Warming Up To Winter With Indoor DIY Projects

Now that the holiday season is far behind, and the novelty of the first snow or frost has worn off – what is there to do to keep spirits high when it’s too cold and dismal to go outside? Tackle an in-home, do-it-yourself (DIY) project!

Winter is a great time to try your hand at a new craft or hobby, or to spruce up your indoor space. And, DIY home projects, especially quick and easy ones, are fun ways to challenge your creativity and keep your brain active.

Creation Leads to Satisfaction

A great DIY project can reap many benefits. You might uncover a hidden talent or skill, create terrific gifts to share with friends and family, or simply immerse yourself in a project that relaxes you. Even if your creation is less than a success, it was still an activity worth pursuing. Besides, practice makes perfect!

What makes DIY home projects so appealing (and sometimes mildly addictive!) is that you’ll get a tangible result from your time and effort, whether it’s a pleasing piece of décor or a new piece of furniture that you made with your very own hands. It’s a similar sense of accomplishment you might get from baking and cooking, but it lasts longer!

Finding Inspiration for DIY Ideas

There are numerous types of DIY projects you could take on, fitting any given timeframe or budget. Especially if you’re trying something new, you might want to choose something that’s quick, easy and budget-friendly so that you’re not making a huge upfront investment in time and cash.

Not sure what you want to tackle or where to start? Browse any craft or home improvement store and find something that strikes your fancy or stokes your imagination. There are also great DIY kits you can use to get you started, giving you all the supplies and tools in one convenient package. (Kits are also helpful if you’re not naturally creative but are very good about following directions!)

Eight Great DIY Home Projects

DIY projects are as limitless as your imagination! Here are a few to DIY ideas to get you started:

1. Plant an indoor herb garden. Wintertime may bring us indoors, so bring some traditionally outdoor activities inside as well. Herbs and plants grow well in small containers, and it’s amazing how some greenery can brighten up a room. You can use a kit to get you started, or just get a planter, some soil and a starter herb plant such as basil from the grocery store.
2. Paint terracotta flowerpots. Maybe you already have herbs or plants growing in terracotta flowerpots. Give them a makeover with a little paint job or decorations such as sticker gems.
3. Build a bird feeder. Seeing colorful birds nibble at your outdoor bird feeders can be supremely satisfying. There are so many innovative ways to build a bird feeder – no wooden birdhouses are necessary. Upcycling used plastic containers is an easy DIY project that’s also inexpensive and environmentally friendly!
4. Get creative with removable wallpaper. Who wants the hassle of wallpaper glue and hanging panels exactly right? Removable wallpaper is a fun way to add whimsy to walls – or even furniture! Contact paper works in a pinch as well.
5. Make your own candles. Lit candles have a way of creating a calming environment, and making your own candles is an easy and fun activity. Add your favorite essential oils to make it a scented candle, then sit back and breathe it all in!
6. Create a soothing body scrub. Winter wreaks havoc on skin, leaving it dry and cracked. Using a body scrub can exfoliate away the dead skin cells while lubricating skin with oils and lotions. Chances are you have all the ingredients you need in your pantry!
7. Make a key holder. Always losing your keys? Fashion a key hook to place near the front door and never forget your keys again.
8. Make mosaic tile designs. If you love puzzles, try making mosaic tile art. These make great picture frames, coasters, table toppers – any flat surface can be your canvas!

Even though DIY projects are a chance for you to challenge yourself and experience pride in your work, they don’t have to be done solo! Doing a project with friends and family members, including grandchildren, can be a great excuse to get together and have fun.