One of my favorite things to do when I go shopping is play a little game called “Buy or DIY?” You pick out items that you like and then analyze the details to determine if it is worth the money to purchase OR can you make it for less on your own.
When playing you have to keep in mind things like the value of your time, skill level, motivation to complete a project, and the cost of supplies. You add up all of these factors and subtract that from the purchase price.
Last night I went to Target and took photos of a few things that caught my eye.
Tell me, would buy these items or make them yourself?
1. Floral Plates
This pattern is gorgeous! I love the “watercolor” effect. Skilled or not, I think this plate could be replicated. Maybe not an exact match but you could create your own version. All it would take is a quick trip to the Dollar Store and some glass paint.
For $9.99 for four plates ($6.99 – currently on sale), I am buying these suckers! I will save my DIY for another day.
2. Sunburst Mirror
Start saving your paint sticks because this is a DIY project. Retailing for $49.99, I am confident that anyone could re-create this for a fraction of the cost.
3. Nerd Clock
This clock is nerd-a-licious! The inner math geek in me wants this clock. It is only $14.99 but in my eye – I see DIY project. I see chalkboard paint and a clock kit. I see a customized design.
4. Studded Pillow
Studs are hot. The detail on this pillow is great. The studs add just enough style but yet it is still a simple design. You could easily re-create this pillow at home, either from scratch or with a pre-made cover.
5. Floral Jersey Pillow
The texture this pillow would add to your decor is insane. In person it is soft and fluffy. Again, another pillow that would add to the DIY list. I would even be willing to bet you could make 3-4 pillows on your own for the price of one from the store.
Do you like to play this game too when you go shopping?
From this list what would you try to DIY? And what would you buy?
To see what else I found while shopping check out my album on Google+!
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I do the same thing! My favorite phrase while shopping “we could make that”
Yes! I play that game too, but usually forget to try to DIY it. I agree, you could make most of those for less than in the store, plus get the bragging rights that you made it!
What a fun idea! I have definitely DIYed sometimes when it would’ve been smarter just to buy.
Great post! I think this is how DIY came into being. We all stood in the stores thinking “I can make that for cheaper!”
I agree! Everything but the plates would be an EASY diy! (ok – the big mirror wouldn’t be “easy”, but compared to $50, diy it is!!)
Although I have to admit I am with Carrie — I forget to DIY stuff I think Ill DIY ALL the time!
I like this series!
I do this all the time Ginger! Like Carrie (above) I rarely get round to the DIY bit but it’s a good money-saver if nothing else! Maybe this year…
xx
http://drinkmisstea.blogspot.co.uk/
Ha-ha, this is what I love, finding others who are on the same page as me. I do this ALL the time.
We definitely need to stick together! I am finding out through blogging that there are a lot of people who think like us. This fact really scares my husband.
Thanks for reading!
G