And let me tell you, our small backyard was in desperate need of TLC. But with a little elbow grease and a bit of creativity, we managed to turn that drab outdoor space into a true oasis.

I really enjoy the outdoors when the weather warms up, which means dining alfresco, entertaining, and gardening in the backyard. We use it spring, summer, and well into fall, so the backyard has to be an extension of the home.

With some creativity, elbow grease, and a bit of DIY spirit, you can turn your compact outdoor area into a charming retreat without breaking the bank.

Transform your small backyard with these 4 DIY projects to create a beautiful oasis

1. Planning and Inspiration: Before we dove into your backyard makeover projects, we took some time to envision what we wanted our space to look like.
2. Pinterest is a great place to start to get inspiration, also Instagram, magazines, Houzz, etc., you get the idea.
3. Consider your lifestyle, the activities you enjoy, and how you want to use your backyard. Whether you dream of a cozy patio for morning coffee or a vibrant garden for growing your vegetables, having a clear vision will help guide your project.
4. Define Zones: In a small backyard, maximizing space is key. Divide your outdoor area into functional zones to make the most of the available square footage. For example, designate one area for dining, another for lounging, and perhaps a corner for gardening.

After we planned out our backyard space for maximum usage. We went to work on creating our oasis.

So, grab your toolbox and get ready to be inspired by these 4 DIY projects that transformed our small backyard into a delightful space.

These 4 DIY projects gave the functionality we needed in our backyard.

1. Defining seating area with DIY Pergola

Creating a dedicated seating area was first on the agenda. Building a pergola over the seating area was a game changer. It created a enveloping cozy space to lounge in and it defined the seating area.

We had to consider the overall size of the freestanding pergola, including the shade canopy/overhang. Also, had to determine the outside dimensions and the height. We decided the perfect size for our space would be 9 ft. by 12 ft. pergola. It should fit well over the furniture we chose.

Check out the DIY guide to best pergola for your back is right here.

2. Getting creative for adding greenery in a paved yard with DIY large cement planter

With limited space and a paved backyard, we had to get creative when it came to adding greenery. We wanted trees but we have pavers throughout except for a little dirt patch on one side. That’s when I came up with building a extra large cement planter to accommodate a dwarf fruit trees. I also wanted fruit trees in my backyard. I told you I wanted to fit as much as I can in my tiny backyard.???? This DIY extra large cement planter went viral! This project got the most views out of all my projects!

The extra large planter consisted of creating a form out of plywood and screws, then pouring in cement.

You can get the detailed DIY guide to building this viral extra large cement planter here.

Not only did our large cement planter with apple tree add visual interest to the space, but it also provided us with fresh apples late summer and fall. It was a true testament for getting the most out of a small space.

3. DIY outdoor dining table could be good enough for indoor

Outdoor dining table can quickly eat up your budget, but with a little ingenuity, you can create stylish table for a fraction of the cost that would be good enough to have inside your home. DIY projects like building a wooden dining table can add personality to your backyard without breaking the bank. We took it a step further and built a table that is stylish and original. I added fluted detail to the base of the table created a one of a kind look.

See the DIY guide to building this stylish outdoor dining table here.

4. DIY outdoor console table use as buffet

This outdoor console table was a serendipitous idea. I had a beautiful piece of granite my friend was getting rid of during her renovation. I knew one day it can have a place in my house, so I graciously took it off her hands. While my husband and I were scouring Home Depot for another project, I had an light bulb moment about what to do with the piece of granite. To Build a outdoor console table. This was such an easy build, it took no more than two hours. I love having this extra surface to set up drinks, food, condiments when we are entertaining.

A good alternative for the granite is wood planks that is safe for outdoor projects.

All the details on how to DIY an outdoor console table is here.

And there you have it, folks – 4 DIY projects that transformed our small backyard into a true outdoor sanctuary. Not only did we save a ton of money by getting doing it ourselves, but we also had a blast in the process. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tools, gather your materials, and get ready to create your own oasis!

So whether you have a small backyard like ours or a sprawling lawn to work with, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. With a few DIY projects and a lot of love, you can turn any outdoor space into a place where memories are made and dreams are realized. Happy DIYing!

*Always use caution and proper gear for protection when using power tools.

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Hi dear friends, we are finally seeing the sun come out around here in NY. It’s been weeks of cloudy days and I’ve had to give myself an extra push to do anything creative. I finally mustered up the incentive to make this DIY air-dry clay bowl, and it was so easy and fun to do. This would be a great project to do with your kids. Let’s dive into the world of air-dry clay… Ready to mold and shape a beautiful bowl? No fancy kilns or elaborate setups are needed. Grab your favorite tunes and let’s have some fun.

What you will need:

I would suggest one block of air-dry clay for a small bowl and one and a half blocks for a larger bowl. The thickness of the bowl should be around 1/4″ thick for strength if it’s too thin there’s a possibility of it breaking. I learned this as I was doing it, and also if the clay is too thin and harder to work with. Need a rolling pin, a bowl (for shaping), and a bowl of water. If you want to create a design you can use any kind of tool to make an impression on the surface of the clay. I used a spoon to create divots in the clay, I love the way the depression on the clay looks. You also need a clean smooth surface to work on.

Affiliate links are used in this post.

Supplies needed:

–Air-dry clay

-Bowl for the mold

-Small bowl of water

–Paintbrush

-Spoon

Knead, roll, and repeat the air-dry clay

Let’s get our hands dirty – literally! Knead that clay until it’s feeling all warm and fuzzy. Then roll it out till it’s nice and smooth while maintaining a 1/4″ thickness. My first time, I made it thinner and it was difficult to work with. After I researched a bit more, I found that 1/4″ is a good thickness to aim for.

Shape It and mold it

Now, the fun part! Gently lift the clay off the surface and place it over the bowl, or any object you choose. You can use any quirky-shaped object you find to use as the mold. Embrace the imperfections – they’re what makes it uniquely yours.

Time for Some Pizzaz

Unleash your inner artist! Stamp patterns, press in textures, or experiment with funky designs. There are no rules here, just let your creativity flow. If the clay is cracking, you can use a small artist paint brush or make-up brush to dip into water to smooth out the clay. You can always dip your fingers in water and smooth out the clay. Be sure not to put too much water onto the clay though, it can weaken the clay when it comes time for it to dry. It can create cracks on the surface.

I used a spoon the make the divots on the bowl for my design. You can use any tool to create fun details and patterns on the surface, it’s all up to you.

Drying time

It’s the waiting game now. Leave your creation to air-dry fully before handling. Trust the process; your bowl needs its beauty sleep. I let it rest for a few hours before I removed it from the bowl, and it still wasn’t completely dry inside. I was a bit impatient, so I let it dry overnight and it was perfect.

Finishing touches for you air-dry clay bowl

Once your bowl is fully dry, smooth out any rough edges with a little water. Once completely dried, I painted the entire bowl black. Then painted the organic shape rim with gold leaf paint. Added a clear sealant for that polished look.

I hope you try this easy DIY air-dry clay bowl project.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to craft. Embrace the process, celebrate the quirks, and most importantly, have fun creating your one-of-a-kind air-dry clay bowl!

let’s inspire each other on this creative adventure! I would love to know if you would try this project.

Here are a few other fun projects here and here.

The post How to make an air-dry clay bowl appeared first on Houzewize.

Alright, DIY friends! We are at it again with another project for our backyard. I have been waiting a long time to DIY an outdoor dining table and I am so happy it’s finally finished and it’s gorgeous!

We have been working on our backyard for a few years and it’s taking shape with all the love and energy we put into it.

This DIY outdoor dining table project is another one of our favorites! We are always thinking of ways to build furniture or create original home decor in our house; this one is truly one-of-a-kind. I love a good DIY! Well, I mostly design it and my husband creates it.????

Creating our backyard oasis

Creating a backyard oasis has been our goal for the past few years, it’s taking some time but Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Here’s what we have done so far…

The first project was to build a pergola. My husband was able to build this pergola in 3 days, working day and night. Whoa, when he gets going he can’t stop. ????

We added an outdoor sofa set that was a perfect fit for under the pergola. This one is such a comfy and stylish conversation set, it was a great addition to create a lounging area.

Another one of my favorite projects is these extra-large cement planter that my husband built. This DIY planter went viral on the internet. We saved thousands of dollars building these planters instead of buying them.

I planted a dwarf apple tree in one planter and a hydrangea bush in another. After three years, the plants are still thriving in the planters, hooray!

So come along friends, let me show you our latest project…

Ready to create a fabulous outdoor dining table that will impress your friends and neighbors? Let’s dive in and create something amazing!

DIY outdoor table design

Inspiration and design- The creation of this outdoor dining table started with a vision. I love fluted detail anywhere I can use it. I used it in my son’s bedroom to create an interesting wall detail. My daughter’s dresser got this fluted detail added on to give it a new life to an old dresser. I had to somehow incorporate this fluted detail into the outdoor dining table.

Then the materials…

Which material can I use for my outdoor tabletop?

We looked for quality wooden boards (cedar, redwood, or treated lumber for durability would do). We chose 2″ X 8″ treated boards to keep the cost down.

Gather materials -The first step was to hunt for materials that could stand up to the elements. Armed with a list of essentials needed for this project, we were off to our local Home Depot where we were able to get everything we needed. I will list all the materials below.

Once we had all the materials in hand, it was time to unleash our creativity and get building. I love to see a design on paper start to take shape, I get so excited with the process, don’t you?

Measurements had to be meticulous and the cuts had to be precise so that everything would fit just right.

Materials You’ll Need for the outdoor dining table

• 2″ X 8″ treated boards.
• 1- 4′ X 8′ pressure-treated plywood
• 2″x 2″ wood balusters used for outdoor fencing-Measure for the size of the base
• Wood glue (for extra strength)
• Weatherproof screws
• Stain and outdoor paint
• Clear outdoor sealer – Protective finish to shield against the elements
• Measuring tape (measure twice, cut once – you know the drill)
• Orbital sander
• Sandpaper
• Kreg pocket hole jig
• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Chop saw
• Drill
• Clamps

Let’s build an outdoor dining table

Build two rectangular boxes using pressure-treated plywood and 4″ X 4″ pieces of wood for the base.

We used outdoor fence post’s finials and turned them upside down for the feet of the base.

Screw 2- 2″ X 4″ pieces of wood to the top of each base for the tabletop to sit on.

Seal all the screw holes and gaps with wood filler.

Painted the base black before we added the detail

Now it was time to add my favorite decorative fluted detail.

We cut 2″x 2″ wood balusters used for outdoor fencing into 1″ X 2″ for this detail.

Nail in all the pieces on the rectangular base

Fill all the nail holes with wood putty

7-Paint the base in black outdoor paint.

Next for the tabletop, sand 4-2′ X 8′ pieces of wood of your choice, we kept the cost down by using pressure-treated lumber.

Make pocket holes with Kreg jig on the back side of the planks of wood

Glue all the pieces together using wood glue and insert screws into the pocket holes and use clamps to hold the wood planks together

Give the tabletop a final sanding

Stain and seal the top with 2-3 coats of sealer

Our DIY outdoor dining table is complete

This table turned out seriously SO AMAZING! I absolutely love it!

Now to find the right chairs for this table!

There is something inherently magical about enjoying a meal under the open sky. Al fresco dining is my favorite thing to do during the warm summer days.

Summer nights spent in this space with family and guests laughing and creating memories are priceless. I am so looking forward to it all!

Whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a chill hangout, our DIY outdoor dining table is ready to shine. Enjoying those al fresco feasts in style is easy with a large beautiful outdoor dining table!

This DIY outdoor dining table was more than just a piece of furniture. It represents the love we have for creating, uniqueness, and simple joys that enrich our lives.

I hope you found this post helpful and follow along for more projects like this!

The post DIY outdoor dining table appeared first on Houzewize.

Hi there, I hope everyone is having a great week! With all this snow we have been having, I’ve been busying myself with lots of projects around the house. One of the project is transforming an ordinary glass lantern and vase into weathered, aged vases. This is a simple tutorial on how to diy black burnished vase from boring to striking so easily.

Black burnished ware pottery dates back centuries from England. Burnishing is a treatment in which the handmade vessel that are polished. There are two different types of styles. One is coarse and gritty and the other is finer in appearance with more texture. I tried both textural effect on my glass vase and lantern. I love the way they turned out.

Two textural effects

Both effects have a beautiful burnished patina that transforms a vessel into a dramatic accent for the home.

There are so many diyers posting tutorials on transforming glass and ceramic objects on Pinterest and instagram that caught my eye and I just had to try my hand at it.

I figured I can recreate these burnished vases on a dime using simple paint techniques and with easy to find supplies.

If you want to learn how to make real burnished pottery, you can visit Ceramic Arts Network, there are step by step guide on how to create these beautiful wares.

This DIY black burnished vase project is so easy that after I finished I went scouring through my house to see what else I can get my hands on. No accessories in my house was safe from my grips:)

This project is a perfect way to introduce color, texture to accessories that otherwise may be dull and boring.

Today, I want to show you the method of using baking soda and paint to get an aged burnished appearance on a vessel. To get the two different types of looks it was merely using the different brush strokes and the thickness of the paint.

You only need a few simple supplies for these diy black burnished vases…

How to create the burnished look

• Find a glass vase, lamp, glass bottle, ceramic bowl or any glass or ceramic object you want to alter. If you can’t get your hands on one at home, you can easily find any of these at a Dollar tree store, thrift stores, garage sales, etc.
• Make sure the surface is cleaned with alcohol to remove dirt and oils.
• Mix the black paint with tablespoon of baking soda. You can add more or less depending on how thick you want the texture to be.
• Mix black and white paint to make a medium tone gray paint
• I created more texture on the lantern with thicker black paint. Once completely dried, dip the brush in the gray paint and remove the excess paint by blotting it on a paper towel. Then lightly stipple the lantern with the gray paint. Quickly, while still wet use a paper towel to wipe off and move the gray paint to create the look you want.
• For the vase, I used less baking soda in the black paint to create a thinner texture. Using the dry brush technique, I used horizontal brushstrokes around the vase.

This burnished patina transformed these vessel into a dramatic accent. These vases are perfect to use to showcase your beautiful blooms, leaves or have them stand alone on a shelf.

Next up, DIY found pottery

I also love these diy found pottery trend using mud to make glass vases and objects to look like they have been aged through time. My next project is to try my hand at making these pottery with a few different ingredients and compare the looks. My favorite shops like Pottery Barn , Restoration Hardware and West Elm and others have these gorgeous stoneware but with bit of a hefty price tag attached to them. So I have to try to recreate them, hope you stay tuned in.

Till then, hope you check out some of my other projects

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Pin it for later!

The post How to DIY Black burnished vase to create aged pottery appeared first on Houzewize.

Hi everyone, we have taken on our well needed backyard makeover project. Spring is here which means summer is right around the corner. Summer is my favorite season, so we enjoy spending most of our days outside and dining al fresco in the evening. Therefore, entertaining family and friends are abundant in the summertime. At the moment, our backyard is not a very functional or a place we can relax and enjoy. To create this outdoor entertaining space we have a few D.I.Y projects up our sleeves. Hopefully our backyard makeover will inspire you. I’ve compiled 15 design inspirations and ideas for a small backyard.

Our backyard renovation was getting delayed for more needed project inside the house. You can see some of our inside projects we had tackled here, here and here . As a result, we had a fold up dining table, chairs and barbecue grill in our yard, not much more. Definitely not the relaxing sanctuary I have in mind for our outdoor space.

Small backyard in need of a big change

Looking forward to transforming this small space into a comfortable, stylish, functional haven is exciting. Certainly, we all need a place to relax and rejuvenate. Spring is the perfect time for a complete backyard makeover or just to refresh outdoor spaces.

Once you start researching, you’ll find endless backyard styles and solutions. Ideas to consider when you are planning a small backyard makeover:

• High fence, tall slender evergreens, climbing plants can create a cozy secluded feel in small yard.
• If you like to grill and eat outdoors. Allocating an area for a small kitchen and dining area will be ideal.
• Conversation sitting area to relax on summer days and nights
• Adding potted plants dispersed throughout yard can soften the area.
• Use vertical space when floor space is limited. You can grow flowers, herbs, flowers, vegetables attached to a wall.
• Utilizing every inch of space in this small backyard is key. Our ultimate outdoor space would have and outdoor kitchen area, dining table, sectional sofa and small conversation seating.

We also want to add a pergola over the seating area for shade. The plan is for my husband to build it once we get our outdoor furniture set. So that we know much space is going to be used for the seating area.

We had installed beautiful bluestone pavers from Cambridge Pavers in the backyard and installed and installed PVC fence. I will show you in more detail the construction of this fence another time. At the moment, the pavers are in need of a good power wash. They really are very nice underneath all the guck and grime, I promise. This is a major expense we don’t have to deal with now.

I am inspired by these awesome backyard ideas…

Small backyard makeover inspirations

Placing evergreen trees to have greenery all year long.

I plan to add few dwarf trees, vegetable patch and a sprinkling of annual plants. This will give color and soften the hard surface of the pavers.

Must haves for our backyard oasis

Looking forward to making this outdoor space an extension of our home. I hope you follow along in the process.

Stay safe and Thank you for visiting!

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