Art and craft projects are a big part of how we bring creativity into everyday life. Whether it’s making something beautiful, useful, or just a bit quirky, there’s a certain joy in using your hands and seeing an idea come to life.
Around here, creativity often starts with what we already have. A fabulous find from a charity shop, an offcut of timber from a bigger project, or something rescued from the recycling bin. From making homemade soap to crafting scarecrows for the garden, our projects are often practical, personal, and a little bit playful.
Art and craft is also our go-to for all-weather fun. Rainy afternoons become painting sessions, and slow weekends are a chance to try something new. We’ve dabbled in nature-inspired art, handmade gifts, decorations for the garden, and plenty of messy, joyful experiments.
This section is where we share creative projects for all ages and skill levels. You’ll find ideas that reuse, repurpose, and celebrate handmade goodness. Whether you’re into upcycling, seasonal crafts, or just looking for a project to do with the kids, I hope this space inspires you to create something from what’s already around you.
DIY Growing Ladder
July 8, 2025
Transforming a humble ladder into a thriving vertical garden is not just a charming DIY project, it’s a smart way ...
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The Seed Files – Saving Seeds
October 1, 2023
Gathering and saving seeds from a homegrown harvest is easy, cost effective and rewarding. Once you have saved enough for ...
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DIY Bug Hotel
February 7, 2023
A ‘bug hotel’ is an enjoyable way to celebrate your garden helpers, a fun family project and instant garden art ...
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Easy Bird Bath
February 6, 2023
Made with twigs ‘n twine, and all things fine, this Bird Bath is a a real craft project for an ...
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Curiosities: Charity Shop Planter Pots
December 2, 2021
I’ve scoured charity shops for interesting homewares to use as non-traditional planters. Whether for a present, or for the home, ...
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Fused Soft Plastic Tote Bags
August 25, 2021
If you collect soft plastics (from chip packets to bread bags) rather than sending them to landfill, here’s a fun ...
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Reforming Soap from Old Soap Scraps
August 25, 2021
Wanting a break from your baking marathon this lockdown? How about making your own soap…from soap, old soap scraps that ...
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DIY: Washable Face Mask
August 18, 2021
Here are step-by-step instructions to make your own washable face mask, complete with pattern. Update: As of January 2022: With ...
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Homemade Citronella Candles
April 12, 2021
Mosquitoes can be very annoying, any season! It is super easy to make homemade citronella candles – cheap, effective and ...
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How to remove sticky labels from glass jars
October 19, 2020
Removing labels from glass jars and bottles can be tricky, so here are a few tips and tricks to make ...
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DIY Draught Stoppers
May 3, 2020
Save on heating bills and get nice and cosy this season with a homemade Draught Stopper for doors and windows ...
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DIY Blackboard or Chalkboard
November 30, 2018
Whether in a child’s bedroom as a scrawling wall, the kitchen as a shopping list, or the garage as a ...
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Hydrangea Heaven
February 7, 2018
For our wedding day it felt fitting to go with a hydrangea flower theme. They remind me of long summer ...
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How to make a Door Stop
February 1, 2017
Finally summer has arrived, I think. A little late but much appreciated! The french doors are flung open to make ...
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Upcycling Nikau Palms: for art’s sake
January 30, 2017
Our beautiful native Nikau palms are gorgeous. While naturally their fronds fall onto the native forest floor adding to the ...
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Sewing Machine Advice: 1949
October 15, 2016
While I am into the joys of rediscovering lost skills (including sewing as I have a big summer project ahead ...
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DIY Garden Art
March 11, 2016
Summer has been and gone but our DIY outdoor garden art remains to brighten up the backyard any day of ...
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Upcycled Garden Bunting
May 9, 2015
Winter is creeping into my garden. Day by day it inches closer. While I am not resisting the crisper mornings ...
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How to gift a Cocktail Garden
December 3, 2014
If you are anything like me, you like to put a bit of effort into present ideas. For something unique, ...
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Upcycling jam jars
July 15, 2014
I love upcycling jam jars and sauce bottles. From a perfect individual serve, to a rustic vase, when they are ...
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Meet Leo, the disco DIY Scarecrow
April 20, 2014
A good scarecrow is worth its weight in wet hay. Even if it is not birds you are battling, something ...
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Upcycle your old Sky dish into a birdbath
April 20, 2014
What do you do with an unused, broken-down SkyTV dish dangling precariously from the roof? Upcycle it into a birdbath ...
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Making a bird feeder
April 20, 2014
Invite the Birds In: How to Make a Simple DIY Bird Feeder With a little love, some creativity, and a ...
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Upcycling your Christmas Tree into a bird feeder
April 18, 2014
From Tinsel to Tweets: How We Turned Our Christmas Tree Into a Backyard Bird Feeder With Christmas Day a distant ...
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