7 Things to Make out of Window Panes...

Versailles has a lot of windows, to say the least. Take the hall of mirrors, for example. On one side of the room, you have a wall of windows looking out into a beautiful, royal garden; on the other, floor to ceiling mirrors that reflect the beauty thats going on outside.

People love windows in general. They are the element of the home that connects the outdoors with the indoors. Marie Antoinette loved being outside, but being a queen, it wasn't really acceptable for her to be an outdoorsie hippie all of the time. The sun makes you tan... and Marie had to be the fairest, like Snow White. You know, the whole fair, fair, fairest, white, white, whitest gig.

Which brings me to my first craft entry: window panes. I love old window panes and I love when I come upon fun craft ideas for them. They are all reminiscent of a little cottage that sat humbly near Versailles. I feel like Marie Antoinette would have approved of how windows have evolved into a staple base for multiple crafting projects, and how they magically make any room instantly more welcoming.

1. Message Board

After you find your window pane, you'll most likely need to carefully knock out the glass. Next, cut a piece of masonite to size and tack it onto the back of this frame and you're well on your way to having a unique message board. Not only will you be able to tack up your own personal comments and to-do's, but all of your friends will have plenty of commenting and complimenting of their own! Once the masonite is attached, simply cut and glue in the cork, which can be bought in rolls or sheets at any craft store. You can also buy magnetizing spray paint and chalk board paint, depending on which you most prefer for your message board. I would also consider, if you have the proper tools available, to cut pieces of metal flashing to fit; that would also be a magnetic surface, and would create a fun juxtaposition of industrial and whimsical. To finish it off, adding some hooks (if necessary) to hang keys from will make it an extremely practical accessory for your home!

2. China Cabinet

This project will require some window hunting or just sheer luck to find the perfect frame! Once it's found, some creative carpentry will be required in order to make it have the shadow-boxed effect. You could go with just plain ply-wood, or get creative and use old doors or siding for the back portion. Either way, once it's all been built, you'll want to paint it all the same color; this includes the window, so if it's a little scuffed up when you find it, don't let that stop you from taking it home with you! as a final touch, you could always take a sheet of sandpaper to it and gently take off some of the corners to give it an aged look.

3. Seating Arrangement

This just seems like such a fun way to tell guests where to sit! It is also an attractive way; now your seating list can go with the theme of your event! This idea also opens the door to other project ideas; like favorite scriptures or quotes, words of encouragement, daily affirmation notes. This project has so many possibilities!

4. Drying Rack

Like the china cabinet, this project will require specific window-hunting; or maybe just some altering of the window. Just attach the window with hinges to a piece of plywood after you've painted them to your hearts utmost desire. Next, pop some drawer knobs on the bottom, mount it on the wall, and you are ready to dry some clothes in style!

5. The Window Pane Table

Of the 7, this is probably one of the easiest projects! Simply find your window, buy some pre-made table legs at a home improvement store, assemble, paint, and voila! You have a beautiful side/coffee table! (Depending on the size of the window, of course!)

6. Hanging Pot Rack

I realize that in this particular picture, the pot rack is made out of a door. As it turns out, I love door projects as well, but I had to use this image because the original picture I got this idea from had some hideous greenery on it and did not deserve to be posted. It was NOT Marie-approved. It also had twinkle lights in it. Don't get me wrong, twinkle lights are adorable when used responsibly. But twirled around greenery on top of a red pot rack in a kitchen is not responsible.

Back to the point, this project will require a bit of hardware. Before you strap one of these bad boys to your kitchen ceiling, I would first consult with someone who will make sure it's well supported. The actual installation isn't in my resume quite yet, so I'll just stick to telling you how to make it look nice. But please make sure you install it safely and sturdily. Next, simply paint your window frame and add some cup hooks where they're needed to make a cute, yet functional addition to your kitchen. Based on your cookware, you may need to use something other than cup hooks; you might possibly need some chain and S hooks.

7. Ornament Hanger

This project is my personal favorite! Maybe because it's not as practical as it is adorable (Yes, I am SO Marie Antoinette right now)! At this point, I'm sure you know what I'm going to say about this project. Paint window frame. Add cup hooks. Then, you have an excuse to go to Hobby Lobby and stock up on some cute Christmas bulbs! Though I might add, this project opens up other ideas as well. Depending on the size and shape of the window, you could hang all sorts of trinkets and put them on display!

Window panes are like full length mirrors; every girl should have one in her home! (Maybe someone should make a full length mirror out of an old window. That way, they would be trendy AND ironic.) I hope that this is an entry that inspires you to get out there and start creating. If you don't feel like you're necessarily great at DIY, start small. Find a window frame and hang it up as it is. Then maybe tape some photographs to the glass. Perhaps you'll just love it that way forever, or maybe, just maybe, you'll get braver every time you see it and one day just go for it and make it something extraordinary! Don't be afraid of failure. Embrace the pursuit. Take pride in endeavors. Savor the small victories.