9 DIY Projects to Tackle in 2018

MAKE NINE Challenge 2018 DIY Selections 

Greetings readers and new friends! Today, I would like to share with you the Make 9 Challenge. If you are an artist or a maker, then you have come to the right place! The challenge, was created by Rochelle, the writer of Lucky Lucille.  

Can I be honest with you? I only participate in a few challenges a year. When I came across the Make 9 Challenge, it instantly appealed to me because I discovered it at the right moment. It was the beginning of January and I was in full-on content planning mode for the year with XOSarah. Since I blog weekly about creativity and DIY, I saw this challenge as an opportunity to focus on 9 specific projects. It felt doable- and so I said: challenge accepted. 

​I hope you will post your creations right along with me! Here are the top 9 projects that I am going to try out making this year. I will be sharing them on Instagram using the challenge hashtags #2018MakeNine and #CreativeSundays (my creative series hashtag). Please be sure to tag your projects too for all of us to see! And now for the top 9 projects that I will be sharing in 2018. 

Read on down to see the full list of projects that are in the works this year! 

Keep Reading!

1. Lino-Cut Valentine's Printmaking

The first project is inspired by Rochelle herself and her adventures in block printing. I just love the decorative print that she made below. In my tutorial, I will be sharing how to hand cut a rubber cut stamp for printmaking a Valentine and use printmaking inks to create patterns on textiles and paper. This one is coming soon, I promise! so that you can try this out before Valentine's Day. You can follow this board for other cool Valentine's craft projects.

photo via Lucky Lucille

2. Geometric Printed Scarves 

Block-printed primary scarves, inspired by vintage color palettes and Mondrian. 

3. Indigo Batik Toddler t-Shirts

Next up, I would like to try my hand at some indigo batiks. In high-school, I remember working for a whole semester on a batik face. For this project, I plan to batik infant, toddler, and kid's t-shirts that will be sold at an event in March. If popular, these could become part of a mini-kids collection.​ I adore this Batik Indigo Mudcloth from Erin of Francoise et Moi. I love how she dyed each a different shade of indigo blue. I have already ordered the super soft infant tees by Rabbit Skins and soon I'll be picking up my wax pen! ​

photo via Francoise et Moi

4. Raw Edge Hanging Shelf

Ever since, I created my son's Nature Inspired Bedroom, I have planned to replace his IKEA shelves with a single beautiful raw edge shelf. As many of you already know, I have this thing with walnut hardwood, so this will project will be inspired in part by my love affair with walnut, woodworking and this shelfie below. 

5. Bundle DyeD Textiles 

This one is a little plug for my upcoming Bundle Dye and Aromatherapy Retreat in March. We will be using natural materials to custom dye silk scarves. It is 1-day retreat, full of relaxation, creativity and meeting new friends. If you feel creatively zapped, then I highly recommend this workshop as a chance to renew your energy. If you are a maker that wants to learn a new skill, along with discover what materials dye brilliantly, then I also highly recommend this. 

photo via Unsplash

6. Cozy tie-dye Socks 

Cozy socks. Need I say more? I am inspired by these stunning bamboo dyed socks that feature 2-3 different tones. Perhaps, I will try indigo on Procion dye to create an original pair of these. 

photo via Etsy

7. Hand Drawn Hallway Mural 

Later in the year, I am planning to create a hand-painted hallway mural. I have wanted to re-do our hallway for some time now. I have been researching everything from basket walls to murals. I have painted many murals in the past and honestly some times, I love to spend the afternoon painting on a wall. I am  inspired by this hand drawn mural by Madrid artist, Angela Leon and an in store mural that I saw in West Elm, Los Angeles. Look out for this mural later in the year, as I am hoping to team-up with my favorite paint brands! 

photo via Poppytalk

8. Air Dry Clay Vessels 

I love this vessel by Japanese artist, Shio Kusaka and I look forward to sharing how create something minimal and textural like this using air-dry clay. Both the sunny yellow color and hand-built asymmetry of her work intrigues me! I am using her pottery as inspiration, for an air-dry collection later in the year!

photo via Anton Kern gallery

9. A Seasonal Wreath ​​

Every year, I have tried my hand at wreath-making, so I figured why should 2018 be any different? I love to end the year on a seasonal note. Depending on how all of these other projects line-up, I might just shake things up by creating an autumn wreath or a late summer wreath instead. Except with greenery wreaths and berries, you really can't go wrong! Check out the seasonal wreath that Tegan and Lindsay foraged and sculpted below. 

photo via Treasures and Travels

Until next time, I am off to check up on the other Make 9 participants to see what they have in the works! Be sure to pop over here on Tuesdays to see all the DIYS and be sure to share what you are working on in the comments too. If you need a jumpstart, Rochelle's list of helpful questions is really good. 

If you liked some of these ideas, you might enjoy: 

• Natural Bundle Dye Tutorial
• Shibori Textile Basics 
• Creating a table top Zen Garden​​

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