Hello from New Mexico! Technically I’m on a plane right now, bound for El Paso, and from there we’ll drive straight to New Mexico. I’m so excited to spend the weekend celebrating our dear friends Ashley and Jared at their wedding. Follow my New Mexico adventures on Instagram.
That’s what I’ll be doing for the next few days. What about you? If you have some free time and want a few creative projects, here are six DIYs worth trying this weekend:
1. Speckled clay pottery DIY from Passion Shake — a playful speckled finish adds subtle texture to simple handmade pieces.
2. How to color plaster (and make mini planters) — an easy way to bring soft color and modern shapes into your plant displays.
3. DIY weaving hack — a beginner-friendly weaving method that requires no special tools or advanced skills.
4. DIY leather luggage rack from Almost Makes Perfect — a stylish, functional project that upgrades a travel staple with handcrafted leather straps.
5. DIY leather catchall from Coco Kelley — a compact, elegant tray to corral keys and everyday essentials.
6. DIY embroidered art from Design Sponge — an approachable embroidery project that turns simple stitches into framed artwork.
Whether you’re looking to update your home décor, make a thoughtful handmade gift, or simply try a new craft, these projects cover a variety of materials and skill levels. The speckled clay idea is great for experimenting with glazing and finish techniques, while colored plaster planters allow you to test pigment and texture on a small scale. The weaving hack is perfect for trying out pattern and color without investing in a loom or advanced tools. Leather projects like the luggage rack and catchall introduce simple leatherworking skills—cutting, punching, and stitching—that yield practical, long-lasting pieces. And embroidered art is ideal for making personalized, low-cost wall decor with a lot of visual impact.
Tips for success:
- Read each tutorial fully before starting so you’re familiar with tools and materials required.
- Gather all supplies ahead of time to avoid interruptions—small projects benefit from a focused session.
- Practice on scrap material when trying a new technique like dyeing plaster or stitching leather edges.
- Keep your workspace well-ventilated, especially when working with glazes, dyes, or adhesives.
- Make one project as a test piece so you can refine color, tension, or finish before committing to a final version.
P.S. If you’re in Austin or planning to attend SXSW this year, consider checking out Create & Cultivate’s pop-up event in Austin on March 12th. I’ll be speaking alongside an inspiring group of women and would love to see you there.
Have a wonderful, creative weekend!
– Brittni