So I'm in desperate need of storage space, so I decided to go grab myself a shelf that needs to be installed in the wall. Now, I've installed stuff before, but with this, well, maybe I'm just being a n00bcake.

One of the brackets supporting the shelf went on fine. However, the other is doing strange things and laughing at me. I'll begin to screwing in, and then the screw will stop moving in and just start digging out small bits of plaster in the threads. I was wondering if maybe I hit a stud or if it just hates me (which I wouldnt be surprised). But then, aren't you suppsed to nail into studs anyway? Not that it should matter since my house was built only about 20 years ago.

I'm still new at this; any help is much appreciated~~

I love millinery and want to make my own hat block (aka hunk of shaped wood) instead of dropping at least $50 on a hunk of shaped wood. What I'm looking to make, at least at first, is just a simple round hat block. Nothing complicated about it.

I'm looking to use a softwood, so I can manipulate it by hand, since not only do I not have access to power tools, but said tools also scare me to death.

I was thinking basswood. If people are making blocks from foam, basswood should be ok, right? Also, how would I finish it off? Do I use some sort of finish or varnish? I'll be using plastic wrap around it, but it's still going to be exposed to a lot of moisture.