Crafts & DIY | Life with Neal & Suz

How to Paint an American Flag

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been recently updated.

Several years ago, Neal and I finished constructing the closet on our dock. Neal and I purchased treated lumber at Home Depot to construct our dock closet. It is always challenging to calculate how much lumber you need for these types of projects. We were almost finished with the closet . . . but then we ran out of lumber. It was hot and we were waaaay too tired to go get more lumber. We live about 17 miles from Home Depot. But we got an idea! We used some leftover thin pieces of treated wood to make an American flag. This is an example of reframing a negative into a positive!

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How to Make a Burlap Picture

For those of you who know me, you know I have an obsession with burlap. I think it is because of its texture and it goes with everything! It also reminds me of when I grew up on a farm in Maryland.

I also like the idea of repurposing things so this project met multiple objectives for me. I get to use burlap, reuse something I already have (old picture frame), and I get to MAKE SOMETHING! ✂️ Life is GOOD! Continue reading “How to Make a Burlap Picture”

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Milk Can Makeover

This was a milk can that I found in my Dad’s barn after he passed away. He passed away on July 27, 2017. I miss him every day, but I have several special items from his house that remind me of him.

This milk can was originally covered in rust and I had it sandblasted, but not powder coated because I sort of wanted to keep it natural. When I picked it up, Josh (sandblaster guy) highly suggested that I put a coat of polyurethane to protect it or it would rust more. Well . . . I should have heeded this advice because it started to rust again! So I took it back and Josh sandblasted it again and powder coated it for me. Continue reading “Milk Can Makeover”

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Making a Wipe Board from an Old Window

In 2001, we moved to Cullman, Alabama and renovated two houses (side by side built in the 1930s) in the historical part of town. We had a contractor renovate one of the houses for our family to live in. Neal (and I as his trusty assistant) renovated the second. Both houses were in rough condition. I was skeptical but Neal saw the potential.

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How to Chalk Paint a Lamp

This was a simple and fun project with a great result!

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15+ Easy Cricut Projects: Let’s get Cutting!

About a year and a half ago, I retired. As a retirement gift, my sweet Neal bought me a Cricut. I was a little apprehensive about how to get started, so I started with some simple vinyl cutting projects. Maybe these projects will inspire you to get cutting!

Personalize insulated cups for presents:

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Gift Wrapping Cubby

This blog post was originally posted in December 2018 and updated in December 2019.

I tend to use every space available for storage. ? This cubby is a small attic access (behind the knee wall) in our loft, which also serves as my office and craft room.

Below is the BEFORE picture of this space.

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The Making of a Craft Room

This is my HAPPY PLACE! I can get lost for hours working on a project in this space. Actually this closet/room is adjacent to my office in our loft, so I can really spread out.

Here is a before picture. 🤦‍♀️

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How to Add Backing to Shelves (for Craft Room)

I wanted to add backing to my craft room shelving. I did not want items to fall out of the backside. My craft room is my Happy Place, so I wanted color!