This week was the first of three weeks for the Instagram builder’s challenge! I am super excited to have discovered and joined the challenge this year with some amazing builders. If you follow me on social media, you’ll have seen some of my pics so far. For those who don’t have or follow me on Instagram or Facebook, I’ll give you a quick run-down.
What is the Instagram Builder’s Challenge?
The challenge is hosted by 3 Instagram builders who seek out another builder on instagram to create the “master plan” and other instagram builders who serve as the judges. Some previous judges and plan builders include Ana White, Jen Woodhouse, and Clint Harp from Fixer Upper!
So what do you have to do?
The Instagram Builder’s Challenge happens twice per year (spring and fall), with an additional mini project once or twice a year. Everyone interested signs up for the challenge. By signing up for the challenge you are then able to receive the “master build plans”. When the challenge begins, everyone registered is emailed the super secretive, never revealed before build plan. You then have 3 weeks to complete the challenge. You basically have a ton of creative leeway to add your own creative ideas to the plan. The only real requirement is that the judges must be able to tell that your build originated from the original master plan. At the end, the judges will determine the winner of each category – pro, novice, and finest finish.
Ok…? So why is this important?
Well you get to join a super supportive woodworking group on Instagram! I’ve received a ton of supportive comments, followers, and even got reposted (my first repost!) on Instagram! I’ve also discovered a bunch of other woodworkers to follow on Instagram as well. There are a TON of sponsors for this challenge, so if you win any of the categories or a giveaway, then you will get some swag (and new tools)! Also, most builders are posting progress pics on Instagram so you get to be super inspired by other builder’s ideas and creative mind. It really is crazy all the different modifications everyone has come up with! For example, someone is pouring a concrete countertop while another is dye shou sugi ban-ing their desk frame.
Now that you know what the Instagram Builder’s Challenge is…let’s get to this specific challenge I’m participating in currently.
What am I building?
DIY Huntress was this fall’s master builder and was tasked with coming up with the plans. Here is what she came up with!
I was super excited because I love all of her builds and it just so happened that a desk was on my list to make at some point. This was just the push I needed to get it done!
What progress have you made?
Here are some pictures of my progress so far.
What modifications are you making?
Well if you can see the picture of the frame, I changed up the floating drawers from the original plan…to not floating. Crazy I know! This will already be quite the challenge for me as I have NEVER built drawers before. I’m not deviating too far from the plans as I really like the plans as-is for the most part. I do plan to add some sort of design to the drawers, though. I’ve got a vision, if only I can actually execute it properly. I also plan on adding some metal for a more industrial look! Time will tell if I can get it done in time and make it look good!
What do you have left to do?
I’ve painted the frame and have stained the top. I still have to build the drawers, stain the drawers, install the side panels, install the hardware for the drawers, and test out my metal work and drawer design before actually implementing. I just hope what I’ve envisioned in my mind will become a reality! So stay tuned for more pictures and updates of what is to come.
Lastly, if you’d like to follow along with my progress you can follow me @theinspireddiyer on Instagram or The Inspired DIYer on Facebook. If you’d like to see what others are building follow @igbuilderschallenge, #igbc6, and #igbc6progress on Instagram.
