How far I've come in 5 years...

Comparing the two kitchen islands I've created is a great way to show off how much I've learned doing DIY projects the last five years. I hope this video inspires you to keep learning new skills, take pride in your work, and push yourself to do projects you didn't think you could DIY.
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Affiliate links to products seen in this video:
BLUM soft close undermount slides: dlnkr.com/r?r=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3c...
Kreg Jig K4: dlnkr.com/r?r=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3c...
Ridgid drill/driver set: homedepot.sjv.io/21B3GM
Ridgid brad nailer/oscillating multi-tool: homedepot.sjv.io/rQYBb5
Carpet tape: dlnkr.com/r?r=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3c...

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

The first 100 people to use my promo WOODS40 will get 40% off their first order of Hungryroot bit.ly/4aYRNEq!

[@janicegray9999]

You certainly have come a long way in five years. The new island is beautiful.

[@rustyshimstock8653]

This video is outstanding. The story and the conceptualization of the two islands is told at an engaging g ,e el of detail and pace. The individual shots tell the technical progression well enough without swelling on any of the inevitable tedious aspects (fa,se starts, mistakes, doubts),. I have been mulling over whether I might make a single cabinet. Now I definitely know I can do it. Thanks. New Subscriber.

[@SQLRYAN]

Your videos have been nothing but inspirational to me. I really admire your guts to tackle all sorts of projects and your ideas. Let us all keep learning something new.

[@Rob89139]

I remember watching this channel when you were doing little projects in the garage. Back then I was impressed with your drive and willingness to try things out you didn't really understand and figure them out. Today, I am of the opinion if I were to ever buy a place and completely redo it I'd want you around to design and do the work. Considering yourself a carpenter might just be selling yourself short, you're so much more than that.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Agree, you are a full-fledged carpenter. You’re skill and confidence has come a long way. Also, you’re doing good work without the tools and full workshop of many people who do the same quality work that you do.

[@jodilea144]

You’ve come a long way, and the new island looks great! I love the Blum slides too! It’s so neat to be able to look back and see how much we’ve learned by just getting in there and doing it. 😊

[@ronm6585]

Bravo! Thanks for sharing some of your journey. Cheers.

[@shelly1224]

Great skills for sure! I started watching you because of that desk island, which was pretty cool, but your new island is a huge beautiful upgrade.

[@JAW88]

You did amazing, you should be very proud of this and all of your accomplishments!!

[@Plantonlylove]

I loved seeing you reflect on a past project and explain how you improved your craft/design as you built it again. Thank you! ❤

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Thank you for watching!

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

They're so classy which brings some nice style to the kitchen, bless ya!

[@folmedo]

amazing progress and growth in your skills! Keep up the great content

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

That faux-granite island top looks very good. I can appreciate it wouldn’t be as durable under heavy use as you’d want it to be.

[@mistygeller3193]

What a great growth and confidence change!! That is wonderful!

[@PrrrSnickiddy]

I especially love seeing your quirky expressions during your videos. Also, May I say…congratulations to your husband! He is one super lucky guy. Hope he realizes how lucky! What a talented, I can do anything kind of woman.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

He’s pretty impressive in his own right, I’m a lucky lady too 🥰

[@WoodworkJoe-qr6xh]

I alway cringe at creepy comments like this.

[@donmordecai998]

I wasn’t going to post this, but since someone said creepy... I love the eyebrow movement for emphasis! There, I said it, and I really don’t feel creepy!

[@gibsonbuilds4841]

Great job. Inset doors are about keeping everything square and even. Im sure you can do it. It's very rewarding.

[@bethhamm7027]

You are amazing! Beautiful island!

[@lindaroyal8161]

Very beautiful and functional island! Nicely done!

[@jakeds84]

Awesome job, both islands were pretty cool.

[@ron827]

"You've come a long way baby!"

[@kitchenbathexpertz]

Thanks for sharing your mistakes with your successes- so real!

[@jerrycomo2736]

Full inset drawers: Do what I did. Pick a good practice project. I built 4 rolling tool cabinets and 2 wall cabinets with a total of 14 full inset (flush) drawers for the GARAGE. Plenty of practice without caring too much about final results. Each cabinet has bread board ends made with construction grade pine (2X6). Cheap stuff. Need a hand plane for fine tuning and a deck of cards. Watch lots of videos for instruction. Other good practice project-one shallow drawer box that fits under a printer. 3 for 4 inches high. Get it working decent add a few coats of oil and bee's wax. Done and useful for misc. storage.

[@redscortgt93]

I think one of the things I’ve always been most impressed by is your eye for design. All your colors, textures, and layout is always really well done. I mean doing all the hard construction is pretty awesome too! Can’t wait to see what you do next. :)

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Thank you! The design is my favorite part. I wish I could do more of that and less of the hard labor, but hiring out is sooo expensive!

[@calstankey4131]

Fantastic work. You are VERY talented

[@samme5513]

Superb Melissa you're a genius

[@clutteredchicagogarage2720]

Your end result is better than kitchen islands that I have seen professionals install in high-end homes in Chicago. I'm not saying that it's better than every single kitchen island I've ever seen, but I'd say that the work that you do is better than MOST of the pro jobs that I've seen because you cared a lot about details and managed to design something more functional than typical kitchen cabinetry. Great work!

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Wow huge compliment, I’m so flattered, thank you!

[@b3owu1f]

Very well done! I am about to try to DIY a fix on my kitchen sink cabinet thanks to a few leaks over the past 15 years (I know.. why did I wait so long). Back bottom brace is moldy/busted, sheet rock wall behind it (which is wall where counter overhangs and stools are) has some mold, etc.. so it's going to be a process. Still not entirely sure how to fix it.. plus the sink came off the counter (granite) hanging on by brackets so I gotta fix that too.

[@crackerman3]

Good stuff!

[@ZeroTheHeroGOAT]

Good job.

[@jhold7553]

I remember you doing the epoxy. I cant believe it was 5 years ago. I'm just gonna tell myself it was last year so im not as old. Next thing you know.youll be building your kids houses ha

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

lol, we shall see

[@monicabartholomew3553]

Your island looks SO good!! Maybe i missed it in the video, but I'm wondering where you purchased your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. My next project is refacing our cabinets, and I'd love to hear your recommendations for fronts.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

I got them from Nieu Cabinets, they’re a little pricey but the quality is top notch!

[@donmordecai998]

You can’t build this version without building your other version first, right? That’s how we learn and grow! Nice job, carpenter!

[@user-do4iq2ym1x]

I,m a red Seal carpenterbabe...you are absolutly amazing you are more than good

[@normanpaterson]

How inspirational!

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Thank you!

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

For the lift up door, use a pneumatic lift (same thing that holds your lift gate up for a car/suv trunk/door. They are weight rated. You could also have used that as an extension to your island top with a swing down or swing out leg.

[@stevekane615]

You never heard of a Bondomobile😂I’ve seen many cars held together by bondo😂

[@jlsage4059]

You’ve come so far. Congratulations 🎉. I don’t know about a “carpenter” though. Handy person? Yep. Restorer? Sorta. Carpenter? Carpenters build things…Like houses…with roofs…

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

I’m curious how many of my videos you’ve watched?

[@jlsage4059]

@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog Almost all of them. Nothing to be offended by…Begs the question though, how many hip roofs you’ve built, on walls and foundation that weren’t there before? Not a dis…Just pointing out there a LOT of differences in what actual carpenters do, and what you and I do.

[@oscaramaya8599]

❤❤❤👍👍👍

[@awash98]

Nice video, but I could hear my english teacher yelling stop using I in every sentence.😊

[@jackchapo2011]

Would

[@rafaelastorga5215]

You consider yourself a carpenter? you sure? I'm a fan of your efforts and design aesthetic for sure, but not sure you're clear on what a carpenter does, using a saw not a carpenter makes you. Yes your DYI skills and willingness to tackle just about any project is definitely cool. But spend 1 day in a carpenters shop and you'll see what I mean.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Well I’ve hired three different carpenters in the past and I can now do as good of work or better than them. I guess I meant skill level/finish work. I didn’t mean to offend if you are a carpenter.

[@anitamfischer5]

You win for the most judgmental and unkind comment. Good for you. By the way, she is a carpenter.

[@ourhighstreethome9177]

Why would you troll this women’s site like that? She’s amazing and her skills go far beyond finishing work. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Melissa, girlie, you hit it out of the park👊🏻 Mom, wife, talent, beauty, you got it all:)

[@LuxeCoHomes]

Definitions from Oxford Dictionary: Carpenter: (noun): a person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures. Looks like she actually “is” a carpenter as defined. Just ignore the Karen’s and keep rockin it… ❤

[@thedude8976]

As a carpenter of 30+ years I'd hire her for sure. Excellent ability to learn, no fear in attempting a project, the ability to complete the task, and finish product is from what is shown is quality. Also very easy on the eye's. Love your channel I've been a fan since you started your channel awesome watching you grow into a carpenter. Just think what your skill level will be in another 10years keep it going. ❤