On Friday, I met up with a couple fellow DIY ladies in my area. (I’m sorry more of you couldn’t make it. It’s hard to find a time that works for everyone. Hopefully next time!)
(Pictured left to right: Laura, Sandra (me) and Rebecca)
We had fun getting to know each other and talking about projects (and about our husbands reactions to our projects. heehee). We discussed what we want to accomplish in our homes and how we could help each other.
We decided that we will meet once a month to work on a project together in someone’s house. It’s kind of like working for Habitat only we’re working on our own houses. Not that we shouldn’t continue to work for Habitat for Humanity as well, but it will be nice to knock some projects off our own lists too. Am I Right?
Anyway, our first project get together will be in February. If you live in the Knoxville area and want to participate, shoot me an email so I can get you more details.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking right now: What about me? I want to participate but I don’t live in Knoxville Friggin’ Tennessee! (Maybe? Something like that?)
After I put my invitation post out there, a WHOLE bunch of you expressed that you wish you could come but you live too far away. A few of you suggested that I do a video broadcast and a few others suggested starting DIY clubs in their areas.
I think that’s a great idea. Complicated, but great. Here are some questions that popped into my head:
1. How do we find each other?
2. How do we avoid “Stranger Danger” situations that could arise from inviting a group of complete strangers (that “met” on the internet) to one’s house?
3. What about liability if someone gets hurt or Jamie’s house burns down because Sally said she had a lot of electrical experience…?
I’m not saying it’s not a great idea…it’s just tricky.
What do you think? Does anyone have a DIY group in their area that they participate in? How did you hear about it. How is it set up? What kind of legal disclaimers and waivers did you have to sign? …? …?
**Join me on Facebook to discuss the best way to go about this and find each other!**
Whatever happens with the local DIY clubs around the world…I will try to set up a video broadcast at our DIY project meet-up next month.
I can handle that. 😀
Linda says
Ok sounds faaaaabulous. Kinda guessing my house is a tad too far away for this one though lol. Not only do i live out in the sticks but I live in Scotland so I guess I’m just going to have to read about all your meetings and turn green with envy!
Seriously though I hope y’all have a great time.
Jean @ Flower Hill says
Funny, the first thing I thought of when I read your original post waas that I wish I lived close enough to be part of the group! You lucky ladies need to video the fun for all of us to enjoy too!
Missy says
Thay sounds great. Put me On the list for the Knoxville group. Maybe we can start a Facebook group just for the individual groups so we can cOmmunicate that way? I have a business where we could meet if we have any really ‘dirty’, outdoor type projects.
Dixie Redmond says
Hmmmmmm. One way to make it easy would be a link party to Youtube videos. Could be shared on your FB page. Better yet, maybe start a BuildHers club on FB or something. I have some small projects I’m going to try that if I fail, I fail. 😉
Missy says
Great! I’m Melissa Kidd Langley on Facebook. Sorry for all my typos. I’m typing on my phone and I have a typing finger injury!
Andrea says
How fun, Sandra! You are awesome. I am much too shy to ever do something that brave (at least brave in my estimation). So I am excited for your video, so I can live vicariously through you…some more.
p.s. those two gals looks like normal, fun people. makes me almost want to leave my house and find some friends!
Kelly @ Mom's Workbench says
Hi Sandra! What a great idea! I would love to connect with DIYers in the Philadelphia area if any of your readers are from here!
Sandra says
Great. Join me on FB to discuss.
Adrienne says
I’m in! Anyone in the Northern Virginia area want to start a group?
Sandra says
Super. Join the discussion here:
Maureen says
Damn It!!! Pennsylvania is still too far away!!! But I am so glad you found other ladies in the area and you guys are getting together. Friends and I have talk about doing the same thing only with cleaning each other’s houses.
Maureen
Sandra says
I LOVE that idea. Seriously! I WILL TRADE HOUR FOR HOUR housecleaning for home beautification… {Me NOT doing the house cleaning!} Anyone? Anyone?
Jaima Schutt says
I’ll come to Knoxville to clean your house. You come to Nashville to beautify mine!
Deal 🙂
Sandra says
I would but I think the 3 1/2 hour drive would kill our productivity! Darnit.
Bj says
You looked like you had a great time! So happy it was fun 😉
Laura says
Love the picture! It was great to chat. Our talk inspired me to finish some projects around here this week. 🙂
Betty819 says
Gosh, would I love to be a part of this..How do you determine what strengths each person has..Who’s acting as boss/forman/supervisor? The person who’s the homeowner? Gosh, this could be fun and I have a lot of projects that needs to be done around here but my DH would never trust any woman unless it’s painting and wallpapering. We can do that ourselves or he used to be able to do it, but now he’s not able to do it physically. He was always a perfectionist, but the last room he painted, he missed a lot and he hates to paint so he won’t do two coats but our handyman said that’s the best way..so I’ll hire Larry.
Betty819 says
Do the ladies who met you have a blog also? Would be fun to see some of their finished projects. Maybe next month when you meet, more could join you. Keep us posted.
Karie says
Great idea! I would love to join or make a group in the Mesa Arizona area. Could you please keep me posted on how you work out the details?
Kelly says
Another reason why I miss Knoxville so much! Would so love to be hanging with all of you Ladies! Have fun!