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    Home » DIY & Crafts

    Top 10 DIY Projects Of The Year

    Published by Pam Kessler | 410 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article. - 12 Comments

    It's that time of year again.

    The time between Christmas and New Year's when my mind is fried from all the holiday posts and I try to fill up dead space with a "riveting" year-end retrospective.

    I honestly do love these yearly posts though, but it takes me forever to decide which posts to highlight and which posts to let die.

    They're all my children and it's so hard to choose. It sort of turns into the Sophie's Choice of blogging.

    Discover the top 10 posts from the House Of Hawthornes this year, including quick and easy DIY projects, super simple recipes, holiday projects and more.

    Except no one really dies, so there's THAT!

    I ended up using a combination of criteria - the posts which best symbolize my style and focus this year, the posts that were shared more often on social media and the posts that I personally loved the most - and came up with my:

    Top DIY Projects Of The Year (Kind Of, Sort Of, Maybe)

    DIY Projects:

    Although I hate writing out step-by-step tutorials more than getting my fingernails pulled out one by one, I took one for the team this year and tried to document my projects a little bit more. I'd say that I am getting used to writing them, but that would be lying.

    DIY Wood Slice Owl
    What a hoot! This adorable owl is a super QUICK and EASY DIY wood slice project for fall home decor or any time of the year. A ten minute craft for kids.

     

    Arrow Wood Slice Coasters
    Super easy DIY Arrow Coasters made from craft store wood slices.

     

    DIY Zinc Top Table
    DIY instructions for making a zinc topped table. Dining table could be used inside or outside. Galvanized sheet metal was used to keep the cost low.

     

    Mid-Century Modern Chair Restoration
    A fun and stylish Mid Century Modern chair restoration including reupholstering and wood refinishing. A DIY project that can be accomplished in a weekend.

     

    Quick & Easy Boxwood Wreath
    Learn how to make a super quick and easy boxwood wreath. And did I mention it is cheap? Perfect for the holidays, yet looks great any time of the year.

     

    Recipes:

    I jumped into the food blogging arena this year with both spatulas. It's new to me, it's fun and it makes me fat. I hope to do more of it in 2016 (minus the fat part).

    Best Soft And Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
    This is the best recipe for soft and chewy oatmeal cookies! Super easy to make and no electric mixers involved, so kids can help make them too.

     

    Blueberry Crostata Recipe
    A 30 minute Blueberry Crostata Recipe. Also known as galette, rustic pie or rustic tart, it is perfect for new bakers You can't go wrong with this one.

     

    Crockpot Baked Apple Recipe
    The BEST Baked Apple Recipe! This classic fall dessert is super easy to make in either your crockpot or oven. Your family will love it!

     

    Holiday & Seasonal:

    I could write about holiday and seasonal decor until the cows some home. Except I don't have any cows. So if they did come home, I'd be shocked and maybe just a bit scared.

    Pansy-licious Spring Table Decor
    Plant pansies in thrift store teacups for DIY Easter and spring table decor. Would make creative favors or table number holders for weddings too!

     

    DIY Nautical Patriotic Banner
    A super easy DIY patriotic banner tutorial. Anchors, flags and sailboats combine for a nautical Fourth Of July home decor style or any patriotic holiday.

     

    All You Need Is Love
    Rustic-Repurposed-Love-Sign-24149

     

    Repurposed Funnel Jack-O'-Lantern

    A super cute repurposed Jack-o'-Lantern for Halloween made from a galvanized funnel. A quick and easy DIY project for fall!

    I want to thank each and every one of you who have been along for the journey this year. It's been a fun and wild ride this year and I could not do this without you. Yes, I'm pointing at YOU!

    Well, I could do it without you, but then I'd be talking to myself and that's no fun!

    Do you have a favorite I missed? One post that sticks out in your mind? One post that says, Hey, that's my girl!

    « Duck Duck Goose
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda@Coastal Charm

      January 01, 2016 at 10:33 pm

      Pam,
      You had soooo many neat projects in 2015 and thank you for sharing them at my Show and Share Party. You will be featured at my party on Monday. Happy New Year!

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    2. Kirby Carespodi

      December 31, 2015 at 8:04 am

      So I'll be honest--I read your blog, so I didn't really need a re-cap, but I came back just for this title.

      Reply
    3. mary scott

      December 29, 2015 at 11:02 pm

      Every one is more wonderful than the last one! I so look forward to each 1 of your posts! Happy new year & get well soon!

      Reply
    4. Mickie Ayer

      December 29, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      First Off...Fantastic Pictures! I love seeing your creativeness and your wonderful take on life! It's hard to pick favorites but here goes... That owl is so gosh darn adorable, the wreath on the wood everyone should have one, also the sailboat should be in every home. You are very talented and your blog is a joy to read! Best of New Years to you. Mickie

      Reply
    5. Brenda Kula-Pruitt

      December 29, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      You know what? You have an "eye" that I certainly don't have. I would never have seen these beautiful things and created them with what you had. You are THAT good and more!
      Brenda

      Reply
    6. Musings from Kim K.

      December 29, 2015 at 1:44 pm

      Can't wait to see what's in store in 2016...especially in the thermos collecting category. I understand how painful it is to document those DIY tutorials, but those are always a favorite. Happy New Year!

      Reply
    7. Sandy

      December 29, 2015 at 12:40 am

      Love your blog ! You have so many creative ideas. Plus I love your sense of humor.
      Happy New Year to you and your family !

      Reply
    8. Suzanne

      December 28, 2015 at 1:16 pm

      You had so many creative projects in 2015. Love the zinc table and the LOVE sign - so unique! Look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2016.
      Happy New Year,
      Suzanne
      Pieced Pastimes

      Reply
    9. Gail

      December 28, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      Great tutorial on the zinc top table!

      Reply
    10. chris aka monkey

      December 28, 2015 at 11:12 am

      of the few you posted and really not listed just pictured is the twig sailboat i love that little cutie so much happy new year xx

      Reply
    11. Debby

      December 28, 2015 at 9:52 am

      You take the best pictures. You did some really fun things this year. I hope you are healing. Happy New Year.

      Reply
    12. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces

      December 28, 2015 at 9:42 am

      I'm always inspired by your wonderful projects, Pam...and these are some great ones! Looking forward to more in 2016!

      Reply

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