Man Made DIY

Whether you're a full-time creative professional, a passionate pastime artist, or simply a dabbler, it's gonna happen. The creative block - that blank page, empty canvas, one-line melody, uncut yard of fabric, that time where all you wanna do (or have to) is create something, and you just can't get started...or worse, finished.

But not all creative blocks are equal. They could come from a lack of ideas, but also from your own health or emotional wellness, work habits, or even communication. So, in order to become more productive, you first gotta understand what sort of block you have. Which, to me, recalls this classic interchange from Empire Records:

Mark: Hey, Lucas. I've decided I'm going to start a band. … read more

I’m all about fugality when it comes to making things at home. If I can save a few bucks here and there, I’m for it, for its own sake. And then there's the other obvious benefit to being crafty in the kitchen: you know exactly what’s going into your food. 

Such items like nut and soy milks can get pretty expensive, and though they may be quoted as organic, there are still additives to extend shelf life. The result is a lackluster product that usually falls short of the “make at home” kind of stuff. Which, on the other hand, is rich, creamy, and will keep a few dollars in your pocket to splurge on some really awesome summer produce or other seasonal tr… read more

I was in the home of a hoarder once. In college, I went on a spring break service trip to the Rio Grande valley, and we were working on building a school playground. A woman came out and asked if a few of us would lend a hand moving some heavy objects. My buddy Justin and I agreed, and followed her to her home.

When we entered, it was stacked floor to ceiling with file crates, storage bins, and more than anything, plastic grocery bags filled with never opened items, and labeled with masking tape. The "heavy objects" she needed us to move were Rubbermaid bins, stacked six or seven high, because the item she thought she wanted was in the bottom bin. It turned out it wasn't.

She was a very sweet and gracious woman, and even offered to make us lunch. It was a pretty eye-opening experience, one that I'm actually thankful to have experienced first hand.

Anyone who's ever met me knows I'm no athlete. I mean, I'm a pretty active cyclist and rock a pretty mean game of kickball, but I have no idea how many pushups I can do, and have never touched a supplement, unless my daily vitamins count.

But, I am a huge believer in not sitting still. I learned long ago that moving around, no matter how little, can make for a whole different day. Stand while you work, take the long way, bounce around a bit while you cook and clean, and walk whenever you can.

In a grumpy mood? In that so-angry-we-can't-even-talk place with your partner? Move. It'll change. Seriously. … read more

Here at ManMade, we're big proponents of not sitting all day during work hours. Especially as bloggers and editors, where we're more naturally inclined to...sit all day during work hours.

We've covered the dangers before, even offering this easy solution to create a standing workspace.

But in case you're not quite convinced, take a look at this infographic: … read more