FROM THE EDITOR
PHOTOGRAPH CARSON DOWNING PORTRAIT JASON DONNELLY
Let’s hear it for bookshelves! The “shelfie” craze may date to 2014, but backgrounds that combine art, plants, and actual books have been a bright spot in this moment of Zoom meetings and video calls. Whatever your style, you’re sure to find a fresh, inexpensive way to showcase your collections and personality with a new bookshelf (see “Top Shelf,” page 42). Even better, each of these seven projects can be started and finished in less than a weekend. In fact, you can stack up the wood plank and acrylic cube bookshelf shown here in an hour. Autumn days are perfect for taking on projects to upgrade your home and yard. Gather grasses and florals to whip up instant organic art (“Fall on Display,” page 32). Follow influencer Kate Keesee’s tips to quickly create a reclaimed wood accent wall (“Rescue Redux,” page 52). Although our rock-solid concrete decorating ideas (“What to Do with Concrete, page 6) require at least 24 hours to cure, the molds and concrete mixes are ready to work with in minutes. Even this issue’s big carpentry project—a cozy outdoor swing (“In Full Swing,” page 94)—is designed to use limited tools and materials so you can build and begin enjoying it ASAP. Keep going and take on one more project this fall! We’re here to help you make the most of every moment.
Brian Kramer Editor, Do It Yourself ™ P.S.: Ready for Season 3 of the Furniture Flip Challenge? Head to builderschallenge.com/ffc to sign up for details about participating in the next challenge, which begins September 4, 2021.
DO IT YOURSELF Fall 2021 3
