Table of contents for Spring 2017 in Do It Yourself

THE RIGHT STUFF BEFORE YOU BEGIN A MAKEOVER PROJECT, BE CERTAIN YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB. CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF 11 MUST-HAVES FOR EVERY DIYER’S TOOL KIT HERE: BHG.COM/TOOLKIT SCHEDULES WITH STYLE A new year calls for a new calendar and a renewed pledge to keep it current, not to mention pretty! Take one of our stylish DIY calendar ideas and make it your own. BHG.com/DIYCalendars FUN FURNITURE MAKEOVERS Give new life to old furnishings with these inspiring ideas for reusing, remaking, and upcycling. BHG.com/FlipFurniture EASY UPDATES Time to take the party (and your decorating) outside. Watch these three adorable, easy-to-do pillow embellishments—including pom-poms, paint, and stencils— elevate style in no time. BHG.com/OutdoorPillows…

STAY HYDRATED POT THE PLANT IN A LIGHTWEIGHT PLANTER WITH DRAINAGE HOLES, AND REMOVE FROM HANGING POT TO WATER. PRESS TO IMPRESS Balls of white polymer clay dot the surface of a mod hanging planter, below. To make a form, cover an upside-down, oven-safe flowerpot with parchment paper. Knead the clay, then roll out a thin sheet with a clay roller or rolling pin, press it around the parchment paper on the pot’s exterior, and trim as needed. Form balls and press them onto the clay sheet (A). Press a small round object, such as a marker cap, into each ball. Poke three evenly spaced holes around the rim of the clay planter using a bamboo skewer. Bake according to the manufacturer’s instructions; let cool. Remove the clay from the…

COMPLETELY WIRED Lampshades made from wire baskets add airy drama to hanging cord lights, this photo. Begin by removing any handles from the basket. On the bottom of the basket, mark a circle the size of the light socket. Use wire cutters to carefully snip out the marked wire. Be cautious not to cut the hole too wide. The basket should rest on the socket, not the lightbulb, opposite. String the light cord through the hole you’ve cut in the bottom of the basket, and screw in a bulb. BUDGET BREAKDOWN BASKET $15 L BRACKETS $5 SCREWS WITH ANCHORS $0.50 TOTAL // $20.50 STORE MORE Keep your necessities in place with these smart bathroom storage shelves, below left. For sturdy support, choose two or three L brackets that reach across…

6 WEEKS BEFORE Purchase any specialty paper, pens, or accessories needed to make invitations. 4 WEEKS BEFORE Drop invitations in the mail. 3 WEEKS BEFORE Order flowers, cake, and other foods you plan to purchase. 2 WEEKS BEFORE Purchase supplies for decorating projects. Create shopping lists for crafts projects and menu items. 1 WEEK BEFORE Start crafting! Begin with the most timeconsuming projects first. For example, if you’re planning to make the paper circle garland on page 42, you may need a while to cut enough circles. Give yourself an evening or two to prep things that need to be cut, painted, or washed. TIP! FOLLOW UP INVITES WITH AN EVENT ON FACEBOOK. THIS WILL HELP YOU GARNER MORE RSVPS, ALLOW YOU TO POST PARTY UPDATES, AND GIVE YOUR GUESTS…

1 Inspired by a picture she saw online, homeowner Alison Allen crafted birch plywood hanging planters that refl ect her love of Scandinavian style. She used a carpenter square to make angles and lines for the diamond-shape frames, a compass to draw the circular bases, and a jigsaw to cut the pieces from the ½-inchthick plywood. 2 Alison and her husband, Jeff , found unexpected living space in the enclosed porch of their Minneapolis home. “We were so concerned about the usable space of the house, that the porch wasn’t really on our radar,” Alison says. “Now we don’t know what we’d do without it.” 3 “It wasn’t the prettiest house, but it felt like it had potential,” says Alison, nicknamed “Scoops” for her love of photography. “I always wanted…

1. IN STITCHES Outfitted with a sharp stainless-steel needle, the Speedy Stitcher sewing awl easily tames thick materials like canvas, leather, and webbing by creating tight lock stitches like a sewing machine. The awl’s waxed polyester thread repels water and dirt to keep your outdoor projects looking like new. $13; speedystitcher.com 2. UNDER COVER Revive rusty furniture (like the table and chairs on page 87) by coating corroded spots with Rust-Oleum Rusty Metal Primer spray before painting. The primer sticks to rusty areas, forming a smooth, paintable layer that’s corrosionresistant for blemish-free backyard decor. $5; rustoleum.com 3. IT'S A WRAP Dial up the style of cast-off patio chairs by fashioning seats from heavyweight polypropylene webbing like on page 86. With mildewand UV-resistant fibers, this webbing maintains its shape and…

STRING THEORY Add geometric borders to plain wooden picture frames by attaching finishing nails strung with embroidery floss. Begin by tapping a nail at the inside and outside of each corner of the frame, then add nails along the inner and outer edges of the frame in two staggered rows. Tie a piece of embroidery floss onto a corner nail, then begin looping the floss around the nails (the floss does not need to wrap completely around the nail) as you work your way around the frame. Create a pattern of short and long intersecting lines using different floss colors with each pass around the frame. Secure the floss ends with a knot on the first nail. PICTURE THIS Dress up decorative metal grilles, plexiglass, and vellum with creative photo…

DIY PATIO FURNITURE REPAIR Replacement Slings, Outdoor Cushions, Vinyl Strapping, Patio Furniture Parts, Lawn Chair Webbing, Online Installation Instructions. www.ChairCarePatio.com 1-866-638-6416 DRIP IRRIGATION KITS FOR SMALL PLACES Gardens, Flowers, Berries & Patios! Free Catalog. 10% OFF Kits: “Garden” www.berryhilldrip.com 1-800-345-3747 NEED SPACE? DREAM HIGHER! Unique Custom Bed Solutions. Custom made space saving solid wood Loft & Bunk Beds for youth, teen, college & adults. Need more storage space, a large desk, arts & crafts table or a bedroom makeover for your child? Easy-To-Assemble beds in Twin, Full, Queen & King sizes. Handcrafted in USA. YouthBedLofts.com/DIY 866-739-2331 CUSTOM BLINDS & WALLPAPER Up to 85% Off in all the name brands including Levolor, Bali, Graber, Waverly, York and More. Free Blind samples and Free shipping. Shop online or call for a free…

MAKE IT FRAMED FLAT-SCREEN Beefed up with a wide frame and hung on the wall with a smattering of prints and photos, the humble fl at-screen morphs into artwork. Build the box slightly larger than the screen so the black surround shows, and cut a hole in the back to thread cords through. Paint it an eye-catching color, and voilà! A screen worth staring at. HACK IT RECESSED WALL PLATE This plastic plate indents into drywall, creating a space to tuck cables and cords out of sight. It allows you to mount the TV fl ush against the wall. No more wobble! Find it at any home center for about $5. BUY IT FULL-MOTION MOUNT Today’s massive televisions off er a theater experience in the comfort of your own home—but…

YES, YOU CAN! Every one of these electrical updates is DIYfriendly; some are more complicated than others, but all come with stepby- step instructions. DEAR HANDY GIRL, I can paint. I can install a light fixture. I’m ready for a challenge that adds a bit of drama beyond the basics. DEAR READER, I’m going to suggest something and you’re going to groan, but stay with me here: dimmers and lighting controls. Before you stop reading, let me ask you this: Why do paint and trim and fl oors and even pillows get all the attention? When was the last time you looked at your light controls or even your outlets? All of these little electrical things date a room much more than you realize, and they’re simple to install. Plus,…

BEFORE AN OAK BENCH WITH SIMPLE, CLASSIC BONES (WINSTON, $271; OVERSTOCK.COM, OR YOUR MOM’S BASEMENT) ADOPTS A MODERN LOOK WITH STRATEGIC REFINISHING. BENCH MARKS Take style risks with confi dence in a small space such as a foyer, opposite. Embolden walls with jewel-tone wallpaper and sharp black moldings. Play up the seating area with a huddle of picture frames in a mix of bare wood and black fi nishes. Layer on comfort with plump pillows patterned by colorful dye washes and a soft fl oor runner in a graphic, neutral pattern. Strip sections of a Windsor bench down to bare wood for a more modern look, then paint its arch and seat in sunny chalk-fi nish paint, above. How to Strip and Primp Outfit yourself with chemicalresistant gloves and goggles…

1. OFF THE WALL Hang your favorite photos from the arms of this chrome-plated steel mobile for a movable 3-D display. The mobile accommodates 10 photos in its pinchstyle clips. $10; kikkerland.com 2. BANDED TOGETHER Strategic stitching on this felt banner gives your 4×6-inch photos a woven look. Tuck up to 20 photos between the strips and easily change them whenever you choose. $40; umbra.com 3. MAGNETIC ATTRACTION Turn any surface into a magnet board. Apply a MagnaSticker to the desired surface, place photo or artwork on top, and secure with one of the included magnets. $15 for eight; goodhangups.com 4. GET WIRED When nails and screws won’t do, Command Picture Hanging Strips make mounting this photo display as easy as peel and stick. Five adjustable wires hold photos, small…

1 Printed on specialty paper, vibrant adhesivebacked butterfl y cutouts vary in size from 1 to 4 inches. $40 for a set of 50; heidishubbub.etsy.com 2 This cross-stitch PDF pattern comes complete with an easy-to-read chart and instructions for creating handstitched wall art. $6; modernneedleworks.etsy.com 3 Hand-poured and hand-painted, this 7-inch concrete butterfl y trivet is right at home in a rustic kitchen. $24; scoutmob.com 4 Solvent-free, environmentally friendly ink is printed by hand on a lint-free cotton fl our-sack towel. $12; thehighfi ber.etsy.com 5 An engraved Polish beechwood rolling pin is perfect for baking envy-inducing pastries embossed with beautiful butterfl ies. $34; moodforwood.etsy.com 6 Available in several sizes, colorful origami butterfl ies add whimy to any decor. $9 for a set of four; unoiseaudepapier.etsy.com…

Quick Chic BLACK PAINT MAKES DATED TRIM FEEL OFFTHE- RUNWAY FRESH. FOR BEST RESULTS, APPLY PRIMER AND SPLURGE ON A HIGH-QUALITY SATIN OR SEMIGLOSS TOP COAT. After a lifetime of watching makeovers unfold on talk shows and reality TV programs, I still feel a thrill when a horrendous before becomes a glorious after. Having completed projects for this magazine and in my own life, I know that real transformations take more than a moment and fancy camerawork. Makeovers require planning, attention to detail, and follow-through. They may be work—but oh, are they worth it! Whether you want to overhaul a pillow, a piece of furniture, a room, or your entire home, this issue is your go-to guide. Start small by turning garage castoffs into cool planters (“Contain Yourself,” page 54),…

TWIST BIT The most common bit for home projects, twist bits feature fl utes that taper to a tip for cutting metal, wood, plastic, and more. AUGER BIT Looking to quickly create a clean hole in wood? The large, deep fl utes of an auger bit eff ectively remove wood and sawdust from the hole. BIT BRAD-POINT For precise drilling through wood, use a brad-point bit. The brad centered on the tip helps with positioning on smaller holes than an auger can off er. FORSTNER BIT Woodworkers may fi nd a Forstner bit handy for drilling smooth, precise holes or for boring fl atbottom holes perfect for inserting dowels. These bits require a lot of force, so they are better used with a drill press than with a…

1 Express yourself with an old-school felt letter board. With 290 letters and numbers to choose from, consider this 10×10-inch aluminumframed board an everevolving, personalized work of art. $50; letterfolk.com 2 Use a Sharpie Extreme to label seedlings and rest assured that your marks won’t fade when exposed to UV rays or rain. $11 (and often found for less) for four-pack; amazon.com 3 Get Krylon’s highquality exterior wood stain—only this time in a convenient can. Spray one coat, wipe off excess, and let dry. Staining wood has never been so easy. From $6; krylon.com (for nearest retailer) 4 Open garage doors and gates with the click of a button. This universal remote syncs with most major brands in seconds and is compact enough to fi t on your key chain.…

OH NUTS Add texture to plain containers with hex nuts. Lay a planter on its side, and arrange hex nuts in a pattern, working in sections. Experiment with different sizes and shapes of nuts or washers. Spread a thin layer of glue over a small area and place hardware. Make sure to choose an adhesive that works outdoors and for the type of materials you’re bonding. (We used Liquid Nails to bond metal to ceramic.) Once dry, spraypaint the entire planter for a chic monochromatic look. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE NEXT TIME YOU PURCHASE NEW TIRES FOR YOUR CAR, KEEP THE OLD ONES. IN THE MEANTIME, CHECK TIRE STORES FOR OLD TIRES. THEY MAY LET YOU HAVE THEM FOR FREE. FIND SMALLER SIZES AT HARDWARE STORES. TIRE ROTATION Turn cast-off tires…

TILE TREATMENT Lend a touch of texture to your outdoor beverage station by dressing up a thrifted metal utility cart with tile in soft hues, this photo and opposite. When it’s not serving tasty cocktails, the cart can double as a plant stand to show off your green thumb. Make sure to swap the cart’s original wheels for outdoor-approved casters to ensure rust never slows you down. How to Add Tile to a Bar Cart MATERIALS • Metal utility cart• Metal-approved spray paint (We used Rust-Oleum Universal Matte Spray Paint in Castle Rock.)• Drop cloth• Sheets of thin, mesh-mounted tile• Tape measure• Straightedge• Tile cutter• Tile fi le• Dual-grit sanding stone• Outdoor tile adhesive• Small-notch adhesive spreader• Outdoor grout• Plastic putty knife or grout fl oat• Wet sponge• Waterproof caulk•…

FIND CLICKABLE LINKS TO ALL THESE SOURCES IN THE DIGITAL EDITION OF THIS ISSUE. BHGSPECIALS.ZINIO.COM [P] Paint Color Because of the magazine printing process, paint colors depicted on our pages might vary slightly from manufacturers’ colors. Use paint color names or numbers, when provided, as a starting point. To get a color as it appears in the magazine, take the page to a paint retailer for matching. [T] To the Trade Contact a design professional to find more information about this product or service. TRY IT: SEIZE THE CLAY PAGES 8–15 Clays used in these projects: Sculpey in Soufflé and Premo varieties—Polyform Products; sculpey.com. FIMO modeling clay—Staedtler; shop.staedtler.us. DAS air-hardening modeling clay— Prang; prang.com. Throughout Test-tube bottle for clay vase Art-C Apothecary Glass Bottles with Cork Topper, cookie cutters for…