DIY'S
Minimal.Repurposed.EcoFriendly
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Whether you find that old tin that you know would work just fabulously as a planter or an oddly large roll of natural fibers that you know would look lovely on a recycled glass jar, DIY's can come in just about any form.
Thrift shops, especially reusable art part shops are so perfect for finding all you need for easy DIY's. Though, if you're anything like me, you'll likely have what you need right under your nose!
Here are some of my favorite DIY tutorials
FOR THE LITTLES
Get your children to use their creativity, we all know they are full of it!
What child doesn't love to squish, smash, and play with playdough!
It's fun, it's colorful and it's totally easy to make.
Playdough Recipe
1 C Flour {use gluten free if your child has allergies}
1/2 C Salt
2 tsp Cream of tartar
1 TBSP Oil {such as sunflower or vegetable}
1 C Water
*optional
10 drops of non-toxic food coloring
20 drops Ok For Kids essential oils
Method
Begin by mixing the dry ingredients together in a medium sauce pan. Place on the stovetop and set on low-medium. Add the oil and water and mix thoroughly. You will continue to mix the dough as it warms up. As soon as it begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, remove from the heat. At this point you can remove the dough from the pan onto a mat or cutting board and begin to knead it with your hands {if your mixture is too hot, allow it to cool for a few minutes}. It will quickly feel more like playdough the more you knead it. If you would like, you can now add non-toxic food coloring and kid safe essential oils. If your littles are anything like mine, you'll also need glitter and maybe some confetti too to stick in there. All that really matters is that you have fun! Let your child's creativity go and enjoy.
*Please be cautious, the dough will be warm and could even be hot when you first remove it from the pan.
WOODEN DOLLS
Itty bitty yet full of personality!
Grab a bag of wooden bits from your local craft store and get that bag of scrap fabric out, it's time to craft some lovely little dolls. My daughters especially love making these!!
TILE COASTERS
Personalize them, make them fun! Who doesn't need coasters especially when they are not just functional but stylish and eco friendly!
Check your local reuse store for tiles, our reuse shop usually has them for 10 cents a piece. It just doesn't get better than that!
Tile + Mod Podge + Scrapbook Paper
*Raw, unglazed tiles work best
PHOTO GRID
Remember the days when we printed out our photos? You know you have 1000's of photos so find 30 of your current favorite photos and do yourself a favor and print them off!!
For our photo grid I chose to do 4x4" square photos. Using wall putty on the backs of each photo, place 5 rows of 6 photos assembling them into a grid like design!
MACRAME PLANT HANGER
We live in an 800 square foot apartment with little to no space to spare. However I love plants! The easiest way to get those plants up off the floor is by hanging them. What better way than with a macramé designed plant hanger.
DRIED FLORAL BOUQUET
Bouquet's of flowers are gorgeous but let's face it, they never last long enough. When you're finished with your lovely bouquet, remove any withered flowers, tie a string around the stems and hang upside down to dry. After about 1 week, place them back into a jar with no water and look on with amazement that you've just preserved your beautiful bouquet and now have some home décor worth displaying!
COCONUT BOWL PLANTERS
We love our coconut bowls! They are super durable, stylish and functional however we have owned some of them for a many number of years. Sometimes they crack or get chipped. No need to throw them out! While these coconut bowls could be used for little containers or catch all bowls for your counters, they are absolutely perfect for herb planters.
FOR THE HOME
Homemade
Homemaker
Build a home you are not only proud of but one that makes your home full of comfort and centered on the essence of homemaking.
As much as possible, I create within my own home a space for our whole family to feel welcome and comforted. Not by the things we make but through the memories created and time spent together making pieces for our home.
When you create with intention and purpose all your DIY's will be not only bring a sense of joy but functionality as well.
HERB DRYING RACK
Don't throw that old frame away! Instead, head to your local hardware store or garden shop and pick up some thin screen. It's as simple as cutting, stretching the screen, and stapling into the frame. That's it!
I have used this drying rack to dry herbs and veggies of many kinds including mint, sage, lavender, chili peppers and more!
COFFEE BAR
A simple bar, a few hooks, and your favorite mugs you've gathered over the years. ANY coffee maker or tea pot. Give yourself a space whether it be on your counter or a side table, allow yourself time to slow down and enjoy life! Sip that cup-a-joe nice and slow. Or steep your tea and watch the leaves seep radiant colors and flavors.
Ever since I created this little oasis in my home, I have saved countless dollars, and numerous cups from the trash as well as plastic lids from recycling {or the sea ...yikes}. You can too!
COCONUT BOWL PLANTERS
I love my coconut bowls, it makes me slightly sad when they break but then I quickly remember all the DIY's I can do with them!
Though over the years some may break, coconut bowls are super durable, stylish and functional. No need to throw them out! While these coconut bowls could be used for little containers or catch all bowls for your counters, they are absolutely perfect for herb planters.
Grab your label maker and label each bowl for an added flair! Herbs work best such as basil and peppermint.
ALL NATURAL PLANT DYE
Colors made from Earth
AVOCADO PEEL DYE
Pink
Could you ever imagine these dark green, earthy skin scraps could make such a gorgeous color of plant dye? Next time you have that craving for guacamole or avocado toast, do not throw those skins away. Instead give them a good rinse and boil them gently in a pot of water for about 30 minutes to an hour.
*Pre soak your garments or fabrics you are dyeing in soy milk for the color to take best and for the dye to be absorbed evenly.
BEET ROOT DYE
Deep Pink to Red
Beets, that lovely root great for making hummus, sauces for pasta, smoothies and more!! Did you also know that it's great for making dye? Whether you decide to use the scraps or more of the beet, gently boil the beets for about 30 minutes.
*Pre soak your garments or fabrics you are dyeing in soy milk for the color to take best and for the dye to be absorbed evenly.
PURPLE CABBAGE DYE
Purple
As you already probably knew, purple cabbage makes purple dye! its so easy and so vibrant. Simply use about 3 or 5 of the outer leaves {depending on how large they are}. Gently boil the leaves for about 20 minutes.
*Pre soak your garments or fabrics you are dyeing in soy milk for the color to take best and for the dye to be absorbed evenly.
PURPLE CABBAGE DYE + BAKING SODA
Teal
Just as you would make a basic purple dye, follow the directions but then add 1 TBSP baking soda and watch the magic happen as your once purple dye will transform into teal! Add a little more baking soda for a lighter color!
*Pre soak your garments or fabrics you are dyeing in soy milk for the color to take best and for the dye to be absorbed evenly.