I am not a very crafty person. Oh, sure, throw a pipe cleaner or some googly eyes my way, and I could probably slap together something cute and silly.
But when it comes to sturdy, functional projects — things that require a power tool and safety goggles — forget it. I couldn't tell you the difference between a Phillips and a flathead if my life depended on it.
That's why I was so inspired when I came across April Wilkerson, a crafter and blogger who doesn't shy away phrases like "requires assembly."
But April doesn't waste her time putting together bookshelves or bed frames; she's busy building them herself — from scratch!
And when I saw what she built in this amazing tutorial, I was floored. I would love to have something like this for my front porch, wouldn't you?
Let us know what you think in the comments below — and please SHARE if you respect women who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and do it themselves!
Despite never receiving any professional training, April Wilkerson of Forth Worth, TX, is one lady who certainly knows her way around a workbench!
Everything she's learned about carpentry, power tools, and construction, she's learned through hands-on experimentation.
That's how she came to learn how to build something very special — and very in-demand by all her friends and family: a porch swing.
She's built so many of these for loved ones, she has the process down pat. She even has wooden templates that she uses to trace around!
But despite building nearly seven swings over the past few years, April has never enjoyed her very own product; her own front porch is, sadly, totally devoid of one of her beautiful swings.
That's what inspired April to finally throw on her safety goggles, grab some lumber, and get to work on a swing all her own!
But since she knows all the ins and outs of this process, she's decided to add a few custom features to her swing.
Looking at her fine craftsmanship (or is it craftwomanship?), it's hard to believe that April never took a single woodworking or shop class.
Now, after a few years of teaching herself everything, if April wants a new piece of furniture, she doesn't need to spend big bucks or go without.
She can simply build it herself!
But, admittedly, April hasn't been totally alone in her construction adventure.
Her hubby, Cody, is also quite the handyman, and he's helped her learn a few tricks along the way.
The two enjoy building and living life with their little family of rescue animals.
When April isn't building beautiful custom-made swings, she works full-time in the oil and gas industry.
But the second she gets home from work, her imagination starts churning up new projects to plan and build — like her lovely swings.
Here's an example of one of the stunning swings she made for her parents. This one was customized with their names.
And here is the finished product for her very own porch! Isn't it beautiful?
What do you think of April's handywork? Let us know below!
Please SHARE if you'd love this on your front porch!
