Tipsy’s Teachings Vol. 1

cover.jpg

My journey with Tipsy Mango has just begun. I’m about 80% done with my build and I’ve already learned so much worth sharing.

1. I really can figure it out and so can you.

From installing subfloors and adding plumbing to building a roof deck and connecting a solar system. I knew nothing about any of these things when I embarked on this quest, and now I’ve actually done them all. It’s given me so much faith in myself!

figureitout.jpg


2. Google is my friend.

It may take patience and persistence, but the answers are out there. Figuring out the correct language for an issue helps refine the right keywords to search. Sure, there’s a learning curve, but it gets easier as you go.

I spent hours upon hours researching and watching build videos on youtube. This is the van build video that pushed me over the edge and made me decide to do the build myself. (Note: it’s not as easy as he makes it look lol)

3. It’s more than okay to ask for help.

I’ve forged bonds with friends and family through this journey that have changed me. Whether it’s conversations and connections about solar power, tips for using power tools, or whatever, people like to share what they know. Genuine interest and respect goes a long way toward establishing and maintaining lasting relationships.

This is my mom helping me install the herringbone ceiling. Thanks mom!!

This is my mom helping me install the herringbone ceiling. Thanks mom!!

This is Rob, my big little brother, the night he helped me solder together my faucet after 3 hours and 4 trips to the plumbing isle at Home Depot. I LOVE the way it turned out!

This is Rob, my big little brother, the night he helped me solder together my faucet after 3 hours and 4 trips to the plumbing isle at Home Depot. I LOVE the way it turned out!


4. Do your best and forget the rest!

There are a million different ways to do everything. At a certain point, you simply have to start. As my big little brother says...you built it, so if don’t like it, you can unbuild it.” This sentiment has been very helpful. Sometimes, if I get stuck in my head wanting to do something the “right” way, I just have to remember I can always change it later. Just start!

This is the flip up desk/table that I built…then took apart and fixed…then hung…then hung a different way…then started over because my mom gave me a Chinese checkerboard that my great grandfather made and that obviously should be the desk even thoug…

This is the flip up desk/table that I built…then took apart and fixed…then hung…then hung a different way…then started over because my mom gave me a Chinese checkerboard that my great grandfather made and that obviously should be the desk even though the herringbone desk looked great.



Special thanks to Emerging Alternatives for all the inspiration.

Next
Next

Graphic Design Process