Summary

The author, Jillian Amatt, creatively transformed a piece of discarded wood and macrame supplies into a unique hanging shelf, incorporating an old scythe as a rustic support, and shares the DIY process and outcome.

Abstract

Jillian Amatt, a nomadic artist, details her recent DIY project where she crafted a distinctive shelf. The project began when her partner's Aunt Denise offered her a stained piece of wood that was previously used in another project. Inspired by the wood's potential as a shelf, Amatt decided to use white macrame cord to create hanging straps. She added a decorative touch with wooden beads and a turquoise resin bracelet, though the feature didn't hang as low as intended. The original plan to screw the straps directly into the wall evolved when Denise suggested using a branch from the property. However, Amatt and her partner, Chris, chose an old, rusty scythe found among the branches, appreciating its rustic charm. They secured the scythe to the wall with copper strapping, which complemented the shelf's aesthetic. The shelf was completed by sliding the wooden piece into the macrame loops. Amatt then decorated the shelf with plants, ornaments, and a painting by Denise's sister, blending it with the surrounding antique furniture. The project reflects the author's enjoyment of creating a comfortable, temporary home on the farm, where the abundance of random items inspires continuous creativity.

Opinions

Amatt values the aesthetic of rustic and repurposed items, as evidenced by her choice to use an old scythe and copper strapping for the shelf support.
She appreciates the creative potential in discarded objects, seeing them as opportunities for new projects.
The author enjoys the process of DIY projects and finds satisfaction in

ART | CREATIVITY | DIY

I Made a Shelf Out Of Old Random Stuff

And mixed it with a bit of new

Shelf and photo by author. Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages

It began with a piece of wood. My partner's Aunt Denise had used it in another project and decided she no longer wanted it there.

“It could make a nice shelf.” She said as she held it up to show it to me a few days ago.

It was already stained and ready to go and I heartily agreed.

A couple of days before this she had shown me where some macrame supplies were. I decided right away that I wanted to use the white cord that I had seen to make the shelf hangers.

I got busy on that part straight away by tying long lengths of square knots into large loops.

The piece of wood leaning against the wall with other new projects in the works. The white macrame string that I used. Photo Credits: Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages

After making two of the straps, Denise brought out a box of wooden beads mixed with bits and bobs that I decided to incorporate into the last strap that I made for the middle. Sadly, the decorative feature doesn’t sit as low on the front as I would have liked, but I still think it adds something to it all.

For that part, I tied in a turquoise clear resin bracelet and a single wooden bead.

My plan at first was to just screw the straps directly to the wall. But after thinking about it for a day or so, I remembered that Denise had mentioned that she had all sorts of branches around the property that we could use to decorate things with.

I then had the idea that the straps would hang off the branch and we would screw the branch to the wall instead. Her, Chris and I set out to find a branch yesterday. I had a rough idea of what I wanted — something fairly straight and not too big around as we would have to screw through it directly into the wall studs.

While going through one pile of branches, we came across an old scythe. Apparently, it was Denise’s moms when she lived here and she had it hanging in the living room. It had been outside for a couple of years and the blade is now rusty, the varnish peeled off long ago.

I was immediately drawn to it. After looking at more options of branches, both Chris and I settled on the scythe as the feature piece that would hold this shelf in place.

“Do you want to revarnish it?” Denise asked.

“No, I like the rustic look,” I said.

Getting the ropes ready and strapping the scythe to the wall with copper strapping. Photo Credits: Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages

Instead of screwing directly through it, Denise suggested that we use some metal strapping that she had available. She didn’t realize it at the time, but it is copper strapping and it really adds to the overall rustic look. New shiny metal would have stood out too much.

We made sure to screw right into four studs, two of which have screws on the top and bottom of the handle, so this piece is certainly strong and secure.

Then we simply slid the wooden shelf piece into the loops.

Voila! We had a shelf!

After a bunch of adjusting and trimming the dangles to match, I got busy with the fun part — decorating it. Using different bits and pieces from around the house, I was able to fill it up with a couple of plants and ornaments. Plus, we put one of her sister’s paintings on it.

Of course, the rooster just had to be a part of this farm aesthetic (my mom will be happy about this as she used to collect roosters)!

Side angle view. Photo Credit: Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages

It also does match well with the antique clothes-pressing and drying machine that is sitting below it. Plus, I’m sure this look will evolve as we find more treasures that can be added to it.

Being a farm, there is so much random stuff around this property, one could get creative and come up with ideas like this all day long!

We have been having fun making this place a bit more comfortable and more like a temporary home instead of a place we are just visiting. Chris’ Aunt says we can stay as long as we like and I think she is enjoying having some company for a while.

I must say, we are truly loving the feeling of just sitting still again. The slow and easy pace of the prairies is just what we need.

We even bought a plant today! This might be a sign of things to come.

Hmmmmmmmmm.

We bought this beautiful fern from a lady on the marketplace for just $25. What a score! Photo Credit: Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages

My partner and I have been nomadic artists since 2017! Join our journey by hitting these links: