Reader Project Gallery — Share Your DIY Book Projects
When we decided to number every project in our book more than two years ago, we hoped to build an online gallery where readers could share their interpretations, variations, and finished projects by referencing the project number. That idea is now a reality. This page will grow over time and will be linked from the book page, so whenever you’re looking for inspiration or want to see how other people have adapted ideas from the book, check back here — new projects will be added regularly.
Think of this as a permanent, book-related challenge: a place where readers can upload their photos and descriptions whenever they like. You don’t need to follow the instructions exactly — creative spins, alternative materials, and unique color choices are all welcome. Below are a few of our favorite reader submissions to get you started. If you’ve completed a project from the book, please add yours to the gallery so everyone can enjoy it.
- Project #120: Make Paint-Chip Art — Submitted by Margaux & Steve of Young Nesters. They transformed paint chips into a colorful, coordinated design that suits their bathroom update beautifully.
- Project #179: Gold Recycled Bookends — A creative repurpose that takes discarded materials and turns them into elegant, gold-toned bookends. Simple, affordable, and effective.
- Project #193: Sketch on a Pillow — A monogrammed pillow design that uses hand-drawn sketching to personalize a soft accent for the home. This submission demonstrates how an easy DIY can add meaningful detail to a room.
- Project #147: Make Tissue Paper Art — Sent in by a reader named Alise, who doesn’t have a blog. She traced a fish outline directly onto tissue paper, cut the shape out, and adhered it to canvas with Mod Podge. We especially love the single orange fish she added as a focal point.
- Project #68: Paint a Headboard on the Wall — A painted headboard that creates the look of custom millwork without the expense. This approach is great for renters or anyone looking to refresh a bedroom with paint and pattern.
How to Submit Your Project
We want to showcase as many reader projects as possible. If you completed a project from the book, you can add it to this gallery whether or not you have a blog. Photos hosted on public image services work, too. Follow these simple steps to contribute:
- Find the “Add Your Link” button near the bottom of this page and click it to begin.
- In the URL field, paste the direct link to your specific blog post about the project or to the public photo page where your project images are hosted. Be sure to use the link for the individual post or photo, not your homepage.
- In the Name field, enter the project number (for example: “Project #114”) rather than your personal name or blog title. This helps everyone browse projects by their book number.
- Provide a clear photo or two that shows your finished project. Good lighting and a clean background make your work easier to appreciate.
We’ll keep this gallery up to date so other readers can see variations and new ideas inspired by the book. If you don’t have a blog, consider using a public album or photo-sharing service and paste the direct image or post link when you add your entry. Please make sure your photos are set to public so they can be viewed by everyone.
We’re excited to see your creativity and how you’ve personalized the projects. Your submissions help inspire others and bring fresh life to every idea in the book. Thank you for sharing — and happy creating!