Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
Once you've got your red, white and blue ice cream, Pinterest-perfect decorations and all your best buddies, the only thing your Fourth of July BBQ needs is a solid selection of lawn games. If you grew up playing horseshoes, corn-hole and bocce ball, bring back those childhood faves with a modern twist!
As you're prepping your Independence Day activities, spruce up an old board game with a psychedelic paint job, or turn an old classic into a giant-sized adventure that kids of *all ages* will love. Once you're done, it's game time (after you Instagram it, of course)! Keep reading for 15 fun DIY games that will make your Fourth of July party the hottest bash on the block!
DIY Lawn Dominoes
Iron & Twine
Dominoes aren’t just for the card table anymore. Paint a set of wooden blocks with a splash of color that *screams* summertime, and you’ve got a weekend hit. (via Iron & Twine)
Giant Jenga
A Beautiful Mess
Because everything is more fun when it's giant-sized. Paint the outer edge of the blocks with a few coats of colorful house paint to make the tower extra pretty, and get ready for a bit of fun competition among friends, fam, and kids. (via A Beautiful Mess)
Giant Scrabble
Consider The Peel
A traditional game of Scrabble has 100 tiles (eek!), so you might want to consider cutting down on that a bit – unless you live for the game. Stock up on some wood tiles at your local hardware store, then use paint and stencils to get the letters on each tile. And don’t forget the points in the lower right corner! (viaConsider The Peel)
DIY Horse Shoes
Mr. Kate
Embroidery thread isn’t just for friendship bracelets — it’s also for making the *cutest* set of horseshoes you ever did see. Start by spray painting the horseshoes and the stake, and then wrap them in a thread for a colorful, boho-chic look. (via Mr. Kate)
Flamingo Ring Toss Lawn Game
Sugar & Cloth
This game could totally double as yard decor after the holiday weekend is over. If you have a nice grassy area available and you’re short on time (or are sticking to a budget), skip the pots and just stick the flamingos straight into the ground! Otherwise, fill some mini planters with sand or soil to keep your fun-loving flamingos upright. (via Sugar & Cloth)
DIY Lawn Checkers
Jessie Daye
Just... ignore the funny looks the hardware guys give you when you stock up on a cartful of bucket lids. Spray paint half of them black for a traditional color palette, or shock your uncle with a snazzy set of pink and orange checker pieces. (via Jessie Daye)
DIY Color Block Games
Brit + Co
Make sure there’s a game station for *all* ages and interests at your party. While the rest of the crew is battling it out at the corn hole game, set up a couple of these rad color-dipped board games to keep everyone entertained. (via Brit + Co.)
DIY Lawn Matching Game
Studio DIY
This game is perf for the backyard — it’s made with cork tiles, so it’s totally reusable and light enough for the little ones to carry around. There are printables for all these symbols so you can have a summertime themed set, but feel free to get creative and come up with your own stencils. (via Studio DIY)
Yard Yahtzee
Style Me Pretty
Supersize this old-school game, and let the good times roll with these giant dice. This DIY even includes a free printable scorecard so you can refresh your memory on a winning strategy. (viaStyle Me Pretty)
Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe
Better Homes & Garden
The traditional version might not be cool enough for the kids, but give them a giant version, and they’ll be all over it. This game actually takes a lot of skill to get the frisbees to land *exactly* right. (via Better Homes & Gardens)
DIY Cactus Ring Toss Lawn Game
Brit + Co
Ring toss just got a very trendy upgrade. If you'd rather spend your budget on tasty snacks and cocktails, you'll love that this yard game is made out of nothing more than cardboard boxes and paint. Bonus: You can use these adorable cacti as home decor later on! (via Brit + Co.)
DIY Bocce Balls
Brit + Co
When it comes time to bust out the bocce balls, make sure your color scheme is *on point* and in full patriotic form. Spruce up an old set of bocce balls with a starry makeover and a fresh coat of paint. (via Brit + Co.)
DIY Star-Spangled Yard
Better Homes & Gardens
Give your lawn the star-spangled treatment for Fourth of July weekend. And don't panic: it's not *actual* paint. Cut a star shape from a piece of cardboard, spray the grass lightly with water, and use a flour sifter to fill the shape with flour. The stars should last until your sprinklers wash them away. (via Better Homes & Gardens)
4th Of July Tic-Tac-Toe
Hey, Let's Make Stuff
Bring along this little game to your neighborhood block party, and get ready for it to be an instant hit. You can use any sized letters for this DIY, but the bigger the letters are, the more fun (and photogenic) it will be. (via Hey, Let's Make Stuff!)
Custom Cornhole Game
Brit + Co
This game is practically a requirement at all summer festivities. You can totally DIY it from scratch, or you can try this simple makeover for your very own custom set. (via Brit + Co.)
Did we get your favorite yard game? If you're looking for more fun DIY ideas for Fourth of July weekend, make sure you follow us on Pinterest!
Lead image viaBetter Homes & Gardens
This article has been updated.
After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading one book every two days in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP. Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center and girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood.
To celebrate her 101th pick, Reese Witherspoon has chosen one of best debut dark academia books we've read this year. She said, "If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read! 👀 Visit our link in bio to get your copy now." (via Reese's Book Club).Alongside the other 35 titles I think are worth diving into, Secret Society of Lies is sucre to take our emotions on a ride!
After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 29 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 21 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!
October: Society of Lies
Amazon
Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
Maya's back in town for her reunion at Princetown and she's excited to celebrate with familiar faces. It also coincides with her sister Naomi's graduation. As she gets ready for the best weekend ever, she receives the tragic news of Naomi's death and it leaves her shaken to her core. Though everyone says it was an accident, Maya's gut is telling her otherwise.
The more Maya digs into the past, the more she realizes her sister wasn't telling her. Sadly, Naomi was a part of the Sterling Club and it crushes her because she never wanted her sister to join it. Maya's no stranger to the inner workings of the Serling Club because she used to be a member so she knows everything that went on behind the scenes.
As she works to understand what happened to her sister, Maya will come face to face with the memories and secrets that haunt her.
September: The Comfort of Crows
Amazon
The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl
Over the course of 52 chapters, Margaret Renkl invites readers into the wonders of her backyard. For a year, she watched various animals and plants bloom during varying seasons that speak to the cycles of life. From the way our emotions ebb and flow to the periods where we're active or need rest, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year is a beautiful read that will help us fall in love with every moment of life.
August 2024: Slow Dance
Amazon
Slow Danceby Rainbow Rowell
Best friends Shiloh and Cary thought they had everything figured out when they were in high school. They decided they'd both leave Omaha behind, start their careers, and maintain the tight-knit friendship they'd always had. But, life is known to thrown curveballs when we least expect it.
When Shiloh looks up one day, she realizes it's been over 10 years since she talked to her former best friend. She's also increasingly aware that she's now a single mom to two kids.
While she tries to put the pieces of her new life together, Shiloh receives an invitation that makes her heart thunder. The invitation itself is harmless, but she can't stop thinking about what will happen if she sees Cary.
Despite how many years have passed, Shiloh and Cary are pulled to each other's energy as if no time has passed. They've both missed each other, but now adulthood has given way to deeper feelings that may have been there all along.
July 2024: The Cliffs
Amazon
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?
These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.
She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.
June 2024: The Unwedding
Amazon
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.
But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.
Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.
May 2024: How to End a Love Story
Amazon
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.
April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had
Amazon
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.
In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.
March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last
Amazon
Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.
As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.
February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron
Amazon
Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.
While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.
January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston
Amazon
Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.
Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!
December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman
Amazon
What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?
November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major
Amazon
If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.
As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.
October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow
Amazon
Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.
September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon
Target
The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.
August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett
Target
Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.
"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld
Amazon
Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.
"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens
Amazon
If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.
"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson
Amazon
Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.
"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes
Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.
"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed
Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!
"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.
"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister
Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?
"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.
"True Biz" by Sara Nović
This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.
"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd
If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.
"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont
Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.
"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley
"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.
"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo
When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.
"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón
Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.
"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller
What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.
"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams
When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?
"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave
What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!
"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse
Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.
"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord
Amazon
DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.
"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia
Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.
Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List
- "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
- "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
- "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
- "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
- "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
- "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
- "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
- "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
- "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
- "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
- "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
- "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
- "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
- "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
- "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
- "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
- "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
- "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
- "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
- "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
- "Outlawed" by Anna North
- "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
- "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
- "Group" by Christie Tate
- "Fable" by Adrienne Young
- "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
- "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
- "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
- "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
- "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
- "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
- "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
- "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
- "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
- "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
- "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
- "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
- "Conviction" by Denise Mina
- "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
- "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
- "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
- "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
- "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
- "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
- "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
- "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
- "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
- "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
- "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
- "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
- "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
- "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
- "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
- "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
- "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
- "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
- "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
- "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
- "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
- "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
- "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
- “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
- "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
- "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
- "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!
Be sure to follow our weekly newsletter for more updates!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
There’s always been a sort of DIY element to the IKEA brand, from building the furniture yourself to IKEA hacks to their bolts of Scandinavian-inspired fabrics to make everything from pillows to accessories. Now IKEA stores are blowing it up with Tyg, a new collection of home textiles that inspires us to get creative with fabric.
The pre-cut fabrics come in 3-meter cuts, or a little more than 3 yards each – just enough to get creative with canvas covers, bags, fashion and accessories. Choose from 20 cheerful, vibrant, and nature-inspired patterns that reflect Scandinavian modern design to transform and personalize your space. Look out for the collection in stores this July 2024!
In the meantime, here’s some inspiration for turning them into something you love! Make sure to bookmark it!
Pencil Skirt
IKEA
"Our collections are a homage to the rich Scandinavian design identity that we cherish and aim to preserve," says a rep from IKEA Sweden. There are also some vintage prints in the mix. Try our easy pencil skirt pattern for a fun summer skirt.
No Sew Belted Tote
IKEA
Storage hack: Use these bold prints to cover boring cardboard boxes and add a leather handle for a chic and practical use.
Low-Sew Ottoman Cover
IKEA
Learn how to reupholster an ottoman and pick fun IKEA fabrics to create a statement piece.
Tote Bag
IKEA
You can never have too many tote bags, right? This floral pattern would make for a cute and colorful market tote!
Hugs + Kisses Pillows
IKEA
Try this animal print in our most adorable hugs and kisses pillows. New to sewing? Try our sewing class!
Overall Dress
IKEA
Practice your sewing skills by making a simple overalls dress! This fabric would be perfect.
Box Covers
IKEA
Wrap them like gift wrap around shoe boxes using a staple gun for another easy storage hack.
No Sew Pencil Pouch
IKEA
A small print like this black and white check is great for small projects like a pencil pouch.
Pillowcases
IKEA
Colorful stripes are perfect for a pillowcase pattern (via PurlSoho), where you just stitch two rectangles of fabric together (standard size is 20 by 26 inches) right sides together. Then hem the opening!
Wall Organizer
IKEA
This wall organizer is another easy DIY, where you can sew the rectangle around the dowel, or iron the edges with no-sew hem tape. Hand-sew or machine stitch the pockets, making sure to fold under the edges for a cleaner look!
Planter
IKEA
This drawstring planter cover is a cute idea for covering ho-hum planters or vases.
Kids Travel Pillow
IKEA
Traveling with a kiddo? Keep them comfy with this sweet travel pillow pattern from Joann's.
No Sew Covered Canvas
IKEA
Probably the easiest way to use this fabric is by staple-gunning it around a canvas for an easy and creative art piece!
Laptop Case
IKEA
Protect your laptops with a fabric case in a bold striped pattern. This fabric would also make a great curtain!
Seat Cushion
IKEA
Learning the straight stitch on your sewing machine will get you very far. New seat cushions in every room!
Tasseled Pillows
IKEA
I never met a tassel I didn't love. Add bright colored tassels to this B&W print.
Pocket Patch
IKEA
Pocket patterns are great for adding to furniture and clothes. This top-stitched one is handy for holding the remote, emergency snack bag, or a small book.
Look out for the IKEA Tyg collection in stores this July 2024!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more news from your favorite brands!
Images via IKEA
Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.
In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.
"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."
"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!
Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?
Universal Pictures
Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."
Universal Pictures
A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.
"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"
When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?
Universal Pictures
We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer, so hopefully we'll have more answers sooner rather than later!
Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?
Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios
While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."
But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."
I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried's hands ASAP because we need to see this mother-daughter duo onscreen.
What is the first Mamma Mia about?
Universal Pictures
The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).
Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?
Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal
Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.
TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.
This post has been updated.
Taylor Swift and her amazing “date” to the VMAs (aka her Bad Blood co-stars) were a sight to remember. In fact, we remember them so well that we are bringing them back for Halloween. Whether you want to rock this as a group costume or dress as Tay and simply carry around your #squad as a party-hopping prop, this costume is sure to turn heads much like these ladies did on the red (or rather color blocked) carpet.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
This girl group look will always be one of our favorite moments from VMAs history.
How To Be Taylor Swift's Squad For Halloween:
Brit + Co
Materials + Tools:
- photos of the #squad
- 11 x 17-inch paper (needs to be this big to fit over your cute little face)
- scissors
- popsicle sticks
- tape
Instructions:
- Print out your #squad faces.
- Cut them out.
- Tape a popsicle stick to the back and you’re done!
Brit + Co
Print out one or all of these famous faces. We recommend making lots of them so that you can hand them out all evening. Carefully cut out each face. These ladies don’t need plastic surgery, so stay in the lines!
Brit + Co
Finally, tape a popsicle stick to the back to turn them into masks. What, did that take you five minutes? Less? We thought so.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co
And now on to the fashion show!
First up we’ve got T. Swift herself. Looking foxy in her crop top pant combo. Make sure to slick your hair and add those notable cat eyes.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co
Next we’ve got Cara Delevingne played by our very own Kelly. For this look, find a short flowy black dress with silver details.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co
Maddie is doing model Gigi Hadid right with her long-sleeve yellow dress.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co
For Selena Gomez, Ashley wore an adorable wide-leg jumpsuit.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co
DIY actress Serayah’s sexy white dress by cutting slits in a similar gown.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co
A flowy coral dress and sandals work perfectly to play the part of Karlie Kloss.
Brit + Co
Much like the girls at the VMAs, our in-house crew was having a fabulous time behind the camera.
This post has been updated.