Bring the sun-drenched flavors and vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean into your kitchen with these easy DIY crafts.
More than just decor, these projects are a way to celebrate the region’s rich culture and create a little piece of the Mediterranean right in your own home.
Bring the Mediterranean to You!
Do you keep daydreaming about the iconic sights of Italian coastlines, the sounds of busy nights out in Greece, and the mouth-watering smells of Turkish street foods?
Before you book your next trip and pack your bags, try your hand at our DIY kitchen crafts to bring the Mediterranean to you!
1. Hand-Painted Olive Oil Dispensers
Olive oil is one of the most versatile and fundamental ingredients used across the Mediterranean. Having been around for thousands of years, it symbolizes peace, prosperity, and longevity.
So, why not create your very own olive oil dispenser?
What You’ll Need:
- Repurposed glass bottle
- Pour spout or spray nozzle (or use a cork for a more traditional look)
- Non-permanent marker pen
- Paint brushes
- Enamel paint
- Masking tape for painting
How To Do It:
- Wash your repurposed bottle with warm, soapy water, and dry thoroughly.
- Use a marker and masking tape to plan your motifs. Think about some of those iconic images you’d see on a Mediterranean cruise; olive branches, lemons, and geometric shapes are all good picks.
- Paint on your design using enamel paint and leave it to dry overnight.
- Pour in your favorite brand of olive oil. Pop in a pouring spout, spray nozzle, or cork, and enjoy!
2. Embroidered Tea Towels
Many countries in the Mediterranean basin are known for their intricate embroidery designs and lace work.
Reminisce on your trip by embroidering some tea towels with Greece’s geometric shapes and patterns, Portugal’s vibrant colors, or Italy’s florals.
What You’ll Need:
- Tea towels
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery floss
- Embroidery needle
- Cross-stitch Mediterranean motif or pattern plan (there are many plans available at your local sewing shop or online)
How To Do It:
- Pre-wash and dry your tea towel.
- Fix the embroidery hoop onto the tea towel and transfer your motif or pattern by lightly drawing it onto the material.
- Start cross-stitching by following the gridlines on the motif or pattern plan.
- Once you’ve finished cross-stitching, remove the hoop and gently steam the tea towel for a more polished finish.
Top tip: It’s best to start with an easy, beginner-friendly pattern, like cross-stitch.
3. Upcycled Jars for Mediterranean Herbs and Spices
Upcycle and reuse glass jars instead of throwing them out. Store famous Mediterranean herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) and spices (like cumin, saffron, and peppercorns).
How To Do It:
- Wash glass jars in warm, soapy water to remove labels.
- Use a permanent marker pen, chalkboard labels, or handwritten tags to label each herb or spice.
- Fill each jar according to the label, and arrange a lovely display on a kitchen shelve!
4. Wooden Serving Boards
Many countries, like Greece and Italy, serve their version of tapas. Celebrate this tradition at home by serving your version of tapas on handcrafted wooden boards.
How To Do It:
- Use wood-burning tools to engrave initials, geometric shapes, lemons, or olive branches.
- Use a food-safe stain and color your wooden boards yourself!
Opa!
Embrace your creativity while bringing some Mediterranean flair to the kitchen. Every DIY craft you create can serve as a beautiful memory of your trip abroad, making the perfect item for display or as a gift for a loved one.