Create Something Great With These DIY Blogs

DIY-ers know that there’s no shortage of online instructional videos and websites showing you how to make everything from a bed made of wood palettes to your own beaded jewelry. If you’re a crafty girl or guy who loves to build things from scratch, these two creative websites are full of ideas to get your gears turning:

Pretty Handy Girl
Though the name implies that it’s a site for females, Pretty Handy Girl is full of ideas that all types of people will love. From complex home renovation projects to simple arts and crafts ideas, this site will help you make your house look as chic and stylish as a page in a magazine. It also features a peek inside the blogger's toolbox, helping beginning DIY enthusiasts learn which tools are necessary for just about any project.

Makezine
Makezine is a complete online resource for all things DIY, from project instructions and tutorials to meet-ups with other makers in your area. The main page offers interesting articles about incredible projects that other people have made, as well as the latest news from the DIY world. There’s also a database full of how-to guides, video tutorials, and even categories dividing projects by various subjects. Whether you’re a recreational DIY-er or an amateur inventor, Makezine has something for everyone.

Make Your Own Jewelry With These Easy Tutorials

Making jewelry is a stylish, creative craft beloved by people of all ages. Crafters love that they can customize each piece to their exact preferences, and it also saves you money if you’re a bit of a jewelry addict. Here are three helpful tutorials that will show you how to start making your own jewelry right in your own home.

Suede and Chain Woven Bracelet [yesmissy.com]
This DIY jewelry project is worlds away from the braided friendship bracelets from your youth. With a bit of glitz from the metal chain and a touch of neutral color from the suede rope, these bracelets rival the ones that you would buy at a pricey jewelry boutique.

Bobby Pin Earrings [themetricchild.blogspot.com]
You may not have ever considered using bobby pins as jewelry, but once you see this adorably edgy jewelry DIY you’ll wish that you had thought of it sooner. Painting the pins with nail polish also enables you to add a bit of color to coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe.

Polymer Clay Bead Necklace [delightedmomma.com]
Polymer clay necklaces have been floating around the blogs for quite some time now, but this completely customizable version is one of the best. You can mold the clay beads into exactly the sizes that you want, and you can also choose paint colors to create your favorite palette.

Tap Into Your Creative Side: Starting a New Hobby

Tapping into your inner creativity can offer rewards to both your personal and professional life. If you've been wanting to pursue an artistic hobby at home at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge, these tips can help you get started.

First, gather the materials you will need. There is nothing more challenging than getting your creative juices flowing only to discover that you are lacking a necessary tool or piece of equipment. That said, don’t pressure yourself to purchase the most expensive or fanciest supplies — you just need something to get started with.

Next, set aside some time where you won’t be interrupted — this is key. In order to learn a new skill you need both time and undivided attention. We all know it can be difficult to schedule the time, but be realistic. If you can only set aside fifteen minutes, then make those fifteen minutes count.

Sometimes, it's helpful to set aside time to get creative with your friends. Finding people at a similar level of skill can provide an environment where you can all learn together, and also support each other as you learn. Whether you’re crocheting, scrapbooking or whatever, a group can’t do anything but help you improve, and make the process more fun!

If you're finding your new talent a challenge, seek out some professional instruction. You don’t have to commit to an overwhelming schedule of lessons, but having a few pointers can be really helpful as you get started, and make the whole process more pleasureable.

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