Lights with timers are a pretty home security good idea, because they can fool burglars into thinking someone is home. Most burglars don't want to come face to face with homeowners, so they go for empty houses. If you want...

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

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I was browsing through my monthly Think Geek magazine and saw they were selling gelatin shot glasses, and did not like the price tag associated with them ($15 for 6).  So I though about it and decided to make my own since I had already made homemade gummy bears before. The Materials All you need is...
By: elco_chan

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Gummy-Shot-Glass/

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Sometimes, the most common household items can be used in unexpected ways. Learn what you can use (that you probably already have at home) to fix scratched wood.

It's never fun discovering that your beautiful wooden table is marred with a nasty scratch. But let's face it: It happens to the best of us. Whether you're on a budget or just need a quick fix, here are five do-it-now ways to fix scratched wood. Best of all? These solutions feature common items that you likely already have on hand. Let's get started!

1. Oh, Nuts
For scratches that have penetrated beyond the finish, try rubbing a pecan or walnut gently across the surface of the scratch. You'll fill the wood naturally, quickly and cleanly - and the natural oils in the nut will ensure that it lasts.

2. Make It Up
Because it's soft, oil-based and wood colored, eyebrow pencils work wonders at filling in and camouflaging anything from small surface scratches to much deeper ones. Choose a color that most naturally matches the wood, then fill the crack and buff.

3. Pour on the Mayo
If the wood is cracked, and not simply scratched, try a little Mayonnaise. Smooth enough mayonnaise over the crack to fill it, then wipe away the excess and let it sit for a one to three days. The protein and oils in the Mayonnaise will help the wood to swell and will actually fill that crack. When the crack has swelled sufficiently, wipe off any remainder and polish to a shine.

4. Ashes to Ashes
It's hard to believe, but cigarette ashes are the turn to ingredient to repair water rings or spots and surface marks. Make a small paste of ash and water and gently rub into the affected area, then wipe clean. Toothpaste also works in a pinch if you don't happen to have any ashes on hand.

5. Raid the Coloring Cabinet
Manufacturers actually make special wood crayons for this purpose, but why pay extra when you can use what you have on hand? Find a brown crayon around the same shade as your wood and simply color it in. Smooth any excess with a soft cloth and polish to a beautiful, scratch-free shine.

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/24/scratches-wood/

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Marie asks, "My laminate countertops need to be replaced, but my budget won?t allow it right now. Can I paint them instead?"

Yes, there are several products on the market specifically made for painting plastic laminate countertops. Read on to find out more.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/CmUmVu9pG_I/

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Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

DIY etched glass kits have been selling out at craft retailers, but it can be a little bit intimidating to put brush to glass. (Especially when you realize that you're working with acid.) Not so. After reading this Craftfoxes interview of the talented husband-and-wife etching artisans behind Bread and Badger, we feel confident to try our hand at this project.

How did you get into your craft? When did you start?

I discovered glass etching by accident. I was looking for an unusual way that I could use my love of drawing to create interesting jewelry in 2005. I realized I could draw directly onto glass pieces with a Dremel tool, and then turn them into pendants. That quickly branched out into drawing onto 3-dimensional objects like vases and candle holders, which moved into the more functional world of drinkware. It wasn't until 2008 when demand became too high for me to continue hand-engraving each piece, and I upgraded to a professional sandblasting system that my husband and I could operate together.

How did you come up with the name for your shop?

I'm really inspired by how fearless badgers are, especially honey badgers. I knew that I'd have to face a lot of my fears if I was going to run a successful business, so I adopted the badger as my totem animal. The "bread" part comes from the idea of "bread and butter" - where your money comes from. I knew that I wanted this business to be my bread and butter, so I turned the phrase into something that completely described what I wanted the business to be for me.

What's one important lesson you've learned about your craft?

I've learned to not be so attached to things if they break or don't turn out perfectly. Working with glass means there's always a tiny chance that something you've been working on will just shatter at some point, whether its in your hands at the time, or somewhere in the mail. That's just the nature of the material, so there's no use fighting it. Just pick up the pieces, and make another one.

To see the whole interview, visit Craftfoxes.

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/30/etsy-etched-glass-artisans/

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Give these mosquito-eating creatures a place to roost in time for trick-or-treat season, and reap the benefits year-round. With instructions for parents and kids

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/kkSpz0DMl1w/0,,20165965,00.html

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Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

Here's how to think outside the bow. Decorating with ribbon has its moment.

Ribbons come in every pattern and style. And you can use a $10 spool of ribbon for many things other than wrapping presents. When I let my imagination run wild, I had some pretty fun ideas for decorating with ribbon. Yes, one little ribbon can help spruce up your home in easy, unexpected ways. Here are five fun ideas to get you tying ribbons all over your home.

1. Instantly Tied Together: There's no need to be fussy with curtain tiebacks. Use a strip of ribbon you love to tie back your curtains in the morning and let the sun shine in. (Photo below.)

2. Mirror on the Wall: Attach a strip of sturdy ribbon to a mirror or picture frame and hang it off a nail or hanging hardware in the wall. You'll add a pop of pattern with ribbon. We love the look of plaid, a pattern that never goes out of style. (Photo below.)

3. All Hung Up: All you need to keep your strappy dresses from sliding off their hangers - a little leftover ribbon. Tie a strip of ribbon on each end to keep those spaghetti straps in place.

4. Wine Markers: The next time you throw a dinner party, cut some ribbons to make wine markers and help your guests remember which glass of wine is theirs. All you need to do is tie small strips of ribbons around the stem of each glass - easy, instant wine markers. (See below, left.)

5. Lightbulb Moment: You don't have to go bold with pattern - even a simple white ribbon can complete the look of a DIY lampshade. This lampshade has been made over with wallpaper (but you can really use any paper or fabric to cover a lampshade and give it a whole new look.) Simply glue the ribbon to the top and bottom trim of the lampshade for a polished finishing touch. (See above, right.)

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Best Cleaning and Organizing Apps
Creative Centerpiece in a Cinch
Decor Don't: Extreme Decluttering
Decor Don't: Too Much Lighting

By Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/29/ribbon-crafts/

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Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

In England, two landlords are testing a system that pays tenants to do their own routine repairs. Will it catch on?

Ever find yourself unclogging your drain or repairing a chipped tile and grumbling "I should really be paid for this"?

England's National Housing Federation feels your pain. The BBC reports that housing associations and councils spend about $1,633 on repairs per property, per year. So doesn't it make sense to put the money in the hands of the renters, rather than the contractors?

No, that doesn't mean renters will be in charge of everything that goes wrong -- just the little things. Landlords will still be responsible for uneven floorboards, where-did-those-come-from ceiling leaks and complicated plumbing issues.

And for the truly anti-DIY crowd, fear not: Tenants are allowed to use the cash for hiring help on their own...or perhaps buying dinner for a particularly handy friend. And while some skeptics might argue that simply paying tenants to take on a landlord's duties makes things more difficult for the renter, consider this: With the easier stuff pushed off their plates, wouldn't landlords be better equipped to handle major repairs? After all, if my landlord didn't have to deal with every one of my 29 building-mates calling to get a fix for their chipped sink, maybe he'd have time to tackle that weird water sound happening in all of our bathrooms. Or get the washing machine to stop eating my quarters.

And he's not the only person to benefit -- if I knew I could get paid for painting over the spackle he placed after a minor leak, I'd get around to it much sooner. Housing Minister Grant Shapps says it best: "When residents take pride in their homes it saves their landlords cash, so I think it's right that tenants should benefit too."

What do you think: Would you welcome cash-for-DIYing? Or do you want all home repair issues off your to-do list?

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/25/paid-to-diy/

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A water feature is a beautiful, soothing addition to any garden, whether it's a spacious backyard or a small balcony. You can make a simple water feature in an afternoon, with supplies readily available at your local home center. Read on to find out how.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/ev16tzEAhp4/

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Have you ever wondered how they make cat treats? What do they taste like, what’s really in it? Well wonder no more! With this simple and quick recipe you can make cheap and tasty cat treats at the touch of a paw. This recipe is really as simple as it could get. Simply take one tasty thing, and mi...
By: BetterThanToast

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-cat-crunchies-with-added-cat/

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