Get to know your DIY Diva

 

Nina Green

 

1. When did you start getting involved in DIY?

I started by helping my dad in the garage doing woodwork. I have been doing it on my own, for about fifteen years now. I’ve always had an interest in DIY from a young age.

2. When did you use power tools for the first time and what was the first tool you used?

I used a jigsaw for the first time on my own, as Iwanted to remodel a book shelf.

3. First project you ever made?

My first project was a bookshelf for the lounge.

4. Your first boo-boo?

The biggest flop I can remember was the first time I built a box. I never considered the edge thickness of the wood, so when I worked out the cutting list I dind't make allowance for the edges. When it came to putting my box together, well... skew and confused!

5. Why you enjoy DIY?

I enjoy DIY because it gets my creative juices flowing, and there is nothing nicer than to finish a project and know that, firstly, it was made by you and secondly that no-one else has the same piece in their home. It really is uniquely yours.

6. Your favourite power tool?

I do not really have a favourite power tool; my favourite tool usually is the one that I will be using to get a certain project done, whether scroll saw, router, drill driver or jigsaw. I love all my tools.

 

Sylvie Phelps

1. When did you start getting involved in DIY?

As early as I can remember tinkering around with hammers and nails with my dad, painting the house and fixing small things around the house with my mother.

2. When did you use power tools for the first time and what was the first tool you used?

When hubby and I bought our first house in 1992 I purchased power tools as we had nothing to repair items in our house.

3. First project you ever made?

My first project was cutting a melamine base board for my son’s bed and a dew shelves (made them and hung them up on the wall).

4. Your first boo-boo?

Not drilling deep enough in the wall for my daughter’s shelf which came crashing down after she had overloaded it lol.

5. Why you enjoy DIY?

I enjoy the satisfaction of being able to make or repair something myself and proud of saying “I MADE/FIXED THAT.

6. Your favourite power tool?

My drill/driver and circular saw.

 

Colette Molenaar

1. When did you start getting involved in DIY?

Hard to say - think I have always had an interest in it – even at school I was envious of the boys who were able to do woodwork and loved the practical side of it.

 

 

 

2. When did you use power tools for the first time and what was the first tool you used?

I do not have brothers and my dad (who is not really a DIY person) allowed us to use the Drill from early on. But he only had an impact Drill and in our house it was used for everything.

3. First project you ever made?

I attempted a butlers tray

4. Your first boo-boo?

The same butler’s tray – it was all wonky – I just hammered/drilled it together with no consideration for flushness or fit. But on the positive side – I learned a lot. But the sentimental in me – I still have it and now use it in my workroom for that extra space when needed.

5. Why you enjoy DIY?

I am a practical person and I love the sense of achievements and the ability to say that I made that myself.

6. Your favourite power tool?

Dremel Trio – I use the routing function probably the most – so I love the small handy feeling in comparison to my big router. – hope Dremel invents some more router bits soon. ;-)

 

Cornelia Wiegman

 

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Nancy Muchangwa

 

1. When did you start getting involved in DIY?

I became interested by watching Janice make projects and furniture for her website. I wanted to find out how to do it myself.

2. When did you use power tools for the first time and what was the first tool you used?

I started using power tools for the first time in 2007 and have been using them ever since. Every time a new tools comes out, Janice shows me how to use it properly.

3. First project you ever made?

On my own the first project I made was a kitchen cabinet. Janice showed me how it must go together and then she let me make it on my own. I am still using the cabinet at home.

4. Your first boo-boo?

I cannot remember my first boo boo but think it was when I was making an ottoman. We made one together and then I wanted to make one to take home. It came out all wonky.

5. Why you enjoy DIY?

If you know how to diy you can make all your own furniture. You can also fix things in the home without having to pay someone else to do it.

6. Your favourite power tool?

Although I was scared to use it at first, I enjoy using the mitre saw. This is a quick way to cut small pieces and also cut angles in wood. I also like using the Dremel Trio to finish off projects we make.

 

 

Zine le Grange

 

1. When did you start getting involved in DIY?

I have always been involved with DIY things. Both my parents had their own businesses, so making things themselves and tackling DIY jobs were always considered the best way to save money and building their businesses. So lets say, since I can remember

 

2. When did you use power tools for the first time and what was the first tool you used?

I think the first time I used a powertool I must've been about 12. My dad has a manufacturing business with all the tools on hand. I think the first one I used was a floor standing drill, followed by a grinder and my favourite tool of all a plasma cutter. Since then I've started using his spot welder, other drills and sanders.

3. First project you ever made?

The first real project I made was clocks for my friends' 21st birthdays. I used wooden logs, and cut a design out on sheet metal. Sprayed that, drilled a hole and attached the clock to it, and then to the log. They loved it. I loved making it

4. Your first boo-boo?

Wow, I've had many! Not clamping the metal pieces down when I use the standing drill and having them swing wildly, cutting myself (and being too embarrassed to tell anyone) must the worst one! Never had big things happen to me though – just glueing my fingers together with superglue! haha

5. Why you enjoy DIY?

I absolutely love the idea of making something and accomplishing something I didn't even think I could do. Making something from nothing or from something others would consider trash, really makes me feel like im also doing my part in recycling. To me its almost all about saving money and time doing it myself, rather than spending money for someone else's services. Im selfish like that. hehe

6. Your favourite power tool?

Even though I don't have one I absolutely loved the plasma cutter my dad had. You can make the most beautiful things out of sheet metal, easy and quickly. I think I might also fall in love with the Dremel tools, especially the Trio. I really like sanding an old piece of wood and making it look like a beautiful new piece of wood!

 

Tamlynn Rowles

 

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Janice Anderssen

 

1. When did you start getting involved in DIY?

I cannot remember a time when I wasn't involved in doing things for myself - it just seems to be the way I am. Even as a small child I had an interest in taking things apart and putting them back together again. Although, you can imagine that not everything was put back the way it was supposed to be.

 

2. When did you use power tools for the first time and what was the first tool you used?

I have used hand tools since I was about 7 or 8, but only got my hands on power tools when I was in my early 20's and had just bought my first house. In those days power tools were heavy and cumbersome and not easy to use, so I always tried to make things without using power tools.

3. First project you ever made?

My very first project was a rabbit hutch. I remember scouring the fields around my home to find scrap pieces of wood to make the hutch and then I hammered everything together. The rabbit eventually escaped, which is no surprise if you could have seen the rabbit hutch!

4. Your first boo-boo?

Building a garden wall without foundations. The first rain that came along, the whole wall fell down. You definitely learn quickly from your mistakes!

5. Why you enjoy DIY?

The satisfaction of being able to make things for myself, whether it's small decor items or large pieces of furniture. It's also nice to know that I don't have to rely on someone else to do it for me.

6. Your favourite power tool?

I love 'em all. My favourite of favourites is probably the jigsaw, especially the new cordless lithium ion model. Any excuse to get the jigsaw out and you'll find me cutting wood.