How To

Welcome to the Hometalk "How to" page! We hope you will enjoy and learn some practical tips from our compilation of inspiring DIY projects on every topic in home renovation, from building walls to planting succulents and everything in between. Here you will find a community that empowers people to improve their homes and gardens.

Top How To Projects

Are you looking for the top DIY projects on Hometalk? Look no further.

3 Unique Ideas for DIY Picture Frames Using Craft Stencils

The perfect craft project is right in front of your eyes and it’s screaming “Stencil Me!” In this video, Cutting Edge Stencils shows you step by step (in this detailed tutorial) on how to stencil wood picture frames. Stenciling projects are the perfect DIY craft for all ages! Whether your old or young, stenciling is super EASY & FUN. It is also a great way for friends and family to spend time together creating something they can share for years! Bring an old frame or piece of furniture to life with a new paint job and trendy stencil design. Upcycling cheap garage sale finds is a great way to save money & transform vintage pieces into something custom designed and super stylish! Cutting Edge Stencils loves finding inspiration from Pinterest and famous home decor magazines. The three stencil patterns we decided to paint on our wooden frames came straight from 2019 hottest home decor trends. Not only are our stencil deigns super trendy, the paint colors we chose also play a crucial part in the design! We decided to go with a timeless black & white combination.

Cutting Edge Stencils

DIY PVC Pipe Organizer for Your Shoes

Shoe clutter has always been a problem that haunts our entryway. Between everyone's everyday shoes, sports shoes, boots, and leisure shoes, there's barely any floor space!I'm always on the hunt for creative ways to stow clutter, so after the last time I tripped walking in the door, the wheels in my head started turning on turbo. What I came up with is an easy, affordable, and attractive enough way to store shoes, while keeping them easily accessible—using PVC pipes!Learn tons of other hacks to an organized closet, by joining our organizing workshop! Registration ends May 15th, so hurry!

Hometalk Originals

Table Leg Candle Holders

Something that I’m trying to do in our house is try to keep décor simple but classy and still show my colorful style (P.S. by the way: I’m super excited to reveal pictures of our reno once it’s all done! We’re about halfway there!!). I found an idea for making candle holders out of table legs, and aside from making them my own by changing how to assemble them, I also decided to make smaller versions for our new kitchen table we plan to build soon instead of huge ones that sit on the floor (though, someday when we have a bigger place and our kids are a little older, it would be nice to have them on a fireplace hearth or something like that). While I decided to keep these clean color-wise, I love how they go with any colorful bouquet of flowers or table setup. It’s amazing what some and flowers will do to your eating space—and it always gives me the warm and fuzzies when I have fresh cut flowers displayed in our home.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

How to Make a 5 Minute Patio Table

Spring is finally upon us! Hallelujah!!! I've been waiting for this nice weather since last summer ended and now the time has come to start sprucing up our yard again. Because of the layout of our yard, we don't have a great space for patio furniture so when we have guests over, we sit family-style on a big picnic table Rob made a few years ago and once the stars come out, we usually gather around our little campfire in beach chairs and on 2 makeshift benches Rob made out of driftwood we picked up at Montauk Point. However, our guests usually sit their drinks on the ground so this project is the perfect solution to that small issue.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

How To Create A Simple Indoor Herb Garden

After getting started with a new health regime, I became very interested in growing my own plants and produce. However, my home has a severe lack of outdoor space, so I decided to focus on herbs instead.Some of my friends have indoor herb gardens so I knew it was a possibility, but I knew nothing about how to start one and I didn’t really want to spend too much money on it. I did a little research online and formulated a plan of how to make my own, compact herb garden.Personally, I’m really happy with how it turned out, so I thought I’d share it, in case anyone is interested in making one too! So here goes…Step One: Gather Some Materials

Adam S. Moore

How to Make a Hanging Tire Planter

Some of you may have seen my post where I made a winter planter out of an old tire. Now that spring has arrived I wanted to give it a mini makeover and use it in my yard for the summer. I have two old trees in my back yard that I have hung hanging baskets from, this year I envisioned my tires hanging from them. See my easy step by step instructions below for this easy transformation.

Melanie

How To Rust A Dollar Store Pot

I'm the type of person that enjoys doing things easy, I'm kind of always in a hurry. So, when I was looking up faux rusting techniques, I was disappointed that most of them use harsh chemicals () and can take up to 24-48 hours which is also a no. So, as I so often do, I did it my own way- fast and easy.

Shelly L Nemeth

Teal and Coral Wooden Crate Storage Cubbies - Shabby Chic

I love my wooden crates. I am constantly creating new ways to use them all over my house. I plan to use these in my daughter’s room in lieu of a dresser. She hates dressers and the drawers become a catch all for everything when it is time to clean her room. Right now she has been trying to use a bookcase and it just hasn’t been working for either of us. So, one day I stood in her room and brainstormed up this idea. It is the convenience of a bookcase and yet it can be kept more organized and neater in these cubbies. Hopefully, this solution will work for both of us.

Stacy Davis

How To Make Mosaic Rock Pavers!

This is a super fun and easy way to create unique pavers for sidewalks and pathways. I'm currently working on a pathway around my house and wanted something heavier and more decorative than the pavers available at the outdoor center, so I decided to make my own!

Bryan's Workshop

How to Seriously Upgrade Your Decor—using Hot Glue

Have some glue sticks lying around? Here are a few truly creative craft ideas using hot glue. Make some decor for your home or give these bright and beautiful accents as gifts!The best part? When you use hot glue, you can customize your design every time.

Abbie M

3 Unique Ideas for DIY Picture Frames Using Craft Stencils

Cutting Edge Stencils

DIY PVC Pipe Organizer for Your Shoes

Hometalk Originals

Table Leg Candle Holders

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

How to Make a 5 Minute Patio Table

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

How To Create A Simple Indoor Herb Garden

Adam S. Moore

How To Make Mosaic Rock Pavers!

Bryan's Workshop

How to Seriously Upgrade Your Decor—using Hot Glue

Abbie M

How To Videos

Check out our DIY video tutorials on every kind of how-to renovation project.

How to Build a Storage Unit in a Minute and a Half

Last year, I came up with how to build a bench in sixty seconds and I’ve always wanted to create another similar idea. So, without further ado, here it is. Yesterday, I showed you how to build a simple cubby dresser using four crates. Today, I am showing you how to add three stair treads and create an amazing storage unit. This storage unit can be used as many things. I plan to use it in my daughter’s room as a dresser. My daughter hates to put her clothes in drawers. I hope this is a solution that wI’ll both of us happy. I seriously wouldn’t mind one for myself. It would be great in a mud room using each crate for a child or an item. Such as one bin for hats, one for gloves and so on. Maybe a bin afor rain gear.

Stacy Davis

Clever Ways To Keep Your Small Closet Super Organized

Anyone else have a tiny cluttered front closet? I have some tricks for you!Check out the video for more how-to's!Learn tons of other hacks to an organized closet, by joining Hometalk's organizing workshop!

Abbie M

9 Easy Building Ideas That Are Perfect for DIY Beginners

Check out these 9 awesome DIY ideas that are perfect for any skill level! Get the full tutorial + materials here: - How to Turn Barstools Into Nightstands- Closet Door Built-In Storage- Up-cycling a Filing Cabinet to a Desk- Modern Macrame'...Not A 70's Memory- Creating a Simple Desk That Costs Nothing to Make- DIY L-Shaped Farmhouse Wood Desk + Office Makeover

Abbie M

6 Project Ideas For People Who Love Farmhouse Style

Can't get enough of farmhouse decor? Check out these 6 incredible additions to your home! - Shiplap Wall- Farmhouse Shelves- Custom Built-Ins- Serving Tray- Coasters- Farmhouse Desk

Abbie M

Hometalkers' Favorite DIY How To Projects

We've compiled the best DIY how-to projects to inspire you to begin your own.

DIY Embossed Mermaid Flower Pots

Learn how to make your own DIY mermaid flower pots with Texture Powder, Metallic Cream, and All-in-One Decor Paint!

Country Chic Paint

19 DIY Home Projects for Beginners

Best of DIY Home ProjectsTackling DIY home improvement projects may seem intimidating at first but once you learn how to complete these simple projects you’ll wonder why you waited so long. Save money by trying these home improvement DIYs yourself. You won’t need to call in an expert with these projects that can be completed in less than a day!

Best Of Hometalk

How to Create a Marbled Look With Country Chic Paint!

Check out this tutorial to learn an easy and fun way to give your simple, terracotta plant pots a beautiful marbled finish!STAY TUNED on Thurdsay, July 6th at 7:00 PM EST to watch our LIVE VIDEO on this project!

Country Chic Paint

Pyramid Crate Organizer

This project is one in a long line of projects to organize my daughter's room. I started to go back and count how many times I have built a project to do this and then she never used it and decided, "Nope, don't look back!" So, I began again with two of my favorite materials. Crates and stair treads. I had a rough beta of my idea put together in no time. If you are looking for a good song to listen to while you do your project, I had Panic! at the disco's High Hopes on repeat while I assembled this project. I danced around the room singing, "Mama said don't give up, it's a little complicated..." I had the project started in my daughter’s room and then got sidetracked. She came to me and asked me how was the pyramid shelf supposed to work. I said, "I was thinking of organizing it kind of like how you wear outfits. Shoes on the bottom below the stair tread, pants and shorts on the lowest level, shirts on the next and small items on the top with accessories on the top and sides." Y'all! She went up and started using it that day, in the way that I described! When I was ready to finish the project by adding shelves and cork board and wallpaper, it was full of clothes and jewelry and in use. This project might just work. As I was building this, my 25 yr old son asked me what project I was working on for his sister. After I explained it was a pyramid organizer, shoes go under the shelf and so on, he said, "I want one, too!"

Stacy Davis

Birch Lane Knock-off: How To Make French Vase

Alright, you probably can relate. I came across a really pretty vase at Birch Lane for $65.99, I wanted it, but did not want to spend that money on a vase. So, I set out to re-create the look for about $3 instead! Check out how I achieved the look.

Shelly L Nemeth

Create Custom Canvas Artwork In An Hour With A Mandala Stencil!

We all have blank walls that could use a little wall art. Unfortunately we are not all artists so today we're going to show you how to easily paint your own canvas wall art using a .

Cutting Edge Stencils

DIY Embossed Mermaid Flower Pots

Learn how to make your own DIY mermaid flower pots with Texture Powder, Metallic Cream, and All-in-One Decor Paint!

Country Chic Paint

19 DIY Home Projects for Beginners

Best Of Hometalk

How to Create a Marbled Look With Country Chic Paint!

Country Chic Paint

Pyramid Crate Organizer

Stacy Davis

Birch Lane Knock-off: How To Make French Vase

Shelly L Nemeth

Create Custom Canvas Artwork In An Hour With A Mandala Stencil!

We all have blank walls that could use a little wall art. Unfortunately we are not all artists so today we're going to show you how to easily paint your own canvas wall art using a .

Cutting Edge Stencils

Popular How To Discussions

What are Hometalkers discussing? Join the conversation here!

A/C question: My outside unit runs, but no air is being pushed through the vents in the house.

/> Scott

It has been about a year since my last tune up, and I am wondering if a tuneup might be all I need, in order to avoid a service call and diagnostic fee and any other charges that may come along with all that. Thanks as always for your input!

View discussion

How do you get rid of flies on the front and back porch?

/> Cherish C

My front porch and back patio are plagued annually by flies (not just 1 or 2, swarms). Some info, both face east, the front patio is covered, while the back is covered by a tarp hung from the roof to the fence for privacy between us and the neighbors. (our large glass sliding doors face each other and we can see directly into each others house, so we put that up for privacy). There are a couple of trees over the back patio, and a couple by the front. I have hung fly traps, sprayed bug sprays nothing seems to keep them away. Whats worse, they come inside whenever a door is opened and then my house is full of flies. How do I get rid of the house flies? Any help, thoughts or tricks would be appreciated!

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Stain is still tacky after 12 hours, how can I fix it?

/> Pam

I stained some pine planks with Miramax penetrating stain last night and they are still tacky. I was layering two coats. I had my desired look so I didn't wipe off any excess. I tried wiping it this morning but it is still tacky and will not wipe off. Anyone know what I can do in a hurry? I need to install them today.

Stain is still tacky after 12 hours, how can I fix it?

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What to do with an electric sofa recliner that's stuck?

/> Lisaalt40

My electric sofa recliner is stuck in the feet up position. Will not retract. Unplugged, replugged nothing works

View discussion

New How To Projects

Wondering what's new in the world of DIY home renovation projects? Look no further!

How to Transform a Hatbox Into Delightful Patio Planter

I saw this rusty old tin Victorian Hat Box hidden underneath a table at a antique brick a brack stall in London for a few pounds and instantly thought it could make perfect planter for the patio garden area on the fence .

Susan Goode

How To Make a Hanging Solar Lantern

I purchased Edison style solar lights a few years ago and every season I like to create a new look for them. You may have seen some of my previous projects I have posted using these Edison lights . This spring is no different. I wanted a lantern look for the spring and summer season. After much debate on the materials I was going to use I came up with this inexpensive idea that I think is going to look great.

Melanie

Lighting Upgrade - With Sharpies!

This was a challenge. ......... it took me forever to think of something. I knew I had a freshly painted chandelier and a few light bulbs. This is what I came up with.....

Heatherelzey

How To Make Tinted Mason Jars

Mason jars have been pretty hot in home decor and have so many uses. Personally, I find places to put them in almost every room! To pretty them up, I decided to tint them various colors to give them a fresh look and match my decor. Give it a try for yourself!

Julien K., Hometalk Team

How to Create an Indoor Growing Room For Plants

Recently, I moved from a small house with a garden into an inner-city apartment. Although my apartment had more space and was in a better location, I was disappointed by the lack of greenery in my life. At my old place, I had a small vegetable garden and tons of house plants.So I decided to do a bit of researching into how I could grow great plants indoors and found out about indoor growing rooms. After looking into it further, I decided to create a DIY growing room, and create a step-by-step guide to what I did to help others to add more plant life to their homes and apartments.Step One: Gather the Materials

Paula M. Slater

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