If you are looking for enjoyable ways to improve your property, do not forget about the garden. Should you own a corner summerhouse, for example, there are plenty of fun projects to embark on that will leave the space looking more impressive than ever.
Perhaps one of the best things about choosing your shed as the focus of your creative skills is that there is scope for people of all kinds of interests to get involved. Those with green fingers, for instance, could fashion a hanging basket, while craft lovers and DIY fans will also find plenty of ways to exercise their talents. Read on for some quick ideas.
Glass jar lanterns
One of the things that summerhouses often lack is soft, attractive lighting. So, this is a good place to start your creative additions. Among the simplest projects is turning glass jars into pretty little lanterns – and all you will need is one or more jars, sticky-backed plastic, card, frosting spray and tea lights.
First of all, make a template out of card in any shape that you want – this will form the design that appears on your lanterns. Bear in mind simple shapes are best, as these are less fiddly. Next, trace this on to the reverse side of the sticky-backed plastic, before cutting it out and affixing it to the jars.
Carefully spray the jars with the paint and leave to dry. Once they are completely dry, you can peel off the plastic. All that’s left is to pop in your tea lights and enjoy the soft glow.
Homemade curtains and cushions
If you enjoy sewing or knitting, meanwhile, this gives you another way to enhance your summerhouse. These spaces are often improved with a few creature comforts, so working on projects such as making curtains or cushions is the perfect means of flexing your craft muscles and sprucing up the room.
An added bonus is that these kinds of projects are suitable for those relatively new to sewing or knitting, which means you need not be an expert to try them. If you like the sound of making small curtains for your little summerhouse windows, take the time to select some nice fabric – though you may want to practice on cheaper material first – and remember to measure the amount you need carefully.
You could also use your sewing skills to create a cushion, but for something ultra-soft and luxurious, knitting is arguably the best option. Again, if you choose a simple pattern, these are achievable for novice knitters – just remember to select some soft, good-quality yarn and stuffing (make sure this is flame-retardant) to achieve the best result.
Hanging baskets
If you have green fingers, meanwhile, creating a hanging basket is a fantastic way to brighten up the exterior of your summerhouse – and it also gives you a change from your day-to-day gardening tasks.
You will need a metalware basket, grass clippings (these should still be moist), water-retaining gel, multipurpose compost, a small plastic pot and a mixture of plants. You should aim to have lots of different colours, as well as some blooms that will hang around the edges.
First, line the basket with moist grass and top with a layer of plastic – this will boost moisture retention – that has been punched with a few holes. Next, fill the basket approximately two-thirds full with your compost and water-retaining gel, before planting your chosen varieties – with the exception of those that will provide hanging blooms at the edges.
Then, tuck the pot in so it just peeks out over the compost. When you water the basket, pour the liquid directly into the pot, so the water can then distribute evenly and gradually. Finally, add the remaining plants and hang it up outside your summerhouse.
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