This post is a tutorial detailing several different methods for hanging a cabinet using a French cleat. The French cleat system creates a strong, stable connection between two interlocking cleats ..read more

Getting perfect seams when installing any moulding can be a challenge.  Walls and ceilings are frequently out of square, and then there are vaulted ceilings.  Don’t even get me started! Sometimes, even if you’re using my awesome crown molding templates, you still end up with imperfect corners.  Not to worry, it’s so easy to fix gaps in crown ... Read More about How to Fix Gaps in Crown Molding with Spackle ..read more

I often install beadboard to the sides of built-in cabinets in addition to using it as a decorative element on walls and ceilings. The most cost effective beadboard material I have found is 4×8 paneling sheets found at most home improvement stores. If 8′ isn’t tall enough, you have to install multiple pieces and the ... Read More about How to hide seams in Beadboard ..read more

I previously demonstrated how to remove baseboards without damaging your walls or trim using a handful of tools. The task is pretty easy either way but using the Trim Puller has proven to be the easiest and fastest way to remove baseboards without damaging drywall. Baseboard Removal using many tools The old way requires the use ... Read More about Remove Baseboard with the Trim Puller The post Remove Baseboard with the Trim Puller appeared first on Sawdust Girl ..read more

Since my last update, I have worked every single day except one (to give my back a break) to get this place as ready as possible before we had to move in. I feel like I’ve been training for a marathon for the last three months. (What I imagine that would be like anyway.) Last ... Read More about March 2023 Lodge Update- Moved in The post March 2023 Lodge Update- Moved in appeared first on Sawdust Girl ..read more

Over the last two years, my plans for this property have evolved at least a dozen times. I stopped telling y’all, “Here’s the new plan” after around the third iteration. I decided it would be better to move forward with whatever work I could accomplish until the storm that kept tossing my life in different ... Read More about January 2023 Lodge Update The post January 2023 Lodge Update appeared first on Sawdust Girl ..read more

One skill required in renovating is choreography. Organizing the completion of multiple projects in phases so I can order labor and products at the right time, keeps me on my toes! I have to create a weekly “to-do list” to stay on track of what absolutely needs to get finished before the next “Sub” appointment ... Read More about Lodge Update – Floors, Cabinets, Countertops, and Appliances The post Lodge Update – Floors, Cabinets, Countertops, and Appliances appeared first on Sawdust Girl ..read more

The Lodge is an odd sort of building requiring me to bend my usual design/style preferences in order to work WITH the building. I’m using a mixture of finishes for the cabinetry, but the main exposed material is African Mahogany. This may be a great surprise for those that have always been bothered by my ... Read More about Lodge Kitchen Cabinet Progress The post Lodge Kitchen Cabinet Progress appeared first on Sawdust Girl ..read more

Have you ever played Mad Gab? We love it!  I couldn’t find Halloween Mad Gab anywhere so I made my own. We played it at Madison’s 5th grade class Halloween party and it was a big hit!  I played it with some girlfriends and we had a blast too.  So it’s great for all ages.  If ... Read More about Halloween Mad Gab – Halloween Party Ideas The post Halloween Mad Gab – Halloween Party Ideas appeared first on Sawdust Girl ..read more

Applying concrete to my kitchen walls to create a unique backsplash is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve tackled in the Lodge so far. The process doesn’t require a lot of physical exertion and you see the fruits of your labor fairly quickly. With practice, one could start and complete concrete wall project in ... Read More about Concrete Backsplash or Vertical Wall Treatment The post Concrete Backsplash or Vertical Wall Treatment appeared first on Sawdust Girl ..read more