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The picture above is the Plod Pod, built by an individual using my detailed plans of the Nomad Bicycle Camper. He walked this, and another camper across Canada, Twice!

Welcome to

   Elkins D.I.Y.

I've been obsessed with drawing different ideas since childhood. As a young adult, I started building some of these ideas, starting with recumbent bicycle, then shelters and other odd mobile contraptions after discovered Burningman back in 2000.  Thinking people might enjoy seeing some of my creations I started a blogspot in 2005, then graduated to this website and later to a YouTube channel. Click on the link above to see these ideas being constructed and tested. 

Many of my ideas are pictured below. I call them prototypes. Most are minimalist ideas in shelter, transportation and boat design, with a sprinkle of other ideas that interest me. 

Click on the 'Projects' tab above to see more pictures and story line. I have more than one page on most items. I've made a lot of stuff!

The intent of this website is not to just showcase my creations, but hopefully inspire you to make something with your own hands. If making something is new to you, I encourage you to try. Don't be afraid to fail. That's how we learn. YouTube is also a great source for ideas and instruction.  

There are no advertisements here. I just find them annoying. Right?

If you care to support this website you can purchasing my $5 Ebook or a build plan, or tell someone else about this place. You can contact me as well. I love to hear from viewers. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Plans:

 I offer PDF build plans that you can download and print out for a nominal price. Below is an example from the Little Miss Sally electric boat plan. 

 

 

Check out my Ebook! 

There were many years where I drew an idea a day. This is an 82 page PDF picture book showcasing just a few of my early drawings (with commentary) on transportation ideas, mobile homes and fun ridable contraptions. 

Your Latest Projects:

Melinda Shaw and her volunteer teams assembled and handed out these shelters in Northampton Massachusetts.

Click on the image for more details.