Ladder Stepping Up Tutorial for the Stashbusting September Challenge

Thank you so much Brittany from a blog embarking of the Stashbusting September Challenge and posting this fab tutorial over at your site:

Pretty Handy Girl

She will walk you through turning this:

Into something a little more suiting for the home such as this:

or this:

So check out here tutorial on this lovely little ladder

-HERE-

Without further ado here is a little more about Brittany:

1. When did you begin creating your own DIY projects?

My parents added on to our house when I was young. There were always scrap pieces of lumber lying around. I dreamed of building my own playhouse in the back yard with that wood. I used to paint and color on those scraps (and still have two of them today!)

When my husband and I moved to Philadephia, we bought some unfinished furniture from IKEA, I successfully stained them (although we kept smelling gas and finally ended up calling the gas company only to find out that using an oil based stain in an unventilated area is not a good idea! After that I recovered a hand-me-down couch by taking it apart and seeing how it was pieced together.

2. Did you have any formal training?

Definitely not, but I wish!

If no, how did you learn how to create your own projects?

My father had 3 daughters and no sons, so he taught us how to use his power tools, change the oil on our cars and wire an outlet (among other things.) My mom was always finding yard sale and curbside treasures. I remember her painting a bed, nightstand and dresser so they would coordinate for my bedroom. And she also re-upholstered a curbside chair for my college apartment. I always pay attention when someone is fixing, building or creating something.

3. Was anyone inspirational in giving you the confidence to try a DIY project?

Definitely my father for teaching us we could do anything a boy could do (if not better!) And my mother for being a hands on type of woman who was not afraid to climb a ladder to paint something or figure out how to make something herself.

4. Where do you get your inspirations?

Magazines, Flea Markets, Boutiques and definitely all the other wonderful blogs out there (including this one.)

5. Would you be willing to share your biggest blunder or goof? If not, I understand ;-).

I’ve had several and learned from each one. Recently I re-wired a lamp and make a very STUPID mistake. I have been getting more confident at working with electricity (not a good thing to be) and forgot to make sure the lamp was unplugged. I cut into the cord and “POP” the cord sparked and luckily the wire cutters had an insulated handle and I was unharmed. I learned to double and triple check and take my time when working with electrical.

6. Any advice you have to other new DIYers?

Look at how things are made. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I find Lowe’s Home Improvement and Ace employees to be super helpful! The next time you have a handyman come fix something, watch how he or she fixes it and ask questions. Google how to instructions or videos. Most of all, just try it!

Brittany

www.PrettyHandyGirl.com

A DIY Blog Empowering You to Complete Your Own Project

Thank you Brittany!