DIY Outdoor Decor
It’s a special feeling and so fun to go out and find just the perfect decor piece for the front porch, your garden or other outdoor areas. Finding that just-right item isn’t always a possibility though, and all too often things seem to be so overpriced. The good news is there’s a solution to each of those problems. Instead of finding the perfect thing, make the perfect thing. It will be cheaper, is guaranteed to be available, and also it means so much more when that perfect DIY outdoor decor item is handmade.
This is a different kind of post for Gingham Gardens. It’s a roundup post where we have lots of ideas from around the web, our readers and a few of our own. I’ve always shied away from these types of articles because I want to do all the things and teach you how to do them. Well, I’ve come to the realization that I just don’t have time to do all the cool DIY garden decor projects. Lol! Thus, the reasoning behind this DIY outdoor decor roundup.
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We have lots of easy ideas for outdoor DIY projects that the entire family can participate in and we have some that are a bit more challenging for the avid DIYer.
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Upcycled and Repurposed Outdoor Decor
When on the hunt for DIY outdoor decor ideas, a great option is upcycling and repurposing. Basically, this is taking an old, unused, or broken item, and reusing it. Be ready to paint, cut, stencil, and paint some more. Once it’s done, it will look like a whole new piece. This is also a great option when looking for DIY outdoor decor on a budget, as old “junk” items will usually be much cheaper, or even free. Some our favorite upcycled garden decor articles are right here on Gingham Gardens. Scroll back up and check these out when you’ve finished up here.
Upcycled Vintage Garden Decor
Shade Border and Junk Gardens
Those little step ladders that used to be a staple of every home have largely been replaced nowadays. But that doesn’t mean they are useless. In fact, this might be the best time to own one, and then turn it into a gorgeous plant stand. They don’t take up much room, so stepladders are perfect outdoor decor ideas for small spaces. Rebecca from Rouse in the House also uses the step ladder as a side table on her patio. I would have never thought of that if I hadn’t read her post. So CUTE!
Rustic gardening is an up-and-coming trend in gardens. It is so unique and customizable. Locating and reusing castoffs lend a rustic charm to a garden, while making sure no two pieces of garden decor are ever alike. Thinking outside-the-box is a fun way to make good use of junk that would otherwise end up in the trash for your outdoor projects.
I’m all about using old chairs in my garden. Check out how DIY sisters, Sonja and Jane, repurpose an old patio chair. I love the story of how the old chairs were salvaged from a neighbor’s curbside trash.
DIY Garden Ornaments or Yard Art
Ellen from Artsy Pretty Plants makes the coolest things from concrete. Here she shows us how to make a large concrete mushroom. This would look so good with gnomes in a woodland garden.
I’ve made lots of garden ornaments from old glass dishes I picked up at the thrift store. If you’ve always wanted to do this, check out these step-by-step directions from Reuse Grow Enjoy.
Old metal decor items can add real appeal to a front porch. Although sometimes a little rust and chippy is the look we’re going for, it’s also good to cleanup old metal items. That’s where a DIYer’s secret weapon comes into play – spray paint! Choose a color scheme that complements your existing decor, and breathe new life into old metal items. Of course, be sure to use outdoor paint. Find all kinds of DIY patio decor just laying around, waiting for a fresh coat of paint. Check out these spray painting tips and ideas from Sonja and Jane at Sustain my Craft Habit.
Susan at Oh My Creative shares the cutest Wire Teacup Garden Stake! I think I need to do a few of these for my spring window box.
Repurpose an old, unused frame with some outdoor cloth stencil art. While this project is a bit supplies-heavy, it produces a result like no other. Feel free to change up the stencils, colors, and frames to fit any style of outdoor wall decor. There are many cool ideas here and the entire look would really dress up an old fence or garden wall.
Stack clay pots upside down in your outdoor space to create a unique birdbath. This idea comes from Gingham Gardens’ reader, Susan from Colorado.
DIY Outdoor Lights
Something about an outdoor space just calls for lights. But it can’t be just any old boring string of lights. Make the yard look amazing during the day and at night too, with these great tips for DIY outdoor lights.
Colorful Mason Jar Solar Lights
Sara at Bitz and Giggles shares the most unique tutorial for colorful jar solar lights. It is a project that can be customized to fit any decor scheme, and it’s solar-powered, which makes it a perfect use for old mason jars or any recycled jars.
Hanging Solar Mason Jar Lights
I’ve been using these adorable hanging solar mason jar fairy lights in my flower gardens for many years. In my book, any solar light that looks good both in the day and at night, is a winner. I didn’t even realize you could make the tops. Besides offering multiple options on how to construct these, Joy was able to get most or all of the supplies at a dollar store, to keep costs low. Check out here instructions here. Dollar store outdoor decor ideas are always a budget-friendly option for making DIY yard art.
How to Make Flower Lights Out of Recycled Plastic
These upcycled plastic bottle flower lights look complicated. But they can be made with tools everyone likely has laying around the house. Plus, they can be painted to match the existing porch items, so they can fit with any front porch decor. If DIY outdoor string lights are what the front porch needs, this is a great idea. I love the bright colors of these DIY porch lights and they look like a really fun project.
Outdoor Decor Projects on a Budget
One thing anyone who has tried to decorate an outdoor space knows well is that outdoor decorations are expensive. Not everybody has a lot of money laying around to hire a landscaper to transform their yard. Luckily, there are plenty of options for DIY outdoor decor on a budget. Have a look for some inspiration, and savings too.
DIY Garden Stepping Stones
Pavers make a great addition to any garden area, but they’re so expensive. And there’s not that much variety. Make custom ones! Stepping stones can be made at home without too much effort, and at a fraction of the cost. Plus, this allows so much more creativity to come into play. Inexpensive concrete mix and a few other items you may already have. Check out Lisa’s tutorial for DIY stepping stones.
Not necessarily budget friendly, but this DIY mosaic stepping stone kit would look gorgeous in any outdoor space or garden.
Check out these frugal ways to create DIY yard decor from tree limbs.
A good idea for being frugal is by using what you already have and making it better with as little money as possible. Donna is sharing this simple DIY project where she and her husband used paint and some stencils to create this patriotic DIY patio furniture. The end tables were fashioned from terracotta pots.
DIY Outdoor Decor – Planter Ideas
Here at Gingham Gardens, we have lots and lots of creative planter ideas. Check these out when you’ve finished up here:
Unique Flower Planters for Outdoor Spaces
Creative Whiskey Barrel Planter Ideas
DIY Outdoor Wicker Basket Planters
Creative Flower Container Gardens
Read on for lots more DIY planter ideas.
Galvanized Planters
Not too many people use galvanized tubs for much, anymore. Unless, that is if you’re a gardener and really into vintage galvanized tubs. Besides having an attractive, antique look to them, their durability means they can display a variety of plants, from vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Sara from Rocky Hedge Farm is quite the storyteller and shares her galvanized planter ideas with us.
Donna, a Gingham Gardens’ reader, shared her galvanized planter with us. She says the galvanized wash tubs were found in the family barn. They painted the base and left the tubs in their natural state. They hold a lot of flowers and she changes them out for a Christmas display with evergreen boughs, birch, ornaments and lights. So pretty and creative too!
More DIY Planter Ideas
This Aged Pottery DIY is one of my favorite projects in this post. These once terracotta pots are transformed into these gorgeous flower pots.
Sarah from Rocky Hedge shares step-by-step instructions for making a window box. If you’ve always wanted a window box, be sure to pop over and check it out.
See how Melissa from Sparkles to Sprinkles repurposed an old birdbath into a cute flower planter.
DIY Two Toned Wicker Planter
An eye-catching planter makes a great porch decoration. But a wicker planter like this can run a ridiculous price at the store. Luckily, with a bit of work and diligence, it can be replicated at home for a fraction of the cost. Additionally, it can be customized to fit multiple different color schemes and types of decor. Brooke from Restore Decor & More shows us how it’s done. The minimalist look of this planter many not be your thing, but the beauty of this creative DIY is that you can make it your own.
Angie shows us how to make these adorable fabric covered plant pots. If you are going to use them outdoors, be sure to give them a few good coats with outdoor Modpodge. This would be the perfect rainy day project for a gardener.
For another cute flower pot DIY, check out Amanda’s idea for fingerpaint flower pots. This would be a fun craft to do with kids and a great way to use some of those terra cotta pots you have piled up in the garden shed.
Stacey turns an unused kid’s wagon into the cutest planter. This is totally my style and I love it! Check out the step-by-step instructions here.
DIY Front Porch Decorations
Another easy way to really add a personal touch to the yard is with DIY yard art. As stated earlier, it is so much more special when you make something yourself.
A good welcome sign for the front porch will let visitors know they are, well, welcome. But a handmade welcome sign? That adds that special touch. With a minimum of materials, this sunflower welcome sign can be made and be dressing up the porch in almost no time. It would be a great addition to a rustic fence as a welcome into your garden. Check out how Amanda made this Sunflower Welcome Sign.
For more outdoor DIY signs, check out this post.
Outdoor Wreath Ideas
Maybe the ultimate outdoor decoration is a wreath. Even when space is at a premium, everyone has a front door, so everyone can have a wreath hanging there. Here are a few that can be made at home, to save money and add personality.
The best thing about wreaths is, they don’t have to be complicated. A simple wreath made with natural materials like grapevine or twigs, adorned with just the right flowers, can be just the right thing to adorn your front door.
Marianne shares instructions for creating this simple and pretty wreath.
Tips for DIY Outdoor Decor
It is always a good idea to use a sealant to protect items for outdoor use. This helps protect them from outdoor elements like rain and sun. I like Mod Podge outdoor or this one.
When gluing items together for outdoor use, always use a glue that will stand up to the outdoor weather elements.
It’s a good idea to store your DIY outdoor decor items out of the elements during winter months.
There are so many options for DIY outdoor decor, there’s no reason not to do it. And these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Combine several options here to make a really unique yard that anyone would enjoy spending time in.
Wow, so many great DIY outdoor decor ideas! Which one or ones are you going to tackle? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below. Feel free to save the photos in this post to your favorite gardening or garden decor board on Pinterest.
Happy gardening,
Joanna
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