Hi, I’m Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl!
I’m a licensed general contractor, renovation expert, artist, designer, photographer, educator, and lifelong lover of figuring out how to do things myself. If I don’t know how to do something, you can be fairly certain I’ll research it, take it apart, and keep working until I understand it.
The Professional Elevator Pitch
I’ve spent more than 15 years teaching people how to repair, improve, and renovate their homes through this website called Pretty Handy Girl. What began as a place to empower others while sharing my own projects has grown into an extensive resource filled with detailed home improvement, home repair, woodworking, decorating, craft, and sewing tutorials.
Long before becoming a general contractor, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration and studied graphic design and art therapy. I worked as a medical illustrator, designed greeting cards, and eventually started my own graphic design, illustration, and web-design business. That creative background still plays a major role in how I approach renovation today. I don’t see a house as simply a collection of walls and finishes—I look at how the spaces function, how the rooms relate to one another, and how thoughtful design can make a home easier and more enjoyable to live in.
Over the years, I’ve gutted and rebuilt houses, redesigned floor plans, managed additions, renovated kitchens and bathrooms, repaired the damage left behind by years of neglect, and restored homes after unexpected disasters. I’ve worked on everything from small repairs and weekend DIY projects to whole-house renovations and new construction.
My work has been featured by publications including This Old House, Family Handyman, Woman’s Day, Better Homes & Gardens Kitchen + Bath Makeovers, Do It Yourself Magazine, and Cottage Style. But the accomplishment I’m most proud of is helping people—especially women—realize they are far more capable than they may have been led to believe.
A Mission to Empower
I despise stereotypes, and I’ve spent years working to dismantle the idea that women aren’t handy. Pretty Handy Girl is for anyone who wants to make their own repairs, improve their home, or become a more confident do-it-yourselfer.
My longtime mantra is: If someone else can do it, there’s a 95% chance I can do it too. The other 5% usually requires a licensed professional, a permit, or a much taller ladder.
Here, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials designed to help you get past that intimidating beginner’s hump. I’ll show you the successes, the mistakes, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way—because becoming handy doesn’t mean you never make mistakes. It means you learn how to solve problems and keep going.
How the heck did I get to be handy?
I grew up in Northern Virginia as the oldest of three daughters. My parents added onto our house three times during my childhood, and they allowed my sisters and me to swing hammers, help with projects, and see firsthand how a house was built. My mom taught me to sew, paint, craft, and wield a mean drywall knife. My dad taught me how to wire an outlet when I was eight years old.
Most importantly, they taught me that I could do anything a boy could do—if not better.
Years later, my husband and I bought our first home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I began relearning those skills one broken toilet at a time. In 2003, a leaking pipe turned into a major kitchen renovation. After a difficult experience with the contractors, I took over and rebuilt our kitchen from the studs myself.
That project changed the course of my life. Each repair gave me the confidence to attempt something bigger, and each new skill made the next challenge feel possible. Eventually, that hands-on experience led me to obtain my North Carolina general contractor’s license and build a career helping other people improve their homes.
Licensed General Contractor
1n 2016, I became a fully licensed and insured residential general contractor in North Carolina. I began dabbling in real estate investing by purchasing a house built in 1900 that would certainly have been demolished, but I was determined to save it. Want to follow this saga? Read the Saving Etta series. Next I purchased a pair of small brick bungalows built in the 1950’s and set about moving walls to gain a 2nd bathroom, and remodeling the entire inside (after dealing with plumbing leaks, mold, and ungrounded wiring.) You can read about this endeavor from the Millie’s Remodel series.
Cobalt Homes + Renovations: Kitchens, Bathrooms + Additions
In 2026, I launched a full-service, client-focused general contracting business called Cobalt Homes + Renovations. Through Cobalt, I help Raleigh-area homeowners transform dated kitchens and bathrooms, restore their homes after plumbing leaks and other disasters, add much-needed square footage to homes bursting at the seams, and finally tackle those large-scale maintenance projects that have lingered on the to-do list for far too long. If you live in Raleigh or close by, I might be able to help you on your next project.
Cobalt Homes + Renovations combines my construction experience with my background in art and design. I work closely with clients to create spaces that aren’t just beautiful in photographs, but thoughtfully planned, functional, and built to last.
Still want more?
Stalker-much? Just kidding, here’s a post I wrote a long time ago filled with lots of mundane facts and tidbits about me.
Now that you’ve read the official elevator pitch, here are a few less-official facts about the woman behind Pretty Handy Girl:
- I grew up in a creative family. One of my sisters became an architect, and another became an interior designer.
- The name “Pretty Handy Girl” was my husband’s idea. I still insist the emphasis is on Pretty Handy, not “pretty girl.”
- My husband is affectionately known around here as Pretty Handsome Guy. We met in high school when he had long hair and reminded me of Axl Rose.
- I love the color blue—always have and always will. It should come as no surprise that I named my contracting business Cobalt.
- I love dark chocolate. My father grew up in Hershey, Pennsylvania, so I like to think chocolate is practically a family requirement.
- I’d rather spend money on an excellent power tool than an expensive piece of jewelry.
- I once went into labor while trying to repair a bathtub. Apparently the tub faucet wasn’t the only thing that decided to spring a leak.
- I’ve been skydiving, completed three sprint triathlons, earned an orange stripe in karate, and have always loved roller coasters and anything involving speed.
- I’m not particularly afraid of spiders or snakes, although I give copperheads all the personal space they request.
- Rescue dogs have a habit of finding their way into my home—and sometimes staying permanently.
- I almost always have a project going. Sitting still has never been one of my better skills.
At the end of the day, I’m happiest when I’m creating something, solving a problem, helping someone feel more confident, or transforming a space that wasn’t living up to its potential. I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll find something that inspires you to pick up a tool and give it a try.
Brand Awareness Campaigns
I DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR LINKS. I DO NOT ACCEPT GUEST POSTS. I WON’T PUT YOUR LINK ON MY BLOG FOR FREE. Are you still reading? Do you want your product mentioned on my blog? Great! Let me ask you a few questions first. Is it DIY or home-related? Can I write a valuable post or tutorial around your product? Do you have a budget for sponsored posts? If the answer to all of these is YES, feel free to contact me: prettyhandygirl (at) gmail.com.
You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
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Hi Brittany, I just want to thank you for sharing your face mask pattern. During our recent lockdown I made over 200 masks for family and strangers. I hadn’t intended to sell them but when I was swamped with orders I made the decision to sell them. You might like to know though that all moneys made I was able to donate to our bushfire relief fund raising (summer in Western Australia always brings bushfires but this year they were really bad!)
Many thanks for your generosity in sharing the pattern-which was a great fit and not too complicated.
Frances, thank you for your efforts to donate to the bushfire relief. What a heart-wrenching situation.
I also wanted to get added to your newsletter but the link I found didn’t work.
Sarah, I just added you. Enjoy!
Hi Brittany! I retired in May of this year, and I now travel full-time with my partner. We sold our bricks and sticks, and we have been on the road since August in our 2001 class c RV!
I’ve had to learn A LOT on my own. So far I have fixed my hot water heater, installed new hardware on the lower storage compartments, replaced my worn-out awning, and resealed a few seams.
I enjoyed all these activities, but never had the confidence I could do it, but I did!
I’ve always been interested in woodworking, but again, never confident of my potential. There are so many more opportunities now with the internet and all.
I think your mailing list would be a wonderful connection to have! May I please be added?
Thank you!
Absolutely! Nice to meet you and I know you can accomplish anything you put your mind to!
Brittany, please add me to your newsletter. Just found your blog and I love it! Thanks!
I got you signed up 😉
PS I just typed in “fear of power tools” in the search box and found your article about our fears, where they started, how they are perpetuated and your encouragement in getting past them. I need to thank you for writing that and for sharing your amazing abilities and talents with the rest of the world. I’ve been in tears since I began reading your words that are so very uplifting, strong and EXACTLY what I needed. I feel changed, as I’m sure many, many women (and men) have felt after discovering you. (I’m positive none of the jerks who write you negative bs have EVER changed a person, at least not for the better! Ha!) You truly “rock”!
Tawny, thank you so much for your comment. I’m so glad my posts have touched you (and others as you suggest.)
Dear Brittany, I’m sorry to bother you, I couldn’t find a link to sign up for your newsletter, could you please add me to your list? I’d really appreciate it. Thank you for your website, and your mission to empower women. I need all the empowerment I can get in order to conquer my fear of power tools ~ hurting myself is the main reason for my fear. I started with a simple Dremel and despite putting my long hair up before I used it, somehow the dremel got caught in my hair, winding up to my scalp in about the first 5 minutes of using it lol. Luckily my husband was home (a union carpenter who isn’t helpful around the house so I have to learn how to hang shelves, brackets for hanging plants, etc myself) and he got the dremel unstuck without loss of any hair amazingly, but I was chastised with a sweet yet condescending “See honey? That’s why I don’t let you touch any power tools”. Well, that lit a fire under my butt and when I saw an article about you and your website I knew you were exactly what I need. I don’t know for certain if I’ll get over my power tool phobia but if any place can help me with that, it will be Pretty Handy Girl. Bless you!
Tawny, what a scary and inspiring story. I’m so glad that one incident spurred you to learn more about using power tools. And glad you have all your hair ;-). I signed you up for the newsletter enjoy!
Need help starting to make glass shelving for kitchen nook with 7 windows no curtains, just shades
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I just added you. Enjoy!
Can this mask be made out of stretchable knit as well
It can, but it’s a lot harder to sew.
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The ceiling fan install was a great introduction to your site. One of three in our home has a Ching sound as the blade spins, sounds like something is hitting the chain. I’ve taken it apart, put back together and is quiet for about 2 minutes. Would like your advice on how to approach this very annoying issue.
That would be hard for me to diagnose. Maybe try calling the manufacturer? I just added you to the newsletter list. Enjoy!
I love the drop leaf table you have, what color did you use on the top? I am in the end stage of sanding mine and love yours. Any advise would be greatly appreciated
Michelle, which drop table?
Agree with all the positive comments. I have tried a number of patterns and watched countless videos. Your process and results are the clearest and most rewarding. The nose wire adds comfort and keeps the mask in place. Especially important for those of us who are dependent on eyeglasses. I used silk cord or paracord with a small bead for adjustable ear placement. We were able to make four masks with materials we had in the house. I haven’t sewn with my machine in years but the clear directions make it easy. Now I am confident enough to make these comfortable masks for friends. Thanks so much, Pretty Handy Girl!
Hi Brittney, I’m pretty handy myself. I do have a question about the kind o paint the you use for your interior doors and trim. I’m replacing my trim/baseboards and want to paint them correctly. I would like your recommendations.
Hi! Is there a child size template for the best fit mask? I would love to make this style for my children, too. They are 7, 5, and 3.
Please read the FAQs on this page: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Hi Brittany,
Love your mask! Great fit and by far the best! I would really appreciate getting patterns for
Kids (7 – 12 yrs) & Smaller Kids (3 – 6 yrs.)
Thank you so much!
Aloha, Mabel Asato
I will try to work on it, but I don’t have any little kids to test the fit. Look at the top of the comment thread on the YouTube video (https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8) for my FAQ comment which answers your question about a small pattern. You can also get answer directly on this page which was linked in the video description, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Thank you Brittany! Love your mask tutorial and instructions! Started yesterday to make a lot of masks for my large family. However, I am having trouble threading the two ends of the 1/8″ elastic cord into the craft bead (my granddaughter’s supply). Perhaps the hole in these particular beads is too small. I tried filing the hole but still took me about an hour to thread them for two masks. Is there a trick? Thanks! Didi
Didi, this was mentioned in the FAQs at the end of the page with the tutorial. https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
• Can’t thread your straps through the bead? Try using fishing line folded in half and feed through the bead loop first. Put strap material through the fishing line loop and pull it back through the bead. You can see a video of this process at the end of my Instagram stories here
Thank you so much for your excellent instructions and video on how to make a face mask. Yours is by far the best out there!
I just viewed your “Best mask” I look forward to doing it tomorrow. It looks good. Thank you. MamasGuardian
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I would also love to be added to your news letter
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Hi there,
I’m looking for the pattern for the BEST FIT FACE MASK .is there someway you can email it to me please.
Thank you so so much….GOD BLESS !
You can get to it here: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Love the DIY!! Would like to be signed up for news letter. Is there a link?
I tried to add you, but you unsubscribed at some point so I can’t manually add you. You can add yourself back in by going to this address: http://eepurl.com/1ayz5
Do you have an email or newsletter list I can be add to to get your stories and projects
I just added you to the email newsletter.
Just found your blog. Can’t wait for a rainy day to catch-up read all the older posts!
Hey Brittany! It’s very nice to ’virtually’ meet you! 😊
I found your blog while searching for ”Scrap Wood DIY Projects” for some inspiration while on Pinterest.
It was doubly exciting to find out that you’re also in North Carolina!!😎 My husband and I and all of our family, are born & raised North Carolinians. My Momma is from Raleigh. She grew up in Caraleigh, right between South Saunders & Wilmington St. My Daddy’s family & my husband’s family are all from Lillington. My parents met & married & settled down in Garner, so that’s where I grew up. My husband & I live outside of Lillington, smack dab between Fort Bragg & Sanford.
I can’t wait to see more of your projects. So far, everything I’ve seen is beautiful!!
And, I apologize for my rambling. It’s just, I really enjoy talking with people and between being a SAHM & living wayyyy out in the boondocks, I tend to ramble on when I do happen upon an ear, LOL.
Anyway… I reckon I’d better get on back to the project search, now that our 2nd child has now graduated and the ”baby” starting 10th grade, I’m gonna need lots & lots of projects! Haha
Nice to meet you too Felicia! Hopefully we’ll meet in person one day!
Hi Brittany. I found you on Instagram. You’re very inspiring. There is so much I want to do to my house but I’m afraid of messing up. I have no support and I’m hoping to get that from you. Thank you.
Hi Brittany! Fellow do it myself gal here! I just started a blog focused on inspiring Women to do it themselves also. I look forward to reading about your home improvement projects. I have signed up for your email list. Jeanne
I can’t find where to subscribe to your email blog. Thanks, Susan
Susan, if you are on desktop, there should be a widget on the sidebar to sign up for the newsletter and get the free e-book. Let me know if you don’t find it.
I am so happy to have found this page! We just moved into a hundred year old home in February and I’ve never felt more empowered and alive learning how to do it myself, from installing flooring to fixing drywall and teaching my daughter how to be handy too. Your inspiring!,,,
Welcome Maddie and good luck with your 100 year old house! I bet she’ll be beautiful when finished!
So glad I found you. I’m a woman of the same beliefs. I have lost both legs now and they’re above the knee so the challenge is to still be that woman without them. Feel like you will inspire me quite a bit. Keep up the great work.
Nice to virtually meet you Jeannie. I hope you find some DIY projects you can tackle. Sounds like you won’t let anything hold you back.
Howdy, Brittany!! Just found your site…don’t know why it has taken me this long. My husband and I work together on our projects (most of the time 😉 ) and he has recently joined Pinterest and finds things for us to make! We usually share our tools, but if a blade is dull or something is missing, I end up getting the blame. That’s okay though, because it is the same when it comes to my sewing machines. lol On that note, why is your brand/type of sewing machine not listed under “My Toolbox”? I am curious as to what type of machine you use for your projects. Can’t wait to have more time to look into your site.
Love from Texas,
Amanda
That’s a big oversight! I should list it in my tools. I have a Brother sewing machine. This is the one I have and I’ve used it for years and it’s still in great shape. http://amzn.to/2fkaglk (affiliate link)
Dear Britanny,
Just found your website. Thank you so much for being here.
At age 70, I realize that my hubby can’t or won’t fix the little things that he used to do, so I need to do what I can for myself.
The sink stopper in bathroom sink is broken and it’s driving me crazy. If I can get the elbow grease, I think I can do it. Just hoping my shoulder replacement will work.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Barbara
Barbara, welcome, so nice to meet you. I hope your shoulder behaves. Best of luck on your sink repair!
Wow Brittany! I must say I’m envious! You are so very lucky to have such a skill set & that your parents took the time to get you started at a young age. Of course girls can do these things, but it’s the “where do you learn” part that gets me. My dad & I always did yard projects together until he died when I was 15 and after that I didn’t have anyone to guide me. I thought changing out light fixtures and landscaping myself was pretty good. I’m going to check out the rest of your blog-can’t wait to see your projects. Go girl! 😀
I have been following along with your blog and social for about a year now and I’m just now reading your “About” page. I, too, am the oldest of 3 daughters. My father was a remodeling contractor while I was growing up, so I learned a lot about home improving through osmosis and being around his job sites. I can also relate to having ‘my’ tools that my husband can’t touch! Thanks for all you do to break down female stereotypes! I’m doing my best to do the same!
Chelsea, thank you so much for your comment! Us handy gals need to stick together. By the way, I already know you virtually as well and am a fan of your’s and your Dad’s. Let me know if you’re ever in North Carolina ;-).
And vice versa if you’re ever in Alabama or the Gulf Coast!
Will do!
Hi! I have this not so lovely counter top. Formica I believe, can’t take it any more, any ideas on something to resurface them and not to expensive and durable? They are the color, some where in between yellowish, not quite gold tone.. Help
I just stumbled upon your blog and must say I love your ingenuity and sense of humor. I shall return.
All inquiries about advertising can be answered here: https://prettyhandygirl.com/disclosure/
Great Blog, Im making a canvas bag and finding difficulties with the stitching over canvas and the zipper. What needle size and thread are you using ?
Michelle
Morning! Love your blog. Question about rooting clippings. What do I do if I am on vacation and not at home with rooting mixture, baggies, rooting soil, etc. Sometimes I see a beautiful plant just begging for me to take a snip. What do I do with the clipping then? Thank you. Marianne
Marianne, maybe wrap the stem in a wet paper towel or peat moss and bring it in a ziploc bag home. Although, technically you aren’t really supposed to bring plants across state lines. And you may get some questions from airport security. 😉
What color paint did you use on the kitchen cabinets in the Spring 2015 Do it yourself magazine.
Diane, they are Copen Blue by Sherwin Williams
In the Spring 2015 Do it yourself. we loved the kitchen. What color paints did you use on the cabinets that was on page 106?
The cabinets are Oxford White by Benjamin Moore and Copen Blue by Sherwin Williams
Hi Brittany and All,
I love this blog and the power it gives women to be able to do what they want because they can!
I am doing some research about powerful women such as all on this blog and would love it if I could use your voice to drive my research.
please email at [email protected] me if you would be interested in being a part of this online focus group or taking a quick survey.
Keep it up ladies!
I would like some advise on how to keep all the various tools in good working condition. Drills, hammers, ect. Both the hand tools and the electrical ones.
Hi, Brittany!
Just came across your blog today, and WOW! I love it!
Just wanted to let you know I’ve linked to your site from my blog, which is the link I’ve provided.
Cheers!
Thanks Jennifer.
this is awesome! are you still in no va? do you offer any in person classes? thanks! Roby
Roby, I live in Raleigh, NC. Sorry, no in person classes right now.
I just wanted to say your website is great, we just bought our first home a few months ago and there are many projects we have to undertake ourselves. Your tutorials are great! Keep it up!
Thank you. Glad I could inspire 😉
Hi there! I was just wondering if I could use your picture of the nickel and glass saucer light you said you bought off craigslist? I have the exact same one and want to sell it. You’re picture is better than the one I have of it sitting on the floor, lol.
Thanks!
Shy, sure 😉
Dear Brittany, Thank you for your reply, regarding contact paper. I wiped down the surface and made sure they were very dry and re-applied the contact paper and it sticks much better.
Sincerely yours
Karen from Califorina
YEAH!
Your blog was just what I needed when I went to replace of three of those ugly Hollywood light bars in our master bath with a set of much nicer lights. I was quickly able to remove the bars and then it was time for sanding and painting :). Great blog and good on you for helping to break down the stereotype that woman can’t use power tools!
This is awesome. I just stumbled upon your website and I love it. I am a single mom with no real support system, and too much pride to ask a neighbor for help. Can you give me some tips or ideas on if I can remove the “wall” above my kitchen cabinets? It is blocked off and I was wondering if I can cut that drywall out and open it up so I can put plants or collectibles up there ? (Aren’t most upper cabinets attached to the wall studs rather than ceiling joists?) Thanks!
Heather 🙂
Heather, do you mean the soffits? They are usually attached to the ceiling and the wall. The cabinets are usually attached to the wall. Read this post for more information about what’s in the soffits: https://prettyhandygirl.com/2012/11/how-to-remove-soffit.html
Looking for someone like you and/or an interior designer to work with in Raleigh area. Not interested in buying a lot new but more of tweak what I have and accent with new. Hard to find good help with my budget in mind! I am new to area so thought I might ask you.
Lisa, I have two good friends in the area that I can refer you to. I think I already emailed you privately (forgive my scatterbrain.) If not, email me back and I’ll hook you up ;-).
Brittany, am glad to hear everyone is okay. Praise God for watching over your family! and you are so right, material things can always be fixed or replaced, lives cannot! We thank God and we praise Him for bringing everyone safely through the storm. We serve an awesome God! Hang in there, the worst has passed!
What a fantastic concept for a website! Thank you so much for this. I love how you talk about “empowering” people, because that hits the issue right on the nose. I was never involved in my dad’s handywork and was expected to stay out of the way, even though he let my male cousin join in. Now I’m in my 30’s and I’m asking my boyfriend to hammer a nail into the wall to hang a picture because I can’t even do that myself. I want to shed the learned helplessness and be empowered to do these things on my own.
This is so awesome. You are my hero!
Betty, stick around for the ride! We’ll create the newest Handy Girl in no time!!!! Just remember 75% of it is a mindset. If you believe you can do it, you can. And you can’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them ;-).
Hello I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Google for something
else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for
a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added
in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent work.
Soooo glad to have found you. Love your blog and your tutorials. Thanks for sharing x
Thanks for your comment and for stopping by ;-).
Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one
and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks?
If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.
Audrey, welcome to the world of blogging. Spam in one of the negatives about blogging. I use two plug ins. The first is Akismet which catches most of the spam, but then you have to wade through it and delete it. This is where I like the plug in Block Top Spammers which allows you to block IP addresses. I wrote a little post about WP plugins I like here.
Hi,
Yes, they are bare and I put latex primer on the panels with a 2″ angled brush then took small paint roller and did the whole door, What type of paint should I use over the primer and do I need 2 coats of paint over the primer?
Thanks again.
Typically doors are a semi-gloss paint. I like the Benjamin Moore Impervo because it holds up to a lot of abuse. Also a good reason to paint two coats. Doors get a lot of dings, if there are two coats there is less chance it will show.
Hi, Just happened on this website trying to paint new solid panel interior doors. I primed them with a brush panels first but do I roll the whole thing with primer too or wait til they dry and just roll the paint on? Thank you.
Leta, I’m not sure I understand your question. Are the doors pre-primed or bare wood? If they are pre-primed then you don’t have to prime. If there is any bare wood exposed you will need to prime it or the paint will just soak into the wood.
I’m a single mother and have been living in my home for 20 years and fear has definitely held me back. My house is still the same as when I moved in 20 years ago and I’m sooooooo tired of asking my ex-husband for help. I just replaced my front entry door and it’s black. I love it, but it’s so nice it makes the rest of my house look very old and drab. I was thinking about painting my interior doors and trim black. Do you think that would be too much? Would it be better to paint them white? My glass door has white trim. I just finished painting my son’s room and it took me forever because I was so afraid it wouldn’t be perfect, but I got over it and went for it and it turned out great. Now I’m on a roll 🙂 and would like to take on another project. What do you think – black or white???
Sandra, I think you should paint it the color that you like. But, you can find lots of visual images to look at on Pinterest. Just search for black door and see what pops up ;-).
I have been divorced for about a year and was left with no tools. Can you recommend a list of must have tools and the order in which you would acquire them. Money is tight so learning to do most of the home improvements is pretty important to me.
I too have conquered replacing the entire working of the toilet and with that being done I am considering redoing my concrete slab flooring with bamboo plank flooring. Could you give me some advice, a list of tools, difficulty level and whether or not you think a first time woodworker could do this project.
Debbie, I’m sorry to hear about your divorce, but happy to hear that you are taking on your own projects! My post about the tools I own and what I recommend is in the My Toolbox tab above, or here: https://prettyhandygirl.com/my-toolbox
And regarding the flooring project, I say go for it! Ask around, do your research and make sure you have extra flooring. I haven’t installed floors over concrete yet.
Love your blog! It’s always fun to stumble upon another local blogger!
Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
OMGosh! Thank you soooo much for taking the time to blog the tutorials. It’s nice to be able to double-check that I’m doing a project correctly and/or learn how to do something I never DARED before. . . like beating up my furniture! LOVE IT!!!!
Now, to learn how to use a jig saw. . . . .
Tarja, you are so welcome.
Hi Brittany,
Fantastic Blog! I’ve been thinking about starting a blog myself with all the DIY stuff I do to help other women get over their fear of DIY. When you mentioned that the tools were your and you husband wasn’t allowed to use them I laughed out loud! That’s the same in my house. Guys will be like “hey nice table saw” and I’m like, “no, it’s MY table saw!!!” I grew up with a father who was very talented. He was a home builder, cabinet maker, sculpter, painter and musician…but he never taught us anything. He didn’t want anyone touching his tools. So I guess I inherited this desire to create, improve. Some people think I’m never happy, because I’m always looking for somehting new to do. I have the ability to see in my mind how something should be done. My next big project I want to do is to build a rather large hutch for my foyer with my Kreg Jig. My husband doesn’t want me to do it, he says he doesn’t have the skill. I told him that was fine, because I had confidence in mine! Maybe I’ll document the entire process and start my blog there – not that I have any idea how to start one, but it’s a thought. Thanks for the great job you do. I have done many of the projects you have done. I love the changing out the plug post. It’s amazing what a new plug can do for a room!!
Kathleen
Kathleen, so true on the plugs. Takes a room from the 70’s to 2012 in no time!
Hi Brittany,
I love your blog! You have such great ideas…you really are handy! : ) This may have been posted somewhere on your blog already, but I can’t seem to find it. Do you happen to know the name of the paint your home is painted? I love it… we have about 5 big swatches painted on our house right now and I just can’t decide! I would love to know what color yours is if you still have the name on hand. Thanks!!!
alli
Alli, I emailed you the color formula a while ago. Just following up to make sure you got it ;-).
Hi Brittany,
great blog! I need to create a display for my bottles of olive oils and balsamic vianegar in our new cage at the Borough Market (London) my idea is to have display which looks quite old in whiteish, could you suggest any materials, paint, technique please, is something that you could engange perhaps?
Thanks in advance for your valuable tips
Best
Danilo
Danilo, have you looked at my post where I whitewashed a yard sale chair? https://prettyhandygirl.com/2010/06/make-me-beautiful-painting-step.html
Hi Brittany…I am so glad I found your blog.. My husband and I are updating our living room. We removed old gold wall paper..eww…and painted the walls a pretty shade of blue. Our old, red brick fireplace needs some help..I think I am going to try your method..Looks like fun and inexpensive..I am kind of nervous, as he wanted to put granite down and around, and I am not a granite person, and the house isn’t a granite kind of abode..so, I am sort of in charge of this project. He is usually the leader, as he can to anything, plumbing, drywall, electrical..I am so blessed..We gutted our master bath last year and it’s amazing what that man of mine can do..so I will be referring back to your page, and will probably be throwing some questions at you…Has anyone done this with unpainted red bricks that you know of? Thanks so much..
Elizabeth, I say go for it! You will still need to clean the bricks with TSP and then prime them. I’m sorry for the late reply, hopefully you received my email a while ago.
Wow! I am so glad I found this blog. I am a wife and mother of two rambunctious boys. My husband and I just bought a new home, and I am so excited to finally try some do-it-yourself-projects of my own. I, like Brittany was raised that girls can do almost anything the boys can do and better. My husband thinks I’m nuts and I need this blog to “shut him up.” I can be a do-it-yourselfer! I look forward to this blog helping me create some beautiful projects…….Wish me luck, from your soon to be Texas Handy Girl.
Sanetra,
Welcome and so glad you found the blog. And so nice to meet another handy girl! 😉 You don’t need any luck, just the confidence. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Remember, “If a Human Being can do it, then there is a 95% chance you can do it too!”
I need to update/fix/paint my home so badly and have little fundage to so! I happened on your Kreg jig post and came to see what you’re all about. This blog is what I have needed for a long time because even though I am a visual/manual/handy person, I have been paralyzed by my perfection gene so rarely start. I’m going to buy a jig and try to just start doing something, anything. I have many of the tools you list because my folks left them to me, so why am I waiting?!