Introducing the DIY Diva

Well, my adventures in the DIY world began long ago; Most likely while I was still in the womb! My parents have been DIY experts practically their entire lives - growing up poor and in large families really helped them out with that. They taught me long ago that just because you don't have as much money as your friends doesn't mean you can't have nice things. They taught me how to take what I have, add a little creativity and elbow grease and make it wonderful! With their guidance, I have taken on many DIY projects over the years. Everything from decorating and making doll houses & clothes, to helping my dad weld together a one-of-a-kind steel loft for my dorm room, to building walls, installing electricity & plumbing, refinishing furniture, etc... Not to mention all the projects involved in my job as an event designer!

After dating for 8 years, my husband, Jordan, and I had a Christmas wedding December 2009 (tons of DIY projects there!).  Jordan is an accountant and does a really great job of keeping me from going too far over budget on my projects. He is also a realist. When I see that awesome fainting couch at the flea market and plan to take it home for some TLC, he points out that it is mustard yellow, smells funky, has a missing leg and will probably sit for months in the shed (next to the broken end table I bought and intended to refinish last summer). If is wasn't for Jordan, I would probably be completely overwhelmed with my incomplete good intentions.

Jordan is also becoming a talented craftsman. He has done really well with shelves, shadow boxes & picture frames, chair rail/molding/window casings, and many more things. I think he improves drastically with every project. Thanks to my dad, he has also learned electrical, plumbing, some basic construction and even some car maintenance!

Madison, our little golden retriever/sharpai mix loves to get in on the action. When she hears a saw kick on, she comes running to see what project we are working on. She always admires our finished product by circling it a few times and giving sniffs of appreciation. She has been immersed in the DIY adventures since she was a few weeks old. As she approaches 10 years old, I think she considers herself an expert. She even has her own doggie tool belt - very handy to send small, light-weight tools back and forth to one another!

We enjoy working together to see what we can come up with. Together, we make a lean, mean, DIY team!

Christy & Jordan

Madison

Some Wedding DIY

I made our Invitations and Programs (my mom and sister helped me assemble them) 

Our DIY candy station - scoops from Ace, ribbons from Hobby Lobby and jars from flea markets, yard sales and craigslist.

My M-I-L made the mini cupcake brownies

A friend made our gorgeous cake, and two of my best friends helped her re-assemble it after tragedy struck! They hid it well with holly that was growing outside of the wedding venue!