5 favorite (and easy!) summer-inspired diy’s

My idea of the perfect DIY is one that is easy, inexpensive, relatively quick to execute and doesn’t look like something you actually made yourself.  (Had to add that last part because it’s so true!!)  If you’re in the mood for some easy, summer-inspired DIY’s to try, I’ve got a few for you that will have your friends and guests wanting to know your secrets!  I’ve blogged about these before, but I thought it would be fun to update the list and add a couple new favorites:

This rope-wrapped vase is one of my favorite diy’s, as much for the fact that it’s INCREDIBLY easy as it is because it looks so beautiful with simple summer blooms! I made a bunch of these for the centerpieces at my cousin’s wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, a couple years ago and they looked absolutely AMAZING  filled to the brim with blue and white hydrangea!

Turn 12 feet of rope from Lowe’s or Home Depot into a nautical addition to a bookshelf or coffee table in minutes, or, impress your friends with mini versions of these monkey’s fist knots to take home as favors from your next barbeque or get together!  I made a few of these to give away as prizes for the games at my baby shower a few years ago and I’m still getting compliments and comments on them!

Two quick, light coats of liquid gold leaf turn these oyster shells into chic salt and pepper shakers that will have everyone raving at your next dinner party!  I found the mini spoons on clearance at Sur la Table and sprayed the shells with a coat of food safe poly before filling them with salt and pepper.

Give your gallery wall a little refresh and add some texture and softness to your favorite photos or artwork by gluing linen fabric to plain white mats.  These were the perfect addition to a few favorite pieces of art on the gallery wall in Lydia’s nursery; I spray painted the frames high gloss white and love the contrast!

My hubby made the oversize Versailles planters that flank my front door for Mother’s Day a couple years back and they are still one of my favorite gifts ever.  While this isn’t exactly something you could just whip up in less than a half hour like the rest of my picks here today, it’s one of my favorite diy’s for the fact that these are HUGE and bring so much drama and interest to my front porch (and they look amazing with bright green ferns), but the cost to make these is a fraction of what it would cost to buy something of similar size.

What are some of your favorite DIY’s to do in summer?