home improvement guy

Now that it's finally summer, why not get crafty and take on some easy and affordable DIY projects?

With busy weekends in mind, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite, easy and affordable DIY projects just in time for summer.

Best of all, you will have fun following the step-by-step instructions that make up each Design Recipe.

CREATE AN INSTANT WALL MURAL

While painting is an affordable and easy way to add temporary color and personality, removable wall stickers are one of the hottest trends in wall decor right now. From basic designs to the elaborate, they can truly be the design highlight of any room.

Instructions:

1. Paint wall a solid color or leave it white if you prefer.

2. Purchase affordable wall stickers .

3. Peel and place, forming your desired design!

MAKE YOUR OWN STUDY DESK

Looking for a way to jazz up your work space? Create a work area to reflect your own design taste and personality. From refinishing a desk purchased at a thrift store to painting or lacquering a raw piece of wood and placing it on a decorative base, there are lots of ways to spruce up your home office space.

Instructions:

1. Purchase a wooden desk at a thrift store or flea market (or plain piece of wood such as a door slab) and trestle leg bottom (if using).

2. Sand off the existing finish using a rough sandpaper.

3. Paint desk all over using a high quality paint primer.

4. Paint desk using a high quality paint in an eggshell finish (a little sheen will help enhance the look of your finished piece).

5. Replace hardware if desired.

NO-SEW CURTAIN PANELS (PERFECT FOR CREATING PRIVACY)

This is one of my most favorite DIY projects ever! Grab some affordable fabric and some fusing tape and you are good to go! All you need is a hot iron to fuse the seams together!

Instructions:

1. Purchase fabric double the width of your enclosure opening.

2. Purchase a grommet gun (these both punch holes and insert grommets).

3. Fold your fabric on the bottom at the desired length and add tiny weights if desired.

4. Place fusing table in between your hem.

5. Use a steam iron (on steam setting) and place on top of hem, causing the fusion tape to melt and create your closed hem.

AFFORDABLE TOSS PILLOWS

Toss pillows are relatively affordable and the right pattern and or color can really add impact to a space.

If you want a budget, craft-friendly idea, you can make toss pillows from affordable scarves.

Instructions:

1. Take two scarves of equal size.

2. Face your scarves toward each other with the side you want to expose on the inside.

3. Place fusion tape around three sides.

4. Use a steam iron (on steam setting) and place on top of hem, causing the fusion tape to melt and create your closed hem.

5. Stuff your pillow with batting or with a down insert.

6. Close the fourth side by hand using a hand stitch.

USED BOOKS WITH COLORFUL HARD COVERS OR DECORATIVE PAPER WRAPPING

Not sure what to do with those extra books around the house? Covering hardcover books with beautiful printed or decorative patterned paper is a great way to display books and incorporate a decorative element into your decor at the same time. The idea behind this tip is to use old books as a decorative item.

Instructions:

1. Take an old hardcover book.

2. Fold a piece of decorative paper the same length and width as your book when extended.

3. Fold paper along edges of book.

4. Cover book.

TREASURED ITEMS IN SHADOW BOXES

Shadow boxes are a beautiful way to display mementos and items you may have thought about packing away for good! Postcards, treasured photos and ticket stubs all work well with multi-dimensional items such as buttons, coins, souvenirs and mementos.

Instructions:

1. Purchase frames with an inset at least 1 inch deep.

2. Open the frame, leaving the original matting in place.

3. Place your decorative items in the center of the frame (on paper within the borders of the matting).

4. Adhere items to paper using a glue gun.

5. Close frame.

INSTANT AFFORDABLE ARTWORK WITH FRAMED WALLPAPER

Today, wallpaper isn't what you might remember as a child. Prints are bold, colorful and in many cases textured. Nearly all retailers that sell wallpaper allow potential buyers to take home free samples. The sample sizes are usually always substantial in size and perfect for framing!

Instructions:

1. Purchase an affordable frame.

2. Take a piece of sample wallpaper.

3. Frame wallpaper.

4. Hang.

DESIGN RECIPE: EASY-TO-MAKE ARTWORK WITH FRAMED PIECES OF FABRIC

When it comes to affordable, instant artwork, this tops my list. The beauty of fabric is you can buy it by the yard. Can't paint? Buy yards of printed fabric and stretch it over a frame made of plywood. The result is a colorful, unique print. You can also frame smaller pieces to hang.

Instructions:

1. Purchase an affordable frame.

2. Take a piece of fabric.

3. Cut to size.

4. Frame fabric.

5. Hang.

DESIGN RECIPE: CREATIVE NOTE/TACK BOARD

Whether it's a way to post a visual reminder about an upcoming event or leave a note for family member it's time for them to do the laundry, tack boards are functional in so many rooms of the home.

Instructions:

1. Purchase an existing cork board.

2. Wrap cork board with batting.

3. Cover in a bright, bold fabric.

4. Criss-cross your favorite ribbon using an alternating pattern.

5. Add upholstery tack pins.

6. Hang.

Happy crafting! And happy summer!