Summertime is well and truly upon us, and that means it’s time to get outdoors and spend some time in the sun! Sound like a drag? What better way to get yourself outside than to pick out a few exciting DIY projects to tackle over the next few weeks?
Keep reading to get some ideas for projects that will get you up and outside, force you to use those creative juices, and truly improve your life.
DIY Greenhouse
If you’re into gardening and want your favourite flowers, veggies and herbs to grow all year round, a greenhouse is going to benefit your hobby more than you know.
There are loads of ways you can make a cheap, simple DIY greenhouse, including from a pre-designed kit! However, making it from scratch is half of the fun, and allows you the freedom to adjust according to your preferred style, size, and budget. All you’ll need is some polycarbonate sheets, wooden or metal framing, some screws, and a plan! Look for some designs online, and start building.
DIY Pallet Furniture
Seen some sweet side tables in a magazine but simply cannot find those high-end brands into your budget? Why not take inspiration from your favourite interior design blogs and create some of your own pieces with wooden pallets?
If you’re even just a little bit handy and willing to learn, you’ll be able to create tables, shelves, and even sofas of your own design or use templates you can find online. Most of the time, you’ll be able to create beautiful furniture (and other crafts too) for a fraction of the price you’d pay from a store, and you’ll have a load of fun doing it too, not to mention saving the planet!
Vertical Garden
If you liked the greenhouse idea, you’re going to love planning and creating your own vertical garden. This is a quick and easy DIY project you can finish up in just a few hours, and it’s one that will continue to get better and better with time.
You could opt for a simple wall-mounted grid for vining plants, or create elaborate multi-tiered structures to showcase your greenery and make the best use of limited outdoor space. You can use the space to grow herbs, flowers, succulents, or vines and turn your walls into a stunning jungle space. Another benefit is that these projects are almost always easy as pie and affordable to get set up.
Outdoor Fire Pit
A great outdoor project for an avid host is to create a fire pit for your guests to sit around, roast marshmallows, and chat long into the night.
This is another one that you could keep simple or make quite elaborate, depending on how much space you have, what your budget allows, and what your preferences are. The fire pit itself only requires some bricks and a fire ring, and then the world is your oyster when it comes to designing and decorating the seating area that goes around it. This project will be an amazing way to use your space wisely and bring something new and inviting to your dinner parties.
Garden Pathway
Turn your garden into a fairy-like forest walk by adding a simple but gorgeous pathway. Not only will this help direct foot traffic (and keep clunky shoes off your lawn), but it will also add a new layer of visual appeal to your garden, giving a whimsical and enchanting effect.
All you’ll need are some stepping stones in a design you like and perhaps some smaller, more intricate details to decorate the pathway. You could plant flowers in and around the stepping stones or plant little pebbles and other outdoor décor pieces all along the path. If you have a bigger garden, you might even consider lighting the pathway with lanterns for a magical effect in the evenings.
DIY Bird Feeder
This final project is a great one to get the kids involved, and there are countless designs, styles, and materials you could go for.
From a simple soda bottle feeder to an intricate and detailed wooden house for the birds in your garden, the options are endless, and you could make it as easy or as elaborate as you like! Consider the aesthetic of your garden, your budget, and whether you want to handle the project on your own or with the help of little hands. A quick online search will bring up loads of step-by-step ideas, and you’ll have new feathered friends to look at soon.