Tonja Nichols Ray

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and ambiance of a crackling wood fire on a chilly night. The gentle sounds of the burning logs, the dancing flames casting a cozy glow – it’s an experience that brings unmatched comfort and joy to a home. Building and maintaining a proper fire in your wood burning stove … Read more

Building custom wood shutters for your home is an extremely rewarding DIY project that can save you thousands of dollars compared to purchasing prefabricated shutters. By constructing the shutters yourself, you gain complete control over the design to craft an exterior accent that perfectly complements your home’s architectural style and enhances its curb appeal. One … Read more

Heating with a wood stove offers several benefits over traditional heating systems. Not only is it a cost-effective way to warm your home, but it also provides a cozy ambiance that radiates warmth and comfort. The gentle crackling of the fire and the dancing flames create a calming atmosphere, perfect for those chilly evenings. Building … Read more

A wood kiln is an enclosed, insulated chamber used for drying and curing lumber by controlling temperature, humidity, and airflow. Unlike air drying which can take months or years, kiln drying accelerates the process to just days or weeks. This rapid drying reduces defects like warping, checking, and case hardening. The kiln works by circulating … Read more

Faux wood beams are decorative, non-structural beams designed to mimic the look of real wood ceiling or support beams. They provide an easy and affordable way to add architectural interest, character, and dimension to any room. While real wood beams can be costly and require professional installation, faux beams offer a DIY-friendly alternative that allows … Read more

Building your own wood-burning stove is an incredibly rewarding DIY project that offers numerous benefits. Not only can you save a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a pre-made unit, but you also gain the satisfaction of constructing something with your own hands. Additionally, a homemade wood stove allows you to customize the design … Read more

Building your own wood stove offers several compelling advantages over purchasing a pre-made model. Firstly, constructing a DIY wood stove can lead to substantial cost savings, as you’ll only need to pay for raw materials like steel, firebrick, and insulation. This can be a fraction of the cost of a factory-built stove, making it an … Read more

There’s something undeniably charming about a well-crafted wooden bench adorning your outdoor living space. Whether nestled in a cozy garden nook, gracing a sun-drenched patio, or providing a welcoming respite on your front porch, a handmade wooden bench adds warmth, character, and a touch of rustic elegance to any setting. Building your wooden bench is … Read more

As artists, we pour our hearts into each canvas, but over time, our styles and interests evolve. Inevitably, we’re left with a stockpile of old paintings that no longer resonate with us or align with our current artistic vision. These forgotten artworks gather dust in the corners of our studios, taking up precious space and … Read more

There’s an undeniable allure to vintage windows that modern vinyl replacements simply can’t replicate. Those aged glass panes and weathered wood frames carry a sense of history and character that lends incredible charm to any space. Perhaps it’s the subtle imperfections that hint at the window’s story – the nicks, scratches, and layers of old … Read more