DIY Projects That Won’t Take Over Your Weekend
Get your space revamped in as little as an hour with these quick and creative decor projects. Each one takes 60 minutes or less of actual time (with a few having extra drying time). From customizable trays to creative art ideas, these DIYs help you shine up your home with almost-instant satisfaction.
1. Faux Marble Tray
Create the marble luxury look using a plain cutting board and marble-printed contact paper. Cut the paper to fit your surface, then peel and smooth the paper onto the board carefully. For leather straps, pre-drill holes in all four corners, measure the strap length, punch corresponding holes in the leather, and screw home.
2. Easy Table Runner
Make a waterproof runner within 30 minutes using oilcloth or waxed material. Select a good design and add fringe or trim for that personal touch. You don’t require more than simple sewing knowledge.
3. Painted Vase Makeover
Personalize a plain white vase with rubber cement and paint. Dab vase with rubber cement, let dry, and sponge on with ceramic paint. Rub off cement when dry to reveal the design. Bake as directed by paint to set finish.
4. Magnetic Poster Hanger
Skip custom frames and display posters on wood and magnets. Drill two holes in two pine boards, insert disc magnets, and create a magnetic clamp. Snap your art in place—and change it whenever.
5. Marble-Effect Candlesticks
Dip candles into a whirring water bath with Magic Marble paint or nail polish. Gently submerge, wipe off the surface of the water between dips, and dry for a chic marbled effect.
6. Ribbon-Trim Bedding
Introduce contrast to your linens with ribbon. Attach it by sewing or use iron-on tape for a no-sew solution. Place on pillowcases, sheets, or shams for a speedy bespoke update.
7. Abstract Canvas Art
Swash watercolors onto canvas with a brush, hands, or squeeze bottle. Finish and frame your completed artwork with cheap lattice strips for a minimal, artsy presentation.
8. Decoupage Vintage Tray
Transform a flat glass tray into a work of art with old advertisements. Trim the paper to size, decoupage with medium, and smooth bubbles outwards. The result is a quaint, retro-looking tray.
9. Children’s Toothbrush Holder
Drill 3/4-inch holes in a wooden animal figure, spray-paint it glossy white, and voilà—a cute toothbrush holder. Thrift stores and the internet have these types of figurines.
10. Spoon Rack Organizer
Use a spoon rack and twine and little clothespins as a display. Wrap twine across the arms and attach reminders or pictures to it. Paint first if you want to.
11. Wallpapered Tabletop
Redesign a tabletop using wallpaper and decoupage. Paste the paper and smooth out wrinkles, then coat it with additional decoupage or spray-on clear acrylic to seal it.
12. Painted Platter Wall Art
Cover the smooth surface of glass serving platters with two or three thin coats of acrylic paint. Once dry, match and mix to create a shape-and-color-packed wall display.
13. Lace Doily Bowls
Make doily bowls out of vintage doilies submerged in glue-and-water mixture. Create over an inverted glass bowl and let dry before carefully removing.
14. Wallpapered Hutch Backing
Lighten up a cabinet by wallpapering the rear of it with peel-and-stick paper. Cut to size, apply smoothly, and enjoy a smooth new look—glue-free.
15. Fabric Wall Canvases
Cover canvases in a vibrant fabric for simple and affordable wall decoration. Use different parts of the same patterned fabric for mix and visual surprise.
16. Decorated Jars with Knobs
Empty out old jars and reuse as bathroom storage. Drill a hole in the lid, paint it, put a knob on it, and finish with pretty paper wrap if desired.
17. Painted Candlesticks
Spray paint thrift or antique candlesticks in two coordinating colors. Let dry and group for an instant centerpiece or shelf accent.
18. Painted Glass Bottles
Make imitation milk glass bottles with thinned-out acrylic paint in clear glass jars. Swirl, drain, and do it again to create coverage. These are purely decorative—don’t use as food containers.
19. Ribbon Lampshade
Wrap ribbon over a plain lampshade for a stunning new look. Pin and glue it down. Bonus: Paint the base of the lamp for extra style—metallics work best on slick surfaces.
20. Dictionary Page Art
Blast pages out of the dictionary with words on a theme and mat them for clever wall decor. Choose words appropriate for your space’s mood (e.g., « dream, » « bloom, » or « create »).
21. Hand-Painted Vases
Give vases an artistic touch by freehand painting with thinner and glass paint. Test different mix for differing effects, then dry.
Abstract shapes or line work may be attempted.
22. Cork Trivet Memo Board
Paint cork trivets, and then attach them together with tapes in memo board form. Mount with repositionable adhesive hook-and-loop strips.
23. Twine-Wrapped Accents
Wrap picture or letter frames with colorful baker’s twine for homegrown charm. Mix twine thickness and colors for texture and visual appeal.
24. Washi Tape Frames
Transform plain frames into frames of flair in minutes with decorative tape. Use a unifying color scheme, or be dramatic with mixed-up patterns.
25. Veggie Print Art
Stamp abstract flowers with the ends of bok choy or celery. Dry out the ends that were cut, paint with craft paint, and press onto the canvas. Overlap lighter and darker shades for depth.
