5 Hot DIY Projects

Here are 5 DIY projects to try your hand at, which include three headboard designs, flower planter recycle ideas and an easy way to revamp that old worn lampshade. Each project requires varying degrees of skill. Have fun!

The Upholstered Headboard

Simply cut a piece of board (mdf supawood will do) to the desired size (to cover the width of the bed, the height is up to you); pad the board with foam, and cover it with the fabric of your choice. Pull the fabric nice and tight and staple it onto the back of the board using a staple gun. Fix the board to the wall and there you have it, a good-looking headboard at the fraction of the cost of buying one! Design tips: You can either opt for a 1-piece oblong headboard, or you can vary the design by making two of three rows of equal-sized panels (like a checkerboard), achieving a more interesting and geometric touch. Choose fabrics that complement the colors of the room.

The Wall-hanging Headboard

This will add a splash of color to even the dowdiest bedroom. Simply use fabric with an interesting design and a color combination that matches your decor. Select the size of your hanging to match the size of the bed. An interesting combination could be to hang two similar designs side by side. Use a wooden curtain rod to fix to the top of the fabric by either gluing or stapling the fabric to the rod. A nice finishing touch would be to add turned end pieces to the rod.

The Framed Artwork Headboard

Framed artwork will undoubtedly add style and panache to any bedroom. You can either frame a single wall-art piece, or go for two equal-sized panels to be hung side by side above the bed. Use a thick, contemporary frame and paint it in colors that match the décor of the room, or reflect the color combinations of the artwork itself. Use either works that you have painted yourself, or buy inexpensive prints from your local poster shop. I have found that bold designs in basic color combinations that match the décor work best.

Recycled Planters

If you are interested in adding a unique and special touch to your garden, here are some fun ideas for re-cycled containers for your plants. Almost any container can be resurrected and given new life in the garden or patio as a plant container. One of my personal favorites is using an old wheelbarrow that has outlived its service, by simply repainting it and planting it with a colorful spray of flowers. Another great idea is to use old wicker baskets. These can be hung, or placed around the patio. Other household items that can be re-used in this way are old milk cans, jugs or even boots!

Recycling Old Lampshades

How many times have you looked at that worn old lampshade and thought that you should really do something about revamping it? Well, nows the time and here’s how: Simply cut the old shade cover away, leaving just the bare wire frame. Use a remnant of fabric or an old discarded curtain or tablecloth. Make a new cover for the shade by cutting your fabric to size. Do this by measuring the circumference of the top and bottom of the wire frame, and the height of the shade from top to bottom. Make a paper template using the measurements (your pattern should have a conical shape), and cut your fabric according to the pattern. Remember to leave enough fabric for the hems on the top, bottom and the sides. Sew the shade cover and thread elastic into the top and bottom hems. Simply pull the new cover over the existing wire frame until it fits snugly. And there you have it, a brand new lampshade!