DIY

Get DIY Inspiration from Chinatown

Just in time for Chinese New Year, Vancouver photographer Janis Nicolay shares two DIY projects inspired by Vancouver's historic Chinatown neighbourhood

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Credit: Janis Nicolay

Chinatown DIY

Chinatown is my go-to place for a quick pick-me-up like a coconut bun (yum) or a pair of sparkly slippers. I was on a mission to find little bits of happiness to create a few crafty projects on a $25 budget.



Credit: Janis Nicolay

Vintage Serving Tray DIY

Not sure what these basic wooden trays were meant to be used for, but I wanted to make decorative serving trays out of them. I had a few sample pots of paint at home, so I picked up some wrapping paper that would coordinate with the paint. The total for this project was about $12.

 



Credit: Janis Nicolay

A Light Sanding and a Bit of Glue

After a light sanding, I applied two coats of paint to a 10-inch by 10-inch tray. Once dried, I glued down the paper, let dry and applied several coats of Mod Podge (you can also use a watered down white glue).

 



Credit: Janis Nicolay

Plant Bowl DIY

I love a mix of plants as a table centrepiece. I bought three soup bowls and three small plants. The total for everything was $6. 



Credit: Janis Nicolay

A Group of Three

Place a few pebbles in the bottom of a soup bowl (for drainage), add a plant and you have a pretty centrepiece. So easy and inexpensive.


Chinatown DIY