DIY Pretty Hanger

I will admit that I had an ulterior motive for doing this project. I've been inspired by the beautiful walnut stain look that one of the bloggers I follow has achieved in some of her projects. She uses Minwax Dark Walnut Stain and she always makes it sound like it is a cinch to use, and the results are so beautiful and professional-looking. I decided I would try the stain myself but I wanted to test it out on something small before delving into a furniture staining project.

Wood stains, of course, work on natural wood, so I found a natural wood hanger in the closet (I didn't take a picture but it looked like this) and began my staining. I used only one coat and I think it looks great! I got a feel for how the stain works and learned a few things, and I'm now feeling more confident about moving on to a piece of furniture.

To complete the dolled-up hanger look, I sprayed the boring metal hook with an oil-rubbed bronze spray paint, which goes nicely with the walnut. Then I cut a strip of fabric I had from another project, sealed the edges with a little bit of clear nail polish to prevent fraying, and tied my hanger with a bow. This must be the most loved hanger of all time, don't you think?

Even though I had another motive for doing this hanger re-do I really love how it turned out, and I think it's a worthwhile DIY project in and of itself. It would be a beautiful gift for a bride, or from a bride to her bridesmaids. Just choose ribbon that works with the wedding colors. Or make one for yourself and hang it artfully on a doorknob, or on the handle of your dresser, or on the back of a distressed chair (like in these photos). I think it has a sweet country look to it. Right now, mine is hanging from the corner of a curtain rod in our bedroom and I think it looks lovely.

(Note: I didn't finish my hanger with a clear sealer or polyurethane, but I would recommend doing this if you want to use the hanger for clothing and not just as a decorative piece.)