Parenting is crazy. Renovating is chaotic. Woodworking is messy. Put all three together and welcome to my world!
My name is Georgie. I’m an amazingly proud Mama to two cheeky munchkins, Noah and Isla. We’re Yorkshire Born and Bred and damn proud of it. I am also a property developer and prefer to do as much work myself as possible. Renovating isn’t just my profession but my passion, taking an unloved, unwanted building and making it a beautiful, interesting, appealing home fills my heart with joy. To top it off, in the little free time I have I build furniture, fixtures and fittings along with other woodworking projects and crafts. So yes, crazy, messy chaos.
I created this blog to share some of my projects and experiences with others to try and encourage them to take a chance and try something new. A lot of projects are easier than people think and are so gratifying to complete. Granted having the right tools make these jobs easier, but even with the most simple tools and basic knowledge, there are incredible results to be had. Along with my own projects, I will be reviewing tools and materials that I have used, sharing tips and tricks I have learnt along the way and talking about being a single parent and all the joys and difficulties that brings.
I stared renovating properties while at university studying Early Childhood Studies. I have always loved taking care of children from a young age and thought that was the direction my life would take, but after buying and doing up a house while there, I was completely and utterly enthralled with renovating. By the time it was finished I was already researching building my dream home and attending Homebuilding and Renovating shows across the country. That’s when I started buying tools, and oh my goodness, they became my guilty pleasure. Other people I knew were saving to buy a designer bag or new game console, I was saving for my first impact driver and compound mitre saw. Instead of treating myself to chocolate at the shop, I buy new drill bits. I know; strange! The more renovating I do, the more I learn and the deeper in love I fall.
Renovation is even how I met the father of my children. He was hired to retile the roofs on the outbuildings at my house and we fell in love as we worked together. Shortly after, Noah surprised us and a couple of years later, Isla followed. Unfortunately, my relationship with their dad didn’t last but they are my world, sun, moon and stars. They have building in their blood. It was a running joke in my family that they were the only babies we knew that slept better while power tools were being used than when it’s quiet. Even now, at 19 months, a guaranteed way to get Isla to nap is to put her in a sling and do some building or woodwork. They’re my little work buddies. Both of them love being involved and helping me, and by “helping” I mean usually make a job take 5 times longer than it should but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Seeing their little faces full of pride and joy when we complete a task together makes my heart glow. At 3 ½ Noah has progressed to having his own set of tools and I’m teaching him how to use them safely. He amazes me with his enthusiasm and energy. Isla loves to be in charge of the pencils so most of my projects have her mark on them to.
Building furniture was a natural progression for me. I really enjoy the joinery side of renovating; wood is so tactile and pleasant to work with. I’ve built cabinets, doors, wardrobes, shelves, kitchens and summerhouses. I even built 120x200cm solid wood door while 8 months pregnant with Noah. By no means am I an expert, I have so much to learn and relish trying new tricks and techniques. Every project I learn something new. I try to start them knowing I’m likely going to make a mistake or realise an easier way I could have done something once finished. Everything is a learning opportunity. And it’s so much fun!
I hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as I am enjoying writing it. Welcome to our lives!
