camp cactus extreme studio makeover, part 2

Did I mention that the building my studio occupies was built in 1910? And there isn't a square corner or level beam in the whole joint? Also, the builders didn't appear to own a tape measure, because all the studs are random distances apart. (Or maybe they just did that for fun.) Anyway, it makes it that much more difficult to insulate and hang drywall when your materials are sized for modern-day specifications, like the studs all being a standard 16" apart.

They also didn't bother to put any sheathing (like tar paper) under the siding, so there's no lack of cold, fresh air whistling through the cracks in the winter. (It's very bracing, actually)

no worries, though...a little duct tape will solve any problem!

Unfortunately, sheathing the building with a weatherproof membrane would require removing all the siding, and that's just not in the budget. (and I'm pretty sure the siding is what's actually keeping the building from falling down.) So, once the insulation went up, we started in on the drywall. Matt's years of architecture school have come in very handy. He's a perfectionist, and did most of the measuring and cutting (and lots of heavy lifting) because I'm a quick and dirty type of remodeler when left to my own devices. (see above photo with duct tape)

My son, the perfectionist. (He takes after his dad.)

two days and five gallons of joint compound later...

no, I'm not afraid of swine flu...

I'm just sanding.

Matt's coming back over in the morning to help me prime the walls for painting. I can't tell you how anxious I am to get this done. And where the hell is Ty Pennington when I need him?