DIY Blogland Tour!

I was very honored to have Amy from Her Tool Belt ask if I would like to participate.  Amy is very talented, I could drool over her projects all day long.  She can build like nobody’s business and has amazing skill and patience.  Seriously, check out this wall…

Now on to the questions:

1- What am I working on?

Ok, I AM working on my back patio, but honestly it has been put on hold time and time again this summer so it might have to be finished next spring/summer.  I have done a couple projects for it, but one that has been eternal (because I keep having to leave it) and is SOOO close to being done, looked like this a little ways back…

Nice sneak peek, eh?  Bet you are jealous.  This many staples…really?

2- How does my work differ from others of it’s genre?

I am not sure I have totally developed my personal style yet, I am still discovering who I am in this DIY world… I feel like I do a hodge podge of random things, whatever pops into my brain.  I love to make things that are useful, and that look nice.  I think my work differ’s from others in the fact that most of my projects are free.  Meaning I am BFF’s with the free section on craigslist and freecycle, and I build almost everything with free reclaimed wood, and I also repurpose with stuff I get for free.  When I am not getting things for free, I buy things on clearance or from a thrift store or garage sale for really cheap.  I have several places in my home that are “stash” areas loaded with stuff just waiting for the right inspiration…this is where my patient husband comes in…I guess I am cheap, and free is super cheap!

3- Why do I write/create what I do?

Several years back I remember my husband coming home and telling me about a guy he had met who built furniture out of old pallets.  What?!  I can’t tell you how cool I thought that was! It was like a little spark inside me lit up and I was…jealous?  Hmmm, maybe that isn’t the right word.  I was so impressed and envious maybe, because I wanted to be able to do something like that.  I was inspired I guess, but I didn’t think I could ever actually do it…

Fast forward to about 4 years ago and I discovered blogs and among them, AnaWhite.  This was the beginning of my realization that maybe I could actually create and do things I have always wanted to do.  So I confided in my sweet husband my secret desire to build, and for my birthday he bought me a miter saw and the rest was history!  I soaked up every bit I could and started building projects.  

To sum it up, I create what I do because I love it!  It truly makes me so happy to take “junk” and make it into something that is used and loved.  I blog about it to pay it forward and help inspire others to create, just like other blogs did for me!  And…I built this bench out of pallets…

See, dreams can come true!

4- How does your writing/creating process work?

It has totally evolved from when I started.  In the beginning I really just followed plans, because I had no idea what I was doing.  Coping is truly the highest form of flattery, and I was so grateful that bloggers shared their ideas and tutorials so that I could do just that, copy.  By doing this I gained skills and knowledge that have been invaluable to me.  I will still follow a plan when I want to, but most of the time I just make things up as I go, and build what comes into my head.  How stinkin’ cool is that!?  I can build from my own head!  I still have a TON to learn, and trust me I love to learn and will continue to do so.

For me creating is a lot of the time spur of the moment, when I need it I make it.  Other times, ideas will pop into my head and I am off digging through one of my stashes, finding what I need to create.   It gives me a thrill to create and sometimes ideas will work out great and sometimes they flop.  I am a last minute person and work best under pressure.  So, it is the actual process, while I am working on a project, that my creativity is at it’s best.  Make since?  Here is an example…

I had two drawers and four spindles when I started this project, I knew I wanted to make them into planters but I had no plan.  I went to the shed, pulled out some scrap wood and just started trying things out…they morphed into these porch planters.

I am sure you have heard more than enough of my ramblings, lets meet a couple of my awesome DIY friends…Both of these ladies have some amazing skills and I am so grateful they took the time to be on my blog tour!

Take it away ladies!

HI! I’m Gina (Lady Goats), but my friends call me the man of the house (don’t worry, my husband is SO okay with it!). My family and I live in Chandler, AZ and I’m always working on something to make our lives a little better (whether it be cooking a new recipe, building a piece of furniture, or knocking down walls). I blog about everything from my kids’ Minecraft obsessions to home construction to DIY home decor – I’d love to have you over for a visit at ladygoats.com! 


Yes, please visit Gina she is so fun and creative check out these cool Minecraft weapons she made for her kids….

Too cute!  Gina is amazing at building too, if she needs it she just whips it up, like this adorable chair.  


Next up,

I am always looking for ways to make things or do things myself. I love a challenge and have fun trying to create what I envision in my mind. To date, my Mudroom Bench Tutorial is my most poplar project and I am humbled and honored by those who have found it helpful. That’s what this whole blog thing is all about – right?! 😀 Let’s hope my current project does not drive me crazy…eh, it’s a short trip. 🙂

Isn’t Julie’s Mudroom beautiful?

I love it!  She has such great style and does top quality projects and tutorials like her amazing tile backsplash, she is always inspiring me to want to improve my home.



I hope you enjoyed this DIY Blogland Tour, I want thank Gina and Julie for participating, and YOU for reading along.  Have a wonderful day! 


Hugs,
Mindi