1) Decoupage
Decoupage is great for brightening up your old dreary looking lampshades, decorating wooden frames or making a dreary wooden chest come to life. This easy and affordable method will add a bit of character to those everyday items. All it requires is paper – this can be wrapping paper, magazines, napkins, greeting cards, you name it -PVA or decoupage glue and varnish.
Firstly ensure your surface is clean and prepared, then cut out the pieces of paper you want. Layout your design before you go ahead with the gluing to make sure you are happy, then glue the pieces of paper to the object in layers as you go. Ensure the glue has dried before you finish with a number of coats of varnish (the number of coats will depend on your taste).
2) Mosaic tabletops
Up-cycle your old table by getting some old kitchen or bathroom tiles, mosaic glue and grout to craft a beautiful and individual mosaic tabletop, perfect to brighten up a garden table this summer. This project allows you to be creative with patterns and experiment with different, textures and colours.
Firstly, source your table and break the tiles down into smaller pieces. To break the tiles simply place the tiles in an old towel and crush them with a hammer – make sure to do this outside – check regularly as you go till the pieces are broken into the optimism size. You don’t want your tiles to become dust! Next layout your desired pattern out on the tabletop, and then start from the edges in. Spread the mosaic glue onto the tile and push it onto the table to keep in place.
Leave it to set overnight, then the following day mix the grout, then spread it over the tiles making sure you fill all the gaps. Next with a wet sponge wipe the grout away from the top of the tiles and leave to set overnight. Finally, before you can fully enjoy your table, give it one more wipe to double check you have got rid of any excess and then spray with a sealant to protect it.
3) Sock dog toys
This is a great project if you have a dog and plenty of worn out socks. Simply stuff a sock with other socks and tie the top in a tight knot. This is a great toy for a dog as it has a recognisable smell and perfect for getting rid of old socks. This easy to make toy will keep your pup entertained for hours, and if it gets ruined it does not matter as you would have thrown them in the bin anyway!
4) Card tags
Think twice before you get rid of all your Christmas cards or birthday cards as these can be re-used to create seasonal gift tags. Simply cut out the front of the card so you have a picture on one side and a blank area on the other (make sure it is blank on the back as this is where you can write your message). With a hole punch, punch a hole into one of the top corners, loop through some ribbon or string, write your name tag, attach to your gift and away you go! This is a perfect little DIY project to re-use your favourite cards when you run out of nametags.
5) Transform old wooden wine crates into key storage
If you have just finished off that last bottle in your crate of French wine then before you discard the box you can turn it into a nifty little key storage system. Simply add hinges to the lid and one side of the box so you can open it without it falling apart. Fix a swing hook clasp to the open side so it hold shuts and then add hooks to the back wall of the box.
These hooks are great for hanging keys and in general this box makes an attractive key storage, which you can easily fix to a wall, should you wish. All the components can be sourced cheaply and easily from any hard wear store or craft shop all you need is the right box.
Still not found the perfect place to lay down roots? Why not take a tour of Quartermile and discover the most desirable new district in Edinburgh today.
