Tips for beginning DIYers

One might wonder if a project is something that they can DIY or Do It Yourself.  Or some might shiver and want to dig a deep hole to hide at the mere thought of anything DIY.  Here are some tips on figuring out whether or not a project is something you can truthfully handle on your own.

Research!  Research!  Research!!!
You need to find out everything you can about how a project is completed, the materials you will need and the approximate time it will take in order to figure out if a DIY project is one you can handle.  For example, Mr. Teddybear and I are seriously considering on DIY'ing our flowers for the wedding.  I did extensive research on this subject and found out that the type of bouquets I want for me and my girls are relatively easy to do as well as the boutineers and the centerpieces.  I found that the only item giving me some concern was the flowers that decorate the arch. I also found out the timeframe we would need to get our flowers done.  Although we both love the personal touch doing our own flower decorations for our wedding brings, we are on the fence on whether or not we want to tackle the stress that comes with DIY.

Practice.  Practice.  Practice.
Once you believe that the DIY project is something you can handle, be prepared to practice the project.  Going back to my wedding flowers, Mr. Teddybear and I have made tenative plans on practicing our flowers.  We plan on going to downtown L.A. to buy flowers on a Thursday and then prepare them on a Saturday for a Sunday wedding.  This will give us a good idea on exactly how long it will take us to complete the flowers and whether or not the anticipated stress will be real or just in our heads.

Gather all tools needed.
Make sure, before you start your DIY project or practicing it, that you have all of the tools and supplies needed so that you don't have to stop in the middle of it and go shopping for it. 

Ask for help when needed.
Don't worry about asking for help.  If your painting a room at the house, it would be a lot faster having more than one person helping you out.  For our flowers, not only is Mr. Teddybear helping, but I do plan on asking my Maid of Honor to help out as well.

Well I hope this bit of information helps you in deciding if a project is something you want to DIY or not.

Have a great weekend!!!  :-)