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Spring D.I.Y. projects

By Bunnings Magazine/ Spring 2024

An outdoor furniture setting in a spring garden

Overview

How to make a rope wreath and a mosaic table

Celebrate the arrival of new growth and warmer days with these spring D.I.Y. projects. These sweet weekend projects – a simple rope wreath and a pretty mosaic-tiled table – capture the whimsical spirit of the season.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Rope wreath

    A rope wreath photographed in front of a stained-glass window pane.
  2. 2

    Cut out the ring

    To make a wreath base ring, on the corrugated cardboard, trace around two bowls or plates to mark outer and inner circles (ours are 44cm and 21cm in diameter). Cut out using a craft knife. Apply a coat of white paint to the base ring using a paintbrush and leave to dry.

  3. 3

    Plait the rope

    Measure and cut nine 3.5m lengths of rope. Use duct tape to secure the top ends of the rope onto a sturdy surface. Plait the rope, using three strands in each section, making sure the braid sits flat. Secure both ends with elastic bands and trim to tidy.

  4. 4

    Attach the braid

    Start arranging the rope braid around the outer edge of the base ring, attaching it with hot glue applied to both the underside of the rope braid and the base ring. Press firmly to adhere. Continue until the base ring is completely covered, then cut off any excess rope. Leave to set.

  5. 5

    Add the flowers

    Trim the stems off the artificial flowers. Position the flowers and foliage to conceal the end of the rope braid and, when happy with the arrangement, attach using hot glue. Leave to set.

  6. 6

    Mosaic table

    A D.I.Y mosaic tiled table sitting on a wooden deck next to a cane chair.
  7. 7

    Paint the table

    Working on a drop sheet, sand the entire table using a medium grit sanding sponge, then wipe away the dust with a damp cloth; let dry. Apply a coat of 3 in 1 primer with a paintbrush and leave to dry. Apply two coats of acrylic paint to all surfaces of the table except the top, leaving to dry after each coat.

  8. 8

    Attach the tiles

    Place the tiles face down on the drop sheet and use a hammer to gently break them into small pieces. Position tile pieces around the edge of the tabletop and, once you’re happy with the design, apply tile adhesive to each piece with a palette knife and attach in place. When the border is done, use a spreader to apply adhesive to the tabletop and fill in with tiles, breaking up smaller pieces to fit all the gaps if needed. Leave to set overnight.

  9. 9

    Apply the grout

    Mix the grout with water until you achieve a toothpaste consistency. Work grout into the tile joints with a float, scraping off excess. Leave for 15 minutes. Clean off excess grout with a damp (not wet) sponge, working across the joins. Frequently rinse the sponge in a bucket of clean water, changing it often. Leave to cure overnight, then buff off the grout haze with a clean cloth. Spray the tiled surface with grout sealer, leave for five minutes, then wipe off excess with a clean sponge and leave to dry.

    A hand spraying grout sealer onto patterned mosaic tiles.
  10. 10

    Add more D.I.Y. style to your home

    Find your next project with these home improvement ideas, upcycles and inspirational craft ideas.

     

    Photo credit: Reuben Looi, Melle Van Sambeek

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.