How to make a wood decorative trough

July 18, 2011

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Today I wanted to share another how-to for a project from the family room redo. I love the look of the old wood troughs I’ve seen here and there online and in antique shops. I guess they’re called troughs – I have no idea.

I just love them. :)

I knew I could make my own, so that I did. I wanted it to be longer than the TV, so I needed something 48 inches long. I went out the garage and found a scrap of thick molding used as a chair rail in our powder room:

That room has been torn apart for months now. That is how I roll.

I used that as the base, or bottom of the container, because I knew it wouldn’t be seen. For the sides, I wanted a rustic, dark wood. So I dug around the garage some more. And I found some leftover cedar from our shutter fix out front.

This is why I’m OK with the fact that we can’t walk through half of our garage. I keep all my scraps for just this. :)

The cedar has a rough side:

cedar wood

But that was a little too rough for me, so I went with the smooth side:

But it needed a little distressing. :) 

I grabbed some tools:

And my assistant got to work:

my assistant

For once Mommy said take the hammer and GO FOR IT.

We had a blast. :)

After we were done, this is what we got:

IMG_5952

And after using a foam brush to apply a quick coat of this:

minwax dark walnut

(I tell you what – stain lasts forever. I’ve had this little can for YEARS.)

We ended up with a beautiful, rustic piece of wood:

I put it together like I did the DIY window boxes I showed you here. Basically I glued and nailed the sides onto the sides of the bottom piece of wood, then capped each end off like so: 

The rough end of the wood shows at each end, but that’s what I wanted. LOVE.

By the way, this is so not perfect. There’s some gaps at the ends where wood meets wood -- I just put the not-perfect side on the back. :)

I envisioned big puffy hydrangeas spilling out of it when I made this thing, and they sure don’t disappoint:

trough of hydrangeas

It’s deep enough so I could just put little cups of water in there, then place the flowers in. :)

I LOVE IT!:

I’m quite giddy about it’s possibilities too – piled high with acorns and leaves for fall, greenery and ornaments at Christmas, grass and Easter eggs…I could go on and on!

It’s the project that keeps on giving. :)

I did cheat on my no-spend July on this one though – kinda. Not really. I didn’t have enough cedar wood, so I returned some items to Lowes and used my credit to buy one more piece of wood. So really…it didn’t cost my anything. Technically.

I’m tricky.  ;)

I love how it turned out, and I promise you can do one of these too. This one took about 40 minutes start to finish, but I used a compound saw and a nail gun, which definitely speeds up the process.

It could be done without either though – a hand saw and regular nails would work just fine (the nails would add to the rustic look!).

One more look at my DIY trough-thingamabob:

DIY wood trough

I love how well it fills in that awkward spot! If you decide to try it, I think the cedar was about $4 for an eight foot piece. You could use just about any kind of wood though – you’ll get the same effect with some distressing and stain.

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July 18, 2011

Comments

  1. Signing OutJuly 18, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    Wow, that looks awesome! Imagine the possibilities changing it out for the seasons.

    Jane

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  2. AngeJuly 18, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    Great idea and of course I LOVE it because of the hydrangeas! We are moving our TV from above the fireplace to over a dresser I'm painting so I'll have to check yours out some more. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  3. Sarah, Three BoysJuly 18, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    Oh, I love that! I have the best spot for one of those!

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  4. Megan LeeJuly 18, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    I love it too! Looks like something from a catalog :)

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  5. Thelittlebrownhouse.usJuly 18, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Great job! Especially the no money part! I'm all about being tricky! I love those flowers - wish I could grow them here:(

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  6. Catie @ Catie's CornerJuly 18, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Awesome Sarah!! Great job! It looks soo good, I may have to make one for myself. We have some scrap wood in the garage too. ; ) ~ Catie

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  7. KarenJuly 18, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    That looks great, I love the way it fills in that spot. Great lamps too!

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  8. Rebecca C.July 18, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    I have the sme set up with my tv about 12 inches above a long low dresser. good idea. thanks!

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  9. arkieJuly 18, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Wonderful look! I love your ideas!

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  10. JenniferJuly 18, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    I love this! I'm so going to copy it! Thanks for the idea!
    Jen
    Scissors & Spatulas

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  11. UnknownJuly 18, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    Love this, thanks for sharing!

    Kim
    kimberlyannblog.blogspot.com

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  12. Kathy@ Gone NorthJuly 18, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Very Nicely Done!!!
    And to have such a handsome & willing assistant to have fun with while you were working makes it win/win....
    Thanks for sharing...

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  13. Jennifer @ Delightfully NotedJuly 18, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Oh my gosh I love it. Hydrangeas in that very color were my wedding flowers. I'm thinking something like this will look good on my bedroom vanity. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  14. kelseyJuly 18, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    YOU ARE GENIUS!
    I love it! This is so perfect for everyone who has their TV's above their mantles too! Cant wait to see how you decorate it through the seasons. Speaking of which, is anyone else getting that fall itch? lol I'm dieing for fall! Please dont disapoint on the fall decorating Sarah! lol :)

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  15. Dawn-Hydrangea HomeJuly 18, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Oh how I love them - especially the hydrangeas! I made 20 of these as centerpieces for my brother's wedding - filled with preserved hydrangeas. They were a huge hit! See my post here: http://myhydrangeahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/wedding.html

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  16. TamiJuly 19, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    As always, I love it! You are so talented!

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  17. Lil Mama StuartJuly 19, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    perfect!

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  18. Ellise @ Charles WhyteJuly 19, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Love all your nifty projects! It fills the space so well.

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  19. Oly MommaJuly 19, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    I love how simple it will be to change the decor each season. I may have to try something similar for in front of our tv. Thanks for sharing! - Jess (at) OlyMomma

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  20. HeidiJuly 19, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    where do you come up with all this ideas? Lovely job as usual!

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  21. MindyJuly 19, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    This has my name written all over it. I've made a few of these on a smaller scale with pickets from the fence I tore out when I first bought my house. Those things have earned their keep around here. I LOVE me some scrap wood! I've got a tiny can of that stain and it DOES last forever!

    P.S. I just had a vision of shiny Christmas balls piled in there. :o)

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  22. Eric RathJuly 19, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    That's so perfect, Sarah! It's so fun to see your family room from the angle in the last picture! I can't wait to see how you covered the holes from when you hung the tv on the other wall... :) Have a great week!

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  23. Beth @ Free Stylin'July 19, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    Yay! I've been looking forward to reading about this project since you posted pics of your new living room. What a cool idea!! You did a great job - it's beautiful. By the way, the moment I read your tip about moving all the TV equipment to underneath the dresser, we ran over and moved ours, too! Ahh! So much cleaner!! Thanks for the tips and ideas!!

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  24. KM StudiosJuly 19, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    I just saw this idea done somewhere recently - theirs was a bit different but you pull your off just beautifully. I love that you got your munchkin involved!
    And it is perfect to go under a Tv like that!
    Great job as always!

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  25. LauraJuly 19, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    Fabulous piece! You really know how to turn simple nothings into beauty!

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  26. CJuly 19, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    That's a beautiful DIY piece! And on an unrelated note I love your mirror hanging above the tv :)

    themusingsofasimplegirl.blogspot.com

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  27. JessicaJuly 19, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    Oh my word-I LOVE it!! Im pinning this in my things to do category!! Thanks for sharing!

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  28. CindyJuly 19, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    So neat, I love it.

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  29. Barbara JeanJuly 19, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    sweet!

    thanks

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  30. Room to InspireJuly 19, 2011 at 2:36 AM

    What a great project - I think it looks amazing! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Chelsea

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  31. Henna-MariaJuly 19, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    I don't think I have commented here before, even though I have been reading your blog for quite a while. This was such a beautiful project that I had to comment! I love the way the distressing and the stain work! The boxy thingy is great and when you mentioned all the ways it can be used I got excited to have something like that too. I love things that have multiple uses and I love seasonal decorating. I am looking forward to seeing more of your projects.

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  32. UnknownJuly 19, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    I love it! I need to scrounge up some scraps in the garage and see what I can come up with. My mantel needs something and this would be perfect! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  33. MaggieJuly 19, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    That is awesome. Inspired! On an off note - where did you get those lampshades that flank the new trough thingy? I need a good drum shade for a perfect mid-century lamp I picked up but I just can't find a good one...

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  34. JudiJuly 19, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    OH I love the look of concentration on his face! Is this his first foray into DIY projects? Now don't be surprised if he starts distressing everything. Just adorable!

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  35. ChristinaJuly 19, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    I really am in love with this! It's SO beautiful...and I love how thrifty it is! Pinning it now... :)

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  36. Janette@the2seasonsJuly 19, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Thanks for the great idea. I will have a similar space when we hang our television over the fireplace. Did i spot some formerly brass lamps in the photos? How did you get that finish on them? I painted some last week, but they are looking rather flat and bland.

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  37. Yvonne @ StoneGableJuly 19, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Beautiful and so unique. I can see this filled with all sorts of wonderful things with the change of the seasons!
    Yvonne

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  38. C PickJuly 19, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Totally LOVE! :D

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  39. Amanda @ Serenity NowJuly 19, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Sarah, I love it!!!!! The hydrangeas against that wood are just gorgeous. Great job!! :)

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  40. EmilyJuly 19, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    I fell in love with that trough as soon as you put a picture of it up in your family redo. It's gorgeous! Kudos for making it... I never would've guessed. I think I may have to try my hand at it. And, hydrangeas add just the perfect touch! I'd love something like this for my kitchen window over my sink. Thanks for sharing!

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  41. UnknownJuly 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    So creative!! Looks great by the way.

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  42. AndreaJuly 19, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    It is beautiful! You did a great job! I have been obsessing over an antique Russian trough at an antique store. It is massive and I can just see it filled with quilts, or something of the like. I may just have to go pick that up after your trough reminded me of it =)

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  43. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Wow! You're the smartest one and your trough thingy looks gorgeous with all your pretty flowers in it.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  44. Grammy GoodwillJuly 19, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    What a great idea. I just don't know how you get this inspiration. It looks so good with the hydrangeas.

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  45. cleverlyinspiredJuly 19, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    I made one last fall....here is mine http://cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-table.html

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  46. Tanya AnuragJuly 19, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I absolutely LOVE it!!

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  47. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    I just pinned this picture on Pinterest...I love the low console and lamps on either side of the TV, not to mention the "trough" and Hydrangeas...I LOVE IT!

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  48. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    OK, so I rarely post comments on blogs, but I just have to do so this time. This post is exactly why you are one of my most FAVORITEST bloggers in blogland. So clever, so resourceful, so loverly. You're fabulous. Mrs. G.

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  49. JoanneJuly 19, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    so beautiful! what a great idea!
    Blessings, Joanne

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  50. HeatherJuly 19, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Looks great, and I can't wait to see it decorated for other seasons!

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  51. Lindsay @ Apothecary HomeJuly 19, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    LOVE. it. That's all.

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  52. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    totally digging it! i think i will have to try this!

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  53. KpInspirationsJuly 19, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    this is sooo cute! it looks really easy to! I post daily coupons for craft stores and some DIY projects on my site that i think you would love.

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  54. Lisa and familyJuly 19, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    That's gorgeous! Love the hydrangeas, but it will look great with all kinds of goodies inside. Your helper is a little cutie, too!

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  55. AmberJuly 19, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Holy cow! I have this problem too. You are so awesome I could kiss you on the mouth. Don't worry - I'm not gonna. Just sayin, best idea eva! ;)

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  56. April @ just enough sparkleJuly 19, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I absolutely love this "trough". Hm...I may have to snag this idea... :)

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  57. Dana @ Cooking At Cafe DJuly 19, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    I really love this idea. So functional - and takes up very little real estate.

    SO many possibilities!

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  58. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    I was wondering where you found that mirrow above your tv? I've been looking something long and interesting to go on my bare wall above the tv, and this looks great. thanks! ecupakelly at aol dot com

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  59. Inspired By JuneJuly 19, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Great inspiration, Sarah! I've got a loooong breakfast bar that sits empty most of the time and I've been looking for some inspiration for it... this might be it :) Thanks for sharing!

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  60. VanessaJuly 19, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    I'm so glad you posted this! When I saw the original post, I knew one of these would look gooood on my dining table!

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  61. KristenJuly 19, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    I really liked this, seems pretty easy and a great look. Very flexible in a home! :-)

    xoxo
    Kristina

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  62. Traci@ Beneath My HeartJuly 19, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    HOLD UP! Where did you get those blue hydrangeas? Whose landscaping did you "borrow" them from. Come on...spill it! :)

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  63. Niki JoleneJuly 19, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Hi there! I am following you over from SITS Girls and I am lovin' your blog!

    Cute trough thingy....you are a girl after my own heart. I love anything thrifty!

    :)

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  64. ChristinaJuly 19, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    I love this!

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  65. Mitch and Serretta BarlowJuly 19, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    I'm in LURVE with this project!!!! What an awesome idea that I MUST do!!!

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  66. KristenJuly 19, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    I'm so glad that you posted this! I was wondering about this very object when you posted your re-do. Thanks!

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  67. Kirsty GirlJuly 19, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    what fun bashing it! hehe looks great too!

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  68. Heaven's WalkJuly 19, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Great job, Sarah! Way to go making that trough-thingy all by yourself, girl! lol! It looks just fabulous on your entry table! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  69. UnknownJuly 20, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Looove that - I'm so getting the supplies and making it today! I have the perfect "weird" spot that I've needed something for forever - this will be PERFECT!

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  70. TerryJuly 20, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Love it! And great job on snagging a credit to get the rest of the wood! I may have to steal this one if/when my husband gets our TV up and mounted. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

    Terry
    The Domestic Dilettante

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  71. ShirleyJuly 20, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    I LOVE it!!! The stain is beautiful :)

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  72. JennyJuly 21, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    I absolutely LOVE this!! And I love even more that it's cheap and easy to do. I'm adding it to my project list, and have many great spaces where I could use it! Thanks for sharing - love the hydrangeas. I have some hot pink ones sitting here on my desk. :-)

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  73. Immortal BelovedAugust 3, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Where did you get that amazing dresser/buffet thing? This would be perfect in my living room!

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  74. khead44August 4, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    I love it, but I love everything you do. I have to know where you got that mirror. It is amazing!

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  75. nobarbie14November 10, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    I have a question for you.......I am getting married this March at a beautiful restored cathedral turned wedding venue. It is absolutely breathtaking and has this amazing marble stage with marble steps. I envisioned having flowers along the steps with candles in between. My thought was to make shallow flower boxes and fill them with fluffy white hydrangeas. I have been searching the I
    Internet for tips and came across yours. Minus the rugged rustic look they are almost exactly what I am looking to make. We hAve a black tie theme so I would probably paint them white. My question is how difficult is this prone t for an amateur and how and where do you nail the pieces together?

    Thank you

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  76. Mary LouDecember 30, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Happy New Year! I was going through some of my pins on Pinterest and was wondering where you got the mirror that's over your console with the hydrangea trough. It's perfect for over the dresser in my master bedroom. And, yes, I did just send this to you but failed to check off my email so you could respond. Thanks so much! I really enjoy your blog!
    Mary Lou

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  77. Melissa@TheHappierHomemakerMay 21, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    Thanks for the tutorial! I just made one this weekend and posted on my blog today with a link-back to you: http://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/2012/05/bloggie-inspired-diy-trough-planter.html

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  78. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    thanks for this idea. I made one and love it! I get so many compliments. You're right it is fun for the holidays. :-)

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THANKS so much for reading!