If someone ever enthusiastically says something along the lines of "You can do it yourself!" I will come back with a hostile "YOU can do it YOURself."
It started in Home Depot (isn't that where it always begins) and a need for new desks. I had this brilliant idea of building two large desks out of hollow wood doors and lead pipes. I had the pipes cut and threaded to size by a disgruntled Home Depot employee. I pushed around a lumber cart full of materials like I owned the place. I was feeling so proud and resourceful. In fact, I had a brief flirtation with quitting my job and becoming a furniture designer because - WOW! it's so easy!
I get home and start drilling, assembling and DIY-ing. And by "I" I mean Jeremy. Flanges into wood. Pipes into flanges. It was a rather quick process but we immediately discovered that these brilliant DIY desks were actually wobbly pieces of shit.
I felt deflated. Disappointed. Annoyed. Wasteful. Sad. Jeremy and I started trouble-shooting and brainstorming ideas on how to salvage the project but I was done.
The next day my sister and I ordered two really sturdy dining room tables to be delivered tomorrow. So not only do I not want to DIY ever again - I don't even want to leave my house.
Until the next project...
Ha - I sometimes feel like the only person who finds every employee at Home Depot to have shit for brains. Good to know its not just a NYC thing.
ReplyDeleteNot that this is at all helpful but solid doors would have worked better for the project. I feel like I pass a solid door in the garbage every other week here and it drives me nuts to see them trashed but how many doors can I store in my basement?
Stefanie - Yes - the problem ultimately lied in the fact that the doors were hollow. But I was done learning lessons through mistakes at that point. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteYou're a DIY badass. I'm probably just going to call you the next time I attempt a seemingly simple project. ;)
I am so with you on that! For whatever reason these DIY projects that look so easy via pinterest, are defiantly not as easy and never come out as perfect as hoped, but even more than that they are time consuming. So I'll do DIY only if its something I want to do for fun.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see photos of your new work space, (DYI or not!)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, as always, for making me feel more human. I too hate that feeling of wasted time, effort, and money. booo.
my biggest diy failure has been trying to make a table - i've just about given up on anything with legs :-) although, i was going to try to make an island when we renovate the kitchen, i'll just need to make sure that i have a back up plan.
ReplyDeleteha! this post reads loud and true... My dearest guy just attempted to build a bespoke wall unit out of scrap wood and plumbers pipe; only to drill all the holes, sand, stain and attempt to put the legs and elbows together- wobbly pieces of shit indeed that could barely thread together! Guess who felt no remorse in returning said piping to HD?
ReplyDeleteLOVE your honesty. thanks for keeping it real about the true nature of DIY. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm the anti DIY. I just can't do it. Never been able to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being honest, though. Not every project pops out a smiling, rainbow-filled, Martha Stewart-ish, dancing puppy piece of brilliance.
I actually love DIY. I'm a teacher, single, and I own my home. If I didn't DIY, nothing would ever get done around here.
ReplyDeleteIt can be frustrating at times, but when a project turns out well, NOTHING beats the feeling. I can look at my handiwork all day.
Sorry this one didn't turn out the way you wanted.
Oh no! The doors looked so promising when they were on the floor!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could salvage the other supplies and use old doors from the Habitat for Humanity store off Broadway. then you could use the table for a gardening table/herb stand -just an idea! DIY - love it! Home Depot/Lowes Employees - shit for brains. (sorry to offend!)
ReplyDeleteI've sooo been there... Glad you're keeping it real K.. honestly, some of us just don't have the DIY gene... one little swipe (for the most part) fixes all.. and presto!! ; )
ReplyDeleteHopefully your next projects turn out just the way you want them too!!
Feel your frustration!!! Been there many times.. As far as the hollow doors go though, you could make yourself a nice piece of art with it. These doors make wonderfully large canvases for not a lot of cash... Just an idea... Happy Friday!!
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ReplyDeleteyep, I've been there too. Most memorable was the stool I ended up smashing with a hammer when the DIY went south!
ReplyDeletehilarious. love it.
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