DIY doesn’t have to be as hard as everyone makes out. Creating wonderful artwork or repurposing old products into something new and useful is something anyone can do with the right inspiration and enough determination to see the project through.
Below I have curated 25 fun, doable and exciting projects that you can get your hands messy with.
1. River Stone Door Mat
Buy yourself a plain door mat with no decoration. Make sure it has holes to let water drain through. Gather a bunch of river stones (wash them before use) and use silicone to attach them to the door mat. Let that dry and you’ll now have a surprisingly good-feeling door mat underneath your feet.
2. Unique Plant Hangers
Simply drill a hole in an old table spoon, bend the spoon to give it the desired curve and nail the spoon to a wall. Using a thick, long spoon will yield better results. If you are unable to bend the spoon, soften it by using a propane torch on it.
3. Add a Bit of Luxury to Your Plain Mugs
You will require a plain white mug, masking tape, a can of matte-finish, fast-drying gold spray paint, and clear sealer.
Apply the masking tape in your desired pattern. Use the gold spray paint, keeping it 13–18 inches away from the mug. Wait five minutes then apply the clear sealer. Leave it another five minutes and then remove the masking tape. Note, your new mug will not be dishwasher friendly!
4. Shoebox Cable Management
With so many electronic accessories about in any one household, keeping all those chargers can be a mess. Repurpose a shoebox by cutting holes in the side and fitting metal eyelets around the holes. And there you go: instant cable management.
5. Paper Plate Gift Basket
This simple and easily made paper plate basket is perfect for family occasions such as weddings. All you will need is a pair of scissors, a paper plate, a decorative ribbon and scotch tape. Follow the instructions below and wow your friends.
6. Crayon Initials
Simply map out the desired letters on a piece of paper. Break crayons to suit the size of the letter before applying glue to the paper. If your crayons don’t break evenly, use some sandpaper to get the desired length. Lay the crayons on the glue to set, and finish with a decorative frame.
7. Decorative Lace Lampshade
An old trick, but it still works wonders. Blow up a balloon, apply some wallpaper glue to some lace and stick it around the balloon. Once that is done, leave it to dry. Pop the balloon when it’s dry for an elegant-looking lampshade.
8. Creative Tin Storage
Why waste those tins by throwing them away? Repurpose them into a decorative holder for cutlery. What you will need: six tins, paint, paint brush, hammer, nails, small wooden slab and a leather handle.
9. Tin Can Grill
Another fantastic way to repurpose tin cans. Cut down lengthways several times around the side of the tin can. Cover with tin foil, add coals and a grill rack and you’re ready for a BBQ.
10. A Mason Jar Organizer
Declutter your bathroom with these fantastic Mason jars. If you can handle a drill, this shouldn’t be too hard a task. For full details and a step-by-step guide, visit here.
11. Hanging Book Shelf
Drill three holes in a slab of wood, thread some rope through and tie a knot at each end. Hang the suspended slab of wood via a hook screwed into a ceiling beam and you’ve got yourself a beautiful alternative to a table.
12. DIY Dyed Shoes
I can’t emphasise enough the importance of the Vaseline with this DIY project. The Vaseline will keep the dye off the rim of your shoes, so it only dyes the fabric. Apply the dye and smudge away.
13. Self-Watering Flower Pot Arrangement
This flower pot arrangement won’t need much maintenance as there is minimal effort on your part when it comes to watering. Simply fill the bowl at the top with water and let gravity do its work as the water runs down through each pot.
14. Bottle Cap Magnets
Collect your favourite bottle caps and repurpose them into fun fridge magnets. Simply apply hot glue to a magnet then stick that onto the inside of a bottle cap.
15. Creative DIY Lantern
Make use of all those beer and soda cans you throw away by creating a homemade lantern. Use masking tape at the top and bottom for guidance on where to cut. Slice down the can leaving three centimeters between each slice. Squish down slightly and insert a candle. For extra decoration, spray paint the lantern.
16. Simple Paper Mirror Frame
All you’ll need is paper, glue and scissors. Shape the paper in such a way that it will create the pattern. Add glue and you’re all set.
17. Picture to Wood Transfer
Simply follow the instructions below to transfer one of your favourite pictures onto a block of wood for a stunning result.
18. Cable City Skyline
Wires in a home can easily get in the way and just look plain unattractive. But why not use the wires to your advantage and be creative with them? Use wire clips along the wall and construct a design you’d be happy to view every day. Below is an example of what can be done.
19. Go Tape Crazy
Give your walls a more interesting look. Apply tape in any design you fancy, paint over and then peel off. Could be a great idea for a kid’s bedroom.
20. Wired Picture Frame
No need to throw away old picture frames. Repurpose them by taking off the back, adding wire or string across the entire frame and pegging your favourite pictures.
21. Create Your Own Home Mat
Cover areas of the mat you don’t want to paint with card, and paint the rest. Simple yet effective DIY project.
22. Planter Made From Recycled Products
Use old shallow tins (wash before use), and attach plain wooden pegs around the tin. Pop in a plant and you’re done. A perfect little DIY project!
23. Origami Gift Box
A simple yet fantastic and unique way to give gifts. This origami gift box even has room for a little message to be slipped inside.
24. Geometric Photo Display
A truly unique way to display pictures. Sketch out a design on paper before you start applying pins to the wall. Tie string around each pin to create your design and then use pegs or paper clips to hang the pictures.
25. Rustic Step Ladder Shelf
Repurpose an old and worn wooden step ladder into a fully functional shelf. Sand down the whole ladder to avoid any sharp edges or splinters. Add flat wooden blocks across the steps to create a larger shelving surface.
By now, you should have enough inspiration to re-create one of these projects or use them as a guide to create something totally unique.
But if you are still in search of that little spark to help kick start you into ‘DIY project mode,’ why not bookmark these fantastic interior design blogs, or follow these wonderful people on Instagram.
Featured photo credit: Tools Perspective Hero Image / VIKTOR HANACEK via picjumbo.com
