DIY projects

Leather Laptop Case DIY

This project is as easy as it gets. The materials and process are very simple and the whole thing can be done in less than an hour. It is one piece of leather bound together on both sides by simple brass rivets. If you’ve never worked with leather before then definitely practice making holes and attaching the rivets before you start on the real one. If you go to a leather supplier you’ll have more options for interesting colors like this bit of scrap leather we found in the perfect blue. See full instructions below.

Keep reading for the easy instructions.

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Letter Coatrack DIY

This coatrack is inspired by Heath Nash’s coatracks. They don’t make them anymore so I thought it would be fun to make a simple version ourselves so we could make it say what ever we wanted. We made one that said “hello hello” but you could customize it to spell a name or whatever you wanted. This would make a great gift and the supplies to make it are very inexpensive. It does take about a day of crafting but if you spread that out over a few days it would just take a few evenings. (See some other Gifts to Make right here.)

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Modern Gingerbread House

This post is sponsored by Safeway stores-Safeway, Dominicks, Tom Thumb, Vons, Randalls. Tastier for the holidays!

by Alexis Birkmeyer

I love a good gingerbread house but I thought it would be fun to do do a modern one instead of the old traditional type. Here are instructions how we made this little modern house that any design lover could get excited about. There is a free template below that makes this project super easy. Click through for the full photos and instructions.

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Painted Ornaments

These painted ornaments are the perfect holiday craft. They are super easy, so you can mindlessly paint while you watch Elf. You get to work with your hands and choose fun paint colors but you only have to put in a little effort for a great result.

Materials Needed: Thick acrylic paint, paper mache ornaments, Paint brushes, Paper plate (for palate)

All photography by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day
Art Directed by Jordan Ferney
Crafting by Caitlin Barker + Irene Yu

Beeswax Candle DIY

Here is a little project my friend Emily taught me how to do a few years ago. Beeswax candles are so great to have around during the holidays. The smell is subtle and amazing and each candle burns for a little over an hour. It’s perfect for when you are doing a small Christmas-y activity and just want a little atmosphere. These beeswax candles are so easy to make (even kids can do it) and make wonderful little gifts to give to friends and neighbors. This has become a tradition in our house. We’ve kept the extra sheets from year to year and make a new batch every year.

Materials Needed: Beeswax Sheets in Natural, Wick, Scissors, Little Muslin Bags for Packaging.

Step 1: For the size of candle pictured here you can get 16 candles out of each sheet. Step one is to fold and cut the sheet into 16 pieces.
Step 2: The wick has a top and a bottom so cut a piece of wick but pay attention and leave the top of the wick hanging out the top about an inch.
Step 3: Start with the wick at the edge and begin rolling up the beeswax. At the end gently push the seam into the candle to seal.
Step 4: The wax is a little sticky so you can use a glass bowl or cup as a candle holder by pushing the candle into the dish and making in stick in place.

All photography by Heather Zweig for Oh Happy Day
Art Directed by Jordan Ferney
Crafting by Stacy Wichelhaus