DIY

Rhonda Kaiser with Southern Home and Farm shares expert design tips to help make your table really pop this holiday season.

Dee Brown, TV personality and Home Design Content Creator shares her pro tips on how to refresh a space, adding style and function, without breaking the bank.

TV personality and home design content creator, Dee Brown, shares chic and cheap ways to refresh your space.

Judi Gevara, with Bloomsake, shows Houston Life hosts, Derrick Shore and Tessa Barrera, how to make a ring crystal using dried flowers.

Whether you have a small patio or a large yard, all kinds of vegetables thrive in Houston's fall climate.

While recent rain is certainly a welcome change is it enough to undo damage to your garden after such a long hot summer? If your lawn is looking a little lack luster, check out the video above for advice on what to do as we head into fall. Houston Life’s Melanie Camp caught up with garden guru, ABC Home and Commercial Service’s President & CEO, Raleigh Jenkins to get some post summer garden tips.

The museum is creating piñatas this week to celebrate Fiestas Patrias

To clip or not to clip the dead stuff? Find out

She creates scriptural and mental awareness pieces

How you can make a sculpture at home

Pro tips to clean out, organize, and declutter your cooking space

Tips from interior design star Gin Braverman

Products, hacks, and tips to help you store clothes and accessories

These plants will thrive in Houston's climate!

Red, White and Wow!

School’s Out, but That Doesn’t Mean Learning Has to Stop

Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. on Houston Life we'll show you how to turn old clothes into a trendy new statement piece.

Texas master gardener from Southern Home and Farm shows us how to take creativity to the next level

Check out these tips to give your home the ultimate facelift for Spring!

Painted a room the wrong color? Accidentally demolished a wall? Share your home reno nightmares with us!

Transform any room in your home in just one day! The solution is as simple as changing up your flooring with 50 Floor. Use the promo code HOUSTON LIFE you will save even more with $100 off your order and 60% off all carpet, vinyl, hardwood, tile and laminate.

Craftworx founder Alexis Geissler shows Valentine's Day DIY projects you can do with your kids on Houston Life.

Parents, these great activities are budget-friendly!

Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry, you can get your garden looking great now!

If you feel toys, books, puzzles, and games are taking over your kid’s playroom and there’s no way to contain the mess, it’s time to get organized.

It seems everywhere you go right now, the world is decked out for the holidays. But, what about your home? Is it missing a little something special? Guided through the process by local floral pro, Ace Berry, Courtney and Derrick show you how to wow your friends with an amazing holiday centerpiece that you can make yourself!

It’s time to say yes to fresh garlands!

The holidays are upon us and shopping for the newest and greatest gadgets can be stressful.

With the holiday season in full swing, we’ve got a fun DIY project you can do at home, FOR YOUR HOME. Or you can gift one to a friend or family member for Christmas! Houston Native Eboni Roberts, Founder and Creative Director of Kicky Mats stopped by to demonstrate this creative and artsy craft with Courtney and Katherine—guest hosting for Derrick Shore today!

Meet the talent behind the design

No costume? No time to go get one? No problem! Mel Camp and Lauren Kelly are showing some simple makeup looks anyone can try.

DIY expert Ashton Sedita shows Courtney and Derrick how to paint pumpkins like a pro! You can too. Materials and Instructions For the spider design: Materials - white pumpkin, black paint, black paint pen Instructions - Use your thumb and dab paint circle dots with it on white pumpkin. Once dry, make upside check marks to create 8 legs. For ghost design: Materials – orange pumpkin, white paint, black paint pen. Instructions: Use to your thumb and dab white paint onto the orange pumpkin. Once dry, create 2 eyes and a mouth.

Tricks and treats for family Halloween fun

Local artist Anita Bocanegra teaches Courtney and Derrick how to make Astros Catrina headpieces.

The team at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help you get your garden ready for fall...y'all! Raleigh Jenkins shares three great tips with Houston Life correspondent Melanie Camp

Summer Science Fun

From how to choose the perfect paint color to how to find high-end lighting for less.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Inexpensive ideas to grow a garden in tight spaces

Spring cleaning done right!

A trend that seems to be sweeping the internet the past few Easter seasons is naturally dyed eggs.

Easy Easter DIY ideas

How to declutter and organize your workspace.

If you want to get your green thumb this spring but don’t have a big area available at home, there’s a gardening technique from the ‘70s making a comeback, which can help your veggies grow even in a limited space.

There’s nothing sweeter than homemade gifts crafted with love.

Looking for a new hobby in 2022?! How about pickling?

Painting furniture is a way to breathe new life into old furnishings.

As one of the most intimate and important spots in the home, the bathroom deserves to be a tidy and clutter-free area.

If you want to spark an interest in STEM in your little ones from an early age, there are simple and fun science experiments you can do with them at home starting at age three.

Looking for a way to beat the hit and keep your kids engaged during the Winter holiday break? There are some thing you can do without breaking the bank that can keep them entertained for hours. Spin Master is a leading global children’s entertainment company best known  for award-winning brands PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Kinetic Sand, Air Hogs, Rubik’s Cube and GUND, and is the toy licensee for other popular properties.

We hate slamming any kind of sweet, but gingerbread is just the worst. Here's how to make a gingerbread house without the gingerbread and common candies.

Even though wrapping gifts is a dreaded task, it gives your present an extra personal touch and it will definitely save you money.

Christmas is right around the corner, and whether you’re planning a holiday party or hosting a family get-together, Jacqueline Terrel, owner of Tudor House Cookies has an easy and festive way to make it sweet and memorable. The mom of four and winner of Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge” shared the simple steps to create a stunning stacked Christmas cookie tree that’s sure to impress and taste delicious.

If you’re planning a holiday gathering at home, whether big or small, a charcuterie board is guaranteed to impress any guest.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, party ideas or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth Cypress Sweets is the one stop shop that can fill all your candy needs. Owner Courtney Okanlomo along with Sweets Specialist Karina Williams shared a festive candy craft that the whole family will love.

Poinsettia season is in full swing.

‘Tis the season to get creative!

Looking for a way to incorporate fall into your home decor, without spending big bucks?

If you’re looking for what to plant in your backyard when the cooler temperatures arrive, garlic should be on the top of your list.

How new flooring can take the look of your home to the next level

If you live in Texas and are thinking about giving your home some TLC, you are going to want to keep reading.

DIY home renovation projects have become very popular over the years!

After being turned down by the Food Network two times, Jacqueline Terrel, owner of Tudor House Cookies, was ready to take a break from making cookies. But, with some encouragement from her friends she applied one more time, finally finding sweet success on the show “Christmas Cookie Challenge” where she beat out her competitors to take home the big win.

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating has you covered.

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating has you covered.

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer?

Looking for ways to stay cool this summer? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating has you covered.

Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin are the local stars of HGTV’s ‘Two Steps Home,’ a show where they help their Houston-area clients sell, buy, and renovate to create their ideal home.

Fariha Nasir is a self-taught DIY expert and first-generation immigrant breaking down barriers. She’s the owner of ‘Pennies for a Fortune,’ a home décor and DIY blog.

If you want to modernize your bathroom, there are smart ways to transform that important space in your home without lifting a hammer.

Bad news y’all! Your towels, bedsheets, and other garments may not be quite as clean as you think!

If you’re wondering, yes--rain barrels and rain harvesting are legal in Texas.

Shaving is one of the most popular hair removal methods available, but whether is razor burns or ingrown hairs, there can be challenges in the pursuit of smooth skin.

HOUSTON – If you want to grow tomatoes from your own garden, spring is a good time to get you started. Ashley Grubb, the founder of Mustard Seed Farm and Market, shared her very interesting secret recipe for growing big tomatoes. The right balance of nutrients, good soil, water, and sunshine are all you need,” said Grubb, who shared the key ingredients that help her tomatoes develop. If you’re wondering where you can get a dead fish to plant your tomatoes, Grubb suggests going to the seafood department in any grocery store or a bait shop. Fish in grocery store (Mustard Seed Farm & Market)For more details on the fertilizer ingredients, see Grubb’s interview in the video above.

HOUSTON – Spring is the most popular time of the year for home maintenance and deep cleaning. To help you tackle your chore list faster and more efficiently, Kathryn Emery, home improvement & lifestyle expert, shares 4 products for an easy spring cleaning. Tackle deep cleaning with a battery-powered shop vac. Sylvania LightSHIELD Germicidal Light Bulb (Sylvania)Product: Sylvania LightSHIELD Germicidal Light Bulb“This is a revolutionary way to clean. Sylvania LightSHIELD light bulbs are everyday lights with germ-fighting benefits.

HOUSTON – Winter storm Uri wreaked havoc on people’s plants and trees all across Texas, but it’s possible for your plants to survive with the right care. Brent Moon, horticultural manager with the Houston Botanic Garden, shared helpful post- freeze tips to get your garden back in shape. Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Hinckleyana’) (Houston Botanic Garden)“It is very important to remove dead and rotting foliage as soon as possible. Firebush (Hamelia patens) in the Upland Forest (Houston Botanic Garden)“For plants such as Hummingbird bush (Hamelia), Ixora, Oleander, Duranta, Esperanza, etc. To connect with Houston Botanic Garden, click here.

However, it’s easier than it looks if you find one that requires little to no maintenance. Ashley Grubb, Founder of Mustard Seed Farm and Market in Richmond, shared her picks for best durable houseplants for beginners. (iStock)Forgiving plant, requires low light and very low water needs in case you forget to water it occasionally. (iStock)Trendy plant, easy to care for, grows fast and it’s easy to divide and grow more of it. Ashley Grubb (Mustard Seed Farm)The organization is raising funds to start construction next year in Fort Bend County.

HOUSTON – With over a billion views on YouTube, Lily Hevesh is considered a domino superstar. She creates jaw-dropping domino designs that take hours or days to build, and only seconds to fall. Spin Master Games_H5 Domino Creations Lily Hevesh Headshot (Spin Master Games_H5 Domino Creations)Hevesh’s passion started when she was only 9 years old while playing with her grandparents’ dominoes and has taken her to the TV sets of NBC’s Saturday Night Live & The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She was also hired to build amazing domino projects for the 2016 film “Collateral Beauty,” where Will Smith played the main role. To watch Hevesh’s complete interview and tips, watch the video above.

Home improvement & lifestyle expert, Kathryn Emery, shares four must-haves items that could make your tasks a bit easier. Rubbermaid® FastTrack® Rail Garage Storage System (Rubbermaid® FastTrack® Rail Garage Storage System)Product: Rubbermaid Fast Track Garage Storage Rail SystemGet it: here“When organized, the garage can serve as another room. Shark IQ Robot (Kathryn Emery)Product: Shark IQ RobotGet it: here“I tested four robotic vacuums recently and I love the Shark. Rejuvenate Antibacterial Floor Cleaner (Kathryn Emery)Product: Rejuvenate Antibacterial Floor CleanerGet it: here“This product will kill germs within 5 seconds. Since it’s an antibacterial cleaner it will kill germs everywhere so use it in common, high touch areas such as faucets, doorknobs, remote controls, light switches and more.

HOUSTON – If you dread taking down your holiday decorations, you’re not alone. Pamela Hope Designs Principal Designer Pamela O’Brien has tips to help you get the job and give your home a fresh start for the new year. HOLIDAY TAKE DOWN TIPSPamela Hope Designs Principal Designer Pamela O’Brien shares tips to help give your home a fresh start for the new year. REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR THE NEW YEARPamela Hope Designs Principal Designer Pamela O’Brien shares tips to help give your home a fresh start for the new year. To connect with Pamela O’Brien, visit the Pamela Hope Designs website.

HOUSTON – Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin left their day jobs and started a home renovation business. Fortunately, their work flipping houses right here in Houston got the attention of HGTV. Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin (Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin, HGTV)“We did have solid jobs that we really liked. To connect with Jon Pierre and Mary, visit their website here. To see Jon Pierre and Mary’s complete interview, watch the video above.

Author, speaker and vision board extraordinaire, L’areal Lipkins, has taught thousands of people how to do just that. Lipkins shares a simple 5-step process to help you create a vision board that actually works. STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR GOALS BY QUARTERDivide your vision board into four quadrants, representing the four quarters in the year. STEP 4: PUT YOUR VISION BOARD SOMEWHERE VISIBLELook at your vision board every day as a reminder of your goals. STEP 5: CREATE AN ACTION PLANMost people create their vision board and think they’re done.

CAPRIOSKACaprioska (Caprioska)2 oz Reyka Vodka2 Tsp sugar6-8 lime quarteredCombine sugar and lime into rocks glass and gently muddle. Add Reyka Vodka, stir and serve. ICELANDIC ESPRESSO MARTINIIcelandic Espresso Martini (Icelandic Espresso Martini)2 oz Reyka Vodka1 oz Espresso½ oz simpleCombine all ingredients into cocktail shaker. Reyka Icelandic Vodka Brand Ambassador Trevor Schneider and wife and trusted assistant Emily make cocktailing fun, light-hearted and simple. To order Reyka Vodka online, click here.

Jemine has always been fascinated by interior design specially with the use of living things from nature. The Oakes created The Flora Culture with the hope to influence the integration of nature's beauty into homes and offices. We do floral design for weddings and events (consults are free)The Flora Culture is a small, family-owned business run by husband and wife Matthew and Jemine Oakes. HOUSTON LIFE SPECIAL OFFERMention “Houston Life” when you visit The Flora Culture and get 25% off any air plant for the month of January, 2020. Get started on your air plant collection!

HOUSTON – September is a time to settle into a routine and start preparing your pad to spend more time inside. And to help you enhance the look and feel of your indoor space, Kathryn Emery, home improvement & lifestyle expert, shares great updates you can do for a more inviting and appealing home. Emery has the latest finds to refresh your home and a few items to make projects not feel like a chore. USE PAINT TO ENHANCE ANY ROOM OF THE HOUSECut N Edge Paint Brush (Kathryn Emery)Product: Cut N Edge Paint BrushAvailable: HereThis paint brush accessory allows for clean paint lines as well as edging and cutting without tape. It also comes with a side comb to help get paint out of brush when cleaning under water,” she explained.

HOUSTON – Running behind on decking the halls for the holidays? How you can transform your home with 3 easy DIY projects under $10.

HOUSTON – No fancy bar tools? Hendrick’s Gin Brand Ambassador, Mattias Horseman shares how to master happy hour from the comfort of our homes. Check out these 2 recipes below:THE LONE STAR MULEThe Lone Star Mule (The Lone Star Mule)2 Parts Hendrick’s Gin1 Part Fresh Lime Juice.5 Part Simple SyrupTop with Ginger BeerGarnish with Mint & CucumberCOSMOPOLIGINCosmopoligin (Cosmopoligin)1.5 Parts Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice.75 Parts Fresh Lime Juice.5 Part Cranberry Juice.5 Part Simple Syrup.5 Part Orange LiqueurGarnish with a Cucumber WheelPRO TIPSNo fancy measuring tools? For more recipes visit Hendricksgin.com or follow Mattias on Instagram, here. To order Hendrick’s Gin online visit Drizly:

Houston – You can buy peel and stick tile just about anywhere these days: Amazon, Target, Hobby Lobby and Home Depot. It is made to look just like real tile, without the cost or the labor of installing it. What we purchased: In Home Peel & Stick Backsplash Tile from AmazonCost: $14.41 for four 10-inch tiles. “And your seam lines won’t be as good or clean as if you used real tile or glass. Up close, you can tell it’s not real tile; but it looks great from a couple of feet away.

You can get gorgeous counters for a fraction of the cost of real stone, and no one will know the difference. You can pour epoxy over any material from MDF to Formica to granite or even glass. Unlike real stone, where you may have to live with a variation or imperfection, epoxy countertops can be customized exactly how you want them. She measures and does the install for about half of what you would pay for real stone. Rhonda posts thorough training videos so you can see all of the steps involved in pouring epoxy countertops.

HOUSTON – If you are ready to redecorate your home but you don’t have the budget for an interior designer or a bunch of high-end décor, go to the Dollar Tree. It is probably the last place you would think to look for home décor but we asked Catasha Singleton, the owner of Mod Chic Interiors to show us how to make Dollar Tree finds look fabulous. We asked her to help us create awesome looks with finds from Dollar Tree. In a square vase, she added decorative rocks, also $1 at Dollar Tree and a battery-operated tea light for her patio. If you have a hard time envisioning these things yourself, you can follow Dollar Tree on Instagram and even join some Facebook groups to see how others are using Dollar Tree items to create fun and beautiful decor.

HOUSTON – Today is National LED Light Day, and what better time to think about bringing more light into your home and picking a light bulb that sets the right tone for your space. Kathryn Emery, home improvement & lifestyle expert, showed us great tips for choosing light bulbs that will help create the perfect atmosphere. Reveal LED, Refresh LED and Relax LED light bulbs (Kathryn Emery)DAYLIGHT (5,000 Kelvins)You need the most invigorating light in the kitchen, bathroom, garage and laundry rooms. LED + Smart bulbs (GE Lighting)“The LED+ bulbs by GE allows you to get more out of your lights. LED+ Speaker light bulb (GE Lighting)For more information, or to connect with Emery, click here.

We asked our viewers and readers to send us photos of their DIY home renovations that were completed during quarantine, and we were absolutely stunned by the responses. Not only did we get dozens of submissions showing photos full of incredible home makeovers, but a lot of viewers submitted before-and-after pictures -- and the attention to detail and craftsmanship is truly commendable. The chandelier was already great, but the new floors and paint on the walls really bring it all together, don’t you think? When we asked for home renovation photos, we didn’t specify what kind of home! We want to see your resultsYou can still submit photos, and we want to see them.

HOUSTON – If you want to make the most out of staying in, throwing a small at-home movie night soiree can be a fun idea for any occasion. COME UP WITH A THEMEUnder the Sea party theme (Paul Zahn)Create a fun movie theme for kids with an Under the Sea decor using colorful items from the dollar store. SET UP A DIY POPCORN STATIONDIY popcorn station (Paul Zahn)Popcorn makes it a movie night, plus it’s affordable. CREATE A DIY TROPICAL COCKTAILDIY tropical cocktail (Paul Zahn)There’s no party without drinks, and a coffee cocktail can keep you awake all throughout the movie. SERVE A FUN SIDE SALAD THAT’S EASY TO PREPAREWatermelon, Arugula & Queso Fresco Salad with Blueberries (Paul Zahn)A watermelon, arugula & queso fresco salad with blueberries is tasty and takes no time to prepare.

President and CEO of Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Leslie Chapman-Henderson has some quick and easy ways to help you get your property ready to weather the storm. Though the Houston area is currently projected outside of the storm path, preparing for the worst and hoping for the best is always the safest policy. As of this morning, Hurricane Laura is expected to be a Category 4 hurricane when it reaches land, and winds are expected to reach up to 145 mph. C: COVER & CLEANPresident and CEO of Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Leslie Chapman-Henderson shares quick and easy ways to help you get your property ready to weather the storm. Set your fridge to the coldest setting, charge all phones, laptops and power banks and have flashlight and candles at the ready.

If youre in need an an at-home workspace ASAP, youre in luck because we have called in reinforcements for help. With all of the uncertainty and stress surround the back-to-school season this year, having a functional at-home workspace for your kids is essential. STEP 3: KEEPING THE KIDS ORGANIZEDThe next project involves getting creative to create a DIY calendar to keep the kids organized. All you need is a spare paper towel holder, candy dishes or planters, extra cans lying around and a spare dish rack. DIY WORKSPACE (DIY WORKSPACE)For more upcycling tips, keep up with Sarah HERE.

For ages: 3 and upPrice: Monthly Plan: $19/month, Annual Plan: $15/monthPromo code: Use code BABYCHICK10 to receive your first Sago Mini Box for just $10Available: here2. For ages: 18 months and upPrice: $19.95Promo code: Use the code HOUSTONLIFE to receive Free Shipping on orders $25 and up. BUTTON, BUTTON, BELLY BUTTONPlayers work to match a rainbow of button cards and Bear’s belly button cards. For ages: 2 and upPrice: $15.95Promo code: Use the code HOUSTONLIFE to receive free shipping on orders $25 and up. Price: $17.95Promo code: Use the code HOUSTONLIFE to receive free shipping on orders $25 and up.