All Posts By

Anita Holland

xTool P2 CO2 Laser review

Xtool p2 co2 laser review

Are you like me, someone who is sitting on the fence when it comes to deciding whether investing in a laser cutter is a good idea or not? There are so many questions that come to mind, such as whether it’s worth the money, how easy it is to use the software, and whether it’s possible to make money with the laser. In today’s post, I will share my thoughts and experiences using the xTool P2 CO2 laser.

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Wooden Steampunk Christmas tree

Wooden steampunk Christmas tree  made with recycled jewellery

I am a huge fan of steampunk and never miss an opportunity to combine its industrial beauty with my DIY projects. With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to create something different—a wooden steampunk Christmas tree made from recycled materials. Steampunk is not a style often associated with Christmas, but its metallic colours, gears, and industrial vibe create an amazing contrast with festive décor. By blending woodwork with mixed media assemblage art, I was able to design a tree that is both unusual and stunning, while keeping true to my love of upcycling.

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DIY skull bottle

Completed skull bottle with hat and peacock feather- side view

If you are looking for a quick and easy DIY Halloween project, this spooky DIY skull bottle is perfect. Using simple supplies like an old ceramic bottle, serviettes, and a budget plastic skull, you can create a creepy Halloween decoration that looks like it is dressed in clothes. This project is also beginner-friendly for anyone wanting to try mixed media art assemblage without needing expensive tools or advanced skills.

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Bar stool makeover

Outdoor bar table with matching DIY stools - side view

Have you ever regretted a purchase the moment you saw it in place? That’s exactly what happened to me with these barstools. A few months ago, I built my son a rustic outdoor bar table using recycled decking planks and fencing posts. It turned out beautifully, but I didn’t have enough wood left for stools. Wanting to complete the set, I bought four metal bar stools online for $400. Once assembled, they looked completely wrong next to the table—cheap, mismatched, and disappointing. Returning them wasn’t an option with postage costs sky-high, so I did the next best thing: I gave them a complete makeover.

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Aluminium Can Art

Completed shimmering wall art made from aluminium pop can circles that move in the breeze

I am always on the lookout for new ways to recycle everyday household waste, and this project turned out to be one of my favourites. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I transformed empty drink cans into a Shimmering Aluminium Can Art wall hanging. The design features a wooden star, decorated with small circles cut from recycled aluminium cans.

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How to make simple rope wall art

Rope wall art trio in thrifted frames with flowing macramé waves

When the International Bloggers Club set the theme “Rugged Ropes & Twisted Twine,” I knew I wanted a project that anyone could make in an afternoon. Rugged Ropes & Twisted Twine: Easy Rope Wall Art in Frames turns simple macramé rope and thrifted frames into calming, textural wall décor. I trialled the idea on three small frames to let a single flowing pattern travel from one frame to the next—but truthfully, this technique is even easier on a larger canvas. If you love neutral, organic décor (and budget-friendly crafts), this one’s for you.

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Light shade makeover using vinyl decals

Daytime view of the modern Greek key light shade in the kitchen

When a routine clean turned into a disaster and my kitchen light shade shattered, I replaced it with a plain glass one—only to find it disappeared into the ceiling. This post, Greek Key Glow: Cricut Vinyl Light Shade Makeover, shows how I transformed a boring glass shade with Cricut-cut vinyl. When the light switches on, the bold Greek key pattern projects a beautiful glow across the walls and ceiling.. The same method works with any bold geometric.

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Wooden Barn Quilt Tray

Finished barn quilt tray styled with bottles and glasses

Looking for a fresh “Tray Chic” idea? This DIY Barn Quilt Tray from Recycled Blinds turns leftover timber and an old wooden blind into a bold, geometric serving tray you’ll use every day. I’m sharing the exact steps I followed—fast, thrifty, and easy to customise with your favourite colours.

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Shou Sugi Ban Wooden Gecko Wall Art

Finished Shou Sugi Ban wooden gecko wall art on brick verandah wall

Looking for DIY outdoor decor that stands out? This giant Shou Sugi Ban wooden gecko climbs the wall with bold texture and gorgeous colour. I upcycled a free sideboard top, burned the timber for dramatic grain, and sealed it so it’s ready for the verandah or patio. One rescued panel. One simple technique. Show-stopping outdoor wall art.

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DIY Outdoor Bar Table

Finished bar table styled for outdoor entertaining

When my son (193 cm/6’4”) asked for a taller table, I designed this Standing-Height Outdoor Bar Table from Decking Timber to suit how he entertains. He prefers to stand and lean while chatting, not perch on stools. I built the table higher for comfort and better posture, with a footrest for long conversations. Leftover decking boards and fence posts kept costs low and reduced waste. We skipped a flimsy $3,000 store-bought leaner and built something solid, custom, and made to last.

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Upcycled Chair Spa Towel Rack

Finished spa towel rack styled with towels

In this Upcycled Chair Spa Towel Rack tutorial, I transform a broken antique chair into a wall-mounted towel holder with a spa-themed decal made on my Cricut. The idea came from a very real problem—our two cheeky Jack Russell terriers kept stealing the spa towels from the steps and turning them into tug-of-war ropes. While I plan a pergola, this quick project keeps towels tidy, dry, and off the ground.

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How to make feathered Angel Wings

Finished black feather angel wings mounted on steampunk mannequin

Want to turn heads with a show-stopping, steampunk-inspired display? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make feather angel wings using real feathers, recycled materials, and basic tools. These shapable wings were designed to complete my steampunk mannequin makeover, but they’d be perfect for cosplay, costume parties, or mixed-media art installations.

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DIY Wooden Paint Brush Holder for Artists and Crafters

Wooden paint brush holder filled with brushes on desk

If you’re an artist, crafter, or DIY enthusiast, you’ll know the frustration of searching for the right paintbrush in the middle of a project. Brushes get lost in drawers, tossed in baskets, or buried under other supplies. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a DIY wooden paint brush holder that keeps every brush organised and easy to reach. Not only does it save time, but it also looks stylish on your desk or craft table.

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