Tag Archives: Make it yourself

DIY Photo Holder

Do you have lots of photos sitting in a draw? Why not let your family and friends enjoy some of these memories?

Watch this how-to video to make some simple and creative photo holders that you can use to display your treasured photos throughout the house.

As you can see from the photos below, all you need to start, is a piece of timber from your junk pile and Bob’s your uncle.

HP1114_Plus_Scotty08

Step 1: Mark out the centre line

HP1114_Plus_Scotty01

Step 2: Cut through the pine

HP1114_Plus_Scotty02

Step 3: Mark out the triangles

HP1114_Plus_Scotty04

Step 4: Cut out the photo holder

HP1114_Plus_Scotty06

Step 5: Sand down the photo holder

HP1114_Plus_Scotty05

Step 6: Paint the photo holder

HP1114_Plus_Scotty07

HP1114_Plus_Scotty10

 

Related: Do it Yourself

DIY Timber Blackboard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOE7CAfQ7QU You know when you’ve gotta leave a message for someone at home and you cant find paper or a pen? Check out this how-to video to make yourself a little blackboard for all the family to use. It's ... [read more]

DIY Magazine Rack

https://youtu.be/8iee3OCNHTg Here is a great idea to keep your magazines tidy and in order. Take a look at this how-to video of creating this easy magazine wall display. The pictures below also show how simple it is to create this timber fram ... [read more]

Book Shelves

IMG_0273 3

I always wanted a wall of books in one room, like a library room. So down to the workshop to knock them up. Veneered board with hardwood trim. A two tone bookshelf. I like them.

IMG_0270 (1)

IMG_0272 3

IMG_6803

 

Related: Interest Stories

Planes

Old carpentry tools have been a passion of mine for years. This is a full set of hand moulding planes that I am planning to put on display in a touchy feely artwork at the farm. [scotty_sign] [display-posts id='1802,1741' title='Relate ... [read more]

Paving

Nothing like getting free materials from the bush. The whole family got together. We got about 4 ute loads of reasonably flat river stones and bush rock and together as a team we paved the BBQ area with natural stone. It looks sensational. ... [read more]

DIY Timber Blackboard

You know when you’ve gotta leave a message for someone at home and you cant find paper or a pen?

Check out this how-to video to make yourself a little blackboard for all the family to use. It’s perfect for the kitchen where everyone can write their messages and a great idea for your shopping lists too.

Have a look at the photos below how easy it is to create this timber framed message board.

140729H+scot-1679

Step 1: Paint

140729H+scot-1507

First, you’ll need a 565mm by 900mm MDF board. Then you can paint your MDF board with blackboard paint. You can leave it to dry while you knock up your timber frame.

Step 2: Measure the timber lengths

140729H+scot-1511

You can now cut your lengths of timber. I’ve used a drop saw. The timber frame needs to go on the face of the blackboard, so therefore you want your frame to be slightly bigger than your board. So the outside of the frame should measure 575mm by 910mm.

Step 3: Cut the timber

140729H+scot-1514

I’m using mitre joints, which are quite difficult if you don’t have a drop saw. You could also use a mitre box or butt joint your joints if you aren’t confident.

Step 4: Line up the lengths of timber

140729H+scot-1521

You should have two long bits and two short bits to make up your frame. It’s important that all four pieces are exactly the same in length to the half mill, so you don’t throw your dimensions out.

Step 5: Sit the blackboard in the frame

140729H+scot-1529

You can then nail the frame to the bench to hold it in position, then place the blackboard over the top of the frame, about 5mm from each edge. Now you can screw the blackboard to the frame, and you have a blackboard for the kitchen where everyone can leave their messages.

 

Related: Do it Yourself

DIY Photo Holder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEnUN-yoj84 Do you have lots of photos sitting in a draw? Why not let your family and friends enjoy some of these memories? Watch this how-to video to make some simple and creative photo holders that you can us ... [read more]

DIY Magazine Rack

https://youtu.be/8iee3OCNHTg Here is a great idea to keep your magazines tidy and in order. Take a look at this how-to video of creating this easy magazine wall display. The pictures below also show how simple it is to create this timber fram ... [read more]

 

DIY Magazine Rack

Here is a great idea to keep your magazines tidy and in order. Take a look at this how-to video of creating this easy magazine wall display.

The pictures below also show how simple it is to create this timber frame and then to add the rope – drill, thread, knot and its ready to go.

140729H+scot-1657

Step 1: Measure and mark

140729H+scot-1428\

Measure and mark 600mm (or find the centre) on one 1.2m timber length.

Step 2: Cut the timber

140729H+scot-1435

Cut the timber using a drop saw (a handsaw will also get the job done). This will give you two 600mm lengths – these will be the top and bottom of the frame. Measure and mark the thickness of the timber on both ends of the second 1.2m length. This will make sure you don’t go too close to the edges when drilling. Repeat process on second 1.2m length.

Step 3: Find the centre and drill

140729H+scot-1441

Find the centre of the traced-out square on one end of the 1.2m timber and use a drill and drill bit to make two holes on either side of the centre point, about 1cm apart. Repeat on all four ends. Make sure the holes are slightly bigger than the screw, so the screw has room to move.

Step 4: Form the frame

140729H+scot-1443

Clamp bottom timber (600mm length) on table. Insert screws into the 1.2m-timber holes and align timber and screws on the side of the 600mm length, creating a corner, and screw in place. Repeat process on all four sides, forming a frame. Sand frame well and give it a stain. Leave to dry.

Step 5: Measure and mark

140729H+scot-1447

Measure and mark 150mm in one of the 1.2m sides, starting from the corner. Then from the first 150mm mark, measure and mark another 150mm space this process until you have six marks and a 150mm space between each. Repeat process on the other 1.2m side.

Step 6: Measure and mark

140729H+scot-1452

Measure and mark 21mm in at each 150mm point using a combination square. This will give you the exact centre point, so you drill in the centre of the timber.

Step 7: Drill the holes

140729H+scot-1459

Using a drill and a drill bit that is slightly bigger than the rope, drill holes going all the way through each mark. You should now have 12 holes, six on either side.

Step 8: Thread the rope

140729H+scot-1472

Thread the rope through the holes, cut off excess rope and tie a knot on the ends, making sure the rope is as tight as possible so the string stays in place.

Final step: DIY magazine rack

140729H+scot-1476

 

Related: Do it Yourself

DIY Timber Blackboard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOE7CAfQ7QU You know when you’ve gotta leave a message for someone at home and you cant find paper or a pen? Check out this how-to video to make yourself a little blackboard for all the family to use. It's ... [read more]

DIY Art Boards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exh6v5Gr5hU These art boards are a great way to show off your kid’s art work and knowing how many masterpieces come home each week from school, its also an easy way to update the displays. Have a look at the ... [read more]

DIY Art Boards

These art boards are a great way to show off your kid’s art work and knowing how many masterpieces come home each week from school, its also an easy way to update the displays.

Have a look at the how- to video and the pictures below, to check out the easy instructions, including a safety tip when using power tools.

140729H+scot-1707

 

Step 1: Position A4 paper

140729H+scot-1715

Position A4 sheet and bulldog clip on top of the timber.

Step 2: Mark out the border

140729H+scot-1718

Use a pencil and ruler to create a border around the sheet. I did 280mm across and 370mm down to create an equal border.

Step 3: Cut the timber

140729H+scot-1724

Cut the timber to size using a drop saw or handsaw.

Step 4: Shape the edges

140729H+scot-1734

Use a hand planer to shape the edges of the timber. This will create a smoother and cleaner look while also making the sanding process easier. The best way to plane timber is by starting with the side grain (two longer sides), then across the end grain (top and bottom) to ensure the ends don’t split.

Step 5: Sand the timber

140729H+scot-1740

Sand the timber well for a much smoother finish.

Step 6: Stain the timber

140729H+scot-1750

Use a cloth to stain the timber. Latex gloves are essential to avoid staining your hands. Leave to dry.

Step 7: Mark the drill point for the bulldog clip

140729H+scot-1755

Position A4 sheet and clip onto the timber. Measure halfway across the top of the timber and find the centre point. With a 285mm top the middle point sits at 142.5mm. Place bulldog clip on the 142.5mm point, bringing it 1cm down from the top.

Step 8: Screw the bulldog clip

140729H+scot-1767

Screw bulldog clip in place using a drill and clip in the artwork.

Final Step: DIY Art Board

140729H+scot-1772

 

Related: Do it Yourself

DIY Magazine Rack

https://youtu.be/8iee3OCNHTg Here is a great idea to keep your magazines tidy and in order. Take a look at this how-to video of creating this easy magazine wall display. The pictures below also show how simple it is to create this timber fram ... [read more]

DIY Flower Pot Holder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8rgQEJNKzw Do you want your kitchen window sill to look greener? Then watch this how-to video to make the perfect shelf for your pots. This simple timber plant stand, for inside or outside, is just the thing for ... [read more]

DIY Flower Pot Holder

Do you want your kitchen window sill to look greener?

Then watch this how-to video to make the perfect shelf for your pots. This simple timber plant stand, for inside or outside, is just the thing for your herbs or flowers.

Check out the photos below to see how easy it is to create this great stand that frames your pots.

140729H+scot-1701

Step 1: Measure and mark

140729H+scot-1551

Use your measuring tape and pencil to mark out where your round holes will be drilled in your length of timber. Choose a piece of wood that will fit well on your windowsill. My piece of timber is long, so I’m going to cut it in half and use the excess to make the legs. Make sure you measure out the spaces in between your holes evenly.

Step 2: Cut your holes

140729H+scot-1560

I’ve used a holesaw drill bit, which will come in handy for future projects if you decide to invest in one. I’ve measured the pots and picked a holesaw that matches the size of the pots to give them a perfect fit within the shelf.

Step 3: Sanding

140729H+scot-1572

Sand your timber down, then cut the two leg pieces from the wood using the drop saw.

Step four: Screw in the legs

140729H+scot-1587

Next you need to screw the top onto the legs. Drill down through the top into the legs and insert three screws on each side. The timber I’ve used is hardwood, so when you go to drill the legs on, it’s going to be tougher for the screws to countersink on the surface. Use a bigger drill bit to put a countersink hole at the top so the screw sits flush.

Step five: Staining

140729H+scot-1600

Give the legs a bit of a sand down to smooth the surface and get rid of any sharp or rough edges. Then, wearing gloves, wipe on the all-weather stain, so your shelf looks great and copes well with being outside.

Final Step: DIY Flower Pot Holder

140729H+scot-1611

 

Related: Do it Yourself

DIY Art Boards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exh6v5Gr5hU These art boards are a great way to show off your kid’s art work and knowing how many masterpieces come home each week from school, its also an easy way to update the displays. Have a look at the ... [read more]

DIY Xmas Decoration

https://youtu.be/12p2w0fVU3o Creating Christmas decorations for the tree can be simple and fun. All you need is timber, a drill, paint and a rope. Watch this how-to video and check out the pictures below on how to create this little Christmas ... [read more]

DIY Xmas Decoration

Creating Christmas decorations for the tree can be simple and fun. All you need is timber, a drill, paint and a rope.

Watch this how-to video and check out the pictures below on how to create this little Christmas house. Using this simple idea you can design and create a variety of decorations at this festive time.

Begin with length of timber (7cm x 4cm) Plus timber scraps to use as stamps; pencil; ruler; circular saw; drill; paintbrush; red paint; black paint; rope

Step 1: Mark the centre point

150422H+scotty-4103

Place the timber on the table longways vertically. On the top edge, mark the centre point.

Step 2: The roof

150422H+scotty-4106

To create the roof line, rule a diagonal line about 45° from the centre point to the right, towards the outside edge. Repeat on left side. The lines don’t have to be perfectly even – it’s better if your house is a bit rough looking.

Step 3: Circular saw

150422H+scotty-4111

Use a circular saw to cut along the lines, creating the house shape. Now work out how big your house needs to be and mark the bottom line – about 7cm down from the roof line. Cut along that line with the saw.

Step 4: Drill a hole

150422H+scotty-4114

You need to be able to hang your decoration, so drill a hole right through, near the roof peak.

Step 5: Paint

150422H+scotty-4117

Paint the roof red.

Step 6: Windows and door

150422H+scotty-4129

Use timber scraps to stamp the window and door. My window is a 1cm square and my door is about 1cm x 2cm. Dip the end of the small stamp into black paint then press onto the house in the window positions. Repeat with the other stamp to make the door shape.

Step 7: Rope

150422H+scotty-4132

Thread rope through the hole. Tie a knot then trim excess length.

Final result: DIY Xmas Decoration

150422H+scotty-4459

 

Related: Do it Yourself

DIY Flower Pot Holder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8rgQEJNKzw Do you want your kitchen window sill to look greener? Then watch this how-to video to make the perfect shelf for your pots. This simple timber plant stand, for inside or outside, is just the thing for ... [read more]

DIY Deer Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG8xV2PAkLw This is a chance to use your creative skills and have fun with designing your own deer head with antlers. It can have a modern or classical look or even a Christmas feel. Check out the DIY instruction ... [read more]

DIY Deer Head

This is a chance to use your creative skills and have fun with designing your own deer head with antlers. It can have a modern or classical look or even a Christmas feel.

Check out the DIY instruction on the video and the pictures below to see how simple it is to create your own wall mounted Deer Head.

140729H+scot-1690

Step 1: Find the centre point

140729H+scot-1530

Step 2: Mark out the shield

140729H+scot-1532

Step 3: Cut out the shield

140729H+scot-1533

Step 4: Cut out the head

140729H+scot-1540

Step 5: Drill a hole for the head

140729H+scot-1545

Step 6: Attach the antlers

140729H+scot-1547

Final Result: DIY Deer head

140729H+scot-1550

 

Related: Do it Yourself

DIY Xmas Decoration

https://youtu.be/12p2w0fVU3o Creating Christmas decorations for the tree can be simple and fun. All you need is timber, a drill, paint and a rope. Watch this how-to video and check out the pictures below on how to create this little Christmas ... [read more]

DIY Toothbrush Holder

This DIY Toothbrush Holder is so easy to make - you can even get the kids involved. Check out this how-to video to create your very own DIY Toothbrush Holder or have a look at the photos below see how easy it is to make this DIY Toothbrush Hol ... [read more]

Mudgee – Follow the Build Part 5

IRONBARK POSTS AND BEAMS

IMG_7597

Here is another update on my project Follow the Build Part 5.

You would have read Follow the Build Part 4 where I was working on the floor frame. Well I’ve got to say, this is the ultimate in carpentry for me. The big ironbark timber (which you can see), have got that real pioneer building feel to it. It’s just what I love with 23 magnificent sticks of 300 x 300 ironbark. The cross member beams are at 6m long, perimeter beams at 4.5m and posts at 4m. The 6m beams weigh in about 2 tonnes so machinery is required to cut them. It’s too big for a circular saw so it’s a chain saw all the way.

IMG_7565

First thing to do is to cut and stand the posts onto a concrete pier with a handmade stirrup prepared below the deck. The pier has a screw pier in the middle of it going down about 3m. So affectively the hardwood posts is secured 3m below the surface. These need to be secure as they are the structural basis of the entire lounge, dining and kitchen area.

IMG_7599

The perimeter beams and cross member need to be cut precisely to slot into each other. This timber is expensive so measure 5 times and cut once and don’t stuff it up! Because the timber is so big and I’m using a chain saw I can have a tolerance of about 5 mls but of course trying to get it as good as possible is key. All the cross members and perimeter beams are all in contact with the top of the posts so all the load is not on just the brackets.

IMG_1380 (2)

Last thing to do is bolt the whole thing off and the finished product looks spectacular.

Well that’s it for the moment folks. Keep following the build and let me know your thoughts via my Scotty Cam Facebook Page.

Won’t be long till the next update so stay tuned for part 6 coming very soon…

 

Related: Follow the Mudgee build

Mudgee – Follow the Build Part 6

BLUESCOPE STEEL FRAMES FOR THE BEDROOMS Here is another update on my project Follow the Build Part 6. You would have read in Follow the Build Part 5 which was all about iron bark posts and beams. Now I’ve always been a timber man when ... [read more]

Mudgee – Follow the Build Part 4

FLOOR FRAME I'm back with another instalment of Mudgee - Follow the Build Part 4. You would have read in Follow the Build Part 3 piers setout. Whilst we're building the new house here at Mudgee, you would have seen the progress of my new b ... [read more]