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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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May 17, 2012

DIY Kitchen Cupboard turned Dartboard Cabinet


DIY Dartboard from Kitchen Cabinet www.atthepicketfence.com

I’ve never been one to hold a grudge but there’s always a first time right? I don’t care that it is against an inanimate object.

I’m holding it responsible!

You see, it all began when I blinked and my oldest got older and the little wooden train table in the play-room which was loaded with tracks and Thomas characters somehow traded places with this:

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I went from impressing my sweet little boy with my train track-building skills to being walloped by that same boy at a game which I am pretty sure was made up by some maniac determined to make fools of mothers everywhere and leave their children rolling around on the floor in hysterical laughter as they slowly try and connect those tiny, annoying players with a ball that never stops!

Then, as if I hadn’t been humiliated enough, we went and added this to the game/play room too.

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So, I figured if I couldn’t get a tiny dart to do anything except bounce off of it’s target then at least I could make a pretty space for the game to be housed.
Actual dartboard cabinets can be fairly expensive, so I thought I might just try and see if I could create one myself.

I headed to our local ReStore where I found this old kitchen cupboard.

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And I transformed it into a DIY Dartboard Cabinet!

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I added bead board wallpaper to the back.

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Sprayed the inside door panels with chalkboard paint for keeping score. We all know what my score will always be. Ugh.

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And the entire thing got a nice coat of creamy off-white paint.

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Two little wire containers hold the darts, chalk, eraser and extra tips.

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And since there was enough room to put the shelf back in, I thought it would be the perfect place to put some board games. The “Clue” game was mine as a child and the “Perfection” game was my hubby’s.

I refuse to accept the fact that since they are circa 1970’s they are now considered “vintage”!

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I also added oiled bronze knobs to the cabinet doors.

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I suppose I’m just going to have to get used to the fact that even play rooms have to start growing up sometime.

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But, I don’t have to be happy about it! Winking smile

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38 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 16, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Neat idea, Vanessa! I love the fact that you can close it up when no one is using it.

    Reply
  2. Courtenay@Creek Line House says

    May 16, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    You’re such a fun mom. If you can’t win at the games, well, at least you’ll decorate the room around them!

    Reply
  3. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    May 16, 2012 at 2:27 PM

    Vanessa,

    You are hilarious and so danged clever!

    WELL DONE – that is true genius, you are a gifted designer for SURE!

    Now lemme tell ya the time I was playing darts with my brother and I scared the cat…………..just saying…………

    Reply
  4. Katie Goldsworthy says

    May 16, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    Great idea! It looks so cute!

    –Katie
    @ Creatively Living

    Reply
  5. Savvy Seasons says

    May 16, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Fantastic idea! Love the chalkboard to keep track of the score, how fun! =)
    Have a wonderful day! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  6. Tammy Partin Spangler says

    May 16, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    So creative! I NEVER would have thought of this!

    Reply
  7. The 2 Seasons says

    May 16, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    I love to play darts and putting the game in a cabinet is so creative. I took a wall in our basement and painted it with chalk paint and added the dart board. Mr. Spring and I like to go play up game every now and then, however I think I need more practice. Great project!!

    Reply
  8. Jessica says

    May 16, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    Leave it to you in thinking up such a fabulous piece that not only looks awesome, but is usable as well! Love it!

    Reply
  9. Janette - The2Seasons says

    May 16, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    That is so cute and creative. I love what you two come up with.

    Reply
  10. Judy says

    May 16, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    You are incredibly clever. That is such a super idea. I may have to copy this one.

    Reply
  11. Janet says

    May 16, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    Great cabinet!! I looks better than my kitchen cabinets, well for now anyway. They look more like the cabinet before, lol. When you’re really mad at someone, pretend the dartboard is his/her face. My bro put the dartboard on our hatchway door in the basement and drew in chalk all under it the body of the meanest kid in the neighborhood, the actual dartboard being his head. Got pretty good with aim.

    Reply
  12. Eclectically Vintage says

    May 16, 2012 at 11:37 PM

    Watch out for Colonel Mustard – he’s a wiz at darts! Only you could make a dartboard chic!

    And why oh why do those kids have to grow up?!
    Kelly

    Reply
  13. Gina says

    May 17, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    You are so clever! What a super idea!

    Reply
  14. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    May 17, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    Cute idea. Yea, be careful with those darts. I use to play them with my dad growing up.

    Reply
  15. Jen Lossing says

    May 17, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    What a fabulous idea! I love it. Great job!

    Reply
  16. thistlewoodfarm says

    May 17, 2012 at 6:15 AM

    Vanessa,

    What a cute idea! I love it. This project would be absolutely perfect in our upstairs “hang-out” room!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  17. Liz - Imageremix says

    May 17, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    Vanessa, we’re big game people here. This idea is so perfect, actually for lots of games. We are always needing to keep score of something, and some games get rowdy. Putting the chalkboard on an easel can get tricky and you have to lug it out and store it later. I can see using cabinets as score boards and game boards in general and for things like Pictionary as well as for darts. Good one. I’ll see what I can do with this in our game world!

    Liz

    Reply
  18. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    May 17, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    This is a fabulous idea, my boys would love love this. Ready to make another ??? Just kidding. Enjoy your weekend.
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  19. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    May 17, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    This past winter I officially got rid of the “toy box” … though, truthfully it became the dumping ground with a 2 inch layer of crayons on the bottom!

    I realized a long time ago that I cannot keep up with my son and his games …

    🙁

    Linda

    Reply
  20. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    May 17, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    What a great idea, Vanessa! I should do that for our dart board. Although we use real darts, I would back it with cork. Thanks for sharing. : )

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  21. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    May 17, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Very clever idea – looks terrific! Time does fly by way too fast! I was just thinking about my nephew graduating from the same Christian school I went to – I wondered which year he was – my class was the 4th to graduate. I calculated and was shocked to realize 30 years had passed since I graduated! What!? My youngest will turn 19 Sunday – our baby! I don’t feel any different – I just can’t believe it! Cherish the moments while they’re still bouncing around in your home!
    Hugs,
    Kathy

    Reply
  22. CAS says

    May 17, 2012 at 7:43 PM

    That is a great idea & turned out very nice. I really do think it’s harder to let our sons grow up than it is our daughters, so good luck to you!
    ~CAS~

    Reply
  23. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    May 17, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    Vanessa, How do you come up with this stuff? I am always amazed at your creativity. Love this idea and I appreciate you sharing it at the Open House party. Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  24. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    May 17, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    Such a cute idea Vanessa! Love it 🙂

    Reply
  25. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    May 18, 2012 at 5:04 AM

    What a fabulous idea! Seriously this is so awesome, you amaze me. Love how this turned out, sharing on my FB page!

    Reply
  26. Alese says

    May 18, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    I LOVE this! I blog over at http://www.2crafty4myskirt.blogspot.com every Friday I feature a fellow blogger. I would love to feature you and this project in an upcoming Friday. If you are interested please email me at toocraftyformyskirt@hotmail.com

    Reply
  27. Jenny @ The NY Melrose Family says

    May 19, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    This is genius. It not only works great, but it looks great too. Im stopping over from the network blog hop a little early. I’m a new follower. I’m so gla d I found ou because your Friday link party looks fabulous.

    Reply
  28. Its So Very Cheri says

    May 19, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    It is just wrong to think that our toys are vintage.

    Great project.

    Cheri

    Reply
  29. Evelyn says

    May 20, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    What a super cool idea! I would so love it if you shared it at Freedom Fridays. Have a marvelous week!

    Reply
  30. malia says

    May 20, 2012 at 1:49 PM

    I’m with you! Those darn kids grow up too fast. Great idea and I like that it’s all self contained. xoxo malia

    Reply
  31. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    May 20, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    You are so smart! This is a great idea andn I love the beadboard wallpaper on the back! You have got to be the coolest mom on your street! Thanks for sharing!

    Take care,

    Trish

    Reply
  32. Pamela says

    May 22, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    Vanessa this is just too cute! If I ever get the boys game room decorated I will have to make one. Thanx for coming to THT!

    Reply
  33. Shirley says

    May 27, 2012 at 2:46 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  34. Shirley says

    May 27, 2012 at 2:48 AM

    Totally Awesome! Just what we need for our game room. Thanks for the DIY blog. I’m pinning this to my board. You know I can’t put vintage games up close by on ours cause I’ll be hitting them with the wayward darts I throw. 🙂

    Reply
  35. TheMoonAndMe says

    June 1, 2012 at 4:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  36. TheMoonAndMe says

    June 1, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Great idea! It turned out awesome! I feel your pain…when do they grow up?
    I couldn’t play foosball to save my life! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    June 1, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    My boys are begging me for this! I love it too! Great design! Featuring you tomorrow! XO, Aimee

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Are you a “Thrifting Diva”? says:
    May 7, 2013 at 5:49 AM

    […] have had some great thrifting finds over the years here.  Like Vanessa’s upcycled kitchen cabinet turned dartboard or Heather’s toolbox turned Dining Caddy and old crate turned faux wine […]

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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