Fun Upgrades to the Creepy Closet Corner in My Off Grid Tiny House

I've been hard at work on the creepy closet corner inside my barn conversion and, though the changes are small, I'm mighty proud of the work I've done!
I seem to love to dedicate a lot of time to the smallest carpentry projects but it brings me joy and I love practicing with new tools and I feel like I'm getting better with each task.
I hope you enjoy it! Please like the video if you do and subscribe if you haven't already. Thanks!
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I'm Kirsty and I'm novice builder attempting an off grid stone barn renovation here in Central Portugal. I love going slowly, learning along the way, and trying new things as I attempt to build a beautiful tiny house using natural materials.
If you like my stuff and want to help support the channel, please like my videos and share them around! 😀 Or if you'd like to help financially, my Paypal is below. Any amount goes a long way and is much appreciated!
Paypal: paypal.me/travoholic
Instagram: / portugalfromscratch
Facebook: / portugal-from-scratch-...
Horribly Neglected Website: www.portugalfromscratch.com

[@patriciafay-magiera1304]

It looks great! Cozy! Creative! Clean-Cornered! Your "inside-vision" for your home is coming to be! You may not want to go outside!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, maybe!

[@batyamasheh3543]

Hi Kirsty, Your place starts to look real, cozy, and warm. You should be proud of yourself. Doing great👍

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I am, thanks! It's all coming together... slowly! 😀

[@deborahlee8135]

Yay, boooonus! 🎉😂❤ Cool hockey stick cover

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! 😁

[@kathleenpitt1981]

Should have known a Canadian would come up with a hockey stick solution!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, yep!

[@katrinolafsdottir8734]

I just love to see how you work on your home ... it takes time and you do it all so beautiful and you are not stressed .. that is good

[@PortugalfromScratch]

No stress about building... as long as things go to plan it's what I enjoy the most! And even when they don't... as long as nothing is falling down, I like figuring out challenges. 🙂

[@barbaradavie150]

The hockey stick ended up looking so beautiful. You'll be opening the cupboard to show people! Another great video. Thank you.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I might be! haha

[@tracykaeding3920]

I can’t believe you have not made your shower a priority,,,, Kirsty, your woodworking skills are pretty bloody awesome

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I've been waiting for a sand delivery and also to buy a shower head... but both are here as of yesterday! 😁 I'll wait for another rainy spell, though. The shower is finally usable, at least!

[@LittleBear290]

Looks great. Creepy closet will need a new name once finished. It is turning out quite beautiful.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I'm open to suggestions! 🙂

[@donnahenderson2676]

Solar cubby

[@janemulvaney2163]

A tour would be good ! I saw bed and thought I’d never seen before !

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'll do a house tour soon!

[@63Clocks]

Larry has the right idea, what a cutie 💖 Nice work on the cottage, you have really come a long way!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

He's the most cuddly cat!

[@mbd6054]

You're right to spend the time on the detail. Every inch of your home will be beautiful, and rock solid. Lovely work, as always. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@here2peer]

Hi Kirsty 👋. I've paused your video at 21 minutes in, because there are 2 things I want to say 😂. One, I've seen a lot of woodwork being done over the years and mostly it's been done as a chore. Pride taken in it yes, but still a job that needs doing. You on the other hand have a love and a passion for woodwork, all the thought and effort you put into it really shows in the end result. You're house is looking amazing. I was looking at you standing talking and as I looked around the room, I thought My God, what a difference to when you 1st bought the place. All of it done by you and you alone. So don't ever think you're putting too much effort and time into what might seem like little, or pointless ventures. The love you put into it definitely makes all the difference. The 2nd thing I thought of was, the cupboard you're working on, when I was looking at you standing in front of it talking, the room looked so bright and I wondered if a piece of frosted perspex with some little wooden shelves at the front would look nice and let more light into the room. Just a thought. Right, I'm off to watch the rest of the video x

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ah thanks so much! I don't always feel that way about woodworking but I wonder if it's because it's a bit more tricky to film so things go more slowly... but I do always enjoy the process! Nice idea and I totally agree! You'll have to see what I get up to in Friday's video with that wall! 😁

[@jan9562]

The very lovely mezzanine was there early on. ( I dont remember whether there was any footage of the planning/ construction of that, though...)

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I was filming for 1.5 years before I started my KZbin channel and I'm trying to figure out how to best share that... soon, I hope!

[@debravanwinkle3946]

One thing you do have is patience’s with all those time consuming jobs that my down fall I want to see results quickly an the enjoyment of seeing the boys content relaxed an well loved an in an around they’re home. So the three carry on an enjoy an see you all in a couple days 🫶🏻👀👍☀️✋🤗

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm definitely patient! Especially with things I enjoy and usually things I don't, too! 😁

[@ChronicallyHopefulChar]

Only a few minutes in, but I just wanted to say, that feature wall is stunning! 😍 Love seeing your creative vision coming to life. Your process is very different to any renovations I've seen or done in my life. Very interesting to see these natural alternatives.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you! Natural materials are amazing and I'm so happy to get to showcase them! 😀

[@christines5430]

I love that you have fun with whatever you are doing, even totally over-engineering things just because you like the process. That's a beautiful hockey stick 😂😅

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha! Not suitable for hockey, however! 😁

[@christines5430]

🤣

[@CherrylThorneq-qk6ou]

Well done you Kirsty another job done and dusted . You have accomplished so much in your little home 🏡.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm making progress! 😀

[@judithtaylormayo]

Well done you. What a wonderful job you are doing. Now you have a kitchen, and bathroom, a utility room, a bedroom, a livingroom, and storage. Who would have, could have, dared to think of all these rooms in one tiny cottage. Very soon you will have a very inviting, convenient and utilitarian home !!!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I put loads of thought into the design so I'm happy to see things coming together as planned. It really doesn't feel like I've crammed a lot into a small space. 😀

[@jackvanleeuwenkamp4706]

I have a fit every time I see you saw or sand in your house! lol I know it can’t be helped but it still freaks me out 😂 well done you! ❤️🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha that's fair enough! 😁

[@lorimontcalm9086]

What's worse, tiling or grinding stone? Your place is spectacular because you take the time on the details! Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha... grinding granite indoors is the absolute worst, I think!

[@janstevens8120]

Wow, great work on the cupboard box & hockey stick Kirsty! I just Love how the rock shelf is looking too. You have an amazing ability to know what will look great in your home. Bet your mom & dad will be happy to see how far you have come since their visit last year. Are they coming back in April? It is such a pleasure to see them in your videos. They must be very proud of you! I also want to say that I don’t think we appreciate how much work goes into your videos. It really hit home today when I saw how many video angles you were taking while working outside on the saw. You do an excellent job of the editing ! Looking forward to seeing what you get up to next. Take care 🙂

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you! Yes they'll be back at the end of April for a month and it should be fun! Yes I put as much effort into the videos as I do into the building and it takes forever but I enjoy it. Thanks for noticing! 😀

[@trulysuccessful]

Your an inspiration. Keep on what yr doing. Yr projects are awesome small and large.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!! I’m glad you’re enjoying my stuff!

[@daisysmum7336]

Great woodworking job. Your skills are enviable. It feels like that side of your home is really coming together.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Yes... then I need to figure out the other side! 😬

[@debbiejones11]

You are an inspiration, I love your attention to detail and your enjoyment of the process. Your woodworking is absolutely gorgeous. I love to follow your journey, your home is going to be beautiful 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! I'm happy you're enjoying my stuff... it's fun!

[@mindsetmentor681]

Can take the girl out of Canada but can't take Canada out of the girl. Wayne Gretzky would be proud of this episode.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, I hope so! 😀

[@kassy6373]

Cool you make your own wood puzzles too.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀

[@anaramos9660]

nice hockey stick. you Canadian for sure .😄

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, thanks!

[@FromThePrairies]

Well done! You’re going to be making stunning furniture one day if this is how you cap off electrical! Good idea to spend the time on bits that will never be seen in order to master the tools and your skills.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, maybe one day! It would be a fun challenge to build a futon type thing with storage underneath for my living space.

[@coritipton9071]

Kirsty, I love when you work to a beautiful piece of music. It's so nice to watch you make things and listen to the music. Well done this week.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Glad to hear that, I never know if the music is good or not. 😁 Thanks!

[@mafish7962]

Great video Kirsty! Have a fab weekend! Laura ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@gennevieqherbranson217]

The creepy corner is way less creepy! And the wall into the bathroom sink area looks great!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Things seem to be coming together a little bit!

[@sarahnd]

I really like your hockey stick and wire concealing box! Just the sort of thing I would do. At least you didn't spend days with a drill press making those little plugs (as I did...) 🤣

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha! Ooh... only because I don't have a drill press! 😆

[@m00nscaping76]

Loved what you did woodwork wise Kirsty. I do also like the way that you go the extra mile, to achieve exactly what you envisioned, Well Done! You may find that a cheapish 'Builders 4" Bolster chisel' would help you when creative stonework is necessary, the art is to Moderately chisel a line all around to sort of internally 'Fracture' where you'd like it to split. Once marked, work your way around giving stronger blows each time, before giving it the death blow 🤣 best wishes, Keith.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks for the chisel tip! I actually have a set of plug and feathers for splitting stone which I'll likely use soon. This granite is probably too hard for the chisel method along and this schist stone only breaks along the flat side, if that makes sense... it's incredibly brittle the other way so I wonder if making a chisel line would shatter it. But I'll look it up, thanks!

[@m00nscaping76]

@@PortugalfromScratch Well, I'm sure that you know best Kirsty, as you are the one working on that type of stone/rock. It's the End Results that Count, right. And let's be honest, you've got this far, and achieved all of those wonderful projects without the publics input. I'll go back to my normal "Silent Observer' mode and stop interfering .😂🤣😂 Take Care.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

No please do keep sending tips and advice! I love getting it and I'll certainly look into the chisel you've mentioned. Thanks!

[@annaroseferris]

It’s all about those lil buttons in the holes! 🙌 nice detail

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Those are great! I'm excited to have found them!

[@deborahwhite2339]

The kitties are so furry and sweet. The closet is going to be lovely. The stone ledge is cool.🙂👍👍🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

They're great little guys! Thanks, I'm excited to see how this thing turns out! 😀

[@jan9562]

Woo hoo 🎉 ~~~ a whole long Portugal from Scratch vlog !... Settling down for a good watch 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀 I hope you enjoy it!

[@susanaughey9343]

Looking good. The wood working is pretty darn good for someone who is winging it.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I was as surprised as anyone with how well it turned out! 😆

[@jimwalker76]

Great video. Everything looks amazing. You can really see the progress you've made in your home.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes it feels like thing sage coming together... at least on one side of the house!

[@ruthlarson6334]

Whilst you are sawing, routering etc., the little blue chair looks forlorn sans Mikey 😊. Things are warming up in your nest with all those warm wood finishes and some natural light coming through your wee portholes. 😊 I think you need a tarpaulin over an area where you can set up shop for woodworking. Temporarily at least.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I know, I like it when he watches over me. 😁 I definitely need somewhere covered to work outside, especially as the sun comes in summer! I don't have anywhere good to hand a tarp and I suck at rigging things... I'm hoping to have the tool shed frame up in ok time and I can sling something from that... but that could be wishful thinking! 😆

[@ruthlarson6334]

I’m surprised that hanging a tarp befuddles you. 😉 It seems to me that you have figured out how to tackle every job before you…even the hateful ones 😂. But no shame in saying ‘uncle’ at least for now. That might be a mountain to climb on a different day. Perhaps pops can help you string up another when he arrives. Helping to protect you both from the hot Sun that will be coming soonish.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha I know! I truly have no patience for tarps. 🤣

[@madelinegoldingay6440]

Really interesting watching you work on your projects. Your home is looking good as it has clear defined areas , it is so cosy. Both cats are really gorgeous, such good company . Best wishes.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! Yes the kitties are great… I’m very happy to have them. 🙂

[@gillbowman8260]

Please consider the crocs… embarrassing as it is to say, I have 2 pairs and I love them 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Great to know! I have no shame... I'm all about comfort!

Agree. I'm flat-footed, my Crocs are the most comfortable shoes. I also like that they clean up really easily, just hose them off.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Sounds perfect to me!

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

That is quite the sharpening kit. I have a sharpener but I didn’t know that I should put a bit of water on it so next time! I should have researched how to sharpen. The hockey stick looks good and a cool way to give a finishing touch along with covering the electrical. Also, the stone shelve will be great.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm pretty sure water is required but I could totally be wrong on that! 😁 Thanks! I enjoy the little finishes even though that can take ages!

[@tfuntowatch]

I don’t mind geckos. I live in an apartment building on the ground floor and I used to have a gecko enter during summer cause the window is open at night. Haven’t seen him (or her 🤷‍♀️) in a while, probably because I adopted 3 cats ex strays. Geckos are useful cause they eat insects.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I love geckos! I wish they could coexist with the cats.

[@kathleenoverton3263]

Looks so nice!! Everything you’ve worked on in there is a thing of beauty!!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@saskiarinck]

Yessss, Crocs are so comfortable and durable (the real ones) I put in some comfy insoles which makes them extra comfy and warm. Have the same ones for ages (15+ years) and do not care what others say... sexy? Absolutely not, but soooooo comfy❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Good to know! Comfy is my priority all the way! 😁

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Good job. 😁

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@polgarauk5606]

Hi Kirsty 👋😀 I have to disagree with you on something I am afraid. I disagree that it was a waste of time that you spent doing the Hockey Stick 🏒 and the box. It was worth every second you spent on them they are stunning 😊 I am liking the look of the shelf too can't wait to see it finished. You have a wonderfully creative eye for things in your home and also in the editing of your videos 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Woohoo, thanks! Haha... I was worried there for a moment. 😁 The shelf is looking good... I worked on it today and should have something to show for Friday's video so stay tuned!

[@julietlehrle-fry6696]

I love76 v ry stylish!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁

[@mariadange06]

You might take time in each of your endeavours but the finish is quality 👌 A suggestion: how about a full length mirror mudded in when plastering the inside wall of your sink area?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I think a mirror there would be too close to the bathroom counter so I couldn't stand back far enough to look in... I was thinking that would be a towel spot. But let's see, thanks for the idea!

[@avivat3010]

Looks wonderful, Kirsty! It's nice to have beauty in the every day things around you. As you complete each task there will be more to be proud of as you walk through your land. Thanks for sharing! P.S. You could always introduce field hockey to the young women of Portugal and have a job for the remainder of your life creating field hockey sticks! 😆But I think what you're already doing is far more enjoyable! Have a great week! Angela

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I agree, thanks! Haha... I'll pass on field hockey stick production but I suppose it could be a side hustle if times are tough! 😁

[@avivat3010]

@@PortugalfromScratch 👍😊

[@busybeaver793]

You need to put a face on your hockey stick. You have the eyes already. Lol. The shape reminds me of the friendly giant's puppet's face. 🤭🤭

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha instead of the wooden plugs I should have used googly eyes!

[@asc3184]

Thanks for sharing another video with us. LOL medium miserable LOL. Looking fw to see u finish ur closet n finish ur tool shed

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too! haha Thanks!

[@gardentours]

Clutterland I could call my place as well every now and the 😀

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha! It's at an all time low at the moment... time to tidy!

[@Reet64]

Does it prove I'm Canadian that I see a goalie stick? That shelf is going to look great!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ah! Yes! It's totally a goalie stick! 😀

[@gabrielebehr563]

Great Job, you work very professional 👍

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@annadaurie2435]

Beautiful work.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@Jaantoenen]

Warning. Never ever sharpen the flat side of chisels.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm not sharpening the flat side of the blade, I'm making sure the back is flat and the burr is moved forward... if that makes sense? I'm holding the black part flat against the stone, not on any angle.

[@user-wv1tu5pc8d]

Knobs 0n your little cupboard Kirsty. Have you solved the puzzle 0f the knob on your latch..? How about this idea. Make a cube of wood and fit it over the lever ( I know you can do it ) then glue your knob to the front of the cube. It could look really good. Brilliant skills by you in your cupboard - love the time and patience given to the hockey stick and the cupboard - you are very talented. Fingers crossed for the latch knob

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I ended up just making the latch stick out a bit more by taking off the wood I'd previously put on and making it shorter... so, disappointingly, I abandoned the know latch idea. But it's something I'll com back to eventually, I'm sure!

[@user-wv1tu5pc8d]

I hope you do come back to the latch knob. I think I want it more than you. Your door is so central and noticeable and a knob would really complete the picture. Keep going Kirsty you are really motoring - it's all looking brill

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I will, I vow it! 😆 I just can't say when...

[@user-wv1tu5pc8d]

@@PortugalfromScratch OK - I will keep you to that and won't " nag " you again about the door knob!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁

[@catarinacarrasco5938]

Awesome wood working ❤

[@juanitakauffman6336]

The cats have the good life with you.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha ya... they have a sweet deal here!

[@user-wb1dv9yu7d]

Great video ❤all your work

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@patriciawilson6524]

Hi Kristi

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Hi!

[@lfuentes4098]

Enjoyable waste of time = pride in all you do. I’m the person that stains and finishes the underside and backs of furniture even though no one will see it. I commiserate. ❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha! That's a nice way of looking at things! And you'll know it's stained so that's what matters! 😁

[@ManuelPineiro-dr1oc]

Saludos

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Hi!

[@kioompie]

seeing the light shining in from the closet, did you think about turning the closet into a lamp? Instead of closing it all up with clay, use some glas aswell. Switch the light on in the closet and you got a cool lamp next to the feature wall.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes, I've had a rethink and you'll see my new plan in the next video! 😁

[@flowerphotos6440]

Hi Kirsty love the hockey stick and the little cupboard, the filming of you constructing that was great. I wondering if there is anyway you could do some colour and technique tests when you come to do the tadelkt project. Not sure if you could do it on a piece of wood or maybe a semi-flat stone. Nice to see you have mastered the router. Have a great week. Lisa

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I'll definitely be doing some tests, hopefully in the course I'll take at the end of the month but also on my own as well before I attempt the shower. I'm very curious to learn more about this technique!

[@ridetofreedomf.e.3039]

👏👏👏💪

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁

[@joanbroadway759]

It's interesting that you don't like sharpening the chisels. It looks like the kind of job you would love.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I think I just like getting on with things and having to stop to sharpen is frustrating... but actually once I get going with it, it's quite relaxing. 😁

[@pauline-bc-com-missp]

I was wondering, if I am going from one video to the next (trying to catch up) back to back, does that effect your algorithms is a good way, or not at all?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I think it's good but I really have no idea! 😁

[@WriterGeek]

Larry's looking quite chonky. Is he stealing Mikey's food or feasting elsewhere?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I suspect he has an original home! He doesn't really eat a lot here... but he does often catch creatures.

[@WriterGeek]

Cats are curious beasties@@PortugalfromScratch

[@mrsmunchin]

❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀

[@suziqt8389]

I just watched The origin homestead and they went to the vidreira for some glass...looked like he had some stained glass there?..for your bathroom?..just a thought..

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ooh! I watched parts of that video but I'll go back. They actually came to my place a few weeks ago to look at my door and say hi so I could ask them for info. Thanks for the tip!

[@barbaranielsen2888]

Great job! What happened to the tool shed project? Lol

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I didn’t have any more Sandro make the mortar… but I got a delivery today! 😁

[@janinevalido]

Where do you sleep? Is there additional space that you haven’t shown on your vlog? I can fully understand if you don’t want to show your bedroom, just wondering where your bedroom might be.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It's in the corner of the house opposite to the cupboard... when I showed Larry the cat, he was laying on my bed. It's just a one room tiny house but I do have separation between the bed and kitchen and the living area and shower/bathroom area. I'll do a tour video again soon, I think. 🙂

[@janinevalido]

@@PortugalfromScratch I should’ve continued to watch your vlog before I asked my question. Literally 1 min later I saw Larry on your bed. 🤦‍♀️

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha! I thought maybe you were still in watching progress. 😁

[@user-yn1kl9zv2f]

Just do it in your Polly tunnel, that’s your home where you live, you take so long doing everything as your doing a job twice with all the tidying ams making a mess

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It works for me. 🙂

[@pauline-bc-com-missp]

@@PortugalfromScratch you, just keep doing it your way 👍

[@pamela5568]

delete comment = farewell

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I’m not sure what that means…

[@irislozinsky3960]

I felt too much talking and cats and rain talk .not enough actually doing. Just me today

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂

[@mbd6054]

The cats are gorgeous, and many of us really enjoy seeing such happy, healthy little felines.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It seems so! When Larry was missing in a recent video I think most of my comments were people looking for him! 😆

[@adamosman7284]

Hello

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Hi!

[@fayewhelan7209]

❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂