Project Suds - DIY Wall Framing

The sud shack / wash house / whatever you want to call it is finally becoming a structure. Well, maybe calling it a structure is a little premature, but it's getting there. We put some walls up and that's got to count for something structure-ish, right?

So we started by framing out one wall and adding the studs. Now, normal stud spacing is 16" which is what we did in the studio, but for this "shack" we went with 24" spacing for purposes that will be highlighted later on...way later because every step we take comes with some kind of delay.

Once our wall was built we brought it over then lifted it into place. We screwed the wall down to the floor but having only one wall isn't very stable. To secure the wall until we could get the next one up we used a 45. This was just a temporary support, and it wasn't windy so just the one side was fine.

Then, it was a process of repeat, repeat, repeat. We would build another wall and then put that up securing the walls together and to the floor. 

We only built three walls, because the fourth wall will actually be two big doors that cover the length of the wall completely. This front wall of doors, haha, will also be the wall with extra height so the roof slopes to the back. 

We started by building the wall height up, then supporting that with studs. 

The doors will be larger than normal but we didn't want the doors reaching the ceiling. Plus, the wall needed some vertical support to hold the weight of the doors and the roof. We could have used some 45's but we went with squares so we could use the openings as windows. 

With our fourth wall framed we called it a day. The forecast showed ten consecutive days of heat and sun with no rain in sight, but we have been down that road before and have long since given up on trusting the weatherman. So, we put down a tarp. 

Keep it green, clean, and classy.

-Shalimar

Homestead Life - Farmily Pictures

Hey y'all just posting a few pictures of our fur and feather family. With all the construction going on to establish our home on the homestead we haven't had as much quality time with our farmily as we would like. 

Pete Pete and Mr. Bill have been enjoying the summer heat. They currently have access to a creek that they retreat to most days. If not the reprieve of the creek then they are out chasing around the chickens and showing those chicas who's boss. Well, the younger chicks anyway. Our alpha hens, Blackie and Ole Red, show those ducks that their bills don't compete with beaks, haha. Love'em! 

Those lovely ladies getting a bite to eat are my alphas. They don't mind our dachshund mix, Sir Beckendorff. 

However, sometimes Miss Blackie will get jealous of the attention he gets and want in my lap. If I rub the back of her neck she will just go to sleep:) if I'm in the rocking chair then I can rock her to sleep:) Blackie is a dominique chicken. The Dominique breed has been known for their eggs and meat, but I'm impressed with their docile nature. On a homestead volume isn't a concern, which is a good thing because this lady can holler. 

What fur and feather post would be complete without Bella. She is the newest member of the farmily and her child like energy and curiosity demand much of my attention. 

Till next time I leave you with this...

While waiting for the water to heat up for a shower, collect the water for plants. In average cases this could be two gallons... That's per shower, per person, everyday! Adds up. Alright y'all keep it green, clean, and classy.

-Shalimar 

Taking in a Waistband with Darts

So, we head out to our homestead wearing almost like "homestead uniform" ...aka the same clothes because I use natural detergent and it's great for the environment but it isn't kicking any stain butt... (my Mr. Constantly wearing his too big shorts)... 

As far as butts go my Mr.'s was hanging out. I got tired of seeing his plumber crack so here's a tutorial of the process of covering that crack:).

 

So I'm sure you have hear "baby got back" that is not my Mr. he is more like "baby is flat" so I put a dart above each cheek. 

Grab some pins.

Pinning the left side first. 

Then folding the shorts and lining the right dart with the left. 

Pull the elastic taught and pin in place.

Head to the sewing machine and stitch over the pin. 

If you pin the garment with the point forward then you can zig zag stitch right up to the pin head so the elastic stays tight. 

Till next time, you know the drill...keep it green, clean, and classy.

-Shalimar

Project Sud Shack Sub-floor

Finalizing the floor with its sub-floor that will actually play the part of floor too. 

The day started with the drive out to the homestead in the ol' work truck, loaded down with the makings of our own personal lumber yard. Plus, my leather ottomon for lunch breaks and possibly a nap! Not for me:( but maybe our darling Bella; As her hooves prevent her from being any actual help In The building process. 

Back to the floor. This part was super easy, just lay it down and screw it in. Next up, you could caulk the connecting seam and while at it use the caulk to fill in the screw heads before you paint....or after like me:) this project has been quite draining if I'm being honest. We have worked on larger and more complicated builds (um, the studio) but we weren't battling Texas summer heat. That makes a huge difference in how productive we are. 

This is just el cheap, some basic painters caulk, it's good for interior or exterior. 

This would be a how not to do something photo. The smaller you cut your caulking opening the more precision you will have. Clearly, this is not about precision, just filling holes.

Ok, so there the sud shack is in all is sub floored glory.

Here's a pic of the driveway gate's wheel. Which I have posted on here about before, but we have had more time to use it and since we loved it so much...we doubled our pleasure, doubled our fun, and doubled up on gate wheels. 

-Shalimar

Project Homestead - Sud Shack /Wash House

Ok back to the sud shack/ wash house. The project started with the frame work for the floor. We built the frame first to use as a guide for our support post. Both my Mr. and myself are fans of pier and beam foundations..that's what we used for our studio. There are both advantages and disadvantages (more pros than cons) to going with pier and beam but for us the answer was obvious. So, on ward to the foundation. 

Once, we had our lovely frame we put it on the ground and moved it around until we both agreed on the perfect spot...we do a lot of our decision making on the fly:) this particular spot was chosen for the shade tree and it's close proximity to the studio.

Small beginnings, this project started as a pile of lumber..and a Yeti  full of drinks and lunch:) 

Now, fast forward past the hours of digging. We have our post holes dug, then posted, level of course, and finally have the frame attached to the post. Stud boards running the width of the sud shack are supported with smaller pieces running the length. This will eventually house our washer, dryer (that is only used in emergencies or hazardous weather), and a three piece bathroom so the floor needed to be supported all over. No creaks for this floor. 

Its 6' x 8'3" and originally the design was 6 x 8 but the extra three inches turned out to be a miracle. Some mistakes are like that, just an unplanned miracle. 

Till next time keep it green, clean, and classy.

-Shalimar