Against The Grain

Eager to try your hand at a DIY project? You might want to think again

- Melissa Sobey

Tired of consistently making good choices? Want to be a little reckless with your sanity and test your will to live? Tired of starting DIY projects that seem simple and straightforward but quickly turn into a personal hell? I rid myself of both DIY desire and sanity in a few short months—and you can, too! Here’s how.

Purchase an antique “farmhouse” hutch for a good price, or so you think. What a steal! Be absurdly, blissfully happy about it. It’s really heavy, so you tell yourself that they don’t make ’em like this anymore! If anyone around you is skeptical, tell them, too. You can easily fool yourself into thinking that stripping off the black paint won’t be so bad, even when that nagging buyer’s remorse creeps in and you experience some anxiety-inducing déja vu. You’ve been here before. You’ve done so many weekend projects! Be overconfident: This is key. Dream about working at it over several weekends; the learning process will be fun and the results rewarding. Cue the creepy music.