When I was at Bella Rustica, I did a workshop on working with tools, with the premise of faking being a real builder. I showed various photos of the ‘oh so impressive things I’ve built’, and then after each one, showed my cheat methods on how I did it.
This rustic garden shed was my first real building project. I had no idea how to use the tools I needed so I had a neighbour show me. And then wrapped this up in a couple of days.
Today, I’ve branched beyond relying on structures already set in place. I have graduated. 🙂 I’m currently working on a new piece (coming soon) and am beyond astounded that I’m capable of implementing exactly what’s in my head!
By golly, I am a builder!
What was that? You wanna build too? Well, you can! You just have to start by picking up a board and having the desire to make it into something cool.
Wait, did you say you don’t have time? No money? Zero for tools? No skills? Too old to start over? Really…
When I started building, I was 47 years old, a sole parent, broke, and had no building skills. Oh. And I was stuck with some vertigo thing too.
I’m just really glad I took the time and built my pallet sofa so I can enjoy my old age sitting on it. 😉
How to fake become a builder (or ___?):
Find your wood. (mine was from a free pallet)
Sketch out what you want. (start small)
Ask someone for guidance. (but do it yourself!)
Borrow tools. (then you will know what to eventually buy when you can afford it)
Find ways to cheat. (use existing frameworks)
Make plenty of mistakes. (best way to learn)
Then don’t quit on yourself until it’s done.
Congrats! You’re now a builder. What took you so long?
My own builds to date are HERE.
What do you wish you could do?
All 31 Days – Junk That Matters posts can be found on my blog HERE.
Read by day from the Pinterest board HERE.
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You’re incredible!
I was take a look to your builds.. Amazing!
Compliments!
Débora
You are very inspiring! What really inspired me in your post is when you said you were 47 when you started building. That’s me, 47 and I wanna build lots of stuff for my home.. I’m kinda power tool shy, but I know I can do it!
Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
stay well,
~Diane
Donna you inspired me to build totes and now I am going with your pallet sofa… Yesterday the loves eat on my deck rusted right through… I thought of you and I will be building a new one for the spring so I can sit out there in my old age! Thanks!
Susan
The cows on the side are fabulous. That would be hanging in my house somewhere. You still did a great job with the building that you did.
Oh this is funny, I just did a blog post about our pallet table this morning and now finally getting to read other blogs and see what you posted! Please check it out…it was all inspired by you! Now, I can’t say that I did it all alone, my husband did the majority of it, so you totally got me there….maybe next project?! 😉 Thanks as always Donna~!
http://indiantrailpottery.blogspot.com/2012/10/pallet-furniture.html
haha, in my next life I’m coming back
as a contractor/builder because I’m always
building something..
Love your stuff!!
Sandy
I can do anything when I set my mind to it (I’ve had some moderate successes)…BUT I have had cribs and headboards sitting against the back of the house for 2 years waiting for the motivation to make the kind of benches that are all over the internet. I even bought a Kreg Pocket Hole jig and still the junk is leaning. I am not sure if it’s fear, apathy or lack of energy but I need to be a builder, and very soon. Seeing and appreciating your creations makes me want them too. Pretty soon there might be pallets leaning on the house. Thanks Donna for sharing your creativity and yourself.
L.
I’m loving this series! The fact that you started at 47 (NO WAY!) is so me – I’ve been sort of doing this stuff for a long time, but I finally grew up and admitted it’s what I want my *work* to be as well! Thanks for making me feel like it’s possible!
Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations
http://shonaskye.blogspot.com
Thank you for the encouragement!!
I love “do it yourself” projects. (Not so happy about the political ad on your sidebar.)
You are awesome! Very inspiring!
Shirley said:
I can’t believe you are 47! I wish I aged that well. I love your blog. Keep up the great work.
Hey, I am a builder!! In large part,thanks to you. I hate to admit it to all you young’uns, but I am 65, and just finally doing it! I have wanted to work with wood, to build things, my entire life. It was “not something girls/women did”. HA! We’ve come a long way, baby! And I am having soooo much fun!
Love that building, very clever of you. Wish I had a frame in my yard. Maybe soon, I will build one from scratch.
You are awesome, Donna! So glad you are feeling better and back to your old self! Sending love and light your way!