Design

Summer DIY Projects: From Space-Age Pillows to Toolbox Barbecues

With Curiosity's recent touch-down on Mars and the last days of the season drawing near, we've been drawn to some the more spaced-out summer projects. From galactic sneakers and glowing play dough to toolbox and Altoid tin barbecues, this round-up is all about soaking up the last days of leisure.
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Footwear Shoe Human and Person
Photo by Jessica Sharpe.

All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

With Curiosity's recent touchdown on Mars and the last days of the season drawing near, we've been drawn to some pretty spaced-out summer projects. From galactic sneakers and glowing play dough to tiny Altoid tin barbecues, this round-up is all about soaking up the last days of leisure. What are you up to? Share your best and brightest ideas with our Design community!

Above:
  1. Star-Power Sneakers

Send your Keds into orbit. All you'll need to magically morph them into this galactic landscape is some colored Sharpies, rubbing alcohol, and fabric paint. Visit Time for Tea for the how-to.

Photo by Bajablue

.
  1. Portable Toolbox Grill

Reuse an old toolbox to build this portable charcoal 'cue. Perfect for a grilling bangers at the beach. Bajablue shares the tutorial over at Instructables.

Store nails, screws, or drill bits in this Lilliputian toolbox.

Photo: Brenda Ponnay of Alphamom
  1. Altoid Tin Toolboxes

The "curiously strong" mint tins also make handy containers for odds and ends. Brenda Ponnay came up with the twee idea for Alphamom.com.

Summer Constellation Pillow DIY Kit by saltlabsA dreamy DIY pillow kit.
  1. Constellation Cushion

A perfect project for beginner sewers (just one length of fabric and four straight lines to stitch) this DIY pillow kit is on offer at Etsy from Chicago-based saltlabs.

Photo by vmspionage

.
  1. Altoid Sours BBQ

Hot pocket! This candy tin 'cue is powered by one standard-sized charcoal briquette and capable of grilling up a full-sized hot dog or small hamburger patty. Once fired up, it gets mighty hot, so watch your paws. Get the how-to here.

Photo by Fairy Dust Teaching

.
  1. Cosmic Play Dough

Kids are drawn to all that glitters. Next time you're looking for a project to while away the afternoon, try adding black and blue food coloring and a little bit of glitter to the sticky stuff. Find instructions at Fairy Dust Teaching along with other fun play dough mods.

Photo by Sam Negrin

.
  1. Galactic Mason Jar

Hosting an outdoor party? Light up your patio with this psychedelic glitter and glow-stick mason jar. Inspired by a lamp spotted on Pinterest, a Foam magazine community member came up with the quick and dirty how-to.