Home DIYs for Busy Women

Episode 15: How My Fixer Upper House Fixed MeThere 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 ourselvesHow our family of four survived two years sharing one bathroomThe moment I realized the renovation chaos was affecting me more than I wanted to admitHow my sister's words finally got through when no one else's couldMy experience taking a General Anxiety questionnaire and what it revealedWhy getting support gave me the confidence to start a blog, build a business and launch this podcastThree things I want you to take away from my story3 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: 📧 [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @sheri.walker_DIY 🌐 sheriwalker.caEnjoying 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.

Have you ever stared at a blank wall, looked at yourartwork, and felt completely paralyzed about where tostart? You are not alone and in this episode I amsharing exactly what happened when I finally tackledthe 18-month-overdue blank shiplap wall in our livingroom.Spoiler: it did not go perfectly the first time.But it did get done. And I learned a lot along the waythat 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 YOUYou don't need to figure everything out alone.I used ChatGPT to calculate the exact measurementsfor where my wall art should hang based on properdecor standards — including the height and widthof my wall, the dimensions of the artwork, and theheight of the couch below it. Technology is yourfriend when it comes to home DIY. Use it!2. MISTAKES ARE PART OF THE PROCESSGetting it wrong the first time doesn't mean you'renot capable — it means you're learning. My painterstape method failed. I had to start over. And that'sokay. Progress over perfection is always the goal.Every single DIY project teaches you something youbring into the next one.3. BREAK BIG OVERWHELMING TASKS INTO SMALL STEPSWhen a project feels huge it's easy to freeze.Instead of thinking "I need to hang this wall arttoday," 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 hangSmall steps make any project feel doable — evenfor the busiest of moms.Check out: www.sheriwalker.ca for more info on DIY training sessions & upcoming Accent Wall WorkshopGrab your Decor Hanging Cheat Sheet here: file:///Users/sherikraan/Downloads/Wall-Art-Hanging-Cheat-Sheet.htmlProducts 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

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 tangibleSheri's upcoming deck painting and playroom projectsA new in-home DIY training service launching in South SurreyIf you've been dreaming about refreshing your home but can't seem to find the time or energy, this one's for you.

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.

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 spaceThese 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

Have you ever hit a season where your creativity just… disappears?Where motivation is at an all-time low, stress is high, and you feel like you have absolutely nothing left to give?In this honest and personal episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, I’m sharing what it looks like to move through a creative block during a stressful season of life. My husband recently underwent cervical spine surgery after months of constant pain, and leading up to it my medical mind was working overtime. I was drained. Overwhelmed. Uninspired.And I know I’m not the only one.If you’re a busy mom juggling family life, work, stress, and the mental load- and you’ve found yourself stuck in creative burnout- this episode is for you.Inside this episode, we talk about:Why stress often leads to creative blockHow to acknowledge overwhelm without shameThe power of stepping away (yes, walks really are magic)Why talking about it helps reset your nervous systemHow to restart slowly with small, joyful steps forwardBecause here’s the truth: life feels heavy sometimes. And in those seasons, pushing harder isn’t the answer. Gentle momentum is.If you’ve been feeling uninspired, anxious, or creatively stuck, I hope this conversation feels like a deep exhale.Press play, take a breath, and let’s find our joy again- one small step at a time.From one DIYer to another,Find your Joy 💛

This week on Home DIYs for Busy Women, we’re talking about something that might surprise you… bravery.Not the dramatic, life-or-death kind. The everyday kind.Over Family Day weekend in Whistler, I watched my daughters (ages 6 and 4) try skiing for the first time. My four-year-old was all confidence and zero fear. My six-year-old needed a little more reassurance. And I had a choice to make to stay at the bottom of the hill… or strap on skis after 14 years and lead by example.Heart pounding, I said yes.That chairlift moment reminded me of something powerful:Bravery isn’t the absence of nerves. It’s deciding you’re strong and capable and going anyway.And the more I thought about it, the more I realized this has everything to do with DIY.If you’ve ever:Overthought starting a home projectFelt intimidated by painting, drywall repair, or caulkingWorried you’d “mess it up”Scrolled Pinterest and felt behindThis episode is for you.In today’s conversation, we talk about:Why children approach new skills with confidenceHow motherhood builds resilienceThe real reason DIY feels intimidatingWhy confidence comes AFTER action — not beforeHow to stop waiting to feel ready and just startDIY isn’t about being stylish on your first run.It’s about being willing to go granny speed. It’s about falling once… maybe twice. And getting back up.If you’re a busy working mom who wants to feel more confident tackling projects at home - this episode will give you the mindset shift you need.Because maybe the bravest thing you can do this year isn’t skiing a green run…Maybe it’s finally picking up the paintbrush.Connect with MeIf this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you. DM me on Instagram at @sheriwalker_DIY Or visit sheriwalker.caAnd don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women

In today’s episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, I’m pivoting a little from practical DIY tips and sharing something more personal - how motherhood completely changed the way I see myself, my confidence, and my willingness to learn new skills.Motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting… and incredibly empowering. After becoming a mom, I realized just how strong we truly are and that realization became the driving force behind learning DIY skills in my own home.If you’ve ever felt not ready, not good enough, or unsure about starting something new, whether that’s a DIY project or a personal goal, this episode is for you.This is a gentle, encouraging conversation about confidence, resilience, and giving yourself grace as you grow into the next version of yourself.✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:How motherhood reshaped my confidence and resilienceWhy DIY became more than just home projects-  it became empowermentThe connection between mindset and learning new skillsThree practical ways to stand in your confidence today:Stop the cycle of negative self-talkReflect on what you’ve already accomplishedGive yourself grace during busy seasons of life💛 A Note From MeIf you’re a busy mom juggling kids, work, and the endless to-do list-- I see you. You are capable right now, exactly as you are. Sometimes the biggest shift isn’t learning a new skill… it’s believing you’re allowed to try.🔨 Loved This Episode?If this message resonated with you, please share it with another woman who might need a reminder of her strength today. Your support helps this podcast reach more busy women who want to create homes- and lives- they love.

Choosing paint colours shouldn’t feel stressful but if you’ve ever stood in the paint aisle feeling completely overwhelmed, you’re not alone.In this episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, Sheri shares simple, practical tips to help you confidently choose paint colours, finishes, and tools for your home without overthinking or second-guessing yourself.You’ll learn how to properly test paint before committing, how lighting and undertones affect colour, which paint sheens work best for real family homes, and how to choose the right paintbrush for a smooth, professional-looking finish.This episode is perfect for busy women, working moms, and first-time DIYers who want a beautiful home but need clear, realistic guidance that fits into real life.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to test paint colours the right way before committingWhich paint finishes work best for walls, trim, and high-traffic spacesHow undertones and lighting impact paint colour (especially in bright homes)The best paintbrushes to use for clean lines, smooth walls, and easy touch-ups✨ Free resources mentioned in this episode:Rustic Feature Wall Template: https://www.sheriwalker.ca/rustic-feature-wall5 DIY Decor Hacks: https://www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacksIf you’re planning a paint project and want it to feel manageable — not overwhelming — this episode will help you get started with confidence.

Choosing accent pillows shouldn’t feel overwhelming but with endless colors, patterns, and textures, it often does.In this episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, Sheri shares 7 simple, practical tips to help you confidently choose accent pillows that elevate your space and work with your existing decor. Whether you’re styling a sofa, loveseat, or chair, these easy guidelines will help you create a pulled-together, designer look without overspending or second-guessing yourself.You’ll learn how to:Create a cohesive colour palette using what you already ownUse the 60-30-10 rule for balanced home decorMix patterns, textures, shapes, and sizes with confidenceChoose the right number of pillows for your sofaMake budget-friendly pillows look high-end with the right insertsRefresh your space with simple seasonal pillow swapsThis episode is perfect for busy women who want a cozy, beautiful home without the overwhelm and without needing a design degree.🎁 Free Resource: Download Sheri’s DIY Decor Hacks PDF to kickstart simple, budget-friendly decor updates: 👉 www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacksFrom one DIYer to another- happy decorating! 

DIY mistakes happen and I’ve made plenty!  In this episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, I’m sharing my biggest DIY disasters and the lessons they taught me so you don’t have to learn the hard way.From rushed paint prep and plumbing mishaps to feature wall mistakes and paint colour regrets, we’re talking about the real, messy side of home DIY that no one posts in the before-and-afters.You’ll learn:Why prep work is everything in DIY projectsWhat to check before installing a feature wallHow to avoid common painting and plumbing mistakesAnd why even when a project goes wrong, you can still fix itIf you’re a busy woman who wants a beautiful home without overwhelm, this episode will leave you feeling reassured, capable, and ready to keep going even when DIY gets messy.Free Rustic Feature Wall Template: https://www.sheriwalker.ca/rusticfeaturewallFree DIY Decor Hacks: https://www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacks✨ Real talk. Real lessons. Real encouragement.

Planning a DIY project doesn’t have to feel overwhelming and it definitely doesn’t have to derail your entire house.In today’s episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, we’re breaking down how to plan a DIY project step by step, so you can feel confident before you ever pick up a paintbrush.If you’ve ever started a project full of excitement… only to feel frustrated, stuck, or burned out halfway through then this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:How to choose one DIY project (and why doing too many at once leads to overwhelm)The 6 simple phases of planning a DIY projectHow to build a clear plan using inspiration without overthinking itWhy a detailed material list saves time, money, and frustrationHow to create a realistic timeline that works with busy life and kidsBudgeting tips to avoid surprises and overspendingHow to set up your workspace for successWhy planning for imperfection is part of every successful DIYWhat to do when frustration hits mid-projectThis episode is a reminder that: DIY doesn’t need to be perfect - it just needs a plan.When you plan well, you reduce overwhelm, save money, and actually finish the projects you start.Resources Mentioned:DIY Project Planning Template : https://www.canva.com/design/DAG59Omy1Dc/ANTNZtAzkQvtDDvpyfl3EQ/edit?utm_content=DAG59Omy1Dc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton5 Free Decor Hacks for a Quick Home Refresh https://www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacks👉 Visit sheriwalker.ca to access free resources and download the planning template.

Have you ever felt so intimidated by a DIY project that you didn’t even start? Or felt like you weren’t “expert enough” to share, try, or talk about something you care about?In today’s episode of Home DIYs for Busy Women, we’re talking openly about DIY intimidation and imposter syndrome that quiet, sneaky voice that tells you you’re not qualified, capable, or ready yet.This is a real, honest conversation about confidence, fear, and learning as you go both in DIY projects and in life.In this episode, we cover:What DIY intimidation and imposter syndrome actually look likeWhy recognizing it is the first step to overcoming itHow starting small builds real confidence over timeWhy progress matters more than perfectionThe importance of asking questions (and why it doesn’t make you “less capable”)How to quiet the imposter voice and take action anywayWhy confidence comes after action not beforeThis episode is for you if:You’ve been stuck watching tutorials but not startingYou worry you’re “not good enough” to DIYYou want a home you love but feel afraid to mess it upYou need encouragement to just give it a goDIY isn’t about being an expert. It’s about learning, trying, and growing confidence one project at a time.Check out my free Decor Hacks Guide at https://www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacksFrom one DIYer to another you are more capable than you think.

DIY doesn’t have to feel intimidating and you are not alone.In today’s episode, I’m answering the basic DIY questions that so many women have but are often nervous or embarrassed to ask. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Pinterest-perfect homes, unsure where to start, or worried about wasting time or money - this episode is for you.We’re keeping things practical, realistic, and encouraging, with advice you can actually use in real life (kids, jobs, mess and all).In this episode, we cover:Where to start with DIY when everything feels overwhelmingSmall, low-risk projects that build confidence fastThe only basic tools you really need as a beginnerHow to choose the right paint color without regretCommon beginner mistakes (and how to avoid them)Why prep work matters more than perfectionHow to DIY with kids and a busy householdWhen to DIY — and when to call a professionalHow to avoid wasting money on projectsThe projects that give the biggest impact in the least amount of timeThis episode is a reminder that DIY isn’t about perfection it’s about progress, confidence, and creating a home you love.Helpful Resources Mentioned:Free Decor Hacks Guide : https://www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacksFeature Wall Checklist : https://www.sheriwalker.ca/rusticfeaturewallUpcoming Feature Wall Workshop👉 Visit sheriwalker.ca to access free resources and learn more.Let’s Connect:Have a DIY question or topic you want covered? Send me a DM - I’d love to hear from you.📸 Instagram: @sheriwalker_DIYFrom one DIYer to another — you’ve got this.

Welcome to Home DIYs for Busy Women - a safe, encouraging space to dream, learn, make mistakes, and talk about the real side of home DIY and life.I’m Sheri, a married, working mom of two living on the West Coast of British Columbia. My DIY journey started in 2017 when my husband and I bought our first home. It needed a lot of work, and hiring contractors simply wasn’t an option — so we learned as we went.I naturally gravitated toward the detail and finishing work, and along the way I learned through trial, error, and more than a few “what was I thinking?” moments. I often felt overwhelmed, under-equipped, and unsure and that’s exactly why this podcast exists.This is a place where we talk about DIY from a woman’s perspective:Projects you can actually tackleConfidence over perfectionLearning as you go (and messing up sometimes)Creating a home you love, even with limited time, money, or experienceWhether you’re dreaming about your first project, halfway through a reno, or just looking for encouragement, you’re in the right place.Life and DIY  is better when it’s shared. Thanks so much for being here.Check out www.sheriwalker.ca to discover more DIY inspiration. Free Decor Hacks Guide at https://www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacks