Behind the Scenes of DIY Projects

By  Nyaabila Apambire

Getting the things you need is a click away. When buying items you require, there are a limited amount of options. One way to customize your usual buys is to make it yourself! DIY (Do-It-Yourself) allows you to learn new skills, save money, foster creativity, and boost self-esteem by providing a sense of accomplishment. It can be a therapeutic activity that gives you tangible results from your efforts. Essentially, it empowers you to create something yourself and improve your problem-solving abilities while potentially enhancing your quality of life.

Way before I knew what they were, I started doing DIY projects at a young age. Around the age of 10, I had red-eared sliders. I didn’t realize the rate at which baby aquatic turtles grow until it happened. Before I knew it my turtle's dock was too small for them. I thought to myself, “Am I going to have to buy a new dock every time they outgrow their own?” I was only a child and didn’t want to continuously ask my parents for the same thing over and over again. So, I found some PVC lying around and went in search of the part that would be the platform. What I found was an old vegetable rack that was not in use anymore. The only thing I purchased was aquatic safe glue which was around $2.99. I also used foam from an old cooler to insulate the basking area. At the end of my project, I spent under $5 on supplies and custom-made a dock that worked out better than anyone I saw for sale. 

In this BLOG post, I will be discussing the benefits and give examples of DIY projects. To start, self-build projects are engaging and allow the opportunity to learn new skills. Having the ability to do things like sewing, carpentry, and gardening can expand your knowledge base and capabilities. These abilities when practiced can then be turned into a talent or gift. Plus, you can share your new capabilities with others by teaching or making gifts for loved ones. Some people even turn DIY projects into a way of life by selling their creations. 

Nowadays, things are much more expensive than when I was a child. Often, DIY projects can be cost-effective by being significantly cheaper than hiring a professional. Home improvement projects or repairs when done can give you an understanding of how things work and what needs to be done. That leaky toilet or faucet is only a trip to the store and an o-ring away from a fix! Being able to personalize projects according to your taste, design aesthetic, and size gives you creative freedom. Have you ever been shopping and seen something you like but thought, “I like that but I wish it was this color”, or, “If only it was smaller I would get it”, maybe even, “This would make a great gift for aunt Susie if her initials were engraved in it”. All those things can be done single-handedly. 

Before starting my service with Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, I was interested in 3D printing. I even got one that was a great dust collector because I did not use it. After I started my term, I started to use the one in the office. I was entering an unknown battlefield because everything had to be precise, planned, and calibrated correctly. With the help of a coworker, I was able to learn how to produce solid prints. When my coworker's term ended, I thought I would be lost without them. Instead of giving up, I started to expand my knowledge and learn more ways to use the 3D printer. Now I can create, edit, and design things from scratch. Instead of searching hard for the small parts I need, I can just make them. Finishing a DIY project provides a tangible feeling of accomplishment, in turn boosting your confidence and self-esteem. 

Just like meditation, working on a hand-crafted project can relieve stress and create relaxation. DIY projects provide a focused, creative outlet that diverts your attention away from daily stressors, allowing you to engage in a mindful activity that can promote relaxation and a sense of accomplishment, whether it's through the physical act of crafting, the satisfaction of seeing a project come together, or the simple pleasure of learning a new skill. 

During a project, problems may arise. Troubleshooting challenges during a DIY project can enhance your ability to think critically and find solutions. Improvised problem-solving skills can develop and allow you to think creatively when other issues arise in life.

By taking on DIY projects, you can customize your home to better suit your needs and preferences. What better way to personalize your living space than to create items that can be used or displayed around your home? In recent times I have been interested in utilizing cupboards and closet space. Within the past few months, I have built several shelving units that fit under the sink cabinets and for the top closet shelves. In doing so I have been able to take advantage of space and organize more effectively.

This is a list of easy DIY projects that can be done around the house:

Display wicker baskets on the wall

Make a bean bag for dorm or kid’s room

Make a Spring vignette for the living room 

Expand your garden area by creating a vertical platform

 

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About the Author

Nyaabila Apambire 

Youth Education Coordinator

Nyaabila formerly served two AmeriCorps terms as a Youth Recreation Leader and Naturalist Educator for the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Working with kids has always been a passion. He is excited to serve his first VISTA term as Education Outreach Coordinator. For around 10 years he has been coaching and refereeing youth basketball. Battle-born Nyaabila graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. Living areas for him have been Nevada, Canada, Washington, California, and two years overseas. He highly enjoys traveling, the outdoors, flying drones, and playing basketball in his spare time.