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Sawdust Girl®

Sawdust Girl®

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DIY Boot Camp!

All Posts

I’ve gotten a lot of questions and requests in the past few months that I kept saying I’d get to  
after I was done with MY projects and got my house on the market.Well, guess what?
It’s time!

I’m going to start answering some of your questions and requests with a new series of posts that I’m calling:

DIY Boot Camp
Basic DIY Skills Training
It’s not going to be every day.  It’ll probably be once a week (maybe twice).  Mind you, these are basic DIY skills, tips and tools that a person might need in order to say – reface, remodel or renovate their home.

Here are some of the requests/questions I’m thinking of covering:

  • basic framing
  • drywall installation and patching
  • what tools do you use for what and how do you use them
  • how to change out a light fixture
  • install a faucet
  • changing hardware (doors and cabinets)
  • how to install flooring (hardwood and floating laminate)
  • install shelves in a closet
  • how to cut and install crown moulding

I keep getting requests for a wainscoting tutorial.  Because of the extensive time, effort and expense it will take to create it, (if I do create it) it will probably be an E-book for purchase.  It would be a really big commitment from me.

Also, I keep getting asked about this one:  How to paint cabinets?  I already did this tutorial once but my all the pictures disappeared on part 1 so I deleted the whole thing and I haven’t had it in me to create it again! It was really, really involved!  I will re-do it sometime.  It might be another E-book thing.  I haven’t decided.

Did I miss something?
Do you have a specific BASIC DIY PROJECT you’d like me to (try to) cover?

Leave a comment on this post and I’ll see what I can do.

I’m not saying I’ll know how to do everything.  If I don’t know how to do something, I’ll try to get a guest who does.   🙂

March 2, 2011 · 28 Comments

« How to Hide TV Cords in Trim Work
Favorite DIY Safety Gear »

Comments

  1. UtahMillers says

    March 2, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    I'd love a post on how to paint cabinets. We're moving into a new house and the cabinets are black with yellow doors! What the?

    Reply
  2. Jenny says

    March 2, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    You will probably cover this in your crown moulding tutorial, but for the life of me, I want to know how to use a mitre saw to mitre corners. Correctly, that is. Without swearing and multiple trips to Lowe's because we messed up the cuts. Again.

    Reply
  3. m @ random musings says

    March 2, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    drywall patching please!! While my attempts are infinitely better than the previous homeowners (ever hear of sandpaper, guys??) They really only pass cursory inspection….. =/

    Reply
  4. Miss Marina Star says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    How to not be intimidated by my husband's tools. I hope I'm not the only one who just adds links from my favorite DIY blogging women to my husband's "honey-do" list.Seriously, unless I've had to use them to change batteries in a toy, I'm terrified of the tools.

    Reply
  5. Victoria at Party Puff says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    This sounds great!

    Reply
  6. Clydia says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    I'm with Jenny! Please, pretty please, give us a "quickie" mitre saw tutorial! My hubby worked with me the other night, but when he shows me something my mind just gets all fuzzy! I think sometimes he wants me to "need" him so he doesn't explain all the different cuts real well…LOL

    Reply
  7. Sharlee says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    I'm so glad you are willing to share your knowledge. You da best!

    Reply
  8. Lydia says

    March 2, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    I just found your blog through a friend and I have to say…….you have an amazing eye for design!!! Great job on the house. It was an incredible transformation and very inspiring. From one handy gal to the next, it is great to go through your blog and see the progress, I imagine the place will sell quickly. I know this is not a request for a tutorial but I just wanted to give you props for being a great DIY'er. Well Done!!

    Reply
  9. AbrewFamily says

    March 2, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    Thank you taking the time to do this! I would love to learn how to repair drywall corners so you can't notice a difference once the repairs/Painting are complete. I would also love to learn how to install window casing(?) or is it called moulding lol. Our windows look boring and naked without them. SO happy I found your website!

    Reply
  10. Katy says

    March 2, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    For me personally, the best way to learn is sit down with the tool and figure it out on your own. Tutorials are a great place to start, so you know what's what..but as far as getting your hubby to "show" you what to do, I've found that's a real quick way to forget everything.(When someone starts talking/explaining something to me I zone out. But if I can get my hands on it I'll have it mastered in 15 minutes.)Some people just learn better that way. The key is to not be intimidated. Tell yourself: "if that guy can do it, I KNOW I can too.":) Also — only read the instruction manual if you are stuck. ha ha

    Reply
  11. Erin says

    March 2, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    How about removing wallpaper that has been textured and painted over. Discovered 2 out of 3 of our bathrooms this was done to. Now the wallpaper is peeling away from the wall. Joy :/

    Reply
  12. Lily says

    March 2, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    This is a great list! So excited to learn!

    Reply
  13. pinktoesandpowertools says

    March 2, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    I would love a tutorial about drawers. Maybe this would be a couple of days worth–construction one day, drawer slides another, planning your cabinet with drawers in mind for a third, drawer faces a fourth…a week or two of drawer love.It won't save my current project, but it sure would help my sanity for the next one 🙂

    Reply
  14. CuddlyBunny says

    March 2, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    Hey! You already said "How to install a faucet"!Can't wait to see that one! Well, I can wait at least until I can afford a new faucet, but after that … on the edge of my seat!

    Reply
  15. Andrea says

    March 2, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    As long as you write it, I'm reading it. That's my motto.(and if you post it, but don't write it, it's probably worth a read, too. Motto #2.)

    Reply
  16. Kristi says

    March 3, 2011 at 12:53 am

    My question (not sure if it's basic) is how to build cabinets…preferably without a ton of fancy tools-just a couple basic ones (nail gun, table saw, jig saw, sander, etc)Thanks girl! You rock! (pssst. I'd love to review your ebook on my blog for ya when you get it all written!! *squeeel!*)-Kristi @ Creative Kristi

    Reply
  17. SH says

    March 3, 2011 at 2:03 am

    I've been looking everywhere for Cabinet painting tips. I'm getting ready to tackle mind and I really want to see other examples of painted cabinets. Please do Cabinets ! Love,love your site and home ! http://www.bargainfun.net

    Reply
  18. Heidi @ Honeybear Lane says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:04 am

    Oh you so know I will be buying that ebook! Great info from a home construction genius! I stumbled this post.

    Reply
  19. gracefulvintage says

    March 3, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    Out of ALL the blogs I receive feed from (over 60!) yours is the one I have learned the most from!!!!I would love to learn how to move or add and electric outlet instead of paying thru the nose for an electrician!!!Keep up the excellent work…..any nibbles on your move in ready listing?????

    Reply
  20. Nicole says

    March 4, 2011 at 1:57 am

    How about adding tiling (floor or backsplash) to your list?

    Reply
  21. Brooke says

    March 4, 2011 at 5:21 am

    Did I read that right? You sold your house? Congratulations! It is so beautiful its a wonder it lasted more than a day on the market. Any ideas on how to make my home like yours I am in. 🙂 Thanks so much for this blog. I love it.

    Reply
  22. Sawdust and Paperscraps says

    March 4, 2011 at 5:34 am

    Brooke and anyone reading after you: No, I did not sell my house yet. Darn! But thanks for the positive thoughts. 🙂

    Reply
  23. Booyah's Momma says

    March 4, 2011 at 6:58 am

    I second the comment about tiling. Either that, or how to remove or cover up heinous, early 80's style tile that makes you want to vomit.If you want a working project to take pics from, you're welcome to come over to my house. 🙂

    Reply
  24. Nima K says

    March 7, 2011 at 1:18 am

    Drywalling pls :)) I've plans to convert wasted space in our large unfinished Laundry/Storage Area into a Craft area and it would be great not to involve a Handyman's service(and plenty of $$$ the hubs will fret about)

    Reply
  25. prettyjunk says

    March 7, 2011 at 3:55 am

    SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Excited! What a great IDEA!!! Can't Wait!

    Reply
  26. orange sugar says

    March 7, 2011 at 4:18 am

    Can you share how tall your hallway ceilings are and how tall your wainscoting is?

    Reply
  27. Anonymous says

    March 11, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Absolutely love your blog! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome talents with us. To second another poster here, I would very much like to see a tutorial on building cabinets; I would be willing to purchase as an e-book. Again, thanks!

    Reply
  28. Amy says

    January 7, 2012 at 2:09 am

    New reader. Love the idea of a Boot Camp for girls. I start my very first woodworking class later this month and am excited to learn how to make and repair things on my own.

    Reply

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