Easy DIY Coffee Table

Ready for the easiest project ever?<br /><br />I was at a loss when it came to what I should use for a coffee table for our sunroom. <br /><br />Here is the space I had to work with...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CTpOHg94ou7TAx1AP7qpOWU6eZafZJN04W8Rp4aYwlWhA3py0O0xT0GQnI_TY7cCoqGC44iPe-fXEI4jvAXuBfQ57ywvxBxk5YkKCK_JaLcu4sIZ5qYCOc10Z0Ds3KVHQWqQRftAs4Ff/s1600/IMG_7918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CTpOHg94ou7TAx1AP7qpOWU6eZafZJN04W8Rp4aYwlWhA3py0O0xT0GQnI_TY7cCoqGC44iPe-fXEI4jvAXuBfQ57ywvxBxk5YkKCK_JaLcu4sIZ5qYCOc10Z0Ds3KVHQWqQRftAs4Ff/s1600/IMG_7918.jpg" /></a></div><br />I didn't want anything too big or in the way, and something portable/moveable was important as I was picturing game nights with people scattered across the room who would need easy access.<br /><br />At first I was going to use two of these:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0XAo5Kyw0yqqG-IXUaqdrvMgoQ8O16LAeh1I-m9k0kiSXGAw1qZjtO17V6C11KzYVkWycHUFnKNsFzascEklR8aC758MzdOGiXCAT_dQC2jM88_u8oodT7DB8nCmluEw1M9qwdkoTk4X/s1600/IMG_7923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0XAo5Kyw0yqqG-IXUaqdrvMgoQ8O16LAeh1I-m9k0kiSXGAw1qZjtO17V6C11KzYVkWycHUFnKNsFzascEklR8aC758MzdOGiXCAT_dQC2jM88_u8oodT7DB8nCmluEw1M9qwdkoTk4X/s1600/IMG_7923.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then I realized how small they were, and opted for one as a side table instead.<br /><br />Then I hopped on pinterest and found this:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwjp5yWvW61qb83abo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwjp5yWvW61qb83abo1_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://myidealhome.tumblr.com/post/14557920462/scandinavian-living-via-freshome" target="_blank">Source</a></em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />...and I fell madly in love. My search was over.<br /><br />That particular coffee table was made from an old door, which isn't the easiest thing to stumble upon here... so I remembered another pin I had bookmarked:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgyN5_H_fH2von07AWVvDxF6kOSy8ts9A-wmXBW2SfCcIqcvXoBAo3Lm7CxZZyFYsD7Qvv8KOhjIAKnI-N6ovFolynz9dzlDy4w1yHo97c0uuhsH-HRLJE9jHlMVQosafSrBClpdxApw/s1600/Home+office+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgyN5_H_fH2von07AWVvDxF6kOSy8ts9A-wmXBW2SfCcIqcvXoBAo3Lm7CxZZyFYsD7Qvv8KOhjIAKnI-N6ovFolynz9dzlDy4w1yHo97c0uuhsH-HRLJE9jHlMVQosafSrBClpdxApw/s1600/Home+office+3.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://blog.stylizimo.com/2011/01/my-new-home-office.html" target="_blank">Source</a></em></td></tr></tbody></table>and I decided I'd recreate the look for the top.<br /><br />Off to Lowe's I went to gather my materials.<br /><br />I grabbed four casters ($10/ea), had five 2x6 whiteboards cut to 4 feet long, and a piece of 3' x (just under) 4' plywood. Total cost: $70.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX2Lv2HW0YWMa5nD9mLK8O52ukekObVr_MiBPSaOjOsQu54DmZVnuzrhQICIUvQsPHE6HzQUKu58wE00uEcYf7_ppxj-FOUOJxlcFh2o7_X3P2WLiI8tvq9XcouctFk1nSNn6atzqZTa8/s1600/IMG_7937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivX2Lv2HW0YWMa5nD9mLK8O52ukekObVr_MiBPSaOjOsQu54DmZVnuzrhQICIUvQsPHE6HzQUKu58wE00uEcYf7_ppxj-FOUOJxlcFh2o7_X3P2WLiI8tvq9XcouctFk1nSNn6atzqZTa8/s1600/IMG_7937.jpg" /></a></div><br />After doing some measuring, I realized the table would be a bit low for my liking, so I grabbed a leftover 4x4 post we had from our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/02/crown-molding-project-backyard-deck.html" target="_blank">deck project</a> to use as legs. <br /><br />After cutting the legs, I added a bit of stain (Minwax's Ebony, as always) to the wood.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kLrD1g2lBlZofNK1BEn6SRoyP2Ua9GY7R5DFyKUiGCGJuuDn_soSHnpW7GOCfjNHCBRLk8uxYmSB5-249iSgz7GNSF92X7TcjlMRuIi9Hb1YWO-6hF7AGm98bp5ZsGQIqBZ2hyWITReD/s1600/IMG_7940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kLrD1g2lBlZofNK1BEn6SRoyP2Ua9GY7R5DFyKUiGCGJuuDn_soSHnpW7GOCfjNHCBRLk8uxYmSB5-249iSgz7GNSF92X7TcjlMRuIi9Hb1YWO-6hF7AGm98bp5ZsGQIqBZ2hyWITReD/s1600/IMG_7940.jpg" /></a></div><br />I almost considered skipping this step, because much of this wood was naturally a soft grey color which is what I was aiming for. I never even knew this type of wood existed... but it's only in the 2" thick wood section. I'll be shopping in in that area lot more now!<br /><br />After a light coat of stain...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwvkGCv4qrLw5dUFEnd47ZNusg87_lz6Gb4O-XJRO3Eu4p370DwNzTNO3deJuQPUceNZORDBvgktQNB4MxsyNz8Y8xXw-M9_1gOzRv4hjyYAgiLhI45SNELEBo_aQnFdk0BuHWJ40CUhd/s1600/IMG_7941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwvkGCv4qrLw5dUFEnd47ZNusg87_lz6Gb4O-XJRO3Eu4p370DwNzTNO3deJuQPUceNZORDBvgktQNB4MxsyNz8Y8xXw-M9_1gOzRv4hjyYAgiLhI45SNELEBo_aQnFdk0BuHWJ40CUhd/s1600/IMG_7941.jpg" /></a></div><br />I brushed a light coat of plain white paint on everything and let it dry:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3FVRb_K1z4x1wzKrR2ABm2NPrJavlw-j6clSwUTSbFWkLcTlhzDnFBv7Mma3SQpQJ26P12Q3hQFRmVB_BpMxunFFBPmtqBCo-6QVTxeI8YUB3vwqqnIwuUR1FVMPHl0FYz8u757QfCAr/s1600/IMG_7943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3FVRb_K1z4x1wzKrR2ABm2NPrJavlw-j6clSwUTSbFWkLcTlhzDnFBv7Mma3SQpQJ26P12Q3hQFRmVB_BpMxunFFBPmtqBCo-6QVTxeI8YUB3vwqqnIwuUR1FVMPHl0FYz8u757QfCAr/s1600/IMG_7943.jpg" /></a></div><br />I came back a bit later and lightly sanded to let the wood show through until I was pleased with the look.<br /><br />Next it was time to attach the wheels to my legs. I used some regular wood screws and washers to hold them in:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCGul5J_OZ7SnkZSDSjbzTOoYaObcyLW1DajoaawZqldxv3LDY_dNpK_tccnuEtLw9ysR1ZEpZv6afTjeuzJIebzdIf8aSa6DNGA1Hp0OhG_xwfLwKORZzvlj8HuLCOf505u93q296Dr9/s1600/IMG_7946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCGul5J_OZ7SnkZSDSjbzTOoYaObcyLW1DajoaawZqldxv3LDY_dNpK_tccnuEtLw9ysR1ZEpZv6afTjeuzJIebzdIf8aSa6DNGA1Hp0OhG_xwfLwKORZzvlj8HuLCOf505u93q296Dr9/s1600/IMG_7946.jpg" /></a></div><br />Easy peasy.<br /><br />Then I attached each leg to the corner of my plywood board (this step required both of my hands so no mid action shots).<br /><br />Finally, it was time to secure the plywood to the bottom of the boards. <br /><br />I flipped the boards down, lined them up, and centered my base over them:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBe0NQo6sD43f4Bly7tG-jFyifmxpAPpIhtR9YFQ6QVdatXPJeCf95uw7dl0vVt0-4KlT20JL1cl1XNKooYlLtgNKZfV42w23pFjidkvLdTAB1OmutV76vyL17BM_ep20IfFaqnQo9FDs/s1600/IMG_7947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBe0NQo6sD43f4Bly7tG-jFyifmxpAPpIhtR9YFQ6QVdatXPJeCf95uw7dl0vVt0-4KlT20JL1cl1XNKooYlLtgNKZfV42w23pFjidkvLdTAB1OmutV76vyL17BM_ep20IfFaqnQo9FDs/s1600/IMG_7947.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I couldn't find any 2.5" screws, so I just nailed them in:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmkdiMjYroJGS8BKqqkfrbSAQjPLJOur_Ela06kyYdpPIAlRbR_zaT-lFinpzckrgyqdHzsBLWLnKtmfuX4AaFZLktJmkDcCsN1nYlgzkbqLhi0C-jZBGalFpMUfUd3ImzkS0p3n-JXNo/s1600/IMG_7948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmkdiMjYroJGS8BKqqkfrbSAQjPLJOur_Ela06kyYdpPIAlRbR_zaT-lFinpzckrgyqdHzsBLWLnKtmfuX4AaFZLktJmkDcCsN1nYlgzkbqLhi0C-jZBGalFpMUfUd3ImzkS0p3n-JXNo/s1600/IMG_7948.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And it was done:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_RB7kh-oRTi97S_odl9PdDfzhH26eIryNFFFtzxBA3DEBnmC0gl2F1NW7f_LRNit3BqmLjm2zRlPJI-JbCkVdSgjHh98E6VwqjTFwBle7DrLVi5acknPGJgs9P3XCqL_oJ9iypiVunVZ/s1600/IMG_7951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_RB7kh-oRTi97S_odl9PdDfzhH26eIryNFFFtzxBA3DEBnmC0gl2F1NW7f_LRNit3BqmLjm2zRlPJI-JbCkVdSgjHh98E6VwqjTFwBle7DrLVi5acknPGJgs9P3XCqL_oJ9iypiVunVZ/s1600/IMG_7951.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's a side view:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE_lerhFOPUaPuZ-9rp40Q8iQ9YlaZdIh2DQoy2Fqpi41zsvMSj97HJ8tLAhEXEi_PRM5ETRkHzHBiETG3ljxJw4vORa-MQ0pB0fXwbpiTxITMYFcWvF7ISByyupJWktc7pxm-IJW2Jyr/s1600/IMG_7954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE_lerhFOPUaPuZ-9rp40Q8iQ9YlaZdIh2DQoy2Fqpi41zsvMSj97HJ8tLAhEXEi_PRM5ETRkHzHBiETG3ljxJw4vORa-MQ0pB0fXwbpiTxITMYFcWvF7ISByyupJWktc7pxm-IJW2Jyr/s1600/IMG_7954.jpg" /></a></div><br />The entire project took about 2 hours... including waiting for the stain and paint to dry. I wish all projects were this easy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuG8FKsn3sg5b0_Z9myQ_4AgcAdrG8fNOCM5Yai4WJ28VOFDxij9pLwARccqk2MjrNa6-zsg56Q7nOX2PI5UQX3Q2g5r0xK18KisvfiqyrZj-aSCJGAVqIfpxboP-AtRzou0KlgyFicBv/s1600/IMG_7976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuG8FKsn3sg5b0_Z9myQ_4AgcAdrG8fNOCM5Yai4WJ28VOFDxij9pLwARccqk2MjrNa6-zsg56Q7nOX2PI5UQX3Q2g5r0xK18KisvfiqyrZj-aSCJGAVqIfpxboP-AtRzou0KlgyFicBv/s1600/IMG_7976.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm just loving it in this space...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_mq7qLgCjF0lD7DE4oRZih57lAFbwSCZ7aDxvy6eyQr81e9GvHzUj6Y4V3cLSRneX8asUZ6igeqQuWbp7hmKdYCsqVhzi_r0mKJmHNnlrllgBylmHucGWLvgd9f_kpjkJukW8qiTh2mD/s1600/IMG_7968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_mq7qLgCjF0lD7DE4oRZih57lAFbwSCZ7aDxvy6eyQr81e9GvHzUj6Y4V3cLSRneX8asUZ6igeqQuWbp7hmKdYCsqVhzi_r0mKJmHNnlrllgBylmHucGWLvgd9f_kpjkJukW8qiTh2mD/s1600/IMG_7968.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaEq1ujkWyqggPafsf3BP0XyTQjF0Wod-d06eYdMYL5PHXuXU7Giw5DJXGTwdmdGh5bXMQXKTozXy1xirUhyphenhyphenR8PyRoF0xbIvqJ1tlBipoKZuBO6I8LX2WG66wFpsxVk9wKEEBVcH76xp4/s1600/IMG_7971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaEq1ujkWyqggPafsf3BP0XyTQjF0Wod-d06eYdMYL5PHXuXU7Giw5DJXGTwdmdGh5bXMQXKTozXy1xirUhyphenhyphenR8PyRoF0xbIvqJ1tlBipoKZuBO6I8LX2WG66wFpsxVk9wKEEBVcH76xp4/s1600/IMG_7971.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Today I'm in the middle of building a console table for the corner of the room, which has proven to be a bit more challenging. I ended up changing around my plans for the walls last night, too... all that to come in the next post!<br /><br /><br />P.S., guess where my font is right now?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqLBQuEopPn0RKeclpzsuJumglrpGFaM-pGwPaIZZOOQ_f8eOImClYrUk-GzR7wbZRBHbLRqEsrAr8uPTmrtx43mTcnoNnn2Yt4z-DKCxHnFnTlvl3BCDRDd8aIlmFMgp3-GkgvJxSJLd/s1600/Seventeen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqLBQuEopPn0RKeclpzsuJumglrpGFaM-pGwPaIZZOOQ_f8eOImClYrUk-GzR7wbZRBHbLRqEsrAr8uPTmrtx43mTcnoNnn2Yt4z-DKCxHnFnTlvl3BCDRDd8aIlmFMgp3-GkgvJxSJLd/s640/Seventeen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />It's also on the cover of this month's Cosmo in Australia... a copy is on its way to me right now. Pretty cool, eh?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

Easy DIY Coffee Table

Ready for the easiest project ever? I was at a loss when it came to what I should use for a coffee table for our sunroom. Here is the space ...

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Sunroom: Week 3

We've been working non stop over the past few weeks on this room, starting from the biggest & most boring jobs—like a new ceiling and insulation, lighting, wiring, painting, and flooring. <br /><br />That's all finally out of the way, and I'm thrilled to say that the room is starting to feel like the perfect loungy sunroom I've always wanted. <br /><br />Last week I had just finished painting the ceiling and the tile was about to go in. On Monday, the tile installers came and gave us this gorgeousness:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvTJrVVc1RCQKyBIQxyEeO3VL24YPkh40nhxIw87dLf6t661KA03QdVSycj_so8WSHNM1-jUCdq_j60T0RlfPdvK7531w_V-7WHBx-OZrCFhLrzKm4zsga68X8A49yvI-4W9GA7amEXRY/s1600/IMG_7907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvTJrVVc1RCQKyBIQxyEeO3VL24YPkh40nhxIw87dLf6t661KA03QdVSycj_so8WSHNM1-jUCdq_j60T0RlfPdvK7531w_V-7WHBx-OZrCFhLrzKm4zsga68X8A49yvI-4W9GA7amEXRY/s1600/IMG_7907.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9paLCec1rcpG0haY8fr8jO22C5JRFxpcfZ0ksn8Pg9kXnOv2G5eAPPIt_JhkgoyUyB-hu1S4mLIgEgRkn5AJTjjNWR53e1fF5oNtPB_siWwG5viOXCvAYuV8gsXkOe4Jk4FhmsOq-Zfg/s1600/IMG_7908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9paLCec1rcpG0haY8fr8jO22C5JRFxpcfZ0ksn8Pg9kXnOv2G5eAPPIt_JhkgoyUyB-hu1S4mLIgEgRkn5AJTjjNWR53e1fF5oNtPB_siWwG5viOXCvAYuV8gsXkOe4Jk4FhmsOq-Zfg/s1600/IMG_7908.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8X2gVOPWqAVRqG45pn7VL7ioTaxdhbxJA9Sp8YQIu2ebCpX_YmkvwuCcFxhTMtb4ZHmEoPXXDpwpr5S5iqEx-09lbawQxNfAhIogLggyEhMrmhW_7wDRWvPydVaYFDdLzxXJATBVsimV/s1600/IMG_7909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8X2gVOPWqAVRqG45pn7VL7ioTaxdhbxJA9Sp8YQIu2ebCpX_YmkvwuCcFxhTMtb4ZHmEoPXXDpwpr5S5iqEx-09lbawQxNfAhIogLggyEhMrmhW_7wDRWvPydVaYFDdLzxXJATBVsimV/s1600/IMG_7909.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's just like I had imagined. <br /><br />If anyone is curious, this is the brand of tile:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOzjDlq-AQEuLJqzVy5mYcO6ET0mY6i52bJPa3FZEdcq_4ZaHJjmuG-oBAVp9PbY_DSlnvQ8LFSDFVcGZJmPGCmTOUcDNKCsg3GWAI5QCsrsO_1MCLNh8bw6TYK10KXk4bqSRlOAvVP30/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOzjDlq-AQEuLJqzVy5mYcO6ET0mY6i52bJPa3FZEdcq_4ZaHJjmuG-oBAVp9PbY_DSlnvQ8LFSDFVcGZJmPGCmTOUcDNKCsg3GWAI5QCsrsO_1MCLNh8bw6TYK10KXk4bqSRlOAvVP30/s640/IMG_0508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We also installed a more modern simple white fan for some much needed circulation:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPPxXq0D_MLVDdx9CHjtV5B29OwwgZEbR8UOGdnOoL7ui7I79VLdzPVpUkuiaAsGMJE0KmoNUuAYmpdkjp9Dq0DpxfOj7TVuogXnT_M7QuaDvX5f0_qI-ElZwZD41fZY30nzORJb1jOV7/s1600/IMG_7912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPPxXq0D_MLVDdx9CHjtV5B29OwwgZEbR8UOGdnOoL7ui7I79VLdzPVpUkuiaAsGMJE0KmoNUuAYmpdkjp9Dq0DpxfOj7TVuogXnT_M7QuaDvX5f0_qI-ElZwZD41fZY30nzORJb1jOV7/s1600/IMG_7912.jpg" /></a></div><br />You'll also notice that the curtain rods are no longer black, and you can hardly tell they are there (success!)<br /><br />Next comes the fun part...<br /><br />We spent most of our Thursday night building these Ikea Brimnes daybeds:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/brimnes-daybed-frame-with--drawers__0129244_PE283271_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/brimnes-daybed-frame-with--drawers__0129244_PE283271_S4.JPG" /></a></div>Oy.. not fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintgvr7d6yk5JnaUa1A_6AjqJl8gX62OIAJuLBf3lGxoIB8viOrQnVit-k0Ldp89flHMbQ1K8Pcf5NIgLgA83Uss5x-FXyyYpr9fWRSJw_JVKrK2uz_s5LAO_y1nqjPvTV3DwwaRBOFMNK/s1600/IMG_7915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintgvr7d6yk5JnaUa1A_6AjqJl8gX62OIAJuLBf3lGxoIB8viOrQnVit-k0Ldp89flHMbQ1K8Pcf5NIgLgA83Uss5x-FXyyYpr9fWRSJw_JVKrK2uz_s5LAO_y1nqjPvTV3DwwaRBOFMNK/s1600/IMG_7915.jpg" /></a></div><br />4 hours later....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2ObdhT9_Tp6gXMixvMw2VKgdbFzCViCuyOVrRtWuSGI0nWKORN4vhr3UNQuVBBeV0VSdFq73Vfk-TugC35pZxISwP47caj0Yl0CYyTl71OS6RiTFWiSgil9CtY2BK8lK1ay28nB8RrMW/s1600/IMG_7916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2ObdhT9_Tp6gXMixvMw2VKgdbFzCViCuyOVrRtWuSGI0nWKORN4vhr3UNQuVBBeV0VSdFq73Vfk-TugC35pZxISwP47caj0Yl0CYyTl71OS6RiTFWiSgil9CtY2BK8lK1ay28nB8RrMW/s1600/IMG_7916.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />But, oh... it was so worth it...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CTpOHg94ou7TAx1AP7qpOWU6eZafZJN04W8Rp4aYwlWhA3py0O0xT0GQnI_TY7cCoqGC44iPe-fXEI4jvAXuBfQ57ywvxBxk5YkKCK_JaLcu4sIZ5qYCOc10Z0Ds3KVHQWqQRftAs4Ff/s1600/IMG_7918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CTpOHg94ou7TAx1AP7qpOWU6eZafZJN04W8Rp4aYwlWhA3py0O0xT0GQnI_TY7cCoqGC44iPe-fXEI4jvAXuBfQ57ywvxBxk5YkKCK_JaLcu4sIZ5qYCOc10Z0Ds3KVHQWqQRftAs4Ff/s1600/IMG_7918.jpg" /></a></div><br />I wanted a pop of color in the bedding, so I found the perfect color pale aqua quilts (they match the ceiling!) from Home Goods, $40/ea:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-i4Sl4uLZN6Ys8c5lYtud9Yfd0-2cjDfLc1knCeJJ-elcXVnNvHv34q0o1S-TBzydRYLz0xaSOGlxvJMOFkzuviqRI3KvyFNA_fNuHfYBhCyNRgxqgQ2AhIzYz7V3ayVCJTFPKodmzJQ/s1600/IMG_7913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-i4Sl4uLZN6Ys8c5lYtud9Yfd0-2cjDfLc1knCeJJ-elcXVnNvHv34q0o1S-TBzydRYLz0xaSOGlxvJMOFkzuviqRI3KvyFNA_fNuHfYBhCyNRgxqgQ2AhIzYz7V3ayVCJTFPKodmzJQ/s640/IMG_7913.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then I made a Target run and picked up almost $200 worth of pillows, sheet sets, a couple pillow covers and some other accessories...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g83w7mlNcGG2JgiYYsRAA2DuTpAR2LFJF-kEdj1-_cyeXhqosDxBIK-bbCS7KGhm-g2M-c-JAbpwPVGFaqhKOx-CIrqB9zVClzfZ0_SHYRCNvHXxUp-PqsOTg7jX-tnE9RvbjHoOxg62/s1600/IMG_7922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g83w7mlNcGG2JgiYYsRAA2DuTpAR2LFJF-kEdj1-_cyeXhqosDxBIK-bbCS7KGhm-g2M-c-JAbpwPVGFaqhKOx-CIrqB9zVClzfZ0_SHYRCNvHXxUp-PqsOTg7jX-tnE9RvbjHoOxg62/s1600/IMG_7922.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I found this table on clearance and fell in love:<br /><br />(PS, contrary to what everyone believes on Pinterest... this is and always was a side table, not a trash can! And it was purchased at Target which apparently no longer sells them)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0XAo5Kyw0yqqG-IXUaqdrvMgoQ8O16LAeh1I-m9k0kiSXGAw1qZjtO17V6C11KzYVkWycHUFnKNsFzascEklR8aC758MzdOGiXCAT_dQC2jM88_u8oodT7DB8nCmluEw1M9qwdkoTk4X/s1600/IMG_7923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0XAo5Kyw0yqqG-IXUaqdrvMgoQ8O16LAeh1I-m9k0kiSXGAw1qZjtO17V6C11KzYVkWycHUFnKNsFzascEklR8aC758MzdOGiXCAT_dQC2jM88_u8oodT7DB8nCmluEw1M9qwdkoTk4X/s1600/IMG_7923.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Half off!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP-MWzjfB3Z7OuNnkavtZxwnQwBbZDNyeDCbeYyWDWN4fwQwqORuN3aIcu5Lec3s6iXUNRzhD7ZLW-AxjRtbZl87_PQXVIfpQ380rtXNchmq7JvJmJpGOk3QyIVLAcnVn0cowb-zVN_ln/s1600/IMG_7924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP-MWzjfB3Z7OuNnkavtZxwnQwBbZDNyeDCbeYyWDWN4fwQwqORuN3aIcu5Lec3s6iXUNRzhD7ZLW-AxjRtbZl87_PQXVIfpQ380rtXNchmq7JvJmJpGOk3QyIVLAcnVn0cowb-zVN_ln/s1600/IMG_7924.jpg" /></a></div><br />If you know me at all, you know this is not going to stay black. It's currently in the spray chamber getting primered:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJlai_tVLGt8iw3kNwiFGqgvWgMSeW2uGC6BCvV4Hoh7fmUYfvPU9ogxM9JTf0s8YxK9APOwjNu1DdXrJX-UJXJjAcnF19-UTQrmyI3YDKywF8iiB8pcj2pctU66bmy-q-cI2xrJ1UBNi/s1600/IMG_7934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJlai_tVLGt8iw3kNwiFGqgvWgMSeW2uGC6BCvV4Hoh7fmUYfvPU9ogxM9JTf0s8YxK9APOwjNu1DdXrJX-UJXJjAcnF19-UTQrmyI3YDKywF8iiB8pcj2pctU66bmy-q-cI2xrJ1UBNi/s1600/IMG_7934.jpg" /></a></div><br />The plan is to paint it a deep turquoise blue. I found the perfect color in a spray can at Lowe's (Valspar brand in Exotic Sea), but they were out of stock so I'll have to run back for it tomorrow.<br /><br />And these lanterns stole my heart...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL1IkydpGgJANzeCXJdK8eo8-_l_eX5MzybRAcxlHyUkBlyFcGjLROsv-t3CSXgDOOXrRXjiM9owLvrWzChXl6CBRC17-G__C2AGNkdDUGXVuspCYe97O1g1RiQ9JWtH_QX1BkrRvvoW5/s1600/IMG_7926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL1IkydpGgJANzeCXJdK8eo8-_l_eX5MzybRAcxlHyUkBlyFcGjLROsv-t3CSXgDOOXrRXjiM9owLvrWzChXl6CBRC17-G__C2AGNkdDUGXVuspCYe97O1g1RiQ9JWtH_QX1BkrRvvoW5/s1600/IMG_7926.jpg" /></a></div><br />No, they weren't on sale (sigh), but for $20 for the pair... I couldn't say no (dang you, Target).<br /><br /><br />Next, I stole some art from our bedroom...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK69t1YPFkgdgPkWr_26M4Cev6Q7n3DnNvTjDnAV7OE_sNb8Y9UOQSFLC3qK24dXoiMR1IMo9YPSoFAfWqhyfv3yzITQ2MHB3inu5VRSYkbkBCta_VCMF2g_WhRJ-7bkWV5rOO-sCC91m/s1600/IMG_4075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK69t1YPFkgdgPkWr_26M4Cev6Q7n3DnNvTjDnAV7OE_sNb8Y9UOQSFLC3qK24dXoiMR1IMo9YPSoFAfWqhyfv3yzITQ2MHB3inu5VRSYkbkBCta_VCMF2g_WhRJ-7bkWV5rOO-sCC91m/s640/IMG_4075.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><br />And relocated it to one of the 2 empty walls in the sunroom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZM5Q01sAHemRA6iuQkBd8PRR7LHo94K6EEwGfNlo7cujACzHDSNOAmElpjrYalVKdB3eM5ShlQX4ODbkOwrsT3Zp8mtaOoyJ56yDrYIKiA7JvEOjoQQHB4DTnMKZq6kCC6GKcG91nwUk/s1600/IMG_7977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZM5Q01sAHemRA6iuQkBd8PRR7LHo94K6EEwGfNlo7cujACzHDSNOAmElpjrYalVKdB3eM5ShlQX4ODbkOwrsT3Zp8mtaOoyJ56yDrYIKiA7JvEOjoQQHB4DTnMKZq6kCC6GKcG91nwUk/s1600/IMG_7977.jpg" /></a></div><br />On another note—this chair situation has been my biggest stress factor in this entire room project. I've been lobbying to replace it with a fun patterned slipper chair (or something just a bit more modern), but Brad *really* loves how comfortable it is and wants to keep it. <br /><br />In an effort to compromise, I've been shopping around for a comfy arm chair that is more in line with the look I want... but dude, chairs are <em>expensive.</em> As in, over $500 for anything that would come close to what we need (we got the current chair on Craigslist for $40 in LA)<br /><br />Anyway... considering I have to write a 20k check to Uncle Sam tomorrow, a new chair is out of the question. So tell me if I've completely lost my mind here, but I'm going to attempt to slipcover it. Without a sewing machine or any knowledge of sewing... I'll be using stitch witchery instead. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you have any advice, please, I need all the help I can get.<br /><br /><br />Moving on.... here is the current state of our sunroom, 2 weeks before the grand finale:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuG8FKsn3sg5b0_Z9myQ_4AgcAdrG8fNOCM5Yai4WJ28VOFDxij9pLwARccqk2MjrNa6-zsg56Q7nOX2PI5UQX3Q2g5r0xK18KisvfiqyrZj-aSCJGAVqIfpxboP-AtRzou0KlgyFicBv/s1600/IMG_7976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuG8FKsn3sg5b0_Z9myQ_4AgcAdrG8fNOCM5Yai4WJ28VOFDxij9pLwARccqk2MjrNa6-zsg56Q7nOX2PI5UQX3Q2g5r0xK18KisvfiqyrZj-aSCJGAVqIfpxboP-AtRzou0KlgyFicBv/s640/IMG_7976.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Yes, it is as relaxing as it looks. The weather has been heavenly, and we've been keeping the windows open and just camping out in this room for the past few days, enjoying the warm sunshine and the breeze. Brad didn't agree with my "beds as a couch" vision at first, but now I have to pull him out of there to come to bed.<br /><br />The pillows are all mostly bare right now, but that will be fixed soon. I found an amazing shop on Etsy and I'm excited to share with you all the fun pillow patterns I've picked out.<br /><br />Notice anything else new?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_mq7qLgCjF0lD7DE4oRZih57lAFbwSCZ7aDxvy6eyQr81e9GvHzUj6Y4V3cLSRneX8asUZ6igeqQuWbp7hmKdYCsqVhzi_r0mKJmHNnlrllgBylmHucGWLvgd9f_kpjkJukW8qiTh2mD/s1600/IMG_7968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_mq7qLgCjF0lD7DE4oRZih57lAFbwSCZ7aDxvy6eyQr81e9GvHzUj6Y4V3cLSRneX8asUZ6igeqQuWbp7hmKdYCsqVhzi_r0mKJmHNnlrllgBylmHucGWLvgd9f_kpjkJukW8qiTh2mD/s1600/IMG_7968.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Yep.. it's a coffee table. I built it a few hours ago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaEq1ujkWyqggPafsf3BP0XyTQjF0Wod-d06eYdMYL5PHXuXU7Giw5DJXGTwdmdGh5bXMQXKTozXy1xirUhyphenhyphenR8PyRoF0xbIvqJ1tlBipoKZuBO6I8LX2WG66wFpsxVk9wKEEBVcH76xp4/s1600/IMG_7971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaEq1ujkWyqggPafsf3BP0XyTQjF0Wod-d06eYdMYL5PHXuXU7Giw5DJXGTwdmdGh5bXMQXKTozXy1xirUhyphenhyphenR8PyRoF0xbIvqJ1tlBipoKZuBO6I8LX2WG66wFpsxVk9wKEEBVcH76xp4/s1600/IMG_7971.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was honestly one of the easiest things I've ever built. Didn't even need Brad's help. I'll post a tutorial soon.<br /><br />Here is the Sunroom To-Do list before the April 28th Pool Party deadline...<br /><br />-Get pillow covers<br />-Build console table<br />-More accessories<br />-Hang more art<br />-Slipcover chair<br />-Paint metal side table<br />-Hang curtains<br /><br />There are also a few other misc. things that need to be completed by then, like<br /><br />-Replace our winter wreath with a spring/summer one<br />-Frame & hang new art in our master bedroom<br />-Find (or make?) a round mirror for our fireplace mantle<br />-Wire up our new patio speakers<br />-Lose 5lbs :)<br /><br /><br />And with that... I'm off to crawl back in there and enjoy another warm Florida spring evening. I hope the weather is treating everyone else as nicely... stay tuned for a coffee table tutorial!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

Sunroom: Week 3

We've been working non stop over the past few weeks on this room, starting from the biggest & most boring jobs—like a new ceiling an...

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DIY Ladder + Painted Globe

It's two tutorials for the price of one today! I managed to complete both of these last Sunday (along with a myriad of other projects I was working on) so while they may look relatively complicated/time consuming, I have faith that anyone with the proper tools/patience can do it too!<br /> First up... the ladder:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIukMlYAGXwkFAOwfpjxLxSg0y5vzAGPjw6PyvPmH6_NWWkwskJA79Pgv_bRri1aNvgxH8Id8b-F96xOKX874-lD5ZhpuuGCAagW4yxIZujZibR_vOOPJtljnR2nYbMcOwaoKtpwRAKQ1M/s1600/IMG_7894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIukMlYAGXwkFAOwfpjxLxSg0y5vzAGPjw6PyvPmH6_NWWkwskJA79Pgv_bRri1aNvgxH8Id8b-F96xOKX874-lD5ZhpuuGCAagW4yxIZujZibR_vOOPJtljnR2nYbMcOwaoKtpwRAKQ1M/s1600/IMG_7894.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 1: Buy a couple 1/4" boards. I had our drywall guy pick them up while he was getting supplies for our sunroom roof, since we are lacking a truck. The boards came 8' long and I ended up cutting them down to around 7'.<br /><br />I also picked up some 1" dowels at Lowe's. Luckily, these come in smaller 3' and 4' lengths so they are easily transportable. I failed to take a raw materials picture (sorry).<br /><br />My plan was for the ladder to be a little wider on the bottom, so I cut each dowel an inch bigger than the previous one. The top rung is 22" wide, and the bottom is 26" (5 rungs total).<br /><br />After my cuts were made, I laid everything on the ground to get a general sense of how it would look:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigAzrx4BKTBApAtAHGuEb3DsG2Xg0t3eBlK5R3q4y8zjtTp-ee5gAgwMuL6TEuS_GoIMbYU_maIJOuhmkVPxtfpO1cTm2Fr1Q8EvUGNnTT-XmTXpYvPe7FaCC6LrM2ujpllVLe81VIlgy/s1600/IMG_7837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigAzrx4BKTBApAtAHGuEb3DsG2Xg0t3eBlK5R3q4y8zjtTp-ee5gAgwMuL6TEuS_GoIMbYU_maIJOuhmkVPxtfpO1cTm2Fr1Q8EvUGNnTT-XmTXpYvPe7FaCC6LrM2ujpllVLe81VIlgy/s1600/IMG_7837.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Works for me!<br /><br />Next was time to measure where the dowels would go.<br /><br />I marked the center and drew a vertical line down the 1x4, then made a mark every 14" where the dowels would go (and repeated on the second board, of course). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNHNS-R5UMUu1IdlAFeMfTLnvCyhr_Xq6r5_HFWH6TgNPvruKNAIp57sGwRt1wOvMq-4JxrfiodKfPdKeqepy28On-T_PsoteEvuWwnw52v6vmUNNIu3UkqmbTEwsw5TcVAMn76swrP7v/s1600/IMG_7838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNHNS-R5UMUu1IdlAFeMfTLnvCyhr_Xq6r5_HFWH6TgNPvruKNAIp57sGwRt1wOvMq-4JxrfiodKfPdKeqepy28On-T_PsoteEvuWwnw52v6vmUNNIu3UkqmbTEwsw5TcVAMn76swrP7v/s1600/IMG_7838.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I then took a small drill bit and went straight through the board on each mark I had made, in order to mark the drilling locations for the final screws that would hold the dowels in.<br /><br />Once I had my holes drilled, I used a 1" wide spade bit to chisel out a hole for the dowel to fit into. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.drillspot.com/pimages/1532/153281_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.drillspot.com/pimages/1532/153281_300.jpg" /></a></div><br />Within a few minutes, my holes were drilled and ready to go:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTkYwyKF7LzSKulfx9b0Crg1OXhzWPXg6a3lsyv7IexyTHRCWoH53_RtRSXgkqgHgZAmBGqKxxa9H8zC_rIgoWi7zOYGB9RemOjIrdP9aUjLkC0dFLhQxzdLpZWH0g9C2PsRMRsuXpReX/s1600/IMG_7842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTkYwyKF7LzSKulfx9b0Crg1OXhzWPXg6a3lsyv7IexyTHRCWoH53_RtRSXgkqgHgZAmBGqKxxa9H8zC_rIgoWi7zOYGB9RemOjIrdP9aUjLkC0dFLhQxzdLpZWH0g9C2PsRMRsuXpReX/s1600/IMG_7842.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Be careful not to hollow it out all the way through... about 1/2" deep should be good.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />This next part required Brad's help.<br /><br />While one board was laying flat, I applied some wood glue to the dowel ends and nestled them into the holes I had just drilled. When the dowels were in, we carefully lined up the top board and did the same. To secure it into place, we used a rubber mallet to make sure the dowels had seated all the way.<br /><br />Success!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVo8Ndmf9yWJLaea-jfOQ8niuTIQBWDrZKLO5G4OxwFQOfJQnx0mxIOHiYT0UWRMfE3MFnZ346TW54KS0pKdQF_C3D4K1CvZnPT12ZXFujbQnPqWdRpeC2JyZDLlCG_l-aV3Luub08tPV/s1600/IMG_7843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVo8Ndmf9yWJLaea-jfOQ8niuTIQBWDrZKLO5G4OxwFQOfJQnx0mxIOHiYT0UWRMfE3MFnZ346TW54KS0pKdQF_C3D4K1CvZnPT12ZXFujbQnPqWdRpeC2JyZDLlCG_l-aV3Luub08tPV/s640/IMG_7843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, we used some long wood screws and drilled into each side of the dowel (using the hole locations we had made earlier).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For best results, I'd recommend setting a torque level on your drill to make sure all of the screws are tightened the same amount. This will help keep the ladder straight and avoid it from bowing out in any areas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we had ourselves a ladder, simple as that:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9nk8xTry3IOM1u3GQsjJVM5NYWXCR4iMwj1izdPUTXHpSPL0vw2lmz3lO9OLttRq99Zl1ICIjC0TVT2FfGqMiidUVsV_n59fBWUo3kai0DjN6v0wEwIb8u3FkU_FW0p-QeptqZ7BL2Id/s1600/IMG_7844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9nk8xTry3IOM1u3GQsjJVM5NYWXCR4iMwj1izdPUTXHpSPL0vw2lmz3lO9OLttRq99Zl1ICIjC0TVT2FfGqMiidUVsV_n59fBWUo3kai0DjN6v0wEwIb8u3FkU_FW0p-QeptqZ7BL2Id/s1600/IMG_7844.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then came the fun part... making it look pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I opted for a white washed/weathered look after seeing this amazing ladder another blogger had done:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1wb8BsFbcfJkKf6ieHnRzTM_sGv_TaCLrplK0uLnlX4s6GEb6FNEnh68VFp2aQb3WsVAVk36U985Ne6Xae-UphvewRrZi5SIiqHB05tz7n2iSz3P5KndMeWr7rl0i-VOdbbhjSQQMq8/s400/P1000026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1wb8BsFbcfJkKf6ieHnRzTM_sGv_TaCLrplK0uLnlX4s6GEb6FNEnh68VFp2aQb3WsVAVk36U985Ne6Xae-UphvewRrZi5SIiqHB05tz7n2iSz3P5KndMeWr7rl0i-VOdbbhjSQQMq8/s640/P1000026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/05/build-vintage-ladder.html" target="_blank">Source</a></em></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I first stained it a nice grey-ish walnut (using my go-to stain for everything, Minwax in Ebony)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeK9zzvlCKHfqXPcfitO9zTEMtbr9mB4Ecubv3bMKrZs9E9UNuRz2px_V1XRoXYguEiA1YdvA0YnK_D0XBK3y5MTThyBKJwBVOLSbNA9DxJithAH1bntN1suNIwoEy4rG0JRgSGDrEE2v/s1600/IMG_7848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeK9zzvlCKHfqXPcfitO9zTEMtbr9mB4Ecubv3bMKrZs9E9UNuRz2px_V1XRoXYguEiA1YdvA0YnK_D0XBK3y5MTThyBKJwBVOLSbNA9DxJithAH1bntN1suNIwoEy4rG0JRgSGDrEE2v/s1600/IMG_7848.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the stain had set, I applied a quick layer of basic white paint and let it dry for a couple hours. Then I grabbed some 150 grit sandpaper and sanded random areas by hand until I was satisfied. (I seemed to have skipped taking pictures of this step, oops).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, to give it a bit of extra character, I banged it up a bit with some tools lying around the garage:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAQHxYNr_22p62FMOllyVMdYViDHdb6GDsaJfpQpSsGuHt2Cwik1n0XBCIUOnxnWpFOfgLU5eQwEwjLlUxtbQw5mZc5wQ-fvp2QO1RHTdWpDqmVlD9d5PFKUWGzaXGtAzhUNIjFIYYD11/s1600/IMG_7860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAQHxYNr_22p62FMOllyVMdYViDHdb6GDsaJfpQpSsGuHt2Cwik1n0XBCIUOnxnWpFOfgLU5eQwEwjLlUxtbQw5mZc5wQ-fvp2QO1RHTdWpDqmVlD9d5PFKUWGzaXGtAzhUNIjFIYYD11/s1600/IMG_7860.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely love the way the finish turned out... and it has become my new favorite thing in our house at the moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssGx7_Bj9xUTgWyYLWvRjsrYKr0zS0KflKjDXeDWxbVrbg3KfFB7pMcE-Nxs_0d0bRWPMhfRr6whlY3LuT4FrkyGPFcRk5CtoK6-VZB2s8T-9XOuUVmVtGRBzO5y7BF8NU39KQ4Edn7_L/s1600/IMG_7862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssGx7_Bj9xUTgWyYLWvRjsrYKr0zS0KflKjDXeDWxbVrbg3KfFB7pMcE-Nxs_0d0bRWPMhfRr6whlY3LuT4FrkyGPFcRk5CtoK6-VZB2s8T-9XOuUVmVtGRBzO5y7BF8NU39KQ4Edn7_L/s1600/IMG_7862.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7Yj-4twJjERSnG4GVGhuJY7M9KJzz90_ffTYFa6W0QlDIp0B77CFkxHTr3cGIswwYyr22PfZzVJNDtxtwJtYRwNMna3s5lrc9sp8lP5_NBLn9pdlWJH6DikbTfhvzOyg9FPV-ov9PIJN/s1600/IMG_7865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7Yj-4twJjERSnG4GVGhuJY7M9KJzz90_ffTYFa6W0QlDIp0B77CFkxHTr3cGIswwYyr22PfZzVJNDtxtwJtYRwNMna3s5lrc9sp8lP5_NBLn9pdlWJH6DikbTfhvzOyg9FPV-ov9PIJN/s1600/IMG_7865.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1IuTdoPnGkyRzWr539qtdvrlpokxtrERCDi1c19wGtE66S1Q7vm4qLS-5sZK5NZrNXQzUAFgsRk2PMx-Qx2uR1lSLATs-BvfDWo0dGzLCPnyfi2bPCg6UBJmT2z8Xwr1x-ImQhlqISdM/s1600/IMG_7872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1IuTdoPnGkyRzWr539qtdvrlpokxtrERCDi1c19wGtE66S1Q7vm4qLS-5sZK5NZrNXQzUAFgsRk2PMx-Qx2uR1lSLATs-BvfDWo0dGzLCPnyfi2bPCg6UBJmT2z8Xwr1x-ImQhlqISdM/s1600/IMG_7872.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVHrxxN_gXA7sQaRwd8JqPzNripN-BnukVYfXf3v0iS6bNzbDS9ifBrRi7asaOEeNmThGowWRc6P8qv2gCfQxK9iumuLHmb_pcV3iMVkgKVPZrOINarKHc6dkD-tEAjc8O_PDD3yOSfq4/s1600/IMG_7897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVHrxxN_gXA7sQaRwd8JqPzNripN-BnukVYfXf3v0iS6bNzbDS9ifBrRi7asaOEeNmThGowWRc6P8qv2gCfQxK9iumuLHmb_pcV3iMVkgKVPZrOINarKHc6dkD-tEAjc8O_PDD3yOSfq4/s1600/IMG_7897.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jcDALEWyd03mooTch4SU1L7rFU1efCq6MJ_SYbiTPkEEE7cN_d3d3CUhD1maBVbh00aI0KTZo5_lylQWjB5Iv9JU0DqpK4FX62Rg7rHbOULmo05SakaxZFjxEQVcUpoDuHTEI0xYwMPX/s1600/IMG_7900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jcDALEWyd03mooTch4SU1L7rFU1efCq6MJ_SYbiTPkEEE7cN_d3d3CUhD1maBVbh00aI0KTZo5_lylQWjB5Iv9JU0DqpK4FX62Rg7rHbOULmo05SakaxZFjxEQVcUpoDuHTEI0xYwMPX/s1600/IMG_7900.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Tutorial #2: Painted Globe</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This project was very much a 'figure it out as I go' type of process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had this globe for years (World Market, $30), and it went well in our last home which had warmer colors... but not so much in this one (as you can see below)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iTcULtfof5uHpHotcO4DrvvMiZyCq_MO2XFhpRXUF4KA7Y8h3x6tJ-YaouzqlIVKxOqb57ggpPM81cUE5YOkWChV6VWF-ult4-nXaga6zo1JK7QChOSpr4XkkSObNzZ861c6yqX7BLPZ/s1600/IMG_7799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iTcULtfof5uHpHotcO4DrvvMiZyCq_MO2XFhpRXUF4KA7Y8h3x6tJ-YaouzqlIVKxOqb57ggpPM81cUE5YOkWChV6VWF-ult4-nXaga6zo1JK7QChOSpr4XkkSObNzZ861c6yqX7BLPZ/s1600/IMG_7799.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I took to pinterest to gather some inspiration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/260786634641940406_PzIGlEeu_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/260786634641940406_PzIGlEeu_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/260786634641940406/" target="_blank">Source</a></em><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/155937205817228175_FUtiTmvo_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/155937205817228175_FUtiTmvo_c.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/155937205817228175/" target="_blank">Source</a></em></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/36169603226851967_cMny4xYv_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/36169603226851967_cMny4xYv_c.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36169603226851967/" target="_blank">Source</a></em></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I liked these, but none of them were exactly what I had in mind. So I grabbed an Xacto knife and started tracing around a continent, just to see what would happen...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and it cut right off the globe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiModGG1A0c-gwu_5Vf_Kw8r3_Jik5HvyfvVys1utiCRX0NL2TL1voLOILvTYFpA8Q31p2mG-dxnY7Vb0OGA8MLsTs8pmKTWeKLAl6wLHJJ4N3Cj20zqtZ5GzXRXUdwg-32LzJHEfE9lOzz/s1600/IMG_7828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiModGG1A0c-gwu_5Vf_Kw8r3_Jik5HvyfvVys1utiCRX0NL2TL1voLOILvTYFpA8Q31p2mG-dxnY7Vb0OGA8MLsTs8pmKTWeKLAl6wLHJJ4N3Cj20zqtZ5GzXRXUdwg-32LzJHEfE9lOzz/s1600/IMG_7828.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Hello, Antarctica.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I proceeded to trace around the rest of the continents (which seems like a big task, but it really went by quickly... especially because I'm a map lover anyway and had fun brushing up on my geography skills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After not long at all, I had this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SBMI0rsprlrkEf1WvZOg-vnb2NA2iNMu8fv0v9PP5spjxoXN1wY46PAycK-wB1L9qOCLK7fKHq3YH_w-uHztFHgE3Yh_jQ6ByC-ik0uIKjbCJYY0KleerkfJjyhgN6qtcK1oXSIEQb0_/s1600/IMG_7834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SBMI0rsprlrkEf1WvZOg-vnb2NA2iNMu8fv0v9PP5spjxoXN1wY46PAycK-wB1L9qOCLK7fKHq3YH_w-uHztFHgE3Yh_jQ6ByC-ik0uIKjbCJYY0KleerkfJjyhgN6qtcK1oXSIEQb0_/s640/IMG_7834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided I would paint the entire globe white, then come back in where the land had been cut out and paint them in with my own custom shades of blue. It would be easy to fill them back in since they were now recessed from the areas where the paper still was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I covered the globe with a couple coats of Satin white spray paint (whoops, no pics of this), and took the globe outside to begin painting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yCW4tqQG5KcbCxfb0Up-hj3QfZBmftRRznewagxaVsQGqO1FEAdHbznE3qHJ5AG2jqsYNqT_s9sLErIPajZ4rsjUTE_H3ZFkJedt0HIgv8jrRisDuilOt9pERZaXC7FeWqfhHjuvXbOr/s1600/IMG_7851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yCW4tqQG5KcbCxfb0Up-hj3QfZBmftRRznewagxaVsQGqO1FEAdHbznE3qHJ5AG2jqsYNqT_s9sLErIPajZ4rsjUTE_H3ZFkJedt0HIgv8jrRisDuilOt9pERZaXC7FeWqfhHjuvXbOr/s640/IMG_7851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used a small paintbrush and mixed tubes of basic acrylic paint (I had two shades of blue, white and yellow to work with) until all of the continents were filled in different colors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PjW-Zruq2RnJpUilQ36v-7XyX5MrVXpQonz-GDRmjsLTuc3qwdQbFrvGFL65H_ciawkLBR__oItmK9I2RkWEUSSAYppLOkCsVU_paVkMGUEDZ9zYy-hg4qiCv-NrBSkpYxgq9Fal26Pp/s1600/IMG_7858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PjW-Zruq2RnJpUilQ36v-7XyX5MrVXpQonz-GDRmjsLTuc3qwdQbFrvGFL65H_ciawkLBR__oItmK9I2RkWEUSSAYppLOkCsVU_paVkMGUEDZ9zYy-hg4qiCv-NrBSkpYxgq9Fal26Pp/s1600/IMG_7858.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It looks right at home now... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeDA4sCYLN4UyG3QqTDN07pMGa-ICPsEwv-ZYERJcT886PDt9xwh7SL7vezXcz0c6A34V-1dLbA79veI7uFyy2yFy_FFSYLvS4RpLuXHrbK9dCFtvjBBWzmkGUbqWN9VGBX6kh3woWfH4/s1600/IMG_7878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeDA4sCYLN4UyG3QqTDN07pMGa-ICPsEwv-ZYERJcT886PDt9xwh7SL7vezXcz0c6A34V-1dLbA79veI7uFyy2yFy_FFSYLvS4RpLuXHrbK9dCFtvjBBWzmkGUbqWN9VGBX6kh3woWfH4/s1600/IMG_7878.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ynXU2O9e8I0bjYxjAVQakxHNNJqKgf4D0vx_o9u4NYvBL-H2RRXYCOYAQ_UYZKQF6NlUUcvJg8l5WhbJmGWrK4BZChfgwsgalKeIfcOx2NiGOJIXXcuWm_wCuEGihTIZLPEqPsLHjhKA/s1600/IMG_7877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ynXU2O9e8I0bjYxjAVQakxHNNJqKgf4D0vx_o9u4NYvBL-H2RRXYCOYAQ_UYZKQF6NlUUcvJg8l5WhbJmGWrK4BZChfgwsgalKeIfcOx2NiGOJIXXcuWm_wCuEGihTIZLPEqPsLHjhKA/s1600/IMG_7877.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoFSJBBHBWip8RNW6fiMDxk3dKvP5PN33VSATIczoarEUFrU4ZZXEAvyj8-bOuJqy8ff9-i-Wi5-pk_qoYvrdgG_TXzzUso6uYjNbKSqGpsaKhiuwLugRcSbEQy-Av-4VRow_uXQ9nSH1/s1600/IMG_7868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoFSJBBHBWip8RNW6fiMDxk3dKvP5PN33VSATIczoarEUFrU4ZZXEAvyj8-bOuJqy8ff9-i-Wi5-pk_qoYvrdgG_TXzzUso6uYjNbKSqGpsaKhiuwLugRcSbEQy-Av-4VRow_uXQ9nSH1/s1600/IMG_7868.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think? Did I convince you to try either of these projects on your own? Have you done a similar project? Let me know, I'd love to see it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

DIY Ladder + Painted Globe

It's two tutorials for the price of one today! I managed to complete both of these last Sunday (along with a myriad of other projects I ...

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