I think I like this little life 🥰 Changing care I think I like this little life 🥰 Changing careers can be challenging but I’ve never felt more free, at peace, and so happy! 
I know that everything I’ve done so far in my life has led me to this moment. How lucky am I to be able to follow not one, but two passions in my lifetime? 
I’ve worked so hard to become a nurse so walking away from it (even if it’s just for a while) was not easy. But I’m so glad I’m pursing my love for design, helping people (in a different way), and creating content that inspires you. 
Stick around as I navigate the new life of entrepreneurship and share fun projects that are in the works 😉🤎 
#diy #interiordesign #diyprojects #diyer #contentcreator
Can’t lighten the wood on your furniture? Use th Can’t lighten the wood on your furniture? Use this technique to create a faux wood grain without the hassle of sanding or possibly damaging any veneer wood. 
Here’s how to achieve the look: 
-Clean your furniture piece (IMPORTANT STEP!!) 
-Repair any damaged veneer with wood filler 
-Lightly sand all surfaces and wood filler once dried 
-Clean well with cheesecloth to get rid of any sanding dust 
-Paint with chalk paint. (I had a sample of SW mixed with @bbfrosch paint transformer already on hand) 
-Once paint is dried and coverage looks good (I applied 2 coats of paint) apply @rustoleum Decorative Glaze 
-Apply the glaze with a soft brush first, then immediately after sweep with a brush that has harder bristles (I used a deck brush) 
-Make sure to do long light brushstrokes and wipe the brush with a rag in between strokes until you get your desired look. 
-Once the glaze is dried, seal with a polycrylic. I sprayed the dresser with Minwax polycrylic in a gloss finish 
It’s hard to tell the dresser was painted! The lines created in the glaze look amazing and truly mimic wood grains. Give this a try and let me know how it goes! 
#refinishedfurniture #furnituremakeover #paintedfurniture #furniture #dressermakeover #frenchprovincial #frenchprovincialstyle #frenchprovincialfurniture
It was finally time for the ghosts to become Chris It was finally time for the ghosts to become Christmas trees! Since making my own trees two years ago here’s what I’ve learned. 
-wrapping the trunk with brown floral tape makes it look better 
-instead of pre drilling in random places, drilling around in sections makes it easier to insert stems 
-using different size bits to drill your holes to make sure your stems are nice and snug 
These were so much easier to make and I love how I can choose any bunches/stems to create unique trees. 
#diychristmastree #diychristmasdecor #christmastree #christmasdecor #minichristmastree #christmasdecorideas
This dresser that was given to me by my lovely cou This dresser that was given to me by my lovely cousin @wendelyniashai has been sitting in my garage for a few months. But I believe it was just waiting for the right time and right home. 
When I saw that @helpherhomeri needed furniture to furnish and decorate a shelter for women of domestic violence and their children I knew this dresser would be perfect! 
I reached out and the measurements were just what they were looking for! 
Initially the plan was to just purchase hardware and clean up the dresser to donate. After some thought I knew I couldn’t donate the dresser as is. 
I decided to give it a makeover because I believe everyone deserves a safe and beautiful place to call home. 
If you are able, I encourage all of you to reach out to any local organizations doing amazing things for people and see how you can help ❤️
#refinishedfurniture #refinisheddresser #furnituremakeover #furniture #furniturerestoration #frenchprovincial #furniturestills #frenchprovincialfurniture
I’ll forever love making my own Christmas trees I’ll forever love making my own Christmas trees 🌲 
#diychristmastree #diychristmasdecor #christmasdecor #christmastree #porchdecor
Turning coffee grounds into holiday magic with the Turning coffee grounds into holiday magic with these DIY ornaments ✨🎄 
I love how these turned out! I’ve been recycling my old clear ornaments this week and this one is my favorite! 
Here’s how to make your own: 
-Mix Mod Podge with a couple teaspoons of coffee grounds 
-Stir well until you get the color you desire (you can always add more Mod Podge if it’s too thick or dark) 
-Remove cap from ornament and pour in your mixture 
-Move around to cover the entire inside and place upside down over a cup to let excess drip out 
-Leave overnight to dry 
-(optional) Add Rub n’ Buff to cap and place back on ornament
-Hang and enjoy! 
#diyornaments #treedecorating #diychristmasdecor #christmasdecor
✨GIVEAWAY CLOSED🌲✨ I’ve teamed up with @l ✨GIVEAWAY CLOSED🌲✨ I’ve teamed up with @lynchcreekfarm to give away a beautiful fresh wreath just in time for the holidays! This wreath smells amazing and will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit! 
How to enter:
🌲Like this reel and comment ‘WREATH’
🌲Follow @lynchcreekfarm and @paintingbythepenny 
🎄Bonus entry: tag a friend for an extra entry (each separate comment is an additional entry) 
Giveaway ends on November 29th at 11:59 EST! 
Available to win in the U.S only. This giveaway is not associated with Instagram.
I was sad to see the fall decor go so I used it as I was sad to see the fall decor go so I used it as inspiration and I’m holding onto the grapevine wreaths a little longer! 
We were able to easily transition from fall to Christmas decor by switching out the pumpkins for Christmas garlands and bundles. 
I’m having a hard time deciding which one I love more, last year’s garland arch or these year’s wreaths? Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite! 
And keep an eye out on my stories as I add more decor to the porch this week! 
#porchdecor #christmasdecor #christmasporch #christmasdecorations #christmaswreath #frontporch
Spent part of the day today decorating the front p Spent part of the day today decorating the front porch for Christmas! Last year this arch was EVERY👏🏽THING!!! 
This year we’re doing an easy transition from fall to Christmas decor. Catch part of the process on my stories! 
Stay tuned for the final look! I’m having a hard time deciding which one I love the most! 
#christmasporch #porchdecor #frontporchdecor #christmasdecor #outdoorchristmasdecor #holidaydecor #christmasdecorideas
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Painting by the Penny

DIY & Interior Design

DIY Projects, Interior Design · June 9, 2022

Simple Ikea Pendant Light Hack: For A More Upscale Look

I love Ikea! Its so affordable and I especially love the decor items. I took a trip to Ikea recently and fell in love with this Solklint pendant lamp.

Its gorgeous, but there was one problem… The plastic canopy just wasn’t the vibe 😒. I mean, don’t get me wrong the canopy works for pendants like their Skurup light or the Hektar light. It’s just when you have a beautiful glass shade, a plastic canopy is just not it. I purchased it anyway in hopes that I can do a simple Ikea pendant light hack and give it a more upscale look.

When I’m out shopping I’m always looking to see how I can upgrade an item to my liking, especially if I’m getting it for a bargain. Just like the lifted lamps I made over on 5 Thrifted Lamp Makeover Ideas I was determined to make this pendant light work better in my space.

Here’s how I did this simple Ikea pendant light hack.

I purchased this ceiling light canopy kit from Amazon to replace the black plastic canopy the light came with. The canopy kit I purchased is 4.7 inches round, so just be mindful of how big the opening in your ceiling is. There are different size options available on Amazon as well!

Before starting, we turned off the power from our electrical box. Once we made sure there was no power in the area we were working in, we attached the mounting bracket (thats included in the kit) to the junction box.

We installed the lights in our upstairs hallway so we needed to shorten them. I measured and using a Wire cutter, cut the cable to my desired length. We cut the cable a little longer than what I measured. Its always a good idea to cut too much than too little. The extra cable can also be coiled in the canopy plate.

If you want to try this hack and are cutting your cable, be sure to leave room for error by cutting your cable a little longer.

A general rule for the height of a pendant light (when there’s nothing below it like a dining table or island) is 7 ft from the floor to the bottom of the pendant. This measurement is for a 8 ft ceiling height. If you’re ceiling is higher than 8ft add 2.5 to 3inches of height for each additional foot.

Using the same wire cutter, we stripped the cable to expose the wires.

We pulled the cable through the new canopy plate and attached the wires together as instructed.

We used electrical tape to secured the wires and capped the ends.

Look at how well the canopy plate from Amazon compliments the shade holder the came with the Ikea light!

Once we made sure the wiring was correct by adding a light bulb and turning the power back on. We screwed the canopy plate to the mounting bracket and finally were able to attach the glass shade.

I like to attach my shade, if possible, at the end to avoid any damages while mounting everything else up.

Here it is all put together! Looks so much better now!

All together (light and canopy kit) cost me just under $50!

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About me

Hi! I’m Joanna, a Latina who is passionate about making homes beautiful through furniture, design and DIY! Follow along as I share all my tips and tricks and the behind the scenes. I hope to inspire you as much as you all inspire me!

Instagram

Follow @Paintingbythepenny

I think I like this little life 🥰 Changing care I think I like this little life 🥰 Changing careers can be challenging but I’ve never felt more free, at peace, and so happy! 
I know that everything I’ve done so far in my life has led me to this moment. How lucky am I to be able to follow not one, but two passions in my lifetime? 
I’ve worked so hard to become a nurse so walking away from it (even if it’s just for a while) was not easy. But I’m so glad I’m pursing my love for design, helping people (in a different way), and creating content that inspires you. 
Stick around as I navigate the new life of entrepreneurship and share fun projects that are in the works 😉🤎 
#diy #interiordesign #diyprojects #diyer #contentcreator
Can’t lighten the wood on your furniture? Use th Can’t lighten the wood on your furniture? Use this technique to create a faux wood grain without the hassle of sanding or possibly damaging any veneer wood. 
Here’s how to achieve the look: 
-Clean your furniture piece (IMPORTANT STEP!!) 
-Repair any damaged veneer with wood filler 
-Lightly sand all surfaces and wood filler once dried 
-Clean well with cheesecloth to get rid of any sanding dust 
-Paint with chalk paint. (I had a sample of SW mixed with @bbfrosch paint transformer already on hand) 
-Once paint is dried and coverage looks good (I applied 2 coats of paint) apply @rustoleum Decorative Glaze 
-Apply the glaze with a soft brush first, then immediately after sweep with a brush that has harder bristles (I used a deck brush) 
-Make sure to do long light brushstrokes and wipe the brush with a rag in between strokes until you get your desired look. 
-Once the glaze is dried, seal with a polycrylic. I sprayed the dresser with Minwax polycrylic in a gloss finish 
It’s hard to tell the dresser was painted! The lines created in the glaze look amazing and truly mimic wood grains. Give this a try and let me know how it goes! 
#refinishedfurniture #furnituremakeover #paintedfurniture #furniture #dressermakeover #frenchprovincial #frenchprovincialstyle #frenchprovincialfurniture
It was finally time for the ghosts to become Chris It was finally time for the ghosts to become Christmas trees! Since making my own trees two years ago here’s what I’ve learned. 
-wrapping the trunk with brown floral tape makes it look better 
-instead of pre drilling in random places, drilling around in sections makes it easier to insert stems 
-using different size bits to drill your holes to make sure your stems are nice and snug 
These were so much easier to make and I love how I can choose any bunches/stems to create unique trees. 
#diychristmastree #diychristmasdecor #christmastree #christmasdecor #minichristmastree #christmasdecorideas
This dresser that was given to me by my lovely cou This dresser that was given to me by my lovely cousin @wendelyniashai has been sitting in my garage for a few months. But I believe it was just waiting for the right time and right home. 
When I saw that @helpherhomeri needed furniture to furnish and decorate a shelter for women of domestic violence and their children I knew this dresser would be perfect! 
I reached out and the measurements were just what they were looking for! 
Initially the plan was to just purchase hardware and clean up the dresser to donate. After some thought I knew I couldn’t donate the dresser as is. 
I decided to give it a makeover because I believe everyone deserves a safe and beautiful place to call home. 
If you are able, I encourage all of you to reach out to any local organizations doing amazing things for people and see how you can help ❤️
#refinishedfurniture #refinisheddresser #furnituremakeover #furniture #furniturerestoration #frenchprovincial #furniturestills #frenchprovincialfurniture
I’ll forever love making my own Christmas trees I’ll forever love making my own Christmas trees 🌲 
#diychristmastree #diychristmasdecor #christmasdecor #christmastree #porchdecor
Turning coffee grounds into holiday magic with the Turning coffee grounds into holiday magic with these DIY ornaments ✨🎄 
I love how these turned out! I’ve been recycling my old clear ornaments this week and this one is my favorite! 
Here’s how to make your own: 
-Mix Mod Podge with a couple teaspoons of coffee grounds 
-Stir well until you get the color you desire (you can always add more Mod Podge if it’s too thick or dark) 
-Remove cap from ornament and pour in your mixture 
-Move around to cover the entire inside and place upside down over a cup to let excess drip out 
-Leave overnight to dry 
-(optional) Add Rub n’ Buff to cap and place back on ornament
-Hang and enjoy! 
#diyornaments #treedecorating #diychristmasdecor #christmasdecor
✨GIVEAWAY CLOSED🌲✨ I’ve teamed up with @l ✨GIVEAWAY CLOSED🌲✨ I’ve teamed up with @lynchcreekfarm to give away a beautiful fresh wreath just in time for the holidays! This wreath smells amazing and will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit! 
How to enter:
🌲Like this reel and comment ‘WREATH’
🌲Follow @lynchcreekfarm and @paintingbythepenny 
🎄Bonus entry: tag a friend for an extra entry (each separate comment is an additional entry) 
Giveaway ends on November 29th at 11:59 EST! 
Available to win in the U.S only. This giveaway is not associated with Instagram.
I was sad to see the fall decor go so I used it as I was sad to see the fall decor go so I used it as inspiration and I’m holding onto the grapevine wreaths a little longer! 
We were able to easily transition from fall to Christmas decor by switching out the pumpkins for Christmas garlands and bundles. 
I’m having a hard time deciding which one I love more, last year’s garland arch or these year’s wreaths? Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite! 
And keep an eye out on my stories as I add more decor to the porch this week! 
#porchdecor #christmasdecor #christmasporch #christmasdecorations #christmaswreath #frontporch
Spent part of the day today decorating the front p Spent part of the day today decorating the front porch for Christmas! Last year this arch was EVERY👏🏽THING!!! 
This year we’re doing an easy transition from fall to Christmas decor. Catch part of the process on my stories! 
Stay tuned for the final look! I’m having a hard time deciding which one I love the most! 
#christmasporch #porchdecor #frontporchdecor #christmasdecor #outdoorchristmasdecor #holidaydecor #christmasdecorideas
From gifts for kids to experiences Paintingbythepe From gifts for kids to experiences Paintingbythepenny.com has all the gift guides you’ll need to help you this holiday season. Did you catch the last gift guide? 🤑😆
Happy shopping and remember spending time with your loved ones is really what matters the most ❤️
#holidaygiftguide #giftideas #holidayshopping #giftguide #holidaygifts
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