9 DIY Cottage Core Projects to Add Charm to Your Home
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DIY cottage core ideas are everywhere, and the only limit is your imagination. However, we all need a little inspiration every now and then. From cute jam jar covers to custom clothing, here are some handy ideas. So what are you waiting for? Grab your tools, and go get your craft on!
First, Get Rid of Clutter!
No one works well in a cluttered space. When you get into crafting, there are many tools you need. For safety and practicality, organization is critical. A cramped room is dangerous. If you have a spare room, this is a massive help. If possible, convert a spare room into a crafting space. This doesn’t require much, but junk removal is essential. You need space to get your crafting skills out, and things getting in the way won’t grease the wheels of inspiration!
DIY Cottage Core Jar Covers
So, now that you are set up in your crafting space let’s begin with something easy but super fun! Jam jar covers are excellent accompaniments for all those delicious home preserves you can make each season. The limit is your imagination, but here are some tips for using them:
Be sure to center the fabric over the lid so it fits the jar snugly and securely.
Secure the fabric covers using ribbon or twine, whatever helps with the aesthetic.
As optional add-ons, you can attach small charms, flowers, and hand-written notes.
The covers look so much better when secured onto the lids, and they give a more professional look. Extra ribbons can add a touch of elegance, and some decoration just adds to the charm.
The Art of Flower Pressing
Flower pressing is an ancient art and makes excellent additions to the natural feel of any cottage core project. When done properly, a pressed flower art piece can potentially last for hundreds of years! The only limit to flower pressing is what is available to you. However, there are some issues. Flowers turning brown are one of the most common. To avoid this, use absorbent paper, space flowers well, and be sure to store the designs in a cool, dry place.
How About Some Lampshades?
One of the more practical uses for crafting skills is creating custom lampshades. Cottage core style benefits well from this art since it adds a homey and cozy feel. When done properly, a crafted lampshade will be the envy of guests and can give your house that Martha Stewart feel! For the design, floral works well for cottage styles, but that’s not all. Neutral colors, lace patterns, and materials like wicker complement the design, and you can find these everywhere!
DIY Cottage Core Quilting and Blankets
Quilting is a classic American pastime. There are quilts that have been passed down through generations for each to add to. And maybe you can begin your own. Of course, it isn’t too easy and takes time to learn. But with some practice runs, you’ll be quilting like a pro in no time.
Get the basics ready
When quilting, you need a few things. Fabric is obvious. But you will also need some tools such as a rotary cutter, cutting mat, a ruler, needles and thread, and a sewing machine.
Start small when learning
Making a big quilt is a big job. If you are a beginner, it helps you start small. Begin with a simple 9-patch or basic square quilt. You can add to this or tackle larger pieces as you get better.
Cut, sew, and bind
Using your tools such as the rotary cutter, cut your fabrics to size. Then, row by row, sew the fabric pieces together. After layering the quilt, bind the edges using fabric trim at the edges.
Delightful Dish Towel Recipes
The humble dish towel is a staple accessory in every cottage kitchen. Of course, there are many designs and patterns to choose from. But it wouldn’t be cottage core without some additional customization, would it? You can pretty much do everything with a blank towel. However, you can truly make a dish towel of your own. If you are handy with sewing and embroidery, note down your favorite recipes on your towels. This is quirky, but you’ll always have inspiration too!
Pressed Flower Candlesticks
Pressing flowers is mentioned above. But most people press flowers into parchment for art hangings. But is that all you can do with your beautiful wild bouquets? No, actually, it isn’t! Who doesn’t love a room lit by flickering candlelight? Everyone loves candles. Yet you can also make your candle projects even more special by using flowers sourced from your natural surroundings. Pressing these into the wax, you can create stunning floral designs or paint them.
DIY Cottage Core Clothing
We can probably all agree that too much clothing material is wasted these days. In fact, over 900 million tonnes of waste go to landfills per year. However, you can use your clothing in many creative ways to match your cottage style. Here are just a few simple examples you can try:
You can use an oversized shirt and transform it into a dress for spring or summer.
Using floral and gingham fabric, you can create a tiered skirt by sewing for a ruffled look.
Using embroidery thread or machines, there are endless possibilities to customize jeans.
Shirts can be like a blank canvas, and are among the easiest garments to upcycle. Floral designs add to the country aesthetic using scraps of material or handy embroidery machines.
Custom Journals and Scrapbooks
Scrapbooking is one of the most popular pastimes today. Journaling is also enjoyed by many and is considered a key part of wellness. But what if you combined the two? Your craft side can create a scrapbook journal for a truly custom experience. There are many reasons you can also use this combo. For example, rather than a generic, print-on-demand wedding album, how about a personalized book using your photos? The only real limit here is your creativity.
Summary
Getting rid of clutter is a great start before attempting DIY cottage core projects, as it makes a safe work environment. One of the most fulfilling projects to try is quilting. But for a personal experience, you can combine journaling and scrapbooking for a touching creation of your own.
