Launching Scrap Mills Signs & More

I’m excited to announce that my wife and I have launched a side gig called Scrap Mills Signs & More. We specialize in custom, hand-painted signs and some other small household items.

I started making little things around the house out of necessity when my wife wanted something out of a catalog or Pinterest. I’d just say, “Oh I can make that.” It was really just an attempt to appease her but soon she came to collect.

After the first few projects I realized it was something I really enjoyed. And she approved.

With her support and encouragement we decided to share some of the things we’ve done so far with others.

I’ve been amazed at the great readers I’ve received from my site. Half of the support from anyone here would be more than I could ask for.

Please visit our site and share it with others. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Thank you for all your support! It doesn’t go unnoticed!

-Tyler

Working on Something . . .

I took this picture after I accidentally cut right threw the cord on my saw. It took some patience but I was able to wire it back together. It still works like new today. I love this picture because what had the potential to totally stop my in my tracks turned into something that looked amazing. It was a quick moment and a good lesson to learn. The reason the continue working is because that’s your quickest route to success.

I haven’t been posting much recently but I have a good reason, not just because I’ve been lazy.

I’ve been working on something pretty big and will ready to announce it this Saturday.

 

My DIY Farmhouse Table [4×4 Truss Beam]

I have been wanting to make my own dining room table for years now. I’ve loved the big tables and was not going to drop $3K for one from Restoration Hardware. I’d looked at several plans but just never could find the time to get started. One day, out of the blue, my brother-in-law called me up and said he had 15 4×4 beams that were in a toss pile of a factory. He pulled them out and asked if I’d like them. I said sure and immediately started looking for a build plan using 4x4s. 

That’s when I found this plan by Ana White on Shanty 2 Chic for a 4×4 Truss Beam table. I ran through the plans and was surprised at the detailed instructions they provided. I decided to give it a try.

It took much longer than I had anticipated, mostly because I made several errors along the way. Thankfully I had enough wood to make up for any mistakes. But after a few weeks it came together and what started out as a Christmas present for my wife was finally finished right before Valentine’s Day.

Here’s a few tips I’d give to anyone attempting to build a table like this:

• Buy a Kreg Pocket Jig and start using it now – This little tool was instrumental in making this table and I’ve used it for several other projects. Play around with it on some scrap pieces of wood and get a good feel for it.
• Get some extras – Whether you’re a newbie or a weathered expert, mistakes are going to happen. Make sure you have at least some extra wood before you begin. This way you won’t have to stop in the middle of a project to make a run for more lumber. Whatever you don’t use will be there for your next project. I had so much extra I decided to make matching benches for the table. I also got these plans from Shanty 2 Chic as well.
• Make the time –  The hardest part about this project for me was the time. We have two boys (two and three) so any time I planned to work on the table had to coordinate with my wife’s plans. This worked out well as she wanted to table done as badly as I did (probably more).

I was excited to finally have the table completed and ready to use.

Here’s the Christmas present I did get finished on time.

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Working On More Than Just Words

I’d like to think of myself as being creative. There’s only one problem with that. You can get bored. Sometimes I get bored working withing the confines of one thing. I like to try a bunch of different things. So even though I haven’t made a post here in a few days, I’m not disappointed. Not if I can show something as a result of the time I’ve missed here. With that said, here’s a look at what I’ve been up to lately.

My youngest son turned two yesterday. We are having his party on Saturday. I’ve made a few things for his birthday, including his invitation. I’ve been playing around with a few other wood plank items to make. I’ve been pretty happy with how they’ve turned out.

I made this Aldo Leopold bench for my front porch. After already making a simple bench for my back patio, I wanted to make a larger bench for my front porch. This one was super simple and looks great now decorated with pumpkins and mums.

Whenever my hands get idle, they do things like this. Whether I’m in a meeting, put on hold, or just generally not paying attention, I’ll start drawing. I’ve always liked to draw. Not in the struggling artist with a sketchpad type of way, just a simple past time. Here’s a few recent doodles.

Creativity has to be fed. I get a lot from music. A few years ago I created a playlist called “Thinking” because those songs get the gears turning in my head. I’ve been listening to this song, pretty much on constant repeat. It’s amazing. Look it up and give it a listen.

So that’s what I’ve been up to. If I’m not blogging I try to make sure I’m still doing something constructive. Creativity isn’t limited by one medium. If you feel like all you are is good at photography, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. Try creating something different and you’ll be surprised at the process as much as the product.

Just Added

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gtylermills

 

Last week I posted that I’d created a store on Etsy. I’ve added a few items including these small wooden items. I’ve been making mostly large wall hangings, but I tried making a few smaller ones and really like the way they turned out. They are great to fill out a small space on a wall or stand them up and add some personalization to a desk or table top. I added some hooks on one and have a cool place to keep our keys. Check them out if you get a chance. I’ll be making a few more soon.

I’m on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gtylermills

Throughout my time with this blog I’ve posted several projects I’ve done and things I’ve built. I made them mostly out of necessicity to decorate our home in our own unique way. In doing this I’ve made a few things that garnered some interest so I decided I’d make a little store to show some of my work. I’ve got the first item posted with more on the way. Click here to check out my shop. Here’s a preview:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gtylermills

Check it out if you have a chance. Let me know if you like what you see so far. Thanks!

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