When it comes to managing the household budget – being resourceful is key. Wais parents know just where to allot every peso and when to save up just to make the most of their monthly fund.
Taking into consideration the cost of buying essentials for their second baby and the creativity they have, Cha Balmes and her husband, Ranel Balmes, decided to build a bed extension that can work as a crib.
How to turn a bed extension into a sofa
To save on cash, the couple decided to create a bed extension that can also work as a sofa in the living area.PHOTO BY Courtesy of Cha Balmes“Namahalan ako sa mga crib noon tapos ‘di ko rin gusto na matulog sa gabi na nasa crib ang anak so ito ‘yung ginawa ng husband ko para sulit! Six years old na ngayon ‘yung bata kaya sofa na sa salas ‘yung dati nyang bed,” Cha shared in a Facebook post.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWThe bed extension/sofa, made from mahogany and batikuling wood, has served its purpose, to say the least. The couple’s third child has also used it as a bed and it’s now back in the living area as an extra seating piece.
Cha's third child also made use of the bed extension. Six years later, it's now an extra seating piece in the living room!PHOTO BY Courtesy of Cha BalmesWorking on the DIY project has not only inspired Ranel, a seaman, to create more furniture pieces around the home, it also gave birth to a small side business he and Cha promote on Facebook. This has been especially helpful since Ranel's job was affected by the pandemic.
“Ngayong pandemic lang po medyo naging expert si husband kasi ginawa na nyang sideline. Dahil kasi sa pandemic eh hindi agad makabalik sa work as seaman kaya nag-try kami mag wood crafts,” Cha said in a quick chat with SmartParenting.com.ph.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowCheck out some of the handcrafted pieces created by Ranel below:
A cute doll house
Instead of buying a doll house that’s worth Php7,000 in malls, the couple created one and spent just around Php1,000 using scrap wood.PHOTO BY Courtesy of Cha BalmesA sturdy divider in the living area
This wall divider is so pretty! Some of the wood pieces in this photo are orders from customers, according to Cha.PHOTO BY Courtesy of Cha BalmesADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWA functional home office
Cha now has a workstation thanks to her husband, complete with a table and wall-mounted display shelves!PHOTO BY Courtesy of Cha BalmesWith the free time we have these days, it’s no longer surprising to discover a new hobby or a passion to pursue. Even before selling the pieces Ranel creates, the couple finds inspiration from the YouTube videos they watch and even from browsing Pinterest. Most of the scrap wood they use are purchased from a shop near their home.
“Gamitin lang po talaga ang tinatagong talent. Mahilig kami manood ng videos ng paggawa ng DIY projects. Sobrang daming ideas ang makukuha doon. Malaki kasi ang matitipid kapag sariling gawa,” the mom of three mused.
The couple’s other handcrafted pieces like cellphone stands, wine racks, key holders, study tables, and shelves can be viewed on Cha’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/charisma.d.balmes.
Looking for more DIY projects perfect summer? Check out this backyard pool one family did here.
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