17 DIY Decor Projects That’ll Ensure You Get Your Rental Deposit Back

Dominoes aren’t just for the card table anymore. Paint a set of wooden blocks with a splash of color that *screams* summertime, and you’ve got a weekend hit. (via Iron & Twine)

Because everything is more fun when it's giant-sized. Paint the outer edge of the blocks with a few coats of colorful house paint to make the tower extra pretty, and get ready for a bit of fun competition among friends, fam, and kids. (via A Beautiful Mess)

A traditional game of Scrabble has 100 tiles (eek!), so you might want to consider cutting down on that a bit – unless you live for the game. Stock up on some wood tiles at your local hardware store, then use paint and stencils to get the letters on each tile. And don’t forget the points in the lower right corner! (viaConsider The Peel)

Embroidery thread isn’t just for friendship bracelets — it’s also for making the *cutest* set of horseshoes you ever did see. Start by spray painting the horseshoes and the stake, and then wrap them in a thread for a colorful, boho-chic look. (via Mr. Kate)

This game could totally double as yard decor after the holiday weekend is over. If you have a nice grassy area available and you’re short on time (or are sticking to a budget), skip the pots and just stick the flamingos straight into the ground! Otherwise, fill some mini planters with sand or soil to keep your fun-loving flamingos upright. (via Sugar & Cloth)

Just... ignore the funny looks the hardware guys give you when you stock up on a cartful of bucket lids. Spray paint half of them black for a traditional color palette, or shock your uncle with a snazzy set of pink and orange checker pieces. (via Jessie Daye)

Make sure there’s a game station for *all* ages and interests at your party. While the rest of the crew is battling it out at the corn hole game, set up a couple of these rad color-dipped board games to keep everyone entertained. (via Brit + Co.)

This game is perf for the backyard — it’s made with cork tiles, so it’s totally reusable and light enough for the little ones to carry around. There are printables for all these symbols so you can have a summertime themed set, but feel free to get creative and come up with your own stencils. (via Studio DIY)

Supersize this old-school game, and let the good times roll with these giant dice. This DIY even includes a free printable scorecard so you can refresh your memory on a winning strategy. (viaStyle Me Pretty)

The traditional version might not be cool enough for the kids, but give them a giant version, and they’ll be all over it. This game actually takes a lot of skill to get the frisbees to land *exactly* right. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

Ring toss just got a very trendy upgrade. If you'd rather spend your budget on tasty snacks and cocktails, you'll love that this yard game is made out of nothing more than cardboard boxes and paint. Bonus: You can use these adorable cacti as home decor later on! (via Brit + Co.)

When it comes time to bust out the bocce balls, make sure your color scheme is *on point* and in full patriotic form. Spruce up an old set of bocce balls with a starry makeover and a fresh coat of paint. (via Brit + Co.)

Give your lawn the star-spangled treatment for Fourth of July weekend. And don't panic: it's not *actual* paint. Cut a star shape from a piece of cardboard, spray the grass lightly with water, and use a flour sifter to fill the shape with flour. The stars should last until your sprinklers wash them away. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

Bring along this little game to your neighborhood block party, and get ready for it to be an instant hit. You can use any sized letters for this DIY, but the bigger the letters are, the more fun (and photogenic) it will be. (via Hey, Let's Make Stuff!)

This game is practically a requirement at all summer festivities. You can totally DIY it from scratch, or you can try this simple makeover for your very own custom set. (via Brit + Co.)

Step 1: Gather Your DIY Birthday Card Supplies

Before embarking on your DIY birthday card adventure, gathering all the necessary supplies is essential. A well-prepared crafter is a confident crafter! So, let's make sure you have everything you need to bring your imaginative card ideas to life.

1. Start with colored cardstock or paper as the foundation of your cards. Choose a variety of vibrant hues to suit different themes and moods. Scissors are your trusty sidekick, enabling you to precisely cut out shapes, create borders, and trim your cardstock.
2. Grab glue or adhesive tape to hold everything together securely. Opt for a glue stick for a mess-free experience or double-sided tape for a clean and seamless finish.
3. Round up all the art supplies you have, from markers and colored pencils, or pens. These magical tools will be your gateway to adding personalized messages, whimsical doodles, and vibrant colors to your DIY creations.
4. Stock up on a dazzling array of embellishments for an added dose of flair and personality. Let your creativity soar as you explore the boundless possibilities of stickers, sequins, ribbons, twines, buttons, beads, and more. Watch your creations come alive with vibrant colors, textures, and eye-catching details. With these delightful elements at your fingertips, there's no limit to the magic your birthday cards can be infused with.

Step 2: Choose Your Card Design

The card design will function as the first impression that sets the tone for the entire experience. A well-designed card can evoke emotions ranging from joy and excitement to nostalgia and warmth, leaving friends and family in awe of the thoughtful gesture.

Handmade Watercolor Design:

Express your artistic side by creating a handmade watercolor masterpiece for a genuinely one-of-a-kind birthday card. Start with a blank cardstock or watercolor paper as the base, and let your creativity flow. Use watercolors to paint a vibrant and personalized design, such as flowers, balloons, or a recipient's favorite hobby or color palette. Add a heartfelt birthday message inside to complete the card.

Pop-Up Surprise:

Add an element of surprise and delight to your card with a pop-up feature. Cut out a simple pop-up mechanism using cardstock or colored paper and attach it to the inside of the card. Then, unleash your creativity by designing and cutting out fun shapes, such as cakes, candles, or balloons, and attach them to the pop-up mechanism. When the card is opened, the surprise element will make the birthday celebration of your loved one even more memorable.

Quilled Creations:

Quilling is a paper art technique that involves rolling and shaping thin paper strips to create intricate designs. Use quilling techniques to create beautiful and delicate patterns, flowers, or even personalized messages on your birthday cards. Experiment with different colors and shapes to bring your design to life and make it truly unique. The recipient will appreciate the time and effort put into crafting such an elegant and artistic card.

Hand-Stitched Greeting:

Consider incorporating those skills into your DIY card if you enjoy sewing or embroidery. Use a needle and thread to create hand-stitched designs or patterns on fabric or cardstock. You can stitch the recipient's name, a birthday message, or even cute motifs like balloons or cupcakes. The texture and charm of a hand-stitched card will make it a cherished keepsake.

Interactive Slider Card:

Create an interactive slider card to take your birthday card to the next level. Use cardstock to make a slider mechanism that reveals a hidden message or image as it is pulled. Write a heartfelt message or attach a memorable photo that slides out when the recipient pulls the tab. This interactive element adds a playful touch to your card and makes it truly engaging.

Step 3: Write A Clever Message

1. "Happy birthday, queen of the hashtags! May your day be as fabulous as your Instagram feed."
2. "You're the avocado to my toast, the squad to my goals. Happy birthday, superstar!"
3. "It's your birthday, so let's turn up the 'Lit' level and celebrate like it's 1999... or 2023!"
4. "Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake. Enjoy your special day!"
5. "May your birthday be filled with good vibes and a bottomless brunch. Cheers to another fabulous year!"
6. "Sending you birthday wishes with all the heart emojis. You deserve all the love and happiness today and always."
7. "Happy birthday to my favorite extremely online friend. May your Wi-Fi always be strong and your battery never die."
8. "Time to celebrate another trip around the sun. Let's make this year even more epic than the last!"
9. "You're not getting older, you're leveling up! Happy birthday, gamer!"
10. "Happy birthday, trendsetter! May your day be filled with selfie-worthy moments and viral-worthy adventures."

Step 4: Add The Perfect Finishing Touch

As a bonus, consider creating a DIY envelope to complete the package. Choose decorative paper or repurpose materials like magazine pages or fabric scraps to craft a unique envelope that adds creativity and thoughtfulness to your handmade card. Personalize it by adding hand-drawn designs, stamps, or calligraphy for an extra special touch.

So, there you have it! DIY birthday cards offer endless possibilities for fun, creativity, and the chance to unleash your imagination. With just a few simple steps, you can create customized and sincere cards that will bring joy to your loved ones on their special day. Remember, the beauty of DIY is that there are no limits or rules. Let your creativity run wild, experiment with different techniques, colors, and textures, and, most importantly, have fun. Happy crafting!

Burgundy

Dôen Elowen Skirt

I can't stop thinking about this skirt for fall — it's my #1 must-have. I just know I can get so much wear out of it, which is the testament to any piece of clothing or purchase you're going to make. I could style it with a basic tee or tank, or style it with a cashmere cardigan and heels like above. The options are endless!

Madewell Greta Flat

A great way to incorporate new hues into your wardrobe this fall — especially if you're a little nervous to use too much color — is through your shoes! That way you can keep a simple fit, with dress or a basic top, and add an extra pop of color to your shoes. That will create a fun mixture of classic pieces, with a fun statement for juxtaposition. Madewell also has the best new arrivals for the season, so definitely check it out ASAP!

Terracotta (or Tomato Cream)

Quince Vintage Wash Dress

Maxi dresses are a staple of mine, no matter what season it is. I will throw on a comfortable, airy maxi dress over sweatpants any day of the week. This dress is not only a maxi, but it's also in the perfect shade of tomato cream, which is the "It" color for fall 2024. I love the shape, color, and even the brand, Quince! I've bought a few pieces from them and ended up loving every single one!

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

Cuyana makes fantastic bags, and it's no surprise to me that they would jump on the terracotta trend with their classic tote silhouette. This spacious bag can hold just about anything, and even has a little inside pocket for goodies like keys, lip gloss, and other essentials that can get lost in the bottom of your purse. I definitely recommend throwing this over your shoulder if you're eager to try out this color trend!

Mille Suki Polka Dot Long Sleeve Cotton Blend Dress

Remember what I said about maxi dresses? Well, I couldn't help but add another one! This adorable polka dot number is a lovely take on the terracotta trend! The semi-puff sleeves paired with the keyhole cutout in the bust make for a chic sort of cottagecore silhouette that I just can't get enough of!

Bright Red

Ann Taylor Tuck Stitch Cardigan

I love Ann Taylor for all their classic staples, and this red sweater is no exception! It pulls together that vintage, old money style in a more modern way which is just the look I'm going for when styling this shade of red. The gold buttons are the perfect cherry on top to this stitch cardigan.

Lucky Brand Boot Leg Jean

These classic, red boot leg jeans are on sale for only $39! They're the perfect way to make a statement for fall, while being perfectly on trend. I love them, because they make getting dressed easy. Since they're a statement piece, themselves, all you have to do is add a button down and some simple shoes for a put-together look.

Dôen Marianne Dress

This red dress from Dôen may seem like a statement piece, but it's actually a staple piece, too. This dress has carried me through so many different occasions, and so many different outfits because of how versatile it is. It can be styled up with heels or down with flats. A gem of a piece to add to your everyday wardrobe essentials!

Green (In Every Shade)

Madewell Belted Trench Coat

This coat, while slightly khaki-colored rather than green, is a great example of incorporating green into your wardrobe in a mild way. Plus, styling it with chocolate brown like above is another amazing way to add a popular color theme for fall! I'm all about this shade of green!

Gap Cashsoft Sweater

This sweater is made with a plush-like cashmere that is almost identical to the soft, quintessential fall fabric. It's incredibly cozy, just like cashmere, but on a budget for those of us that are trying not to spend $100+ on a sweater. This cardigan is in this autumn season, because #BratSummer is extending into fall! Grab this green sweater for a fun pop of color!

White

Dôen Leah Dress

No, folks, this color is not going anywhere post Labor Day! It's still around, and better than ever for the fall! In fact, millennials are describing it as "old money" to wear white this fall, so take notes ladies and gentleman. One of my favorite ways to wear white in autumn is with a cream shade — just like this absolutely gorgeous Dôen dress that's what dreams are made of (at least what mine are)! I can see it as my quintessential daily fall fit paired with either flats or tall boots!

Ann Taylor White Corduroy Pants

This entire 'fit is such a look — and something I will definitely wear this autumn, including these incredibly chic corduroy pants in white. The pants honestly take the outfit to a whole other level! I like the added texture that feels fall but still approachable, and could be worn year-round.