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Simply Thrifty

100 More things you can make yourself

by Deborah Ng on August 17th, 2007

My last list of 100 things you can make yourself received mixed reviews. Many were quick to point out that doing it yourself doesn’t necessarily mean doing it cheaper. Others felt some of the items on the list, such as maple syrup or bacon, were flat out ridiculous. Perhaps they were. Do take these lists in the spirit in which they were intended, to show you how much you can do on your own. Sure, some things take a lot of work, while others can be whipped up in seconds. Some things, such as the aforementioned bacon, no one will want to make. The point is you can do anything if you put your mind to it, rather than relying on convenience. I think we tend to follow the quickest way out, without realizing how rewarding it is to do things on our own. Though I will try and list things that are more doable this time around, please enter this with an open mind.

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POSTED IN: Around the House, Doing it Yourself, Eco Simplicity, General, Reusing and Recycling, Simple Pleasures, Simpler Thinking, Web Resources

18 opinions for 100 More things you can make yourself

Kim
Aug 17, 2007 at 11:42 am

I love your hundred things lists! It’s nice to be reminded that we don’t have to be so reliant on ready made everything. Kudos on putting together 200 links, not an easy task!
Jennifer
Aug 17, 2007 at 12:16 pm

You can make homemade vinegar! Well, I hate vinegar so I would never make it but I had no idea you could. I guess I never thought about where vinegar comes from. Another stellar list. I will have to try the homemade snow globe my son loves them but I hate collecting too much useless stuff; we’ll try this instead.
Michelle Gartner
Aug 17, 2007 at 6:49 pm

I think that your lists would make an excellent party theme. Homemade Night- the host supplies all the materials and guests could pick 3 things to make. I want to make bacon, moonshine, and a lava lamp in honor of my hippy dad who just passed. Another great list, who actually knew loofah’s were vegetables. -Michelle
Judith in Umbria
Aug 18, 2007 at 2:01 am

Expats learn very quickly how to make things they want and miss and aren’t found in their new countries. Or they don’t and they become whiners!
Stephanie
Aug 18, 2007 at 4:59 am

Love these lists. Somethings that we rely on the “convenient” way really are easy to do yourself. Thanks for encouraging us to look at what we might be able to make on our own!
Nicole
Aug 18, 2007 at 7:10 am

I’ve really enjoyed reading both of your lists. They really got me thinking. Thanks again.
Michelle Gartner
Aug 18, 2007 at 9:26 am

Deb- Thanks for stopping by. I really do think your lists are great and sticking to the easy items and the safe stuff makes life boring!!! Anyone can make homemade bubbles for the kids, and plug in the bread machine- but sometimes it’s fun to try to make the hard stuff or the scary stuff. We have had plenty of homemade disasters and successes around here. -Michelle

PS I don’t see why people are bent out of shape because your lists aren’t about thrifty or cheap DIY- I would never consider the costs in some homemade gifts- how do you put a price on hours of work. DIY & Thrift are pretty natural complementary topics in my mind.
Peggy
Aug 18, 2007 at 11:52 am

I totally agree with making your own cheesecakes. I’ll NEVER go back. It’s not as difficult as you think and it’s much cheaper than buying one.
Also, allrecipes.com is where I find most of my recipes. That and How to Cook Everything (hardback book).
I make lots of things myself!
Aug 18, 2007 at 2:38 pm

[…] for such a positive response to my posts 100 Things You Can Make Yourself and 100 More Things You Can Make Yourself. The comments are fun and the response has been […]
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Aug 19, 2007 at 3:22 am

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Andres
Aug 19, 2007 at 4:36 am

Great list! Am definitely interested in reading up on some of these.

I wanted to let you know that the Paella link, #73, is broken. I wanted to compare recipes. ;o
jayedee
Aug 19, 2007 at 10:41 am

more??!! how awesome is this!
my children are gonna have a ball during school this year! thank you! thank you!
Amalia
Aug 19, 2007 at 12:19 pm

I’ve actually made a cat tree! It didn’t look like the one you linked to, but it was awesome nonetheless. My cat loved it and I had a blast. Nice work!
Matt Wolfe
Aug 19, 2007 at 1:19 pm

These are some great lists. I’m really impressed with how much work went in to these. Lots and lots of research. I’m thinking about making the mozzarella sticks tonight. mmm mmm
meme16
Aug 21, 2007 at 8:17 pm

love these ideas and my dad always made our maple syrup etc for us- did not know stores sold it until I grew up——huggles me
Cindel
Dec 7, 2007 at 4:25 am

Very impressive = both lists!
Individuals and small groups used to do so many things … and I agree with you that we are much more lazy now-a-days … the adventure coming from making things ~ especially with friends … ahhh, now I’m even more excited to get started working through your lists then I was the first time I read it! Excellent work Deb, and thank you so much! What a great mind!! :*D
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