Don't rely on men for DIY. Abigail Ahern, interior designer and author of A Girl's Guide To Decorating, shares her tips and techniques on DIY for girls.

Hammering in nails
It sounds like a straightforward job, but it's all too easy to bang the wrong nail! First make a mark on the wall with a carpenter's pencil where you want the nail to be. Holding the nail firmly between the fingers towards the sharp end, place it on the wall and gently tap the head. After two or three taps, if the nail has got a hold then remove your hand entirely and hammer more strongly to secure. Leave approximately 10mm proud for hanging objects.

Masking off
Masking off is an easy way to prevent paint or varnish from going where it shouldn't. It is available in different widths, so choose the appropriate size for the job, but check the instructions to see how long you can leave it in place - the cheaper varieties will only last three or four hours before lifting; more expensive ones can be left up to three days without leaving sticky residue. Tear a strip of tape off the roll and apply to the surface you need to shield, pressing down firmly at the edge to prevent paint from leaking underneath. When the surrounding surfaces are dry, lift the tape away carefully so as not to damage the new decoration. This technique can also be applied to glass when painting window frames.

Striping off wallpaper
Removing old wallpaper is messy so first cover furniture and floors with protective sheets and have some refuse sacks to hand for the old paper. Soak a sponge in warm water and wet the wallpaper thoroughly to soften the glue. Pick apart a seam and insert a scraper underneath. Lift the paper away from the wall with short, jabbing motions, taking care not to gouge the plaster. Vinyl or thicker wallpaper may prevent water from penetrating, so lightly score the surface first with a small cutting tool to allow moisture to get through. Wet the walls with a home-made solution or one part vinegar to four parts warm water, or ready-made wallpaper stripping solution, and leave for 30 minutes before scraping off.

Drilling
Before drilling check for electricity cables, water or gas pipes by using a stud finder. Select the appropriate drill bit for the type of wall you are drilling into (the manufacturer's instructions will tell you). Mark the position on the wall where you want to drill using a carpenter's pencil. Using a hammer and nail, make a small indentation in the wall as this will help prevent the drill bit from slipping. Place the bit at 90 degrees to the wall and gently squeeze the trigger. Apply steady pressure and make sure that you keep the drill as horizontal as you possibly can. Continue drilling until you get to the depth required. (A handy tip is to wrap the drill bit with masking tape at the appropriate depth so that you know when to stop drilling.)

Measuring for curtains
To determine the width and length of curtain you must measure the actual pole or track (not the window), so make sure this is fixed in place first. Measure the total length of the pole/track (excluding finials) and allow a further 25mm for the curtains to overlap in the centre when closed. Decide on the drop you require (typically curtains are hung to the floor, to the sill, or just below) and measure the distance from the top of the pole/track to the required length. Remember that where the curtain actually sits on the poll will vary according to your choice of heading. Curtain suppliers and makers will be able to advise you on how much material you need to cover this area - the rule of thumb is two and a half times, but it will also depend on the style of heading and the thickness of the material.

This is an extract from Abigail Ahern's A Girl's Guide to Decorating, published by Quadrille.

Annie Deakin is an expert furniture and interior design writer who is currently interested in wallpaper, corner sofas and flooring