I don’t always get a chance to visit everyone as much as I’d like and even though I don’t always have time to comment (between my real job and projects, I really try to!). If you comment, I do click your profile and visit you back as often as possible. You might not even know I was there but I try to comment when I can. I notice you. You push away the ‘discouragement’ monster (and I want to make you feel the same way). I appreciate that you’re here. I appreciate your feedback, encouragement, support and help when requested. DIY Show Off readers are all DIY Stars!
So, once in a while, I’m going to surprise a reader with a show off feature and share my recent blog crush, someone who has made blogging fun, someone who made me smile big or swell with pride, brought tears of happiness to my small slice of the www, someone who made me feel good about myself. Because I think you’re all amazing and inspiring and hasn’t blogging introduced you to a whole world wide web full of inspiration? My favorite part of blogging is making new friends, getting to know those who share my DIY passion and simply encouraging you to be brave, just DIY. This feature (weekly?) will showcase who I feel is an exceptional blogger and DIY’er – helpful to others, non-competitive and just plain friendly and sweet – someone you’ll want to know too! If there was a show called DIY Star (maybe someday?!) and I could choose the talent, the friends I feature in this series are the DIY divas I’d love to have on my team.
This week, I want to say a big THANK YOU to Rayan (also known as ‘Ry’) from
A fellow DIY Club gal and not only does Rayan share my giveaways on Facebook and participate and give me thumbs up and make me feel like I’m doing a great job, she’s a DIY Star! She’s a furniture designer! She creates the plans and shares them. She showcases readers’ projects when they build from one of her amazing designs. I want to be Rayan when I grow up (don’t remind me that I’m already grown up – I know. I know!).
I love that plans can be searched by Type, Collection, Cost, Tools and/or Skill Level. You must check out the Plan Index – you’re going to be so motivated to add building something to your DIY list. Love something you’ve seen at Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Ballard Designs, Ikea (and more!) but the price has adding it to your “things I’ll buy when I win the lottery”? Search for the retailer and build it at a fraction of the cost! Much more rewarding too with money left over for decorating accessories! (See Carbon Copy.) Don’t think you can do it? Rayan is your cheerleader. She’s accessible and there every step of the way, ready to answer your questions and offer tips, tricks and advice. It’s almost like she’s right there teaching you. Learning as you go is a part of the DIY experience.
You won’t find furniture only at The Design Confidential. It doesn’t stop there. Oh no! You’ll enjoy reading about DIY holiday, decor, home improvement and even kid and family friendly DIY projects and much, much more fun…
Here are some of my recent favorite posts at The Design Confidential…
Love the stencil!
seriously super easy too!
tons of inspiration!
So, what are you waiting for? Go visit Rayan. Introduce yourself. She isn’t aware of this post being written – I hope it brightens her day, out of the blue. I love planning surprises. Do you do know (e-know) her? Leave a comment telling me about it. Let’s discuss this DIY Blog Star…
Who’s next? It might just be you! Thanks for stopping by!
This post/series is NOT a paid advertisement. It’s just a ::HIGH FIVE:: highlight that I’m writing to showcase amazing DIY friends – real people with amazing DIY projects IN ADDITION TO making blogging a pleasant, more personal, successful experience. Virtual friends in most cases, but every bit as real.
Hi Roeshel! What an awesome idea…showing off and showcasing someone else! I know it will make her day…no, probably week! 🙂 I'm going to go say hello and tell her how much I love that deer pillow…hopefully it's a tutorial. I'd love to make my own!
Thank you for
"intrducing" me to Ryan. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Way cool idea! I love it – I think we all agree that this blog rocks. So many great ideas it usually leaves my head spinning (but in a good way).
Thank you, Roeshel for all that you do for the blogging community. I don't blog but I love reading them and commenting when I can.
Can we get a Yahoo! For Rayan. She is so deserving of this acknowledgement
Roeshel, you are so thoughtful to highlight other bloggers and to visit our blogs. Thanks for all you do!
i "know" rayan and i think she is so sweet! i love her eclectic style, too! i wish i could build like her… maybe when i grow up!
Your blog is one of my absolute favorites – and this new series just proves why. You, yourself are exactly what you're featuring – sweet, helpful, friendly, and DIY. A big thumbs up on this new series!
I have discovered Rayan's blog and am just AMAZED at her DIY building skills. How sweet of you to surprise her like this! 🙂
You are so sweet. What an awesome idea!
It is a new blog for me! Great idea to "show-off" another blogger! Have a great day!
oh my goodness! i can't even tell you, that you absolutely just made my month! my year! you are why i love blogging and all the support i give you is because YOU are everything you described about me! (blush) i am so glad that i can be that for you because we need more of YOU out there! the competition gets ugly, and it's not something i care to participate in. i'm ok with slow growth for my blog as long as it stays true to my ideas and values, and offers encouragement to others. sometimes diy doesn't work out the way you hope, but i think that's important to share also. my life is far from a magazine life (i have a monster sized toddler after all) and you make me feel good about that! THANK YOU for this sweet, sweet gift! it tells me i'm on the right path, and that this is worthwhile for me and my family! thank you from the bottom of my heart! i'm speechless (aside from the 807 words i just managed to write, of course!) and i heart you! big huge hugs from n. california! i think i might need to pay it forward…
Very cool blog! I don't think I've ever been there and need to stop by. Your idea to highlight a blogger is so sweet. You are always such an inspiration to me and other bloggers. It's been amazing to see your blog grow through the years!
Thanks for sharing. Now I have a new blog to visit.
What an awesome idea Roeshel! One of the things I love about you is how real and accessible you are. You are constantly showcasing talented ladies along with sharing your own amazing talent with us! And I have never felt that it's anything but genuine. Such a sweet idea to showcase other bloggers as a surprise to them!!!
What a wonderful thing to do!!! I stalk Rayan….I mean follow all she does…very very inspiring!
This will be so fun! On my way to check out Rayan's blog!
Thanks,
Amanda
What a fantastic blog. I love that you are introducing new blogs. I haven't come across The Design Confidential yet, but I love how she has furniture building plans. I'm going to have to check it out because I'm in the market to make a console table. 🙂
What a lovely thing to do! Rayan is as inspiring as you!