Meet 10 Black Makers Reshaping the World of DIY
From woodworking to quilting to urban gardening, these ten Black creators have built followings by sharing their crafts and encouraging others to pick up new skills while staying true to who they are.
By Robin Watson
In recognition of Black History Month and the mark Black culture has left on the handmade world, we are shining a light on several talented people who are reshaping what modern DIY looks like. The creators gathered here span woodworking, sewing, cooking, knitting and more, and each one is opening fresh paths in the handmade space while encouraging others to experiment — and doing it all without hiding who they are. They embody the idea of doing it yourself while being yourself.
1. Glen Scott - DIY Creators
Before turning to making, Glen Scott worked as a security alarm technician. Inspiration struck after he purchased his first home, prompted by the variety of houses he had encountered on the job, and he decided to give crafting a try. Wood, concrete and LED are among his favorite materials. His first YouTube upload dates back to September 2015, and he has enjoyed considerable success since then. Glen's thorough tutorials suit newcomers and seasoned makers alike, and they can be tackled with a modest set of tools. Thinking about building a raised planter, a gaming desk or an elevated dog feeding station? Take a look at his work.
Find Glen and DIY Creators on Youtube and Instagram.
2. Angelina - BlueprintDIY
Calling herself a "girly architect," Angelina got into upcycling clothes because the pieces she liked never seemed to fit her properly. In her energetic tutorials, she urges viewers to build wardrobes that reflect their own personalities and styles. Her upcycling ideas range widely and impress — from DIY wide leg monochrome pants to sweater mittens and beyond.
Find Angelina and BlueprintDIY on Youtube and Instagram.
3. Darius Williams - Darius Cooks
Food blogger Darius Williams shares a love of cooking that rubs off on anyone watching. His YouTube channel and blog are packed with the dishes he has dreamed up, along with pointers for anyone wanting to try the recipes at home. The food looks so good that the photos alone are enough to make you hungry.
Find Darius on YouTube and Instagram.
4. Ashley Basnight
Ashley Basnight calls herself a fearless DIY-er with a creative streak. Her story started with a search for a custom dining table that she could not find anywhere, so she built one herself — and that was the beginning. Woodworking forms the core of her output, with some home-focused projects mixed in. Ashley and her work have appeared on NBC's Making It, Better Homes and Gardens and The Drew Barrymore Show.
Find Ashley on Instagram and YouTube.
5. Ashlie Thomas - The Mocha Gardener
Ashlie Thomas creates around health and wellness, with a focus on helping people grow their own food. She tends plants alongside her husband, shows off her striking houseplant collection (more than 100 of them) and raises awareness about food security. Ashlie and her gardening skills have appeared in outlets such as Country Living and House and Home Magazines.
Find Ashlie on Instagram and YouTube.
6. Amber Kemp-Gerstel
Amber Kemp-Gerstel went from earning a PhD to doing what she calls PhDIY. A quick look at her bright, craft-filled Instagram feed makes her enthusiasm for handmade projects obvious. Printing custom cards and sewing custom drawstring gift bags are among her projects. Amber also appeared on the most recent season of NBC's Making It.
Find Amber on Instagram.
7. Miaira Jennings
Miaira Jennings, who serves as our own Senior Editor, has a gift for refashioning clothing, home décor, crafts and even budget-friendly recreations of celebrity looks. Her YouTube channel is so full of original creations that it is hard not to reach for the closest pair of scissors and start making something. She has also been featured on Buzzfeed As/Is and took home the Pinterest DIY Home Decor Video of the Year Award.
Find Miaira on Youtube, Instagram and Pinterest.
8. Timothy Hammond - Big City Gardener
Gardener Timothy Hammond is building a space where like-minded people can grow their own food. His goal is to nudge others into beginning their own gardening journey, wherever they happen to live, and his online platforms naturally bring together a community that stretches around the world. His projects suit beginners and those short on space — a recent example being a partnership with Home Depot demonstrating how to set up an indoor seed starting shelf.
Find Timothy on Instagram and TikTok.
9. Nicole Neblett - Mama Love Quilts
Nicole Neblett transformed her quilting passion from a hobby into a profession, working as a modern quilting designer, instructor and blogger. She gives an old tradition a contemporary feel by making pieces with striking prints and patterns. Nicole has appeared in a range of publications, among them Modern Patchwork, Quilting Arts and Fresh Quilt TV. Her quilts have also been shown at QuiltCon.
Find Nicole on Instagram and Pinterest.
10. A.V. Perkins - A.V. Does What
Following her father's sudden death, A.V. Perkins turned to DIY projects as a way to keep his memory alive, and the practice gradually became something much bigger. Her body of work now spans upcycled crafts, tasty recipes and playful pop culture-themed projects. A.V. also hosts HGTV Handmade and has been featured in Ebony, Huffington Post and Buzzfeed. Her aim is to give DIY a facelift.
Find A.V. on Instagram and Youtube.
Each of these creators has achieved a great deal, yet all of them started out by deciding to share their passions and themselves with the world. Their example shows that hard work, creativity and self-belief can make anything possible.
