Making crafts is a fun and rewarding experience. You can even upcycle items in your home so you don’t have to toss them in the trash when they start looking shabby. There are many different techniques to crafting, including yarn crafting, beading, painting, wood crafts, papier maché, and sewing.
One way to make projects and crafts truly unique is to add your own personal embellishments, so no one else will have the exact same item.
Here are 10 ways you can find DIY inspiration for your personal projects.
Reuse, recycle.
Don’t clutter the landfill with garbage. If you have old cushions, linens, or furniture, you can sew new covers for them, and repaint old furniture to make it new again.
Join a local crafting group.
There are many local crafting groups in major cities where you sit over coffee, and work on a project. You’ll get to see what others are working on and be able to share patterns.
Join an online crafting group.
Online crafting groups share photos of finished creations, and their makers may be willing to offer tips on how to get started.
Take a night school course.
Many adults-only night classes are available at the local high school. Here you can take that jewelry-making or carpentry class you wanted to take in high school, but your parents wouldn’t let you. The additional benefit is that these classes have tools and equipment that you won’t have to buy yourself. You can try the hobby first before outlaying any cash.
Start your own summer group.
Place notices on local community boards and invite people to join you in the park. Invite people to bring blankets, snacks, and small crafting projects that won’t take up a lot of space.
Try a new craft you’ve never tried before.
You may think you’re not into painting or knitting, but you won’t know unless you give it a try. And you’re not stuck making sweaters or paintings either–think outside the box and make make a knitted lampshade, or paint your fridge.
Visit DIY bloggers.
When you’re puzzled over a crafting technique you can search online for DIY bloggers who have already finished the projects you want to do. Not only do these blogs provide inspiration, they may mention tips on how to proceed.
Visit product websites.
Many manufacturers actually list a website on their product labels. You can visit these websites for inspiration, and patterns. You don’t even need to buy these products–simply make note of their website and visit later.
Ask friends and family what they have made.
Many people are shy when it comes to things they have made for their home. Let them know you are a maker, and you’re interested in what kinds of projects they’re also working on.
Visit fancy department stores.
Window shop at fancy department stores. See if you can make the same types of cushions or clothing that they sell. Chances are you can make it for only a fraction of the price they’re asking for.
Kim Bettasso is an entrepreneur who thoroughly enjoys the creative processes that go into crafting and DIY projects. You can read more about Kim and her DIY adventures at KimBettasso.com
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