9 DIY Sites That Help You Save Money and Learn New Skills

You can spend a lot of money on new furniture, kitchenware, art, jewellery, handbags — the list goes on — or you can make these items (and much more) on your own. All you need is a bit of creativity, a steady hand, raw materials, and DIY instructions. That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite DIY sites to help you save more by doing more. Check out these great do-it-yourself resources to start saving today.

This all-encompassing DIY site is a novice handyman’s dream with how-to articles in categories ranging from cars, trucks and boats; gardening; electrical issues; woodworking; and more. There are photos submitted by users featuring their own completed projects and video tutorials to take you step-by-step through whatever projects you’re working on. Examples of the expert advice offered on DoItYourself.com include articles on how to paint over existing paint, how to install a toilet, and how to replace a broken outlet.

DIY Network is part of the HGTV family, which offers mostly tips and tricks on home improvement. Its site includes information about DIY Network shows and hosts, but it also includes informative articles on topics like fireplace maintenance, how to create inviting outdoor spaces, replacing a bathroom sink, and landscaping, among other around-the-house issues.

Another site dedicated mostly to home improvement and repair, Easy2DIY forgoes all the bells and whistles of shinier, more polished websites in exchange for a let’s-get-right-to-it setup. On the landing page, you can choose your project by category, where it’s located in your home, or what type of project you need to do. One of the really exceptional sections of Easy2DIY is the appliances portion, which lists nearly every appliance available by make and model, allowing you to easily access information about the one you own quickly and efficiently.

Lifehacker provides DIY advice and instructions, but it’s more focused on offering tips and downloads for getting everyday things done easier and cheaper. And because it’s related to popular gossip site Gawker and tech site Gizmodo, you can be sure that the information Lifehacker provides isn’t run of the mill. Here you’ll find articles like “How Can I Make My Smartphone’s Ringtones and Alerts Actually Useful and Informative” and “How Can I Get Wi-Fi at a Location That Doesn’t Offer It?” along with deals, discussions, and “mind hacks.”

The articles and DIY instruction found on Instructables are user-generated, so you can have peace of mind that someone, somewhere has done it before. Its focus also is decidedly craftier with projects ranging from relevant do-it-yourself projects like cupcake and cake stands and outdoor signs to more obscure, not-really-necessary items like a steampunk flashlight

An offshoot of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, Do-It-Yourself Decorating contains a wide range of ideas to help customise your home, apartment, condo or bedroom with DIY accents and projects. The focus runs the gamut from broad topics like entire room makeovers to small, more manageable projects that include DIY artwork, fabric and paper projects, and holiday decorating.

eHow is a big deal in America, providing how-to videos, articles, and more on many aspects of life, from kitchen tips to personal finance advice, and tutorials on household projects. The type of DIY content you’ll find on eHow includes “15 Home Repairs for $15,” DIY pillowcases, and how to make easy oven-roasted garlic.

If you’re looking for sustainable, eco-friendly DIY ideas, greenUPGRADER is the go-to source for green projects. This site will teach you interesting new ways to recycle, upcycle and reuse things you already have around the house. This article on reclaiming cardboard boxes, for instance, is typical of the responsible, environmentally minded how-tos you’ll find here.

This pet-dedicated blog primarily provides news, advice and cute videos to animal lovers, but there are several articles on how to make your pets cool toys and accessories, like this pet crate coffee table. While Pet Project features DIY ideas mostly for dogs and cats, it also has a neat project to keep wild birds fat and happy