Making It

M A K I N G I T !

Flex your DIY muscles with these fun projects.

We’re hanging out at home a lot more these days, so why not put that extra time to good use! There are likely lots of projects you’ve been wanting to do, lots of Pinterest board ideas and Instagram posts you’ve been meaning to try but have always just been too darn busy. Well, now’s your chance.

Our editorial staff has compiled a list of four delightful projects you can create—a chunky knit throw, bookmarks, door décor and faux pottery— to help get your wheels a-spinnin’ and your creativity a-flowin’.

Happy making!

DIY BOOKMARKS

I am typically not a “crafty” person, but I am an avid reader and these DIY bookmarks seem like a wonderful way to repurpose old books. And, it looks easy! That’s an important project component to non-crafters like me. That is, if I can get past the idea of deconstructing something as venerable a book. You may have old books on your shelves to use. If not, check thrift stores, garage and estate sales. —contributed by Angela Johnson; inspired by familyhandyman.com

MATERIALS: • Old hardcover books • Razor knife • Grommet maker, hole punch or drill • Assorted ribbon or leather strips

METHOD: Simply use a razor knife to slice the covers from old books and cut out the spines. Then, drill a hole in the top or punch with a grommet maker. Thread a strip of leather or ribbon through the hole to accent these unique bookmarks that could make fun gift items for the bookworms in your life.

written by EDITORIAL STAFF photos by SARAH DOVOLOS

BLANKET BLISS

We all love cozy blankets and throws to help keep the chill away during these cold winter days. And when you make said cozy blankets and throws with your own two hands, well, they just feel a whole lot snugglier. So, grab some yarn, find a flat surface on which to work (preferably a table or kitchen island), and let’s get handknitting—no knitting needles required! —contributed by Nancy Eike

MATERIALS: • 4-6 skeins of 7 mm yarn (I used Yarn

Bee’s Eternal Bliss in ivory) • Tape measure

METHOD: Create a 4-inch loop using a slip knot. Leave approximately 12 inches at the end (this is called the “tail”; the rest of the skein is called the “working yarn.”) Reach your hand through the loop, grab the yarn and pull it through to make another 4-inch loop. Continue creating the loops until you’ve made 20, which will resemble a chain stitch. (This will make a throw of approximately 50 inches by 60 inches.) Turn the 20th loop up (this becomes your first stitch of the new row) and put your finger underneath the top “hill” of each loop thereafter and pull the yarn through to create another loop. Continue going back and forth until you’ve reached your desired length.

To finish the blanket, put the first two loops in the last row together, reach your hand through both loops, grab the yarn and pull it through to create a new loop. Use the new loop and next loop in the row until you get to the end of the row. Cut the yarn leaving a 12-inch tail and tie a knot in the last loop. Weave remaining tail through the blanket to hide. 4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES EVs are getting a lot of attention these days. Here are a few things to know about this transportation transformation.

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TRASH TO TERRACOTTA

Let’s face it. Everyone has old glass vases and jars that get kept around, stored in old boxes or the back of shelves. Instead of collecting dust, upcycle old glass and ceramic pieces with house or acrylic paint and baking soda to make faux pottery. —contributed by Hailey Almsted

MATERIALS: • Glass or ceramic vessels, vases, jars, etc. • House, acrylic or chalk paint (just about any paint will do!) or liquid terracotta • Baking powder • A small container • Spoon or small stick • Large bristle paint brush

METHOD:

Put ¼ part baking powder and ¾ part paint in a small container and mix using a spoon until a thick, textured paint is formed. (Add in additional baking powder, 1 tsp. at a time, for a more textured look.) Laying out newspaper and using a clean paint brush, began to paint the mixture onto the vessel in large, sweeping strokes. To create a pottery-like feel, paint in horizontal strokes around the pieces instead. Let fully dry, and paint 1–2 more coats, depending on coverage. Textured or colored vessels may need more coats.

HAT’S OFF

With some greenery rescued from December and January’s wreaths, outdoor pots or home arrangements, a little floral foam, seasonal fillers and—an adorable winter hat—we have ourselves a cozy, cute door hanging. —contributed by Renee Stewart-Hester; inspired by craftsbyamanda.com

MATERIALS: • A sturdy knit winter hat with ties • Container, to fit into the hat • Floral foam • Hot glue gun and clear glue sticks • Greenery, dried or faux • Seasonal fillers, ideas include mini bird houses or faux pine trees, pinecones, pompoms, seasonal ornaments, etc. (Switch these up to highlight Valentine’s Day, St.

Patrick’s Day, a birthday, an anniversary, etc.) • Decorative picks (or bamboo skewers covered in floral tape) • Large safety pin and sturdy elastic band

METHOD: Cover bamboo sticks with floral tape, and glue decorative, theme-appropriate items to one end. Using hot glue, secure the floral foam in the base of the container. Add larger greenery elements to the container, making sure both sides are balanced. Fill in the arrangement with remaining items. Carefully, place the container into the hat with the ties facing forward and backward. Secure the hat ties with the safety pin, looping in the elastic band to be used to hang the arrangement on the door.