In my most optimistic moments, I believe all my wildest DIY dreams to be within reach.

Large-scale painting for an empty wall? I’m on it.

Handmade rattan planter to hang from my ceiling? I shall craft it with ease.

Bergamot-scented candles and dried, pressed flowers delicately floating within? A simple hour’s work. 

In reality? I’m a pro at Google searches and sketching out grand plans that are, rarely, if ever, brought to life. I live my home decorating life in a hopeful DIY bubble, then all too often press purchase on already-created items before a trip to a craft store is even attempted.

Alas, it’s spring now, and spring? It’s all about fresh starts. New beginnings. Trying our hand at things that previously may have felt too difficult. And while I may not be a DIY pro yet, my aspirations remain. Lucky for me (and for all of you too), the Internet happens to be rife with folks who DIY with ease and charm…and they’ve got the results to prove it.

Today, in that optimistic spirit, allow me to share eight decor project ideas from the DIY professionals themselves. Let’s give them a try. I believe in us.

1. Cotton Rope Bench by Ryia Jose

This project is an IKEA hack, featuring a $79 bench and some simple cotton rope. It would make a statement in your entry, as extra seating in your living room, or as an accent at the end of your bed. Ryia is a DIY pro, so take a peek at more of her projects in her highlights if you’re looking for additional inspiration!

2. Textured Art by Tanieka Harris

I was glued to this weekend DIY art project when Tanieka posted it on Instagram Stories this past fall. While I’m hesitant about trying my hand at creating my own art (“Will it look like an unappealing blob??” I wonder earnestly), watching her create two lovely textured pieces with tools she already had on hand was a confidence-boosting delight for this aspiring artist.

3. Painted Circle Shelf by Molly Madfis

I started following Molly when she was crafting tiny, intricate pieces to fill the dollhouse pictured above (there is something so calming about the methodical process!!) and never stopped. In this DIY project, she created a painted circle shelf on her son’s bedroom wall, for storing toys and art projects alike.

4. Raffia Lampshade by Elena Lohse

The ever-talented Elena Lohse of This House 5000 has tackled no shortage of DIY projects in her home. One of her latest shares is this updated vintage IKEA lamp, topped with a DIY raffia lampshade. Try this simple project out on your own lampshade to give texture and a fresh lease on life to an often underappreciated design element.

5. Pressed Flowers by Alyssa Leanne Hoppe

Ah yes, a versatile tool in the DIY decorator’s tool book: the pressed flower. Frame these babies (as is shown in this DIY), add them to your homemade candles, or use them to craft one-of-a-kind coasters. If you’ve got this project in your back pocket, the world of do-it-yourself home decor is, essentially, your oyster.

6. “Marble” Shelving by Victoria Bradley

This DIY is a great option for renters who may not be able to make irreversible changes to their current space. Use your contact paper of choice (in this example, a marble pattern won out) and consider this DIY for cabinets, bookshelves, drawers…the list goes on!

7. Linen Curtains by Susan Brinson

Meet Susan Brinson of House of Brinson—photographer, designer, DIYer, and more. Here, she shares how you can create linen cross-over curtains for your own home. If your interest is piqued by this project, you may want to follow along with Susan and her husband, Will, as they renovate their historic home in upstate New York.

8. Watercolor Art by Jill Elliott

If you’ve wanted to try your hand at creating watercolor art, let Wit & Delight contributor, Jill Elliott, walk you through a step-by-step guide. Allow yourself to flow through the creative process and you’ll have your very own work of art up on the wall in no time.