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: 📧 [email protected] 📱 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.

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

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

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.

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 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

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 block
• How to acknowledge overwhelm without shame
• The power of stepping away (yes, walks really are magic)
• Why talking about it helps reset your nervous system
• How to restart slowly with small, joyful steps forward

Because 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 project
• Felt intimidated by painting, drywall repair, or caulking
• Worried you’d “mess it up”
• Scrolled Pinterest and felt behind

This episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, we talk about:

• Why children approach new skills with confidence
• How motherhood builds resilience
• The real reason DIY feels intimidating
• Why confidence comes AFTER action — not before
• How to stop waiting to feel ready and just start

DIY 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 Me

If this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you.
 DM me on Instagram at @sheriwalker_DIY
Or visit sheriwalker.ca

And 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 resilience
• Why DIY became more than just home projects-  it became empowerment
• The connection between mindset and learning new skills
• Three practical ways to stand in your confidence today:
  • Stop the cycle of negative self-talk
  • Reflect on what you’ve already accomplished
  • Give yourself grace during busy seasons of life

💛 A Note From Me
If 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 committing
• Which paint finishes work best for walls, trim, and high-traffic spaces
• How 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-wall
  
  
• 5 DIY Decor Hacks: https://www.sheriwalker.ca/decor-hacks
  
  

If 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 own
• Use the 60-30-10 rule for balanced home decor
• Mix patterns, textures, shapes, and sizes with confidence
• Choose the right number of pillows for your sofa
• Make budget-friendly pillows look high-end with the right inserts
• Refresh your space with simple seasonal pillow swaps

This 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-hacks

From one DIYer to another- happy decorating!