Introduction: An Eclectic DIY'er In Orlando, FL

Tammy Hawkins
by Tammy Hawkins
My name is Tammy and right now I am living in Orlando, Florida. Back in the day...We called all of this, Crafting, now we DIY. I have been doing this for over 40 years (ouch, I'm old!). But I love it so much. I receive great satisfaction when I have completed a project. In some ways, for me, it is the same good feeling I get when I volunteer to help someone or a group. This is because the projects I make, 99% of them, I give away! Usually what happens to set me upon another project is that I see something that I like, but might not like all of it, or can visualize an adjustment for someone who I know would enjoy the project. Off I go 'a making'! I also tend to use items that I have lying around the house. These are not the 'base' items that my next project actually started with. It is always fun and interesting to get the non-normal items to work together. I don't specifically craft in one area. I have such an interest in everything that I am A Totally ECLECTIC Crafter!
I do not have a decent picture of myself but my cat is stunningly photogenic. He takes a much better pic than I ever could-even with his eyes closed!
  12 answers
  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jan 12, 2017

    Hi Tammy! Thank you for introducing yourself! I'm crazy about your optimism, and that is one STUNNING cat!!

  • William William on Jan 12, 2017

    Hello Tammy! I've been doing DIY for over 40 years myself. Always had the knack for working with my hands. Started as a woodworking hobby, was a home builder, was in HVAC, remodeler, building maintenance. Crafts became DIY when more and more products became available to the public. And the public took on more challenges.

  • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Jan 12, 2017

    Hi William! Woodworking projects are wonderful. I did a little bit with wood years ago, they were fun and of course personal and I gave everything but two items away. I love it all. Wool, fabric, and threads, beading, wall hangings are great. I just love 'playing'!

  • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Jan 13, 2017

    Bob the Builder, I love that! What is your FurBaby's name? Have you ever DIY'd any playthings for your cat? I have tried and failed miserably.

  • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Jan 15, 2017

    Mukie is ADORABLE! Can't wait to see your work.

  • Madilyn Madilyn on Jan 16, 2017

    Beautiful cat! Thanks for sharing!

  • Dl.5660408 Dl.5660408 on Jan 16, 2017

    Hi Tammie! Most of my projects I give away too and I have a lookalike kitties named Miss Mouse who could be a twin of yours. Happy crafting/dyi!

  • Sue Peet Sue Peet on Jan 16, 2017

    Hi Tammy welcome to this amazing group.

  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Jan 16, 2017

    Hi. I have 2 permanent cats and 1 that I wish my grandson would taker somewhere else. Mine are Jerry a gray tiger with a white chest, and Samoa is a lot like Bob's cat. The one I can live without is a large Dark Gray with a small white patch on chest; named Smokie. Of course Samoa tries to keep the others in line. Mostly I do jewelry, Christmas ornaments, wreaths for the door. and sometimes other things I see.

  • Kat Kat on Jan 17, 2017

    Hi Tammy, how's Orlando weather? we live in WV and trying to sell our house to get down to Palm Coast, ASAP! anyone interested...make ya a great price, big house! anyway, your cat is beautiful, I have 4, all spoiled. husband has built 4 cat trees since we've had them, but alas, they are due to be recycled...cats have had a ball! Keep trying, you can do it. Your cat will love it. Enjoy Orlando, and Hometalk!

  • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Jan 17, 2017

    Hi Catsears! Orlando weather right now is great, getting a little warm for me during the day. I like the cooler weather or to live and work in constant Air Conditioning (that someone else pays for LOL!) The weather on the coast(s) is/are nicer, generally a bit of a breeze and cooler. I lived an hour or so South, on the coast for quite a few years. I have always wanted a tree for my cat, but he doesn't really need one, I guess. I have a lot of furniture and boxes in my covered patio and he climbs over, in, and around and then tucks into little cub-by's to watch nature. He really does have a Cat's Paradise out there. I tried to make a Cat, Wack-a-Mole thing, that I saw on a FB and Youtube post, but I so failed. Maybe one day I will find the pattern or instructions. Hey, I just had a thought about your house (and yes it hurt-thank you for asking -LOL) Have you thought about doing the Snow Bird thing until you can sell it, or maybe rent it and live down here? Hummmm, interesting. I might do that (rent) my place as I am planning on moving North in a year or two. I am enjoying Hometalk greatly. Such a wonderful group of talented and helpful people here. No matter where I go I will always know that I have a home here!

  • Lio2914546 Lio2914546 on Jan 17, 2017

    Ok ! it ' s nice project .............