12 Canadian creators with inspiring projects and DIYs perfect for winter weekends
Meet the makers offering up tutorials and step-by-step vids to make your downtime more delightful
Winter weekends were made for crafting — and they can only be better if you're familiar with some of Canada's most creative DIYers. They offer up gorgeous and makeable projects. With so many how-to's to choose from and so many brilliant bloggers out there, it can be hard to decide what tutorial to take. So we thought we'd highlight a few of our faves in time for the long weekend ahead. Whether you're looking to add some accents to your home or tackle the latest trends in style, you can craft until your heart's content thanks to these pros. Dig out your sewing machines, looms, power tools and paints!
PMQ for Two
PMQ for Two is chock-full of DIY's to add a little pizazz to your space this weekend. Based out of New Brunswick, self-described "colour wielding Queen and decor blogger" Ariel Garneau shares projects with an elevated aesthetic, yet they're super approachable. Her DIY's offer up hints of mid-century and retro for those in search of saturated hues, and you can tackle everything from this turquoise beaded jewelry dish to renter-friendly upgrades, such as this staircase runner.
Making it in The Mountains
If neutrals are more your vibe, turn your attention to Kristi Mercer's projects. Making it in the Mountains is full of vintage-inspired, farmhouse-style projects. If you love linen, this site is your source for simple sewing projects such as farmhouse style DIY linen dish towels or DIY linen totes. You'll also find plenty of French-country inspired tutorials along with how-to's for trendy pieces that are popping up all over Instagram, such as this DIY blanket ladder and this wintry pom pom wreath.
Lady Hayes
You may recognize this floral maven's gorgeous creations from CBC Life's Home section — this Canadian designer, photographer and mama is a must-know for all of you floral fanatics out there. Known for her sought-after floral crowns, Lady Hayes' love of blooms shines through her how to's. Bring a little bit of spring into your winter weekend and transform some pretty petals into your crown or make this everlasting floral basket. And if you're not feeling the florals, no problem. Hayes' creations extend to lifestyle and home decor, too. Treat yourself to a glam soak after you craft quartz-inspired soaps or DIY this groovy disco ball planter.
Treasures and Travels
A Vancouver-based lifestyle blog run by two sisters named Tegan & Lindsay, Treasures and Travels is packed with projects to fill up your weekend. Their offerings run the gamut from fashion to home decor — and that's just the Ikea hacks section. Get crafty and DIY some on-trend textural, boho pieces, such as a tote made from Ikea placemats, a tassel blanket, or even your very own woven headboard.
Lemon Thistle
Looking to master the art of hand lettering? Lemon Thistle's got you covered. Colleen Pastoor shares unique hand lettering how-to's on her site, but that's not all. Her blog is focused on DIY's and renos (hello power tool tutorials!) with a focus on ensuring readers can actually tackle her projects. The Kamloops-based blogger aims to "serve the rest of us" instead of the pros, and offers up step-by-step instructionals for everything from this homemade leather cat pouch to this DIY moulding wall.
My Little Secrets
Natalie Ho is a self-described DIY fashionista and "a strong believer that if you love something, you can make it." She shares all of her secrets for style and the home over on My Little Secrets. Turn a pair of jeans into this Gucci-inspired embroidered pair, or craft these 5-step pom pom coasters. Her DIY's are anything but complicated and this Toronto-based blogger's projects feature supply lists with materials that can mostly be found laying around the home.
Love Create Celebrate
Husband and wife duo, Lindi and Russel Vanderschaaf offer up tons of DIY reno's that you can actually tackle in a weekend. For the ambitious, they outline step-by-step projects that will up your home's appeal; you can learn how to install your own shower pan and drain or even make your own bathroom shelves (while learning how to drill into tile). The DIY and home renovation bloggers behind Love Create Celebrate also have smaller-scale ideas such as these modern entry wall hooks or leather coasters.
A Pretty Fix
Whether you're a weaving and embroidery enthusiast or new to the scene, A Pretty Fix has a DIY tutorial for you — and probably more than one! Jelica's blog is stocked with and cozy crafts, stylish patterns and DIYs like a tutorial for making your very own loom. She's your resource for lots of textural techniques and lays out her how-to's with easy-to-follow photos so that you can craft your very own wall hangings in custom colours. Spend your weekend weaving lots of boho-inspired projects like these woven coasters or master the macrame trend.
The Learner Observer
Thalita Murray is the art-teacher-turned-interior-designer behind the home and lifestyle blog, The Learner Observer. A mom of two twin boys, she shares DIYs kids will adore such as a wooden tic tac toe board or a spray painted alphabet mat and much much more. She's a self-described "serial decorator" so her blog is a great place to turn if you want to tackle trendy decor DIY's on your day off. And if you're feeling like your space needs a spruce, you can even DIY these inexpensive, but elevated wooden butchers block countertops.
Withwendy
If you're seeking sewing tutorials, turn your attention to one of our absolutely favourite Canadian creators, Withwendy. With a focus on DIY fashion and an eye on repurposing, her video how-to's are entirely approachable (check out these Dollar Store DIY's!). She's created some of her stylish and savvy DIYs for CBC Life's fashion and the home section such as this super-cute swan dish, this designer-inspired belt bag, homemade mini backpack, or even a clear raincoat for the season ahead.