I admit it, I’m a crafter at heart.  Not an artist.  Just someone who likes to explore various mediums and pretend to be an artist.  Sometimes my projects actually turn out nice enough to give as gifts.  So as I browse through the myriad projects out there in blogland, I’m always tucking projects in my “try it some day” file.  Most of the things that attract me don’t require a lot of skill or expensive materials- a little paper, glue, etc. and directions that any one can follow.  So take a gander at these projects and see if there isn’t one you’d like to try.

Easy Home Projects

Feng Shui art canvases for an easy art project from MuralMaker1.blogspot.com

Another take on easy-to-do artwork using scrapbook or handmade novelty papers – tape and inexpensive canvas are all you need.  Directions here at BHG.com. 

 A Soft Place to Land has a great idea for some REALLY EASY drapery panels.  As she mentions, uses for drop cloths (you know, paint drop cloths from a home improvement store…) abound online.  She’s taken the initiative to show an excellent no-sew option for draperies to be made in an hour.  That’s right, 60 minutes!

Need some inspiration for a dazzling painted wall pattern?  Design Dazzle has a great tutorial (CLICK HERE) for a wall everyone will remember.

Use your computer to enlarge a paper pattern then have it copied onto transfer paper.  Iron the design onto a plain fabric, and voila, you have custom fabric for pillows or accents anywhere in your home.  Directions are here at BHG.com. 

Another take on affordable homemade but stylish pillows using ribbons and trim remnants is from OurHartBeat.blogspot.com.  They’d be so great for summer and to introduce some lightness and whimsy to a room. 

Ribbon projects are easy to complete.  Gather a stash of ribbon (collect it over time from sales, etc), some fabric glue or iron on hem tape and try a couple more projects.  These from Midwest Living are complete with how-to photos, supply lists and instructions.

 For those of you who sew (or just love to collect pretty fabric), I know you usually end up with bits and pieces.  Here’s someone who’s figured out more than a couple of options of how to use that left over fabric.  Visit Red Door Home.blogspot for lots of fun ideas.

We can’t forget our crafting buddy Martha, can we?  She has a couple of super easy projects to make your summer special.  You can make your own or use plain ready-mades and a bleach pen to create your own picnic style.

 I LOVE the idea of this lighting – even if you don’t have a pool (which we don’t), the columns of light look so festive and creative, who wouldn’t love them?  And easy?  You bet.  Get Martha’s quick instructions and more outdoor decor ideas at her site MarthaStewart.com.

 Eddie Ross (remember him from Top Design?) has a blog that mostly relates his travels and vintage finds, but every once in awhile he shares a how-to project.  This is a great project – easy, classy and thoroughly manageable by any of us.  Follow along with directions and inspiration and imagine the possibilities for this monogrammed hurricane……  Or check out Centsational Girl’s post on all the ways she went crazy with etched glass (great ideas here!).

Using a little decoupage medium, fabric scraps and empty jars or bottles, you can create a vase to coordinate with any room in your home.  Directions and photo how-to’s at CasaSugar.com.  Include the kids in this one; it’s that easy.

Maybe you’re a little more adventurous and want to stretch your creative wings – try an “anything goes” super tassel tutorial at Hope Studios.blospot.  Use a designer tassel like this on an armoire handle or hung over a bathroom doorknob.  Make 2 and give one as a gift.

Spread Your Creative Wings

It’s time to be brave, break out the glue gun, your extra trim or fabric snippets, family photographs, a little decoupage…..whatever inspires you.  I’ve read a couple of blog posts where girlfriends get together for crafting parties.  Make a stop at the dollar store, everyone brings some goodies from home to add to the communal crafty pot, spend some time with friends and surround yourself with creative energy.  Then everyone goes home with a handmade goodie.   

Plan a crafting party or just spend a few hours on your own and then show us the fruits of your labor.  We’d love to see what you come up with.  If something sparks an idea in a whole new direction, so much the better.  Tell us all about it – pictures can be emailed to solutions@YourDecoratingHotline.com and leave us comments below.