[Weekender] Power blogger Ho and her sweet home
From the unique furniture and sweet ornaments to the carefully painted wall and even the lighting fixture hanging from the ceiling, every inch of Ho Gyeong-ja’s house was created by her.
“The concept of my house is naturalism. I made all the furniture and walls to fit into the concept and added plants and trees to add flavor,” said Ho.
Better known for her online nickname “Hayanmiso” or White Smile, Ho is a housewife-turned-powerblogger, or perhaps more accurately, a housewife-turned-DIY specialist who is a celebrity in the DIY furniture and home interior industry. She writes books, gives lectures and holds classes on DIY all over the country.
Ho, however, had never imagined that she would become such a specialist. Just six years ago she was like most other women, ignorant about electricity, tools and paint.
“This house was a disaster 20 years ago. There was old furniture, cheap furniture and all kinds of junk everywhere,” Ho confessed with a giggle.
By chance, she encountered some blog postings that introduced DIY furniture and immediately thought it was for her. She had always loved sewing and drawing, so she knew she had the aptitude for it.
So out of need and keen interest, Ho taught herself about tools by browsing toolmakers’ websites, garnered interior tips from different online communities, ordered materials through the Internet and set to work.
She first started by repainting a door and then expanded her work step by step, to reforming furniture and on to actually making it from scratch. She posted photos and details on how she did it on her blog, treating it like a journal.
“My husband was worried that I was revealing too much of my know-how on my blog, but I think that was why people loved it. My blog became famous as a blog where people can get tips on easy and healthy home interior design,” said Ho.
Her newfound hobby quickly led to money.
Numerous companies have contacted her, asking for a review of their products on her blog. She receives so many lecture requests that she has to turn most of them down. She also teaches some basic DIY skills at her house once a month. Less than 10 people can fit into her house for the class, but about 80 to 100 people sign up every time.
“I could say I earn more than most regular office workers. But I try my best to put my family and decorating my own house before profit-making,” she said.
Learning to make DIY furniture and basic home interior skills is something that could benefit you for a lifetime, said Ho.
“Commercial interior shops tend to say ‘it is impossible’ or ask for additional fees. But based on my experience, nothing is impossible or requires much additional costs. For example, when I asked the interior people if I could whitewash the bathroom tiles, they said it was impossible. But it worked perfectly, giving a beautiful country-like look to my bathroom, when I did it by first brushing Gesso on the tiles, then whitewashing it and then painting varnish to finish up. If you don’t know these steps, you’ll end up spending more money just as the interior shops want you to do.”
But of course, buying a bunch of tools and filling the house with clumsy handmade furniture could be a problem, too. Ho said it is important to be patient and take plenty of time.
“You can’t learn everything overnight. First, you should check if it fits you by making small changes to the house like painting an old piece of furniture that can be thrown out any time or changing door handles. If you still find it fun, try reforming some furniture. If it is still fun, then it is time to buy some tools that are not too expensive. Also, don’t forget to visit furniture shops often to develop your eye for furniture,” she advised.
To visit Ho’s blog, go to www.blog.naver.com/smileho05.
By Park Min-young (claire@heraldm.com)
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| Powerblogger and DIY specialist Ho Gyung-ja |
Better known for her online nickname “Hayanmiso” or White Smile, Ho is a housewife-turned-powerblogger, or perhaps more accurately, a housewife-turned-DIY specialist who is a celebrity in the DIY furniture and home interior industry. She writes books, gives lectures and holds classes on DIY all over the country.
Ho, however, had never imagined that she would become such a specialist. Just six years ago she was like most other women, ignorant about electricity, tools and paint.
“This house was a disaster 20 years ago. There was old furniture, cheap furniture and all kinds of junk everywhere,” Ho confessed with a giggle.
By chance, she encountered some blog postings that introduced DIY furniture and immediately thought it was for her. She had always loved sewing and drawing, so she knew she had the aptitude for it.
So out of need and keen interest, Ho taught herself about tools by browsing toolmakers’ websites, garnered interior tips from different online communities, ordered materials through the Internet and set to work.
She first started by repainting a door and then expanded her work step by step, to reforming furniture and on to actually making it from scratch. She posted photos and details on how she did it on her blog, treating it like a journal.
 |
| Ho’s handmade desk and chair in her bedroom Ahn Hoon/ The Korea Herald |
“My husband was worried that I was revealing too much of my know-how on my blog, but I think that was why people loved it. My blog became famous as a blog where people can get tips on easy and healthy home interior design,” said Ho.
Her newfound hobby quickly led to money.
Numerous companies have contacted her, asking for a review of their products on her blog. She receives so many lecture requests that she has to turn most of them down. She also teaches some basic DIY skills at her house once a month. Less than 10 people can fit into her house for the class, but about 80 to 100 people sign up every time.
“I could say I earn more than most regular office workers. But I try my best to put my family and decorating my own house before profit-making,” she said.
Learning to make DIY furniture and basic home interior skills is something that could benefit you for a lifetime, said Ho.
 |
| Ho’s kitchen is filled with her handmade furniture and ornaments. Ahn Hoon/ The Korea Herald |
“Commercial interior shops tend to say ‘it is impossible’ or ask for additional fees. But based on my experience, nothing is impossible or requires much additional costs. For example, when I asked the interior people if I could whitewash the bathroom tiles, they said it was impossible. But it worked perfectly, giving a beautiful country-like look to my bathroom, when I did it by first brushing Gesso on the tiles, then whitewashing it and then painting varnish to finish up. If you don’t know these steps, you’ll end up spending more money just as the interior shops want you to do.”
But of course, buying a bunch of tools and filling the house with clumsy handmade furniture could be a problem, too. Ho said it is important to be patient and take plenty of time.
“You can’t learn everything overnight. First, you should check if it fits you by making small changes to the house like painting an old piece of furniture that can be thrown out any time or changing door handles. If you still find it fun, try reforming some furniture. If it is still fun, then it is time to buy some tools that are not too expensive. Also, don’t forget to visit furniture shops often to develop your eye for furniture,” she advised.
To visit Ho’s blog, go to www.blog.naver.com/smileho05.
By Park Min-young (claire@heraldm.com)
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