Projects to Tackle Over Memorial Day Weekend

A list of 50+ things to get done this 3-day weekend.

By: Emily Fazio

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My springtime project list has reached an epic length. Maybe you can relate. I always find myself most enthused about home improvement in the springtime, those few weeks squeezed between winter hibernation and "OMG-it’s-so-hot-I’m-never-moving-again." Memorial Day weekend is kind of the best time to get cracking on those projects for many reasons (3-days at home, hardware store sales, getting your home dressed to impress for a busy summer).

DIY Weatherproof Vinyl Pinwheel

Make colorful pinwheel inexpensively from vinyl folders.

Here are 50+ things that you can most definitely conquer this holiday weekend (and still have time to picnic like it’s your job).

pressure wash the exterior of your home
clean screens (or repair them!)
refresh the edging of your garden beds
and make some friendly pinwheels, like those shown above
stain an existing fence
plant container garden annuals
clean the grill (and stock up for summer with an extra propane tank or charcoal – look for charcoal deals at stores)
paint all of the things you've been putting off (paint is often on sale Memorial Day weekend too)
swap your storm door glass panes for screens
build yourself a tiki bar
install new house numbers
build a sandbox
chop wood, learn how to store and season it, and build a firewood storage container

plant flowering bulbs–yes, planting bulbs in the spring!
clean and repair the gutters (and clean the downspouts, those get clogged too)
hook up a new garden hose
cut a Swedish torch for the ultimate campfire experience
replace the doorbell
screen in your porch
build and install a bat house
embrace your boho side and redecorate your patio
make a tripod trellis from PVC pipes for your garden

create shade for your deck or patio
upgrade your entryway lighting (we love this sconce!)
mulch. Learn which product might be best for your landscape.
stain the deck
refinish your garage floor
build a fire pit
make an outdoor swing for the kids (or learn how to hang a tire swing in a tree)
reglaze window panes
build a garbage can screen

Oh no, it’s rainy!

(Yes, of course I have an “It’s Raining on Memorial Day Weekend” to-do list.)

clean ceiling fans, get creative with paint, or replace the fans altogether!
remove a popcorn ceiling
make a kid-sized coat rack

original_building-block-hat-rack-with-kid_v

remove wallpaper
Clean the mattresses and headboards (especially fabric headboards!)
refresh your decor for spring
make DIY cleaners–detergent, glass cleaner, general disinfectant, and carpet cleaner

How to Make DIY Carpet Cleaner

Learn how to make a dry carpet cleaner to freshen and cleanse your home.

From: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio, 2016

organize your coat closet (buh-bye, winterwear)
build and install cedar drawer liners
entertain kids with these cardboard creations
install a backsplash
put new cabinet paper on kitchen shelves
repot your indoor plants
install a colorful wall mural
declutter! Take a carload of clothes (and/or toys) to the secondhand store
make a new headboard
clean your coffee maker
replace dingy light switches with dimmers

10 Ways to Get Your Patio Ready for Summer Entertaining

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Budget Outdoor Living Room Makeover

If your patio is the hub of many summer shindigs, take a look at fun, but practical backyard makeover to get ideas for sprucing up your outdoor living space.

Start With a Rug

Just as an area rug can create a conversation area inside, it can do the same thing for a patio. Outdoor rugs come in tons of styles, colors and sizes. But, if you do not have a pool leading to wet feet on rugs you can use almost any type of rug outside. See how to turn a canvas drop cloth into an outdoor rug >>

Hanging Plants

Plants make everything more homey. Take a look at what type of plant will work best for your patio. If you are decorating a covered area you want plants that take shade and indirect light. Hanging baskets are a great option for west-facing patios and porches because they’ll provide extra shade in the late afternoon. This plant hanger was made inexpensively from upcycled t-shirts. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Use Beach Towels for Seat Cushions

Sure you can buy ready-made outdoor sofa cushions, but you can also fairly easily make your own. Why not make them slipcovers so you can easily wash away popsicle drips and pina colada spills? On top of that, wouldn’t it be even better if the slipcover fabric was made from beach towels? Learn how to make beach-towel slipcovers >>

Mix Materials

Wood is not the only material on your porch that needs protecting. If you have metal furniture consider painting with rust-resistant paint. Many aerosol protective sprays will also work on plastic outdoor furniture such as fiberglass. Learn how to refinish metal furniture >>

Bring an Old Chair Back to Life

Don’t send those old-school folding lawn chairs to the landfill just yet. Use nylon craft cord to macrame them with a bold pattern or colorful design. Learn how to do it >>

Talking Plants

Give your flower pots personality with words. Use stick-on letters to create your message, paint over the pots then peel off the letters to reveal your saying. See the detailed instructions >>

Pineapple Planter

Give your patio a little tropical flare by growing a pineapple plant in a planter that looks like a pineapple. Pineapples are in the bromeliad family, so they’re quite hardy and will take root rather quickly. For the planter, a plain yellow pot was crisscrossed with black-patterned washi tape to make it look like a pineapple. Take a look at the step-by-step instructions >>

Add Lighting

Any outdoor area automatically looks better with string lights. Use cup hooks to hold your lights in place if you are stringing them along your house. If you are stringing the lights across a yard or over a pool, string rope first, then wrap the lights around the rope.

Incorporate Storage

Consider outdoor storage - shelves, baskets and bins. If you are a pool owner with children keep a mesh bag full of pool toys, goggles and puddle jumpers handy. For the adults a collection of novelty sunglasses is always a big hit.

Make a Place to Set Your Drink Down

Make sure to have plenty of tables in your outdoor living area so your guests will have a place for snacks and drinks. You can buy furniture specific for the outdoors or you can take most indoor furniture outside with the right preventative measures. See how we refinished this rattan set so it can stand up to the elements >>

Add a Breeze

Consider installing outdoor ceiling fans. Fans not only help cool things off, the breeze can help keep mosquitoes away. Be sure to shop for fans that are rated outdoor. If you live in a particularly warm climate an upright oscillating fan might also be a good idea.

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