Got some scrap wood and chalkboard paint left over in your garage? Jen from The House of Wood shares a fun little project at Shanty 2 Chic for putting those DIY staples to use! Jen created the cutest little chalkboard tablets that are great for making lists and entertaining the kiddos on car trips. Jen says she also hangs hers by the front door when the kiddos are napping so any visitors will knock instead of ringing the doorbell. Genius! I am just drooling over that aqua-colored chalkboard paint!

Living in an older home with smaller rooms, Shannon from So Pretty is as Pretty Does has one place to put her bed, and that’s in front of the window. A search online turned up some great headboard options that would still allow light into the room, but they all came with hefty price tags. Instead of breaking the bank, Shannon started a full-on Craigslist search that landed her a headboard with the openness and detail she desired. A few coats of paint, and Shannon says she loves her one-of-a-kind piece even more than her inspiration!

Jae from Design O.C.D. has a love affair with trays and uses them in pretty much every room of her home. When she found a tray at the Goodwill for only $2, she of course scooped it up for her collection. Jae decided she wanted her new tray to have a flashy, metallic look and pulled it off with a gold leafing kit. Jae also offers same great suggestions to make your own tray if you aren’t fortunate enough to nab one for a bargain like she did.

The crafty momma over at Henry Happened shares how she created a cute, yet durable, bag that’s perfect for summer adventures. The secret to the bag’s durability is the use of Plasti Dip, which created a thick, rubber-like coating on the bottom of a craft store bag. Beside from the fact that the bag is just adorable, I love the idea of being able to plop it on the ground while outside without any worries of dirt stains!

It’s impossible not to be inspired by talented ladies like Ashley and Whitney from Shanty 2 Chic, who are skilled with power tools and have stocked their homes with gorgeous furniture pieces that they built. Just look at this trunk-style coffee table that Whitney recently built following plans from Ana White! It’s pretty, budget friendly, and, best of all, easy to make! Whitney even says it’s a great beginner building project for those who have been on the fence. Time to get building!