Building my She Shed

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Building my She Shed or as I prefer calling her, my Primrose Cottage Studio.

Building my She Shed or Garden cottage studio was a fun DIY we did together.  I show you how we put her together step by step.
For a look inside I have a link at the bottom of this post that will take you to the post all about it.

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

Also known as Pamela’s Pleasure Palace (I wanted to make a sign for the front that read that but my hubby thought it would send the wrong message)

About 18 years ago on December 25th, my husband and I began to build my little backyard cottage.   It is my most favorite place to be when I am not in my garden.

Want to Build this She Shed? Click here for the plans!

Beautiful in All Seasons

Click here to see it through the seasons...I especially love Summer.

DIY Studio Garden Cottage studio, FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

It is surrounded by flowers and my garden.

You may think we were crazy starting on it in the dead of winter but at the time we had a large shop space we could build it inside of.

My husband designed it in panels that could be taken apart for moving it to our backyard.

He also designed it 12′ x 12′ to minimize waste of any material.
The plans give details of building it from the ground up.  Of course, you start with the floor.  My husband made sure it was perfectly level.

Getting Started

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

See all that insulation towards that back wall. 

We super insulated so it would be easy to heat.  We don’t get very hot summers so cooling was not an issue, though the insulation helps that as well. 

The high ceiling also aids in keeping it cool when we do get a hot day.

She Shed Walls

Each wall was built individually on the flat level flooring of the cottage, raised into place, and secured. 

Not permanently secured as we knew it was going to be moved after building but secured enough to square everything up.

This is the front wall, you can see the opening for the French doors. I knew I would want to work on furniture in my studio cottage (aka she shed) so a wide opening was essential.

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com
How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

Next came the back wall..(trust me, the walls aren’t crooked, it is my photography)

Since it was only my hubby and I we had to use some cheats…here is used a forklift to lift up the top back gable end into place and hold it so he could secure it.  On site you would use a couple guys, I imagine.

A Studio Cottage needs Lots of Windows

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

See the little square up in the middle of the gable end, that is a little window that works great for letting out hot air in the summer, it is in the loft area.

Next is the side wall..complete with holes for windows.

She Shed, FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com (22 of 64)

I wanted as many windows as I could get.  I am now thinking I need a skylight too but that was not built into it but I feel it would be a great addition.

She Shed Loft

After both walls are up it is time to add the loft. 

A great storage place but when my daughter was younger she had a feather mattress tossed up there and she would lay and read in the loft while I painted away below. 

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

She loved it in my studio as much as I.

He framed it in and I nailed down the loft flooring.

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

Hmm, seems I missed a step, the ridge beam was installed before I nailed on the flooring.  Oh well, the plans have the step-by-step better than my photos.

Sheeting

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

It starts to come together swiftly once it is all framed up.  Add some sheeting and windows and you are almost there.

Moved to site (our backyard)

Next, it was moved on site.  It was several months later before we could bring it home as we had snow on the ground.

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

But once it warmed up and we could haul it home we did!

The struggle for the guys putting it up on site was even though we had meticulously made sure it was all square when we built it, having it sit for a few months caused the lumber to dry out and shrink some.

That made it a challenge to get it to all square up again.  Lesson learned!
But they did it.

Porch

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

A sweet little porch was added.

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

And then Voila’!  A wonderful little cottage (she shed) is born…

Paint

How to Build a Gorgeous She Shed, complete with link to step by step plans. Great for a home office, glorified garden shed or as an art / craft studio. Come see our photo album of building this one. FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

Add a bit of paint and you are ready to go…

She Shed cottage in snow

Now you have a sweet little space to spend cold winter days in comfort.

You will enjoy it just as much in Summer if not more!

I wish you Happy Building of your She Shed / Garden Cottage Studio.
For a complete set of plans for this project just CLICK HERE

example of she shed plans, flowerpatchfarmhouse.com

These are 31 pages of step-by-step, very detailed plans with a materials list.

I loved reminiscing about building my sweet little cottage and I hope you enjoyed it too.  It was a lovely step back in time for me.

Thank you for coming along!

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yellow tiny house with front porch, Flower Patch Farmhouse

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81 Comments

  1. I am not sure how to answer as I can’t be quite sure what you are asking. But since mine is sheetrocked it would show how the corners are built to be able to finish it that way.

  2. Elizabeth Collins says:

    I have a tuff shed that I’d like to turn into my sewing area. A contractor friend said I’d have to add more 2x4s to the corners so I could nail up sheetrock. Do your plans explain this??
    Thank you.

  3. It is soooo sweet and charming. β™₯β™₯

  4. What is the triangular Victorian piece called that you used at the apex of the roof? Do you know where to find them? Thanks!!

  5. Hi
    Really nice looking, stylish and so amazing. I love it. Good work. Keep it up

  6. Every cute !!!! Mind sharing the name and brand of your perfect yellow paint?

  7. There is a link at the end of this post that takes you straight to the article and photos of the interior!

  8. Loved this. Do you have photos of the interior?

  9. Thank you for sharing your She Shed project online. Does it have some sort of a heating system in the winter time? I imagine it to be very cold inside the shed. Thank you!

  10. The material list comes with the plans that are linked to. I love it too. πŸ™‚

  11. Do you have a list of materials for the shed? I love it!

  12. How tall is it inside? I want to purchase the plans but I want to make sure it has a high ceiling.

  13. Finished it cost $5000, a kit as you describe would probably run the $3000. We had priced both kits and the Tuff Shed options before building and we got more for the money building it ourselves but that was 10 years ago.

  14. Christina says:

    How much did u spend on it?bc there are alot of log cabi. Kits you can buy from about 3,000+ . Wondering if its cheaper this way or to order a kit online.

  15. There is a link in the post to purchase the plans. once the purchase has gone through you get a downloadable file link that has all the step by step directions.

  16. Could you possibly email me the plans y’all used? I’m having the hardest time finding plans, all I get are pictures. I would very much appreciate it!
    [email protected]

  17. Wonderful she-shed. I must have one as well. How about Pamela’s Petite Palace?

  18. Not bad though, the end result was worth it.

  19. It took us about 3 full weekends. I am sure it could’ve gone faster if we had invited friends to helps. We have many in the construction field.

  20. I have been seeing this trend of She Shed growing over the past years. A lot of time, I’ve notice that it has been sheds that have been renovated. So looking at your work, you went all in and I see you were determined which I have to congratulate you for it. So I’m wondering how much time did it take overall for you do it? Nonetheless good job. oh yea, I can’t show this to my wife or she’ll be on my case to get one, since I kind of took over the basement with a home studio.

    _________________________________
    Cabanon Terrebonne

  21. Where did you find it?

  22. My sweet little cottage is 12′ x 12′, outside dimensions. It was built this size to make optimum use of materials with little to no waste.
    I hope this helps

  23. Maybe I missed it, but what are the dimensions of your sweet shed? With Spring getting close, I may be able to talk my husband into building me one. After all he just retired, he needs a project!!! LOL!

  24. Sounds wonderful, you will get a lot of light with all those big windows. I am jealous. πŸ™‚ With the tall trees surrounding mine the light is hindered. I am hoping to get some skylights put in for added light.

  25. love your little yellow cottage ! I’m impatiently awaiting for spring to start my own . Were converting our 12×12 octagon gazebo into an art studio . I bought 7, 48×48 windows just this week ( in anticipation ) the 8th side will be a french door ( I hope to pick that up next month ) . Just seeing your cottage gets me even more excited , its perfection ! What a great job ! yours sincerely , Annie

  26. I sent this to you via email too but posted it here as well for others to see.

    Thank you April on the heads up of pop up ads. The ad network warned us this morning that this was happening. Pop ups are not allowed on my site but hackers have infiltrated the network ads system and the networks are working on clearing it out. There is no threat to any readers but the hackers redirect the ads to their own ads. Make sense?? This is mostly happening on mobile not desktop.
    I am working on another website that will have no ads but will be a monthly subscription set up.
    If you can, visit via a laptop or desktop computer and you won’t be bothered with the pop up ads

  27. So I really wanted to read your post ok your beautiful shed. You have a lovely site great content but the pop up ads are so very much everytime I would scroll to continue reading I would end up linked to an ad. I’m so very curious how you utilized the space in your shed , insulated it and heat it during the winter months?
    The only reason I leave the comment about the pop ups is because as a blogger myself we sometimes don’t know the accuracy or timing of when placed ads will go off I just wanted to let you know they’re like fireworks on your site and take away from all your cool stuff … Any insight you have as to using a She shed in winter months would be great

  28. It is a very fun yet useful space. I use it nearly daily and love it.

  29. So cute! When my husband gets home from running errands I have to show him your post and ask him to build me something like this in the spring. =) Thank you!

  30. Thanks for getting back to me, that is very helpful!

  31. We built ours 10 years ago so prices have gone up, I am sure but for the materials back then it was around $5000. I hope this can give you a bench mark. It has been worth every single dime!

  32. Pamela, this is great! We are looking to build a small outbuilding for my husband’s office, so I am looking for ideas. How much did this project end up costing, if you don’t mind my asking?

  33. You have given me a great idea, I don’t know if it would work or not but I wanted a bay window on the north side facing my Secret Garden but I think French Doors there instead would be lovely, and let in even more light that a bay window.

  34. I love it and I love the name. I can only think of two things I would do different. I’d put the french doors on the side and turn the small porch into a cowboy porch, complete with railing. Since my building will face south, I’d prolly add the skylight you mentioned but don’t know if it would be more advantages north or south facing. It will be backed by a grouping of forsythia. I so love this.

  35. It has been worth every dime we spent on it. I never tire of being out in it!

  36. That is – without a doubt- the cutest little wee cottasge I have EVER seen. You two were brilliant – oh how dreamy – I would love it beyond all reason – love love love it!

    I am so glad to happen upon your joining in and being feature at Talk of the Town linky party.

    WELL DONE – it is amazing.

  37. I am working on that post now. I took photos around the room from the right of the French Doors all the way around. I hope to have it ready to go tomorrow if not sooner.

  38. I almost can’t take how gorgeous this is ! Is there a post showing the inside ?
    Pinning !

  39. We have a loft area not a ceiling, I have a light fixture with ceiling fan in the vaulted area to move air. There is a small window in the loft area that lets hot air escape in the warmer months. With a nice fan going I stay cool even on the warmest of days but then I am a heat lovin’ gal. Does that make sense? I am going to do a post on the interior soon, I just have to get it presentable.

  40. I need to get it cleaned out and reorganized so I can fit a comfy reading chair in it. It is truly a working art studio and my creative mess is taking over. But I keep telling myself I am going to get it done so I can enjoy it even more than I already do. πŸ™‚

  41. What a sweet and charming shed. I could live in that darling little house. It is such a gorgeous hide out. I would enjoy a bit of reading and tea in such a place. Enjoy it.

    Janet

  42. Hi πŸ™‚ This place is darling! Love it. Thank you for sharing it! Is there storage in the “attic” part? If so, is it working well for you? Otherwise, I guess we could keep it without a ceiling so the ceiling is vaulted with a sweet chandelier ?? πŸ˜€ We live in southern part of Texas so we would be more concerned with the heat then the cold. I gotta show this one to hubby πŸ™‚ Thanks again!

  43. It is a drool worthy place. I enjoy being in it nearly everyday. I have plans for changing it up this summer, like adding a bay window that I know I will love. I have yet to convince hubby that a skylight would be lovely too but I am working on him.

  44. I’m drooling over your shed! It is so charming! You are so lucky! I hope you have a great weekend!
    Smiles!
    Terry

  45. I use a convection heater called Envi…here is a link to their website. I leave it on 24/7 in the winter and it runs me about $35 a month in electricity. I supplement with a parabolic heater when it is very cold and I am in the studio working. I also have used a radiant oil space heater which worked very well. Here is a link to the Envi heater..http://www.envi-heat.com/
    I do have running water. As soon as I have a day of sunshine I will get some interior photos to share. It is so dark all day long with the wave of snow and rain storms we have had that I haven’t been able to get a decent photo inside the studio.

  46. I think fixing up your tool shed is an awesome idea!

  47. I saw your lovely little shed over at the Flamingo Toes blog party and I am seriously envious of your special place. Great job to all the crew! If I had room this would be on my To Do list but I can adapt some of your ideas to my much smaller tool shed, can’t I? Two thumbs up!

  48. What kind of heat? Is that included in the plans? Is there running water?
    Cute, on my list for next summer.

  49. Hi Doreen,
    The dimensions are 12′ x 12′ but the plans are adjustable to your preferred specs.

  50. I am very interested in this but could not find it’s dimensions anywhere!

  51. Wow, Pam! That is an amazing space! Thank you for stepping back in time (and digging up all those pictures) to show us how your husband built your shed. The She Shed name is so fun! I’d love to see pictures of the inside, too. Happy New Year!

  52. How I envy you! Love your little She Shed, and I agree with your husband that the other name might give the wrong impression! πŸ˜€

  53. I don’t blame you at all. πŸ˜€

  54. Yep, I want one. I really, really want one!

  55. Thank you. I really wanted my husband to build me a little studio like yours, but the county wouldn’t let us. You can only build an out building 600 sq ft or larger! So, I rolled this on in. My guests love staying there as well. Let me know if you are in the neighborhood. You are welcome to stop in for a visit. It would be fun! Cheers.

  56. Ok, I posted 2 pictures for you. We live in Acampo, CA (between Galt and Lodi). Not too far from you! Thank you.

  57. Hi … Yes I’m on FB, but I cannot post a picture on your page. Let me know how to do it! Thank you … Suzanne

  58. This one is 12 x 12 so 144 square feet. My husband designed it that was so there was no waste in materials. He assures me the design is easily expandable but I wouldn’t know how to explain how that would work. πŸ™‚

  59. What is the square footage of the She Shed? I want to move my quilting and spinning equipment into mine! What to call it, what to call it . . . My Haute Hut? Hummmm….

  60. Are you on facebook? Please do share a photo on my page. I would love to see yours! That sounds like a perfect size. Mine is 144 sq. feet and not nearly big enough. πŸ™‚

  61. Love your little cottage. I have one on the back of our property. Mine is 398 sq ft and I love it. It is actually a Park Model home like the kind they have at KOA campgrounds. I’d send a picture, but can’t on this form. Thank you for sharing your wonderful work.

  62. Thank you Sheryl. It is such a great place to be. I have asked for a little bump out room off the back to add a half bath so I don’t have to run in the house after drinking too much ice tea but he says if he did that he would never see me. He could be right.

  63. I love my little Cottage. I think I will add a white picket fence around the street side to give it a border.

  64. When I told my mom my idea for the sign she snorted and laughed and said I was my Dad’s daughter for sure. πŸ™‚ It is the 10th anniversary of the building of my cottage. I had so much fun being able to reminisce with this post. It seems many others are enjoying it too.

  65. I just love your studio. How wonderful to have such a beautiful space in which to be creative and get lost in your own thoughts and dreams…no wonder you produce such beautiful art.

  66. This building is just too cute for words!! Enjoy!

  67. Love your sweet cottage and I agree with your hubby the sign may not be appropriate, yet I did get a good laugh out of it. Maybe go for it and see what the neighbors say!

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