It can be difficult to pull the trigger on a large scale wall art purchase. When you calculate the cost of the piece, transport, and hanging, the whole process can be pretty expensive -not to mention it’s a huge commitment. So in the mean time, there your wall stands, lonely, empty, bare… while you wait (and save up for) that perfect piece.

There are plenty of bicycle baskets on the market that are both affordable and attractive, but if you’re a “ride or DIY” type —this project is for you. It’s easy, super affordable, and the best part: your look will be one of a kind! I usually retreat to flea markets or thrift shops when shopping for baskets because they are really easy to find, but for this project I wanted to be able to provide my source just in case you wanted the same basket.

If you’ve ever thought, “what was I thinking when I picked out that color?” while staring at your kitchen mixer, this DIY might just be for you. For around $10 you can repaint to freshen up or completely change the look of your mixer —a pretty sweet alternative to shelling out a few hundred bucks for a new machine!

Paper mâché is an art form usually reserved for kids and camp goers, but why should they have all the fun? Whether you’re prepping for a fiesta and need to make a piñata, or you’re just looking for a fun creative outlet, paper mâché is a great way to get your hands dirty creating cool art.

A cyanotype is a photographic process that produces a cyan blue print. The print can easily be made on a large variety of materials, so I wanted to see what would happen when experimenting with fabric. It worked! The process wasn’t that much different than if you were to use paper, so if you’ve ever tried that method, you’re a step ahead of the game. The best way to come by the chemicals needed for the process is to purchase a kit from Photographers’ Formulary.

Handmade soap is an easy and effective way to add a personalized touch to your bathroom. Whether you’ve got sensitive skin and want to know exactly what ingredients are going into your soaps, or you want to give your guests that ’boutique hotel’ experience while they’re staying with you, it’s fast, fun and totally worth the investment. You can purchase soap making kits that come with everything you need, or gather your supplies individually.

Last time we tested paint on vinyl, this time we’re testing it on softer upholstery fabrics. We’ve all seen chair makeovers on Pinterest and they look great —but just how comfortable are they? And how well does the paint hold up? Well, we’ve been wondering too, so we rounded up a couple pieces of furniture and put them to the test!

Dying textiles is a great way to give new life to an old blanket or pair of jeans. If you’re working on a small item, a plastic bucket is ideal, but if you’ve got something sizable like a quilt, a large enough container to properly cover and agitate the item in can be difficult to come by. You already knew you could use a top loading washing machine, but did you know you can also use your front loader? Well, you can!

Homemade candles are fun to make and are great gifts that can be personalized by picking out specific containers and scents. Don’t want to fuss with a double boiler and a bunch of candle-making equipment? Don’t have to! Make thoughtful, personalized, homemade candles using just a microwave. I made my candles two ways: with color, and scented (both ways are illustrated below).

No matter how much effort is put into a well decorated room, an old yellowed light switch can totally distract from the overall design. At less than $2 a pop, you have no excuse not to replace them! It’s an easy, low budget fix that can add major appeal to a room. Screwdriver Needle nose pliers New light switch Okay, so before you do anything, get to your circuit breaker or fuse panel and shut off all electric in the room where you are working.

For the times that you just can’t find that perfect drawer pull (or the times that you can, but don’t feel like dishing out the $$), knowing how to make your own is a great skill to have. So round up the troops, (seriously, how cool would army people drawer pulls be!?), gather your supplies and get to work! Plastic toys from the dollar store or thrift shop are great pieces to start with.

Bring a slice of coveted MCM home decor right to your desktop with these miniature bullet planters. Made from upcycled plastic Easter eggs and a few pieces of wire, this simple DIY will make your cute cubicle the envy of the office. 20 gauge jewelry wire Plastic easter eggs Tape Scissors or wire cutters Needle nose pliers Nylon jaw pliers (optional) 1. Cut three 6″ pieces of wire. Straighten as much as you can with needle nose and nylon pliers. 2.

I am such a sucker for vintage scarves. I cannot resist them. They are little pieces of wearable art that can also look great around your home. For just a few bucks you can transform your throw pillows by adding unexpected pops of color and texture — and there is absolutely no sewing involved at all so you won’t have to ruin your lovely scarf! Vintage scarves Throw pillows Rubber bands or ribbon 1. Gather a few small throw pillows from around your home.

With an average savings of over $15/window during heating season, insulating your windows with plastic film makes whole lot of sense—especially if you live in an old, drafty house. And if you have any windows that don’t open, keep those insulated year-round for extra savings on cooling costs during the summer months. Here’s how. Window insulation kit Extra window tape (optional) Ladder Scissors Measuring tape Hairdryer An extra set of hands (optional) 1.

Painted accent pieces can add charming touches for your home but can be less than charming if painted incorrectly. The process might not seem difficult at all- apply paint, dry, repeat- but if you want a clean, professional finish, there are a few more considerations and steps involved. When painting a really nice piece, you need to put in just as much effort in the prep and sanding stages as you do in the painting stages.

There's nothing like a little cinnamon to make it smell like home for the holidays.

Step up your gift wrap game.

*Blink blink blink.* Yes, it's the same dining room!

This redesign makes clever use of space—and a gorgeous green paint.

Six smart tips for what you should know before you invite a new sofa into your home.

We've got eight different tricks for you, whether you own or rent.

This family got the best of both worlds: a fresh new bathroom with a classic old-school look.

This is proof that you can make a serious transformation on a tiny budget.

You're not limited to store-bought! This is one cozy home accessory you can totally DIY.

After a year of living with their new build's plain white living room, Olivia and her boyfriend Tom were ready to fill their space with color and personality.

You know what they say: the best home transformations come when the "before" photo looks like it came straight from a horror film (and if they don't say it, they should!).

First-time homeowners Nick and Sarah Wissinger bought their home in 2016 and, after having only rented apartments before, were grateful to finally be able to decorate in a way that felt like them. Their plain-Jane master bedroom gave them the perfect opportunity.