Perry's Creations

Bench completed!

2011-06-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

After a long process of painting, I finally was satisfied enough to hand it off to the client.

As you can see here, there are cabinet hinges for the flip up top. It almost came out perfect. I just need to remember next time to recess the hinges deeper so the top is completely flush.

Bench Frame Finished

2011-06-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

I added in a shelf on the right and left hand sides and the middle compartment will be storage.

Next step is to add the flip open top.

Bench Frame

2011-06-07T21:50:00.001-07:00

I used 3/4in MDF for the front and back and 1/2in MDF for the two sides. The sides are joined with the front/back using a dato joint.

Contract Job #2 - Bench

2011-05-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new bench project. I learned from the last time that I should buy the cushion first, and then tailor the bench to the store bought cushion. I finally decided on the World Market bench cushion due to price and availability.

I bought the white one.

Gift #1 - Picture Frame

2010-10-22T20:27:00.001-07:00

Done!

2010-09-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

I put the last bit of touch up paint. Another project done!

On the wall

2010-06-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is what it looks like on the wall... and now I think it needs something more...

Mantel color?

2010-06-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of prep work to get the mantle ready to be mounted on the wall and I've come to the point where I need to decide what color to make the mantel. I've been torn between going espresso like the rest of my furniture or white to match the trim. I think going white will actually look better in the room which means I spent good money on wood when I didn't need to.

Mantel wall guide

2010-04-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

Mantel Edges

2010-02-14T17:14:00.001-08:00

I bought myself some new router bits (yay for new toys... er... tools!). I'm using a 1/4 in round over bit for the edges so people won't get scraped up if they happen to bump into it.

Next up is installing a plate on the back so I can attach it to the wall.

Mantel

2010-01-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

Going to try to turn this slab of wood into a fireplace mantel.

Found out that my new car is way too small to haul around wood. DOH.

Site name changed!

2010-01-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

I have outgrown the original name of this blog "Empty House" and it no longer describes my place. So I'm searching for a new name and in the mean time it will just be Perry's Creations.

Chat bubbles in action...

2009-10-17T12:30:00.001-07:00

Contract Job #1 - Chat bubbles

2009-09-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

I was asked to make chat bubbles for the photo booth at DCJT's wedding so people could write things on them and take a picture. They will be painted with chalkboard paint ... hopefully I'll have some examples to post next week!

FAQ: Who are my favorite home improvement stars?

2009-07-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

People always ask me what shows/stars I watch to get my inspiration.
1. Norm Abram - New Yankee Workshop (PBS), This Old House (PBS)
2. Candice Olsen - Divine Design (HGTV)
3. David Bromstad - Color Splash (HGTV)
4. Mike Holmes - Holmes on Homes (HGTV)
5. Andrew Dan-Jumbo - While You Were Out (TLC)
6. Leslie Segrete - While You Were Out (TLC)
7. Dean Johnson - Hometime (PBS)
8. Jeff Lewis - Flipping Out (Bravo)
9. Barry Wood - Hidden Potential (HGTV)
10. Paige Rien - Hidden Potential (HGTV)
11. Kristan Cunningham - Design on a Dime (HGTV)
12. Taniya Nayak - Designed to Sell (HGTV)
13. Lisa LaPorta - Designed to Sell (HGTV)
14. Karen McAloon - Find Your Style (HGTV)

I'm sure I'm missing a lot. I'll add more when I remember

Bookcases installed

2009-07-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

I scaled this project back and didn't do the sliding artwork wall. I may decide to finish that at a later time. I want to build a facade for the top so the whole media alcove goes from floor to ceiling.

Desk complete

2009-07-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

Bookcase shelving

2009-07-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Did a lot of cutting and assembling the shelves and front facade. The shelves will only be for displaying items. I used 1/4 in mdf so it can only carry about 5 lb per shelf. I already have an idea of what will be going on it :)

Next I need to reinforce the facade that goes across the shelves and then put in a few more structural supports to keep it from twisting during transportation. After that, it will be ready for painting!

Bookcase frames

2009-06-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Clamping together the frame waiting for the glue to dry. I really need to get longer clamps.

Here are the two book case frames.

So next up is to put in the shelves and buy the sliding door hardware.

New plans for top half of my entertainment center

2009-06-02T22:31:00.001-07:00

Thought up of a new design for the top half of my entertainment center. The TV will be flanked by two 3-shelf bookcases and covered by a mid-split artwork screen. I want to put in a slide out TV tray so the TV can be seen while sitting at the dining table. I may forgo that idea and find a TV mount.

Desk - First coat of stain (again)

2009-05-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last year I had stained and put a coat of polyurethane on my desk. I didn't quite like how that turned out so I sanded it down and started over. I'll probably have to do another coat of stain to even out the color. This is turning into one of the longest projects to finish, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. Probably some of you might ask why I had to redo it, well it comes down to the fact that i'm a 1/4 perfectionist, 1/4 anal, 1/4 ocd, and 1/4 crazy.

Lazy butt finally has a cushion to sit on.

2009-05-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Almost a year later, I have finally turned that green foam into a cream colored cushion.

Summer is quickly approaching so I'll be working on making stuff again. I have a few ideas in my head and will draw up plans for them soon!

Desk - Keyboard drawer

2008-10-12T16:05:00.001-07:00

I spent this weekend working on the keyboard tray. The tray is made with MDF with the front pull down in walnut matching the rest of the frame. I used the euro under mount drawer rails and the euro hidden hinge. I also put in a cross beam to help keep the desk square. Next task is to sand everything down.

Desk - legs are done

2008-10-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Finally recovered from my injury and worked on my desk all Sunday afternoon. I spent way too long figuring out how to notch out the legs so I could get the a 1 inch overhang between the legs and the side of the desk.

Desk - Frame finished

2008-09-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

I'm off to a good start for the desk. I cut and assembled all the pieces that make up the frame. The empty slot is for the keyboard tray. I'll need to make another trip to the lumber store before I can move onto the next step of putting on the legs.