All About DIY and Crafts

I consider myself an expert when it comes to DIY and Crafts projects. From making gifts and crafts to furniture refinishing and home renovations, I love the challenge of creating something new.

In this guide All About DIY and Crafts, I want to share my passion for constructing, transforming, and creating with you. I’ll answer all sorts of questions and share links to some fantastic projects you can try. I hope you learn something new and gain inspiration to make your own creations!

Did you make something amazing? I’d love to hear about it! Contact me here or connect with me on social media to share your latest designs.

What does DIY mean?

In case you aren’t familiar with DIY, let’s start with the basics. DIY stands for “do it yourself.” This phrase can describe just about any type of project. Basically, DIY means instead of buying something already made or hiring a professional to do a particular task, you are creating that product or completing that task yourself. It may include researching to gain knowledge or learn a new skill. DIY can describe anything from simple crafts to complicated home improvement projects.

At WM Design House, I am always sharing new DIY and craft projects. Subscribe to my blog to receive all the latest ideas in your inbox!

DIY Gifts

Handmade gifts are the best kinds of gifts to give and receive. Not only are they one-of-a-kind and personal, but they also make the recipient feel special because you took the time and effort to craft something just for them.

Why give DIY gifts?

There is something special about making a gift versus buying one off the shelf at a store. It is so much more unique and

personal. Friends and loved ones will appreciate your thoughtful attention to crafting the perfect gift for them. Plus, you get to do what you love while making someone else feel great. Further, DIY gifts are often much more eco-friendly.

What kinds of handmade gifts can be made at home?

There are so many things you can make at home that make great DIY gifts for any occasion. Check out a few of the most popular ones from my blog:

Sea Salt Soap – Learn how to make homemade lavender sea salt soap! This DIY project is super simple and smells so good.

Chunky Knit Blanket – Learn how to make a chunky knit blanket, a handmade gift basket full of goodies, and much more.

Crafts

Crafting can be fun for the entire family all year long. It’s the perfect way to exercise creativity, have fun, and make unique projects. DIY and crafts can also reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance mental agility and motor skills.

Even the most novice crafter can create beautiful art pieces with just a few materials. So, whether you love to make crafts to decorate your home for any holiday or season or enjoy turning old items into something new, there are lots of options for DIY and Crafts projects you can make.

Christmas DIY and Crafts

One of my favorite times of year to get crafty is Christmas time. It is such a joyful time that can be made even more magical with a bit of creativity. Some of the most popular Christmas crafts include décor items to beautify your home and handmade gifts to share with your friends, family, and neighbors.

What are some good DIY Christmas decorations?

Instead of using store-bought decorations, why not try making them yourself? There are many DIY Christmas decoration ideas you can use to transform your home into a festive winter wonderland.

For example, make a Merry Christmas banner or elegant Christmas ornaments to decorate your tree, or craft an adorable white Christmas tree out of marshmallows.

If you want to do something fun for the kids, learn how to make a gorgeous Countdown Advent Calendar to get them excited for the big day.

What handmade gifts can I make for Christmas?

Handmade gifts are always a hit! Consider the recipient’s likes and interests to personalize their gift. For example, learn how to make a simple, incredible-smelling sea salt soap for a pampering gift. Or make a beautiful chunky knit blanket for a cozy gift to snuggle up with.

When wrapping, take any gift to the next level with handmade touches. These DIY wax sachets smell amazing and are perfect for adding a touch of festive decoration to your gift wrapping. Or attach a dried orange slice ornament for a bright and festive element.

Valentine’s Day DIY and Crafts

Help spread the love for Valentine’s Day by making beautiful crafts to decorate your home. You can create unique pieces for your front door or dining table with just a few supplies.

What crafts can I make for Valentine’s Day?

I love crafts that are simple and beautiful to decorate my home. It’s important to me that my Valentine’s Day crafts fit with my regular décor and bring lots of charm. Common themes for Valentine’s Day crafts include hearts, cupids, and flowers in all shapes, sizes, and materials.

Some of my favorite crafts for the holiday of love include:

• Pink Heart Pinecone Wreath
• DIY Valentine’s Wreath using tea-dyed fabric
• Valentine’s Day Tree
• DIY Valentine’s Day Garland

Easter DIY and Crafts

Easter crafts are fun for both kids and adults! Whether you like to make your own decorations for the holiday or prefer getting creative with Easter egg decorating, crafting is a wonderful way to celebrate.

What decorations can I make for Easter?

There is no limit to creative decoration for Easter. Common themes include Easter eggs, chicks, bunnies, carrots, and spring flowers. Decorate your home with adorable ornaments, fresh and faux floral arrangements, baskets, beautiful tablescapes, and spring mantel displays.

Check out 37 of the Best Easter Decoration Ideas to Make this Spring for more inspiration!

What are some Easter egg decorating ideas for adults?

Don’t let the kids have all the fun! Easter egg decorating is a wonderful Easter craft for adults, too. Instead of using a store-bought kit, learn how to make natural dye using vegetables and spices. It is a fun way to create different colors using raw materials from the kitchen.

Or, check out these four easy ways to decorate eggs. In this DIY, I’ll show you how to make gorgeous faux Easter eggs you can enjoy year after year.

1. Dried flower eggs
2. Feathered eggs
3. Gold foiled eggs
4. Hand stamped eggs

Patriotic DIY and Crafts

During the summer, I am often inspired to make patriotic crafts to celebrate Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. You can show your pride for the USA by making red, white, and blue decorations for a special gathering or crafting unique pieces of art featuring stars and stripes to adorn your home.

What are some easy Fourth of July decorations?

If you want to decorate without spending a lot of time and effort, check out these easy DIY Fourth of July Decorations for inspiration. Some ideas include making a simple wreath with burlap and gingham fabric strips, setting a patriotic picnic table for your celebration, and making an easy DIY patriotic pillow.

Fall DIY and Crafts

If you love all things fall like I do, you will love making fall crafts to beautify your space. Inspiration can come from pumpkins, leaves, and all sorts of other things found in nature this time of the year. Or, get inspired by the cozy and warm vibes of the season.

How do you decorate for fall on a budget?

Making fall crafts is a great way to decorate on a budget. Many projects require only a few supplies, many of which you may already have on hand. You can also find many materials right outside in nature. Take a walk in your neighborhood to collect pretty fall leaves and acorns, or visit a pumpkin patch to use locally grown pumpkins in your décor. Another great tip is to check out local craft or dollar stores. You can find many inexpensive items that can be transformed into amazing fall decorations.

What can you make out of fall leaves?

Fall leaves in red, orange, yellow, and brown are a great way to add the season’s beautiful colors to your crafts. For example, turn leaves into suncatchers by pressing them between wax paper and sealing them with a warm iron. They look gorgeous hanging in a window or strung together to make an autumn leaf bunting. Or, create a pretty fall lantern by using Mod Podge to attach leaves to the outside of a glass jar. Then, add a candle and enjoy the warm glow.

Leaves aren’t the only thing you can find in nature to decorate with for fall. Check out my post about decorating with acorns for more ideas!

What are some fall crafts for adults?

If you’re ready to get creative, check out the tutorials on my blog to learn how to make these easy fall crafts:

• Fall Throw Pillow
• Terra Cotta Pumpkin
• Fabric Pumpkins
• Thanksgiving Cornucopia
• Pumpkin Placemats
• Twine Pumpkins

Halloween DIY and Crafts

Halloween crafts are the perfect way to add a little spooky fun to your fall decor. Whether you prefer creepy, cute, or classy, many craft ideas that will look great mixed in with the rest of your décor for the season. Use traditional Halloween colors in black and orange and classic spooky themes like jack-o-lanterns, spiderwebs, and tombstones to set a scary or whimsical tone.

What Halloween decorations can I make at home?

Here are some of my favorite DIY Halloween craft ideas. These are easy to make at home with everyday materials and a little creativity!

• Candy corn-filled vase
• Black ribbon wreath
• Lace wrapped candles
• Fall flower arrangement
• Cheesecloth ghosts
• Painted pumpkins
• Pumpkin Topiary

Wreaths

Wreaths are a delightful way to decorate your front door, welcome guests to your home, and accessorize for the season. While there are many wreaths available for purchase, you can also make your own wreath. It’s fun to get crafty and creative, and you will have a one-of-a-kind decoration unlike any of your neighbors.

How do you make a craft wreath?

You can make many types of wreaths with different techniques. Typically, you need to start with a base or frame, then attach your chosen materials and adornments to it by tying or gluing.

Learn how to make different types of wreaths with these detailed tutorials from my blog:

• Fresh Lemon Wreath
• Easy Easter DIY Carrot Wreath
• Tea-dyed Valentine Wreath
• Pink Heart Pinecone Wreath

You can use these techniques to make wreaths in any shape or size for any occasion!

Is it cheaper to buy or make a wreath?

It is typically cheaper to make a wreath than to buy one ready-made. You may see a wreath in the store you like and then try to figure out how to recreate it on your own. When gathering materials, use what you have on hand, check discount stores, and use coupons to save even more money.

Upcycled DIY and Crafts

With a little bit of creativity, you can upcycle almost anything. It can be magical to take something from trash to treasure, from old doors, windows, and furniture to garden tools and farm equipment to worn fabric and kitchen tools.

What are upcycled crafts?

Upcycled crafting transforms used objects, materials, or waste into art pieces. Also called recycled art, upcycling turns unwanted items into something beautiful and gives them a new purpose. This extends their life and keeps more waste out of landfills, making it an eco-friendly and fun hobby quickly gaining popularity.

What are some good upcycling craft ideas?

My garden is one of my favorite spaces, so many of my favorite upcycled craft ideas are garden themed. I love to take old tools or discarded materials and turn them into something beautiful and purposeful. You’ll find all sorts of upcycled crafts around my garden and She Shed. See some examples from my blog here:

• How to Make a DIY Moss Frame Art Gallery
• Repurposed Garden Baskets Make Beautiful Outdoor Hanging Lights
• How to Repurpose Old Tools into Succulent Planters
• How to make a Small Outdoor Fountain from a Tractor Disc
• How to Create a Garden Clock out of Vintage Garden Tools
• Trash to Treasure: Old Picket Fence Given New Life
• Box Spring Upcycle: Giving Old Mattress Springs New Life

The next time you clean out the garage, basement, or shed, consider how you can repurpose each unused item into something new!

Floral Arranging

Making floral arrangements is one of my favorite things to do. I love how fresh flowers brighten up any room and enjoy making different arrangements to coordinate with my décor. Here, I share some tips, tricks, and ideas for creating impressive displays with flowers.

How do you arrange flowers for beginners?

If you are a beginner and want to know more about arranging flowers, this post is a must-read. It covers all the basics of flower arranging and how to make a simple arrangement in minutes. You’ll learn about what to look for when purchasing flowers, how to clean them and choose a container, and tips for arranging and creating a beautiful design.

What is needed to make a floral arrangement?

Different types of floral arrangements may require other materials, but there are a few basic things you will want to have on hand. First, you will need your flowers of choice and a vase or container to hold them. You will also need shears to trim the stems and fresh water.

How to make floral arrangements on a budget?

Making your own floral arrangements is typically much less expensive than pre-made ones. To save even more, you can grow your own flowers in your yard. For example, plant a cutting garden in the spring to provide fresh flowers all summer. You can also take advantage of spring flowering bulbs to use in arrangements. Another trick is to use greenery from your yard to make vases look more robust.

Check out these 12 flower vase ideas for inspiration to create beautiful flower arrangements on a budget.

Furniture Refinishing

Do you have a piece of furniture that could use a makeover? With a little bit of TLC, you can turn an old dresser, cabinet, or table into something beautiful for your home. Furniture refinishing can be an in-depth DIY project, but if you put in the time and effort, you will get a stunning result.

What do I need to know before refinishing furniture?

Before refinishing a piece of furniture, it’s crucial first to clean it well. Once it’s clean, you can examine it, assess any damage, and make a plan. For example, it’s helpful to know the age of the piece and what it is made of to determine the best method for refinishing.

Should I disassemble the furniture before refinishing it?

If you can, take your furniture apart before refinishing, including removing all hardware. This step does require a bit of extra time and space to spread out the pieces, but it allows you better access to all the surfaces, cracks, and corners and results in a better finish.

What is the easiest way to strip furniture?

There are several methods you can use to strip furniture. One of the easiest and best ways I have found is to use oven cleaner. See my step-by-step tutorial here: How to Strip Furniture with Over Cleaner.

Home Renovations

The ultimate DIY is taking on a home renovation project. Whether big or small, do-it-yourself home renovations often require a lot of planning, research, and time to pull off. But in the end, you can save yourself a lot of money by doing the labor yourself. When you finish, you also feel great pride in your work and can sit back and enjoy your new space.

What are the easiest home renovations?

If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with some easy home renovation projects and work up to more advanced things. Luckily, there are some easy things you can do that make a significant impact on your home. For example, refresh your rooms with a new coat of paint, or add crown molding to make a room feel more finished and elegant. Updating window treatments and lighting fixtures are other easy ways to update your home.

How do you renovate a house one room at a time?

Many homeowners choose to renovate their homes one room at a time. This method is helpful because it does not disrupt your entire living space all at once and allows you to focus on one thing at a time, making it much less stressful. First, pick the room you want to work in, then make a plan. Your plan should be detailed and include everything from setting a budget and creating a mood board to creating a schedule and selecting all the materials and components.

Do you love a good before and after? I have a good one for you. We took on the One Room Challenge and renovated our Coffee and Wine Bar all in eight weeks. See the project from start to finish HERE.

Cleaning and Organization

Sometimes, DIY includes finding new methods to clean and organize your home. It’s incredible how a little cleaning and organizing can transform a space and make it feel fresh and new again.

How do I start cleaning and organizing?

Like any new project, start small, and take it a little at a time. For example, choose one room space in a room, such as a closet, pantry, or cabinet. Then, set a goal for that space, and create a plan for achieving it. This plan should include deciding how to use the area and selecting the necessary tools, such as new shelving, hooks, bins, and drawers. Next, remove everything, sort and declutter, and clean anything that is dirty. When arranging items in the new space, do so in a way that makes sense for how and how often you use them.

Check out Bathroom Cabinets; Organizing Ideas for the best storage for tips and examples about maximizing your space under the bathroom sink.