Crafts

Get ready for summer with this seashell mirror how-to by HGTV.

Here’s a budget-friendly alternative to a purchasing a new ring. Consider creating your own gemstone cocktail ring by Little Luck Tree.

Creative Southern Home shows you how to make your own DIY glass apothecary with two pieces of glassware and E-6000.

DIY

We love these 50 tricks for DIY savings from This Old House.

If you’re getting your house ready for summer, check out these 9 things you need to know about air-conditioning from This Old House.

Photo credit: Creative Southern Home

Crafts

Here’s a charming birthday party idea. This Princess and the Pea Birthday Party by Michelle of Maddycakes Muse was created with loads of pink, glitter and E-6000.

Consider trading your traditional table runner for this DIY Photo Table Runner by Ruffled for a creative and fun way to display photos.

Here’s another creative photo craft. Display your favorite memories in these mini shadow box fridge magnets by Crafts Unleashed.

DIY

We love this DIY faux tile paint project from This Old House.

If you’re in need of a privacy fence, this decorative fabric fence from DIYNetwork is an aesthetic solution.

Expand your outdoor living space with this tutorial on how to build a simple deck from This Old House.

Photo credit: Crafts Unleashed

Crafts

Here’s an easy and creative spring craft. Salt Tree shows you how to turn a sturdy bowl into a planter for an umbrella patio table using E-6000.

Make a cuff bracelet to pair with your favorite spring outfits from Pinterest.

Need a few more accessories to adorn your spring wardrobe? Try making this turquoise and cameo bracelet from Expressive Style.

Spruce up a plain full-length mirror with mini mirrors from Crafts Unleashed.

Create this DIY cupcake holder from Pitter & Glink to display your spring treats.

DIY Projects

We love these 8 DIY projects to transform your bathroom from HGTV.

If you’re looking for ways to add character to your kitchen on a budget, DIY Network recommends remodeling your kitchen with salvaged items.

Photo credit: Ana White

A loft bed allows you to use the space underneath for a desk, a couch or additional storage space. The grown-up version of a bunk bed, loft beds free up space while still looking stylish and cool.

Building a loft bed is a large project, but it’s a great budget-saver if you have DIY skills and a straightforward plan such as this Loft Bed tutorial from Ana White. Cut lists, step-by-step instructions, and assembly directions make it a manageable project.

What you’ll need:

• 15 – 1×3 Boards, 8′ Long
• 3 – 1×8 Boards, 10′ Long (cut one long and one short cut from each)
• 1 – 1×8 48″ Long (cut 1 short cut from this one)
• 3 – 1×4 Boards, 8′ Long
• 1 – 2×2 Board, 8′ Long
• 11 – 1×2 Boards (Less if you have a bunkie board or box spring), 8′ Long
• 1 1/4″ Screws
• 2″ Screws
• Wood Glue (We recommend EcoGlue Premium Wood Glue)
• Finishing Supplies (Wood Filler, Sand Paper, Paint, Brushes, etc)

For complete instructions and photos, visit Ana White.

You can use this simple tutorial to create multiple candy jars or decorative holders. After Easter, swap out your jars with other seasonal candy to use them year-round.

What you’ll need:

• Glass pickle jar with lid
• Grey primer
• White spray paint
• E-6000 glue
• Candlestick

Easy Instructions:

1. Clean pickle jar thoroughly and remove label with hot water.
2. Paint jar lid with grey primer to cover any colors and writing. Once dried, spray paint lid white.
3. Glue top of the candlestick to the bottom of the pickle jar with E-6000. Put a small bead of E-6000 and both the jar and candlestick. Wait a few seconds until glue is tacky and press the two objects together.
4. Allow to dry completely (up to 24 hours) and then fill with brightly colored candy.

Visit eighteen25 for more Easter decoration projects.

Photo credit: eighteen25

Crafts:

We love these DIY Prada-Inspired flower earrings made using E-6000. Check out the tutorial from Expressive Style.

Want to cheer up an old dresser? Paint polka dots with this clever stencil tutorial from 551 East.

Get ready for Easter by learning how to make leaf egg prints from Family Fun.

DIY Projects:

Get started on your spring home improvement with these six outdoor home repair projects from Danny Lipford.

Brighten up a drab exterior with these eight budget-friendly curb appeal makeovers from This Old House.

Get organized with a custom laundry basket dresser with step-by-step plans from Ana White.

Photo credit: 551 East

To get started, make a list of projects you’d like to complete. Budget ahead for big projects, and include small chores and repairs that are equally important. Here are some ideas for each month to get you started!

March:

Check the house for damage from winter ice and snow. Clean gutters and drainage spouts, and remove any debris.  You’ll find great tips on how to properly clean and repair gutters at HGTV. After removing debris, seal gutters and drain pipes with Amazing GOOP Lawn & Garden.

Freezing temperatures can cause damage to garden hoses. Instead of throwing an expensive garden hose, seal worn or cracked water hoses with Amazing GOOP.

April:

Get ready for planting season by repairing fences and arbors. Repair holes, cracks and gouges by filling them in with Famowood Instant Wood Repair. Learn how to build a spring planter box with step-by-step directions here.

May:

Check screening on porches before bug season arrives. You can also use Amazing GOOP Lawn & Garden to mend small tears in window screens. For tips and a video how-to from HGTV gohere.

Inspect your deck and make sure it’s ready for heavy foot-traffic in spring and summer. You canrepair deck boards by removing protruding nails and replacing them with coated or galvanized screws. Cover nicks, gouges, and any knot holes with Famowood Instant Wood Repair.

Check for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Touch up exterior paint, paying special attention to window sills, gable vents, garage doors. Check out 10 Things You Must Know When Painting a House Exterior from the DIY Network for tips.

What you’ll need:

• Bottle Caps
• Decorative Paper
• Mod Podge
• JudiKins Diamond Glaze
• E-6000
• Magnets
• Paintbrush
• Scissors

Easy instructions:

For this project, Ben Frankin Crafts used Diamond Glaze or Inkssentials Glossy Accents. Both serve the same purpose, so it’s simply a matter of preference.

1. Trim the paper to fit inside the bottle cap.
2. Use the paintbrush to apply Mod Podge to the entire center of the bottle cap.
3. Place onto paper into the bottle cap, print side up.
4. Carefully go around the inside of bottle cap with Diamond Glaze. You want to completely cover the inside.
5. Set aside to dry.
6. Once dry, apply E-6000 onto a magnet and glue it to the back of the bottle cap.
7. Wait for the glue to completely dry before using.

For complete instructions, visit Ben Franklin Crafts.

What you’ll need:

• Paper plates
• Tempera paint and brush
• Scissors
• Chopsticks
• Embellishments (sequins, feathers, glitter)
• A pair of old sunglasses
• Amazing EcoGlue

For complete instructions, visit Parents Connect.

You may also like the following Mardi Gras-themed projects for kids and adults:

Create a Beaded Curtain

Clink-Clank Noisemakers

Make a Mardi Gras Wreath

Photo Credit: Parents Connect

Crafts:

Make a festive confetti tablecloth with this easy-to-make project from Oh Happy Day.

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Get ready by making Leprechaun “elixir bottles” with this fun project from Design Sponge.

If you’re a wine aficionado, capture your memories with this wine cork wreath from The Ivy Cottage.

DIY Projects:

We love this DIY magnet project from Ben Franklin Crafts using bottle caps & E-6000.

Looking for a cool iPad cover? Glitter ‘N Glue has a DIY project to create a studded iPad cover that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Before you buy outdoor lawn furniture, check out this collection of DIY outdoor wood furniture projects from Danny Lipford.

Photo credit: Oh Happy Day