Six do-it-yourself projects for less than $15 each

MRS. FIX-IT

Nowadays, I often find myself with little time for the intensive DIY project. My days of painting furniture or using the jigsaw are on hold because we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our third child.

I still crave a good DIY project, though, and because of my personality, I can’t sit still for that long. I’d like to share a few simple (and inexpensive) DIY projects that I’ve completed around our home. Each project cost less than $15 and took less than an hour to complete.

Below are six DIY projects that can help make subtle changes around your home.

This simple DIY project is one that literally only takes a few minutes, costs less than $15 and can make a small decorative change to your home instantly. If your home is older like mine, chances are that you have a medicine cabinet (or two) in your bathroom. One way to revamp the inside is to put up some contact paper on the back wall of your medicine cabinet. A simple design, a pop of color, a floral pattern or even a funky design can instantly change the entire look of your once drab medicine cabinet. Because contact paper isn’t permanent, you can also switch out the design as much as you want.

Need a place to hang those keys that usually just end up on the counter directly next to the door? Take an old picture frame, remove the glass and backing, screw some small hooks into the underside of the top of the frame and securely hang it on your wall. Now you have an inexpensive and decorative place to hang your keys.

Need a spot to place your ironing board? Use a couple of coat hooks mounted to the wall, and you’ve instantly got a place to hang your ironing board.

Plastic wrap, foil, wax paper, sandwich baggies, these items are usually tossed inside my pantry, haphazardly. Did you know that you can use a magazine file organizer to hold all those items? Either set it on the shelf and load with your foils and plastic wraps or hang the rack on the wall first. Either way, you’re saving some space and tidying up your pantry.

One DIY project that’s a great way to update the look of your home is to change out an old light fixture. Light fixtures are an inexpensive way to bring some new “light” to your home. Light fixtures are also fairly easy to connect and install. Always turn off the power to your light source before installing a new fixture.

Want a creative way to display your child’s artwork? Take a large picture frame, remove the glass and backing and hang on your wall. Next, simply use a thumbtack or some tape to hang your child’s masterpiece inside the frame. I found an old wooden frame at a local thrift store, painted it white and that was it. It was that simple. I love that the frame helps showcase your little artist’s creations perfectly.

As you can see, these six DIY projects are simple, inexpensive and a perfect way to give your home a more personal touch. If you’re like myself, and find yourself limited on time and energy, these simple DIY projects just might be right up your alley. There are a ton of other relatively inexpensive projects out there. I’m sure you can creatively

come up with more all on your own. Take a look around your home, scout out any areas that may be cluttered and in need of some organization, and I’m confident you will be able to put your creative touch on it.

Sara Thomas is Mrs. Fix-it.

She is originally from Louisiana and is a mother of two, Ryker and Reese.

Her husband, Jason, was born and raised in Texas and very proud of that. E-mail Sara at [email protected].