With Labor Day right around the corner and the changing season ahead of us, it only makes sense to switch up your style and your home decor. Get in touch with your inner ’90s kid with a totally new way to DIY nail wraps, figure out how to paint a colorful collection of wooden vases and, hey, maybe even give your porch a little more sass with a funny doormat. Whether you’re thinking of trying a no-sew duvet cover or you just want your wall art game to be a little more on point, here are 12 weekend projects to make before Monday’s return.
1. DIY Watercolor Wall Art: Brighten up your digs with an easy DIY combining two chic decor trends: watercolor and plants. The beauty of watercolors is truly in the blending, resulting in all of the colors mixing and swirling together. And the secret to those clean lines? Masking fluid. Learn how to paint like a pro with this easy tutorial! (via Brit + Co)
2. DIY Gold Foil Notebooks: “I have too many notebooks” — said no one ever. This set of gold foil notebooks would be perfect for the modern workspace or the dorm room desk. Get your creative juices flowing and spell out your own clever message in gold letters for an extra special touch of personalization. (via Lovely Indeed)
3. DIY Tie Dye Nail Wraps: The ’90s are back in a big way, so it’s time to bring on the tie-dye. If you haven’t tried making your own nail wraps, you’ll love this quick and easy DIY that will have you rocking those rainbow shades in no time. (via Aww, Sam)
4. DIY Painted Sweatshirt: Raise your hand if you have a slight addiction to thrift store shopping. Next time you pick up the best find ever, pull out the fabric paint and get fruity with it. Turn a classic sweatshirt into a one-of-a-kind wardrobe staple in less than 15 minutes. (via Brit + Co)
5. Lisa Frank-Inspired Cake Batter Milkshakes: Yep, we did it. Lisa Frank milkshakes can now make an appearance at your next party. Whip some up for your next bash or just make one for dessert tonight. (via Brit + Co)
6. DIY Hanging Clay Air Plant Holders: What’s better than a fabulous planter to put your new plants in? An affordable planter you made out of clay, of course. Whether you’re carefully babying an air plant or you’re sticking with the faux greenery, these pretty hanging planters are just what your indoor garden needs. (via Bash)
7. DIY Asymmetrical Side Table: It’s time to do something about the boring table you look at every day. Whether you want a side table by the couch or a new nightstand in the guest room, make something new and interesting with a piece of asymmetrical wood and a set of legs. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
8. DIY Back-to-School Denim Patches: Embroidered patches have made a massive comeback, and they’re such a fun way to upgrade your basics. Bring some hipster flare to your denim jacket or jeans by ironing or super-gluing a variety of patches onto the shoulders and pockets. (via Brit + Co)
9. DIY Painted Wooden Vases: Plain wood vases are kind of the bee’s knees. You can cluster them to create an arrangement or place a single vase on your bedside table for a clean, minimalist look. Follow this tutorial and embellish simple vases in a variety of ways, from cheeky eyelashes to pattern-dipped vases. (via Damask Love)
10. DIY No-Sew Envelope Pillows: Whether you’re looking for ways to outfit your new dorm room or your couch just needs a colorful update, you can’t go wrong with a no-sew throw pillow. These envelope pillows are made from pretty fabric napkins and iron-on tape, so there’s not a stitch of sewing required. (via Sugar & Cloth)
11. DIY Textured Linen Coverlet: When in doubt, add tassels! This simple, no-sew linen coverlet is an easy way to add a touch of luxe and color to any bedroom. The tassels add a ton of texture, and you can easily pick a color that matches the rest of your bedding. Think of it as another chic accessory for your bed, just like those DIY pillows you’ve been dying to make. (via A Beautiful Mess)
12. DIY Door Mat: Your front door is the first chance you get to show off your personality, so why are you still sporting that plain brown doormat? Jazz things up this weekend with a brand new mat and a sassy greeting. All you need is a doormat, stencils, paint and a clever quote that’ll make your guests LOL. (via Brit + Co)
What are you looking forward to making this weekend? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative! And follow us on Pinterest for even more fun DIY ideas.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.