True Value's DIY True Stories Contest - Dish Out Your Worst and Become a DIY Star!

STORIES

I'd love a chance to become famous!  How about you? Well, let me share some exciting news with you about True Value!  They recently launched the "DIY True Stories" Contest<http://www.facebook.com/TrueValue?sk=app_240597572632386> on their Facebook page! This contest gives determined DIYers the chance to tackle a home improvement project that they did not have the money or tools to do so. From now until August 22, people will be able to dish out their DIY dilemmas and the three who plead the best case will win staring rolls in their own DIY web series and $2,500 towards product at True Value.

Contestants will be able to enter by first "liking" True Value's Facebook page and then sharing a project idea via photos or a video submission. The three winners will then start recording their project's progress from start to finish in a five-part web series that will be featured on True Value's Facebook page. They will also receive $2,500 to put towards their project, along with in-person consultation with a "Master of All Things Hardwarian" at their local True Value store.

Do you have an outrageous, shocking or just plain overdue home improvement project on hand? Don't be shy. Remember my embarrassing bathroom makeover when I entered a True Value DIY Dilemma a few years ago?  I needed a little extra cash or help getting it done. I didn't win but you don't have a chance if you don't enter!  True Value is asking ambitious DIYers to tell all for a chance to win $2,500 to complete their project, receive expert advice to help them get the job done right and the opportunity to star in their very own DIY web series on Facebook! I know if I had the opportunity to give that a shot, I would reveal my worst DIY nightmare again! 

From July 7 to August 15, DIYers looking to get their hands dirty will have the chance to submit their wildest home improvement nightmare. To enter, you'll have to first "like" True Value's Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/TrueValue> page, then share your project idea, what you need to get the job done and what you would do if you won. It's as easy that that!  "DIY True Stories" can be submitted by crafting a brief project description and uploading photos or submitting a video featuring the DIYer and the potential DIY project. 

Then on August 29 when True Value will announce three winners! Each winner will receive an in-person consultation with a "Master of All Things Hardwarian," or True Value employee, at their local True Value store and $2,500 to help them get the job done. They'll then chronicle their project's progress in a five part web series that will be featured on True Value's Facebook page and savor the spotlight as DIY reality stars.Enter for a chance at DIY stardom by visiting www.facebook.com/TrueValue<http://www.facebook.com/TrueValue and clicking on the "DIY True Stories Contest" tab. Don't wait! Share your wild DIY secrets today!  Let me know if you do it - I'd love to pop over and see DIY Show Off readers participating in this fun event and even win!  

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I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

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DIY Show & Tell

Hello DIY readers! I have a few highlights and announcements I can't wait to share with you today!  There are so many fun things going on! 

• The DIY Club - quick before/after freshen up existing decor
• Announcing the 2011 True Value Blog Squad!
• DIY Project Parade Highlights
• Giveaway Alert at the DIY Club for $50 blog design credit 

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I'm sharing a quick easy way I took a dark monogram and gave it a fresh new look for the kitchen makeover using left over Dutch Boy and Dischanger (also featuring Rockler) at the DIY Club today. 

Yes! This is a sneak peek of the kitchen, although just a temporary placement.
Update:  Bamboo floor is scheduled to arrive within the week!  Can't wait!

Before

More details at 

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Announcing the 2011

“Veteran” Blog Squad Members

·         Katie with All Bower Power: http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/

·         Josh with Bungalow 23: http://bungalow23.com

·         Kate with Centsational Girl: http://www.centsationalgirl.com/

·         Brian & Paul with Handyguys Podcast: www.handyguyspodcast.com

·         Layla & Kevin with Lettered Cottage: www.theletteredcottage.net

·         Roeshel with The DIY Show Off: http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/

·         Sarah with ThriftyDecorChick: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/

“New” Blog Squad Members

·         Bruno with ManMade DIY: http://manmadediy.com/

·         Taylor with Mary Janes and Galoshes: http://www.maryjanesandgaloshes.com/

·         Marian with Miss Mustard Seed: http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/

My name is there too!  Listed as a 'veteran'! I'm honored to be included! Woo hoo! You may already follow a few of those mentioned ~ I invite you to check out the ones you're not familiar with as well.  Make a new friend or two!  I look forward to working beside these talented DIY'ers and seeing what their up to this year! Welcome to the new team members! Hello to my fellow veterans!  Knowing this bunch, there will be some amazing and creative projects coming up!

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Don't miss the updates!

Follow along!  (http://www.facebook.com/TrueValue) 

(http://twitter.com/truevalue)

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The DIY Project Parade is going on all week!  Here are just a few of the projects that inspire my creativity. They are ALL worth checking out. Thank you so much for joining in and sharing your DIY ideas!

  

  

  

  

  

Find the images shown above listed below for the original link.

Have you shared your latest DIY project?  Link up here:  http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-project-parade-and-grape-arbor.htmlOr browse the thumbnail images below to spark your imagination and creativity and get started on your own DIY project (then come back and share!)...

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And finally, the TGIF giveaway at the DIY Club is now an all month long event. May ends soon!  Summer is the perfect time to give your blog a little custom update.  I love my new custom social media buttons! Aren't they adorable?  

Marcia from Measured by the Heart is ready to give your blog a mini makeover to one lucky DIY Club follower!  Enter today for a chance to win at  

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Happy Wednesday!

Do you have some good news to share? 
Have a DIY project you'd like to show off?
Fill out the submission form ~ let's see what you've been up to!

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

We've lived with our outdated kitchen for 3 years since we purchased our home and the time has come for some updating. First thing on our list was painting our cabinets. This is how we did it and we love the new updated look. We're still deciding if we'll distress or glaze to fit the style for this farmhouse but here is how we got this far.

Notes before you begin: This is a very time consuming DIY project.  It took us a two month time frame of working weekends, an occasional evening and free time.

Materials:
Primer
Paint - We used Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo Paint (it's like an enamel coating - love it).
Optional:  Rockler paint sprayer
Paint brush - We use Purdy paintbrushes.
Sand paper - We used our Dremel Mult-Max

These were our cabinets when we moved in...orange-tone red oak with brass handles.

1. Remove hardware and doors. Our hinges are hidden so they were left in place and I painted around them.  Note:  cracks where cabinets meet each other or meet wall are hidden and unseen when cabinets are darker.  When going with white, take the time to fill and sand the cracks with a sandable/paintable/flexible caulk.

2. Label each door with tape (keep this with the door at all times).

3. Put hardware, hinges and screws into individual baggies and keep close to each area. We taped them inside cabinets and drawers.

4. We sanded the cabinet bases and each door. The Dremel Multi-Max is perfect for reaching grooves and hard to reach places.

5. Clean doors removing dirt and sawdust. We also stuffed newspaper into the big hinge holes to prevent paint from pooling/dripping inside.

6. Prepare your paint area. We had two areas prepped. One for spraying and one for brushing paint techniques. You'll want to tape around the cabinet bases where they meet the walls, floor and ceiling.  Note for removing tape after - run an Xacto blade where the tape meets the cabinet before removing tape so you don't pull paint off of the cabinets.  Also - I lay out newspaper to throw wet removed tape onto, it makes throwing it away a lot less sticky and messy.

7. We used a paint sprayer for applying the primer. It did an amazing job for coverage. Practice first to get the technique down as well as getting the air out of the line. We had to water down the primer. Surprisingly, we used much less than anticipated. Cleaning the sprayer is super easy - just run water through the line and nozzle until clear. For the spraying, we did two coats of primer on half of the doors. Let dry. Flip and repeat. Then moved those doors to another area and set them on paint cans to keep them raised and sprayed the other half twice and flipped and did two coats of primer on the other side. *Wear safety gear including a respirator and safety glasses.

If using a paint sprayer - practice before doing this project.  It's very tricky to get the correct consistency (thinning the paint) and learning how to achieve an even coat.  We had to re-sand and start over. Unless you're familiar with a paint sprayer, I'd suggest using a brush.  

8. For the actual paint, I tried both a foam roller and Purdy paint brush for the first coat. I preferred using the brush.  I liked the way it reached all areas thoroughly and since we wanted to see the wood grain, I was able to apply the paint with the direction of the grain.

Benjamin Moore's Satin Impervo is thick.  It dries to an enamel-like finish.  Spills wipe off with a dry towel easily!  It's also self-leveling and a great choice (worth the extra $) for it's durability.

Tip:  Using a screwdriver and hammer, poke small holes around the lip of the can.  It'll act as a drain for paint that collects there and make life much easier when the lid goes back on easily and isn't "glued" with paint when it dries.

9. We allowed at least a few days between each coat of paint.

10. Once dry, reattach doors and hardware. You'll be happy that doors were marked and hardware is located at each cupboard/drawer after the length of time that has passed.So much fresher. We're both pleasantly surprised with how much of a difference it makes in giving our kitchen a more classic look.

New color is actually not white but gray. It's Benjamin Moore's Moonshine. (I'm not sure why that day says is was mixed 9 years ago!)

I'm happy to answer any questions about our experience.  Just email me at thediyshowoff@gmail.com

SEE MORE BEFORE/AFTER AND IN PROGRESS PICTURES OF OUR KITCHEN AT
http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2011/03/guess-why-im-so-excited.html