DIY Christmas Tree Stand

This year we got our first pre-cut live Christmas tree! Unfortunately, we didn't have a christmas tree stand, so we went ahead and made our own. This tree stand supports the tree, makes it easy to water, costs around $10, and looks great!

DIY Christmas Tree Stand

Check out the instructions below to make your own.

Hot Cocoa Chocolate Chip Cookies

This afternoon I got home from teaching a little early since my afternoon class was off on an ice skating field trip. Since it's Friday and the weekend is almost upon us I decided I would make my wife a little treat for when she gets home from work. (I also forgot to get her some St. Nick's Day presents yesterday so I thought I would try and make up for it today). My wife loves cookies so I thought I would make a batch of chocolate chip cookies so they would be fresh out of the oven when she got home.

 I found a very highly rated recipe from Allrecipes.com and got to work! I decided to make a half recipe since I only had half a bag of chocolate chips. However, I soon realized I was missing some key ingredients (whoops!) so I made up a different recipe on the spot. I basically simplified the recipe I had been using and added hot chocolate mix in hopes of filling in for the lack of brown sugar. The cookies turned out to be super delicious so I thought I would share my DIY improvised recipe.

The first of two batches of Hot Cocoa Chocolate Chip Cookies

Check out below for the recipe to make your own batch!

DIY Wall Hanging Coat Rack

As the weather gets colder here in Wisconsin I am reminded of the multiple jackets and sweatshirts that we keep piling on to stay warm. This also means that these same jackets have just been piling up in our entryway. So I decided to build a nice coat rack that can also serve as a wall shelf. This is what I came up with! 

DIY Wall Mounted Coat Rack

Check out the instructions below to make your own!

DIY Beeswax Wood Polish and Sealant

Since I have mentioned  DIY Beeswax Wood Sealant in many of my posts, I figured it was about time I showed you how to make it! This polish will help protect the color of your stain, seal your wood from unwanted stains, and keep the wood from drying out and cracking. It can also serve as a standalone wood sealer and stain. 

DIY Wood Sealant and Wood Polish

I first discovered beeswax furniture polish a few months ago when I was looking for a varnish alternative. The main option for sealing most furniture projects is using commercial varnishes that contain harsh chemicals. The chemicals have strong odors that lead to indoor air pollution long after the varnish has dried. In an effort to improve my indoor air quality while still protecting my wood working projects I now use a DIY beeswax wood sealant exclusively on all of my indoor furniture.

Check out the instructions below to make your own!