DIY and Crafts

Green and sunset colours adorn this blanket chest because lots of colour makes this artist feel happy

Murray Churchill transformed his outdoor area into something great for him and the local fauna

Don’t just paint a room, drench it in colour – it’ll look all the better for it

Fun, family-friendly Easter crafts for the holidays.

Ready to start renovating, Kate Kelly chose a verdant shade to liven up her bathroom and old furniture

Lavish some time and attention on a tired door and marvel at the difference

A Dunedin back garden has been turned into the ultimate fun zone for this lucky pre-schooler

Gentle sorbet shades are the key to opening the door to the land of Nod

Transform an old piece of furniture into a cool home entertaining statement

Creative ways to wrap a gift voucher

What's a Christmas feast without the snap of a cracker?

Elf on the Shelf is an entertaining way to count down to Christmas (and keep the kids behaving).

If a real Christmas tree isn't available to you this year, try one of these alternatives.

It’s time for a tree change with these homemade cuties.

Personalise your tree with some adorable homemade woodland characters

Why not have a nutcracker standing guard to greet guests this Christmas?

From a colourful paper wreath to a DIY advent calendar, these creative Christmas craft decorations will get your family in a festive mood.

Upcycle some old photo frames and not only will you win points for your environmental stance, but you can also create original one-offs

With just a bit of wallpaper, you can upgrade a lampshade and personalise it to your space.

This side table has a wonderful home-crafted look to it like it has been cobbled together from odds and ends found lying around the garage. It’s precisely this Frankenstein feel that gives it such charm If you love the character and uniqueness that comes with handmade furniture, this DIY project is perfect for you. This […]

Art is a fantastic way to add life and personality to your home. Use these easy tips to create a gallery wall that will uplift and inspire Creating a gallery wall has become one of the most popular home decor trends over the past several years. It is the perfect solution for the indecisive among […]

In an extract from her book A Handmade Cottage, thrifty Brit decorator Jodie May Seymour shares a crafty DIY project Rather than buying brand new ready-made lampshades, it can be cheaper to make your own using a DIY lampshade kit, which also means you can choose your own fabric and make something bespoke. All the […]

Refresh your living space with this nifty no-sew number – no expertise required! This no-sew cushion is a great beginner’s project as it requires no sewing at all as the two sides of the cover are knotted together to make decorative tassels. This is an ideal technique for making sofa or bed cushions, large floor […]

Insta gardener and Garden Hacks author Filip Johansson shares a fast and fun way to grow some delicious edibles Garden Hacks: 70 Smart, Sustainable Tips for Gardeners by Filip Johansson, is available at Paper Plus Microgreens have become very trendy. The word may sound high-tech, but they’re nothing more than delicate seedlings of regular plants. […]

Using Resene wallpapers or murals as a framed print is a fantastic way to add drama Transforming a space into a personalised oasis often requires a touch of creativity and resourcefulness. In this project, we are taking wallpaper and reimagining it as a stunning framed print, adding a unique flair to any room. With just […]

Create your own oasis by colouring up an outdoor area with a punchy mural Add some fun and a sense of playfulness to your outdoor area by painting a colourful mural. All you need now is a cooling cocktail to sit back and appreciate your artistry. You will need: Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer Resene […]

Make each day a sweet one for your child with these gentle, dreamy colours

Decorations, stickers and cake toppers are about to get a crafty upgrade with the Cricut Maker 3Dubbed the ultimate smart cutting machine, crafts are about to get a lot more fun and exciting with the Cricut Maker 3 What machine are we reviewing today? The Cricut Maker 3, a powerful craft machine that can cut, […]

This party starter is built for home entertaining

With great value decorations and costumes from The Scarehouse, getting suitably spooked up for Halloween is shockingly easy Putting the fright into Halloween night requires a little planning and a trip to The Scarehouse for all your spooky supplies to ensure a wickedly good time for all. Plan to petrify With a theme that involves […]

Step up and give your child’s room a fun circus feel with bold stripes, checks and animal accessories

Encourage your kids to get outside and enjoy the spring sunshine by putting together a playground favourite. To build your own swing, you will need: 290mm x 45mm timber seat, pre-cut to 700mm long by timber merchant 6mm drill bit 18mm drill bit Drill 18mm sisal rope, cut into 2 x 5m lengths 2 hammock […]

From hanging a painting to assembling a shelf, a well-equipped tool kit is essential for all home DIYers Whether you like it or not, none of us can escape DIY. Maybe that cute chair you ordered online arrives in flatpack form, or perhaps a living room bookshelf has a lean; whatever the situation, there will […]

Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time? Hiding a dated rangehood is a cheaper option than replacing a perfectly functioning unit that may be ruining the look of your kitchen. Rangehood covers are also having a moment. […]

Colourful and contemporary, a Perspex vase or container is a cool craft project You will need Paper or cardboard Marker Ruler Protractor or circle to trace around Jigsaw Clamp (optional) Sandpaper Super glue or a hot glue gun Painter’s tape 3mm Perspex sheets, in colour of choice Clear roofing silicone (if you want to waterproof […]

Give a warm glow to your child’s bedroom with a bed nook in soft hues

Whether it’s a playhouse, she shed or teenager’s sleepout, a stencil-painted floor will elevate it from meh to wow You will need For the stencilled floor • Pine sheet cut to fit the floor, if yours doesn’t have one • Pencil and paper to practise stencil patterns • Plastic sheet to make the stencil. I […]

Creating an office out of a small room by utilising built-in furniture, floating shelves and a tidy charging station makes space-saving sense The word custom always sounds expensive to me, but it doesn’t have to be. Maximising a small space with built-in or custom furniture is a no-brainer. It could be a desk, floating shelves […]

Garage overhaul with designer Hannah Feltham, Good Space Design Day 1 – Clear & Prepare Move everything out of the garage. Make three piles: throw away, give away and keep. Check the ‘throw away’ pile to make sure it can’t be used by anyone else or for anything else before it goes to landfill. We […]

This fun activity is the perfect way to use up any old nail varnish you have lying around the house You will need Decorative, blown-out or hard-boiled eggs Old container Nail polish, in various colours Protective gloves Wooden skewer Foam and pins for drying rack 1 Before you being, place rows of pins into foam […]

Add style and fun to your tween’s room that will last into the teen years Dressing up is fun, no matter what age, so create a corner for your tween that will spark their imagination. As they grow, transition this dress-up idea from superhero costumes to helping them find their own style. A great way […]

Show your potted plants off in a self-decorated container using our DIY expert’s step-by-step guide You will need • Brushes • Resene Waterborne Sureseal pigmented sealer for glazed pots or Resene Aquapel & Terracotta Sealer for terracotta pots • Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path paint or Resene Sandtex Mediterrranean effect coating • Resene Quick Dry […]

Set the scene to retreat, relax and recharge in a sweet spot that’s been decorated just for you One of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself is a sacred place to retreat to whenever you feel the need for some quiet time. In these photos, you’ll see the sweet, cosy space that I’ve […]

Set a playful scene in a child’s bedroom by framing focal points with bright murals Painting murals in your child’s bedroom is a fun and relatively quick way to make their space unique, while highlighting certain features of the room. In this case, the mural makes the bed the room’s natural focus, and the shelves […]

Get on a roll and make your powder room pop with personality using our DIY expert’s step-by-step guide You will need: Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner • Sandpaper – I used 80 grit Bucket Ladder Layout brush Paper smoother Paste brush Plumb bob Scissors Size Knife Sponge Trim guide Wallpaper paste, if using unpasted paper Wallpaper […]

Easy-drinking thirst quenchers to beat the heat This summer I want to create plenty of flavourful drinks that are as beautiful as they are thirst-quenching. Ripe berries, fragrant herbs and freshly sliced citrus act as my inspiration, with a decadent iced coffee to balance out all the sparkle when you feel like something a little […]

Transform your TV into a work of art by building a frame for it You will need • 40mm x 20mm pine cut into 4 x 1.2m lengths • Picture framing timber cut into 4 x 1.2m lengths • 3mm drill bit • Timber screws • Drill • Tape measure • Small shelf brackets • […]

Do you have a surplus of waste paper but can’t bear to bin it? Make this fast and crafty Christmas project Art is a daily activity in our household, and while I appreciate how much my children adore being creative, I don’t love the pages and pages of paper bearing only a pencil flourish or […]

Decorate your gifts with as much care as you did in choosing them, then watch as eyes light up on spying these perfect offerings Crepe paper is vastly underrated. Cheerful and bright, we’ve pushed it to its decorative limit and got the very best out of it by fashioning tassels, fringes and twirls for Christmas […]

Turn a brown paper package into something special Whether you’re making or buying your presents this year, jazzing up the wrapping with adornments and handmade tags will send your gift giving into a whole other stratosphere. Craft central here we come. Make it 3d Think outside the box with your surplus Christmas tree ornaments This […]

Fill them with treats the family will actually love. The highlight of any Christmas lunch – aside from the ham – is arguably the Christmas bon bons. With the budget already stretched on presents and food, why not save yourself a little by fashioning your own crackers? Not only will these give your table a […]

Make your own wall art from leftover MDF. Nikki Kettle’s abstract piece was inspired by her local environment You will need • MDF off-cuts. I used what was left from the headboard I’d made more than a year ago • Primer, I used Resene Quick Dry undercoat • Marker pencil • Jigsaw or coping saw […]

Set a spooky scene for trick-or-treaters this Halloween with these bats and pillar candle holders You will need: 45cm thick dowel rods Tape measure Hand saw, skill saw or drop saw to cut dowel rods Drill Drill bits – 3mm to start holes and a large one to match the candle size Hot-glue gun Hot-glue […]

Bowl everyone over with your creativity and keep things tidy with these hand-crafted clay containers These sweet, little rustic pinch bowls are easy to make and come in handy for holding all kinds of things. I love their forgiving, imperfect form and the many possibilities for creativity. I also find the making process to be […]

Turn a child’s bedroom into a fun zone with textured paint effects and thoughtfully chosen, playful accessories Back wall Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sakura and Resene Sauvignon mixed with Resene Paint FX Effects over the top. Floor painted in Resene Walk-on flooring paint in Resene French Grey. Take your child on a safari adventure […]

Building framed bunk beds and finishing with curtains elevates the bach classic. Kids also love them at home You will need: • 90mm x 45mm H1.2 framing timber (I used 30 lineal metres) • 1 pack nails or screws • Skillsaw • Chisel • 6 x joist hangers (optional) • 5 x 12mm MDF sheets, […]

This bread bin hack is the best thing since sliced bread Every so often a life hack will go viral, taking social media by storm thanks to its DIY brilliance. The Kmart bread bin bedside table is no exception. With a stunning vintage-inspired facade mixed with Scandinavian sensibilities, the innovative storage solution is so popular […]

Freshen up a child’s bedroom by painting a wall in checks – the hottest pattern around right now Checked wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Half Secrets, Resene Green Spring and Resene Paddock. Right hand wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Paddock with floor in Resene Walk-on in Resene Half Secrets.  Checks […]

Short on space? Why not make a slatted headboard and incorporate shelves that can be moved into position as a side table between the slats You will need: • Measuring tape • Pencil • 30mm x 30mm timber for the slats. I used dressed pine • 40mm x 19mm timber for the uprights • 250mm […]

Playing is not only fun it’s also essential for a child’s healthy brain development. Max out the space PAINT BOOKSHELF (left) From top to bottom: Blue box painted in Resene Lustacryl in Resene Takaka and animal in Resene Sante Fe. Books in Resene Tussock and Resene Twizel. Blue storage tub in Resene Half Resolution Blue. […]

Give plain old walls a touch of stately manor with panelled walls. Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle shows you how You will need • Washi tape or painting tape • Pencil • Measuring tape • Level • Timber (size and design of your choice) I used 30mm x12mm clear pine in the hallway and 60mm […]

Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle rustles up some display shelving You will need • Measuring tape • Timber. I’ve used 90mm x 10mm pine for my shelf base and the same for the back upstand. I bought this off the rack at 1200mm long. Then, 40mm x 10mm for my upstand at the front • […]

Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle shows us three clever ways to make your own DIY bedside table How to make your DIY side table What you will need: • Bedside table • Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer • Paint brush • Roller • Dowel 8mm • Handsaw • Caulking gun • Construction glue • Ruler […]

Try this contemporary take on traditional Christmas bunting. No baby shower, birthday party or Christmas celebration is complete without some beautiful bunting strung up somewhere. While you can purchase bunting from most party supply shops, making your own means you can choose any colour, pattern, size or shape to suit the style or theme of […]

Turn up the carols and start making and baking your own DIY Christmas gifts for friends and family Pop plants (that’s plants that pop!) You will need: • Terracotta pot • Masking tape • Small paintbrush • Water-based paint • Glitter To make: Use masking tape to cover the terracotta pot just below the lip. […]

Ditch the plastic and enjoy the thrill of the Christmas countdown with a DIY advent calendar that’s choc-filled with festive activities

A beautiful bed look isn’t complete without a statement bedhead to back it up. Nikkie Kettle demonstrates how to make your own DIY headboard Before you start, measure the width of your bed to help you determine what size the base of your headboard needs to be. If you want the headboard to overhang the bedframe, […]

Create a simple crate storage shelf using plywood and a smattering of paint You’ll need: • 1 sheet of 2400mm x 1200mm plywood (at least 17mm thick) • Measuring tape • Pencil • Skill saw • Wood glue • Screws • Drill • 3 wooden crates • Paint brush • Resene Dusky Pink, Resene Sea […]

Gear up with embroidery thread and a vintage lampshade to create your own rendition of the popular Hay Bonbon light

Walls looking a bit bare? Take a leaf out of Nikki Kettle’s colourful book and paint a show-stopping mural Out with the old The wall in Nikki’s living room has been an ever-evolving project, originally with just the one palm tree painted in the corner. She was inspired by the retro patterns she found on […]

Create a standout dried flower arrangement you’ll enjoy evermore.  When designing your dried floral arrangement think about colour, texture and height. Select flowers and foliage in various sizes and colours for visual interest and remember if something isn’t looking right, gently pull it out and place it somewhere else. Flowers that dry well: Roses, hydrangeas, […]

Everyone has a spare ladder hanging out in the garage. Drag it out, it has a Christmas role to play this year. Erena Te Paa shows us how A wooden ladder is the perfect fit for this minimalist, handcrafted look. Make sure it has rungs on both sides. Fasten fishing wire to your chosen baubles […]

The perfect frosty craft project for little ones! Fact: the festive season is more fun when you drape your home with Christmas decorations – and never more so than when they’re homemade!  To lend a frosty, traditional Christmas feel to your home, why not make some paper snowflake decorations. There are plenty of ways to […]

You could be mistaken for thinking this is an artwork. In fact, it’s an advent calendar that you can plant. Here’s how you can make your own Stylist Erena Te Paa is known for her unforced but incredibly elegant modern style. Her home is her calling card – all natural ease and welcoming spaces. Your […]

Hang them on your wall, door or tree, these 10 DIY Christmas garlands are easy to make and will add a bit of chic festive spirit to your home 1. Christmas pudding garland Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned Christmas pud? Even if it doesn’t make it onto your Christmas table, this time-honoured festive desert […]

If you’re thinking of redecorating or you’re just in the mood for some arts and crafts, this list of fun projects is sure to inspire your creativity 1. Repurpose your old jam jars Save yourself a trip to the recycling bin and reuse your jam jars to decorate your home. Jars can make wonderful planters […]

This rainbow wall hanging makes a cute addition to a child’s bedroom – just pick your favourite colours You will need 3.15m rope or thick cord (about 1cm in diameter) Scissors 12 skeins embroidery thread in 6 colours (2 of each colour) Darning needle Cotton Instructions Step 1 Cut a 15cm length of rope and […]

Give your old ceramics a shiny new purpose with this simple, yet effective, plant pot hack. Your indoor plants will thank you for it You will need Two matching bowls Liquid Nails Potting mix Small succulents How to make 1 Glue the bases of your bowls together with Liquid Nails. Leave to dry. 2 Add […]

Say ‘so long!’ to sparkly red and green – channel a contemporary Christmas theme with a touch of terrazzo Timeless terrazzo in shades of brown and beige adds an earthy feel to a neutral yet welcoming space. The tree We’re still loving the trend for all things terrazzo so made some air-dried clay decorations with […]

Wrap this year’s presents in beautiful reusable packaging for a luxe feel and minimal Christmas waste 1. Fabric wrap The Japanese wrapping method (furoshiki) can be adjusted to suit gifts of all shapes. Any pretty fabric works, or a use a scarf or a linen napkin that will form part of the gift. Slip a […]

Stuck with what to give your friends and family this year? Save the time scouring the shops and spend it making your own DIY Christmas gifts  1. Tile planter box Got a plant lover in the family? Make them a chic planter box using contemporary, stylish tiles and if you’re feeling particularly generous, gift them […]

Give your Christmas a handcrafted touch (and save yourself some dollars) with these gorgeous little projects 1. Bell garland Don’t keep bells and other baubles just for the tree. Thread them onto a piece of twine or string and tie a knot to hold them in place. What we used: White porcelain tree, $34.90, sage […]

The countdown to Christmas never looked so glam. Here’s how to make this luxe DIY advent calendar, plus tips on how to decorate your tree to match DIY blue and gold advent calendar You’ll need: Kaisercraft Box Advent Calendar kit Kaisercraft Starry Night 12 x 12-inch paper pad Navy paint Gold washi tapes in miscellaneous […]

Create an inviting atmosphere for guests by adding touches of festive flair to your front door and mantelpiece. Here are 6 simple and stylish Christmas DIY projects to try this December Resene ‘Ayers Rock’ 1. Dried flower wreath An arid, desert-inspired wreath creates a visual feast at your front door. You’ll need: Dried flowers and […]

Create a tangle of texture with this easy wall hanging and increase the beachy boho vibe of any room What you’ll need for your wall hanging: 2 bundles raffia (we bought ours at Look Sharp for $3 a bundle) Scissors 300mm metal ring Instructions Step 1 Cut all the raffia into 70cm lengths. Step 2 […]

Keep your entrance chic and tidy with this simple, custom-coloured coat rack You will need 4 lengths of 35mm x 1800mm dowel Paint brush 4 testpots in colours of your choice 2m thin rope (ours was a metallic style from a $2 shop) Instructions Step 1. Paint dowels using a different test pot for each […]

From key chains to wall hangings, these creative home decor projects are a fun and easy way for you to upcycle your T-shirts 1. Tea light holder Give a simple glass votive a boho look by making a decorative plaited wrap for it. Take 3 x 2m lengths of T-shirt yarn and knot together at […]

Transform a bench seat, make a cute reusable shopping bag or a simple cushion. These velvet DIY projects will bring a little bit of class to your home 1. Bench Seat Measure seat and add 30cm to both length and width. Cut velvet to this size and lay on floor, right side down. Place seat […]

A room divider is an easy and decorative way to create separate spaces in a room or give a bare corner some interest. Here’s how to make your own You will need 2 pieces of 1900mm x 600mm x 18mm MDF (if you wish, you can use slightly thinner MDF to make screen lighter and […]

Can’t find the right artwork for your home? Choose a stunning textile instead and showcase it for all to admire. Here’s a step by step on how to do it You will need Art canvases Fabric Staple gun Picture hooks or hanging strips Instructions 1. Buy the canvas(es) first as this will determine how much […]

If you love leopard print, you’ll love these four creative DIY projects 1. Side table/stool To create this pretty side table or stool either repurpose an old one or buy a cheap new one. Give the table 2 coats of paint in a colour of your choice (we used black), leaving it to dry after each. […]

Reupholstering a vintage chair doesn’t need to be a one-time thing, says Your Home and Garden style director Catherine Wilkinson Seven years ago, YH&G style director Catherine Wilkinson was given a chair by her mother-in-law. Originally purchased on Trade Me, it had a beautiful frame but was covered in tired fabric. Catherine had it reupholstered […]

Get your needle and thread kit out because these pom pom craft projects are too cute not to make You’ll need:  Pom poms, $3 pack of 6, from Kmart 1. Basket Keep toys tidy with a cute cotton basket punctuated with pom poms. We used 16 of them, stitched randomly onto the basket. You will […]

Spotted a beautiful tile you’d love to use in your home? Or got some spares lying around? Turn them into an eye-catching planter or two in just a few easy steps You will need: 5 tiles per box – ours were 20cm square. (The 5th tile is the base so this doesn’t have to match […]

We’ve taken these $3 wooden placemats from Kmart and turned them into four easy DIY projects. See how below 1. Key holder With luck, you will never lose your keys again with this simple key hanger. Take a round wooden placemat and drill 3 small holes, evenly spaced, across the top third of the mat; […]

Jute string, or twine, is a staple in every Arts and Crafts cupboard. We’ve pulled together four interesting ways to use it for your next DIY project 1. Display Board Paint a 76cm x 50cm canvas in a colour of your choice (we used a testpot of Resene ‘Gondwana’). Run a piece of string across […]

Creating a mean, green, themed bedroom can be remarkably simple with the help of a tonal Resene palette and some cheap and cheerful DIY projects   Resene Kids’ corner Many kids will want a themed bedroom at some stage – it could be anything from Batman or Lego to animals or fairies. For some parents, this […]

Don’t chuck away your old jam and peanut butter jars in the recycling bin, give these DIY jar projects a go Planters Jars make wonderful planters for small house plants. Simply pick a collection of jars and remove any labels and traces of glue. Pop a few small stones at the bottom for drainage, then […]

Beautiful silk scarves – many of them mini works of art – are trending right now. Rather than tucking it in a drawer, turn one of your favourites into a vibrant cushion that would be perfect on a bed or on display (the fabric is delicate, though, so no cushion fights!) You will need: 2 […]