Do-It-Yourself Crafting
The do-it-yourself (DIY) trend is continuing to grow as people are trying to find more ways to save money. Home decorating and crafting projects are especially growing in popularity, with project ideas and directions easily accessible online. One of these DIYers is Landra Lynn Jacobs, a crafter and a writer for Associated Content. She features Krylon in almost all of her 400 project ideas!
We spoke with Landra and she told us all about her crafting hobby and why she loves using Krylon spray-paint in her projects. You can view hundreds of Landra’s project ideas using Krylon by clicking here.
Landra also designed a special winter-themed project for Krylon. To learn how to make her sparkling snowflake serving tray, see Landra's step-by-step instructions.
Why did you become a DIY crafter/writer and how long have you been doing it?
Crafting is a hobby of mine, so I decided to combine my hobby with my writing background. I found out about the Associated Content website and have been publishing my craft ideas on the site for two years now. It started off as a hobby and way to make a little extra money, and has now turned into the coolest full time job I could have ever imagined!
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is when readers make the projects I designed. If I can come up with the ideas, then they can make their own adjustments and use the projects in their own homes, settings, and life.
Why do you think the DIY trend is becoming more popular now?
People are always looking for ways to save money, especially right now. They can easily pick up something they have around the house, use a few cans of Krylon and a little imagination, and transform it into something new. Or they can buy something that’s $2 and transform it into something that looks like $50. Either way, it allows people to save money and still have style.
Why do you use Krylon products for your designs?
Krylon offers the most versatile products from webbing sprays to metallics, from texture sprays to clear coats and primers. Basically, if you want to make any project, you can find a way to use Krylon.
Which project of yours stands out the most?
One time I made a mirror decorated with pineapples. After I made it, I thought it looked so tacky, but I posted the directions anyway. The funny thing was that everyone loved it and the idea was really popular among my readers.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I always look at the shape of something. If someone gives me an unfinished serving tray, I can look at it and tell you 20 different ways to decorate it. All I need are a few cans of Krylon! You can see just one of my ideas by clicking here. Adding color, fabric, or scrapbook paper can change anything.
I also get inspiration from readers and friends. Many times they will ask me how to do a certain project. For example, one of my friends wanted to make polka doted pumpkins for Halloween. I practiced with a couple cans of Krylon and came up with a technique. I showed her how to do it and published my directions on Associated Content so others could try.
Do your projects have a particular style?
I use a lot of different styles in my work such as vintage floral, feminine, black and white, and damask. But really, I am a cowgirl at heart. A “cowboy chic” style reflects my household and me more than any other style.
What are some of the creative ways you have been able to use Krylon products?
I have used Krylon in a number of different ways on a number of different projects: polka doted pumpkins, photo frames, lampshades, candleholders, mirrors, and serving trays, just to name a few. I have done almost anything imaginable with Krylon. The best thing about Krylon is that you can use it on anything. Krylon even saved my wedding, as I had to use Krylon's Metallic Gold to spray-paint my husband’s Marine Corps uniform buttons at the last minute!
Do you have a favorite Krylon product or color?
The chalkboard spray paint is my favorite! I just love it. I used it to make my own version of some chalkboard-label glass canisters that I saw at a home décor store. They look like I bought them for $40, but they were really cheap to make!
About how many projects do you create in any given year?
At the rate I am going now, anywhere from 300 to 400 projects!
What are some other upcoming projects you have planned using Krylon?
I will be working on entertainment armoire decorated with copper painted horseshoes. I also will be spray-painting an ammunition can that I am going to turn into an end table.
What tips do you have for any crafters or DIYers?
Nothing is impossible. If you look at a craft idea and you think it’s complicated, don’t get intimidated. It is easier to make the project than reading about it. Also, you can turn anything ugly into something better. Don’t look at the color of an objectm — the color can easily be changed with spray paint. Instead, look at the shape of the object. As I said earlier, all you need are a few cans of Krylon and your imagination!
If you or someone you know use Krylon in a unique way, we’d like to feature you in a future column of You Did It! Please click here to email a little about yourself and how you use Krylon. You just might see yourself in an upcoming column.
