Design*Sponge » diy projects

upholstery basics: boxed ottoman

Amanda Brown — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:57 +0000

The last time we met, we got out our sewing machines and tackled boxed cushions. I have a feeling your pets (and you) have recently found a comfy and fashionable place to perch. So what better way to finesse our sewing skills than to try, try again. I found this stout coffee table at a thrift store and thought it would look so much better with some padding and this great geo fabric by Lulu DK. With the skills we learned last month, a little elbow grease and a staple gun, this table went from stodgy to stylish in a few short hours. — Amanda

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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diy project: vintage suitcase charging station

Kate Pruitt — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:16 +0000

I love repurposed vintage, especially when it’s combined with new technology. The sleek, monochromatic look of contemporary gadgets meshes perfectly with the candy colors and rounded shapes of mid-century design, and today we have an awesome project to celebrate this happy marriage: a vintage suitcase charging station by Sara and Stacy of SugarSCOUT.

Combining their love of vintage with their penchant for DIY, Sara and Stacy decided to modify a Samsonite to store and charge multiple devices at once, either tucked away in the closed case or displayed out in the open. It’s a relatively straightforward project, but if you’re not ready to tackle the power tools involved, you can pick up one of the pre-made cases in SugarSCOUT’s shop. In the meantime, I’m on a hunt for one of these awesomely pink Samsonite cases. Thanks for sharing, ladies! — Kate

Have a DIY project you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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diy project: hand-stamped valentine kit

Kate Pruitt — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:29 +0000

The one-week countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun, but I wouldn’t worry too much if you haven’t been preparing. There are tons of elaborate and expensive gifts out there, but you certainly don’t need to shell out a lot of money or time to pull together a sweet, thoughtful valentine. Anna Liesemeyer customized this cardboard picnic set with adorable chevron and arrow stamps that she hand-cut from old erasers. The cost of this project (not including whatever tasty treats you choose to stock inside) is close to zero, and the stamps could be made over a lunch break. The best part of this idea is its versatility; you could easily use these stamps for tons of great craft projects and gifts for all seasons. Thanks so much for sharing, Anna! — Kate

Have a DIY project you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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DIY Project: ephemera collage valentine

AshleyAnn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:20 +0000

The mighty ampersand takes two things and celebrates how they come together. “You & Me,” “Bread & Butter,” “Sugar & Spice.” Not only does the ampersand combine things, it also stands alone as a beautiful symbol. This year I made my valentine a card that celebrates being together. It is completed with a missing heart on the front that holds our pictures on the inside. In magazines, old books, vintage cards and other ephemera, I’m always coming across gorgeous floral images. Some vintage papers and cards are stained and often only have small sections that are in good condition. I like to find ways to incorporate the beauty of older floral illustrations into more modern designs for artwork and other projects. After giving this card, it can be turned into framed wall art to enjoy instead of being tucked into a drawer! — Ashley Ann

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diy project: bronze nail ceiling design

Kate Pruitt — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:01 +0000

We’re taking a short break from valentine projects, but there will be another awesome Valentine’s Day post coming up after this. Grace, Amy and I are gearing up for some major DIY time while I’m in NYC this month, and one of the ideas we’ve been tinkering with involves copper tacks — lots of ‘em. Consequently, I’ve been researching metal tacks, nails and the like, but I had never seen this cool nailhead trim until this amazing ceiling DIY project by Pam of Simple Details landed in my inbox.

Using a cardboard template, a bunch of these nifty nailhead strips and a lot of patience, Pam created the gorgeous octagonal ceiling pattern in her dining room for about $65. I love the look of this; it’s somehow subtle yet impossible to miss at the same time, and the geometric patterns set off the ornate chandelier marvelously. If you don’t have the ceiling conditions to suit this project, worry not: this idea is easily adaptable to other parts of the house. Thanks so much for sharing, Pam! — Kate

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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diy project: hand-painted valentines

Brenna — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:16 +0000

Of all the holidays, Valentine’s Day seems to scream “handmade cards” the loudest. Glitter, doilies and lace are the usual suspects for decorating, but why turn to them when you can easily create a sophisticated ombre valentine? With this simple technique, there is no need for vats of dye, oodles of drying time, complicated instructions or any special tools. Using materials as simple as paint, water and gravity, the paint pigment naturally fades and blends as it flows down the card, resulting in a painterly ombre effect without all the fuss. The edges of each card are then gilded so your love shines through the moment the envelope is opened. Paired with a classic “roses are red, violets are blue” poem and some heart-shaped Red Hots to fill the envelope, it is the perfect combination of chic and kitsch. And it’s handmade. Happy Valentine’s Day! — Brenna

Read the full how-to after the jump!

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