By Gwen P. Galeza
The effects of the recession might have hit some people hard, but among the creative people, it has only brought out their more productive and creative sides.
“The number one reason is that I am very cheap,” joked computer apps and web design teacher Kelly Bratcher. “However, I also am a creative person and I like to see the outcome of projects that I created from scratch.”
DIY (do it yourself) projects have been around since the dawn of time, but it is nothing like what society has today. With the boom of blogs and social media it has become easier to do things in a unique way.
“With social media now, people are able to share ideas better than ever. I think it is motivating or inspiring people to try their own DIY projects. You no longer need to purchase a book; you can get thousands of ideas instantly from websites,” said Bratcher.
Bratcher’s DIY projects started off when she purchased her new Kindle. While browsing for cases she found the prices way beyond her budget and called them ‘ridiculous.’ She then searched online (Etsy.com) for inspiration and decided to take a journey to her closet and the Dollar Store.
“I started saving some shirts and jackets that I planned on getting rid of to use. My tip is to use items around the house,” said Bratcher.
While some use DIY projects for alternatives, other use it as a way to come out of their shells.
“It is very important to me because I am a quiet person and it gives me a way to express myself,” said senior Brandi Wilson.
Wilson enjoys making her own clothing and paper dresses. She aspires to be a Fashion Designer in the near future.
“DIYing” is also another way for students to create a certain comfort zone because of the personality that it brought.
“I do DIY projects to get my mind off of things. It keeps me entertained and I like making things,” said junior Jenna Knauer.
In her free time, Knauer makes bracelets that she sports everyday. She also joined the National Art Honor Society and sold her bracelets to profit the club.
When the norm has become “I made this” rather than “I bought this,” this DIY trend will surely hit it big with everybody.
“I think more people will do it because people are starting to break away and not do what is expected of them,” said Wilson. “People want to stand out and by making something, you put your personality into it.”
How to make Peter Pan collars by Grace Runkel.
Peter Pan collars are one of the more popular trend in the DIY area. They compliment every outfit even as boring as boring as sweaters and t-shirts.
Materials
2 pieces of 21 inches of lace trim
Snaps
Buttons
Needle
Thread
Pins
Scissors