Why Do The Small Projects Seem So Large?
Why do the small projects seem so large? This could be any project or task, not just the house-related ones. Most of the time the mental gymnastics I go through to avoid starting a small project are way worse than the reality of actually completing the small project. Why is my brain that? Am I the only one who does this? I’ve seriously spent more time obsessing over, whining about, or flat-out ignoring the five small projects we tackled recently around our house. Here they are in no particular order related to the time spent procrastinating before starting, the actual effort or time expended to complete, or the satisfaction gained…
How to Make Wood-Burned Dice
I have the most satisfying project for you today. How to make wood-burned dice from wood cubes. Do we need them? Need is a relative term. Do we want them? Of course. They are so cool! Are they satisfying to make? Oh, heck yeah. And that, my friends, is the best part. It’s not so much what we create, but the act of creating that’s the reward. Let’s get started on how to make wood-burned dice. How To Make Wood-Burned Dice Step #1: Cut Cubes Cut cubes out of wood using a table saw. Our cubes are 3/4″ square, but you could adapt your size if you want larger or…
Wood Deacon’s Bench Makeover and a Tip for Disassembling a Bench
If you love a good furniture makeover then you’re in for a treat today! We recently completed a wood deacon’s bench makeover that was so satisfying. This makeover will probably be even more satisfying for you because you didn’t have to do the work! Ha! I found a wood deacon’s bench on Facebook Marketplace for $10. The listing said it was “priced to sell.” Talk about an understatement. Here’s how the deacon’s bench looked when we brought it home. At first glance, it doesn’t look too bad. Upon closer inspection, the finish was in rough shape and the legs were a little wobbly. However, at $10 this was a steal…
The Most Satisfying Staircase Makeover You’ve Seen Today
There has been a major oversight on this blog documenting the fixer-upper projects of this money pit Colonial Farmhouse. I never shared the staircase makeover of our main stairs. Can you believe that? Me. A chronic over-sharer forgot to tell you about one of my projects in excruciating detail. You had one job, Annisa. One. Job. How is this even possible? Well, it’s possible (cue the justification) because I lumped the staircase makeover in with the music room makeover when I wrote about it two years ago. But that post just glossed over the details. You need the details to appreciate what will be the most satisfying staircase makeover you’ve seen today…or…
2022 House Project Goals
We’re a full two months into 2022 and I’m finally writing about our 2022 house project goals. Who’s on top of things? Not me, I guess. Ha! Here’s the deal. I feel like we’re in a bit of a rest period. Or perhaps a bit of a dread-the-rest period. Hahaha! We’ve spent the last two and a half years tackling the low-hanging fruit around here. There was a lot of it, so it kept us busy. That wallpaper removal alone…phew. The projects we need to tackle next get a little more involved than a can of paint on a Saturday afternoon. They require some planning, some budgeting, and some crossing…
DIY Pest Control Tips For An Old House
Let’s talk about things that make us shudder, cringe, and gag a little – household pests! Specifically, DIY pest control tips to keep those household pests at bay if you live in a creaky old house as we do. We live in a house that is over 200 years old. It’s built to last. But like many old houses, living in one is a bit like living in a colander. It’s sturdy, functional, and full of holes. Unfortunately, those holes are considered by pests to be a wide-open invitation to take up residence inside the house. Once they are there? They never want to leave. Why would they? It’s nice…
DIY Wood and Brass Hearts for Valentine’s Day
I have a lovely DIY to share with you today – wood and brass hearts! They are perfect when you’re looking for a subtle touch when it comes to Valentine’s Day decor. Although, when it comes to the actual Valentine’s Day and every day, really, don’t be subtle when telling your valentine they are loved. Life is too short! Here’s how to make these wood and brass hearts. Step 1: Unless you want to freehand it, print out a paper heart template. We used a 2-inch and a 3-inch heart. Step 2: Trace your heart shape on a piece of wood and carefully cut the heart out using a jigsaw.…
One Year With An Electronic Door Lock. How Do We Really Like It?
It has been one year of living with an electronic door lock on our Carriage House. How do we really like it? Are you ready for me to dish the dirt? Eh. There’s not THAT much dirt. Unless you want to count the dirt that gets tracked in every time that electronic door lock grants access to someone with dirty shoes? *sigh* Modern technology only gets us so far. If I recall correctly, I approached the installation of this electronic door lock with great enthusiasm. I was ready to throw it a ticker-tape parade. Kidding! I actually approached the situation with great reluctance, which is my standard response to all…
Do We Regret Removing a Wood Stove From Our Home?
Do we regret removing a wood stove from our home? Nope! Not yet, at least. Will we regret it someday? This decision seems a little less permanent than getting a tattoo, but I do not have a crystal ball to predict whether or not we will regret this decision someday. Our house does have three fireplaces that we could put back into use should we have the strong desire to use wood heat, so the odds seem in our favor that we will not regret removing a wood stove. Plus, this isn’t our first time removing a wood stove from a home, so we’re well versed in the ins and outs…
I Refinished Our Tongue and Groove Closet Doors and It Could Have Gone Worse
Our bedroom has original tongue and groove closet doors. When I say original I mean roughly 200 years old. I’d narrow that date down a little, but I’ve heard it’s rude to ask a door its age. Actually, I just don’t have documentation. That’s why I’m throwing out a conservative round number for the age of the doors. However, I do know they are young at heart! Anyway, when I had the bright idea to refinish these tongue and groove closet doors I didn’t factor in the small (tiny, really) detail that I am not qualified to work on doors that old. Not. Qualified. No sirree. These doors came from…
