Things To Make #2
Unlock your creativity and discover joyful learning.
At the gym earlier this week, a lady approached me and jokingly said, “Are you training for the Olympics?” I laughed and explained that I love pushing myself (I had just finished pushing 225kg on the sled), but it’s mostly for my mental health. She nodded in agreement, and we started yapping about what else makes us happy - hiking, cooking, upcycling, surfing, reading, travelling and making were some of them. It was a nice little meet-cute between two women who found out they shared a purpose beyond just doing - putting themselves first and doing what gives them joy, contentment, fulfilment and happiness.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind - I’ve been thrifting and upcycling heaps. As always. I’m on the lookout for some specific pieces, and if I find them, I’ll make sure to share them over on Instagram. I announced that my book Dream Home DIY is now available for pre-order in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the UK! If you don’t live in those countries, no worries! Readings also offers worldwide shipping 👀 I’m also busy planning my book launch. A few people have been asking me, yes I’ll be having a party to celebrate - and everyone is invited! I couldn’t have written Dream Home DIY without you, my wonderfully creative and inspiring readers. That’s why I’m thrilled for you to join me, my friends, family and my publishing team at Hardie Grant at my Book Launch! Jump over to my website (scroll down to the bottom of the page) and pop in your email and city. You’ll be the first to find out more details. I can’t wait to meet you and see you there!
After a year of hard work and doing it all myself, I finally finished and launched my Power Tool Course! It’s the perfect companion for recreating the projects in my book Dream Home DIY, but more importantly, learning how to use a range of power tools so you feel confident and empowered to tackle any DIY and upcycling projects at home. I hope it brings you lots of joy! I’ve also been busy planning and getting my packing sorted for a trip ✈️ to somewhere incredibly beautiful, and I can’t wait to share more! But for now, let’s check out this month’s list of things I’ve been making and want to make in the hope that it inspires you to unlock your creativity, find joyful learning and have the confidence to do it your way in those precious moments of downtime.
I’ve become addicted to matcha (I know, I know, I am very late to the party) and have been floating around a few different cafes around Noosa to find the best one. Then it struck me, why don’t I make my own - ha! I recently bought this one and it’s so good!
I finished my dollhouse with Sheet Society! It was a huge project to start and finish in as little as 3 weeks, but it was super rewarding. I used their fabric off-cuts to make the bedding, curtains, cushions and lots more. I also reused other bits and pieces I found around our home, including deodorant lids to make a dining table, a leftover carton to make a bed and a thrifted coaster to use as a floor rug. I’m finally starting to pull together my YT series for this project, which includes plans for building the dollhouse (yes, I built it from scratch!). Stay tuned…
I made a gallery wall in our living room using pieces of art by and from my Great Uncles, as well as a couple of other art pieces I’ve made using secondhand materials.
I found a bookshelf at a charity shop and knew it had potential for something stunning - gingham paint! That’s right. Gingham paint. It’s such a vibe. It went a little bonkers on Instagram, and I also shared a more detailed tutorial here, and painted a thrifted art canvas in three different colours using the same technique.
I’ve made this for lunch for the last two weeks, and I’m thoroughly addicted! I approach this recipe a little differently however, and cook the eggplant first so it’s nice and gelatinous. I also add broccolini for some extra veggies and absolutely load it up with Thai basil. I’ve tried a few different recipes and this one is the best IMHO.
When I upcycled my Gingham Painted Bookshelf, I started off this technique by painting two-toned stripes, and in that moment, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t done this on another secondhand piece before. I set about fixing that right away. I sourced a set of drawers from a recycling centre and painted chocolate brown and dusty blue stripes, and made stained wooden dowel handles (because I’m too much of a tight a** to buy new ones!) - and this project also went bonkers on Instagram! This project has received so much love that one of my readers asked if they could buy it! And I said yes, obvs. How good!
I recently found this armchair on the side of the road. I was on my way to the gym, it was dark, and I had no idea what it looked like until I got home. And I hit paydirt! It needs a serious deep clean, and while that’s happening, I’m also thinking about how I can breathe new life into it…let me know if you have any ideas!
Speaking of making, I gave my workshop an upgrade! I was struggling with bench and storage space, and now, I’ve got plenty of it thanks to Pinnacle Hardware! I swing between making and upcycling on the table on our back deck and my workshop, and let me tell you, this new work situation is a game-changer. Especially the extra bench space.
As you know, I love thrifting - charity shops, antique stores, secondhand markets, thrift stores - you name it. It’s my favourite thing to do, especially when I travel. I’m also totally in love with Martina Calvi’s Crafty Spots Worldwide Directory on Google Maps. It has almost 1,500 places contributed by her sentimental, crafty community and I’ve been longing for one that lists the best places to thrift secondhand around the world. And it hit me - make one yourself! So, that’s what I’ve done. I’ve started adding my favourite places to shop secondhand in my ♻️ Places To Thrift Around The World list, which you can find on Google Maps. Please feel free to add your favourite places to shop secondhand - it only takes a couple of seconds and would mean the world to me (and so many others!). I know it’s typically something we might gatekeep, but let’s change that and spread the love for shopping sustainably all around the world!
I’m still toiling away at embroidering tiny pearl flowers all over this thrifted denim jacket. It takes about an hour to embroider 10 flowers, and the pain of this project is visceral. When I went to Bali last year, I had grand plans to embroider on the plane, but I chose to relax and watch movies instead. Although I did get some done poolside, with a cocktail by my side. This is without a doubt the longest project ever, however, I am persevering and plan on finishing this in 2035. Lol!
Jaharn xo