Fun and Functional Weekend Projects
With football season over and baseball season not quite starting (we don’t count spring training!) you might find extra weekend time on your hands to entertain yourself and the fam with a fun DIY project. And whether you’re in a crafty, creative mood or a mindset of let’s-get-really-functional, here are a few ideas to help get you motivated and busy!
Cool, Creative Concepts
How’s your handwriting? Even if it’s not grade-A, you can still create a fun set of mugs with different sayings on them instead of ordering a set from Etsy or some specialty store. A trip to the Dollar Tree (in Lafayette on South Boulder Rd.) and $12 will get you a dozen mugs. Then all you need is a Sharpie® marker and a 350-degree oven. Some people prefer the more expensive and longer lasting Pebeo Porcelaine 150 marker for china, according to A Beautiful Mess, but once you’ve scribbled your masterpiece and the ink is dry just bake the mugs for 30 minutes and you’re good to go!
We sort of love this art project that’s been all over Pinterest for years, and is the simplest weekend crafty undertaking ever. You need a box of 64 waxy coloring sticks AKA crayons, and if you want to imitate Meg Duerksen’s work of art on canvas, pull out the blacks and browns and add a few extra colors you’re especially fond of. The first step is hot-gluing the crayons to the canvas and then using a hair dryer to start melting the wax.
Seriously, don’t you think this is a great way to spend part of a weekend?
Fun and Functional
Want some pocket hand warmers? You can do it in six easy steps! How about a winter skin saver: solid lotion? Or if you’ve always wanted cedar drawer liners, the DIY Network’s got you covered!
Like working with your hands? Instructables has a genius project to keep you entertained all winter long. This will take a bit of can collecting but if you drink a lot of beverages out of aluminum, this pop-top bag is a work of art. It might take a solid weekend to create, but the result is shop window-worthy!
And for a bracelet made of safety pins, beads and a little elastic, check out this masterwork by Craftbits – complete with a tutorial for a one-size-fits all, unique-to-you bracelet that’ll turn some heads and start a conversation!
Give your feet a new place to rest with one of these playful poufs! When it’s not a home for feet, you can add a tray and a book or magazine for an instant side table. The fabric is cotton (two yards) and it takes a pound of polyfill and old towels or sheets. HGTV has a downloadable pattern and step by step instructions that start on a sewing machine and end by hand-stitching that last seam.
Faux fur from the fabric store can become a super easy-to-make a cloud-shaped throw rug, or a throw pillow, or a stool cover with this crazy IKEA hack. The DIYs site has all the links and details for creating furry accessories that fit bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and more. The nearest fabric store is likely either Joann’s in Boulder (be sure to check out their website for coupons!), or Hobby Lobby in Thornton.
For Yarn Junkies
Big Box Detox has instructions for a soft, warm, luxurious blanket with big stitches and lots of visual interest. Blogger Kristen likes sewing, knitting and clever art projects, and her cozy blanket uses 35 needles and six skeins of Twinkle Hand Knits Soft Chunky yarn.
If you have plenty of blankets and a bit more time — and you know a little who could use a rug in his or her room — here’s a rewarding project. Using jersey fabric that she makes into “yarn” blogger Christina at DIY Mommy crocheted a rug for her daughter’s bedroom. It’s a rainbow revelation that goes with everything, cushions a wood floor and the best part — it’s washable. Check out her video tutorials – you’ll get the hang of it, even if you’ve never held a crochet hook! Once you master that motion, crochet a round rug with the My World of Wool tutorial.
Creative and Crafty in Colliers Hill
The residents of Colliers Hill have formed a community of friendly, creative, responsible neighbors who love where they live and who they live next door to! Explore our amazing neighborhoods and amenities along with the models and move-in ready homes from Richmond American Homes, Shea Homes and Meritage Homes. Available in ranch or two-story designs, the new homes in our master-planned community are priced from the upper $300s to the $600s.
