The DIY by Pole Pole, our complete guide

The DIY trend has been gaining momentum for a few years now, which is not about to stop growing. Much more than a fashion effect, it is for many a passion, aa way of life. And for good reason: the more time you spend there, the more you appreciate the creative effort put into it and its result. So here is our DIY guide so that you have all the information you need to get started too, or to expand your knowledge.

What is DIY?

Let's start with the basics. The D.I.Y, acronym for “ Do It Yourself literally means "do it yourself". A word which may have a similar meaning, but which should not be confused despite its misuse by some, is "craft". Technically, "craft" means "craft" or "artisanal" instead; and indeed, we see the link between the two.

Nevertheless, DIY has an important element that fundamentally differentiates it from the world of craftsmanship proper: it includes an aspect tutorial and explanation that helps you unleash your creativity with the given technique. Admittedly, these can be extremely simple methods within everyone's reach, so that everyone can express themselves according to their inspiration, but in certain areas, the techniques can sometimes be very varied and complex.

Take the example of knitting, which has been on the rise for several years. Learning how to make a simple purl or knit stitch takes just a few minutes on a YouTube "tutorial" of your choice, and you're set. But if you want to knit yourself a whole sweater, with patterns in different colors, it's not the same story... You will have to learn several techniques of knots and stitches to accomplish each task and each step of making your sweater.

In this example, it is not enough to give you a few balls of yarn, two needles and wish you good luck. You need a book, a teacher, or an explanatory video to guide you and learn the techniques to create by yourselves. Do it "yourself", yes, but not necessarily "alone", or without help or advice. At the crossroads between art, crafts and DIY, the huge variety of DIY offers you possibilities from the simplest to the most complex.

The different forms and trends of DIY

If we go back a little in time, we realize that most objects of daily life (clothing, dishes, tools, decoration, etc.) could come under the – fairly free – definition that we have today of DIY. Because before the industrialization of the production of each object in question, a large majority of the population spent time make it yourself said objects: no need to be a seamstress or an embroidery enthusiast, at the time, to make a small doily or a poncho. You don't need to be a professional cabinetmaker either to make a wooden tool or a shelf.

Today, several currents intersect to give DIY an unprecedented boost. On one side, the ecological awareness, which leads many people to take the time to make things themselves. A good example is the cosmetic : in addition to being more ecological (saving disposable plastic), concocting your own beauty products has the advantage of being better for health (avoiding all superfluous chemicals) and extremely satisfying as an activity. Who, indeed, has never wanted to change into a wizard or witch for an afternoon, to make potions?

The same is true for the clothes : the strong comeback of thrift stores opens the doors to a whole world of possibilities for recovering and rework clothes to best adapt them to his taste. And that doesn't just apply to clothes: more and more individuals, associations and even companies are getting into all sorts of tinkering. recovery. And this trend has a name:upcycling.

A combination of "recycling" (recycling in English) and "up", which refers to the fact of recovering objects to make something new and "better", of greater value (economic or aesthetic). And DIY has a huge part to play in this new eco-responsible wave. We can even say without being mistaken that DIY designates, precisely, all the technical part of this sustainable approach to consumption.

Each technique requires first learning, then practice. And the more you practice, the more you get better and enjoy doing it: a virtuous circle in any case ! Which brings us to the next point:

Why DIY?

In case you are not yet totally convinced, here is a non-exhaustive list of good reasons to start DIY now:

• Because it is ecological, responsible, and sustainable: instead of continuing to be fooled by the overconsumption frenzy, you can spend a little more time designing, creating, improving, retouching the objects of your daily life, from recovery objects which, by definition, do not require (or little) additional resources, and therefore have no (or much less) impact on the environment. In these times… it is time.
  
  
• Because it's accessible to everyone: maybe you're not very into knitting, but you like to tinker. Maybe it's neither, but painting and collage is your thing. It doesn't matter what field appeals to you, whether you're very manual or not : you will always find something to do in DIY. Of the simplest (like our DIY statuettes) to the more complex (like building your own cabin) there is something for everyone and all ages!
  
  
• Because it's satisfying, rewarding, and so fun it quickly becomes addictive: yes, whether it is a small piece of furniture found at a flea market, or a handcrafted object with an artistic approach, having an object with a story, it's really nicer than a thing mass-produced no one knows where. But being able to add your personal touch to it, and adapt it completely to our tastes, is enjoyable. It's so nice, to be able to look at an element of your interior and say to yourself "I did it"!
  
  
• Because it's a skill, and it's rejuvenating: at a time when the whole frantic system in which we live is being called into question, DIY offers you an escape, an opportunity to refocus on the essentials, to return to the sources. And in doing so, you learn new things every time you practice; which brings you autonomy in more and more tasks, confidence, and knowledge. And that is the greatest wealth.
  
  
• Because there are no limits to expressing your creativity: do not remain locked in the frustration of everyday life. Each person needs to vent certain emotions, to express certain ideas, and to do it in their own way. No need to think of yourself as an "artist" for this: everyone has their own sensitivity, and their own creativity. DIY is a constructive and fun way to give shape and life to your inspirations.