A Touch of Farmhouse Charm: Easy DIY Projects to Add a Warm and Rustic Feel to Any Room
192
A Touch of Farmhouse Charm: Easy DIY Projects to Add a Warm and Rustic Feel to Any Room
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Overview
Opening A Touch of Farmhouse Charm is like taking a breath of fresh, clean country air. With the turn of each page, Liz Fourez leads you on a tour through her family’s house, restored to its 1940s rustic farm style, and teaches you how to make each handmade decoration yourself. The projects require minimal effort, yet add instant charm to any room. With your blue jeans on and a few of the most basic supplies in hand, you’ll be on your way to your dream home in no time.
You’ll learn how to make a custom wood Family Name Sign for your living room, a Wooden Boot Tray on Casters for the entryway, a Ruffled Stool Slipcover for the kitchen and a Rustic Wooden Frame for the bedroom, plus decorations for the office, bathroom, kids’ bedroom and playroom. Farmhouse style is about cultivating a connection among family, home and nature; A Touch of Farmhouse Charm helps you bring the warmth and beauty of simpler times to your modern life naturally.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781624142925 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Page Street Publishing |
| Publication date: | 12/06/2016 |
| Pages: | 192 |
| Sales rank: | 433,880 |
| Product dimensions: | 7.82(w) x 9.14(h) x 0.47(d) |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
A Touch of Farmhouse Charm
Easy DIY Projects to Add a Warm and Rustic Feel to Any Room
By Liz Fourez, Emily Layne
Page Street Publishing Co.
Copyright © 2016 Liz FourezAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-62414-297-0
CHAPTER 1
LIVING ROOM
The living room is the gathering place in your home. This is where movies are watched, parties are thrown, board games are played and afternoon naps are taken. You need enough space in which to entertain, yet you want it to feel cozy and inviting at the same time.
Our living room is open to the kitchen and dining room, so we wanted to make it all feel like one cohesive space. We painted the room a bright white and used board-and-batten trim on the walls to add extra depth and dimension. We're lucky to have several large windows that let in a lot of natural light, so we highlighted them with natural bamboo shades and curtains that I made myself from drop cloths. We also added to the character of the windows by installing farmhouse window trim above the existing trim (see the Farmhouse Window Trim project.)
The rest of the room is decorated with a mix of rustic, cozy textures and light, neutral colors. I centered the entire layout of this room on our picture window and used a large jute rug as the foundation for the furniture. Our couches are slip covered in Belgian linen that is both comfortable and durable for our family of messy boys, and a driftwood-gray wicker trunk serves as a coffee table in the center of the sofas. An antique armoire holds extra blankets and pillows, and two large iron lanterns on either side of the window add a bit of drama to the space.
In this chapter, I'll show you how to make your own inexpensive curtains (here), decorate with handmade pillows (here), add storage with a blanket ladder (here), personalize your room with a sign featuring your family name (here) and more. Get ready to curl up on the couch with a good book and enjoy your cozy new living room!
SIMPLE RUSTIC LADDER
When you're short on storage but don't want to compromise on style, sometimes you have to think outside of the box. An old wooden ladder leaning against the wall can provide storage for extra blankets in the living room, towels in a bathroom or even serve as a pot rack in a kitchen. For a decorative touch, try hanging a wreath or picture frames from the top rung.
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
SUPPLIES
• 3 (1 x 3) boards, 8 feet (244 cm) long
• Miter or circular saw
• Tape measure
• Sanding block
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Brad nail gun
• 1-inch (2.5-cm) brad nails
• Wood stain
• Paintbrush
• Clean rags
• Paste wax
• Suede cord
DIRECTIONS
Measure and cut two of the wood boards to 6 feet (183 cm) long using a saw. These will be the sides of the ladder. Cut the last wood board into four pieces 23 ½-inches (60-cm) long. These will be the rungs of the ladder. Sand any rough edges with a sanding block.
Lay the sides of the ladder spaced 14 inches (35.5 cm) apart from inside edge to inside edge. Place the rungs on top of the sides about 14 ½ inches (37 cm) apart from each other. Apply wood glue to each rung where it crosses over the sides of the ladder, and use clamps to hold the rungs and sides in place. Flip the ladder over and add a few brad nails where the rungs cross over the sides.
Apply stain to the entire ladder using a paintbrush. Allow the stain to penetrate for 5–15 minutes until the desired color is achieved. Then wipe the wood with a clean rag to remove any remaining stain, and allow it to dry completely, about 8 hours. To seal the wood, apply a layer of paste wax with a paintbrush and buff with a clean rag.
Wrap suede cord around each rung in an X-pattern where it crosses over the side of the ladder, then tie a knot in back to secure the suede in place.
TIP | If you want a more rustic look for your ladder, try using furring strips for the wood boards. They are less expensive than standard boards because they often have irregularities, but the distress marks just add to the character of the wood. Just make sure to search through the pile for straight ones!
EASY DROP CLOTH CURTAINS
Finding great curtains can be expensive, especially if you have tall ceilings and need the extra length. Using a drop cloth to make your own gives you plenty of fabric to work with at a fraction of the price of store-bought curtains. The best part is how incredibly easy these are to make! Just use curtain clip rings to hang the drop cloths ... no sewing required!
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
SUPPLIES
• 2 canvas drop cloths with hemmed edges
• Iron and ironing board
• Curtain clip rings
• Curtain rod with brackets
• Drill
DIRECTIONS
Wash and dry the drop cloths and iron to smooth any wrinkles. Attach the clip rings evenly spaced along the top of the drop cloths.
Install the curtain rod brackets above your window using a drill. Slide the clip rings onto the curtain rod and set the rod inside the brackets.
TIP | Curtains look best when they are brushing or puddled on the floor, but if they are way too long, fold the top of the drop cloth over until they are the correct length.
CHICKEN-WIRE CANDLEHOLDER
Centerpieces don't have to be complicated or expensive. A few candles set on a moss-covered wood plate will add instant warmth and coziness to a room. Try styling this piece on your coffee table or dining room table.
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
SUPPLIES
• Metal snips
• 1-inch (2.5-cm) galvanized poultry netting
• Pliers
• 14-inch (35.5-cm) wood plate or charger
• Staple gun and staples
• Pillar candles in various heights
• Moss
DIRECTIONS
Use metal snips to cut a piece of poultry netting about 11 inches (28 cm) high and about 30 inches (76 cm) long. Wrap the netting to form a cylinder and use pliers to wrap the loose ends of wire around each other, securing the cylinder in place.
Bend the netting on the bottom of the cylinder inward, and set the netting on the center of the wood plate. Use a staple gun to secure the bent wires to the bottom of the plate.
Set pillar candles of various heights inside the netting and cover the bottom of the plate with moss.
TIP | Using moss around the candles adds a touch of nature and a pop of fresh color, but try using different fillers as the seasons change, such as acorns for fall or pinecones for winter.
FAMILY NAME SIGN
Nothing will put a personal touch on your home more than a custom, handmade sign with your family's name on it. This tutorial will walk you through the steps of creating a painted wood sign that you can customize with any size and finish you like. Once you know how to make unique signs like these, I promise you will want to add them all over your house!
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
SUPPLIES
• Tape measure
• 1 x 10 board
• Miter or circular saw
• Sanding block
• Clean rags
• Wood stain
• Paintbrushes
• White paint
• Alphabet stencils (including numbers)
• Black paint
• Sawtooth hanging hardware
• Hammer and nails
DIRECTIONS
Measure and cut the 1 x 10 board to your desired length using a saw. (I cut mine to 8 feet [244 cm] long.) Sand the entire board with a sanding block to remove any rough edges and round the corners. Wipe off dust with a clean rag and apply stain to the wood using a paintbrush. Allow the stain to penetrate for 5–15 minutes until the desired color is achieved. Wipe the wood with a clean rag to remove any remaining stain and allow it to dry completely, about 8 hours.
Apply white paint over the stained wood and allow it to dry completely, about 4 hours. Use stencils to paint your last name and wedding date on the sign with black paint. You can also use the technique in the Vintage Label Wooden Stool project to transfer the words using paper. Allow the paint to dry completely, about 4 hours.
If you want to add a distressed look to the sign, use the sanding block to remove layers of paint around the edges and corners, exposing the wood underneath. Add several sawtooth hangers on the back of the sign using a hammer, and hang the sign on the wall with nails.
TIP | For a more rustic look, skip the coat of white paint and add your wording right on the wood. White letters over stained wood always look beautiful!
FRAMED GRAIN SACK
Old grain sacks are a staple of farmhouse décor, and this simple frame is a great way to show them off. Each grain sack is unique and has its own markings that tell a story of where it has been, which will add a ton of character to your home. Set your framed grain sack on a console table or dresser, or hang a whole collection of them on a wall.
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
SUPPLIES
• Tape measure
• 1 (1 x 2) board, 10 feet (305 cm) long
• Miter saw
• Cloth grain sack
• Drill
• Pocket-hole jig
• Wood glue
• 1 ¼-inch (3-cm) pocket-hole screws
• Wood stain
• Paintbrush
• Clean rags
• Staple gun and staples
DIRECTIONS
Measure and cut the 1 x 2 using a miter saw into two 34-inch (86.5-cm) pieces and two 20-inch (51-cm) pieces, mitering all the edges on a 45° angle. Measure the perimeter of your grain sack, and adjust the frame measurements if necessary before making any cuts.
Create a pocket hole in both ends of the 34-inch (86.5-cm) pieces using a drill and the pocket-hole jig. Add wood glue to the cut ends, and fit the mitered edges together to create a frame. Secure the corner joints by adding a screw to each pocket hole using a drill.
When the frame is built, apply stain to the front and sides using a paintbrush. Allow the stain to penetrate for 5–15 minutes until the desired color is achieved. Wipe the frame with a clean rag to remove any remaining stain, and allow it to dry completely, about 8 hours.
Lay the grain sack facedown on the back of the frame. Attach the sack to the frame using staples, pulling the cloth taut as you go.
TIPS | Try searching for vintage grain sacks on websites like Etsy or eBay.
Also, if you don't own a pocket-hole jig, you can use the method introduced in the Rustic Wooden Frame project (here) for creating a frame.
SIMPLE GREENERY WREATH
Wreaths are perfect for dressing up a front door or decorating above a mantel, and making your own is so easy and inexpensive. This tutorial will show you how to create a simple greenery wreath that looks great year round using just three supplies! You can follow this same technique to create different types of wreaths from branches, floral stems and more.
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
SUPPLIES
• Faux greenery garland
• Floral wire
• Metal snips
DIRECTIONS
Bend the garland into a circle, overlapping as needed to get the size wreath you want.
Cut a piece of floral wire about 5 inches (13 cm) long. Wrap the wire around the overlapping garland, twisting tightly to keep the garland secure. Cut any excess wire with metal snips. Continue wrapping wire around the wreath until all loose ends are secured.
Fluff the wreath by gently bending the branches outward, making sure to conceal any exposed floral wire.
TIP | Craft stores carry a variety of faux greenery and floral garlands, so you can make a different wreath for each season!
STITCHED COW PILLOW
This darling pillow will add plenty of farmhouse charm to your sofa and is really simple to make. Just cut out a cow shape from a light-colored fabric, and stitch it onto a pillow cover using dark thread. Get creative and use this technique to make a pillow with any stitched design, such as a number, letter or flower. The possibilities are endless!
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
SUPPLIES
• Computer and printer
• Scissors
• Light-colored fabric
• Pencil
• Plain pillow cover
• Sewing pins
• Sewing needle
• Black thread
• Pillow form
DIRECTIONS
Find a cow image online, choosing a simple silhouette that will be easy to sew. Print the image onto paper and cut out the design using scissors. Set the cow on your fabric and trace the outline with a pencil. Use scissors to cut out the cow shape on your fabric.
Place the cow centered on the front of your pillow cover and pin the fabric to hold it in place as you sew. Thread a needle with black thread and hand stitch around the outline of the cow. When finished, tie a knot in the thread on the inside of the pillow cover and insert a pillow form.
TIP | I used a tone-on-tone look for my pillow to allow the stitching to really stand out, but play around with contrasting colors to match your décor.
RUSTIC DECORATIVE TRAY
Trays are a great accessory to have around the home, with endless uses and decorating possibilities. On a coffee table or dining table, a tray can act as a base for a simple centerpiece. You can also use trays to corral items you keep out on the counter in a kitchen or bathroom to make the space look more organized and less cluttered. This rustic tray is made to look like the wood came right off an old barn door and even has handles that resemble what you would see on a barn.
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
SUPPLIES
• Tape measure
• 1 (1 x 3) board, 8 feet (244 cm) long
• 1 (1 x 2) board, 6 feet (183 cm) long
• Miter saw
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Quarters, to use as spacers
• Wood glue
• Brad nail gun
• 1-inch (2.5-cm) brad nails
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Two cabinet handles
DIRECTIONS
Measure and cut five 18-inch (45.5-cm) pieces from the 1 x 3. Cut two 12 ½-inch (32-cm) pieces from the 1 x 2. To make the new wood look old and used, hit the boards with a hammer and screwdriver to create random marks all over.
Lay the five 1 x 3 pieces next to each other, placing a quarter in between each board to act as a spacer. Place the 1 x 2 pieces across the 1 x 3 boards about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in from each end. Add wood glue to each 1 x 2, and attach them to the bottom boards using brad nails.
Measure and cut another piece of 1 x 2 to fit diagonally between the 12 ½-inch (32-cm) 1 x 2s. (It's best to wait until the other 1 x 2s are already attached to get an exact measurement.) For the diagonal piece, you'll need to use a miter saw to cut the ends at an angle. Add wood glue to the diagonal 1 x 2 and use brad nails to attach it across the tray.
When assembled, paint the tray. Allow the paint to dry completely, about 4 hours. Attach a handle centered on both ends of the tray using a screwdriver and the screws included with the handle.
TIPS | Clamps may be helpful to hold boards together as you nail everything in place.
For a weathered wood finish, use a sanding block to remove some of the paint, exposing the wood underneath.
When choosing your cabinet handles, look for ones with a dark or distressed finish, rather than a shiny metal finish.
WINDOWPANE MIRROR
Mirrors are great for making a space feel bigger and bouncing light throughout the room, but they certainly don't have to be basic or boring. Give your mirror the look of an old window just by adding a few simple trim pieces!
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
SUPPLIES
• Tape measure
• Rectangular framed mirror
• ¾-inch (2-cm) wooden screen molding
• Miter or circular saw
• Paint or wood stain
• Paintbrush
• Clear superglue
• Two wood rosettes
DIRECTIONS
Measure the length of your mirror (not including the frame), and cut a piece of screen molding to that length using a saw. Set the piece in the center of the mirror and measure the distance between the edge of the molding and the edge of the mirror. This will be the length of your crosspieces. Cut four pieces of screen molding to that length.
Paint or stain the pieces of molding to match your mirror frame, and allow them to dry completely. (If you would like to change the color of your mirror frame, paint both the molding and frame with your desired color.) Position the molding pieces evenly spaced on top of the mirror, and use small dabs of superglue to secure them to the mirror.
Paint or stain the rosettes, and allow them to dry completely. Add a rosette on top of the molding where the horizontal and vertical pieces intersect, using superglue to secure them to the wood.
TIP | Look for screen molding in the trim section at your hardware or home improvement store. The wood rosettes should be located with other unfinished wood items.
DINING ROOM & ENTRYWAY
Your dining room is the place where memories are made. Small, casual family dinners are enjoyed here as well as large holiday gatherings, both with long conversations over wine and plenty of laughter. This room should feel welcoming and intimate, with plenty of space to entertain guests and serve delicious, home-cooked meals.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from A Touch of Farmhouse Charm by Liz Fourez, Emily Layne. Copyright © 2016 Liz Fourez. Excerpted by permission of Page Street Publishing Co..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Title Page,Copyright Notice,
Dedication,
Introduction,
Tips & Advice,
Project Guide,
LIVING ROOM,
DINING ROOM & ENTRYWAY,
KITCHEN,
MASTER BEDROOM,
OFFICE,
BATHROOM,
KIDS' BEDROOM,
PLAYROOM,
Resources,
Thank You,
Index,
About the Author,
Copyright,
Related Subjects
Customer Reviews
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