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Thank you for being here! I’m Divya. I love everything organizing, DIY, and Decor.

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divya@smileandacoffee.com

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Let’s build a Pooja Mandir: Part 4 - Gopuram So

Let’s build a Pooja Mandir: Part 4 - Gopuram

So far, we’ve built the base, the drawers and pull out tray, sides and the top for this Pooja mandir. Now, let’s build a beautiful Gopuram using crown molding.

1. Mark and measure the length needed for the first level of the Gopuram on the top piece which is now our base for the Gopuram. I’m adding trim around the Gopuram. So I first marked that and then measured.
2. Place the molding on the miter saw in such a way that the top and bottom are flush against the wall and base of the miter saw. I added painters tape and marked these lines so that I could place future pieces perfectly
3. Turn the blade to the left at 45 degrees and make the first cut. Measure and mark required length, turn the blade to the right at 45 degrees and make the next cut. Repeat to cut all 4 sides of first level
4. Attach all sides using wood glue and Brad nails. Fill the nail holes and gaps with wood filler
5. Attach the first level to the top/base of Gopuram using glue and nails.
6. Attach supports for the second level to sit on using scrap pieces and pocket screws. Mark where the supports are using tape. This will help in nailing the second level
7. Measure the insides of the first level and cut the pieces needed for the second level. Similar to the first level, attach four sides together
8. Measure the inside of the second level and cut a piece of plywood for the top. Attach it to the second level using glue and nails and fill the holes and gaps with wood filler
9. Measure, mark and drill for where finials will be attached on top of the second level.
10. Now attach the second level to the supports that was added earlier using glue and nails
11. Attach the finials now or later after staining them. I’ll stain them first as it’s easier that way.

The Gopuram is now done!

Next up…lots of trim!

I have been saving the entire process in highlights, but if you have any questions do let me know and I’m happy to answer 😊

Follow along to see this mandir come to life.
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#poojamandir #poojamantap #gopura #gopuram #templegopuram #indiantemple #indiangopuram #homemandir #poojamandirdiy #indiandiy #indiandecorstyle

Let’s build a Pooja Mandir: Part 3 - Sides and T

Let’s build a Pooja Mandir: Part 3 - Sides and Top

So far, we’ve built the base, the drawers and pull out tray. Now let’s add the sides and the top this Pooja mandir.

1. Make the markings for the leg and drill holes for attaching it but I’m not going to attach the leg just yet. I cut the leg to about 26 inches which is the height that my friends wanted it to be
2. Leave a gap of 3/4 inch for a 1x4 piece to sit right behind the leg, and then measure from the back of the base. This will give us a measurement for the side pieces
3. Give the side pieces a good standing, and add pocket holes to the top, bottom and the side where the one by four needs to be attached
4. Cut a piece of one by four to the same height as the legs and the sides. Add pocket holes at the top and bottom
5. Attach the sides and one by four using wood, glue and pocket screws
6. Next attach the top to the sides, and the one by four using wood glue and pocket screws

The sides, front piece and the top or now done!

Next up…Gopuram!

I have been saving the entire process in highlights, but if you have any questions do let me know and I’m happy to answer 😊

Follow along to see this mandir come to life.
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#poojamandir #indianmandir #poojamantap #indiandecor #indiandiyer #desidiy #hindupoojamandir

Wish you all a very Happy & Prosperous Ugadi! 😊

Wish you all a very Happy & Prosperous Ugadi! 😊

The word Ugadi come “Yug” meaning year and “Adi” meaning start. Ugadi marks the beginning of a new year in the Hindu calendar.

It is celebrated by various names in different parts of India. It falls on the first day of “Chaitra” month which means New. Ugadi marks new beginnings.

It is celebrated by wearing new clothes, offering prayers and consuming a mixture of neem flowers which are bitter, and jaggery which is sweet symbolizing that life comes with both bitter and sweet moments. Raw Mango rice and Obbattu (stuffed flatbread with a sweet lentil filling) are other must-haves for Ugadi!
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#ugadifestival #yugadi #hindunewyear2023 #ugadiwishes #ugadispecial

Let’s build a Pooja Mandir Part 2 - Drawer box a

Let’s build a Pooja Mandir Part 2 - Drawer box and pull out tray

In my last reel, I had shown you how to build the base for a Pooja mandir.
This time, let’s add a drawer box and pull out tray.

1. Attach the slides to the base. Be sure to add a spacer so that the slides are placed equally on both sides. I used a piece of 1x3 for the drawer slides and a piece of 1x2 for the pull out tray slides
2. Measure and mark the screw holes and drill pilot holes
3. Attach the slides using screws provided
4. Here is a trick to get the drawer box measurements right - First cut and attach the sides. I’ve used 1/2 in plywood.
5. Then measure the distance between the sides to get the right measurements for the front and back
6. Cut the front and back, add pocket holes and attach all sides
7. Cut the base of the drawer box using 1/4 in plywood
8. Attach to the drawer using wood glue and nails
9. Next measure the distance between the slides for the pull out tray
10. Cut pull out tray using 3/4 in plywood
11. Attach to slides

Drawer box and Pull out tray are done.

Next up…Sides and the decorative leg

I have been saving the process in highlights, but do let me know if you have any questions.
Follow along to see the mandir come to life.
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#poojamandir #poojamantap #indiandiy #desidiyer #drawerbox #drawerbuilding #pullouttray #womenwhodiy

Let’s build a Pooja Mandir… Actually, I’ve

Let’s build a Pooja Mandir…

Actually, I’ve been building it for months now 🙂
Now I’m inching closer to the finish line and I thought I’d start post the different stages of building.

Here’s the first reel in the series showing how I built the base.
It’s quite simple.

1. Cut the top, bottom and sides using 3/4 inch plywood
2. Add pocket holes to the sides
3. Attach the sides to the top and bottom using corner clamps and pocket screws
4. Add bun feet
5. Add edge banding to the front of the base

Next up…drawer box and pull out tray.

I have been saving the process in highlights, but do let me know if you have any questions.
Follow along to see the mandir come to life.
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#poojamandir #poojamantap #indiandiy #indianpoojamandir

What do you do when your projects involve cutting

What do you do when your projects involve cutting a large piece of plywood when you don’t want to invest in expensive tools?

Just get yourself a large piece foam, place the plywood on it and cut with a circular saw and a rip cut guide.
While you do have to pay for the saw and the guide, it still is an affordable option, especially if you’re just starting out on your DIY journey.

This has worked for me so well. Give it a try the next time you are in a bind.

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