DIY Grandparents: Stories to Warm Your Heart
To celebrate our Grandparents this Grandparent’s Day, we asked members of our community to share their own grandparent DIY stories for a chance to win a trouble-free Brisa Retractable Screen Door. With 235 entries of wonderful stories about grandparents, we just had to share some of the more heart-warming DIY success stories that were submitted. First of all, we’re happy to announce a winner…Grandparent's Day Contest Winner:
The winner of our Brisa Retractable Screen giveaway was chosen at random from all story submissions and announced LIVE on our Facebook page on September 12th at 3PM.Congratulations, Rob Riffe!
Rob’s Submission:
"I used to do a lot of puzzles with my grandmother. I also used to clean cottages with her. Those were daily projects." - Rob R. from Westerly, RIGrandparent's Day Submission Highlights
Now, get inspired with some of our favorite story entries celebrating our grandparents and see just how successful grandparents can be with a DIY project!
"Today my 2 year old Granddaughter and I made a tree with fall leaves to celebrate autumn." - Rose A. from Philadelphia, PA
"My youngest helped my Mom paint my oldest son's bedroom when he was in the hospital." - Jennifer H. from Belding, MI
"Jack helped his Pa with MANY projects this year. I think the favorite one was building the pergola and the 2nd favorite was making the Christmas Grinch. A lot of cutting, sawing, painting and HAMMERING!!!" - Linda C. from Berthoud, CO
"While visiting with my Granddaughter, Aurora, near Christmas time, we decorated a large gingerbread man. We had so much fun!" - Catherine L. from Stanwood, MI
"There are many projects that my grandson helps with me around the house. As a 73 year old, there are many things I can no longer do so I always engage his help. Our latest project was redoing our shower by updating it with new and modern tiles. As my grandson said, "Grandpa, you are still stuck in the 80's style." We went to our local home improvement center and he helped me pick out the tiles. Over two weekends, we redid the shower and the result was more beautiful than I expected. However, even if it did not exceed my expectations, the time we spent, and continue to spend together, means more to me than anything. When I have simple projects that I could do on my own, I ask for his help just an excuse for me to spend time with him. Our next project that I'm looking forward to is redoing our deck. I always know I can count on my buddy...my grandson, Mark." - Richard O. from Brewster, NY
"My two granddaughters and I made a fun flip-flop wreath." - Cole M. from Salem NH
"My favorite memory was helping my grandfather every summer making a homemade slip and slide every summer. Now I continue this with my grandchildren." - Anita K. from Eastpoint, FL
"One of the coolest projects I've ever done happened last year with my granddaughter, who was about to enter her senior year in high school. For her biology class, during the summer, she was required to design and complete an experiment, using all of the steps of the scientific method. I'd just retired from being a science teacher for 20+ years, so she came to me for advice. As we poured over the many labs I'd done, we landed on a very interesting one using, of all things, gummy bears! With guidance from me, she designed a perfect experiment that won praises from her biology teacher, for being innovative and scientific. We had so much fun working together and, in the end, I was so proud of her accomplishment. It's a memory I'll never forget!" - Diane W. from Northfield, OH
"We love to do crafts! We have made sailboats, airplanes and are currently building a treehouse!" - Trinity R. from Seattle, WA
"This past weekend my granddaughter Jade and I built a lemonade stand out of cardboard. She made a few bucks. Fun times." - Ivan M. from Salem, NH
Thank you to everyone who participated, and if you missed the opportunity, please share your own story by commenting below. Meanwhile, we have a lot of opportunities to help you get inspired for your next DIY project. Whether it’s replacing door glass, installing a retractable screen, or choosing enclosed blinds door glass, you can find all of the products and step-by-step instructions you need right here.