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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It’s always so much fun looking back at the year and seeing which posts were the most read and loved. I must admit for me it’s a toss up between the wheel rim and that gorgeous blue trunk. I loved those two
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.
I remember so many of these — all inspring and great fun!
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
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
I didn’t see that coming, although I really love the tin up-cycles, especially because of the fun fabric! But my two most favourite projects of yours are definitely the gorgeous laminate table and your trunk!! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got for us this year Mary 🙂
Happy 2018, my friend! I wish this year will be full of new projects and creativity flows for you as always. Difficult to choose just one project, I guess for that reason these are the top 10!
Mary, you had quite the creative year. I look forward to seeing what you tackle in 2018!
A fantastic selection Mary! Isn’t it fulfilling to go back at your craft projects and see how much love and work you have invested in them? I love working on the “best of” selection for my blog and see what posts resonated most with my readers.
Happy New Year Mary. I look forward to seeing all the new projects for this year. I remember these projects but I still love the trunk one the best.
Isn’t it startling how much work you do in a single year, especially when you consider the “making” is the least of it.
Nice post. It’s always good to see your beautiful posts. Thanks for sharing. Hope your holidays were great. Happy 2018
Still absolutely love that chest! Just imagine how much yarn I would be able to hine in there…
You are so very clever with makeovers! While I love the wind chime project, my fave would have to be the beeswax furniture polish! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
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I love reading these best of posts, especially if the results are somewhat unexpected! I really like the wind chime idea and may look at doing something like this for our garden. Thanks for linking up at the Blogger’s Pit Stop Mary!
Happy new year Mary! So many lovely posts full of inspiration! I can’t wait for the 2018 ideas!
This is a great line up of posts from last year, Mary. Your furniture upcycles are some of the best around. I learn so much from them! I hope to do a few of my own this year as I work on carving out a craft room in our basement. So glad I have some of your work to refer back to 🙂
I remember all these projects Mary! All fun, and inspiring projects! I can’t wait to see more awesome projects this year, and all the goodies that you pull out of your never ending basements. LOL
I remember so many of these great projects Mary! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Oh my friend! You are so creative! You can create beautiful things just from scratch. I love all your two tone furniture and of course your blue chest. It is gorgeous!!!
Happy New Year Mary! You had so many great projects last year, like that beautiful two toned table makeover and painted trunk. Can’t wait to see what you do this year 🙂
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.