Make it or buy it? It’s the question I ask myself whenever I am shopping for decor. As a DIY’er, I love making things. But as a practical consumer, sometimes it’s easier (and less expensive!) to buy. And sometimes it’s a toss-up. That’s why today, I’m popping in to share some of my favourite pretty home accessories to DIY or buy. The list includes recent DIY’s I’ve shared on the blog and their equivalents you can find online – it’s the best of both worlds!
When considering whether to DIY or buy, there is a lot to think about:
Cost: Let’s face it, sometimes choosing to DIY is actually more expensive! Especially, if you are starting from scratch. You may be embarking on a new craft and need to buy the basic tools, along with materials. Is it worth the investment? Or can you find something at the Dollar Store, a second hand store, or discounted home goods store that is more affordable?
Time: Are you a stay-at-home mom with limited time to DIY the project? Do you have a full time job? Do you commute to work (as I do) and find yourself with hardly any time at home at all? Will the time put in be worth the effort? In some cases, the longer it takes, the better – at least that’s how I feel about weaving. It’s the most relaxing DIY I can think of! If you have a craft that you love this much, then time is not an issue 🙂 Either way, time is always a consideration with any craft or DIY.
Materials: What materials are needed if you decide to go the DIY route? Do you have a lot of leftovers from a previous craft project that you can use for the DIY? Or do you need to go out and buy more? Do you need to buy the supplies online or at your local craft store? Where will you store the leftovers?
Skill level: Are you making something for the first time? Or have you done it before? Will you need to do a google, Pinterest (for some awesome craft ideas, see my account here) or YouTube search to see if there are tutorials already out there? Your skill level will ultimately influence your decision and also impact other factors, including time and cost.
Space requirements: This one is a serious consideration if you live in a small space. Where can you make your project? On the dining room table (as I do) or in a spacious craft room (oh, how I dream of this!). Can you leave the project and go back to it later? Or do you always need to clean up and set up?
Trouble-shooting: Are you prepared for problems that will – inevitably – pop up? This is always the most trying part of crafting or DIY’ing for me. When problems arise, you have to know yourself really well: are you impatient? are you under a time restriction? can you call on help when needed? or is the project worth it to continue to the end? Do you know when it’s time to throw in the towel? BTW: We’ve all been there! It’s determining whether or not it’s worth it to complete the project or abandon ship and move on.
~ The following contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. ~
PRETTY HOME ACCESSORIES TO DIY OR BUY
One of the other ways ways to determine which home accessories to DIY or buy is to compare online tutorials with ready-to-order decor you can buy online.
Below, I’m pairing up some of my favourite DIY’s from the blog with their online equivalents (or as close as I can find on Amazon 🙂 ).
For the DIY option, just click on the photo and it will take you directly to the tutorial. None of the tutorials below require a lot of money. In some cases, however, you may be starting from scratch. Getting the right tools will always add to the bottom line, so take that into consideration when weighing your options.
If you’d rather not go the DIY route then to buy the item just click on any of the images directly below the DIY option. (For even more options, just use the search bar provided).
DIY
Armed with any glass container, this adorable terrarium takes just minutes to create.
See the tutorial here.
Or you can choose to buy from among the myriad of affordable choices online:
DIY
This wreath is easy to recreate, but takes a bit of time to get all the sections balanced to perfection.
See the tutorial here.
BUY
DIY
Such a fun craft! But it does take a bit of time and patience while the paint (and nail polish!) dries.
See the tutorial here.
BUY
DIY
One of my all-time favourite whimsical pieces I’ve made to date. You just need a deer head (found or purchased) and some artificial flowers to make this work. I had it completed in no time.
See the tutorial here.
Deer head motifs are everywhere in home decor. Below is just a taste:
BUY
DIY
This mini macrame wall hanging requires learning just 1 knot! See the tutorial here.
BUY
DIY
One of my most popular tutorials. I suggest you take a peak at my beginners tutorial (in 2 parts) first before embarking on this next level of wall weaving DIY. See the full tutorial here.
BUY
DIY
This tutorial was created in the early days of the blog – pictures are a bit ‘yellow’ and sad, but the final product still hangs in my Great Room. Just love it! See the tutorial here.
BUY
DIY
If you are always pressed for time (and who isn’t) then you may not want to try this one. A great summer or cottage project, to be sure, as it does take a lot of time and patience to complete. But, it is so worth it!
See the tutorial here.
BUY
DIY
This beginner level abstract requires no special skills to recreate. See the tutorial here.
BUY
I hope you enjoyed this round up of pretty home accessories to DIY or buy. While I love handmade decor, sometimes it pays to find alternatives that may save you on more than just time!
Happy DIY’ing!…or Buying 🙂
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