Build to Made - DIY from a Dad

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Build to Made - DIY from a Dad

I’m a dad who builds! Experiments. Makes mistakes. And learns. Storytelling with failed jokes.

11/04/2024

We turned a corner of our yard into a special place for Monarch butterflies! This project took a few months, and we started it to remember loved ones who have passed away.

At first, we didn’t know much about creating a butterfly sanctuary, but we decided to give it a try. We planted milkweed plants for the butterflies, and recently we got to see caterpillars change into butterflies!

We even built a small cage to protect them while their wings got strong enough to fly. By spring, we hope to add more plants that provide nectar, use safe practices, and avoid pesticides to make the area even better for them.

This has been a big learning experience, but the best part has been working with my son, unlocking core memories that we’ll always have. Now, he’s excited to plan other gardens too!

Thank you for following along - we’ll keep you updated!

04/06/2024

Confession: I will binge a god-awful Netflix series, albeit half asleep. But sometimes, you discover a rabbit hole: the origins of DIY. Turns out, it was sold as "productive leisure" in the 1800's, thanks to overpopulation. Homemade toys boomed! The Depression and WWII pushed self-reliance. But it was the '50s and '60s, fueled by TV, that amped up the DIY craze. And get this... dads were guilt-tripped into fixing fences instead of hitting the pub to spend more time at home. Crazy, right? Anyway, Happy DIY day (or week)!

04/05/2024

Ever heard of "leafing out"? It's like spring for leaves, kind of like branching out. My kid battled fevers for five days straight (he's ok now). Life's definitely throwing him curveballs - new sibling, changes in class, friends graduating, more rules. Takes the fun out of things, right? So, we hit the park to boost his spirits, rediscover adventure, and ditch the rules. Sure, projects took a hit, but for my kids, I'd do anything to see them happy.

03/16/2024

An Ash tree variety with leaves sprouting in the spring and turning yellow during fall.

03/15/2024

George Washington was a big fan of the Eastern Redbud. He wrote about it – his walks near a river, and encountering “a great abundance of the red-bud of all sizes."

03/14/2024

My mom first introduced me to the Eastern Redbud. The branches are irregular and crown-like. For most of the year, the tree is filled with heart shaped leaves.

03/12/2024

I often mistake a Chinese Fringe Tree for a Dogwood. But the two are distinctly different. I then remember the cluster of flowers on a fringe tree are slender and curl instead of a clover shape.

03/11/2024

How insane is this? The trunk of an American Sycamore is very profound, exfoliating in patches, and can grow 15 feet in diameter. When identifying this tree, look for broad star-shaped leaves.

03/07/2024

Met an Eastern Redbud on my walk. Check out the close-up: a dramatic bloom typical of April. This year, spring arrived early in zone 9.

03/06/2024

Just went on a suburban nature walk; spring is blooming in zone 9. What zone are you in?

Picture 2: Sprouting of American Sycamore leaves. Brown in fall.
Picture 3: Chionanthus retusus (Chinese fringe tree). Spring bloom.

02/17/2024

Dear baby girl,

Let me introduce you to dad’s (mis)adventures, etched into the permanency of the internet. It’s both embarrassing and enlightening.

Upon moving into our current home, Dad ambitiously planned a sporadically used bookshelf, a mission to transform his “skinny fat dad bod,” and convincing Mom to forgo furniture purchases so he could embark on months (or years) of construction attempts. Unfortunately, you’ll be sharing space with your brother, necessitating an adjustment for him - but we’ll make room!

Dad did manage to build a few things and solve some problems, possibly even uncovering the wasps’ secret hideout from last year. Like Grandpa, he enjoys frequenting the hardware store and lingering in the garage. Despite his peculiar cleaning habits, Mom persuaded him to hire a maid so that projects can finally get finished. Time will tell.

Look hun, there are countless life lessons woven into these tales, but the takeaway is to never lose your sense of curiosity. Because you will discover the possiblities when you understand something more so than the impossible.

Love,
Dad

01/27/2024

Feeling a tad more on top of the world than yesterday. For those following along: I’ve been dedicating what feels like ages to build this nifty mobile storage cart. Among the myriad of online plans, I went rogue, customizing this creation with just 10 trusty studs (2x4’s) at $27. No frills - just screws, wood, and glue. It can handle my dad bod weight. But can it pull off the Herculean feat of bearing 4 times that? Brace yourselves, we’re pushing the limits tomorrow with a whopping 600lbs! Tune in for the suspense and a dash of drama.

p.s. this is embarrassing, my fly is down 🙈.

01/18/2024

Hey, guess what? Another trip around the sun, and I’m feeling pretty good!

The best life advice I ever got: smile more. Life’s been crazy busy lately (endless projects, weather delays, baby on the way), but you know what? A smile can do wonders – it lifts others up and, surprise, makes you feel better too. I’m still figuring out this whole life thing, but having awesome people like you around makes it a lot cooler. Throw a smile 🙂 out there, brighten someone’s day!

Cheers!

Address

Houston, TX

Website

http://buildtomade.com/shed-plans-23, http://buildtomade.com/

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