The Weekend Project: Useful DIY for Spring Camping

Now that winter is over, it is time to dust off the camping tent and head over to the picturesque landscapes. We know that you have been itching to pitch that tent the past months but unfortunately, most camping sites are closed off during winter. And rightly so because the extreme cold temperatures that occur in winter spells danger. Campers may experience cold-related ailments like hypothermia. Due to this, you have to sit out winter and wait for the weather to become warmer. Although springtime can still be very cold, at least it is not at a freezing temperature level. And it sits comfortably in between winter and summer, which could be the exact opposite of winter which can be extremely hot. Moreover, you can avoid the crowds that you can expect during summer. This would mean a more peaceful experience. Though not as popular as summer, spring can be the best season to set up a camping tent. Why? If you love to soak up the sunshine after the drab, cold winter days, then springtime would be the best season for you. A word of warning, though, expect the weather to be a bit chilly still and do layer up on your clothing. Also, be prepared for spring showers as rain is common during this season. So, pack up those raincoats and rain boots as well. We know that you already envision yourself sitting in front of your tent, drinking hot chocolate, while in front of the campfire. Plus, the canopies and the blooming flowers that sway with the wind, abundant refreshing fruits, and vegetables, and the sweet, sweet smell of the spring air all add up to the memorable camping experience. But before you pack your bags for the spring camping trip and get behind the wheels, here are some do-it-yourself projects that are useful and essential for your most awaited camping activity.

Keep the bugs away with DIY mosquito repellent bracelets

It isn’t only you who can enjoy the outdoors, but the bugs as well. Protect yourself from getting irritating bug bites by repelling them using this easy-to-do repellent in two ways: Essential oil mosquito repellent and Garlic mosquito repellent.

Here’s what you need to make the Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent:

• Dropper bottle
• 9 drops of purification
• 4 drops of citronella
• 4 drops of peppermint
• 3-4 tablespoons of carrier oil like olive or almond oil

Then, mix all the liquids into a dropper bottle.

Here’s how to make the Garlic Mosquito Repellent:

1. Cut the garlic cloves.
2. In a bottle or bowl, soak the garlic in water.
3. Let it ferment at room temperature for a day.
4. Then store the mix inside the refrigerator.

Here’s how to make the repellent bracelets:

1. Prepare scrap fabrics and cut them into strips.
2. Braid the strips together to make a fabric bracelet. Make sure that the size of the fabrics will be enough and not too loose when wearing on your wrist.
3. Secure the ends of the bracelet together by tightly tying it with a piece of string or a small rubber band.
4. Add a couple of drops of the essential oil mix or garlic concoction onto your fabric bracelet.
5. From time to time, add more drops to your bracelet as the scent will leave the fabric.

Sit comfortably with a DIY folding stool

You do not need to buy a new stool for your camping trip. Instead, make one in your garage workshop space. What’s good about this is that you can personalize the design by upcycling any old fabrics available in the house. Plus, the stool can be a piece of multi-use furniture as it can make a great footrest and side table.

Here’s what you need to make the stool:

• Lumber
• Fabric
• Inner canvas stabilizer
• Electric or hand saw
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Wrench
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Staple gun
• Ruler
• T-square
• Pencil
• Sewing machine (or hand sew materials)

Here’s how to assemble the wooden frame:

1. Cut the lumber according to the appropriate size. Then, sand the wood.
2. Drill holes in the legs for bolts, approximately 9 inches from the flat ends.
3. Pre-drill holes for the screws at the middle of the flat ends.
4. Pre-drill matching holes for the screws in the side beams.
5. Assemble the wider legs.
6. Apply wood glue to the surfaces in contact, then insert the nails or screws through the pre-drilled holes.
7. Assemble the narrower legs. Repeat step 6.
8. Assemble the frame by nesting the narrow legs in the wider. The pointed ends of the legs should stand squarely on the ground.
9. Line up the bolt holes. Then insert the bolt, washers, and nuts on each side.
10. Tightly secure with the nut on the bottom.
11. Leave to dry overnight.

Here’s how to make the fabric seat:

1. Cut out the fabrics. The top and bottom fabrics are the same size, while the inner canvas stabilizer must be one inch smaller on all sides.
2. Pin the fabrics into this order: top fabric, inner canvas stabilizer, and bottom fabric.
3. Make sure that the top and bottom fabrics are aligned in the edges.
4. Press all seams, then edge-stitch around. Topstitch an additional line about 1/2- inch from the edge stitching.
5. Wrap the shorter side of the fabric over the side beams of the frame, then attach the fabric to the wood using a staple gun.

We Recommend: Fleximounts WB201 Durable Workbench with Built-in Drawer

The price is $259.99. When working on these projects (or any project for that matter), the first thing that you will be looking for is a worktop that can handle all your materials and activities. You would want a wide worktop, a sturdy surface that is scratch-free especially if you are working with sharp tools, stable and adjustable legs to balance the workspace, and of course, a welcoming addition is a built-in drawer to keep the materials that you often use. Designed with high-quality craftsmanship, the durable frame of this workbench is made of cold-roll steel. It has a convenient built-in storage drawer that is embedded in the worktop. The pull-out drawer provides seamlessly integrated storage space for your workshop supplies. The modern design blends in perfectly while keeping your belongings out of sight and neatly put away. The work surface is free of scratches and chips due to its material. It is made of 1-in thick rubberwood that is sealed with varnish. As it is understandable that garage workshops tend to be on the heavier side of activity, and the materials and tools used are mostly made of metals and carry heavyweight, protecting the worktop is a feature that is made especially to last the wear and tear of things. Garages, oftentimes, have uneven flooring. So, to be able to enjoy a stable work surface, the workbench has adjustable feet to make it easy to level the workbench as deemed fit. The WB201 is an all-purpose workstation that is suitable for many purposes–both commercial and personal. It is fit for use in your home space, garage, warehouse, mailroom, basement, workshop, or office.