DIYs to Try

We both keep inspiration folders of DIYs we’d like to try, and right now they are full to the point of bursting.  Here are a few that are at the top of our lists.

From Mera:

This faux wallpaper technique uses fabric and liquid starch.  It looks really simple and I love the way it’s done here, inside decorative trim.

I recently stumbled on a great site, Made by Joel, which has loads of kid-friendly craft ideas that you can sort by age.   Lots of them are so cute that I would categorize them as ‘kid optional,’ like this owl mobile:

I am working away on Opal’s bedroom, and thanks to my ingenious mother-in-law things are looking pretty sweet (more on this in the not too distant future).  I’m still trying to figure out some curtain solutions, and I love this idea for decorating plain fabric with scraps of lace:

From Katie:

I love the way Jenny Komenda decoupaged fabric onto this cheap Ikea chair.  The print she chose is perfect and this is such a good way to update thrift store furniture that has a good shape but an ugly finish.Jenny Komenda fabric chair

Jenny Komenda fabric covered chair

The shape of this fabric flower lampshade is really pretty, and it would be fun to experiment with both the scale and the fabric.

flower petal lampshade

Cameron’s parents recently dropped by to give us a disco ball that was – endearingly – an integral part of his high school bedroom decor.  I’ve been thinking about where it might live in our house, and I love the idea of using it as a planter.  If you aren’t lucky enough to still have your own disco ball from high school, this tutorial that shows you how to make one.

discoball planter

Thanks for checking out our DIY to-do lists!  If you don’t already, consider following us on Pinterest where we collect DIY projects that spark our interest, plus lots of beautiful spaces from all around the web.  Thanks everybody, have a great Monday!

8 responses on “DIYs to Try

  1. y2knina

    Good morning, bon dia from way down by the equator.

    I am so not a DIY person. More DI-WHY??? Total all-thumbs klutz here. But I love a lot of these, especially the wallpaper and the owl. Sadly, I do not have a high school disco ball (I was out of high school long before disco darkened the doors, thankfully) but I do kinda love that planter. Not to mention that huge brass flamingo. Not DIY, but so cool!

    1. meramatthews

      Ah, the equator, that sounds pretty great right now! That brass flamingo really is amazing, as is everything Jenny Komenda does. Cheers!

  2. Laura (PA Pict)

    Ah! I donated my disco ball when we were organising our shipping for emigrating. Now I wish it had made the cut. I have visited Made by Joel a few times in the past and it is always a source of inspiration.

    1. meramatthews

      I was really glad to discover Made by Joel. So many great ideas for simple and satisfying projects. The fact that you ever had a disco ball makes you infinitely cooler than me!

  3. Katy Gilmore

    This post inspires me – not just because of the projects (though I do love that owl – can imagine a home for that – and the lace on plain fabric – what a way to transform muslin curtains) but because it makes me want to DO. Makes me want to set aside some time and make, not just to have the object – but to have the pleasure of making. Thanks! (and it is fun to be called ingenious, but you, Mera, figured out the mechanics.)

    1. meramatthews

      Well, we both know the truth about that one! I wish for more time for making things with your clever solutions and dear company in the near future! 🙂

  4. Carol Crump Bryner

    Looking forward to Opal’s bedroom update. The lace on the curtains is such a great way to use up old lace – I think I have a bunch somewhere. What a neat idea. And the decoupage chair is so cute. Thanks for the inspirations.

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