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You Can Do IT…Yourself

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Today I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind lately… YOU!

You know I love your comments.  They make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.  I especially like the ones where you say that you’ve been inspired or motivated to tackle some project or to do something you’ve been wanting done but were waiting for someone else to do.  THAT IS AWESOME!  That makes it ALL worth while!

I love Warm and Fuzzy.  It’s such a nice way to feel.

Interestingly, some of the comments (and emails) that create a warm and fuzzy feeling for ME, are also revelations about what some of you BELIEVE about you.  Or, what you don’t believe about you.

So, today I decided to share my “TOP SECTRET” secrets to successful DIY’ing!

(Shhh, don’t spread this around, or soon everyone will be capable of making their homes beautiful and there won’t be any UGLY houses left for me to buy and make lovely!)

OK?

OK!

 There are FOUR  essential ingredients to successful DIY’ing.

You must:

1.  DESIRE to DO it!

(Paint in hair, covered in sawdust, arthritic elbows from using so much elbow grease…  It’s not for everyone!)

2.  BELIEVE you CAN!

(It’s going to be done by SOMEONE, why not YOU?)

3.  LAUGH at your MISTAKES

(Because you WILL make them, we all do!)

4.  LIVE with IMPERFECTION

(Because nothing is ever perfect.  Give yourself a break.  Sometimes “good enough” really IS.  Don’t stay awake all night thinking about what you could have done differently!  Just do it differently next time.)

Live, Learn and Move On!

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Along these same lines, I thought I’d share an interview I did with Kelsey, a college student, who had to start a blog for a college assignment.  She sent me, and a few other DIY bloggers a whole list of questions that I answered with all my might and mind.

She didn’t use my answers in their entirety, so I thought I would share them with you…because , like I said, I put my whole heart and mind into answering them.  And because they answer the question a lot of you have been asking, “how did you get started in your DIY journey?”.

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Kelsey:  What made you interested in doing do it yourself decorating?  How long have you been creating DIY projects?

Me:  I’ve had some interest in decorating and design since I was a child.  Learning to create and DIY was a matter of necessity.  It always seemed like we were poor as dirt when I was a child but I’m not sure if we really were or if my dad just didn’t see the sense in spending money on things that had no function other than to “look nice”.  So, I tried to make things myself and decorate without spending.  Of course, I was decorating my doll house but it was all the same to me!  I sewed curtains, made furniture out of cardboard and empty thread spools, etc.
As I got older, I was constantly changing the furniture, begging to tear the paneling off the walls and things like that but it wasn’t MY home so I didn’t win too many battles there.  I “decorated” my apartment in college but it wasn’t until I did have my own home, that I really caught the bug.  In my first home, I painted and put up curtains, bought some furniture and changed a light fixture or two.  It wasn’t a huge change, but it made it feel like MY home.  In my next home, I went back to school to study Interior Design.   At that time, I also started learning how to build cabinetry.   I love designing spaces, figuring out how to best use the space and make it beautiful…and I LOVE making those designs happen with my own two hands.

What are the advantages of DIY projects?   DIy is about more than just saving money.  Creating gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment.  To me, Designing, building, sewing, crafting…whatever form of DIY project I’m doing, is a creative outlet.  Why does a painter paint?  A sculptor sculpt?  Architect, musician, poet, writer…  I am inspired by what I see around me and I use that inspiration to create something I want or need.  My “art” is generally very functional but I love to make things beautiful and functional at the same time.

In terms of money, do DIY projects save you a significant amount of money?  Not always.  It is important to know what tasks your skill level will allow you to do..  If you have to hire a pro to come in and fix the bigger problem you just created, DIY’ing could end up costing you significantly more!  Sometimes, people watch DIY shows and think, “I can do that” and so they try without doing the necessary research first ,and they end up in trouble.  Most people can probably do most things themselves, but do TONS of research and know what you are getting into BEFORE you start a project.

*It is VERY IMPORTANT to note that I do not try to do EVERYTHING myself.  There are some things that are better left to the pros.  Anything that requires a permit, I prefer not to have resting on my shoulders!

Do you think it is a good idea for college aged girls to use do it yourself projects to decorate their first homes?  Absolutely!  If it’s something that interests said girls.  Everyone is different.  Everyone has their own unique interests, skills, talents as well as needs.  Do you need curtains but can’t afford the cute, ruffled, $200 ones from Anthropology that you just fell in love with?  Make your own out of a couple white sheets from the thrift store.  (Wash and sanitize first, of course!)

Are their any projects you would recommend to college aged girls?   That depends on the need.  If a person wants a certain look, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to create it.  Often times, that means thinking outside the box!  You can DIY pretty much anything:  Light fixtures, rugs, curtains, bedding, art, furniture.  One of the easiest ways to transform a space is through paint.  If you are in a rented space that doesn’t allow you to paint the walls, paint your furniture.  If you don’t have furniture, go to a thrift store or yard sale and find some ugly piece that is just right for your space and needs some TLC — and paint it.  There are literally thousands of “Trash to treasure” blog posts you can look at for inspiration.

Where do you find your inspiration for decorating?  I read A LOT of decor magazines, web sites and blogs.  Pinterest is a great new resource for inspiration!

What is your favorite DIY project you’ve done?  I have a few.  One was created by simply painting some picture frames and using black and white photos to create a unified collection.  (Picture Frame Collage Wall)

My IL kitchen makeover is another.  Painting ugly cabinets, doors and trim is another DIY project that is fairly inexpensive and has a big impact.  (IL Kitchen Makeover)

My master closet that I’m working on now has been the longest single project I’ve ever done and I’m hoping it will be my all time favorite.  It should be finished next week!  (Executive Master Closet)

What is your favorite part about DIY decorating?  Knowing that I can do just about anything I set my mind to.

I always think, “If a job can be done by someone, then I can most likely do it myself.”  Not everyone wants to do everything themselves.  Some people are very happy calling in a pro to do a job or buying a piece of art or furniture, ready made.  If you are a person that would like to DIY but you don’t know where to start.  Google is your best friend.  I get online and search for information, look through dozens of magazines and books for inspiration and talk to as many people as I can find to help me make informed decisions and plans before I tackle a new project.  If that sounds like fun to you…you just might be a DIY’er at heart too!

(And one more time!  ***I do not try to do EVERYTHING myself.  There are some things that are better left to the pros.  Most electrical, plumbing being a few!  Anything that requires a permit, I prefer not to have resting on my shoulders!***)

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I think of DIY’ing as an adventure or journey.  We’re all at different stages of our journeys.  Some are well on their way and some are just starting out!   The important thing to remember is that we all started at the same place…the beginning.  Remember that, and don’t expect to know everything all at once.

Start small…but start!  You can do it!

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Comments

  1. I just added you on a blog list on my house blog under the title “Girls With Saws.” (I have two blogs – an art blog and a house blog).

    Today I looked for a wood-working class in my area and found one for $225 (which didn’t include the cost of buying steel-toed boots).

    I’ve been making small changes here and there which uses a drill. I’m in love with EZ Anchors. Have yet to make friends with a saw but I see that in my future. I’m going to start with closets, because errr…they’re hidden.

    Dixie

    • YES! I’m so excited that you are going for it. And, I think an actual class, where someone is there to watch and help you is a very appropriate place to learn how to safely use a saw. I also think a closet is a perfect place to start. Not because I think you need to hide your work, but because you have chosen it and this is, after all, your journey.
      GOooooo Dixie! (In my best sporty chanty kind of voice..) 😀

  2. Sandra your post is so appropriate especially after our comment chat yesterday about folks wanting to buy those wood chips presliced! Love it.

    • Well, it is good that at least SOME people would rather buy…’cause some people need to make a living from doing thing for others. (I would totally cut and sell those wood chips if I were you!) 😀

  3. Thank you for writing this! I have to say, I’m very lucky to have a handy husband who works hand in hand with me on most projects. He also lets me have the confidence when needed to do it myself.

    But I am constantly telling my friends they can do it too! As I said to one friend “Even if all you do is pick up a can of spraypaint to change something, then you’ve DIYed a little piece of your house.”

    And sometimes, things don’t work, or you end up at the hardware for the 20th time that weekend, but when it does work, it’s awesome.

    • So glad to hear you have such a supportive person in your life who encourages and believes in you …and that you in turn are being that person for your friends! Support and encouragement make a world of difference! Keep it up Shaina!

  4. What a great interview! I was a child of DIYers too. Living on a farm was a bonus and the local dump was like a storage room for decor. We did a lot of up-cycling before it was fashionable. Ahhhh the lessons I learned from my parents! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful blog! Cheers!

    • There’s no better way to learn how to be capABLE than growing up on a farm! I HATED it at the time, but looking back, I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

  5. This is why most women I know in real life are not into DIY. It’s because you have to *want* to do it, and *believe* that you’re capable.

    (And by DIY, I don’t mean painting. I mean renovating the kitchen or bathroom by yourself. Once there’s plumbing and tile involved, people freak out lol)

    • “Desire” is a prerequisite and the “Confidence” kind of grows on you.

      I had a friend once, who didn’t know how to do ANYTHING herself: cook, clean, do laundry, let alone any handy type project. She wanted to learn how to sew. She was apprehensive and unsure but she tried. Her project was far from perfect but she DID it and was proud of what she had done. I think she totally DIY’d those curtains a good one! 😀

  6. Great post Sandra! I love that you mentioned that some people just don’t have the desire to DIY & that’s ok! My husband happens to be one of those guys. He prefers either I do it or we hire someone. I’m with you though-I hate hiring someone if I know I can do it! 🙂

    • Some people have no interest in DIY’ing and that’s OK. That’s great actually, because as soon as I’m done with this house, I want to actually get paid for doing this kind of work because someone else doesn’t want to! 😀

      If we don’t move again…

  7. This is awesome! Thank you for it. I’m just starting out(again) with all of this DIY/”Re-purposing” stuff. I did it years ago when I was married & the 2 houses we evolved into were always “fixer-uppers”. I did the majority of the work except electrical, plumbing, or high up on the latter stuff(afraid of heights & all that). I really got into it & LOVED it. A lot of it was bargain shopping, curbing and making things new again. My now ex-husband didn’t like any of that & would belittle me about it, & give me a hard time about bringing things home like that(He liked everything NEW. Had to be store bought out of the box) I pretty much was “brainwashed” into thinking the same thing over time. That things can only be bought new. Only crazy people would make things that they can just go out and buy don’t ya know! *Insert eye roll here* (Such the wrong way of thinking in my opinion now) I ended up stopping, and getting rid of my tools & supplies & being “normal” as he preferred. now, after almost 4 years divorced, I live in a house that is the biggest EYESORE EVER! It is sooo tiny. No storage ANYWHERE. Things falling apart, everything old & ugly, etc. I’m a single mom of 3 awesome boys, I can’t afford to buy storage, or nice furniture! It made me so depressed and miserable. Then one day recently I stumbled upon pinterest. OMG!! I kept seeing all these great things & thinking to myself, I can make that! I can do that! I also have found great Blogs like yours on there as well that have been a treasure trove of information! I realized that now there is no one holding me back except me! I started looking on Craigslist & seeing so many nice solid pieces furniture being given away or sold for dirt cheap because it needed some TLC (Or in some cases, A LOT of TLC) I’ve been grabbing what I can, going to 2nd hand stores, Ebay and am slowly getting my supplies I need, and pieces to work on. I am so excited now about what lies ahead! I’m not going to have a front page magazine/head turner of a house, but soon it will be an organized sanctuary that I won’t be embarrassed about inviting people to!
    Sorry for the novel length comment, I am just very excited to be on this journey, and a lot of it I contribute to awesome blogs like yours! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

    • You have been on quite a journey. It is impossible, no matter how confident a person is, not to have that confidence shaken because someone is constantly whacking at it with an impact Hammer!
      Other people do effect on our confidence, positive or otherwise.

      I’m glad you are finding your confidence again. Confidence in knowing what you want and like as much as in what you can do.

      The great thing is that you already know you can do it. You did it before. You just took a detour. I’m glad you are excited and are doing what makes you happy!

  8. I am going to see if Home Depot has a class on how to operate a table saw, miter saw and pneumatic powered staple gun. I HAVE all those tools and want to use them, but I don’t want to go through life without one of my arms.
    My question… IS the new closet your favorite project to date? It surely is gorgeous!

    • It is! And I’m with you on the arm thing. I realize that is not possible for everyone, but if you can, the best way to learn is by having a person there, showing you and answering your SPECIFIC questions to each and every scenario you might run into.
      Then, be careful, smart and safe…EVERY time!

  9. Thanks, Sandra! Often we all just need a little kick in the butt to to do things. There are a lot of projects we still want/need to tackle in our new(ish) house, and lately I’ve been feeling more nervous than usual about DIYing bigger things. (Painting and hanging things? Got it covered. Building a bench? Scary.) But you’re right that I just need to believe I can do it, and get over it. 🙂

    • And just do it! 😀 Shaina made a good point about support and confidence. The more you do, the more confident you will become. Even when things don’t turn out great or even well. Just trying, and seeing what you did with your own hands…there’s no other way to gain that kind of confidence.

  10. Excellent post. I get told all the time that I should have been a boy, to whih I reply that I LOVE being a girl and I also enjoy building/remodeling/DIY stuff – ITS NOT JUST FOR GUYS!!! LOL! I have a friend that owns a cabinet shop and I fully intend to spend the day there sometime soon! Lots of knowledged to be absorbed there. My favorite DIY project of all time – that I did ALL BY MYSELF – is the 2,000 sf of hard wood flooring that I installed. Makes me smile every day just knowing that I did it myself. It’s not perfect – but nothing ever is. LOVE your blog.

    • Good reply to such a silly comment. People!

      Anyway… Perfection is an illusion for sure. When you DO hire a pro, they do not deliver perfection. I draw comfort from that when I see a mistake of my own and know that, at least I didn’t pay someone for a job like that! LOL

  11. You do such a good job of inspiring all of us! I’ve also learned that starting small and working my way up to bigger projects really helps with confidence building. It also builds confidence in my husband to realize my abilities to do projects. (We are a team after all.) One of these days I’ll tell him I’m tearing down a wall and he will just respond with ‘okay’ and not the usual deer in the headlights look. 😉
    Keep up the good work!

  12. I have followed for quite a while now, and I will say you are my biggest inspiration for building. I have gotten the courage to whip out those saws even when my hubby is not around! Before, I would use them, but felt I needed him there for the “just in case”!

    My husband is also very inspired by you! As soon as we get back from our business trip to vegas, we are diving right into building a new workshop!!

    Thank you for all you do, as a blogger I know how much work it really is! So thank you!

    • Good for you Jenn! It’s so great to get over that confidence hump. Love that you can work together too though. It goes so much faster with two!

  13. Our house would be falling down around us if we couldn’t DIY! I am so grateful to be able to do these things ourselves. And dang, it feels good knowing that yeah I did that! Aren’t Dads great in teaching us life lessons! HEHE

    • My Mom was a great example to me of a capable woman, I’m guessing I learned from her! Both my parents expected much from me and I never thought I was too young or small or weak or the wrong gender… to do anything! 😀

  14. Sandra, you are such a sharing/caring person. Taking the time to answer all these comments is wonderful. Your work blows my mind. Cheers from Australia

  15. I always say that DIY is something like 10% creativity, 20% know-how, 20% Google, and 50% bravado. You just have to start and when you tear in and realize you are way over your head, that’s where the bravado comes in…you just keep working on it until you figure out how you’re going to fix it.

  18. Hi Sandra, I just finished going through most of your posts and I am just blown away. WOW, you are amazing. Let me know when you move to Buffalo because I will sign up to be your intern/assistant in a heart beat. I think next to Mike Holmes you are the one to learn from. It is hard to say that one of your projects is my favorite, all the little details, but your closet is sure a front runner. My husband and I helped build/finish our home and have since added a garage/master bedroom that we are still in the process of finishing. I can’t wait to show him your closet, love it to say the least. You are such an inspiration to both women and men. I love your can do attitude. I am looking forward to see what project you do next. So glad I found you on Pinterest. Alaina

  19. You are 100% correct that so much of DIYing is believing in yourself and your ability to actually make a difference! We’ve tackled really big projects in our home – a two week hardwood flooring overhaul comes to mind… and a kitchen gutting and re-creation.

    I think being OK with mess and being flexible is also important. Some changes take a lot of time and require you to get creative. I lived without a stove for almost a year, but we made it with skillets, a microwave, and a grill outside. It wasn’t *really* roughing it – I mean, we could still cook! But some folks just couldn’t imagine being without a stove. That’s the price we paid to be able to get the kitchen we wanted and remodel the entire first floor layout. We love the house now, but it was a lot of work!

  20. I found you via Pinterest a couple months ago, and to say you are an inspiration is a huge understatement! I think I was jabbering like a fool when I showed my hubby pics from the gorgeous craft room you built at your last house because it was so beautiful. We’re house hunting at the moment, and a *functional* new studio space for my home-based scrapbooking business is in our near future. I’ve been trolling for ideas that will work for my studio space and I’m SO glad I found you! I have a really handy husband, but patience isn’t one of my better virtues. 🙂 So I am encouraged to dust off the skills I learned in my materials processes class in art school (holy cow, was that really 20 years ago?!) to spruce up and personalize whatever house we end up getting. LOL, my new mantra will be, “The table saw is my friend!” I’m excited to start tearing up my next house and we haven’t even bought it yet!

  21. Great post Sandra. I totally agree with your four ingredients for successful DIYing. We definitely need more ladies spreading the DIY love!

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Although it is my intention to provide accurate plans and clear instructions, not all plans have been tried and tested. Using plans or information found on SawdustGirl.com indicates that you agree with the Terms of Use policy and will accept full responsibility for the process and outcome of any project you attempt. All plans are for private use only. Plans and information published on SawdustGirl.com may not be reproduced, republished or distributed in any manner without written permission from Sandra Powell, Sawdust Girl. Actual projects built using Sawdust Girl plans may be published on your own site without instructions or "tutorial" as long as you provide a link to my original post with full post title or "SawdustGirl.com" as link title.