Super Sweet Vintage Statement Piece

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.



What You'll Need:

A shutter or something that will let light through - See step one for tips on how to find something that works for you!
Christmas lights - I used the kind that hang down from a main strand so you can pull some of the lights through and have them peep out. Whatever you have lying around will work great too!
Wire nails - Chose a size that isn't so large you are making large holes or destroying your wall, but can easily keep a string of lights in place.
2 garage utility hangers - I'm not too sure the technical names for these, but I chose something that held 25lbs (50lbs with two) that stuck about 4 inches out of the wall. When you hang the shutter, you need to open it part way in order to let light through, so it's really going to depend on what you are hanging. Try to get a color that roughly matches. I used black and even though my shutter is green, you really don't notice the bracket once it's on the wall. Measure before you go to the store, when I went I bought a few different things so I wouldn't have to keep going back. I found these guys at Home Depot. See the picture below for an idea of what type I am talking about (and COMMENT BELOW if you know the technical name!)
HammerDrill or ScrewdriverLevelPencilStep ladder - if you need it!A helping handSmall automated timer (optional)Cost: ~$100 but it could be cheaper if you get something smaller or already have something lying aroundTime: 1 hour

Hanging Brackets

What to Do:

1. Shop around for a piece you like. This can be intimidating for some, but it should be fun! Go to thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls and look for something you like. I found mine at an Antique Mall (Shoutout to the Brass Armadillo). Looking in these types of places will not only give you a better price, but will also have some more authentic pieces. Look for something that goes with your house and if you like what I used, something that has peeling paint, rusty hinges, and has a lot of stories to tell. Be sure to check the structural integrity of the piece. Don't worry if it isn't perfect, but it should be able to hold it's own weight. I hung mine upside down (so the light filters upwards). It's important to have a few places (with rough dimensions) in mind as to where you want to put it. This helps, although don't let it be a deal breaker. If you find something you are in love with, make it work! Also, don't forget to bargain!!

I used a pretty large shade. Don't forget to measure the amount of space you need to open it up a bit!

Look for something with good bones and a rustic character. Most importantly, something you love,  don't settle just because it has a nice price tag.

2. Once you've found what you want, it's time to hang it. I had a helper when I went to hang, and it's probably not a bad idea to have someone help you out. First, decide how you want it to hang (sideways, upside down as I did, right side up, or whatever makes you happy). While someone holds the piece roughly where you want it, use the pencil to mark one of the corners. Eyeball it to be level, you will fix this later. Next, measure (levels usually have a rough ruler on the side) the distance between the edge of the shutter and where the open part is. You will have two measurements one that goes inwards and one down. Give yourself about an inch or so of play room, in case something gets messed up. Remember - measure twice! Now using your level, measure out the distance you need, mark it, then measure downward (or down then out). Once you've found your spot, put up your bracket and use your pencil to mark lines where your screws should go. It's probably best NOT to be on a stud wall, especially if you are using a screwdriver, simply because it's quite difficult to get the screw in. If you do end up on a stud and can't get the screw in you have a few options. One is to just hammer it in the rest of the way, move it and start over, or if it is most of the way in, leave it. 

Hanging detail. I know it sticks out here, but when you are in the space, you don't notice the bracket =)

3. Using a friend or helper, hang the shutter up on the one hook, but try not to let it hang that way! You don't want to rip the bracket out of the wall, so have a helper just hold the other end, adjusting as needed to get it level. Put the level on the top of the piece, level the piece on the wall, then mark the opposite corner from the bracket you just hung. Repeat step 2.

My helping hand, working hard ;)

4. Hang the shutter and open it to where you want it. Take a step back and figure out how you want to hang your lights. Then, again with your handy pencil, mark all four inside corners of your shutter on the wall. You can mark lightly, don't worry, this is just to help you know where your lights should be.

5. Hang your lights! Safety first! Do this with the lights off!!!!! This is the fun part. arrange your lights by starting from one end and snaking down the rough outline you've made. I used the wire nails and nailed the light string to the wall where it was needed. In order to do this, I pulled the twisted parts of the wire apart just a bit and put the nail in between the two wires. Since I used the strings that hang down, I also twisted and curled some of the strings around to create more lights in some spots for a little variety. Remember: nothing here is set in stone, you are going to want to move lights around, and pull them through a bit once you put the shade back on.

It's worth it to plug the lights in, the take a step back to see where things need to be fixed

Detailed look at how the wire nails hold the lights

6. Plug the lights in. If you have a small light timer, now is the time to set it. I used one because it will go on and off when I want without having to think about it.

7. Hang the shade up and adjust. Be creative here! have some lights poke out all around the shutter area. Play with it and make something you like. This is where it really becomes yours, I've been moving some lights around as I feel and now I have a bit more peaking out than shown in the photographs.

8. Enjoy!!

Finished product! Looks great with any combination of lights on or off!

That's about all! Happy decorating!

-M

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.



What You'll Need:

A shutter or something that will let light through - See step one for tips on how to find something that works for you!
Christmas lights - I used the kind that hang down from a main strand so you can pull some of the lights through and have them peep out. Whatever you have lying around will work great too!
Wire nails - Chose a size that isn't so large you are making large holes or destroying your wall, but can easily keep a string of lights in place.
2 garage utility hangers - I'm not too sure the technical names for these, but I chose something that held 25lbs (50lbs with two) that stuck about 4 inches out of the wall. When you hang the shutter, you need to open it part way in order to let light through, so it's really going to depend on what you are hanging. Try to get a color that roughly matches. I used black and even though my shutter is green, you really don't notice the bracket once it's on the wall. Measure before you go to the store, when I went I bought a few different things so I wouldn't have to keep going back. I found these guys at Home Depot. See the picture below for an idea of what type I am talking about (and COMMENT BELOW if you know the technical name!)
HammerDrill or ScrewdriverLevelPencilStep ladder - if you need it!A helping handSmall automated timer (optional)Cost: ~$100 but it could be cheaper if you get something smaller or already have something lying aroundTime: 1 hour

Hanging Brackets

What to Do:

1. Shop around for a piece you like. This can be intimidating for some, but it should be fun! Go to thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls and look for something you like. I found mine at an Antique Mall (Shoutout to the Brass Armadillo). Looking in these types of places will not only give you a better price, but will also have some more authentic pieces. Look for something that goes with your house and if you like what I used, something that has peeling paint, rusty hinges, and has a lot of stories to tell. Be sure to check the structural integrity of the piece. Don't worry if it isn't perfect, but it should be able to hold it's own weight. I hung mine upside down (so the light filters upwards). It's important to have a few places (with rough dimensions) in mind as to where you want to put it. This helps, although don't let it be a deal breaker. If you find something you are in love with, make it work! Also, don't forget to bargain!!

I used a pretty large shade. Don't forget to measure the amount of space you need to open it up a bit!

Look for something with good bones and a rustic character. Most importantly, something you love,  don't settle just because it has a nice price tag.

2. Once you've found what you want, it's time to hang it. I had a helper when I went to hang, and it's probably not a bad idea to have someone help you out. First, decide how you want it to hang (sideways, upside down as I did, right side up, or whatever makes you happy). While someone holds the piece roughly where you want it, use the pencil to mark one of the corners. Eyeball it to be level, you will fix this later. Next, measure (levels usually have a rough ruler on the side) the distance between the edge of the shutter and where the open part is. You will have two measurements one that goes inwards and one down. Give yourself about an inch or so of play room, in case something gets messed up. Remember - measure twice! Now using your level, measure out the distance you need, mark it, then measure downward (or down then out). Once you've found your spot, put up your bracket and use your pencil to mark lines where your screws should go. It's probably best NOT to be on a stud wall, especially if you are using a screwdriver, simply because it's quite difficult to get the screw in. If you do end up on a stud and can't get the screw in you have a few options. One is to just hammer it in the rest of the way, move it and start over, or if it is most of the way in, leave it. 

Hanging detail. I know it sticks out here, but when you are in the space, you don't notice the bracket =)

3. Using a friend or helper, hang the shutter up on the one hook, but try not to let it hang that way! You don't want to rip the bracket out of the wall, so have a helper just hold the other end, adjusting as needed to get it level. Put the level on the top of the piece, level the piece on the wall, then mark the opposite corner from the bracket you just hung. Repeat step 2.

My helping hand, working hard ;)

4. Hang the shutter and open it to where you want it. Take a step back and figure out how you want to hang your lights. Then, again with your handy pencil, mark all four inside corners of your shutter on the wall. You can mark lightly, don't worry, this is just to help you know where your lights should be.

5. Hang your lights! Safety first! Do this with the lights off!!!!! This is the fun part. arrange your lights by starting from one end and snaking down the rough outline you've made. I used the wire nails and nailed the light string to the wall where it was needed. In order to do this, I pulled the twisted parts of the wire apart just a bit and put the nail in between the two wires. Since I used the strings that hang down, I also twisted and curled some of the strings around to create more lights in some spots for a little variety. Remember: nothing here is set in stone, you are going to want to move lights around, and pull them through a bit once you put the shade back on.

It's worth it to plug the lights in, the take a step back to see where things need to be fixed

Detailed look at how the wire nails hold the lights

6. Plug the lights in. If you have a small light timer, now is the time to set it. I used one because it will go on and off when I want without having to think about it.

7. Hang the shade up and adjust. Be creative here! have some lights poke out all around the shutter area. Play with it and make something you like. This is where it really becomes yours, I've been moving some lights around as I feel and now I have a bit more peaking out than shown in the photographs.

8. Enjoy!!

Finished product! Looks great with any combination of lights on or off!

That's about all! Happy decorating!

-M

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.



What You'll Need:

A shutter or something that will let light through - See step one for tips on how to find something that works for you!
Christmas lights - I used the kind that hang down from a main strand so you can pull some of the lights through and have them peep out. Whatever you have lying around will work great too!
Wire nails - Chose a size that isn't so large you are making large holes or destroying your wall, but can easily keep a string of lights in place.
2 garage utility hangers - I'm not too sure the technical names for these, but I chose something that held 25lbs (50lbs with two) that stuck about 4 inches out of the wall. When you hang the shutter, you need to open it part way in order to let light through, so it's really going to depend on what you are hanging. Try to get a color that roughly matches. I used black and even though my shutter is green, you really don't notice the bracket once it's on the wall. Measure before you go to the store, when I went I bought a few different things so I wouldn't have to keep going back. I found these guys at Home Depot. See the picture below for an idea of what type I am talking about (and COMMENT BELOW if you know the technical name!)
HammerDrill or ScrewdriverLevelPencilStep ladder - if you need it!A helping handSmall automated timer (optional)Cost: ~$100 but it could be cheaper if you get something smaller or already have something lying aroundTime: 1 hour

Hanging Brackets

What to Do:

1. Shop around for a piece you like. This can be intimidating for some, but it should be fun! Go to thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls and look for something you like. I found mine at an Antique Mall (Shoutout to the Brass Armadillo). Looking in these types of places will not only give you a better price, but will also have some more authentic pieces. Look for something that goes with your house and if you like what I used, something that has peeling paint, rusty hinges, and has a lot of stories to tell. Be sure to check the structural integrity of the piece. Don't worry if it isn't perfect, but it should be able to hold it's own weight. I hung mine upside down (so the light filters upwards). It's important to have a few places (with rough dimensions) in mind as to where you want to put it. This helps, although don't let it be a deal breaker. If you find something you are in love with, make it work! Also, don't forget to bargain!!

I used a pretty large shade. Don't forget to measure the amount of space you need to open it up a bit!

Look for something with good bones and a rustic character. Most importantly, something you love,  don't settle just because it has a nice price tag.

2. Once you've found what you want, it's time to hang it. I had a helper when I went to hang, and it's probably not a bad idea to have someone help you out. First, decide how you want it to hang (sideways, upside down as I did, right side up, or whatever makes you happy). While someone holds the piece roughly where you want it, use the pencil to mark one of the corners. Eyeball it to be level, you will fix this later. Next, measure (levels usually have a rough ruler on the side) the distance between the edge of the shutter and where the open part is. You will have two measurements one that goes inwards and one down. Give yourself about an inch or so of play room, in case something gets messed up. Remember - measure twice! Now using your level, measure out the distance you need, mark it, then measure downward (or down then out). Once you've found your spot, put up your bracket and use your pencil to mark lines where your screws should go. It's probably best NOT to be on a stud wall, especially if you are using a screwdriver, simply because it's quite difficult to get the screw in. If you do end up on a stud and can't get the screw in you have a few options. One is to just hammer it in the rest of the way, move it and start over, or if it is most of the way in, leave it. 

Hanging detail. I know it sticks out here, but when you are in the space, you don't notice the bracket =)

3. Using a friend or helper, hang the shutter up on the one hook, but try not to let it hang that way! You don't want to rip the bracket out of the wall, so have a helper just hold the other end, adjusting as needed to get it level. Put the level on the top of the piece, level the piece on the wall, then mark the opposite corner from the bracket you just hung. Repeat step 2.

My helping hand, working hard ;)

4. Hang the shutter and open it to where you want it. Take a step back and figure out how you want to hang your lights. Then, again with your handy pencil, mark all four inside corners of your shutter on the wall. You can mark lightly, don't worry, this is just to help you know where your lights should be.

5. Hang your lights! Safety first! Do this with the lights off!!!!! This is the fun part. arrange your lights by starting from one end and snaking down the rough outline you've made. I used the wire nails and nailed the light string to the wall where it was needed. In order to do this, I pulled the twisted parts of the wire apart just a bit and put the nail in between the two wires. Since I used the strings that hang down, I also twisted and curled some of the strings around to create more lights in some spots for a little variety. Remember: nothing here is set in stone, you are going to want to move lights around, and pull them through a bit once you put the shade back on.

It's worth it to plug the lights in, the take a step back to see where things need to be fixed

Detailed look at how the wire nails hold the lights

6. Plug the lights in. If you have a small light timer, now is the time to set it. I used one because it will go on and off when I want without having to think about it.

7. Hang the shade up and adjust. Be creative here! have some lights poke out all around the shutter area. Play with it and make something you like. This is where it really becomes yours, I've been moving some lights around as I feel and now I have a bit more peaking out than shown in the photographs.

8. Enjoy!!

Finished product! Looks great with any combination of lights on or off!

That's about all! Happy decorating!

-M

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.



What You'll Need:

A shutter or something that will let light through - See step one for tips on how to find something that works for you!
Christmas lights - I used the kind that hang down from a main strand so you can pull some of the lights through and have them peep out. Whatever you have lying around will work great too!
Wire nails - Chose a size that isn't so large you are making large holes or destroying your wall, but can easily keep a string of lights in place.
2 garage utility hangers - I'm not too sure the technical names for these, but I chose something that held 25lbs (50lbs with two) that stuck about 4 inches out of the wall. When you hang the shutter, you need to open it part way in order to let light through, so it's really going to depend on what you are hanging. Try to get a color that roughly matches. I used black and even though my shutter is green, you really don't notice the bracket once it's on the wall. Measure before you go to the store, when I went I bought a few different things so I wouldn't have to keep going back. I found these guys at Home Depot. See the picture below for an idea of what type I am talking about (and COMMENT BELOW if you know the technical name!)
HammerDrill or ScrewdriverLevelPencilStep ladder - if you need it!A helping handSmall automated timer (optional)Cost: ~$100 but it could be cheaper if you get something smaller or already have something lying aroundTime: 1 hour

Hanging Brackets

What to Do:

1. Shop around for a piece you like. This can be intimidating for some, but it should be fun! Go to thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls and look for something you like. I found mine at an Antique Mall (Shoutout to the Brass Armadillo). Looking in these types of places will not only give you a better price, but will also have some more authentic pieces. Look for something that goes with your house and if you like what I used, something that has peeling paint, rusty hinges, and has a lot of stories to tell. Be sure to check the structural integrity of the piece. Don't worry if it isn't perfect, but it should be able to hold it's own weight. I hung mine upside down (so the light filters upwards). It's important to have a few places (with rough dimensions) in mind as to where you want to put it. This helps, although don't let it be a deal breaker. If you find something you are in love with, make it work! Also, don't forget to bargain!!

I used a pretty large shade. Don't forget to measure the amount of space you need to open it up a bit!

Look for something with good bones and a rustic character. Most importantly, something you love,  don't settle just because it has a nice price tag.

2. Once you've found what you want, it's time to hang it. I had a helper when I went to hang, and it's probably not a bad idea to have someone help you out. First, decide how you want it to hang (sideways, upside down as I did, right side up, or whatever makes you happy). While someone holds the piece roughly where you want it, use the pencil to mark one of the corners. Eyeball it to be level, you will fix this later. Next, measure (levels usually have a rough ruler on the side) the distance between the edge of the shutter and where the open part is. You will have two measurements one that goes inwards and one down. Give yourself about an inch or so of play room, in case something gets messed up. Remember - measure twice! Now using your level, measure out the distance you need, mark it, then measure downward (or down then out). Once you've found your spot, put up your bracket and use your pencil to mark lines where your screws should go. It's probably best NOT to be on a stud wall, especially if you are using a screwdriver, simply because it's quite difficult to get the screw in. If you do end up on a stud and can't get the screw in you have a few options. One is to just hammer it in the rest of the way, move it and start over, or if it is most of the way in, leave it. 

Hanging detail. I know it sticks out here, but when you are in the space, you don't notice the bracket =)

3. Using a friend or helper, hang the shutter up on the one hook, but try not to let it hang that way! You don't want to rip the bracket out of the wall, so have a helper just hold the other end, adjusting as needed to get it level. Put the level on the top of the piece, level the piece on the wall, then mark the opposite corner from the bracket you just hung. Repeat step 2.

My helping hand, working hard ;)

4. Hang the shutter and open it to where you want it. Take a step back and figure out how you want to hang your lights. Then, again with your handy pencil, mark all four inside corners of your shutter on the wall. You can mark lightly, don't worry, this is just to help you know where your lights should be.

5. Hang your lights! Safety first! Do this with the lights off!!!!! This is the fun part. arrange your lights by starting from one end and snaking down the rough outline you've made. I used the wire nails and nailed the light string to the wall where it was needed. In order to do this, I pulled the twisted parts of the wire apart just a bit and put the nail in between the two wires. Since I used the strings that hang down, I also twisted and curled some of the strings around to create more lights in some spots for a little variety. Remember: nothing here is set in stone, you are going to want to move lights around, and pull them through a bit once you put the shade back on.

It's worth it to plug the lights in, the take a step back to see where things need to be fixed

Detailed look at how the wire nails hold the lights

6. Plug the lights in. If you have a small light timer, now is the time to set it. I used one because it will go on and off when I want without having to think about it.

7. Hang the shade up and adjust. Be creative here! have some lights poke out all around the shutter area. Play with it and make something you like. This is where it really becomes yours, I've been moving some lights around as I feel and now I have a bit more peaking out than shown in the photographs.

8. Enjoy!!

Finished product! Looks great with any combination of lights on or off!

That's about all! Happy decorating!

-M