Flourishing Things: DIY

DIY, or “do it yourself”, refers to repairing, creating, modifying or replicating without the aid of a professional. DIY encompasses a large variety of activities such as sewing, gardening, refurbishing, repairing, craft making and more. Although people have been employing the concept of DIY for years, DIY culture has seen a significant increase in the past few years as creative online communities have surfaced through websites such as Pinterest and YouTube. These communities promote the sharing of completed DIY projects which inspire members to get creative themselves.

Some popular DIY projects include stripping and refinishing wood furniture, crocheting or knitting blankets and clothing, constructing vertical gardens and planters, creating home décor items, canning and preserving food and making soap and candles. This list is by no means exhaustive as there’s a DIY project out there for everyone!

DIY projects are a great way to spend less money. In-store products/services are often overpriced and can be easily replicated with the right supplies. For example, opting to repair your clothes yourself instead of heading to the tailors is a great way to spend less. However, there are many benefits to DIY that go beyond cost savings. For instance, taking matters into your own hands allows you to connect with the projects you create. This gives them much more meaning than something you purchase at the store. DIY projects allow you to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment during the process and upon completion. You might even find a new hobby or passion or rekindle an old one! Perhaps getting back to some of the skills taught by our mothers and grandmothers can help connect us to past generations and pass along these skills to the next generation. DIY projects are a great way to connect with other like-minded people, spend time with kids in a meaningful way or just have a leisure activity that builds skill and connection while creating meaningful items for yourself or for others.

The Spruce Crafts

Pinterest

Ana White Woodworking