Member Feature: DIYTAMMY

Submitted to What's New

Since @DIYTAMMY joined Creator's Studio almost a year ago we've been enjoying her projects - today we learn more about how she got the DIY bug and her plans for the future. 


Why did you join Creator's Studio?

I will be retiring soon and was looking for ways to stay connected with people. I also love upcycling and the easiest way is with a can of spray paint!

What's your favorite part of the Creator's Studio community?

I enjoy seeing everyone's creativity. I don't consider myself creative in an artistic way, but like the creative process of taking something old and giving it new life. It's great for the environment and pocket book!

How would you describe yourself/occupation to a complete stranger?

I am a Procurement Sr. Manager for a branded fruit and vegetable company. If you like canned pineapple or eaten a fruit cup, you have probably eaten one of our products.

What creative areas do you like to focus on?

I focus on renewing furniture/home decor and home improvement projects. My hubby and I are college sweethearts and got married while still in school We didn't have much when we started so we furnished our apt with garage sale finds and hand me downs from our grandmas. Even though we have more resources now to buy new, I enjoy the experience of the hunt and turning the piece into something beautiful. Often times the quality is so much better than what you can find new at the store. 

What is your favorite Rust-Oleum product? How has it helped with your DIY projects?

I love the entire line of Universal Metallic Paint and Primer in One. The hammered metals are a game changer in working with old metal pieces. I have done so many projects with this paint with unbelievable results. And they hold up in the weather for years. Currently working on a coffee table for my son. I used a combination of three spray paints to cover the metal base. Now working on the reclaimed wood top.

What interests you most about DIY projects?

We are able to have beautiful high-end things with the satisfaction of knowing we transformed them. This has become our hobby/lifestyle over the years. So glad I have kids I can create for since my home is full!

What's the best DIY project you have completed and how did you accomplish it?

I would say an antique side table for our dining room. The piece dates back to the early 1900's and was made in Italy (I found the writing on the back once I got it home). It was in pretty rough shape and my hubby was not happy about the purchase, said the piece belonged in the garbage. My husband fumigated for termites and then fixed the drawers and back. My original plan was to refinish the piece. Due to all the damage, I ended up chalk painting with Rust-Oleum Linen White, distressing by sanding, sealing with clear wax and then overlayed with brown wax. The piece has a marble top that needed to be glued together and sanded down to remove stains. Originally there was a top hutch piece which I removed and sold. The top really made the piece heavy. Picture attached (the lamp is from the late 60s/early 70s I found at an estate sale. My hubby rewired and I added a new lamp shade to finish it off).

What's the most difficult project you have tackled?

I found a little upholstered chair at an estate sale for $5.00.  The original fabric was everyone's favorite gold velour from the 70s. How hard could upholstery be? It's very hard if you don't have the right tools! My $5.00 chair turned into a $255 chair once I bought the fabric and all the miscellaneous materials. I love the end result but will not be doing that again. I'll stick to sewing pillows and recovering chair seats. 

If you could create any type of project (with no limitations), what would you design and why?

I would renovate an old craftsman style bungalow. I think it would be a challenge and use all of our DIY skills. My hubby says he would rather have a new one built then tackle that big of a project.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know about you.

I love the color orange, all shades from deep burnt orange to light peach. I need to monitor myself to keep the color in check. I limit myself to one item in a room with the color (well sometimes two). 

What's the best advice that anyone has ever given you?

In terms of DIY, using heat to remove white rings or marks on wood left by hot items. Seems counter intuitive but works great! In terms of life, the advice I reiterate to my kids is life is a series of small choices YOU make. Your life is yours to manage, take accountability and make good choices. I received this advice from my Dad long ago while I was in college. 

What book(s) are on your nightstand right now?

"The Sweet Life (Pu'unene, Maui.....where sugar was life)" by Linda A Wheeler and LC Wheeler. I was born and raised on Maui, Hawaii. This book was written by a classmate's mom and brother. It's available on Amazon!

What's your all-time favorite food?

Ice Cream! I think it should be in its own food group on the nutritional pyramid.


Thanks for telling us more about yourself, @DIYTAMMY. (And who else agrees that ice cream should be it's own Food Group?!)