bored

Photo by Juan Pablo

Bored? Check Out These 10 DIY Kits!

These past few weeks have been trying for all of us. As a self-employed introvert, I love working from home. However, with more free time on my hands these days, I’ve decided to follow in my super-creative Mom’s footsteps and try more “hands-on” projects. Things I have found of interest but never tried. If you’re in the same boat but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few fun do-it-yourself kits to check out. All are ideal for beginners or those interested in renewing an old hobby! And don’t miss the last one–its FREE!

                                                  Photo by Gardeners Supply

Whether you have a yard or just love plants, now is the time to get growing! As Tyler and I will be moving soon, we need plants that can move with us. This large terrarium kit includes everything you need to create and maintain a lively, healthy terrarium. Just add plants. Available at the Gardeners Supply Company for $59.99.

                                                    Photo by FeltedSky

This kit is perfect for beginners (and those of us who haven’t sewn in 20+ years). It includes a beginner’s guide to needle felting, instruction sheet, link to video instructions, two color-coded felting needles, felting wool, linen fabric pattern, 7″ wooden hoop, and muslin fabric square. Available at Etsy for $34.99.

                                            Photo by PaintNumbers

I love art and have personally always liked the look of paint-by-number pieces. So, whether you are a skilled painter or a complete amateur, this kit allows you to turn any photo (i.e., landscape, family, pet, etc.) into a custom paint by number piece! Kit includes one numbered acrylic paint set, one linen canvas, three paintbrushes, and one hanging kit. Available at PaintNumbers for $48.95+.

                                        Photo by Standing Stone Farms

Perfect for the cheese lover – like me! This kit allows you to make seven different delicious kinds of cheese – Mozzarella, Chevre, Goat Cheese, Queso Blanco, Queso Fresco, Mascarpone, Ricotta – as well as butter. Kit includes step-by-step instructions, guide and recipe book, microbial rennet, calcium chloride, citric acid, cheese salt, and reusable drain cloth. Available at Amazon for $29.49.

                                                        Photo by WoolHugs

Who doesn’t want one of these blankets – they look so soft and cozy! This do-it-yourself knitting kit includes merino wool yarn, one giant needle, and video instructions on how to knit the blanket. Choose from six different sizes and 30 different beautiful colors at Etsy for $72+.

                                                Photo by Nature’s Blossom

This complete soy candle making kit was designed with the beginner in mind. Includes 1.5 lbs. of vegetable soy wax, three scents (Lavender, Lemon, Chamomile), large wax melting pitcher, three tin candle jars, six cotton wicks, wick stabilizers, and a step-by-step candle making guide. Available at Amazon for $54.99.  

                                            Photo by Nourished Essentials

Now I’ve helped my Mom and Grandma with canning, but let’s be honest, it’s a lot of work. I still plan to do that down the road but would like an easy way to make pickles and coleslaw now. Voila! This kit includes three wide-mouth lids, three wide-mouth weights, and a pump. Mason jars not included. Available at Amazon for $34.50. cole

                                                  Photo by Craft Connections

My friends and I had a version of this college (aka jungle juice in a cooler), but this definitely takes it up a notch! This kit includes everything you need to make your own all-natural handcrafted infused spirits: recipe & instruction book, 100mL infusion jar, 750mL liquor bottle, funnel, and strainer. Just grab any bottle of distilled vodka or base liquor, add your favorite fruits or herbs, and strain. Ready to enjoy in as little as 24 hours. Available via Amazon for only $39.99. 

                                                 Photo by Craft Connections

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE hot coffee. But every once in awhile, I crave a cold coffee drink, and this is cold brew coffee from a box! This kit includes coffee beans, coffee grinder, recipe & instruction book, half-gallon mason jar, and stainless steel filter. Available at Amazon for $49.99.

                                                        Photo by Canon

My Mom just mentioned this to me. Canon offers FREE downloadable paper craft materials on their Creative Park website. You’ll find toys, puzzles, games, crafts, cards, ornaments, garlands, calendars, scrapbook parts/kits, art, stickers, and iron-on transfers and much more! The Handheld Hedgehog is part of their Beginner Series. Perfect for the kiddos! Check out CreativePark.Canon to learn more.