My name is Jeremy Hoffpauir and I am the creator of this DIY blog (aka Do-Daddy, aka Pahjo Designs) and Rustic Sea Relics.
Most importantly, I am a proud Dad of 3 wonderful kids (Zeph, Shane, & Mattie), 2 dogs (Purdy & Belle), and a LUCKY husband to my soulmate – Stacey Hoffpauir.
I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised on the bayou in a small town about 60 miles outside of NOLA.
Additionally, I currently reside in Destin, Florida.
Ultimately, I’m just a regular dude who loves the beach, the ocean, freedom, and for creating things.
DIY Blog
I believe we should all have the courage to be true to ourselves by doing what we love to do regardless of whatever or whomever tells us it is not possible, practical or financially fruitful.
This is the reason I created my DIY blog – I love creating cool things.
I love making old things look new and new things look old.
I love making things that inspire me and others.
The Question
I asked myself the following question before starting this blog.
If money were pulled from the equation, what would I do?
Would I continue to work in the field I am working?
Maybe, but probably not.
Would I watch reruns of ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘Game of Thrones’, or ’The Walking Dead’ all day?
No, I cannot sit still for that long.
I would create something of my own doing something I enjoy while helping others.
So, I took a small step.
Then, another.
And, another.
The Feeling of Joy
Ultimately, I’m enjoying the process of discovering myself & helping others without expectation.
Rather than search for things to make me happy, I strive to focus on joy.
I allow this feeling to navigate my actions.
Joy is the feeling we often get from doing the thing we are fashioned to do.
Getting Started
I’ve always been sort of handy around the house.
I actually enjoyed fixing/improving things around my home without needing to hire someone.
Essentially, I like the independence and sense of satisfaction.
I wasn’t taught how to fix or build things when I was growing up as I spent most of my youth/adolescent years playing sports.
By utilizing a ‘google is my friend’ & ‘I can figure it out’ mentality, I plowed through the most common DIY projects around the house.
Of course, I stumbled and made some things worse at times.
However, I enjoyed the process.
In 2012, my wife and I bought a 2nd home on the Florida panhandle that was in foreclosure as many homes were after the 2008 real estate crash. As a side note, we now live here.
To make a long story short, we purchased the house without stepping foot inside the property b/c it was in our price range and in a great location.
The house sat vacant for 2 years before we purchased it and it was in very rough shape – we had no idea what we got ourselves into at the time.
DIY Renovation Project
Stacey and I quickly realized after purchasing the house and fixing the core components (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.) that we didn’t have the money to furnish or decorate the house.
I used the aforementioned ‘google is my friend’ & ‘I can figure it out’ mentality & came across websites, youtube channels, etc. which contained step-by-step tutorials on how to make furniture.
This started my journey and ignited my passion for DIY projects and helping others.
Over the next year, my wife and I furnished just about our entire house by building our own furniture and creating our own art.
We also bought cheap, used furniture and refinished them using various painting/distressing techniques.
The sense of pride and accomplishment I felt after this process sparked my passion.
I began building just about anything/everything I could find online (blog, video, tutorial, etc.) based on my interest & need at the time.
Consequently, I developed my own style by following my instinct, imagination, & allowing joy to steer my ship.
Thank You
Thanks for stopping by and I hope to help you in the future.
My blog has tons of DIY projects and resources such as my tool list to help you make things.
Additionally, my online store has digital DIY plans for download as well as handmade items.
Thanks for stopping by!
-Jeremy