Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Hot Kitty hat

Simple crochet hat with kitty ears attached and a nifty crochet flame edge.
By: violentorchid

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hot-Kitty-hat/

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PDF Planner Pro

200902092259.jpg

Here's one for all you hipster PDA users - our friends over at Worldlabel have done it again with these downloadable, fill-outable, printable, life-organizingable pocket calendars, task lists, planners, and note pads. You can fill in your info right on the computer and print it out and write in any changes as your week progresses. You can definitely tell they've put some good thought into these - making them both useful and attractive.

PDF Planners.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/yT1Ec64eUA4/pdf-planner-pro

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Synthetic Canvas Tool Bag

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Looking for a toolbox or tool bag to organize your tools? I have tried a lot of tool boxes over the years. The newer synthetic canvas tool bags are great way to keep your tools handy and easy to find.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/878_Synthetic_Canvas_Tool_Bag.shtml

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Crafty Memorial Day Countdown: Make a Pinata

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The June issue of mag crush Country Living has a ton of ideas perfect for your Memorial Day celebration. Get a head start on the celebrating by crafting along with us as we go through our favorites.

Today's idea: How to make a pinata that looks like a beehive.

make-a-pinataRay Kacharorian, Country Living


Kids (OK, and adults) love pinatas, but it just feels silly to spend $15 on something that you're just going to bash open. In the time it takes to look up your local party store, travel there, try to decide between the cartoon character choices and go home, you can make a pinata that looks like an adorable beehive. All you have to do is dip strips of newspaper in a mix of school glue and water, then wrap them around an inflated balloon. (If you have kids, they'll be thrilled to pitch in during these messy steps.) After the strips dry, pop the balloon and glue on crepe paper streamers to create a beehive look.

To make the adorable bees, wrap a yellow pom-pom with a black pipe cleaner and attach wings made from vellum or scrapbook paper. Full directions for the pinata and the bees can be found at Country Living.

Guarantee your perfect Memorial Day bash with these do-ahead ideas...
How to clean outdoor furniture
How to Clean A Gas Grill
Crafty Memorial Day Countdown: Cocktail Umbrellas

To see how to make a pinata, watch this video...

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/26/make-a-pinata/

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Architectural Inspiration: Daylighting

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If you plan on renovating this summer, there's new reason to rethink window placement: Research has shown that daylighting (an official-sounding term that refers to maximizing the natural light in a space) can make a room feel more inviting and you more productive. Also, it looks great. See for yourself with these amazing projects by the masters of daylighting, KSS Architects.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


Let me ask you: Which space is more appealing to you, the left or the right? If you answered "the right" (I'm guessing 100% of you did), you just learned the core principle of daylighting: Maximizing the light through windows and details. KSS Architects completely transformed West Chester University's 25 University Place building by opening up the ceiling and adding a high row of windows. But while daylighting might be associated with windows, a neutral color palette and unobtrusive lighting are also ways to boost the bright factor.

Your takeaway: Blonde wood accents, neutral flooring and discrete overhead lighting (check out the bent-arm lamps) can be just as effective as adding windows.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


This project really sold me on the power of daylighting. Here is the dramatic before and after of the basketball court at New Jersey City University's University Academy Charter School, another KSS project. The building had a nice big window, but obviously little charm (an understatement). KSS kept the brickwork but did something that I thought was interesting: Instead of repainting the walls white for a uniform look, they chose to strip the paint to reveal the natural hue of the brick.

Your takeaway: While white paint tends to make a space feel larger, sometimes it's best to expose the original finish of a high-quality material.

daylightingKSS Architects; Doug Snower Photographer


At Lawrence University's Warch Campus Center, KSS added Mondrian-esque windows and filled the space with brushed metal accents (which gently reflect light without scattering intense beams of sun all over the place). Like the 25 University Place project, neutral wood elements punctuate the room. To make the juxtaposition less jarring, stone tiles in both browns and grays were installed on the floor.

Your takeaway: Brushed nickel accents give you the gleam of metal without the upkeep (no worries about smudges). To integrate it into a space that has a lot of wood, opt for a natural stone tile that has bits of both hues.

Want more ideas for brightening up your home? Check out...
Easy Ways to Brighten the Kitchen and Living Room ... - ShelterPop
11 ways to brighten a room - DIY Life
10 Things You Can Do (Right Now!) to Brighten Your Home - Shelterpop

And to see how you can quickly boost the light in any room, watch this...


 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/

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Doggy Cupcakes

These are cupcakes I made that look like different breeds of dogs. There are Pugs, Sheep dog, Yorkie, Westie, Beagle, Dalamation, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Schnauzer, Lab, and a German Shepard. They are adorable and fairly easy to make.
By: xxxxlemonxxxx

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Doggy-Cupcakes/

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Reclaimed Barnwood Ceiling Warms up Study

For those of you fascinated with the idea of implementing recycled or "reclaimed" wood into your home, here's another use for old barnwood: Put it on the ceiling. A wood ceiling can add warmth and coziness to a room (and...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/reclaimed_barnw.php

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5 Creative Ideas for Footlockers in your Decor

Footlockers can be quite handy to have around the home. They have a rugged and rustic look that is appealing with many decorating styles, and they can provide you with a lot of extra storage space.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/5-creative-ideas-for-footlockers-in-your-decor

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Monday, 30 May 2011

Curbspotting: Sewing Machine Table

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Learn how to turn any trash day (or flea market) find into treasure with our weekly project spotlight. This week's makeover candidate: A sewing machine table.

sewing-machine-tableShelly Leer, ModHomeEc


When Shelly Leer of ModHomeEc found a sewing machine table, the furniture piece left much to desire. (Read: Lots of scratches.) But as they say in the decor trade, the table had "good bones." Gorgeous mid-century lines, graceful legs and solid construction. Here's how she found the sewing machine table...

sewing-machine-tableShelly Leer, ModHomeEc


And while Shelly teaches sewing and upholstery classes in her studio, she didn't have a need for a table dedicated to stowing a sewing machine. She did, however, have a need for a nice end table. Inspired by high-end mirrored tables, Shelly decided to use metallic paint and cut mirrored tiles to achieve the impressive "after."

sewing-machine-tableShelly Leer, ModHomeEc


In a nutshell: First, she primed and painted the sewing machine table. Then, she glued the top cabinet doors shut using Loctite Power Grab adhesive. Next, it was time to cut the mirror squares to fit the table using a glass cutting tool. (She says that this is definitely a time to brush up on your glass cutting skills by reading as much as possible on the topic!) A little more adhesive later, she had a glittering mirrored side table. Read more on how Shelly transformed the sewing machine table.

Thinking about tackling your sewing machine table makeover? (Or just want your own mirrored table?) Check out...
Secret Source: Where to Buy Mirrored Furniture
mirrored furniture - Decorating Ideas & Tips from Shelterpop
Mirrored Furniture from Horchow (Photos) - Luxist


Want to see other makeover ideas from our Curbspotting series? Check out...
Curbspotting - Dresser Makeover - DIY Life

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/23/curbspotting-sewing-machine-table/

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PDF Planner Pro

200902092259.jpg

Here's one for all you hipster PDA users - our friends over at Worldlabel have done it again with these downloadable, fill-outable, printable, life-organizingable pocket calendars, task lists, planners, and note pads. You can fill in your info right on the computer and print it out and write in any changes as your week progresses. You can definitely tell they've put some good thought into these - making them both useful and attractive.

PDF Planners.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/yT1Ec64eUA4/pdf-planner-pro

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How To Polish Marble

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Marble floor polishing can remove small scratches. You can polish the flooring either by dry sanding or wet sanding. Use special silicone-carbide sandpaper in range of grits to slowly work out those imperfections.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/879_How_To_Polish_Marble.shtml

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Mosquito Prevention: The 10 Most Bizarre Tips

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Now that mosquito season is starting, it's time to stock up our buzz-busting arsenal. But are these weird tips real or rumors? We'll be the judge.

mosquitoBaggis, Flickr


Weird Mosquito Tip #1: Drink Lots of Beer
Rumor. The rationale behind this gem isn't to have a good time, but that the alcohol and yeast are not appealing to a mosquito. Actually, the opposite is true. A mosquito actually prefers the blood of a beer-drinker over anyone else. You can try to trick them by leaving out open cans of beer around your yard, but it's more likely that Uncle Kenny will just drink the buggy brews instead.

Weird Mosquito Tip #2: Fire Up a Bubble Machine
Real. Though I suspect that this tip was actually submitted by a 5-year-old who desperately wants to improve their bubble output tenfold, mosquitos have been found to be repelled by soap solutions. So it's less about bubbles and more about the suds.

Weird Mosquito Tip #3: Mix Up Some 'Dew
Real-ish. Someone suggested mixing Mountain Dew and dish soap, then leaving the solution out in cups around the yard. Again, the mosquitoes were probably attracted to the soap rather than the soda. So save it for the refreshment stand and swap in water instead.

Weird Mosquito Tip #4: Wear Only White
Rumor. The thinking is that bold and dark colors absorb heat, which raises your body temperature, turning you into a buffet for bugs. But if it's hot out, you're going to have a higher body temperate no matter what you wear.

Weird Mosquito Tip #5: Rub Chives On Your Pulse Points
Real, but gross. Mosquitos hate the scent of chives, but so does everyone else around you.

Weird Mosquito Tip #6: Eat Plenty of Garlic
Real, but also gross. Points to the reader who painted a terrible picture in my head by writing, "Eat garlic until it oozes out your pores." Lovely. But if you happen to be eating a garlic-leaden meal, great news, mosquitos hate you.

Weird Mosquito Tip #7: Vacuum Them Up
Real. Of course, if you have the reflexes and the eyesight to be able to vacuum a mosquito mid-air, then I suggest you try out for the next "Karate Kid" movie.

Weird Mosquito Tip #8: Try This App
Real, but with reservations. There's a few iPhone apps on the market designed to emit a noise that repels mosquitoes. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on all varieties. And, it drives cats and dogs nuts.

Weird Mosquito Tip #9: Rub Yourself With Fabric Softener Sheets
Real. It goes back to tips #2 and #3, mosquitoes just don't like the taste or scent of soap. But use caution, since this idea just sounds irritating to the skin.

Weird Mosquito Tip #10: Spritz with Mouthwash
Rumor. A popular email forward from a few years back states that if you spritz yourself with a 10 to 1 mix of water to Listerine, you'll repel mosquitoes. While the menthol and eucalyptus doesn't appeal to the critters, the dilution won't be enough to make much of a difference. (And directly applying Listerine to skin will just dry you out.)

Want more tips on mosquito prevention? Check out...
How to make your own organic mosquito repellent
Garlic spray: a natural way to a mosquito-free zone
The Daily Fix: Ward Off Mosquitoes

Already bitten? Watch this to see how to take the itch away...



 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/27/mosquito-prevention-the-10-most-bizarre-tips/

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Poblamo Chile & Jack Cheese Potatoes

Here's a SUPER simple double-cheese stuffed potato to add to your Brunch line-up. Fresh Poblamo Chiles are milder than Jalapenos but still offer a spicey boost when you want to kick things up a notch. You can make this stuffed Potato a day or 2 ahead and then reheat in the microwave. They t...
By: bajablue

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Poblamo-Chile-Jack-Cheese-Potato/

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Health-IER Almond Butter M&M Candies

For those that want something naughty but slightly healthier then normal. This recipe includes no flour and could be easily altered to be sugar-free. Everything you need to know is added to the photos.
By: sstovall2

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Health-IER-Almond-Butter-MM-Candies/

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Anthology Magazine: Our Peek at Issue #3

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Anh-Minh Le, the lovely and talented Editor-in-Chief of Anthology, shares her favorite stories from the latest edition of the super-cute magazine.

Thrilled is an understatement for how I felt when I saw the latest issue of Anthology magazine. The theme is "Life is...a party!" and the below photos will definitely get you into a happy frame of mind. How could you not smile at this look into the living room of Eunice Moyle, co-founder of chic letterpress company Hello!Lucky?

anthologyAnthology Magazine


The artwork behind Eunice's couch is repurposed from her wedding, where she created a stage to hold the ceremony. Why not recreate something like this for your own home, using painted foam core and some fabric?

Also, look how cute her and her sister Sabrina are in this photo below. Anh-Minh says that the two, who founded Hello!Lucky together in 2003, are always mistaken for twins. Though they share the same whimsical aesthetic for their company, they gravitate towards different styles for their respective homes. Eunice is more vintage-meets-Anthropologie (which we can definitely see in the photo of her kitchen, below), while Sabrina leans towards Hollywood Regency.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


Next up is a profile of event planner/stationery designer Jordan Fernay. You probably know her from her super-popular blog, Oh Happy Day.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


Says Anh-Minh, "We asked her and photographer Aubrey Trinnaman to share some of the favorite things they've done for friends and loved ones, to mark a special occasion." I think the streamer-draped stairs would definitely merit a surprised reaction. (How great would that be for a wedding?)

Anh-Minh's other favorite story is a profile on graphics designer Sara Hicks Malone, the creative genius behind Sara's Party Perfect. The Q&A covers everything from Sara's stylish home to her business. "We chose her because her work and blog fit perfectly with the 'Life is a party!' theme for the issue," says Anh-Minh.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


And finally, here's the cover, which features illustration by Julia Denos. It continues onto the second page of the mag to complete the "Life is...a party!" theme.

anthologyAnthology Magazine


Anthology is available in print at select stockists.

Want to get another mag fix? Then check out...
Entra Magazine: Sneak Peek
High Gloss Magazine: Sneak Peek
Rue Magazine: Our Exclusive First Look!

Want to see a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how a stylist puts together a magazine shoot? Watch this...


 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/24/anthology-magazine/

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Creating an Internet Bridge Connection for XBoxLive

Yes, the new XBox360 Slim is out, but there's still a lot of gamers who have yet to follow the Slim Bandwagon for many reasons. One, they want to keep things old school and fingerprint free with the discontinued, white and black matted XBox360s and two, what was once a hefty budget is now a not so h...
By: stina_wo

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Creating-an-Internet-Bridge-Connection-for-XBoxLiv/

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Sunday, 29 May 2011

Random Recast - New Uses for Aluminum Foil Day 4

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Welcome to the very first edition of Random Recast! Each week, Random Recast will feature a new-use-a-day for a common household item. Got any ideas you'd like to share? Leave a comment!

Yesterday, we learned how to make a "sharpening pad" out of aluminum foil for specialty paper punches. Today, we're going to get even craftier by using foil to create surprisingly pretty embellishments for scrapbooking and card making.

aluminum-foilPhoto: Rebecca Grohall


Metallic embellishments do wonders to punch up paper art, bringing glimmers of light to the flat medium. The trouble is that metallic papers tend to be pricey. But as Rebecca Grohall (the blogger Bella Carta) shows us, you can use aluminum foil to create metallic flourishes that look just as nice as store-bought papers...just run it through an embossing press. Check out Rebecca's other examples for aluminum foil embossed cards and aluminum foil embossed invites. She also hand-colors the foil using alcohol-based inks to achieve that vintage tin ceiling-inspired look.

Want to catch up with this week's Random Recast? Check out...
Random Recast - New Uses for Aluminum Foil Day 3
Random Recast - New Uses for Aluminum Foil Day 2

Random Recast - New Uses For Aluminum Foil Day 1

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/19/random-recast-aluminum-foil-day-4/

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Concrete Floor Paint Can Spruce up Your Garage

There are lots of garage floor coverings you can consider, both to give a little color to the space and to protect the floor from stains, road salts, and moisture. The most affordable option is simple concrete floor paint. This...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/concrete_floor.php

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Arduino LCD Metronome

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By: matio2matio

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-LCD-Metronome/

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Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector with Front-Loading Batteries

I'm not sure who decided carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms should need to be taken off the wall so you could load the batteries in the back, but it's an annoying trend that has been accepted as standard for...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/kidde_carbon_mo.php

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Reclaimed Pinewood Flooring with Herringbone Pattern

You may think of pine as a rustic flooring choice, ideal for ski lodges and cabins in the woods, but it can be given a modern look too. Even reclaimed antique pinewood boards can look great in many settings. These...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/reclaimed_pinewood_flooring.php

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Avocado Coconut Smoothie

Need: Blender Ice Coconut Vodka Simple Syrup Vanilla Ice Cream Optional: Water Take an entire avocado (minus skin and pit) in blender with a 1cup of ice, 1scope ice cream (some where between a golf and tennis ball in size), about 4oz of simple syrup (1part sugar-1part water), and a...
By: violentorchid

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Avocado-Coconut-Smoothie/

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Duct Tape Bracelet

This will show you how to make a duct tape bracelet. It only takes about two to four minutes, and the only materials you need are duct tape and scissors. Sticky Side Out First, make a loop about the size of your wrist with the sticky side out. Note: Do not make it the exact same size of y...
By: oopsibrokeit

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Introduction-11/

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Cutting Ceramic Tile

Cutting Ceramic Tile
Cutting ceramic tile isn?t that difficult, if you have the right tool and know how to use it. Watch this video to see how to cut tile using either a manual tile cutter or motorized wet saw with diamond tipped blade.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/lis48q-8Ys8/

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Saturday, 28 May 2011

Make a planting pot maker!

In stead of buying plastic planting pots you can make a tool so you can make your own planting pots out of news paper. When the plant is ready to put in your garden you just dig down the hole thing, including the pot. The pot will naturally dissolve by time... You can make this in an even easier ...
By: tobias.tanke

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-planting-pot-maker/

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Electronics Deconstructed Videos

Smile! This clip from The Science Channel's "Deconstructed" demonstrates the energy explosion necessary to ignite a camera flash.


Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/Yw_4QxqYX-A/electronics-deconstructed-videos-playlist.htm

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