Today, since I’m in the midst of novel writing–can you detect a hint of drudgery in my voice?–I’m going to share some clever and fun DIY project ideas with you.  I’ve been saving them for after my novel is done.  When that manuscript gets sent off, I’m so taking some time to make some pretty things.

These projects might not be your cup of tea, but that’s quite all right.  Rummage around until you find something you like…or that you can imagine hanging or sitting in your lovely abode…or on you!

First, I’ve found Sarah Neuburger’s site The Small Object.  My, oh my, what a wonderful day!  There’s the project for Easy Books with Fabric Faux Book Cloth Tape–for those wonderful artsy sketchbooks you want to make for your kids…or you.  There’s the Wax Paper Hearts you can hang from your windows, not just around Valentine’s Day, but year-round.  Can you imagine the light shining through the pinks and the reds?  Like little pieces of glass capturing the sunlight?  Oh, and wait, don’t forget the Stacked Triangle Garland, which reminds me of those very cool mobiles they sell at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.  Liliana’s classroom has one–all those primary colors making your mouth water!  But I’m not done.  Still, there’s the Wooden Bead Trivet to make.  I think it’s for much more than protecting your table top.

Onto Martha Stewart’s website.  Aren’t these Teacup Lights adorable?  Perfect gifts, I would think.

For a easy-to-do-with-kids project, try these–Design Sponge’s Table Lanterns–just in time for summer patio dining and hanging out.

Look at this cute free pattern from Olive + S: Lazy Days Skirt.  Liliana needs about ten of those, seeing as she’s always in skirts or dresses.  When she wakes up, when she goes to bed, always it’s, “Pretty dress?”  For another type of dress, with a bit of fake smocking, see Sandi Henderson’s Portabellopixie.  The dress is here.  The tutorial is here.

Have you heard of pillowcase dresses?  Well, check out Anna Maria Horner’s pics here, then check out the tutorial here.  Great for a summer day, don’t you think, flitting about with the butterflies and dragonflies, sipping on sweet nectar and cookies?

Not only dresses but sweet tops, too.  Here’s a Girl’s Cap-Sleeved Spring Top from Soulful Hues.  And whoa, from Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol, isn’t Bleu Vanille’s the sweetest Swing Swing Smock for crafts and cooking?

Can’t forget the mama.  Check out the Everyday Chic t-shirt from The Left Bank Look: Easy Parisian-Chic Projects for Your Home and Clothes by Anne Hubert.  Isn’t it to die for?  And it’s made out of an old t-shirts!

Amy Butler, over at Amy Butler Designs, has free patterns for a plethora of things–quilts (that I’m aching to make…all that COLOR!), shirts, yoga bags, scarves, pillows!  I’m still working through projects in her In Stitches book.  I made the floor cushions in there, with some of her vibrant, happy fabric, for Liliana’s playroom (see picture below).

And last but certainly not least–how could FOOD be less important?  I have Apples for Jam and The River Cottage Family Cookbook in hand, ready to try more of those luscious recipes.  Did I mention Pioneer Woman’s website?  How about her recipes for Quiche or Onion Strings, Oh Yeah Baby or Chili Con Queso, Revved Up or The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake.  Ever or Olive Cheese Bread or Sushi Rolls Galore.  Are you salivating yet?

I haven’t even started on Bakerella’s site, other than to make her super easy, to-die-for Red Velvet Cake Balls and Oreo Truffles (which, I’ll just say, are SIN!…there’s just no other word for it).

Have you found anything yet?  If not, perhaps share your finds in the comment section…I didn’t even touch photography or journaling or painting or…

What are some of your dream projects?