battle. If you’re able to devote
several hours over several days, you can reseal or restain your deck and
have it looking almost new. Here’s what to do.
Lightly sand your deck. My favorite tool (so I’m not wrecking my
1 hands and knees): a pole sander. Fine-grit sandpaper—about
80-grit—works well. If you see any loose screws, tighten them.
Clean it. Choose a warm day and scrub the deck with a deck-
2 cleaning solution (follow the directions for application). Remove all
furniture, and cover any nearby plants. Be wary of power washers:
They may have too much blast. If your deck isn’t too dirty, a nozzle
attachment on a hose, a utility brush, and some elbow grease may
be all you need. Follow the cleaning solution recommendation for
drying time. (Another reminder: Whether or not it needs sealing, your
deck should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.)
Choose your sealer. You might just need a waterproofing product, or
3 you might want to use a multipurpose product that combines stain
and sealer. Although you should follow the manufacturer application
recommendations, in general, you’ll be able to use a roller, brush,
pole extension, or sprayer.

4 Let it fully dry. Follow manufacturer recommendations for drying

time, then rearrange your furniture on your spify “new” deck.

32 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

DEAR HANDY GIRL,
We’re ready to invest in outdoor
furniture, but we’re worried about
upkeep. What do we need to know?
DEAR READERS,
Congratulations! I remember my first “real” outdoor furniture,
and it made all the diference in how much I enjoyed my
outdoor spaces. But don’t freak out about upkeep: Like
anything else you purchase for your home, regular care
minimizes the amount of repairs. Follow these steps for
long-lasting furniture.

GET TO KNOW YOUR MATERIAL. Follow all manufacturer

recommendations, and test-clean a small, unnoticeable spot before
you use anything on the whole piece.

KEEP FURNITURE FREE OF DEBRIS. Use a small broom to

brush of dirt, leaves, and branches, and spot-clean spills as needed.

RELY ON THE BASICS. Say it with me: Warm water and mild
soap. Most of the time, that’s all you need.

PROTECT FURNITURE, WHEN YOU CAN. Removable

covers are worth the investment and the efort, especially during
inclement weather.

FURNITURE METAL: Most of the time, aluminum, steel,

and iron are painted or sealed, but be vigilant
MATERIAL about rust spots.
MUST-KNOWS WOOD: To seal or not to seal? That’s always
the question. If you don’t seal, wood will
weather to a silvery gray; if you do, you’ll have
to repeat the sealing process every few years
to maintain the look.
WICKER: Sun is hard on this material; keep it
on a shaded deck or cover it as much as you can.
FABRIC: Look for weather-resistant fabric
and removable, washable covers.
PLASTIC OR RESIN: A great cost-efective
furniture option, but sun can often be hard on
these materials.

DEAR HANDY GIRL,

cleaning We’ve got a lovely covered porch on the front of our
tips! new home, and I’d like to dress up the wall a little bit.
KEEP YOUR OUTDOOR
FURNITURE SQUEAKY Is it safe to put nail holes on an exterior wall?
CLEAN WITH OUR
TIPS: BHG.COM/
CLEANFURNITURE
DEAR READER,
In general, you want to avoid a Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation approach to exterior
decoration (or illumination). However, you can safely adorn your outdoor walls with vintage
signs, art, and more.

You don’t say what your home’s exterior is made of—siding? brick? stucco?—so I’m going to
suggest options that don’t need a hammer. For example, double-stick tape can hold several
pounds, so if your hanging is lightweight, try it. Exterior Command hooks may work too. You’ll
also find vinyl siding hangers and S hooks that slip in and under siding pieces, and brick clip
hooks that cleverly loop around the tops and bottoms of bricks. Of course, before you apply
anything, clean the wall and let the surface dry thoroughly.
 1 DEAR HANDY GIRL,
I’m an apartment dweller, but I have a
balcony that I’d love to fill with plants.
What are the best containers for me?
2 DEAR READER,
Picking the perfect container is harder than ever
because you have so many choices in materials, sizes,
and colors. You’re smart to consider the location
(your balcony) before you invest in any container.
Use this guide and a few tips to find the best fit.

1. RECYCLED/UPCYCLED
It’s perfect for… Expressing your creativity and regard for
Mother Earth. Know before you buy... Repurposed containers
usually require you to add drainage holes; invest in the
right bits to drill through unconventional materials.

2. PLASTIC/COMPOSITE
3 It’s perfect for…Trying lots of sizes, colors, and styles,
as well as flexibility, thanks to its light weight. Bonus:
Some can be left out during winter. Know before you
buy... Invest in durably constructed options so you gain
longevity. Because of their light weight, they can tip
easily. Newer modular options are great for apartment
dwellers who want to go vertical and grow a lot.
4 3. METAL
It’s perfect for… Finding just the right style option, from
sleek to rustic. Know before you buy... Plants can get
super warm, especially in dark-color metal containers.

4. POTTERY
5 It’s perfect for… Discovering a gorgeous color. Know before
you buy... Freeze-thaw cycles lead to cracks, so pottery
containers must be overwintered in a protected location.

5. TERRA-COTTA/CLAY
It’s perfect for… General purpose—nearly everything
and everywhere. Know before you buy... It’s a water

6 hog, so if the location gets lots of sun, watch

so plants don’t dry out. Heavy and breakable,
terra-cotta shouldn’t be left out in winter.
7 6. CONCRETE AND STONE
It’s perfect for… Longevity and distinctive texture as
well as lots of style options. Know before you buy... It’s
heavy and diicult to move; consider placing on casters
or in a spot where you can plant it and leave it.

7. WIRE
It’s perfect for… A texture-rich approach to planting
as well as distinctive shapes. Know before you buy...
These must be lined with another material to hold in
soil and plants, which means they dry out easily.

8. WOOD
8 It’s perfect for… That just-right natural look. Know before
you buy... Only untreated wood is safe for growing edibles.

34 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

DEAR HANDY GIRL,
Eek! Mold! We’re all about it on cheese (yum!), but the other
stuff around the house we’re less sure about. When should we
be worried about mold? And if it’s outside, is it harmless?
DEAR READER,
Say the word mold and you’ll strike terror in the heart of any homeowner.
When should you worry, and what should you do? The color of mold can be
a good starting point.

Black, blue, or White spots Orange

green might may be mold is most
be found in mold that’s often found
water-prone spots, just started growing. outside, especially CURIOUS ABOUT A
like the grout in your Translation? It’s easy on plants that have MOLD GROWING IN YOUR
shower. It could simply to get rid of with some seen better days or HOUSE? DIY MOLD TESTS
HELP YOU COLLECT SAMPLES
be the result of a less- elbow grease and your wood that’s decaying. TO SEND TO A LAB FOR EVALUATION.
than-stellar cleaning preferred cleaner. It’s slimy and gross TRY THE PRO-LAB MOLD TEST
job. Although it’s often but simply a natural KIT, AVAILABLE AT MOST HOME
IMPROVEMENT STORES FOR ABOUT
hard to pinpoint an process; you can $10 (THE LAB FEE IS EXTRA).
exact mold type— remove it if it bugs you.
there are hundreds of
thousands of them—
these spots may cause
allergic reactions or
infections and should One note of caution: A home that has been subject to constant, hidden sources of
be scrubbed away as moisture—say, a bathroom leak that’s long gone undetected—may have an extensive mold problem that
soon as you find them. can overtake drywall and other finishes. These cases may require professional evaluation and repair.

QUALITY WOODWORKING TOOLS •

®
SUPPLIES • ADVICE

For A Free Catalog Or To Find Your Local Woodcraft Store, Visit woodcraft.com Or Call 800-225-1153. 18DY05H Follow Us:
SCREEN
TIME Sleek new screens and a lush
botanical theme update a 1970s
patio into a modern bonus space
ready for entertaining.
WORDS HEIDI PALKOVIC
PROJECTS + STYLING JOSEPH WANEK
PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY
 BEFORE

A MODEST MIDCENTURY
HOME IN DES MOINES
CHECKED ALL THE BOXES FOR
NEW HOMEOWNER JOSEPH
WANEK... EXCEPT FOR THE
SAD SCREENED PATIO ON
THE BACK OF THE HOUSE.
“The 1970s screen framing was rotting, and
the concrete floor was dirty and neglected,”
Joseph says. With the goal of gaining
bonus space for entertaining friends, he
brainstormed budget-friendly solutions
for rehabbing the covered patio. While
rescreening the structure seemed daunting,
removing the screens and leaving the patio
open to the bugs was not an acceptable
option. Plus Joseph and his boyfriend, Nick,
wanted a secure space for their cat, Julio, to
enjoy fresh air.
With the discovery of a screen system that
could be customized to fit the space and that
they could install themselves, the patio was
fashioned into a second living room. They
then added a trellis along one wall and a mini
bar that withstands the elements. “We hang
out there most evenings in the spring and
summer, and our favorite thing is sitting out
there during a thunderstorm,” Joseph says.

STANDING OVATION Plant stands

made from 1-inch square dowels
elevate potted houseplants on X-shape
platforms, left and above. To make a
platform, cross two rods in an X large
enough to support your pot, removing
a 1-inch square in the center of one
rod at the intersection. Drill holes in the
ends and use 1⁄4-inch fluted dowel pins
and wood glue to connect the pieces.
Secure the platform to the legs at the
desired height in the same manner.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 37

 BOWLED
OVER
CAN’T FIND HANGING
PLANTERS TO FIT YOUR
STYLE? FOLLOW JOSEPH’S
EXAMPLE AND MAKE YOUR
OWN FROM COPPER, BRASS,
AND BRONZE SERVING
BOWLS AND CHAIN.
 “WE LOVE ENTERTAINING, BUT OUR LITTLE
MIDCENTURY RANCH CAN ONLY HOLD SO
MANY PEOPLE. WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE,
WE DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF ENTERTAINING
SPACE BY UTILIZING THE COVERED PATIO.”
JOSEPH WANEK, HOMEOWNER

A LUSH ESCAPE Several varieties of plants—tropicals, succulents, cacti, and classic houseplants—mingle
in the covered patio, above. Their common denominator is they all love bright, indirect light. Colocasia
esculenta ‘Black Magic’ and cactus thrive in sleek floor stands. Pink-flowering mandevillas (potted in
three containers behind the outdoor sofa) climb the horizontal slats Joseph added and painted to
obscure the view of the neighbor’s house. An old oak factory cart, found at a local salvage shop (search
Craigslist for options in your area), stands in for a traditional cofee table. On the floor, a fresh coat of
Rust-Oleum Epoxyshield concrete floor coating in Armor Gray gives the outdoor room a finished look.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 39

 BLACK READY TO PARTY All the essentials for a successful get-
POWDER- together are kept close at hand on a weatherproof mini bar
COATED constructed of cedar and topped with two 16-inch-square
BOTTLE concrete pavers, opposite and left. Make the bar using 4×4s
OPENER. $10; for the legs and 1×4s for the sides, shelf, and supports.
amazon.com Secure the pieces with 11⁄4-inch deck screws. Put liquor
bottles on display by arranging leftover 4×4 cedar pieces in
a stair-step configuration adhered with wood glue, above.
Attach wineglass holders on the underside of the bar top.

MAKE IT

WALL PLANTER
MATERIALS
• D-ring hanger • Mountable plant, Step 3 Tie clear fishing line to one
• Wooden cutting such as a fern or screw. While holding the moss in place
board orchid with one hand, wrap the fishing line
• Drill/screwdriver • Sphagnum moss over the moss and around a screw
• Screws • Clear fishing line on the opposite side (B). Wrap the
• Spray bottle fishing line around the screw several
times before crossing over the moss B
Step 1 Screw the D-ring hanger to the again to the opposite side. Continue
back of the cutting board. Remove plant this process, crisscrossing the fishing
from pot and lay it on the cutting board. line several times over the moss until
Drill four screws into the board, about the plant is secured. Wrap the fishing
2 inches from each side of the plant’s line around the last screw at least 10
roots and leaving about 1⁄2 inch of each times before knotting and cutting the
screw exposed above the board (A). line. Cover the screws and any visible
Step 2 Cover the plant’s roots with damp fishing line by tucking in more moss.
sphagnum moss, leaving the tops of the Step 4 Mist the moss a few times a week
screws visible. using a spray bottle filled with water.
BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 41
 A
MAKE IT B

INSTALL A SCREEN SYSTEM

MATERIALS • Chop saw
• Straightedge • Rubber mallet
• Screen Tight Mini Track screw clips • Utility knife
• Drill • Fiberglass screen
• Screen Tight Mini Track channel • Screen Tight Mini Track spline
(available in 8-foot pieces) • Screen Tight roller knife

Step 1 Using a straightedge, draw a line through the center of each side of
the opening to be screened. Measure and mark the placement for the screw
clips 8–10 inches apart along the line, starting and ending 2 inches from
each corner (A). Drill a pilot hole at each mark. Insert a screw clip into each C
hole; do not overtighten (B). Use a small channel piece to properly adjust
the height of each screw clip (C) so the channel slides easily over the screw
without being too loose.
Step 2 Cut channel pieces to fit the top and bottom of the opening using a
chop saw. Install the pieces by sliding the end of a channel piece over an end
screw, then tap the rest of the channel onto the screw clips with a rubber
mallet (D). After top and bottom channels are installed, measure, cut, and
install the side channels in the same manner.

Step 3 Cut a piece of fiberglass screen a few inches larger than the opening.
Starting at the top of the opening, lay screen across top channel track. Using
a roller knife, evenly push spline into the top track channel groove, fastening
the screen into the groove as you go. Continue pushing the spline into one
side track (E), then repeat on the opposite side, ensuring that the screen D
remains straight as you work. Insert the spline into the bottom channel track
last. If needed, remove the spline and adjust the screen as needed.
Step 4 Trim excess screen mesh flush along each edge using a utility knife.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 108.

SPECIAL THANKS SCREEN TIGHT MINI TRACK SYSTEM,

SCREEN TIGHT; PLANTS, COSTA FARMS; EPOXYSHIELD E
CONCRETE FLOOR COATING, RUST-OLEUM

42 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

full of

1
 “WE HAD WATCHED WAY TOO MUCH HGTV. WE THOUGHT, WE’LL
JUST REFINISH THE FLOORS AND PAINT THE WALLS—IT’LL BE EASY,”
says homeowner Elizabeth Burns. When she and
husband Brian inherited a circa-1901 house from
Brian’s grandmother in a small North Carolina town,
they were eager to roll up their sleeves, swing some
sledgehammers, and shape it into their home. “That
was not the case, unfortunately. We thought we
were a lot handier than we actually were,” she says.
But with the help of Jake Angi, a contractor
and friend, the Burnses discovered all sorts
of surprises lurking behind almost every wall.
Some shockers were discouraging: extensive
termite damage, for example, and plumbing
and wiring that needed to be replaced.
A few of the surprises made the couple smile.
Beaded-board ceilings and oak floors in two rooms
were salvageable, and several items discovered
on the property found new life and purpose in
the refurbished home to give it an aura of age.
Elizabeth and Brian were the best revelations of
all! Turns out they have a knack for seeing potential
in even the sorriest shacks. Elizabeth has since
flipped two more houses, and Brian has teamed up
with Jake on a full-time basis to remodel houses.
Looks like they have learned to love surprises.

BEFORE

1 The steps leading up to Elizabeth and Brian’s porch once marched

down the left side. “We moved them to the front to make it more
welcoming,” Elizabeth says. They sized the staircase the same width
as the gap between the posts so they didn’t have to move or replace
any of the front posts. 2 Because of their limited budget, Brian and
Elizabeth installed almost everything themselves in the kitchen,
including stock cabinets and laminate countertops. 3 The aluminum
windows in this space were replaced by vintage windows in the same
size found on Craigslist, so all the home’s windows are now wood.
4 Original to the house, a former swinging door was pressed into
service to separate the kitchen from the pantry and cofee bar.
Because the door now slides on a rail, it requires no floor space to open.

DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 45

 MADE YA
LOOK
THE COUNTERTOPS LOOK
LIKE MARBLE BUT ARE
ACTUALLY LAMINATE, A 5
SPILL-PROOF AND LOW-COST
ALTERNATIVE TO STONE.
BONUS: THEY ARE EASY
TO INSTALL. 7

An old board from one

of the backyard sheds
was cut into three
shelves and mounted

5 The stainless-steel appliances—dishwasher, range, microwave,

wine refrigerator, and regular fridge—all came from Lowe’s. To
save on this big expense, the Burnses waited for a sale (holiday
bargains can net a 30–40-percent discount) and put the
purchases on a store credit card, which saved an additional
5 percent. 6 The tile for the backsplash, which Elizabeth and
Brian installed themselves, was a discontinued product on
closeout at a home center. They bought all the available boxes
at two diferent stores to have enough for the backsplash and
a shower stall (not shown). “We figured out the cost, and it was
6 cents a tile,” Elizabeth says. “We did the whole backsplash
for, like, $2.” 7 A sliver of space next to the microwave was too
narrow for an upper cabinet, so they crafted two shelves from
scrap wood to hold a few jars of seasonings.

46 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 8

“I HAVE A WEAKNESS FOR

CHANDELIERS. I BOUGHT THIS
ONE FROM A THRIFT SHOP
YEARS AGO, AND IT FINALLY HAS
A PLACE TO REALLY SHINE.”
ELIZABETH BURNS, HOMEOWNER

8 “They do not make standard 9

curtains that long, and I did
not want to pay for custom,”
Elizabeth says of the dining
room’s tall ceilings and ceiling-
height windows. Her ingenious
(and no-sew!) solution: plain
polyester tablecloths from
Amazon, which she snapped
up for a mere $5 a pop. A short
spin in the dryer shook out the
wrinkles, and she threaded the
panels onto metal rods with
curtain clips. 9 Once buried
under wood paneling, below,
the brick fireplace and chimney
were almost an afterthought.
But after the wall between
the relocated kitchen and
dining room came down, the
fireplace (and its antique brick
glory) could become the focal
point it was meant to be.

BEFORE
 10

11

10 The living room, above and top right, stayed in its original spot
at the front of the house. A few elements were salvageable, such as
the French doors—which open graciously into the oice—and oak
floors. 11 The fireplace, unfortunately, was rendered useless because
the outside chimney had crumbled, but the mantel is still charming.
The bricks are actually veneer, a lightweight product that is glued to
drywall with construction adhesive. Elizabeth painted their original red
faces and black “mortar” lines with whitewash, then slipped an electric
heater into the firebox for a warm glow. 12 Both Brian and Elizabeth
sometimes work from home, so the oice accommodates two with
a clever T-shape configuration of three identical tables. The trio were
castofs the Burnses found strewn throughout the house—Brian’s
grandfather made them decades ago. Elizabeth refreshed them with
stain (on the tops) and paint (on the legs). 13 Much of the home’s
supports and woodwork had been decimated by termites, but a few
precious pieces, including the oak floors in the oice and living room,
could be saved. Elizabeth and Brian entrusted their contractor to
match the old flooring with the new—a tricky task. “We love how it
turned out,” Elizabeth says.

48 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 A TIGHTLY ARRANGED
MATRIX OF ART
WRANGLES PERSONAL
AND PECULIAR FINDS
IN THE OFFICE—A PET
SILHOUETTE, OLD
HOLLYWOOD THANK-
YOU NOTE, AND
WOOD MONOGRAM,
TO NAME A FEW.

OFFICE BEFORE

FRAME
WORK
A FEW COATS OF BLACK
CHALKBOARD PAINT
TRANSFORMED THRIFT-
STORE PAINTINGS INTO
WALL-MOUNTED
WORK SURFACES.

12

13
 14

50 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 BEFORE

15
14 Originally the kitchen, the master bedroom was rebuilt “from
the ground up, with new floors, new joists—everything,” Elizabeth
says. One part that managed to make the transition from kitchen
to bedroom: the beaded boards on the ceiling. But “they had a lot
of grease and smoke on them,” Elizabeth says. “It took five coats of
primer, but I finally got them white.” 15 The couple created a faux
fireplace using a vintage mantel they refinished. While it doesn’t
light, it still warms the room visually. Elizabeth swabbed on leftover
chalkboard paint to create a “brick” surround—chalk lines stand in for
mortar—and in the firebox, a pair of iron curtain tiebacks cradle a few
logs from a fallen oak limb. Wrapped in battery-operated string lights,
the logs look like a cheery, crackling fire!

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 108.

52 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018
 BEFORE

B ACK YA R D BL ISS
Treat even the smallest outdoor space to a stylish
makeover with these industrial chic projects.
PROJECTS JENI WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS ADAM ALBRIGHT WORDS BECKY MOLLENKAMP
LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE
PIPE COFFEE TABLE AT
BHG.COM/PIPETABLE INVEST IN AN OUTDOOR
LAMP THAT’S DESIGNED
TO WITHSTAND THE
ELEMENTS. PRISM OUTDOOR
TABLE LAMP, $299;
CRATEANDBARREL.COM

GROUND LEVEL
Porcelain pavers provide solid footing for this patio,
and a polypropylene “platform” simplifies installation.

TIP: ONE CASE OF

layer 1: BARRIER FABRIC
Remove the grass where you plan to build your patio, excavating about
BROCK PAVERBASE 1 inch deeper than ground level. Make sure the area is compacted and
REPLACES 80 BAGS
OF SAND; $259 FOR
perfectly level, then install a layer of weed barrier fabric.
100 SQUARE FEET;
HOMEDEPOT.COM layer 2: SAND
Spread an even layer of leveling sand so the surface is level with the
weed barrier fabric.

layer 3: PANELS
Starting along a straight edge of the patio, lay the Brock panels in
a running bond pattern. Trim curves and edges using a utility knife.

layer 4: PAVERS
Lay pavers atop the panels. To keep them in place, add edge
restraints and hammer landscape spikes through the panels to
keep the restraints tight against the pavers.

layer 5: SAND
Use a broom to spread polymeric sand over the patio and into the
gaps between the pavers until the joints are full.
 MAKE IT
PIPE CHAIR
MATERIALS
• Four 23-inch-long cedar decking boards
• Four 22-inch-long cedar decking boards
• Two 9¾×2¼-inch cedar planks
• Sandpaper
• 2×2-inch by 3-foot steel angle
• Reciprocating saw with new blade
• Drill with 1⁄8-inch or 3⁄16-inch bit
• Wood glue
• 1½-inch pan-head screws
• Semitransparent deck stain
• Bonding primer
• Exterior spray paint
• Sixteen ¾-inch stainless-steel screws
• Three 18-inch-long 31⁄4-inch diameter steel
pipes
• Seven 24-inch-long 31⁄4-inch diameter steel
pipes
• Allen wrench
• Eight 90-degree angle connectors
• 4 tee connectors
• 1¼-inch exterior pan-head screws
• Sixteen 1½-inch stainless-steel screws
Step 1 Sand the faces and edges of the
cedar planks until smooth. Cut the steel
angle to 21¾ inches using a reciprocating
saw. Drill holes along each long edge
of the angle, inset about ¾ inches from
long edge, using a 1⁄8-inch or 3⁄16-inch
bit. Starting at one end, drill at 1⁄2, 43⁄4,
53⁄4, 10, 113⁄8, 155⁄8, 163⁄4, and 211⁄8 inches.
Step 2 Lay a 23-inch cedar board (this will
be the back of the chair) on your work
surface, and butt one of the 22-inch
boards perpendicular against the end to
create a vertical right angle. Drill a pilot
hole about 1 inch in from the outside
edges of the 22-inch board. Put a bead
of glue along the joint and screw the two
boards together with exterior 1½-inch
pan-head screws. Repeat three times with
the remaining cedar boards to yield four
L-shape forms.
Step 3 Stain the cedar (optional). Prime and
paint the steel angle using bonding primer
and spray paint. Even if you don’t plan to
paint the rest of the pipe structure, you’ll
need to paint this piece because the raw
steel will rust. Prime and paint the heads of
the ¾-inch stainless-steel screws.
Step 4 Fit the outside of the L-shape cedar
pieces on the inside of the steel angle,
lining up the four pieces side-by-side.
Screw the boards to each side of the
angle pieces with the ¾-inch screws (A).
BHG.COM/DIY
Step 5 Measure 8¾ inches from the top A
of the chairback, and attach the 9¾-inch
braces across the chairback, starting
1⁄4 inch from the outside edge and leaving
a 2-inch gap between the two pieces.
Insert 1¼-inch pan-head screws 2 inches
in from both ends of the supports.
Step 6 Assemble the pipe structure (B).
Tighten the connectors with an allen
wrench—the connectors are made with
screws in them so when tightened,
they hold snug to the pipe. Feed a tee
connector onto an 18-inch pipe,
and tighten 7 inches from one end.
B
Repeat with a second tee and 18-inch
pipe. To the tees, attach a 24-inch pipe
to create an H-shape piece (this is the
front support for the chair). Attach a
90-degree connector on each open
end of the H. (Keep the tightening
mechanisms to the inside or underside
of the structure for a tidier look.) Attach
four 24-inch lengths of pipe to the open
ends of the 90-degree connectors,
running them perpendicular to the
crossbar of the H. The top two
24-inch lengths will be the chair arms,
and the bottom two will create part
of the base. Attach four 90-degree
connectors on the four exposed ends FOR MORE STEP-BY-STEP
of the 24-inch arm and base pipes. CHAIR IMAGES, VISIT
BHG.COM/PIPECHAIR
For the two remaining 24-inch pipes,
center a tee on each. Attach an 18-
inch pipe to the tees, connecting the
14-inch pipes. Attach each open end of
this assembly to the open 90-degree
connectors on the assembled base.
Square and tighten all connectors.
Step 7 Prime and paint the pipe structure
(optional), and allow to dry. If you’re
painting the base, you’ll also need to paint
the 1½-inch stainless-steel screws. EASY
Step 8 Fit the cedar assemblage into the
frame, aligning the 9¾-inch back braces
DOES IT!
NO MORE THREADING AND
with the upper horizontal pipe on the GLUING PIPE PROJECTS.
back of the frame. Stack a quart paint INSTEAD USE CONNECTORS
YOU TIGHTEN WITH AN
can and a roll of tape under the angled
ALLEN WRENCH FROM
part of the seat to temporarily support it.
STEEL-TEK.COM
Use tape to mark the position for eight
screw holes in the horizontal back pipe
to secure it to the seat back. Remove
the cedar assemblage and drill the holes.
Place the seat in position and screw it
in place with 1½-inch stainless-steel
screws. Repeat this process under the
front crossbar of the chair, screwing from
the underside of the pipe.
DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 55
 PAVE
THE WAY
USE OUTDOOR PORCELAIN
PAVERS (OURS ARE GOTHAM
GREY FROM THE TILE SHOP)
INSTEAD OF POURED
CONCRETE FOR A HIGH-STYLE
UPGRADE. FLOATING THE NEW
PATIO INSIDE A PERIMETER
SOFTER SIDE If the exterior of a garage doesn’t create the type of OF RIVER ROCK MEANS YOU
DON’T HAVE TO CUT TILES
ambience you want for your backyard retreat, cover it with cedar planks, AND YOU CAN MORE EASILY
above. It’s a simple and afordable way to create a modern vibe. To MANAGE DRAINAGE.
prevent the wood from graying over time, use a translucent cedar-tinted
sealer on the planks to show of the natural color and wood grain.

56 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 FOR YOUR ART WITH
PAINTED 1×4 PINE
BOARDS SCREWED TO
THE ARTWORK’S BASE.
SCREW A 2-FOOT-LONG
2×4 HORIZONTALLY
ALONG THE BACK OF THE
ARTWORK AND ANOTHER
ON THE WALL. TO HANG
THE FINISHED PIECE,
OVERLAP THE 2×4S AND
SCREW DOWN THROUGH
BOTH WITH SEVERAL
EXTERIOR SCREWS.

GET THE LINE DRAWING FOR

THIS BIRD ARTWORK AT
BHG.COM/BIRDART

BIRD’S EYE This large mosaic artwork

is a colorful—and weatherproof—
outdoor focal point, above. Break
stained glass or ceramic pieces into
bits using a glass-cutting tool and
sort by color. Sketch a design onto
a piece of ¼-inch cement backer
board (or download our bird design
at BHG.com/BirdArt). Working in
one 6-inch section at a time, apply
tile adhesive with a notched trowel.
Arrange the mosaic pieces on the
glue, leaving very small gaps between
them, left. Repeat until your design
is complete. Allow to dry 24 hours.
Chip away excess adhesive on the
face of the tiles. Gently push grout
into the spaces between the tiles
using a grout float. Wipe away excess
grout with a damp sponge as you
work (it dries quickly). Thoroughly
clean the completed surface with
a damp sponge, then wipe with a
dry cloth. Apply sealant following
manufacturer’s instructions.
 REMOVE THE STRING-LIGHT
POLES WHEN NOT IN
USE, AND MOW RIGHT OVER
THE CONCRETE BASES,
IF NEEDED.

BRIGHT IDEA Lighting makes outdoor spaces feel inviting, above left. To install lighting supports, sink concrete forms at each
end or corner (deep enough to go below the frost line). Center a same-height piece of 1-inch-diameter PVC pipe inside and
fill form around pipe with concrete. Cut ¾-inch conduit to the height you want the lights, plus the height of the PVC pipe.
Screw a ¾-inch cap onto the conduit end, and drill a hole 1 inch below. Feed a screw eye through the hole and secure with
a nut. Prime and paint the pole, then feed it into the PVC. Attach lights to the screw eye using zip tie, above middle.

GREEN THUMB
Even a small garden looks lush when you
pick plants of varying shapes and sizes.

1 DWARF FOUNTAINGRASS A compact plant

with lush green foliage and flufy, buf-color
plumes. It’s great for creating contrast in a
small garden.

2 BLUE HEAVEN LITTLE BLUESTEM A narrow,

upright plant that changes colors with the
seasons (blue, pink, burgundy, and copper),
and serves as a strong vertical accent.
6

3 CREEPING JUNIPER Can be used as a

groundcover, spreading horizontally to hide
bare patches. This aromatic shrub has a
blue-green cast most of the year.
1
2
4 GOLDEN MOP CYPRESS With stringy leaves
that hug the ground, it’s a great accent
evergreen for terraced or sloped gardens.

3
5
5 BIRD’S NEST SPRUCE Has outward-curving,
compact branches with dense, dark needles.
It’s a low-maintenance, hardy accent plant.

6 MAIDENGRASS Ofers great height and color.

Its green foliage turns bronze red in the fall,
and its pink plumes open in the summer and
turn white through winter.
 DRIP BY DRIP Nestle a
water feature (this one
is made of landscape
blocks) into a corner for
a tranquil addition to
your patio, left. Choose
an area with no more
than a few inches of
slope. If you live in a
cold climate, remove the
pump in the winter. Store
it inside in a pail of water
to keep the seals wet.

FOR RESOURCES
SEE PAGE 108.

SPECIAL THANKS
SMARTPOND FOR ITEMS
INCLUDING PUMP, TUBING,
SPILLWAY, AND SPOUT

MAKE IT

WATER FEATURE
MATERIALS Step 1 Dig a hole about 30 inches round Step 4 Dry-stack the landscape blocks. We
• Shovel and 2 inches deeper than the depth of used three layers of 9×6-inch blocks, three
• 28-inch round plastic tub the tub. Cut a 1½-inch notch in the top layers of 3×6-inch blocks for a relief pattern
• Utility knife of the tub. Set the tub in the hole. in the middle, and three more layers of 9×6-
• Pump (we used Smartpond) inch blocks on the top. Leave an opening in
Step 2 Place the pump in the tub. Attach
• Corrugated tubing the middle of the top layer for the spillway.
tubing to the pump. Feed the tube
• Chicken wire When your design is complete, restack
and the pump plug through the notch
• Dirt or sand the blocks, applying landscape adhesive
(the cord and tube will run under the
• 2 pieces of 12×30-inch Pennsylvania between each block and each layer.
flagstone). Cover the tub with a piece of
blue flagstone
chicken wire large enough to bend over Step 5 Adhere the spillway to the block and
• 9×6-inch landscape block
the outer edge of the tub. attach the corrugated hose to the back of
• 3×6-inch landscape block
• Landscape adhesive Step 3 Fill around the outside of the the spillway and spout. Adhere the second
• Spillway tub with dirt or sand. Lay one piece of piece of flagstone on top of the block and
• Spout flagstone slightly overlapping the tub spillway. Lay rock on top of the chicken wire
• River rock (make sure it’s level). and fill the tub with water. Plug in the pump.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 59

INS I DE THE B OX
Add a whole new dimension to your space by showcasing
collections and keepsakes in reimagined boxes.
PROJECTS SARA PEREZ & KAREN BRADY PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN
WORDS PAMELA S. PORTER

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS When transformed into miniature wall cabinets, boxes
with hinged lids conceal tiny treasures, above left. Our vintage find is tinplate, but
wooden or paperboard boxes work just as well. If you don’t love the look of your
container, paint, decoupage, or decorate it to suit the space. Use epoxy to secure a
hanger to the back of the box, or drill a hole through the back and hang on a nail.
 HANG A ROUND Turn a wooden hoop into an elegant shelf to corral
pretty little things, this photo and opposite right. Choose a hoop that
fits your space. (Ours is a large quilting hoop.) Measure and mark where
you want shelves. Cut lattice strips to fit as shelves. Paint the hoop and
shelves. We used a combination of white and gold paint. Let dry. Use
epoxy to attach shelves inside the hoop, making sure they are level.

SCREEN TIME Rescue

an ordinary soil sifter
from dirty work by
repurposing it into
a delightful jewelry
display, left. Purchase
a sifter with a wood
frame. Mask the
screen and spray-
paint the frame your
desired color. Let dry,
then screw cup hooks
inside from which
to hang necklaces
and bracelets.
The screened
back is perfect for
displaying earrings.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 61

 SHADOW BOXES KEEP DELICATE
COLLECTIBLES LIKE SHELLS OR OLD PHOTOS ON
VIEW—AND SAFE FROM THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE
OF BEING STUFFED IN A DRAWER.
IF THE SHADOW BOX DOESN’T HAVE
A REMOVABLE BACK PANEL, CUT AND
COVER A PIECE OF CARDBOARD,
FOAMBOARD, OR CORKBOARD
TO FIT INSIDE INSTEAD.

A DAY AT THE BEACH Large shadow boxes display life-size mementos, such as this vintage swimsuit,
above right and opposite, and shells and sea glass from a past beach trip, above left. To customize a
standard box, cut fabric to fit the inside panel plus a few inches all around. (In lieu of fabric, try acid-
free paper to cover the panel.) Iron fabric and lay right side down on a work surface. Center panel on
top of fabric, pull fabric taut to the back of the panel, and secure with duct tape or hot glue. Insert back
into box and use pins, hidden whipstitches, or acid-free glue or tape to secure objects to the panel.

62 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

SPECIAL THANKS TO ROOM &
BOARD, INDUSTRY WEST, MINTED,
ETHAN ALLEN
 SEE HOW TO MAKE THE
PLEXIGLASS SHADOW BOX
AT BHG.COM/SHADOWBOX

HAIRPIN LEGS ATTACHED TO

PLYWOOD MAKE AN EASY
BASE. UPGRADE BASIC BLACK

PAINT AS WE DID.
 TINY WONDERS The compartments in an old printer’s
letterpress drawer create an entomology-like display for small
collectibles, left. To make the table, cut ¾-inch plywood to
fit the bottom of the drawer. Attach hairpin legs. Using wood
trim pieces, craft a frame for the drawer, allowing a ¼-inch
rim at the top and 1-inch overhang at the bottom to hide the
plywood base. Use finish nails to secure the drawer inside
the frame. Paint drawer and frame; let dry. On top, attach
four flat metal corner pieces. Use an acrylic cutter to cut
a piece of plexiglass to fit inside the top rim. Attach a glass
knob to the plexiglass using epoxy. Fill compartments with
your collections, and place plexiglass on top. For a playful
statement in ours, we painted toy animals and dinosaurs.

WALL FLOWERS This take on a modern shadow box, right, is

easy to make. Use an acrylic cutter to cut two plexiglass sheets
to desired size. Stack the sheets on top of one another and
secure with masking tape. Tape each corner to piece of scrap
wood. This will secure the sheets for drilling and prevent the
plexiglass from cracking. At each corner, measure and mark
1 inch in from all sides. Drill a small pilot hole through both
pieces at each mark (we used a 3⁄64-inch drill bit) and then
work your way up using larger bits until you have 3⁄32-inch
holes. Press letter stickers to the top piece. Remove tape. Use
double-face adhesive to attach paper flowers to the back
piece. Add a #10 flat washer on each post. Then slide a 1-inch
spacer onto each post. Add a 3⁄4-inch spacer on top to each
post. Finish with another #10 washer on each post.
Slide top piece of plexiglass over posts, and secure caps to
each post. Fashion a hanger by tying a leather strap to the
top two screw caps. For additional security, place Glue Dots
adhesive pads at each corner.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 108.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 65

 THE
LIVING is EASY
Summer’s here, and so is outdoor
entertaining season. This super-simple party
theme, centered around a DIY concrete bar,
capitalizes on fast setup and colorful projects
to allow for max time spent in the sun.
PROJECTS LINDSAY BERGER PHOTOGRAPHS CAMERON SADGEHPOUR
WORDS LUCY FITZGERALD
 STAMP IT OUT Summer color is all about feeling
good, and this bright magenta tablecloth definitely
makes us smile, this photo. To create your own
paint-stamped version, lay a circular tablecloth on
a protected flat surface. Pour white fabric paint into
a flat container. Holding a meat chopper upright,
dip the blades into the paint, then stamp them onto
the cloth. Let paint dry before setting your table.

OUR
COVER
STORY

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 67

68 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018
 MAKE IT
CONCRETE BLOCK BAR
MATERIALS
• 16 full cement blocks
• 2 half cement blocks
• Concrete glue
• Three 1×6 cedar boards, 8 feet
• Tape
• Saw
• Tape measure
• Screws
• Drill
• Two 1×3 cedar boards, 8 feet
• Sandpaper
• Paintbrush
• Water-base paint in desired color
Step 1 For the concrete block base, lay
out the two legs of your bar using the
diagrams, right (as seen from overhead).
Adhere each layer using concrete glue.
Step 2 For the bar top, stack and tape
together the three 1×6 boards so the edges
are even on one end, then cut about ½ inch
from the other end so they are cleanly cut
to the same length. Cut the boards to span
BOTTOMS UP Grab a partner and some
gloves to put together this backyard bar,
opposite. Before you begin, determine the
width and location you want for your final
result, since the block units are very heavy
to move when finished. Once assembled,
paint parts of your bar legs as desired with
water-base paint for a finished look.
layer 1
the length of the concrete base, reserving
the leftovers. (We cut ours to 72 inches
with an 8-inch overhang on both ends.)
Step 3 Lay the boards side by side on a flat
surface, rough side up, and spaced apart
layer 2
slightly. (We used screws as spacers.) Measure
the width of the three boards, then cut the
leftover pieces to that width to form three
braces that will go underneath the bar top.
Screw one brace at each end of the bar top,
then attach the third brace in the middle.
layer 3
Step 4 Measure the length of the front of the
bar top. Cut ½ inch from a 1×3 to get a clean
cut, then cut it to the length of the front of the
bar top, reserving the leftovers. Repeat with the
other 1×3 for the back, reserving the leftovers.
layer 4
Attach the front and back aprons to the bar
top. (We recommend predrilling all holes.)
Step 5 Measure the sides of the bar top.
Cut leftover 1×3 to the correct length, then
attach to the bar top. Sand all edges.
layer 5
Step 6 Paint the bar top and let dry. Use
concrete glue to attach the top to the bar legs.
FRESH
COAT
UPDATE A WOOD BOWL
(THIS ONE IS FROM WALMART)
OR PLANTER WITH A SPLASH
OF CRAFTS PAINT. TAPE
OFF DESIRED AREA AND ADD
PAINT. ONCE DRY, FILL
BOWL WITH HERBS OR
EDIBLE PLANTS.
 SET IT & FORGET IT
Alfresco dining is a wonderful concept but can easily go awry if you’re not smart
about what you set out. Try these simple food suggestions for your next get-together.

STEER CLEAR Avoid FRIDGE FRESH Anything GREASE-FREE Greasy GO FRUITY Chocolate,
dairy and seafood if the made with mayo should foods require a lot of frozen pops, and ice
food is going to be left be kept chilled until napkins, which might cream melt quickly in
out of the fridge for it’s ready to be eaten. blow away or create warm weather. Instead,
more than two hours. Look for vinegar-base more cleanup. Choose think of fruits as your
Aim for stable snacks salads instead, which foods that are easy to eat friends! Throw sliced
like chips, crackers, hold up much better without making a mess. strawberries, grapes, or
carrots, and nuts. (and longer) than their cubed melon in the freezer
creamy cousins. a few hours before the
party for efortless snacks.

70 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 LIT BOTTLES ON THE
METAL CIRCLE FOR
COMPLETE COVERAGE.

A MEAT CHOPPER
CREATED OUR
CROW’S-FEET PATTERN,
BUT OTHER KITCHEN
UTENSILS OR STAMPS
WORK TOO.

LET THERE BE LIGHT Who knew empty yogurt bottles could be so glam? For this chandelier, above left, cut of
the bottom part of a large, cylindrical lampshade, leaving only the top metal circle and any attached braces.
Clean and remove the labels from 100 small, opaque white bottles (we used Danimals Smoothies containers). On
the bottom of each bottle, cut a small X with a box cutter or knife. On a string of 100-count white lights, push
each light up into the bottom of each bottle through cut. Use the diagram to string the lights on the lampshade,
using white zip ties to secure. (This is much easier if you are able to hang the lampshade at about shoulder
level so the bottles can hang as you attach them.) The top strands should loop at the bottom every six lights.
 BUGS GENERALLY STEER CLEAR OF SMOKE.
LIGHTING CITRONELLA CANDLES OR TIKI TORCHES
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN CREATES A NICE
AMBIENCE AND ALSO HELPS KEEP THE SKEETERS
AWAY WHEN THEY ARE AT THEIR HUNGRIEST.

BUGS AT BAY
Invest in a portable
insect repellent device
(like Thermacell’s Patio
Shield Mosquito Repeller,
$25; thermacell.com) to
create a 15-square-foot
bug-free zone using a
chemical similar to a
chrysanthemum’s natural
insect repellent.

DRINK UP Prevent beverage mix-ups (and give guests a fun mix-and-match take-home gift)
with these easy etched glasses, above left and right. For each glass, print out the letter in your
desired font and size, then trace the letter onto an adhesive plastic sheet. Cut out the letter to
make a stencil. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of the glass. (Be sure to use glass, as
this won’t work on plastic.) Adhere the stencil to the glass, making sure all edges of the letter
are firmly touching the glass. Use a cotton swab to apply etching cream inside the stencil,
and let it sit for three minutes. Wash the cream of the glass and remove the stencil.
 LEMME TAKE A SELFIE
A shower of carnations
decorates our selfie
wall, left. Measure the
space you want to
hang your carnations,
and cut a dowel to the
appropriate length.
Cut fishing line to the
length you want your
carnation strings. Tie
one end of the fishing
line to the dowel.
Thread a needle onto
the other end of the
fishing line. Cut the
stems from a bunch of
carnations, retaining
only the blossoms and
green base. (We used
about 170 blossoms.)
Pull the needle
through the center of
the blossom and out
through the green
base. Slide the blossom
up the fishing line to
the desired location,
then pull the needle
once more through the
side of the carnation
base to secure it in
place. Repeat, spacing
the blossoms as far
apart as you’d like until
complete, then repeat
with more strands.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 73

 CONCRETE BLOCK +
PAVER = SIMPLE SIDE
TABLE. ADHERE THE PAVER
WITH CONCRETE GLUE.
PAINT THE EDGES WITH
WATER-BASE WHITE PAINT
FOR A MOD FINISH.

FRUIT
FORWARD
A GOOF-PROOF
DECORATION IDEA?
PAINTED PINEAPPLES! WE
TAPED OFF THE BOTTOM
OF THE FRUIT, THEN
SPRAY-PAINTED THE TOP
FOR A COLORFUL TABLE
TALKING POINT.

TAKE A SEAT Inexpensive wood folding chairs get a colorful and

comfortable update with fabric cushions, left. Measure the full length
around the seat, top and bottom. Measure the seat width. Double the
width measurement, then add 1 inch to the length and width for the seam
allowance. Cut colorful fabric to the measurements. Fold the fabric in
half lengthwise, and cut batting to fit inside. Sew the cushion and wrap
it around the seat. We secured ours with hook-and-loop fastener tape.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 108.

74 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 DIY IDEAS TO STEAL
Take the party outside with these products and projects that
will make your alfresco gathering the envy of the neighborhood.
WORDS LACEY HOWARD

1. FLORIST HACK 2. TAKE A SEAT 3. WALK THIS WAY

Flower sealant is a professional Wood folding chairs are lightweight, Use an outdoor-rated rug to anchor
spray-on product to make fresh-cut long-lasting, and easy to dress up the party setup. Nirvana Gray/White
blossoms last longer. Design Master with paint or fabric. Winsome Folding Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, starting at
Clear Life, $11; amazon.com Chairs, set of four, $78; hayneedle.com $44; wayfair.com

4. STAMP HAPPY
We used this kitchen tool to stamp
on the white pattern that dances
across our hot pink tablecloth.
OXO Good Grips Meat Chopper,
$12; bedbathandbeyond.com
(available online only)
5. HOLD ON
Secure outdoor decor, such as tablecloths
and furniture cushions, with powerful
reclosable fasteners. They’re peel-and-stick
and weather-resistant, and they maintain
their hold with dirt and debris. Scotch
Outdoor Fasteners, 1×5-inch in clear or
black, set of two, $3.45; lowes.com
6. SEEING PLUM
This transparent color spray works
beautifully on fresh flowers or
produce you don’t plan to eat, such
as our party centerpiece’s pineapple
greenery. Design Master TintIt in
Plum, $9; michaels.com
 A LL DRE SSE D UP
Take a chest of drawers from functional to fashionable
with four weekend makeover plans.
PROJECTS SHANNON QUIMBY PHOTOGRAPHS LAURIE BLACK WORDS BECKY HOSCHEK

76 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 DRAWERS WITH FLAT
FRONTS ARE A MUST WHEN
APPLYING WALLPAPER. FIND
AN INEXPENSIVE OPTION
AT A THRIFT STORE OR
DISCOUNT RETAILER.

PAPERED PERSONALITY
A
Revive a tired dresser
using wallpaper with
a print, pattern, or
texture you love,
previous page. Begin
by removing knobs,
sanding the dresser,
OUR DRESSER and wiping of any
IS PAINTED A residual dust with a
RICH GREEN. damp cloth. Prime and
BENJAMIN paint the dresser (A); let
MOORE, GREEN
dry. Lay the wallpaper
GABLES, 2041-30
on a flat surface with
B the pattern side up.
Place the top drawer
on the wallpaper.
Using a utility knife, cut
the wallpaper around
the front panel of the
drawer (B). Repeat for
all remaining drawers,
making sure to line up
the top of each drawer
where the wallpaper
was just cut. (This
keeps a continuous
flow of the wallpaper
C pattern across all
drawer fronts.) Spray
adhesive on the drawer
front and attach the
wallpaper piece,
smoothing out any air
bubbles (C). Continue
MIX + this process for each
MATCH
WE FOUND OUR FLORAL
drawer. Install knobs,
and slide drawers into
WALLPAPER AND KNOBS painted dresser.
AT ANTHROPOLOGIE
(ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM).
A SAMPLE-SIZE ROLL IS
JUST-ENOUGH TO UPDATE
FOUR SMALL DRAWERS.

78 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 MAKE IT
FADE AWAY Craft a
whimsical style that pairs the
appeal of the ombré color
trend with the texture of
OMBRÉ BLOCK
blocks, this photo. DRESSER
MATERIALS
• Dresser • Three shades of paint
• Primer (see the pink hues we
• Miter saw used, below)
• Scrap wood (¼- and • Small plastic containers
½-inch thickness) • Small paintbrushes
• Sandpaper • White paint
• Damp cloth • Wood glue
• 2-inch nylon paintbrush • Six square wood knobs

Step 1 If your dresser is unpainted, prime it. If

it’s already finished, sand and prime. Using a
THIS SIMPLE miter saw, cut scrap wood into squares and
CHEST IS THE
rectangles ½–5 inches long. Sand rough
IKEA TARVA
3-DRAWER edges. With a damp cloth, remove any dust.
DRESSER. $99; Step 2 From top to bottom, measure three equal
ikea.com sections on the dresser front, lightly marking in
pencil 2–4-inch gaps between each section.
Paint the top section with the lightest color and
the middle section with the medium shade.
Step 3 In a small container, mix the lightest
color and the middle shade in equal amounts.
Using the mixed color, quickly blend from
the middle color to the lighter color with
your paintbrush before the paint dries.
Step 4 Paint the bottom section with the darkest
color. In another container, mix the middle color
and the darkest in equal amounts. Using this
A B mixed color, quickly blend from the dark color to
the middle color. Continue brushing the sections
until you achieve an ombré efect. Let dry.
Step 5 Lay the dresser on its back and position
the wood blocks on top of the drawers, starting
from the bottom left-hand corner and working
toward the top at a slight diagonal (A). Once in
place, take a picture of the pattern so you’ll know
where each piece goes after it’s been painted.
Step 6 Mix white paint and the lightest shade of
your color in equal parts. Paint the wood blocks
and knobs in your six shades plus white. Glue each
painted block to its desired location (B). Install knobs.

air.01 pink peach

A TOTAL OF SEVEN COLORHOUSE PAINT 2009-40
SHADES. BENJAMIN MOORE

smashing pink dark salmon

1303 2009-30
BENJAMIN MOORE BENJAMIN MOORE
 CLASSIC CAMPAIGN Known for its practical elegance, the campaign dresser’s timeless
style is easily achieved with paint and hardware, this photo. Paint the dresser (ours is
Dream.01 in an eggshell finish by Colorhouse). Spray-paint the hardware (we got ours
from Home Depot) to give these accents the look of brass, or purchase brass pieces.
Once dry, screw in the L brackets on all four corners of each dresser drawer. Position
the handles and mark the holes on each drawer, centering from top to bottom. Drill
holes and attach the handles to complete the look.

DID YOU
KNOW?
BRASS HARDWARE IS A KEY
ELEMENT OF CAMPAIGN-
STYLE FURNITURE. THESE
PIECES REFERENCE THE
PROTECTIVE CORNERS
FOUND ON CHESTS USED
BY BRITISH OFFICERS IN
THE 19TH CENTURY.

LOVE THE CLEAN

LINES OF THIS
PIECE? IT’S
THE IKEA MALM
DRESSER, $99;
IKEA.COM

80 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 SAY IT WITH STRIPES A contemporary
update, linear patterns create visual interest
through refined repetition. We love the
graphic splash these colorful stripes add
against a white background, this photo.

THRIFTED PIECE
FOR A MORE
MODERN VIBE.

MAKE IT

STRIPED DRESSER
MATERIALS Step 1 Begin by removing old hardware the bottom to create the first vertical
• Dresser from the dresser. We filled one hardware stripe. Repeat steps to create more
• Surfacing compound hole with surfacing compound and stripes of varying widths.
• Drill and bit that is slightly smaller than the drilled one new hole to accommodate
drawer pull screws each new drawer pull (A). Step 5 Paint as many stripes as desired
• Sanding sponge in various colors, using diferent widths
• Damp cloth Step 2 Sand the dresser. Using a damp of tape to speed the process. To paint
• Wood drawer pulls cloth, wipe of remaining dust. thin stripes over wide ones, ensure
• Paint for base coat paint is dry before applying tape. We
Step 3 Paint the dresser and primed continued painting the same color as
• Paintbrushes drawer pulls using your base paint
• Painters tape the outermost stripe on the right side
color; let dry. of the dresser.
• Paint for stripes (we used seven colors)
Step 4 Aix tape to the dresser front,
starting at the top and moving down to Step 6 When dry, attach painted pulls.
VIEWS ALL
AROUND
A go-getting couple builds
a greenhouse from salvaged
windows to host seed-starting
tasks, kids’ playtimes, and a bevy
of shared hobbies.
WORDS ANN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS ROB CARDILLO
STYLIST RACHEL SMITH
“I HAD ALWAYS WANTED A GREENHOUSE MADE FROM
WINDOWS,” JENNIFER OSWALD SAYS. “BUT MY HUSBAND,
CHRIS, DIDN’T SEEM INTERESTED. THAT IS, UNTIL OUR
DAUGHTER BECAME INTERESTED IN GARDENING.”
So in spring 2017—as seedlings started by daughter, three used as the back wall and two 4-foot windows FAMILY TIME Jennifer
Aleira, and Jennifer blanketed surfaces in the that became part of the roof. All in all, they gathered and Chris Oswald
assembled a 6×10-
dining room and kitchen—Chris got on board. 22 windows and an antiques-shop door, spending a foot greenhouse
The couple decided to locate the structure at the rear total of $500 for supplies and furnishings. that accommodates
of their Carlisle, Pennsylvania, property beneath a The couple laid the windows on the ground their recreational and
honeysuckle tree. around the building site to double-check placement gardening endeavors, as
well as those of Leo and
Jennifer took to Facebook Yard Sale and Craigslist before erecting a custom framework from 2×4s and
Aleira, above. Hostas,
sites searching for materials. Her first callout was plywood panels. Inside, they added stylish storage, flagstone, and shapely
answered by a woman who was replacing the wood- work spaces, and meaningful collections to amplify solar lanterns highlight the
frame windows in her historic home. The seller the shed’s purpose and welcoming character. entry. Dry-brushed white
exterior paint unites dark-
sent a list of window sizes, which the couple used to “The greenhouse works great,” Jennifer says. “The
stained windows with the
determine the greenhouse layout. They bought kids adore playing out there. The best thing about newly painted pine and
$180 worth of windows and supplemented them the project is that Chris and I did it together—he plywood framework.
with found windows, including a modern unit of helped me figure it out, and I helped him build it!”

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 83

 “I LIKE TO USE
VINTAGE THINGS
BECAUSE WHEN
MY FRIENDS
SAY ‘WHAT’S
UP WITH THAT
THING?’ I CAN
TELL THEM THE
STORY BEHIND
THE PIECE.”
JENNIFER OSWALD, HOMEOWNER

INNER BEAUTY Jennifer and the kids updated a Craigslist-found potting bench with
durable semigloss interior paint and antique knobs, opposite; turquoise paint was
chosen to complement spring and fall landscape colors. The couple connected a PVC
hand pump (designed for camping) to a mobile home faucet that now directs water
pulled from a 5-gallon bucket set below the table into a $5 wooden bowl, above.
Finish nails framing the pump keep it from wobbling, while a wall-mounted bracket
secures the pump handle. Drain holes drilled into the bowl and tabletop allow water to
flow back into the bucket to fashion a recirculating water system. Jennifer turned the
faucet into an artistic focal point with hot-glue vine patterns and verdigris-hue spray
paint. Doubling up 2×4s fashioned deep window ledges that easily handle terra-cotta
pots, right. Jennifer creates the verdant rocks by brushing stones with a buttermilk-
and-moss mixture that grows into velvety, living carpets.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 85

 LET IT
BREATHE
KEEP A GREENHOUSE FROM
OVERHEATING BY INCLUDING
A FEW OPERABLE WINDOWS.
YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW THE
OSWALDS’ APPROACH AND
ADD VENT PANELS (AVAILABLE
IN THE HEATING AND
COOLING SECTION OF MOST
HARDWARE STORES) TO YOUR
SHED’S GABLES.

CONSTRUCT YOUR OWN
Chris and Jennifer Oswald share strategies for building
a greenhouse in a timely, affordable manner.
GATHER WINDOWS. Search
Craigslist, visit salvage stores, and
ask friends to keep an eye out for
discarded windows. Opt for wood-
frame windows whenever possible,
as they are easiest to connect. Check
wood windows for dry rot, which can
cause leaking and afect longevity.
MAKE IT WATERTIGHT. Reglaze glass
panes and caulk window frames on
both the front and back. Cover roof
seams, peaks, and edges with metal
flashing and flashing caps, left.
MEASURE TWICE! With window and
door sizes in mind, draw a blueprint
BHG.COM/DIY
SMART STORAGE
Strategically set shelves,
stacked 2×4s, and a pair
of up-high plumbing
pipes help support the
windowed roof while
enhancing the shed’s
storage and display
capacity, opposite.
Jennifer’s grandfather’s
wooden ladder holds
plants, tools, and pleasing
familial associations, far
left. Holes created with a
2-inch drill bit turn two
inexpensive 1×4 boards
into a seedling-holding
worktable, left.
that puzzles the elements into a
sturdy structure. Employ plywood
foundation panels and gables and
2×4s to round out your design.
KEEP IT SIMPLE. Use 1½-inch
exterior galvanized screws to attach
windows atop the framework,
instead of setting them inside a
frame as you would when building a
regular house.
LAY A GRAVEL FLOOR. The gravel
can be spread across the ground, so
you don’t have to disturb tree roots.
It drains easily and is easy to level,
Jennifer says.
DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 87
 MAKEOVER MAGIC
Mod glass tile
transforms paint cans
into chic planters,
opposite, just as slate
tiles turn concrete
squares into one-
of-a-kind stepping-
stones, right. To make
a planter: Prep a quart
or gallon can using a
hammer and awl to
poke drainage holes
in the can’s bottom.
Scuf the outside
walls of the can with
sandpaper, then coat
with multisurface
bonding primer and let
dry. Cut strips of glass
tile to fit the can. Set
tile strips using thin-
set mortar for glass
and sanded grout,
guided by steps 2–4
in the how-to for tile
stepping-stones, below.

A
MAKE IT

TILE STEPPING-STONES
MATERIALS
• Stone tile sealer
• Sponge brush
• 12-inch slate tile
• Wire brush
• 18-inch concrete stepping-stone
• Marble mosaic tile
• Thin-set mortar plus polymer
B • Mixing tub
• Mortar trowel
• ¼×3⁄16-inch notched trowel
• Sanded grout plus flexible admixture
• Rubber grout trowel
• Sponge
Step 1 Brush sealer on slate tiles;
let dry. Use a wire brush to clean
the surface of concrete stepping-
stones to ensure mortar adhesion.
Step 2 Measure and cut marble strips
to edge the slate tile on the concrete
square (A). Set marble strips of to the
sides. Mix mortar to thick peanut butter
consistency and apply it 1⁄8 inch thick on
one corner of the concrete for the first
two strips of marble tile; spread with the
notched trowel and lay strips on it.
Step 3 Apply mortar in the same
manner for the slate tile and remaining
marble strips. Lay the slate tile in the
center (B), leaving 1⁄8-inch grouting
space between the marble and slate
tiles. Lay remaining marble strips.
Step 4 Let mortar cure for 24 hours.
Mix and apply sanded grout, pressing it
between the tiles with a grouting trowel.
Use a damp sponge to gently clean
the tiles. Let grout cure for 24 hours.

DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 89

 MAKE IT

TILE TABLETOP
MATERIALS on the board’s bottom; let dry overnight. Roll waterproofing
• Sheet plastic • FlexBond thin-set membrane on the board’s top; let dry 1 hour.
• Cement tile sealer mortar, white Step 2 Cut backer board to size using a scoring knife. Mix thin-
• Cement tile • Mixing tub set mortar with water in a bucket and apply it to plywood top
• Sponge brushes • ¼×3⁄8-inch notched trowel using notched trowel. Top with backer board, aligning it with
• ½×24×24-inch exterior-grade • White grout the plywood. Allow 24 hours for curing.
plywood • Rubber grout float
• Paintbrush • Sponge Step 3 Mix another batch of thin-set mortar with water and
• Spar urethane • Exterior primer and paint apply it to backer board using notched trowel. Set tiles in place
• Sponge roller • Four ¼×1¾×24¼-inch (A), leaving even spacing between them for grout. Let cure for
• Waterproofing membrane wood trim 24 hours. Mix grout with water in tub and apply grout to the
• ½×24×24-inch cement backer • Construction adhesive tabletop, pressing it between the tiles with a grout float. Use a
board • Bar clamp damp sponge to gently clean the tiles. Let cure for 24 hours.
• Scoring knife • 16-inch square planter Step 4 Prime and paint trim; let dry. Attach a trim piece to the
• Large bucket edge of the tabletop, using construction adhesive (B); clamp
to hold it (C). Let dry 3 hours. Repeat with other three pieces
Step 1 Atop plastic, apply cement tile sealer to cement tiles of trim. Or finish the tabletop edge with a thin coat of mortar.
with a sponge brush and let dry 30 minutes; repeat with three Set tabletop on square planter to create a table, below left.
more coats. Weatherproof the plywood: Brush spar urethane (Tabletop is heavy enough that we didn’t need to secure to base.)

90 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 BOWLED OVER Upcycle a
bowling ball and give it new
life in the garden, left. Dress
the ball in a coat of multicolor
smalti glass tiles—made for
mosaics—laid in exterior-type
Laticrete mortar. Use nippers to
reshape the rectangular glass
tiles into smaller pieces or shapes
to fit them together as closely
as possible, below. Display the
sphere on a terra-cotta pot to
hold it of the ground and enable
moisture to drain away.

SHINE ON
Embellishing an
inexpensive crafts
store vase with
translucent glass
gems creates a
colorful votive holder
that doubles as a
suncatcher, left. Apply
a dab of Power-Tac
waterproof adhesive
OPT FOR FLAMELESS to the flat back of
BATTERY-OPERATED each glass gem to
OR SOLAR CANDLES
hold it on the vase.
TO MINIMIZE SAFETY
CONCERNS— Let the adhesive dry
OUTDOORS for 24 hours before
OR INDOORS. adding a candle.
AVOID LEAVING
BURNING CANDLES
UNATTENDED. FOR RESOURCES
SEE PAGE 108.
92 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018
ROUGH TO
RICHES
Packed with potential, wood
shipping pallets morph into stylish
furniture and storage pieces with the
aid of fresh paint and pretty fabric.
PROJECTS MEREDITH LADIK & KATIE LEPORTE
PHOTOGRAPHS ADAM ALBRIGHT WORDS MEREDITH LADIK

HAVE A SEAT Stacked

into a corner-hugging
configuration and
topped with plush
cushions and pillows,
salvaged wood pallets
become a cozy
sectional for lounging
and entertaining,
far left. Hunt locally
for pallets or shop
online (ours are from
cratesandpallet.com
and come in quarter-
and half sizes). Before
you build your own
seating unit, plot its
configuration on the
floor using painters
tape or kraft paper
templates. Top with
ready-made outdoor
cushions or stitch your
own. To protect floors,
attach felt furniture
pads. Use the open
ends of pallets, left,
to stow serving trays,
books, and more.
 MAKE IT

PALLET SECTIONAL
MATERIALS
• Pallets in half and quarter sizes • Upholstery foam
• Block or orbital sander • Electric knife
• Primer, paint • Batting
• Drill and a variety of bits • Fabric
• Wood screws • Zippers
• Scrap wood for cleats

Step 1 Clean and sand pallets. Prime and paint. When dry,
group pallets in stacks of three (A). We used two sets of half
pallets (where the foot of the L and corner stack meet) and A B
two stacks of side-by-side quarter pallets.
Step 2 Join pallets in layers, using a drill and diferent bits:
a countersinking bit to create pilot holes and to recess the
screws visible along outside edges, and extended-length bits
to install screws in diicult-to-reach spaces. Drill on an angle
(B) where needed. Join stacks using wood strips or cleats (C).
Hide screwheads with wood putty and paint if desired.
Step 3 To create custom cushions (D), cut two long sections
of upholstery foam using an electric knife. (Purchase foam
at a fabrics store or online source like fairfieldworld.com.)
Cut each with one angled end for a snug fit at the corner.
Wrap foam in batting to plump. Stitch covers (see zipper
C D
how-to, below).

ZIP IT UP
It’s a stitch to master sewing zippers. Here’s how.
LEARN HOW TO SEW
A BOX CUSHION AT
BHG.COM/BENCHCUSHION

1 CUT Cut two strips of

fabric slightly longer
than your zipper and
equal to the width of
your cushion plus seam
allowances.
2 FOLD Place fabric
strips right sides
together, secure with pins,
and baste 1⁄2 inch from
one long edge. Open
stitched piece, and iron
seam allowance open.
3 STITCH Place zipper
facedown on 4 REMOVE Carefully
remove basting
the basted center; pin stitches to expose
zipper. Using a zipper the zipper.
foot attachment for
your sewing machine,
stitch zipper to the fabric
along three sides.
HOT POCKETS When cut lengthwise into two sections, a pallet becomes a pair of slim storage
and display pockets for platters and utensils, below. Wearing work gloves, remove stray screws
or nails from pallet. Clean and sand pallet. Flip pallet top side down. Mark lines where you
want to cut the pallet into two complete pocket sections. (A third section will be discarded.)
Using a reciprocating saw equipped with a metal-cutting blade (in case you encounter hidden
nails), cut pallet lengthwise (A). Discard leftover portion. Sand edges. For shelf bottoms, cut
sturdy boards to fit snugly into the bottom of each section. Slip boards into place and nail or
screw from the back and sides. (Drill pilot holes first to avoid splitting older wood.) Prime, paint,
and let dry thoroughly. Fasten to wall into studs using steel cleats for hanging cabinetry.
A

A STEEL CLEAT’S

ATTACHES TO
THE BACK OF THE
POCKET, THE OTHER
TO THE WALL—
SAFELY DISTRIBUTE
WEIGHT ALONG THE
SHELF’S BACK. OURS
INCLUDED A HANDY
BUILT-IN LEVEL.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 95

96 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018
 MAKE IT

DRESSING TABLE
MATERIALS needed, with reciprocating saw.
• Pallet
Step 3 Measure and cut two pieces of MDF:
• Sanding block or orbital sander
one to sit on the top edge of the pallet; the
• Reciprocating saw
other for the tabletop.
• Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), cut to
size Step 4 Paint MDF pieces desired color. Let A
• Paint and paintbrush dry. Using a foam brush to avoid visible
• Foam brush brushstrokes (A), apply one or two coats
• High-gloss polyurethane finish for latex paint of a high-gloss polyurethane finish. Let
• Drill and fasteners dry thoroughly between coats.
• L brackets
Step 5 Screw painted accent boards to
• Shelf bracket pair
the pallet’s top and beneath the first
• Circle bit, if needed
horizontal board using L brackets. Attach
Step 1 Remove stray screws, nails, or shelf brackets to vanity top and into
staples. Sand pallet with a block or orbital pallet. If you need to make room for the
sander to desired smoothness. brackets, cut away a portion of the pallet
Step 2 Using a reciprocating saw, cut pallet with a chisel or a circle bit (B).
to desired height (standard desk height is Step 6 Attach pallet to wall and into studs
30 inches). Level the top of the pallet, if using appropriate fasteners. B

DRESSING UP Glam
shelf brackets and a
high-gloss paint finish
give a Cinderella spin
to a forlorn pallet,
BEAUTY opposite and left. Now
it’s a space-saving
MARKS
LET IMPERFECTIONS
vanity console for
primping and prepping.
WORK FOR YOU. ROUGH Added bonus? A built-in
EDGES, VARIATIONS IN
COLORING, OR VISIBLE
compartment at the
IPPC CODES (EXPLAINED bottom to stash footwear
ON PAGE 99) ARE ALL (or glass slippers!).
PART OF THE FUN.

CAN’T FIND
GOLD SHELF
BRACKETS LIKE
OURS? USE
RACK ‘EM UP A simple color wash and a
few cuts of scrap wood elevate a humble
skid into a work of art that doubles as
a book and magazine display rack, this
photo. Stash display-worthy books and
journals here. Install above a desk instead
to store files, tablets, stationery, and more.

SPECIAL THANKS TO
ANNIE SLOAN, CB2,
CRATES & PALLET, DASH
& ALBERT, WHITE FAUX
TAXIDERMY, FREESPIRIT,
JOANN STORES,
ROCKLER, SAFAVIEH,
SERENA & LILY, SHADES
OF LIGHT, SURYA, YORK
WALLCOVERINGS
 MAKE IT
READING RACK
MATERIALS
• Pallet
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Saw
• Scrap lumber
• Drill
• Screws
• Chalk-finish paint, in white plus a color
• Sponge
• Bowls for mixing paints
• Steel cleats for hanging
Step 1 Smooth pallet roughness using
a block or orbital sander. To create
bottoms for each shelf, cut lengths of
scrap dimensional lumber to size. Place
PICKING PALLETS
They’re everywhere—curbside, piled behind businesses, even online. Here’s how
SAFE
SLEUTHING
Ask local businesses and at
residential contractor sites for
pallets they no longer need. Hunt
the free stuf section on your local
Craigslist. (Avoid supermarkets;
their pallets may have food spills,
stains, and smells.) The North
American Pallet Recycling Network
(palletbuyersguide.com) is a state-
by-state guide to pallet providers.
BHG.COM/DIY
the pieces where desired. Screw to pallet
through the sides and back.
Step 2 For an ombré color wash, apply
white paint, watered down slightly,
A
starting at the top and covering the top
third of the pallet. A sponge works best
as an applicator, and a small amount of
paint goes a long way. Slowly blend in a
second color—here it’s Aubusson Blue
from Annie Sloan—watered down to a
sheer opacity (A). For the bottom third
of the pallet, water down the paint only
slightly for a nearly solid appearance.
Step 3 Attach steel cleat to back of pallet
at the top (B), and fasten securely into
studs in the wall.
INSPECT GO THE EASY
THOROUGHLY ROUTE
For furniture projects, test whether No time to scout around or need
the pallet can bear weight. Look for several identical-size pallets? The
the IPPC logo and stamp to learn website cratesandpallet.com sells
where an international pallet was pallets and pallet construction
built and how it was treated. Pallets parts built from either reclaimed
marked HT (heat treatment), DB pallets or fresh, raw wood, and they
(debarked), or KD (kiln-dried) are come in standard, uniform sizes.
likely safe to use for indoor building
projects. Avoid pallets marked MB,
which means the wood was treated
with methyl bromide, a chemical
that’s potentially toxic to humans.
DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 99
 Unfettered creativity,
sweat equity, and
numerous DIY projects
come together in a no-
holds-barred California
cottage’s garden.
WORDS LACEY HOWARD
1 PHOTOGRAPHS ED GOHLICH
FIELD EDITOR KAREN REINECKE
 2 “We’ve changed the
2 3 succulent arrangements
several times over the
years as plants outgrow
the table,” Chantal Aida
Gordon says (pictured left).
The table is constructed
of dimensional lumber
and finished with stain
and marine spar varnish,
and refinished once a year
due to high sun exposure.
3 Ryan Benoit built a
101⁄2-foot-long kitchen
countertop and chalkboard
wall to cover the home’s
stucco exterior. The

4 countertop is 2×6 Douglas

fir glued and bolted, with
a cutout for the stainless-
steel sink. The chalkboard
wall is made from birch
plywood. 4 “It is the largest,
most mature feijoa guava
we’ve ever seen,” Ryan
says of the property’s tree
that shades the kitchen,
dining, and fireside rooms.
“Its branches umbrella the
picnic table and provide a
naturally intimate setting.”
Cedar fencing hides a
weathered reed fence and
provides a contemporary
backdrop for a vintage
Preway fireplace. The
fireside room’s rolling cedar
sectional sofa was designed
by Ryan after picking up a
set of outdoor cushions for
$40 at a yard sale.

A 1,700-SQUARE-FOOT, L-SHAPE PATIO OF CONCRETE

SLABS AND RED PAVERS WRAPS A 750-SQUARE-FOOT
STUCCO COTTAGE IN LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA.
That’s the bare-bones foundation of what is now
known as The Horticult Garden—a wonderland of
plants, open-air rooms, and DIY projects built by
blog creators and cohorts Chantal Aida Gordon and
Ryan Benoit.
Using common building materials such as
dimensional lumber, chain, concrete blocks, casters,
threaded rods, and a smattering of Craigslist scores,
Ryan and Chantal created an outdoor kitchen, a
dining area, and two living areas (one with a giant
TV screen and one with a fireplace), all surrounded
by one-of-a-kind plant installations that thrive
in the microclimates created by the property’s
three trees—a massive twisted feijoa that canopies
almost the entire side yard, and a pair of citrus trees
(tangerine and orange).
The biggest surprise of all? The property is a
rental! Even though the landlord is on board with
the garden makeover, all the projects—furnishings,
fencing, and even the kitchen—are designed to be
portable and temporary. “We covered most of the
home’s unattractive stucco exterior and weathered
reed fences with large wall and fence facades, which
look and feel like they are attached,” Ryan says. “Our
goal was to create a space that you wouldn’t want to
leave on weekends. A resort at home.”

1 A sculptural cactus, Euphorbia ingens, stands in front of an 8-foot-tall, 40-inch-wide “wall” created by
attaching steel channel bars to a redwood frame. The frame allows for LED lighting behind the metal bars and
covers a portion of the home’s stucco exterior.

DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 101

 5

SUN
SCREEN
TO HELP THE TABLETOPS
STAND UP TO THE INTENSE
SUN, RYAN COATS THEM
WITH AN OIL-BASE
PENETRATING STAIN,
THEN WITH A CLEAR
MARINE SPAR VARNISH IN
A SEMIGLOSS OR HIGH- 5 Originally two industrial stepladders, the arbor table welcomes visitors to the garden. To build it,
GLOSS FINISH. Ryan connected the stepladder feet with steel channel iron and bolts, then framed the unit with
2×6 and 4×4 lumber. A tabletop spans the ladders, creating a bar-height gathering space. Faux
grass covers one wall of the garden, acting as a sort of modern art installation. “It was originally
designed to be placed on top of the arbor so that we could climb up on top and catch the
afternoon sun, but safety concerns and its heaviness kept it posted up on the wall,” Chantal says.

102 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 7
RYAN JOINED A
MEMBERSHIP-BASE,
SHARED WORKSHOP
AND BEGAN MAKING
PLANT HABITATS FROM
ACRYLIC USING THE
SHOP’S PROGRAMMABLE
LASER CUTTER.
HE RECOMMENDS
LOOKING FOR A SHARED
WORKSHOP TO BUILD
PROJECTS AS AN
ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING
TOOLS, OR TO PROVIDE
YOU WITH ADDITIONAL
WORK SPACE.

6 Ryan created acrylic terrariums for the garden’s

collection of carnivorous plants including Venus
flytraps, sundews, and pitcher plants. The wooden
structure that holds the boxes is stained with Sikkens
Cetol SRD. “We love this coating because it’s a one-
coat, high-quality application that goes on quickly and
evenly,” Ryan says. 7 ”The translucent white tillandsia
tower is a fun and healthy jungle gym for the garden’s
air plant collection,” Ryan says. He designed the
piece to hang against a wall of the house to “keep the
plants up high in a bright location with excellent air
circulation mimicking these plants’ native habitat.”

6
 GO VERTICAL
Forget paint—let your gardens
color the walls!

DOUBLE DUTY The outdoor shower, left,

is the perfect habitat for water-loving
tropical pitcher plants that occupy clay
pots climbing the slatted wall. “We used
PEX tubing to add extra hose connections
throughout the garden, making irrigation
more convenient and distributed evenly,”
Ryan says. Squirrel-cage fans have a
new life as pendant light shades.

THINK THIN “Ammo cans from military

surplus make great slim-profile planting
containers,” Ryan says of the 7-inch-
deep herb garden suspended on chains
near the outdoor kitchen, below left.
“We avoid older cans to minimize the
risk of toxic paint exposure to the soil.”

GROW UP These planters are spaced

along threaded rods using test flanges,
washers, and nuts, below. “It’s a very
inexpensive way to bring a hanging
vertical garden to almost any location,
and we’ve installed them in many
locations including friends’ balconies
and patios,” Ryan says (pictured below).
“BE PLAYFUL WITH DESIGN—
PEACEFUL MINIMALISM
WHERE YOU SLEEP, AND
CHEERFUL ABUNDANCE
WHERE YOU WORK AND
HANG OUT AND CREATE.”
CHANTAL AIDA GORDON

GO FAUX
AMONG THE GARDEN’S
AMAZING LIVE-PLANT
INSTALLATIONS, RYAN AND
CHANTAL USED DURABLE
TURF CARPETING TO
GREEN AND SOFTEN THE
CONCRETE PATIO.

BHG.COM/DIY DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 105

 8 Tucked beneath the citrus
8 trees and behind the living
area’s screen, a calm corner
is built with painted lumber,
fence boards, and concrete
blocks that stack to support a
purple bench top. Elkhorn fern
wall hangings built by Ryan are
sculptural wall art. 9 During the
day, the living area is a place for
lounging. But after dark, movies,
concerts, and football games
are on the lineup. “Pulling
down the movie screen from
the arbor surprises most of the
first-time guests to the garden,”
Ryan says of the screen that
retracts inside the wooden
structure that separates the
living area from the Zen corner
under the citrus trees.

106 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

 “COOL PLANTS STIMULATE
INTERESTING CONVERSATION, WHICH
TENDS TO STIMULATE OUR VISITORS’
IMAGINATIONS ON WHAT THEY CAN
DO WITH THEIR OUTDOORS.”
RYAN BENOIT

10 Instead of life as
10 a traditional planter,
this whiskey barrel
is a DIY pond in The
Horticult garden’s living
room. “We painted the
barrel a bright silver
to tie it in with the
metal features in the
garden,” Ryan says. The
acrylic kidney-shape
tiers are installed to
protect the pond from
predators and double
as a table surface.

FOR RESOURCES
SEE PAGE 108.
READ ON!

“We’ve designed, built, and planted a lot of window boxes for our very
first book,” Chantal Aida Gordon says. “We do a fresh spin on the classic
window container, showing how to plant inventive arrangements of
cactus, tropicals, ferns, carnivorous plants, and more.”
How to Window Box: Small-Space Plants to Grow
Indoors or Out (Clarkson Potter), $15; amazon.com
 FIND CLICKABLE LINKS
TO ALL THESE SOURCES
IN THE DIGITAL EDITION
OF THIS ISSUE.
BHGSPECIALS.ZINIO.COM
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.
[P] Paint Color Because of the magazine
printing process, paint colors depicted on
our pages might vary slightly from
manufacturers’ colors. Use paint color
names or numbers, when provided, as a
starting point. To get a color as it appears in
the magazine, take the page to a paint
retailer for matching.
[T] To the Trade Contact a design
professional to find more information about
this product or service.
ON THE COVER
Concrete blocks, wood, paint—Lowe’s;
lowes.com. Towels Sandira dish towel set—
Anthropologie; 800/309-2500;
anthropologie.com. Wood planter with herbs,
cuting board, small bowl with carnations—
Walmart Inc.; walmart.com. Black-and-
white graphic rug Lappljung Ruta, clear
glasses on bar Pokal—IKEA; ikea-usa.com.
Ice bucket with lid Threshold double-wall
stainless-steel ice bucket with tongs—
Target Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com
(product line varies).
PATIO POND PLANTER
PAGES 8–11
Exterior wood sealant—Thompson’s
WaterSeal; thompsonswaterseal.com.
Watertight sealant—Flex Seal;
flexsealproducts.com. Fountain kit—
SmartPond; smart-pond.com.
WHAT TO DO WITH:
TROPICAL MATERIALS
PAGES 13–19
Buff-color woven place mat and runner, pink
rug, bedding—HomeGoods; 800/614-4663;
homegoods.com (product line varies). Natural
RESOURCES
woven charger, woven chair with ivory chair
cushion, drum side table, glass-and-gold
pineapple lamp—Pier 1 Imports; 800/245-
4595; pier1.com. Tea-light holder on table
Aqua Lotus Capiz Tealight Candleholder—
World Market; 877/967-5362; worldmarket
.com. Clear glass hurricane vases, gold
frames, acrylic paint FolkArt, soft fabric ink
Fabric Creations—Michaels Stores, Inc.;
michaels.com. Toucan pillow, bamboo sticks
for frame, wooden beads—Jo-Ann Stores;
888/739-4120; joann.com.
SHAPE OF WATER
PAGES 20–21
Sources for efficient nozzles, hoses, and
sprinklers include:
Amazon; amazon.com
Armadillo Hose Products;
armadillohoseproducts.com
Garden Tool Co.; gardentoolcompany.com
Gilmour; gilmour.com
Home Depot; homedepot.com
Manufactum; manufactum.com
Target; target.com
Walmart Inc.; walmart.com
Wisteria; wisteria.com
PARK & PLAY
PAGES 22–25
Wall paint Repose Gray SW7015, floor paint
Dovetail SW7018, buffet paint Tango
SW6649, pegboard squares paint Black Fox
SW7020, Gauntlet Gray SW7019, and
Mindful Gray SW7016—The Sherwin-
Williams Co.; 800/474-3794; sherwin-
williams.com [P]. Floor tile and edging Blue
Hawk 20.5-Inch Square Interlocking System
Garage Tile in gray and black, edged in gray,
rake, hoe, shovel, handheld gardening
tools—Lowe’s; lowes.com. Dolly under red
toolbox Devault Enterprises Multi-Purpose
Dolly, painted ater purchase, toolbox The
Homer, metal yardstick—The Home Depot;
homedepot.com. Paint for dolly Fusion in Ivy
Leaf—Krylon Products Group; 800/457-
9566; krylon.com. Trash can Knodd—IKEA;
ikea-usa.com. Mailbox with hooks, wall clock,
key hooks, iron wall-mount botle opener—
Target Stores; 800/800-8800 for a retail
store near you; target.com (product line
varies). Corkboard—The Board Dudes;
800/272-9667; boarddudes.com.
Clipboards—OfficeMax; 877/633-4236;
officemax.com. Magnetic knife strip—
Amazon.com; amazon.com, search: Chicago
Cutlery Knife Strip. Collapsible step stool
Rhino II Stepstool in Green—Kikkerland;
800/869-1105; kikkerland.com. Orange
rubber-coated hooks Tornado—Racor;
800/783-7725; racorstoragesolutions.com for
a retailer near you. Paint rollers—Purdy;
800/547-0780; purdy.com for a retailer near
you. Dustpan and brush Square Dustpan Set
in Lime by Casabella—The Container Store;
800/786-7315; containerstore.com. Radio,
copper containers with pens and pencils,
enameled metal refrigerator, drawers, amber
medicine botles—homeowners’ collection.
SCREEN TIME
PAGES 36–43
Screening Mini Track system in bronze—
Screen Tight; 800/768-7325; screentight
.com. Concrete floor paint EpoxyShield
concrete floor paint in Armor Gray—Rust-
Oleum; 877/385-8155; rustoleum.com. Porch
frame paint StormCoat in Lincoln Cottage
Black—The Valspar Corp.; 800/845-9061;
valsparpaint.com [P]. Plants—Costa Farms;
costafarms.com. Privacy screen paint
similar available as Relentless Olive
SW6425—The Sherwin-Williams Co.;
800/474-3794; sherwin-williams.com [P].
Rug, chairs Beta Rose, dark martini
glasses—CB2; 800/606-6252; cb2.com.
Table runner, throw blanket on basket,
champagne glasses, napkin on bar—World
Market; 877/967-5362; worldmarket.com.
Tray on dining table, string lights, floor
basket, hanging bowls for planters—Target
Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com (product
line varies). Sectional sofa, tray on coffee
table, ice bin—Walmart Inc.; walmart.com.
Pendant light basket—The Home Depot;
homedepot.com (product line varies). White
and gray planters—Amazon; amazon.com,
search: Root & Stock. Bar wineglass
holder—Rev-A-Shelf; 800/626-1126;
rev-a-shelf.com. Bar botle opener—
Amazon; amazon.com, search: A&G
Products. Pitcher on bar 365+—IKEA;
ikea-usa.com. Copper cocktail shaker
Orb—Crate & Barrel; 800/967-6696;
crateandbarrel.com. Copper pineapple cups
with lids The Pineapple Co.—Bed Bath &
Beyond; 800/462-3966; bedbathandbeyond
.com (product line varies). Plant bench with
yellow legs—Etsy; etsy.com, search: wood
tabletop with metal legs.
FULL OF SURPRISES
PAGES 44–51
Construction: Jake Angi, Angi Construction,
Valdese, North Carolina; 828/443-3685;
angiconstruction.com.
Page 44
Rockers, pillows—Lowes Foods, LLC;
lowesfoods.com. Table—HomeGoods;
800/614-4663; homegoods.com (product line
varies). Door paint Wythe Blue—Benjamin
Moore; 855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com
[P]. Planter, doormat—Target Stores;
800/800-8800; target.com (product line
varies).
Pages 45–46
Wall paint Silver Strand SW7057—The
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Cabinetry Arcadia
collection, appliances, shelf brackets,
countertops Calacatta Marble Etchings
laminate by Formica, chandelier Eberline
Oil-Rubbed Bronze Crystal Single Cone
Pendant, black herb pots—Lowe’s; lowes.com.
Cabinet knobs polished chrome, cabinet
pulls polished chrome—D. Lawless
Hardware, Olney, Illinois; 618/395-3945;
dlawlesshardware.com. Faucet Glacier Bay
Lyndhurst in chrome—The Home Depot;
homedepot.com (product line varies). Barn
door—original to home. Barn door
hardware—Etsy; etsy.com, search: sliding
door hardware. Cake stand, canisters—
HomeGoods; 800/614-4663; homegoods.com
(product line varies). Tea towels—Target
Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com (product
line varies). Mesh basket, green bowls—
World Market; 877/967-5362;
BHG.COM/DIY
worldmarket.com.
Page 47
Wall paint Silver Strand SW7057—The
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Floor stain Dark
Walnut—Minwax; 800/523-9299; minwax
.com. Dining table Wood Deighton Extension
Table—World Market; 877/967-5362;
worldmarket.com. Tufted setee, dining
chairs, armchairs, rug, candlesticks—
HomeGoods; 800/614-4663; homegoods.com
(product line varies). Table runner, vases,
frames for silhouetes—Target Stores;
800/800-8800; target.com (product line
varies). Chandelier vintage—For Old Times
Sake, Wake Forest, North Carolina;
919/554-1744; foroldtimessakeantiques.com.
Mirror over mantel—thrit-store find.
Page 48 (top let, top right)
Wall paint Magnetic Gray SW7058,
fireplace paint Agreeable Gray SW7029—
The Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Floor stain Dark
Walnut—Minwax; 800/523-9299;
minwax.com. Fireplace brick panel—Lowe’s;
lowes.com. Freestanding 20-inch electric
fireplace—The Home Depot; homedepot.com
(product line varies). Chair at window
Tuted Rollback Slipper Chair, rug, throw on
sofa—Target Stores; 800/800-8800; target
.com (product line varies). Sofa Pierre—Z
Gallerie; 800/358-8288; zgallerie.com. Coffee
table, throw pillows, candlesticks, otoman—
HomeGoods; 800/614-4663; homegoods.com
(product line varies). Chandelier—Wayfair;
877/929-3247; wayfair.com.
Page 48 (bottom right), page 49
Wall paint Agreeable Gray SW7029—The
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Floor and desktop
stain Dark Walnut—Minwax; 800/523-
9299; minwax.com. Lamp, boxwood wreath
Preserved Boxwood Greens by Smith &
Hawken, baskets, file folders—Target
Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com (product
line varies). Gold monogram—Lovey Dovey
Darling; loveydoveydarling.etsy.com.
Dog silhouete—Etsy, etsy.com, search:
framed dog silhouette. “Be Happy”
print—HomeGoods; 800/614-4663;
homegoods.com (product line varies). Rug
Cosmopolitan area rug by Surya available
in blue and gray—Rugs USA; rugsusa.com.
Desk chairs—HomeGoods; 800/614-4663;
homegoods.com (product line varies). White
hanging photograph holder—T.J. Maxx;
800/285-6299; tjmaxx.com (product line
varies). Setee, side table, desks, tables,
chandelier, miscellaneous frames—
homeowners’ collection of thrit-store finds
and hand-me-downs.
Pages 50–51
Wall paint Magnetic Gray SW7058—The
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Floor stain Dark
Walnut—Minwax; 800/523-9299; minwax
.com. Rug Old Treasures in gray—The Home
Depot; homedepot.com (product line varies).
Bed Drake by Mercury Row—Wayfair;
877/929-3247; wayfair.com. Bedside stands
Turned Leg Accent Table from the Threshold
collection, duvet and bedding, throw pillows,
throw blanket—Target Stores; 800/800-
8800; target.com (product line varies).
Chandelier Valentina by Quoizel—Lowe’s;
lowes.com. Candlesticks—HomeGoods;
800/614-4663; homegoods.com (product line
varies). Lamps—Ross Stores; rossstores.com.
Mirror—T.J. Maxx; 800/285-6299; tjmaxx
.com (product line varies).
BACKYARD BLISS
PAGES 52–59
Pipes and connectors for coffee table and
Adirondack-style chairs—SteelTek;
800/782-2385; steel-tek.com. Porcelain
pavers Gotham Gray outdoor porcelain
tile—The Tile Shop; 888/398-6595;
tileshop.com. Polypropylene platform for
pavers Brock PaverBase—The Home Depot;
homedepot.com (product line varies). Pump,
tubing, spillway, and spout for water
feature—SmartPond; smart-pond.com.
Hanging lights—Menards; for locations
throughout the Midwest, visit menards.com.
Table, chairs, white planter with stand,
rug—Room & Board; 800/486-6554;
roomandboard.com. Pink throw on chair,
planter with wooden stand by rug,
hurricane lanterns on table, white cuting
board under lantern—Target Stores;
800/800-8800; target.com (product line
varies). Decorative pillows—Hayneedle;
888/880-4884; hayneedle.com. Lamp Prism
Outdoor Table Lamp—Crate & Barrel;
800/967-6696; crateandbarrel.com. Square
black planters—Earl May Seed & Nursery;
earlmay.com. Black-and-white striped rug,
white watering can—CB2; 800/606-6252;
cb2.com. Striped bowl with oranges—Iittala;
iittala.com. Black watering can—IKEA;
ikea-usa.com.
INSIDE THE BOX
PAGES 60–65
Pages 60–61
Wall paint Riverway SW6222—The
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Dresser Eleanor
Chest—Ethan Allen Home Interiors;
888/324-3571; ethanallen.com. Framed
artwork—Minted; minted.com. Quilting hoop
used as display shelf—Hobby Lobby;
800/323-9204; hobbylobby.com. Latice
pieces for shelves, eyelet hooks—Menards;
for locations throughout the Midwest, visit
menards.com. Paint for jewelry holder Warm
Gold—Rust-Oleum; 877/385-8155;
DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018 109
 rustoleum.com. Record box, trophy, gold vase,
perfume, mirror, candle, cup, crown, sequin
clutch, necklaces, nail polish, deer ornament,
clock, wooden soil sifter used as jewelry
holder, tin floral box—vintage finds.
Pages 62–63
Wall paint Past And Present—HGTV
Home by Sherwin-Williams;
hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com [P]. Flooring
Historic Oak in Ash 22100 laminate—
Mannington; 800/482-9527; mannington
.com. Table Portica in Maple Shell—Room &
Board; 800/486-6554; roomandboard.com.
Chairs TA in Blue Peacock—Industry West;
888/991-2386; industrywest.com. Milk-glass
vase, copper vase, teacup, camera—vintage
finds. Framed abstract art—Minted; minted
.com. Frame—Target Stores; 800/800-8800;
target.com (product line varies). Shadow box
frames—Michaels Stores, Inc.; michaels.com.
Swimming suit—Cheshire Vintage Shop;
cheshirevintageshop.etsy.com. Sea glass for
shadow box—Terrain; 877/583-7724;
shopterrain.com. Shells for shadow box—
Amazon; amazon.com, search: natural
sea shells.
Pages 64–65
Wall paint Alpaca SW7022—The Sherwin-
Williams Co.; 800/474-3794; sherwin-
williams.com [P]. Flooring Historic Oak in
Ash 22100 laminate—Mannington;
800/482-9527; mannington.com. Rug—
IKEA; ikea-usa.com. Chair—Room & Board;
800/486-6554; roomandboard.com. Pillow
cover—West Elm; 866/428-6468; westelm
.com (product line varies). Lamp—Target
Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com (product
line varies). Hanging map—Little Low
Studio; littlelow.com. Shelves and brackets,
plexiglass, drawer pull for table project, flat
corner braces—Lowe’s; lowes.com. Hairpin
legs Classic Designs by Matthew Burak—
through TableLegs.com; 800/748-3480;
tablelegs.com. Gliter leters, marquee
leters—Michaels Stores, Inc.; michaels.com.
Animals—Amazon; amazon.com, search:
collectible plastic animals. Paper blossoms
Jumbo Crepe Paper Flowers, sold in set of
two—Pottery Barn Kids; 800/430-7373;
potterybarnkids.com. Paint for table legs and
flat corner braces Warm Gold, paint for
printer’s box and frame White, chalked
spray paint for plastic animals in Coastal
Blue and Midnight Blue—Rust-Oleum;
877/385-8155; rustoleum.com. Throw on
chair, books, vases, vintage printer’s box for
table project, cigar boxes—vintage finds.
THE LIVING IS EASY
PAGES 66–75
Concrete blocks, wood, paint—Lowe’s;
lowes.com. Towels Sandira dish towel set—
Anthropologie; 800/309-2500;
anthropologie.com. Wood planter with herbs,
110 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018
cuting board, small bowl with carnations—
Walmart Inc.; walmart.com. Black-and-
white graphic rug Lappljung Ruta, clear
glasses on bar Pokal—IKEA; ikea-usa.com.
Ice bucket with lid Threshold double-wall
stainless-steel ice bucket with tongs—
Target Stores; 800/800-8800; target.com
(product line varies). Tablecloth fabric—
Jo-Ann Stores; 888/739-4120; joann.com.
Turquoise earrings—H&M; hm.com.
Wooden folding chairs—Amazon; amazon
.com, search: natural wood folding chair.
Green rug—World Market; 877/967-5362;
worldmarket.com.
ALL DRESSED UP
PAGES 76–81
Pages 76, 78
Paint for dresser Green Gables—Benjamin
Moore; 855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com
[P]. Wallpaper Phantasm, drawer pulls
Prismatic Spring—Anthropologie; 800/309-
2500; anthropologie.com. Dresser—thrit-
store find.
Page 79
Dresser Tarva three-drawer dresser with
birch veneer—IKEA; ikea-usa.com. Wood
glue Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue—
Titebond; 800/669-4583; titebond.com.
Wood knobs—Woodcraters; 800/777-3709;
woodcraters.us. Base light paint Air.01—
Color House; colorhousepaint.com [P]. Pink
paints Dark Salmon, Pink Peach, Smashing
Pink—Benjamin Moore; 855/724-6802;
benjaminmoore.com [P].
Page 80
Dresser Malm three-drawer dresser with
birch veneer—IKEA; ikea-usa.com. Dresser
paint Dream.o6—Color House;
colorhousepaint.com [P]. Spray paint for
hardware Universal Advance Formula in
Pure Gold—Rust-Oleum; 877/385-8155;
rustoleum.com. Drawer pulls Vintage Style
Campaign Hardware from Young House
Love—The Home Depot; homedepot.com
(product line varies).
Page 81
Wood drawer pulls 128mm Wooden Drawer
Pull—Ali Express; aliexpress.com. Base paint
color Air.01—Color House; colorhousepaint
.com [P]. Dark green paint Green Gables,
light peach paint Pink Peach, light pink
paint Smashing Pink—Benjamin Moore;
855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com [P]. Dark
pink paint Petal.03, dark turquoise paint
Dream.06, light aqua paint Dream.02—
Color House; colorhousepaint.com [P].
Dresser—thirt-store find.
VIEWS ALL AROUND
PAGES 82–87
All items salvaged or from homeowners’
collection.
OUTER BEAUTY
PAGES 88–91
Page 88
Tile Brio Color in Cerulean Blue, Robin’s Egg
Blue, Pale Blue, and Tropical; Brio Pearl in
Pearl Olive Green—Modwalls; 877/439-
9734; modwalls.com. Mortar Glass Tile
Thin-Set Mortar, grout Fusion Pro Stain-
Resistant Grout 544 Rolling Fog—Custom
Building Products; 800/272-8746;
custombuildingproducts.com. Paint cans for
project—The Home Depot; homedepot.com
(product line varies).
Page 89
Floor tile 12-inch-square Copper Rust slate,
two-part plastic mortar Pro-Lastic, grout
Pro-Grout in Sanded Mobe Pearl, grout
admixture Superior Flexible Grout
Admixture—The Tile Shop; 888/398-6595;
tileshop.com. Polished marble tile in Ming
Green P0301115—Glass Tile Oasis;
866/392-1659; glasstileoasis.com. Sealant
Tile Lab Surface Guard clear penetrating
sealer—The Home Depot; homedepot.com
(product line varies). Concrete paver
16-inch—Menards; for locations throughout
the Midwest, visit menards.com.
Page 90
Green chair Parklane Metal Chair in
Honeydew—Torrans Manufacturing Co.,
LLC, Jefferson, Texas; 903/665-6449;
retrometalchairs.com. Concrete tiles on
tabletop Alhambra 50B, Fez 928-A, St.
Tropez 883A—Grenada Tile; grenadatile
.com; Bordeaux II, Camryn II, Chelsea I,
Rabat Gold, Mahlia Mint, Tournesol—
Cement Tile Shop; cementtileshop.com.
Cement board Wonderboard, thin-set
mortar Flexbond Crack Prevention in white,
waterproofing Red Guard, multisurface
bonding primer, penetrating sealer Sealer’s
Choice Gold, grout Fusion Pro—Custom
Building Products, 800/272-8746;
custombuildingproducts.com. Plywood,
indoor-outdoor spar urethane Helmsman by
Minwax—The Home Depot; homedepot.com
(product line varies).
Page 91 (top)
Smalti Orsoni tile in Ultramarine Blue
A-SM-4007, B-Tint-3-SM-4004,
A-Tint-3-SM-4010, and A-Tint-5-SM-4012,
Cyan Blue SM-4019, Chartreuse
Tint-3-SM-2028, Pea Green SM-5013 and
Tint-3-SM-5016, Leaf Green SM-5019,
Indian Yellow Tint-3-SM-2034, Cad-Yellow
Tint-3-SM-2010, Orange-Yellow SM-2013—
Mosaic Art Supply; mosaicartsupply.com.
Thin-set mortar 253 Gold—Laticrete
International, Inc.; 800/243-4788;
laticrete.com.
Page 91 (bottom)
Large glass pieces Glass Gems in Light
Green, Grass Green, Classic Green, and
Metallic Green, small glass pieces Mini
 Glass Gems in Aqua Green, Emerald Green,
Lime Green, and Lime Green Luster—
Wholesalers USA, Inc.; 800/939-5015;
wholesalersusa.com. Adhesive Power-Tac—
Beacon Adhesives; beaconadhesives.com.
Vase Hailey 1106319—Hobby Lobby;
800/323-9204; hobbylobby.com. Candle
Hemsjö—IKEA; ikea-usa.com. Green
sand—Dollar Tree; dollartree.com.
ROUGH TO RICHES
PAGES 92–99
Pallets quarter and half pallets—Crates and
Pallet; cratesandpallet.com.
Pages 92–94
Blue ticking fabric Highwire in Crème de
Menthe 11294634 by Waverly, pink chevron
fabric Home Décor print fabric Luther Diva
Richloom 14040737, green paisley fabric
Keepsake Calico coton fabric Nicole Moss
10792190; upholstery foam Air-Lite Extra
High Density Polyurethane Foam
13136155—Jo-Ann Stores; 888/739-4120;
joann.com. Blue floral fabric, doted
geometric fabric both from the Chloe
Collection at Free Spirit Fabrics;
freespiritfabrics.com. Green-and-white
pillow, second from right Hemma HM006,
green throw blanket Teegan TEE-1009—
Surya; 877/275-7847; surya.com. Rug Fair
Isle Grey/Platinum coton woven rug—
Dash & Albert, an Annie Selke company;
877/586-4771; annieselke.com. White
plaster antlers—White Faux Taxidermy;
whitefauxtaxidermy.com. Crane floor lamp
485529; high-gloss square white trays
483403—CB2; 800/606-6252; cb2.com.
Pallet paint White Drifts—Benjamin
Moore; 855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com
[P].
Page 95
Wall paint Individual White SW6008—The
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Steel cleats for
hanging shelves—Rockler; rockler.com.
Pages 96-97
Wallpaper Aquarella—York Wallcoverings;
800/375-9675; yorkwall.com. Mirror
Mosaic, window panels French Tassel in
Emerald—Serena & Lily; 866/597-2742;
serenaandlily
.com. Shelving paint Aqueduct SW6758—
The Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Rug—Dash &
Albert, an Annie Selke company; 877/586-
4771; annieselke.com. High-gloss
polyurethane for shelving—Minwax;
800/523-9299; minwax.com. Chair,
brackets, candles—Anthropologie;
800/309-2500; anthropologie.com. Flooring
COREtec in Ivory Coast White—US Floors;
800/404-2675; usfloorsllc.com.
Page 98
Wall paint Alabaster White SW7008—The
Sherwin-Williams Co.; 800/474-3794;
sherwin-williams.com [P]. Chair Falcon in
blue, gilt side table—Safavieh; safavieh.com.
Chair pillow Glamorous Foil Leaves in gold
from the Beter Homes & Gardens®
collection—Walmart Inc.; walmart.com. Rug
Ikat-Inspired Ombré Flatweave in Dark Blue
and Biscoti—Shades of Light; 800/262-
6612; shadesoflight.com. Chalk paints for
project Pure White, Aubusson Blue—Annie
Sloan, New Orleans; 504/309-4454;
anniesloan.com. Flooring Historic Oak in
Ash 22100 laminate—Mannington;
800/482-9527; mannington.com. Steel cleats
for hanging shelves—Rockler; rockler.com.
CULT CLASSIC
PAGES 100–107
For more information about Ryan Benoit and
Chantal Aida Gordon’s blog, The Horticult, visit
thehorticult.com. To find out more about
Ryan Benoit’s furniture designs, visit
ryanbenoitdesign.com.

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4
1

4. Fall in love with these itty-bitty

avocado stamps (they’re a little
bigger than your finger). Ink them
up for some invites to your next
Mexican fiesta! Ink pad not included.
$14; talktothesun.etsy.com

1. Pineapples get 3. Choose a slice with

our vote for fruit of these colorful note
the year. Show your cards and matching
pineapple pride with envelopes. The pack
this downloadable of 12 has four fruits
print. $5 for digital file; to choose from
limitationfree (pineapple not shown).
.etsy.com Fruit Note Cards, $15;
merimeri.com 3
2. Pick a fruity fabric
for your next project.
This poppy strawberry
print makes a great
fit on a summery
apron or for outdoor
place mats. Strawberry
Milkshake (white);
from $17.50 per yard;
spoonflower.com
5

2
5. Felt fruits and veggies are ripe for the
picking in this Etsy shop. Use one as an adorable
pincushion or gather a bunch for a sweet display.
Pick and choose the pieces you like, or go for
a set with a variety of farmers market produce.
$6–$9 per piece; myfruit.etsy.com

112 DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2018

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