Today we kick of our series of guest posts for our “Fearless” series that Christy wrote about HERE. As she said, we constantly hear from friends (and I know even I feel this way at times) that they are “afraid” to take on a home project because they don’t know how… or they might mess up… or that its just too overwhelming.

Well, probably the first guest that came to our minds for this series was Cristina from Remodelando la Casa.

Cristina

We are in awe of her fabulous home projects, and definitely think she embodies the “Fearless” DIY’er. She is here today sharing about her projects–and being a girl using power tools!

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Hi Magnolia Lane! Most of the time the mere words “power tools” makes us think of big, burlier guys doing heavy jobs with them– or at least of something that is mostly used by men.

I used to rely on my husband to do most of the repairs around the house, like changing light fixtures or repairing leaky faucets.  But when I asked him about building a simple shelf, installing crown molding or wall frames there was no answer and he didn’t do it!

I wasn’t raised watching power tools in action. I never used them until I noticed my home was looking outdated (like about three years ago),  it was then that I decided to take the task of home improvement into my own hands, beginning by giving those somewhat intimidating tools a try.

I began using his tools and to my amazement I began buying more myself.  With them, I finished many small projects around the house, and I loved the feeling of empowerment that it gave me! I didn’t have to wait! I didn’t need help! I could do it myself … and it was so much fun!

My biggest project so far has been my kitchen.

With the kitchen, I was afraid I was going to take a bigger bite than I could possibly chew.  That is where all those little projects I’ve done helped me realize that yes, it was something I could accomplish.

Like the first task in the kitchen: Building and attaching a shelf to the island, but with the proper tool it was quite easy.

I was ready to continue and  I was not afraid to go on building a fridge enclosure or my own range hood.

I had never installed a backsplash or set tiles before but again, with the right tools that job was not that hard to complete.

Now I know that I can do most of the things I want to if you give me the right power tools!

I have continued updating my home, taking my time to learn, trying to get a new tool with each project, because I treat them like investment pieces that get paid for through doing the job.  I also recently updated my Laundry room, where I had to put many of my tools at good use.

My latest “investment” has been buying a router, a tool I needed to complete a small bathroom makeover project. Here I am trying it out! As with any new tool, the excitement is enormous! Reading the instructions, being safe, and just putting it into action are the sure ways to go.

But the most important thing after safety I would say is …practice, practice, and more practice! Some power tools are surprisingly similar to things you use in the kitchen. That’s why I think any woman can handle them!

I am by far not an expert and I have a long road to keep on learning but in my opinion I like to leave you with the five most important power tools that every woman needs to do home improvements on her own.

• Power Drill.   You use it to install curtain hardware, to change door knobs, and in general the possibilities are endless– you must have at least one!
• Power Sander.  Us women like to finish furniture pieces and working with this power tool will shorten your work.
• Compound Miter Saw.  If you have follow me, you know I love moldings. Having a miter saw is just part of working with molding.  It is also good for cutting narrow pieces of wood and very easy to handle.
• Power Nailer.  Talking about moldings, have you try to install them without having a power nailer? Just with simple nails and a hammer?  I tried once and  I couldn’t complete that task. A power nailer makes that job super easy.
• Power Stapler.  Again, we love decorating our homes and yes, we can see ourselves working on upholstery projects, right?  This is the tool for that!

You can begin building your own set of tools, and at the same time you’ll begin building the confidence that you can tackle any home improvement because you have the right tool.

Not so fearless,

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OK, we think she is pretty fearless. Thank you so much Cristina for stopping by Magnolia Lane today–and for all your inspiration. Make sure to visit her at Remodelando la Casa and see more of her amazing projects.