Sawdust Girl — Build something AWESOME today!

How to build a cabinet drawer

17 Jun By Sandra

There are many ways to build a cabinet drawer. This method requires a router or table saw to cut a dado which will hold the drawer bottom. 1. The first thing to do is determine the size of your drawer parts. Make sure to factor in the thickness of the material you are using, the thickness of the drawer front you will be attaching, whether you are doing inset or overlay doors, and the clearance requirement of the drawer slide you are using. * Drawers are most commonly made out … [Continue reading...]

2 Comments

Filed Under: Cabinet Making, Free Plans, projects and tutorials, Tips and Tricks, Woodworking Tagged With: Cabinet Buiding, Cabinet Drawers, Carpentry, Plans, Tutorial

How to trick out your trim molding in 5 easy steps

14 Jun By Sandra

How to add a cross header - SawdustGirl.com

The trim molding in this entire house is the most boring, basic, builder grade molding available. It's funny to me the things builders skimp on. There is no need to live with blah trim! I could have stopped with adding a second layer of molding to the existing trim. Some of you liked that better. But, you know how I feel about window treatments, I don't like that empty space above the window and I don't NEED any sort of window treatment for … [Continue reading...]

9 Comments

Filed Under: DIY, Moulding/Trim, projects and tutorials, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized Tagged With: Molding, trim, Windows

door and window trim molding with a cross header

12 Jun By Sandra

Trick out your trim molding - SawdustGirl.com

Yesterday I showed you only the first step in my ultimate plan to upgrade my window and door trim molding. I wanted to add a cross header (that thing at the top) and needed to bulk out the width of the casing first. I didn't want to rip anything out and start from scratch so I made it work with what I already had. Just tricked it out -- a lot! Am I going to do this in my entire house? Yup! (Except the doors that I'm tearing out like the bathroom and closet doors in … [Continue reading...]

17 Comments

Filed Under: Moulding/Trim, Office Tagged With: Moulding, Office

Filling nail holes in trim molding with white wood filler

11 Jun By Sandra

Last week while filling all the nail holes in the plank ceiling, crown molding, baseboards and window trim, I ran out of wood filler and when I went to pick some up I found something new- new to me anyway. White wood filler baby! (It actually comes in quite a few wood colors too if you're interested.) It feels like wall spackle but it dries very hard. It's awesome! It molds super well to hide any imperfections you might have made with -- say --your compound … [Continue reading...]

1 Comment

Filed Under: Moulding/Trim, Painting tips, Tips and Tricks, Woodworking Tagged With: Moulding, Tips and Tricks, trim

Layered door and window trim molding

10 Jun By Sandra

Bulking up the trim molding around your doors and windows isn't difficult or expensive and it makes a huge impact! Most builders don't spend money on trim around doors and windows. They might splurge on crown molding or tall baseboards but typically just put in common, inexpensive, run of the mill, everybody has them -- door and window casings. Case in point: my office, had blah trim molding around the window and doors. blah~ I like this SO much better. I added another … [Continue reading...]

21 Comments

Filed Under: DIY, Moulding/Trim, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized Tagged With: Moulding, Tips and Tricks, trim

Summer Tour of Homes – Sawdust Girl style

6 Jun By Sandra

Good morning! I'm participating in the Summer tour of homes hosted by Gina of The Shabby Creek Cottage. Did you just pop over from Lindsay's house? Doesn't she do amazing things with color at Makely Home? Love her style! If you're new here, welcome. I'm Sandra. I tear out walls and build new ones. I design and build custom cabinetry. I do most everything myself because: 1. I like to save $$$ 2. I like things the way I like them and 3. I want things done … [Continue reading...]

34 Comments

Filed Under: My Home, Tennessee House, Uncategorized Tagged With: House Tour, My Home

How to install a window sill and trim

4 Jun By Ronda Batchelor

I just love windows. I love the light they let in and the view they provide. What I don't like is a plain window, which was every window in my house when I moved in. I like trimmed out windows, it gives great detail to a room and frames the view so beautifully. Unfortunately most builders just sheet-rock around the window to save time and money. But there is hope if you, like me, want more dressed up windows. You can dress them up depending on your taste. … [Continue reading...]

5 Comments

Filed Under: DIY, Moulding/Trim, projects and tutorials, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized Tagged With: Moulding, tips and tutorials, trim, Windows

Office floors

30 May By Sandra

Madison and I finished installing the office floors yesterday. Yeah!!! Even though I'm not a fan of red oak flooring, it looks much better than the carpet (and is better for everyone's allergies) -- so I'm happy. Installing narrow plank flooring is a LOT of work and it takes 4EVER to make any progress. Wes and I agree that we will NEVER choose planks under 5" in the future. We wouldn't have chosen these at all but we're matching what is already covering almost the entire first … [Continue reading...]

7 Comments

Filed Under: Family Matters, Office

Summer vacation and the value of hard work

28 May By Sandra

Summer vacation means different things to different people. Growing up on a farm, "Summer Vacation" meant it was time to work -- and we all worked HARD. 1100 acres of potatoes, beans, corn, alfalfa, wheat... equals a LOT of field work! When there wasn't any real work to do, I swear my parents made up work for us to do just to keep us all busy. Don't get me wrong, we had time for play too and when we played, we played hard. (11oo acres is a lot of ground for hide and seek, tag and … [Continue reading...]

4 Comments

Filed Under: All About Me, Family Matters, Uncategorized

Conquering fears and gaining confidence

24 May By Sandra

building_bedroom_cabinets @SawdustGirl.com

Kristy continues to make progress on her bedroom built-ins. Kristy's stories make me laugh and smile every time I talk to her. She is THE happiest, bubbliest, most resilient person I have ever met (virtually or otherwise). When we started her bedroom built-ins in January, she had never built anything before. She's buying the tools she needs as we go and learning along the way and is growing in confidence and capabilities by the week. Nothing makes me prouder than … [Continue reading...]

4 Comments

Filed Under: Kristy's Bedroom, Sawdust Diaries Tagged With: Built Ins, Sawdust Diaries

Meet the fabulous Ronda from Batchelors Way

23 May By Sandra

Hey all, I want you to meet Ronda (if you haven't already seen her fabulous creations and room makeovers all over the web)! I've admired her style, her get-it-done approach and her sense of humor for quite some time and I'm thrilled to have Ronda as a regular Sawdust Girl contributor. She has plenty of awesomeness to share...and that's what I want Sawdust Girl to be: All Awesomeness! Hi, I'm Ronda from Batchelors Way. I'm a mother of 6 great kids and wife to one … [Continue reading...]

4 Comments

Filed Under: Guest Posts, Reader's Projects, Uncategorized Tagged With: contributor, guest posts

Photo shoots are fun and exhausting

22 May By Sandra

Madison and I had an exciting and exhausting day yesterday with stylist and photographer for a feature in Better Homes and Gardens! What? When I first opened up the email I was thinking, "hmmmm, maybe they want to shoot my closet.....?" But the room they were interested in was Madison's bedroom. Surprising -- but totally cool! Last year we painted a world map on one wall and did a Subway Art sort of approach of throwing names of countries on the wall. (We were in no way trying to … [Continue reading...]

16 Comments

Filed Under: All About Me

How to install a tongue and groove plank wall

17 May By Sandra

master closet plank wall at SawdustGirl.com

Installing a tongue and groove, wood plank wall is a super easy way to spruce up a boring wall. Like the wall in my master closet that I just planked -- I hated that wall. First of all, what are tongue and groove planks? They are wood boards (planks) that have a groove cut into them along one side and the other side has a protruding strip (tongue) that fits into the groove of another plank. These are 5/8" thick. I've installed thinner ones but didn't like … [Continue reading...]

11 Comments

Filed Under: Moulding/Trim, projects and tutorials, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: projects and tutorials, walls

Master Closet Plank Wall

16 May By Sandra

I finished the plank wall in my master closet! What? You didn't know I got distracted from my two current projects, the laundry room and office? If you follow my on facebook you had a heads up (because I share gripping play by play updates as projects happen ha!). Last Thursday I had a day with no appointments and a wall that had been bugging me so I jumped into yet another project. Yeah, that ONE project at a time rule is not only out the window but it's a mile … [Continue reading...]

20 Comments

Filed Under: Master Closet Tagged With: Master Closet, TN House, Wainscoting, walls

Living Room Office Progress – Kelly C. part 2

15 May By Sandra

Picking up where Kelly left off on her living room office story - part 1... This is how the work begins! From the amazing plan that she created for me, Sandra broke it down into manageable pieces starting with four base units. I printed out my cut lists and headed to Home Depot to get started! Did you know that the big box home stores will do most of the cuts for you from huge sheets of MDF, plywood, etc.? I don’t have a table saw and never could have done this on my own. You could … [Continue reading...]

5 Comments

Filed Under: Kelly C's Living Room, Sawdust Diaries Tagged With: Sawdust Diaries

Built-in closet progress – Ava’s closet- part 2

14 May By Sandra

It takes a LOT of work to take an empty (once you rip out the flimsy shelving) closet to a beautiful, totally custom built-in (to fit all the quirky angled walls) master closet. Remember Ava's closet? Well, she has made some good progress since her last update. The Build Continues – Part II Not much gets done during the week with regards to the closet build. But come Friday evenings and Saturdays I make up for the lost hours and I am a building maniac. … [Continue reading...]

4 Comments

Filed Under: Ava's Closet, Sawdust Diaries, Uncategorized Tagged With: Sawdust Diaries

2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase House

13 May By Sandra

Even multimillion dollar mansions can use an update now and then. This 114 year old Herbst Manor got a MAJOR makeover for this year's SF Decorator Showcase! Designer showcases are always over the top and include lots of impractical and wacky design choices (indoor living wall = spider hotel if you ask me), but the point is to inspire, and inspire it does! I love the mix of modern furniture, graphic rugs, luxurious textiles, dramatic art and painted moldings. Rather than be constrained by … [Continue reading...]

10 Comments

Filed Under: Decorating, Uncategorized Tagged With: Decorating

Cool Faux Molding Idea Done with Markers

11 May By Sandra

As you know, I believe that molding is one of the best ways to add awesomeness to a space, but can it can be a big investment in time and money. Here’s a great idea from Studio Alta via the Huffington Post for creating a whimsical faux molding treatment that you could probably do in a day. This would be great for a child’s space, an area where you want to add a quirky vibe, or a temporary space. The possibilities are endless, think of colors, arches, and all of the faux architectural details … [Continue reading...]

4 Comments

Filed Under: Decorating, Decorating, DIY, Moulding/Trim Tagged With: Faux Molding Idea

Living Room Office Plan – Kelly C’s project part 1

9 May By Sandra

Hi! My name is Kelly. I am a DIY wanna-be and a contributor over at the blog Making Lemonade. I am so excited to be here working with Sandra! I’ve been a long time follower of Sandra’s blog, so when she announced that she was starting a “DIY Coach” service, I JUMPED onto email and begged her to take me on as a client. What a dream come true! You see, I do not work well by myself. I have the best of intentions when projects are concerned, but what I really need is some serious … [Continue reading...]

7 Comments

Filed Under: Kelly C's Living Room, Sawdust Diaries, Uncategorized

Laundry room counter, sink and faucet

8 May By Sandra

In addition to installing lights in the office this weekend, Wes and I also got the laundry room countertop, sink and faucet installed. Woohoo! I was super excited to have the countertop in there so I could fold laundry -- but the finish still stinks so I haven't used it yet. The countertop is 2x stock. I bought it and brought it in the house weeks before I built the countertop so it could dry out. I used a bunch of different colors of stain and finished the … [Continue reading...]

10 Comments

Filed Under: Laundry Room, Work in Progress

Built-in Double Office – TV Room (Cara’s office Part 2)

7 May By Sandra

Today Cara is sharing an update on her Built-in Office. Last time you heard from her, she had just finished building her very first cabinet box ever. Look at her now, she's a regular cabinet building machine! April 27th, 2013 Today got off to a great start. We covered the floor and prepared to start priming all of the cabinets. The priming went smoothly, but it was a bit tiring on the ol’arm. I have to admit, after being so scared of … [Continue reading...]

6 Comments

Filed Under: Cara's Office, DIY, Sawdust Diaries

Office paint and lighting

6 May By Sandra

I'm so excited about my (Wes AND my) new office. It's coming together quickly -- now that the dang skim coating is done. Hate that job! I got the walls painted on Friday and I LOVE the color. (Sherwin Williams -- Light French Grey) I still need to bulk up the trim around the window and doors. I wasn't careful with the paint on the ceiling because we're doing a plank ceiling and adding crown moulding. AND yes, I absolutely CAN sleep at night knowing that I slopped the paint up … [Continue reading...]

18 Comments

Filed Under: Office Tagged With: lighing, Office, Paint

making progress (And link party)

3 May By Sandra

Things are coming together and I'm making progress in both rooms that are under way right now. (Every time I say, "I'm making progress" a song from one of Madison's TV shows pops into my head. Brownie points if you know what show and song I'm talking about. Hint is in my post title!) ANYWAY -- office walls are skim-coated, sanded and primed and the laundry room sink is curing with it's last coat of Tung Oil. I build the countertop for my laundry room and … [Continue reading...]

2 Comments

Filed Under: Link Party Tagged With: Link party

Double Daybed Design – sawdust extravaganza winner

1 May By Sandra

Double Daybed with Trundle- sawdustgirl.com

I'm excited about a new coaching project I'll be starting soon. It's a double daybed with a trundle that is going to provide lots of giggly sleepless nights for ... ... the Sawdust Extravaganza winners. Jenn D. and family. Congrats D. family! In case you don't remember -- this is what Jen won. :-) After the winner was chosen, emails were exchanged, video consults were held and a plan was devised. Jenn and I will be working together on a room her … [Continue reading...]

4 Comments

Filed Under: Jenn's Girl's Bedroom, Sawdust Diaries Tagged With: Bedroom, daybed

Reality Check

30 Apr By Sandra

Hey there! I thought it might be interesting for you to see what my house looks like RIGHT NOW, in the middle of two big projects. We've been living like this for a while now. I built my countertop and even cut out the sink hole and then left the whole laundry room project to collect dust... ...while I get some kind of office built. I got my walls nice and smooth. I got as far as purchasing a new fan and can lights this … [Continue reading...]

23 Comments

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Work in Progress

Informative Tidbit: what is hardboard?

27 Apr By Sandra

A very important part of cabinet building is squaring up. It's difficult to KEEP a cabinet square if you don't put a back on after you square up. When I build a cabinet that has hidden sides, I just staple the cabinet back directly ON the back. This is what I do and it's what I have my clients do. If I'm painting the cabinet, I use 1/4" hardboard. Funny thing, almost every single client has come back with the same response to my cut list: "What the heck is … [Continue reading...]

21 Comments

Filed Under: Cabinet Making

How to get rid of ugly wall texture – Skim Coating

26 Apr By Sandra

If you keep up with me on facebook, you know I've been skim coating my walls. Since Tuesday! I'm seriously so sick of mudding I could scream! But I can't build my office before I take care of the walls. I detest the texture. It's a personal thing. I have two methods for skim coating and I've shared them both with you in the video at the end of the post. It's something you have to SHOW not explain. I use premixed joint compound. It costs about … [Continue reading...]

38 Comments

Filed Under: DIY, Drywall, projects and tutorials Tagged With: Drywall, skim coating, Tutorial

Buffet update (you chose it- she built it)

25 Apr By Sandra

Remember Val's dining room buffet? Well Val has been hard at work in the appropriate Sawdust Girl attire. PJ's! LOL And she is making good progress. Bases are done. Countertop is done. When it came time to build the book cases we had a design dilemma. Remember that? Val agreed to let me ask for your opinions and you all spoke up. This is Val's take on the whole thing...and what she decided. :-) The original … [Continue reading...]

18 Comments

Filed Under: Sawdust Diaries, Val's Dining Room Tagged With: Built Ins, dining room, Sawdust Diaries

Built-in Office Plans for Cara

24 Apr By Sandra

I'm not the only one wanting to get organized and make use of every inch of wasted space. New Sawdust Diary client, Cara is taking charge of this room in her house. Cara and family just moved into their new home about a month ago and they were ready to jump in feet first to get this space ready to use as an office and TV room. You walk through those French doors to the pool so the middle of the room is left open so there is a nice walkway but the sofa will sit against the … [Continue reading...]

8 Comments

Filed Under: Cara's Office, Sawdust Diaries Tagged With: Built Ins, Office, Sawdust Diaries

My Office — the fun begins!

22 Apr By Sandra

This is my current office. This is where I sit for all my video chats and consults. It's where I plan all my clients' awesome built-ins. It's where I try to keep all my projects organized. That is NOT working out well at all! So right before I left for Utah (last week) we decided -- going against ALL our promises to each other to work on ONE project at a time-- to start on our office. This is Madison's OLD room. Before we created her new World Map … [Continue reading...]

22 Comments

Filed Under: Office, Office, Work in Progress

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