Interview with The DIY Mommy

Have you heard of Edmonton area’s DIY queen & blogger, Christina Dennis of The DIY Mommy? She’s been giving us ideas and how to videos for years and we love all of it! 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.

This land has welcomed First Nations from across Turtle Island, and settlers and visitors from around the world. Alberta lands are part of Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, and the homeland of the Métis. Alberta Mamas respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit nations. We are all Treaty people.

*This post was made possible by a partnership with the Edmonton Renovation Show.

Interview with THE DIY Mommy

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 travelling 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, and 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.

You can find The DIY Mommy on her website, Instagram, Facebook and her YouTube Channel.

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