Do It Yourself Fall 2019

from the editor

Organizing can be life-changing. As the editor of our sister publication Secrets of Getting Organized, I’ve seen organizing evolve from niche topic to trendy hobby to fundamental way of life. Why? I believe organizing has grown in popularity over the past decade because it truly makes a difference. Simply put: Your world may be chaotic, but your closet doesn’t have to be. This issue of Do It Yourself takes a hands-on approach to decluttering your rooms and storing your best stuff in the smartest ways possible. While buildable cubbies (page 62) and shelving (page 92) require effort, I promise that the more personalized your storage solutions, the more successful you’ll be at staying organized. So start small by optimizing your pantry containers (“Order in the House,” page 18), then construct some…

tidy up today

DO IT BETTER SIMPLE AND ATTRACTIVE, THIS DIY PEGBOARD HOLDS EVERYDAY OFFICE ITEMS, DOUBLES AS WALL ART, AND IS CUSTOMIZABLE. BHG.COM/PEGBOARD PANTRY Turn your good intentions into an efficient pantry. A customizable solution converts any size space into an organizer’s dream. BHG.com/DIYPantry BAR CART Running out of room for your fancy glassware and cocktail mixers? This industrial-style bar cart offers additional storage and serves as a pretty (and portable) party station. BHG.com/BarCart KITCHEN SHELVES Clear your kitchen countertops with easy-to-build wall-mount shelves perfect for spices, oils, or on-display kitchen decor. BHG.com/DIYShelf…

clocks

DO IT BETTER FOR A UNIFORM LOOK, HANG CLOCK AMONG MULTIPLE ALBUMS AND ENJOY THE CONVERSATION YOUR NEW DECOR SPARKS. IN RECORD TIME Put your favorite album on display with this easy wall art hack, left and opposite. Use painters tape to mask the center of a record, then cover the vinyl with several coats of metallic spray paint, letting dry between each coat. If needed, drill a larger hole through the center of the record, then insert the clock movement and attach clock hands on the front. Hot-glue a picture-hanging hook on the back or use peel-and-stick wall hangers. CHILD’S PLAY Fire up your imagination—this easy-to-make clock, left, is ready for customization. Roll polymer clay into a thick round in the size of your choice, leaving edges a little imperfect for a…

black sheep goods

THE MAKER: ASHLEY OWENS This stay-at-home mom of two runs weaving business Black Sheep Goods from her hometown of Nashville. Q: What’s the story behind the name? A: I’ve always been called the black sheep of my family and friend group. I’m just the silly, out-there, goofy one. I also feel like I don’t have a set artistic aesthetic. I’m like a Picasso who has different periods—I can’t just stick to one thing. Q: How did you come up with the idea for the Pop Out Loom? A: As I started weaving, I realized that there wasn’t an easy, all-in-one way to learn how to weave. I wanted to design a weaving kit that included everything—the loom, needle, shuttles, pickup stick. With a laser-cut loom, there’s so much negative space in the middle. I decided…

maximize your pantry

SMARTER LABELS In addition to identifying products and labeling shelves, you can use an electronic label maker to print details like cooking times or extra ingredients for a recipe, left. Stick labels on the side of the container for easy reference. SKINNY SOLUTION Utilize every inch of space by building a pullout, right. Attach a drawer slide to one side of a 1×3 board and hooks to the other, creating holders for items such as brooms and mops. FOOD SAVERS Ensure freshness and guard the environment with reusable (and sealable!) silicone bags, above. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, these plastic-free pouches are perfect for packing snacks or sandwiches. Stasher Bags, from $10; stasherbag.com SHELF LIFE Any space can be transformed into a pantry by lining it with adjustable shelving, this photo. Work from the bottom…

on our radar

1. This kombucha kit has everything you need to make your own fizzy brew. Drink, fill, and repeat for multiple batches in the custom jar. Cheers to your health! Kombucha Brewing Kit, $45; thekombuchashop.com 2. Bug banishing at its best. With a battery and refill cartridge, the petite Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent will keep bugs at bay within 110 square feet. Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent, $50; thermacell.com 3. Sync this clever coordinator with smart home devices to monitor your front-door camera, check your schedule, or play your favorite tune. Wake gently to sunrise simulation or set it to turn on your coffeemaker. Lenovo Smart Clock, $80; lenovo.com 4. Get photos off your phone and onto your walls! Download the MixTiles app to choose photos and frame style for the repositionable 8×8-inch tiles. The…