If you're a wannabe DIYer but aren't that handy in the kitchen or at the crafts table, here are some cool sites to check out. I spent a fun morning virtually designing everything from a customized handbag to my very own chocolate bar! TIP Be sure to check for coupon codes before ordering any of these items. I found some that would have knocked the shipping fee off.
Jewelry
Gemvara.com is a lot of fun if you've always hankered to design your own jewelry. I happen to love garnets, so I clicked on my favorite stone and designed a pair of earrings that combined the red stone with diamonds. How could I go wrong! I also tweaked the design of a more modest sterling silver setting by inserting a garnet in the center instead of the tourmaline it showcased. You can even design your own engagement ring! Prices start around $200.
Handbags
More DIY fun was to be had on LaudiVidni.com, where I designed the cool handbag shown. Out of eight styles, I chose the classic Allemande shoulder bag, giving it a metallic gold exterior and light gray lining. Then I gave it a final look by putting it on a virtual model and magnifying the bag and its different features. I was really happy with the look. Cost: $295 plus shipping.
Chocolate
At Createmychocolate.com, I customized my own chocolate bar just by following a few easy steps. First pick your chocolate—white, dark, milk, or a combo. Next, come the add-ins. You can choose up to eight, including bits of fruit (apple, sour cherry, mango, etc.), nuts (Macadamia, almond, Brazil, etc.), and spices. You can also pile on other stuff like sprinkles and M&Ms if you like, and even add a message like "Happy Birthday." I created a dark chocolate bar with sour cherries and roasted almonds, and then put a Happy Birthday message on it all for $10.35 plus shipping.
Men's dress shirts
OK, enough about me. It was time to get something for my husband, so I clicked on Blank-Label.com to design a shirt for him. The site works very much like all the others: pick a fabric, collar style, and cuffs (to match or contrast), and voilĂ , you've made your own dress shirt (starting around $45 plus shipping ). How cool is that?
