DIY YOUR LIFE BY MAC KICHER

I am a firm believer in the idea that “nothing beats homemade”. And while making something yourself could possibly save you a buck or two, the real reward is the skill you will gain from it. 

I grew up taking pottery lessons, pinching clay together to make bowls and mugs. The skills that I learned from pottery helped teach me how to be a great baker. I was able to relate clay and slip to fondant and icing. 

That interest led me on to layered cakes. These cakes helped teach me about structure. And the pressure of making a cake that was very clean and nicely decorated taught me the value of craft and how to achieve it. 

The value of craft from making cakes then transferred over into my architecture education. I went into model making knowing how to move my hands to build with purpose, assembling elements as neatly as possible. 

Learning how to make architecture models threw me into the world of woodworking. I became interested in pen turning, which helped me develop skills on the lathe and the potter’s wheel. 

The cycle goes on and on, connecting and building skills. Turns out our world is more connected than one would think. 

Taking the longer, more complicated route may cost you time at the moment, but developing those skills makes learning new tasks easier and quicker to pick up. 

So I challenge you to try something new. Instead of taking for granted what our society has made so easy, pick it apart and learn how to do it yourself. Make your own latte, knit your own scarf, make a gift for someone. Just have fun with it! Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something new.