Beyond The Picket Fence

Tooling Around

2012-02-28T12:00:00.001-07:00

I do love a good little wooden tool tote--not for tools of course, but for so many other rooms in the house. Here is a recent one I made from this flower box:

I added a couple dog eared fence pieces we had cut off (our fence is flat across the top) on the ends of the planter, and a chair leg in the middle for a handle.

Some red paint and stain and a tool tote was born.

Not only great for tools, they work in a kitchen as shown, in a bathroom for towels and soaps and lotions, in a kid's room for books and loveys, in a family room for DVDs and magazines, on a patio for BBQ tools, in a craft room for paints and supplies, and...

Vintage Advertising Chalkboard

2012-02-27T12:48:00.001-07:00

I found this hand painted game board at the thrift store in the game section for a few pennies (50 to be exact),

I turned it over and saw this.

I am guessing it originally had a calendar on it. I knew it would make a perfect chalkboard.

It was quick and easy and has oh so much vintage character.

Sunday Verses

2012-02-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Like Totally Awesome

2012-02-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Heading out to the garage to work on some new things to show you, until then you can laugh at this picture of the hubby and from an 80's party we attended!

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-02-22T18:46:00.072-07:00

Another week has passed, wow, does that shock you all like it does me? I did have a nice, relaxing 4 day weekend--got to fiddle around in the garage, watched some movies, went out with friends. Two of my kids did end up with strep throat and head colds, but they are on the mend.

I am battening down the hatches today, storm with lots of snow and wind on its way. I love stormy days when I can stay home and get cozy. I went to the grocery store, stocked up on the basics, gassed up the car. After living in Montana for 30 years, this is second nature to me, what one does when a storm is a brewin'. Do you have routines or things you do that are habit but that might be foreign to someone not living in your area? It is fun to hear how we all live in our different parts of the country and world. A stormy day is a great day to check out some great links like these from last week's party:

Artfully Caroline shared how to turn a simple wood step stool into a luxurious foot stool.

I want to make some of these faux metal stencils from Knick of Time.

A sweet and simple heart from Shabby Love.

PB chocolate biscotti from Tales of the T's--I am suddenly hungry!

A happy :) entry from Meeha Meeha makes me smile.

Pour Ameliorer shows us how to make a super functional and cute pegboard for the craft room or office.

Caught My Fancy repurposed an entertainment center into an adorable dollhouse.

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Cottage Stripes

2012-02-20T16:35:00.001-07:00

Inspired by Lovely Etc.'s stools (her hubby made these!) that she linked up at the Under $100 Linky Party,

I made my own version.

I gave a piano bench a few stripes as well.

Find more ideas at

Sunday Verses

2012-02-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

A Perfect Saturday Afternoon, Flea Market Style

2012-02-18T17:21:00.001-07:00

Picked this up this afternoon at the grocery store:

A perfect way to spend a snowy afternoon. There are lots of great projects I can't wait to try or adapt,

and we were thrilled to find our own little Montana Junk Fest at The Barn mentioned!

Window Dressing

2012-02-17T07:31:00.002-07:00

I love to dress up old window sashes with yummy, scrappy wood. Each one is unique and has a personality all its own. Here is my latest window dress up:

Some color and wax slapped on various scrap wood pieces,

Some fabulous original crackled paint on the window frame,

and some hooks added to make it functional.

Find more ideas at My Repurposed Life and at Funky Junk Interiors.

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-02-15T18:40:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have been a little sparse around here, have been having some internet issues (lost about 3 hours on the phone thanks to that!) plus in a week's time my son had 5 basketball games, hubby and I went to marriage conference, we had out of town company, had a birthday party for my daughter, and two Valentine's Day parties--and that was just the extra stuff on top of the usual routine. Whew, I am tired and ready for a four day weekend with not 1 single thing on the calendar! Here are some things you all have been busy with:

Catnap made the sweetest storage table from 4 drawers.

A romantic chair from Biljana Shabby.

A fun tutorial on coffee antiquing from Down to Earth Style.

An ingenious memo "board" from Chipping With Charm.

I love bread pudding, but when Potholes and Pantyhose added butterscotch sauce, mmm!

Can you believe Design Dreams built this mini shed for $30? Check it out!

Modern Country shows off the cutest outfits--she is expecting, but a lot of these would work for those of us that aren't.

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Gather Love

2012-02-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here is an oldie I painted (and should have kept)--may you gather love this Valentine's Day and always. How do you gather it? Why give it, of course, it really is the best way. Happy Day!

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage

2012-02-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend we attended a Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage conference, and laugh we did! OM goodness, Mark Gungor the speaker is so incredibly funny and nailed marriage and it's trials on the head. As he put it, it isn't going to be perfect, but you want to balance out the positive to poo ratio.

I highly recommend his books/dvd's available on his site. I am telling you, a good marriage doesn't just happen--it is work, and patience, and work, and work, and work. One of his DVD's is about how to not kill each other. He also has some great things for singles and for teens. Invest in your relationship today! Here is hubby and I, 27 years ago, before we were married.

And no, this post isn't my usual Sunday verses, but taking care of your marriage honors God. And no it isn't about junk, but a junky marriage is one kind of junk I do not like. Have a beautiful day!

25 Random Things

2012-02-11T16:19:00.009-07:00

1. I currently cannot eat enough of this Mediterranean quinoa I have been making, mmm so good, have eaten it the past 4 days.

2. I feel guilty right now because I am not at my son's basketball game under the guise of preparing for daughter's birthday party.

3. I have prepared nothing yet, have perused Pinterest.

4. I do have a sore throat--couldn't yell at game.

5. I don't understand positions in basketball at all--have been watching my sons play for 12 years.

6. I sleep so much better on the couch--love my hubby dearly, just not sleeping with him.

7. Real sleeping with him, not the other fun stuff--that I do like :).

8. We went to a Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage conference this weekend--so funny and good.

9. We got out first real snow of the season yesterday--so beautiful.

10. Love looking at snow covered things.

11. Hate driving in snow, scares me.

12. Could be a homebody for several months in the winter if life allowed it.

13. Think I could live in a secluded cabin for a few months.

14. If I could build and paint in a big shop all the day long, I'd be a happy camper.

15. Would need a maid and cook, my house goes to hell when I spend an entire day working in the garage.

16. I am so much happier and more relaxed when the house is clean and tidy.

17. My house rarely stays clean and tidy for long.

18. I still have some hope I will be completely organized.

19. In reality, I know it isn't meant to be.

20. I check Facebook daily--log out trying to ignore it for a few days, always log back in.

21. I justify it as a social outlet--a way to stay in touch.

22. I refuse to play games on Facebook.

23. I do enjoy playing the game of Life with my daughter on her ipod.

24. Wish real life was sometimes as easy as the game of it.

25. I hate the speed bumps and detours in life, but know that with God it will all work for good :).

Link up 25 random thoughts at Perfectly Imperfect.

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-02-08T18:42:00.053-07:00

Pinterest? Do you pin? Oh, I do love the time sucking site that can create a long enough "want to make it" list to last a lifetime. Pinterest brings people to your blog, but I also think it keeps them away. I have noticed my last two posts have been pinned, and yet between the two I only have one comment. I am honored to be pinned, but also find the phenomena somewhat interesting. I also see that others have pinned some of your things that I have featured, which leads people here to my blog, and hopefully then back to your blog (I have seen items I have made that when pinned, lead to someone else's blog). My point? I don't think I have one :). I am merely curious on your thoughts on pinning. Here are some things that may get pinned from this past week:

West Furniture Revival did it again--this time making a great trunk out of a pallet and a crate.

Just a Little Creativity made herself a fun, Ballard inspired, travel corkboard.

This reclaimed wood sign from Twigg Studios adds so much character to a place.

I have made chalkboard tables before, but none as fun as this one from Life as a Thrifter.

Full Circle Creations shared a fantastic PB knock-off!

I love the look of this handbag that was made by From Generation to Generation.

Creative Chaos linked up a tutorial on a beautiful ruffled shawl.

Yummy cinnamon spread from Shelstring, and I can make it gluten free!

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Key to My Heart

2012-02-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick, little project using a doorplate, a key, and a heart cut from an old book.

Put it all together on a weathered piece of wood and you have the key to my heart (or someone's heart!).

Sunday Verses

2012-02-05T09:48:00.001-07:00

Inspiration

2012-02-04T09:44:00.002-07:00

Thought I'd share a few images this morning that are inspiring, that send me dreaming, thinking, imagining...

How do I want to recreate this, make it my own?

What could I use for a unique bench back?

What fun container could I make an ottoman out of?

So many fun ideas here--ladder, very cool, rustic kitchen island, hmm...

What are you inspired by today? How will you make it your own? For now I will dream, off to watch more of this.

My kid is the one shooting the ball :).

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-02-01T18:48:00.015-07:00

Wow, each week I am blessed by your presence on my little blog here, blessed by your links and your comments--you make me smile and happy--thank you! Here are a few of the many blessings shared last week:

Don't Disturb This Groove shared a lovely little chair makeover.

Great texture with this sieve message board from Modern Country Style.

Adore the stenciling on this cabinet from Sweet Girl Expressions.

Falling Down House shared some very helpful tips on menu planning.

And on that menu I'd add this recipe from Dream Home DIY for Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps.

Fantastic shelf styling tips from Turnstyle Vogue.

Sweet book page heart art from Twigg Studios.

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Crackalicious

2012-01-31T18:48:00.003-07:00

I have had this old dresser for several years--bought it as a garage sale. It has been hanging out in manland in the basement, holding video games and apparently, dirty dishes. I decided it would be much happier in someone else's home, where it would be loved rather than ignored and abused. The lovely crackle finish on it just can't be duplicated.

I gave it a light sanding--there were cream, dark green and a peachy tan paint layers--and then added a coat of turquoise, sanded that and added stain to bring out all of those beautiful crackles.

Excuse all of the pictures of this baby, she just is too beautiful to not show all of them.

I did add a mirror as the original piece did have one, based on the ledge on the back of the top. I also added the glass knobs because I only had half of the original wood ones. This darling is an oldie--made with square nails. Now she awaits a new owner...sigh.

Motivated Mondays--Getting Creative With Message Boards

2012-01-30T18:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I am giving up on a linky party sharing what you have done based on my Motivated Monday challenge--it just confused too many folks. However, I hope you will still do the challenge, let me know and I promise to feature you :)! This week's Motivated Monday challenge came from what I am working on right now, a message center. It is not quite ready to show you, but here are a few examples of other ones I have made:

This one was made from old fence boards, a freezer basket, the outside of a thermos, and a small metal bucket.

This one was made from an old screen door with a sewing machine drawer for mail and garden fencing to hold magazines and letters.

Here is one using an old ironing board with an enamel refrigerator lid for a magnet board and a measuring cup to hold chalk.

A locker basket and old hardware drawer were added to this ladder message center.

And this one had a freezer juice holder as a mail keeper and coat hooks and collapsible metal cups for pens and pencils.

The fun part for me is collecting the various items to use on these message boards. What will hold mail, notes, keys, etc.? Here is your challenge--create a message board using items in a different way than originally intended. Collect and gather--look for something for a magnet board, something for hooks, something to hold mail and pens or scissors. What will you attach all these to or what will be your backboard? Get funky, think outside the box, create, and most importantly, have fun! If you do this challenge, please let me know--I'd love to show it off!

Sunday Verses

2012-01-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart;

I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Rolling Along

2012-01-27T08:33:00.030-07:00

Remember this sketch

inspired by this?

I made my own version of it, quite different from the original, but inspired nonetheless.

I used plywood (sand well to avoid splinters) and 2x4's, some paint colors I love, stain.

I had to think a bit about the construction of this, mechanically minded I am not. I am so sorry I do not stop and grab my camera when I am in the process--I just get in the zone. I would try to explain it (okay, I did try but it made no sense), but I bet you are all better at the mechanics than I am. If you need help, email me :).

I added some wheels, some feet would work too, but I liked the industrial look the wheels gave it.

Find more ideas at Miss Mustard Seed's , My Repurposed Life
Finding Fabulous at Funky Junk Interiors and at French Country Cottage and at

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-01-25T18:45:00.034-07:00

Stir crazy? Have the winter blues? I have the opposite--the lack of winter blues. Montana was recently dumped on with FEET of snow, except where we live. It would cloud up, and then the clouds would part, the sun would reappear, and nothing. Winter lover for nine months I am not, but goodness, I live in Montana after all, I do want some snow, some winter. I guess on the positive side, the garage has been more bearable to work and driving is good. How about you? Do you like winter, want more? Does winter bring out your creative side or is it harder to create when it is cold? Many of you have certainly been busy, such as:

Shabby Love's pallet table for kids is perfect!

I love the pop of color Fab Rehab Creations added with these stripes on a bench.

If you do have snow, Burton Ave. shared a great way to store your snow gear.

Confessions of a DIYaholoic redid a chair with a fabulous fabric and homemade chalk paint.

Owl bet Oskar and Owlivia's little guy loves his nursery--I sure do.

A little paint and fabric was all it took for Too Much Time on my Hands to transform these outdated chairs.

What a chic ruffled ribbon pillow from Adventures of our Family and she gives a great tutorial for it.

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Door Knobilicious!

2012-01-24T06:07:00.025-07:00

Using a section of a paneled door that I cut up MANY years ago to make a trunk (I think??), I made a coat hook with 4 fun and different vintage door knobs.

The color as well as the doorplate were the originals, with a little sanding and stain added.

And the live simply just needed to be there.

Linking up at Restore Interiors and at My Repurposed Life and

Motivated Mondays

2012-01-23T11:55:00.001-07:00

*STOP--Before you link up, PLEASE read and see what THIS linky party is about--thanks so much!!
I have been good about following my blogging resolution to prepare posts ahead of time...except today. I did not get my motivated Monday post ready and do not have the time to do so :(. But, I am going to still post the motivated Monday linky for you to share if you have done one of the challenges.

The first challenge posted HERE is about using a common item in a new way or the second challenge posted HERE--using a magazine to springboard a new idea! REMEMBER, this is NOT my Under $100 Linky Party--that goes up on Wednesday nights--THANKS!

Sunday Verses

2012-01-22T09:12:00.002-07:00

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Cupboard Door Turned Sofa Table

2012-01-20T09:29:00.002-07:00

I have had this, what I presume large cupboard door for quite a few years. I picked it up off a pile of roadside trash and it has been living its life as a place to store things on top of in the garage rafters. I pulled her down and did a preliminary sanding. I was overjoyed to find orange and turquoise/old time green underneath.

I built a base from 2x4's, and a lot of sanding later (the top coat must have been good enamel), some stain and I had a great sofa/entry/buffet table.

The lines or striations are from the wood (?) grain, I like them :). If I had been making this for me, the legs would be orange or turquoise, but this one is for sale and I think the stained legs with the fun top will sell better.

Find more fun ideas at Donna's Funky Junk Interiors! and at

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-01-18T18:46:00.048-07:00

Ah, sitting here, under a blanket, drinking a caramel latte (no doubt 5000 calories!), watching it bluster out--I love blogging! For those of you who aren't, or perhaps are regular readers of my blog, I have started a new feature on Mondays to motivate you to do something different, get you out of your comfort zone. I will often have linky parties on Mondays for you to show off what you did if you take on the challenge or assignment I give you.

I must say, this past Monday confirmed what I have suspected for a long time--many of us do not take the time to actually read blog posts, we just like to look at the pictures. I am NOT pointing any fingers, I have been plenty guilty of this and it made me laugh. So, sorry if I confused any of you. Monday linky parties will pertain to my motivated Monday posts, Thursday's (ok, Wednesday night's) linky parties will be all about your fabulous under $100 ideas, like these:

At Home With K has been working on a mudroom makeover, like those doors!

This balsamic pork sandwich from Changing My Destiny makes my mouth water.

Twiggy Studio shared a sweet Valentine pillow.

I have tried to get over red, but how can you with pieces like this from The Salvage Collection.

Fab Rehab Creations made a cozy daybed.

I love a good ladder as you know, Homeroad made a fantastic craft organizer with one.

Meg and Mum's roadside rescue turned out beautifully.

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Chalk This One Up To a Mistake

2012-01-17T19:13:00.002-07:00

Remember the mirror I used for my hall tree? I said it had been a mistake mirror, one that I had messed up while sanding the frame. The mistake mirror was just right for the hall tree, and the frame was calling to become a chalkboard.

The piece of masonite that backed the mirror was perfect for chalkboard paint.

The frame had originally been painted black, which wasn't going to work with the black chalkboard paint.

Some fun turquoise paint, some sanding and stain made a mistake marvelous.

What have you made from a mistake?
Find more fun paint transformed ideas here:

Motivated Mondays

2012-01-16T14:38:00.006-07:00

Well, we had no participants last week :(. But, I will forge ahead with this little series in hopes of motivating you to try something new, do something different, learn something about yourself. We are focusing on creativity. Last week I challenged you to use a common object in a new way. This week we are focusing on inspiration and using creativity to make something your own.

Magazines have always been a great source of inspiration for me. Sadly, so many of my favorites are gone, but I still enjoy thumbing through what is left. Of course, Pinterest is another wonderful place to peruse for inspiration, and I do with sketchbook in hand. I often force myself, yes force because many times I think I don't see anything, to come up with five or more ideas from a magazine. Can you force creativity? Yes, I believe you can in a sense. I make myself find ideas where my non-thinking, working brain wouldn't. When I tell myself I have to find and sketch five ideas, I do.

Take for example, an issue of House Beautiful that I recently picked up for free at the library. This isn't a magazine that I normally read, but the price was right. On my initial glance through I saw pretty colors and some beautiful design, but nothing that I thought I would want to try to recreate or make. But, when rereading through it with the sketchbook near by, I did find some things that I was able to take a piece of or the general idea, and create an idea that made it my own.

Case in point, this fun rolling side table.

I decided I could recreate something similar, but I would use scrap wood or plywood and paint the layers bright colors.

Or this chair made me think of a mirror and how some big upholstery tacks would look good around a mirror frame.

This fabulous lamp inspired me to sketch a similar idea.

I would make mine out of an embossed brass tin or wastebasket.

Pushing yourself to see something that may not on first look inspire you, imagining it in a new way, your way, helps to expand your creativity cells. Try it, even if you do not actually make anything you sketch, seeing something in a new light is good for the creative soul. If you do this exercise, or last week's, link up here and tell us about it!

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Linky Party Rules

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

3. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Sunday Verses

2012-01-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

God, who has called you into fellowship

with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

1 Corinthians 1:9

Chippy, Shabby Love

2012-01-14T10:14:00.003-07:00

I still, after many years, adore a good, white, shabby finish. This one came by accident.

I had the flip open top to a sewing machine table for quite awhile. I picked up an old mirror at the thrift store. I sanded the sewing machine top and decided I would go for a wood look only, no paint, something I rarely do. I Briwaxed the top, but then I didn't like it. Let's face it--I am a paint girl. Ask any of the men who have seen my stuff and freaked out over the perfectly good wood I painted over. So after using the Briwax, I painted over the wood. Of course the paint didn't stick very well to the paint and thus, this fabulous chippy finish was born.

I used a light stain over the top of the paint and a clear finish to keep it from further peeling. A few coat hooks to make it a super functional piece for the entry and that was it.

Find more ideas at Donna's Funky Junk Interiors and at:

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-01-11T18:52:00.030-07:00

Hey y'all, staying warm? It is colder here, but we are in desperate need of snow. I hear Alaska has some extra. Did you catch my Motivated Monday post? I am hoping someone read it and DID it! I will continue these Monday posts to hopefully motivate you in some way. Right now I am focusing on creativity. Consider joining the fun for the new year. And check out some of these great links for inspiration:

Larissa Hill Designs shared some really beautiful candlesticks.

Freaking Craft shared a sweet pillow made with $1.99 placemat!

I need this jewelry storage that Fishtail Cottage shared.

Backwoods Cottage built a fantastic table for less than $100.

A sweet, flirty apron from Northern Cottage.

Yummy, buttery yellow milk paint from Elizabeth and Co.

And speaking of yummy, check out Remodelaholic's microwave chocolate torte recipe.

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Shelfin' It

2012-01-10T14:15:00.004-07:00

Shelves sell--I mean who doesn't need/want a little shelf for some extra storage. Add some hooks and you have even more "storage" options. I built this little shelf from scrap pieces (I know, are you tired of hearing that?). I used some picket pieces for the sides and some wood from a friend's workplace (they build huge crates to ship the machines they build--I caught him burning good 1x8's and put a stop to that!).

Some little scrap wood pieces worked for shelf supports and then scrappy pieces for the back and hooks in the front completed the shelf.

Motivated Monday

2012-01-09T15:16:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am a little slow on getting this posted, but after some pondering, I have decided I want to make Mondays a day of motivation. Each Monday (or at least until I tire of this series) I will give you an "assignment" or homework to hopefully help motivate you in some way. I am, after all, a teacher too and I am all about some homework. The first topic or area of motivation that I would like to explore is creativity. Everyone is creative in some way, really.

cre·a·tiv·i·ty[kree-ey-tiv-i-tee, kree-uh-] noun
the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns,relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality,progressiveness, or imagination

See? You can break the rules, right? Here is your challenge, if you choose to take it, and I hope you do! I have blogged about this little mind stretching activity before. Take 1 fairly common object and come up with 3 to 5 unusual and fresh uses for it.

I did that with a stepladder here:

and a candlestick here:

and a little step stool here:

Some ideas for common objects to play with include a book, a vase, a silver tray, a suitcase, a wood box, a teacup. If you do the challenge, please let me know in a comment below and if you blog about it, let me know--I will share some of them! Have fun, break the rules, push your creativity! I am excited to see who participates and what you come up with!

Sunday Verses

2012-01-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18

A Dooring This Hall Tree

2012-01-07T20:56:00.005-07:00

I have made many a hall trees in the past from old doors, but I think this one is my favorite. It started out much different in the planning process and evolved into this.

It was going to have a table/shelf thing, but I wanted it inside the door so I didn't cover up the very cool door plate (which my hubby pointed out I covered up with this scarf for these pictures). But then it looked off so then I decided to add a box to the bottom for stability--it was going to be an open box, no lid. But then I built the box and I really liked how it turned out. The front was a door panel piece with a big hole in it. I added the vertical boards to cover the hole.

I then decide the box needed to be a hinged storage seat so I added a 2x6 to the bottom of the door and cut legs for the front from a piece of a bunk bed found in an alley.

The glass was in the door, but had a small crack so I decided to take it out and added a mirror I had. This mirror was part of a dresser for my son, he didn't want the mirror. I had painted it and then while sanding it, had unfortunately roughed up the mirror. But, that part didn't show for this:). Some hooks finished the piece.

Find more ideas at

Donna's Funky Junk Interiors.

Bin Organized?

2012-01-06T01:59:00.004-07:00

Who doesn't love a good bin to help them get organized? Seeing the chopped off tops of some fence boards inspired me to make this organizational bin/coat hook.

I cut the top pieces I had at an angle with the miter saw. I used a fence board across the front and a wider board across the back I found after some digging in the top of the garage. I screwed the end boards in place and used the nail gun on the inside divider boards (Despite what the home improvement shows use, a nail gun does not make a very sturdy piece of furniture--you need some screws to make something solid!).

I brushed on some white paint, hand-painted the numbers, sanded it all and added some hooks--a great piece for mittens and hats, homework and books, or bathroom sundries.

Find more ideas at

Donna's Funky Junk Interiors, My Repurposed Life with Gail.and at Craftionary

PS--I guess this is a Pottery Barn kids copycat--although I hadn't seen theirs until after I made this. I am sure I must have seen something similar and filed it into the old noggin'. However, I haven't seen any others with hooks :).

PSS--Keep linking up!

Under $100 Linky Party

2012-01-04T18:44:00.046-07:00

Helloo, how is you 2012 thus far? Feeling motivated and ready for new things? I have had the building/junking bug--of course the unseasonably warm weather has helped. One of my personal resolutions is to use what I have, and not thrift for a time. I am having so much fun digging in my stash and seeing things that have been hidden for a year, or two, or three... Here are some things you have been busy with:

Homeroad shared a knock-out, knock-off nailhead bulletin board.

Junk-Fest shared some great bottle covers and wine charms. These would be wonderful hostess gifts anytime of the year.

A fun snowman kit for All Artful.

Cottage Wishes shared some unique "timepieces".

OM goodness--homemade vanilla, peanut butter cup ice cream from Big Bear's Wife.

Pages From Home made some wine bottle decor that is unique.

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!

2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.3. Please include a brief description in link up.

4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.

5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.

6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate, thanks!

Ladder To Success

2012-01-03T19:25:00.001-07:00

Trying to get organized this new year? A message board is a great item towards some organizational success. This one was created from the bottom rungs of a longer ladder.

I used the top part to make a Christmas card holder that sold at Holiday Junk Fest before I got to take a picture of it. I knew these bottom 2 rungs would work for something. All I did was add a board painted with chalkboard paint--this is screwed into the rungs, and a coffee sack covered bulletin board piece that I hot glued to the rungs. I left the ladder with its original finish, simply added a little Briwax over the top. What are you doing to get organized?

Find more ideas at

Beyond The Picket Fence

Tooling Around

Vintage Advertising Chalkboard

Sunday Verses

Like Totally Awesome

Under $100 Linky Party

Cottage Stripes

Sunday Verses

A Perfect Saturday Afternoon, Flea Market Style

Window Dressing

Under $100 Linky Party

Gather Love

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage

25 Random Things

Under $100 Linky Party

Key to My Heart

Sunday Verses

Inspiration

Under $100 Linky Party

Crackalicious

Motivated Mondays--Getting Creative With Message Boards

Sunday Verses

Rolling Along

Under $100 Linky Party

Door Knobilicious!

Motivated Mondays

Sunday Verses

Cupboard Door Turned Sofa Table

Under $100 Linky Party

Chalk This One Up To a Mistake

Motivated Mondays

Sunday Verses

Chippy, Shabby Love

Under $100 Linky Party

Shelfin' It

Motivated Monday

Sunday Verses

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18

A Dooring This Hall Tree

Bin Organized?

Under $100 Linky Party

Ladder To Success

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!