DIY PROJECTS
Project 1: Bangle Holder
Just like everybody else, my bangle collection started small. But as my indulgence to cheap accessories intensified, so did the number of bangles I had.
I used to keep them all in a can (for cookies) until eventually they could not fit anymore. So, I decided that it’s time to give them a new abode.
Instead of using another container, I wanted to go for an item that could also serve as an organizer. I saw this mug holder at Landmark worth P80 and decided to use it as a “bangle holder” instead.
I loved the idea because not only does it serve the purpose, it also has a unique attitude and personality to it. But since it’s too plain and drab on its own, I opted to add a little twist to its look. Read on to know more about it.
I used to keep them all in a can (for cookies) until eventually they could not fit anymore. So, I decided that it’s time to give them a new abode.
Instead of using another container, I wanted to go for an item that could also serve as an organizer. I saw this mug holder at Landmark worth P80 and decided to use it as a “bangle holder” instead.
I loved the idea because not only does it serve the purpose, it also has a unique attitude and personality to it. But since it’s too plain and drab on its own, I opted to add a little twist to its look. Read on to know more about it.
Technique:
Whitewashing is a technique used to give wooden furniture a rustic and vintage feel (and look) just by using paint (Click here for more details). I used this technique on this project, mainly because I have this crazy obsession with vintage-looking things, and also because it’s so easy to do and you’ll need just a few materials.
Materials:
Here are the materials that I used for this project.
1. wooden mug holder 2. dry cloth 3. small container 4. 1 cup of water 5. 1 cup of white wood paint 6. sand paper (if needed) *tip: i used the same cup for measuring the paint and the water. This ensures that you get the exact 50:50 ratio of your water and paint. |
How To:
1. SAND
First, bring it back to its naked wood. If painted, remove paint with thinner, then sand using electric sander or sand paper. To keep the look natural, follow the grain of the wood when sanding. Don’t worry if not all of the paint came off, it would actually add to the rustic look when finished.
In this project, the holder was not painted, but I still sanded it to remove coats of varnish.
2. CLEAN
After sanding, clean away all dust and dirt by wiping the piece with a damp cloth. Allow to dry thoroughly.
3. PREPARE WHITEWASH MIXTURE
Mix 50 parts water and 50 parts white paint in a container.
TIP: To ensure equal amounts, pour the water first to the mixture container, then use the same cup to measure the amount of white paint. Then, pour the paint into the container as well.
4. APPLY PAINT
Apply the paint mixture by wiping it on the wood using a clean dry cloth, following the direction of the grain. In this project, I used a paintbrush to apply the paint in tight areas (like the joints) then spread it all over using the cloth. Let each coat dry before adding another. Assess your work if it needs another layer of paint.
Just know, that too much coat will give you a fully opaque finish and not the textured antique look we desire.
TIP: If you’ve applied too much paint, you can use a fine sandpaper, once the paint is dry, to expose more of the grain
5. LET IT DRY
In this project, I let the upper part to dry first then I laid it on its side to let the bottom part dry. When dry, hang the bangles (sort it out by color or size) and you are done! Why not take a picture afterwards then send it to me! I’d like to see your finished product too!
You could use this technique with your other wooden accessory holders too. Other wooden household items can also be used as a bangle holder. There are endless possibilities! All you need is your imagination and cheap-finding skills.
First, bring it back to its naked wood. If painted, remove paint with thinner, then sand using electric sander or sand paper. To keep the look natural, follow the grain of the wood when sanding. Don’t worry if not all of the paint came off, it would actually add to the rustic look when finished.
In this project, the holder was not painted, but I still sanded it to remove coats of varnish.
2. CLEAN
After sanding, clean away all dust and dirt by wiping the piece with a damp cloth. Allow to dry thoroughly.
3. PREPARE WHITEWASH MIXTURE
Mix 50 parts water and 50 parts white paint in a container.
TIP: To ensure equal amounts, pour the water first to the mixture container, then use the same cup to measure the amount of white paint. Then, pour the paint into the container as well.
4. APPLY PAINT
Apply the paint mixture by wiping it on the wood using a clean dry cloth, following the direction of the grain. In this project, I used a paintbrush to apply the paint in tight areas (like the joints) then spread it all over using the cloth. Let each coat dry before adding another. Assess your work if it needs another layer of paint.
Just know, that too much coat will give you a fully opaque finish and not the textured antique look we desire.
TIP: If you’ve applied too much paint, you can use a fine sandpaper, once the paint is dry, to expose more of the grain
5. LET IT DRY
In this project, I let the upper part to dry first then I laid it on its side to let the bottom part dry. When dry, hang the bangles (sort it out by color or size) and you are done! Why not take a picture afterwards then send it to me! I’d like to see your finished product too!
You could use this technique with your other wooden accessory holders too. Other wooden household items can also be used as a bangle holder. There are endless possibilities! All you need is your imagination and cheap-finding skills.
There you have it, a cheap way to give your bangle collection a new and beautiful receptacle. After all, your bangles make your wardrobe prettier than it already is, so why not give them a pretty home too?
Hope you had fun as much as I did in this project! Stay cheap yet look chic!!
Hope you had fun as much as I did in this project! Stay cheap yet look chic!!