Blog

By Sarah Hunt, AZFB Communications Intern

Quarantine has had us all stuck at home with more free time than we know what to do with. Are you tired of binge-watching tv shows and movies and ready to get out and do something?

Look no further! Do it yourself (DIY) projects are a great way to spend your time productively, get some physical activity in, use your creativity, and make something you can use and enjoy every day.

Pinterest has a plethora of great ideas for do-it-yourself projects, with a variety of topics. You can do your own Pinterest search to find customized results for what you are looking to make, or you can check out the ideas we found that every home owner is sure to use and love.

1. Chalkboard Calendar

If you find it hard to come up with plans for what to do each day, a calendar is just the thing to help you fill your schedule and keep you organized. A chalkboard calendar is even better because you don’t have to buy a new paper one every year; just erase last months events and add your current activities.

2. Farmhouse Bench with Bin Organizer

Do the piles of shoes around the house seem to never end? Clear them away easily with this bench with bin organizers. It gives you a place to sit to take off or put on your shoes, and when your ready to put on your house slippers, just stow your shoes under the bench for neat and tidy storage.

3. Hardware Cloth Picture Frame

This is an easy way to add a farmhouse feel to your home without added expense. Simply take a wooden picture frame (you might already have an old one lying around the house), remove the glass, staple hardware cloth to the back, then fasten pictures to the front with miniature clothespins for a beautiful, farm-inspired décor piece.

4. Hanging Wire Baskets On Reclaimed Wood

These baskets are perfect for growing herbs or indoor plants in. Alternatively, they are a great place to store your fresh fruits and veggies. You don’t have to worry about baskets cluttering up your counter space with these bins. They are mounted to reclaimed wood and hung up on your wall, easy to reach and out of the way.

5. Blanket Ladder

This is another favorite of mine. Baskets can add clutter to your space when you’re trying to minimize the amount of stuff around the house. A blanket ladder is the perfect solution. They’re easy to make and hold all the cozy blankets your family needs for movie nights.

6. Wooden Couch Tray

Do you ever sit down on the couch with your meal and drink, only to realize there’s nowhere to put your drink where it won’t tip over? This wooden tray can hold remotes, drinks, headphones, magazines, décor items, and more. A handy piece like this is an essential tool to have around.

7. Cornhole Boards
8. Ladder Golf Game

These two yard games are a great way to get your family outdoors and away from technology. They provide a fun activity with a little friendly competition to do while waiting for the meat on the barbeque to be done.

9. Front Door Wreaths

Is your front door feeling a little bland? Try out one of these ideas for a DIY wreath. They add freshness and color with plants, ribbons, and letters. These are a great way to express your personality and add a family name or friendly greeting.

10. Letters for Home Decor

These are another great way to turn your house into a cozy home. Personalized letters can be used to spell out first names to decorate children’s rooms, or last names to monogram a living room wall. Single words are also a great way to decorate and enhance a space. Some of the most popular ideas I’ve seen are the word “EAT” for the kitchen, “GATHER” for the living room, or “READ” next to a bookshelf.

Looking for more ideas for activities?

Check out Arizona Farm Bureau employee Julie Murphree’s book on Amazon called “Fresh Air: 50 Ways to Experience the Best Things About Country Life Wherever You Live!”

Also, take a look at Fill Your Plate to find out where to get farm-fresh produce, where the closest farmers markets are, and where you can tour a farm near you!