DIY

IKEA Hack: Make Your Own DIY Copper Mirror

03.15.17
This post is sponsored by IKEA Stoughton, but all words/ideas/opinions are entirely my own.

It’s been 92 days since my last copper DIY.

Yes, I keep track of these things.

Never fear, I’m getting us our copper fix today with this DIY copper mirror that is also an IKEA hack, it’s like the perfect combination of crafting goodness.

You can turn any plain mirror into a DIY copper mirror on a budget using just copper leaf and a paintbrush. The perfect low-budget craft for a high-end look!

You can turn any plain mirror into a DIY copper mirror on a budget using just copper leaf and a paintbrush. The perfect inexpensive craft for a high-end look!

I’m so stoked to share this project with you, not only because I love how it turned out, but because it means…my entryway makeover with IKEA Stoughton is nearly complete. I’m just finishing up one more project, adding some details, oh yeah and assembling the furniture, then shooting and editing…well anyways it will be ready next week, yay! Read More

Lately

The State of the Blog: 2017 Survey Results, Naps, and What to Expect

03.10.17

Love this Scandinavian workspace makeover with white open shelves, plenty of storage for craft supplies, and a gorgeous DIY copper inspiration board.

WOW, thank you, THANK YOU for your survey feedback. I was overwhelmed by all the positive things you had to say, and by the fact that any of you even took the survey. It means more than I can say that so many of you are following along, coming back for more, and invested enough to take time for this little bloggy. You make blogging fun and I’m internet hugging you all so hard right now.

Ok, let’s dive into the 2017 survey results! I’m nerding out over all your answers. We bloggers like our stats. Like, 64% of you read Idle Hands Awake mostly on a desktop/laptop, which is how I prefer to read blogs too. And 40% of you have been reading for 1-2 years! That makes my heart so happy. But I don’t want to bog you down with all the little details — let’s talk about what YOU like and how it affects the future of the blog. (Spoiler alert: you like DIYs. I like DIYs. There will be more DIYs).

Read More

Inspiration

Make it Friday: Plywood and Pastels

03.03.17

Did this week fly by for anyone else?? Not that I’m complaining, but I’ve still got SO much to do for my entryway and could use some extra time. It’s my own fault, I keep adding steps because I am a DIY masochist.

If you’re looking for pretty DIY ideas to make this weekend, I found some good ones for you this week.

Make it Friday: Plywood and Pastels // DIY ideas to make this weekend via @idlehandsawake

+++ Don’t you just adore the shape and styling of this plywood corner shelf? And I’m obviously loving the plant, too. | Growing Spaces

+++ Copper and tassels make for a pretty cute necklace DIY. | Club Crafted

+++ Oh look, more copper! These patterned and copper-leafed eggs are just divine. | Lily Ardor

+++ Brittany is the reigning queen of paper flowers and these gift toppers do not disappoint. | The House that Lars Built

+++ Such a unique way to use a glass cloche and I think it would be really easy to put your own spin on it. (In Spanish with clear step-by-step photos). | Fabrica de Imaginacion

+++ A minimalist plywood phone stand that’s the perfect easy weekend craft. | Ohoh Blog

And in other news:

My favorite home and plant blogger writes about how difference makes us.

The colors in this dining room are just heaven. (Spotted on this equally beautiful roundup post).

How to make a portfolio book.

OMG bunny chalk!

The coolest of cool rugs.

Look out, Molly, I’m moving in.

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I am STILL PAINTING this weekend, because I decided to paint the linoleum tile floor of our entryway. I am so, SO sick of painting, so why did I decide to do this? I told you, I’m a masochist. What’s on your weekend agenda?

Design

Eight Modern Urban Jungle Patios That are Perfect for Lounging

02.28.17

Is February too early to be dreaming about summer?

NO!

We had a mini tease of spring temps up here in New England last week and it’s got me longing for patio weather. And also, for a patio.

I figure I’m not the only one with spring fever so I’m sharing these modern urban jungle patios for us to collectively swoon over. THEY ARE SO LUSH AND LUXURIOUS. Now whether this helps our hurts our ability to deal with the rest of winter is up for debate.

Please remember to pin from the original source!

Eight Modern Urban Jungle Patio Ideas @idlehandsawake

Fantastic Frank

Eight Modern Urban Jungle Patio Ideas @idlehandsawake

The Design Files Read More

Inspiration

Make it Friday is Back!

02.24.17

Happy Make it Fridaaayyyyyy!

The first results of my reader survey are in and it turns out that a number of you missed this roundup series of the best DIY ideas. Well I am very happy to bring it back because I really liked it too. Part of the fun in craft blogging is being involved in a community of makers and seeing what projects everyone is coming up with.

I’ll share more insights from the survey next week. In the meantime, Enjoy!

Make it Friday // A collection of the best DIY ideas for your weekend. @idlehandsawake

+++ Entryways are on my mind right now as I’m up to my elbows in my makeover (so. close.) Love this take on hanging storage for the entry. | A Pair & a Spare

+++ Stamped fabric never stops looking stinking cute. | Alice & Lois

+++ Who doesn’t love a good IKEA hack? This furniture upgrade could be used all over the place too. | One O

+++ We need like eight of these draft stoppers in our apartment. | Jojotastic

+++ A new-to-me way to DIY your own Moroccan wedding blanket. | No Glitter No Glory (I just discovered this blog and I love Patricia’s dark style and photography, so different from from what’s super trendy right now).

+++ An inspired dresser makeover, and look at all that blush pink!!! | Hawthorne and Main

And in non-crafty news:

Sums up most of my weeks, really.

Guest room envy.

A brilliant entry on why it’s ok to not be good at everything, plus a very yummy looking spring soup.

Who knew there were so many flatware sets to love?

Terrariums are still trending and I am 1000% on board.

Do you care whether or not your clothes are flattering?

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What have you got planned for this weekend?? I am still in the midst of re-learning why I hate painting. And probably drinking a lot of caffeine to cope.