Build a Beautiful Pallet Flower Planter + Blog Updates

Vertical pallet garden full of colorful flowers.

A Quiet Comeback + A Favorite DIY Revisited

There’s something comforting about returning to familiar places. Especially the creative kind and I’ve missed this space. After a little time away from blogging, I’m finding my rhythm again and thought I’d start by dusting off a simple, cheerful project from the archives: a DIY pallet flower planter. It’s a reminder that sometimes beauty blooms best when we revisit what we’ve already begun.

Materials I Used for a DIY Pallet Flower Planter

  • 1 kiln-dried pallet (in good condition)
  • Scrap wood. Here’s what I grabbed: (1) 1×4 board, (2) 2×4 boards, (1) 4×4 block
  • Exterior nails or wood screws
  • Wood stain (optional, for color and finish)
  • Clear protective topcoat (weather-resistant)
  • Heavy-duty staples or staple gun
  • Fabric weed barrier or landscape fabric
  • Potting soil (suitable for flowers)
  • Seasonal flowers of your choice
flower pallet garden

How to Make a DIY Pallet Flower Planter

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Pallet
We had plenty of pallets on hand and selected a kiln-dried pallet marked “HT” (heat-treated), which indicates it’s safer for garden use compared to chemically treated wood. We gave it a thorough scrub with bleach and water to clean off any dirt or residue (important if you’re planting anything edible or placing it near your home).

Step 2: Remove Boards to Create Planting Space
Using a pry bar, we carefully removed three of the horizontal boards from one side of the pallet. This helped open up the structure, creating more vertical room for taller flowers to grow freely.

Step 3: Sand and Prep the Wood
Next, we sanded down all rough edges and splinters using medium-grit sandpaper. I also hammered in any protruding nails to ensure the surface was smooth and safe to work with, especially important for a garden piece that’s often handled.

Step 4: Add Stability and Feet
To give the pallet a flat base, we attached scrap 1×4 boards to the bottom edges of each side, creating a shelf-like structure. This gave us a place to attach “feet” made from more scrap wood. We experimented with adding a caster to one side for mobility, but when that didn’t work as well as we hoped, we opted to secure the pallet to the side of our patio swing instead. You could also anchor yours to a deck railing or set it securely into the ground.

pallet garden tutorial

Step 5: Stain and Seal the Wood
I stained the pallet using Rust-Oleum Wood Stain in Kona, applying it with a brush and wiping away the excess. Although the stain dries in about an hour, I let mine cure for a few days before sealing it. Once dry, I gave the entire pallet a quick coat of clear protective spray to help it stand up to the elements.

rust-oleum stain and pallet

Step 6: Cut Fabric for Planting Pockets
To create planting pockets, I used newspaper and junk mail to make a simple pattern. Be sure to account for folding the edges under and covering the sides of each pocket. Once the pattern was dialed in, I used it to cut my fabric weed barrier to size.

weed barrier planter pockets on pallet garden

Step 7: Staple the Fabric Weed Barrier
I folded under the raw fabric edges for a cleaner look and then stapled the fabric in place between the pallet boards, forming deep planting pockets. The corners were a little tricky—I used a trial-and-error folding technique and may have gotten a bit staple-happy. My final setup created 12 planting pockets in total.

Step 8: Set Up Your Planter
Once everything was secure, I moved the pallet into its final position. You can lean it, secure it to a railing, or anchor it in the ground depending on your space and preference.

DIY flower pallet garden tutorial

Step 9: Fill and Plant
Time to get planting! Fill each pocket with quality potting soil and your favorite flowers or herbs. The fabric allows for natural drainage, helping prevent overwatering.

watering flowers in vertical pallet garden

Finished and Flourishing

Ready to bloom! I love how this project gives new life to old materials and brings a pop of color to any outdoor space. If you give it a try, I’d love to see how yours turns out! Tag me on social media @DIYShowOff or leave a comment below!

vertical pallet flower garden

Let’s Show Off Your Creativity!

Have a DIY project you’re proud of? Whether it’s a craft, home improvement idea, seasonal decor, or something uniquely creative, I’d love to feature it here on the blog or on social media! Sharing inspiring ideas is what this space is all about and your creativity could spark someone else’s next project. Fill out the form below to submit your tutorial, photos, or story. Let’s inspire each other!

DIY Essential Oil Perfume

DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – signature scent gift idea

Create your own essential oil perfume using Young Living oils

If you love thoughtful, handmade gifts, this DIY essential oil perfume recipe is a perfect fit!
Bookmark this post and save these natural perfume ideas to create your own signature scent or craft a custom gift for someone special.

How to Make Your Own Essential Oil Perfume

DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – how to create your own perfume

Want to create a scent that’s all your own?
Follow this DIY signature scent recipe using Young Living essential oils to make a custom perfume…naturally.

Steps:

  1. Choose your scent (see ideas below).
  2. Decide on a spray or roll-on bottle.
  3. Follow the recipe.
  4. Let it settle for 24–48 hours.
  5. Shake gently, apply, and enjoy your natural fragrance!

💡 Don’t forget to jot down your blend. When you love it, you’ll want to recreate it!

Supplies:

Referral links included where noted.

DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – DIY perfume supplies

Understanding Scent Notes:

DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – scent note examples

Scent Categories:

  • Fruity
  • Floral
  • Woodsy
  • Herbal
  • Spicy
DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – DIY scent categories

Scent Notes Explained:

The best perfumes balance scent layers:

  • Base notes (20%): woodsy, balsam
  • Middle notes (50%): floral, fruity, green, spicy
  • Top notes (30%): herbal, citrus, aromatic
DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – notes explained

DIY Signature Scent Recipes (Inspired by Classic Perfumes)

Try these Young Living oil blends inspired by timeless fragrances:

  • Aramis Cologne Recipe
  • Giorgio Armani Inspired Blend
  • Chanel No. 5 Inspired Blend
DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – armies cologne
DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – giorgio armani
DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – chancel no. 5.

Ready to Get Started?

Not a Young Living member yet?
We’d love to help you get started! Use our referral link:
👉 Young Living Sign-Up
Our family has used these oils daily for almost 10 years. Have questions? Message me on Facebook or email. I’m happy to help!

DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – get started

Gift-Worthy Perfume Bottle Ideas

(Referral links)

More DIY Perfume Recipes to Try

Comfort & Joy roll on

comfort and joy rollon tutorial

Happy Unicorn Blend

unicorn essential oils make and take DIY roll on blend
magic unicorn essential oil blend roll on DIY recipe

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DIY essential oil perfume recipe using Young Living oils – signature scent gift idea

DIY Halloween Floral Skeleton

DIY Halloween Floral Skeleton tutorial

I am so in love this decadent and decay theme for adding a touch of Halloween class to the front porch! It’s a skeleton with beauty and style and solar fairy lights!

What I gathered:

Supplies:

  • artificial fall florals
  • 36″ skeleton
  • clip on butterflies
  • hot glue
  • solar fairy lights

Tools: hot glue gun, wire cutters

What I did:

Using wire cutters, I separated some of the florals and removed stems if needed. Then simply secured fall floral pieces and arrangements and accents onto my skeleton using hot glue. A flower crown, some florals over the rib cage and a few tucked within, a wrist and ankle corsage. I added a few butterflies too.

Once that was complete and all of my florals were securely in place, I started at the bottom of one leg and worked my way up the skeleton (there is a LOT of wire so be generous with wrapping and even going back over an area) then back down to the other leg with the string of solar fairy lights.

I used a shepherd’s hook to display in a planter where I could also easily tuck in the solar panel.

Decadence and decay!

Do you decorate for Halloween? Spooky? Creepy? Fun and cute?

Source List:

JoAnn Fabrics: florals and skeleton (after the fact, I also saw the same size skeleton at Family Dollar)

Amazon (affiliate links) ~ make your own kit with everything you need:

Easy DIY halloween floral skeleton decor tutorial

DIY Decorative Juju Hat Inspired Wall Decor Tutorial

African/Cameroon Juju hats have been around as home decor for a few years. They’re so beautiful, artisanal/handmade (symbolize prosperity, worn by ceremonial dancers). DIY decorative Juju hat inspired tutorial:

DIYShowOff Juju hat wall decor tutorial

juju hat wall decor diy

When a friend of mine had to part ways with her African Juju hat wall decor (you don’t want to know), she was in the market for a replacement. It’s been a while since I’ve been crafty and what better time than the new year for a fresh start?! Perfect timing. A perfect opportunity to focus on the positive and to send some good juju to a friend. 

What’s your first DIY project of the new year? Looking for and easy, fun and “GOOD” DIY to jumpstart 2022? This is the perfect little project for you to try! I felt empowered and inspired so I opened up my Amazon app and ordered these supplies: 

diy materials for juju hat wall decor

Materials I used (referral links):

cardboard circle (could easily make one from recycled cardboard too, especially if you’ve been procrastinating the holiday clean up!)

• feather trim ( purchased 2 of this feather trim and 1 of this feather fringe trim)

• aluminum pop top (removed from can) to hang (could also use string or hang with push pins)

Tools:

hot glue gun/sticks, scissors

What I did:

I found the center of my cardboard circle. From there, I drew a straight line to the outer edge. 

tape measure

Using scissors, I cut along the line. 

scissors

Next, using hot glue along one side of the cut, I glued the other side slightly on top to create a little bit of a ‘bowl’-shape. It’s very slight…just enough to give it a 3D look.

Gorilla Glue gun cardboard circle

Then, protect your fingers ‘cuz that hot glue is HOT! Be careful! (I used a capped pen to hold down the ribbon as needed.) Determine placement and start attaching the bottom of the feather trip to the cardboard circle. I worked my way around the outer edge. 

hot glue feather trim feather crafts feather circle

Repeat in circles for complete coverage. Based on your supplies, determine how close together to cover the cardboard. I alternated the 2 different feather trims. 

gluing feather trim feather ribbon juju hat craft project making a juju hat decoration gray feathers placing feathers circle of feathers juju hat inspired wall decor circle of gray feather trim cutting feather trim hot gluing feathers diy juju hat wall decor making a juju hat DIY juju hat tutorial easy diy feather project juju hat DIY

For the center, add a coordinating or same color silk flower. Or, like me, take a bit of leftover trim and roll to create a “center” piece. Attach with hot glue. 

glue gun and feather trim feather trim craft flower feather boa craft craft project with feathers

Fill in with individual feathers as needed.

scissors and gray feathers gray feather and glue gun gray feather craft idea

Attach hanging mechanism of choice to the back with hot glue. 

hanging wall decor with a pop top

Easy peasy! Much lighter and not as detailed or heavy as the real thing but beautiful none-the-less and special because you made it yourself!

The result:

diy juju hat wall art diy gray juju hat wall art

Texture! Softness. Beauty!

poofy feather wall art sitting room wall art diy DIYShowOff Juju hat wall decor tutorialgray juju hat wall decor diy gray feather juju hat decor

I’m hooked and plan to create several more! More feather trim as been ordered! I need a fluffier one! A feather boa would work as well (although a little messier)! Maybe some rattan coasters for the center or a coordinating silk peony would be beautiful too. I’ll come back and post more pictures. Interested in adding yours to the feature? Submit your juju hat photo to thediyshowoff at gmail. 

How about you? Ready to get crafty, creative and inspired in 2022?

 

DIY Shed Door

DIY Shed Door! You know those projects you procrastinate, something that just sits around unfinished for years? Until finally, you just can’t take it anymore and the time arrives for getting ‘er done? Yep, that’s this project.

 

For four years now, the shed at the my downtown property has been wide open! And while it always bugged me, it just kept holding it’s position at the bottom of the to-do list. Until now. 

When I bought the property, there was only 1 plank with hinges for a door. lol And it wasn’t high on the list of priorities but with an upcoming photo shoot of the short term rental apartment (Suite Thyme) AND with the only quiet seating area right there beside it AND with summer coming, that eye sore worked it’s way to the top of the list. 

Before: just a small shed, filled with dead leaves, probably home to a few squirrels and lots of spiders. ::shudders::

An old fence gate propped up…really didn’t serve any purpose. Other than it just came with the property and found it’s way there. I don’t even know how it got there. haha!

And so…

Supplies I used for a custom 22.5 x 75 inch shed door:

  • OSB cut to size. 
  • (5) 1×3 pine boards – I just guessed on what I’d need for all of the wood pieces and over-estimated a bit. I never mind having extra on hand. 
  • (3) 1×2 pine boards
  • (2) 1×1 pine boards
  • (1) paintable outdoor rated caulk
  • (1) outdoor rated adhesive
  • (2) outdoor rated primer
  • outdoor rated paint
  • this handle
  • this hasp
  • these hinges (not used, more on that later)

What I did:

After measuring the space (and believe me, nothing in this old late 1800s property is square…so frustrating), Russ cut an old piece of OSB to size for me to use as my base. OSB isn’t the best product for an outdoor project, but this is the first door I’ve ever built and this was the best and easiest way for me personally to test my design skills. Fingers crossed that with it being the inside of the door/in the shed and that it’s good and sealed, that it works just fine longer term. 

I then set about sketching up some inspiration, nothing to scale but I wanted to get an idea of what I was going for. Something with a little more detail and style than the standard barn style shed door. 

Then I set the OSB on saw horses and created a frame on the face of it with 1x3s. 

I messed around with the pieces a few times before I decided on a pattern. 

 

Utilizing a mix of mitered 1x3s, 1x2s and 1x1s, I settled on a chevron design. I enjoyed this part, like putting together a puzzle. 

After cutting each piece, I adhered them to the OSB base with adhesive and clamped the edges and weighted the pieces where the clamps couldn’t reach. I did notice what putting them together with adhesive is different than just laying them out and re-cut 2 mitered pieces for a better fit during this process. 

Once dry, I caulked all of the joints and cracks. 

Then applied a coat of primer. I used a spray primer but next time, I’d go with (and recommend) applying with a brush and roller. 

All sides got two coats of paint. 

And … tada!

Time to hang. The sizing was pretty much spot on but we did have to make a few adjustments and the new hinges gave us such a hard time that after about an hour, we decided to utilize the old original hinges which took about 10 minutes! Live and learn. lol 

Now there’s no longer a gaping hole! Guests enjoying the outdoor seating probably won’t think much of it but I do think they’ll notice. And I’m happy to have a place for outdoor yard tools, pots and salt for winter. 

Handmade Essential Oil Infused Gift Ideas

Hellooooo DIY and essential oil loving friends! I just wanted to pop on and share some easy DIY essential oil infused gift ideas. Not all are original ideas from the recesses of my creative genius … although most are! haha! I believe my inspiration for the snowmen was sparked from a Facebook post somewhere but since I have so many friends asking about further details, I wanted to post something here for reference. 

diy christmas gift idea

Okay, let’s get this make & take last minute handmade essential oil infused gift ideas post going so that you can prepare for some weekend holiday craft time! First things first – I use and recommend Young Living and LOVE their products. I’d love to be the one to discuss them with you. You can learn more here: Wellness Inspired Living. Once your order is placed, I’ll be in touch to get a DIYShowOff welcome bundle to you!

DIY Essential Oils Infused Gift Ideas

Believe essential oil holiday gift tag @diyshowoff

free printable holiday gift tags

These ideas work for hostess or teacher gifts, handmade gift exchanges, holiday door prizes and incentive gifts and make and takes and I bet you may just want to keep one for yourself as well!

DIY essential oil infused hand purifier spray recipe @diyshowoff

DIY hand spray

*some affiliate links included

DIY Wood Dryer Ball Snowman Tutorial

essential oil holiday craft time

Supplies:

wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial

What I did:

  1. I added a wool dryer ball to a treat bag and secured the top with a clear elastic hair band.wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial
  2. Then popped in another wool dryer ball and closed the top with another clear elastic hair band. wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial
  3. Attach the snowman had to cover the top using hot glue. wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial
  4. Decorate hat with Christmas florals or ribbon. wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial
  5. Tie on a holiday ribbon scarf between the two wool dryer balls.wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial
  6. Draw a face using your Sharpie markers.wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial
  7. Attach a business card and sample of your favorite essential oil. 

wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorial wool dryer ball snowman essential oils tutorialHow I use mine: REPLACE toxic dryer sheets with wool dryer balls and essential oils! Remove wool dryer balls from packaging, stick the snowman hat on your dog (or not – hahaha!), add a few drops of essential oil to each ball and toss in the dryer with a load of wet clothes. I find that since my dryer has a sensor and stops when clothes are dry, that we don’t have issue with static cling. Sometimes, I’ll add another drop or two and “air dry” or “fluff” before folding dry clothes. 

Ornament with Sample Sized or Small Products

essential oil gift ideas YL

What I did:

  • I used THESE plastic ornaments.
  • I added a few curls of white gift ribbon inside.
  • Young Living gift ideas: Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier, Lip Balm, Thieves Disinfecting Spray, Essential Oil sample sachet, Wolfberry Truffles, Ningxia Nitro, Ningxia Red, business card, note, gift card, essential oils, essential oils gift certificate, etc.
  • Close up the ornament and tie on a pretty festive ribbon. 

essential oil holiday craft time

Comfort & Joy Gemstone & Essential Oil infused Roll – On

comfort and joy rollon tutorial

  • See the tutorial HERE.

Holiday Home Room Spray:

holiday home spray tutorial DIY Holiday Home Spray tutorial holiday home spray DIY

Supplies: 

What I did: 3-5 drops of essential oil to 1 oz of distilled water. Decorate and label. Shake and spray. 

Marshmallow Treats with essential oil infused candy

  • Check out the tutorial HERE!

hand dipped marshmallow treats @diyshowoff #christmas hand dipped marshmallow treats @diyshowoff #christmas hand dipped marshmallow treats @diyshowoff #christmas

See MORE tutorials and ideas including DIY essential oil infused honey, bath salt ornaments, sugar scrubs, air fresheners and more! 

LINKS to ALL Things DIY Essential Oils

So sweet! Essential oil infused honey and Essential Oil Holiday Hostess Guide @diyshowoff So sweet! Essential oil infused honey and Essential Oil Holiday Hostess Guide @diyshowoff So sweet! Essential oil infused honey and Essential Oil Holiday Hostess Guide @diyshowoff

DIY skin nourishing lavender & ylang ylang essential oil infused sugar scrub for maintaining healthy skin @diyshowoff

DIY essential oil infused air freshener gift idea

DIY essential oil infused bath salt ornament @diyshowoff