The Edmonton Renovation Show is in town this weekend at the Edmonton Expo Centre! We are always pumped about this show because it’s a great chance to get inspiration for upcoming projects, do a little shopping and learn from some of the experts in the home industry.
One of the speakers we can not wait to catch is local Edmonton area DIY queen & blogger, Christina Dennis of The DIY Mommy. She’s been giving us ideas and how to videos for years and we are so proud to see local talent being represented at the show! Christina has been featured online in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Style at Home and Today’s Parent. She was also named Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist 2015. We decided to ask The DIY Mommy some questions to get to know her better, have a look below.
Interview with THE DIY Mommy
Photo by Tracey Jazmin
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I’m a mom of 3 girls ages 5, 8 and 11, and married to a general contractor who built our home just West of Edmonton. I’ve always loved making things, so when my first daughter was born in 2009 I started my blog The DIY Mommy as a creative outlet that I could do at home. Little did I know that the blog would eventually become my full time job!
What made you get into DIY, craft and decor?
My mom was always very crafty growing up (she can sew and build almost anything), and she’s always been a huge inspiration to me. I started sewing when I was a kid, and then grew to love home design & decorating when we built our house in 2013.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m always inspired by nature (I LOVE flowers!) and history (anything vintage or retro is totally my jam). I also enjoy seeing room designs or DIY ideas online, and then using them as inspiration to make something completely unique.
What is your favourite project you’ve completed to date?
Our camper renovation! We completely made over a 1992 fifth wheel we found on Kijiji for $1000, and we’ve had the most fun traveling in it as a family over the last few years.
What was the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on?
Our house build was definitely challenging! It was the first home my hubby built, and we both learned a ton. Thankfully, we only made a few minor mistakes and we LOVE how it turned out!
What advice could you give to people who want to start DIY projects in their home but have no idea where to start?
I’d recommend doing lots of research on the project before you begin. We’re so lucky to have thousands of articles and how-to videos available to us at the touch of a button – take advantage of all the free information! If the project involves power tools or larger components like tearing down walls, make sure to consult a professional to make sure you’re doing everything safely and to code.
How do you stay focused to complete projects, rather than people like us who usually have 5-10 things on the go and get overwhelmed…
I definitely have “creative ADD” – I LOVE to start projects but need motivation to finish! My blog and YouTube channel is what keeps me accountable. I love having the deadlines to produce the content because it truly helps me get everything finished well.
Where do you like to source products for your projects from?
I do a lot of budget shopping at places like dollar stores, Ikea, and thrift stores because I like the challenge of creating something beautiful with less money. I frequent all of the home improvement stores (The Home Depot, Lowe’s etc.), and also find great furniture and accessories online at places like Wayfair, Amazon & The Brick.
As a mom how do you balance it all?
I don’t! There are some days when I feel like I’m juggling things pretty well, while others are an absolute gong show. I do have child care or full school days for all three girls a few times a week, and that’s been critical to getting things done for my blog & YouTube channel.
Tell us a bit about what you’ll be presenting on at the Edmonton Renovation Show this weekend?
I’ll be sharing my 6 best tips on how to start a room makeover. I have a tried-and-true method that I always use, and I’m going to be sharing it in detail to hopefully inspire and motivate anyone wanting to get a project started!
Photo by Tracey Jazmin
Want free tickets to the show? Enter to win a 4 pack of tickets below via Rafflecopter! Contest closes Thursday January 23 at noon, MST.
*This post was made possible by a partnership with the Edmonton Renovation Show.
See you at the show!
Kim Ouellette is a Co-Founder of Alberta Mamas and an Edmonton Realtor with Schmidt Realty Group. She is a wife, mom, daughter, friend and adventure seeker who loves to explore Alberta and beyond. Connect with her at kim@weselledmonton.com