October 2023

October 2023 Blog Topic: Share your favorite DIY Home Improvement or decorating project that you want to do or have done.

By Jamie Allen Bishop with Jamie Allen Bishop Coaching

In 1996, I was newly married, working full-time, and married to a golfer. For folks who know golf, there is a common and aptly created title used when referencing the spouses of those prone to chase around a tiny ball on a field of green known as a “Golf Widow.” Our household was no exception. He was gone from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm almost every day of the week. Which is why I had plenty of time on my hands to experience several DIY Projects. My favorite was a popular (at the time) furniture paint creation that reminded me of Mary Englebreit’s artwork, colorful patterns with lots of whimsy.

I found a 1970s solid wood side table at a garage sale and proceeded to invest my time, effort, and energy into making a magical piece of artwork… er, I mean furniture. I sanded down all the surfaces until the varnish was removed. I primed the piece and then lightly sanded down any paint strokes that might show through the final paint job. I mapped out the patterns and proceeded to paint with intense precision at least three layers of paint… sanding each layer between to remove any obvious paint strokes. A mere 100 hours of labor later, I produced a piece unlike any other.

I took pride in the work. I loved the whimsical nature of the project, and I was impressed with the dedication I had to the project. When a work colleague of mine offered me a handsome dollar amount for the piece, I gladly accepted… certain I was getting an amazing deal. After all, I only paid $10 for the piece. Right!? But as I handed it over, I calculated my hourly rate at less than $2.00 an hour and my heart sank.

Still, I know it ended up in the home of someone who loved it, and that’s what matters.