Home is where our creativity shines brightest. As someone who loves crafting, I know how rewarding it is to fill your space with handmade touches that reflect your personality. At Burlap+Blue, we celebrate the beauty of DIY, home decor, and crafts that are both accessible and inspiring.
Today, let’s explore how natural ingredients—like botanicals, oils, and waxes—can elevate your next decor project. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, these ideas will help you bring warmth and authenticity into every room.
1. Botanical Wall Art
Pressed Flower Frames
Pressed flowers are a timeless way to bring the outdoors in. I like to gather blooms from my garden, press them between heavy books, and display them in glass frames. This simple project captures the beauty of nature and adds a delicate, personal touch to your walls.
Tips for Longevity
To keep your pressed flowers vibrant, use parchment paper and change it every few days as they dry. Once framed, hang them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Dried Herb Wreaths
Herb wreaths are not only beautiful but also fragrant. I often use rosemary, lavender, and thyme, binding them with twine to create a rustic accent for my kitchen or entryway.
Seasonal Swaps
Switch out herbs and flowers with the seasons. In spring, try pastel blooms; in winter, add pinecones or cinnamon sticks for a cozy vibe.
2. Scented Soy Candles
Hand-Poured Candle Basics
Making candles at home is easier than you think. All you need is soy wax, essential oils, and cotton wicks. I love experimenting with different scent combinations—think lavender and eucalyptus or citrus and mint.
Customizing Containers
Repurpose old teacups, mason jars, or vintage tins as candle holders. This not only reduces waste but also gives your candles a unique look.
The Benefits of Natural Wax
Soy and beeswax burn cleaner than paraffin, making them a healthier choice for your home. They also hold scent well, so your favorite essential oils will fill the room with subtle, natural fragrance.
Where to Source Ingredients
For high-quality wax and oils, I recommend checking out The Soapery, which offers a wide range of natural ingredients perfect for DIY projects.
3. Essential Oil Diffusers
Reed Diffuser DIY
Reed diffusers are a stylish way to scent your space without flames. I mix a carrier oil with a few drops of essential oil, pour it into a glass bottle, and add rattan reeds. The scent gently fills the room for weeks.
Choosing the Right Oils
Lavender, lemon, and cedarwood are my go-tos for a calming, fresh atmosphere. Always use pure essential oils for the best results.
Clay Diffuser Ornaments
Air-dry clay ornaments can be infused with essential oils and hung in closets or cars. They’re easy to make and make wonderful gifts.
Custom Shapes and Designs
Use cookie cutters to create shapes that match your decor. Once dry, add a few drops of oil and refresh as needed.
4. Natural Fabric Dyes
Botanical Dyeing Techniques
Dyeing fabric with plants is a fun way to add soft, earthy colors to your home. I’ve used avocado pits for blush pinks, turmeric for golden yellows, and red cabbage for blues.
Preparing Your Fabric
Always pre-wash your fabric and use a mordant (like alum) to help the dye adhere. Simmer your chosen plant material in water, strain, and soak your fabric until you achieve the desired color.
DIY Dyed Pillow Covers
Hand-dyed pillow covers add a subtle, organic touch to sofas and beds. Mix and match colors for a cozy, layered look.
Care Instructions
Wash dyed fabrics in cold water with mild detergent to preserve their color.
5. Homemade Potpourri and Sachets
Dried Flower Potpourri
Potpourri is a classic way to keep your home smelling fresh. I combine dried rose petals, lavender, and citrus peels with a few drops of essential oil for a custom blend.
Display Ideas
Fill decorative bowls or glass jars with your potpourri and place them in living areas or bathrooms.
Scented Sachets
Sew small fabric pouches and fill them with dried herbs and flowers. Tuck them into drawers or hang them in closets for a subtle, natural fragrance.
Personalizing Sachets
Add a ribbon or embroidered monogram for a special touch—these make lovely handmade gifts.
6. Beeswax Wraps and Food Covers
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Swaps
Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. I make mine by melting beeswax onto cotton fabric, then use them to cover bowls or wrap snacks.
Cleaning and Reusing
Simply wash with cool water and mild soap. With proper care, beeswax wraps can last up to a year.
Decorative Touches
Choose patterned cotton fabrics to add a pop of color to your kitchen. These wraps are as pretty as they are practical.
Gifting Ideas
Bundle a few wraps together with twine for an eco-friendly gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
7. DIY Natural Cleaning Products
All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
Mix white vinegar, water, and citrus peels in a spray bottle for an effective, natural cleaner. I let the mixture infuse for a week before using it on countertops and sinks.
Essential Oil Boost
Add a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil for extra cleaning power and a pleasant scent.
Baking Soda Scrubs
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive perfect for scrubbing sinks and tubs. Mix it with a bit of castile soap for a homemade cleaning paste.
Storing Safely
Keep your DIY cleaners in labeled glass bottles out of reach of children and pets.
8. Upcycled Natural Decor
Driftwood and Stone Accents
Collect driftwood, stones, or shells on your next nature walk and turn them into decor. I love arranging them in bowls or using driftwood as a base for wall hangings.
Crafting with Kids
These projects are perfect for little hands. Let kids help with collecting and arranging materials for a fun family activity.
Wooden Candle Holders
Repurpose branches or logs into rustic candle holders. Drill holes for tea lights and sand the wood for a smooth finish.
Safety First
Always use proper tools and supervise children when working with wood.
9. Herbal Bath and Beauty Crafts
Bath Salts and Soaks
Homemade bath salts are a luxurious treat. I blend Epsom salt with dried lavender and a few drops of essential oil for a relaxing soak.
Decorative Jars
Package your bath salts in glass jars with handwritten labels for a spa-like touch in your bathroom.
Herbal Lip Balms
Melt beeswax with coconut oil and a hint of peppermint oil for a nourishing lip balm. Pour into small tins and keep one in every bag.
Custom Scents
Experiment with different essential oils to find your favorite blend.
10. Nature-Inspired Table Decor
Centerpieces with Fresh Greenery
Gather branches, leaves, or wildflowers for a simple centerpiece. Arrange them in a vase or lay them along the table for a relaxed, organic look.
Seasonal Variations
Switch out greenery with the seasons—think evergreens in winter, sunflowers in summer.
Handcrafted Place Settings
Tie sprigs of rosemary or thyme around napkins with twine for a fragrant, personal touch at each place setting.
DIY Name Cards
Use leaves as place cards by writing guests’ names with a metallic marker.
Why Choose Natural Ingredients for Home Decor?
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Choosing natural materials is not just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. When I incorporate items like dried flowers, essential oils, or beeswax into my crafts, I know I’m making choices that are gentle on the planet. Natural ingredients often come with less packaging and fewer chemicals, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic options.
Healthier Home Environment
Natural decor elements can also improve your indoor air quality. Unlike synthetic fragrances or plastics, natural ingredients don’t release harmful VOCs. This means you can enjoy a beautifully decorated home without worrying about unwanted toxins.
Unique Aesthetic Appeal
There’s something special about the texture and color that only natural materials can provide. Each piece is unique, and even the simplest project feels elevated when you use botanicals, wood, or stone. These elements add warmth and a sense of calm to any space.
Versatile for Any Style
Whether your style is modern, farmhouse, or boho, natural materials fit right in. I love how a simple bundle of lavender or a hand-poured soy candle can complement any decor scheme.
Conclusion
Bringing natural ingredients into your home decor projects is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and personal style. From botanical wall art to homemade cleaning products, the possibilities are endless. Not only do these projects add beauty and warmth to your space, but they also allow you to craft a home that truly feels like your own.
I encourage you to try one (or several!) of these ideas and see how natural materials can transform your home. And if you’re searching for quality ingredients for your next DIY project, I’ve found The Soapery to be a fantastic resource for natural waxes, oils, and more. Happy crafting!
Ready to get started? Check out our other DIY tutorials and share your creations with us—we love seeing how you make your house a home!