An Old Dog Learning New Tricks (Plus, My First Video of the Year)
This year, I’ve decided that I need to challenge myself by learning new things. I’ve never had a problem with learning new things that are DIY-related. I love trying out those new things, whether it’s a new tool or a new process. Home-related DIY is my passion, so learning new things in that area is just good fun to me, even when I make mistakes. Those mistakes help me to grow and expand my DIY skills, and while some mistakes do frustrate me along the way, the overall challenge of DIYing and learning new things excites me.
But in other areas, I resist learning new things at all costs. I’ve been blogging for 17 years now, and while others have expanded into other things (mainly “influencing” and making videos), I decided long ago that I’d just stick with blogging. The written word and still photos are my jam. I love the process of sitting down and writing down my thoughts, writing instructions for DIY projects, etc. There’s something very cathartic about this process that I’ve been doing almost every weekday morning for the last seventeen years.
And yet, when I personally want to learn something new, I don’t go to blogs or websites. In fact, I avoid written instructions at all costs. Instead, I go to YouTube. I personally learn from videos much easier than I learn from written instructions.
In fact, it’s a joke in our family (because we all seem to have that problem) that written instructions are useless. It’s been a running joke all of my adult life that when I purchase something that needs to be assembled, I get everything out of the box, assess the project, and give it my best effort. Only if it doesn’t work out the first time (or actually, the fifth or sixth time), or if I run into trouble that I just simply can’t figure out no matter how much effort I put into it, do I finally get the instructions out of the box and peruse them just enough to find out what I did wrong. But I don’t think I’ve ever read a set of instructions through, from beginning to end, for any item I’ve ever purchased. I’m a “figure it out yourself” kind of person. Written instructions are just there as a backup when all else fails after several attempts.
But if a video is available, I’ll watch that. If the packaging of the item I’ve purchased comes with a link or a QR code to a video showing how to put the item together, I’ll always make use of that. Videos are how I learn best. If I can see someone else doing something, I can learn it very quickly.
I’ve made videos in the past, but they’ve been sporadic. One of the reasons is that I’m an old dog, set in my way. For seventeen years, I’ve been doing projects, taking pictures of the process, and sharing those pictures and instructions. Going from that to actually taking videos of the process seems so foreign to me. Forcing myself (and reminding myself) to take videos completely messes up my workflow that I’ve worked on perfecting for seventeen years now. Plus, when I try to take videos, I notice that I forget to take photos of the process, so then I find myself at the end of a project without the necessary photos to document the process.
Plus, finding the perfect video editing software to use, and then spending hours and hours learning all the ins and outs of that program, seems like time that I could be spending (and would rather spend) on actually making and building things.
So here we are at the start of a new year, and that always motivates me to make changes. Last year, I made a huge personal change (the no sugar thing, which I plan to continue this year in a modified, not-quite-so-strict manner), and I did really well with it throughout the year until we got to December. In January of last year, I dreaded making that decision. It actually made me panic a bit to make that resolution and put it out there into the world for other people to see, but I challenged myself and made myself do it. So this year, I decided that my new personal challenge for the year would be to push myself to grow and expand my knowledge in how I share information. I’ve chosen two different things that I want to learn and grow in this year, starting with making videos.
We’ve had really cold, wet weather for the last few days, so this was the perfect opportunity for me to spend hours on end at my desk and force myself to learn new things. I wanted to start with video editing. I purchased Adobe Premier Pro, and I’ve spent the last three days trying to learn that program. The basics were easy, but that program can do so much! That’s a good thing, but those extras have a pretty steep learning curve. But as of last night, I’ve finally finished my very first video. And by the time it was finished, I felt like I had a pretty good grasp of the program (the basics, at least), so I don’t feel like giving up. I feel excited about doing more.
This first video isn’t great, but it’s a start. And just like learning how to use a new DIY tool or process, I know I’ll get better as I do more. Trust me, I wanted to give up two days ago. There were little things that I just couldn’t figure out. But you know what I did? I went to YouTube to find out how to do them. 😀 So the fact that I keep going back to YouTube means that I need to keep pressing forward in learning this stuff. I don’t love it, and when it gets really challenging, I’d much rather give up and go work on a DIY project for my workshop or our bedroom. But part of being an adult is forcing ourselves to do not only the things that we love, but also the things that we don’t like but are necessary.
I mentioned two things I want to learn this year, and taking videos and editing them with Adobe Premier Pro is just the first one. I’ve also purchased a course to help me learn the basics of using Sketchup, which is a program that is used to draw illustrations, project plans, and so much more. I’ve dabbled in Sketchup in the past, but ended up getting frustrated, and always resorted to going back to my old ways of doing hand-drawn sketches of rooms and projects that I wanted to build. But I’m determined that this is the year. The time is now to expand my knowledge, to press myself to learn new things, and to not give up when things don’t immediately work out perfectly. My first goal with Sketchup is to do a detailed drawing of the layout of my walk-in closet before I actually start building out that room.
So really, this is my personal New Years resolution for 2025, even though it’s business- and blog-related. It’s very much a personal goal to make this a year when I push myself beyond my comfort zone, do the hard things, and learn new skills, no matter how frustrating the learning curve can (and will) be. I don’t want to be an old dog who refuses to learn new tricks. No matter my age, I want to keep learning, expanding, growing, and challenging myself. I’m thankful that our awful weather these last few days has given me the perfect opportunity to start on this journey.
And with that said, here’s my first video of 2025. Again, I have so much to learn, not only when it comes to editing videos, but also when it comes to actually videoing the process of my projects. I have a ton to learn this year, but we all have to start somewhere, right? It’ll be fun to look back on this first video at the end of the year and see how (or if) I’ve improved in my skills of videoing and editing videos. But this is a starting point.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Love the video!
You need to link the tools you use and make $ from the links! Seeing your Kreg pocket hole jig made me immediately want to upgrade mine. I hate having to make all the adjustments to mine to the width of the material. The awesome work you put into making this needs to be monetized, even if you have an amazon list of favorite tools. I know I would rather give you my bucks for helping me learn and DIY all these years.
Great idea on the links.
Thank you! I totally forgot about that. There’s so much to remember! I just added a bunch of links. 😀
Great video! Glad to see you’re taking this next step. It’s a win/win.
Sooooo excited for this!! Been following you for over a decade and wished so much I could WATCH you work! ☺️
Sketchup is a 3D program too – it’d be a bit more to learn, but you could probably also rough in a simple 3D model of your room plans as well, not just the illustration! I know you’ve already done it with the Ikea tools, but with full freedom of a program like that… (not to mention for rooms that aren’t just cabinets/closets). You can get pre-made assets on the Sketchup 3D Warehouse as well so you wouldn’t have to start from scratch.
Nice work! You did great. Looking forward to more videos, even though I usually prefer written DIY project instructions. I can more-or-less speed read through to the parts I really need to know. Also, so many YouTube videos have poor sound or are annoyingly slow and tedious. You are a fast learner and I applaud your desire to push yourself.
I still need to get a microphone to improve the sound quality, and I want to get a wireless microphone so I can actually talk as I do the projects and have my camera pick up the sound. Right now, if I try talking as I’m working, the sound quality is terrible. Lots to learn!
WOW! I love it. I am a written word girl from way back and it drives my husband nuts. I get out everything from the box, look at the instructions, make sure all the pieces are there and then follow all the instructions. What can I say, my dad taught me right. I love your shutters, and I cannot wait to make some for our house. I will make ours functional due to the storms we have. I had been pricing ones that looked just like yours and could not get over the sticker shock when I know that they are not that hard to make. I think I will start with the chicken coop and see how I do and if the girls like them.
Thanks for the video, you rock. I cannot wait to see more.
Cheers!
I love your blog and will always read it but when it comes to videos I am not at all like you, and many others. I do not watch videos and don’t use youtube. I’ve tried a few times but get very frustrated. My brain does not work that way. I need still stuff – not moving stuff for my brain to be able to take in the info.
Also Kristi – I’ve left Facebook. I now find you through a blog feed.
Keep up the good work! I can’t wait to see what you do with your bedroom suite and the workshop this year!
same for me…I don’t do much FB/you tube or instagram…I still like email…
I do the same with instructions…lay it all out/count the items and go step by step..
I was hooked many years ago, when I found your blog in your apartment/condo? thing by the college…can’t remember what you called that home?…but due to ‘still’ pictures and all the ‘words’, I can still see most of it in my mind..:))
I’m not a bit artsy/craftsy/carpentry/power tool oriented, but I have always read every word of every blog and perused all the pictures in every Kristi post, in awe/admiration…and save them in a folder in my email so I can find them again…:))…
I am a ‘word’ person and ‘still’ pictures, so I can absorb….occasionally I’ll zip thru a video, but can’t tell you anything I saw or learned…
Bravo! That’s a great video! Can’t wait to see more!
Wow! I am so impressed. You did a great job on that video. It’s already 100 times better than many of the DIY YouTubes out there. I watch a lot of instructional videos myself and am often frustrated by their lack of clarity. You are a natural! Wishing you the best of luck in this new journey.
Just want to chime in here – I’m the opposite and learn better from written words with pictures. Whenever I’m learning a new DIY thing, I turn to blogs and articles, and only watch videos if I can’t find a better source. I think it just depends on individual learning styles.
I definitely agree with that! And I’ll never leave blogging. It’s so much a part of me at this point that I feel lost without it. Those 2.5 weeks off at the end of December were kind of rough for me. 😀
I love your attitude about learning new things and pushing through when it gets challenging. My IPhone received an update, all well and good but in the process now my texts do not show on the screen in my car nor do they read out loud to me. I guess I just need to follow your example and figure it out. Thanks Christie
Great video! Once you figure out the software for editing, you’ll have another very effective way to communicate with your subscribers – I also find myself gravitating to YouTube for learning new things. Thanks for your efforts!
I think you did an excellent job on your first video! I think watching and listening to your video, I could actually make a shutter. Great instructions. Really.
They add so much to your workshop, especially with the kitty helper in the picture!
Enjoy your new talent!
Great job!
I’m a YouTube addict so I’m really looking forward to seeing more from you!
Your voice is perfect for teaching. I loved the video. While I was watching I thought you could go ahead and start on your second goal because you have practically nailed this. I also live your blog, especially your humor.
I didn’t want to like the video because I love the blog and I don’t want it to go away! But I love the video and you did a great job and I can’t wait to see the next one.
The blog won’t go away. 🙂 It’s such a big part of my life that I’d feel lost without it.
I’m glad you’ve set goals that are going to stretch you. But PLEASE don’t stop with the written/photographed tutorials! I’m the opposite of you – I HATE watching videos of how to do things. There’s so much wasted time in videos for me. I much prefer reading a tutorial so that I can pause, look closely at pictures, reread instructions, etc. Its one of the reasons I found your blog (when you were in the condo) and have followed you all these years.
Congratulations on the video! (full disclosure – I didn’t watch it haha). You’re going to totally rock your new goals.
Not only am I NOT going to stop with the written/photographed tutorials, but another goal I have is to start offering downloadable PDF versions of my tutorials. But one step at a time. 😀
Great video Kristi. Easy to follow and understand. Very professional also.
I’ve been reading your blog for years and I have learned so much from you. I rarely comment but I wanted to say how much I liked watching your video – you did a great job editing and your instructions were easy to follow.
OMG, Kristi, you are a NATURAL!! This video is so good!! When you talk about something and show an inset picture, etc. So, my only note, and I noticed this on IG really, is you start almost every sentence with “so”.
I have spent many hours on YT over the past 7 yrs and have learned many things. I am so glad you are going to be contributing to that wealth of knowledge.
I do that when I’m writing, too. You have no idea how hard it is for me to STOP myself from starting every single blog post with, “So, y’all…” or, “Well, y’all…” because I write almost exactly like I talk. 😀
What a great video! YouTube is my university as well.
You did a fantastic job on your video! Never would have guessed it was your first one!
To be clear, it’s not my first ever video. It’s just my first one using this new program that I’m forcing myself to learn. 😀 And hopefully, I’ll stick with this one longer than I did the others, which I gave up on after using them to do one or two videos.
Loved the video! You did an amazing job.
The video was so well-done – you look like a natural! I like videos to see what to do, and to find out where I go wrong, but I dislike having to replay a video over and over as I am doing a project and prefer to print out written instructions to read as I go along. I think this is going to be a great addition to your blog! Great job!
Perfect Video! Now I know what to do when I start replacing my 1973 shutters that are rotting off the brick. I did not know about PVC boards so I learned something new!
Kristi! There is nothing you can’t do! Great video!
Kristi, you tube has taught me so much. I love to read. Just anything with a story. Instructions do not have stories. You tube taught me how to take apart, repair, paint, polish vintage Singer sewing machines. Too bad l didn’t keep track of how much money I made doing that. I never realized there is a severe shortage of people who know how.. lm like you. I will find out how to do anything lm interested in. That’s my problem. I have to be interested to learn how.. l have learned a huge amount of useful things in 75 years.. I just cannot read instructions! My mind refuses. If l have a photo lm good to try! So good luck learning new things. Those are things l will never learn.. good luck. I admire you so much. What would Kristi do.. guess l need that in my work shop! 😁
You have a gift for explaining everything really well and the video is awesome. You probably see nothing but areas for improvement, but I saw a clear and concise tutorial that would be very useful were I to want to make this project.
Kristi, as a teacher (retired, but really, teachers never retire) I stand up to salute your wanting to learn new things to expand your home and life!
I, however, am your polar opposite when it comes to reading directions before assembling new purchases. Most recently, I read in my new car’s owner manual that the center console is not designed for drinks!! The warranty does not cover any damages caused by drinks spilling in the center console. Underneath it are skads of electrical connections that could be shorted out, and, because they have informed you of this, it’s all your liability and expense.
I also have a kneejerk nuclear! reaction if someone tries to assemble or use my new purchase and damages it. Being a teacher, I am not above emailing the manufacturer when I encounter vague directions, incorrect descriptions. (My Black n Decker portable heater/air conditioner was described as weighing 36 lb, which I can carry up the stairs, when it actually weighs 63 lb, which I cannot. Grrr!) And don’t get me started on typos and grammar errors. How unprofessional!
Back to you, it’s your purchase and I love the idea of your exploring how to put puzzles together. Enjoy!!!
I thought you did a really good job on this video!
Hi Kristi! I watched your video just so I could hear your real voice, versus the one I hear in my imagination. You did a great job with this video! It made me want to go make some shutters, but alas, I have no need. 😀 Very cool to watch you work and the voiceover worked very well, I think.
I’m looking forward to what you do next!
Wow! You are a natural! Great job!
What an outstanding video! Thank you for all the work and effort that went into it.
Wow Kristi!! That was an amazing video! I feel like I could build a shutter after watching you!!
I always read your blogs but I’m so happy to see you doing “how to videos”!
Thank You,
Rhona
Brilliant! A clear and well-paced guide, with appropriate detail and explanations where needed. (Also loved that your video wasn’t glutted with unwelcome ads.)
At some point, please do some tutorials of your most used tools — what they do, how to use them, range of applications, accessories, cautionary notes, maintenance, what to look for when buying them, life expectancy, cost, etc. I space out the moment a tool is introduced (or a screw or nail with mysterious numbers) because I don’t understand anything about them except that they cut, pierce or connect something. I’d love to know more.
Your 2025 “resolutions” are lessons for all of us.
I think the video is great!