Compass Greater NY, LLC
Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES, Compass Greater NY, LLCPhone: (917) 623-0624
Email: [email protected]

A beginner's guide to DIYs with wood

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 09/25/2022

If you’re getting started with crafting projects, DIY projects with wood are an excellent place to start. Many woodworking projects only need basic tools and inexpensive materials, like scrap or reclaimed wood, to make unique decorative pieces and more. Here are some tips and ideas for your next DIY woodworking project to help you get inspired:

Before you begin

Familiarize yourself with tools

For most woodworking projects, you’ll need one or more common power tools. These tools include electric sanders, jigsaws, reciprocating saws, routers and jigs. Tools depend on the individual needs of the project, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with how to use the tools at your disposal. Practice with them on scrap wood before diving into a project.

Safety first

Even when not working with power tools, you should protect yourself with the proper safety equipment. Consider safety gloves and eye protection. If you’re working with wood stains and chemicals, stay in a well-ventilated area.

Ideas for basic woodworking DIYs

DIY Mirror frame

If you have a clip mirror in the bathroom, you can easily give it some rustic style with a DIY wooden frame. To build, cut and sand four pieces of wood to the dimensions of your mirror. Sand and finish to your liking, either leaving the wood grain visible or adding a splash of colorful paint.

DIY Drawer organizer

Add some order to your drawers by building your own DIY wooden organizers. The key to this project is measuring carefully to make sure each compartment is useful for fitting the contents of the drawer. All you need to build is several cuts of wood, about one inch thick. With careful measurement, you don’t need to glue or nail to the inside of the drawer; instead, you can fit each piece snugly into place.

These are only a few suggestions for beginner DIY wood projects. Keep these options in mind the next time you want to build your own unique decor.

About the Author
Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.