Would you like to know how to DIY (Do-It-Yourself)?
Have you ever thought “I wish I could make something myself but I don’t know where to start? “
If you have, you are not alone but with a little mental shift, some practical knowledge and simple steps you too can learn how to DIY (Do-It-Yourself)!
It wasn’t until I stayed home with my two boys that I really dove into the DIY part of self-directed education. Read this post to learn more about how it has shaped Mother Makings.
Here are 6 simple steps to teach yourself how to DIY!
#1 Identify Your Need or Desire
Perhaps, you are tight on money or you want to learn something new. Think of a product that you use on a regular basis or something that you find super useful.
#2 Look It Up
Instead of buying it, look up “How to make ______” on your computer, smartphone or tablet using the search engine of your choice. YouTube is especially helpful to find videos on how-to-do something. Take note of the words that you use while searching because a slight word change can completely alter your results. Don’t forget your local library where you can check out all sorts of “how to” books for free!
#3 Research
Next, research a little. Of course, you could use the first recipe or set of instructions that you come across but it pays to be a little more choosy.
#4 Round Up Your Ingredients / Materials Needed
Find, re-purpose or buy your ingredients or materials. Always look for high quality, organic, sustainably sourced, eco-friendly and fair-traded ingredients and materials, whenever possible or reuse something that you already have.
#5 Follow the Instructions (at Least at First)
Follow the instructions, but do not feel trapped by them.
The first time you follow a recipe or instructions it is a good idea to follow it to the letter. Earlier on in my own DIY journey I did, but now I find that since I am more practiced at doing-it-myself I know what to expect and I tweak the recipes.
Instructions and recipes are guidelines. They are an outline for what has worked for someone at another time and another place. Many factors can affect the outcome of the instructions or recipe that you are following including: skill, learning curve, time of day (which can affect energy level and focus), temperature, altitude (for cooking recipes), ingredients and materials.
#6 Try, Try & Try Again
The more you practice something the better you get at it, even the practice of learning new things.
Have you wanted to DIY but gotten stuck because it seems too hard?
What would you like to learn to do?
What DIY project / recipe have you made?
