DIY Projects Anyone?
 

I've been keeping myself entertained with DIY projects. For home, furbutts, etc... The last one was the ramp to get on my bed and I'm am 110% satisfied with the outcome. Both Magnus/Zoey have been using it each and every time!

Could you share some of your favorite DIY projects? Any particular reason for doing it yourself when you could simply buy it? Any future projects in mind?

I love DIY projects. Crafting is therapeutic for me and a lot of it is all about the hunt when I am looking for something specific that I want to repurpose or upcycle into something else. I have 3 spring/summer projects planned. One is an old entertainment center I converted into a console style media/tv stand. Now I need to refinish it to match my decor. The next is a buffet I want to refinish to match the farmhouse style table I want my DH to build for me. When you start one project, it just spins out of control into another and another (at least in my house that's what's happening).:):D

I love DIY! I love building! I'm not really crafty, though.

I've added wainscotting in my dining area, widened the opening between my living and dining areas by knocking out part of a wall and installing a new header. I completely gutted my 1950s bathroom down to the studs, moved it around, and redid it all. I cut out a window and installed a door in my breezeway so I could get to my yard, and then ripped out the old breezeway carpet and tiled the floor. i built a laundry closet by deepening and flipping the entry to a coat closet. i built a sunroom off my guest bedroom. And I completely finished my basement.

My next projects are little piddly finishing things on my prior projects. The stuff that isn't major, just annoying; patching in around a recently installed recessed light. Fixing the hole in the dining area ceiling, where a hook used to be. Basically, a bit of plaster work...1950's house equals plaster not drywall...and I'm not loving it, so I procrastinate.

You actually inspired me with your last DIY thread. I needed to keep busy after losing my beloved Jasmine & Bisquit this past year. I had been wanting to build something for my outdoor cats so they could stay warm this past winter so I built them little kitty houses out of cardboard boxes. I used warm flannel on the inside and animal print fabric on the outside of the boxes. I cut out little cubby holes for them to squeeze in. I used hot glue to keep the fabric snug. They turned out really cute and will last another winter or so but next time I will use light weight wood. My pool guy liked them so much that he built one for his kitty too. I've been so busy remodeling and decorating my home that I haven't had a chance to think about my next project but I'm sure something will pop up soon.

Wow... When I said DIY, I was thinking in smaller terms... Maybe a pet gate.. Adding some cool looking storage unit.

You guys are just short of contractors! LOL Now I feel like I did to do some BIG DIY to keep up with you guys.

Can't wait to see all the ideas on this thread. I am a "small" DIY person myself. And if it is crafty I pretty much stink at it! Lol

Ann and a few others have been discussing this on the Home Sweet Home thread. Not just DIY but anything home.

I was just going to post the progress of my reupholstery.
Before:
Attachment 404999

Currently:
Attachment 405000


A few months ago I finally finished my work room. Well it's not 100% done, but I put in the laminate flooring, painted, and the chair rail. Still need to put up the crown.
Attachment 405001

And I made this ironing table.
Attachment 405002

I also did DIY lip balm but no pics. It's seriously better than Burt's Bees! It's 50/50 beeswax and coconut oil, and a few drops of menthol. That's it! It's thicker and lasts longer than Burt's and way cheaper!

These are two Nerf guns that I just painted Steampunk style.
Attachment 405006

This is what it looked like originally.
http://www.thinkinc.com/wp-content/u...DSCN0504-3.jpg

I'm gearing up for ling cod, halibut and salmon fishing right now so lots of DIY projects on the boat. Ordered up some bilge pumps, float switches, bait tank pump and an electrical panel to install and I'm adding a second battery so that'll take some time to be a clean install.

Our DIY projects have been nonstop and HUGE since we built our home 15 years ago. But I have to say lucky for me my DH does about 90% of the projects, I just clean up and take care of everything else to keep our house running. Here is a partial list of some of our recent projects.

Built from scratch two high performance engines for our speed boat
Built a hundred foot bolder sea wall
Built a brand new railing system for our two story deck, out of permanent material to replace the wood one he put in 12 years ago.
Laid a brick paver walk and patio
Currently working on finishing our walkout basement, cut through the brick wall to install a new window, did all the framing, dry walling, electrical, just tiled the bathroom, installed the tub, toilet, and just last night I helped him get the vanity cabinets in place, now we can get the granite guy in to measure, I think this might be the first job we have hired out on the basement project.

He does none of this type of work for a living and on top of all the projects works 55 hours a week. Most of the projects were the first time he attempted them, amazing what one can learn to do if they have to.

Having non stop do it yourself projects is exhausting for both of us, I really wish it would come to an end but I think that will never happen. What will make it end is when we retire within 5 years and move out of MI but LOL when we move then a new set of projects will probably develop.

Omg, no way - those look SO COOL! I wantz one! Did you just use craft paint?

Mostly they are water based paints, one w ground aluminum in it, and two kinds of sealer. I have two sets of these and are planning to sell them so let me know if you're interested.

I love chalk paint......I have chalk painted a small cupboard and now looking for something bigger like a kitchen farm table to try. Going to start scouting thrift shops now that the weather is warmer.

I was surfing and came across this DIY for pets. Thought there were some cool/cute ideas that seems pretty easy to do!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/3...ets#.nt4KXm7od

I just loveth yours, but I may try to do one myself for fun. For the turquoise patina did you use the rub-n-buff stuff? Where do you sell your wares, btw?

(lol, and you don't call yourself an artist. PLEASE :)!)