As the final days of 2009 drew to a close, so did a truly memorable chapter in our DIY journey: our time on the prestigious True Value DIY Blog Squad. It feels like just yesterday we were bursting with excitement to introduce this new adventure, and now, a mere three months later, we find ourselves reflecting on an incredible experience. The sentiment evokes a classic farewell tune, a bittersweet melody of “it’s so haaaaard, to say goodbyyyyyye, to yesterdaaaaaaaaaaay.” Yet, rather than dwelling on the goodbye, we choose to celebrate the invaluable contributions and unforgettable moments that shaped our home and our spirits during this whirlwind period.
But let’s not get too caught up in sentimental goodbyes. Instead, our hearts are overflowing with immense gratitude for the opportunities and resources afforded to us by our amazing three-month collaboration with True Value. This partnership wasn’t just about sharing our DIY adventures; it was a catalyst that propelled us forward in countless ways, particularly in preparing our home for the exciting new additions slated for 2010 – specifically, the arrival of our little “bean” and all the delightful paraphernalia that accompanies a new family member. True Value became an indispensable ally in transforming our house into a welcoming, functional, and beautiful haven, ready for the next chapter of our lives.
One of the most significant contributions from True Value came in the form of copious gallons of Drylok, a waterproofing solution that proved essential for making our basement truly storage-ready. Before this, our basement was more of a damp, underutilized space, but with Drylok, we were able to create a dry, secure, and organized area perfect for storing everything from seasonal decorations to baby essentials. This transformation was crucial, not just for practical storage, but for granting us peace of mind knowing that our new family’s belongings would be kept safe and sound. The importance of a well-maintained basement often goes overlooked, but for growing families, it’s a treasure trove of potential storage and utility.
Beyond waterproofing, True Value also supplied the powerful, rented demolition hammer that played a pivotal role in getting our much-anticipated bathroom project off the ground. Tackling a bathroom renovation is no small feat, and having the right tools makes all the difference. This demolition hammer helped us efficiently remove old fixtures and materials, clearing the way for a fresh start. This progress in the bathroom was key, as it allowed us to begin shifting our focus and energy towards creating the perfect nursery – a truly special project filled with anticipation and love. The efficiency gained from having the correct power tools cannot be overstated; it transforms daunting tasks into manageable steps, keeping the DIY momentum alive.
Our appreciation doesn’t stop there. True Value generously provided us with a wide array of other much-needed items that kept our DIY engines running smoothly. From practical necessities like dimmer switches to set the perfect ambiance, sturdy paint cans, and efficient storage bins for decluttering, to essential tools such as drills and various spray paints for creative touches, their support was comprehensive. We also received indispensable items like puck lights for accent lighting, rollers and paint brushes for countless painting projects, and drop cloths to protect our floors – the unsung heroes of any renovation. Along with these tangible supplies, True Value offered invaluable advice and insights, guiding us through tricky spots and sharing expert tips that made our projects more successful and less stressful. So, a massive “muchos gracias” goes out to the master hardwarians over at True Value. Thank you so much for embracing us into your squad and empowering our DIY dreams.
Celebrating Our Fellow DIY Blog Squaders’ Inspiring Projects
Speaking of the squad, it was truly inspiring to be part of a community of passionate DIY enthusiasts. Our fellow DIY Blog Squaders also embarked on some incredibly cool and transformative projects over the past few months. Their creativity, dedication, and ingenuity were a constant source of motivation and practical learning. We highly recommend taking a moment to explore their impressive undertakings, as they offer a wealth of ideas and helpful tutorials for anyone looking to spruce up their home. The spirit of shared knowledge and encouragement within the squad was one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience.
For instance, the incredibly talented Bowers, over at All Bower Power, tackled an ambitious basement tiling project that truly transformed their space. Tiling can be a challenging endeavor, requiring precision and patience, but their detailed how-to advice proved to be an indispensable resource. We found ourselves referencing their expert guidance more than once during our own intense bathroom tiling blitz, appreciating their clear instructions and practical tips. Their project beautifully demonstrated how a functional space like a laundry room in a basement can be elevated with thoughtful design and robust materials, adding significant value and appeal to a home.
Another inspiring transformation came from Layla and Kevin at A Lettered Cottage. They brilliantly demonstrated the power of repurposing by taking an old, forgotten door and reimagining it as a stunning new piece for their guest bathroom. This project beautifully highlighted how creativity and a little elbow grease can turn what others might see as junk into a bespoke, beautiful, and highly functional element of home decor. Upcycling not only saves money but also injects unique character and a personal story into a space, a philosophy we deeply admire and strive to incorporate into our own projects. Their ability to envision new life in old objects is truly commendable.
Meanwhile, Josh, the creative mind behind Bungalow 23, delved into the intricacies of a bedroom project, specifically focusing on the challenging task of paint stripping. His venture involved testing out a couple of different types of paint removers, a common yet often overlooked step in renovating older homes. Understanding which products work best on various surfaces is crucial for achieving a flawless finish without damaging the underlying material. Josh’s dedication to sharing his experiences, including the trials and tribulations of finding the most effective paint stripper, provided valuable insights for anyone embarking on a similar restoration journey. His project underscores the meticulous effort required to bring out the true beauty of vintage elements in a home.
And let’s not forget the wisdom shared by the fellas over at The Handyguys Podcast. They served up a fantastic episode packed with tips for what is arguably our absolute favorite type of DIY project: painting! Their advice included a well-deserved nod to the incredible power and precision of Frog Tape, a product we’ve heard so much about and are absolutely eager to try in our upcoming projects. Achieving crisp, clean paint lines can make or break a room’s aesthetic, and tools like Frog Tape are game-changers in ensuring professional-looking results. Their podcast emphasized that proper preparation and the right tools are just as important as the paint itself, lessons that resonate deeply with our own DIY philosophy.
This is just a small sampling of the incredible projects our fellow Squaders tackled. We encourage anyone seeking inspiration or practical guidance to take a few minutes and explore more True Value-powered projects on each of their respective sites. It’s clear they all embraced the spirit of DIY and had as much fun as we did. Though, to be fair, I think Burger, the adorable dog featured in one of their posts, was probably the only one among us who got to enjoy the unique perk of riding in a shopping basket. Oh, the simple joys and easy life of an eight-pound DIY mascot!
Embracing the DIY Journey: Reflections and Future Aspirations
As we wrap up this incredible year, we raise a toast to a year filled with demo-ing, painting, rebuilding, organizing, accessorizing, and functional-izing our home. The satisfaction derived from transforming spaces with our own hands is unparalleled, creating a deeper connection to our living environment. Each project, whether big or small, added another layer of personality and practicality to our home, making it truly our own. The lessons learned, the skills acquired, and the challenges overcome have not only improved our living space but also enriched our lives in countless ways.
Looking ahead, we have a strong suspicion that 2010 will be packed with even more of the same exciting DIY endeavors. With the arrival of our “bean,” the motivation to create an even more comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home is stronger than ever. The journey of home improvement is a continuous one, constantly evolving with our needs and aspirations, and we are eagerly anticipating the fresh projects and challenges the new year will bring. From nursery decor to continued bathroom enhancements and perhaps even exploring new areas of the house, our DIY spirit is vibrant and ready for action.
Now, we’d love to turn the spotlight to you, our wonderful readers and fellow DIY enthusiasts. What amazing accomplishments did you achieve this year in the name of home improvement and space sprucing? Did you tackle a challenging renovation, revitalize a forgotten corner, or embark on a creative decor project? We’re always inspired by your stories and ingenuity. And as we stand on the cusp of a new decade, do you have any big plans for 2010? Are there specific rooms you dream of transforming, skills you want to learn, or projects you’re itching to start? Do tell! Share your triumphs and aspirations in the comments below – your insights and experiences are invaluable to our vibrant DIY community.
Thank you for following along on our True Value DIY Blog Squad adventure. It’s been a fantastic ride, and we’re excited to see what new projects and inspirations the future holds, both for us and for you.
Middle four images courtesy of All Bower Power, A Lettered Cottage, Bungalow 23 and The Handyguys Podcast.