There’s something about summer that sparks my inspiration. I’m always sharing fun things to make that are perfect for this season—from mason jar succulent planters that bring summer indoors, to homemade sidewalk chalk the kids can play with outside. But I thought it might be helpful to give you guys a list of my favorite DIY projects that are absolutely prime for summertime.
I made sure to include a little bit of everything on this list, with all sorts of family-friendly and affordable DIY projects that anyone can enjoy. Find something that inspires you, too, and go get creative!
- Fabric Face Masks
We want to keep our kids healthy all year long—but it’s never been more important than now, during a global pandemic. Even with shelter-in-place orders lightening up across the states, parents should still do whatever they can to prevent their kids from catching the coronavirus.
If you have a sewing machine at home, why not tap into your inner seamstress and make some fabric face masks? The CDC says that touching your face after coming into contact with the virus is the easiest way it’s spread, but a mask will effectively cover your little one’s nose and mouth whenever they’re in public settings to minimize the risk of infection (but don’t forget to make one for everybody in the family, yourself included!).
There are many how-to videos and step-by-step instructions online that are very easy to follow, and you can pick out cute fabric that fits everyone’s personalities. A DIY project that doubles as health protection? That’s a win-win.
- Furniture Facelifts
During this time of year, families find themselves spending a lot more time in the backyard. Between BBQ dinners, holiday parties, slip-n-slide playdates, and runs through the sprinklers, there are endless ways to soak up the sun on those long summer days and warm summer nights.
If you haven’t been hanging out in your patio area for a while, you might notice your furniture has become a bit weathered with signs of wear since last season. But rather than overhauling all new patio furniture, you can give your existing pieces a facelift with DIY projects to save some serious money while bringing your place back into shape for summer.
There are so many affordable ways you can restore or revamp furniture—from paint to stains and epoxy glue, the list goes on and on! One recent idea that I saw and fell in love with is to take an old coffee table, sand down the surface, then glue objects across the top (guitar picks, seashells—you name it). Pour a coat of epoxy resin across the top so that the surface is smooth and flat, and ta da! You have a totally new table for a fraction of the cost.
- Natural Skincare Essentials
You guys know by now what a believer I am about all-natural, chemical-free products. Whether it’s eliminating summer flies the eco way or cleaning the house with essential oils, I always try to kick harsh irritants to the curb—especially when it comes to anything I apply to my skin.
Plus, our skin can take quite a beating over summer, parched by the hot sun and drenched in sweat. Sometimes, it’ll be so humid outside that you can barely walk from Point A to Point B without looking like you just took a shower! It’s important to give our complexion the nourishment it craves, and that can change depending on the season.
You don’t need to go to the store and stock up new products, though. You can make all sorts of skincare essentials using natural ingredients, many of which you probably already have laying around at home! Here are a few DIY projects you can make that’ll leave your skin feeling great:
- Exfoliant – Mix one cup of coconut oil with two cups of granulated sugar and mix until you achieve a grainy paste. Add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil scent, and you have a natural exfoliator that makes skin soft and smooth.
- Hydrating mist – Peel a cucumber, take 1 tsp of aloe vera and ½ tsp of lemon juice, then add it to ½ cup of rosewater. The facial mist will soothe and cool skin for a relaxed feel!
- Lip balm – Say goodbye to chapped lips and hello to a perfect pout by making an all-natural lip balm with beeswax. Simply boil it down, add a few drops of jojoba oil, then fill it in a tin before it hardens!
What are you making this summer? Let me know in the comments below!