DIY Challenge Brings Accomplishment

Before

The social media app TikTok influences viewers to try crazy antics, but it also inspires DIYers, like Lisa Larson-Bunnell, JD, MHA, to push beyond their comfort zone.

For 11 years, Lisa has used her skills and expertise as the organization’s associate legal counsel. But earlier this year, she tackled a home project that pushed her DIY abilities. Lisa admits she’s drawn to TikTok and the storyline of a buyer purchasing furniture inexpensively, restoring it and selling it for a $500 profit. “I watch and think I can do that, too,” she laughed.

Lisa’s journey into furniture restoration wasn’t motivated by profit but rather by a mother’s wish to provide her son, Lucas, with a dresser for his bedroom. Lisa found the item on Facebook Marketplace for $75 and proudly set up her find in the garage.

Upon closer inspection, Lisa realized the dresser needed more love than a simple coat of paint. For example, she noticed the overly large drawers didn’t slide properly, and the vintage black handles were actually brass. “It was a well-constructed dresser, but it had been neglected,” Lisa said.

Lisa tackled restoring the handles first, researching their style and discovering the dresser was built between 1920 and 1960.

Lisa with the finished project

Next, she set her sights on fixing the drawer tracks, which proved to test both her construction ability and her patience. She opted to install a more durable, modern track, but “that’s when the trouble started,” she laughed. The drawers fit so tightly they proved difficult for Lisa to modify. She spent 16 hours researching drawer track options and modifying the drawer openings to accommodate side mounts. “I learned I am not a carpenter, but I was lucky enough it worked out,” Lisa said. She even learned new skills, including how to use a pocket-hole jig.

One thing Lisa realized about furniture restoration is “making the leap from watching the video to trying something is huge,” she said. “Regardless of my setbacks, I put out a pretty good dresser. I can go into my son’s room and feel I accomplished something.”

Despite her challenges, Lisa is open to more projects. She encourages other hopeful DIYers to try new things. “It will be a learning experience,” she said. “It might be a total failure but at least you tried. You can’t be successful without trying.”

Lisa also knows she’ll need more tools as she embarks on new projects. That’s why her Christmas list already includes a paint sprayer and a jigsaw.

  More articles

Kim Shopper

Kim has worked at NKCH for nearly 40 years where she produces the employee newsletter and manages internal campaigns. She is a board member for the Kansas City Health Communicators, and she is passionate about animal rescue and volunteers for the Parkville Animal Shelter.