Learning DIY, Sunday, 15th June at 1pm, location to be determined
How do men learn DIY? Most learn from other men: their fathers, uncles, brothers, friends, or apprentiships. Nowadays, they learn from Youtube. I was asked some time ago to start an event to teach DIY, and, so, here it is.
What are my qualifications? I was a mechancial designer in my twenties designing high vacuum chambers. Here in my older years, for the past decade, I have been working as an self-employed trader doing professional house painting, DIY, handyman work, gardening, and whatnot. I am the 1% of women whom work in a man's field.
How are we going to work these training/teaching events? Below in the comments, for those of you whom have small house projects that you have been wanting done, but didn't know how to do it; were reticent to take it on; too expensive to pay a tradesmen; or just have been meaning to do it and never got it done; list your small project in the comments below. We are here to help. I shall pick one project per event, and coordinate with the flat tenants or home owner about their project. Most of these events will be on Sundays.
For those of you whom want to learn how to do DIY, just click 'Attend'. You may participate, or just watch and learn. For all of you, this is a come and participate at your own risk.
For the home owner, what to expect: everything is free, but you must buy your own materials; expect 2 to 6 women in your flat or house. The only cost when it comes to homeowners/tenants is to provide teas, coffees, and biscuits (no alcohol) to our members. Try to pick a project that can be done in two hours: shelves, mirrors, curtains, painting small areas (doors, door frames, ceilings, one wall, etc), garden beds, simple upholstery, simple plumbing, flat-pack furniture, laying carpet. What we won't do? No moving bookcases or anything too heavy; no electricals. I will access on the day if we can do the job, but even with accessing, members can learn: how to access a project or job.
What can you learn to do? How to use an electrical drill, sander or other electrical builder's equipment. The different types of wall plugs and how to install them to hang mirrors, shelves, and pictures. Types of tools and how to use them. Building techniques. Precautions to use. How to level and hang curtains. How to hang blinds. How to buy and lay carpets. How to plaster (small areas). How to paint. How to change a washer to stop a leaky tap. How to calculate the volume of paint to buy to paint a room. How to assemble flat-pack furniture. Loads and loads of things to learn.
It is an unusual event, but lets see how it goes. We'll meet in town and then go as a group to the householders/tenants house.
Where:
Costa Coffee
193 Western Road, Brighton, GB BN1 2BA
Costas located in Churchill Square. Look for the sign on the table saying 'Meetup'.
Phone or text me on 0777 847 6884. -- Lynne
