DIY Computer Monitor Stand

I am so excited about today's post for a couple of reasons, one because my desk finally has a more functional workspace and it's Power Tool Challenge day. The theme this month is to create something for $10 or less using at least one power tool. I made my handy DIY Computer Monitor Stand for FREE by repurposing part of an old footboard and two antique chair spindles.

How To Build A Computer Monitor Stand With Scraps

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend to complete this project. What that means is that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small portion of any sales at no additional cost to you to support the costs of running this site. See my disclosure policy page.

Cutting the footboard to size

Fortunately, my salvaged footboard was leftover from a headboard bench and was a perfect size, so no cutting required. The dimensions are 11" x 30" x 1 1/2". Check your local home improvement store in their offcut lumber section to see if you can find a piece that would work. They can cut it to size for you if using a table saw is not your forte.

Cutting Chair Spindle Feet

Using a miter saw, the antique chair spindles were cut in half and then again at a height of 3 3/4-inches tall.

Building the stand

1. Find the center of the top of each spindle and mark with a pencil.
2. On the top side of the footboard place a spindle on each corner and trace with a pencil.
3. Find the center of the traced circle and mark with a pencil. Using a power drill with a 5/64 pilot hole drill bit, make a pilot hole on both the spindle and stand top.
4. Switch the drill bit to a countersink bit. You want the head of the screw to be sunk below the surface of the top.
5. Using wood screws start the screw through the top until it is peeking through underneath.
6. Line up the pilot hole on the spindle and secure it in place with the drill. Repeat for all four feet.
7. Fill in the holes with a non-shrinking wood filler.
8. That's it, the monitor stand is assembled. The next step is adding the pretty!

Prepping and Painting the Monitor Stand

• Using a mouse sander (or sander of your choice) to smooth the finish on the top and sides of the top.
• I painted two coats of white chalk paint on the entire monitor stand.
• Using painter's tape create a stripe pattern.

Tip: Use pieces of tape in between each row to get straight lines (as seen in photo above). Run your finger along the edges of the tape for a tight seal to avoid paint bleed.

• Using a 6-inch sponge roller apply two coats of black chalk paint.
• Before the second coat dries, remove the painter's tape.

Tip: Slowly remove the tape by pulling at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still wet.

• I distressed the stripes by sanding them with 220-grit sandpaper.
• I applied clear wax using a clean lint-free rag for added protection. 

Materials List

• Salvaged footboard 
• 2 Antique Chair Spindles
• 5/64 Pilot Hole Drill Bit
• Countersink Drill Bit
• Tape Measure
• Wood Screws
• Wood Filler
• Painter's Tape
• White and Black Chalk Paint

Power Tools

• Miter Saw
• Cordless Drill
• Mouse Sander

I am so thrilled to have my monitor and laptop screens at eye level with room to tuck the keyboard underneath when not in use. In dire need of additional functional space on my desk, working in my office is so much easier now. It's been a long time coming but thanks to the Power Tool Challenge this month, I finally had the motivation to build my DIY Computer Monitor Stand.

If you like my Computer Monitor Stand and/or want to build one, please save it on Pinterest and/or share it with a friend.

I say it each month, the purpose of the Power Tool Challenge is to motivate, inspire, and encourage our female readers to build something using a power tool. So I urge you to pick up a power tool and make something.

For motivation and inspiration, I urge you to go visit the rest of the team to see what they made for $10 or less...

Double Pedestal Scrap Wood Table by My Repurposed Life

Hexagon and Triangle Shelves by My Love 2 Create

Window Box by Dogs Don't Eat Pizza

Blanket Ladder by Domestically Speaking

DIY Wood Centerpiece Box by Virginia Sweet Pea

Easy DIY Shelves by Create and Babble

Vintage Peg Blanket Ladder by H2OBungalow

Computer Monitor Stand by Interior Frugalista

Wood Slice Plant Stand by Designed Decor

DIY Video Game Organization Station Holder by Kim Six Fix

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How to REpurpose candlesticks and silver trays into Pedestal Cake Stands

Hello friends, those of you who have been following my blog may remember these Pedestal Cake Stands that I re-purposed from thrift store candlesticks and silver trays back in August. You may also remember the base didn't provide adequate support. I have since modified my original design and added a little Parisian flair and thought I would re-share them with you today.

To refresh your memory, this is what they looked like before...

How To Make Pedestal Cake Stands Using Candlesticks and Silver Trays

You can see the base of the candlestick in the photo above is too small to support the tray above. To make the pedestal cake stands sturdy I attached large round wooden plaques to each base of the candlesticks. Much better, don't you think?

But let's go back to the beginning so you can see what I used to make the original versions. Two silver trays and two wooden IKEA candlesticks that I purchased at my local thrift store. The trays were tarnished beyond polishing and had seen their better days. I felt no shame in painting them. I forgot to take photos of the wooden candlesticks before applying the first coat of Simplicity White chalk paint.

On the top of each candlestick, I attached round wooden plaques to create a base for the trays. As you can see from the photo below, I screwed them onto the top of each candlestick, much the same way I later added supports to the base.

After cleaning the trays I sprayed them with Rust-oleum Painter's Touch Spray Paint in White gloss.

Tip: Painting Silver

The trick to painting silver is not to go over the same area twice while the paint is wet and don't attempt any touch-ups or you will have one hot mess on your hands. Silver takes longer to dry so be sure to allow extra drying time between coats. Wait until after your final coat is completely dry before doing any distressing.

It took three coats to get complete coverage on my trays. After they dried overnight, I carefully distressed the edges with sandpaper. Two coats of Rustoleum Clear Spray were applied to protect the painted metal.

I wouldn't recommend putting food directly onto the painted surface as it is not food safe. Place table linens or napkins under the food and/or dishes.

I decided, after being so thrilled with the results of my DIY Cake Stand With Parisian Flair, that I would add some French personality to these ones too. I used a different part of the same stencil for these.

I kept this one clean, meaning I didn't distress the painted top nor add any dark glaze.

This one I gave an aged appearance using a dark glaze. If you look closely at the photos you can see the difference. I like them both equally.

Again, here is where I'm keeping it real guys...

It wouldn't take much for this pedestal stand to topple over and dump that special cake you spent all afternoon baking splat onto the floor.

Now these DIY Pedestal Cake Stands made from repurposed candlesticks and silver trays are sturdy and look so much prettier stenciled with a Parisian flair!

If you like my DIY Pedestal Cake Stands, please share it with a friend and/or save it on Pinterest.

If you are looking for other DIY Pedestal Tray ideas for your Thanksgiving Table or Holiday soirée, you can see how I repurposed glass candlesticks and vintage dishes into 2-Tiered Cake Stands.

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How To Update Metal Accent Tables When Spray Paint Isn't An Option

Did you know that you can paint metal with chalk paint? Spray paint would be the more popular choice for painting metal but in the dead of winter when that isn't an option, chalk paint is an excellent alternative.  Recently I found a set of metal accent tables with lovely embossed lattice tops but I wasn't fond of the patina. That didn't stop me from buying them because I knew with a fresh coat of paint, those lovely details would pop. Plus, it isn't often you find them in a set.

These are the tables before the makeover...

Metal Accent Tables Updated With Chalk Paint

It was so quick and easy to update the tables with a paint brush and two coats of Dixie Belle Fluff. Once the paint was dry I distressed the raised details with 220 grit sandpaper to make all those lovely details pop.

Dixie Belle paint doesn't require a top coat because the paint dries rock yard after 72 hours. But the chances these tables would be used as plant stands were high and so I protected them with Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin Finish. I love the streak-free matte finish but it did yellow the paint a little. At first, I panicked but then decided I kind of liked the aged patina and embraced the slight yellowing.

What I also like about using chalk paint is that unlike spray paint, it adds some texture. Look how lo lovely those curvy legs and floral details look so much better painted white.

But I've spray painted metal furniture too during the summer months. Like these vintage coastal metal nesting tables with a 50's vibe, or these vintage vanity chairs, and this pretty turquoise plant stand.

I'm happy to report that they sold immediately at the holiday market. I was sad to see them go because I would have loved to keep them. But I have a brown thumb and they'd never be used as plant stands. I already have enough accent tables around this house and so they went to a couple who would put them to better use.

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.

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Curbside Tilt Top Drop Leaf Table AGAIN but with Parisian Flair

Those of you who have been following me from the beginning may remember this Curbside Tilt Top Table with the pretty scalloped edge. Back in 2013, Mr. Frugalista noticed it at the end of our neighbor's driveway with a Take Me sign on it. He didn't have to twist my arm when asked if I wanted it.

It sat in our living room for a couple of years and was the perfect table for this room with a small footprint. It took up very little space when not in use by dropping the leafs on both sides. It has been replaced with a different table and so today I'm sharing this Curbside Tilt Top Drop Leaf Table Again but with a Parisian flair!

Here are pictures of what the table looked like while being prepped and after the first makeover . I must apologize for the poor quality photos as they were taken in the early days of blogging. If you missed that post you can catch it here at Curbside Tilt Top Table.

Round Scalloped Tilt Top Drop Leaf Tea Table With French Script Top

Sadly, I don't have room for this table in my home anymore and so I will be selling it at the Curated Holiday Market in November. But before I do, it was in need of a refresh with a certain je ne sais quoi!

I sanded the top and repainted it with red chalk paint, The pièce de résistance was adding the French script stencil to the top. Oh là là!

After the stenciled detail dried I lightly distressed it with 220 grit sandpaper. Then I applied a top coat of clear wax followed by dark wax to settle into the grooves around the scalloped edge and add a vintage look to the script.

I refreshed the red chalk painted feet and added dark wax but left the pedestal base as is.

This is what the table looks like with the drop leaf sides down...

I love this table even more now and it is going to be so hard to part with it but after numerous unsuccessful attempts at making it work in our living room, I have to bid it farewell.

If you like my Curbside Tilt Top Drop Leaf Table with Parisian Flair, please share it with a friend and/or save it on Pinterest. If you would like a weekly dose of DIY inspiration, subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to my blog and get my tutorials delivered to your inbox for free twice per week.

If you saw this table on the curb, would you pick it up?

If you want to replicate this table, I've included some Affiliate links for your convenience so you can see the products I used or recommend. See my full disclosure policy.

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DIY Cake Stand with Parisian Flair

Welcome to another edition of Frugal Decor Tuesday. I hope all my fellow Canadians had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Ours was a chilly and white one as it snowed all weekend.

I didn't plan on sharing this project today because I've already published a few DIY Cake Stand posts. I was so thrilled with how this DIY Cake Stand With Parisian Flair turned out that I decided to go ahead and include it in the Frugal Decor Tuesday series. Also, I discovered a great tip for painting silver using chalk paint that I think is worth sharing.

How To Make A Pedestal Cake Stand Using Thrift Store Finds

The thrift store finds I repurposed to make this cake stand, are a black wooden candlestick and an oval scalloped silver platter. Unfortunately, because I hadn't planned on sharing this project I didn't take before pictures.

Tip: Silver Test

The last thing you want to do is paint over a valuable sterling silver platter so before opening that paint can, test it first with a magnet. If the magnet sticks, then it is not real silver. Sterling Silver IS NOT magnetic.

Once I determined my silver platter was not sterling, I attached the wooden candlestick to the base of the tray using E6000 Glue and let it cure 72-hours (maximum bond strength).

How To Paint Silver Using Chalk Paint

I wanted this cake stand to have a vintage old world charm and to achieve that finish chalk paint is a great option. However, painting silver with a brush is very finicky for two reasons; a) the paint takes much longer to dry between coats and b) you can't brush over the same area twice or the paint will peel and next thing you know, you have a hot mess on your hands. I found an easy way around that...

Tip: Prime the silver with spray paint first. 

I used Rust-oleum Ultra Coat spray paint in Primer White.

Once the spray paint was dry I brushed two thin coats of chalk paint in a warm white color. Using 220 grit sandpaper I distressed the high points along the scalloped edge to reveal some of the silver (as pictured above).

With that beautiful scalloped edge, I added some Parisian flair using part of a French stencil that I had on hand using acrylic craft paint in a charcoal color.

Once the charcoal gray paint was dry I protected the entire cake stand with a clear coat in a matte finish.

I think the stencil just added that extra charm to this DIY Cake Stand With Parisian Flair.

While writing this post I am enjoying a fresh cup of strong coffee and one of those delicious chocolate cupcakes.

If you missed any of my other DIY Cake Stand posts you can catch them here at Easy DIY 2-Tiered Cake Stands, Repurposed Silver Tray Cake Stands, and a special Wedding Cake/Cupcake Stand for our daughter's wedding.

I hope you found my tips helpful for testing and painting silver platters and trays. With the upcoming holiday season, these DIY Cake stands add so much charm to a buffet table.

* I've included some affiliate links so you can easily find the products I used or recommend to complete this project. See my full Disclosure Policy.

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Sweet friends, I apologize for being late with my furniture makeover this week. We had a power outage most of the day on Wednesday which meant no internet service. I planned on finishing a few details on this piece but there wasn't enough light in the basement workshop. Sadly, my days of painting outdoors are over. It's been a balmy +5°C the last couple of days - that's 41°F for those of you in the US. Time for winter coats, mittens, and blueberry tea to stay warm.

Mr. Frugalista a.k.a. my furniture buyer asked me if I would be interested in this adorable Antique French Tea Table and I immediately gave him the thumbs up. It was in really good condition and I planned on staining the top a dark walnut. Upon closer inspection, I saw that someone had reattached/reinforced the legs with screws...from the top!  So onto plan B, a painted top.

This is what the table looked like before...

Small Antique Tiered French Tea Table

I got a little overzealous and taped it prior to taking the before picture. Can you see the screw holes on the top? Despite filling the holes with wood filler, they were still too obvious to apply a stain.

If you follow me on Instagram, last week I shared a photo of a fabulous delivery I received. I have a larger project reserved for these products but like a child on Christmas morning, I couldn't wait to start playing.

*Paint products provided by Dixie Belle Paint Company. Project idea, choice of products, and all opinions are 100% that of my own (see full disclosure policy). This post also contains affiliate links so you can find some of the products used for this makeover.

This table is mahogany and it's been my experience that you are guaranteed paint bleed from the tannins in the wood, especially when painting white. I've ALWAYS applied a stain blocker or shellac first but I decided to tempt fate and slap the paint on without any prep.

As you can see in the photo above, not only was there no paint bleed but I got complete coverage in two coats. Painting furniture with chalk paint is not new to me and over the last 3-4 years, I've used several different brands. Dixie Belle paint had this ole gal doing the happy dance to the beat of the 70's rock blasting from my blue tooth speaker!

The legs and top were painted white in the color Fluff which has gray undertones. The bottom tier and the pretty scalloped edge along the top were painted gray in the color Driftwood, which is a soft gray. Another thing that surprised me about this paint is the quick drying time, bonus!

I love how these two colors combined are so soft and pretty but you know me, I couldn't leave well enough alone. I just had to inject more personality into this piece and with those lovely curves, it was begging for some French goodness.

Using the same driftwood gray paint color I combined the numbered stencil (affiliate link) and grain sack stripe stencil (not an affiliate link) pictured above to the top of the table. One coat of paint and light distressing after it dried using 220 grit sandpaper.

Here is a close up...

The following morning I applied a coat of clear wax over the entire piece. Dixie Bell Paint Company calls their wax, "Best Dang Wax" and I can attest that not only is it the best dang wax but it smells good too. It's also easy-peasy to buff, important when these old arms just ain't what they used to be.

My dear loyal readers, did you notice the dried lavender in the pitcher? Yes, it's the same lavender I harvested from my front yard in August. If you missed it, you can catch my post here on How To Harvest And Dry Lavender.

After all my hard work it's time to warm up and relax with a blueberry tea. Those of you who read my IKEA Moppe Hack Apothecary Cabinet post learned what ingredient I add to make this special tea.

If you're curious about the pretty white pumpkin sitting on top of the books, I share a tutorial on How To Make Sweater Pumpkins With Cabinet Knob Stems.

If you like my Antique French Tea Table, please share it with a friend and/or save it on Pinterest. If you would like a weekly dose of DIY inspiration, subscribe to my RSS feed or blog and get my tutorials delivered to your inbox twice per week.

Now I need your help.

I stood in front of this table, with sandpaper in hand, more time than I care to admit wondering To Be Distressed or Not To Be, that is the question?

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DIY Cake Stands: 4 Easy To Make Styles Using Vintage China

Do you have a china cabinet or box filled with inherited mismatched china? The ones you don't want to use because there are only five dinner plates and 9 bowls and you don't have the heart to get rid of them because, well their Grandma's.

They are not honoring Grandma by collecting dust on a shelf or stuffed away in the basement storage room. What if they could be repurposed and on display at every family gathering? Today I'm sharing an easy way to turn them into pretty DIY Tiered Cake Stands.

This is such an easy peasy DIY that you'll wish you had done this years ago. Even Grandma would be proud to see her china displayed so beautifully on the Thanksgiving Dinner Table or Christmas Eve Buffet. They don't have to be used as tiered cake stands, they also make fabulous jewelry holders in a bedroom too.

Now let's get busy repurposing some glass dollar store candlesticks and that pretty mismatched china, shall we?

DIY Tiered Cake Stands: 4 Easy To Make Styles Using Vintage China

Materials List

• 4 glass dollar store candlesticks 
• Industrial Strength E6000 Glue
• 4 dinner plates or small platters
• 4 salad plates or bowls 

Alternative Stem Idea:

Rather than dollar store candlesticks, you could put Grandma's mismatched wine glasses to use instead.

While I wasn't fortunate enough to use inherited china, mine were purchased at the thrift store. I used four different styles of dishes. A German Democratic Republic Kahla Porcelain dinner plate and salad plate.

The other stand was made with Liberty Blue English Transferware Independence Hall salad plate and Old North Church bowl.

Another (not pictured) was made with pretty soft green Johnson Bros. Snowhite dinner plate and bowl.

The largest tiered cake stand is also made with English Johnson Bros. china and I used an oval platter and matching serving bowl.

Assembling The Cake Stands

• Run a bead of industrial strength E6000 glue along one end of the candlestick or wine glass.
• Starting with the largest plate or platter place the candlestick or wine glass in the center of the plate and press firmly to ensure a good bond.
• The glue starts to get tacky in about 2-minutes and sets in about 10-minutes. Let the glue cure for at least 24-hours.

NOTE: It's a matter of personal preference which direction the candlesticks or wine glasses face when gluing them onto the dishes.

• Run a bead of E6000 glue onto the opposite end of the candlestick or wine glass and secure onto the bottom center of the matching smaller plate or bowl. Again, press firmly to ensure a good bond.
• Let the glue cure another 24-hours.

Helpful Tips:

• Wipe away any oozing glue with a cotton swab dipped in mineral spirits.
• Depending on the temperature and humidity, the glue will take between 24-72 hours to completely cure. Keep this in mind before holding the stands by the stem. I would err on the side of caution and not use the cake stands for at least 72-hours.
• These DIY Cake Stands are NOT DISHWASHER SAFE. I do not recommend soaking them in water either. Wash with warm soapy water and a dishcloth or sponge.

...and here they are assembled, starting with the Liberty Blue English Transferware Cake Stand.

The Kahla German Democratic Republic Cake Stand...

The pretty green Snowhite English Johnson Bros. Cake Stand...

The larger oval English Johnson Bros. Cake Stand...

It's that easy!

The hardest part of this project is waiting for the glue to completely cure.

...and perhaps getting over the guilt of messing with Grandma's china.

But when your pretty tiered cake stands are filled with delicious cupcakes & squares and the family recognizes Grandma's old dishes and starts reminiscing about family gatherings long since passed, you'll soon get over the guilt.

Here are some other ideas for making tiered cake stands using inexpensive or well-used silver plates and platters that you may find inspiring. Pedestal Cake Stands and Scalloped Cake Stand With Parisian Flair.

Have any glass domes, jars or vases on hand that you don't use anymore? I share how to turn them into DIY Glass Cloches that can be decorated for any season or special holiday.

You'll find this project shared at these fabulous PARTIES.

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