Category Archives: DIY

DIY – Coconut Shell Bowls on Wooden Base

I’ve made my Malibu snow cocktail a few times in the last few weeks and so I got these coconut shells. I wanted to make something out of them and this is what I came up with: coconut shell bowls on wooden base. They can be used for storing everything (small items) from keys, beauty products, phones, jewelry or just as a decor item.

To make these, you’ll need: 4 coconut shells (2 coconuts), a piece of wood, a small knife, a wood (hand) scraper, sandpaper, clean cloth, lacquer, felt-glides, silicone adhesive, something to weight the coconut shells down while the adhesive sets (Not too big, but a bit heavier. I used stones.) and acrylic paint.

Take the coconut shells. Remove the flesh (using a small knife) from the shells. First, sand them smooth inside. Then you can use some kind of a scraper to scrape off as much husk as possible from the outside of the coconut shells and then sand them smooth with sandpaper. Sand the bottom a little more to flatten. Clean the coconut shells and coat them outside with lacquer. Let them dry (for about 30 minutes).

Take the piece of wood. Round off sharp edges and smooth all edges with (the file – if needed and) sandpaper, clean and coat with lacquer. Let dry. When dry, place felt-glides on the bottom of the wood.

Then glue each coconut shell, one at a time, onto the wood, using silicone adhesive. Weight the coconut bowls down and let the adhesive dry according to the package directions. (I had to leave it for 24 hours.)

And now – leave the bowls natural (just coat the inside with lacquer, too) or paint them inside with your chosen color. (I made a set of silver and a set of golden coconut bowls.) Let the paint dry and you’re done.

This DIY project is actually quite easy to make. It takes some time, but I think it’s worth it. I really like my new storage bowls and they also make a lovely gift, don’t you think?

p.s.: You might also like this DIY Wall Art.

 

3 DIY Canvas Ideas

Today I want to share these 3 easy DIY projects with you. I made these in the last week, some for a gift and some for myself. Take a look below at three simple DIY canvas ideas.

DIY Lace Patterned Canvas

You’ll need: (small) canvas, lace, painter’s tape and appropriate spray paint.

Use painter’s tape to protect the edges. Place the lace on the canvas, spray with spray paint and leave to dry for a minute or so. Remove the lace and the tape and leave to dry completely. I love it. But, you know me, I’m a lace person. I hope you like it, too.

DIY Glitter Canvas Art

You’ll need: (small) canvas, pencil, paintbrush, appropriate glue (something like Mod Podge maybe) and glitter.

Draw (light, with a pencil) whatever motif you want to have onto your canvas. (I drew a swirl.) Apply the glue on the motif (by using paintbrush), then sprinkle the glitter on the wet glue. Lots of glitter. Shake off the excess glitter and let the glue dry. Done. And… Who doesn’t like glitter?

DIY Quote Canvas / Photo Canvas

You’ll need: (small) canvas, painter’s tape, gel medium(for transferring), paintbrush, laser copy of a quote (a photo or whatever you want to transfer), old credit card or some other plastic card, sponge, wet cloth. REMEMBER: the quote (photo …) will be mirrored on the canvas!!

Spread a layer of gel medium on the canvas (with paintbrush) – thin enough and as smooth as possible. Spread some gel medium on the quote (photo …), too. Place the quote (photo…) print side down. Smooth out the image and remove any air bubbles – you can help yourself with an old credit card or some other plastic card. Let it dry for a few hours or dry it with hair dryer for 10 minutes. Use a sponge to soak the canvas and then rub gently the paper – with fingers or/and a rough sponge.The paper will peel off. Then clean the canvas well with a wet cloth and leave it to dry completely. Just keep it simple. ;)

DIY Lace Print Bangle Bracelets

If you follow my blog for a while now, I’m sure you have noticed I love lace. I also have these wonderful lace boots and I’ve wanted to remake these two bangle bracelets to wear them with my boots and all black clothes for a while. Of course, I intend to wear them with other stuff, too.

If you want to make yourself one of these, you can follow my (kind of) instructions below.

You’ll need these supplies: a (plastic, metal or wooden) bangle, a piece/strip of lace (a little wider than the bangle is), painter’s tape (wider than the bangle is) and an appropriate spray paint.

Use painter’s tape to protect the inside of the bangle. Wrap the lace around the bangle. And the tape on the inside of the bangle should help to hold the lace in place – that’s why wider than the bangle. (See the photos below.) Spray it. Let it dry. Remove the lace and the tape. You’re done. Simple, right? ;)

I hope you’re having a great week so far.