I've been thinking about the DIY phenomenon. I mean, it's nothing new, but it's so prominent. Do you consider DIY a design category in itself? If you copy a design, but actualize it with your own stuff and your own hands and maybe tweak it a little, does that make you clever or a thief? Hmmm...
Here are some of my fun finds:
1. Make this Chandelier. Found on Lindsey Adelman's website, where you can also download full how-to instructions.
2. Hang a clock from a belt. This specific example, found at PoppyTalk, uses an Ikea clock and an H&M belt, but I don't think your limited to these items. Any nice clock and belt should do...
3. Put together an industrial style coat rack from copper pipe. Idea found at Weekend Carnival, instructions there are not too detailed but for those who are determined, it shouldn't be a problem.
4. Make a headboard out of salvaged wood. Found at Design Sponge, detailed instructions available.
5. Give your glass vases a burst of colour. Found at Sugar and Charm, instructions available there too.
6. Turn an old cheese box into a night stand. Found at Design Sponge, go there for instructions.
See you next time,
Xx. Holly.
Hey Holly. I always think that DIY involving making things for the home is a risky business. To be honest, you'd never see DIY pieces in a Walnut Grey space ;-) It just wouldn't fit with my ethos around clean, functional, aesthetic and long-lasting.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly I believe in freedom of expression in any space, but for me that will always be with a professional designer slant. DIY is often too bohemian, especially if kids are involved! And it can also look a little bit cheap.
Gxx
I agree that it's risky business, especially aesthetically. But what if you could make something amazing (like that pendant lamp in the first example) for cheaper and by reusing materials? You're helping the planet, helping your bank account and accomplishing something with your own hands - which apparently induces real pride in oneself - it becomes personal.
DeleteI don't know, I think I'd like to have one or two really good DIY projects in my home one day. But that means I'd have to make time to execute that project professionally, something I'd take seriously. If I ever get the time (and belief in myself!), something like that pendant lamp (have you seen some of Lindsay's other works?) or the copper pipe rack or concrete planter pots I once also posted about might be along the lines of something I'd try... c'mon Mr. Grey, concrete pots!!!
But I do understand what you are saying :) Thanks for your comment!
Xx.
What a cool roundup. 1-4 are just super cool. I am such a huge Lindsey Adelman fan!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Igor! I only discovered Lindsey Adelman a little while ago. She does great work!
DeleteI love DIY, but agree that it doesn't always look great..
ReplyDeleteLove all of these projects.
Thank you so much Holly for you lovely messages!
Have a brilliant weekend!
hege x
Thanks for your lovely messages too Hege! DIY can be a tricky thing, but you've shown some great examples of you own - and how lovely they are!
Deletethank you so much, Holly.
DeleteHave you tried? I think it can be a lot easier than people think..
Have a nice evening! Hege x
Oh, I'm on the fence here because although I agree with Mr Grey I can also see some really well executed DIY. It has to be well executed though... bit if shabby chic is good, mixed with vintage.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, still on the fence so thank you for making me ponder over this.
Some of your chosen examples are not too bad if in the right environment. Yes, on the fence....
The right environment and the right project ... could be good!
DeleteGlad to make you think ;)
Thanks for your input Tina!!
Xx.
I feel so accomplished when I can change something up and save at the same time! I've had that clock pinned and have been meaning to do it forever! These are all beautiful roundups, Holly. I think everyone is entitled their opinion of DIY, but in my case, I love it when the outcomes look like this. It's all about pairing items in the right settings. That's the cool thing about art as well...it's always modified or created from a particular point of view. Makes the world an interesting place.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a wonderful Monday!
Hey Danie! I couldn't agree more with you about it being the right project for the right setting. "That's what makes the world an interesting place" - so true!!!! Thanks for your insightful comment :)
DeleteXx.
Oh... such a cute ideas. I really like the last idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Holly for the support. Hugs from Prague,
Radostina
You're so welcome Radostina! I love stopping by your blog, always lovely and inspiring images and content. I so appreciate that :)
DeleteThanks for your comment and for stopping by here! Glad you liked the roundup.
Hugs from Germany Xx.
Hi Holly,
ReplyDeleteAre you in Frankfurt now? Does it feel good?
Well, I love this roundup of diy's. Like you, I'm not much of a diy'er either (too afraid of mucking up), but each of these projects looks so inspiring. I think what makes each of these projects a stand-out is the fact that they are executed with such great quality and care.
I enjoyed your shop tours in the previous posts. It was fun going along with you and seeing these very special shops. You can tell that each shop owner has really taken the time to put their own unique feel and look into their shop's interior space. I see some diy going on in those shops. :) Thanks for sharing, Holly.
PS~Custom designing my own wedding rings? Yes, please. Wish I would have known and thought about that years ago.
Hi Theresa! Yes, I'm back in Frankfurt and it does feel good :) Funny because Frankfurt is a place we moved to just for while P was doing his license - so it's always had this temporary feel. I've had no emotional attachment to the city or my apartment really ... but after four months of being here and there, coming back felt so good, and I was surprised. I'm happy with that.
DeleteThanks for your lovely comments. I was so happy to share the shops and they got such a good response ... maybe it gives me incentive to explore Frankfurt a bit more for some charming shops :)
Like you, I'm afraid of DIY but I'm amazed when great things come out of it - so I keep collecting the ideas ... maybe one day.
And yes ... DIY wedding rings, such a fab idea - I think for a future anniversary P and I will treat ourselves to that :)
Have a great day Theresa!
Xx.
great details!
ReplyDeletegood artists copy...great artists steal - pablo picasso
ReplyDeletei say we would not be theives! great post.
Hey! Now that's interesting! Ideas are meant to be shared and used, right? And if someone steals your idea, then it's an invitation to get a better one - and the world evolves to it's best potential this way ... man, I'm such a Utopian, lol!
DeleteThanks for your comment Xx.
...and a bad speller! "its best" not "it's best".
DeleteI've had the lighting instructions sitting on my desktop FOREVER :) It may be time to tackle that one... I'm definitely going to give the clock idea a go - so clever!!
ReplyDelete