We're all about doing it yourself around these parts and warmer weather means outdoor projects. So, for your inspiration pleasure (and mine!) here are our top 5 backyard DIY ideas.
Planters
Left: via Apartment Therapy; right: via Family Chic
You can create a planter out of just about anything, really -- old drawers, wooden crates, thrift store colanders, salad bowls, soup tureens and lots more. All you need are drainage holes so the roots can breathe and water can escape, and sometimes you don't even need that if the material is breathable or biodegradable. Just test before hand by pouring water into the planter -- if nothing drains out, you may need to perforate. Take the above inspired examples: On the left we have a shoe organizer turned herb garden from Instructables, via one of our constant sources of inspiration, Apartment Therapy. I actually think I'm going to try this in my own garden. On the right, Family Chic blogger Camilla Fabbri created a short term planter for some pretty hyacinths out of a grapefruit -- love it! (Fabbri is full of great ideas, by the way.)
Portable Garden
Above: via Salvaged Yard
This is a great idea for renters or people who don't have a lot of land in their backyards (Hello urban-dwellers!). Landscape architect Ellie and her wife Christina built this raised bed (complete with "bedheads", cute) out of an old metal bed frame, a large piece of plywood and pre-cut wood from Home Depot. I like the idea of being able to move the garden to maximize the sunlight, so wheels could be an option.
Lights
These easy mood lighting ideas come courtesy of our DIY Decor site. Citrus votives give off a fresh, fruity scent and are the type of craft that looks more elaborate than it really is -- people will think you're a domestic goddess with time to make handmade candles, when really it takes less than half an hour. Votives can be stored in the freezer until you're ready. I'm seeing a table setting with a grapefruit planter centrepiece and scattered citrus votives, a citrus-themed meal and spiked lemonade to drink...are you feeling me?
Use pretty paper and a hole punch to create decorative candle holders that you can use again and again. Choose colours to compliment your outdoor decor or table setting or try themed paper for a birthday, anniversary or even a homey backyard wedding.
Side table
This super-simple DIY comes courtesy of the "dafty (as in daft and crafty)" Elana, who made this side table last summer out of a planter and a $10 pizza stone. That's it. Easy, right? Learn how she did it.
Shady spot
Oh Martha, you make it look so easy...but this time, it really is. Create a shady spot with a few bamboo poles and canvas, as seen in the photo above. If you want something a bit more permanent, hang material in strategic spots from your existing porch. If you've got more time on your hands, build an intimate dining space and surround it with curtains for privacy and a little romance.
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