DIY Shipping Pallet Furniture

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of both DIY and repurposing otherwise unwanted things (aka upcycling). Combining the two and saving money in the process is enough to make me salivate.

That’s why I’m sort of obsessing over the idea of shipping pallet furniture right now.

Super cheap (just run over to Home Depot and ask if you can take a few off their hands!) and relatively easy, it’s the perfect way to add a unique piece of eco-friendly furniture–that is sure to be a conversation starter–to the rest of your decor.

The key is adding details that dress up the wood so that your friends and family have to do a double take to realize what it’s made out of. It will make it so much more rewarding!

Here are a few of my favorites:

via re-nest

via re-nest

via Trend Hunter

via Ashley Ann Photography

via re-nest

I love that the pallets have built-in storage space. It makes it that much easier for those of us who weren’t shop class superstars (that would be me) to create something really functional–without pesky trips to the ER.

Related articles from around the web

•  5 Uses for Wood Pallets in the Home (apartmenttherapy.com)
• DIY Vertical Garden From Wood Pallet (beast4romtheeast.wordpress.com)
• DIY Succulent Pallet Table (faroutflora.com)

DIY Headboard Ideas

Do you ever sit in a room in your house and suddenly decide that just about everything in it must go? Do you feel like you don’t even know the person who decorated it anymore?

I do this all the time.

Usually it’s my open living room/dining room area, but today something in my bedroom needs to change.

I’m thinking a headboard could be exactly the kind of refresher I need. As I’ve mentioned before, my budget is kind of nonexistent at the moment so I’m on the lookout for inexpensive DIY projects–extra props if it’s eco-friendly to boot.

I did a little digging around and found some really cool ideas.

via marthastewart.com

Martha Stewart uses ornate wallpaper to create a really pretty, unique headboard that would look great with simple bedding. While I love this look, my bedroom has painted wood paneling so I don’t think wallpaper would work for me.

via Curbly

Another cute idea is using a shelving unit to define the area behind your bed. I like that it provides storage space but am way less enthused at the idea of having one more thing I’ll forget to dust. Plus, who am I kidding? I’m not about to build a shelving unit.

I need something salvaged!

via HGTV

I love that this one looks so fancy and expensive when all it is is reclaimed corrugated tin cut in an ornate shape. How cool is that?

It doesn’t exactly fit my room, although I would totally consider it if I happened upon some corrugated tin.

My bedroom walls are a light and airy seafoam color so I’d love something either natural or weathered to continue the laidback beachy feel that makes me feel so relaxed.

These next two are my absolute favorites.

via HGTV

via HGTV

I think the rustic doors might be my top pick. They’re so interesting and unique! It’s exactly the kind of kick my bedroom could use.

What do you think? Which one is your favorite? Do you hate them all? Do you have any other ideas for me? Tell me!

Covet: Mason Jar Chandelier

I have a sick obsession with mason jars. I honestly don’t even know what it is about them. I just think they’re so cute (don’t worry my husband doesn’t understand it either). Come to think of it, I like jars and containers of any kind–especially when they’ve got a bit of a vintage edge.

If you open up one of the cabinets in my kitchen, you will find an insane amount of mason jars. What do I use them for, you ask? Well, putting flowers in and… um… collecting dust?

I have plenty of wonderful ideas of what to do with them: I could use them at a fabulous dinner party as glasses with cute little striped straws. I could put candles in them. I could make a DIY terrarium using them–the possibilities are endless!

mason jar soap dispenser via apartmenttherapy.com

Right now I’m madly in love with Pottery Barn’s mason jar chandelier. My friends Aimee and Kevin have it in their dining room and it’s even cuter in person. Sadly, with a new baby and attempting to work entirely from home, it’s not exactly in my budget. But a girl can still lust over it, no?

There are a bunch of mason jar chandeliers listed on Etsy. There are also some great tutorials out there on making your own, but I am way too much of a spazz to start playing electrician.

For now I’ll just have to settle with attempting simpler DIY projects with my little mason jars (soap dispenser, anyone?) and plotting to smuggle Aimee and Kevin’s out of their house while no one is watching.

Turning My Black Thumb Green

I love flowers and greenery, but year after year I kill off my plants. I generally start off being super excited about them, but after a week or two the poor little things begin to be neglected.

By mid-summer my pots and planters no longer hold pretty flowers in a variety of vibrant colors. Instead they hold their scorched remains.

I’m sure that’s why I’m really attracted to succulents lately. These camel-like plants can survive in the driest of desserts. They’ve got to be hardy enough to survive my black thumb!

I really like the idea of using them as decor around the house. Not only does it add a little bit of greenery to your life, but they’re a really unique decorative touch–and you can get the look for really cheap if you’re willing to do a little work.

1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4

There are lots of places on the web where you can find tutorials on making your very own terrarium. I love the DIY idea, especially since you can reuse old things that you otherwise would have gotten rid of. Design*Sponge recently featured a before and after post where someone turned a big old paneled chandelier in to one (below right).

The process seems pretty simple:

1. Find a cool glass container. I love the way apothecary jars look. I’ve also seen some pretty cool light bulb versions.
2. Fill the bottom with some rocks (for drainage), a layer of horticulture charcoal (to avoid a funky stench) and a layer of potting soil. You can also use Spanish moss between the charcoal and the soil to keep the soil from sinking down into the rocks.
3. Next you need some plants in a pretty arrangement. Try to find different shades of green and plants with different shapes to create visual interest.
4. Put in a bit more potting soil in to secure the plants.
5. Water with a spray bottle when necessary.

Sounds pretty simple, no? I think even I can handle this one!

In case you’re a visual person, I found this video via creamylife that shows you the step-by-step process:

Looks easy enough, doesn’t it? I’m going to give it a try. Check back for pictures of my attempt at it!

If you decide to bite the bullet and go for it, send me your pictures at jennifergarrydesigns@gmail.com!