In this post I summarize the recent crafts & projects that were shared on the blog with a focus on DIY crafts and furniture makeovers.

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Every now and then, I do a roundup post summarizing recent crafts and projects that I have shared with you. The intent is to provide all the links in one post so they are easy for you to find. The last time I did a round up post was in March and we have been busy since then! (I might need to sit down and rest a bit)

Summer is upon us and for that reason, I am going to exclude any Easter related crafts. I feel like we have moved on past spring and everyone is ready to embrace the outside fun summer brings.

Further, I have divided the roundup post into two distinct categories. The first category consisting of “DIY” type crafts and the second category is furniture makeovers.

Recent Crafts & Projects

First, I have to share. for most of these crafts and projects I used MMS Milk Paint Products. As most of you know, I have recently collaborated with the MMS Milk Paint company. If you purchase any milk paint from the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting this little business of mine. You can also save 10% using the code SLH10OFF.

So let’s get started with the roundup of crafts and furniture projects.

Summary of Crafts

Antique Paper Leaf Wreath

This antique paper leaf wreath was such a fun and easy project. Plus, it was a great way to use a book that my sister was ready to dispose of. If you have any torn, tattered or damaged books – using the pages for crafts is a great way to reuse the book and give it a new life.

DIY Front Door Basket Wreath

For the DIY Front Door Basket Wreath, I was able to partner with my friend Rachel from The Antiqued Journey. We both created a spring themed basket. This was also an easy and fun project. MMS milk paint created the chippy aged look on the basket.

DIY Crackle Paint

Then there was a two part series on creating a crackle paint finish. First I showed you how to use the technique on a small stool and then I showed you how to achieve the same result on a larger bench. You might be surprised to learn what I used to create the crackle finish. Here’s a hint, it’s very affordable and can be found in most schools.

DIY Painted Pottery

In the post entitled DIY Painted Pottery, I shared with you how to create an old world European style vase using two different techniques.

Here is a before and after photo for you showing how the second vase looked after applying the technique I shared with you.

DIY Pottery Lamp

Finally, in this post on the DIY Pottery Lamp, I walk you through how to create a very high end looking pottery lamp while spending very little money. The lamp above was a $5 thrifted find that with a little time, supplies and work was transformed into what you see in the photo.

Summary of Furniture Makeovers

Antique Pine Blanket Chest

When the weather finally warmed up enough to work in the garage, the first project I tackled was this antique pine blanket chest. Initially, I tried using the oven cleaner method to strip the existing finish. Here is a hint, oven cleaner is not what I used to get the look that I wanted. If you read the post, you can get the details. Although I didn’t use paint on this blanket chest, I did use MMS Milk Wax to protect the wood.

Painting Shutters

Then I found these tall, narrow shutters, with porcelain knobs, in Tennessee. I couldn’t pass them by so I took them home. Except, when I first found them they were dirty and didn’t look pretty. In the post on Painting Shutters with Milk Paint, I walk you through the process I used to clean them and gave you some tips for painting shutters. (All those slats can pose some challenges)

Waxed Pine Dresser

The post on the Waxed Pine Dresser was by far my most read post in the last three months. It was also the most controversial post! While many of you liked the end result, there were several readers who let me know that they liked the “before” version better. Some of them sent me emails letting me know they felt I ruined an antique. For those of you who don’t know, this waxed pine dresser dates to around 1880.

I should probably have a pop up warning on my blog letting people know that I paint and refinish mostly antique furniture.

Anyway the vast majority of you liked the “after” version of the waxed pine dresser.

While I didn’t use any paint on this dresser, I did use some MMS Milk Wax to protect the wood.

Green Cottage Dresser

Finally, I refinished this cute little cottage dresser using MMS Milk Paint in the color boxwood. If you have ever spent a winter in the northeast, then you know that around the beginning of May you need to see some green. The brass knobs gave the dresser a cheerful yet sophisticated look.

Summary

Thank you for stopping by the blog today. I hope you are inspired to try a project or two. Now that the warmer weather has arrived, I try to spend as much time outside as possible. Sanding and painting furniture is a good excuse to be outside.

You may also want to check out my friend Cindy’s post on Painting a set of dressers black. They turned out stunning!

Finally, I encourage you to check out the MMS Milk Paint Blog – they have some amazingly talented women who are creating projects and writing blog posts for the company. Here are some examples:

• Patriotic Drop Cloth Bunting
• Characteristics of Empire Style Furniture
• Vacation Decor Inspiration
• Vintage Inspired Children’s Table

They also have a You Tube channel where you can see videos on how to use the paint and waxes on a variety of projects. The channel includes simple and easy to make projects as well as furniture makeovers.