DIY expert and author Geneva Vanderzeil has joined Better Homes and Gardens magazine as creative projects editor, where she will share inspiring DIY projects, simple home decor flips, and easy crafts with readers.
Earlier this year, Geneva was awarded DIY Dynamo in the magazine’s Creator Awards, recognising her talent and expertise in the DIY space. As creative projects editor, she’ll be sharing monthly DIY and craft projects that anyone – no matter their skill level – can achieve, focusing on helping readers make their homes feel uniquely theirs.
Why Johanna Griggs visited Geneva’s home
Johanna Griggs welcomed Geneva as a special guest on the Better Homes and Gardens TV show on Friday, October 31. The main reason? To see all of her amazing DIY projects and crafty furniture flips.
First off, a tour of Geneva’s stunning home, where all of her home projects shine in their full glory. From homemade Roman blinds to her bespoke timber dining table to her colour-drenched green sitting room, each part of Geneva’s house shows her creative prowess.
Then, it was time for Johanna to get a taste of how Geneva gets the job done, taking a discarded cabinet and turning it into a masterpiece. Let’s just say there was lot’s of sanding involved! Watch the video below to see the full tour:
Meet Geneva Vanderzeil
Geneva Vanderzeil is a DIY expert, social media personality and author of New Again. In 2023, she launched Geneva’s DIY School – an online space helping thousands of people rediscover creativity as a form of self-care and self-expression.
On Instagram, Geneva is well-known for her intricate dollhouse creations and her viral Bluey bedroom transformation that captured attention across social media.
We caught up with Geneva to get the full scoop on her inspiration, favourite projects, and, of course, her plans for Creative Projects Editor at BHG.
Projects Geneva loves to work on
From building her own Roman blinds to creating a series of beautifully crafted doll houses, Geneva has created a powerhouse brand on social media. Her love of creating beautiful items that frame a home comes across in every project she completes.
Her favourite projects? The ones that can be done on a tight budget, and that give you “the joy of turning ‘nothing much’ into something special.”
Finding inspiration for DIYs
According to Geneva, the best place to find inspiration is in the world around you, using shapes, colours, textures and materials that can spark a good idea. The best way to get the creative juices flowing is to have the constant thought process, “I can make that” on a loop.
For physical inspo, head to the op-shop or your granny’s cupboards for old craft magazines (we love the vintage BHG ones, of course!) or reimagine old crafts like embroidery and crocheting.
Tips for starting your DIY journey
Geneva’s best advice for beginners is to “start small and start messy”. Don’t wait around for the perfect idea or the exact tools, and instead start with what you already have.
“The act of making something with your hands can be incredibly calming and confidence-boosting. You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes addictive (in a good way).”
All you need is “A really good pair of scissors and a glue gun. These are my ultimate DIY companions. Also… a comfy pair of overalls!”
Plans for Creative Projects at BHG
Geneva will be taking on one project each month for Better Homes and Gardens magazine, focusing on projects that are “beautiful, useful and a little unexpected”. As a great extension of what Geneva already loves doing – creating, teaching creativity and encouraging people to see the potential in their homes – this may become everyone’s favourite part of the magazine.
Sneak peek: Geneva’s latest BHG project
In the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine (look for red cover featuring a box of delicious Christmas cookies), you can find Geneva’s step-by-step guide to making a gorgeous display shelf!
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