A Bit of Pinspiration: Mason Jar Planter Box

My next few projects will be those that have been inspired by something that I have pinned.

I have a board on Pinterest titled “Inspiration For Future Blog Posts” and it is full of awesome projects shared by amazing bloggers.

Check out my first bit of “pinspiration”

It started with a blog post about this lovely from the brilliant ladies of Shanty 2 Chic.

Source: Shanty 2 Chic via Claire on Pinterest

I’m sure you’ve seen it because it was pinned like CRAZY!

I followed the tutorial, but discovered that once you get a mechanic who is also a perfectionist (would you want any other kind of mechanic working on your car?) involved, it is not nearly as quick a project as they make it sound!

What kind of things did I learn while building my own Mason Jar Planter?

Well . . .

I learned how to properly measure and mark my cuts using the right tools.

I further honed my mitre saw skills (one of the few power tools I was already familiar with from my previous sign-making endeavours).

I learned about drilling pilot holes before gluing AND nailing my furring strips together (for better structural integrity!).

I learned that it doesn’t matter how many types of drawer pulls and knobs you buy because it is a door handle that you need (so that you can screw the hardware on from the outside of the box).

I learned that vinyl really, really frustrates me because it does not stick well to wood when you want to use it as a stencil.

I learned that adhesive cardstock makes an awesome stencil (saving the day and preventing me from throwing my box at a wall out of complete and total frustration).

I learned that a bar of soap does a great job of distressing spray paint when you can’t find your Vaseline (which you were going to try as a distressing technique for the first time).

{FYI: That’s Martha Stewart Acrylic Paint in Green Olive with Heirloom White on top}

 

I learned that less is more when distressing (I had to do my stencilling twice as the result of a mishap).

I learned that 220 grit sandpaper can make something brand new look aged and vintage.

I learned the importance of drilling pilot holes for screws and how to choose the right bit.

And finally, I learned that Mr. Mechanic is a great teacher, even though he could never, ever be a teacher!

 

 

(Did you spy those Crown mason jars? Love them!)

In a perfect world, I would have had some fresh cut flowers to fill my mason jars like I did here for my Mom. Since I don’t, I will wait patiently for my irises to bloom!

Thanks, Shanty 2 Chic for continually sharing your amazing ideas and tutorials!

Have I “pinspired” you at all? I’d love to hear if you have created something using one of my tutorials!

Linking up here as well as to these great parties!

Thank you to all the hosts!