G'day all, thanks for the lovely positive comments yesterday on our oh-so-perfect 
outdoor campfire.
Right, I think I've mentioned, just a few times, how much I detest the windows to the back of the cottage, the new extended bit? And how, if only, I had a huge budget I might splash out and refit every window in the house and use my exquisite taste to invest, pah! in some decent ones that I'd seen on the pages of a magazine.
Sadly that was never gonna happen anytime soon.
So the one thing I've learnt on this journey is to improvise and make the best of what I've got or more appropriately not got (you can read the story here) and so I've been looking out for shutters on my rounds. Not a sausage. I have never seen a shutter while out hunting.
Then I saw a very inspiring picture of a shutter (you can see it at my Inspiration Board, here) and then I surfed on into Thrifty Decor Chick who had the brainwave of making shutters out of fence posts. I read her post in amazement, ooh yeah.
How fast do you think I headed to the DIY store? ;-)
I scooped up the fence posts, a couple of dollars each and a few tubes of Liquid Nails and baby I was on a mission to get the Beach Cottage shuttered-up.
It was easy. I mean really very easy.
All I did was, taking Sarah's lead, paint each fence post with some outdoor paint, then glued them together to make a 'panel', then cut another post to the width of the 'panel' and then glued this to the front giving the look of a shutter for about $15 a window.
paint the fence posts with two coats of exterior paint
run Liquid Nails down the sides and butt together
Cut two pieces from an additional post, the width of your glued together posts and adhere one to the top and one to the bottom of the front of the 'panel'
leave to dry and then touch up the ends
Then I used Liquid Nails to glue the shutters to either side of those b e a u t i f u l windows.
I may have the ugliest windows in the world but I do have the loveliest teenage helper in the world…
We had such a laugh doing this and as we walked away the whole thing promptly fell down so we stuck up some masking tape and kept that on overnight…
Although this is stupidly simple, there are quite a lot of windows to get dressed up in shutters here in this tatty old cottage – I thought I would start with the back and the laundry window as this is the one that annoys me the most and is about to get new roof trim and lighting and the one that is the most difficult to photograph, I'm good like that.
To be totally honest (and I tell you this after I've put written a post about putting faux shutters on the wall with Liquid Nails) I am not a lover of shutters unless they are on the windows overlooking a square deep down in Toulouse with a window box of red geraniums …not quite the same on a 1980's aluminium window on the back of an old cottage in Australia. Non.
Though my opinion is that it looks better than what I started with, which is always a bonus when you use Liquid Nails…
Well, what do you think? I'd love to know your opinion.
Now I'm off to get some geraniums. In white
blogged for Kimba's Do It Yourself Day, thanks!
What a great idea! I may have to try that – looks too easy not to! Love your blog, by the way! Inspirational!!
Sarah they look wonderful and now you don’t see the ‘lovely’LOL window but the fabulous shutters.
Another successful makeover from the Beach Cottage
Alison
Wonderful result. Again.
These shutters are way cool. Good job.
Rhonda
I am sorry I upset you with my previous comment. My point was that one quality piece will always be visually more appealing than many thrown together with no thought pieces. Not to again be too critical but your shutters are too short for the window and that really stands out. All that time you put into something that doesn`t fit properly is a shame, point taken? Also properly prepare your surfaces for painting …. prime before painting.
Sally
Absolutely darling. I’d like to do something like that in our new addition to our house. We’re adding a master bedroom and I want it cozy and cottage like.
Those are beautiful!
I also like the little jute vase! A great tutorial. Visiting from Kimba’s party! 
That is just the most clever idea ever! So charming and simple!
thanks Amanda, I enjoyed taking pics along the way
and yep Aimee it is ever so easy!
Sarah
It is just not fair that you are so talented! Not fair at all…
XOXO
Simply stunning!! now got to get a cottage to put them on!!!:)
You have got to appreciate the talents of any gal who has masking tape in her tool box.
Thank you thank you thank you
Have been wishing for nice plantation shutters to cover similar aluminum window frames but you know that is looking like way much more fun, including the liquid nails so we don’t nick the manicure.
Absolutely gorgeous!! Love them!! Please don’t pay attention to the negativity! Believe me, I know how much it hurts. These are lovely. Do you mind if I highlight these sometime?
Hi Sarah -
Great idea – looks like these shutters have always been there and that’s what I like. Thanks for always inspiring me -
Marsha – Chandelier Magic Beach House
Seriously adorable. And I thought they were a perfect length! What kind of shutters are longer than the winder? hmmm…..
Hmm, okay, well you asked. I have to admit that this is the first thing ever that you’ve posted that I haven’t just loved. I admire your style and taste and ability to edit and not overdo things. This one just doesn’t work for me. I’m happy to know that you are human, like me!
Sarah, they look fab!
Sally please be kind to Sarah. We love her blog, her style and the fact that she can pull such a beautiful cottage together on a budget.
Oh my gosh Sarah! I have shutter envy. This is a great idea.
Soooo beautiful…love the idea! I want a beach cottage! *pout*
Oh my goodness! That is lovely! Great job.
A perfect, cottagey accent. I like them, Miss Sarah
OMG LOVE!! of course having lived most of my life in France I can tell you that most natives go for automatic roll-up shutters if they can. Not as cute but a darn sight easier than having to repaint them all every couple of years and a breeze to shut all the shutters with the push of buttons all round the house at night. Oh dear, I think I burst your bubble
. When I get home I’ll post a pic of my mum’s Normandy beach cottage when it still had shutters.
That is just fabulous. Well done.
Oh my what a fab idea, I think they look absolutely amazing & so easy to do! Well done you what a fab job you made of them. I just love them!
love
Alison
x
What a quick and easy way to change the look of your windows Sarah. Beautiful!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Instant charm…. I love these Sarah!
Michelle
Sarah, it looks fabulous just like everything else in, and out of your home. And that lily is so pretty
Those are fantastic!
So stinkin’ cute!!!
Yaaaaaaaoooooooowwwwwwwzzzzzzzaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! Love that!
m ^..^
I think they are great. I am going to try it, but I am going to put it “inside” to dress up a plain window. Love the idea and yours looks perfect.
I came over from Kimba’s DIY party and it looks like I’m going to have to scroll thru your other posts, you are such a talented lady! I love your homemade shutters and I love that you made without major fuss or expense. And I’m not a beachy person but I honestly swear that your porch scene would turn me into one *smiles*
Genius! Love it!
Whooops, hit enter too soon. Meant to say THANK YOU for linking up to the SHUTTER POST! This is such a creative way to make a shutter!!! So happy you shared it!
Brilliant cottage touch for the windows, Sarah. I love it!
?, Susan
Great job Sarah- such a clever idea and it really does pretty up your window.
You never cease to amaze me with your small creative details such as the twine wrapped around what looks like a soup, can as a vase- love it!! I also love your burlap wrapped candle jars. Thanks to you I have burlap and twine candles and vases too!
oh oh oh… so so inventive… just wanted to tell you I love them. Lovely lovely site.
Hey Sarah. Yet another success story. You know what else I like about this, you are teaching your boys to think outside the square and that they can attain their dreams without the need to be flush with cash. Great work. Julie
I love love love your blog!!! I found it through ThriftDecorChick and check it every day. I also check TDC every day and when I saw her post about her shutters I was thrilled! Then I see it here and am double thrilled. Two ways to do it. Love it! *sigh* Did I say how much I love your blog?
Very cute idea Sarah! And I’m hearin’ ya! When we can’t work with all the quaint features we’d prefer, we’re left with a little, “Eh…”.
I still see no reason you can’t add that window box with red geraniums though.
Donna
You are a clever girl. I love shutters on windows and window boxes too. Easy way to give a house charm. I am also head over heels with your bush walk waterfall post. WOW! to have that in my back yard, what a dream. Thanks for the inspiration, I will be adding you to my blog roll. Heidi
I think it’s half and half, here in France, referring to the comment above. The roll up shutters are so blank and ruin the look of a house which used to have wide patches of colour on either side of the window. It is a nuisance having to repaint but wooden shutters have SOUL!
In my opinion, the only reason not to add shutters to a house is if the window is already a good feature, and would be spoiled by the proportions and design of a shutter. If the window is dull and the eye needs to be distracted, then go for the DIY shutters – it’s a fun idea.
If you are heading our way at Christmas, do let me know, although we may be off to Scotland ourselves…
This is adorable! It really adds character. Love it!
Dang girlie – that’s uber cute!
Well, I have to agree with you! The shutters take your eyes away from the windows, and that is what Im after too! I saw the idea on Thriftdecorchick’s blog too, and loved it.It is nice to receive critisism sometimes, it keeps us on our toes! But really, for a few dollars, even if you change your mind in a few months, it has had its purpose, until something better comes along! I like them!!
Sue
How clever! Love the idea. It turned out so well.
Oh my goodness, you are brillant! :O)
They look amazing! I love this idea!
I can’t believe this post! I am so nuts about shutters too and have them everywhere…look for them everywhere….need them everywhere! What a great idea! I have got to do this immediately! This is such a great post and so inspiring…thank you thank you!
Blessings,
Debbie
They look great! Smart idea and easy too. Well, except for the falling down part
“Stupidly Simple” and Genius!
It’s cute as a bug’s ear, Sarah! I envision a little blooming window box at the bottom made out of the boards… Might not be possible though. Can’t tell from your windows just how they open and close.
Brenda
Love love love your handmade shutters! They look great!
Brilliant
Must laugh at the maskingtape though
Love, love, love this! You do realize that I will have to steal this beautiful idea don’t you!?
This looks so lovely, Sarah! Fabulous job!
Hugs,
Rachel
Love it Sarah !
Especially caaaaute !
Hugs ~Kammy
That’s a really clever way to take the focus away from the not so charming aluminium windows and the white looks so fresh against the colour of the walls. I can’t wait to see them with the geraniums!
I am about to attempt to remove one of my own liquid nails “installations” – a few shelves in my daughters ex-nursery – so that the space can be done up for her new bedroom. Hope I don’t have to replace the plasterboard (it seemed like such a good idea at the time….)!
Very Cute Idea…and not to mention how lucky you are to have a willing tenager to help…mine would have demanded payment
I love, love, love your shutters. What a great idea! I will copy this. I can see it in my daughters room.
Wonderful!!!!!!!!
hi there just wanted to say i love your blog,i think your shutters are fab,i have been looking at your ideas from previous post and i think your have brilliant ideas ,and its made me think about what i can do in my house.
kisses lisa
Oh I adore them. I have to steal your photo ok so I can remember? I want to go to your links to see what you were talking about. When I get some done I’ll share! Just lovely. I love your beach cottage wish you weren’t so far away I would love to visit.
Have a lovely weekend,
Sherry
Welllllllll I think you did a great job! A friend of muine also made shutters herself by glueing pannels on panels etc..
Now that I am here i would like to thank you for your other beach cottage blog with all the pictures! I am redesigning a bit the side bar of my blog and I mentioned it under a special topic with ‘inspiration for your house’ blogs!
thanks for the inspiration.
Al the best from Amsterdam, desiree
This is great! I am visiting via ASPTL.
Please drop by and enter my giveaway.
Have a blessed weekend!
I luv the shutters!!! So cute! Great idea. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend. Connie
hi. i have similar windows. ( hug, sigh) and am in awe of your willingness to plunge into a project, photograph it along the way, and come up with a perfect solution for the $,time,energy,workcrew available. you ROCK!
i hope i can follow your example!! jkj
Sarah, I LOVE it!!! Anything “trimmed” in wood is just beautiful to me!!!
Hugs to you!!
Kristin
Wow! That is a super kool DIY idea!
That just goes to triple prove it – you can’t be living a life without Liquid Nails by your side.
I think I just drooled myself. So, yes; I like it.
My eyes are literally popping out of my head catching up on all the gorgeous beach cottage eye candy!!
xo, Laura
Hi Sarah, I had to come by and see your shutters. We shared the same post on Rhodas post today. Love the shape of the wood on the top of your shutters, it looks so cottagey. Have a great day,Kathysue