dopten Step-by-step maker projects, handmade crafts, and creative build ideas for hobbyists.
If you’ve spent some time visiting Cottage on Bunker Hill, you probably know that I feel there’s always something worthwhile to create. Not because you need to, or because your home isn’t already beautiful, but because seeing something on your wall or table and being able to say, I made that, is incredibly rewarding. … Read more
There’s something about a small linen pouch packed with dried blossoms that seems both wonderfully nostalgic and utterly timeless. Sachets have existed for ages, and really? They’re ready for a revival. These are the kinds of projects that appear far more labor-intensive than they truly are. Add some dried lavender, a petite muslin pouch, and … Read more
Have you ever discovered something online and immediately thought, I have to create that right now? That was exactly how I felt when I first came across Japanese herbarium bottles. Dried blossoms floating in clear glass, surrounded by oil, and styled like miniature botanical apothecary displays—I was instantly captivated. And the best thing? Nearly everything … Read more
Fresh-cut blooms fade quickly, whereas dried flowers can remain lovely for many years. If you’ve ever wished to preserve flowers from your garden, a meaningful bouquet, or even a collection of grocery store stems that looked too beautiful to discard, drying them is simpler than you might expect. In this guide, I’ll explain the three … Read more
If you’ve spent much time here, you already know that I press a ton of flowers. It’s one of my favorite ways to transform something from the garden into keepsakes that last: artwork, greeting cards, bookmarks, and botanical decorations. I adore every bit of it! The only issue? My flower press fills up incredibly fast … Read more
If you’ve spent any amount of time here, you already know I’m devoted to real plants. I grow a cutting garden, preserve flowers and botanicals, and press blooms… I’m usually not the one choosing an artificial alternative. And still. Here we are! This summer, I initially set out to create a living succulent wreath. I … Read more