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DIY Gear: Create Your Own Awesome

DIY Gear: Create Your Own Awesome
Believe it or not, Do-It-Yourself isn’t just the realm of Bob Vila and that dude Ty on all those Discovery shows. You can, in fact, do it yourself. With a helpful bit of inspiration and an almost complete lack of instruction (exactly how we like it), you can combine found items and a bit of know-how into some seriously awesome stuff for your home – without the obscene price tag that high designers and big box stores would charge you for similar items. Like any good vacation, the planning of any project starts with the destination. So here you go, here are your destinations. Disclaimer: Real life DIY doesn’t have a standby emergency team. This Hyundai sponsored post is about snapping out of the norm and creating your own awesome. Wall Lamp Like the functional Erector set cranes you used to build as a kid, this lamp combines a few pieces of wood, some nuts and bolts and electrical hardware to create one of the cleanest wall or desk lamps that you can save roughly $250 building yourself.

Altered thrift store art: Some personal faves Unknown, via Reddit. Banksy, via Flickr user goldenticket. It’s a simple idea: Find some bad art, whether original or a print, for a song at a thrift store, then modify it to make, if not “better art,” then at least something that’s more entertaining to look at. (Is it the same thing? Yeah, that sounds like a productive argument.) Anyway. Etsy seller loudxmouse. Banksy, via Flickr user Darrell Godliman. Reportedly Banksy, via Reddit. Banksy, via Flickr user poly_mnia. Banksy, via Flickr user SteeveeGee. Woodgill at Monocol’s Etsy shop. Did I miss a good one? Related

Top 10 DIY Tech Gifts @keyboard-vomit: Yeah, but wouldn't it be awesome if some of our not so tech friends actually attempted (and accomplished) one or more of these feats? I mean, when "it's the thought that counts," shouldn't it be a thought about something we'd actually appreciate. Then again, maybe socks are your thing. ;) @HunterShoptaw: That they are, I'm wanting some socks with an integrated HDD, and some USB connectivity. @HunterShoptaw: The thought does count, but it sure would be nice if they enjoyed the gift too. So for this year, I created wishgenies dot com for people who WANT to give good gifts, but don't know what they'll want. @keyboard-vomit: I swear that some day, some how...Google will be able to find my lost socks.

Paper Flower Key Holder / Mark Montano Difficulty Rating: Beginner Tags If you need a quick 'just because' gift for someone, this is it! It’s simple to make, couldn’t be less expensive and we can all use one. I for one am always losing my keys and this, by far, is the easiest way for me to keep track of them. Here’s how: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Supply List Wire hanger Needle nose pliers with built in wire cutter (most are made like this) Hot glue gun and glue sticks Stapler Book pages Fiskars Scissors and Pinking Shears Krylon Clear CoatSmall piece of cardboard

Build Your Own Grid-It Tech Organizer in a Vintage Book No! NOOO! As cool as this may look, I just cannot do this! I love my books too much. I would kill me to do this to a book, even if I owned several redundant copies of a book that I absolutely despised. Wouldn't someone enjoy reading them? Say I actually went through with this, probably under deep sedation, then what would I have? The only way I can see myself going through with this would be to find a book that I so thoroughly DESPISE that I would want to carry around with me for the rest of my life a perpetual reminder of the eternal spite and loathing that I have for that author and his or her lump of inestimable drivel. Then, in the tears of the vanquished, I would see my own reflection and despair for the irreperable harm that I've caused to not only another book - but to a fellow book lover. No, Melanie Pinola, I cannot do this.

Recycled Art: Amazing robots made from trash The expanding working arena of robotics has made humans obliged to accept them as co-workers, friends and even entertainers in some scenes. Since, the robots are the future; then how about crafting robots from recycled material? Sounds cool and green at the same time! Yes, the robots which will not only serve as a mechanical agent for you but at the same time will also help your motherly earth from the landfills. 1. These steampunkish dudes at Mutoid Waste Company have been in the lap of everything we call scrap, making stuff that is beyond even the best sitting in the helm in factories. 2. You will not be able to believe what you’ll see now. 3. Here is something extraordinary from an ingenious artist named Mark Brown. 4. The Wall-E robot is a cute and creative transformation of kitchen scrap into something more useful. 5. A Chinese farmer, Wu Yulu, has designed a family of 26 robots from scrap materials. 6. 7. 8. Here is a cute robot that is sure to win your heart. 9. 10.

High Functioning Coat Hooks Back in Los Angeles, any old coat rack or a few hooks by the door would do. Most of us would just toss a jacket in the back of the car in the winter months. But here in Vermont we need a little more. Materials, for each hanger you'll need: One cleaned or refinished paint can. 2 screws long enough to reach into wall studs. Tools: Long handled screwdriver or screw gun with sufficient extensions to reach bottom of can. Step one: With the handle in a horizontal position, layout and make 2 small mounting holes at the top and bottom of the can within an inch or less of the edge. Step two: locate and mark stud position on wall for upper screw position. Step three: Screw through the upper hole of the can into the wall stud but not quite snug to the wall. Step four: Straighten the can and screw through the lower hole of the can into the wall stud snug to the wall. Step five: Snug up first screw. Step six: Hang, stuff, drape and regain control of your entry space!

A Day's Worth of DIY Inspiration - Repurposed So much inspiration, so little time! It's DIY, it's repurposed and recycled, it's brilliant! milk crates in an antique buffet sculptures made from dice milk jug igloo wooden curtain rings bowl sewing bobbins necklace wall art made from bedsprings toy firetruck lamp And finally, I am seriously blusting (blog lusting) over this piece...made from lids! wall art made from lids Until next time... Mike Stumble this post

Fast & Fabulous DIY Wall Art Ideas Pssst – do we have cheap & easy wall art for you today! (But your secret is safe with us.) Whatever your style, we’re showing you different ways to mix and match your favorite 12” x 12” scrapbook papers to make paper wall art that is simply stunning. No one will guess how little time and money you spent on your DIY wall art. Vibrant Bistro Wall Art The eye popping wall art above is bold and bright, and features three 12” x 12” scrapbook papers on each 1” x 12” x 36” sheet of STYROFOAM Brand Foam. Vintage Bistro Wall Art Here’s another presto-change-o look. Contempo Wall Art If you prefer warmer hues, take a look at our decorating scheme below. Tuscan Wall Art If you’re just looking to change up a corner or other small space in your home, you can make smaller scale wall art. Brown & Green Wall Art Maroon & Green Wall Art You can make any of these wall art ideas for your home for less than $50 and in just a few hours – I know, because I made all of these myself. Which look do you like? Sharon

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