Holiday weekends are a fabulous time to try out a new simple crafting or DIY project and a great way to get kids and adults spending quality time together. With July 4th fast approaching, and most people taking the entire week off, I thought I'd share this wonderful segment about the "upcycling" trend within the DIY movement that I taped with Leslie Gaydos of NECN just before Memorial Day.

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Just as children of the 1980s we were making poodle skirts from felt and throwing 1950s "sock hop" themed parties, everything Gen X is all the rage right now with hipsters and event hosts. This week, we had the honor of helping to decorate (and create upcycled decor for) the window display at Goodwill in Davis Square, promoting tonight's "In the Air Tonight" 80s prom-themed fundraiser for Somerville Local First.

If you're hosting your own 80s-themed party this summer, here are three simple 5-minute DIY decor projects you can make to set the mood and make any space totally radical.

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Photo: Melissa Massello/Shoestring

Since 2008, around the time Necklush arrived on the Etsy scene, multi-strand necklaces made from upcycled T-shirts have been all the rage in hipster fashion. The big secret is: these grunge-chic accessories take all of 5-minutes (and little to no crafting skill) to make.

Using thrift store tees from the Goodwill Outlet and Garment District's Buck-a-Pound, we created this little 3-minute video tutorial showing how to make a unique, personalized, and totally eco-friendly necklace in exactly as much time.

Hello, easy (last-minute) Mother's Day present!

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By Tara Bellucci

Background & flourishes courtesy of Shutterstock.

When you're a DIYer, sometimes Hallmark just doesn't cut it. If you're looking to remove the pre-made cards this Mother's Day, here are our 11 favorite free fonts available for sharing your sweet sentiments with Mom. FULL ENTRY

Photo: Melissa Massello

If your mom is truly your best bud, then there's no better Mother's Day gift than a trendy friendship bracelet (or three), made by you — just for her. In about the same amount of time it will take you to catch up on one of your favorite shows (Mad Men or Game of Thrones, anyone?) you could have a fabulous from-the-heart gift in her favorite colors (or other sentimental hues shared by you two).

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By Tara Bellucci

Cork crafts are all over Pinterest (even on our DIY Boston board) but this easy 5-minute DIY is our favorite because it doesn't require hoarding wine corks for months and months (who has the time and room for that?). All you need is one to make a super cute, super personalized stamp. So pour yourself some Pinot and save that cork! FULL ENTRY

By Tara Bellucci

Right while the Northeast is in the grips of winter, little orbs of sunshine start arriving from California and Florida. Fragrant Meyer lemons, a hybrid of a lemon and a tangerine, are a welcome burst of Vitamin C during the cold season. If you're wondering what to do with these slightly sweet fruits, just 5 minutes of hands-on effort results in a jar of salty, savory citrus that add a pinch of umami to any dish. FULL ENTRY

By Tara Bellucci

Last night marked the first ever DIY Boston Night, a series we are hosting to bring people together to get their craft on. If you missed our Craft Swap evening, never fear: here is a virtual Kickstart Kit for you to make our featured project of the night: jute-wrapped vases a la Nate Berkus. FULL ENTRY

By Tara Bellucci

Wondering what to do with that old sweater that's shrunk, pilled, or just doesn't fit anymore? Use it to keep those gams warm during the frosty months: make leg warmers in well under 5 minutes!

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By Tara Bellucci

I'm doing a fair amount of organizing in my home at the moment. While some of my projects are bigger and long-term, here's a quick and easy one that instantly upgrades a problem area for many people: the pantry.

Bulk storage has gone beyond generic canisters for sugar and tea; just having multiple types of flour or stocking dried beans requires something a little more flexible. Cue the chalkboard trend — erasable labels for the pantry. But why buy when you can DIY? In just 5 minutes, you'll have updated your storage containers and jars with the look of fancy chalkboard labels for half the cost.

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