Is something I say to others – as in “Do it yourself – I’m up to my eyeballs in my own projects.” When it comes to doing it myself – well…I can haul things, drag things, move things, lift heavy things – but you are unlikely to come to me, asking me to whip up a few curtain panels or a couple of pillows for you, and while I’ve painted a time or two in a pinch, no one is complimenting me on a job artfully executed.

Found at Bungalow. Chatham. MA for $195.
I’m more of a project manager than a DIY’er, and yet The Manse has forced me to resort to just that. Attempting to furnish a home from top to bottom is EXPENSIVE. But that is exactly what I am attempting to do. The Manse had become The Land of Misfit Toys – in a manner of speaking. In her rundown state, the bric-a-brac that had collected within her walls was fitting, but now that she’s the proud lady on the block, she’s demanding a whole new wardrobe. People are coming for tea and she wants to be ready to receive them.
I’m doing my best on behalf of the old lady, but some things are indeed going to receive a light sanding and a coat or two of paint – in a coordinating color of course. I feel like I’ve been on the hunt all over the northeast for tables of all sorts, side, bed, coffee, dining – for dressers, and bar carts and shelves – for things that started out as one thing and will end up being something else entirely.

The Caning feels very Cape Cod.
All this hunting and sleuthing has resulted in my very first DIY project. Aided by a couple of 50 degree days, I singlehandedly dragged a desk out onto the deck, found one of my Father’s 4 – yes you heard me correctly – 4 sanders, I know not what makes one better than the other, but I am certain their is a reason to have that many. Maybe they are like shoes? If that IS the case, than I certainly cannot argue with having four – in fact I might ask – why not more?

Ta Da! What do you think?
At any rate. I sanded and cleaned and painted, and repainted and low and behold, I did it. I think it looks pretty good, and I hope you do too, because I have a set of $10. bedside tables that need to be done – a real find! I have an old ice box that I am going to use as a linen closet, and a coffee table that would have been perfectly perfect, if it has only been gray. It will be when I am done with it. If you are worry, I would say that it may not be misplaced. Fingers crossed.