DIY and Crafts

Here are four clever projects by stylist Vanessa Nouwens using on-trend marble-look adhesive How to make a marble-look picture frame Remove glass and back boards from frame. Cut a piece of marble adhesive film big enough to wrap around all sides of frame. Peel off backing paper and lie frame in middle of film. Bring […]

Get your creative juices flowing with this stylish way to display photos, favourite sayings and things you aspire to. Whether it’s for your home office or bedroom, this wooden moodboard can be whipped up in no time You will need -Das Exhibition 18”x24” hardboard panel, $44.95 -Photos printed at the Print and Copy Centre, from $0.19c each -Rosies Studio Everyday Black […]

We have channeled a Dutch still-life painting for this arrangement, which is both autumnal and beautiful. Here’s how to create this seasonal arrangement, complete with a list of florals    Watch our how-to video How to get the look You will need: -Dahlias -Gerberas -Eucalyptus -Hanging amaranthus -Viburnum -Scabiosa -A round pottery-style vase -Scissors -Water Instructions: […]

Create your own napkins, throws, cushions and tea towels with the most beautiful natural fabric – linen! 1. Napkins Cut linen into 48cm squares, then hem with a sewing machine so you have 45cm squares, forming your napkins. Mix chosen fabric dye in a bowl with hot water. Wet napkins in water, then dip about […]

Looking for creative ways to display your favourite photos? If it’s a statement piece for your wall or something small enough to keep in your pocket, these four ideas have got you covered How to get the look: Initial photo collage Renew Barwood 16×22” black frame $13.99 | A2 white linen Kascard sheet of card $2.89 | […]

Superstar florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, demonstrates how to arrange flowers en masse in a tall vase. She makes it look easy! How to get the look You will need: 4 x stems hydrangea greenery 2 x king protea 5 x hydrangea 6 x birch stems 4 x Japanese anemone 4 x Monstera leaf […]

Superstar florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, demonstrates how to arrange flowers in a medium vase. She makes it look easy! You will need -A medium vase -Water -Scissors or secateurs -Viburnum -Hydrangeas -Roses -Dahlias -Eucalyptus How to arrange flowers in a medium vase Start with the viburnum to create the base for the rest […]

Summer has almost gone but you can keep the memories alive all year round with these easy photo projects. Get inspired by Instagram and have them printed square at Warehouse Stationery Products to use: Hanging Photo Mobile 12 4×4 photos $4.20 instore or $4.80 from Printicular (total costs for 12 photos) | Scissors $1.99 | 12×12 […]

Try these four projects with plywood – a lovely warm material that has become an essential home trend 1.How to make a plant hanger Buy your pots (ones with a band or lip are best). On the plywood, draw 3 squares with a circle in each the circumference of the pot at the point where […]

When arranging flowers, using a small vase (or even a jam jar or water glass) is the way to go. The key is to create loose, interesting arrangements that have depth and height. Watch how florist Eden Hessell arranges flowers in a short vase with a relaxed Country-style  You will need 5 campanella roses 6 […]

When painting a room, always start with the ceilings first. Paint and prep them just as you would the walls. Here’s how… You will need Quick-release painter’s tape Sealer/primer Paint Paint tray Paint roller Roller sleeve – choose one depending on the desired finish Two-inch angled paintbrush Ladder Getting started Step 1 Is your ceiling […]

Create a  personalised garland using a collection of your favourite family photographs What you need Assorted cardboard in two or three colours Scissors Compass cutter Family photographs Single hole-punch Jute string Plastic cutting mat How to Step 1:  Use a 5cm radius for the larger discs and 3.5cm for smaller discs.  Using a compass cutter, […]

Time to crack open your cool colour-coordinated notepads and pencil cases – school’s back for yet another year And while studying for maths exams and weekend homework sessions, well, kind of suck, the good part is that organising your desk at home for the year ahead can be straight-up fun.  The problem?  A total refurb […]

Superstar florist Eden Hessell shows us how to arrange long-stemmed flowers in a tall vase. Here are her tips and tricks for mastering this look How to get the look You will need: 4 x stems hydrangea greenery 2 x king protea 5 x hydrangea 6 x birch stems 4 x Japanese anemone 4 x Monstera leaf […]

A pegboard storage system encourages you to be a little bit tidier while looking ever so stylish Entrance/hallway Although the entrance is one of the busiest places in the home, it should ideally give visitors a feel for what your home is all about – and this is where a pegboard becomes your secret anti-clutter […]

These stylish leather loops will turn cluttered work areas into hubs of efficiency To make one strap, you will need 1 metre x 25mm vegetable leather (ours came from Lapco Leather) Ruler Craft knife Power drill or screwdriver 1 copper nail or screw (ours came from Bunnings) 100mm steel ring (optional) Etch primer (optional) Spray […]

Spin a fine yarn with these four projects using tried-and-trusty yarn, reinterpreted for today 1. Wall hanging Cut yarn into 2-metre lengths. Fold the yarn in half and loop onto a metal ring by passing the free ends through the looped end. Repeat the process until you have the desired amount of yarn. Trim the […]

This bouquet of white roses wrapped in yesterday’s paper makes for a simple statement of love that’s easy on the wallet You will need An affordable bunch of roses or other flowers such as daisies or carnations A newspaper – opt for pages with print rather than pictures. You could also go the extra mile […]

Stylist Samantha Totty presents four simple projects using wool. Any colour will do! 1. Pom pom twigs Secure the end of a strip of wool in your palm using your thumb. With your other hand, wrap the wool around three joined fingers 100 times. Slide the wool off your fingers. Tie an 8-inch piece of […]

Versatile washi tape adds creative colour to anything it touches. Here are four easy projects to try How to get the look Washi tape from etsy.com; cake stand from Redcurrent; cupcakes from Petal; elephant ornament from Allium; vase, necklace, flowers and lollies stylist’s own. Wall painted in Resene ‘Vanilla Ice’. Buy your washi tape and cardboard […]

These pretty hanging bottles are so simple to make and would be perfect for an alfresco lunch, party or wedding You will need: An assortment of bottles or jars Twine Any floral stems you have to hand (we used dahlias and white roses). Instructions: Fill bottles with a small amount of water Add flowers and hang […]

Use a paper doily to spruce up everyday objects with these easy instructions Buy your doilies, notebooks, envelopes and wrapping paper from Warehouse Stationery. Visit warehousestationery.co.nz for all your craft needs. Photography by: Sevak Babakhani/bauersyndication.com.au.

Nothing says summer like a beautiful floral crown. Perfect for party attire, weddings or a festival, a floral crown is pretty and whimsical. Superstar florist Eden Hessell shows us how to make one You will need Floral wire Floral tape Wire cutters Greenery such as ruscus Milano and ivy Flowers of your choice How to […]

Copper adds a warm glow to any interior. Try these four projects using copper paint by stylist Catherine Wilkinson to get the look at your place. Project 1 / Copper-dipped chair legs Project 2 / Painted ceramics Project 3 / Polka dot table linen Project 4 / Personalised candles Projects by: Catherine Wilkinson. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

We’ve got four clever DIY projects using beach towels by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Beach towel linen If you love the pattern of your beach towels, why not turn them into a bath mat, facecloth and hand towels? One beach towel should get you all these items. Use your existing bathroom towels as a cutting guide. […]

From gifts, to wrapping and decor, we’ve got your Christmas style covered with these cost-effective and fun festive ideas. Time to get your yule on! 23 festive ideas that will make you excited for Christmas You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a wonderful Christmas, in fact, we think sometimes it is the simple […]

Recreate this floral table arrangement with these step-by-step instructions 1. You will need: Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, red decorations, tin cans 2. Cover cardboard tubes and/or tin cans with festive Christmas paper. 3. Cut rounds of oasis to fit inside the cardboard tubes, covering the bottom with plastic to stop water escaping. […]

We’ve got four easy Christmas craft ideas using glitter, dreamed up by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Get the look Plastic baubles and glitter from Spotlight; Motex label maker and tape from Tea Pea; gold cube from Shut The Front Door; candle and jar from Look Sharp; all other props, stylist’s own. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

Wall hangings are bang on-trend – what better way to get festive this Christmas? How to Get three pieces of brass tubing in different lengths (or use wooden dowels spray-painted to suit your colour theme). Fold lengths of wool in half and cut to your desired hanging length, then loop onto each rod by passing the […]

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with these easy ideas for washi tape Custom gift tags Keep costs down this Christmas by making your own gift tags. Using washi tape, make your own designs on plain white gift tags. Be as creative as possible and have some fun. Get the kids in on the […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out how to make a fresh green wreath What greenery have you used for this wreath? I’ve used Holly, eucalyptus, protea leaves, moss, scabiosa, and poppy heads. What equipment do I need? – Oasis (wet floral foam) wreath – Greenery and flowers […]

Forgo a traditional pine or artificial Christmas tree for these creative alternatives Getting twiggy with it Arrange twisted willow (or similar) in a large jar. Twist battery-operated seed lights around branches. Thread on dried or fresh flowers (we used ‘Chinese Snowball’ viburnum). Add decorations. Get the look: White stool, $85, from Flotsam & Jetsam; hanging […]

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with fimo. We show you how Candle holder You will need: 2 packets of Fimo (black and white) • Ruler • Knife • Tealight candle • Baking tray and baking paper 1 Soften up the packets of Fimo by rolling in your hands until pliable, then roll each colour […]

Create these feathered headbands for your next children’s party using leather and ribbon You will need Craft knife, leather strips, double-sided tape; feathers; ribbon How to make them Using a ruler and a craft knife or scissors, cut two soft leather strips to 20mm wide and around 300mm long (kids may need help with this […]

Follow these step-by-step instructions for this achievable white and silver arrangement                  1. You will need Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, candles, votive and votive candles, silver decorations 2. Cover cardboard tubes in paper of your choice. 3. Cut circles of oasis and cover with […]

Embellish plain gift tags with metallic tape. Move over washi tape, there’s a new kid in town. You will need: A4 white card (220gsm) Hole punch Scissors Adhesive metallic tape (available from Spotlight, Typo and $2 shops) Ribbon, twine or thin cord Cut out template provided and trace around the gift tag onto white card […]

The ancient art of Japanese fabric dying is used in four creative ways by stylist Catherine Wilkinson Framed artwork Cut a piece of untreated cotton to fit inside a frame so edges are visible. Tie a rubber band around a small bunch of fabric in the centre, then continue to tie bands around the rest […]

We love wallpaper, and not just on walls. These cute stockings are great for packaging small gifts or as a festive decoration You will need Offcuts of wallpaper (a 50cm-high piece will make a small stocking, front and back) Sewing machine Sewing thread Ribbon (for hanging) Scissors Sellotape Stiff cardboard to make template Buttons, decorations, […]

Try this easy, cost-effective Christmas DIY idea How to – Fill up fillable plastic baubles with star confetti and shake around. – Add more confetti until you are happy with the effect inside. – Mixing two colours together looks great; or use coloured feathers or baby pom poms instead. – Tie some fine ribbon, cord […]

Make your presents pop this Christmas with four beautiful wrapping ideas that won’t break the bank Decals Who says decals are only for walls? Transform plain gift boxes or bags with packets of decals and make some matching gift tags. This is a great wrapping project to do with kids. Shopping list Boxes Plain gift bags […]

Looking for a Christmas wreath? Browse this gallery of floral wreaths made from a mix of native and exotic flora with added festive bling in the form of baubles, deer and stars Photography by: Bridget Webber Wreaths created by: students from Manukau Institute of Technology Floral School Flowers and fauna from: Flowers Work Wonders

Get creative with the kids and add simple Scandinavian charm to your home this holiday season with these cute clay decorations These DIY cut-out Christmas decorations are a perfect project for the kids These cute little clay cutouts are simple, stylish and so easy to make. Grab the kids, throw on some Michael Bublé and […]

Living present Cut a large square from wrapping paper. With patterned side facing up, fold paper in half in a triangle shape (keep the point at the top). Fold right corner over towards left side, keeping the top edge of the flap parallel to bottom fold. Repeat with the left side. Fold down the front […]

Use easy-to-find foliage to create a lush Christmas wonderland Hanging plant basket You will need  A hanging basket (large enough to hold 2-3 pots) Cellophane to line the basket Moss (Spanish and standard) Hanging and trailing plants How to Line the basket with green moss. Don’t worry if some is poking out. Line the moss […]

Your Home and Garden stylist Sam Smith creates four clever projects using brass tubing How to make a wall hanging With pipe cutters, cut three pieces of brass tubing three different sizes. Measure out 12 pieces of merino. Fold in half and loop two onto the shortest part of brass tubing by passing the free […]

Give Christmas classics a fresh twist with these easy updates Up date Create an event-filled Christmas calendar using mini envelopes and wooden pegs, and get creative with stickers and card. Write a fun little Christmas note for each day. Circle of life Pull out the old family albums and display your vintage photos and memorabilia. […]

These easy fabric bags have a multitude of uses: here they make super-cute plant holders You will need Sewing machine Scissors Cotton Iron 2 pieces of fabric 40cm x 50cm (use two different fabrics if you want a contrasting fold-down top). 2 pieces of fabric for the base, approx 16cm in diameter. These need to […]

Create storage baskets to match you own style and colour scheme YOU WILL NEED Straw (or similar) baskets Paint testpots (thick house paint works best) Sturdy paint brushes Chalk Drop cloth Check the area of the baskets you wish to paint for any loose threads or unwoven pieces of straw. Using chalk, map out a […]

Get folding to create these simple paper ornaments in a wash of subtle yet sophisticated colours. You will need: 1 metre of leather cord (for approximately 6 decorations) Coloured card stock Double-sided tape Craft knife Ruler  Steps Scan the templates and print out at desired size. Trace the templates onto card stock and cut out […]

Rather than pull down an old bach which is often a waste of perfectly good materials, think about how the existing structure can be reworked to suit your holiday needs. Use readily available cost-effective materials for walls and furniture such as the poplar ply Bonnifait + Giesen has used in the house. Good design can […]

Luxuriate in the calming aroma of eucalyptus with this handy wall hanging You will need 3 x lengths 10mm dowel Ruler or tape measure and pencil Hand saw Sandpaper Interior wood stain Foam brush Wool and scissors Eucalyptus or flowers of your choice Small picture hook or nail and hammer Measure 60cm from end of […]

Get creative with old magazines. A – for effort Choose a block letter you wish to cover. Select your colour palette and cut pages from a magazine. Cover the letter with a layer of papier mâché to act as a base. Wrap white straws with approximately 70mm strips of the magazine pages. Apply a light […]

Give plastic trays a quick and easy designer update using fabric and glue. You will need Plastic tray (ours are from Look Sharp) Fabric – a fat quarter (45.5cm by 56cm) is the perfect size (ours is from Spotlight) Mod Podge (available from Spotlight) Paint brush Scissors STEPS: Cut a piece of fabric big enough […]

Create pretty scalloped bunting to hang inside or out when entertaining You will need  ½ a metre of oil cloth (ours is Marimekko ‘Siirtolapuutarha’ coated fabric from Bolt of Cloth, 1450mm wide. For oil cloth that isn’t as wide you will need 1 metre to create 3 metres of bunting) Scissors Pins 3 metres of […]

Before you read on, always start with the ceiling, to learn how to paint a ceiling click here. Now you’re ready to start painting the room: What You Need Quick release painter’s tape Sealer/Primer Paint Paint tray Paint-roller Roller sleeve, depending on the desired finished there are different types of roller sleeves Two-inch angled paintbrush […]

Apply the finishing touches to your paint job by tackling the skirting, molding and trims So you’ve read and accomplished How to: Paint a ceiling, along with How to: Paint a room Follow these three simple steps to complete the finishing touches on skirting, trim and archtraves Wait until the walls and the ceiling are dry. […]

Leftover wrapping paper doesn’t have to be destined for the dustbin. Get inspired and add fun style to your home with these easy projects Supplies by: Walls in Resene ‘Triple Concrete’; aqua wall spot decals from KM2creative; wrapping paper from kikki.K; tassel garland from Collected; boxes and vases from Zest Products; all other products stylist’s […]

Vanessa Nouwens shows you how to create a coaster, a cushion cover, a stool cover and a tasselled wall hanging – all from an old t-shirt. Coasting along Cut 2cm-wide strips from a large white T-shirt. Machine sew three strips of fabric together at the ends to make one long piece of fabric. Repeat this […]