Why buy it when you can make it? Not only do you save a lot of money by making your own stuff, it’s also a great creative outlet. And in the big picture, it’s so much better to create something new out of existing materials than to buy more stuff. Feeling inspired yet? Let’s get started:

Inspiration is everywhere
In this Internet age, you can get more inspiration than ever without leaving your home. The problem is too much inspiration, where do you start when you want to get crafty? Visit sites like Pinterest or Etsy, where lots of home artists and creators are showing off their work. Just search for ‘DIY’ or ‘crafts ideas’ and voila! You’ll find a whole new world of stuff. Is your best friend’s birthday coming this weekend? Don’t waste your money on expensive, mass-produced things! Instead give her your signature handmade hair accessories or jewelry. She will be way happier because it came from your heart and it’s one-of-a-kind, like your friendship!

Use what you’ve got
So you have an idea of what to make but you’re not sure what to make it out of? Look around. Making stuff doesn’t necessary have to mean using brand-new materials, get creative and modify things you have already have around the house. (Just make sure that no one else is using that stuff first!) An idea to get you started: turn an old shirt into a neat new bag, find the instructions here.

Get organized
Things laying around your room? Don’t leave them laying around in piles, stack and organize them so that when the inspiration strikes, you’ll be ready. Fact: people usually spend about 38 hours a year just searching for lost things. You could be using that time creating new, awesome things.

That’s it! There are no set rules for DIY or creating, just jump in and start making stuff! And it’s more fun to make things with friends, why not gather your friends this weekend for a fun craft party?