One of the most unexpected and lovely bits about becoming part of the blogging world has been stumbling across the many craft blogs out there. My mind is constantly blown by the clever things that people can make, how gorgeous and how thrifty. And generally, along with the craftiness is a green bent that sees them upcycling in the most fantastic ways.

And the great thing about craft blogs is that they're all about sharing the knowledge. And lots of this stuff is truly DIY – anyone can do it.

So a site like Pinterest has seen inspiration for DIY exploding – and all in one handy little space.

Below are a few projects I am hoping to begin (or finish, as the case may be) over the coming holidays. There is nothing quite like completing a crafty project.

 

 

 

So if you  caught my post about a nursery for the Little Lady, you would have noticed an unintentional theme running throughout: chandeliers.

I am ultra-aware that most of the nurseries I featured are interior designed with no expense spared. And that chandeliers are expensive. And that we live in a rental. And I don't know how complicated it would be to fit a chandelier to an existing light socket. Or whatever.

So? I'm gonna make one! The above is gorgeous, don't you think?

 

 

Would you believe I had actually finished making this but then there was a slight issue with glue and slipping clips when someone (okay, me) failed to leave the piece of timber on a flat surface to dry. So it's almost done except for the parts I have to do again. Sigh.

 

 

Okay, this is ace! I have the tin cans ready to go and a shitload of kids art bits and pieces currently living in various places so completing this one is going to be particularly satisfying.

 

 

I have all the necessary stuff for this one – just need the time. Bring on the holidays.  I mean, how cute is this idea? Such a cute idea.

 

 

I've been wanting some kind of floor furnishings for the kids playroom and maybe also for watching the teev. I was thinking maybe big throw cushions but how good is this idea? Seems simple enough. Except I don't have a sewing machine. Any suggestions for an inexpensive machine that's easy to use?

 

 

Almost finished these, too. I even bought a hot glue gun for the occasion! That was a euphoric moment, let me tell you. I derive ridiculous amounts of joy out of these crafty undertakings. And I'm using up all the yarn I bought when knitting was huge about five or so years back. Remember that?

 

 

Cutest pinboard ever! I'm thinking of using it as an inspiration board in my writing space. Love.

 

 

Coolest thing happened when we moved into this new place. In the garage, in a pile of stuff to be junked were some old wire baskets like those above. I took it as a sign and now they're just waiting to be spray-painted white and hung in the Little Lady's room. Squee!

 

And while I'm hard at crafty work, would it be too much to ask Bren to knock me up a little something like this?

  

 

Seriously, this shit thrills me down to my little webbed toes (yes, webbed). There is something quite relaxing and meditative about becoming absorbed in a project like this. Of course, I am putting off doing it all until the holidays so that I might attempt it without the distraction of two small boys who think hot glue guns and balls of yarn that unwind for miles are an AWESOME good time. Yes, when they go to the park with Daddy, Mumma will be making chandeliers. Or napping. Probably napping… Shit!