Do It Yourself Fall 2021

Let’s hear it for bookshelves! The “shelfie” craze may date to 2014, but backgrounds that combine art, plants, and actual books have been a bright spot in this moment of Zoom meetings and video calls. Whatever your style, you’re sure to find a fresh, inexpensive way to showcase your collections and personality with a new bookshelf (see “Top Shelf,” page 42). Even better, each of these seven projects can be started and finished in less than a weekend. In fact, you can stack up the wood plank and acrylic cube bookshelf shown here in an hour. Autumn days are perfect for taking on projects to upgrade your home and yard. Gather grasses and florals to whip up instant organic art (“Fall on Display,” page 32). Follow influencer Kate Keesee’s tips to…

Senior Editor BRIAN KRAMER Contributing Editor SAMANTHA S. THORPE Associate Art Director JESSICA ENO Assistant Art Director EMILY BUTTERWORTH Contributing Copy Editor NANCY DIETZ Proofreader MARTHA COLOFF LONG Administrative Assistant RENAE MABIE HOME & GARDEN Executive Editor SAMANTHA HART Senior Editors BRIAN KRAMER, SALLY FINDER WEEPIE, KRISSA ROSSBUND, NICOLE DEAN TEUT Design Directors KIMBERLY MORGAN METZ, MICK SCHNEPF Associate Art Director JESSICA ENO Assistant Art Director EMILY BUTTERWORTH Senior Graphic Designer BRITTANY MUELLER Administrative Assistants RENAE MABIE, KATIE MORT, KIM O’BRIEN-WOLETT Photography Coordinator ALYSSA RICHARDSON Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® Manager SANDRA GERDES FOOD Executive Editor SHELLI MCCONNELL Senior Content Manager JESSICA SAARI CHRISTENSEN Senior Editor LAUREN LASTOWKA Style & Design Director STEPHANIE HUNTER Associate Art Director RAE DANNEMAN Administrative Assistant COURTNEY BUSH Culinary Specialists SARAH BREKKE, JULI HALE, COLLEEN WEEDEN Food Styling Director GREG LUNA Food Stylists LAUREN MCANELLY, SAMMY MILA, KELSEY MOYLAN EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATION Editorial Director JILL WAAGE Executive Creative Director MICHAEL D. BELKNAP Assistant Managing Editor…

CAST IN STONE Make your own high-end accents, this photo, from a concrete mix. Countertop mixes will give a smooth, light texture as with the taller vases. Choose a regular mix for a rough-hewn look. DO IT BETTER EASE THE REMOVAL OF CONCRETE FROM FORMS BY COATING ANY SURFACE THE CONCRETE WILL TOUCH WITH NONSTICK COOKING SPRAY BEFORE FILLING WITH CONCRETE MIX. DRYING TIME WILL DEPEND ON THICKNESS AND TYPE OF MIX USED AS WELL AS THE ROOM’S TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY. WAIT AT LEAST 24 HOURS FOR FORM TO DRY. COOL VESSEL To make an in-vogue bowl, start by combining packaged concrete mix like Quikrete and water according to manufacturer’s instructions. Stir in black pigment powder (from earthpigments.com) to achieve the desired charcoal hue. Spray inside of a large plastic bowl with nonstick…

1. MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 18-VOLT LITHIUM-ION BRUSHLESS CORDLESS COMPACT ROUTER Expect the power of corded 1.25 horsepower trim routers and 31,000 rpm, cutting up to 250 feet—that means all-day run time with fewer charger trips. Tool only. $200; homedepot.com 2. FASTCAP BLUEDOG Make your workbench work harder with Fastcap Bluedog adjustable bench dogs. Install in pairs on your workbench using a 2½-inch hole saw and then dial to the desired height to hold projects in place. $16 per four pack; fastcap.com 3. RYOBI 18V ONE+ CORDLESS AIRSTRIKE 18-GAUGE BRAD NAILER Co-owner of the Builders Challenge, Adam Beasley of Lazy Guy DIY recommends Ryobi’s 18-gauge nailer as one of the best on the market. It drives nails from ⅝ inches to 2 inches long. $129; homedepot.com 4. SILICONE PROJECT MAT Save the workbench: Dried…

HEY, FELLOW DIYERS! Every Handy Girl I know is keen to pick up a shovel, saw, and more to keep her home and garden in tip-top shape. Follow these ideas to sharpen your fix-it skills and lessen your homeownership worries. HELP PLANTINGS SURVIVE WINTER Trees, shrubs, and plants go through a lot, no matter where you live. If planted in the right Zone, they can cope with swings in temperature and moisture. (Find your area’s hardiness Zone at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.) You can help them endure the worst that winter throws their way, including animals looking for a midwinter snack to get through the lean times. Here are a few tips: HARDWARE CLOTH: This wire mesh can deter burrowing rodents from nibbling on trunks when buried to a depth of about a foot around trees and…

1. Macramé coasters join the color-blocked trend. The kit includes everything you need to craft two posh protectors with a few simple knots. Instructions and video tutorial make these beauties a cinch to complete. Choose from seven colors. DIY Macrame Coaster Kit (set of two), $22; etsy.com/shop/tiedtocleveland 2. It’s time to play with clay. Crockd kits include tools, tutorials, and clay. “Clay Breakers” convo cards add a fun element to this cheeky kit. Air-dry your creation or use the site to find a local kiln for firing. $59 for regular kit, $70 for Pride Edition (in rainbow); crockd.com 3. No messy gels or special fuels needed. This tabletop fireplace burns isopropyl alcohol. Just 5 ounces of fuel will give you 50 minutes of burn time. Perfect for roasting s’mores or adding cozy…