Why DIY projects are exploding—and it’s not just the economy or Pinterest—and how you can make something worthwhile
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[<a href=”http://storify.com/dailyhap/the-power-of-creating” target=”_blank”>View the story “The Power of Creating” on Storify</a>]<h1>The Power of Creating</h1><h2>Why DIY projects are exploding—and it’s not just the economy or Pinterest—and how you can make something worthwhile. </h2><p>Storified by DailyHap · Thu, Apr 26 2012 19:27:03</p><div>The rise in do-it-yourself projects from painting mason jars to building couches to repurposing found objects as new has its roots in several modern trends. First, as eco-awareness rises, it only makes sense to consider repurposing, upcycling (the beautification of recycling), and creating new out of old. Of course, the long-standing economic downturn plays a part, as does the rise of an image-centric web (including the ever-present Pinterest) where tutorials can be shared at the click of the button—there’s literally an app for that.</div><div>App Store – SnapguideOpening the iTunes Store. If iTunes doesn’t open, click the iTunes application icon in your Dock or on your Windows desktop. Progress Ind…</div><div>But more than practicality, there’s something to making it yourself that allows people to relish the process. So much of what we do is goal-oriented—deadlines, dinner on the table, gym workout for time—that we often forget to enjoy the journey. Crafting and creating allows us to enjoy the very act of creating, as we can’t ignore the process. (http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/act-of-making-things/)</div><div>Instructables – Make, How To, and DIYInstructables is the Biggest How To and DIY community where people make and share inspiring, entertaining, and useful projects, recipes…</div><div>Of course, we can’t ignore the joy of finishing a DIY project. It’s a grown-up version of putting your art on the refrigerator: your handiwork, literally that which you made with your two hands, is on display in your house/garage/office/apartment to be admired. You get to show off without showing off. It answers our ego’s call for our work to be seen!</div><div>Craftin n CreatinDuct tape feather earrings! 2 repins</div><div>So creating something makes you happy, and we can’t see any downsides to attempting a DIY project this weekend … check out the Pinterest board above for inspiration and let us know how your crafting and creating goes!</div>
Image: Some rights reserved by chrissy.farnan
