Sure we see all kinds of glossy, perfect DIY projects in magazines, but how often does the project actually turn out like that when you do it yourself? For us, it's rare. Maybe it's impatience, a real lack of time or we're just a little challenged when it comes to power tools. In any case we were impressed when we noticed all the real DIY projects readers have undertaken and really dominated in this thread on DIY. Jump below to see some real examples of what other readers have been able to make themselves (and feel free to add yours in the comments):
The Trixter's landing strip pegboard is simple, totally useful, cheap (because it's made from scraps) and has that cool salvaged look to it. Mostly we like it because we might actually be able to make something like it (don't know if the pegs would all be pointing the same direction though...).
The trixter also made this bench. We wish we had room on our landing strip for something like this.
Etrine made this modern TV stand out of simple materials and even incorporated some sliding doors to hid media clutter underneath. See more of how he made it here.
These Guys figured out that some elbow grease and steel wool would strip brass plating off of a tired old side table stand and make it look like new.
O! Rachew! collected vintage frames and made this great grouping on a wall for cheap!
And we've seen this one before, it's aud-o-matic's hidden litter box/entertainment center. A great way to incirporate a litter box into a small space without assualting the look of the room with a giant sand box!
Have you been turning to DIY recently? Have any projects or ideas you want to share with everyone?
Comments (11)
so far we've made a bar: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2008/01/breakfast-bar-saves-day.html (after the post, we added the lighting).
a pair of kiddie butt scooters (a low "pillow" on wheels)
Maybe I'm a pretty tough judge, but a lot of the DIY I see on this site looks like DIY. I'd like to see some that are more refined.
I built a great DIY. I really liked these cubes from C&B that were closed on all sides but one. i didn't like the $350 price tag. Figured they looked easy enough to do so I had at it.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=998&f=14808
Had just barely enough scraps of 12ply Birch or Oak plywood, some good woodworking equipment, and a couple of free weekends. I made an improvement compared to the C&B versions by having the cubes be able to swivel so I can hide the opening when I don't want others to see the clutter. All in all I spent under $50 for both because I had the wood. Before I found the wood it would have cost me about $60 per sheet so still under $150 total for two cubes.
some cut wood
http://images38.fotki.com/v1281/photos/5/51621/223476/IMG_0191-vi.jpg
top portions together
http://images36.fotki.com/v1296/photos/5/51621/223476/IMG_0192-vi.jpg
assembled, sanded, filled
http://images40.fotki.com/v1333/photos/5/51621/223476/photo-vi.jpg
i stained it a dark dark (almost black) brown to match the rest of my furniture. don't have any finished pics. I just moved this weekend so things are a mess.
Cheers,
M
Eleany wants to see something more refined; well feast your eyes on this remarkable, fashionable tripod floor lamp constructed from a Craigslist cast-off: http://stylenorth.ca/blog/2008/09/diy-tripod-lamp/
Prepare to be WOWed!
By the way,
I updated the the TV stand by putting some wooden feet on it.
http://etrine.com/2008/09/03/tv-stand-update/
Also, a new coffee table
http://etrine.com/2008/09/22/coffe-table-update/
And, some table top succulent stands
http://etrine.com/2008/09/24/craft-time/
And a DIY desk is on the way...
I built my headboard from scratch...
http://renovationtherapy.wordpress.com/2007/07/31/headboard-how-to-recap/
I've done other things since, but I DIYed some Chinese paper umbrellas for the wall:
http://sunnydayhappyface.blogspot.com/2007/04/parasols-on-wall.html
i always see the best pillows and other textiles on AT but i would never spend the asking prices for them. i'm sure quality is a factor, but i don't think good design means spending $120 on a pillow. so i'm going to learn how to make them myself & sell them cheap. maybe some other decor as well!
Great stuff everybody. And I like the raw look, being that the pieces above are actually straight (unlike mine would be.)
I'm afraid to saw the handles off my Chinese parasol! Though, it's not doing me much good folded up...
In addition to the hidden litter box boxes, I designed/built the entertainment center before we moved into our current apartment. My girlfriend and I play a lot of co-op video games (geeks? yes, I know), so we have two TVs and needed a long unit to hold both along with all of our consoles. I also wanted something on coasters for easy cord access and management.
This is the final product:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomorrowiscancelled/2921484853/
And here are some photos from the building process:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomorrowiscancelled/2922330936/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomorrowiscancelled/2922331388/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomorrowiscancelled/2921484459/
Keep in mind I have no formal building/carpentry training and pretty much just figured it out as I went along, so the results may not be very refined. However, I don't mind that simple, linear aesthetic, and hopefully it doesn't look too DIY-ish.
Thanks Everyone, I'm inspired!