The process of building shelves for a new bathroom closet
What I am Learning Now
"Forever – is composed of Nows –" Emily Dickinson
Monday, February 5, 2024
Building Shelves
Sunday, October 15, 2023
She's not a Lazy Susan...She's a Puzzle Susan!
So named by my niece, this Puzzle Susan sits atop a card table and swivels when you need to sort pieces that are out of reach. If you want to make one, here are the directions and some photos.
Supplies:
1. Order a Lazy Susan, 18 Inch Plastic Rotating Turntable (Icasa brand with Steel Ball Bearings, ABS+PC Material, 66 lbs Capacity) from Amazon.
2. Lowes will cut a 4x4x 1/2 sheet of plywood down to 36 x 36 inches. Pick up two 8ft by 3/4 inch pieces of pine trim for the edges. You will also need a small can of Minwax Wood Finish, color of your choice.
3. Amazon also sells 36x36 pieces of green felt, wood glue, and spray glue.
Steps:
First, paint the underside of the plywood.
Third, glue and clamp the first piece of trim onto the plywood. Gluing tip: Put strips of clear packing tape under the edges when gluing. This enables easy separation once the glue has dried. Here's a photo of how I clamped the trim to the plywood.
Fifth, stain the trim with Minwax Wood Finish. If you prefer, you can paint the trim (I recommend a gloss finish).
Sixth, glue the felt to the board. Use spray glue for this step. Fold half over, spray glue on board and the back of the felt; fold other half and repeat.
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Second and third 2023 projects: piano bench and cutting board
Seven years ago a friend gave me a beautiful live edge black walnut board that he had finished. We have been using it as a table top on an ottoman.
Our cutting board of 20+ years came apart for the second time. Because it's such a great design -- reversible with lips to catch the edge of the counter -- I decided to fix it.
Friday, January 13, 2023
A Novice Caner's First Project in 2023
The previous owner of this chair gave it to me because the seat had a large hole in it. Glued up the wobbly parts and on to the caning.
Monday, October 10, 2022
Turning Lawn into Meadow
Saturday, February 5, 2022
DIY--I replaced my broken garbage disposal. You can too.
- The parts in the sink and the mount are still in good shape--I just needed a new machine. Replacing an Insikerator with the same brand saved lots of time. All models attach to the same mount.
- The drain pipe and dishwasher hook ups were a breeze because the measurements of both Insinkerator machines were the same--even though the new disposal is a different model (Evolution Spacesaver XP).
- Stainless steel grinders are worth the extra cost if long life is a value.
- Horsepower also matters: I chose 3/4 hp for grinding power.
- I applied some of the the money I saved from hiring a plumber to purchasing a higher-end, more durable, and quieter machine.
- Not all "how-two" Youtube videos are equal. Here are links to the two videos that I found most helpful:
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Making Gerrit Rietveld's Steltman Chair
Click here to learn more details about Rietveld.
Three minute video on Rietveld with photos & movie clips from the designer's life.
Brief video about Rietveld's chair designs ("floating elements")