5 ways to make the most of small outdoor spaces
Maximize your space in style with these tips and easy DIYs.

DIY CUSHION = INSTANT SEATING
Two wood crates
Foam (buy from a craft store or reuse from an old cushion)
Fabric (waterproof is best if in an exposed area)
Adhesive (either no-sew iron-on fusible material or fabric glue)
Tip: If you’re trying to re-use fabric you already own, there are sprays you can buy to make it waterproof for outdoor use!
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To make the cushion, simply cut the foam to the right size so it will fit over the top of both crates and then trim a piece of fabric that easily wraps around the foam.
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Make neat folds and wrap the fabric around the foam. Secure with safety pins to hold in place while adhering with either no-sew iron-on fusible material or fabric glue. Or just leave as-is (the pins don’t show) and change fabric whenever the mood strikes, or season changes.
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If using a waterproof spray, flip cushion and spray each side, allowing time to dry in between.
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Once you’re done, place cushion on top of crates and use the open area below to store gardening supplies, extra pillows, etc.

PEGBOARD WALL

DIY STRING LIGHT “TRELLIS”
Two galvanized buckets
Ready to use concrete
Two wooden posts
Two screw-in hooks for hanging lights
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Have the hardware store cut posts to your desired height. Attach the hooks to the top of each post. The hooks used for this light stand are the screw-in type. If needed, drill a small hole to get started. Mark a spot on the post to center before drilling.
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Mix up the concrete according to the package directions and, holding the post in the middle, pour the concrete into the buckets. Leave some room at the top so the buckets aren’t too heavy to move and so you’ll have room to add natural (better looking) materials.
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Once dry, add things like shells, rocks or driftwood to create a natural look. Set the two buckets where you want to have the lights draped, string your lights around the hooks, and enjoy!
DIY GALVANIZED STOOL
Large galvanized bucket
Round piece of wood cut to fit from hardware store
Foam slightly larger than wood top
Fabric (waterproof is best)
Staple gun
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Purchase a pre-cut, unfinished wood round from the hardware store, or cut your own to fit. The top should either fit tight into your bucket or extend over the top.
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Next, cut a piece of foam slightly larger than the wood top. Trim some fabric leaving plenty of room overlapping the foam and top.
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Then, pulling tightly, use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the wood, pulling as you move around. If you don’t own a staple gun, many hardware stores rent them.
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Trim off any excess fabric when finished. If your top is larger than your bucket, you can add non stick pads or even a line of hot glue around the bottom of the top to keep it from slipping.

HANGING POTS