How do successful people spend their weekends? They switch gears. They make time room for hobbies, volunteering, and spending time with loved ones.
And, while there’s no hard evidence to prove this, we think easy weekend projects contribute to the confidence and relaxation that are essential to success.
Ready to gain a quick shot of confidence that comes from accomplishment? Discover 10 super easy project ideas to try this weekend.
Bonus: Many of them you can do with friends or organizations where you volunteer!
1. Make a Unique Framed Photo Display
Do you have a box of photos tucked in a closet? Go get that box so you can create a showpiece for your wall.
To keep this project contained to the weekend, set parameters before you start. For example, limit your project to:
- 7 photos
- Only black and white images
- Only photos of people; no scenery or animal pics
After you’ve selected your photos, measure each one. Buy frames that are the exact size of each photograph. Simple wooden frames in a solid color, like you find in a dollar store, work well.
With one photo in each frame, lay them on a table. Make sure each frame touches at least one other. Mix portrait and landscape orientations to create a unique pattern.
Wherever the frames touch, use wood glue to make the connection permanent. Let the glue dry for 12-24 hours before affixing picture hooks on the back and hanging.
2. Make Jewelry
This is one of the most rewarding weekend projects because you can wear your creation at work on Monday!
Your basic supply list:
- Flat-nose pliers
- Crimping tool (crimp pliers)
- Beads
- Beading cord or thread
- Memory wire (for necklaces, bracelets, anklets)
- Big-eye beading needle
- Assorted clasps
- Crimp beads
If you’re a beginner, try working with larger beads until you gain confidence in your threading skills.
3. Organize Your Key Ring
If you have more than a few keys, why not make it easier to find the one you need?
Organizing your key ring is among the easiest weekend projects you can choose.
There are two parts to this project.
First, remove all the keys and place them on a table. Group them by purpose. For example, keys to your home and your friend’s house would go together. Keys for cabinets would be another group.
Next, get one color of nail polish for each group. Bright colors work best.
Paint both sides of the bow (that’s the part you hold) of every key in one group the same color. Repeat until your keys are color-coded.
Once dry, replace the keys on the ring. Either put colors together. Or, arrange them by size to make the ring easier to carry in a pocket.
4. Create Mini Terrariums
Mini terrariums are a pleasing way to add low-maintenance plant life to your home.
Take an empty, clean, glass jar or bowl. Spread a 2″ thick layer of pebbles along the bottom. Add a layer of potting soil followed by a layer of peat moss.
Plant small succulents or mosses. Try to keep the top of the plants below the rim of the container.
Mini terrariums make wonderful gifts.
5. Make a Custom Memo Board
Who doesn’t need a place for reminders and notes to other members of the household? Making a custom memo board could be one of your practical weekend projects.
No need to be a master craftsperson to tackle this project. The secret is good preparation.
The best tool sets for weekend projects have a variety of tools in a range of sizes.
Along with the right tools, you’ll need:
- Piece of 1″-2″ thick Styrofoam the size of your ideal memo board
- Single piece of durable fabric (e.g. tightly woven cotton) 6″-8″ wider and longer than the Styrofoam
- Staple gun and staples
- Decorative window frame (optional)
Being careful to not bend the Styrofoam, wrap it in the fabric. The fabric should extend 2″-3″ over each edge of the foam board. Starting with one long side, staple the fabric to the backside of the Styrofoam.
Keep the fabric taut and repeat on every side. Voila! A customized message board for tacking up notes. Placing it in a decorative window frame can add flair.
6. Organize Your Shoes
Do you or your partner have more than the 3 pairs of shoes every woman should own? If so, add “organize shoes” to your list of easy weekend projects.
For every pair of shoes you have, get one 1-gallon paint can. Without the paint! Also get as many screws.
Find a narrow and tall patch of wall space you can dedicate to your shoe collection. Place a row of paint cans so their bottoms are against the wall. Use a power screwdriver to put a screw through the bottom of the paint can and into the wall.
Set another row of cans atop the first and secure them to the wall. Repeat until you reach the ceiling!
Bonus idea: If bare metal isn’t your aesthetic, paint the inside and outside of the cans before turning them into shoe cubby-holes.
7. Personalize Coffee Mugs
Tired of looking at an ordinary mug while you drink your morning coffee?
Get a white mug and old-based paint Sharpie pens in the colors that make you happy. Draw or write whatever you want on the mug. Let your artwork dry overnight.
Put the mug in a cold oven then heat the oven to 350?F. Bake the mug for 30 minutes.
Turn off the oven but don’t touch or remove the mug for 1-2 hours.
8. Refresh a Dresser or Cabinet
Don’t have the time or energy to repaint a dresser or cabinet?
With wallpaper or shelving paper, you can still refresh that piece of furniture in no time.
Find a design you like. Cut pieces that are the exact size of the face of dresser drawers or cabinet doors. Adhere and enjoy!
9. Make Ornaments With Yarn
For ornaments you can hang from lights, place in a glass bowl, or include in floral arrangements, you need:
- Balloons
- String
- Cotton yarn
- White school glue
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup warm water
- Wooden stir stick
- Petroleum jelly
Inflate the balloons. Using string, hang the balloons from a clothesline, shower curtain rod, or the like.
Combine the cornstarch, glue, and water until the mixture is smooth.
With the wooden stir stick, cover the balloon with petroleum jelly.
Drag the yarn through the glue mixture then continuously wrap it around the balloon. Random designs can create the most intriguing ornaments.
Cover most of the balloon’s surface. Let the balloon hang-dry for 24 hours.
Pop the balloons and you have ornaments!
10. Transform a Shipping Pallet
If you’re looking for a durable coffee table, especially for a patio or terrace, transforming a shipping pallet could be the answer.
You can buy these low wooden platforms new. Or, many warehouses will sell or give you used ones.
Get two or three. Paint them. Stack them then nail them together at the corners. For added versatility, put a caster or wheel on each corner.
How To Choose Weekend Projects
There’s no right way to choose a project you can complete in a weekend. But if you’re stuck, start with one where you already have the supplies.
That will give you a quick win and the energy to try others.
So, which project will you try this weekend? Let us know with a tweet!
