I have embarked on a serious diy project. Kerry Sister has come over for a few days to assist me.
We are planning to put up shelving in the kitchen and the living room and to build a cupboard in the hall. Once we have that done we may start ripping out the kitchen.
Good planning, a realistic budget and no fear of hard work is the key to successful diy. KS is already filling and sanding and doing other things while I am sitting up in bed listening to a religious programme on R4 and contemplating.
Sadly I can't take any time off work during this diy project but I am making sure that I pull my weight. On Friday morning we visited a timber yard near to where I used to work. KS and the man in the mill had a long and animated conversation about mdf and offcuts while I had a little wander round.
When we came out KS said:
"I would die of happiness if there was a place like that near where I live!"
"Hmm, we tried to have it closed down when I worked here."
After work we went to Ikea. We arrived at the store at 6.30 p.m. and when we left at 9.15 p.m. I had purchased 12 candles, two light bulbs and one bathroom mirror. KS had worked out how to build a cupboard using an Ikea shelving unit as a carcass.
Yesterday KS did a lot more sawing and measuring and priming. My contribution was going with her to Wickes where she sent me off to various places to find things - she had forgotten her glasses - and made me pay for them. (I think she may have made up the names of some of the things - an auger drill bit?)
When we got home we both went outside as it was a beautiful day and KS painted shelves while I made helpful suggestions and looked at the Guardian.
Unfortunately today I have to go to a tea party so will have to leave her to her own devices.
I like the sound of your sister, very useful person to know!
I'm wondering which timber yard you nearly had closed down..... I love a good timber yard myself.
I love these guys: http://dwgeneralwood.co.uk/contact-us/
They cut timber to any size, machine holes and mouldings for you, and do small general public orders as well as for bigger companies/professional projects, so don't be put off by the website looking quite trade only.
I have a similar IKEA shelf ad rail system in my kitchen, and wonder just what percent of UK kitchens do too. I love seeing all my cooking implements lined up and pans hanging. Oh the small pleasures.......
Posted by: Lou-EB | June 01, 2009 at 12:19 PM
I could do with a sister like that.
Come to think of it, any kind of sister.
Posted by: fifi | June 03, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Kerry Sister is very useful - even if she does start work at 7 in the morning!
The timber yard we have been using is Whitten's in Peckham - we didn't really want to close just move it so that Peckham Library could be built. It is a really excellent place and they charge £6 for a delivery which is great value.
Fifi I have 4 sisters - maybe we could come to some kind of arrangement?
Posted by: ganching | June 06, 2009 at 07:49 AM