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.

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

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

Take decorating inspo from a cute print for a modern vintage look.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 • […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]