Vintage goods, whether it’s clothing, home décor, furniture, or art, have a one-of-a-kind look that is captivating. That said, vintage items, especially those in good condition, can cost serious money. As a result, vintage-inspired DIY projects are great in that they give you the vintage aesthetic that you’re looking for at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re a DIY expert who regularly does projects or someone looking to try a DIY project for the first time, completing a DIY project is a great feeling – even if you run into some unexpected challenges. Furthermore, when you make something yourself, it automatically becomes more meaningful and memorable. Below, we cover five of our favorite vintage-inspired DIYs that anyone can do. While some are a bit easier than others, all of these projects are certainly doable, even for a DIY novice. Let’s begin!
1. DIY Pearl Necklace for a Timeless Piece of Jewelry
When you think of vintage fashion, one person you’re likely to think of is Coco Chanel, and when you think of Coco Chanel, you automatically think of pearls. A DIY pearl necklace is a fantastic idea because it’s a functional piece that will all loads of elegance to your outfits. Fake pearl beads are extremely inexpensive and though they don’t shine like a real pearl, they’re still fun to use. If instead you want to make a real piece of pearl jewelry, The Pearl Source is a great option for authentic loose pearls that are perfect for DIY projects. Regardless of whether you use real or fake pearls, putting the necklace together is quite simple and done in a few steps. All you need is the pearls, a bead cord, needle, bead clamps, and tweezers. Using white pearls or faux pearl beads is a classic option, but black pearls are also a great option to consider (get some inspiration from these gorgeous pieces of Tahitian pearl jewelry).
2. DIY Floral Arrangement in Painted Mason Jars
There’s something about mason jars that give them a definitively rustic appearance and makes you want to use them every chance you get. Despite how simple and easy this DIY idea is, it can give any room in your home a big boost in aesthetic appeal. For this project, you’re going to need three supplies: a mason jar, multipurpose spray paint, and flowers. Try a vintage store for an antique mason jar – if you’re lucky, you might find some for a great price. Once you have your mason jar, next comes the most important part, painting the jars. Purchase a can of multipurpose spray paint in a color you like that will complement the room you’re planning to put this piece in. We suggest painting the inside of the jar to retain the beautiful exterior glass shine of the jar. Once the inside of the jar is dry after 4 to 5 coats of spray paint, fill the jar up with a little bit of water and put fresh flowers inside that are trimmed to match the length of the jars. Every few days, replace the flowers and water to keep the look fresh.
3. Vintage-Inspired DIY Teacup Candles
Not only are DIY teacup candles extremely cute and chic, but they will also make your home smell amazing. And while this project may seem difficult, it’s actually quite simple once you have the supplies (though it does require an hour or two to complete). First off, order candle soy wax flakes (a one-pound bag is more than enough) and candle wicks online. Next, find a vintage teacup at an antique store with a design that you find delightful. Once you have your supplies, you place the wick inside the candle, boil the candle wax flakes, add the scented oils, and pour the wax into the teacup. After letting the wax harden, your beautiful new candle is ready to be used.
4. DIY Stained Wooden Pallet Herb Garden
In the last few years, wooden pallets have become extremely popular with people in the DIY community because of the endless projects you’re able to do with them. For this list, we want to introduce the idea of an outdoor pallet herb garden. You can use this to harvest some of your favorite herbs including rosemary, basil, mint, oregano, parsley, or cilantro. However, in addition to being useful for your spice cabinet, they also function as a beautiful piece of outdoor décor. To add a vintage-inspired touch, stain the wood pallet. The main supplies you need for this project include the wood pallet, wood stain, fabric, soil, and herb seeds. Once you’ve stained the wood, staple the fabric onto the bottom of three sections that are each at a different level. From there, fill up these sections with soil, add your seeds, and give them some water. In just a few weeks, your wooden pallet will be full of beautiful herb plants.
5. DIY Vintage-Inspired Framed Map Wall Art
We finish off our list of five vintage-inspired DIYs with a piece of wall art that can make any room in your home a little more worldly. You can find vintage maps online on websites such as Etsy for just a few dollars. Try to find a map of an area that is symbolic to you, for example, the city you grew up in or the country your ancestors are from. Once you have your desired map, find a frame that you’re not using – if you don’t have any, check a thrift store. This guide from Martha Stewart shows you how to transform an ordinary frame into a vintage-inspired masterpiece in just a few steps. All you need is a little bit of paint, a coarse brush, sandpaper, and some cotton cloth. When your frame is ready to go, place the map inside (cut the map to fit the frame, if necessary) and you’ll have a fascinating piece of wall art that cost you barely anything.
The five vintage-inspired DIY projects we’ve covered here are each special in their own way. Each has a distinct use and form of rustic beauty. Best of all is the fact that anyone can create all of these DIYs, no matter their skill level or DIY experience. All it takes is a little bit of creativity, some directions, and a few supplies to be in good shape to put together the perfect vintage-inspired DIY project.
