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Updated June 4th, 2024

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Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #26

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 26th fun fact, I want to share some really exciting news!!! I just completed my online storefront!

This has certainly been a journey in its own right, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come on this journey.

My creations reflect what it means to be a feminine homemaker, and I’m happy to promote this. At the end of the day, the work I do is to encourage young women to pursue their dreams of being stay-at-home moms or homemakers regardless of the judgments that the world puts on us.

So check out my digital downloads by clicking this link! I’d be forever grateful!!

Practicality vs. Styling

One day I was eye-guzzling Instagram reels, and I kept seeing reels on wearing vs. styling different outfits. It occurred to me that home decor is not much different.

You can have any area in the home as is, “wearing”, but adding the proper accent pieces will upgrade the area as a whole “styling”.

However, not all of the styling tips are practical. And I think this is where it is easy to get lost. Because with any promotion, you run the risk of feeling like every nook and cranny of your house has to be just so. This creates unrealistic expectations.

This is why I advocate making areas in your home look aesthetic while still being practical. I go into more detail on how I made a practical kitchen counter centerpiece look aesthetic in the article below.

For the sake of getting to the point for this post, I’ll share the obstacle I encountered last year.

Practical Kitchen Ideas in the Making

Last year I bought this kitchen soap tray to organize my kitchen essentials. I searched and scoured Amazon to find what I was envisioning for my kitchen.

When I found it, I made the impulse buy without giving it a second thought. When the package came in and I opened it, I knew right away that the wood was not water-resistant. 

At that moment, I decided I would need to figure out a way to waterproof it. In the meantime, I decided I’d “be careful” and set it up anyway because I was excited to see it in my kitchen.

I told my husband my plan to waterproof it but, in the meantime, to be careful. That same night I discovered soap residue on the tray… I should have known. But to make it worse, I kept it as is and said we’d have to be mindful to take the soap dispenser out whenever we were washing the dishes. 

Well, that didn’t work. The next day when I did dishes, I took the soap dispenser out, but because it was not far enough away from the tray, water still managed to splash and left even more water damage than the night prior. At that moment, I decided I needed to waterproof it ASAP before it got worse. 

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DIY Soap Tray: The Hack

Having experience with DIYs and crafting, I knew there were different products made for making wood water resistant. So, I dug out this polycrylic and got to work. 

Just be sure to use the matte polycrylic if you don’t want excessive shine.

It will still be relatively shiny, and it will darken the wood, but considering mine is a year in and it’s still waterproof/resistant, I’d say it’s a worthy sacrifice.

You’ll also need painter’s tape, a sponge or brush to apply the polycrylic, and an exacto knife/ kitchen knife or painter’s spatula (which is what I used because the exacto knife can scratch).

Taping the Metal Frame

Other practical kitchen ideas include finding a waterproof tray. I mean, it would make sense being so close to the sink. Or, perhaps an oil tray that is not as close to the sink.

But for this kitchen, there isn’t a ton of counter space, and I was already invested in the style of this modern cottage tray. So I got to work.

You’ll want to start by taping the metal frame. You don’t need to tape it perfectly around the circular edge, just completely cover the metal part. Then go back with the knife or painter’s spatula and cut the excess tape off. You can use the metal as a guide to get a clean edge.

Apply the Polycrylic as Directed

Apply the Polycrylic as directed. I painted the first coat and waited 2 hours before applying the second one. I debated doing a third coat, but I tested the wood after the second coat. The water did not soak through, so that was my way of knowing that 2 coats were sufficient. 

Practical Kitchen Ideas

In summary, to achieve the balance between a practical and a stylish kitchen, you’ll need to consider what issues you are facing and the workaround needed to solve those issues.

So the question becomes, what issues are you facing in your kitchen? You may want an area to look aesthetically interesting, but for one reason or another, it’s not possible. Type your struggles in the comments below! I’d love to bounce different ideas to help your situation

Shop Katie’s Amazon Finds

Stratton Home Decor Metal and Wood Round Tray | Wooden Coffee Table Tray Decor…

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KitchenAid 5 Quart Ceramic Bowl for all KitchenAid 4.5-5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixers KSM2CB5TWM…

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Youngever 3 Pack 16 Ounce Clear Glass Boston Round Bottles with Stainless…

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KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield…

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DOWAN 6.5″ Large Butter Dish – Ceramic Butter Dish with Lid for Countertop…

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AOZITA 17oz Clear Glass Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle – 500ml Oil & Vinegar…

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Practical Kitchen Ideas: DIY Kitchen Soap Tray Hack

Now that you have applied Polycrylic for a durable finish to your modern cottage soap tray, you can sit back and admire your handiwork in the kitchen.

The sleek look of the protective coating will enhance the overall experience of your DIY creation, adding a touch of elegance to your space. These practical kitchen ideas are about finding a visually appealing balance while serving its purpose for years to come!

The post Practical Kitchen Ideas: DIY Kitchen Soap Tray Hack first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Deal

Get all my favorite digital downloads today!

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I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #15

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 15th fun fact, I want to share that my favorite social media platform is Pinterest! 

I think Pinterest confuses a lot of people because it is a different social media platform compared to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. 

But besides the overarching purpose of Pinterest, used for creative individuals/inspiration for countless projects, I also like it because there’s less drama. If you agree, don’t forget to like this post or follow me on my Pinterest account!!

Budget-Friendly Wood Project: Custom Sign

For a budget-friendly wood project, consider creating a custom sign using reclaimed wood or inexpensive plywood to DIY a personalized and unique decor piece. 

With some sanding, staining, and painting, you can easily turn a simple piece of wood into a custom sign that reflects your style and personality. 

Whether you choose to add a motivational quote, your favorite song lyrics, or a special date, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your sign.

I have a full tutorial on how I made a custom wooden sign in the article above. 

Chic Charcuterie Board DIY

For a stylish and practical DIY project, consider repurposing leftover wood into a stunning chic charcuterie board. 

An example of this project can be found in the article above. 

Perfect for entertaining or simply adding a touch of elegance to your home decor, a custom charcuterie board can be a unique and personalized addition to your kitchen or dining area. 

Get creative with different wood types, finishes, and shapes to create a one-of-a-kind piece that is sure to impress your guests. 

Food Safe Wood Finish

If you’re looking to seal a custom charcuterie board with a food-grade sealer, consider making it at home! 

A food-safe wood finish is perfect to seal and protect the wood, making it suitable for areas where it may come in contact with food or beverages. 

By applying a food-safe finish to your charcuterie board, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your project is visually appealing and safe for use. 

Thrifted Vase Transformation

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for unique vases at thrift stores or yard sales. 

With a little creativity and simple supplies, you can transform a plain vase into a stunning centerpiece for your home. 

From painting and decoupaging to adding texture with plaster wrap or baking soda, the possibilities are endless!

Scented Candle Making Idea

Another fun and creative craft idea for adults is to try your hand at making scented candles. 

This a practical project that can add a cozy touch to your home while allowing you to experiment with different scents and styles. 

Whether you prefer floral, fruity, or earthy fragrances, there are endless possibilities when creating your custom candles. 

With a few ingredients like wax, fragrance oils, and wicks, you can easily craft beautiful candles that will fill your space with delightful aromas. 

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Modern Picture Frame Upgrade

Elevate your home decor and bring a modern touch to your space, by upgrading your picture frames with a contemporary twist. 

Out of the 15 creative crafts, this one is the most beneficial and super easy to do!

Instead of buying new frames, opt for old or thrifted picture frames and spray paint them to the color of your liking. 

Play around with different sizes and shapes to create a unique gallery wall that showcases your memories in a chic and modern way. 

This simple yet impactful craft project will refresh your living space while serving as a conversation starter for guests admiring your creative eye. 

Vintage Oil Lamp Revamp

Vintage oil lamps are a charming addition to any home decor scheme, but they often feel outdated or worn. 

Why not give new life to these timeless pieces with a creative revamp? Adding a fresh coat of textured paint can transform vintage oil lamps into stunning conversation pieces that reflect your style. 

Get inspired by mixing and matching different colors, textures, and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind look that will make a statement in any room. 

Book Aesthetic Decor

Out of the 15 creative crafts, this one is my favorite!

If you’re looking to infuse your space with literary charm, consider incorporating a book aesthetic into your decor without the added price tag. 

Create unique book-themed decorations from old or used books by spray painting them and creatively stacking them. 

Customized Fridge Magnets

Add a personal touch to your kitchen decor with customized fridge magnets. 

Whether you want to showcase your favorite photos, inspirational quotes, or quirky designs, making your own magnets is a fun and easy way to add personality to your fridge. 

Get creative with materials like faux succulents or eucalyptus branches to craft unique magnets that reflect your style. 

Personalized Recipe Cards

Another way to add a personal touch to your home is by creating personalized recipe cards. 

These can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen! 

They also make perfect thoughtful gifts for friends and family who love to cook. 

You can also take advantage of the fillable feature for this FREE recipe card. More details can be found in the article above. 

Charming Candlestick Lamp Upgrade

If you’re looking to bring a cozy glow to your living space, consider upgrading a simple candlestick lamp with a touch of creativity. 

By adding a little spray paint to the base, you can transform a plain lamp into a charming focal point. 

Scrap Pallet Wood Farmhouse Picture Frame

Take advantage of pallet wood and make a beautiful farmhouse picture frame with it! 

Out of the 15 creative crafts, this one took a little more time, but was totally worth it!

I review everything you need to know to tackle this DIY wood project in the article above!

DIY Spice Jar Cricut Label Cutouts

If you have a Cricut and are looking to organize your spice drawer then you’re in luck!

I have a full tutorial and FREE Cricut label cutouts for those looking for this beautiful font. 

Plus, I added a bonus feature of removing the background! This makes it easier to cut out these labels in the Cricut design space!

Free Coffee Label Upgrade for the Coffee Station

This project is super simple, unique, and has such a lasting effect! Upgrade your coffee station with a unique label on the coffee jar. 

I have a FREE coffee label in the article above!

Kitchen Oil Tray Preventative Water Damage

I hate it when I do a “trendy” thing, and it backfires for one reason or another. 

Having a kitchen oil tray near the sink was one of those things. This was because the water from the sink kept leading to water damage on the wooden tray. 

Thankfully, the sealer I discussed in the tutorial was just the thing I needed to prevent the oil tray from water damage!

15 Creative Crafts for Adults: Think Outside the Box with These Unique DIY Projects

There you have it! 15 creative crafts for adults! Dive into the world of crafting with these innovative ideas and bring your artistic vision to life. Start your creative journey today and transform everyday items into unique masterpieces!

The post 15 Creative Crafts for Adults: Think Outside the Box with These Unique DIY Projects first appeared on Katie T's Home.