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QUICK & EASY IDEAS UPDATE WITH PAINT FIREPLACE FACELIFT

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FURNITURE FLIPS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE S TA R T WI T H A V I N TAG E WI N D OW F R A M E

Winter 2023 VOL. 30/ISSUE 1

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WHAT IF I FALL? OH, BUT DARLING, WHAT IF YOU FLY? A builder-grade home gets a major makeover thanks to Angela Rose’s DIY savvy. See how she turned basic into wow-worthy without breaking her budget.

FIREPLACE REFRESH Elegant upgrades bring an outdated hearth into this century. You can replicate the changes in a weekend.

ON THE CURVE Arches are having a major moment.

Bring the classic trend into your

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

home with this roundup of projects that range from a simple wall hanging to a built-in headboard.

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MERRY & BRIGHT Ditch traditional red and green for rainbows and sparkles this holiday season. Decorate your mantel, table, tree, and front door with a mix of colorful creations.

THE DO-IT-BETTER GUIDE TO PAINT Freshen your painting skills with our all-in-one handbook. Learn how to properly spruce up walls,

trim, furniture, and more, and build a painting kit with the recommended products.

ALSO 3 5 88 90

IN THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S LETTER BHG.COM RESOURCES PROJECTS UNDER $20

ON OUR COVER PHOTOGRAPH JASON DONNELLY PROJECT + STYLING JENI WRIGHT

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TRY IT Host your creative friends for a crafts swap party—it’s like a cookie exchange but with handmade gifts.

MEET THE MAKER Miniaturist Chelsea Andersson shares her love for all things tiny.

Learn how she’s built a business selling doll-size furniture with the help of a Glowforge laser cutter, and then assemble your own little living room set using one of her kits.

COOL TOOLS If you’re still checking off your holiday gift list, we’ve got you covered. Shop these pages for the crafter, plant-lover, and new homeowner in your life.

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WINTER 2023 18

SEW EASY Give an ottoman a new look with this simple slipcover.

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WHAT TO DO WITH Thrifted wool sweaters, forgotten scarves, and blankets that have seen better days find new life as these six upcycled projects.

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HANDY GIRL Check the smoke detector. Flip your mattress. Remove window screens.

When it comes to the must-dos of caring for your home, some items just aren’t necessary. Find out what can drop off your to-do list—and what needs to stay.

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ORDER IN THE HOUSE Organize your pantry with smart storage solutions, and infuse a happy pop of pattern with these tips from Savannah Kokaliares of the Classy Clutter blog.

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ON OUR RADAR Gear up for the cooler months ahead. These crafts kits, books, and must-try products will keep you busy all winter.

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TREND SITING Calling all old souls! When you fuse the cozy feeling of Grandma’s house with today’s bright and modern design, you get what’s called grand millennial style (think crochet, but make it neon).

FROM THE EDITOR

At my first Scholastic Book Fair, I spent $2.75 of hard-earned allowance on a Garfield poster that proclaimed “Weekends were made for nothing.” That evening when I tacked the poster to my bedroom wall, I felt instant buyer’s remorse. Even at age 11,

PHOTOGRAPH BRIE PASSANO PORTRAIT JASON DONNELLY

I knew my weekends were about doing all sorts of things. Yes, I enjoyed kicking back on Saturday and Sunday, but I also found it relaxing to build models, bake desserts, and try new crafts. So Garfield ended up in the trash, and I learned how to make papier-mâché masks from old newspapers (messy but marvelous).

Our first Weekend Projects Issue focuses on fast and satisfying ideas that you can start and finish in a day or two. Quickly update your pantry (“Order in the House,” page 30) or hearth (“Fireplace Refresh,” page 52). Shift into holiday mode with easy decorating (“Merry & Bright,” page 68) and handmade gifts they’ll actually love and use (“Craft Swap Party,” page 6; “What to Do with Upcycled Wool,” page 20).

Me? I’m going to follow DIY maven Angela Rose’s lead and build a Lite-Brite-inspired wall panel (a tour of her project-packed home begins on page 40).

My inner ’80s kid will be thrilled—and Garfield will be nowhere in sight! Let’s get going!

Brian Kramer Editor, Do It Yourself ™

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 3

Senior Editor BRIAN KRAMER Editor EMILY ELVERU Assistant Art Director EMILY BUTTERWORTH

Contributing Copy Editor NANCY DIETZ Proofreader MARTHA COLOFF LONG Administrative Assistant CHRISTINA SNYDER

HOME & GARDEN Executive Editor SAMANTHA HART Senior Editors BRIAN KRAMER, SALLY FINDER WEEPIE, KRISSA ROSSBUND, NICOLE DEAN TEUT Senior Associate Editor EMILY ELVERU Associate Editor SAMANTHA STEVENSON Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® Manager SANDRA GERDES

EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATION Editorial Director JILL WAAGE Executive Creative Director MICHAEL D. BELKNAP Assistant Managing Editor JENNIFER SPEER RAMUNDT Better Homes & Gardens® Copy Chief ANGELA K. RENKOSKI Senior Copy Editors ERIKA BJORKLUND, MADELAINE JEROUSEKSMITH, MARTHA COLOFF LONG Lead Business Office Assistant GABRIELLE RENSLOW Editorial Assistants ASHLEY JACOBS, CHRISTINA SNYDER Director, Premedia Services AMY TINCHER-DURIK Director, Quality JOSEPH KOHLER Vice President, Content Studios ALLISON LOWERY Director, Test Kitchen LYNN BLANCHARD Photo Studio Set Construction Manager DAVE DECARLO Senior Stylist and Producer JOSEPH WANEK Stylist BREANNA GHAZALI Studio Manager HOLLY RAIBIKIS Studios Coordinator TERRI CHARTER Premedia Trafficking Supervisor MARINA RUPPEL Premedia Imaging Specialist JACQUES LIZOTTE Color Quality Analyst BEN ANDERSON

FOOD Executive Editor SHELLI MCCONNELL Senior Content Manager JESSICA SAARI CHRISTENSEN Senior Editor CAITLYN DIIMIG, RD Senior Brand Manager JULI HALE Brand Manager SARAH BREKKE Culinary Specialist EMILY NIENHAUS Food Styling Director GREG LUNA Senior Food Stylist KELSEY MOYLAN Food Stylists LAUREN MCANELLY, SAMMY MILA, ANNIE PROBST ART Design Directors KIMBERLY MORGAN METZ, MICK SCHNEPF Style & Design Director STEPHANIE HUNTER Art Director NIKKI SANDERS Associate Art Director KRISTIN CLEVELAND Assistant Art Director EMILY BUTTERWORTH Senior Graphic Designer BRITTANY MUELLER

CONTRIBUTING FIELD EDITORS Atlanta Lisa Mowry Baltimore Eileen Deymier Birmingham, AL Cathy Still McGowin Charleston, SC/Savannah Sandra L. Mohlmann Charlotte/San Diego Andrea Caughey Chatham, MA Karin Lidbeck-Brent Chicago Elaine Markoutsas Denver Mindy Pantiel, Elaine St. Louis Detroit/Toronto Khristi S. Zimmeth Danbury, CT Stacy Kunstel Houston Jessica Brinkert Holtam Los Angeles Darra Baker, Laura Hull, Robin Tucker Minneapolis/St. Paul Bonnie Broten, Heidi Pearson Nashville Anna Forkum New Orleans Kimberly Clarke, Margaret Zainey Roux New Paltz, NY Anna Molvik Newport, RI Lynda Sutton Portland, ME Susan Salomon Richmond, VA Paige Porter Fischer San Diego Karen Reinecke San Francisco Sarah Alba Seagrove, FL Eleanor Lynn Nesmith Seattle Linda Humphrey Washington, D.C. Jeanne Blackburn

FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, EMAIL DOITYOURSELF@MEREDITH.COM OR WRITE US AT DO IT YOURSELF, PREMIUM PUBLISHING, 1716 LOCUST ST., DES MOINES, IA 50309-3023 To subscribe, go to BHG.com/MyAccount. For subscription help, email diycustserv@cdsfulfillment.com or call 800/247-0078.

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PREMIUM PUBLISHING Vice President & General Manager JEREMY BILOON Vice President, Group Editorial Director STEPHEN ORR Director, Editorial Operations & Finance GREG KAYKO Executive Director, Business Development & Partnerships MEGAN PEARLMAN Associate Director, Business Development & Partnerships NINA REED Senior Director, Brand Marketing JEAN KENNEDY Associate Director, Brand Marketing KATHERINE BARNET FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION Associate Business Director JENNA BATES Business Manager LISA CARLSON CIRCULATION Consumer Marketing Managers LYNN BOLINGER, ED LICHINSKY ADVERTISING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Do It Yourself Sales Promotion Manager BETHANY PETERSON bethany.peterson@dotdashmdp.com Account Executive BRIAN KOSSACK brian.kossack@woodmagazine.com Home Senior Vice President & Group Publisher DAREN MAZZUCCA daren.mazzucca@dotdashmdp.com Brand Homes Director NICOLE HENDRICK nicole.hendrick@dotdashmdp.com Eastern Advertising Director BROOKE VLADYKA brooke.vladyka@dotdashmdp.com Food & Holiday Senior Vice President & Group Publisher MARK JOSEPHSON mark.josephson@dotdashmdp.com Account Director MICHELLE BUTLER-MINGEY michelle.butler-mingey@dotdashmdp.com ADVERTISING OPERATIONS 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023 Associate Production Director PATRICK MCGOWAN Production Managers KYLE DIRKS, APRIL GROSS, ASHLEY SCHAUBROECK, JULIE STREHLOW DIRECT MEDIA Sales Director TYLER HUB tyler.hub@dotdashmdp.com DOTDASH MEREDITH President, Lifestyle ALYSIA BORSA

BHG.COM

WEEKEND PROJECTS Dedicate a Saturday to work on one (or two!) of these clever DIYs. Pick a space, grab your materials, and go!

PROJECT SAVANNAH KOKALIARES & MALLORY NIKOLAUS STYLING JESSICA BRINKERT HOLTAM PHOTOGRAPH JAY WILDE

CHECK IT OFF

Get your to-do list ready! These home improvement ideas will refresh your space and can be completed in a couple of days.

BHG.com/Weekend QUICK FIXES

Upgrade a room with simple projects you can accomplish in 24 hours or less.

BHG.com/OneDay ORGANIZING HACKS

Tackle that overflowing cabinet or out-of-control entry with low-effort, high-impact storage solutions. BHG.com/ DIYStorage BEDROOM UPDATES

A new headboard, furniture item, or piece of artwork can give your room a fresh look. Try one of these ideas.

BHG.com/BedProjects FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 5

TRY IT

THE BIG REVEAL

Display crafted treasures in trays on a bench or table for your guests to admire, this photo. Add festive touches like garland fashioned from wood beads or felted balls and bunting made with colorful paper or felt.

CRAFT SWAP PARTY Gather your creative cohorts for this fresh take on the classic holiday cookie exchange.

PROJECTS KIM HUTCHINSON + SARAH WEISMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BLAINE MOATS + CARSON DOWNING WORDS PAMELA PORTER

USE TINY COOKIE CUTTERS TO SLICE SHAPES OUT OF PIECES OF ORANGE PEEL, AND THEN CLIP TO GLASSES WITH MINI CRAFT CLOTHESPINS.

IN GOOD SPIRITS

Offer guests a selection of fuss-free beverages, left.

• Pom-Ginger Cocktail Mix pomegranate juice, vodka, and ginger simple syrup. Top it off with a sour beer.

• Beer Smash Mix orange juice, maple syrup, and bourbon, then finish with a wheat or Belgian-style beer.

PARTY POINTERS Follow these hosting tips to plan your own craft swap. Guests will leave with a bounty of handcrafted goodies that they can keep for themselves or give to someone special on their holiday list.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

THE CONCEPT

THE EATS

THE FOLLOW-UP

Before the party, ask guests to make enough of their craft for everyone to take one home.

Make the party a potluck to get a variety of festive fare and make hosting easier on yourself.

THE GUEST LIST

THE INVITATION

To keep assembly and budget reasonable, limit attendees to a dozen or so of your craftiest friends.

Send invites four to six weeks in advance to allow guests time to make their crafts. A free online invitation service such as Punch Bowl or Evite can simplify the process.

Explain the craft swap concept and potluck so guests know what to bring.

Request RSVPs at least a week before the party.

A week before the big event, give one last call for RSVPs, then email guests with the final head count. To manage potluck offerings, use SignUp Genius or Google Sheets and include the link.

THE DATE

Select several dates that work for you, then use a free online service such as Doodle to identify which of those dates work best for most guests.

THE SWAP

When it’s time to trade, give each person a chance to present the project, explain how it’s made, and offer any special details.

Guests can hand out cards with materials lists and instructions for their craft.

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 7

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BRIGHT IDEAS These adorable projects are crowd-pleasers and easy to assemble in bulk.

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MATCH STRIKERS Seasonal candles and toasty fires mean these mantel-ready match-filled jars are a perfect gift exchange option. Purchase a set of coordinating bottles or score an eclectic mix of jars from a thrift store. Use painters tape to mask off a stripe near the top of each jar and spray-paint a desired hue.

(We used Krylon Looking Glass spray paint for a mirrorlike finish.)

When dry, apply a strip of selfadhesive striker paper (available on Etsy) below each painted stripe. For safety, keep matches in their box until it’s party time.

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WRAPPING PAPER Pretty and

practical, this abstract scrapepaint paper is perfect for guests who still have some gift wrapping to do. To make, drop two or three dots of acrylic paint in different colors across the top of a large sheet of paper and then use a plastic ruler or other straightedge as a squeegee to pull the paint down the paper. Let dry. Make several sheets for each guest, roll them together, and secure with a ribbon tie.

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pouch. For the seed markers, use a rolling pin to flatten air-dry modeling clay to ¼ inch thick.

Cut into strips measuring about 6 inches long and 3∕4 inches wide.

Cut one end of each into a point, and then use alphabet stamps to imprint the type of seed into the clay. Let dry for 24 hours.

Paint the straight end of clay with crafts paint. Let dry. Seal with decoupage medium such as Mod Podge. Once dry, slide a marker through the slits.

COOKIE BUTTER This treat is

simple to stir together and sure to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. Though typically made with a spiced biscuit cookie called speculoos, other cookies work too. In a food processor, combine 16 ounces of cookies, ½ cup brown sugar, 1½ cup evaporated milk, 1 cup coconut oil, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt (makes about 32 servings). Blend into a spread, then spoon into small jars.

(Consume within a week or two.)

To complete the package, dip-dye a small wood spoon to pair with each jar and attach a label using printable sticker paper.

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SEED PACKETS AND MARKERS

This indoor gardening kit will inspire your friends to grow herbs or plants while waiting for spring to arrive. Purchase desired seed packets, then cut a piece of colorful cardstock that, when folded, is ½ inch larger than the seed packet on all sides (about 10×3½ inches). Fold cardstock in half. Cut a coordinating color of cardstock to make a tag that’s slightly smaller than the folded cards (about 4×3 inches) and use a crafts knife to cut two horizontal slits at the center of each. Place the tags on top of the folded cards so they’re flush with the left-hand side. Using a sewing machine set to ¼-inch seam allowance, stitch each folded card to create a pouch with connected tag. Slip a seed packet inside each

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WOOD DOLL ORNAMENTS

Assemble a band of Christmas carolers from basic crafting supplies. Use hot glue to secure a wood bead to the top of a clothespin and smaller wood beads to painted wood craft shapes. (We glued on small beads to create hair buns.) Draw faces and hair with permanent markers or paint pens. Fashion clothes from felt for each figure. Finish some with chenille stem earmuffs or an acorn-top hat.

8 MORE

CRAFT IDEAS HOT COCOA MIX PRESSED-FLOWER ART BATH BOMBS LOOSE-LEAF TEA BLENDS SUN-PRINT ART SALT SCRUBS HOMEMADE VANILLA INFUSED OLIVE OIL

SAVVY SWAG BAG Your guests will need a way to haul their loot home.

Consider providing tote bags as your crafty contribution.

Purchase or sew totes (we bought ours and dyed them yellow) and embellish using Japanese-style sashiko embroidery, which uses a running stitch of repeated lines to form a design. Draw a pattern onto your bag with a disappearing fabric marking pen or transfer paper.

Using a needle and embroidery thread, stitch a dashed line over the markings, leaving two-thirds of the stitch length between each stitch.

To achieve a similar look without a needle and thread, draw the dashes with a fine-tip fabric marker.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 9

MEET THE MAKER

CHELSEA MAKES This miniaturist maximizes her passion for scaled-down homes and furniture. If she can dream it, she can make it—pint-size.

WORDS MISSY KEENAN PHOTOGRAPHS BRIE PASSANO

THE MAKER: CHELSEA ANDERSSON The designer behind Chelsea Makes shares how she built a big career out of tiny living sets—and why people can’t get enough of mini things.

O : How did you start making miniatures?

A:

CHELSEA ANDERSSON, A FORMER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, IS NOW A FULL-TIME MAKER, MINIATURIST, AND PROP DESIGNER SPECIALIZING IN MODERN DOLLHOUSE KITS, DOLLHOUSE FURNITURE, AND PALM-SIZE PROPS FOR NATIONAL BRANDS. IN 2021, SHE COMPETED ON NBC’S CRAFTING SHOW “MAKING IT.” SHE CURRENTLY LIVES IN LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, WITH HER HUSBAND, NICK, AND CAT, MILLIE.

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I’ve always loved them. As a kid, I made little things for my Barbie dolls—cut up socks became sweaters, soda bottle caps turned into pie tins. Years ago, I made furniture at a woodworking class but didn’t have room to keep it in my small apartment. The next time I built a piece, I made it mini. Now, when I see a beautiful item, I try to find a way to shrink it down.

O : How did you turn your hobby into a career?

A: I used to work as a landscape architect and craft miniatures in my spare time using hand tools. It was fun but time-intensive. Then I got a Glowforge laser cutter. I could

create faster and sell kits online.

When I hired a photographer to shoot my work, she happened to need someone to make mini scenes for clients like Pottery Barn Kids and the Sierra Club. I’ve now created custom miniatures for many brands.

Two years ago, I appeared on NBC’s “Making It,” which was a dream. It gave me the final push to leave my job and make art full-time.

O:

Why do you think miniatures are so popular?

A:

When something is so small and cute, it makes us want to take care of it—and maybe feel nostalgic for our childhoods. My husband and I are struggling to buy a home in this market, but miniatures let me construct the perfect space without actually being able to afford it.

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TEENY TAKES 1 Many of Chelsea’s 1

projects are a combination of laser cut and handmade.

She created this red cabinet with her Glowforge machine and then embroidered the fabric before gluing it into place.

2 Chelsea’s kits, like this

A-frame home, are available on Etsy and her website (chelseamakes.com).

“When people order a kit, it’s like an IKEA experience— but with better instructions!” she says.

3 The kits are simple to

assemble so almost anyone can finish them. “My niece just turned 1, and I’m counting down the days until I can introduce her to miniatures,” Chelsea says.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 11

MAKE IT

MINI LIVING ROOM SET MATERIALS Sedona Living Room Kit contains: • Wood glue • 2 wood sofa sides • 7 wood sofa supports • 2 wood table legs • 2 wood table supports • Engraved wood tabletop • Waxed string • Embroidery needle • 2 leather cushion top and bottom pieces • 2 leather cushion front and back pieces • 2 leather cushion side pieces • Stuffing (not shown) • 4 leather seat back pieces

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Step 1 Apply wood glue to the notches in the wood sofa side pieces and carefully place the sofa supports into the slots (A). Let dry.

Step 2 Apply wood glue to the notches in both of the wood table legs. Insert the wood table supports into the notches (B). Apply wood glue to the top of the table legs and attach the tabletop. Let dry.

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D

Step 3 Thread one end of the waxed string through the needle and knot the other end. Using either a straight stitch or an overcast stitch, sew the cushion bottom piece to a cushion front piece. Continue to sew on the cushion side pieces and cushion back piece (C). Fill the cushion with stuffing. Sew on cushion top. Knot the thread and trim excess to finish.

Step 4 Align the rough side of two seat back pieces. Thread the needle with waxed string and knot one end. Using either a straight stitch or an overcast stitch, sew the pieces together along three sides (D). Without detaching the needle and thread, fill the cushion with stuffing (E).

Sew the remaining edge closed. Knot the thread and snip the excess to finish. Repeat for the second cushion.

Step 5 Place the cushions on the sofa frame and arrange the living room set as desired (F).

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GET THE MATERIALS TO MAKE YOUR OWN BITTY FURNITURE SET. SEDONA LIVING ROOM KIT, $40; CHELSEAMAKES.COM

12 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

GET TO KNOW GLOWFORGE The compact laser cutter can step up your crafting game. Makers utilize its versatility to create fashion accessories, home decor, and more.

GLOWFORGE HAS THREE 3-D LASER PRINTER MODELS RANGING FROM $3,995 TO $6,995. ALL THREE MODELS HAVE THE SAME BASIC FUNCTIONS—CUTTING OR ENGRAVING ON THE MATERIALS OF YOUR CHOICE—BUT DIFFER PRIMARILY IN POWER, SPEED, COOLING, AND WARRANTY LENGTH. THE GLOWFORGE BASIC IS SUFFICIENT FOR MOST HOME HOBBYISTS, WHILE THE GLOWFORGE PRO MAY BE BEST FOR A BUSINESS THAT NEEDS TO PRINT BIGGER PROJECTS AT FASTER SPEEDS.

IT’S A 3-D LASER PRINTER—NOT A STANDARD 3-D PRINTER. Glowforge uses a laser to cut or engrave many

materials, including wood, acrylic, glass, leather, felt, tile, metal, and food. Chelsea Andersson uses her Glowforge to cut plywood dollhouse kits, hardwood furniture, and earrings made from wood, acrylic, or leather.

machine, I can make and ship the item right after it sells,” says Chelsea. Glowforge users have launched thousands of small businesses, cofounder and CEO Dan Shapiro says. “Getting to build the tools that help people become successful entrepreneurs is very rewarding,” he says.

NOT A DESIGNER? NOT A PROBLEM. You can download

IT CAN KICK-START A SMALL BUSINESS. Before she

had her own Glowforge, Chelsea utilized the laser cutter at her local maker’s space. Now she can design on her laptop and print multiple iterations in minutes from her home. Within a week of getting her Glowforge, Chelsea started selling dollhouse kits on Etsy. “With my own

thousands of digital files to print on your Glowforge, either through a subscription from the company’s site (glowforge.com) or for purchase from designers on Etsy.

Chelsea has created several Glowforge files that allow novices to print and assemble leather handbags, acrylic pencil holders, or leather rainbow-shape purses.

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GIFT GUIDE Wrap up one of these useful gifts for the crafter, plant-lover, or new homeowner on your holiday list.

WORDS LINDSEY M. ROBERTS

1. BLACK+DECKER CORDLESS POWER ROTARY CUTTER Slice through paper, cardboard, leather, plastic, carpet, and denim with ease. Fully charged, this electric cutter provides up to 40 minutes of run time.

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$40; amazon.com 2. POKE-A-DOT ORGANIZER A storage container with eight movable partitions can keep sewing tools in their place, separate buttons by color, or stash craft items on the go. $20; pokeadotorganizer.com

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3. COCOKNITS MAKER’S KEEP For friends who love to sew, knit, or work with power tools, this silicone slap bracelet contains a magnetic square to hold knitting markers, embroidery needles, and nails and screws; the band’s underside contains a ruler for easy measuring. $20;

cocoknits.com

4. LEATHEROLOGY SMALL MEASURING TAPE Size up fabric, furniture, and accessories anywhere.

This pocket-size leather measuring tape comes in five colors and can be monogrammed for a personal touch. From $45; leatherology.com

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5. TERRAIN GARDEN WAIST APRON Whether pruning houseplants or collecting veggies, this heavyweight cotton apron can hold gardening tools, a cell phone, and keys.

$50; shopterrain.com 6. BETTER HOMES & GARDENS 3-PACK PROPAGATION STATION Grow new plants from clippings or arrange fresh-cut stems in this three-vase rack. Slide each vessel off its holder to clean out and refill with water. $15;

walmart.com 7. GARDENER’S GALVANIZED SEED SAVER KIT Like a recipe box for gardeners, this kit makes it easy to organize purchased or cultivated seeds. The box comes with four paper envelopes and six dividers to stow packets. $40; gardeners.com 8. FISKARS POWERGEAR2 PRUNER The gears in this garden tool give three times the power of a typical pruner so the green thumb in your life can cut thick branches and roots without tiring. $36; fiskars.com

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for e r ent plant pa BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 15

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9. RETURN ADDRESS STAMP A custom stamp makes new homeownership feel real. The renewable rubber pad on the wood stamp includes a symbol for each state, such as a cardinal for Virginia and a moose for Alaska. From $22;

statestampco.etsy.com 10. GIR 3-PIECE ULTIMATE TOOL SET A matching silicone and BPA-free spatula, flip tool, and “spoonula” come in 13 colors and two patterns to match anyone’s kitchen. $31; gir.co

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11. JK ADAMS MAPLE SERVING TRAY WITH SLATE INSERT A wood tray cleverly releases a 12-inch slate insert for double the serving space.

From $105; jkadams.com

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12. EMILE HENRY STORAGE BOWL Keep produce fresher longer. Fruit rests on the cork lid, while onions, potatoes, and other root veggies stay preserved in the 14-inch ceramic basin. $160;

emilehenryusa.com 13. KIKKERLAND RAINBOW MULTI TOOL SET Add a bright spot to the junk drawer. This quick-fix device includes seven allen wrenches and Phillips, slotted, and star screwdrivers.

$23; kikkerland.com

16 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

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SEW EASY

OTTOMAN SLIPCOVER Don’t toss a footstool that’s seen better days!

Give it a new look with an easy-to-make topper.

PROJECT LACEY HOWARD & SONJA CARMON PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN WORDS LACEY HOWARD

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OTTOMAN SLIPCOVER MATERIALS • 2 yards main fabric • ½ yard flange fabric • Ruler • Pins • Sewing machine • Thread • Iron Step 1 Cut main fabric into five squares. Ours are 20×20 inches to cover a 19×19×19-inch ottoman. (For any size ottoman, add 1 inch to each measurement—height, width, length—to size the main fabric pieces.) Cut flange fabric into two narrow strips: 2 inches by the width of the fabric. (Most home decor fabrics are 54 inches wide, but you do not have to use a home decor fabric for this project. Fabrics from other sections of the store, like fashion or quilter cottons, will work too.)

Step 2 Create the flange. With one strip right side up and one strip right side down, align the two flange strips at one corner, at a right angle to each other (A). Pin and stitch diagonally across the corner where the two meet. Trim excess fabric (B) and press seam open (C). Open the flange into one long strip and press in half lengthwise, right side out (D). Stitch the entire length of the flange, about ¼ inch from raw edge (E).

Step 3 Choose one of the squares of main fabric as the slipcover top. Pin the flange around the right side of the top, matching raw edges of square and flange. At corners, ease the flange in a soft curve (F), pinning pleats as you go. Stitch flange to slipcover top piece, ½ inch from edge (G). Be sure to stitch forward for three or four stitches, then reverse three or four, then forward again at the start and end of each run of stitches.

Set top aside.

Step 4 Create the body of the slipcover by pinning and stitching the remaining four squares, right sides together, along side seams. Tip: When pinning these pieces together, make sure the pattern is facing the way you want. Our fabric has a directional pattern—a distinct “up.” Note your pattern’s direction as you pin and again before you stitch. It might be helpful to mark (with a pin or with a fabric marker on wrong side of fabric) the “top” and “bottom” of body pieces. Stitch ½ inch from the edges (H). Press seams open (I).

Step 5 Sew hem along bottom edge of body pieces. Turn raw edge of fabric up ½ inch, press (J). Then turn up an additional ½ inch and press. Stitch along the folded edge (K).

Step 6 Sew the top of the slipcover to the body. Align the four side seams of the body to the corners of the top piece. Pin, right sides together (L). Stitch a ½-inch seam around four sides of the top piece. Turn the slipcover right side out, iron, and slide onto your ottoman.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 19

WHAT TO DO WITH

UPCYCLED WOOL Give new life to old threads by stitching thrifted or beyond-repair blankets, scarves, and shirts into one of these six projects.

PROJECTS KIM HUTCHISON PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN WORDS JUSTINE LORELLE LOMONACO

FILL CUSHIONS WITH LAVENDER-SCENTED GROUND NUT SHELLS, STEEL WOOL, RICE, OR EMERY SAND POWDER.

Create tidy holders for sewing accessories, this photo. For the needle book, layer two 4½×6¼-inch wool pieces and pin in the center. Glue the ends of an elastic hair tie between the two layers. Once dry, sew the edges using a blanket stitch. Then stitch together two 4×5¾-inch felt pieces and the cover to form a spine for the book. Cover a button with a wool scrap and, using the elastic loop for placement, sew the button shank to the front cover.

For the pincushion, stitch two patchwork squares. Trace a circle onto each and cut out. With the right sides of the two circles together, pin and sew edges, leaving a 1-inch opening. Turn right side out and fill the pincushion. Whipstitch to close. Cover a button with wool scrap, center on top, and sew through both layers to cinch.

PUT A PIN IN IT

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 21

HEARTFELT TOPPER

Make your own memorable gift tags (that double as ornaments), this photo, by placing a 4-inch square of felted wool on a needle felting mat. Swirl a small piece of roving on top and press a needle felting tool up and down across the wool to add extra color and dimension. Cut a simple shape from the finished piece, then use the felting tool to clean up the raw edges before attaching a yarn loop.

PATCHED TOGETHER Leftover scraps become a cozy throw pillow with these color-block covers, left. Make the front by arranging rectangles and squares into a 21×21-inch piece. Sew the shapes together with 1⁄4-inch lapped seams. Trim to make a 20-inch square.

Next, make an envelopestyle-opening back. With wrong sides up, overlap by 4 inches a 131⁄2-inchwide piece of wool over a 10½-inch-wide piece to create a 20-inch square.

Place pillow front on top of the back, wrong sides together, and sew along all four edges with ¾-inch and ½-inch seam allowances. Insert a pillow form into the cover.

AN ENVELOPE-STYLE OPENING ON THE BACK OF THE COVER MAKES IT EASY TO SLIP IN A PILLOW FORM.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 23

WOOL BASICS Keep these felting tips in mind before you get started.

LAUNDER, REPEAT

Fibers tighten each time you wash and dry wool.

Our projects are best made with felted wool that’s dense, so wash and dry several times before getting started.

Launder scraps in a pillowcase to help catch the lint.

TUMBLE ACTION

Agitation is a good thing. Wash wool with towels or jeans to assist the felting process.

TEXTURE OPTIONS

Just as some wool sweaters feel softer than others, various types of wool will also produce different textures and looks when felted.

REST SPOT

SLEEVES MAKE GREAT SCRAPS. BEFORE YOU WASH AND DRY A WOOL SWEATER OR SHIRT, CUT IT APART USING SHARP FABRIC SCISSORS.

24 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

Protect your tabletop with a teapot trivet, left. Sew two 5×8-inch wool pieces together on the long side using a 3⁄8-inch seam; press open. Trim to 7×7 inches. Cut out a second 7×7-inch wool piece. To make the bias tape, fold and press a 2×36-inch fabric piece in half lengthwise.

Pin the edges of the wool pieces, wrong sides together. Unfold bias tape and clamp one edge to the wool pieces with fabric clips.

Sew with a 3⁄8-inch seam allowance. Fold bias tape over the wool edges; whipstitch together. Fold to create a loop; stitch the end in place.

PAGE TURNER

Craft a cover for a journal, below. To wrap an 8½×11-inch book, cut felted wool into 19×12-inch, 10×12inch, and 2½×5-inch pieces. Cut fabric into 27½×12-inch and 2×48-inch pieces. Line up the edges of the large and medium felted wool pieces along the 12-inch side; stitch with a ½-inch seam allowance. Place large fabric piece and sewn felted wool piece together, right sides facing; stitch with a ½-inch seam allowance around all edges, leaving a 2-inch opening at the bottom. Turn right side out, tucking in the 2-inch opening to sew later. Make bias tape using the 2×48-inch piece; stitch tape along the long edges to create a strap. Position the large piece so fabric side is up; fold both ends in 43⁄8 inches to create a pocketed area. Whipstitch all four corners to secure. Stitch the 2-inch opening closed. Hand-stitch the small felted wool piece to the inside flap, leaving the top open, for a pencil pocket. Add a journal, close, and wrap with tape.

DIY Q&A

HANDY GIRL Do you really have to change the batteries in your smoke detector? Or flip your mattress? Or take out window screens before winter? We get down to what’s absolutely crucial when it comes to caring for your home.

WORDS KELLY ROBERSON ILLUSTRATIONS ANKE REGA

HEY, HANDY GIRLS! Confession: I love my yard, but I hate caring for it. Last year, after always playing catch-up on maintenance, I hired a local, one-person shop to do it for me. The service comes once a month and does all the things I never want to. Truth: DIYers don’t need to do everything. This issue, we’re talking about the “have-tos” of home maintenance. While some tasks are crucial, others can get crossed off the list—just like my lawn care.

TO FLIP OR NOT FLIP A MATTRESS RULES HAVE CHANGED WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR SLEEP SPOT. Know what you own. Mattresses are much different than they were decades ago. Most now have a true underside and a true topside with layers between for softness. Your best bet is to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Some recommend flipping to offer distinct firmness options.

Consider rotating. To minimize wear, you might want to turn your mattress so the foot end is now at your head. Check with the

manufacturer for specific guidelines based on what kind of mattress you own. Some shouldn’t be flipped or rotated.

Stick with a routine. If you rotate your mattress this year then not at all for five years, chances are you’re behind the guidelines and you could age your mattress more quickly. Set a reminder on your calendar to prompt you to rotate the mattress.

CLEAN AND INSPECT YOUR CHIMNEY WHETHER THE FIREPLACE IS WOOD-BURNING OR GAS, YOU SHOULDN’T SKIP THIS TASK.

Why? If you have a wood-burning

fireplace, you likely have a buildup of creosote—basically vaporized tar. Too much of that in your chimney not only impacts how well your fire burns but also can cause fires in the chimney itself. If you have a gas fireplace, an inspection ensures no cracks or blockages lurk in the chimney.

How? Hire a professional for chimney-

cleaning tasks. Chimney sweeps know what to look for and how to clear the area safely.

Check for a certified member through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (csia.org).

When? Experts recommend a chimney

cleaning once a year for both wood-burning and gas varieties.

3 STEPS TO PREP OUTDOOR FAUCETS AVOID BURST PIPES IF YOU LIVE IN A PLACE WHERE TEMPERATURES FALL BELOW FREEZING. UNLESS YOU HAVE FROST-FREE FAUCETS, YOU NEED TO TURN OFF EXTERIOR WATER SOURCES BEFORE WINTER HITS. HERE’S HOW.

1

Remove, drain, and store hoses. This extends the life of your gear so you can keep using it each year.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

2

Turn off the outdoor water supply. Look for a valve labeled “outdoor only” inside your house.

3

Open the outdoor bibb until the water is drained, and then shut the hose bibb.

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 27

Ice Removal Solutions Protect yourself and guests from slippery steps and sidewalks by choosing the right deicing product.

Remember: Go easy—even a thin layer of deicer will keep slick spots away.

• Chloride-based This common choice referred to as rock salt is also the most problematic. It can hurt plants and eat away at surfaces. If you use it, be judicious and keep it away from your garden beds.

• Acetate-based It’s less harmful than chloride-based versions, but again—less is more. It gives off heat, which melts ice, and is typically available in pellet form.

• Carbohydrate-based This option is the least harmful to plants and surfaces but also less powerful and more expensive.

Honestly? It’s probably not worth it.

• Sand It doesn’t melt ice and creates a mess but in a pinch will offer traction.

CHECK YOUR SMOKE AND CO DETECTORS KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE IN CASE OF A FIRE OR CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK BY INSTALLING DETECTORS THROUGHOUT YOUR HOME. SMOKE DETECTORS SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY DECADE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS EVERY FIVE TO 10 YEARS. IF YOU HAVE AN OLDER DETECTOR, first check the date (usually on the back) to see when you’re due for a new one. Twice a year, every year, swap out the batteries and hit the “test” button on the detector. If you ever hear the telltale chirping sound, you’ve waited too long—so replace the battery.

IF YOU HAVE A NEWER DETECTOR, you can likely skip twice-a-year testing thanks to tech upgrades.

You can still purchase separate detectors for both smoke and carbon monoxide or buy combo versions. Newer detectors can include elevated safety features like smartphone alerts, smoldering and flaming fire detection, and strobe lights. When it’s time to replace the detector, you’ll hear a chirping sound.

WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL A SMOKE DETECTOR? • One in each bedroom • One outside each sleeping area • One on each floor (including the attic and basement)

WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR? • At least 5 feet above the floor or on the ceiling • One on each floor or one outside the sleeping area if in a single-level home or apartment • 5 to 20 feet away from a fireplace or flame-producing appliance, such as the furnace

28 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

SHOULD I REMOVE WINDOW SCREENS IN THE WINTER? It’s up to you. People remove screens to let as much light in as possible during the low-sun days of winter and to pull in a little more heat on bright days. If you want to take off your screens and clean them before storing, go ahead. But if not, don’t sweat it.

SHOULD I USE HERBICIDE ON MY LAWN IN THE WINTER? Probably not. But you might want to do it in the autumn.

By the time winter arrives, it’s too late for preemergent herbicides to work—“pre” meaning they prevent weeds from popping up. It’s a way to prevent unwelcome weeds from taking root once conditions warm up again.

ORDER IN THE HOUSE

PANTRY

Turn a basic pantry into a storage powerhouse with smart products and a touch of style.

FIELD EDITOR JESSICA BRINKERT HOLTAM PHOTOGRAPHS JAY WILDE WORDS MEGAN BOETTCHER

HANDY HELPER Tuck a

slim step stool behind the door so you can safely retrieve items from the top shelf. Ultralight Slimline Step Stool, $159; frontgate.com

TRICKS OF THE TRADE Savannah Kokaliares of the

GET LOW Store heavy products, such as soda or bottled

water, or overstock items like paper towels and tissue boxes on the floor. Squat, wide bins with a lid that typically hold linens can also keep bulky goods from creeping into your traffic lane. Rump Roost Storage Bin, $60–$67; scoutbags.com

Classy Clutter blog knows all the tips to create a storagesavvy home. When she finally had her own pantry, opposite, she put those skills to the test to create an ideal space.

Using the existing shelves, she lined the space with labeled bins and jars, baskets for bulk items, and a happy pop of color. Dream pantry achieved.

HACK IT

MAKE IT

BUY IT

HIDDEN HAPPINESS Enliven your pantry with bold peel-and-stick wallpaper. Before installing the wallcovering,

remove the shelves and give them a fresh coat of paint. To cut down on cost and time, consider wallpapering just one wall in your space. Haok Home, from $6; haokhome.com DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 31

LABEL STAPLES Put baking supplies in widemouth glass jars to ease access and taking inventory. A gallon-size vessel with a rubber gasket lid works well for flour and sugar. Stick-on labels, available on Amazon and Etsy, simplify the process of putting away groceries and help you quickly find what you need. Adding the recipe to the pancake mix jar means you don’t have to look it up. Savannah used individual adhesive letters to create hers.

KEEP IT FRESH Set clear

containers at the right height so kids can grab their own snacks.

Choose air-tight canisters to keep crackers and cereal fresher longer. Better Homes & Gardens FlipTite Canister, $30 for four; walmart.com

STASH AWAY Make a list of the pantry

essentials you always have on hand to determine how many storage bins you need. Clear bins allow you to see what’s on each shelf; white containers create a clean, clutter-free look. The Home Edit Stacking Pantry Bin, $72 for four; containerstore.com

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

32 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

TURN AROUND Every now and then items get lost

on the back of a shelf. Place sauce jars, soup cans, or cooking oils on a turntable to keep them from being pushed into the deep corners of your pantry.

Simply Essential 9-Inch Non-Skid Turntable, $8; bedbathandbeyond.com

WATER WRANGLER Stave off the tumble of beverage bottles with a tiered shelf. Carafes rest on their sides so you can view what’s available and easily take what you want without a crashing mess. UpSpace Water Bottle and Travel Mug Organizer, $25 for three shelf; youcopia.com

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1. Special gifts deserve special packaging. Create your own unique tags, gift wrap, tissue paper, and bags with this customizable stamp kit. Paint, ink, stamps, paper, and tags are included. Cut out your own shapes or use one of the included die cuts. Gift Wrap Stamp Kit, $40; kidmademodern.com

STUFF WE LOVE

ON OUR RADAR Craft, organize, and gift your way through the frosty season with these clever products and kits.

WORDS AMBER WAGNER PHOTOGRAPHS BRIE PASSANO

34 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

2. Shine a new light on your crafts. Permanent alcohol inks add vibrant color to this three-in-one kit. Combine LED display, coasters, and waterproof paper with four inks and blending solution to create works of usable art.

LED Light Frame Alcohol Ink Kit, $37; adultsandcrafts.com

3. The silicone blade on this broom flexes to grip dry or wet messes and easily rinses clean. Use it on hardwood, tile, and even carpet. Broombi, $35; broombi.com

2 3

4

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4. Save paint from landfills by giving it new life. This company rescues used paint then processes and refines it for reuse. Choose from 18 premixed colors of interior or exterior latex paint to freshen your space—and do something good for the planet.

Up Paint, $20 per quart; uppaint.com

5. Take the worry out of watering. A reservoir concealed in the sleek base of this self-watering pot keeps your plant hydrated and happy.

Round 8.6-Inch Planter Luna, $64; loopliving.co

6. Give a frameless mirror or medicine cabinet a new look with this custom-fit kit that comes in dozens of styles and colors to suit your aesthetic. The back channel hides mirror clips while the special adhesive makes hanging a breeze.

MirrorMate Frames, from $102; mirrormate.com

7. These three flip sockets boast six hex sizes that are compatible with an impact driver or screwdriver handle. A quick-connect ¼-inch shaft doubles as socket storage for this multipurpose tool, and powerful magnets hold everything in place. Klein Tools 7-in-1 Impact Flip Socket with Handle, $30; homedepot.com

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8. Keep a tangle of cords out of sight. This slim cover plugs into your outlet and includes a 3-foot cord with a three-outlet box on the end to plug devices into.

Sleek Socket, $24; amazon.com

9. This introspective journal offers more than 100 guided-entry prompts and exercises to help you create self-awareness and handle stress and anxiety in a healthy way. The AntiAnxiety Notebook, $38; therapynotebooks.com

10. Gel pens are back!

The quick-drying, opaque ink in this pack creates gorgeous contrast on dark backgrounds—but we promise they’re just as fun for writing your grocery lists.

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Sakura Gelly Roll Moonlight Pens, $15 for 10-pack; amazon.com

11. You’ve got plant friends in high places. A powdercoated steel planter adds bright midcentury modern style to your room. Drop in a potted plant, attach a hook, and hang from your ceiling. Hanging Circle Planter, from $38; newmadela.com

36 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

12. Watch eight forest friends come to life while stitching this felt kit. Hang the critters on your holiday tree or string them as garland.

Christmas Woodland Garland Kit, from $21; pollychromecrafts .etsy.com

13. If you’re dreaming of acres of blooms or even just one small bed, this book by Jennifer and Adam O’Neal will inspire. The authors marry down-to-earth cut flower growing with a decade of farming experience to offer tips on both garden and floral design. Small

12 13

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Farm Big Dreams, $28; pepperharrowfarm.com

14. Secure lids on the go or in the fridge. This stretchy silicone band fits most pots so you can take food anywhere without worrying about spills. Lid Latch, $15 for two-pack; mellahome.com

15. Add storage to the top of your stove. This magnetic shelf, which comes in various finishes and sizes, sticks tightly to create space for spices and other oft-used cooking supplies. Plus, you can easily remove it for cleaning. Stove Shelf, from $40; stoveshelf.com

16. Easily keep track of seasonal maintenance for your home. This app helps you organize tasks by systems and appliances, and it details how to do jobs, what tools you’ll need, and the approximate cost of projects.

Upkept, $5 per month; upkepthome.com

17. Summer doesn’t have to hoard all the growing fun. Extend your season with an LED grow-light that connects to an app to program your plant’s lighting needs.

Smart Growbar, $129; modsprout.com

18. This little loom helps you mend small tears or holes on jeans, sweaters, and socks. The kit comes with an instruction book and video access to learn how to use it. Swift Darning Loom, $145; worthmending.com 17 18

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19. Add charm to your holiday decor—and needle felting to your hobby list. This kit comes with wool, felting needles, and video instructions to create three plush balls.

Christmas Ornaments Needle Felting Kit, $40; feltedsky.etsy.com

20. Leave dirt at the door with a machine-washable 2×3-foot mat. The allweather insert stays put in a self-draining rubber base. Swap the mat with one of over 100 designs for a fresh look. Ruggable Doormat, from $149; ruggable.com 20

38 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

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1

A garage mural is just the cherry on top for this DIYer extraordinaire, who took her builder-grade home from uninspiring to upscale.

WORDS MISSY KEENAN PHOTOGRAPHS JAY WILDE FIELD EDITOR JESSICA BRINKERT HOLTAM

THE HOMEOWNER’S DAD, DAN FARRELL, OFTEN FLIES IN FROM HIS HOME IN BOISE TO HELP HER WITH PROJECTS. 2

1 Angela Rose likes to

give an unexpected twist to spaces with “no soul,” such as her garage where she finished the floors and painted a bright quote on the wall.

2 Before she demoed her staircase, Angela talked to engineers, poked holes in the drywall, and spoke to neighbors. This gave her confidence that the changes she planned were nonstructural. “I knew one day I would take a sledgehammer to my staircase and my soul would feel lighter,” she says.

“I’m an advocate for therapy—and also for knocking down walls.”

ABOUT 12 YEARS AGO AS A RECENT COLLEGE GRAD, ANGELA ROSE FELL IN LOVE WITH AN $800 BED—WAY OUT of her price range. With no previous building experience, she decided to construct it herself. She went to the hardware store, spent $80 on materials and a nail gun, and just figured it out.

Angela was hooked. She didn’t want to wait until she could afford designer looks, so she continued to build furniture. Then, seven years ago as a stay-at-home mom, she took on the remodeling of her 25-year-old Henderson, Nevada, home. The previously

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

“beige and boring,” builder-grade house is now a light, bright, and modern space.

To inspire others, Angela chronicles her DIY projects on Instagram @angelarosehome. In four years, she has garnered over 1.4 million followers, a growing list of brand sponsorships and product lines, and TV appearances, including on The Today Show.

“I share the ups and downs, the process, and my heart,” says Angela, who does most of the design and demolition work on her own but also receives occasional help from her dad or a handy friend. “I don’t always know how it’s going to work, but I know I’ll figure it out.”

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 41

ANGELA WANTED THIS MURAL TO GIVE HER KIDS THE FEELING OF TRAVELING TO ANOTHER WORLD. 3

19

4

DO IT BETTER ANGELA EXPERIMENTED WITH FIVE PRODUCTS BEFORE SHE WAS HAPPY WITH THE FIREPLACE SURROUND. GET THE LOOK THE FIRST TIME BY FOLLOWING HER TUTORIAL ON ANGELAROSEHOME.COM.

42 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

5 A ROMAN CLAY PLASTER FINISH GIVES THE FIREPLACE A HIGH-END LOOK.

6

3 The hand-painted mural in the playroom is based on a landscape painting by Colleen O’Connor, with her permission.

“I redid the clouds five times to get the cotton-candy look I was going for,” Angela says. “I tell my followers, ‘Don’t be afraid to paint something. The worst that could happen is you paint over it.’” 4 Angela, Colton (13), Aubrey (5), Blake (8), and Mike Rose enjoy hanging out on their patio. 5 To get the simple, modern fireplace wall of her dreams, Angela first took a sledgehammer to beige tile, awkward niches, and builder-basic oak cabinets. 6 Professional bids for a concrete fireplace were pricey, so DIY became obvious. She spent less than $5,000 on materials compared to about $40,000 if she had hired it out.

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44 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

10

AFTER SKETCHING THE SHELVES ON PAPER, ANGELA CUT THE OAK AND CREATED THE METAL COMPONENTS WITH HELP FROM A FRIEND WHO’S A WELDER.

7 Angela’s dad helped with the

kitchen demolition, and a handyman friend occasionally lent a second pair of hands. Otherwise, Angela remodeled the kitchen herself.

“There’s not an element of this room that I didn’t touch,” she says. “My heart and soul is in this kitchen.”

8 To keep the budget in check, Angela reused her cabinet boxes, painting them an earthy color and adding custom doors from her own cabinet line, Angela Rose Slim Shaker Doors by Nieu. 9 “I love my marble backsplash,” she says.

“When I saw it at the slab yard it took my breath away. It looks like a stormy sea.” 10 “Aside from the appliances, the kitchen remodel cost about $20,000,” Angela says. “But it looks like an $80,000 space.”

11 An unused space under the stairs

transformed into a mini playroom.

“Every kid wants a secret hideout,” Angela says. 12 The star mobile attached to her daughter’s ceiling gives the room a whimsical, magical feeling. 13 After seeing a giant Lite Brite wall at a children’s museum, Angela couldn’t wait to make one for her kids. 14 The bunk in Aubrey’s room has a play area on top and a bed below. “When a piece is built-in, it feels so much more custom and high-end than something that’s freestanding,” she says. 15 “It was so much fun to build the slide,” Angela says. “My inner child has a blast when I work on projects like this.”

11

DO IT BETTER AFTER TRIAL AND ERROR, ANGELA SETTLED ON 3/4-INCH HOLES FOR THE ACRYLIC RODS. A PLEXIGLASS SHEET RESTS BETWEEN A FRAME, THE DRILLED PLYWOOD SHEET, AND LED LIGHT STRIPS.

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ANGELA BOUGHT 300 PRECUT WOOD STARS, STAINED THEM SEVERAL SHADES OF PINK, DRILLED A TINY HOLE IN EACH ONE, AND HUNG THEM ON NYLON STRING ATTACHED TO COMMAND HOOKS.

46 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

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TRERON NO. 292 FARROW-BALL.COM

DO IT BETTER THE NO-SEW WINGBACK HEADBOARD, MADE FROM A SHEET OF PLYWOOD, A TWIN XL MATTRESS PAD, AND A PAIR OF CURTAIN PANELS, COST ABOUT $80.

48 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

17

NEWBURG GREEN HC-158 BENJAMINMOORE.COM

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16 The primary bedroom is full of

homemade projects: an upholstered headboard, a board-and-batten accent wall, and a built-in desk.

17 The board-and-batten accent wall cost about $150. Angela made it by first installing a flat backer board to the wall and then applying 1×2 finger-joint pine in a grid pattern.

18 Angela has saved thousands of dollars by painting three of her home’s tile floors instead of replacing them. In this bathroom, she created the star stencil using a Cricut machine. 19 An awkward nook in the primary bedroom became a home office—and a great spot to take Zoom calls with the room’s accent wall as a backdrop.

20 The sliding door is a nod to a similar door featured by well-known home design influencers Chip and Joanna Gaines. Angela made this version for less than $200.

19

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21 Brick veneer was

installed on a living room wall, then limewashed for a soft, textural look. 22 Black spray paint updated the home’s 25-yearold vinyl windows for a more modern look. Easy-install window grids add extra charm. 23 Large-scale planters filled with faux succulents creatively disguise a cinder-block wall near the patio.

24 With the addition of a comfy outdoor couch and a firepit, the once-neglected patio is now a cozy reading nook by day and a great spot to roast marshmallows by night. “This space is magical in the evening,” Angela says.

“The bistro lights look like stars and the big round pendant looks like the moon.”

21

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FAKE A WINDOW GRID BY APPLYING ELECTRICAL TAPE TO PANES. USE A LEVEL TO ENSURE THE LINES ARE STRAIGHT.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

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50 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

24

FIREPLACE

refresh

Basic skills and a few days can turn an outdated fireplace into a contemporary focal point.

PROJECTS JENI WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN WORDS BETH ESLINGER

MODERN MANTEL A bright, sleek upgrade, this photo, masks a formerly white brick fireplace. To make the oak mantel, determine your desired length and width of the piece. (Ours is 10 inches deep.) Glue and pin-nail oak boards using butt joints.

Sand and seal the wood with polyurethane. Attach the mantel after finishing the new surround.

B EF O R E

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 53

ON DISPLAY Get high impact shelves using basic woodworking skills, below. Before determining the unit’s dimensions, construct the mantel and surround. Use a circular saw to cut the sides, top, and bottom of the bookcase from oak plywood. Nail together to form a box. Create a decorative edge on the sides using 1-inch square oak dowels. Secure a piece of plywood to the top of the box and cut plywood shelves to size. Stain and let dry.

STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL, THE ¾-INCH SQUARE OAK DOWELS AFFIXED ALONG THE CABINET INTERIOR ALLOW QUICK CHANGES TO SHELF HEIGHT.

DO IT BETTER THE FRAME AROUND THE SURROUND LOOKS LIKE PRICEY STONE BUT IT’S PAINTED PLYWOOD. TO REPLICATE, PRIME USING A SHORT-NAP ROLLER, SAND WITH FINE-GRIT PAPER, AND COAT WITH GRAY PAINT IN A FLAT FINISH.

OAK QUARTER ROUND MASKS THE GAP BETWEEN THE NEW MANTEL AND THE WALL.

NEW LOOK Start at the bottom when giving a tired fireplace a facelift. First, tile the hearth and add oak trim for a smooth transition, right. Next, build a plywood box to frame the surround, above. Sand and paint gray. To attach the box, use concrete anchor screws to secure 2×4 cleats to the existing brick. Screw the surround into the cleats. Once secured, tile the area. If brick is painted, use fiberglass mesh to adhere the tile. To attach mesh, drill holes every 6 inches into the brick surrounding the fireplace opening; secure the mesh with concrete screws (skip this step if brick is not painted). Apply mortar with a trowel and attach tile sheets to the front and larger marble tile pieces to the opening edge. Once dry, apply unsanded grout. Wipe off excess, buff with a rag, and seal when dry.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 55

ON THE

curve

Give your space elemental impact with arched projects both big and small.

PROJECTS JENI WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS JASON DONNELLY WORDS SARAH HALVERSON

BUILT-IN BEAUTY An all-in-one

headboard-nightstand combo is modern and minimalistic, this photo and opposite. Tie a string around a pushpin to measure and mark the curved headboard halves, tabletops, and supporting brackets. (We used ½-inch Baltic birch plywood.) Cut out with a jigsaw. Fasten the tabletops to their brackets with pin nails and wood glue and screw into the headboard.

Secure each headboard piece to the wall with four screws drilled into studs.

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DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 57

HALCYON GREEN SW 6213 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS.COM

OPEN CASE With its arched top and sturdy wood

construction, a discarded window frame displayed potential as the front of a hutch, left. Use the frame as a template to mark and cut the unit’s plywood back, above. Determine the preferred size of your shelves and cut from plywood. Cut the legs, cross supports, and top connecting pieces from poplar 2×2s. To attach the shelves, drill screws in from the back of the piece; fasten to the window frame using wood glue and pin nails.

DO IT BETTER BUILD THE HUTCH SEPARATELY FROM THE BASE. THIS WAY, BOTH PIECES ARE STURDY FROM THE START AND THE ASSEMBLIES TAKE UP LESS WORK SPACE. PLUS, YOU CAN MORE EASILY PRIME, PAINT, AND SAND EACH PORTION.

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

ACE THE BASE Measure and cut a tabletop a few inches wider and

deeper than the shelves for the hutch to rest on, above. Secure the two finished units to each other using screws and wood glue. We inset the four legs an inch from each corner and drilled pocket holes with a jig to screw the legs to the tabletop and cross supports.

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 59

FOR A MODERN LOOK THAT’S EASY TO ACHIEVE, SPRAY WITH A PRIMERPAINT COMBO IN SATIN BLACK.

STAND UP A collection of disassembled vintage wood folding chairs reconfigure into a plant stand, above, and

matching coffee table, opposite. To make the plant stand, we used parts from four chairs. Cut off two chairbacks at the seat to become the sides of the stand; leave two full length to become the legs. Join the backs with 1-inch screws. Cut a shelf from plywood to fit inside the assembly, and screw through the legs into the shelf. Fill flaws or holes in the wood with a filler product. Prime, paint, and let dry.

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TABLE TALK Three vintage wood chairs find new life as a serpentine coffee table, below. Disassemble

the chairs and trim three seat arches and three back arches to your desired table height (we cut ours to 16 inches tall). Lay out the chairs on your work surface to determine the size of your tabletop (we used a 30-inch precut table round). Starting with one chair piece, drill 1-inch screws through the arch’s peak into the underside of the wood round. Attach the adjoining arch with glue and screws by drilling from the top of the wood round into the arch’s legs. Repeat with the remaining pieces, then prime, paint, and let dry.

TRIM THE BOTTOM FRINGE INTO A CURVE TO ECHO THE ARCH ON TOP. EYEBALL IT OR TRACE THE TOP ARCH ON PAPER TO MAKE A PATTERN.

CAGED IN The sunny shape and vertical bars of a vintage birdcage practically begged for a fabulous weaving,

above. We snipped the front of the cage from the rest of the structure and cleaned it with soap and water before weaving yarn in a rainbow of colors throughout the rungs. Vary your weaving patterns and styles for a textured look. To finish, wrap the arch in yarn and fringe the bottom edge as you would a hand-crocheted scarf.

62 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

A

DESIGNATED SPACE Craft a curved rug to suit an alcove, entry, or study spot, below. Arrange carpet tiles to fit snugly against each other and the walls. Measure the width of the carpet squares where you’d like the arch and halve the number to determine the center point of the curve. (Our tiles were 48 inches wide, so the center is at 24 inches.) To create a compass, tie a string around a pencil or pin (your compass needle). Tie a permanent marker to the other end, 24 inches from the pencil, position the pencil at the center point, and draw the arc (you may need assistance). Trim each carpet square on the marked line using sharp scissors (A).

DO IT BETTER IF YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT MESSING UP OR HAVE LIGHT COLOR CARPET TILES, DRAW THE ARCH ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE SQUARES AND FLIP THEM OVER AFTER YOU’VE MADE THE CUTS.

DELIGHTFUL LIGHT With its wow texture and groovy shape, this lamp holds a room, below. Trace a cardboard U letter

(found at crafts stores) onto 2-inch-thick foam. Cut out about 1 inch beyond the traced lines. Sandwich the foam between two cardboard letters, aligning the bottom of the feet. Secure with masking tape. Cut a hole in the top of the foam arch for the light socket. Cover the structure with two layers of plaster cloth strips, following the package directions. Let dry between layers and then spray-paint. Once dry, feed a pendant light kit through the hole in the arch and add a lightbulb to illuminate.

FINISH THE CUT EDGES WITH VENEER EDGING IF YOU USE REGULAR PLYWOOD.

WONDER WALL A small display shelf gives a special curio the spotlight, above. Cut a 38×18-inch rectangle from ½- or ¾-inch

plywood. Insert a pushpin in the center of the rectangle at least 9 inches from the top edge and cut a string to create a compass.

Tie one end of the string to the pushpin and the other end to a pencil. Draw an arch. Repeat on the bottom edge of the rectangle.

Determine how deep you’d like your shelf, and cut the plywood. The shorter piece will become the shelf; the longer piece will become the wall plate. On the bottom of the wall shelf, drill four pilot holes about 3/8 inch from the cut edge. Glue and clamp pieces together; drive screws through the pilot holes to secure. Paint; when dry, hang on the wall with mounting hardware.

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DO IT BETTER YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHANGE EVERY DOORWAY IN THE HOUSE. FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT, START WITH ONE IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA—SAY, THE WALKWAY TO THE KITCHEN OR DINING ROOM.

MAKE IT

ARCHED DOORWAY

ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST Few elements in an older home are more charming than arched doorways, opposite.

You can replicate the look in your pass-throughs with right angles using a few special materials and tools.

A

B

MATERIALS • Drywall saw and pry bar • ½-inch plywood • Jigsaw • Screws • Power drill and bits • ½- or ¼-inch drywall (to match thickness of existing drywall) • Utility knife • T-square • Tin snips • Plastic corner bead • Nails • Plaster mud • Drywall tape • Sandpaper or a sanding block • Primer and paint • Paintbrush or roller Step 1 Take the existing doorway down to the studs using a drywall saw and pry bar.

Step 2 Trace an existing arch onto paper or create your own template. For each corner of the opening, build an arch block, top left. Trace two arches onto plywood (use the corners so two edges meet in a right angle). Cut out with a jigsaw. Screw pieces of scrap plywood between two arches so the depth of the arch equals the depth of the wall minus the drywall. (Most walls are 3½ inches deep, but they can vary.)

C

D

Step 3 Push the arch block into one corner of the doorway and screw into place (A). Repeat on the other side.

Step 4 Cut a small piece of drywall slightly larger than the arch and hold it against the arch to trace (B). Cut out four arches (two for each corner) with a jigsaw (C). Screw the drywall into the wood arch (D).

E

F

Step 5 Cut a strip of drywall the same width as the framing plus the drywall on each side and long enough to reach slightly beyond the arch. Score the back of the drywall every ¾ inches using a T-square and utility knife (E). Bend the scored drywall inside the arches and screw into the frame. Continue to screw drywall into the remaining sections of the door frame.

Step 6 To finish the corners where the perpendicular pieces of drywall meet, use tin snips to cut strips into plastic corner bead every ½ to ¾ inches (F).

Nail the corner bead into place along the edges of the drywall. (You do not need to cut the corner bead where it meets the straight portions of the drywall.)

Step 7 Tape and mud the doorway and let dry.

Sand and add more mud, if needed. Let dry and sand again. Prime and paint to finish.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

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DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 67

Oh, what joy!

Revamp your space into a whimsical winter wonderland with these candy-color holiday decor projects.

PROJECTS + STYLING KATIE LEPORTE PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN WORDS SAMANTHA S. THORPE

ENCHANTING LAND Fashion a magical mantel scape, this photo. To make the wintry frame scene, opposite, cut white lace and satin fabrics in undulating shapes to mimic snowdrifts. Staple layers, lace in front, to the back of a frame. String a yarn tree by tapping a nail slightly into the back of the frame’s top rail and six nails along the bottom, spaced about ¼ inch apart.

Knot yarn on the top nail, then wrap around the bottom nail and back again, repeating to form a triangular tree shape.

LARGE-HEAD NAILS KEEP THE YARN FROM SLIPPING OFF.

+ FIND THE HOW-TO FOR THIS PROJECT ON PAGE 91.

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DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 69

SNOW-CAPPED TOWN Brighten crafts store

birdhouses, wood-turned trees, and cardboard shapes with colorful paint, this photo.

Accessorize your cozy abodes with a tiny wreath, painted snowdrifts, or flocking (find the how-to on page 73). Complete the look with a garland composed of neon-color pom-poms, vintage bells, and painted geometric wood shapes. Drill through the wood using a 3/32-inch bit. String the pieces on white yarn using a large-eye needle.

ALL AGLOW Illuminate your table

with happy-hue candleholders, above. Gather wood blocks in a range of sizes. Paint blocks in vibrant colors and metallics or tape off parts of the wood for a color-block look. Let dry.

Assemble up to three blocks in a stack, keeping stability in mind. To recess the candle cup, drill into the center of the top block with a ½-inch-diameter paddle bit.

Use a smaller bit to drill through the blocks to fit a 2–3-inch wood screw, depending on the height of your blocks. Nestle the candle cup inside the large hole. Screw through the candle cup and wood blocks to secure, left. For a fully exposed candle cup, screw directly through the cup and all the blocks. To finish, rotate the blocks into a desired formation and insert a taper candle.

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DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 71

DIP-DYED DESIGN An icy palette sets the scene for a dinner party,

this photo. Iron a fabric table runner, then loosely roll it up crosswise.

Wrap the center of the runner tightly in plastic wrap to help keep dye from seeping. Prepare the dye solution according to package instructions. Dip one rolled end 1–2 inches into the dye bath. (The hue will become more saturated the longer you leave the fabric in the dye.) Rinse carefully to avoid splashing dye. Repeat on the other rolled end. Lay flat and let dry. Craft pom-poms in a mix of glacial hues using a 2½-inch pom-pom maker (poms will be about 1½ inches in diameter once trimmed). Use the tails left from tying off the pompoms to sew them in a line along the runner’s short end.

MAKE IT

FLOCKED TREES MATERIALS • Flocking fibers • Flocking applicator (we used Suede-Tex mini flocker) • Large cardboard box or plastic bin • Paper such as newsprint or parchment paper • Crafts paints to match flocking colors • Crafts paintbrushes • Cloth rag • Wood shapes (trees, cones, houses), unfinished • Dust mask Step 1 Load flocking fibers into applicator tube according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2 Line a cardboard box or plastic bin with paper.

Gather paint, brushes, water, and rag (for cleaning the brush between paint jobs).

Step 3 Apply a thick coat of paint that matches the color of the flocking fibers to a clean section of wood (or other material) you want to flock (A). Set the wood shape in the box or bin.

Step 4 Wearing a dust mask and working quickly, position the flocking applicator at a 45-degree angle over the painted wood surface and pump to coat the wet paint with fibers until covered (B). Let dry overnight.

A

B

Step 5 Wearing a dust mask, lightly blow or brush away excess fibers into the box.

More ways to flock! Discover two other methods: BHG.com/Flocking

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DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 73

CUT ALL THE YARN PIECES FIRST TO ASSEMBLE FASTER. THE CHUNKIER THE YARN, THE FEWER KNOTS YOU’LL NEED TO TIE.

MAKE IT

RAINBOW WREATH

LARK’S HEAD KNOT DIAGRAM 1

74 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

MATERIALS • White chunky yarn • Yarn in several bright colors • 4-ring wire wreath frame • Fabric stiffener • Ribbon

the outermost ring of a four-ring wire wreath frame, pulling tails outward.

Repeat with remaining yarn, arranging colors as desired, until the entire ring is filled. Continue tying yarn to the other rings until the wreath is full.

Step 1 Select white chunky yarn and a few bold accent colors. Cut 30–40 pieces per rung and 10–20 color pieces altogether, each 9 inches long.

Step 3 Trim yarn tails to shape each layer into an even circle.

Step 2 Using a lark’s head knot (see diagram, left) fasten a length of yarn to

Step 4 Spray the yarn with fabric stiffener to hold its shape. When dry, attach a ribbon around the top to hang.

CHROMATIC ORNAMENTS 1

1

SPARKLY SNOWFLAKE Swirl iridescent

2

CANDY CANE CUTENESS Paint stripes

2

3

4

pearl paint on the inside of a clear glass ornament until fully coated. Let dry. Secure a snowflake stencil to the ornament using stencil adhesive, then apply white paint using a foam stippler.

Remove the stencil and apply flocking (see how-to on page 73) over the paint and then let dry.

around a clear glass ball ornament.

Apply flocking in the same color over the wet paint. Let dry, then brush off excess. Repeat with additional stripes.

3

FELTED FROSTING Swirl cobalt paint on the inside of a clear glass ball ornament until fully coated. Let dry. To mimic frost, paint thin white triangles around the top of the ornament. Apply white flocking over the wet paint. Let dry before brushing off excess.

4

CRINKLE MAGIC Fill clear glass ball

ornaments with colorful and iridescent cellophane papers from the giftwrapping aisle. For extra bling, string beads and other trinkets on golden wire and attach to the underside of the cap so the wire hangs inside the ornament.

+ LEARN HOW TO MAKE WOOD DOLL ORNAMENTS ON PAGE 9.

FOR RESOURCES SEE PAGE 88.

paint

THE DO-IT-BETTER GUIDE TO

Even if you’re no stranger to a brush or roller, these clever tips and ideas will take your paint game to the next level.

WORDS MARIA V. CHARBONNEAUX PHOTOGRAPHS MARTY BALDWIN PROJECTS + STYLING LESLIE POYZER

BEFORE

THE POWER OF PAINT Raise your hand if you’ll never tire of a room made over

with a color refresh. This one, above, doesn’t disappoint. Neutral walls felt blah before, so we painted them a pretty blue and added lengths of half-round molding painted the same color for texture and architectural interest. To install molding, use a brad nailer and a level, then fill holes with wood filler, caulk along the edges, and touch up with paint as needed. The existing sideboard was forgettable, but we wanted it to be a knockout. We painted it a rich burgundy to tie in with the new rug and accessories. Rather than replace the knobs, we spray-painted them metallic gold to complete the update. Read on to learn more tips for updating your walls, trim, furniture, and accessories with paint.

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DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 77

GATHER THESE ITEMS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED TO MAKE PREP QUICKER.

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ASSEMBLE A PREP KIT It’s no sweat to prepare surfaces for paint when you have the proper tools and supplies at your fingertips.

1. SHOP TOWELS

Apply cleaner with heavy-duty disposable cloths or reusable microfiber.

2. LATEX PAINT CLEANER Keep a

bottle on hand to clean fresh or dried paint drips from hard or porous surfaces.

other stains before you begin painting.

areas you want to protect from paint.

4. BROOM AND DUSTPAN Debris can

6. TAPED MASKING FILM Cover your

compromise your smooth finish and collect in your brush, so clean the work area before applying paint or primer.

baseboards and floors with plastic sheeting that comes with tape attached.

5. PAINTERS TAPE 3. TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE (TSP)

Use this cleaner to cut through grease and

Have a couple of rolls nearby for masking trim, baseboards, ceiling, and any other

7. WOOD PUTTY

Fill holes in trim or furniture. Opt for a small container; it dries out quickly once opened.

8. SANDING BLOCK

11. TACK CLOTHS

Stock up in a few different grits, including 80-grit, 150grit, and 220-grit. Start with a lower number and work your way up.

These sticky cloths wipe up sanding dust.

9. GLOVES Wear when handling chemical cleaners or strippers.

10. PUTTY KNIFE

Use it when applying wood putty or spackling paste.

12. SPACKLING COMPOUND Keep it

nearby for patching holes in walls.

13. DROP CLOTH

Reusable canvas stops drips and is better for the environment than plastic. If you have hard floors, look for one with a slipresistant backing.

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KEEP ALL YOUR PAINTING TOOLS AND SUPPLIES TOGETHER IN A DURABLE TOTE WITH A SECURE LID.

ASSEMBLE A PAINT KIT Ready to get to work? You will be once everything you need for wall, trim, and furniture projects is at hand. for a sturdy stool with one or two steps.

clean rollers, spread paint, scrape surfaces, and more.

2. 5-GALLON BUCKET

5. STIR STICKS Keep

Mix several cans in this for color consistency.

extras around to mix paint thoroughly.

3. PAINT CUP We like one that has a magnet to hold a brush and a handle for gripping.

6. 4-INCH FOAM ROLLER AND TRAY

1. STEPLADDER Look

4. PAINTERS MULTITOOL This handy

gadget can open cans,

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

This roller is easy to handle and creates an ultra-smooth finish when painting on furniture.

7. 2- OR 2½-INCH ANGLE SASH BRUSH

9. 9-INCH ROLLER FRAME A quality frame

Use this to paint trim or cut in along baseboards, corners, and ceilings. Choose a handle length that feels most comfortable to you.

with a sturdy handle will last years.

8. 1- OR 1½-INCH ANGLE SASH BRUSH

11. EXTENSION POLE

High-quality covers don’t shed. Use ¾-inch nap for heavily textured walls or ceilings, ½- or 3⁄8-inch nap for semismooth surfaces, and 3⁄16- or ¼-inch nap for untextured surfaces.

Clean the roller before painting to reduce lint.

Increase your reach; most roller frames have a threaded end.

13. PAINT TRAY AND LINER A metal tray will

A skinny brush with a long handle can reach tight spots and trim.

10. PLASTIC BAGS

Keep rollers and brushes from drying out between coats.

12. ROLLER COVERS

last forever; use plastic liners for easy cleanup.

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 79

PREP IT FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR BETTER PAINTING RESULTS.

ALL ABOUT WALLS

• Repair imperfections.

Remove all nails and fill holes with spackling compound. Once dry, sand the surface smooth with 150-grit sandpaper; wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

• Clean surfaces. For better paint adhesion, wash walls (remember the corners) and baseboards using warm water and a sponge. For extra-dirty situations, use a grease-cutting detergent, below. Wipe away residual cleaner with clean water; let dry completely.

• Protect surroundings. Tape

off baseboards and casings using painters tape, pressing down firmly with your finger or a plastic putty knife for a little more leverage and precision. Let the tape set 30–60 minutes before painting. Protect floors and furniture with drop cloths.

To protect baseboards from splatters, try a two-in-one painters tape and drop cloth product, above.

• Remove switchplates. Label and store in a plastic bag.

NOT ALL PAINTERS TAPE IS THE SAME. CHOOSE FROM OPTIONS FOR SMOOTH, ROUGH, DELICATE, OR OUTDOOR SURFACES AND EXTRA-SHARP LINES.

PAINT SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED EVENLY ON YOUR ROLLER COVER, BUT DO NOT OVERSATURATE. USE YOUR TRAY TO ROLL OFF THE EXCESS TO PREVENT DRIPS.

PAINT IT CONSIDER THESE TIPS FOR A PRO FINISH. • Select a paint. You can get a good finish from most paints, but

a premium line with built-in primer may require fewer coats and will hold up better over time. A low-luster eggshell sheen hides surface imperfections and resists scuffs. A satin finish is more reflective and durable for high-traffic areas.

• Prime if needed. If you’re making a drastic color shift, apply a stand-alone interior latex primer before painting. A tinted primer works best if you’re switching from a light to dark shade. Choose a white primer if going from dark to light.

• Cut in. Dip the tip of your angled sash brush in paint. Turn the brush sideways, let it touch the wall about ½ inch from the edge, and then pull the brush along the line. Without reloading, make a second pass, slowly pushing the bristles even closer to the edge, right. For a seamless transition when you roll, feather the wet paint away from the trim with your brush.

• Get going. Roll paint in a W pattern, working in small 3- to 4-foot sections, above. Once finished, roll again with light vertical strokes to smooth the paint and remove stray roller marks. Allow paint to dry; apply additional coats as needed.

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ALL ABOUT TRIM

PREP IT

WHETHER YOUR TRIM IS BARE WOOD, PAINTED, OR STAINED, KEEP THESE POINTERS IN MIND FOR A LASTING FINISH. • Protect floors. Lay down a masking film or 2-inch painters tape; use a putty knife to tuck the film or tape slightly under the baseboard.

• Inspect fasteners. Set nails that have popped with a hammer and nail set, and secure loose trim.

• Patch and caulk. Fill holes with a highquality latex wood filler; let dry and sand smooth. If the caulk along the edge is cracked, scrape it away with a utility knife and reapply paintable caulk.

• Start fresh. Clean with nonsudsy trisodium phosphate (TSP), and then scuff up the existing sheen using a deglosser, wiping trim with warm water between steps.

• Prime. Apply a stain-blocking bonding primer. If you’re not sure if the existing paint or finish is latex or oil, opt for an oil-base primer.

IF PAINTED TRIM IS IN POOR SHAPE, USE A CHEMICAL PAINT STRIPPER (WHILE WEARING A RESPIRATOR) TO RETURN TO BARE WOOD. ALWAYS TEST FIRST FOR LEAD.

82 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

PAINT IT KNOW WHAT PAINT PRODUCTS TO CHOOSE BEFORE STARTING ON YOUR TRIM. • Pick the right paint. An enamel or waterborne alkyd formula is durable like oil-base paint, much easier to work with, and won’t yellow over time. It goes on smoothly and levels as it dries, minimizing brush marks. A semigloss finish is most popular for trim because it cleans up well and offers a little contrast if you use satin or eggshell on the walls.

• Brush it on. Control is key for trim, so choose a sash brush that feels comfortable for you, whether that’s a narrow brush with a long handle or a wider brush with a short handle.

Brush in one direction and follow the grain.

SAVE TIME AND PAINTERS TAPE BY PRIMING AND PAINTING NEW MOLDING BEFORE YOU INSTALL IT. TOUCH UP AS NEEDED.

DO IT BETTER SAVE STEPS BY USING CHALK

ALL ABOUT WOOD FURNITURE

PAINT BY ANNIE SLOAN ($46 FOR 1 LITER; ANNIESLOAN. COM) OR SIMILAR PAINTS WITH A MATTE OR ALMOST CHALKY FINISH. THESE DO NOT REQUIRE YOU TO APPLY A PRIMER COAT OR SAND BEFORE PAINTING.

REMEMBER THE DETAILS! ONCE PAINTED, EDGES CAN CHIP EASILY. TO IMPROVE ADHESION, LIGHTLY SMOOTH WITH A SANDING BLOCK BEFORE PAINTING.

PREP IT Before you paint furniture, deconstruct it as much as possible for a flawless finish.

Remove any drawers, doors, shelves, hinges, hardware, and felt foot pads, above left. Rough up the surface with a sanding block to give the primer something to grip, left. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth. If you plan to use an acrylic or oil-base paint, prime the piece (see “Treat It Right,” opposite); let dry. Sand lightly with a 220-grit sanding block, and wipe away dust.

PAINT IT Paint details first, above. Follow up by painting flat surfaces using a high-density foam roller, opposite top. After the first coat has dried thoroughly, use a 220-grit sanding block to smooth brushstrokes and drips. Wipe with a tack cloth, and apply a second coat.

84 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

SEAL IT For a durable finish, seal furniture with a coat or two of clear acrylic, such as Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish, after the paint has thoroughly dried. Brush on with a synthetic-bristle brush or use a spray can. Allow the piece to thoroughly cure— this can take several days—before you reassemble or use.

USE CHALK PAINT WAX BY ANNIE SLOAN TO SEAL AND PROTECT FURNITURE PAINTED WITH CHALK-FINISH PAINT.

TREAT IT RIGHT Different furniture pieces may require different paint methods.

PAINTED FURNITURE If the paint is peeling, use a chemical stripper or heat gun to scrape it away before sanding and priming. Test for lead before starting.

FACTORY-FINISH OR LAMINATE FURNITURE It can be tricky for paint

to stick to these items. After sanding, apply a bonding primer made for slick, hard-to-coat surfaces.

VINTAGE FURNITURE Some older

pieces can smell musty. Use an odor-blocking, stain-blocking primer to seal knots and odors.

WE SANDED AND PRIMED THIS DRESSER BEFORE REPAINTING. METALLIC SPRAY PAINT GAVE THE ORIGINAL HARDWARE AN ELEVATED NEW LOOK.

SPRAY AWAY

ALL ABOUT SPRAY PAINT

When it comes to quick and easy transformations, spray paint is a DIYer’s best friend. Follow these tips to get the best results.

PICK A SAFE SPOT Spray-paint outdoors or in an open, wellventilated garage whenever possible. If you must spray indoors, open all windows and doors during application and, when drying, use a fan to circulate the fumes toward the windows and doors. Always wear a painting mask.

PROTECT THE AREA If you

spray-paint a lot, consider investing in a small spray tent, right, to contain overspray in your well-ventilated garage or work area. In a pinch, you can also set small items in a deep cardboard box or lay down a drop cloth for large items READ THE PACKAGING It’s

important to pick a formula that’s right for your surface and application. Use bonding primer if it’s not already included in your spray paint. Pay attention to the instructions for spray distance and the recoat timeframe before the paint cures.

KEEP IT FLOWING To prevent

clogging after the first use, hold the can upside down and spray until only a clear gas is released. If the spray nozzle becomes clogged, wipe off the opening with warm water or lacquer thinner. Never stick a pin or wire into the hole.

86 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

PREP + PAINT IT You can make almost any item fit your home’s decor with spray paint. To prep a ceramic lamp, above, remove the shade, harp, and bulb.

Wrap the neck and cord with painters tape. Lightly rough up the glazed surface with a sanding block and clean with a damp cloth. Spray a couple of thin, even coats of a ceramic-friendly, primer-paint formula; let dry between coats.

BONUS TOOL TIME Improve your painting prowess with specialty formulas and tools that make the job a little easier.

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1 Coat walls more quickly

with a supersize roller frame and tray. Wooster 14-inch Sherlock Roller Frame, $15; High-Density Pro Woven Roller Cover, $10; and Plastic Bucket-Tray, $15; homedepot.com

2 Get a chalky, vintage finish

on surfaces like wood, glass, laminate, and more without stripping, sanding, or priming. Amy Howard One-Step Paint, from $22; amyhowardhome.com

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3 Nontoxic milk paint offers a matte finish that’s easy to distress. Just mix the powder with water. The Real Milk Paint Co. Real Milk Paint, from $19; realmilkpaint.com 5

4 A paint bag makes cleanup

a breeze when you use this DIY-friendly paint sprayer.

Graco TrueCoat 360 VSP Electric TrueAirless Sprayer, $309; graco.com 5 When you need to start fresh, a heat

gun can soften layers of paint for easier removal. Wagner Furno 500 Heat Gun, $55; wagnerspraytech.com

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6 This spray formula offers excellent adhesion for difficult surfaces, such as plastic and ready-toassemble furniture.

Krylon Fusion All-inOne Paint + Primer, $7; krylon.com

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 87

RESOURCES

SHOPPING GUIDE Here’s where to find building materials, furnishings, and accessories shown in Do It Yourself ™ magazine. We cannot guarantee the availability of items or services.

[P] Paint Color Because of the magazine printing process, paint colors depicted on our pages might vary slightly from manufacturers’ colors. Use paint color names or numbers, when provided, as a starting point. To get a color as it appears in the magazine, take the page to a paint retailer for matching.

[V] Product Line Varies The product selection changes frequently on the retailer’s website.

ON THE COVER Blue pot—Earl May Garden Centers; earlmay.com [V]. Ocean artwork, white vase—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Cloud artwork—Anthropologie; anthropologie .com. Area rug—CB2; cb2.com.

BHG.COM PAGE 5 Interior design: Savannah Kokaliares and Mallory Nikolaus, Classy Clutter; classyclutter4@gmail.com; Instagram @classyclutter; classyclutter.net.

Wall paint Black Evergreen MQ6-44, accent color wall paint Ultra Pure White 1850—Behr; behr.com [P]. Rug— rugs.com. Sofa—Article; article.com.

Basket—HomeGoods; homegoods .com. Black-and-white striped pillow— Classy Clutter Home; classyclutter.net.

Cream pillow—Target Stores; target.com.

Disney’s Matterhorn artwork—BFF Print Shop; bffprintshop.com. National Park artwork—Etsy; etsy.com. Flooring—The Home Depot; homedepot.com.

TRY IT: CRAFT SWAP PARTY PAGES 6–9 Bench Conrad Bench—Joss & Main; jossandmain.com [V]. Rug Better Homes & Gardens Collection®—Walmart; walmart.com. Bar tub Threshold Stainless Steel Angled Beverage Tub, match striker

jars—Target Stores; target.com [V].

Mini clothespins—Joann Stores; joann. com. Mini cookie cutters, rose gold spray paint Krylon Looking Glass Paint— Michaels Stores; michaels.com. Wooden trees Tannenbaum Trees—Texxture; texxturehome.com. Striped napkins— Shop Sweet Lulu; shopsweetlulu.com [V]. Vase with flowers Ondin Glass Vase in Medium by Eno Studio—Gretel; gretelhome.com. Tote bag Recycled Cotton Lightweight Promo/Book Tote— Eco Bags; ecobags.com. Cookie butter jars Le Parfait 7-Ounce Bail Closure Canning Jar—Food52; food52.com [V].

Striker paper—Etsy; etsy.com. Clear coat finish Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Gloss Clear General Purpose Spray Paint— The Home Depot; homedepot.com.

SEW EASY: CUBE SLIPCOVER PAGES 18–19 Ottoman Lynwood Square Upholstered Cube, pillow, blanket—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Slipcover main fabric Palm Blue, flange fabric Herringbone Blue Better Homes & Gardens Collection®— Walmart; walmart.com.

ORDER IN THE HOUSE: PANTRY PAGES 30–33 Interior design: Savannah Kokaliares and Mallory Nikolaus, Classy Clutter; classyclutter4@gmail.com; Instagram @classyclutter; classyclutter.net.

Wallpaper Summer Citrus—Caitlin Wilson; caitlinwilson.com. Glass jars—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Labels—Classy Clutter; classyclutter.net. Plastic snack containers—The Container Store; containerstore.com. White bins—IKEA; ikea.com. Lazy Susan—Walmart; walmart .com. Flooring Oak Shell Beach—Garrison Collection; garrisoncollection.com.

WHAT IF I FALL? OH, BUT DARLING, WHAT IF YOU FLY? PAGES 40–51 Follow Angela Rose on her blog, angelarosehome.com, and on Instagram @angelarosehome.

THROUGHOUT Wall paint Chantilly Lace OC-65— Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com [P]. Paint for black window frames RustOleum Spray Paint—Amazon; amazon .com [V]. Flooring Lineage Series in Hailee—Duchateau; duchateau.com.

PAGE 41 Chandelier—Serena & Lily; serenaandlily .com. Benches, pillows, blanket—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Railings Onyx Black—Viewrail; viewrail.com.

PAGES 42–43 Floating cabinet under mural Besta— IKEA; ikea.com. Chair next to railing Newport Lounger—Serena & Lily; serenandlily.com. Throw pillow, blanket in chair—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Fireplace finish Roman Clay in Skipping Stone—Portola Paints & Glazes; portolapaints.com [P]. Sofa Urban 3-Piece Sectional—West Elm; westelm .com [V]. Leather chairs Peyton—McGee & Co.; mcgeeandco.com. Side table between leather chairs—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Black sconces, hanging planter—Wayfair; wayfair.com [V]. Throw pillows—Target; target.com [V]; and Etsy; etsy.com. Faux succulents in hanging planter—Amazon; amazon.com [V]. Area rug by sofa and chairs Leon—Boutique Rugs; boutiquerugs.com.

PAGES 44–45 Cabinet refacing Angela Rose Home Slim Shaker in Dream Dusk—Nieu; nieucabinetdoors.com. Cabinetry paint Rock Bottom SW 7062—SherwinWilliams; sherwin-williams.com [P].

Cabinetry hardware solid brass—Yester

Home UK; yesterhomeuk.etsy.com.

Countertops and backsplash Danby marble—Bedrosians Tile & Stone; bedrosians.com. Counter stools Napsin—LD Shoppe; ldshoppe.com [V].

Refrigerator hardware Large Massey Drawer Pull—Rejuvenation; rejuvenation .com. Range Portofino Dual—Smeg; smeg.com. Refrigerator Panel Ready— Dacor; dacor.com. Range hood, brass ager for cabinetry hardware Rockler Brass Darkening Solution, faucet, wood cutting boards, gold wall swing-arm sconces, copper kettle—Amazon; amazon.com [V].

Farmhouse apron-front sink, brickweb sheets Old Mill Thin Brick Systems in Rushmore—Lowe’s; lowes.com [V]. White dishes, wood-top canisters—Target Stores; target.com [V]. White pitchers— HomeGoods; homegoods.com [V].

Pendants Fett Pendant by Sean Lavin for Tech Lighting—Lumens; lumens.com.

Rug—Revival; revivalrugs.com [V].

PAGE 46 Scalloped wall paint Saybrook Sage HC114—Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore .com [P]. Mirror—Anthropologie; anthropologie.com. Art on walls— Juniper; juniperprintshop.com. Colored acrylic pegs for Lite Brite wall—Antori Pancco Puzzles; antoripanccopuzzles .etsy.com. Wooden stars for mobile, leather straps, LED light strips, tree wall art custom framed shower curtain, magnetic frames for art, play kitchen— Amazon; amazon.com [V].

PAGE 47 Bunk paint Treron No. 292—Farrow & Ball; farrow-ball.com [P]. Bed linens— Beddys; beddys.com. Throw pillows— HomeGoods; homegoods.com [V] and Target Stores; target.com [V]. Side table, throw blanket, basket—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Chandelier, rug—Revival; revivalrugs.com.

PAGES 48–49 Accent wall paint Newburg Green HC158—Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore .com [P]. Sliding barn door paint Black Magic SW 6991—Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com [P]. Barn door hardware—Amazon; amazon.com [V].

Fan, drawer pulls on dresser, upholstered headboard—Wayfair; wayfair.com [V]. Bed linens, black bedside lamp, curtains— Target Stores; target.com [V]. Bedside table—Pier 1; pier1.com [V]. Desk chair,

BHG.COM/DIYM A G A Z I N E

floor mirror, sconces, desktop stain Minwax Weathered Oak and Minwax Early American—Lowe’s; lowes.com [V]. Faux fiddle leaf tree—QVC; qvc.com [V].

PAGE 50 Brick sheets Old Mill Thin Brick Systems in Rushmore—Lowe’s; lowes.com [V].

Limewash Romabio Classico Limewash Interior/Exterior Paint—Amazon; amazon. com [P, V]. Sofa—West Elm; westelm.com [V]. Planter—Rejuvenation; rejuvenation. com. Coffee table, throw pillows—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Faux olive tree— HiRusticReach; hirusticreach.etsy.com.

Rug—Wayfair; wayfair.com [V].

PAGE 51 Pendant Pacifica Outdoor Pendant— Serena & Lily; serenaandlily.com. Sofa— Neighbor; hineighbor.com. Rug, white planter on black stand, pillows—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Firepit, black metal planter box—Wayfair; wayfair.com [V]. String lights, faux succulents, plant holders paint Rust-Oleum Black Enamel Spray Paint—Amazon; amazon.com [P, V].

White planters—The Home Depot; homedepot.com [V].

FIREPLACE REFRESH PAGES 52–55 Chair, side table, canisters on bookcase, large basket with plant, low blue bowl in bookcase, woven basket in bookcase— Target Stores; target.com [V]. Butterfly pillow on sofa—Pottery Barn; potterybarn .com. Blue throw on sofa—Home Goods; homegoods.com. Gold vase in bookcase, terra-cotta vase on mantel—Indie House; indiehousedesign.com. Large abstract print—Minted; minted.com. Abstract face print—Homemakers; homemakers.com.

Rug—Wayfair; wayfair.com.

ON THE CURVE PAGES 56–67 PAGES 56–57 Bedding, basket—Target Stores; target .com [V]. Light fixture—World Market; worldmarket.com [V]. Artwork—Ann Marie and Co.; annmarieandco.com.

Rug—Dash & Albert for Annie Selke; annieselke.com.

PAGES 58–59 Blue pot—Earl May Garden Centers; earlmay.com [V]. Ocean artwork, white vase—Target Stores; target.com. Cloud artwork—Anthropologie; anthropologie

.com. Rug—CB2; cb2.com.

PAGE 60 Basket, rug—Target Stores; target.com.

PAGE 61 Lumbar pillow—The Citizenry; thecitizenry.com. Striped pillow—Ann Marie and Co.; annmarieandco.com. Throw— Target Stores; target.com [V]. Rug—Dash & Albert for Annie Selke; annieselke.com.

PAGE 62 Off-white-and-brown pillow, lumbar pillow, throw—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Blue pillow—West Elm; westelm.com [V]. Gold pillow—The Citizenry; thecitizenry.com.

PAGE 63 Artwork throughout, lamp—Target Stores; target.com [V]. White pot—Earl May Garden Centers; earlmay.com [V]. Rug— Flor; flor.com.

PAGE 64 Artwork upper left—Minted; minted.com.

Artwork upper right—Target Stores; target.com [V]. Artwork lower left— Homemakers; homemakers.com. Artwork lower right—Porch Light; porchlightiowa. com. Artwork middle right—Indie House; indiehousedesign.com.

PAGE 66 Artwork on stair wall, stool, white chair— Target Stores; target.com [V]. Green pillow in chair—Ann Marie and Co.; annmarieandco.com. Rug—Ruggable; ruggable.com.

MERRY & BRIGHT PAGES 68–75 PAGES 68–70 Fireplace wall paint Meander Blue SW 6484—Sherwin-Williams; sherwinwilliams.com [P]. Wood floor hickory— Coretec; coretecfloors.com. Green chair Home Retro Glam Emerald Green Velvet and Brass—Safavieh; safavieh.com [V].

Rug—World Market; worldmarket.com [V].

Bottle-brush trees—Your Hearts Content; yourheartscontent.etsy.com. Honeycomb paper ornaments—Decopompoms; decopompoms.etsy.com. Hanging honeycomb Allydrew Hanging party decorations, hexagonal beads for garland Arakierst—Amazon; amazon.com [V].

Bells for garland Conical Tin Indian Bells and Mongolian Style Tin Indian Bells—The Real Jack Chow; therealjackchow.etsy. com. Wooden squares and beads for garland—local crafts store.

DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023 89

PAGES 71–73 Gold and copper candle cups— PenkitsMall; penkitsmall.etsy.com. Wood tree variety set—Rostoktoys; minivillage. com.au. Flocking materials lime green, white, orange, seafoam green, teal blue, hot pink—Bear Country Home Store; bearcountryhomestore.etsy. com. Wood blocks for candleholders premium hardwood, tool set Craftwork Tools, taper candles Hyoola Candles, mini wood trees Tinksy, flock applicator Suede-Tex Mini Flocker, linen table runner Solino Home, teal dye for runner Rit Dye—Amazon; amazon.com [V].

PAGE 74 Wire form 18-inch Ashland Wire Wreath Frame, white yarn Chunky Luxe Big! Yarn by Loops & Threads, light pink yarn Loops & Threads—Michaels; michaels.com.

PAGE 75 Velvet sheets Hygloss Products in multicolor pack, tool set Petutu 10-Piece Dotting Tool Set for Crafts, multicolor cellophane sheets, iridescent cellophane wrap—Amazon; amazon.com [V].

THE DO-IT-BETTER GUIDE TO PAINT PAGES 76–87 PAGE 77 Wall paint Soft Sky 807—Benjamin Moore & Co.; benjaminmoore.com [P].

Dresser paint Sommelier SW 7595— Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com [P]. Base paint for dresser knobs Krylon Hammered Gold Spray Paint, lamp paint Krylon Stone Fine Textured Finish in Limestone—Amazon; amazon.com [P, V]. Top coat for dresser knobs Rust-Oleum Metallic Gold Spray Paint, paint for artwork frame Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Paint + Primer in White, chair Jayden Creation Delphine Linen Cane Accent Chair, black-and-white artwork in “before” shot—The Home Depot; homedepot.com [P, V]. Dresser Hemnes—IKEA; ikea.com. Side table Murray Round Ceramic End Table White, lamp Large Ceramic Textured Table Lamp Base—Target Stores; target.com [V].

Throw pillow—World Market; worldmarket.com [V]. Rattan box,

90 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

rattan planter by door—Home Goods; homegoods.com [V]. Small planter— Hobby Lobby; hobbylobby.com [V].

Candlesticks in “before” shot—H&M; hm.com. Planter in “before” shot— Michaels; michaels.com. Artwork French Port—Juniper; juniperprintshop.com.

Rug Alexander Home Leanne Aztec Distressed Printed Area Rug—Overstock; overstock.com. Rug in “before” shot—At Home; athome.com. Molding for wall ReliaBilt Unfinished Pine Wood Half Round Molding—Lowe’s; lowes.com [V].

PROJECTS UNDER $20

MAKE IT!

Find inspiration and howto for thrifty DIY projects featured in this issue.

Match holder 6 Wrapping paper 6 Cookie butter 6 Seed packet and marker 6 Wood doll ornament 6 Embroidered bag 6 Pincushion 21 Needle book 21 Gift tag 22 Pillow cover 23 Trivet 24 Journal cover 25 Star mobile 46 Vinyl floor decals 49 Windowpane tape 50 Wall hanging 62 Wall shelf 65 Garland 68 Framed winter scene 68 Painted winter houses 68 Table runner 70 Candlestick holders 70 Flocked trees 70 Yarn wreath 74 Ornaments 75

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title: Do It Yourself 2. Publication Number: 000011792 3. Filing Date: October 1, 2022 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription Price: $8.99 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 1716 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1716 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 9. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher: Mark Josephson, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281; Editor: Samantha Kart, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3023; Managing Editor: Brian Kramer, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3023. 10.

Owner: Meredith Operations Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023.

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or more of Total amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: Meredith Holdings Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates). Check one: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: __ Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months __ Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) Not applicable.

13. Publication Title: Do It Yourself 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: July 2022 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run): 394,659 b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 178,740 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 0 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 31,507 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®): 0 c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 210,247 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 3,506 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail): 0 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 876 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 4,382 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 214,629 g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)): 180,030 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g): 394,659 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 97.96% No. of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run): 352,450 b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 162,408 (2) Mailed In-County P Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 0 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 33,133 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®): 0 c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 195,541 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 3,502 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail): 0 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 950 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 4,452 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 199,993 g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)): 152,457 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g): 352,450 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 97.77% 16. Not applicable 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the Winter 2022 issue of this publication.

18. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: Chris Susil, VP/ Planning & Analysis. Date: September 20, 2022. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

HUNG WITH FLAIR

Honeycomb tissue paper ornaments come in numerous shapes, sizes, and colors, this photo. (Ours range from 10 to 16 inches wide.) Embellish with brightly colored pom-poms and tassels for added merriment.

1

Brass Birds, $15 each;

yshardware.etsy.com

4

2

TREND SITING 1. Sweet meets sassy in this cross-stitch kit, which comes with a 5-inch hoop, Aida cloth, thread, needle, pattern, and basic instructions.

DIY Cross Stitch Kit, $20;

GRAND MILLENNIAL

thestrandedstitch .etsy.com 5. Inspired by antique Staffordshire dog figurines, this watercolor print gives the spaniels a bright and updated refresh. Pink

This kitschy, eclectic look takes the coziness of Grandma’s house and gives it a modern, Gen Y twist.

WORDS TRISH RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHS BRIE PASSANO

Staffordshire Dogs Art, from $29; laurarowstudio

.etsy.com

3. Put a phrase or your name in crochet. The doily is available in 14 colors and can be made up to 15 letters long.

Personalized Handmade Crochet Name, from $25;

bettysheritage.etsy.com 4. A cozy teacup candle makes a whimsical centerpiece. Choose from the available floral patterns and one of six scents; each candle is hand-poured to order.

Vintage Teacup Candle, $28; peacemakerstudio

5

.etsy.com

6

7

6. Display a favorite handwritten recipe from a loved one printed on a plate. Custom Recipe Plate, from $43;

artsmithstudio.etsy.com

7. Tote your belongings around in a granny square purse crocheted by hand from cotton yarn and lined with fabric—complete with an inner pocket. Granny Square Bag, $53; bymasal.etsy.com

92 DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2023

Do It Yourself™ (ISSN 1075-1033), October (Winter 2023) 2022, Volume 30, No. 1. Do It Yourself is published quarterly in January, April, July, and October by Meredith Operations Corp., 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES: $19.97 per year in the U.S.; $23.97 (U.S. dollars) per year in Canada and overseas. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2). NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Do It Yourself, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. In Canada: Mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223. Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may opt out of this service at any time. Better Homes & Gardens is a registered trademark in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Better Homes & Gardens marca registrada en México. © Meredith Operations Corp. 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

3

2. Bedeck a bookcase or side table with brass figurines, like these oh-so-cute birds. Solid

Whether you’re searching for a house to begin your story or selling one to write the next chapter, every new beginning starts with a home.

Let our affiliated agents help you find your next beginning.

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