Happy New Year everyone! I hope you have all recovered from the holidays. I had a wonderful time, so good in fact, that I am now ready to share with you my most popular DIY posts for 2017. Let me know which were your favorites.
10 – How To Save an Old Laminate Table with Gel Stain
We can really appreciate this one by going back to look at the before. It was worth keeping if only for the fact that it is an expandable table.
This has to be one of my favorite projects. Not only do I love the end result but I also got to use a new to me product.
9 – How to Beautifully Transform an Ikea Malm Dresser
This dresser looks like the table above and that was intentional. But I used different products and a different technique. I guess I am really enjoying myself by exploring things. You will also appreciate this one when you get a glimpse of the black hole it was before.
8 – How to Give New Life to a Chalkboard Stand
I have my ex-tenants to thank for this project. It was left as a gift when they emptied the premises and not in a good way! But there is always a silver lining at the end of the tunnel and this beautiful transformation was it.
7 – How to Repurpose a Tire Rim into a Unique Wind Chime
This was a spur of the moment project done at the farm. It just goes to show that with a bit of creativity and a bit of twine anything can happen. Even if you run out halfway through the project!
Of course we had to run back to the farm when we realized some of the keys actually opened doors. Oops!
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6 – How to Revive an Old Metal Trunk with Old Fashioned Milk Paint
If there is one thing you may have learned about me it’s that I have a lot of trunks and that gives me ample opportunity to upcycle them. There is nothing as enticing as a big black trunk canvas to work on. In this case I tried out Old Fashioned Milk Paint and was so impressed with it considering the hot mess it was before.
I have also stenciled a trunk and decoupaged another one with book pages.
5 – Bookcases Upcycled with Paint and Wrapping Paper
I think this project done in New York early last year was the most radical transformation. Not only did the color make a huge difference but the birch wrapping paper added much needed interest. Check out the laminate bookcases before and you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
4 – Fabulous Ikea Desk Makeover with Chalky Finish Paint
Another laminate project that was transformed from boring to wow with the use of color. In this case, I opted for a bright blue shade which does wonders for the spirit. But that was not all, I also decoupaged a plastic bag onto the desk. It proved to be a bit too much for my nerves.
3 – Make an Easy Colorful Fence with Dollar Store Flowers
The surprise hit for me. I just wanted to add a bit of color to my balcony because brown thumbs don’t do well with real flowers. But it really ended up setting the mood for the whole space.
In fact you can see the balcony tour which is full of repurposed items, to see how it all came together.
2 – How to Make Your Own Beeswax Furniture Polish
I started making my own beeswax years ago when I needed a sealant for my chalky finish paint. Living in the boondocks has its disadvantages and this was one of them because there was no product nearby and the stuff I found far away was way out of my budget.
That difficulty proved to be a blessing. I have made many batches of the polish/sealant and swear by it. It is great as a polish on wood and as a sealant over paint. And it is actually good for your hands.
Honorable Mention – A Glimpse into My World
Why is this an honorable mention? Technically it is not a project but more of a mini tour into my home in NY from last year and a look at some beloved objects. This was before we moved here permanently. It’s much more crowded now with messes but I promise I’ll be working on all of that this year. Yes, I’ve got my work cut out for me.
1 – How to Make Pretty Cookie Tin Cans with Fabric
This was by far, my most popular project of 2017. It was easy to do and very frugal. And the wow factor was instant! But the best reason of all to like this one is because we get to re-cycle those old tins that the landfill is beckoning to - but we get to pull them back and give them a new life. And a stylish one at that!
You can see where I have placed these lovelies here.
And these have been my most popular DIY posts for this past year. I have to admit there were some surprises in the bunch. Of course that doesn’t mean that they were my personal favorites. Next month I will share with you which are my personal favorites and why.
Do you have any personal favorites?
Do you have any personal favorites?
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Keri Roberts
Monday 22nd of January 2018
Mary, it's always fun to look back at the projects over the past year. All the Popular projects on your blog are awesome so it's no wonder that they're the most popular.
Florence
Monday 8th of January 2018
I remember all of these projects Mary, and they were ones I enjoyed too. It would be hard to pick a favorite...maybe the bookcases, but I really enjoyed all of them. You've inspired me to really take a look at mine.
Jeanie Croope
Monday 8th of January 2018
I remember so many of these -- all inspring and great fun!
Marie
Monday 8th of January 2018
Happy New Year, Mary! Looking forward to your awesome upcycle|recycle projects with a New York twist in 2018! Also look forward to you taking us on your photography journeys. Cheers to 2018!!! xo
Doreen@foxdenrd
Monday 8th of January 2018
Lots of hard work you put into many of these projects Mary! I suppose most of them were left behind when you moved, but at least your hubby has a nicely organized space now. Hope you're enjoying NY in spite of the frigid temps! xxx