Make Wall Art From Sharpie Pens and Rubbing Alcohol
If your home is in serious need of some color on the walls, you might want to paint them. But if your landlord has a very strict white walls policy, you may just have to make do with wall art instead - and you could even make your own to cut costs and keep you busy at the weekend. To make this, you'll need a canvas (the size of your choice), some different colored Sharpie pens, and rubbing alcohol.
First, you'll need to scribble on the canvas with some Sharpie - and you don't need to worry about it looking good, as squirting the rubbing alcohol will make the colors run together to form a beautiful watercolor.
Turn Old Corks Into a Rug
If you love a glass of wine at the end of the day, there's a high chance that you've come across quite a few corks. But instead of throwing them in the garbage, it turns out that you can use old corks to create a rug for your home - and, surprisingly, it's incredibly comfortable and waterproof! This makes it the perfect material to craft into a mat for your bathroom.
As corks are round, you'll need to cut them in half to create a flat base. You can then stick them to a large piece of cardboard and watch as your unique and easy DIY project comes to life.
Turn a Tic Tac Box Into Bobby Pin Storage
Anyone who uses bobby pins will know just how easy it is to lose them. You can easily go through a pack of these a month, and you just have no idea where they end up - unless you keep them safe. And one of the best ways to do this is to turn an old Tic Tac box into bobby pin storage. You don't even need to do anything to it if you don't want to.
But if you do want to jazz up your storage, you can remove the labels, paint the lid, and even add your own decoration to personalize the whole thing. Nobody else will have anything like it.
Make an Open Fruit Shelf
If you're like us, then you probably won't eat food if you forget that it's there - and that's why we always try to make sure that our fruit is on display. This way, we can't forget about it as it's right under our noses. If you want to do the same with your fruit, why don't you stretch your DIY fingers and make this open fruit shelf for your kitchen?
You'll need to attach small metal baskets to a wooden frame and then attach the frame to the wall, but that's it. This DIY project really is as easy as that.
Turn Old Bottles Into the Ultimate Centerpiece
Do you love hosting guests? Do you always feel as though your tablescapes lack something special? Well, next time you have a beer or finish a bottle of wine, keep the old bottles to one side for this easy DIY project. With these (clean) bottles to hand, you can create a centerpiece that will wow all of the guests that come to your home. And you don't need anything fancy to do it.
Although you can decorate these bottles however you want, spray painting them and adorning them with stencils and other decorations is a good start. Then, you can fill them with flowers.
Give Your Photos the Limelight They Deserve
You know what they say: a picture paints a thousand words. And if you're the kind of person who loves to take photos of their loved ones, it probably pains you to see them stuck in boxes and drawers without getting the attention they deserve. However, there is a way to shove them into the spotlight, and all you need is an empty frame from your local craft or homeware store.
You then need some string and some pegs so you can clip the photos onto the frame and onto the wall. That way, you'll be able to appreciate them every day.
Turn Old Drawers Into Side Tables
Sometimes, the best DIY projects are the ones that take what you already have and make it so much better. And if you have some old chests of drawers that you no longer need, you'll be happy to know that you can transform them without having to send them to the junk yard. After all, these drawers can become the perfect side tables if you have a little patience and an idea in mind.
To do this, all you need to do is turn the drawer on its side and add some legs to the bottom. Then, you have extra space to put all of your belongings.
Build the Perfect Reading Nook
If you're a certified bookworm, you've probably always dreamed of having your own home library. But what about a book chair? If you want to make your very own reading nook, this is the perfect option - and it's a super easy DIY project to do at home. So, what do you need? Well, you'll need a few wooden pallets and some foam to make the chair comfortable. And, of course, lots of books.
You can then fashion a chair that works for you. You might want something a bit smaller and cosier, or you might want to build a full-on book couch. The book world is your oyster.
Remove Drawers and Replace With Baskets for Nicer-Looking Storage Space
Furniture can be extremely expensive, and it can be hard to spend money on practical items when they don't really fit your aesthetic. But it's important to see this purchase as more of a shell than the finished project, as there's always something you can do to make this furniture look better and fit the vibe of your home. And if your chest of drawers isn't quite your style, switch it up!
By giving the whole thing a paint job, removing the drawers you no longer want or need and replacing them with wicker storage baskets, you can completely change the whole look of it.
Use a Watermelon to Serve Jell-O Shots
If you've ever made Jell-O shots before, you'll know that they don't play around. As soon as you put Jell-O into a glass, that glass will have a sticky residue on it for the rest of its life - and that's before we mention how hard it is to actually eat the Jell-O shot itself. Thankfully, there's a much more resourceful way to serve these shots, and it involves a hollowed-out watermelon.
This zero-waste hack allows you to set the Jell-O and then slice it up. This way, your guests have something to hold onto you, you don't need to do the washing up, and it's easy to eat.
Use a Toilet Paper Roll to Make a Phone Stand
Anything phone-related will cost you a fortune. From phone cases to phone stands, you could spend at least $50 on each of them. But what many people fail to realize is that you don't actually need to spend that kind of money on something that cost 50 cents for the manufacturer to make. You can make your own for 50 cents instead - especially if you have some spare toilet paper rolls lying around the house.
Instead of recycling them, you can wrap the tube with colorful washi tape, cut out a slot for your phone, and prop the whole thing up with some pins. Plus, it'll be totally unique!
Add a Tree Swing to Your Yard
Although backyards are a great place for kids to hang out, a chunk of grass isn't always enough to keep them occupied. But if you've ever looked at how much it costs to buy a swing set, you'll know that they're not exactly affordable. So, making your own is a great option for those strapped for cash - but only if you already have a willing tree in your garden.
With a plank of wood, a drill, and some tough rope, you can turn these items into an incredible swing for the whole family to enjoy. And it takes up less space than a swing set, too.
Use Nail Polish to Create a Marbled Mug
We all go through phases when it comes to our nails. Some years we love bright colors, the next year, we like muted colors, and then that leaves us with a whole basket of half-full nail polish bottles that we don't quite know what to do with. But if you want a fun way to spend an afternoon while also trying out an easy DIY project, you can use this leftover nail polish to create a marbled mug.
The idea is that you pour a few different nail polishes into a container before dipping the mug into the marbled mixture. Although it will take a few days to dry properly, the end result is stunning.
Make Wall Art With Your Bare Hands
If you're always keen to try out some DIY but have kids to entertain, we're here to tell you that you can mix these two things together into one fun but practical activity. Yes, you can make wall art with your bare hands - as long as you have a canvas, some paint, and some willing participants who don't mind getting their hands dirty. Then, you create a fun family canvas.
By adding your handprints to a canvas, you can create a family memento to cover up the blank space on your walls. You can create more of them as your kids grow up, too.
Build a Simple Chicken Coop
Always wanted chickens but always doubted your abilities to build a chicken coop? Well, you shouldn't! As long as you have some wood and chicken wire at your disposal, anyone can make a simple chicken coop. The best part is that you can create a bespoke coop that suits your needs, your garden, and the chickens that you're going to add to it. And that's a service that you can't buy.
Of course, you'll need some tools and a little bit of know-how to do this, but it's not hard to find tutorials on YouTube. And as long as it doesn't fall down, you can't really go wrong!
Keep Your Keys Safe From Intruders
If you're always losing your key or you're heading off on vacation and want to know that your family members can check on your house without needing their own key, hiding one nearby is always a good shout. But most intruders know to look under the flower pot or on top of the guttering, which is why you need to be smart about it. And an empty pill bottle and some glue can seriously help you out.
By attaching the lid of the bottle to a large rock, you can then keep the key safely stored amongst the other rocks and away from intruders. Plus, it protects the key from rust.
Turn Old Filing Cabinets Into Garage Storage
If you go to any junkyard or look online for pre-loved items, you won't struggle to find old filing cabinets. With the rise of the digital age, these cabinets have been replaced with USB sticks and cloud storage - which means that they're also pretty cheap, too. So, next time you see one make sure you snap it up so you can turn it into anything from a harden bed to some handy storage for your garage.
In fact, sometimes something as simple as turning it on its side, removing the drawers, and giving it a little makeover is enough to give you the storage you need for your garden tools or an actual garden.
Use a Basic Mug to Make Something Beautiful
In today's day and age, there are mugs everywhere. You can buy mugs in so many different shapes and sizes that it's often hard to choose one that really speaks to you. Because of this, some people like to make their own - and that's something anyone can do as a quick and easy DIY project. For this, you'll need a plain white mug as your base, an oil-based paint pen, and some contact paper.
You can then create any design you like, but we always think that adding some sparkles into the mix won't go amiss. You could even make them as presents if you're not sure what to get friends and family.
Turn Old Containers Into Stationery Holders
Let's be honest; you can never have too much stationery. From pens and pencils to scissors and other crafting tools, some people have whole cupboards full of the stuff. But if you're looking for something a bit more low-key and something to suit a smaller space, your old containers could come in handy. But don't worry if they're ugly and not aesthetically pleasing, as you can decorate them to suit your style.
Spray paint is the best option for this, and you can then attach all of these containers (ideally ones that are different sizes for visual appeal) to a plank of wood using superglue. Then, it's good to go.
Jazz up a Nightstand With Paint and Paper
When searching for furniture for your home, you quickly come to realize that wood is everywhere. And while wood is certainly a sturdy and practical material for furniture, it's not colorful or exciting - which means that you need to get your cogs whirring to upcycle it. Thankfully, it's pretty easy to upcycle a nightstand if you have some spare paint and wallpaper lying around in the garage. The more colorful, the better.
Painting the nightstand a bright color might be enough to counteract the boringness of the wood, but if you want to add a little extra spice you can then wallpaper the inside of the nightstand to really pop.
Transform a Fallen Branch Into a Coat Stand
Short on space in your home? Always struggling to find a place for your coats and bags? It sounds like you need a coat stand. And while you could buy one from the store for a pretty penny, you could alternatively head to your local wood supplier and see if they have any fallen branches they'd be willing to give you. Then, you can stand them up from floor to ceiling like a tension rod.
Of course, you'll need to treat these branches to ensure they don't rot or bring any nasties into your home, but the finished effect can look incredibly unique. And it's handy, too!
Make Your Own Frosted Tumblers
If you're looking for a unique gift idea, making your own frosted tumblers is a great option. This is an easy DIY project that will look incredibly expensive while also giving you the chance to personalize them for birthdays, Christmases, or bachelorette parties. You need to create a specific design that works for you, though, and you can map this out using some scotch tape attached to the tumbler itself.
Then, use this as a guide to then paint the inside. If you want the frosted effect, though, it's best to apply the paint with a sponge rather than a paintbrush.
Transform Boring Wood Furniture With Paint
Most people assume that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on DIY tasks. And while you can spend that much if you want to, the reality is that you can buy affordable additions that will transform furniture in no time. So, if you have an old wooden dresser that needs a glow-up, try and cut costs by using tester paint pots and using old hardware from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. In some cases, people might simply give them away.
By cleaning them up and giving your wood furniture a lick of paint, you can transform the whole aesthetic of the piece and make it look like you've spent hundreds even when you haven't.
Turn Old Light Bulbs Into Flower Vases
There comes a time in every lightbulb's life when it stops working, and most of us will simply throw the blown bulb into the garbage because we assume it's no longer of any use to us. However, that isn't the case. Once you take out the filaments and all of the electrical components, an old lightbulb can double up as the perfect planter or vase for your plants and flowers.
What makes them so special is the fact that they can easily become hanging planters, too. Simply wrap the neck of the bulb in string and then hang it up wherever you please.
Turn a Boring Lampshade Into a Cityscape
Let's be honest; lampshades are usually pretty boring. They're normally simple in their design and typically only offer one color for your home - and that often isn't enough to bring your design ideas to life. But if you're looking to get crafty and try something new, you could turn a boring lampshade into a cityscape with your own drawing and a pin or small knife. You can even print a picture off if you don't trust your drawing skills.
Then, wrap the drawing around the lampshade and stab through it to poke holes in the lampshade. Although it won't look like much when the light is turned off, it'll transform when you turn it on.
Frame Some Pretty Flower Letters
If you're on a mission to add something girly to your home, this is the easy DIY project for you. It's beautiful, delicate, and something that would cost you a fortune if you were to pay for it yourself. But this is the kind of thing you can make yourself, as you can use faux or even dried flowers to create this framed effect. Simply stick these flowers together into the shape of your choice.
If you stick them down onto a cardboard backing, you can then pop them in a frame to hang up on your wall. It'll be perfect for a nursery or little girl's room.
DIY Your Own Monogrammed Letters
Monogramming is the height of luxury, but anyone who has ever tried to monograph their pillowcases or towels will know that it's not cheap. Companies will charge you a fortune for this service - and even then, it's often very boring and done with black or blue piping. So, what if we told you that you could do this yourself for a fraction of the price and much cooler and quirkier?
To do this, you'll need to cut out the letter or word you want on cardboard first. Then, you can wrap this cardboard with yarn and any other decorations you want to add to the mix.
Pick up Some Pebbles for Your Shower
If you live near the river or the beach, we have a task for you. Next time you head out for a walk, take a bag with you and fill it up with pebbles - especially if you want to give your shower cubicle a little makeover. That's because you can use these pebbles to line the bottom of your shower cubicle to create a more natural feel in there.
We will warn you that this is a tedious task as you not only need to lay the pebbles in a way that closes all the gaps, but you also have to seal them to ensure they stay in place. It's worth it, though.
Bedazzle Your Beauty Accessories
Everyone loves a bit of bedazzling, right? Adding sparkle to your life is a surefire way to wake up with a smile on your face, and it's these little touches that can make you happy throughout the day. And while you could simply buy accessories that are already bedazzled, you could also do the bedazzling yourself. Not only is this an easy DIY project, but it's also a whole lot of fun.
Bedazzling is as simple as buying some glitter and sticking it on with glue. This means that you can also choose the glitter you want to use, or even mix-and-match to create something completely unique.
Install a Hanging Wooden Shelf
If you're not the kind of person who likes to follow the rules when it comes to home decor, you might not want to have shelves like everyone else. After all, sticking shelves on the wall can be pretty clunky and look pretty boring. But if you want to try something different, you could attempt to install a hanging wooden shelf instead. Not only is it daintier, but it's also more rustic and charming.
This does involve a hook in your ceiling, but if you paint it the same color as your ceiling and then opt for a lighter-colored rope, the whole thing is barely noticeable - but still noticeable enough to be quirky.
Make a Bowl Entirely From Glitter
You can never have too many storage bowls in your house. They're ideal for storing your keys and wallet as you get home from work, and you can even use them as decoration on a coffee table. But buying a lot of storage bowls can quickly add up, so you might want to consider making your own instead. You can do this with a balloon, some glue, and a whole load of glitter.
If you blow up the balloon and cover it with the glue and glitter, you can then pop the balloon and inspect the bowl that's left over. If you don't like it, you can then try it again!
Turn Salt Into Vibrant Wall Art
Art comes in so many different shapes and forms, and what's so great about art is that it's all subjective. This means that you can create whatever you want without it being torn down by others - even if you opt for the most colorful piece ever crafted. And that's exactly what you can make if you use salt, glue, and a little bit of paint into the mix on a canvas.
By using glue as your main medium, you can create a pattern from glue before adding salt and then a little bit of paint. The end result will be unique and textured.
Build a Shelf With a Ladder
As wooden ladders have been overtaken by the metal kind, many people are giving away their old wooden ladders for free. If you see anyone doing this, this is your sign to grab it while you can. There are so many ways you can use an old ladder around the house, and turning it into a shelf is one of them. It looks extremely effective, and the wood material means that you can use it indoors or out.
Although you can simply leave it as it is and place it against a wall, you could also make it more secure by adding edges to the steps to create proper shelves.
Recycle an Old Window for Your Memories
When you have so many amazing photos and memories you want on show, it can be hard to pick a couple to fit in the photo frames around your house. But who says you have to pick your favorite? By turning an old wooden window into a photo frame, you can put all of your favorite photos on the wall without having to compromise. You just need to give it a little clean-up first.
You can also choose whether you want to hang it horizontally or vertically, but one thing we do know is that the end result will be epic. Especially if you paint it, too.