Stella Arina

Wood fill is one of the most talked about methods for filling seams between boards on a flat surface. And while I usually reach for wood fill, I’m finding that it cracks rather quickly 🫠 There is natural expansion and contraction with wood, especially as seasons change and the temperature inside your home fluctuates—even with MDF. I’ve recently been seeing other DIYers using Bondo to repair and patch their wood projects. So, when we noticed a crack in the board and batten I recently installed, I was ready to give it a try! While Bondo is probably best known for its use as an auto body filler, it has developed into a lot of different products over the years. To patch this crack, I used their “All Purpose” but they also have one designed specifically for wood fill. But how does it work?… Bondo is a two part system ✌🏼 It is a polyester resin product that when mixed with a catalyst (an organic peroxide), turns into a putty-like filler that then chemically cures. You have just a few minutes to apply it before it turns rock hard. From there, you can sand it down and prime/paint! It is important to note that using Bondo requires taking additional safety measures and I suggest using PPE! Have you used Bondo as a wood fill? What’s your experience? 👉🏼 Let me know in the comments! ••• #boardandbatten #woodworking #trimwork #patchwork

Wood fill is one of the most talked about methods for filling seams between boards on a flat surface. And while I usually reach for wood fill, I’m finding that it cracks rather quickly 🫠 There is natural expansion and contraction with wood, especially as seasons change and the temperature inside your home fluctuates—even with MDF. I’ve recently been seeing other DIYers using Bondo to repair and patch their wood projects. So, when we noticed a crack in the board and batten I recently installed, I was ready to give it a try! While Bondo is probably best known for its use as an auto body filler, it has developed into a lot of different products over the years. To patch this crack, I used their “All Purpose” but they also have one designed specifically for wood fill. But how does it work?… Bondo is a two part system ✌🏼 It is a polyester resin product that when mixed with a catalyst (an organic peroxide), turns into a putty-like filler that then chemically cures. You have just a few minutes to apply it before it turns rock hard. From there, you can sand it down and prime/paint! It is important to note that using Bondo requires taking additional safety measures and I suggest using PPE! Have you used Bondo as a wood fill? What’s your experience? 👉🏼 Let me know in the comments! ••• #boardandbatten #woodworking #trimwork #patchwork

Picture this… 👀 Before you even leave your car full of groceries, you unlock your front door from your phone. No need to juggle keys and bags. You walk up to your porch and easily open your front door. Better yet? It locks itself behind you! 🤯 (#ad) This isn’t just a lock, it’s complete security. @meetlockly offers: UNIQUE WAYS TO ACCESS The technology packed into this lock is insane—whether you want to use your fingerprint, enter a customized pin, or open the door from your phone, there are a handful of different ways to securely gain access. BUILT-IN VIDEO DOORBELL Visually access your porch at anytime with the built-in video and audio. Whether someone rings the doorbell or you’re checking on the package that was just delivered—it’s got you covered! PROGRAMMABLE AUTO-LOCKING This is Ryan’s favorite feature! He locks every door behind him, so now we both have peace of mind that our door is always locked and I wont have a problem getting back in. PROTECTION OF WHAT MATTERS With young kids, we are always concerned that they’ll get out of the house without us knowing. Now, I’m alerted every time the door is unlocked, as well as whenever someone enters from outside. Comment “SMART” and I’ll send you the link to this Amazon Prime Day Deal 🙌🏼 ••• #lockly #locklysecurepro #amazon #amazonprime #primeday #primedaydeals #smartlock

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to ditch plastic! It’s not only bad for the environment, but buying bottled water also adds up. @waterdropfilter has even more benefits than you may think… (#ad) 💧IMPROVED TASTE It effectively reduces PFAS, PFOA/PFOS, lead, chlorine, heavy metals, chemical iṁpurity, sediment and other large particles—it ensures the water is not only safe, but also tastes amazing! 🚰 ENHANCED FILTRATION This system provides 20 times dirt adhesion, enhancing filtration capability while minimizing the risk of clogging! 🛠️ QUICK & EASY INSTALL You’re only minutes away from cleaner water. And if you’re intimidated by plumbing projects, don’t! The WaterDrop system has innovative push-to-connect fittings and the twist-and-lock design. 📆 LONG SERVICE LIFE This has a service life up to 16,000 gallons, or up to 24 months. Think of all the savings! This Prime Day, elevate your water experience with @waterdropfilter ’s top-notch water filtration systems! Perfect for a healthier lifestyle and eco-friendly living. Enjoy huge savings of up to 24% on this Waterdrop Under Sink Water Filter. Head over to my bio for a limited-time code! Comment “FILTER” and I’ll send you the link and discount to this Amazon Prime Day Deal, so you can start drinking cleaner water today 🙌🏼 ••• #waterdropfilter #primedaydeal #amazon #amazonprime #amazonhome #shop

If you need a boot rack, look no further… ✨ SAVE FOR WHEN YOU’RE READY TO BUILD ✨ I used a 1x4 select pine board for these boot racks, but polar is another great option! I allowed 1-3/4” to 2” from the edge of the board to the center mark of the first/last dowel. Here is how I made the different racks: ADULT BOOT RACK: Board Length: 30 inches Length of Dowels: 8 inches Distance Between Dowels: 3-1/4 inches Number of Dowels: 9 KIDS BOOT RACK Board Length: 23 inches Length of Dowels: 5 inches Distance Between Dowels: 2-1/2 inches Number of Dowels: 9 When I say distance between dowels, I mean the distance between the center of each dowel, as that is how they are measured. You can make your racks as short or as long as you’d like, but I find these distances between boots worked best 🙌🏼 For the stain, I mixed @minwax special walnut and antique white in a 4:1 ratio, then top coated with a polyurethane. If you need boots to fill your rack, you’re in luck because I found a bunch on sale—comment “BOOTS” and I’ll send you the link! Do you have a mudroom or place to drop your dirty boots? Let me know if you build one of these—I’d love to see it! 🤩

This integrated dust collection system has been a game changer for my workspace and I know it will be for you too! Comment “DUST” in the comments and I’ll send you the link to my “Phase 2” build plan 📝 Follow along, because I’ll also be sharing the hosing set-up, my dust separator and vacuum, as well as my click and connect hoses! If you have a friend that needs this, send it to them or tag them below! 😉 ••• #dustcollection #woodworking #buildplans #workbench #sawdust #howto #tutorial #diy #part1

If dust is an issue in your workshop, I’ve got you 🙌🏼 This dust collection system has significantly reduced the amount of dust floating around, which is a huge win when your workshop also doubles as your garage! ✨Comment “DUST” for a link to the plans✨ One of my favorite features? The automatic vacuum switch! 🤩 when a tool is turned on, the switch automatically powers on the vacuum (and therefore, suction) a few seconds later. And when your tool is turned off? The vacuum runs a few seconds longer! Join me in stories this week where I’ll be sharing all the details of the dust collection build. ••• #workbench #diyworkshop #woodworking #workbenchbuild #doityourself #garagewoodshop

I used three different hoses for the three different outputs because, well, they have three different purposes 🤩 Most notably, I used two different “click & connect” systems for the miter saw and the extra hose. I needed the miter saw hose to be more rigid, whereas I needed the extra hose to be more flexible. These hoses, as well as the primary dust collection structure, are all included in detail in the Phase 2 Build Plans 🙌🏼 Comment “DUST” and I’ll send the link to your inbox! ✨ In order to receive messages from me, you have t0 be following me and have messages turned on ✨ In Part 3, I’ll be sharing the dust separator and vacuum I’m using and how I have everything powered! ••• #dustcollection #workbench #workbenchbuild #howto #tutorial #help #woodworking #sawdust #buildplans #workshop #garagewoodshop #diy #etsyshop

Raise of hands… were you expecting me to paint the cabinets?! 🤭 We’re in WEEK TWO of the @oneroomchallenge in partnership with @apartmenttherapy 🙌🏼 Progress has been slow—even a little delayed—because I’ve been sick. But, I’ve narrowed down the color for the space to two colors! 💚 I LOVED the cabinet color options, but when I learned @thertastore had unfinished cabinets, I was excited to DIY them one step further. So, help me decide… “Card Room Green” by @farrowandball — or — “Vintage Vogue” by @benjaminmoore Let me know if your team light or dark green in the comments! 🫶🏼 If my immune system cooperates, we’ll get going on flooring and painting the walls this next week. ••• #oneroomchallenge #orcat #thertastorepartner #laundryroom #renovation #cabinet #paintcolors

My TOP TIPS for a flawless BOARD & BATTEN: 👉🏼 REMOVE THE BASEBOARDS for a more elevated, intentional design… you’ll thank me later! My trim puller allows you to remove baseboards without any damage. This step costs about the same and adds only a fraction more time. You can find my trim puller and all the other tools for this project in my LTK. Comment “LINK” and I’ll send it to your inbox. 👉🏼 Use HARDBOARD for your “board”. It’s inexpensive, easy to install and creates a super smooth finish behind the board and batten. Just make sure to install the brad nails around the perimeter so they won’t be visible after the battens are installed. 👉🏼 CAULK CAREFULLY around hardboard. Because it’s so smooth, it’s not forgiving and any imperfections will be noticeable. Work slowly and cautiously to make sure caulk lines are all smoothed out. 👉🏼 Use QUALITY PRIMER & PAINT for a durable finish, like my personal fav @benjaminmoore Advance Paint. Use a satin finish for feature walls like this that are in a high traffic area for easy cleaning! Have you installed board and batten? Would you attempt this DIY? Let me know—and drop any questions you may have—in the comments! 🫶🏼 ••• I picked up all the materials for this project at @loweshomeimprovement 💙 ••• #boardandbatten #walltreatment #wainscoting #diy #homeimprovement #howto #tutorial #beforeandafter

Stairs are DONE! What do you think?! 🤩 Week 🖐🏼 of the @oneroomchallenge in partnership with @apartmenttherapy was a busy one! We were without steps into the house for over a week—with my Nana coming to visit this week, getting them done was a priority. So I worked all day yesterday to finish up the stairs. I got these red oak treads and risers from @loweshomeimprovement 🙌🏼 I wasn’t crazy about the pinkish undertones, but after some trial and error, I landed on a stain combo I think really compliments the space and brings out the beauty of the wood. What do you think? What’s your fav stain combo? 🤔 ••• #orcat #oneroomchallenge #laundry #laundryroom #renovation #stairs #diy #minwax #lowespartner