How we built the DIY built-in bookshelves that transformed our space. This room took the longest to come together and, as a result, is now probably my favorite space in the house. A major reason is the built-in bookcase. The warmth added by the hardwood floors and the new shelving is night and day compared … Read more

DIY curtain rods that look great and cost almost nothing to make! These are among the most affordable — and in my opinion, one of the coolest — DIY curtain rod ideas out there. After posting my guest bedroom / home office makeover, several people asked how I made the wood curtain rods you see … Read more

Learn how to dye clothes naturally — it’s easier than you think. I’ve been experimenting with naturally dyeing inexpensive clothing to give it a cuter, more polished look. The results have been consistently pleasing, so I wanted to share a clear, practical guide to natural dyeing that you can use at home. In these examples … Read more

Reusable produce bags in 15 minutes (even if you’re a beginning sewer)! With many of us spending more time at home, here’s a quick, practical project you can make in about 10–15 minutes using items you likely already have. These reusable produce bags are a small, effective way to cut down on single-use plastic at … Read more

Saturday night I returned home after a busy week in Salt Lake City for Altitude Summit. The conference ran from Tuesday night through Saturday and was a lot of fun. I met many talented people and attended inspiring sessions, but coming home felt good too — it was an exhausting week in the best way. … Read more

Whenever I feel the urge for a little online shopping spree, I often find myself browsing sites from far away — down under in Australia. The country consistently produces impressive design and art: tasteful furniture, beautiful ceramics, abundant textiles, and an overall aesthetic that’s easy to love. Australian design blends influences in a fresh way: … Read more

Embroidered jean shorts for the win! Following the theme of July Fourth DIY projects, here’s a quick and versatile idea that works well for the holiday—and any other time of year. This simple embroidery upgrade transforms a favorite pair of jean shorts into a playful, handmade piece with very little time or expense. These embroidered … Read more

I’ve been collecting small, inexpensive pieces of art from thrift shops and estate sales—portraits, landscapes, inexpensive prints—and stacking them in a corner until I decided what to do with them. They weren’t exactly my style, but each one had something about it that caught my eye. Eventually I started thinking about the mixed-media collages I … Read more

Flowers are a gift I will always gladly accept. I don’t know anyone who would turn down a bouquet. With Mother’s Day approaching, I gave the classic card-and-flowers gift a personal twist by painting custom vases. The finished vases become keepsakes that last long after the blooms fade. I created this project in partnership with … Read more