Are you ready to start a new hobby? Whether you’ve delved into different arts and crafts projects or you’re just starting, finding inspiration is the first step in unleashing your creative side. In fact, the DIY home improvement market size is projected to reach nearly $680 billion by 2025.
So, from complex woodworking projects to home decor, there are opportunities to start anywhere you want, as long as you want to do it yourself. But… where to start looking for inspiration?
Don’t worry; in this article, you’ll find a lot of great, trustworthy sources to set off your creative sparks and start your next DIY adventure. Grab your tools, and set out to research with us!
1. Online platforms and other communities
Online forums are a godsend, and the internet is a treasure trove full of DIY inspiration as it is. Some websites, like Pinterest, have a solid reputation in this area. Others, like Instagram and YouTube, have a great deal of information in several different formats.
To find what you’re looking for, whether it is inspirational photos, tutorials, or just ideas, you need to learn how to look for it in the first place.
Try hashtags like #DIYproject or #CraftIdeas. This way, you’ll see what the internet has to offer at first glance. You can even find tips about cleaning if you’re on a budget, like 8 easy and effective DIY all-natural cleaning supplies. Whatever makes your life easier!
Join online communities, participate in forums dedicated only to DIY, and find like-minded people in your journey to master any hobby, from painting to crocheting and even smithing, if you’re so inclined.
Of course, as you research, it’s important to keep your information safe. You can download a vpn app on your phone to hide your internet connection with an encryption protocol and protect your privacy from potential threats.
2. The beauty of nature itself
Nature will never fail to inspire human beings, and DIY projects are no exception. If you take time off your day to walk through a park, hike in the woods, or even sit in your garden, you’ll notice different shapes, colors, and textures every day.
After all, seasons change, and nature changes with them. You just need to stop and pay attention.
For example, fallen branches can become wall art that people will admire, seashells can go into homemade scented candles, and flower arrangements can work just as well with wildflowers and other plants. You can even get inspired by painting or embroidery. Let nature inspire you.
3. Repurposing materials
As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another man’s treasure, especially if we’re taking DIY.
You can find items at thrift stores and flea markets, but your own home should have a thing or two to get you started. As you’re on the lookout for things to repurpose, take a look at our article on tips for reducing your environmental footprint and lowering your power bill.
It’s a challenge to make something ordinary into something incredible. Embrace it as you’re getting inspired. Here are a few tips if you feel your courage failing:
- Get basic tools, like a hammer, nails, or a screwdriver. If you don’t want to buy these items, borrow them from family, friends, or a kind neighbor. Most DIY projects require one or more of these tools.
- Don’t start with a big project; do something simple and fun at first to enjoy the process and learn on the way. For example, you can repurpose a mason jar or even a picture frame before tackling things like furniture.
- There's nothing traditional about DIY, so don’t be afraid to experiment from the get-go. Metal scraps, reclaimed wood, and even fabric remnants can serve to create something incredible.
- Embrace the eco-friendly side of DIY: repurposing materials is great for the environment, and most of the people who enjoy DIY projects care for the environment and want to reduce their green footprint.
4. Stop and live in the moment
This may sound a little bit outlandish, but inspiration often comes to us when we’re doing routine things, like showering or brushing our teeth. To prompt these ideas, stop and pay attention to objects, textures, and colors. More often than not, something will come up.
You can go to the farmer’s market and suddenly have an idea for decorating your kitchen, or you can go to an art gallery and suddenly realize what kind of painting you’ve needed for your living room this entire time. Use your notes app to quickly write down these ideas before you forget.
Additionally, take time to appreciate art in all its different mediums: books, movies, paintings, and music… they all tell different stories, and you might find yourself experimenting with new materials sooner rather than later. Immerse yourself in these experiences and allow your emotions to guide you in your new DIY projects.
Another great starting point is to capture your cherished moments in Mixbooks' photo books, which allows you to create stunning personalized photo albums that can serve as a beautiful memory book of your creative projects. This way, not only do you showcase your creativity, but you also preserve its enjoyment through time.
5. Research about history and culture
If you've always been interested in a historical event, don't be afraid to research more. It can inspire your next DIY project in unexpected ways.
Explore periods, traditions, obscure subcultures, and different ideas. Whether you want to recreate a Greek vase or embroider in the Victorian style, the world is your oyster.
Here are a few tips on where to start:
- Research historical artifacts, like textile patterns, natural dyes, pottery techniques, and other mediums. Don't be afraid of botched attempts, as you'll improve in no time.
- Attend cultural events where you can experience a variety of food, clothing, and dances. You'll make new friends and get to see inspiring performances. Diversity inspires the mind.
- Get bold and combine elements from different cultures and periods, creating truly meaningful DIY projects. Think of it this way: the neoclassical movement drew inspiration from ancient Rome and Greece. What's stopping you from doing the same with your favorite time?
- Film yourself, keep a journal, or make a scrapbook to register your progress over time. This will encourage you to go on when you don't feel like it.
To sum up
There are pretty much infinite sources of inspiration for you to choose from.
Don't limit yourself! Whether you're repurposing materials, going out and looking at the clouds, or even researching your favorite historical events, the key is not to think too hard.
Let your creativity fly; that's what it's there for! Gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and start a new and exciting project.
