The new year is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to look back at the creative projects that shaped 2017 on the Harbour Breeze Blog. I’ve already rounded up the year’s most-loved recipes and the top room makeovers, and today I’m sharing the collection of craft and DIY projects from the year—projects that range from quick crafts to furniture transformations and seasonal decor ideas.
I also contribute a monthly guest post to Kenarry Ideas for the Home, so a few of these projects appeared there too. I’ve included the original links so you can revisit full tutorials, supply lists, and step-by-step photos if you want to try any of these projects yourself.
The Craft & DIY Projects of 2017
Below are the DIY and craft projects featured on the blog this year. Click the link beneath each image to go to the full post with instructions, tips, and photos.
Spring Tablescape with Folded Flower Napkins
This spring tablescape highlights a simple napkin-folding technique that turns ordinary napkins into floral accents. The post includes ideas for color coordination, layering plates, and creating an inviting centerpiece—perfect for seasonal gatherings or a fresh dining room update.
Painted Dresser Makeover
A budget-friendly furniture update that demonstrates quick painting tricks to refresh an old dresser. The tutorial focuses on choosing paint types, prepping surfaces, and finishing techniques to get a professional look without expensive supplies.
Burlap Anchor Pillow
A charming coastal-themed accent pillow made from burlap with a custom-applied anchor image. The post explains ways to transfer or attach images to fabric, tips for working with burlap, and how to assemble a durable pillow cover.
Printed Burlap Pillow
This guest post covers a printable approach for adding custom text and graphics to burlap pillows. It’s a great project for personalized decor—ideal for gifting or updating a living space with rustic, handmade charm.
Painted Plywood Dresser Makeover
A step-by-step transformation of a simple plywood dresser into a stylish piece with paint and updated hardware. The post discusses dealing with veneer and plywood surfaces and shows how small changes can deliver big visual impact.
DIY Lampshade Makeover
A simple tutorial to give an IKEA wall lamp a custom look by updating the lampshade. The guide includes options for fabrics, attachment methods, and ways to match the lampshade to your room’s color palette.
Winter Wonderland Ornament
A fun and festive ornament craft that’s easy enough for a holiday craft night. The tutorial describes materials and assembly steps to create a tiny winter scene inside a clear ornament—a favorite for handmade holiday decor.
Christmas Tablescape
This holiday tablescape idea uses small pockets and simple accents to add personality to each place setting. The post offers suggestions for easy, budget-friendly ways to add charm to your holiday meals without a lot of prep time.
Painted Noel Sign
A simple painted sign project that repurposes thrift-store finds into seasonal decor. The post walks through prepping the surface, choosing paint colors, and adding finishing touches to create a cozy holiday accent piece.
Are you planning any crafty projects for the new year? I’m already sketching ideas and making a few plans—whether it’s small seasonal crafts or furniture makeovers, there’s always something that can refresh a space or make a thoughtful handmade gift. If any of these projects inspire you, click through to the full tutorials for materials lists and step-by-step instructions, and happy creating!