See also: DIY Network, a cable TV network, Do It Yourself an album by The SeahorsesDo it yourself or DIY refers to the practice of fabricating or repairing things on one's own rather than purchasing them or paying for professional repair.
An example is home improvement done by the householder without the aid of paid professionals. The term was in fact not coined in the 1960s by British TV presenter and craftsman Barry Bucknell although he is often credited with its invention.
This is applied commonly to home improvement but also applies to other areas. Do-it-yourself has obviously had a lengthy history around the world, since through the ages of camp life, and later village and town life, the most common situation has been for the people living in a home to take care of it themselves (and, for most of the centuries now past, even to make their own tools, clothing, etc.). In recent times, rural and small-town people have continued the old tradition, which is why small-town hardware stores were traditionally so important. However, in North America and much of Europe, population has moved increasingly into city and suburban environs.
Style: Sky Lark Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:03:31 -0000 When a family in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, needed more space, there was nowhere to go but up.
Australia in Sonoma Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:04:24 -0000 Linda Dodwell, an intrepid motorcyclist, adventurer and artist, built a compound in California that was inspired by her solo ride across the Australian outback.
At Midlife, Called to a New Field Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:16:39 -0000 A change in home life, as much as in career, seems to appeal to a new breed of back-to-the-landers: former urban professionals.
Shopping for House Gifts With Simon Doonan Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:24:06 -0000 The creative director of Barneys New York shopped for house gifts that would suit the hypothetical characters described in his new book.
In the Garden: Foraging for Berries, the Summer Special on Nature’s Produce Aisle Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:02:11 -0000 If you can’t tell the difference between a blueberry and a pokeberry, you need to carefully educate yourself, and periodically refresh the lessons.
The Fix: Power Remedies for Dirty Grout Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:28:27 -0000 Some homeowners hide their ugly grout behind shower curtains. Others throw rugs over offensive areas or take to their knees and try to scrub it clean.
Amache internment camp survivors remember tough times
editor@denverpost.com (By Jordan Dresser / The Denver Post)
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:55:05 -0600
Standing on a dusty road near the foundations of what were once barracks at the Amache Japanese internment camp, Kumiko Hasegawa begins to make her journey home.
Maybe bidders more generous with a song in their hearts
jadavidson@denverpost.com (By Joanne Davidson / The Denver Post)
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:10:59 -0600
For everyone who has vowed "never again" after enduring another fundraiser that devolved into a speech-and-live-auction marathon: You should have been at the National Repertory Orchestra's 2008 Summer Gala.
Ask Amy
editor@denverpost.com (By Amy Dickinson / Tribune Media Services)
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:00:38 -0600
Dear Amy: Another graduation season has come and gone, which means another display of tacky behavior.
Better Homes and Gardens: Home Solutions - Comprehensive site containing home improvement and redecorating information. Also includes tips and advice, videos, guides and interactive room arrangers.
Meta Description: [ Decorating, home improvement, and remodeling ideas for every room in your home and garden from Better Homes and Gardens online. ]
Acme How To - Articles on tasks and repairs around the home and garden.
Meta Description: [ Wide Range of Repair guides for home maintenance, garden projects, PC repair, home theater, plumbing, electrical and more. Use our library to diagnose and make repairs around your home. ]
eHow - Provides concise how-to articles over a broad range of topics.
Meta Description: [ Learn how to do just about everything at eHow, the world's most popular place to find How To instructions. New on eHow: Publish your own articles and How To videos. It's easy and it's free! ]
Grouting and Setting Ceramic Tile - Complete instructions on Grouting and Setting Ceramic Tile.Color selection, correct methods of installation.Complete list of proper tools needed.
Meta Description: [ Ceramic Tile and Stone Do It Yourself Information ]
How to Do Things - Directory that provides a wide variety of do-it-yourself tips and tutorials.
Meta Description: [ How To Do Things is designed to provide users with a step by step guide to every topic under the sun. Everyone in the world is an expert on something, and for every item or process that exists there is a person that understands it fully. We're hoping to bring all that knowledge together in one pl... ]
iVillage: Home and Garden - Specializing in decorating and gardening. Many helpful online tools and a message board.
Meta Description: [ Get home decorating ideas, recipes and home improvement tips at iVillage.com.
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Lowe's: How to Library - Has how to advice on a variety of home maintenance projects, along with an advertisement to buy a more comprehensive book.
Meta Description: [ Lowe's home improvement library. We will show you how to complete any home improvement project step by step. ]
Michael Holigan's How to Library - A keyword searchable, comprehensive site that consists of scripts from Michael Holigan's how to show, along with shopping links for supplies and project plans.
Meta Description: [ Source for home building information and DIY projects. ]
Mr. Fixit! - Small engine enthusiast Chuck Kichline provides information on lawnmower repair, electrical motor and battery charger refurbishing, and home appliance repairs and modifications. Advice and photos.
On the House - Provides a variety of money-saving tips on building, remodeling and repairing homes.
Meta Description: [ Home improvement and home repair tips from the pros: James and Morris Carey. ]
404Simplitudes: Simple Solutions for Everything - Simple home made solutions, based on folklore and common sense.
Meta Description: [ Simple home made solutions, based on folklore and common sense, for everyday living. ]
404UBuild.com - Web magazine with do-it-yourself projects and advice for home and garden.
You Repair - Helping people fix things around the house or understanding what a contractor will do to solve your troubles. Managed by Robert Marencin.
Meta Description: [ YouRepair Home Building and Buying Information for the Contractor and Home Owner ]
Stan Taylor and his physics class at Miles Community College built a hovercraft powered by an average electric leafblower ...