Now You See It, Now You Don't

Recently a friend, Judi, called me to let me know she used my blog (DIY Lighting Project) to change out the pot lights in her new home.  We had so much fun talking about the project, that I thought I would share some of my recent DIY adventures.

BATHROOM TUB COVER

The biggest and most dramatic project is my bathroom tub cover.  Now You See It, Now You Don't.

A neighbor and golfing friend, Sue, asked me if I had any ideas on how to cover a bathroom garden tub.  It is a large tub that is in many homes in my area, including my home.  Sure it is big enough for two and has jets.  But I tried using it, and it took too much water, didn't stay hot and wasn't very comfortable.  Plus it is a pain to clean.  I know someone who had their bathroom renovated and took the tub out completely.  I wasn't ready for that option.  A tub cover sounded like an interesting idea.  Sue and I talked about the details while golfing.  I said I would work out a plan on my tub.

I decided to do the project in small steps over several days.  First I build the frame.  I moved it out to the garage to add the top.  At this point, I was feeling pretty good.

The problems started when I added the wood pieces to the top.  The issues seemed small, but ended with the finished piece a little too large to fit in the opening.  I should have made the frame smaller than the opening...a beginner's mistake.

After I had a small meltdown, Brian helped me cut down some spots...more like hack up a few areas and we got it to fit.  I am not proud of the finished piece.  Pretty ugly up close, but the project is done.  It is a great idea, but definitely a job for an experienced woodworker or carpenter.

CRACKING TILES

Several friends and neighbors have commented on annoying cracks in floor tiles.  Small hairline cracks...not a structural problem, just a cosmetic issue.  A friend shared how they solved the problem using paint.  I was INSPIRED.  I used some leftover exterior latex paint.  I dabbed it on the crack, waited a few seconds and then gently wiped off the paint.  The goal is to wipe the paint off the surface tile, but leave the paint in the crack.

The cracks are small and difficult to see in pictures, but believe me...once you see a crack, it looks like it is lit up in neon.  Paint can solve a lot of tile problems.  This is the same area that I painted the tile grout in January 2015.   It still looks pretty good.  Check out my blog, Painting Within the Line.

KITCHEN DRAWER DIVIDERS

I am fortunate to have lots of kitchen cabinets and drawers.  Lots of opportunities for organization.  The Internet is full of ideas for organizing your kitchen.  Rubbermaid containers, Command hooks and wire racks are my favorite tools for organizing.  Add some vinyl labels...that's my style.

Another favorite kitchen organizational tool is an Ikea drawer inserts for spice jars.

A golfing friend, Pat sent me a YouTube video for drawer dividers.   She made her divider from foam board and said it worked great.  I followed the video and made mine from 1/8" hardboard.  This project used my favorite DIY tools...chop saw, clamps and glue.  Now all the mess is organized.  I love having a place for everything and everything in it's place.

I didn't stop with one drawer, I did several. 

I am always interested in DIY projects and organizational ideas.  Let me know what your favorite projects are and I will continue sharing mine.