• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

May 17, 2011

A Frugal DIY shelf, A Featured Blogger and…A winner!

Whew!  It’s  been a busy week around the picket fence!  We hosted a virtual baby shower, we survived the “The Great Blogger Freeze of 2011” (thanks Leslie at Goodbye House Hello Home for giving an appropriate name to that fiasco) and we managed to still get Inspiration Friday up! What a week! grin.  While in the midst of all of this chaos and upheavel, I was able to FINALLY convince Bama Boy and Will “The Tool Man” Taylor (best neighbor on the face of the earth) to install my new shelf.  New shelf you ask?  You did ask yourself that right? YEP!  My frugal DIY shelf for above my beautiful new buffet!  Here is what my buffet area looked like right after we removed the planning desk and installed beadboard to this area.

I just LOVE it.  But, it was looking kind of bland. (even though the stuffed horse hanging over my stair railing does give it that extra special something…don’t you think?) I wasn’t exactly sure how I wanted to “style” it.  I knew I wanted lamps and I wanted a way to display a few more of my “special” pieces.  I decided that this space needed a shelf.  But not any old shelf…a special shelf.  One that would span the length of the buffet.  On the other hand I did NOT want to spend a fortune.  Um…hello!  Have you priced nice shelving?? Even the little shelves are expensive.  Let alone a 65 inch one!  Hundreds of dollars people!  Well we couldn’t have that…so I decided to build my own!  It was so easy…how easy was it?  I will show you.
 I purchased a long board from Lowe’s.  I wanted something with a nice paintable surface. It was 7 feet long X 7 1/2 inches wide X 1 inch thick,  so we did have to cut it down to size.  I also purchased 4 decorative wood brackets.  Why four?  Well, I wanted them to look substantial since the shelf was so long.  It was a good decision as you shall see!  In addition to the board and the brackets, I purchased 8 feet of decorative wood trim that was an 1 1/2 wide.  But that’s wider than the board..yes, yes it is and you will see why!
First we cut the board to the length we wanted, 65 inches which is the length of the buffet and gave it a light sanding to remove any rough places.  They we painted one coat of primer onto the board, the trim and the corbels.  Once that had dried we measured and cut the trim.  One long piece and two side pieces, mitering the corners.  Mitering trim that is upright and not laying flat (like picture frame trim) is a little tricky to miter.  You must hold it upright and not lay it flat, to get the right cut. There are many tutorials online if you are unsure. Once you get your corners mitered, you need to attach your molding to the front edge and sides of your board using wood glue and masking or painters tape to hold it in place.
Now, if you will notice the molding has added a lip to the top of the shelf.  Yep, that’s on purpose.  First, it adds substance to the shelf.  When looking at the shelf from the bottom or sides it looks quite a bit thicker than it really is, which makes it look more expensive.  Second, by adding the lip to the top of the shelf it works to protect the items I place on the shelf from being knocked off or sliding off.  This is really nice if your shelf is on a wall with a door that might be slammed or if you have kids..or husbands..who might accidentally bump the shelf.  
Here you can see the molding attached along the entire length and width of the shelf.
A closer look at the lip along the shelf
Now don’t let any gaps bother you.  That is where caulk comes in.  I went along the the edges and caulked in any gaps I noticed before I began to paint the entire shelf.
Here you can see that I worked on painting the shelf in between working on my cabinet doors…I think I just broke into hives seeing those again.  I am so glad to have that month long project done. really glad. I painted two coats of paint onto the shelf and the brackets.  Making sure that the bottom of the shelf looked really nice since that is what you will see when the shelf is installed.  Fast forward 6 weeks..as my shelf sat in a corner waiting for someone big and strong (make that two someones big and strong) to hang it since shorty me couldn’t reach up high enough to hang it herself.  So for my birthday my two favorite guys hung my shelf for me…

I am so HAPPY with my new shelf and my buffet now!  I am glad I chose to use double brackets on the shelf.

My sweet mom-in-law purchased my beautiful nickel drum shade lamps for me.  I then saw this great tutorial from one of our Inspiration Friday links on painting faux fruit white and so gathered up all of my ugly plastic pieces of fruit and painted them white to place in the largest apothecary jar.  The one that covers the ugly outlet behind the buffet.  I searched and searched for who shared it and couldn’t find it…so if was you please let me know so I can link to your post and give you credit. 🙂

I also added some antique family silver pieces to the vinette.  On the shelf I placed all of my favorite toile pieces.

The platter was given to be by my Mom.  The red and white one was Bama Boy’s paternal grandmother’s and the beautiful tureen was given to me by my mom-in-law.  She purchased it from Shakespeare’s birthplace many years ago when they were stationed overseas.  It is so special to me!  

Finally I stole the mirror from our master bath water closet (which did not disappoint Bama Boy one bit who always had an issue with a mirror over the toilet…I’ll let you process that one on your own…grin) and painted it white, brushing off some of the paint as I went to make it look worn and to bring some of the nickel color through the paint.
I am so happy with the final result and for the progress I am finally feeling with my kitchen remodel! I am still working on several projects that I will share with you…and I will give a final reveal soon…I promise!  This week we will be installing new counters and a new sink, putting us another step closer to being finished!  Here’s one more photo of this finished project to remind you just how far this little corner of my kitchen has come

Total Cost of Shelf: $40
Shelf Board: $8
Brackets (4): $24
Molding: $8
Paint: already had for cabinets

Up next I want to take a moment to announce the winner of the T.J.Maxx $25 gift card that we donated for the Tuscaloosa Blogger Baby Shower!  A name was drawn at random from everyone who made a purchase of items through Amazon.  And the winner is…
Lori Jackson
she generously purchased three boxes of diapers and onesies!  
We will contact you to mail you your gift card!  Thank you so much for your donation! Thank you to all of you for so generously giving!
And last but certainly not least…Our

  is one of our newer friends here At The Picket Fence…the fabulous Debbie


from

She not only has fantastic projects that she shares at reFresh reStyle, she takes the most beautiful pictures of them!

We want to invite you to pay Debbie a visit at her gorgeous blog!  She is creative, talented and super duper nice!  Thank you Debbie for always being so sweet to the gals at the picket fence!  We our proud to have you as our Featured Blogger!
And to you our friends…thank you as always for meeting me at the fence!

 P.S. No, you are not seeing things.  The Fence got a face lift..hope ya like it!

This post is partying at the following fabulous places:

Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
DIY Showoff: Project Parade
The Stories of A to Z: Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
Us and Them: Party with Us and Them
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY by Design: Swing Into Spring
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Element Interiors: Whassup Wednesday
Goodbye City, Hello Suburbs: Workshop Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Green Door Designs & SAS Interiors: Saturday Spotlight

37 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Featured Blogger, Good Ideas, Kitchen Remodel

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Simply Sunday…
Next Post: Can a Vanity make you Vain? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. alison says

    May 16, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    the shelf looks amazing…can’t believe how little it cost! and your platters are so pretty reposing on it…and yes, i thought i spied a little graphic face lift…love the new look!

    Reply
  2. Judy says

    May 16, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    The shelf really makes the space. I can’t get over what a difference it makes. Love the new look of the blog. Glad to hear that the blogger issue was not only with me.

    Reply
  3. Debbie--https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    May 16, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Love the shelf and your new graphics! Especially love the featured blogger!! Thanks again, I really appreciate you ladies!!
    Debbie

    Reply
  4. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    May 16, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Hi Heather, I absolutely LOVE the way your new shelf looks over the buffet!! Love all the pretty pieces you displayed on it too, that whole area looks beautiful! Just popped over to visit Debbie’s wonderful blog and became her newest follower. Have a great week, Martina

    Reply
  5. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    May 16, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    That nook turned out just gorgeous! The before and after is amazing. Love the shelf and all the details. It sure has more character than the before shot!

    Reply
  6. Rene says

    May 16, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    What a beautiful transformation! Great job with your shelf and I love your sideboard.

    Reply
  7. NanaDiana says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Heather- It looks absolutely beautiful…although I kinda miss the horse on the post!;>) It really fills the area in nicely and gives it a finished look! LOVE IT! Hugs-Diana

    Reply
  8. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    What a difference!! I absolutely LOVE IT!!

    Lovin the new blog look too:-)

    Reply
  9. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Your entire area is fantastic. Love the beadboard and the buffet and shelf are fabulous. Beautiful accessories also. Simply stunning and perfect. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Debbie says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    The entire area is just fabulous, Heather! I thought it looked great with step 1, and the addition of the shelf is perfect.

    Reply
  11. laura@imnotatrophywife.com says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Love the shelf and I love the double corbels. I’m getting ready to do a shelf too and the double corbels make a huge difference.
    laura@imnotatrophywife.com

    Reply
  12. michelle says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Your shelves are beautiful and your new area looks gorgeous Heather! I love the lamps like that and your plates and servers are beautiful.
    Congrats to the winner!

    Reply
  13. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    May 16, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Hi Heather,

    Well, look at you go, missy! This whole space looks completely gorgeous. Lovely, lovely, lovely. And on so few pennies? I can hardly believe it.

    Sarahx

    Reply
  14. Shelia says

    May 16, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    The shelf is awesome and what a wonderful look it adds to this area. I love the olden buffet too.
    Thanks for popping in to see me.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  15. CAS says

    May 17, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    The shelf is perfect against the beadboard. And you added all the right decor touches. Great job!

    Reply
  16. jessica@www.hillcountryhomebody.blogspot.com says

    May 17, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Wow what a difference! It is amazing how a few somewhat simple changes can make a home look and feel so much more luxurious! Great job!

    Reply
  17. Becca says

    May 17, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Wow, wow, wow … amazing job with the new shelf. Love all of your pretties displayed … an incredible before and after !! Thanks for sharing !!

    Reply
  18. Vicki says

    May 17, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Wow! This area turned out really nice. I remember the post when you moved the furniture there. Beautiful shelve and decor.

    Reply
  19. Susan says

    May 17, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    The shelf looks great! I love your green soup tureen! That is gorgeous!

    Reply
  20. Val says

    May 17, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    The shelf looks truly amazing!! The before and after pics are incredible. Now, let’s talk about the new blog design…..be still my heart. I LOVE IT!!! You both are doing such an awesome job with this blog. Happy Tuesday!!!!

    Reply
  21. Chris says

    May 17, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    I LOVE this shelf! So simple but elegant. Thanks for sharing this at my party! Chris
    https://usandthem1971.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  22. Kadie says

    May 17, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    The entire corner looks wonderful!! Your self turned out so nice! Great job. I LOVE your platters. How nice that you have somewhere to show them off.

    Kadie @ Seven Alive

    Reply
  23. Christie says

    May 17, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    It looks AMAZING!!! That piece of furniture is gorgeous and the shelf above adds the perfect balance! Lovin’ the toile pieces and particularly because they have such great history…what treasures! I am most fond of the stuffed horse hanging delicately over the banister!! (A favorite because that is my house ALL the time!!(:) Heather, it looks so lovely!! I have been so lost after blogger blackout! Can’t seem to catch up! I am trying to add all the buttons to my sidebar for the parties! I will add this new one! Your new design looks great, too! Hello to Vanessa, too!!

    Reply
  24. Ange says

    May 17, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Wow! What a great transformation! I really like the double brackets and the platters look great too!
    Great job!

    Reply
  25. Trisha @ The Sweet Survival says

    May 18, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Wow that shelf is amazing! The double brackets make the shelf. LOVE.

    Reply
  26. Kristi says

    May 18, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    Loving those double brackets!! Turned out wonderful! Loving your new site’s look, too!! ; )

    {HUGS},
    kristi

    Reply
  27. Karen @ Goodbyecityhellosuburb says

    May 18, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    I am making shelves for my sons room, I just need to finish painting them and I hope my husband will hang them right away! I’d love it if you share this @ Workshop Wednesday! It would make a great addition to the party!

    Reply
  28. Kathy says

    May 18, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    I am your newest follower, I keep getting amazed at each post…I’m loving it here new *friend*

    Reply
  29. Pamela says

    May 18, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Heather that turned out fabulous girl!! Now can ya come to my house and hang one for me!:)

    Reply
  30. Ivy@Let's Get Domestic says

    May 19, 2011 at 2:02 AM

    I just LOVE the new shelf. I’m looking for something similar for my kitchen and this seems just the ticket. Great inspiration, Thank you!
    Ivy
    PS. Blog looks great!

    Reply
  31. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    May 19, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    Such a gorgeous new shelf that has such a vintage feel to it! GReat job accessorizing it, too. Love how the pieces have such special meaning to you. Such a huge transformation into a unique area. Also love the bull’s eye moldings in that part of the room!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

    Reply
  32. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 19, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    That is fabulous, Heather! I love it! I have some pieces of wood with decorative trim already on them from an deconstructed project that I want to use as cafe shelves. Since we are on the market I’m holding off until we downsize. Love your transferware pieces, too.

    Reply
  33. Cindy says

    May 19, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    What an amzing transformation…just beautiful!

    Reply
  34. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    May 21, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    Hi Heather! I have priced long shelves and they are so expensive! Yours turned out wonderful and I love the lamps and buffet. Thank you for sharing this at my party.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  35. Traci says

    May 31, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Hey Heather! The shelf turned out fabulous!!! I love the double brackets & I wouldn’t have thought of that. The big substantial corbels are so expensive. I know I’m late in commenting but I’m still catching up on all the posts I missed when I was on vacation. Is that a sign that I follow too many blogs??

    Reply
  36. Astonishing says

    June 2, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    You did a great job, love it. I need some brackets like that

    Reply
  37. Amy @ www.RockPaperScissorsInvitations.com says

    June 16, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Such cool ideas. We are looking for a new home, and it’s gonna be a “fixer” for sure. Great ideas on some personalized projects for each space!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour October 7, 2022
  • Built In Shelving Makeover in Family Room August 31, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favor Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favorite for sure. Everything is still festive and decorated but there’s none of the stress of the cooking and wrapping and making preparations. It’s the week where we get to take everything slowly and simply enjoy being together while the house still has twinkling lights and we can just be cozy.

What about you? How will you be spending this week? ✨
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence