How to Use a Mood Board to Improve Your DIY Projects

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Master Bedroom Mood Board and DIY Plan This may be the hardest post I’ve written so far, but here goes: a mood board for the master bedroom. I’ve never made one before, so I’m learning as I go. The goal is simple — use a mood board to visualize the results of upcoming DIY projects … Read more

Upcycle Old Decor into Bright Christmas Vignettes

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Now that the Christmas tree is up and glowing, it’s time to bring the same festive energy to the rest of the house. I especially enjoy styling the bookcases in the living room — adding string lights instantly creates a warm, cozy evening atmosphere. Below I’ll show how I repurposed older pieces and simple materials … Read more

DIY Thrifted Coffee Table Makeover for a Modern Home

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Why settle for mass-produced, low-quality furniture when you can transform a piece with history and personality? This guide shows how easy it can be to give a coffee table a fresh makeover using just a few supplies. The result is a beautiful, affordable, and practical piece you’ll treasure for years. Beyond aesthetics, upcycling an existing … Read more

Backgammon Tray: How to Choose the Perfect Game Board

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Repurposed Drawer Turned Backgammon Tray Do you have old drawers tucked away in a basement or garage? I found a few in mine and have been turning them into useful pieces. One became a table, another became under-the-bed storage, and this one I decided to transform into a backgammon-style tray. The process was simple, inexpensive, … Read more

Happy New Year Wishes for Everyone

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Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year. As we step into a new year, my sincere hope is that you find health, peace, and the energy to pursue what brings you joy. One charming Greek New Year custom involves the pomegranate. If you come across a pomegranate on New Year’s Day, it is … Read more

Make a Graphic Throw Pillow With or Without a Sewing Machine

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Today is a special day — my friend Nikki Frank Hamilton from Indiana is visiting me here at The Boondocks. Nikki writes at View From In Here and runs the Make Lemonade Shop where she sells handmade pillows. She’s sharing a step-by-step tutorial for a DIY graphic pillow you can make with or without a … Read more

How to Make a Spring Almond Blossom Wreath

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An Almond Wreath for Spring Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s wreath-making time. Today I’m sharing how I made my Almond Wreath for Spring — a simple, thrift-friendly project inspired by nature and vintage rustic style. Spring has arrived and you know what that means — time for a spring wreath. … Read more

Local Favorites: Top Spots Around Town

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My Favorite Scenes Around Town: A Christmas Photo Essay from Greece If you visit often, you know I love repurposing and upcycling—and I love photography. I especially enjoy sharing my Greece, the quieter side of the country beyond the usual postcard beaches. Below are some of my favorite photos from a month-long Christmas celebration in … Read more

DIY Patriotic Fabric Scrap Projects for Fourth of July

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I have been back in the USA for almost a year and realized I still hadn’t created any patriotic artwork for the home. I do have a flag or two hanging outside, but with the Fourth of July approaching I wanted something unique to brighten the interior. What I made is an easy, upcycled piece … Read more

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge: Highlights, Tips and Photo Spots

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A Tour of the Astonishing Brooklyn Bridge Walkway A month ago I had business in Lower Manhattan with my son. When we finished he suggested a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge—it was right there, inviting us to cross. We accepted the invitation and spent a wonderful half hour walking the bridge, taking in the architecture, … Read more