Whether you’re looking for a cheap chic or upcycled alternatives, DIY is the way to go. It’s easy to see why there are tons of sites and books dedicated to DIY projects for any occasion: they’re unique, they’re creative and they’re fun.

These projects are easy enough for anyone — either DIY experts or handcraft novices — and the results are fabulous.

1. Cork Cork Board

You’ll need to use your collection of wine corks for this one. Nothing is more boring than a bland flat brown corkboard square hanging on your wall. Post your notes in style using this literal cork board. All you need for this updated look:

• Lots of ‘em.
• Picture frame
• Hot glue and glue gun
• Paint and brush

Paint the backing and the frame in your desired color and let dry. Space out your corks in rows before gluing them down. Hang on the wall, and then congratulate yourself on a job well done.

2. Hot Glue Lettering

Don’t put that hot glue gun away yet! If you just finished the last project and feel you’re on a roll, you’re halfway set to finish this project. You’ll need:

• Hot glue and glue gun
• Spray paint
• Clean bottles or jars

For this one, you can grab the empty bottles of wine you just harvested those corks from. Plug in your trusty glue gun and write a cute or inspirational word on the side of your bottle or jar. Let it sit to dry, and then spray an even coat of paint all over. Now you’ve got a simple yet modern-looking vase or holder that will look great anywhere in your home.

3. Sand-Casted Ring Holder

If you’re getting your hands dirty in all these DIY projects, you may want something to hold your rings. But don’t just throw them in a regular dish or on the counter. For this project, you’ll need to grab:

• Sand
• Sand casting kit
• Bucket or deep container
• Paint (optional)

Pour the sand in your bucket or container. You’ll need to wet your sand a little — think sandcastle material. Practice making the hand you want to cast before placing your hand in the sand. Pose your hand— don’t use that finger — and stuff your hand in the container. Carefully pull it out so that it doesn’t collapse on itself.

Using your sand casting kit, follow all of the mixing instructions and pour it into your mold. Let it dry, then sand it down to remove any rough edges and also to flatten the base. Paint the hand your favorite color, or you can even paint on nails to match your own! Glam it up with your rings and then move on to your next DIY project.

4. Personalized Mugs

Sometimes you need some inspiration in the morning. Put your favorite quote on the side of a plain-Jane mug to bring a little sunshine in your morning.

• Blank mug
• Sharpie Paint pen

Write your quote or draw your design and then let it sit for 24 hours to ensure it’s completely dry. The next day, set your oven to 350°. Bake for 30 minutes then turn the oven off, leaving the mug inside to cool down with the stove.

It’s important to find the Sharpie Paint pen, as they’ve been proven to work best and are less likely to come off in the dishwasher. But if you’re paranoid about that happening anyway, stick with hand washing.

5. Painted Mats

Did your kids play on those locking foam mats, but are now too old to use them? Upcycle them by making a comfy kitchen floor mat that not only looks great but is easy on your feet. You’ll need:

• Locking foam mats
• Paint & brush
• Stencils (if you aren’t a freehand kind of gal)

The hardest part is figuring out the design you want for your painted mat. You truly have a blank canvas here. Chevron lines and flower patterns are great.

6. Paint Can Ice Bucket

With all of the painting you’ve done for your DIY projects, you’re bound to have a few empty paint cans lying around. Leftover supplies shouldn’t be exempt from your DIY home makeover!

• Paint cans
• Spray paint (2 colors)
• Painters tape

Soak and wash your paint cans to ensure that there’s no excess paint left inside. Once dry, spray the entire can — including the rim and handle — in an even coat. It’s fun to start with a metallic base, such as gold or silver. Let dry overnight.

Take your painters tape and stretch it over and across the can. You can make either a pattern or random geometric shapes. Flip your bucket upside down and cover the handle so your second coat of paint doesn’t splatter where you don’t want it. Spray evenly over the can and tape.

Dry one last time and then peel off the tape. Fill with ice and drinks, and show off at your next fancy party.

The Next Step

DIY projects don’t always have to be complicated to look elegant. And just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean that arts and crafts can’t be fun or experimental. For your next piece, try using the techniques you learned in these six stylish projects and see what you can come up with!

About the Author:

Kacey Mya Bradley is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.”  Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her.  Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.

Follow Kacey at Twitter | Instagram| Pinterest

P.s – if you are interested in guest posting on Chemistry Cachet or would like to sponsor the blog, please visit the sponsor page!

 

 

Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk

Linking with Met Monday and these link parties!