Hey everyone, it’s Mindi from MyLove2Create here again! My project today is one that I am kind of in love with… Easy DIY Trivets!!
Yes trivets, or basically a fancy hot pad for your dishes. I have been wanting to make some of these for a long time. Seriously, I have the ugliest hot pads and I wanted something nice to use when I set the table for dinner.
These are just what the doctor ordered! Let’s get going and I will show you how to make your own!
To make two 8” square trivets you will need:
- 4- 8″ 1×3 boards
- 8- 8” old crib slats (that is what I used, but you could substitute another similar size wood approx 1/4” thick and 1” wide)
- Dap Rapid Fuse (super awesomely amazing super glue)
- Finishing materials of your choice
- miter saw to cut wood and sandpaper
I started with a scrap 1×3 board and some left over crib slats from when I turned an old crib into a dog crate.
I knew I wanted my trivets about 8” square so I cut my 1×3’s to that size. Then I tried several different designs with my crib slats, and finally ended up with the simplest one, just stripes.
I measured, marked, and cut all my slats to 8” and then did a dry fit on the 1×3 boards. Of course you could make these bigger or smaller to fit your pans and dishes.
After some debating back and forth I decided to stain the wood with Rustoleum Kona stain. I did use pre-wood conditioner before I stained the boards because this is soft pine and it helps the stain go on evenly. Also, when I use this brand of stain, I like to apply it to a small section and then rub it off right away, no letting it sit. 🙂
I was planning on leaving the crib slats white, but at the last minute I decided to spray paint them with oil rubbed bronze…I am so indecisive when it comes to finishing things, but I am happy I painted them. (my rustic industrial side coming through…)
Now for the magic! I was introduced to this new DAP Rapid Fuse glue at Haven (a blogging conference) this summer and I have been DYING to try it out. It fuses basically to any surface, you just hold it in place for 30 seconds and done! Plus it is ultra strong and cures in half an hour. I can see me using this a TON more in the future… Oh, and do as I say and not as you see me doing…USE gloves, just trust me on this one.
Anyway, I used it to glue the crib slats onto the 1×3 boards to make my trivets. I decided to cut spacers so I didn’t have to measure and mark for where my slats needed to go. They worked like a charm.
Even though this is a simple design, it can also be versatile. You can push them together for larger pots and use them separate.
I am thrilled with how they turned out and they will totally spruce up dinner table, mission accomplished!
In fact, I was so giddy while I was making these that went ahead and made a bigger one at the same time, except it is different, because I was out of crib slats. So if you want to see another design be sure to check out my Scrap Wood Trivet too!
Do you use trivets in your kitchen?
Hugs!
Mindi
see more of Mindi’s posts on MRL below:
Repurposed Globe (chalkboard)
Double Pedestal Sofa Table
storage cabinet makeover
how to make simple floor cloths
Mindi, These are awesome! I had to pin to make later. We have nothing nice for the holidays or when friends come over! Love!!
Wow. They look wonderful! Love the two-tone. Great tutorial, and perfect photos 🙂 Question: how does the oil rubbed bronze spray paint stand up to the heat of the pots?
Thank you so much Maria! That is such a great question, I haven’t had any problems so far, but now that you mention it, I would totally recommend a hight heat spray paint, then it wouldn’t be a worry at all! Thanks for bringing that up, I should have thought of that!
Thanks for the quick reply Mindi. I have seen the high heat spray paints, but I only recall black, maybe white as well. Will have to check out the paint section. I wonder if they make colorful high heat paints for car engines, maybe an Auto Supply store could be another source. Happy diying 🙂
love the tutorial; and the trivets are wonderful. may have to make some so i can get rid of the boyfriend’s “not so nice” ones… 🙂
Mindi,
Your trivets are so pretty (and functional) I love that you used crib slats. I have soooo many crib side rails in my stash I could make tons of these!
And I totally agree with you, I don’t have a single trivet fit for company. Mine are all so old, ugly and stained.
Super tutorial, and I LOVE that you’re wearing a baggie to apply the stain. LOL
gail