Natural Gas Hanging Patio Heater Warms Outdoor Living Space

As soon as the snow melts, you'll probably start thinking of spring and summer and outdoor living spaces again. You can start the grilling and lounging-around-the-deck season a littler earlier with a patio heater. There are quite a few models...

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

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Pocket Door Hardware

Pocket door hardware must stand the test of time. The hardware for the pocket door is hidden inside the wall. The hardware needs to remain straight and not allow the door to jump the track.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/884_Pocket_Door_Hardware.shtml

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Preparing Your Own Vegetable Garden

Gardening is fun, but it's also a lot of work so if you're going to make the effort to grow your own vegetables, you want to make sure your work end ups with a successful harvest. Achieving a good harvest starts with determining where to locate your garden, how to lay it out and making sure the soil is right for growing great vegetables.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/preparing-your-own-vegetable-garden

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Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 3

Filed under: Crafts, Storage & Organization, Know-How

In Random Recast, we find new ways to use ordinary things. This week: Plastic grocery bags.

Supercyclers

Grocery bags can be sewn into bags and folded into flowers, but did you ever think you could make a bowl out of the plastic sacks? Sarah and Liane of Supercyclers discovered that it's possible to create water-tight bowls, cups and planters by gently heating grocery bags over objects. To do so, you'll need a heat gun, which is pretty easy to find at your local hardware store.

The ladies just have a word of caution before you get started: "There is a degree of plastic bag fumage, the worst lowest possible grade on the petrochemical chain, but you should never see actual smoke as you work. Wear a good quality respiratory face mask at all times and even [safety] glasses."

Gloves are also recommended, as you'll be able to really mold the grocery bags around the bowl or cup without worry. For complete instructions, visit the Supercyclers blog.

Want to catch up with this week's Random Recast? Check out...
Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 2
Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 1

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/random-recast-grocery-bags-day-3/

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Fast Growing Vegetables

Whether you're an impatient, new gardener or a seasoned veteran who wants to share the joys of gardening with children but are afraid they might lose interest, you're probably going to be looking for some fast growing vegetables.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/fast-growing-vegetables

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Wire-wrap Dragon Pendant with foil wings

I love dragons and I love making things. I want to share how to make a metal dragon pendant with NO soldering, casting or hot work. You will need: Tools: round nose pliers chain nose or needle nose pliers (if they have ridges on the jaws, cover with masking tape to avoid marring the...
By: wombatmorrison

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Wire-wrap-Dragon-Pendant-with-foil-wings/

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How to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running Efficiently

To keep your lawn mower running efficiently, it?s important to perform regular maintenance every year in the spring at the beginning of the mowing season. Watch this video to find out how to keep your lawn mower running right!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/YWzSOYrTG3Q/

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Home Security Television Simulator Offers Alternative to Lights on Timers

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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Tips for Dealing with Weeds in Your Lawn or Garden

While you?ll never be able to eliminate all the weeds in your lawn or garden, watch this video for some tips to help keep weeds under control including using mulch and amending soil.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/_zIIiPB1-Sc/

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Tips for Dealing with Weeds in Your Lawn or Garden

While you?ll never be able to eliminate all the weeds in your lawn or garden, watch this video for some tips to help keep weeds under control including using mulch and amending soil.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/_zIIiPB1-Sc/

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Random Recast: New Uses for Grocery Bags Round-Up

Filed under: Crafts, Know-How

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Grocery bags.

PrettyDaisies, Flickr

If I hadn't been searching for alternate uses for grocery bags, I wouldn't have readily realized that this coaster was made from plastic sacks. To achieve this raffia-like texture, grocery bags are cut into strips and knotted together to create a type of yarn. (And there's even a special name for the stuff: Plarn.)

Crafters who work with plarn say that the thinner the bag, the better your results. Also, cut off the "tails" of the knots between strips, which will let you crochet smoothly. Once you've made the plarn, crochet a granny square to create coasters that are completely a-okay to leave outdoors all season.

Missed the other Random Recast posts? Check out...

Day #4: Outdoor Pillow Stuffing

PlayfulLibrarian, Flickr

It's such a small complaint, but I really hate having to pay for a separate pillow insert when I buy pillow covers. And outdoor pillow inserts tend to be pricier than the standard size. Instead, stuff the new covers with plastic grocery bags.

Day #3: Bowls, Cups and Planters

supercyclers

To create watertight (and pretty indestructible) bowls, cups and planters, mold layers of plastic grocery bags around the object, then blast with a heat gun. Not as scary as it sounds, we promise.

Day #2: Faux Flowers

Elizabeth Abernathy

Whether you use a folding method or simply cut petals out of the bags, the resulting ethereal blooms are sure to please. We love them as gift toppers.

Day #1: Messenger Bag

Will Taylor, ReadyMade

Layers of grocery bags sewn together create this utilitarian-chic messenger tote. For a less quilted look, you can also bond the bags together with an iron to create a thin "fabric" that will resist tearing and staining.

Stay tuned for next week's Random Recast. What will it be? You'll have to stay tuned...

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/27/random-recast-new-uses-for-grocery-bags-round-up/

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Creating Your Own Geocache

If you've never heard of geocaching, you're in for a treat. Chances are that you have a few geocaches right in your own neighborhood. These mini-treasure boxes can be found with GPS coordinates downloaded from the geocaching website and can be a fun way to get outdoors and try something new. All you need is a GPS - even a capable smartphone will do the trick.

After you've found a few caches, it's a good idea to contribute to the sport by making one of your own. Geoaching.com offers a great tutorial on putting together your first cache and finding a good hiding place for it.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/utQvnjRPFmY/creating-your-own-geocache

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Mosquito Prevention: The 10 Most Bizarre Tips

Filed under: Patios, Porches & Decks, Know-How, Outdoors

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.

Baggis, 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...

How to Treat Insect Bites

 

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

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Making Inexpensive Decorative Storage Boxes

Most people could use a bit more storage space around the house. Decorative boxes are a great way to utilize space, allowing you to store many different things in an attractive and handy manner.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/making-inexpensive-decorative-storage-boxes

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Crafty Memorial Day Countdown: Quick Party Decoration Round-Up

Filed under: Crafts, Holidays, Crafts & Celebrations

Skip the trip to the party store with these quick party decoration ideas that'll seriously impress your guests. (Yes, even fussy Aunt Rita.)

Quick Party Decoration #1: Watercolor Favor Tags

Victoria Hudgens, A Subtle Revelry

Originally designed as wedding favors by genius stylist Victoria Hudgens of the party blog A Subtle Revelry, these hanging tags can dress up any bottle of bubbly. To make them, write each guest's name on a piece of heavy paper with crayon. Then, apply color over the written name with sponge dipped in watercolor pigment. The crayon wax will repel the water, allowing the inscribed name to emerge from the color. Next, simply cut out a tag shape, punch a hole in one end and add a loop of twine. For complete instructions, visit A Subtle Revelry.

Quick Party Decoration #2: Lacy Cocktail Umbrellas

Victoria Pearson, Country Living

Part functional, part fabulous, these lacy drink parasols from Country Living's June issue lets guests stir up a cocktail with style. The secret to making these pretty party decorations? 4-inch lace doilies. Check out the full how-to for creating the lace drink parasols.

Quick Party Decoration #3: Beehive Pinata

Ray Kacharorian, Country Living

This DIY pinata seems time-consuming, but the basic paper-mache process goes by really fast (especially if you have kids pitching in). Simply dip strips of newspaper into a combo of school glue and water, then mold around a balloon. Once dry, pop the balloon, cover the newspaper with crepe paper and add on pom-pom bees. Oh yeah, don't forget the candy. Here's the full how-to for creating your own beehive pinata party decoration.

Want more party decoration ideas? Check out...

Daily DIY: Make Your Party Sizzle with a Swizzle
Easy Summer Entertaining
Update Your Patio Space

And to see how to dress up your patio for your party, watch this...

How to Transforms An Empty Patio Into A Outdoor P

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/29/crafty-memorial-day-countdown-quick-party-decoration-round-up/

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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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Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 1

Filed under: Crafts, Storage & Organization, Know-How

In Random Recast, we find new ways to use ordinary things. This week: Plastic grocery bags.

Will Taylor, ReadyMade

When is a plastic grocery bag not a plastic grocery bag? When it's used to create a useful (and incredibly sturdy) messenger bag. It's made by quilting together a bunch of plastic grocery bags together. Because you'll need about 17 plastic bags, this is a great time to clear that stash you've hoarded for future use. To get the full instructions, check out ReadyMade's tutorial.

Another way to repurpose plastic grocery bags for sewing is to fuse them together to create a durable fabric. Just sandwich 4 grocery bags between parchment paper, then smooth with an iron to bond them. (This works best if you trim away the grocery bag handles.) For a full tutorial, visit ModCloth's post on bonding grocery bags.

For more on all things grocery bags, check out...
Creative uses for all those plastic bags
Spinning yarn out of plastic bags
A Fee for Using Plastic Bags: Is Your State Next?

Want to see how to fuse grocery bags together to make a laptop case? Watch this...

Fuse plastic bags into laptop case

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/23/random-recast-grocery-bags-day-1/

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Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 2

Filed under: Crafts, Know-How

In Random Recast, we find new ways to use ordinary things. This week: Plastic grocery bags.

Elizabeth Abernathy

Faux flowers get a bad rap, but I think the key to using them in your home is to choose styles that are inspired by blooms rather than literal interpretations. These light-as-air poppies made from plastic grocery bags definitely fits the bill. Made by blogger Elizabeth Abernathy, the plastic flowers start with fused grocery bag "fabric." (We covered how to make the durable material in yesterday's Random Recast project.)

After fusing the grocery bags, Elizabeth cut out abstract petal shapes from the material. Then, she stacked the petals and secured the layers in the center with a pretty pin.

Though this method is very easy, there's another way to create ethereal flowers from plastic grocery bags. Simply cut the bag into rectangles of equal sizes, layer one on top of another then accordion-fold the stack together. Cinch the stack in the center with a twist-tie, then shape the ends into petal shapes with scissors. Unfold each petal to create a full peony-like flower. For more detailed instructions, check out Nuno Magazine's tutorial. (Psst, the mag was created by Elizabeth!)

For more on all things grocery bags, check out...
Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 1
Spinning yarn out of plastic bags
Are You For Or Against Plastic Grocery Bags?

Thought this video of a fashion show that used all upcycled materials (including grocery bags) was pretty neat...

ReVamped Fashion Show in Illinois

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/24/random-recast-grocery-bags-day-2/

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Water Damaged Drywall

A leaking roof or water line break can cause water damage in your home. Water damaged drywall needs to be repaired before the ceiling drywall falls down or before water damage mold starts growing.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/873_Water_Damaged_Drywall.shtml

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4-Digit 7-Segment LED Display + Arduino

I recently got a 4-Digit 7-Segment LED Display  from Sparkfun, and couldn't wait to use it. Here, I will show you how to wire it, and some sample programs to use with it! Display info This is the way the display works. It's multiplexed, so you select the digit by setting its pin (we'll ...
By: RoboGeekDude12

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/4-Digit-7-Segment-LED-Display-Arduino/

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Knex Armory

its been about a year since iv'e joined instructables,(3 days away) so i decided i should post my knex armory. pic 1: things iv'e built and still have pic 2: things iv'e made from instructable users and still have (p.s. i have made at least 25 creations before these) hope u enjoy. please...
By: mberg

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Knex-Armory/

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Architectural Inspiration: Daylighting

Filed under: Makeovers & Inspiration, Living Rooms, Small Spaces, Living Spaces, Experts

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.

KSS 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.

KSS 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.

KSS 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...

How to Brighten Up Your Rooms

 

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

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Great Ideas for Sharing Dorm Room Space

Personal space can be a huge issue among students sharing a dorm room. More often than not, there is simply too much "stuff" in the room, limited amounts of privacy, and a lack of personal style for the students sharing the room.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/great-ideas-for-sharing-dorm-room-space

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High-Design Hack - Make a Pillow Inspired by Moschino Maison's Sweet Room

Filed under: Crafts

Once in a while I come across an amazing item that often ends up being "not for sale" or just prohibitively expensive. Not one to be deterred, I do my best to find a way to recreate ("hack") the coveted object in question. And that, my friends, is a High-Design Hack.

Maison Moschino

My current design obsession is Maison Moschino, a hotel in in Milan that features some very inventive rooms. Such as: The Sweet Room, which is filled with decorations that resemble baked goods and candy. Yep, it makes you hungry just to look at it. What caught my eye was the cupcake pillow on the bed. Before we go into how to make a pillow like this, let's take a closer look...

Maison Moschino

Cute. I think the best approach to making a pillow like this is by carving the bottom part out of upholstery foam, then covering with felt in a solid "cake" color (like chocolate). For the liner, wrap the sides of the covered "cake" with a neutral felt. To create the icing, create a round pillow using white fabric and Poly-Fil, then stitch to the cake. A small red pillow makes the cherry. For a less abstract method to make a pillow that looks like a cupcake, check out this free pattern at SewDaily.

Want to try another way to make a pillow? Check out these ideas...
Daily DIY: Make a Felt Pillow with Rosettes
Make a no-sew pillow
Make a throw pillow from your favorite photo

For a very different but equally eye-catching DIY pillow, check out...

How to Make a Silhouette Pillow

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/19/high-design-hack-make-a-pillow-inspired-by-moschino-maison/

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Unclog Your Drain With A 2-Liter Bottle

One way to unclog your drain using a two liter bottle is to fill it with warm water and squeeze the bottle while pointing it down the drain. The pressure will swoosh light debris away. When that doesn't work, get out the scissors and head on over to the Dollar Store Crafts blog for instructions on how to make your own drain snake our of a two liter bottle. Just get ready for a disgusting surprise and the smell of death.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/XhYA2yLxZZU/unclog-your-drain-with-a-2-liter-bottle

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