DIY Projects

how to make a pressed-leaf lampshade with olive oil finish that won’t yellow and how to replace the bulb safely

I love the tactile slow-work of making things for the home, and pressed leaves are one of my favourite ways to bring a little outdoors in. I’ve made several lampshades using leaves because they add...

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how to convert a thrifted bookcase into a moisture-friendly bathroom vanity with simple plumbing-safe sealants

I recently rescued a chipped, slightly wobbly bookcase from a charity shop with the idea of turning it into a bathroom vanity. Small bathroom storage is always a challenge, and I love the idea of...

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how to create a washable, heat-retaining draft snake for french doors using upcycled wool and heat-reflective lining

I live in a small Victorian terrace with two sets of low-silled French doors that let in beautiful light — and an awkward amount of draught. Over the years I’ve tried rugs, weatherstrips and...

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how to source and test reclaimed pine floorboards in the uk: spotting hidden insect damage, uneven moisture, and what tools to bring on pickup

I’ve spent years rescuing reclaimed timber for my own projects and for clients, and one of my favourite finds is old pine floorboards. They bring warmth, patina and a story that new timber often...

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can a £50 secondhand rattan chair look designer? step-by-step repair, color and weave fixes

I found the rattan chair for £50 on a local Facebook Marketplace listing — a slightly saggy seat, a few broken weaves on the back, and a tired finish that had seen better days. It was exactly the...

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how to build an insulating window panel for a rented flat using thrifted fabric and recycled batting

I live in an older rented flat where the windows are lovely but single-glazed and a little drafty — the kind that steals warmth in winter and leaves condensation along the sills. I wanted a simple,...

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how to make a moth-proof wool jumper chest using cedar, lavender and simple sachet tutorials

I’ve lost count of the number of wool jumpers I’ve rescued from forgotten corners of my wardrobe, only to find them ragged from moths. Over the years I’ve developed a simple, low-waste approach...

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Can avocado pits dye wool fast enough for a small cushion project? tested recipes and lightfast results

I wanted a small, soft cushion in warm, muted pinks to sit on my living-room armchair — something that felt lived-in and gentle, not fussy. I had a pile of avocado pits on the windowsill from a...

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Is cork wallpaper a practical, low-waste option for damp bathrooms? installation, sealing and lifespan guide

I first fell for cork years ago while foraging for natural textures to warm up a small bathroom in my flat. Its honeyed tones and subtle texture feel instantly cozy and grounded—perfect for the...

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Solution lit plafond pour petit espace: guide to design & install

I’ve always loved making small spaces feel generous, and one of my favourite space-saving ideas is the solution lit plafond pour petit espace — a ceiling-mounted, retractable bed that disappears...

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