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You want to be crafty. You want to Instagram your tablescape. You want to tell your guests, “Oh, you like my dining chairs? I painted and distressed and coated and upholstered them myself. And I made the napkin rings to match.”
But we don’t all have DIY projects in us. Linseed oil and food coloring do not run through our veins. And that’s why we’re so thankful for DIY bloggers—the crafters in the trenches who not only think up and make the stuff we couldn’t, but so generously share their how-tos and photos (and encouragement!) with us. These are the DIY pros we’re following closely right now—and you should, too.
Handmade Charlotte
This blog collective’s projects range from delicious (Super Sprinkle Double Stuffed Sugar Cookie Chocolate Cake … whew!) to practical (how to line drawers) to kooky (felt tacos for cats). What do they have in common? Big, bright photos and easy-to-follow directions. Keep up with the crew’s latest work on Facebook.
Love Grows Wild
Liz Fourez’s style—a kind of lived-in modern, splashed with mint—looks too pretty to achieve, but then she goes and shows you how to get there! Her how-tos on projects like framed mirrors and lighted marquee lights are smart and succinct, but her method-specific tutorials on techniques like dry brushing are what make your finished product look like hers. Follow her work on Pinterest.
How Was Your Day?
West Coaster-turned-Midwesterner Greta Brinkley delivers DIYs you’ll end up using daily—think essential oil air fresheners, coffee body scrub and monogrammed earrings.
Better After
Lindsey Allen’s before-and-after hub harnesses the shock value of DIY. There, she curates crafty transformations from around the Web—entire room revamps, furniture makeovers, Ikea hacks—with walk-throughs that get right down to business (but have plenty of pinworthy photos). She regularly posts new action on Facebook.
The Taylor House
When you need a craft to occupy the kids, turn to Chrissy Taylor’s blog. Your little ones will love making yogurt pops and making over their school notebooks; you’ll love the chocolate-peppermint lip gloss and spiffed-up flip-flops. Stay plugged into her projects on Twitter @taylorhouseblog.
Organizing Made Fun
If keeping it all straight is your weak spot, meet Becky Barnfather; she’s the epitome of organized without the preachiness that usually accompanies such a person. Tips are geared toward creating and managing schedules, spaces and meal plans that work for (rather than against) your family; her DIYs focus on room improvements and crafts that corral clutter. Her Facebook page will inspire you to get organized—and stay that way.
Domestically Speaking
Maryann Caballero’s project list is full of ideas you haven’t already seen on Pinterest a zillion times, like cinnamon stick wreaths, painted rugs and this bamboo sunburst mirror we’re obsessing over. Track her Pinterest universe for her latest how-tos and inspirations.
Our Southern Home
Rural French style with a side of vintage pervades Christy Little’s gorgeous family farmhouse—plus pages upon pages of DIYs. Sure, you’ll learn how to paint armchairs and whip up cute felted wreaths—but you should also take notes on Little’s flea market shopping strategy! Watch for updates via Facebook.
Quirky Inspired
Ashley Sears’ blog documents her quest to live a “quirky, inspired life”—to her, that’s a life loaded with passion, inspiration, friends, family and food. Between posts on relationship-building and making yourself feel good, she works in practical advice and tutorials on cooking, crafting and cleaning. Follow her on Twitter @quirkyinspired.
Two Twenty One
Blogger and brand-new podcaster Chelsea McDonnough takes advantage of the Midwest’s weather extremes to dream up seasonal DIYs (springy flower planters, wintry wreaths) in addition to evergreen crafts (tissue-paper pom poms, gold-stripe vases). We’re also big fans of her Instagram feed, which is somehow always blooming with crazy-vibrant floral shots.
Simply Designing
All of Ashley Phipps’ DIYs are cute and smart and just … simple! (Frozen limeade? Yes, please!) But we’re head over heels for her printables; go straight to her greeting cards and chore charts. And she has one of the most well-organized, smartly curated accounts on Pinterest; keep tabs on her there.
HouseSeven
You can hire designer-blogger Anissa Zajac to style your home, or you can follow her tutorials and room makeovers to do the work yourself. Stalk her picture-perfect existence on Instagram and ponder how someone with three small children can maintain such a clean, sparkling-white house!