5 DIY Projects to Try During Quarantine

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

By guest of honour Ezz Wilson:

I wish I could say that I'm an absolute whiz at power tools or a sewing machine, but to be honest, I am a reluctant DIYer. A lot of the DIY or craft projects I find look a little too homespun for my liking, or the effort required to make it look like the real deal is overwhelmingly tedious or calls for carpentry skills I just don't have. But this quarantine has me wanting to spruce up my home in a more resourceful, hands-on way, so I've rounded up five DIY projects for you that are simple, can be mostly done indoors (with the exception of sanding!) and actually look more high-end than you'd expect.

1. Plant Propagation Wall

This delightful wall of plant cuttings DIY is brought to you by Christine Higgs of @forthehome. It's the perfect project for those who've had extra time to mist, primp, sing to and propagate all your plant babies during this quarantine. 

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

2. Textured art

Here's another DIY from the very resourceful and productive Christine, who created some beautiful, dimensional pieces for her home with acrylic paint and modeling paste. She's got a video tutorial on her IGTV if you'd like to check it out! It's the perfect addition to a bare wall or corner that just needs the subtlest touch of texture that won't compete with its surroundings. 

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

Christine Higgs / @forthehome

3. Wireless Pleated Lamp

This is more of a hack than a DIY, but it's still very satisfying to the lazy DIYer! I've been wanting the right ceramic base for a pleated lampshade I found online and for now, settled on a ceramic vase I already owned. But since the lamp shops are closed, and I don't feel like drilling into the bottom of my vase (risky!) and wiring it myself, I was inspired by Lisa Danielle Smith to simply plunk the shade on top of the vase and call it good. But if you'd actually like a functional lamp rather than a decorative statement, there are also plenty of wireless bulb options, such as LED lights controlled by remote control that you can jimmy rig into the vase. Thanks, Janae for that last tip!

Lisa Danielle Smith

4. Trash to Terracotta

When Geneva Vanderzeil found a can of liquid terracotta at her local hardware store, she tried to find as many applications for it as possible. One of her projects was taking a motley bunch of thrift store vases and turning them into some of the lovely terracotta pieces you see here. While this specific liquid terracotta product isn't available everywhere, she's created a DIY chalk paint recipe to give you a similar, textured ceramic look. You can also check out the hashtag #trashtoterracotta on Instagram to see all the people who've been following her lead! 

Before

After

Geneva Vavanderzeil / DIY tutorial

Geneva Vavanderzeil / DIY tutorial

5. Orbital Sander

This handy little tool can work wonders on old wooden furniture and decor items with a less than desirable stain (or paint job). If you're looking for a light, neutral, raw-looking finish, you might be surprised at the wood that could be lurking under a shiny, orange-hued layer of lacquer or a dark, mahogany stain. And if you do uncover a beautifully rustic and antiqued wood underneath but still want a protective top coat, I recommend using a water-based, matte polyurethane as it'll still look more raw plus the water-based poly's are less prone to yellowing than oil-based! Cynthia Harper is someone who is constantly making use of her orbital sander and going to town on anything from coffee tables to cheap, wooden bowls from her local thrift store that end up looking like chic, weathered, farmhouse bowls rather than .99 cent castaways. 

Cynthia Harper / Orbital Sander

It's been so fun to share these ideas with you. I hope you've discovered a DIY project you'd like to replicate in your own home! Are there any that stand out in particular?

It's a public holiday in Sweden today and Niki will be back on Sunday. She sends a 'stor kram' (big hug!).

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Ezz

Ezz Wilson is an interior and photo stylist and holistic home consultant based in Portland Oregon. You can find her over on instagram here. 

First picture by Christina Higgs / @forthehome

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5 Clever IKEA Hacks to Steal From a Danish Home

You might recall the name Puk Munch Sjeldan from my feature about a tiny Copenhagen apartment that's big on handmade design a while back. That apartment is now occupied by her daughter Luna, so the Dane has turned her hand to her own home - transforming it room by room into a wonderful living space. Dating back to 1904, and located in the suburbs of the Danish capital, the family home is full of fun, quirky pieces, pops of colour as well as books and art. But it's Puk's IKEA hacks that really caught my eye! Here are five ideas to feel inspired by: 

1. Designer Table

Puk added a 90 cm x 190 cm sheet of plywood (painted white) over an existing GÖRAN table using angled metal brackets to transform a budget fold-away piece into a sturdy designer table! 

I couldn't see any hacks in the sitting room area - but knowing Puk there are no doubt some lurking somewhere. I couldn't resist sharing a couple of pictures all the same, as it's so unique! Love the blue 'bold stool' by Moustache in particular, how about you?

2. PAX wardrobe with customised doors

A friend of mine pointed out that the issue with IKEA wardrobe doors is that they never extend all the way to the floor (which would give them a much cleaner look). Puk solved this by adding her own, longer ones, using plywood cut with a circular saw (you can also ask your DIY store to do this for you). She matched the holes with the original PAX wardrobe doors so that she could reuse the hinges. See more details about the hack here. 

It may not be an IKEA hack - but I can't tell you how important it is for your neck and back to ensure your screen is at the right height when you're working from home. I love how Puk has used a stack of books to give her laptop a lift! 

3. Striped stool 

Puk took 30 minutes to transform a little FROSTA stool into a designer seat using a layer of foam / polyester batting, fabric and a staple gun! See all the steps in her Instagram 'DIY' highlights on instagram if you'd like to know more.  

4. Bed with storage

Puk and her beau used the IVAR 3-drawer dresser to create a bed with oodles of built-in storage. Looking at the DIY steps in her Instagram highlights (you can also find a tutorial on YouTube here), it's one for the more hardcore DIYers among us, but it's fun to know it's possible with a little work! 

No DIY hack to be seen here in the bathroom (that I know of), but it's always nice to share more of someone's home for inspiration! 

5. Hallway storage

I spy a set of four MOPPE storage chests mounted on the wall to create a larger storage unit that's also slim enough for narrow spaces. Perfect for all those bits and bobs like keys, wallets etc! You could also paint them to match your walls so they really blend in. 

Did any of these DIY IKEA hacks catch your eye? 

I love the table - GÖRAN is only around 40 euros and a piece of PLYWOOD / MDF is also very budget friendly. Such a great idea! 

You can see more of Puk's home and discover more IKEA hacks / DIY ideas over on her instagram. 

Feeling creative? Here are a few other ideas: 

5 DIY Projects to try during quarantine 

Before and after - a Swedish kitchen gets a DIY make-over

A cosy autumn trend and the world's most simple DIY IKEA hack! 

Vi ses imorgon! 

Niki

Photography: Puk Munch Sjeldan

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7 Beautifully Simple Easter DIY Craft Ideas From Scandinavia

Easter is a few days away (here in Scandinavia it's one day earlier since they celebrate on Påskafton (Easter Saturday). This year, we may not be able to enjoy large family gatherings, and some traditions may need to be put on hold for another year, but we sure can decorate our homes and bring a pretty touch that will put a smile on our faces! So, if you feel like a little Påskpyssla (Easter crafting), here are 7 of my favourite beautifully simple DIY ideas from Scandinavia, with love: 

1. Eggs with crowns: Boiled eggs with happy faces and pretty crowns like these ones by Norwegian Engla Monica Strand are sure to light up everyone's faces come Easter Day morning! 

2. Naturally dyed eggs: Get creative with the contents of your food cupboard and dye your eggs all kinds of natural colours for a pretty display like Swedish stylist and florist Malin Björkholm. Check out this guide on how to make natural dye. 

3. Hang paper eggs from branches: Follow this YouTube guide to make pretty 3D paper eggs and hang them from branches like Elin Wallin. 

 4. Wire feathers to branches: channel a popular Swedish tradition and wire colourful feathers to birch branches for a pretty display like Swedish set designer Marianne Wikner!

5. Make an Easter wreath: Decorate your door or brighten up a corner of your home with a beautiful Easter wreath like this pretty one by Kristin Østebø. This YouTube tutorial offers a great step by step guide. 

6. Get crafting with leftover wallpaper: It's amazing what you can create with leftover wallpaper. Malin Mörner shares a lovely DIY here (remember her Christmas wallpaper DIY?!) and Frida Andersson has created pretty birds for a flight of fancy display! The original DIY for these birds is in the book Hidden Places - but if you haven't got time to pick up a copy, I reckon you could wing it (see what I did there?!) by using a bird template for the body and the DIY from Christmas Snöblomma for the wings. 

7. Brighten up your home with paper daffodils! Take a leaf (sorry!) out of Helen Lyth's book and make these pretty paper daffodils. You can find a step by step guide here (it's in Swedish but there's always good old google translate!). 

I hope these ideas have given you some inspiration for your home this Easter. 

Are there any that caught your eye? 

You can find more Easter crafting ideas here: 

My Big Easter DIY Edit

5 Beautifully Simple Ester DIY Ideas

Easter touches in a charming Swedish home

Wishing you a lovely day friends!

Niki

First picture by Anne Lemonfox and last picture by Malin Mörner

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Let it Glow: 5 Pretty Candle Displays You Can Make In An Instant!

The winter solstice 2019 will be at 05.19 this Sunday, 22nd December (counting down the seconds? You bet I am!). From then on, the days slowly get lighter - PHEW! Anyone else feeling a tiny bit relieved? In my mind, the only saving grace is that the darkness gives us an excuse to light candles, and lots of them, which makes for one very cosy home! On the dining table, in the window, by the sink. As long as there's nothing flammable nearby, there's no end to where you can add a little glow. Here are 5 of my favourite, simple DIY candle displays this winter! 

1. Swedish Advent ljusstake: two weeks ago, Per mentioned in this interview how much he loves the traditional Swedish 7-arm candelabra. I have to say, they do look very beautiful in the window (from the inside and out!). Sadly, they're not easy to find in all countries, but if you fancy something similar, why not make one yourself with different size vintage brass candleholders. So pretty! 

2. Jam jars and pine: everyone has a few jam jars lurking in a drawer - why not make use of them and create these simple tea light holders using garden twine and pine (if you don't feel like lopping them off your tree, ask for a few off cuts at your local Christmas tree market, I'm sure they'd be happy to help! 

3. Moss candleholders: no vintage brass candlesticks to hand? Fill glass jars with moss for an instant candleholder - twine and rosemary optional! Do keep an eye on them when lit though - especially if the moss is dry! 

4. Candles and pine in the window: you can't get more simple than white candles in jam jars and branches of pine laid across the windowsill - and it looks super cosy too! 

5. Simple DIY table wreath: A daily Something has shared this simple DIY candle wreath here. I love the idea of the delicate grey, tapered candles too - so elegant! Could this be something for your Christmas table?

Did anything catch your eye? I'm a big fan of moss and have already made a few candle holders with it at home (I also love to wrap moss around the bulb of hyacinths and amaryllis). 

A quick reminder to be really careful with candles - always blow them out when you leave the room and make sure your home is well ventilated! 

If you'd like a few more Christmas decorating ideas check out: 

6 beautifully simple Scandinavian DIY Christmas Decorations

16 DIY Christmas decorations made from nature

3 lovely DIY Christmas decorations

There's also plenty of Scandinavian home tours all decked out for Christmas in the archive! 

Have a cosy day!

Niki

Credits: 1. Christina Strehlow 2. Linnea, Lovely Life 3. Source unknown - Pinterest (tips welcome!) 4. DIY Jewellery ideas (if this is not correct, please let me know!) 5. Pufik Homes 6. A Daily Something

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6 beautifully simple Scandinavian DIY Christmas decorations

It seems every house I visit is a hive of Christmas DIY activity right now. Kitchen tables have been transformed into makeshift workstations and laden with glue, wire, scissors and various other tools. Branches of foliage, acorn cups and cinnamon sticks lie in various states of transformation, with wonderful creations rising from the creative debris. This is why it's my favourite time of the year. Everyone gets creative! In case you're in need to a little inspiration to get you started, I've rounded up 6 of my favourite beautifully simple DIY Scandinavian- style Christmas decorations doing the rounds this year.

Ooooooooh so lovely, don't you think?

Here's how:
1.  Marij Hessel talks us through fab DIY baubles.
2.  Norwegian blogger Nina Holst's pretty mini wreath place setting (no instructions, but I am guessing twisting into a circle and wiring together?).
3. See the DIY instructions for A Merry Thought's wonderful minimal half wreath.
4. Light up your wreath like Francois et Moi's DIY candle wreath.
5. Or go traditional like Babes in Boyland's rosemary wreath (step by step guide here).
6. And finally, who said putting up lights isn't creative?! How about shunning the usual Christmas ones for simple string bulb lighting like at Zeta's Julmarknad and arrange your way?!

After a few more ideas? You might also like to check out 3 beautifully simple DIY Christmas decorations. And my Christmas archive (scroll past the first post if it's this one) - full of Scandinavian homes in the festive spirit (including my own!).

What will you be making this Christmas?

Have a wonderfully creative weekend!

PS This post is a result of a special request from my sister - good luck with your wreath tomorrow Cas!

PPS Don't forget to enter the give-away to win an Abbott & Mosley watch! It only takes a minute!

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The lovely, relaxed home of a Berlin DIY blogger

Helloooo friends! I hope you had a great weekend? Here, it's been an eventful one. On Friday evening I had a live radio interview about my new Lagom book. Except I got the time difference muddled up and when they called from Montreal I had a house full of kids. In my panic I ended up whisking them out into the garden in their socks!! You can just imagine the scene). Thankfully it did get a little more relaxing after that! And now Monday morning has rolled around again (I've got a feeling we're all going to rock this week?!). Despite doing my best to embrace the chill outside (I'm wearing my Swedish Shephards as I write) I am starting to wonder how I'm going to get through the impending darkness of autumn / winter. I'm thinking plenty of DIY and crafts? What do you say? If you're thinking the same - Laetitia Delorme of Monochrome DIY, is our girl! Berlin based Laetitia describes her DIY ideas as 'a world away from chichi and sequins - everything revolves around tinkering and self-making'. Think fab minimalist brass mirrors, semi-flower wreaths and decorative ice-cubes. You only need to a snapshot of her home - as well as pictures of the home of Berliner Claudi's (see the full tour of her home here)- to see examples of how her DIY ideas blend beautifully with mid-century finds an abundance of plants. Roll on Autumn!

Photography: Laetitia Delorme / Monochrome DIY

 Photography: Claudi - Do It But Do It Now

Despite being more of a close-up / snapshot tour of each of the homes rather than the complete picture, don't you find the style to give off  the loveliest vibe?

Get the look from Laetitia and Claudi's homes: Source fab mid-century modern teak furniture here,  mirror from Sissy-Boy, these terrarium's are similar, café notice board, string shelves, Eames side chair.

If you'd like to see a little more of Laetitia's home take a peek here and Claudi's home here.

Speaking of Instagram - I'll be taking over the reigns of the HarperCollins US instagram feed today where I'll be sharing snippets from my new Lagom Book - as well as talking more about the Swedish lifestyle (which, excitingly, seems to be on everyone's lips right now - which reminds me - I need to nip out and by a cinnamon bun in a minute, purely for inspiration purposes of course....). I'd love it if you have the time to stop by and say hi (it's my first ever take-over so it'll be great to see a friendly face!).

Have a great start to the week!

PS my top ten tips to a de-cluttered home.

PPS words to live by: "Be a cactus in a world of delicate flowers"

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