Simple Weekend DIY Ideas Catching On In Illinois
Illinoisans are rolling up their sleeves and getting crafty on weekends like never before. From suburban Chicago to rural Springfield, homemade projects are becoming the perfect antidote to our screen-filled lives.
These simple DIY ideas not only save money but also create unique personal touches that store-bought items just can’t match.
1. Painted Wooden Planters
Grab some plain wooden boxes from the hardware store and transform them into gorgeous planters for your porch. I’ve noticed neighbors in Oak Park using bright colors that pop against brick homes.
All you need is weather-resistant paint, a sealant, and some creativity. Many Illinois gardeners add their family names or house numbers for a personalized touch.
2. Mason Jar Fairy Light Lanterns
Those old canning jars collecting dust in your basement? They’re perfect for creating magical outdoor lighting. During summer evenings in Champaign, these glowing jars line patios and decks across neighborhoods.
Simply insert battery-operated fairy lights into clean jars and secure the lids. Hang them with wire or display them on tables for instant ambiance without complicated wiring.
3. Seasonal Welcome Doormats
Plain coir doormats are becoming blank canvases for Illinois homeowners with creative flair. The trend started in Chicago suburbs but has spread throughout the state.
You’ll need a basic doormat, stencils, and outdoor acrylic paint. Football season inspires Bears and Illini themes, while spring brings floral designs. My neighbors love adding clever sayings that reflect our famous Midwestern hospitality.
4. Rustic Floating Shelves
Reclaimed barn wood is finding new life inside Illinois homes as charming plant shelves. The contrast of weathered wood against green plants creates that farmhouse feel we love.
Local hardware stores in Peoria and Bloomington now sell shelf brackets specifically for this project. I mounted mine using a level, stud finder, and drill. The resulting shelves showcase my houseplant collection while honoring our state’s agricultural heritage.
5. Chalk-Painted Furniture Revival
Thrift stores across Illinois are goldmines for furniture waiting to be transformed with chalk paint. This weekend project requires minimal prep work – perfect for beginners!
My old oak dresser got new life with a coat of dusty blue chalk paint and new hardware. The distressed finish technique is especially popular in historic neighborhoods like Galena and Alton. No sanding or priming needed – just clean, paint, and seal.
6. Macramé Plant Hangers
The ’70s are back in Illinois living rooms! Handmade macramé plant hangers have taken over Instagram feeds from Waukegan to Carbondale. My first attempt looked nothing like the picture, but I improved with practice.
Cotton rope from craft stores and simple knot patterns are all you need. The natural textures complement both modern condos and traditional bungalows. Plus, hanging plants saves precious counter space in smaller Illinois apartments.
7. Stamped Concrete Stepping Stones
Garden paths throughout Illinois neighborhoods showcase personalized stepping stones made right at home. Kids love pressing handprints or embedding special treasures like pretty stones or marbles.
Quick-setting concrete mix makes this a true weekend project. Pour it into molds (even old cake pans work!), then press in designs before it sets. My neighbors in Springfield created stones with prairie grass impressions – a beautiful nod to our state’s natural landscape.
8. Reclaimed Window Picture Frames
Old farmhouse windows are getting second lives as unique photo displays across Illinois. Architectural salvage shops in Chicago’s suburbs can’t keep these windows in stock!
Each window pane becomes a frame for a different photo. Sand rough edges, clean thoroughly, and attach photos from behind. My friend in Rockford created a family history timeline using an eight-pane window from her grandparents’ farm – it’s a conversation starter at every gathering.
9. Homemade Fire Starters
With our famous Illinois winters, fire starters are practical DIY gifts gaining popularity statewide. Collecting materials becomes a fun nature walk activity for families.
Pine cones, dryer lint, and melted candle wax combine to create effective fire starters for fireplaces and backyard fire pits. I package mine in egg cartons with instructions. Friends in Galesburg host “fire starter parties” where everyone brings materials and makes batches together while enjoying hot cider.
10. Leather-Wrapped Cabinet Handles
Boring kitchen hardware is disappearing across Illinois as homeowners wrap cabinet handles with leather scraps. The warm, tactile upgrade costs a fraction of new hardware prices.
Local craft stores in Naperville and Evanston report increased leather strip sales specifically for this project. All you need is leather cord, strong glue, and patience. My kitchen’s transformation took just one Saturday afternoon and completely changed the feel of the space without major renovation.
