Look What I Built!

It's pretty much done. A couple little details to take care of, but my months of hard work have paid off. I designed and built this for my ex (and still friend) and his partner. They paid me handsomely-- otherwise, I wouldn't have done it. I charged less than a professional carpenter would have, but still a pretty penny.

My inspiration was the stacked-stone fireplace, which led me to a craftsman style look. Everything is oak, stained with a red oak stain. The finish is a hand-rubbed satin polyurethane. The only part I didn't build from scratch was the base cabinets, which I bought from Home Depot. The rest I did all by myself. It really was fun, and I learned a lot as I went through the process.

Note that the countertops are tiled with a combination of beige travertine (2 inch) and slate (1 inch). I used leftover slate tiles as accents (you can see them throughout. I also installed small lights on either side, ran an extension cord through the inside of the bookcase, and plugged them into a switched outlet.

It's cool, isn't it?

Now I can relax on the weekends!

Favorite Things Friday.

I enjoy my gay hobbies-- theatre, music, sewing, sex -- as much as the next 'mo, but when I want to really create something I can be proud of, I turn to power tools.

I love to build things. And I have several tools that I love to use. My Makita 18v cordless drill / screwdriver is a dream. My inexpensive Pro-Tech 10-inch compound miter saw is one of my most oft-used reliables. My Ryobi table saw is also great to have.

But it's my Porter-Cable compressor/nailer kit that gets me hard. Oh, it's amazing. There are three different nailer guns that can be used with it, so I can shoot everything from staples to 2-1/2 inch finishing nails.

I've been using all my tools lately in the construction of a wall unit for some friends. It's a mantle, fireplace surround, cabinets and bookshelves, with the entire wall clad in oak. It's all built around a stacked-stone fireplace, so I'm going with a sort of craftsman / arts and crafts / mission style. When it's finished, I'll take pictures and post them here.

I feel so butch right now. I think I'll go have a cigarette and think about Jessica Alba.

Or about sewing clothes for Jessica Alba.

Or about Paul Walker, who starred in "Into the Blue" with Jessica Alba.