Wood Inlay Ornament with German Glass Glitter

Hi friends! And hi to new friends visiting from the #CreativeChristmas Challenge hosted by Remodelaholic!

To those of you who don’t know me yet: welcome. Everyone else has already started drinking and saying really embarrassing things (about themselves, not you… we’re not a super judgmental bunch). To those of you who already know me: cheers. As always, you rock. And I was just kidding about the drinking thing (unless it’s football season and a Saturday, which yes to both).

Anyway, from time to time, I like to throw my hat in on a DIY challenge or two because nothing excuses buying more power tools like overcommitting to a deadline for fun (like the 2×4 summer challenge and boom: new coffee table!). This time around, the theme was making something for Christmas. I’ve already been finding inspiration for my color scheme this year in the form of acorns, snowflakes, owls, and other wintery-woodland things, so I figured: why not see if I can fill up the inevitable empty parts of my tree with what I have on hand, rather than buying a bunch of new ornaments? I also just happened upon a set of carving bits for my Dremel and have been itching to experiment with epoxy/inlays/resins, so I started playing around until this happened:

And as a fun little bonus: I actually made a video of it too!

Tools and Materials

affiliate links of items I recommend and use are listed in this post, which support this site at no cost to you… thanks!

• scrap wood (I had 1″ x 4″ poplar)
• scissors
• printer paper
• inkjet printer
• acetone or nail polish remover
• Dremel 200
• Dremel engraving/carving kit
• band saw or scroll saw
• random orbit sander
• wood stain (I used Minwax Ipswich Pine and washed while it was still wet with Early American… I’ll have to show you guys more about this as I’ve done it a number of times to get the colors I like)
• Mod Podge
• small detail paint brush
• Miss Mustard Seed’s German Glass Glitter in Silver Tiara
• Martha Stewart Crafts extra fine glitter in Smoky Quartz
• clear spray sealer (gloss)
• small drill bit
• thread (I used stuff from my cross stitch stash)

First things first: print out the image (mine is available for download near the end of the post) and cut it out. I used a scrap piece of poplar that was bound for the burn pile, so I wasn’t really expecting perfection (in fact as you can see, I first used a different image that was WAY too intricate for a first-time experiment and then decided on the final design).

To transfer the ink from the printer paper, I swabbed the back with an acetone nail polish remover. As you can see, the image didn’t transfer perfectly, but it was good enough (I got the idea from my buddy Brad’s video here — then went with the option that wouldn’t require changing out of my pajama pants or going into the cold garage that morning).

Next, I took out my Dremel and a new engraving/carving set I’d recently purchased for another inlay project. In my opinion, crafting is a good intro before graduating to larger pieces, so I figured this would help me practice with diamond tips, how to control the carve, etc. A good method is to create the hard outline first, then carve out the middle, and continue to make the inlay deeper and deeper until it’s got enough depth to hold the inlay material (glitter, epoxy I assume, whatever).

Next, I sketched out the overall shape (spoiler: it wasn’t at all even, so I highly recommend using the template) and then went to cut out the piece. And this is when it seemed like things were conspiring against me: my new scroll saw was broken… right out of the box. Womp, womp.

To make the situation a little stickier, I was about 5 hours away at this point from needing to head out of town to Raleigh, NC (recap here), and I had no other tools that would give me the right depth and shape. Disappointed but undeterred, I figured the next best thing would be to ask to borrow tools from the person I’d be visiting (thankfully, it was a trip to visit some DIY blogging friends just for fun — my pal Brittany just so happened to have a band saw in her garage). Of course, now I want one of those, too.

Of course, I’d never actually used a band saw before, so despite the general don’t-cut-your-fingers-off rule, the piece still came out a little wonky (mostly due to my non-templating sketch). I was able to shape it a little more with an orbital sander. I also carved the edges out a little more and did a final sanding with high grit sandpaper before stain.

Since the overall concept was to make this look like an inlay, I wanted to use glitter with a little more grit and sparkle: enter, German glass glitter. It’s really amazing stuff in person. To paint it into place, I relied on a small paint brush (tip: if the brush starts to fray a little, spin it as you’re dipping it into the glue to get the point fine again… check out my video to see a demo of that).

You can layer the glitter in, too: after giving it some time to dry, paint another bit of glue on top of the glitter and add more into the recessed areas. It will add depth!

I added extra-fine gold glitter around the edge and sealed the whole thing with a clear gloss spray, then drilled a hole through the top and threaded it so it could hang on the tree.

Caveat: before I sealed with a clear gloss, I actually tried to seal with an old polycrylic which unfortunately made the top and bottom tips look faded/cloudy once it dried. At first I thought I’d lean into the mistake by painting the back and sides with chalk paint and sanding to make it look rustic, but it looked really sad instead and totally detracted from the sparkle on the front. I wanted to get this done in time for the blog hop, so I just continued on with sealing again and adding the glitter around the edge. So, if you try a project like this, don’t make my mistake and you’ll get even better results!

You can also try other inlay methods, other glitter colors, fill in the center vs the outer rings with opposite hues, etc… the possibilities are pretty endless!

All in all, I think it’s going to make a nice addition to my white/gold/chrome/woodland Christmas decor theme this year (and the less I need to spend on ornaments, the more budget I have to make Christmas cocktails, hehe).

Want to try this for yourself? You can download my template here.

To be perfectly frank, I think the photos really don’t do the sparkle on this piece enough justice (in fact, I worried that it was looking too drab in photos). So, I made a video tutorial too (I’d love it if you subscribed if you haven’t already… with what I’ve learned in making this tutorial, there is more to come no doubt!).

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As I mentioned, this DIY was part of a blog hop, with 25 other bloggers participating — aka, enough DIY Christmas ideas to keep you busy right up until the actual holiday (if you were so ambitiously inclined). So, check out a preview of the other projects and bloggers participating in the images below. You can also head over to the Remodelaholic post (who is hosting this hop) to check out other DIYers submitting their inspired ideas (on social media, you can look for #CreativeChristmas to find them all).

DIY Christmas Trees and Ornaments

Wintry Silver Dollar Store Christmas Tree Decor | Remodelaholic
Marbled Christmas Ornaments | Doodlecraft
Scrap Wood Inlay Ornaments | The Ugly Duckling House (you’re here!)
Woodburned Wood Slice Ornaments | Sisters What
Flocked Pine Cones | Practical and Pretty
Abstract Monogram Ornaments | Domicile37
Concrete Christmas Ornaments | The Palette Muse
Wood Slice Deer Ornaments | Our Crafty Mom
Vintage Gumball Machine Ornaments | Beth Watson Design Studio
Etched Glass Ornaments | Just Call Me Homegirl
Unicorn Inspired Christmas Tree | The DIY Mommy
Driftwood Reindeer Ornaments | Sustain My Craft Habit

DIY Christmas Gifts and Decor

Christmas Pine Hoop Wreath | This Mama’s Dance
Gingerbread Man Candles | Nourish and Nestle
Wire and Glass Chandelier | Home with Cupcakes and Crinoline
Christmas Scroll Wall Art | Grace In My Space
Lighted Wood Trees | Frazzled Joy
Crocheted Christmas Hat | Luz Patterns
Christmas Card Photo Display| Hertoolbelt
JOY Porch Sign | Ginger Snap Crafts
Folding Bar Cart Table | Everyday Party Magazine
Wood and Burlap Christmas Sign | Leap of Faith Crafting
Wood Block Snowman | Anika’s DIY Life
Holiday Candle Wrap | Dragonfly & Lily Pads
Christmas Pom Pom Pillow | Small Home Soul
Handlettered Wall Art | Smiling Colors

Those of us who did videos for this hop can be found in the playlist below, so those of you who would rather watch than read (or just want to blow off work for a few more minutes) have something, too! *If you’re having difficulty playing it, you can jump over to the playlist here.*

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There you have it! Hope you’re getting into the holiday spirit just in time. Will you be working on any decor ideas this Christmas? This is going to be a very busy holiday season for me, so be sure to check back in for more DIYs (I’m going to give that epoxy inlay idea a shot, and a few more scrap ideas are just bubbling in the ol’ brain). Have a great weekend!

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The post Wood Inlay Ornament with German Glass Glitter appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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from The Ugly Duckling House https://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/wood-inlay-ornament-german-glass-glitter/

How to match your office design with your brand

We currently live in a digitalworld where most people will visit your company’s website before paying a visit to your office. However, your office design can still tell your visitors a lot about your company, your employees and what you stand for. At the end of the day, your office will always be the first time that potential clients and employees, as well as general visitors, come in to human contact with your business. Therefore, it is important to get your design spot on as first impressions are vital in all walks of life, especially business.

Making sure that your office space reflects your brand can help set your business apart from others. Walking in to a dull office which doesn’t reflect the field of work your company is involved with could be both confusing and off putting. A brand relevant office quite simply gives customers and clients a better idea of what your business is all about and what you stand for. It can sometimes be the difference between the success and failure of your company.

Stick to a plan

Like with anything business related, creating and sticking to a plan when it comes to a modern office refurbishment is vital. There are numerous factors to consider, so it’s incredibly important that you establish a starting point and work from there. One option is to think about what it is you want to achieve from your office refurbishment. When clients visit your office, you want it to send a message about your business. Thinking about what you want that message to say can help. What you don’t want is for the design of your office to not match what your company’s about. For example, a client may not associate a fast-digital media company with an office that looks old and tired. 

Involve your staff

Your brand is more than just a logo. It’s the company’s culture and its workforce as well. When thinking about the design of your office, there are benefits in including your staff in the process. By knowing what their needs are and how they like to work, this will give you a good idea of how everyone views your business. Involving staff gives them a stake in the business and promotes the company brand, not to mention the fact that your staff will be feel respected and trusted by you for allowing them to be part of such a big decision. Also, involving your members of staff means that everyone will be working in their ideal environment, which can only be a positive when it comes to productivity.

Show off your brand

One thing you can do in any office refurbishment is to make use of your brand’s colours. It’s not just about placing logos on office walls. Using the colours from your logo or website, or both, for your office design can send an important message to those who visit the company. It is a way of telling others that your office is not just any office, but an office that no other company could possibly use because it just ‘screams’ your brand. Correctly done, including your brand in your office design can send a message about how you want your employees to behave. It can also project a message about what you want your customers to think about the business. Mixing your brand into your office design can help you set out a unique identity for your business.

Office design has perhaps never been more important with many companies going above and beyond to create engaging, brand relevant places of work. For a high-quality office refurbishment or fit out service click here

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/11/how-to-match-your-office-design-with.html

5 Things To Consider When Buying Antique Furniture

 If you are considering investing in some antique furniture, there is much to consider, as these kinds of purchases are never cheap, and unless you know what you are looking at, you could end up paying a lot more than you should. It is therefore advisable to have a basic understanding of what antique furniture entails, and with that in mind, here are some important factors to consider when looking to buy antique furniture.

 

1.      Buy from an Established Dealer – This way you can be sure the item is in fact, genuine, and with so many copies around, it is easy to be duped by a dubious dealer. There is, for example, top quality antique furniture in Brisbane available at Wallrocks, an established dealer who has some excellent items on offer, all at reasonable prices. Approaching an established dealer gives you many options, along with quality guarantees and honest appraisals, and the list of furniture items would be extensive, with something to suit every budget.

2.      Inspect the Item Carefully – One must check for any signs of damage when buying any antique item, and depending on what type of furniture it is, there are places to look. A heavy chest of drawers or wardrobe would be vulnerable at the feet, so check thoroughly for any sign of damage, as this is the most likely place. Chairs might be damaged at the back of the rest, or again, on the legs, and any drawers should be physically removed for a comprehensive inspection that includes looking at the timber runners.

3.      Look For Credentials – There are many online antique dealers, but not all of them are members of relevant associations, and if the dealer is respected in the local fine arts community, this is a good sign. All antique dealers rely heavily on word of mouth recommendations, but having said that, they must also have the right connections with reputable organisations. For more information on the importance of credentials in business, check various references for some further reading.

4.      Practicality – That period cabinet might look wonderful in your dining room, but will it be functional enough to meet your needs? Some pieces are beautiful, yet not very practical if you wish to really utilise the furniture, and this needs to be taken into account. Purchase a piece that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

5.      The Investment Angle – Of course, many buyers are looking at the investment properties, and with a careful selection, one can make a tidy profit over the years. Paying a lot of money for a table, for example, doesn’t seem so bad when you consider the value will appreciate significantly, and with some restoration, one can really make a handsome profit, if you know what to look for.

There are online dealers of fine antique furniture, and with the assurance that all the items are genuine and fairly priced, you can enhance your home, while also making a shrewd investment. If, however, you have little or no experience with antique furniture, it is advisable to do some online researching before looking at items. This will ensure that you will not make a wrong decision, and the more experience you gain, the more you will be able to spot a bargain.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/11/when-buying-Antique-Furniture.html

4 Advantages Of Blackout Blinds

The summers bring long, light evenings, but they also bring interrupted sleep due to the longer days. Blackout blinds, though, are a great solution as most light is blocked out, keeping your room darker and cooler.

Some of the most popular types of blackout blinds include roller blinds and Roman blinds. You will find a wide range of high quality made to measure blackout blinds from trusted providers online and in your local area.

With blackout blinds, the blind fabric is applied to a lining, enabling the fabric to look good, hold its internal structure, and to keep out the light.

 

If you’re still wondering whether or not it’s worth getting blackout blinds, check out these benefits.

1.      Preparing the Body for a Good Night’s Sleep

Whether it’s sunny summer or gloomy winter, blackout blinds can help to dim out the light in the evening before you go to bed, preparing your bodies and brains for sleep. What’s more, research shows that cutting out all sources of light while you sleep can stop any interruptions to your body clock. In other words, learning to fall in love with the dark that these blinds provide can in turn prevent changes to your internal rhythm.

In fact, we actually need to be exposed to good kinds of darkness at night if we want to enjoy quality sleep. We’d go so far as to say you may well be surprised at the different blackout blinds can make to your room. Also, placed in a child or baby’s room, these blinds can make a significant different to their quality of sleep, and help them to stop waking up with the sun, or get them to bed when it is still pretty light outside.

2.      Improved Privacy

Typically, blackout fabrics are made from thicker materials than other blinds or curtains, which means that besides blocking out light from your rooms, they also block out any light inside that a person on the outside might see. This makes them perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms where privacy is most required.

3.      Save on Energy Bills

Reducing the cost of your energy bills is a big benefit of blackout blinds, and they have lower impact on the environment. The thickest material helps to greatly retain heat in a room during the winter and reflect the heat out of a room during summer, maintaining a comfortable temperature and creating a relaxing environment. In turn, you stop wasting money on cooling or heating your rooms and you get to be more environmentally friendly, too.

4.      Noise Reduction

Finally, blackout blinds can help to reduce the amount of noise entering a room. So, if your neighbours love nothing more to mow their law at the crack of dawn, or the boat that’s moored next door is hosting a noisy dinner party when you and your family are trying to get some shut eye, the noise can be blocked out to a degree, leaving you to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

With the points we’ve discussed, it is safe to say that every homeowner should invest in blackout blinds.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/11/4-advantages-of-blackout-blinds.html

Visiting Raleigh with My Remodeling Besties — and the HARD Work of Saving Etta

How to add value to your property

Do you know how much your house is worth? It is one of the most frequently asked questions among homeowners, particularly those who are looking to put their home on the market, and is often led with the question “how can I add value to my home?” If this sounds like you, here are some ways to invest in your home to increase its overall worth. 

Convert your loft

Converting your loft into a livable space such as a cozy extra bedroom or a quiet home office is a surefire way to add value to your home. While it can take up to 12 weeks to complete, a project such as this could add up to 21% to the value of your home.

Build an extension

What’s one of the main things that prospective buyers look for in a new home? Enough space. Adding an extension to your property will give you the freedom to use this extra space for whatever you want and can increase its value by 5%. If an extension is what you’re going to opt for, try to bear in mind that you shouldn’t give up too much of your outdoor area as this can make your property feel unbalanced. Of course, you should always check with the relevant authorities to make sure that you have permission to carry out your desired building work.

Install a new roof

Sometimes homeowners can underestimate the importance of a firm and trustworthy roof. After all, it is the one thing that keeps your family and your possessions safe so if your roof is leaking or in a general state of disrepair it might be worth investing in a new one. If you’re considering a new roof in Newcastle, companies such as Findley Roofing & Building are reputable, friendly and reliable – three things you should certainly look for in any roofing contractor.

Add an extra bathroom

For larger families, an extra bathroom can be a godsend, so this is definitely something worth considering if you’re looking to add value. Again, this can add approximately 5% to your home’s value whether you opt for an en suite or something separate.  Remember not to add another bathroom at the expense of a double bedroom, however, as this will work against you in the grand scheme of things. Reviving your old bathroom suite can also help, especially if you add shiny new fittings like taps and a towel rail.

Be eco-friendly

By making your home energy efficient you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone. Not only will it help you to save money on your bills but it will add value to your property in the long run. Eco-friendly home improvements involve things like loft insulation, the installation of a solar water heater or solar panels on your roof.

Boost your curb appeal   

It’s true that something as simple as repainting the exterior of your home or adding a new front door can help to boost value. Homeowners often overlook the importance of curb appeal but if you’re looking to sell it can really impact a buyer’s opinion.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/11/how-to-add-value-to-your-property.html

Another Weekend Away… Saving Etta!