Hey you! Yes, you! Put down that Bosch Power 4 All 18V (nice drill, by the way) and listen up. I can’t hear myself think over here.
Ah, that’s better. Now, hands up who’s developed a DIY obsession over lockdown? That’s a whole lot of paint-flecked, calloused hands we see in the air. You’re not alone; as the Independent reported six months ago, the home improvement specialists Wickes were reporting a 27% rise in sales when compared to 2019, with the increase attributed to people discovering the joys of DIY during lockdown.
The Guardian reported similar findings in March of last year, revealing that the owner of B&Q’s profits had soared during the pandemic, largely because COVID-19 had created a ‘generation of DIYers’.
With a ‘make do and mend’ attitude wholly embraced by younger generations concerned about the looming climate catastrophe, this DIY trend is predicted to continue growing into this year and beyond, with sustainability at the forefront of current trends. If you’re looking to ride that wave, here are 6 DIY and crafts trends set to be huge in 2023.
DIY TABLE MADE FROM RECLAIMED WOOD
Back in April 2020, MyJobQuote analysed the most popular DIY search terms that Brits were entering into Google, and ‘DIY table’ came out on top, with over 60’000 searches in a single month.
This trend is expected to continue in 2023, with a firmer focus on tables being made using sustainable materials likely. We think the idea of a coffee table made with wooden pallets, which you may well be able to find in your local neighbourhood (local businesses often give them away for free), is a great idea.
A DIY lover’s dream, wooden pallets can be made into all manner of things, but a coffee table is perhaps one of the easier DIY projects you can undertake using this sustainable, recyclable material. Check out this useful guide for some top tips on building your own coffee table from pallets here.
DIY BOOKSHELF
Speaking of DIY projects involving wood, a classic and easy to complete DIY wood project is a bookshelf. Build one in a size appropriate for your current book collection, and add some character with some paint or stain to make it unique.
Though you could deploy those wooden pallets you’ve collected for your DIY bookshelf too, it might look a little too well worn if you’ve also used them for your DIY coffee table. What’s more, pallets aren’t generally sturdy enough to hold a row of books, and will inevitably sag in the middle, betraying all that hard work you’ve put into your DIY efforts. Instead, go for hardwood plywood, which can be cut down with a simple domestic table saw.
For extra support, according to the fixings & fasteners experts at Fusion, you should consider face frames, which provide the strongest foundation for a DIY bookshelf project. To prevent further sagging in the centre of your shelves, Corbel supports are a good idea, too.
DIY PROJECTS AIMED AT INCREASING DOMESTIC ENERGY EFFICIENCY
At the business end of last year, the UK’s energy consumption was brought into sharp focus by a number of events. We saw Insulate Britain protesters glue themselves to the M25. We raged at water companies dumping raw sewage in our rivers and ocean. And we felt disappointed but not in the least bit surprised when the COP26 summit ended with a whimper rather than a collective chorus of urgency.
All of this has increased interest in DIY energy projects, with Brits looking to increase energy efficiency at home in lieu of continued government inaction concerning the impending climate emergency.
From air-sealing cracks, gaps and leaks around windows and doors to insulating the loft, all the way to fitting secondary window glazing using acrylic sheet, there are lots of simple DIY projects which can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.
DIY JEWELLERY PROJECTS
The human rights abuses committed and the environmental damage incurred in the mining of gold and diamonds is a global concern, but one which often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But with growing awareness of the issues associated with jewellery production, a trend we expect to see in 2023 is a make-your-own, DIY aesthetic to wearable accessories.
For jewellery which leaves a much more gentle impact on the earth, why not make your own? You can make anything from necklaces and rings to earrings and bracelets, simply with beads or wire wrapping. Rather than witter on here, let us direct you to these 5 tips for making your own jewellery at home.
DIY WIND CHIMES
The COVID-19 pandemic and an avalanche of downtime spent indoors led to a whole host of DIY instructionals trending on TikTok. One trend which was particularly popular was video tutorials on how to make your own wind chime, and we think this is a perfect crafts activity to enjoy with your children (or nieces, nephews, grandchildren…) this year.
All you need is some empty jars, paint, bells, or other items that will make noise if hit together, string and something sturdy enough to support it all. You could also let them use a hot glue gun (under supervision, of course!) and provide the little ones with some craft supplies like ribbon or pipe cleaners to make their wind chimes more attractive and personal.
DIY GARDENING PROJECTS THAT ENCOURAGE WILDLIFE TO VISIT
Another DIY trend given popularity and publicity by TikTok last year was the idea of undertaking small projects in the garden to encourage wildlife to visit, whether that took the form of a stand for birds to feed on, making a hedgehog house, or even building a hotel for bees.
If those projects sound too specific, or you don’t usually see such creatures dropping into your garden to say hello, then there are smaller DIY projects you can try outside that will be of benefit to local wildlife. Why not build a pergola to support the growth of flowers such as honeysuckle, wisteria and, of course, grapevines. In doing so, you’ll create extra shade in your garden, too. Or, a simple raised flower bed is a simple project that reaps rewards, helping to zone your garden and create an organised vibe.
If that sounds like your sort of thing, then we’ve got just the article for you; check out these ways to make your garden more wildlife friendly.