SNS # 79 showcases farm tables

Mason Bay


Welcome to Saturday Nite Special #79

If you're new here, join in! There are three categories to link to. Home Decor as well as Crafts, Sewing, Recipes, plus the 3rd themed link up which stays open indefinitely. Check below for this weekend's theme.

Party starts Fri night and ends Sunday 11pm pacific, so you have all weekend to join!

I'll be featuring SNS highlights during the weekend on FJI Facebook, so join in and see what they're all saying about your stuff. :)

this weekend's theme

~ farm tables ~

Farm tables hold an earthy quality that is reminiscent of a simpler time.  They're timeless, organic and generally oh so very wonderfully weathered and chippy. :)

Modern Prairie Girl

A bleached toned top is perfectly charming with a fresh white base.

Coastal Living

This unexpected visit of a very chippy rendition certainly takes center stage in an otherwise sea of whites.

Miss Mustard Seed

This little farm table with it's vibrant base is a clever way to naturally bring in an unexpected bright hit of color.

 

 Home Sweet Homemade

And who says farm tables have to be full size? Here's a creative coffee table version.

We all love old doors, so team that up with a table base and you have yourself an instantly authentic farm table.

Mason Bay

And then there's my own version of a farm table desk measuring at a whoppin' 16 feet. It's timeless lines will have this desk stay in style for many years to come.

Got a farm table to show us? 
Link up yours in this weekend's 3rd themed linkup.

~ next up ~

galvanized finishes

*the list is subject to change on occasion

Be sure to check the themed linkups master list to add your newest creations anytime. 
They're always open.
List HERE.

 

~ SNS blah blah linkup rules ~

 Has your link been removed? Please reread the rules and try again! :)

1. Please link up your intended post, NOT your blog homepage url. (post, then click the title of your post, then cut and paste that url)

 2. Please put a link in your post (button or text) that leads back to the party so others can see what's up. (see BUTTONS label under main blog header)

 3. This party is geared for DIY type projects we can all attempt to make ourselves. Items for sale may be linked up IF your entry is posted on your blog and in tutorial style.

4. For Home Decor and Crafts, Sewing, Cooking, please link projects up that are new to SNS and/or within 1 month old. Repeat linkups will be removed.

The 3rd weekly themed link may have older posts and not brand new to SNS and will remain open for your new additions at any time. Click HERE for the main list.

If you can't decide which category to enter yours in, please just pick ONE and go with it. It's all good!

 5. By linking up to SNS, you approve to being highlighted on FJI Facebook, added to the themed linkups and for possible future features on Funky Junk Interiors' blog without additional permission required unless your post states otherwise.

 Come on over and see if we're talking about you this weekend. :)

All you ever wanted to know about pallet wood

One of my alltime favorite things to bring home is pallet wood. I love creating things out of it and have done quite a number of projects to date.

Tool box

TV stand

self made pickets for ladder shelf

Self made pickets for table runner

rustic gate

farm table style desk

pallet sawhorse ladder desk

Although the use of pallet wood is becoming extremely hot property latey, it also comes with some controversy. Before diving into the wonderful world of working with pallet wood, please educate yourself on the dangers as well.

Here are some tips and safety information you should be armed with before carrying pallet wood home for your own DIY projects. 

~ Consider what it carried ~

I am fortunate to work at a firetruck manufacturer that always has stacks of pallet wood on hand.

Many of the pallets have been built for the very purpose of shipping the firetruck cartons because of their odd size. Which means alot of the wood is in new condition and has been only used for this shipment.

While that's no guarantee that the wood is chemically or bacterial safe, it's far safer knowing it wasn't carrying pesticides or the like!

~ Look for loose boards ~

Pallets are NASTY to dismantle without a doubt. So I cheat.

Pallet crates have to be ripped open to retrieve the contents so I come across a lot of loose boards.
But no fear. Even if you don't land loose boards, remember you can always saw the boards off the whole pallet if you can work with shorter pieces.

 This is what I call the magic bin. :) When I arrived today, it looked like this.

And when I was leaving after my day of work, it looked like this!

I rather lucked out though. While this generally holds loose pallet wood, it held all kinds of cool odds and sods from cleaning out the wood shop. 

~ Nail free boards when possible ~

The nails on pallet boards are evil. Most are of the spiral variety that makes taking the pallets apart nearly impossible.

So I look for boards with very few nails, or ones I can saw off easily.

But you WILL have to endure removing some nails eventually. It's possible, but be prepared to work VERY hard for that wood.

Pound and pry.  I flip the board upside down and attempt to bang the nail out as much as I can, then flip it back over and pry out the rest.

~ How is it treated? ~

Newer regulations require pallet manufacturers in Canada and the US to treat the wood before shipping. This can be by chemicals or by heat.

The HT on the above board means it's been heat treated, or kiln dried. This is the safer kind.

If the boards are unmarked, it may be safe but there's also a strong chance it's been chemically treated, which makes them dangerous.

 Give it a pass if:

• it smells
• looks oily
• is stained
• is extra heavy
• too many twisted nails (not worth it!)
• it looks suspect period

 I've also been emailed with a story where someone got a nasty sliver which infected them to the point of requiring hospitalization. So, just be picky. Always wear gloves and choose wisely.

~ Beware of bacteria ~

Chemicals are one thing, but bacteria is another.

Always be safe and scrub the wood down with bleach and soapy water. Rinse well, and allow to completely dry. 

But do remember, wood is porous, so there's a chance the bacteria is embedded. Just go into this knowing NO pallet wood should be used for food related items, children's toys nor children's play furniture. It just isn't worth the risk.

~ Work safe with it ~

Pallet wood requires LOTS of work, so be safe:

• wear gloves to avoid nail punctures and splinters
• wear safety glasses and a dust mask when sanding or sawing
• store it without the nails. (dangerous!)  Pry them out ASAP.

 ~ Always ask ~

 Many places of business that utilize pallet wood actually recycle them. They may use them over again or they get picked up and  reimbursed for their return. So before you help yourself to what you think may be free could also be viewed as theft. Ask for permission before helping yourself.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This post must come across like one of those new medication commercials. "Buy me because I'm awesome but you may die if you take me." :) You will have no need to worry about using pallet wood if you simply heed the cautions and use it for appropriate projects.

If in doubt, pass on it and head to the lumber store instead. Spending a few bucks on new wood is far smarter than bringing contaminated wood home for free.

So anyway, this is what my truck generally looks like. Isn't this haul beautiful?  *sniff*

I LOVE PALLET WOOD! 

And trucks.

For additional inspiration, visit:

My pinterest pallet collection

  This post was rewritten and updated May 20, 2011 and will now be present with every pallet wood creation I make. Please spread the word on working safely with pallet wood and feel free to link to this post.
 

Our gardening picnic movie fluffy coffee river walk Easter

I remember a time when seasonal holidays meant running to two families, attempting to nail in all the visits you can.

These days, it's a little simpler in our household. With both my parents gone and without in laws, our traditions are slowly changing and growing into our own.

So what does a gal and her son do for an Easter weekend with no required agenda? Nothing! And plenty. :)

We gardened

We had one day of sunshine, so it was time to charge for the front door with gardening clippers in hand and get ready for the big power wash that's to come. The deal I cut with myself is to get the majority of the cleanup done first so I can keep the driveway clean for at least a little bit after power washing, so a clippin' diggin' and rakin' we went.

I LOVE gardening. Plants don't negotiate, they're content with whatever. And it's a task generally done on a nicer day. Even my indoor animals find me to be a part of it.

We had a picnic

For our Easter feast, I made a big pot of homemade chicken veggie/noodle whatever I had on hand soup. But on such a nice day, I couldn't stand the thought of missing that warm sunshine on our faces, so I had my son choose any spot he wished to set up our sleeping bags to have a picnic.

He chose the park that's behind our fence so it felt a little more adventurous. Aren't we wild? :)

He even got clever for our table and hauled out a few cedar planks. Way to junk it up, my boy! :)

Our soups are like runny stews... we like it chunkay. :)

If you want the recipe, let me know. It couldn't be easier to make!

We went for a river wander

 We are sooooo very blessed to live walking distance from the river. And it was such a pleasant surprise to find how low the river was. This means we could wander to our heart's content along the beds.

My new mantra is to walk daily so this is a fun place to land.

We skipped stones and poked the sand with sticks and just enjoyed the beauty until dusk. Peaceful and spectacular.

We indulged 

Rather than Easter gifts and such, we picked up a few chocolates to hide for Easter morning and went out later in the day instead. I'm currently hooked on Starbucks' Cinnamon Dolce Lattes and just discovered the no fat version online tonite! I had my last fattening one today because I'd rather go low fat than not at all.

For you see, I'm on a mission to get into optimal health. I'm also looking into juicers. Any tips?

And took in the theater flick Rio. Cute!

The scenes looked so much like Hawaii making me a bit homesick for my favorite escape. It's been about 13 years since I've been there and I want to take my son one day. Quite honestly, I'd be willing to go anywhere where there's a palm tree right about now!

This duo had a nice Easter. But yup, I missed my parents and there's one thing I will do in honor of them next Easter. I've never made it before but it's time.

source

 My mom always made a Mennonite Easter bread called paska. It's a sweet bread that you spread with icing. And it is AMAZING.

My awesome neighbor Corinne did bring us a delicious loaf before Easter which we DEVOURED before I could grab my camera. However I missed having a piece on Easter day. That's the one thing that makes me smile and think of the love my mom put into this special holiday. So it's time I carry the torch for our own little family and carry forth the tradition. Me. Bake bread. Wish me luck!! I have a year to figure it out. :)

We also took in a lovely Sunday morning church service even though I was reluctant to go. You see, I don't like crying in church and last year the Pastor really dove in heavy about the crucifixion. I was a wreck and we left early. Let's just say I will never be able to watch The Passion of the Christ. I think it was the whole dying thing and my mom had just passed on so I couldn't deal. I'm glad I took a chance this year. It was light and made you feel like a million bucks walking out. Kudos, Pastor!

The icing on the cake? It was a baptismal service and my 11 year old son apparently wants to get baptized in the worst way. I asked him why and he really went deep into the meaning of it all. I was a little startled just how much he was getting out of the adult church services! Made me a little teary eyed to say the least. 

I hope you had a lovely Easter, no matter what your own circumstances were. Holidays can be difficult, but it's my belief we can make even the simplest things extra special.

We did. :)

How did you spend your Easter?

What's your favorite tradition?