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Anika's DIY Life | Beginner-Friendly Woodworking & DIY

Anika Gandhi

Hey!! My goal is to Demystify DIY by inspiring and empowering you to confidently use power tools and build anything you like. If you are a beginner or intermediate woodworker or DIYer, I have you covered with project ideas, tool tutorials, and how-tos weekly.

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Featured Post

The only tools beginners actually need

Hi Reader, One of the most common questions I get is: “What tools do I actually need to start woodworking?” And the honest answer is… not nearly as many as the internet makes it seem. Overspending on tools you don’t need is the #1 mistake I see beginners make. It leads to "tool overwhelm," and that's exactly what I want to help you avoid. I put together a simple guide + video walking through the beginner tools I recommend and why they matter. I cover: The core tools beginners actually need...

6 months ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, As someone who loves working with my hands, I totally get how multi-passionate we can be! While I am obsessed with woodworking and power tools, I also have a blast exploring different crafts and learning new skills. I have a feeling you’re the same way! That’s why I am excited to invite you to this year's FREE Art of Handmade Summit! From September 15th to 17th, you will get access to 33 expert-led workshops designed to help you refine your skills and explore exciting new crafts....

15 days ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader, Happy Thursday! A couple of these are TODAY ONLY — including $230 off a DeWalt miter saw — so don't sit on them! ⏰ Today Only — Save $230 (37%)DeWalt 15 Amp 12" Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw This is the buy-it-once saw so many woodworkers swear by — it crosscuts boards up to 14" wide. If you have been waiting to upgrade your miter saw, this is a great opportunity! Now $399 (reg. $629)Get it here 🖐️ 19% Off — my table saw non-negotiableMicrojig GRR-Ripper 3D Pushblock...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, School starts in about 2 week over here… which feels way too early if you ask me. It still feels like the middle of summer (the heat dome isn't helping much). As we scramble (and let’s be honest, kind of look forward) to get back into a routine, its all about back to school right now. One of the best beginner friendly projects to build for back to school is a bookshelf. At its core, it’s just a box with a few extra boards. And the possibilities are endless. Whether your little one...

about 1 month ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, Thank you for all your kind responses to my last email. I am slowly getting better and getting back to normal life... In other thoughts... Does anyone else feel like summer comes with a lot of extra stuff? Wet towels, pool toys, shoes by the door, outdoor gear, and toys that somehow migrate into every room… Here are five DIY projects that can help contain some of that summer clutter: Outdoor towel rackGive wet towels and swimsuits a designated spot instead of finding them draped...

about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, Happy Friday! I am back home and recovering from a very hectic but fun trip and lots of jet lag (and some kind of virus too 😕 )! I simply cannot wait to get back into the workshop and start building the next projects... hopefully starting next week. In the meantime, Here are a few projects, articles, and videos from the archives that you may find helpful and inspiring - How to build a Modern coat rack | YouTube Video DIY upholstered bench with storage | YouTube Video DIY planter...

about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hi friend, Happy July 4th weekend! I am currently in India visiting family, soaking up all the love, and eating all the food. It has been so wonderful to slow down, spend time with everyone, and just be fully present for a bit. And while I am not in my workshop right now, I know this is one of those weekends where you might be busy with BBQs, family plans, travel, and all the summer things. So if you need a little escape to the workshop at some point, I pulled together a few project ideas and...

2 months ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, I know Prime Day can get overwhelming really fast. There are so many deals, so many “limited time” banners, and so many things that look tempting… so I went back through the lists and pulled out the ones I would actually recommend. These are not random finds. These are tools I own, use, or would 100% recommend if you have been waiting for the right time to grab them. A few of my favorite Prime Day picks: HomeRight Paint Sprayer I bought mine in 2017 and it is still the one I pick...

3 months ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, Happy Friday — and happy first day of spring! 🌸 This weekend is looking really good… because I found some seriously amazing deals (like, the kind I wish I didn’t already own everything 😅). Let’s start with one of my absolute must-haves… 🔊 ISOtunes Spring Sale ISOtunes is my go-to brand for hearing protection in the workshop. I use the FREE, and I have also used the PRO 2.0. Both are fantastic. If you’ve been putting off getting proper hearing protection, this is your sign. It...

6 months ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, I found some really great deals today that I didn’t want you to miss! First up - Carhartt! They are running a 25% sale on all Force apparel - Men and Women to get you ready for the warm weather! This is one of my favorite lines at Carhartt - especially working in the hot Southern California weather. They are lightweight and comfortable, and the Sun Defender versions also have UV protection! Grab 25% off Carhartt Force Apparel Now on to tools... ⏰ TODAY only! $119 DEWALT 15 -Amp...

6 months ago • 1 min read