Tag Archives: diy

Kitchen utensil boards

I decided I wanted to hang up some things in my kitchen after seeing this pegboard at A Beautiful Mess.

The problem, the only wall in my kitchen is right where I have to open cabinet doors.

My husband helped me realize it would not work to hang a pegboard because it would stick out too far.

After trying to search online for a something thin to hang utensils on and failing, I decided to make my own.

My husband cut me two pieces of plywood and I painted them white.

Then I measured and marked every two inches, taped it off, and started painting.

I just used an outdoor craft paint I already had.

I took the tape off while the paint was still a little wet.

Now came the hard part!

I layed out all of the things I wanted to hang up and tried to figure out where I wanted them.

Then I marked the spot with a pencil.

I bought hooks from walmart to put in my boards but I hate trying to screw them in!

I found the easiest way was to hammer a small nail into the spot I wanted to put the screw, pull it out, then screw in a screw a little ways with a screwdriver.

I then took it out and screwed the hook in.

This worked vastly better then trying to just screw the hook straight into the board.

I bought small hooks and mug hooks.

It is best to check and make sure what you want to hang with work with the hooks first.

Some things were too big.

After I was done making the boards I screwed the boards directly to the wall.

I tried to find the wall studs but was unsuccessful (many, many times) despite the fact I was using a stud finder.

My husband had to show me where they were and they were not in the right spots for the boards.

The walls hate me.

I used anchors for three of the fours screws.

I was able to hit a stud for one of the screws (miracles do happen).

I used two hooks to hold up my menu board.

I have had it for a while and did not want to give it up!

I am glad I was able to work it in!

I used some white nails for things that did not fit well on the hooks.

After doing the first board I realized it would have been better to use nails instead of hooks on the top row.

It is a little harder to get the spoons off the hooks that are high up.

Other then that I really like them!

It helps me feel like I am using all of my space to it’s fullest also!

Things I have been making this week.

A Puppet Theater

I have been wanting to make a puppet theater for a while now!

I am so glad I finally did it!

I just used a curtain rod and a curtain I had laying around.

I did just buy a curtain rod this morning that fits their closet door so the puppet theater is not clogging doorways anymore.

Like my puppets?

Most of them are those fun washclothes that fit like gloves and look like animals!

I have used them instead of puppets for a long time.

They wash really easily and are pretty tough to mess up.

I think it is a hit.

Monopoly Art

I found an old monopoly set at a garage sale for dirt cheap a long time ago.

Since I am in a simplifying(getting rid of junk) mood, I knew I needed to use it or toss it!

I made this from a thrift store picture frame, scrapbook paper, one railroad game card, and some of the little green houses.

I used the double sided stickers for scrapbooking to hold the card and houses in place.

I hung it in our schooling section in the living room.

I kind of love it!

I put these awesome game pieces that came with it on a shelf nearby.

Zoo Scavenger Hunt

After seeing this awesome Zoo Scavenger hunt on Pinterest, I knew I wanted to make my own!

Since my 5yr old is such a little reader, I wanted a little more of a challenge for him then just pictures.

I do know how to spell Meercats.

I am just too lazy to fix it now.

I will fix it for my son though!

So that is what I have been making this week.

Have you been making anything because you are cheap(thrifty) also?

Pinwheel Banner

I finally found a use for all those pinwheels I had laying around (failed project) after seeing this pinwheel wreath online!

I could make a pinwheel banner!

I knew I was not the first one with the idea so I googled it.

After seeing how several people hung theirs, I decided on just stringing it with twine.

I saw the idea here, she used a book. PLEASE do not use a book!!! I will be eternally grateful.

I am an avid book lover and can’t stand to see all these old books being cut up!

Some crafts stores carry scrapbook paper that looks very similar.

If you want to see more on my boys room, check out my post here.

To make a pinwheel you just need to cut a piece of paper in a square and make four cuts from the corners towards the middle.

The first couple I made I did exact measurements to make sure my cuts were perfect.

After about six or so I just started folding it and cutting…

I am lazy.

For the banner I just need to keep the pinwheel closed so I put a scrapbook brad in the middle.

It works best if you use a pin to poke a hole in it first.

Here are two I made that spin.

The one on the left has a scapbooking eyelet, a bead, and a pin.

The one on the right is just a push pin.

I have found the kind with the eyelet, pin, and bead to spin easier.

The dowel to mount it on can be bought at a craft store.

I really like it!

I hope my boys do not think it is something new to destroy…