In an age of consumerism, making something yourself feels empowering. Whether it's home renovation or art, the possibilities are endless. All you need is a little inspiration.
That's where DIY influencers come into play. From Instagram to in-person, he introduces five local DIY influencers who give their input on creation.
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Erin Gerlach at Hamilton Park Home
Erin Gerlach is a Lancaster-based home improvement DIY influencer who shares easy DIY projects, detailed tutorials, approachable design and styling tips, complete room makeovers, and more.
“Whether it's working with power tools or choosing a paint color, we want our viewers to feel motivated and confident in tackling their home projects,” says Gerlach.
Gerlach discovered her passion for DIY when she and her husband, Justin, bought their first home. “As first-time homeowners, we worked on her own projects updating and furnishing the home to save money,” she says.
Favorite project: Gerlach recently completed an outdoor kitchen. This was a big undertaking with a tight deadline, as the project involved collaboration with brands. “We wanted to design an outdoor kitchen unlike anything anyone had seen before and take inspiration from current indoor kitchen trends,” she says. “I built it completely from the ground up and did all the design and planning, and I’m thrilled with the results.”
More information
Instagram: @Hamilton Park Home
Website: hamiltonparkhome.com
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beatriz zorilla
Beatrice Zorrilla is a graphic designer and artist living in Lancaster with a talent for collage. She “combines her love of photography with her desire to de-stress and makes collages as a way to de-stress,” Zorrilla says. “Rather than thinking of collage as a traditional art medium, I enjoy using it as a visual puzzle.”
Zorrilla is starting an art business that will serve as a way for people to send custom collage postcards to those close to them as a small act of kindness. She shares her own journey, including her collage process, on her YouTube channel and other social media accounts.
Regarding her interest in DIY in general, Zorrilla says: “The process of making something is just as important as the final product. Consumerism takes away that maker's journey.”
Favorite project: Zorilla created a collage looking back on the past year using only her own film photographs. “I hope this work speaks to dreamers like me who are sometimes intimidated by societal standards,” she says. “Despite the uncertainties of the world we live in, we keep moving forward.”
More information
Instagram: @_zorrilladesign_
YouTube: @beatricezorrilla
Website: beatrizzorilla.com
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The Revival of Charlotte House by Jack and Jim
A Lancaster couple known simply as Jack and Jim are documenting the process as they convert an 1890s fraternity house into a family home.
“There are a lot of DIY influencers who break down specific projects and focus on how-tos,” says Jack. “We have five kids, so the pace of the project can be a little slow, but it reflects the real-life balance that comes with raising a large family in an old house.”
Jack recognizes that this house has a history and life of its own that predates the family, given that it has been active for 60 years and held a unique reputation in the neighborhood. “Charlotte House is like part of her family, and we take care of her needs and quirks just like any other member of her family.”
Favorite project: “Our current project is redecorating our living room, which we won through a Chris Loves Julia giveaway,” says Jack. “With support from Julia Markham, I am taking over the reins and look forward to making a big announcement in late spring.”
More information
Instagram: @charlottehouse revival
Facebook: charlotte house revival
Website: withjackandjim.com
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joe davis art
If you spot Jo Davis at her home or office in and around Lancaster, chances are she's working on some kind of art. In 2021, during a major life transition, years of practice became a lifeline and a tool for personal growth. “I use my art therapy practice and my own story to help people discover their inner artist and find peace, solace, and meaningful connection,” Davis says. say.
Davis offers community creative events at Lancaster's Candy Factory, including creativity coaching sessions, no-judgment painting workshops, and creative releases on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. This is in addition to selling her own paintings (and also selling her quirky home decor items through her project 'Pancakes for Breakfast').
Every Wednesday at 9 a.m., Davis goes live on Instagram from his home studio and encourages others to grab their art supplies and join in. “Making art is something anyone can do,” she says. “But sometimes it's hard to know where to start.”Her Monthly Medium demo videos on her website allow anyone to learn more about various materials at their own pace. It's a place where you can.
You can find out more about her upcoming No Judgment Painting Workshop for Adults on March 20th on her website.
Favorite project: “The watercolor demo was a lot of fun to make,” Davis says. “I've always used watercolor and love sharing how I love this medium. There's so much you can do with watercolor. It's virtually endless. We have tried it out and due to popular demand we will continue it until March.”
More information
Instagram: @jodavis.art
Facebook: self care art
Website: jo davis art
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Ramon Lobo the Stolen Wolf
Ramon Lobo of Reclaimed Wolf is a high-design furniture flipper based in York. Luckily for his followers, he shares his process for everyone to see. What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with just $20 in materials has become a massive effort with no end in sight.
Robo provides tutorials on how to flip furniture, provides comic relief in his videos, and shares tips on how to make extra money flipping furniture. He sells all his work through his Facebook Marketplace or Facebook feed, and has prepared step-by-step courses to teach others exactly what he does.
Favorite project: “I took a desk I found in my neighborhood and converted it into a nightstand,” says Lobo. “This was one of the biggest challenges I've taken on and I'm proud of how it turned out. In the coming weeks I'll post a step-by-step guide on how I did it. I'm planning to post a tutorial.”
More information
Instagram: @reclaimedwolf
Facebook: reborn wolf