August 2011

Anthropologie Pendants

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

Anthropologie never fails me! I may not always LOVE the boho chic clothing or housewares with busy patterns, but it is guaranteed that I will love something, or many things. They never let me down, season after season...

I would just like to send a little shout out to the group behind the unique architectural pieces they sell online and in their stores...I would be willing to work with you all for free...yes free....All that I require is that my travel expenses are paid for...No salary necessary. I am uniquely qualified in antiques and artifacts and in addition to my education in Interior Architecture and Design also have extensive education in Liberal arts with an emphasis in European History, Classics, and Comparative Lit....but mostly...I have a keen ability to drool on command over just about anything with beauty and history!...please, please, please hire me...

Ok on to the important stuff! I love the range of pendant lighting they introduced last season and especially hold a spot dear to my heart for all things mercury glass, and chicken wire. While I realize the wire looking lamp lights are not actually chicken wire, they will do...most definitely!

I mean come on...are you trying to kill me here with all of this deconstructionist goodness?

Make an Eco Friendly Wild and Wheelie Wooden Roller Elephant

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

Project Details

This Elephant is animal number 2 of 6 animal creatures we will do, and each is incredibly easy with the print to scale templates I am including. Just right click, save to computer or send straight to print. You will print this at full scale, Letter Sized Paper, set for landscape as the direction. Easy Peasy... Plans for the Turtle we covered already are here. This series of Wild and Wheelie animals is inspired by (allegedly) the Land of Nod Wile and Wheelie Toys, and sell for $32 each retail...crazy considering this is closer to a $5 or $7 cost to build if you purchase one board a 1x12 and several wheels (or make them yourself for pennies on the dollar) along with sample size Low or No VOC paint containers... These should be fairly easy to whip out. All that is required is a jig saw and a drill, which can be purchased very inexpensively for around $30 and the jig saw can also be used for straight and angled cuts as well. A very convenient tool to have around if you don't have hundreds to invest in power tool items or if you typically have your local lumber supply cut your boards for you..you may need to make "adjustments" at some time or another.

Estimated Cost

Under $25

Tools

Tape Measure
Sander
Drill
Jig Saw

Lumber

1 - 1x12 at 6' - for animal and wheels if you choose to make your own

1 - 1/2" at 1' Dowel rod - or approximately equal to the hole to be found on your wooden wheels. You can choose dowel pegs used for dowel joinery if they suit your wheel hole diameter and are the appropriate length you need.

Materials

Drill bit 3/8" or 1/8" larger in diameter than the dowel or pegs you plan to use for your wheels. If you choose some like shown in the link below, with a 1/4" hole, a 3/8" drill bit is perfectly sized.
Purchase 1/4" dowels.
2 Wooden Wheels (can be made by hand) or one package with a pair, I recommend some like these and sized approximately 2" in diameter.
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Sandpaper
Finishing Supplies - This should be non toxic paint, Low VOC or Water Based Dyes only...

Cut List

1 - 1x12 at 8 1/2"
2 - Dowel rods at 2 1/4"

Instructions

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

Right Click on this template and either Save to Computer or Send to print. You will want to print this on letter sized paper at full scale, with landscape orientation. The image is appropriately sized, so you should be able to simply send to print and choose the proper paper size and direction, and away you go. You will want to cut the shape of this little cutey elephant and cut out the inner handle area out as well. Set on top of your 1x12 piece and trace the shape using a pencil.

Step 2

Using your Jig Saw, simply carve around the shape. To create the handle area you should begin by drilling several pilot holes using a larger drill bit size, at least large enough to fit your jig saw blade into, then carve out that shape as well.

Step 3

Sand your elephant well inside each and every curve and crevice, you want this as soft and smooth as possible. Once you have done that, use your drill bit to create the dowel peg holes in the feet of your turtle. The hole should be slightly larger than the dowel pegs themselves to allow for movement (rolling). Insert the dowel peg into the hole and add a touch of glue to the very ends (tips) of the dowel pegs. Push the wooden wheels onto the ends on either side and make sure the fit is snug. Quickly wipe away excess glue that leaks out and continue to watch for that. Allow the glue to set up and fill with wood filler and give the area a good sanding. Note: The glue is only used to fasten the dowel pegs to the wheels, and no glue should be on the interior near where the pegs go through the elephant feet, this will keep it from moving and rolling properly.

Finishing Instructions

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

Disclaimer

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

Comments

Retail Therapy with Penny Farthing Design House

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

I stumbled across the Penny Farthing Design House shop a few weeks ago, and couldn't get a few of their wares out of my mind! A really interesting take on a few beloved items like the subway sign art, typography, acrylic furniture pieces, not to mention maps... Oh I heart maps! I Always have... I think it must inspire my wanderlust!

Retail Therapy

Make Functional Fabulous

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

I don't believe I am alone in my obsession with anything that is utilitarian and provides fabulous Storage & Organization...sometimes those items aren't cheap if they are also chic. Style most typically has a price and that price can occasionally be steep. Whether it's aching and blistered feet from those amazing pair of heels you love so much, or the 'cutting in' from a brand new leather tool belt that could perhaps use an additional notch or two in the waste-line, we all experience some sort of sacrifice in the name of style or function in our day-to-day lives. Many of us are even willing to go without style, in order to experience the pure functionality of an item, if that item has a majorly helpful use.

There is no better thrill than to hunt for an item that you desperately need or want, only to find that it is majorly discounted or inexpensive to begin with!

Though I can think of one that has equal merit...to know that you need or want an item and to know that there are inexpensive versions of that item available, and then to find inspiration for re-purposing or restyling those items with decorative touches that are also inexpensive...especially if you quite possibly have some of those refinishing items already! How about finding inspiration for rehabbing your existing items by giving them a whole new look and shelf life using items you may already own, can purchase for very little, or can create yourself? Can I get a little yahoo for that? Ya'll know what I mean, I am just sure of it..

I was browsing through my Facebook Home page and saw a link that my friend Angie posted on her Fanpage, for a few money saving tips from Martha (do I need to speak her last name? I am sure you know who I mean...kind of like Madonna, only a first name is needed). Needless to say, I was completely taken away to the land of creative possibilities, when I realized that her "money saving tips" were actually decorating on a budget tips...which I happen to adore...even more...

I wanted to share a few of my favorite ideas of hers from that article. Most of them don't need an explanation and only a caption is necessary for indicating what you are supposed to be looking at.

Let's get inspired and see what creative sparks might fly!

I love this first idea because it adds just enough style and interest without overwhelming and without requiring any painting. This is perfect for your yard sale or flea market finds that are a bit worn, the wrong color, or possibly with a slight bit of damage. Forget about patching or sanding and stripping...just decoupage a patterned paper right over top. Fast and simple, with big impact...my kind of project!

It takes a clever person to think about everyday items in ways that allow you to combine random and mismatched things and unify them so that they become a cohesive grouping when they otherwise would not have been. Just think how many towels you have donated or tossed out over the years, because they no longer fit your decor or taste? I bet quite a few...or perhaps you don't throw them out, but you banish them to the deep dark recesses of that area that is for "old towels", condemning them to use for washing cars, or cleaning up spills (this would be my particular pack rat way...I hate to throw things out, you just never know when an idea might arise for using something you no longer like in it's current state and turning it into a prize)! I even have levels of "old towels" that can be used for certain things but not for others...yes..a bit excessive.

Martha suggests using a ribbon or trim added to your mismatched and misfit towel collection and forcing them into cohabitation and cohesion! I frankly love that thought. Besides, it accomplishes my favorite thing which is to force me to use a new color scheme that I otherwise wouldn't have put together! love a good challenge. Be sure to choose something washable and if possible something with a pattern that ties together the colors you are working with. It doesn't have to be exact, but if you come close on colors, you will benefit greatly. If not matching, then contrasting and complimenting are your next best bets!

Re-Style: Design your Eco-Friendly Fabric

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

Those of you who spend time with me on my Facebook Fanpage are probably aware by now of my frequently mentioned obsession with Throw Pillows and Fabric. Of course I have several obsessions at any given time, but a few of them remain constant. Fabric is one of them, and I know I'm not alone here (ahem...).

One of the most typical complaints, heard from those who are interested in purchasing Eco-Friendly Fabrics, is about the lack of readily available and stylish choices that can be found. While this is improving at a rapid pace, it still remains an issue for most of us.

I wanted to share this fun and fabulous Source Book: Company - Spoonflower, with you all, that for their part, helps solve the stylish and available factor. The cost for these fabric choices is a bit higher than I personally tend to spend, coming in at $18-$32 per yard...but...what is so amazing about this company is that you can print your own fabric designs with no minimum order! Their textile printing is eco-friendly as are the fabrics they use. Having the option to design my own prints and order them for use is just beyond my wildest dreams. Simply draw and scan or design on the computer...upload, and order! Simple as can be...(insert squeeling with delight sounds here...)

You can also purchase designs that have been previously uploaded to their site, so if designing is not for you, then purchasing is still an option!

Free Woodworking Plans to Build a Big Sur Coastal Collection Media Buffet

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

Project Details

Another member of the Big Sur Coastal Collection...this one is pretty exciting! Maybe I just have a thing for Buffet Tables or Media Cabinets. If you notice the title of this piece I have created a new furniture type by calling this a Media Buffet, since really it can be either. Inspired by the images below, this is in no way an exact replica and is not in any way affiliated with the unnamed Specialty Retailer Selling the piece as shown in the pictures.

Estimated Cost

$75-$100

Dimensions

Tools

Tape Measure
Square
Sander
Saw - Miter Saw or Table Saw with Bevel Capabilities
Drill

Lumber

2 - 4x4 at 6'
3 - 1x3 at 6'
1 - 3/4" Plywood at 4'x8'
2 - 2x10 at 6'
2 - 1x2 at 8'
2 - 1x8 at 10'
1 - 3/4"x1/2" Trim at 6'

Materials

3" Screws
2" Screws
1 1/4" Screws
Hinges for Cabinet Doors
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Sandpaper
Finishing Supplies
1 1/2" Hole Saw if you would like to make an opening in the back for wires and cords.

Cut List

4 - 4x4 at 35" (Legs)
8 - 1x3 at 1 3/4" (Spacers)
4 - 1x3 at 17" (Frame)
2 - 1x3 at 56 1/2" (Frame)
1 - 3/4" Plywood at 17 3/4"x 58" (Bottom)
1 - 3/4" Plywood at 16 3/4" x 29" (Center Divider)
2 - 3/4" Plywood at 18 1/4" x 24" (Inner Walls)
1 - 3/4" Plywood at 29" x 58" (Back)
2 - 3/4" Plywood t17 1/4" x 27 7/8" (Shelves)
2 - 3/4" Plywood at 11 1/2" x 30 1/2" (Side Panels)
2 - 2x10 at 65" (Top)
1 - 1x2 at 58" (Front Trim)
2 - 1x2 at 11 1/2" (Side Trim)
8 - 1x2 at 10" ( Door Supports)
8 - 1x8 at 29" (Cabinet Doors)
2 - 3/4" x 1/2" Trim at 27 7/8" (Shelf Trim)

Instructions

Step 1

Attach Spacers to Legs: Use 3" Screws and Wood Glue.

Step 2

Build the 3 Sided Frame (2): Use 2" Screws and Wood Glue, then Attach to the Legs: Use 3" Screws and Wood Glue. Leave a 3/4" space from the front edge of the legs and where the Frame sits. There should be a similar space on the backside as well.

Step 3

Attach the Bottom to the Frame: Use 2" Screws and Wood Glue. The bottom should be flush with the back of the back legs, but there will be a 3/4" space remaining between where the bottom stops and the front edge of the front legs. Then Attach the Center Divider: Use 2" Screws and Wood Glue, fasten to the bottom and both frames. Attach the Inner Walls: Use 3" Screws and Wood Glue to attach to the Legs.

Step 4

Attach the Back: Use 1 1/4" Screws and Wood Glue. Attach the Shelves with screws for permanent shelving or you can drill dowel holes for shelving pegs. For permanent fastening (somewhat) use 2" Screws and attach to the Back and Inner Walls and for attaching to the Center Divider, use your 1 1/4" Screws at an angle. Attach the side Panels: Use 2" Crews and Wood Glue to attach to the Spacers.

Step 5

Cut a 3 1/2" Square in 2 of the corner for each of your Top Boards as shown below. Attach the Top to the Frame, the Back, Spacers, and Side Panels: Use 3" Screws and Wood Glue or Finish Nails to Secure!

Step 6

Attach the Top to the Frame, the Back, Spacers, and Side Panels: Use 3" Screws and Wood Glue. The fewer the screw holes the more professional the top will look, but you will want to add just enough to keep it secure. Keep in mind, the carved out corners will keep it in place a bit. Add the Trim to the Front and Sides: Use 1 1/4" Screws and Wood Glue. You can also use 1 1/4" Finish Nails if you prefer, but I am suggested the screws to keep you from having to purchase a whole separate item. This is your choice and a matter of preference.

Step 7

Build the Cabinet Doors (4): Use the trim pieces to hold the boards together along with Wood Glue. If you have a Kreg Jig, this would come in handy and help you attach the boards to each other more easily. Miter Cut the inside edges of each set of doors. Cut at a 45 Degree angle. If you have a router, you can also use that to create an edge that is a bit more decorative and allows for a hand hold grip. I use the miter cute as my process here so that you don't have to purchase another specialized tool. See the inspiration image below my diagram to show see what I am referring to. Below the image shows 1 set of doors. Do this step for both sets. Hang the doors using any hinge you like that attaches from the inside and will fasten to the Center Divider and the Legs. See the inspiration image above for an example of this, in the bottom right corner.

Step 8

You can use a 1 1/2" Hole Saw to create an opening in the back for wires and cords

Finishing Instructions

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

Disclaimer

Comments

Creating an Eco-Chic Nursery for Less: Gender Neutral Moodboard

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

I am not quite sure which of these eco-chic nursery plans I love the most. I definitely adore the mix of color in this one. It's adventurous and playful, whereas as the girly palette was more calming and sophisticated, while the boyish blend was definitely more bold and outgoing. You will find it no surprise that I may mention this design plan uses many of the same accessories and pieces included in the boyish blend, as well as in the Girly palette we just finished.

Yep that is versatility and hopefully that translates to longevity. We went from blue to pink with no problems at all, and then moved right on to orange and still the pieces work amazingly!

To shop this look, click here.

Tod's Provence Beam Dining

Submitted by Tod S /

I am excited to share this finished table with you guys! Tod and his wife used recycled scaffolding boards from a stucco company to build this, and it turned out fabulously! I've got one foot out the door, on my way to the nearest stucco company in hopes of finding some of my own reclaimed scaffolding wood... This table is just amazing!

Built From These Plans:

Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build an Restoration Hardware Inspired 8' Provence Beam Dining Table

Lumber Used:

They modified the length in order to accommodate the length of the boards they had, and I think the result is just stunning. I love to see you guys take matters into your own hands and figure out how to work with what you have on hand, or to use slightly different materials than the plans call for that might be more affordable or cost effective to buy, in your region.

Make use of that pile of wood sitting out back from the old shed you tore down, or pass the word along to your friends and family...don't throw this stuff out, it makes for amazing pieces with a ton of character!

Comments

Free DIY Plans to Build Architectural Garden Spires

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

Project Details

This plan is inspired by the architectural garden spires from Ballard Designs, easy to build and only requires a couple of tools to complete. This project is more of a test of your patience than it is difficult....but the reward is huge! This accessory is shown for use outdoors, and can be used for climbing plants or for decorative purposes, however, I think this would also be a fabulous and dramatic element inside as well.

Estimated Cost

$25-$50

Tools

Tape Measure
Sander
Saw - This can be a circular saw, hand saw or small hand held reciprocating saw for this project, whatever you have and are comfortable with. This project is not picky.
Drill or Finish Nail Set and Hammer. This will depend on the structures use.
For use as a trellis, use screws for added stability and strength. If for decorative purposes, finish nails will be fine and leave less of a mark to fill later.

Lumber

3/4"x3/4" Trim (Square Dowels)
Large Garden Spire:
5 - 10' 2 - 8'
1 - Wood Finial for the top if desired
Small Garden Spire:
2 - 10' 3 - 8'
1 - Wood Finial for the top if desired
Both Pieces:
7 - 10' 5 - 8' 2 - Wood Finals for the top if desired

Materials

1 1/2" Screws - Use Galvanized or stainless for outdoor use whenever possible.
1 1/4" Screws
1 1/4" Finish Nails
Wood Glue - choose an outdoor appropriate option
Wood Filler - choose an outdoor appropriate option
Sandpaper
Finishing Supplies - use a water seal product at the very least to protect from the elements.

Cut List

Larger Garden Spire:

8 - 14" (Cube Base)
4 - 12 1/2" (Cube Base)
4 - 25" (Spire)
8 - 21" (Cube X)
4 - 3" (Horizontal Trim)
8 - 15" (Lower Spire X)
8 - 10" (Middle Spire X)
8 - 6" (Upper Spire X)
1 - 2x2" Rosette or Square Piece to Place on top as is, or for attaching final to.

Smaller Garden Spire:

8 - 10" (Cube Base)
4 - 8 1/2" (Cube Base)
4 - 17" (Spire)
8 - 15" (Cube X)
4 - 2" (Horizontal Trim)
8 - 11" (Lower Spire X)
8 - 7" (Middle Spire X)
8 - 5" (Upper Spire X)
1 - 2x2 Rosette or Square piece to place on top as is, or for attaching a finial to.

Instructions

Step 1

Start by Building your Cube: Use 2" Screws and Wood Glue

Step 2

Form the Spire: this will be the most difficult portion of the project, and isn't really difficult, just a bit tricky. You are going to cut 4 pieces to approximately 25". The easiest way to find the cut angle is to use a guide in the center of your cube at a 40" height.

Step 3

Then you will set a 25" piece on one corner of your cube and lean it in toward the center guide. Mark the angle you should cut the bottom and top of your 25" piece so that it will sit flush on top of your cube while angling toward the center, and flat at the center forming a square with the other pieces. Do this for all 4 pieces and all 4 corners of your cube. Attach them individually to the corners using a Finish Nail (so they will move a bit while you finish this step) then attach to each other in the center using 1 1/4" Screws and Glue. You can then go back and attach each piece using a 1 1/4" Screw and Wood Glue. Fasten down through the piece and into the cube base.

Step 4

This is what they will look like when you have them all cut and fastened.

Step 5

Trim out the Cube: Lay a piece at an angle between the 2 corners (diagonally) with the top of the piece resting in the upper right corner and the bottom of the piece resting in the lower left corner to get the best fit. Mark and cut, then attach using 2" Finish Nails and Glue. Do this for the cross piece as well but mark off where it will hit in the center and cut there as well. Attach to the Right Diagonal as well as to the Cube.

Step 6

Add Horizontal Trim approximately 3 1/2" down from the top: Attach using 2" Finish Nails and Wood Glue.

Step 7

Trim out the remaining space in X's at the dimensions shown in the image below. Use 2" Finish Nails and Wood Glue. Mark and Cut, mark and cut, mark and cut..do this to all 4 sides.

Step 8

Attach a 2x2 Rosette or Square piece to the top to finish off or for attaching a finial to if desired. Actual measurements of a 2x2 are 1 1/2x1 1/2". Fill any Screw or Nail Holes and Touch up if you pre-finished for outdoor use. To complete the smaller size, the dimensions are shown below. Simply use the cut list above and construct as you did the larger Garden Spire. Use a Center Guide of 26 1/2".

Finishing Instructions

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

Disclaimer

Comments

London Calling

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential

Union Jack is all the rage... as those crazy kids say! I for one shall embrace it wholeheartedly and enjoy the kicky pattern and bold color combo it offers to an otherwise neutral endeavor!