This budget home decorating project was designed for its charm and versatility.

Constructed from galvanized metal, furniture buttons and window screening, it is easy to craft and full of decorating possibilities.

click on pictures to enlarge

YOU WILL NEED:

Galvanized sheet metal (10" Handyman Coil)
Aluminum window screening
7 1/2" Furniture buttons
7 #4 x 1/2" Wood screws
Outdoor acrylic paint for buttons (We used DecoArt Patio Paint in Black)
30" length of Picture-Mirror Cord (Or 19 gauge wire)
Metal shears
Drill with 3/32" bit
1 - Finishing nail
Ruler (Clear quilting ruler works best)
Pencil
Black fine-tip marker
Philips screwdriver
Hammer
Art brush
Wire cutter
Scissors

 

HOW TO DO IT:

Note: These instructions are for one 9" x 11" pocket that has a 3" wide opening at the top. To create different sizes follow this formula: Top screen width (cut not folded size) = width of metal sheet + 3" & Screen height (cut not folded size) = height of metal sheet - 1".

1. Paint furniture buttons and set aside to dry.

   Note: To seal the buttons for outdoor use be sure to paint the back of the button.

2. Using the pencil and shears mark and cut a 9" x 11" rectangle from the metal.
3. Using the marker and scissors mark and cut a 12" x 10" rectangle from the screening.
4. Place the screen in front of you with the rectangle's 12" sides running horizontal.
5. We are going to angle the sides so the top is 4" wider than the bottom. On the bottom edge place a mark 2" in from the left corner.
6. Draw a line from this mark to the top left corner.
7. Back on the bottom edge make another mark, this one 2" in from the right corner.
8. Draw a line from this mark to the left top corner.
9. Cut the screening along these lines.
10. To fold the screening over we are going to use a ruler to keep the edge straight. Lay a ruler along one side, 1/2" in from the edge. As you press down firmly on the ruler with one hand, slide the other under the screening and push it up against the edge of the ruler. Work slowly, increasing the angle of the fold gradually.
11. Once the screening is folded over the ruler, remove the ruler from under the fold, place it on top of the fold and press on the ruler to flatten the fold.
12. Repeat on the other sides.
13. Trim any rough edges flush along the folds.
14. Place a mark on the metal sheet in the bottom right-hand corner 1" up from the bottom and 1 1/4" in from the right edge.
15. Place another mark in the bottom left hand corner 1" up from the bottom and 1 1/4" in from the left edge.
16. In the top right-hand corner place a mark 1 5/8" down and 3/4" in.
17. Do the same in the top left-hand corner.
18. On the top corners of the screening place a mark 1/4"down and 1/4" in from the edges.
19. On the bottom corners of the screening place a mark 1/4" up and 1/4" in from the edges.
20. Lay the screening on top of the metal sheet lining the bottom marks.
21. Use the hammer and nail to punch a hole through the screening and the metal sheet on the bottom marks.

    Note: Drill bits like to slide on metal. By pre-punching the hole the bit stays where it is supposed to. The drill smoothes the hole so a screw can be inserted.

22. Drill a hole through the punch.
23. Insert a screw from the back of the metal sheet and twist through the screening for a few turns.
24. Pre-drill a hole in the back center of the furniture buttons.
25. Place a furniture button on the screw and turn screw until tight.
26. Line the top marks on the screening with those on the metal.
27. Punch, drill and insert screw. Attach furniture buttons.
28. Place a mark on the left hand of the screen 1/4" in from the edge and half way between the two furniture buttons.
29. Punch, drill and insert screw. Attach furniture buttons.
30. Repeat on the right side and on the bottom.
31. To make the hanger for the Wall Pocket wrap one end of the wire around one of the top furniture buttons by placing the last 3" of one end of the wire against the outside of a furniture button. Bring the short end around the button and wrap it around the long end of wire two times.
32. Trim off excess. Repeat other side.

Note: To paint the Wall Pockets wipe the metal sheet clean with Mineral Spirits. Then prime with a metal primer specifically for use on galvanized metal. Galvanized metal has an oily finish so paint doesn't always want to adhere to it. Next spray with a metal paint. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before attaching the screening.