Amazingly enough, this farmhouse-inspired light fixture comes together from a wastebasket from the dollar store, a light kit, and a bulb. Use wire cutters to cut a circle out of the base of the basket that’s large enough for the socket to fit through. Then, thread the socket through the hole, screw in the bulb, and hang for a rustic effect.
Rustic Rope Pots
Flowerpots instantly add charm to any backyard, and these rope-wrapped versions are no exception. They are, however, an exception to the high price tag that can come along with similar store-bought versions. For an inexpensive run-around, simply pick up a few terra cotta pots at your local thrift store, and—starting at the top and working your way down—glue rope around the outsides. Use paint to apply a decorative stripe at the bottom, or display with only the rope for a quick way to spruce up your outdoor space.
Whimsical Welcome Mat
This colorful project is the perfect way to use up leftover paint while also improving your outdoor spaces. Pick up a standard doormat for next to nothing at a thrift store or dollar store, and then use paint to craft a cheery message for family and friends to enjoy.
Tea Light Lanterns
All you need is some empty jars, a few pieces of wire, and some tea lights are all that’s required of this charming outdoor DIY. After fashioning a handle from wire, simply drop a candle into the jar, and attach to your porch or balcony railing with a another piece of wire. You’ll love how the finished product adds an elegant touch that makes your great outdoors even greater.
Pretty Spoon Plant Stake Markers
While plant markers make for functional garden accessories, they can also be attractive ones, too. These versions can be made for practically nothing, as all you need are inexpensive wooden spoons from a budget store. While this blogger used a soldering iron to etch in her veggies’ names, you could just as easily get by with paint or a thin permanent marker pen.
Tea Pot Holder
This pretty bird oasis for the backyard inexpensively comes together with only a few found pieces of dishware, glue, and spray paint. To start your topsy-turvy design, choose a sturdy bowl for the base and then build upward, gluing the pieces together as you go and completing the project with a large platter for the top. Once the glue has had time to set, cover with a few coats of spray paint for a charming and whimsical finish.
Personalized PlaceMats
Aren’t these pretty! Place mats are a must for outdoor dining, as they add a colorful touch and make quick work of cleanup. Skip on costly fabric versions and craft your own from a surprising find in the kitchen aisle of the dollar store: clear, plastic chopping mats that are ripe for a decorative stamp. Pick up a few packs, outfit the backs with festive cutouts, and attach using a sealer like Mod Podge for a cheap, clever, and washable way to cover tables.
A Simple Sconce
If you’re in the market for some new outdoor lighting for your deck or patio, look no further than this industrial fixture that’s made from only humble dollar store materials. A clay pot serves as the shade, while an outdoor LED light and a chain removed from an inexpensive plaque combine to form the light source. The best part? You can make these from just about any container that catches your eye, including woven baskets, plastic pots, and more.
Gazing Globes/Balls
Gazing globes are an easy way to add an element of color to your garden, however the store-bought versions can be a little pricey. Fashion your own from Smoothfoam balls, paint, hot glue, and mosaic pebbles from the dollar store. Start by brushing the Smoothfoam with paint that matches your pebbles, and then use hot glue to attach the glass stones around the entirety of the ball. Display amongst your flowers for a fun and glitzy finish.
You could use an bowling ball or even a plastic or glass globe placed upside down too.
Dripping Planters
Pretty cool ideas! 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!🤗
LikeLike
What a great post idea! XO!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Lexi!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogging to sister site “Timeless Wisdoms” — hi, sister! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Hopefully it inspires!
LikeLike
Big hug to you
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLike
Thank you for reblogging!
LikeLike
Pretty Spoon Plant Stake Markers – love this idea!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, I love these!! I especially love the rustic rope pots and the mat idea. Now to head on over to my thrift store so I can try these!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
While you are there….check out this rope you get there- https://kelleysdiy.com/2018/05/01/seashore-inspired/
Have fun shopping….
LikeLike
Have fun, happy hunting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for some great ideas Kelley! I can’t wait to try a couple of these.😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, which ones?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The rope-covered pots and the teapot bird feeder/bath. I love the whimsy of that teapot stack, and the rope really dresses up the plain clay pots. I wrapped burlap ribbon around my indoor clay pots and tied a hemp ribbon and bow around that to dress up my African Violets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds so very pretty Terri! Did you get any pics? I love looking at other persons crafts…inspiring! I would love to see some. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a question: How do you attach the wire handle to the jar with the tea light candle in it?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi there, I have a tutorial with pics how to do it….copy/paste: https://kelleysdiy.com/2018/06/19/garden-fairy-jar/
that will show you tutorial. Thank you so much and if any questions , I could do a step by step tutorial.
LikeLike
They are all lovely. Thanks Kelly for sharing them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s truly my pleasure Arlene! 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hiiii…
I have nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award.
Do check out here 🙂 :
https://bittermarshmellos.wordpress.com/2018/06/25/mystery-blogger-award-iii/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oooh I want to try the glazing globes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, I would love to see when your done. Please send me a pic to share when you have time!
LikeLike
Cool stuff, but we don’t have the “outdoors”! However, those place mats are really cute – great idea for indoors as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You have the Ocean!!! Bestest backyard…what the heck do you have to complain about. People dream of being where you are!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love love love!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so happy mel! Which do you like the most to try???
LikeLike
My fave are the green tea pots, the rope pot, the wire lighting… but the rest are also fabulous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for all of these great inexpensive craft ideas. No need to spend a fortune especially when the end result is so adorable! Have a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right Briditte. There are so many things you can do with old tires too. Save throw away fee, spray paint them and stack them, make a swing, stack a couple for unique table bottoms.
LikeLike
Very inventive! Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool and fun ideas
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome 🙏
LikeLike
🤗❤️️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great ideas! I especially love the lanterns and the placemats!
LikeLike
Awesome!!
LikeLike
Incredible ideas!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!!
LikeLike
Lovely creative easy to use ideas, thank you so much. I like to make light lanterns with led tea lights in them. I’ll save some jars!!
LikeLike
All great ideas!
LikeLike
🤗❤️️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am 67 year old man & will not put red & blue ping pong balls in our garden Washe Cat agrees 😉
LikeLike
How do you remember your 2nd grade teacher?? She must have really made an impression on you. I remember my junior high English teacher s name…Mr. Abernathy, only because he looked sooooo young.
LikeLiked by 1 person