My husband is actually the builder. He is amazing, and can turn gnarly old logs into the most amazing furniture! One thing about being on a ranch is you kinda have to learn to do everything- but building furniture is above and beyond. We are rustic, functional people, though. And we like to save money. When we first got married and moved into our house- we had no furniture. We decided that for the price of one nice piece of furniture, we could buy tools and Brad could build most of what we needed, learning a lot from a friend who built log furniture. So, with logs we gathered on the mountain and some of the rough cut lumber we used for corrals and windbreaks on the ranch- we had a start.
At that time, I was afraid of all the tools and even laughed at a friend who said she would like to build someday. Never say never! And don’t laugh at your friends 😉 Brad has built a lot of amazing pieces, for us- and for friends and family. But, over the years he got a little burned out and moved on to other things. I set my list of dream build items on the back burner and settled for plastic drawers instead of dressers, and Rubbermaids in the dining room instead of a buffet. There was no way I was going to buy that stuff when I knew DIY was so much cheaper! And I didn’t want to ask my man to do something I knew he wouldn’t enjoy.
A couple of winters ago, at a time I could use a new hobby I came across Ana White’s website and eventually Shanty 2 Chic. I was so amazed at the awesome furniture these girls were building! We still had a pile of wood in the shop, and several tools- so with a little coaching from Brad I got up the nerve to build a couple of end tables. I was so excited with how they turned out! I had some frustration though, at not being able to drill the longer screws in all the way, and not having a Kreg Jig at the time- I ended up cutting some corners and winging it- ultimately leading to the detriment and repurposing of those tables. I built some home gym equipment after that with some old scraps, and along the way realized I loved woodworking! Besides just working with my hands and creating things from scratch, I loved the sense of accomplishment I got from building. As a mom of 4, sometimes it feels like all my hard work is undone before the day is even over, but these woodworking projects are here to last! It also has proved to keep my sanity during long winters in Wyoming, where I struggle with Vitamin D deficiency, and for keeping my mind on something fun while my husband is off hunting. I also just like to lift heavy stuff!
So, with a kitchen remodel underway, we knew we wanted to add an island- but we worried about it being in the way. That’s when I found the Pottery Barn Knockoff Rolling Kitchen Island by Ana White and Shanty 2 Chic. I knew it was perfect for us, but also knew that to do it right, I’d have to invest in a Kreg Jig. I have also since discovered Torx screws and will never be the same! Brad had cautioned me to do it perfect- to wait til he could help if I got stuck and not to cut corners (He knows me too well). I took his great advice and the island turned out amazing!
After that build, there has been no stopping me! In fact, I built it while Brad was hunting and got it done so quick I wanted to do more! So, I sent a message asking if the wood piled in the shop was for a special purpose. His answer- “You’re the special purpose! You want to use it, it’s yours!” This man is the THE BOMB, people! One of the many things I love about him- he is so encouraging- especially when it comes to discovering and following your passion! I am so thankful for all the support, coaching, and encouragement I’ve gotten from him and our whole family. I used to sit in the car while he ran into Home Depot for supplies- now I’m the one asking to go there! And our kids have taken many a ride on an orange lumber cart while waiting for me. I’m still learning and conquering my fear of new scary tools- but loving every minute! Well, except maybe when wood splits 😉
