Expensive, pretty things that you can DIY

As someone without a life, I spent a lot of time browsing design blogs, looking at pretty stuff that I know, for the most part, I can't have (The harsh reality of being a student I guess).

Every now and again I see things that I can have.... If I get around to making them.

A surprising amount of stuff, particularly lamps, can be DIYed.

This lamp for example, the Moooi Dear Ingo Hanging Lamp from The Modern Shop,  (Image from DesireToInspire) would be fairly simple, and considering the US$3995 price tag, a hell of a lot cheaper.

Take 8 or 10 (or more if you wish) of these lamps from Warehouse Stationary for NZ$69.95 (or US$50. The Warehouse had base-less ones for NZ$30 but I can't find them):

Or this one from IKEA for US$29.99 if you want something a little different:

Simply remove the bases (they'll be bolted) and secure to a steel ring. Some hardware stores will have suitable hoops, or visit a scrap yard and pick up an old steel drum.

Cut the cords and wire into a block joiner

 

(looks like this thing)

And voila! A lamp that would cost less than US$400 and about a day to source materials and assemble.

Other simple and amazing DIY projects could include:

This one, a lamp by Lindsey Adelman, actually has instructions to you can make it. HERE, HERE and HERE. (3 different styles. All amazing)

 

 This elegant pendant would be incredibly simple, just get basic lamp fittings, cut your wire to the same lengths and hang. Image is from DesireToInspire.

 

This red number might be a little trickier. Get some metal or sturdy plastic pipe from a model shop or hardware store (if you get metal pipe, please earth it. We don't want any electrocutions), cut to desired lengths and join. Glue light fittings in place (or screw if you bought suitable pipe), and paint in the colour of your choice. Image is from DesireToInspire.

 

A headboard is another simple, cheap project. Upholstered headboards, particularly square ones, take little time or experience. Look HERE, HERE or HERE (this one is recommended) for instructions. Also a Google search will be helpful.

No. 5 is the cheapest and easiest of all. Paint is a great to revitalize a tired, old piece of furniture, or add sparkle to a thrift store find. I love the simple elegance of this dresser (I can't remember where I found the image).


If you have tried to DIY something, or seen a great DIY tut, please link me.