DIY Life http://www.diylife.com DIY Life http://www.diylife.com/media/feedlogo.gif DIY Life http://www.diylife.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Exclusive: 5 Questions for ReadyMade's Andrew Wagnerhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/06/23/readymade-andrew-wagner/http://www.diylife.com/2011/06/23/readymade-andrew-wagner/http://www.diylife.com/2011/06/23/readymade-andrew-wagner/#commentsFiled under: ,

Today I met with Andrew Wagner, the now-former Editor in Chief of ReadyMade, to get his thoughts on why Meredith decided to fold ReadyMade. It's a decision that's gotten much buzz around the DIY world, especially when Meredith cited "weakness in the home category."

readymadeReadyMade; DIY Business Association



So, we're all dying to know: What are your thoughts on the ReadyMade closing?

"I've always thought of ReadyMade as the most successful zine of all time. It was a real passion project from the very beginning. But the goals of a niche publication like ReadyMade and that of a major publishing house like Meredith don't always align. Small, developing brands like ReadyMade are in constant need of in-depth attention from all those working on it but large publishing houses aren't necessarily set up to run in that fashion. This is neither good nor bad, just really unfortunate in these circumstances."


Do you think ReadyMade was shuttered in the end because the audience was younger and were less inclined to pick up a print magazine?

"I think there is definitely still a place for print amongst all age groups and ReadyMade's growth (from 125,000 circulation in 2006 to 335,000 in 2011) points to that. But publishing is, very simply put, a tough business particularly today. Magazines are dependent not only on reader support but advertising support. Today magazines are no longer competing just against other titles for readers and advertising dollars but also against all the quickly developing brands online not to mention television, movies etc. Magazines are in a particularly tough position because they are trying to put out a print product while simultaneously producing top notch websites, video channels etc. All of this needs to happen without necessarily more resources. So, essentially, I think there is a place for print even with a younger demographic but the competition is that much more fierce and you either are willing to play that game and dedicate your resources to that or you aren't and unfortunately in this case, resources needed to be directed to other places."


Speaking of the web, was there any reasoning behind shuttering the ReadyMade website in addition to the print title?

"I think at this point in time it was just determined that there was not enough money to be made online to support the type of quality product that we wanted to deliver online. I would love to see the site stay open - I really believe it is a hugely valuable resource. Several sources have approached me with a real interest in buying Readymade.com and I think there could be a real possibility that it will stay alive. I would love to see that."


I saw a comment on your Editor's Letter that blamed the DIY audience, namely that ReadyMade encouraged them to recycle/not to buy things, for the magazine's closing. What is your response to that?

"There's a misconception amongst many that the DIY audience is one that's 100% anti-consumerism, anti-establishment, and so on. Of course there are some people that are completely off the grid but there are far more who are completely involved in mainstream society - and those that are are precisely the consumers advertisers are looking for - smart, trend setting, highly engaged individuals. The DIY audience does, say, go to Target, will go buy a car, etc. But what makes the DIY audience different than a general mass audience is that they want to know more about a product before buying it. They ask questions. They want to know the back-story. How are things put together? Where do they come from? They really want to be a part of whatever it is they are buying. Again, they are an extremely engaged, opinionated consumer. Frankly, I think that's what the world needs much much more of."


What can this mean for other titles? Can we expect more of the closings that happened in 2008-on across the shelter market?

"It depends on the title and the business model behind it. Niche titles who take a niche approach to their business seem to be faring well. I helped start Dwell magazine in 2000 and though they are going through similar issues all publications are they are weathering the storm. I think Dwell succeeds for two reasons: One, that they have a staff of 30+ - each of whose mission is to grow that brand. ReadyMade had a dedicated staff of 10. Second, is that they are a privately-owned company. While it's in their best interest to grow the title and growth is what every brand is looking for, they do not have to constantly worry about the stockholders or board of directors, who are concerned-for good reason--about making a return on their investment. The Dwell backers are true believers in the product that is Dwell. ReadyMade obviously had its supporters at Meredith but in the end, it's a game of dollars and cents at a publicly traded publishing company."


Editor's note
Did you subscribe to ReadyMade? A rep for Meredith says that subscribers will be given the option of a few other magazines to replace their ReadyMade subscription, or the opportunity to get a full refund.

While I dig Family Circle's and Better Homes and Garden's decorating content, I'll be taking a stand and asking for my full refund. Who's with me?

For more on ReadyMade, check out...
Breaking: ReadyMade is Folding - DIY Life
ReadyMade to Fold? Unfortunately, Yes - Shelterpop
Our Favorite DIY Projects from the ReadyMade 100 - DIY Life

 

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]]>ReadyMadeBrie Dyas2011-06-23T10:10:00+00:00Architectural Inspiration: Daylightinghttp://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you plan on renovating this summer, there's new reason to rethink window placement: Research has shown that daylighting (an official-sounding term that refers to maximizing the natural light in a space) can make a room feel more inviting and you more productive. Also, it looks great. See for yourself with these amazing projects by the masters of daylighting, KSS Architects.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


Let me ask you: Which space is more appealing to you, the left or the right? If you answered "the right" (I'm guessing 100% of you did), you just learned the core principle of daylighting: Maximizing the light through windows and details. KSS Architects completely transformed West Chester University's 25 University Place building by opening up the ceiling and adding a high row of windows. But while daylighting might be associated with windows, a neutral color palette and unobtrusive lighting are also ways to boost the bright factor.

Your takeaway: Blonde wood accents, neutral flooring and discrete overhead lighting (check out the bent-arm lamps) can be just as effective as adding windows.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


This project really sold me on the power of daylighting. Here is the dramatic before and after of the basketball court at New Jersey City University's University Academy Charter School, another KSS project. The building had a nice big window, but obviously little charm (an understatement). KSS kept the brickwork but did something that I thought was interesting: Instead of repainting the walls white for a uniform look, they chose to strip the paint to reveal the natural hue of the brick.

Your takeaway: While white paint tends to make a space feel larger, sometimes it's best to expose the original finish of a high-quality material.

daylightingKSS Architects; Doug Snower Photographer


At Lawrence University's Warch Campus Center, KSS added Mondrian-esque windows and filled the space with brushed metal accents (which gently reflect light without scattering intense beams of sun all over the place). Like the 25 University Place project, neutral wood elements punctuate the room. To make the juxtaposition less jarring, stone tiles in both browns and grays were installed on the floor.

Your takeaway: Brushed nickel accents give you the gleam of metal without the upkeep (no worries about smudges). To integrate it into a space that has a lot of wood, opt for a natural stone tile that has bits of both hues.

Want more ideas for brightening up your home? Check out...
Easy Ways to Brighten the Kitchen and Living Room ... - ShelterPop
11 ways to brighten a room - DIY Life
10 Things You Can Do (Right Now!) to Brighten Your Home - Shelterpop

And to see how you can quickly boost the light in any room, watch this...



How to Brighten Up Your Rooms

 

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]]>daylightingBrie Dyas2011-05-25T08:00:00+00:00Anthology Magazine: Our Peek at Issue #3http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/24/anthology-magazine/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/24/anthology-magazine/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/24/anthology-magazine/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anh-Minh Le, the lovely and talented Editor-in-Chief of Anthology, shares her favorite stories from the latest edition of the super-cute magazine.

Thrilled is an understatement for how I felt when I saw the latest issue of Anthology magazine. The theme is "Life is...a party!" and the below photos will definitely get you into a happy frame of mind. How could you not smile at this look into the living room of Eunice Moyle, co-founder of chic letterpress company Hello!Lucky?

anthologyAnthology Magazine


The artwork behind Eunice's couch is repurposed from her wedding, where she created a stage to hold the ceremony. Why not recreate something like this for your own home, using painted foam core and some fabric?

Also, look how cute her and her sister Sabrina are in this photo below. Anh-Minh says that the two, who founded Hello!Lucky together in 2003, are always mistaken for twins. Though they share the same whimsical aesthetic for their company, they gravitate towards different styles for their respective homes. Eunice is more vintage-meets-Anthropologie (which we can definitely see in the photo of her kitchen, below), while Sabrina leans towards Hollywood Regency.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


Next up is a profile of event planner/stationery designer Jordan Fernay. You probably know her from her super-popular blog, Oh Happy Day.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


Says Anh-Minh, "We asked her and photographer Aubrey Trinnaman to share some of the favorite things they've done for friends and loved ones, to mark a special occasion." I think the streamer-draped stairs would definitely merit a surprised reaction. (How great would that be for a wedding?)

Anh-Minh's other favorite story is a profile on graphics designer Sara Hicks Malone, the creative genius behind Sara's Party Perfect. The Q&A covers everything from Sara's stylish home to her business. "We chose her because her work and blog fit perfectly with the 'Life is a party!' theme for the issue," says Anh-Minh.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


And finally, here's the cover, which features illustration by Julia Denos. It continues onto the second page of the mag to complete the "Life is...a party!" theme.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


Anthology is available in print at select stockists.

Want to get another mag fix? Then check out...
Entra Magazine: Sneak Peek
High Gloss Magazine: Sneak Peek
Rue Magazine: Our Exclusive First Look!

Want to see a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how a stylist puts together a magazine shoot? Watch this...



Assembling and Producing a Magazine Photo Shoot

 

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]]>AnthologyBrie Dyas2011-05-24T08:00:00+00:00Make a Birdhousehttp://www.diylife.com/2010/12/13/make-a-birdhouse/http://www.diylife.com/2010/12/13/make-a-birdhouse/http://www.diylife.com/2010/12/13/make-a-birdhouse/#commentsFiled under: ,

Building a bird house is a great activity that can be fun for the whole family.

 

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]]>make a bird houseEric Stromer2010-12-13T19:35:00+00:00Fix a Broken Tilehttp://www.diylife.com/2010/12/06/fix-a-broken-tile/http://www.diylife.com/2010/12/06/fix-a-broken-tile/http://www.diylife.com/2010/12/06/fix-a-broken-tile/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you have tile in your home, chances are good that sooner later there will be a broken tile that needs to be replaced. The good news is that replacing the tile is a fairly simple task that you can do yourself.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-12-06T11:16:00+00:00Install a Chair Railhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/11/29/install-a-chair-rail/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/29/install-a-chair-rail/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/29/install-a-chair-rail/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you have a plain wall, why not add architectural detail with a chair rail?

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-11-29T19:06:00+00:00Install an Air Conditionerhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/11/19/install-an-air-conditioner/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/19/install-an-air-conditioner/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/19/install-an-air-conditioner/#commentsFiled under: ,

Need to install a window box air conditioning unit? We've got you covered.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-11-19T17:23:00+00:00Install a Dishwasherhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/11/15/install-a-dishwasher/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/15/install-a-dishwasher/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/15/install-a-dishwasher/#commentsFiled under: ,

Installing a new dishwasher isn't as intimidating as it may seem -- replace your old, broken down refrigerator with a new model!

 

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]]>install-a-dishwasherEric Stromer2010-11-15T17:45:00+00:00Build a Platform Bedhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/11/05/build-a-platform-bed/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/05/build-a-platform-bed/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/05/build-a-platform-bed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looking for a way to update your bedroom? A platform bed looks great and provides excellent support. Plus, it eliminates the need for a box spring. Here's how to build one.



When it comes to staining the wood frame, use the the tips in this video:

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-11-05T16:39:00+00:00How to Repair a Drivewayhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/10/22/how-to-repair-a-driveway/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/22/how-to-repair-a-driveway/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/22/how-to-repair-a-driveway/#commentsFiled under: ,

Repair and reseal the cracks and holes in your driveway to make it look its best.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-10-22T18:00:00+00:00Window Insulation Filmhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/10/15/window-insulation-film/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/15/window-insulation-film/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/15/window-insulation-film/#commentsFiled under: ,

Want to protect your home from harmful ultraviolet rays, reduce glare and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home? Window insulation film is the way to go. Here's how to bring it home.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-10-15T11:08:00+00:00Create a Vine-Covered Arborhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/10/07/climbing-vines/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/07/climbing-vines/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/07/climbing-vines/#commentsFiled under: ,

Climbing vibes can be trained to wrap around an arbor, pergola or other structures. Here's how!

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-10-07T16:49:00+00:00Fruit Tree Pruninghttp://www.diylife.com/2010/09/30/fruit-tree-pruning/http://www.diylife.com/2010/09/30/fruit-tree-pruning/http://www.diylife.com/2010/09/30/fruit-tree-pruning/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fruit trees are a fantastic part of any yard or garden. Regular pruning and proper care will help your tree produce delicious fruit for many years. When fruit trees are properly pruned, sunlight penetrates through to more of the tree which then boosts fruit production and quality.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-09-30T09:55:00+00:00Organic Gardeninghttp://www.diylife.com/2010/09/24/organic-gardening/http://www.diylife.com/2010/09/24/organic-gardening/http://www.diylife.com/2010/09/24/organic-gardening/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Organic gardening practices are gaining popularity as more people realize the benefits. Your plants will be healthier and you'll minimize your environmental impact.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-09-24T11:00:00+00:00Fire Safety at Homehttp://www.diylife.com/2010/09/02/home-fire-safety/http://www.diylife.com/2010/09/02/home-fire-safety/http://www.diylife.com/2010/09/02/home-fire-safety/#commentsFiled under: ,

Did you know that every 20 seconds, the fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation? Here are things you can do to stop fires in your home before they even start.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-09-02T15:31:00+00:00Replace a Faucethttp://www.diylife.com/2010/08/06/replace-faucet/http://www.diylife.com/2010/08/06/replace-faucet/http://www.diylife.com/2010/08/06/replace-faucet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Replace your bathroom faucet to give the room a new look.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-08-06T17:17:00+00:00Build a Planterhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/07/08/build-a-planter/http://www.diylife.com/2010/07/08/build-a-planter/http://www.diylife.com/2010/07/08/build-a-planter/#commentsFiled under: ,

A window box can enhance the overall appeal of your home and give your plants a great place to live. Eric shows you how to build a planter that will make your neighbors jealous.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-07-08T12:12:00+00:00Pavers Patiohttp://www.diylife.com/2010/06/03/pavers-patio/http://www.diylife.com/2010/06/03/pavers-patio/http://www.diylife.com/2010/06/03/pavers-patio/#commentsFiled under: ,

Installing a pavers patio is a great, durable way to create a walkway through your garden.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-06-03T11:52:00+00:00Drip Irrigationhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/05/06/drip-irrigation/http://www.diylife.com/2010/05/06/drip-irrigation/http://www.diylife.com/2010/05/06/drip-irrigation/#commentsFiled under: ,

Drip irrigation is a more efficient way to bring water to your plants. Here, Eric shows you how to install a simple battery-operated system.

The parts needed:

o.The electric timer is connected directly to the water source. You program the timer to turn the water to your system on and off.
o. The Backflow Preventer keeps contaminated water from washing back in to your home's water system,
o. A Pressure Regulator will prevent high water pressure from damaging the system.
o. A Filter, and a hose adapter will hook up your drip watering hoses.
o. ½ inch plastic hose is your main line which you run from the timer assembly in to your garden.
o. ¼ inch plasic hose connects your ½ inch main line to the drip emitters.
o. Emitters, which you put in the soil carry the water directly to the plants. They come in drip and spray types and a variety of flow rates.

Tools needed:
o. Punch to make holes for ¼ inch lines in the ½ inch line
o. Garden Shears

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-05-06T10:21:00+00:00How to Repair Drywallhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/04/07/how-to-repair-drywall/http://www.diylife.com/2010/04/07/how-to-repair-drywall/http://www.diylife.com/2010/04/07/how-to-repair-drywall/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you have a hole in your drywall and have yet to repair it, consider this DIY project -- fix damaged drywall without a professional. It's easier than you think. Learn how to do it here with Eric's easy advice.

 

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]]>Eric Stromer2010-04-07T15:50:00+00:00