Home DIYs for Busy Women

How My Fixer Upper House Fixed Me

Episode 15: How My Fixer Upper House Fixed Me There have been times I have been completely overwhelmed by our fixer upper house. But when I look back on everything we've built and everything I've learned about myself along the way I am truly grateful. In this episode I'm getting personal. I'm sharing the real story behind our 2022 home purchase, what that first walkthrough actually felt like, and how taking on the challenge of a fixer upper ended up teaching me so much more than just DIY skills. Because somewhere in the middle of the chaos of our 2024 basement renovation — the dust, the sleepless nights, the spinning thoughts — I was forced to finally address something I had been quietly carrying for years. And getting that help? It changed everything. In this episode: * What our first walkthrough was really like and the pep talk we had to give ourselves * How our family of four survived two years sharing one bathroom * The moment I realized the renovation chaos was affecting me more than I wanted to admit * How my sister's words finally got through when no one else's could * My experience taking a General Anxiety questionnaire and what it revealed * Why getting support gave me the confidence to start a blog, build a business and launch this podcast * Three things I want you to take away from my story 3 Takeaways for You: 1. Letting go of perfection is a skill worth learning. Especially as women and moms juggling so many things, the pressure to have everything looking just right all the time is real. Learning to sit with the in-between — and even enjoy it — allows you to enjoy so much more of your life. 2. Renovation chaos can affect you more than you expect. If you're in a season of chaos right now, it's important to recognize it won't last forever. Keep up your healthy habits, name what's hard, and know that every season passes. 3. Learning DIY skills will teach you more than just a skill. It'll teach you confidence. It'll push you through fear and into that feeling of accomplishment on the other side. Your home projects are worth more than a checkbox on a to-do list — they're an investment in yourself. Connect with Sheri: 📧 hello@sheriwalker.ca [hello@sheriwalker.ca] 📱 Instagram: @sheri.walker_DIY 🌐 sheriwalker.ca Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe so you never miss an episode — and if this one resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it.

How to Hang Wall Art Without the Overwhelm (And the 3 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way)

Have you ever stared at a blank wall, looked at your artwork, and felt completely paralyzed about where to start? You are not alone and in this episode I am sharing exactly what happened when I finally tackled the 18-month-overdue blank shiplap wall in our living room. Spoiler: it did not go perfectly the first time. But it did get done. And I learned a lot along the way that I think every busy woman needs to hear. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - • Why I waited 18 months to hang wall art on our   shiplap wall (and what finally pushed me to do it) • The reality check my husband gave me — and why   he was right (even if the delivery needed work!) • Why my first attempt completely failed and what   went wrong with the painters tape method • How I used ChatGPT to calculate exact wall art   placement measurements based on decor standards —   and why this was a total game changer • My step-by-step process for finally getting the   art up level, flush, and secure using 3M   Command strips • Why hanging wall art on shiplap is trickier than   a standard wall — and how I worked around not   being able to drill • The 3 big takeaways every busy woman needs to   hear about tackling DIY projects at home - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1. USE THE TOOLS AVAILABLE TO YOU You don't need to figure everything out alone. I used ChatGPT to calculate the exact measurements for where my wall art should hang based on proper decor standards — including the height and width of my wall, the dimensions of the artwork, and the height of the couch below it. Technology is your friend when it comes to home DIY. Use it! 2. MISTAKES ARE PART OF THE PROCESS Getting it wrong the first time doesn't mean you're not capable — it means you're learning. My painters tape method failed. I had to start over. And that's okay. Progress over perfection is always the goal. Every single DIY project teaches you something you bring into the next one. 3. BREAK BIG OVERWHELMING TASKS INTO SMALL STEPS When a project feels huge it's easy to freeze. Instead of thinking "I need to hang this wall art today," break it down: → Step 1: Enter dimensions into ChatGPT → Step 2: Map out placement with painters tape → Step 3: Double check measurements with a level → Step 4: Clean wall with rubbing alcohol → Step 5: Apply 3M strips and hang Small steps make any project feel doable — even for the busiest of moms. Check out: www.sheriwalker.ca for more info on DIY training sessions & upcoming Accent Wall Workshop Grab your Decor Hanging Cheat Sheet here: file:///Users/sherikraan/Downloads/Wall-Art-Hanging-Cheat-Sheet.html [file:///Users/sherikraan/Downloads/Wall-Art-Hanging-Cheat-Sheet.html] Products mentioned in this episode:  • 3M Command Velcro Strips — available at   Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and Walmart Canada, Amazon • Urban Barn wall art — urbanbarns.com • ChatGPT — chatgpt.com (free to use) • Painter's tape — available at any hardware store • Shop pencil and level — Canadian Tire or   Home Depot

Exhausted? How to Reconnect with Home Projects When Life Feels Like Too Much

Feeling exhausted, burnt out, and like you just can't get ahead? You're not alone — and in this episode, Sheri gets real about the mental weight of mortgages, kids' activities, tax season, and the pressure of everyday life on the West Coast. She opens up about why creative output stalls when we're running on empty, and shares the simple mindset shift that helped her get her spark back. Sheri also shares two spring home projects she's excited to tackle — a deck refresh and a playroom cabinet makeover — and talks about why working with your hands might be exactly the reset you need right now. In this episode: * Why so many of us are hitting a wall (and why that's okay) * The power of getting outside and working on something tangible * Sheri's upcoming deck painting and playroom projects * A new in-home DIY training service launching in South Surrey If you've been dreaming about refreshing your home but can't seem to find the time or energy, this one's for you.

The Mental Load of Motherhood: Why Learning DIY Skills is Worth it

If you're a busy mom juggling schedules, kids, and the mental load of daily life, learning DIY skills might feel impossible. But what if taking on small home projects could actually help you feel more confident, capable, and creative? In this episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, Sheri shares why learning DIY skills is worth it - even with a full plate - and how letting go of perfection, prioritizing your goals, and practicing self-kindness can open the door to new growth and creativity.

How to Choose the Perfect Feature Wall (Beginner Guide to Painting an Accent Wall)

Thinking about creating a paint feature wall in your home but not sure where to start? In this episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, Sheri shares simple and practical tips to help you confidently choose the right wall for a feature wall using paint one of the easiest DIY upgrades that can instantly transform a room. If you’ve ever looked around your living room or bedroom and felt like something was missing, a painted accent wall might be the perfect solution. But choosing the wrong wall can make a room feel awkward instead of intentional. In this episode, you’ll learn how to choose a feature wall that enhances your space instead of competing with it. Sheri walks you through three simple things to consider before picking up a paintbrush: • How to identify the natural focal point of a room • Why you should avoid walls with windows, vents, or multiple doors • How lighting affects paint colour and the overall mood of your space These practical DIY tips will help you create a feature wall that feels intentional, balanced, and beautifully designed — even if you’re a beginner. And if you're feeling nervous about choosing the wrong colour, Sheri shares an important reminder: paint is fixable and confidence is built by doing. If you're a busy woman who wants to create a home you love without expensive renovations, this episode will help you take your next DIY step with confidence. In this episode you'll learn: • How to choose the best wall for a feature wall  • Common mistakes people make when painting accent walls  • How lighting impacts paint colours in your home  • How to make your home feel more designed with one simple project