If you are a long term reader you know just how passionate I am about introducing DIY and woodworking projects to women who have never worked with power tools before. So when The Home Depot asked me to partner with them and help spread the word about their DIH (Do-it-Herself) workshops, I jumped at the chance.
This simple build of a wall mounted jewelry organizer is a great example of a project that would be great for any first time DIY’r or someone who is still getting used to their power tools.
One of the best ways to try your hand at working with unfamiliar tools or building plans is to test them out right along side of people who are willing to help you out. And that is the beauty of The Home Depot’s Do It Herself workshops. They give you the chance to stand next to someone and see exactly how and what you are supposed to do.
I’ve shared previous workshop projects on the blog before, and this month I have another easy build idea straight from The Home Depot’s DIH Workshop held right here in San Francisco. I had the extra special experience of creating my project right along Radio Personality Delilah (who is one of the most kind and genuine people I’ve ever met!)
Delilah partners with The Home Depot to bring these workshops to all her fans nationwide, and since she is also a DIY’r (she owns a farm and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty) she is a great fit for inspiring women to try simple builds for the first time.
Although they are called “Do it Herself” since they tend to focus on projects typically women would be interested in, men are welcome (and do) attend. And if you want to get the whole family involved, there are also The Home Depot’s Kids’ Workshops, which we NEVER miss!
I attended my first ever DIH Workshop with a friend, which is exactly the same reason Rachel and Sally were at the San Francisco Event. It is a fun Girls Night Out (if your girlfriends like POWER TOOLS!)
No, onto this build!
The supplies are really simple:
12"x17" Chicken Wire or Wire Fencing (Hardware Cloth)(2) 17" 1x2
(2) 8" 1x2
(2) 12" 1/4 inch Lattice Molding
(1) 17" 1x3
(1) 17" 3/4” dowel
(2) 1” Cup Hooks
(6-10) 1/4” cup Cooks
1” wood screws
1-1/2” wood screws
I filmed the process of how exactly they go together so you can see just exactly how simple it was.
A few tips I want to throw out if you are trying this for the first time:
1. Clamps may help. Since the “box” you lay the chicken wire on is not secured, using clamps (or someone helping with an extra set of hands) is a good idea.2. DON’T OVER TIGHTEN the screws. This was a problem at the workshop, if you tighten down the screws on the back of the piece, you can crack the thing boards holding the chicken wire in place.
3. Use some support. When adding the little shelf to the front, it may be easier to screw through the back, if you prop up the rest of the piece so it is level. A piece of scrap wood, or even a soup can or stack of books can help.
For this demo, I didn’t stop and paint the piece before adding the hardware, but for a more finished look you certainly could. At the workshop that is exactly what we did.
You could also just stain the boards, which is what Simply Real Moms did with her version.
If you haven’t ever attended a DIH Workshop, I want to strongly encourage you to! It really is fun. You can find local workshops here**.
**Please contact your specific The Home Depot Location for details and prices. Not all workshops provide the materials, and some provide them for a fee. Monthly build projects may vary.