I love Pinterest and I love getting inspiration for DIY projects there. But to tell you the truth, sometimes, those projects fail before I even really start, and sometimes they fail halfway through. And you know what I think is the biggest problem? Those tutorials are annoyingly perfect and simple. It seems like you take a few simple steps, you need a basic tool or two, and before you know it, you’re done and everything is peachy.
So, do I have bad luck or am I not handy enough? Has this happened to you, too? I don’t think the problem is with me and you, I think those tutorials just don’t show you enough prep work, so, of course, the measurements are wrong and it’s no wonder I’m out of materials an hour into the project.
Anyway, this really got to me, and there has to be somebody out there who feels the same way, so this article is for you! Let’s see how to make all of our DIY projects successful.
Smart Planning
Poor planning will make your project go off track. Trust me, I speak from experience. So, now when I’m in the mood for DIY, I plan it first.
This is what works for me.
Realistic Timeline
The first thing I do is make a timeline that’s realistic, otherwise I just know it will stress me out. I’ll break the projects into manageable chunks and I make sure to note how much time I think every chunk will last.
I also like to include some extra time for troubleshooting, especially if I’m working on something totally new. And if I don’t need that time, that means I’m ahead, which is an excellent way to keep myself motivated.
Sticking to a Budget
If you’re anything like me, there’s a chance you’ll underestimate how much everything costs, so take my advice and make a list before you start. Jot down every material and tool you’ll need, along with their prices, and include a buffer for emergencies and last-minute adjustments.
Of course, we all want to cut costs, but I’ve found that skimping on basic supplies or buying low-quality tools doesn’t do any good.
Preparing for Challenges
Things won’t go smoothly and once I’ve accepted that, my life became a lot simpler and problems didn’t annoy me as easily. Materials can be out of stock sometimes, I overestimate my skills, one of my tools breaks down, etc. So, what do I do?
I just find other materials or wait until what I want is back in stock, I pick an easier project, and I find the right power tools to replace those that broke down on me. There’s a solution for everything.
Safety
This should always be your priority. Take it from someone who doesn’t like to read safety guidelines – they matter more than you think.
Review all guidelines for the tools and materials you plan on using, especially if any of them are power tools, chemicals, or something heavy.
How to Choose the Right Tools
The reason I chose to talk about tools specifically is because, if you don’t have good tools, skills, and materials you can’t do much. Tools are really, really important, and you should make sure you get ones that are good quality. I’m not suggesting you need something that’s industrial-grade, but you also can’t go with the cheapest option if you want good results.
You might be thinking that you don’t even need new tools because the ones you have are okay. But let me ask you, when was the last time you used them? Are you sure they work the way they should? Can you guarantee they won’t damage anything or, worse yet, injure you? If you’ve answered any of these questions with “no” or “I don’t know,” get to shopping.
And don’t forget about safety! Power tools are dangerous. One wrong move, and you can immediately suffer massive injuries. This is why in both The United States and Canada strict safety standards have been implemented. In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set forth a set of safety standards regarding power tools (across all industries) where professionals must be equipped with safety gear, and that all tools must be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Similarly, in Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has released detailed guidelines in regard to the use of power tools. For example, tools must be properly maintained, operators must be trained, appropriate PPE is necessary, and tools should be used for their intended suppose without improvisation.
While crafting, even the most basic tools can be dangerous, so make sure to wear safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection. That last one isn’t necessary unless your tools are super loud, though. But safety should always be a priority, and I don’t care if I look like I’m wearing a spacesuit, as long as nothing can come flying in my eye and I don’t inhale any dust.
So if you’re in the U.S., your best bet is to check one of the home improvement stores, or online stores (but home improvement stores usually have a wide variety of options and deals). And if you’re Canadian and you’re looking for power tools for sale, you can also find them in local retail chains, but the online market is on the rise in Canada. Just, if you’re ordering online, regardless of whether you’re American, or Canadian (or another nationality), ensure that they’re shipping to your country.
Conclusion
I’d say you’re now all set to make your next project a success. DIY projects are incredibly rewarding, even if they’re not complicated and even if you’re only making a tiny little trinket. And we all started with trinkets because we’re not born being automatically super handy and skilled. It’s a skill that needs to be practiced and honed in order to be good at it. Sure, there’s a little talent involved, but mostly – it’s practical work.
Don’t beat yourself up over things not going your way and don’t expect too much right when you start. Good planning is half the work, and the rest is patience and perseverance.
