DIY

Turn Vintage Tea Towels Into Sweet Sundresses For Warm Summer Days

Little girls and linen sundresses are a sure sign that Summer's arrived.

Little girls and linen sundresses are a sure sign that Summer's arrived. But what if you could actually make your little one's sweet dress yourself? And what if you could make it out of a beautiful tea towel you found at your favorite home store — or better yet, an antique one packed away in a box somewhere? It's an easier project than you would think.

Inspired by her granddaughter, Jude, and some vintage towels she had stacked away in her attic, Martha Stewart and her staff at Martha Stewart Living created five simple patterns that require little more than a sewing machine to create. These no-zipper, no-snap projects (they just require a button or two and some bias tape for the most intricate of the patterns) are so adorable, that like Martha, you won't mind giving new life to antique fabric that can be enjoyed by a new generation. Click through to see the designs up close and get the patterns, which can also be found in the June issue of the magazine.

Photography by Johnny Miller for Martha Stewart Living
DIY

20-Plus Bedroom DIYs Worth Pinning

Have a few hours to spare?

Have a few hours to spare? Consider a simple bedroom DIY. Without spending a lot of money, you can revamp your space on the fly with a homemade project that is anything but kitschy. Roll up your sleeves with DIYs like tufted headboards and graphic art — it's time to satisfy your craft fix!

DIY

Homemade Sweet Treats For Your Wild Bird Friends

If you're looking for a fun way to feed your wild bird friends, then make these seriously easy bird treats to hang from trees or outside windows.

If you're looking for a fun way to feed your wild bird friends, then make these seriously easy bird treats to hang from trees or outside windows. And they come together with ingredients you probably have on hand with really cute results, making them an adorable gift idea for any wild bird lover. Peanut butter is high in protein and a great binder for making these simple treats.

Read on for the easy directions:

DIY

24 Quick and Easy Living Rooms DIYs

This weekend, take your DIY skills beyond the craft room into your living room!

This weekend, take your DIY skills beyond the craft room into your living room! Always on the lookout for new ways to spruce up our space, we found homemade projects that will freshen up your digs in no time. Whether you're looking to fill your walls with art or add a few custom pillows, let your creativity roll with it. Even if your living room isn't due for a little something new, these projects can be easily adapted to any space. So what are you waiting for? Check out the 24 options that leave those daunting DIY rumors behind.

budget tips

Spray-Paint Flea Market Finds to Make Them Look Brand New

Along with finding helpful living essentials at your local flea market, you can also pick up really cheap home decorations.

Along with finding helpful living essentials at your local flea market, you can also pick up really cheap home decorations. You might be surprised at how those $1 table vases and figurines can be transformed into seriously chic accent pieces. Here are a few tips for spray-painting your flea market finds:

  • Search for ceramic or wood vases or plates to use for spraying. You can also spray-paint glass jars and containers with really cool results. Try not to be distracted by the colors of the original item, and concentrate on the shape and form of the figurine. We couldn't pass up these finds at our local flea market that rang in at $1 total!

  • Before painting, wipe down with a damp paper towel, removing any grime or dust stuck in the grooves. Allow the item to completely dry, and then select a color to use for spray painting. White is elegantly chic, while using a pastel blue or green is fun and fresh too.
  • Take the items outdoors, and lightly spray with paint. You'll need to apply at least three to four coats to get a nice and solid covering of paint. Don't rush, and do light coats; they keep the paint from dripping or pooling, which can alter the shape and design of your cool figurines.
  • Let completely dry before handling, which can take several hours. Display the painted figurines on bookshelves, mantels, or special corners of your home.
POPSUGAR Fashion

DIY: A Beaded Tassel Necklace to Give You a Tribal Touch

This Summer, we're testing out our layering skills and piling on eclectic necklaces.

This Summer, we're testing out our layering skills and piling on eclectic necklaces. With this episode of Designer DIY, you'll get that world-traveler feel without heading to a far off destination. All you need are wooden beads, a tassel, and clear invisible thread, so watch on to see how it's done. On Allison: Rebecca Minkoff.

DIY

Cute as a Button: 10 Cool Crafts You Can Make With Buttons

Button up! It may not be coat season quite yet, but if mama's got a drawer full of buttons, or if she's simply looking for an easy DIY project, those extra fasteners may be perfect for her next arts and crafts project!

Button up! It may not be coat season quite yet, but if mama's got a drawer full of buttons, or if she's simply looking for an easy DIY project, those extra fasteners may be perfect for her next arts and crafts project! Check out these 10 cute-as-a-button crafts. We've got something for everyone!

DIY

Shine Bright Like a Diamond: Easy DIY Jewelry Cleaner

When your favorite bling just doesn't have the same sparkle, instead of purchasing expensive cleaning solutions or bucking out for a professional scrubbing, try this easy DIY jewelry cleaner.

When your favorite bling just doesn't have the same sparkle, instead of purchasing expensive cleaning solutions or bucking out for a professional scrubbing, try this easy DIY jewelry cleaner. Using ingredients you already have in your pantry, this concoction costs pennies to make and doesn't use any harsh chemicals — just the power of science. And you can give your old toothbrush a new life by gently scrubbing jewels postsoak. Before you know it, your special gems will be dazzling.

Read on for the directions.

parenting

9 Ways to Keep Your Kids on Task With Their Chores

If your kids have regular household responsibilities, then you've already conquered half the battle.

If your kids have regular household responsibilities, then you've already conquered half the battle. Now holding them accountable for those responsibilities is the next step. Keep your tots on task with a clever chore chart that turns even the most mundane of tasks into a game. We've found nine unique ways — from a smartphone app to a DIY reward system — to keep your family functioning efficiently.