Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Woman Cave face lift adding Insulation, Air conditioning and hiding particle board using Decoupage


Hubby last month asked me to look at some computers at our local electronics store.  He suggested buying me a new computer for our anniversary.  My reply "If you want to spend that kind of money I would rather have insulation and an air conditioner for the woman cave"  With the SC heat any kind of painting is miserable at times .  Hubby did not bat an eye and said "OK".

Here are some befores:


Just exposed beams, and a make shift work area and old table.  A lot of clutter.  This space gets hot humid and working in here was not fun.

Phase one getting the air conditioner installed .  We did put a little more money on one.  We wanted a energy saver setting with thermostat so it does not run all the time.
Then the insulation went up.  This makes this now condition storage as well. 



76 degrees is much nicer than 96......

Now that the cave is finished somewhat....Lets go in....

For cutting cost and making the walls more versatile Hubby installed particle board.  I hate the way it looks but love the cost and durability.  I decided to decoupauge the walls.  I had and still have some of a 1943 Refrigeration Manual from the US Commercial Trades Institute.  


I also had and still have some of a vintage tool ID guide. I splashed it around to break up the back ground...and think the out come was pretty cool.   Buying modge podge for this project was going to get expensive.  I instead bought a gallon of Elmer's Glue all from Lowe's and diluted it 2 to 1 with water. Two parts glue to one part water.  I needed it a little thicker for walls.  Mental note: Check your OCD at the door, You are going to have wrinkles...if you plan on finishing this project in this decade...  



Here is biggest space saving purchase I made.  

 A blue print file.  I picked it up at Goodwill for only 65 bucks.  It had two drawers that were bent and hard to open and shut.  This was really not a problem I removed the two drawers and have deeper storage for power tools and sanding supplies.  The second drawers is actually empty and I think I will line it with 2x4's and use it as an extra work surface.  I do not have to worry about pulling this thing over it weighs a ton.  We used a hydraulic jack with wheels to shift it to put in the walls.  It has eliminated all the bins and smaller drawers that were stashed about.  And everything is visible.  I may be able to find something now.  

The second space saver was a rolling industrial tool bench.  It was Free.  

Hubby did put a nice top on it and then decided he did not want to use it in his shop so of course I did not hesitate when he offered it.  It has great storage on the bottom and a durable top.  I still need to clean it.
Now that this area is air conditioned and I can now paint in here the paint was moved in.  I kept the old mail cubby that was once over my work table.   I took the front trim off and make the access larger and paint can fit nicely. I still need to label the colors in each cubby.  I also brought the storage I had in the craft room inside for small samples and mis-tints These work great on frames and smaller projects.  The red Husky tool box is on an old record storage rack and it rolls.  I have large pans and rollers in there now.   





The tree tiered storage is actually two pie pans and the base of a serving piece, all painted hammered black.  One plate was broken on it however it up cycled nicely....I sat it on a lazy Susan and it holds wax and stains.





I tried to take a eclectic perspective on storage .  An old grab rake now holds paint brushes....


Large Picture easels are used to hold frames and neat panels...


I found these neat beam hooks so this old light fixture hangs nicely..

Another larger grab rake head holds old tools and a measuring stick...

Yard sale task lighting that is very industrial and effective on the work bench with the box from an old hand made tool box keep the bench tidy..

Everything is back in ...and I still have floor room.  This is now a work shop you want to hang out in....and oh...I do pick up Wi Fi out here so..  I can Youtube how to videos while I Play work.



 Oh yea the somewhat finished ....refers to the roof has not been all decoupaged...Vertigo and looking at a ceiling do not go well...so I am currently bribing the younger son to help..He is 6'2"



I am so glad that you stopped by.  If any one wants me I will be at the cave.....
Sheryl

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34 comments:

  1. Your space is just wonderful, and I can imagine what a difference insulation and the air-conditioner make. We live in the hot AZ desert. My hubby really needs an air-conditioner for his shop, but at least it's insulated.

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    1. oh yes...maybe you can hit some end of the season deals...I am so excited...I no longer have to time working in the shop with the weather...Thank you so much for stopping by....

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  2. I love all your creative ways to store things! Paintbrushes on a rack? Perfect!! LOVE the walls too! So unique!

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    1. Thank you lady...poverty makes one think outside the box...I am so glad that you stopped by. Take care!

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  3. sheryl kinda like moving uptown haha your cave is wonderful i am so jealous xx

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and I like the up town comparison...Thank you ....

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  4. I love your woman cave! I just bought a new to me house that has a single car garage that will be my woman cave, I'm excited after seeing what you've done!

    Tania

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    1. I am so excited for you ..Make sure you share all the clever ideas that you come up with....Thank you for stopping by!

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  5. Oh, the projects I could tackle in that space! ~May

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    1. Thank you for stopping by...and I can spend hours in that little space now...YOu have a good one May...

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  6. Thank you for sharing your renovated "cave" space with Make It Monday. First I am so envious of the blueprints cabinet. Great storage ideas in every photo. Now get to painting, Sheryl!

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    1. Donna I am so excited to be linking up with ya...and thank you for the lovely comment...and I am on it..paint brushes are on stand by and ready to go!!!!

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  7. Replies
    1. You are right...and that is where you will find me most of the time...

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  8. Yay for you! What a wonderful space to work...errr...play...

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    1. THank you for stopping by...I am off to .....work....

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  9. What a fun workspace! I love all of the creative storage solutions you've come up with. Thanks so much for sharing at the Make it Monday Party!

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    1. Thank you for hosting the link party...and thank you for the wonderful comments...Sheryl

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  10. What a wonderful work space. Lots of clever ideas! Thanks for linking up to Make It Monday, our new link party!

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    1. Thank you guys for hosting..and for the lovely comment.....Sheryl

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  11. Sheryl this is fantastic. So many good ideas for storage! I just have to pin this!

    Val @ artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

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    1. Thank you lady....so glad that you were inspired by the quirky storage ...You have a good one....Sheryl

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  12. Your certainly did yourself proud. What a fabulous area to able to create in, loved you storage ideas. Love the architectural cabinet....envy going on here. Just to let you know you are featured today at Sunday's Best. Please come join the party again!

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    1. oh my I am honored!!! Thank you .....I love your link up so many talented peoples put there...

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  13. WOW - the BEST workshop. Love what you've created. Everything has a place and can be seen. Congratulations on choosing the best birthday present (which lead to the greatest workshop. Visiting from My 1929 Charmer. Great ideas for storage. Pinning.
    Joy

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    1. Joy thank you for stopping by and I am sorry that I am late on thanking you for the lovely comments. I hope you and MR. Charmer are doing well! Sheryl

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  14. Niiiicccceee! I love it! Perfect! If that were mine I would be in there 24/7!

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    1. oh I try!! THank you ! So glad that you stopped by. YOu have a good one!

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    1. Oh Thank you .....so glad that you stopped by. Sheryl

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  16. The ideas for storage are just great! Thank you for the inspiration! Cheers!

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    1. So glad that you stopped by....The storage for this building was a lot of fun....and ever changing...You have a good day!

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