3 TIPS FOR PROJECT SUCCESS

While tackling a do-it-yourself project may seem like an easy, affordable way to create a new and unique piece for your home — for many of us, the project turns into an epic failure.

From sticky surfaces to too little supplies (and pretty much everything in between), successfully completing a DIY project when you’re not a seasoned pro can feel impossible.

That why we asked Jamie Lundstrom, decor book author and creator of the blog So Much Better with Age, to dish out her top three tips to create — and complete — a DIY project.

“It feels good to work with your hands and have something to show for your hard work,” she says of the projects. “But it takes practice, like anything, so don’t give up!”

Here’s what she had to say:

1 Preparation is everything “It’s the most boring part, so people like to rush through the prep work. But it’s really what will make or break a project. For example, if a piece of furniture isn’t primed or sanded properly, then every step going forward won’t turn out.”

2 You will fail, but don’t give up “I made 70 projects for my book, but when I came up with all the ideas in a few days for my publisher, I mentioned that some of these projects might turn into something else entirely.

“Sometimes a project was a complete fail, but when I looked at it the next day I thought, wow this would be good as such-andsuch. That’s the best part about making your own projects.

“I’ve had complete fails that I spent hours on and threw it to the ground crying afterwards. But I forced myself to think of a different way of doing it. There’s a lot of problem-solving with DIY and being creative. It’s easy to give up and say, ‘This looks like crap,’ but if you keep practising, you’ll solve your DIY problem.”

3 Improvise “Most of the time I complete a project with items I already have at home. I might have a few leftover things and think, ‘Hmm, what can I make with this?’ Before I know it, I’ve come up with a few ideas.

“On my blog, or in my book, when I share that project, I’ll list everything that I use, but if you were to go out and buy everything on that list, it could end up costing you a lot of money. Look around your house and see what things you can upcycle and improvise with different items.

“This is how you become creative and resourceful. Your project will be uniquely you.”