Basic Tools for DIY Projects

"I'm ready to try some DIY projects, but what BASIC tools do I need?"

Check out the video on YouTube!

You came to the right place! Looking back, when I first started my own DIY projects, I didn't have many tools AT ALL! I'm actually surprised at some of the projects I was able to complete with what I had! Just goes to show that it CAN be done, and you don't have to have top industry tools to get started. 

One of my earliest DIY projects - A fabric-covered shoe shelf....All I had was my corded drill, screws, wood glue, braces, a vision, and a whole lotta HOPE!!! I don't even think I had a level! At least they LOOKED level to the naked eye.

                         

                                 

Here's a list of what I suggest would be a good start for building your toolbox:

• Cordless Drill: My first drill was a plug-in drill with not a lot of power. I'm not knocking it though because it worked for what I needed it for! But, when I discovered the cordless, battery-operated drill, the possibilities were endless. 

• Electric Screwdriver: For those little projects that don't require the power of the cordless drill. This is the one I have and love. 

• Hammer: Probably the most basic tool and one you already have. If not, this one is perfect.

• Electric Sander/Sanding Blocks: These are the two I have - one that is an orbital (circular) sander and the other is a palm detail sander that allows you to get into tight spaces. Hand sanding blocks are great, too! The higher the grit, the finer the sanding surface. So, if you are sanding your project following a coat of paint, you could use a 220-grit sanding block for a smooth finish. When you want to take paint off of something, you would use a lower grit, maybe a 60-grit, to roughen up the surface. NOTE: Some of my tools are no longer sold, so I linked to what is the latest and greatest version. Many tools now come in a cordless version like the detail sander. 

• Goggles: There are so many cool types of goggles. Some that look like glasses, some that work with those who wear glasses, anti-fog ones, colorful ones, etc. I buy them often because I sometimes put them down and forget where I put them! (They're normally on top of my head 🙈).

• Masks: We're all used to wearing masks, so this one should be easy. However, there are different types of masks that meet the needs of home DIY projects. Most latex paints only require the same type of mask that you would use for protecting from dust. But, when you start to use oil-based paints, varnishes, and spray paints, the vapors can be dangerous and you should take necessary precautions. You'll want to use something that offers a little more protection like these. 

• Sponge Brushes: These always come in handy for painting, glue, and many other liquids.

• Tape Measure: Get a GOOD, solid one! Early on, I used a flimsy, sewing measuring tape and it. is. not. the. same! Now, I have several tape measures because they too like to disappear on me. Get at least a 25ft one. 

• Square Measuring Tool: You'll see that I LOVE this tool! It helps to make sure that we aren't building diamond-shaped projects that should be perfect squares! They come in various colors, materials, and sizes. The plastics ones work perfectly for me.

• Mitre Box w/Hand saw: Before I got any of my power tools, I started with this baby!! It requires a bit of endurance, but it's perfect for making adjustments to smaller pieces once you've already had your wood cut at the store. I like this kind because it comes with the two anchor pieces that help to the hold the wood in place and that can be extremely helpful when trying to position and cut your wood accurately. 
• ***Some tools in the video are not listed, but can be purchased at the Dollar Store!

I think that's about it!!! These basic tools will definitely get your started on your first DIY projects. If you have any questions, just let me know! 

DIY Sugar & Spice Rack!

Hey, hey, hey!!!!! I'm back for another episode of Try, Try DIY with Ebonie. Today, I walked through how to build this AMAZING spice rack. It has done wonders for organization in my kitchen because we clearly have a lot of spices - even though that's not all. Before, our spices were everywhere and we ended up buying duplicates because we didn't know what we had. This project is pretty simple and can be customized to fit your needs. What I love MOST is that it takes up very little space and is out of the way of my pantry and cabinets. If you decide to try it, let me know!! 

Supply List (Forgot to add a small level to the list!)

Cut List

Diagram of pieces

Dimensions (The version I make in the video has the measurements pictured, but you can customize the shelves to fit whatever you're using the unit for). 

Glam Raised Garden Bed! Oh my!!!

Howdy!!!

My first YouTube video is a tutorial for building a GLAMOROUS, SPARKLING, GLITTERY Raised Garden Bed!!! This is my second year building garden beds to help improve my formerly black thumb! So far this year, I've planted cucumbers, squash, strawberries, lettuce, and tomatoes. MOST are still alive and flourishing!

The garden bed is super simple to build. Below are the plans I used to build mine. I researched several different plans I found online and then made up my own for what made sense to me. Feel free to make any adjustments that work better for you! 

All the tools can be found at Home Depot or any hardware store. I just have a personal affinity for the Depot! Everything from the lighting to the smell inside, plus I have friends there! I mean, they don't know we're friends, but we really are. 😜

Anyhoo, here are the supply list, cut list, and a diagram to help you better understand the pieces needed.  ***Note I chose to use untreated pine because I'm not 100% sure if treated wood is actually safe for food consumption, although some people say it is. In the past, wood was treated with chemicals including arsenic that would seep into the soil and the consumable foods, so I just think it's easier to not have to deal with that concern. The trade-off is that untreated pine is more susceptible to rot and mildew. However, using the exterior polycrylic on the outside helps to slow down the rot and the weed blocking liner helps with the mildew. I haven't had any issues or signs of rot on the ones I built last year. Ideally, you would use cedar because cedar is weather-resistant, bug-resistant, and is perfect for outdoor structures. Maybe when these lumber prices go back down, I'll build one with cedar. Until then.....

Let me know if you try it! Feel free to ask any questions, I'll be happy to help!! You can do it!!

**I forgot to add sandpaper or a sanding block. Also, I used the 1.5" screws to attach the two braces (F) for the short sides. I don't think I mentioned that in the video. 

***2x4x16 is a VERY long piece of wood. You don't have to start with the wood that size. As long as you follow the diagram below, you can use 2x4x10s or 2x4x12s. You would just need more to make sure you have the necessary pieces. Example: a 2x4x12' piece is 144" long, so you could get three 46" pieces (A) with ~6" left over from that one piece. Therefore, you would need at least two 2x4x12 pieces to account for the total of SIX 46" (A) pieces needed. Get it?