I present here for your enjoyment, amusement or inspiration, a baker’s dozen of great DIY projects.  There are so many how-to’s out there that it’s hard to pick just a few, but these caught my eye and seemed to have value for a wide range of interests.  What kind of projects would you like me watch out for?

 

Wall Treatment Ideas

Wallpaper for renters – you can add style without worrying about landlord issues.  Use tape for a design – instructions by LittleGreenNotebook.blogspot.com

Here’s another wallpaper treatment (from Sabbe Interior Design) using contact paper (found it first on RoomRemix.com).  Use the technique to create a pattern of your own. 

Check out the tutorial to create this accent wall treatment. (via Sabbe Interior Design)

The home decor corner of the internet can be quite interconnected – a good idea makes the rounds of lots of different blogs.  The Inspired Room found this simple wallpaper design idea – great for a kid’s room or a grown up room if you are creative in finding your pattern (maybe the damask one below).  Apartment Therapy shared a home tour that features this project and they used remnant wallpaper pieces but I’m wondering if you couldn’t accomplish the same look with heavier scrapbook paper….

Stencil Projects

I love stenciling.  It’s versatile and appropriate to any design style.  Plus it’s easy and anyone can accomplish it successfully.   Paisley Wallpaper has created a fabulous stenciled floor and even shares her pattern.  The pattern could be adapted to just about anything…how about the table or blinds below or wall ‘decal’ above?

Continuing the stencil idea, here’s another unusual application for stencils from Gina Provenzano at ShelterPop.com. 

Stencil table via shelterpop.com

Yet another way to use stencils, Better Homes & Garden (bhg.com) had these easy instructions for adding design to fabric.  It’s shown on a roller shade, but the idea can translate to any fabric - window treatments, pillows, bedding (easy way to give kids a themed coverlet), etc. 

Jonathan Adler, home goods designer extraordinaire, has a very distinctive style and loves his colors!  This easy tutorial from re-Nest shows how to recycle vases or bottles you have around the house into Adler-like copies. 

When I saw this project by MMScrapShoppe, I liked the collage aspect of it but also how easy it would be to personalize it using pieces you have around the house.  Instead of burlap, use a scrap of any mid to heavy weight fabric – maybe a bright red twill.  Not a scrapbooker?  Not a problem….instead of her fun chipboard initial, paint a craft wood cutout for your monogram and then add embellishments from your garage, your closets or your junk drawer.  The possibilities are endless here.  (What a great gift for a nursery.) 

A crafty idea from MMScrapShoppe.blogspot.com

Practical Project

And what roundup would be complete without a nod to Martha?  If you’re still using plastic bags for your shopping, maybe it’s time you try your hand at making stylish canvas bags so you’ll be inspired to “go green” and eliminate plastic bags from your life.

I found this simple idea at Room ReMix, originally from  Bluelines.  Complete instructions can be found describing how to make your own ottoman from a couple of floor pillows.  You heard me, floor pillows (preferably the boxy, square type).  One tip I would add is the instructions just have the pillows stacked on each other, not attached.  Even if you want the option of being able to separate the pillows, I’d use some velcro strips or big buttons or something to attach them together for more stability.

Fun and Different

For a complete change of pace, Danny Seo made these charming and easy rock photo holders.  A new way to bring the outdoors in.

I remember something like this from years ago – here it is updated and ready to try again (from Instructibles via CasaSugar).  If you don’t need a lamp shade, how about something smaller – a Christmas ornament?  A cluster of colorful orbs hanging from a child’s ceiling?  How else could you use these?

DIY Search

As you wander the internet and come across a helpful, unique or well presented project, let me know and I’ll share it in the next DIY Roundup.  Or if you have a home decor project you’d like to share with a wider audience, send me the link and I’ll include it.