More often than not, I am asked the infamous question of "did you make that?!" Most of the time I say "No, I didn't make this intricately knitted sweater that I bought at Nordstrom" and I am flattered by the question and left dumbfounded they would even ask. Other times I shyly say "yeah I made it..." because I'm slightly embarrassed. I was thinking about the first thing I "DIY-ed" today and not including school projects and painting a picket fence with flowers on my wall when I was younger; the first thing I really remember being a DIY project was adding studs to my converse in the ninth grade. That was nearly six years ago. Since then I have made countless projects, some successes and some fails. I've learned so much about making things but I have so much more to learn. I don't even think I truly realized I was "creative" until my senior year of high school. All of this got me thinking of why I do projects on my own, this is what I came up with:
1. Cost Efficient: I love seeing something at Anthropologie or walking down a runway and thinking "oh, I could make that on a budget!" It is a challenge, it is thrilling, and when its all said and done I feel accomplished. But let's be honest, not every DIY project is cost efficient. Sometimes you can buy a necklace at Forever 21 ten times cheaper than purchasing the chain, beads, clasps, and pliers to make one necklace. When I go into a DIY I try to reason out the cost and shop around for materials before purchasing anything (but sometimes I just have to make it now.)
2. Originality (Or not so originality): Of course a main reason to Do-it-yourself is to make your project more original. To do something you haven't seen done. To put something new out there. But there is also the argument "nothing new under the sun." Touché my friend, touché...I agree! Sometimes you just have to take an original idea and give credit where it is due!
3. Stretch Creativity: Like I said above, I didn't truly realize I was creative until my senior year of high school. I never thought it to be special, but then I realized it brought me joy to make something and then I instantly just wanted to grow in every area. Constantly writing down ideas and intensely thinking about those things is so fun to me. Another reason why I DIY!
4. Learn New Skills: I have had some successes through DIYs but a lot of the time there are flops. I have made some of the stupidest things, but from those mess ups I have learned so much. I DIY to practice new skills like painting, wood working and sewing. I learned how to weld in high school so I would love to stretch that skill even further one day. You never know what you can do until you try it, practice it, fail, and then practice even more. Having a DIY in mind is the perfect excuse to learn new skills.
5. Share With Others: A main reason I have a blog is to share with others. Why would I want to just keep all of these projects to myself? Yes they are fun and exciting just by myself, but these things need to be shared. The cool thing about technology is the accessibility to the world by the internet. I have gotten to share so many of my own projects through a DIY blog and I have learned so much through other DIY blogs.
6. To Inspire: I do-it-myself so I can show people the possibilities of one simple idea and how it can bloom into something bigger. I hope as I DIY I can inspire people along the way.
Some of my favorite projects: Rock Climbing Mug//Handpiece & Knuckle Ring//Bucket Bag//Kitchen Table//Lace Skirt
Why do you DIY? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Oh goodness you seriously nailed this post! I am like.. exactly the same way! I didn't realize my creativity was anything special till my junior year (which would be the same year as your senior year since I'm a year behind you, if that makes sense). I get anxious if I am not always creating. I can not stand to buy something I can makes myself. It just gets boring for me just shop for items that I know I have the capability to make. For me it is like a passion, so strong, I truly can't stop it! All of your DIY projects are so impressive!
ReplyDeletexo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop
you completely were spot on with this post, i'm so glad you shared! i love your #4 reason, it's my main reason too! i have become more into baking/cooking lately than crafting/etc, but it's all for the reason of learning and improving on a certain skill.
ReplyDeletelindsey louise
hellomrrabbitblog.com
that passport holder is so cute! i loved this post, i think it's always important to think about why you're doing what you do! i find that DIY blogs are addictive don't you - I completely agree about how easy it is now to share what you make with likeminded people and then get completely inspired by someone else! i find it so exciting to learn new skills and make something completely beautiful and one-off; I think its my nesting instinct!
ReplyDeletefenn xx
freckledfennell.blogspot.co.uk
I love this post! I DIY because I love teh challenge of making something myself. I totally agree that it's a great way to learn new skills, and to push yourself to get better at doing something. I also find that making things - having an idea, planning it out, folllowing it through - is good for the soul. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment, and i love having that creative outlet. YOur scarf sleeves DIY is brilliant! xx
ReplyDeletewww.jessthetics.wordpress.com
I don’t DIY, but it’s really cool that you can! I think it would be awesome to learn how to hardcore sew. My sister has made some pretty cool things over the years.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate. I think it is awsome...to DIY becasue it requires a tremendous amount of confidence. I also think it is a great way to really trully discover who we really are and what we are capable of.
ReplyDeleteThnks for inspiring. Keep DIYing. :)
20160402 junda
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