diyinspiration.com

Hello, my name is Mary Kay Hansen.  Whether you're the do-it-yourself type of person, or the hire-it-done type of person, I hope my web site will inspire you with fun and innovative ideas.

I'm the do-it-yourself type of person.  I learned to do my own projects years ago, when I always wanted things, but couldn't afford them.  I grew tired of waiting around to save enough money to hire a contractor, so I just started learning how to do things myself, little-by-little.  

Please register to the left of your screen to sign up for my monthly newsletter.

Browse our store for some innovative home improvement products.

Sometimes it would take me days, weeks, or even years to start a project, because it just looked too overwhelming.  I soon realized that the fear of the unknown was the biggest thing holding me back.  When I started experiencing how good it felt to learn new tricks of the trade, and save money to boot, there was no stopping me! 

Check out some of my projects below:

• Kitchen Cabinets:  Crackle paint your kitchen cabinets.
• Brown Bag Walls:  Turn your boring dull walls into a piece of art (buy Drawtite® Clear No Run here!).
  
• Fix Torn Dry Wall:   Don't replace it.
• Toilet Tank Flower Pots: Make a flower pot out of an old toilet tank.
• Shower Centerpiece:  Make this adorable shower centerpiece using clay flower pots. 
• Painted Striped Walls:  Stripe walls to look like wallpaper, using painter's tape.
• Faux Handmade Stamped Tiles:  Make tiles that look like they've been fired in a kiln.
• Refinishing Pianos:  Refinish that old piano and make a joyful noise!
• Leather Cat or Dog Bed:  Make a leather pet bed using an old leather coat and purse.
• 4-Poster Dog Bed:  Unique one-of-a-kind pet bed.
• Zen Pet Pad:  Hey, your pet needs a place to meditate too!
• Privacy Fence with Garden Gates:   Build a privacy fence using an old antique window.
• Blue Jean Crafts:   Make tool caddies and gift baskets from old denim blue jeans.
• Craft Table:   Build a great craft table and get your craft tools organized.
• Wallpaper Angel Crafts:  Make adorable wallpaper angels using old wallpaper to match your decor.
• How to Strip Wallpaper:  Get rid of that old dated wallpaper and update it with some new.

I'm posting additional projects on a regular basis.   Most of my web pages will show pictures of projects I've done, and detailed instructions of how I did it.  If you have any questions about a certain project(s) you see, please don't hesitate to contact me.

As you will find, most of the things I use to decorate, and make cool things with, are from garage and yard sale finds.  It really isn't just luck.  Anyone can find great values; it just takes a little time and patience.  Taking your time is the key when you to shop at bargain places.  If you just quickly scan over everything, you'll miss the true treasures.  It's like mining for valuable gems...you have to dig deep and sift through a lot of worthless rock to find a few precious stones.

Have you heard about my award winning BladeEater® holster invention?   It has been tested by the Handyman Club of America, and won it's Seal of Approval, and was featured in the Handyman Magazine.  

 

If you don't have one in your tool box, you definitely need one.  It will make your next do-it-yourself project a "snap!"  The BladeEater® makes it easy to snap segmented utility knife blades, safer and faster, using only one hand.  It also has a blade storage compartment to hold spare blades.  The holster is designed to hold other brand name utility snap knives and blades. 

My invention has been featured on HSN, and received rave reviews at the National Hardware Show, and also from top names in the hardware industry, such as Stanley, Olfa, American Cutting Edge, and many more.

Below are some great places to find more inspirational ideas and products that will help add some pizzazz to your home:

• Stacks and Stacks!  - Offers an unbelievable array of home interior products.
• American Blinds, Wallpaper & More - Offers every imaginable type of blinds and wallpaper.
• BedBathStore.com--Largest Selection of Bedding and Bath Amenities From Leading Manufacturers.

Check back as we daily add more "how to" projects, such as:

How to: 

• Fix holes in walls
• Repair plaster
• Paint counter tops
• Faux finish
• Paint the quick and easy way
• Paint pictures out of dry wall mud
• Make curtains using cardboard and a glue gun
• Use a glue gun to upholster
• Make a mirror frame by stamping
• Sew using a glue gun instead of thread
• Refinish furniture
• Strip wallpaper
• Wall paper the fast and easy way