Upcycle a Vintage Wire Milk Crate into a Charming Outdoor Table Transforming vintage or weathered wire milk crates into practical outdoor furniture is a simple, low-cost upcycle anyone can do. With just a few basic materials—a pair of larger metal crates, a plywood top, some twine and paint—you can refresh an old piece into a … Read more

A clear, step-by-step guide to installing double metal driveway gates so they open freely, stay secure and sit level. Includes practical tips on hinge adjustments, drop-bolt drilling, hinge-pin security and a companion how-to video to follow along. In 2019 I fitted a pair of second‑hand 5 ft metal gates with my dad at my parents’ … Read more

Adding festive charm to your holiday décor doesn’t need to cost much. With a few scraps of ribbon, fabric, beads and cardboard you can create attractive, homemade Christmas ornaments that give your tree a personal, handcrafted feel. These simple DIY ornaments are budget-friendly, eco-conscious and a fun family project. Adding a Homemade Touch to Your … Read more

My younger daughter’s friend recently celebrated her birthday, and my daughter wanted to make a truly special gift. I suggested she refurbish a simple wooden box we had and fill it with thoughtful, handmade surprises. The friend is an aspiring writer, so the gift was intended to be personal and useful — something made with … Read more

Learn how to make these deliciously simple Italian-style baked and stuffed globe artichokes. They are packed with fragrant herbs, extra virgin olive oil and Parmigiano, and are a perfect way to use a surplus from the garden or allotment. If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of Italian recipes, whole globe artichokes are a fantastic … Read more

A week ago I showed an easy way to make a pillow from a fringed fleece scarf. I’ve also been turning old sweaters into cozy cushions, and today I’ll walk you through a simple, zero-waste method to make DIY sweater pillows. These projects are quick, use the whole garment, and are perfect for updating seasonal … Read more

How we budget for travel around the UK and Europe—mainly by camper van and sometimes by narrowboat—so we can enjoy dog-friendly holidays without breaking the bank. If you like practical money-saving tips, you might also enjoy my five simple ways that saved me time and money this year. We apply the same sensible approach to … Read more

Wooden trellis can transform a plain wall or old bricked-up doorway without costing a fortune. Below I show how I built three simple trellis styles for about £15 and fixed them to a brick wall. Before hanging the trellises on the wall. This is the side of our garage. The previous owners had bricked up … Read more

It’s the end of the month, which means it’s time for the Int’l Bloggers Club Challenge. If you’re new here, this is a monthly collaboration with blogging friends around the world where we share a theme and compare how we tackle it in our own corners of the globe. This month’s challenge focused on outdoor … Read more

There are many inventive and unusual side tables you can build yourself with basic to intermediate skills. After building one in an afternoon that looks more complex than it actually is, I put together this collection to spark ideas and help you reach for your tools. Over the last two months I renovated and made … Read more