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AllwoodJennifer Allwood Homepaint

Have I lost my mind getting help from strangers?

By October 7, 201015 Comments


Both my husband and my decorator friend said I needed to trim out the WallHog poster I put in my boy’s bathroom.

The idea was lovely, but I needed trim cut on clean 45 degree angles and don’t have the tools to do that.

So, I ventured to Home Depot to buy the wood and was in hopes they would cut the wood for me too . Nope they wouldn’t…… even putting on my best “damsel in distress act” didn’t work. They don’t have the cutter-thingy for 45 degree angles available for use.

None of my friends or neighbors had the correct saw thing either.

So I did what any desperate woman would do…..

I drove to a nearby subdivision where there is new construction.

I found a house that had the garage door up and had a table saw set up in the garage.

And I asked a complete stranger to cut the wood for me.

Then I promptly freaked him out by asking the complete stranger if I could take a picture of him cutting the wood for me.


I DON’T suggest you ask complete strangers for favors.

But God Bless the wood cutters of the world. And the generosity of strangers.

I gave the guy some cash for his help.

And once again marveled at how the right tools can make or break a project.

The trim is up….thank you darling.


And I got it caulked.


But you know I am allergic to all things painted white, right?

Stay tuned for pictures of it painted and glazed.

15 Comments

  • I LOVE the look on that guys face! Classic!
    The picture looks great. Way to use whatcha got, girl! ha!

  • That’s the funniest thing I ever heard! Nice guy.

  • That is absolutely Hilarious!!
    And SO brave….gutsy….something a guy would NEVER do….
    He was either so dumb-founded that he just did it, or a very kind man… probably both 🙂
    Good for you…..

  • Suzan says:

    That’s called “using your noodle”! I have discovered that most people are helpful when you are in need…thank goodness!

  • Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says:

    Love it Jennifer! I would TOTALLY do the same thing 🙂 And it looks great with molding!

  • I think it’s so funny that you found a stranger with a mitre saw to help you out! For about $5 you can get a mitre box at the hardware store. It’s not the greatest at making cuts but it could help for quick jobs like this one in the future. It’s hysterical that you took a pic of that guy. Did you tell him he was going to be famous in blogland?
    Sarah

  • Magic Brush says:

    I have a mitre box….but the cuts are always jagged…..and I wanted it perfect! I did tell him it would be for my blog. Not sure he knew what a “blog” is tho!

  • Hannah says:

    Oh my goodness, I cannot believe that you did that! But, it is totally something my mom would have done years ago, and I would have been mortified. Bravo!

  • I canNOT believe you did that! 🙂 How absolutely crazy and insane!
    But it obviously worked and probably gave the guy a funny story to tell as well.
    I do believe my husband would have a few safety objections to your approach though (not to mention I’d be blushing with embarrassment even thinking about asking someone like that). But kudos to you for doing it 🙂

  • Wanda says:

    Outrageous (but hilarious). So glad he wasn’t the Boston strangler (who moved south)or something.

    Bet you didn’t know that Home Depot sells a little “miter saw” kit. (that’s the 45 degree angle) It’s a little (yellow) kit with the saw and a plastic box with the rivets cut to lay your wood on and saw through at several different degrees. I needed my carpenter to come back in for one more little door frame and bought the little kit for a whole lot less than he would have charged. (The kit was about $30.)

    I knew that white wouldn’t be there for long. 😉

    I do admire your bravado!

  • Melissa says:

    Aren’t people grand? And good for you to ask for help! This reminded me of the time my dad and Ryan were buildng a deck and ran into some problems with the stairs. Daddy ran across the street and found some guys working on a new house. They were able to find the solution in about 10 minutes. Well worth their time, and my dad’s 20 bucks!

    But your story also reminds me of the parable of the friend in need – but with a modern twist. Love it!

  • Laura @ Ms Smartie Pants says:

    That would have never occurred to me! I can’t believe you did that, you are one brave lady! Hey I guess it never hurts to ask! I can’t believe your HD people wouldn’t do that.

  • Doug Eash says:

    You are awesome and fearless, love that. I can see my wife doing the same thing.

  • Tamra says:

    So I take it this guys regular job is NOT modeling? Looks like he’s been sniffing a little of the wood glue.

    Hilarious post!

  • Only you my friend! Next time though, head to Lowe’s. They will cut it for you.

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