15 SPRING DIYS - EASY TO DO!

With over 250 projects completed for DIY NETWORK… and at least 2 dozen DIY’s in my books… I thought I’d show you a handful that felt like spring to me. I love this time of year because we are all ready to get outside and work with our hands. Here are some easy ones for you— so give a it go! HAVE FUN!

Made these Picnic Clips Weights to Keep the Picnic Table Cloth from blowing around. So much fun. A rock, a curtain clip and some vintage colorful sheets and ribbons — fun and easy. Here is the STEP BY STEP on DIY NETWORK.

Then there is the colorful Chevron Pattern Dresser… I’m big on dresser redos :) Here is the STEP BY STEP on DIY NETWORK.

Who doesn’t love a photo pillow for Mother’s Day. These IRON-ON TRANSFERS make is SUPER SIMPLE. PLUS… More EASY PILLOW IDEAS HERE.

Love old canning jars, especially the blue ones. If you are going to use them with candles, make sure the flame is close to the top so you don’t heat up the inside as much. I love this spring shot that Susan Teare took…

I still can’t believe this DIY, recycled glass bottle picture frames (memory jars) went viral on DIY NETWORK. Crazy EASY! HERE IS THE STEP BY STEP on DIY NETWORK.

Get ready for those Bar-B-Ques and Picnics with these mason jar chalk paint glasses. Here are 11 WAYS to use Mason Jars and Recycled Glass Bottles in DECORATING…

This summer’s project with your kids… make a cork message board for their rooms out of an old picture frame. Crafting together is a great way to spend time together. Here is the STEP BY STEP.

Time to clean out the sunroom and/or porch and get it ready to be used. This built in bench was one of the eight videos I did for DIY NETWORK. Crazy affordable and you can do it in a day! HERE IS THE VIDEO!

I really can’t do a SPRING DIY COLLECTION without this baby!! One of my favorite dresser redos— painted with blue and white stripes and some pink paper flowers. HERE ARE 19 PAINTED DRESSERS — YOU’LL SEE A COUPLE OF MINE IN HERE… HAPPY SPRING DIY HERE!

If you want to create a container garden or a raised bed this year… check out this movable shipping pallet DIY… Affordable solution to a raised bed — and it is on wheels!

A little yarn and a couple of sticks — and a glue gun! MIKE DROP. This easy (but a little time consuming) DIY is in my book, Salvage Secrets Design and Decor.

And then there is the adorable… dog bed DIY made out of an old drawer. Click Here to Make it in an Afternoon.

The driftwood is starting to float up on my beach — time to go collect it — and make a heart, or a wreath, or a chain… so many options… so much driftwood! HERE ARE A NUMBER OF BUDGET FRIENDLY WAYS TO DECORATE WITH NATURE I MADE.

LOVED making this curtain for my book, Salvage Secrets Design & Decor. Can be used as a privacy curtain, shower curtain or any other fun decor spot you can think of.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST — STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE PICTURES… DIY VASES — This second hand glass vase was wrapped in chicken wire, a purple ribbon and a vintage brooch. I LOVE LILACS!

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE! Follow me on INSTAGRAM and sign up for my BLOG posts (only a few a year). Can’t wait to share my news about another upcoming book! XOXO Joane

HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME USING RECLAIMED MATERIALS...

Hello Everyone!

Wow… what a busy year. It’s been 13 months since I have even had a chance to look at my website. I know it could use an upgrade… it is on my list… number 735. :) Beyond thrilled with the work I have been able to do this year and the current projects I have. I mean… I’ve helped renovate an old church converted into a condo and now it looks spectacular — cannot wait to share it with you. Plus, current projects such as a lovely historic resort in Vermont and another one in Florida, a gorgeous post and beam house, some updates with old clients, including a sitting area in a bar and much, much more. And on the personal side, great family times, time with our daughter who just moved from Vancouver, BC to San Clemente, California, a 3-week trip to the South Pacific with my husband and a month in Italy with my twin sister (and part of it with our husbands as well). Lots of fun.

ONTO THE TOPIC…DESIGNING WITH RECLAIMED, REUSED and RECYCLED.

As more and more architects, designers, and homeowners focus on sustainability and conservation practices, the idea of “salvage design”—reusing old building materials and other types of recycled goods—is becoming increasingly popular, both for its environmentally-friendly functionality and for its design aesthetic. It’s so lovely to go through my Instagram feed (my only social channel) and see so many amazing designs with almost all of them have some element of vintage or reclaimed material, even if it is just a little bit. Let’s keep going in that direction. Beyond thrilled. It has been a passion for my for more years than I can count…

We cannot always build with these materials, whether it is the style of the project, or the structural/code issues — but we can try and see if there is an opportunity (even a small one) to reuse what we have and recycle when we can.

From my three Salvage Design books, I’m going to share with you some fabulous pictures and projects from amazing folks around the country, who have used it in their designs. I was thrilled to meet them and be able to share their homes and spaces with you in my books. Let’s start off the new year in the right direction!

Cheers! Joanne

This house in Southern Vermont is incredible. The homeowners ability to put pieces together was amazing. From vintage doors with stained glass to old counter store bins she now uses as her wardrobe… this is just one closet in this stunning house — and this is just the closet. :) This house is featured in my book Salvage Secrets.

A talented designer/homeowner created this bathroom with recycled glass tiles and a vintage sideboard as her vanity. I love the vintage light fixtures as well. It just goes to show you can create any style you want. I also love using old dressers and sideboards as vanities…

Another favorite house — this ski family really created a cozy welcome home area in their kitchen/mudroom space. The red lockers are not only fun to use as a design feature but super functional. Many ways to use recycled and reclaimed material does not have to be structural. This house is featured in my first book as well, Salvage Secrets.

If bigger pieces still feel daunting to you… start small, like this homeowner did, who loves to garage sale and in the Southwest of US, she found lots of great finds. Beautifully displayed, you can create a vignette in your own home. Salvage Secrets Design + Decor.

This cottage is just one of many designed by Jane Coslick on Tybee Island. Slipcovers can easily help you keep good furniture pieces and a variety of old pieces painted brightly can bring out that ocean side cottage feeling. She is an expert of creating fun and charming looks on a smaller budget.

Chairs, tables, lighting, trim work, mirrors… I could go on and on. These are just a few items you can find at a salvage shop, local second hand shops or your favorite second-hand online stores. In my second book, I talk much more about where to find and how to use these items.

Finds by style… This homeowner searched out her lighting and vintage barware at a store that specialized in mid-century. There are lots of ways you can search… that’s where all the fun is! In the hunt.

My sister’s house in Oregon was super cool. She created some fun designs. I love the vintage curtain turned into a shower curtain. I always say, look at items and see if you can create 4 things with it in your mind. It is all about training yourself to see things differently. A curtain is a shower curtain, or a cover of an ottoman, or wallpaper for the back of a cabinet… or a matte for a picture frame… on and on… :) Textiles are a fun way to easily update a piece of furniture, pillows, cushions, art and showers :)

Not to put a feather in my own cap (I had to) but I loved creating these feather pieces out of recycled paper bags. Yes, it can be that simple. In this renovation project, the homeowner had some lovely vintage mid-century furniture and when it came time to photograph this house for the third book, I knew just what to put up on the walls. Creating your own art out of recycled materials is an easy way to add character and charm to your space.

Pulling it all together. In this design project (one of mine). We really went crazy to try and reuse as much as we could. The countertops are old slate chalkboards from an old school house, left over tile from a project, reclaimed wood from the house itself, old porch posts and reclaimed wood table and a recovered bench… just to name a few.

Go big or go home :) I love these Oregon designers and their projects are always stunning. Their use of vintage pieces, lighting and cabinetry is exceptional. We photographed this whole house for our third book, Styling with Salvage.

Not all wood is created equal. Old wood is usually much stronger and harder than newer wood… not only is it filled with character but almost all of the pieces have a patina that is hard to match. This custom vanity I designed for a client is made from wood that came out of a 1800’s barn. Mixing old and new, modern and rustic… it is a stunning piece.

That’s a wrap for now. I’m sitting on this amazing reupholstered piece by a talented trade person in Oregon. Not only do I talk about the importance of reuse in my final book of my three book series, but I talk about the importance of the trade industry itself. I do believe this last book is my most passionate and personal yet.

BEST HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING 2022 -- ECO FRIENDLY and DIY's -- The BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Tis the Season…

And sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed — because lots of times I have no idea what to get people… and it feels like buying stuff to buy stuff… well… is no fun and truly not in the spirit of the holidays. SO… here are a few DIY’s that you can create your very own handmade gift and some easy to buy ECO-FRIENDLY gift ideas — that will make you feel good! they are great ideas to get folks who seem to already have everything — or those who really don’t want stuff. Even for the hardest person to buy for on your list… one of these will be a winner!

HOLIDAY SEASON GIFT GIVING IDEAS! ECO FRIENDLY and DIY’s — BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

For Your Boho Friends… make a fun wreath using feathers, painted pine cones, some beads, old jewelry and bits and bobs, ribbon and a little twine. I used a recycled metal bicycle rim for the frame — but you can get a wooden circle at the craft store. Some hot glue… and you can really go to town! Here are a few more BOHO and other holiday inspired craft DIY ideas…

OKAY — Seriously how fun (and funny) is this! For the young person who just moved into their own apartment or for your parents who have everything — how about a year’s worth of toilet paper — eco friendly style. Who Gives a Crap is just one of the many eco-TP companies. Does this matter — YES — it makes a huge difference to our Climate Controlling Boreal Forests! NRDC and Treehugger.com have lists of the Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Papers out there! For about $150 you can buy a year’s worth for one person. Just wrap up one roll — what a great stocking stuffer!! :)

Its Sweater Weather! Turn an old sweater into a wall hanging or even better a tote! Don’t throw away that wool sweater that has moth holes — or shrunk in the dryer (sorry about that). Just cut out the arms, and hand stitch around the edges and sew the bottom together! Voila — the best tote for grocery shopping or a gym bag. This simple holiday DIY is perfect for your fashion lovers! Need more ideas…

May be hard to think about a spring, summer and fall farmshare for the holidays but what a great gift idea to give someone local wholesome food! Support your farmers and your family will be reminded weekly of your thoughtfulness. Check your Local CSA listings for ones in your area.

Make your own wrapping paper out of vintage fabrics! You can paint on a fun star or even initials and keep reusing it year after year! Holiday Crafts are so fun — do them with friends —even better!

CARBON OFFSET! This holiday gift actually fights climate change! It is one of the most sustainable gifts out there! Help your family and friends reduce their impact of travel during the holidays by purchasing carbon offset through one of these meaningful companies. See Impactful Ninja website for the complete list of the best Carbon Offset Gift Ideas and Best Companies to Choose From. From Planting and Protecting Tress to Investing in Windfarms and many other options!

A few slices of birch bark and some paint and you have instant refrigerator magnets! You will need to make sure the birch bark slices are completely dry — and hot glue the back edges (so the bark does not slip off) then glue on the magnet. You will need a couple coats of white paint before you add the letters. You can also use old jewelry, heart shaped rocks, shells… go to town!

Who doesn’t love a good beanie! Now you can have one that is made from Climate Beneficial Wool… Like this North Face Wool Hat! There are many companies who are making hats, scarves, sweaters out of this amazing regenerative agriculture practices. So for more clothing options check out these eco fashion forward thinking companies…

Fabric Scraps, scissors and some bling… Just sew them together, going over it a few times… and voila — instant holiday tree hanging ornaments. This is one of my most popular Pinterest DIY Holiday Decor Pins ever! I have many ideas on this page. :)

Shop Local!! For me, that means Maple Syrup, Cheese and Gift Certificates for locally made ice cream, restaurants and more. Who can you support locally?

Coasters from family pictures or DIY’s made from stuff you have lying around the house. Link through here to see a few more easy DIY ideas for Holiday Gift Giving.

Books are always a great holiday gift idea. :)

How about some ornaments? Handmade holiday decor is always a crowd pleaser! Click through for a few more holiday DIY Homemade gift ideas!

Pick up an heirloom piece for someone you love. Whether is it the newly married couple, or someone buying their first home — a vintage wool rug, or ottoman or something of high-quality from the past — will always be welcome. New England Loom has a variety of items - rugs, ottomans, pillows and even slippers…

That’s a wrap!

Well… that should get your brain churning with some ideas for Holiday Gifts — even for the hardest folks on your list! Have fun! xoxo Joanne

Last Minute Halloween Decor, Instant Creepy Bar, and Exterior Decorating Ideas

LOVE THIS SEASON — everything about it — the fall leaves, the cooler weather and of course, Halloween! Thankfully, over the years, I have created DOZENS of Halloween crafts and DIY’s for HGTV and DIY NETWORK and other groups. Here are a few that you can make with items you have lying around the house or in the garage! Have fun! Happy Halloween! Joanne xoxo

Using an old vintage porch post, an antique wood bracket and some wood pieces — and fake crows and spiders from the craft store — I put together this creepy Haunted Hotel Sign. It was so fun to make and loved the kids and parents reactions with they saw it. It would be cool if you have a spot light — to really light it up at night! "

If the Sign Post seems like too much work — then you will love this easy Halloween Craft! I took some old picture frames I picked up at Goodwill and painted them black. I printed out some vintage Halloween images on Vellum paper and glued them to the inside of the frames. I covered them with packing tape (to keep them from getting wet) and then put the frames together with black duck tape — that’s right — I just taped those suckers together! Then in jars with sand half way up — I place a candle — if you feel this is not enough light — do a larger faux candle — or two.

Crafting with kids during Halloween is the best! This simple craft is beyond fun! Go outside with the kids and grab some dead flowers, branches and yard debris. Grab some jars and paint the covers black. Then with some Faux Plastic Spiders and some Cotton Balls and a Marker — and a glue gun — create a mini diorama on the back side of the cover — then screw it into the jar and put on display. Great ideas for a Kids Halloween Party Craft. Or even an adult party — seriously — how much fun!

Usually after Halloween is when I find all sorts of Halloween decor at my local second hand shop or Goodwill. I collect them and save them for fun DIY ideas. Here is one I created with faux pumpkins some spiders and yarn. With push pins and some glue — I created an instant topiary. — for this you may have to cut the tops of the bottom two pumpkins so they sit inside each other. Found the giant spider at Goodwill and added a faux candle inside. This DIY reminds me of the scene in Harry Potter where Ron and Harry meet Aragog, Hargrid’s giant spider friend. :)

I have the funniest story about this cart! I created this cart from a used restaurant metal dolly I picked up at the scrap metal yard — some of my Halloween décor I had around the house and the faux spider web gauze. Then I purchased some creepy Halloween labels and covered the bottles with the labels. Now the FUNNY STORY: After Susan Teare photographed this picture — another friend and I drank the “True Blood” wine — she loved it so much, when she went home to Connecticut she looked everywhere for the “True Blood” wine. She called me to tell me that no-one carried it — I laughed so hard — reminding her that those were Halloween labels covering the real wine label. I can just picture her going into her wine shops, asking for “true blood” wine. Ha Ha :)

All I did was print out an old family photo (some relative from the 1800’s — seriously) and added some faux gray grasses and a faux spider — instant creepy for a fun party display. You can find some old pictures online — black and white would be cool too — and just grab a frame from around the house and spice it up!

Cut out some flames on faux pumpkins, add some faux candles in them (a few for each pumpkin) — through some logs around them — done a FAUX BONFIRE for the front lawn during trick or treating time. Mic drop.

I used an old bicycle tire rim I had in the shed some scraps of fabric and yarn — and painted a Dollie black. Makes for a great wall hanging for the front porch instead of a Halloween wreath.

Old bottles, jars and cans wrapped in yarn I picked up at the second hand shop. Glue on some spiders if you want. Instant party display for table tops. This is also a fun craft idea for kids and adults alike!

MY PUMPKIN — her first year — 23 years before. :) Happy Halloween Everyone! Joanne

FOUND OBJECTS... HOW THEY CAN MAKE YOUR DESIGN STAND OUT.

It has been a while since I’ve done a blog post. Sorry about that. It has been super busy — and frankly, I have been a bit overwhelmed by everything that has been happening in the last year in our country — that I was much too emotional energy to write. But I’m back — excited to start posting fun things again. I’ve been busy with Hospitality and Vacation Rental Designs and creating unique ideas that will help them stand out in a very busy market! Found objects are not just about creating a wow factor — but about bring items with soul and character into your design projects — whether it is your home, business, hotel, motel, inn or vacation rental — it really does add character and warmth to any space.

The gallery walls in the newly renovated rooms at Basin Harbor Resort, a historic hotel, resort, inn, on the shores of Lake Champlain. The found objects, artwork, original oil paintings, vintage art pieces and décor, we found at look antique shops, second hand locations and flea markets. We also added the shiplap wall to add character and depth to the rooms.

Shadow boxed vintage nautical flags is an easy way to give a lakefront room some character. These flags are all different in the Champlain House building at Basin Harbor Resort.

This bedroom styling project for Yankee Barn Home and Cottages and Bungalows Magazine was a fun one because I could show with a search at your favorite antique shop, you can create a whole room with found objects. These lovely antiques are from Vermont Antiques Mall in Woodstock, Vermont.

An old wicker table that was once dark brown got a paint job — this bold green really makes the piece pop in the room, giving it a more contemporary feel to the farmhouse.

This live edge headboard is created from found piece at a lumber yard. Many lumber yards are given trees from urban projects or felled trees from a storm or even under water. These reclaimed pieces of wood can really add character to any space — as a headboard, table or even wall art. The rooms at Main and Mountain Bar and Motel, are all unique thanks to these special pieces of found wood.

Sometimes a found object is something as simple as cabinet doors. We renovated this entire house to become a fun vacation rental (check out the cool story about the kitchen on Domino) and reused the old cabinet doors we took out of the closet and painted them gray and created a headboard. Other fun found objects here are the second hand side tables, vase, wall art and pillow made from an old skirt.

Giving an old dresser a contemporary look, just took some black stain and new knobs. I love turning old dressers into vanities and for this barn- turned vacation home — was not different. This home was futured in Country Home Magazine, Dwell, and Yankee Magazine.

This old kitchen cabinet was turned on its side — literally — and given some stripes and feet. Instant coffee table. This is just one of the many DIY’s featured in my book, Salvage Secrets Design and Décor. Found at a Rebuild Center for only a few dollars, it transforms this room into a more modern and hip space to be in. .

The ways to use found objects are endless. From porch posts cut in half and used as part of the lobby bar to a vintage wooden box for décor… get creative with found things. You will have a blast.