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How To: 3D Snowflake

Nov 11 2021
Categories: How-To
Tags:
  • Materials:
    • Hook Panel
    • Middle Panel
    • Last Panel
  • Additional Materials:
    • String
  • Time Required:
    • Approximately 5-10 Minutes
  • Cost:
    • $7.99

Create a Winter Wonderland of 3D Snowflakes

Every year, right after Thanksgiving, my house is filled with holiday music and the smell of pine as we put up the tree and start celebrating the season. Another thing we love to do is create homemade decorations. From coffee filter snowflakes and popcorn garlands, to paper chains for the tree, Christmas is the prime do-it-yourself holiday. We’ve got just the thing that you and your family can make to get in the spirit of the season: a 3D snowflake. Follow along as we show you a simple six step tutorial so you can create your very own.

Preparation:

Before building your snowflake, customize your panels. You can use acrylic or spray paint to make your pieces truly one of a kind. To create a more vibrant color, add a layer of white (the primer layer) on each panel before painting. Primer will not only help the color pop, but will give a nice, even surface to paint on. Let all the pieces dry completely before you start to build.

Step 1:

Identify the first, second and third panels as shown in Picture 1. The hook panel is pictured first with a top slit, followed along by the middle panel that has two slits, and the last panel that has a bottom slit.

Step 2:

Take the flat hook panel [Picture 2] in both hands and begin moving the non-hook side backwards about an inch [Picture 3]. This step will help the other two panels slide easily into each other.

Step 3:

Now that you have bent the hook panel, take the middle panel and slide it directly down the middle of the hook panel shown in Picture 4. Your snowflake should now look like Picture 5 (The snowflake will be a little loose)

Step 4:

Take the last panel and slide it diagonally into the middle slit on the hook panel (make sure the hook panel is still slightly bent to allow the middle panel to slide in easily). You may have to wiggle this piece down as seen in Picture 7, but once it is placed it will fit snugly.

Step 5:

Now that the snowflake is built, it is time to bend the first panel back into place. While you push it back into place, push the hook part under the last panel’s edge to lock the snowflake in [Picture 8].

Step 6:

Your beautiful new 3D snowflake is done! Add a string or ribbon and use it to decorate your Christmas tree or inside or outside your house where you and your friends, family and neighbors can enjoy.

Are you interested in creating more holiday decorations? Stay tuned for information coming soon about our holiday class we’ll hold on Saturday, Nov. 20. 

Want to receive our weekly newsletter? Email us at diysteelnw@gmail.com to find out how to receive coupons and savings with our members club.

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How To: Create Your Own 3D Bat

Oct 06 2021
Categories: How-To
Tags:

Fly into the Halloween Spirit

October is officially here and that means it’s finally time for warm apple cider, pumpkin patches, caramel apples and of course, Halloween. This is my favorite time of year because it is the start of the DIY season for holiday decor. What better way to get in the spooky spirit than creating your own decorations; plus when you do, you’ll likely become the talk of your neighborhood. 

Halloween is a great holiday for the diy-er. From carving pumpkins to making costumes, it’s a lot of fun to compete with your neighbors for the most creative Halloween decor.  

Where do you go to get ideas? I often find myself on Google, searching for easy, kid-friendly crafts that are also affordable. But, for something readily available, at DIY Steel we have many cost-effective kits and materials that are simple to make and fun for all ages. One of those is our happy 3D bat. Here’s a six-step tutorial so you can create your own.

  • Materials:
    • 2 feet panels
    • 2 leg panels
    • 1 back panel
    • 1 middle panel
    • 1 front panel
  • Build Time:
    • Approximately 10-15 Minutes
  • Cost:
    • $17.99

Step 1:

Make sure you have all seven panels ready to customize. Picture 1 shows the panels and what they should look like. This is the time to customize your panels. You can use acrylic or spray paint to make your pieces truly one of a kind. To create a more vibrant color, add a layer of white (the primer layer) on each panel before painting. Primer will not only help the color pop, but will give a nice, even surface to paint on. Let all the pieces dry completely before building
your bat.

Step 2:

For this step, take the two leg panels to create your base. As seen in Picture 2, each leg panel has a tail tab with a slit on it. Notice the left panel has a bottom slit, while the right panel has a top slit. Pick up both panels and slide the bottom slit panel into the top slit panel as seen in Picture 3. The base may be a little wobbly, but that’s okay. Your finished base should look like Picture 4. 

Step 3:

Now that the base is done, it is time to start the body of the bat. Take the back panel, as seen in Picture 5, and slide it into the back slits of the base, Picture 6. You may need to wiggle this panel into place. Once it is set, the integrity of the base will solidify and the result should look like Picture 7.

Step 4:

It’s time to give your bat some wings! Similar to Step 3, take the middle panel (as seen in Picture 8) and slide it into the middle slots of the base, Picture 9. You should now have the outline of the bat, wings and ears included as seen in Picture 10.

Step 5:

Now, bring your bat to life with its friendly smile. Take the front panel as seen in Picture 11,  and slide it into the front slits as shown in Picture 12. You should now have a footless bat smiling back at you (Picture 13).

Step 6:

Let’s complete the bat! You should have two small panels left, these are the bat’s feet (Picture 14). Using the foot pieces, slide them into the two empty slots, as seen in Picture 15 and Picture 16. Now, you have a fully built 3D bat to help celebrate Halloween (Picture 17). Be careful where you put it, he might fly away! 

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Grab the Power of Lightning with Thor’s Hammer

Sep 28 2021
Categories: How-To
Tags:

At DIY Steel, we love offering a wide range of products that are fun for all ages and budgets. One of our favorites is the Metal EarthⓇ brand of kits. These kits feature themes such as Star Wars™, Harry Potter™ and Marvel Universe. They’re easy-to-build with color-coded instructions and each kit contains extra pieces in case you lose or break one.

To show you how easy the Metal Earth kits are, follow along as we build Mjölnir or “Thor’s Hammer.” Mjölnir is the hammer of the thunder god Thor in Norse mythology, used both as a devastating weapon and as a divine instrument to provide blessings.

How to Build Thor’s Hammer

Step 1:

Open the Mjölnir kit and lay sheets A and B out in front of you. Next, find the instruction sheet and the first five rocks and the base you will build upon. Then use the clippers from your tool kit to snip the rocks and base out of the sheet. Once they are snipped out, use the pliers and bend those pieces as shown on the Assembly Flow Chart.

  • Materials:
    • Metal Earth-Mjolnir (Thor’s Hammer)
  • Tools:
    • Metal Earth-2 piece Tool Kit
    • Tweezers
    • Pen (optional)
  • Build Time:
    • 20 – 25 Minutes
    • Not included:
    • Metal Earth-2 piece Tool Kit
    • Pen

Once the pieces are bent, take the tabs on each piece and one at a time, line them up with the insertion hole. When they are all properly lined up, push the tabs through the hole and then use the pliers to either twist or bend the tabs to 90-degrees. (I find that twisting the tabs makes the build more secure.)

Step 2:

Once the first five rocks are in place, go back to sheets A and B and use your clippers to snip out the small rocks (pieces #6-15). Starting with pieces six and seven and going through piece 15, just as you did with the first five rocks, bend the tabs, insert and twist them to secure.

Step 3:

Now that the rocks and base are complete, you can start on the actual Mjölnir! Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, so you end up with a whole (not just half) hammer.

From Sheet A, snip out both of the #17 pieces, setting one aside. From Sheet B, cut out eight of the #16 pieces and set four aside. Now, take the four #16 pieces you have kept, and bend their tabs to 90 degrees, facing the non-engraved side, and insert them into the openings on piece #17, twisting each until the tab is secure. Once those are secure, take your first piece #17and fold along the fold lines (each side should be barely touching). Now, take all the pieces you set aside and repeat this step. Once you’ve finished, set everything aside.

Step 4:

Next, snip out piece #18 from Sheet A and lay it down with the engraved side face up.One at a time, take the two pieces you built in Step #3, and line up the tabs from each of these 3D octagons (from piece #17) with the holes on piece #18 (flat octagon).. Insert and twist the tabs and then set it all aside

Go back to Sheet A and snip out piece #19. Bend all the #19 tabs at a 90-degree angle toward the non-engraved side. When that’s done, take it and line up its three tabs to the holes on piece #18, push the tabs through and twist to secure. Finally, snip out piece #20 from Sheet A. Then, one piece #18, bend the tabs down toward the non-engraved side and with piece #20 (engraved side face up) connect the tabs and secure.

Step 5:

In this next step we will be working on the handle of the Mjölnir! Remember that optional pen in the supplies list? I use it in this step to make a smoother finish on the handle, so have it handy if you want to use it, too.

Using your clippers, snip out pieces #21 and #23 from Sheet A, and pieces #22 and

24 from Sheet B. Set pieces #22, #23, and #24 to the side for now.

Take piece #21, and fold over the circle area (engraved side facing away) at a 90-degree angle. Then, line up the sides with the tabs and wrap each side individually until you can insert the tabs into the holes and twist the tabs to secure. After the tabs are secure, connect the two ends with their tab and then set piece #21 aside.

Next, add piece #22 to #23 by folding #22’s tabs at a 90-degree angle toward the non-engraved side and attach it to the top of #23, making sure it is attached in the two holes closest to the top. Do not block the third hole. Once attached, bend the three tabs at a 90-degree angle. Now, to make the piece #23 loop, take the tab at the end of its strip and insert it into the third hole and twist to secure.

Here’s where the pen comes in handy. For the handle itself, I like to wrap piece #24 around a thin pen, which allows it to fold easier. Once it is cylinder-like, take the tabs on the side and insert them into the holes on the opposite side of the handle. Once that is done, attach the built-up #21 piece to the top of #24.

Final Step:

You are almost done! In the last step, take the built-up handle (piece #24) and connect it to the built-up #18 pieces. These pieces connect through piece #20 from Step 4. Once the handle is attached to piece #18, fold it into a “C” shape, fold down both of the 3D octagon sides and connect the tabs from the bottom of the “C” to the 3D octagon’s holes. Once the sides are nice and secure, fold the last two areas and insert the tabs into the last holes and twist them! Then set the Mjölnir on the rock base and TA-DA, you are finished!

Claim the power of Thor and show off your handmade, fantastic piece of art to your friends.

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Make Plans for a Spooktacular Halloween

Sep 15 2021
Categories: Crafters, How-To
Tags:

What’s the October holiday that brings with it all things scary and sweet? It’s Halloween, of course! Its popularity continues to grow, making it one of the most anticipated U.S. holidays of the year. In fact, according to a recent Harris On Demand poll (conducted on behalf of The Hershey Company), 86% of Americans ages 35-44 “are either more excited or as excited about Halloween this year than in previous years.” Plus, nearly 60% of those who are parents with kids under the age of 18, plan to do more for Halloween than in the past and for months have already been thinking about Halloween celebrations.

Even with the sometimes frightful elements, the holiday is just plain fun and that’s something everyone can use more of in 2021. At DIY Steel, we’re here to help make your Halloween decorations especially “spooktacular,” with some appealing kits and projects that are right on trend this year. In fact, we carry the top two Halloween decor trends for 2021 cited in Charleston Crafted: “modern black” and “metallics.” 

All of our cutouts and Halloween kits start out as matte black metal. We’ve included photos here so you can start thinking of ideas about how to incorporate these metal pieces into your holiday decorations — both inside and out. 

How about some larger-than-life spiders to make arachnophobes’ skin crawl. Our big tarantula cutout will look awesome on webbing or a wreath that you create, or climbing up your home’s exterior (we’ve got a black widow cutout, too). Leave it black or choose to paint its body a bright red with our supply of high-quality paints and patinas.

Next, you can go a little “batty,” with our 3D bat. We really think it is kind of cute, so it could be appropriate for homes with younger kids who might find it a bit more charming than scary. What fun to get the kids to help put it together and then paint and decorate. Perfect for a Halloween party and as a favor the kids (even adults) can make to take home.

Of course, it’s not Halloween without pumpkins — and we’ve got two great ones for you. These pumpkin cutouts can be painted, and we’ve also got materials to help you make a platform to stand them on with candles to set a dim-light mood. Then place them on your porch, inside, or again, use them for a party decoration game. We’ve got steel tubing you could also use to attach to the pumpkins (or any of the other decor items we’ve featured) to create yard stakes.

To safely hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, you might want to set up an outdoor station. Along with sweet treats, make the station festive with our scary black cat and skull cutouts (or any of the other items we’ve shown you here). Again, you can leave these matte black or we’ll help you look through our large inventory of paints and patinas to find the perfect colors to make these decorations pop. Another idea is to incorporate several cats within your design to create a litter of felines that will make your yard the best on the block. Consider putting battery-powered lights behind their eyes to add to the spooky factor or entwine them with twinkle lights for some extra fun.

These are only a few of the ways you can make your Halloween home the best decorated it has ever been. For more inspiration, this HGTV article will give you additional ideas about how to decorate with the items you pick up in our shop. Come see us soon, so you can be ready on Oct. 1, to wow the neighborhood with your creative and eye-catching Halloween decor.

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Come Get Nerdy at the Portland GeekCraft Expo

Sep 03 2021
Categories: Crafters, Events
Tags:

Created by nerds for nerds. That’s how the GeekCraft Expo describes itself — and we couldn’t be more excited to participate!

Late last week, we learned we’ve been selected as one of the curated exhibitors to take part in the 2021 GeekCraft Expo scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 and 26 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

It’s Like a Mall for Geeks

Founded in 2016 by the husband and wife team of comic book writer Daniel Way (Deadpool, Wolverine, The Incredible Hulk, etc.) and former Ubisoft (high quality gaming developer) community manager Kimberly Matsuzaki, GeekCraft Expo is a collection of curated, geek-themed handmade markets held throughout the year in multiple cities across the U.S. GeekCraft Expo is a showcase for “nerds who make things.” And, according to the GeekCraft founders, “Nerds, it must be said, make the best things.”

Whether you identify as a nerd or geek or not, this Expo is a truly unique experience and one you don’t want to miss. If you’re looking for “that” special thing — or things — to complement your geeky lifestyle, there is simply no better place to shop; everything for sale at GeekCraft Expo is incredibly unique and typically, made-by-hand.

We’ll be bringing some kits that are favorites of our DIY Steel customers, and we think you will also love them. These “assemble yourself” kits include our beautiful butterfly and whimsical dragonfly, plus kits especially for kids, one to make a desktop pencil and paperclip holder, another to make a very unique six-sided lamp and a few more surprises as well. Be sure to come find us!

Affordable and Family Friendly — And, Covid-Safe

With an affordable admission price of $5 at the door (even less in advance online) and kids 12 and under free, this is truly a family friendly event. For kids (and adults) who are into superheroes, gaming and/or geeky things in general, GeekCraft Expo is the perfect day out, because the event is wall-to-wall with all that for sale from local makers. Plus, Cosplay is highly encouraged.

GeekCraft Expo places a high priority on the health and safety of everyone who attends or participates in its events. Because of this, and in accordance with the restrictions and guidelines mandated by the state and local governments of the cities and states in which it holds its events, as well as the individual venues in which their shows are held, GeekCraft Expo insists that ALL attendees, exhibitors and staff comply with the mandatory safety protocols as posted. You can learn about the requirements for the Portland event on the Expo’s Facebook page, here.

So, let’s fly our nerd flags with pride. We hope to see you at Portland’s GeekCraft Expo!

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Calling All Comic Con Fans!

Aug 27 2021
Categories: Events
Tags:

DIY Steel to Offer Exclusive Items at Comic Con

We can barely contain our excitement: we’re going to participate in one of Portland’s premier events, Rose City Comic Con 2021. Set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 10 – 12, at the Oregon Convention Center, Rose City Comic Con provides attendees with access to gaming, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, fantasy and everything in between.

In addition to vendors like us, the line-up of activities at Comic Con is outstanding. The event will highlight popular culture celebrities from film, TV, cosplay and comics, with opportunities for photos and autographs. Headliners include: Actor Carl Weathers from Happy Gilmore; Amy Chu, writer of the Wonder Woman comics; award winning cosplayer Brittani Ginoza; and more. 

The event schedule is jam-packed with hourly programs, including: seminars on topics such as pairing food with gaming, the art of wigs and makeup, the magic of molding and casting, and more. Special workshops for kids, plus cosplay meet-ups and demos will also occur. 

Exclusive Items from DIY Steel Available at Comic Con

Right in step with the Comic Con theme, DIY Steel will showcase the very popular Metal EarthⓇ kits and Project Genius puzzles. These are items we’ve brought in exclusively for the event, with products you can purchase on-the-spot. If you haven’t gotten your hands on these yet, this is going to be your chance to grab some. But, you’ll have to be quick, before they sell out. 

Metal Earth Kits Showcased at Comic Con 

Made from high quality steel sheets, Metal Earth kits offer DIYers the opportunity to create their own three-dimensional models with stunning detail. Easy to follow instructions that do not require extra materials enable creative types to assemble the models by bending the tabs through corresponding connection points. Whether you are purchasing for yourself or as a holiday gift, we will feature the Star Wars, Harry Potter, Guardians of the Galaxy, Dr. Who, Transformers and Batman kits at Comic Con. See a few examples in the photos: C3PO from Star Wars, Captain America’s Shield, Marvel’s Deadpool, and a selection of Harry Potter kits that will be available. 

Project Genius Puzzles Showcased at Comic ConThen, for something different, we’re bringing you a selection of our Project GeniusⓇ brainteaser puzzles. These are not your ordinary puzzles. Project Genius prides itself on curating puzzles that inspire the senses and stimulate curiosity. Its Constantin puzzles feature beautiful designs as well as challenging solutions. And, its True Genius puzzle collection is low-difficulty, but just as fun as the harder puzzles. Both brands include metal puzzles for you to solve. Check out the image of the Double Trouble puzzle that is just one example of what we’ll have for you.

Don’t Miss Out!

The buzz is already strong with anticipation for Rose City Comic Con and we can’t wait to see you there! Keep in mind that event organizers are following all Coronavirus guidelines and will be requiring face coverings for all attendees, exhibitors, guests, and all other patrons. You can read more about the safety precautions that will be in place at rosecitycomiccon.com/covid-19/.

So, save the dates — Sept. 10-12 — and come find us at the Oregon Convention Center! Don’t forget, you can come in costume, and what’s more fun than that?

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DIY Metal Pencil Holder

Sharpen Up Your Workspace with a DIY Metal Pencil Holder

Aug 17 2021
Categories: Crafters, How-To
Tags:

I love to craft and create things by hand. When I need some inspiration, I will turn to online crafting communities for help with ideas and motivation. There, I find tons of ideas for easy metal crafts for people of all ages. I especially like to find kid-friendly metal craft projects that I can make with my nephews. Who doesn’t like creating fun usable art while bonding with your family?

I like to work on craft projects that I can use in everyday life. Making candles, soaps and even items like paper towel holders are just a few examples of the projects I love, plus they make great gifts. Working in the metal industry has taught me there’s no limit to the usable steel crafts you can create. Today, I’m excited to present you with an easy, six-step project that even kids can do (with assistance): A pencil holder. 

Step 1: 

Clean your material of metal shards, grease, and dirt. You can use isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) to remove any grease, however, make sure it has completely dried before decorating or it will cause the material to rust. We use Sculpt Nouveau Metal Degreaser (Picture 1) A clean surface allows paint to be evenly distributed on your finished piece. You’ll see grease, metal shards, and other inconsistencies if the metal isn’t properly cleaned (Picture 2)

  • Material:
    • 1 piece of 6″ x 6″ base plate. You choose thickness
    • 3 or 4 small square or round tubes. [2″ -5″ tall -1″-2″ wide]
  • Tools:
    • Epoxy
    • Sandpaper
    • Paint [Acrylic or Spray paint]
    • Latex Gloves
    • Clear Top coat [Matte or Gloss]
  • Time Required:
    • 12-17 hours
  • Cost:
    • Approximately $5-$10 dollars, depending on the materials you purchase.
Picture 1
Picture 2

Step 2: 

Stage your square or round tube pieces on your baseplate in a design you like (Picture 3 & 4) You can play with the angles and the sizing to create a unique, working art piece. Settle on your design before you apply the epoxy, because once it is dry, although clear, it may not give you the texture you want.

Picture 3
Picture 4

Step 3: 

Now it’s time to mix your epoxy. (Picture 5) Remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to epoxy. Quickly mix in quarter size amounts: one part epoxy resin and one part hardener (You can mix directly on the sanded baseplate.). Make sure to apply a generous amount to your pieces (Pictures 6)

Picture 5
Picture 6

Step 4:

After applying the epoxy to the baseplate, set your square or round tube piece into place. Apply a little pressure to each piece as you affix the tube to the base. Set aside in a safe place to dry. The drying process will differ depending on the type of epoxy you use. In the piece I made, I used a two-part epoxy that needs to dry 12-15 hours before decorating. (Picture 7)

Picture 7

Step 5:

Prime your completed pencil holder. Priming your material acts as a bonding agent, which allows the paint to adhere better and last longer. If you are using spray paint for your piece, use a spray primer. If you are using acrylic paint, prime your material with a white base paint. Acrylic paint will not bond correctly without a porous surface. Let the primed piece dry for two to three hours. (Picture 8)

Picture 8

Step 6:  

Once primed, your piece is ready to paint and decorate. Really let those creative juices flow and make a piece that is uniquely you! See Picture 9 for inspiration! 

Picture 9

Need more help making a functional piece like a pencil holder? Come in to DIY and let us help you. We not only have a great selection of material for this and more projects, but we also have several ways to customize the colors. From spray paint, to acrylic craft paint, to patinas and metal coatings, we have endless ways to make your project truly your own. 

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Project Round-Up: Three Customers Share Their Creations

Project Round-Up: Three Customers Share Their Creations

Aug 03 2021
Categories: Crafters, Gardeners, Home Improvement
Tags:

Inspiration can come from all sorts of places. The Internet can cause us to spend many an hour pouring over images that spark creativity. And, we also want our online channels to serve as a source for inspiration. That’s why we love learning about how our customers take the materials we offer and transform them into amazing — and often functional — creations.

Here are three recent projects that we hope inspire you.

Teepee Circular Base

Imagine our surprise when we saw this completed project! Our customer had the idea to create a teepee in their backyard as a spot for quiet reflection. But, how to keep the structure from sinking into the soft ground? The solution was to create a circular base that would stand up to the teepee’s weight and hold it firmly in place. This customer used our 1/8 x 5” solid edging as the perfect outline for the base, along with rebar stakes to strengthen it. We love it!

Side Tables

Take inspiration from these beautiful side tables made by a DIY Steel customer. With polished wood slabs as a top, our customer used our metal pickets and square flanges to serve as the “legs” of the side tables. Individual pieces of wood and metal objects collectively transformed into unique and outstanding treasures.

Custom Gate

At DIY Steel, we share a strong commitment to caring for our customers and our community. That’s why we were especially excited to see one of our customers create this gorgeous gate for the nonprofit “Forward Stride.”

Located in Beaverton, Forward Stride enhances quality of life through horse-centered activities and therapies. For more than 15 years, using the healing power of horses, Forward Stride encourages its participants to face life’s challenges head-on. Through riding therapy, emotional, cognitive, and physical milestones are reached.

For this project, our square box tubing, 3/16” solid plate and 3/8” round stock products were used. The nonprofit’s name and image were incorporated into the 3/16” solid plate by using a Computer Numerical Control Router. Square box tubing was used for the border and the 3/8” round solid stock was used to create the gate’s woven checkerboard design. We think you’ll agree, this beautiful gate is a wonderful way to support a worthy nonprofit.

If you’ve got ideas about projects you want to create, come let us help you put your vision into reality. You may even gain a little notoriety on our channels if you agree to it being showcased.

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Spruce Up Your Home and Yard for Summer

Jun 08 2021
Categories: Crafters, Gardeners, Home Improvement
Tags:

Home, sweet home. That saying has never been more true than throughout this past year when we’ve all likely spent a little (a lot?) more time at home than usual. Along with some understandable cabin fever, home really is where the heart is. It can be a refuge as well as a place to share joy with family and friends. That means you want to make it as comfortable and beautiful as possible. Our DIY ideas can be used to spruce up your home and yard for summer and outdoor living. 

You’ll be the envy of the block when you work with us to give a fresh look to the exterior of your home We’ve got what you need to create the following projects, which are just a few ideas to get you started.

  • House numbers:
    • We’ve got plenty of ready-made numbers in stock for you to choose from. Or pick up some of our 16 gauge base-plates to cut out your own numbers and shapes. 
  • Mailbox:
    • Is it time for your mailbox to get a makeover? At DIY Steel, you can find the materials to create a unique — and secure — mailbox, whether wall- or post-mounted. 
  • Light fixtures:
    • A more advanced project, but one that will make you feel accomplished when it’s done: create your own porch light fixtures to brighten your entryway. 
  • Door hardware:
    • Take a look at your entry door handles and knobs, are they looking a little worn and ready to be replaced? Or maybe you want to make your own door knocker to express your personality. Bring in a photo of your doors and entryways and we’ll help you give them some new life.
  • Window boxes:
    • Colorful blooms are so eye-catching. Have you thought about making your own window boxes? Creating a window box (or porch planter) is a good beginner project. Using our solid stock and cut-outs, you can build wonderful window boxes that will cause everyone to take a second glance. 
  • Porch seating and tables:
    • With our relatively mild Pacific NW weather that includes low humidity during the summer months, it’s a treat to be able to sit outdoors and relax. Come explore our materials to discover what you can use to make chairs, benches, porch swings and side tables. 
  • Gutters,  downspouts, and rain catchers:
    • While they might generally go unnoticed, if you step back and take an overview of your home, it may reveal the opportunity to replace your gutters and downspouts and even make your own rain catcher/chain. You’ll be surprised what a difference these items make to your home’s aesthetic when they are freshened up. We’ve got the materials and supplies you need to make decorative rain chains in whatever design you can envision. 

Now that you’ve taken care of the front of your home, what about the yard? We’ve got a list of some projects below that you might want to give a try. And, for more inspiration, check out this link to The Spruce online.

  • Lawn/garden edging:
    • A nice neat edge on your lawn and planting areas looks so appealing. We’ve got flat ⅛ x 4” edging that can be used for that crisp look. Measure the areas you want to edge and then come in to pick up just what you need.
  • Trellis:
    • Do an online search and you can find plenty of ideas for designing your own garden trellis. Imagine beautiful clematis, vine roses and sweet-smelling jasmine winding up your creation. You provide the vision and we’ll provide the materials. 
  • Landscape lighting:
    • If you create some lighting for your front porch don’t forget about lights for your walkway or patio, too. 
  • Container gardens:
    • Adding colorful blooms around your house is a sure way to spread some happiness and joy. Even better when they are planted in containers that you make yourself. With our solid stock, tubes, scrolls and cut-outs, imagine the amazing containers you can make for planting flowers, herbs and veggies. 
  • Outdoor art:
    • Take your yard to the next level by making unique art. Whether a wall hanging or a stand-alone structure, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the pieces you can create. As you browse the materials we have in stock, let your imagination run wild as you envision your finished piece. 

Both rain and sun can take a toll on your fence, deck and gate. A great way to update your home’s look is to refresh the perimeter. We can help you choose just the right items to replace — or add new: 

  • Deck rails
  • Gate panels and hinges
  • Fence scrolling

You’ve got the place looking great! Now, it’s time to invite friends, family and neighbors over for some fun. Here are a few ideas of the projects you might undertake to make your backyard THE place to be in the neighborhood. 

  • How about making your own picnic table? We can show you samples of what others have done so you can collect all the materials you need to make a table that is just right. 
  • Once the sun goes down, you can keep guests warm, create some ambience and maybe even make s’mores with a fire pit you’ve created yourself. Of course, we have some ready-to-assemble fire pits that you can purchase — or use as an inspiration to make your own. 
  • Food cooked outdoors always seems to taste just a little bit better. How about creating your own BBQ kettle or smoker? It’s an advanced project, but one we can offer both materials and guidance for as you embark on this ambitious adventure in DIY.
  • And, for something really different, consider making some yard games. Think cornhole or croquet and you’ll be the champion of the ‘hood with the games you created yourself. 

Late spring is a perfect time to get started on your home spruce-up projects. Then when summer gets into full swing, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy all the fruits of your labors.

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