I’m sure you’ll see more than a few MakerBot Replicators when you come to the Bay Area Maker Faire this weekend. You’ll kick yourself later if you don’t check out their Robot Petting Zoo. If you make 3D Printers and will be at the Maker Faire, feel free to drop me a line at swallace@oreilly.com.
Do It Yourself
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Most Topular Stories
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3D Printer Trading Cards (From the Future!): The Replicator
MAKE16 May 2012 | 1:30 pm -
May 15, 2012 AsktheBuilder Newsletter & Tips
Ask the Builder15 May 2012 | 9:27 amThis past weekend Mother Nature treated the Northeast to some delightful spring weather. Saturday and Sunday were spectacular, with Saturday one of those stunning clear days. We get fall in reverse up here. Right now all the deciduous trees that are crimson, orange, yellow, etc. in the fall are various shades of green. The picture below does not do it justice. I should have taken the photo on Saturday when there was less haze. It's stunning to see in person. Next weekend, I'll be volunteering for another worthy cause - The Seacoast Bike Tour. It's a two-day event put on by the Breathe New… -
7 Ways to Spot a Pathological Liar
How to of the Day16 May 2012 | 11:00 amThe term, “liar, liar pants on fire” takes on new meaning when dealing with a pathological liar. This person may not be completely rooted in reality, believing the lies they tell, often in an effort to remedy low self esteem. Unlike telling a few fibs here and there, or slightly exaggerating the truth once in a while, the pathological liar lies about literally every aspect of his or her life. From how much was spent on dinner last night to talking about the last time the dog was bathed, the pathological liar feels that every bit of communication has strategic meaning positioned for his or… -
May 15, Bathroom Design Ideas: The power to say I can design My Own Bathroom
Bathroom Remodel DIY Tips and Ideas15 May 2012 | 2:36 pmBathroom design ideas to help you prepare for your new bathroom remodel. Find the design ideas that lets you say I can design my own bathroom. -
Discovering the joy of primitive decorating
Old House Web Blog10 May 2012 | 12:17 pmLong before I owned my first old house, I was dreaming about it. Part of the fuel for that dream was a stack of magazines at least two feet tall. These were magazines I had carefully chosen from the racks at the bookstore, the ones that had only the best pictures of old house decorating. The pages I turned to most often were those that showcased the primitive style. My love of primitive style began with a simple gift from my grandmother — a wooden dough bowl. “This bowl has been in our family for generations,” she said. “So take good care of it.” The wood had…
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MAKE
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3D Printer Trading Cards (From the Future!): The Replicator
16 May 2012 | 1:30 pmI’m sure you’ll see more than a few MakerBot Replicators when you come to the Bay Area Maker Faire this weekend. You’ll kick yourself later if you don’t check out their Robot Petting Zoo. If you make 3D Printers and will be at the Maker Faire, feel free to drop me a line at swallace@oreilly.com. -
Space Shuttle Demating Time Lapse
16 May 2012 | 9:00 amWay cool! This weekend several Resistor members worked together with The Last Shuttle Project and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to install a time lapse camera near Hangar 12 at JFK to record the demating operation of the Space Shuttle Enterprise (OV101) from the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. [thanks, Trammell!] -
A Maker Day in Far Rockaway This Weekend
16 May 2012 | 5:30 amWith a bunch of the MAKE team out west helping prepare for the 7th annual Maker Faire Bay Area (including myself), a part of me really wishes I was back home for two awesome events taking place this weekend in Far Rockaway, Queens. Inspired by the likes of NYC’s boardwalk Mermaid Day Parade, and Baltimore’s Kinetic Sculpture Race, the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance is hosting the 1st annual Rockaway Bike Parade on Saturday May 19th from 11AM – 2PM, beginning at Jacob Riis Park. Expect to see Fish Bikez (above), inflatable costumes, decorated ice cream carts, and other… -
Junktech Spin Art System
16 May 2012 | 12:51 amThis simple, clever contraption from the folks at Austin Creative Reuse was spotted at last Saturday’s Austin Mini Maker Faire, where it was keeping a lot of kids engaged, for a long time, at very low cost. A platter, driven by a hand crank and chain cobbled together from bike parts, spins a junk CD while paint is dribbled on from squeeze bottles above. An old washtub keeps splatter corralled, and the whole setup is mounted on a retired hand truck, which is stable for use laid over on its back, but easy to tip up and roll away. More info about ACR—who they are, what they do, how you… -
Tool Review: Kimwipes Delicate Task Wipers
15 May 2012 | 10:30 pmWhen you need to clean something small or delicate, such as precision instruments or optics, don’t reach for a dirty microfiber cloth or lint-leaving and potentially scratchy paper towel, use a Kimwipe. Kimwipes are disposable delicate task wipers that are intended for use in laboratories and industrial settings, but they are every bit as versatile in home workshops. “Delicate task wipers” has always sounded strange to me, but I suppose the distinction is necessary to avoid confusing Kimwipes with Kleenex tissues or ordinary tissue paper. But that’s essentially what…
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Ask the Builder
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May 15, 2012 AsktheBuilder Newsletter & Tips
15 May 2012 | 9:27 amThis past weekend Mother Nature treated the Northeast to some delightful spring weather. Saturday and Sunday were spectacular, with Saturday one of those stunning clear days. We get fall in reverse up here. Right now all the deciduous trees that are crimson, orange, yellow, etc. in the fall are various shades of green. The picture below does not do it justice. I should have taken the photo on Saturday when there was less haze. It's stunning to see in person. Next weekend, I'll be volunteering for another worthy cause - The Seacoast Bike Tour. It's a two-day event put on by the Breathe New… -
AsktheBuilder.com Shed Videos – Get Involved!
14 May 2012 | 11:59 amGet Involved! Just click that link and get involved in helping to create the most authoritative set of DIY Shed Videos known to man! Help me so I can help you. It's that simple. -
How to Remove Algae
14 May 2012 | 9:53 amDEAR TIM: My house must be a magnet for algae. I have green algae on the shaded parts of my deck, it's on my patio and on my vinyl siding. Furthermore, I believe there's black mildew on my siding. Then there's the roof. I have black streaks of algae up there. How can I safely remove the algae from all these surfaces without harming me, my pets and my plants? I've heard I should use bleach, but something tells me that this is not the right approach. What would you do? Caroline B., Jackson, MS DEAR CAROLINE: I have some algae issues at my own home. I have two decks, one on top of another. The… -
May 8, 2012 AsktheBuilder Newsletter & Tips
8 May 2012 | 7:26 amI spent the end of last week discovering a way that you and I can start to collaborate on all sorts of exciting building and remodeling projects. I'm blazing a trail into uncharted territory using a new platform called Kickstarter.com. What does all this mean to you? If everything goes as planned, you're going to be treated to some great video content that I've wanted to create for you for years, but simply didn't have the resources to do it. The brilliant minds behind Kickstarter.com have solved that problem. As you can imagine, it's pretty exciting for me to be right at the brink of having… -
Concrete Pier Design
7 May 2012 | 9:51 amDEAR TIM: I've heard all kinds of things from friends about concrete foundation piers. To say the least, I'm confused. Some say you just dig a hole and fill it with concrete. Others say you need to be sure it's the right size and shape. Still others say you need to include steel in it. Can you tell me why one would use concrete piers and how you would install them? Are there any products that make it easy for a homeowner? Krista B., Wake Forest, NC DEAR KRISTA: I'm sure you realize that you need to be careful about taking advice from well-intentioned friends. This is true even if one of them…
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How to of the Day
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7 Ways to Spot a Pathological Liar
16 May 2012 | 11:00 amThe term, “liar, liar pants on fire” takes on new meaning when dealing with a pathological liar. This person may not be completely rooted in reality, believing the lies they tell, often in an effort to remedy low self esteem. Unlike telling a few fibs here and there, or slightly exaggerating the truth once in a while, the pathological liar lies about literally every aspect of his or her life. From how much was spent on dinner last night to talking about the last time the dog was bathed, the pathological liar feels that every bit of communication has strategic meaning positioned for his or… -
How to Make a Doll House Into a Hamster Cage
16 May 2012 | 3:00 amTurning an old unwanted dollhouse into a hamster home can be fun for you, thrilling for the hamster and entertaining for everyone who checks it out. Here are some suggestions for changing an old dollhouse into a new hamster mansion. Edit Steps Find an unwanted dollhouse. Check that nobody wants it for play, heirloom keeping or for fetching a fortune on eBay because once you've changed it, it's no longer going to be that old dollhouse. Clean the dollhouse. Unless it's particularly grotty, a warm, soapy wash should be sufficient for cleaning the doll house walls, floors and other surfaces. Use… -
How to Find Social Actions by Source in Google Analytics
15 May 2012 | 7:00 pmYou can use Google Analytics if you want to see the number of actions such as Facebook likes, Google +1s and tweets that you're getting by source. For these steps to work, you must have current versions of the Facebook like button and Google + widgets running on your site. Edit Steps Open Google Analytics. Open Google Analytics. Click "Social" under the "Visitors" tab. Then click "Action". Click Social Source below the graph. Click Social Source below the graph. Click whichever social action you wish to graph and track directly.Click whichever social action you wish to graph and track… -
7 Tips for Behaving Professionally on Social Media
15 May 2012 | 11:00 amOnce upon a time, a well articulated resume and interview were enough to land you the job. That was before Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Today, both clients and recruiters look beyond a nicely pressed suit and resume and are also scanning each candidate’s social media channels in order to get a flavor of who you really are and how you conduct yourself on a social level. Although some social media users let it all “hang out” and haphazardly comment and post wherever their emotions take them, those of you aiming to maintain a more professional reputation will do best to rein it in when… -
How to Use a Praktica MTL3 35mm Film Camera
15 May 2012 | 3:00 amThe Praktica MTL3 is a tough, reliable, and enormously popular mechanical camera from the late 1970s that sells for almost nothing and is a great choice for the photography student who requires a fully-manual camera for their studies, or for the photographer who loves having indestructible German engineering in their hands. Here's how to use one. Edit Steps Preparation Fit a battery, if one is not already fitted. The cover for the battery is on the underside of the camera. Put a coin into the slot in the battery cover and turn it anti-clockwise (a British 5-pence coin or an American quarter…
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Bathroom Remodel DIY Tips and Ideas
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May 15, Bathroom Design Ideas: The power to say I can design My Own Bathroom
15 May 2012 | 2:36 pmBathroom design ideas to help you prepare for your new bathroom remodel. Find the design ideas that lets you say I can design my own bathroom. -
May 15, Bathroom Tile Idea for Your New Bathroom Remodel
14 May 2012 | 8:06 pmA Bathroom Tile Idea or bathroom tile ideas to get you started on your bathroom remodel -
May 10, Bathroom Remodeling Project - What should i do?
9 May 2012 | 9:12 pmA bathroom remodeling project -
May 9, Looking for new 56" bathtub
8 May 2012 | 8:17 pmMy bathtub is 56 wide. I keep searching the web, but the only ones I find to replace that size are stand alones. Very costly. Does anybody know where -
May 9, How do you install marble baseboard tile?
8 May 2012 | 8:16 pmHow do you install marble baseboard tile? Do you use thin set mortar? Do you butt the tiles or use a spacer? Do you use grout? Hi Kate - To lay
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Old House Web Blog
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Discovering the joy of primitive decorating
10 May 2012 | 12:17 pmLong before I owned my first old house, I was dreaming about it. Part of the fuel for that dream was a stack of magazines at least two feet tall. These were magazines I had carefully chosen from the racks at the bookstore, the ones that had only the best pictures of old house decorating. The pages I turned to most often were those that showcased the primitive style. My love of primitive style began with a simple gift from my grandmother — a wooden dough bowl. “This bowl has been in our family for generations,” she said. “So take good care of it.” The wood had… -
New York’s skinniest house is a charmer
2 May 2012 | 2:26 pmI grew up in a big farmhouse in Kentucky. It started out as a small, two-bedroom house but grew over the generations. A new bedroom here, a bathroom remodel there, a basement expansion — why not? — and soon the small farmhouse had turned into a big, rambling monster of a thing. I grew up believing that plenty of space was the only way to go. So you can probably imagine my amazement when I read about the house at 75 1/2 Bedford Street in New York City. Considered the smallest house in the City, it is a whopping 9 1/2 feet wide. Inside the house, you get eight feet and seven inches… -
Montpelier: A lesson in historic sleuthing
26 Apr 2012 | 2:28 pmIn 1901, members of the duPont family had big plans for their home in Virginia. The 1760 Federal was already impressive, but they wanted something a bit more. So they added another floor on each wing of the home, almost tripling it in size. They reworked the interior to make it more modern. Finally, they chose to cover the brick facade with stucco, a very progressive move at the time. The old Federal mansion was now an even larger mansion, but just as attractive as the original. Before the restoration. Courtesy of The Montpelier Foundation. The problem? This historic home was once the… -
How to destroy the planet from the comfort of your own home
24 Apr 2012 | 3:56 pmIS NATURE SAFE FROM OUR HOMES? Homes exist to shelter us from storms, protect us from the elements, and keep us safe from nature. But, is nature safe from our homes? The continent of Antarctica has been losing more than 100 cubic kilometers (24 cubic miles) of ice per year since 2002. Henry Pollack, author of “A World Without Ice” and who with his colleagues on the International Panel on Climate Change shared the Nobel Prize, says that he’s often asked whether he’s concerned that the surge of eco-tourism will damage the ecosystem of Antarctica. He answers that… -
The old-fashioned charm of pressed-tin ceilings
19 Apr 2012 | 12:13 pmTucked away in the tiny town of Centerville, TN is a cafe on the square. Breece’s Cafe has long been a place of pride for the town, and it shows in the historic touches that have been preserved since the building opened its doors in 1946. That building was already old at that point; how old, who knows? Among the beautiful hardwood staircase and the heavy wooden entry door are the things that I consider favorites: The Dr. Pepper sign that stopped working decades ago but still adorns the high walls, and the pressed tin ceilings that rise at least 20 feet above the tables. I have always…
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Bob Vila : Trusted Home Renovation & Repair Expert
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Bob Vila Radio: Countertop Options
16 May 2012 | 9:00 amBob Vila Radio is a newly launc... -
Engineered vs. Solid: Selecting Wood Flooring
15 May 2012 | 6:09 pmThere are a lot of decisions to make when constructin... -
Bob Vila Radio: Childproofing Tips
15 May 2012 | 9:00 amBob Vila Radio is a newly launc... -
New Wave of Brushless Motor Power Tools
14 May 2012 | 10:02 pmBrushless motor technology has been around for a while, but only within the last couple years have power tool manufacturers actually incorporated brushless technology into cordless power tools.... -
Kitchen Layouts: 4 "Space-Smart" Plans
14 May 2012 | 3:24 pmKitchen remodeling requires careful planning to be truly successful. Before you start selecting cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances, you need to settle on a kitchen layout. Determine how you like to cook and entertain in your kitchen.
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Home Addition
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Review of Master Mechanic's Rotary and Oscillating Tools
15 May 2012 | 8:31 amBy Mark J. DonovanOver the weekend I got to try out Master Mechanic's new Rotary Tool and Oscillating Tool. Both tools are perfect for the workshop or toolbox. They are also ideal for small crafts projects. They are light weight and easy to hold. Changing bits is also a snap. Each tool comes with a host of accessory bits, blades and sanding materials.Look for them at True Value Stores starting on Fathers Day weekend. They can be purchased separately or as a combo pair. For a complete written and video review, see my article titled "Master Mechanic's Rotary and Oscillating Tools… -
Lower Level Remodel vs Building a Room Addition
11 May 2012 | 5:44 amDoes it Make More Sense to Remodel your Lower Level than Building a Room AdditionBy Mark J. DonovanIt depends. Remodeling your lower level to create a finished basement living space is typically less expensive to do than building a room addition off the side or back of your home. However, if you have major water issues around your home’s foundation then it could become quite costly to have to excavate and install a perimeter drain around the entire house foundation. If your basement is truly dry then a lower level remodel is the way to go for creating more finished living space, albeit… -
How to Find a Good Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
10 May 2012 | 5:36 amFinding the Right Bathroom Remodeling Contractor is Key for a Successful Bathroom Renovation Project By Mark J. Donovan If you’re planning a bathroom renovation project, and you don’t plan on doing the work yourself, it’s important you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor for the job. Hire the wrong one and you could find yourself living through a nightmare. Common problems when hiring the wrong bathroom remodeling contractor include cost overruns, poor craftsmanship, schedule slips, extended interruptions to your home and family due to the schedule slips, and many… -
Finding a Reliable Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
8 May 2012 | 12:23 pmHow to Find a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor that You Can Count OnBy Mark J. DonovanIf you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project and you don’t want to get taken for an emotional and economical ride, it’s imperative that you hire a kitchen remodeling contractor that is truly professional and ethical. Here’s how you screen for a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor.Make sure any kitchen remodeling contractor you interview is a licensed contractor in the state you live in, and confirm that they have proper insurance. Second, check with your local better business bureau or local… -
Be Wary when Hiring a Deck Installation Contractor in the Spring
6 May 2012 | 6:08 amSpring time is Peak Demand for Hiring Decking ContractorsBy Mark J. DonovanFinding and hiring a decking contractor in the spring time can be quite the challenge. Homeowners are anxious to start enjoying their decks again, and deck contractors have had all winter to book their spring schedules. Consequently spring time is the most important time of the year to be vigilant about whom you hire for installing a deck. Many guys that can barely use a hammer, saw, and carpenters square often jump into the deck construction business because the barrier of entry is so low. For the naive homeowner that…
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Home Improvement Blog
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Ceramic Tile vs. Porcelain Tile
15 May 2012 | 3:33 pmby StonePeak Ceramics If you were taking the verbal section of the SAT, one of the questions might look similar to this: A square is to a rectangle, as ___________ is to ceramic tile. The answer of course would be porcelain tile. Much like a square has stricter credentials, however still meets the qualifications of a rectangle, porcelain tile is just that. While porcelain tile fits the description of ceramic tile, it takes it a step further in differentiating itself from its close relative. So what’s the Difference? What qualifies something as ceramic tile? Ceramic tile is usually… -
Kohler’s Contemporary Valet
14 May 2012 | 5:00 amby Mecc Interiors The Margaux Valet, K-16257 Though it would seem that Kohler’s Margaux collection is not new, the first time I was introduced to the fabulous valet was at this year’s K|BIS show. I thought that it was perhaps new to Canada, but it seems that valets simply aren’t popular enough to warrant being pointed out. One of the things I love about the Margaux, aside from the absolute simplicity, is the functionality. The hanger portion lifts off, making it moveable, while the base remains in place as an extra wall hook! So one could install multiple valets in various… -
Mr. Rooter Plumbing Weekly TIP: Commercial Faucets and Fixtures
11 May 2012 | 5:00 amPlumbing tips aren’t hard to come by, but plumbing tips from the experts are. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has dedicated the space below to answering your questions with knowledge that comes from years of experience. Weekly Plumbing Tip: Commercial Faucets and Fixtures Do your commercial fixtures and faucets meet requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? To be ADA-compliant, commercial faucets must be operable with one hand using no more than five pounds of force. Some commercial fixtures may be governed by height requirements, allowing proper reach and use for people in… -
The Chameleon Cupboard
10 May 2012 | 11:00 amby MeCC Interiors Porro's Chameleon Cupboard, designed by Front New from Italy’s Porro is the Chameleon Cupboard, a collaboration with the Sweden’s Front. Like any chameleon, this cupboard is ever-changing. As Front describes it: “The new Chameleon unit is a magic volume, constantly opening on itself as the game of the Chinese boxes, changing appearance and revealing new finishes… it consists of a central wood crate, covered by leather layers, which used as hinges, allows it to turn and be revolved, changing its colour and look according to the specific mood.” Exterior views… -
K|BIS 2012 – Kohler’s Bathroom Music
9 May 2012 | 11:00 amby Mecc Interiors A close-up of the StereoStik's control panel. Lots of updates and ideas from K|BIS over the next few days, some of which are new-to-market and some new-to-me. For those who love music and want to hear it all the time, Kohler introduced a couple of great ideas for the those without whole house speakers: StereoStik™ (K-2958) and the Fountainhead® VibrAcoustic™ 72″ drop-in bath (K-1152). It bears immediate mention that the StereoStik (SS) was designed to be used with the CL series of medicine cabinets as a way to “bring audio entertainment to the bathroom in one…
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The Kitchen Designer
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Joss and Main - Scandinavian Rug Sale
10 May 2012 | 11:37 amWe are excited to announce the sale of our rugs fir the first time on Joss and Main - a special sale for the next 72 hours. The rugs that we have curated in our web shop, Scandinavian Made, have these characteristics in common: They are hand woven by an individual artisan All the rugs, whether vintage or new, are made in Sweden They are made with wooden looms They are exclusively runners of different lengths and widths They reflect the unique artistic aesthetic of the weaver and are an original piece of art They have been carefully curated by me (Susan) and Kelly Donovan with our eyes focused… -
Kitchen Design Consulting
11 Apr 2012 | 3:40 pmI've just opened up my schedule to do kitchen design consulting for homeowners who need smart solutions for tough kitchen design issues. I have offered this service before and have helped many homeowners work through important design, construction, product issues and more. To avoid mistakes, design errors or just to get that second opinion to help work through a project that you may only do once or twice in your life, is certainly invaluable. Taking this step makes good sense in the "big picture" of your project. I've purposely reduced my workload in a few significant ways, so I have a little… -
InSinkErator Instant Tap for New Moms
14 Mar 2012 | 9:33 pmWe've posted before about our affinity for the InSinkErator instant tap. However, the lovely folks at InSinkErator were kind enough to send over another unit and this devotion was taken to new heights immediately upon installation. To clarify, this is the home of a second time new mom, with a newborn and a toddler under the same roof. For the uninitiated, that means the need for lots and lots of purified water, both cold and hot, meals on the table before you can say "I don't want pasta tonight, mom!" and most importantly, an abundance of coffee. -
Tile Trends - A Brief History Of The Kitchen Backsplash
13 Mar 2012 | 4:03 pmEverywhere I look, I see small rectangular tile used on backsplashes and upper walls in the kitchen. It's getting a little bit worrisome to me. It's worrisome because, having been a kitchen designer since the very late 80s, I have perspective. Perspective helps my clients, and I hope it helps you too. It started (my professional association with tile) with 4x4 ceramic glazed tiles and pretty fruit and vegetable or flower designs, often seen with corner motifs, sort of that Country Floors look. Definitely gorgeous. Funny, I'm seeing it more and more frequently again and it's still every bit as… -
Introducing Scandinavian Made - Unique Ceramics & Hand Woven Rugs
8 Feb 2012 | 10:53 pmAs you’ve no doubt noticed, we’ve recently added the newest member to our family of brands under the Susan Serra Associates umbrella, Scandinavian Made. You’ve heard us talk at length about Scandinavian design and style, as it’s the foundation of not only our heritage but our professional aesthetic as well. Leveraging this passion, we are now bringing the best of authentic Scandinavian handcraft to your home with a carefully curated selection of one-of-a-kind vintage & newly woven rugs, and handcrafted ceramics direct from a select group of…
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About.com Home Repair
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Low VOC Paint - The Healthy Choice
14 May 2012 | 8:32 amSome house paints, especially alkyd or oil based enamel paints, contain high amounts of VOC's which can be dangerous. There are some alternative paints available that have very low to practically no VOC content. Also there are non-toxic organic paint alternatives you can consider. But beware of the marketing hype! Like "organic" foods a lot of manufacturers use the term "Low VOC" as more marketing hype than truth....Read Full Post -
Thinking of Finishing Out Your Basement?
7 May 2012 | 5:49 pmThinking of renovating your basement? If you are you'll need to make sure you have a dry basement which I explain how to achieve in the tutorial Troubleshooting a Wet Basement....Read Full Post -
Refinishing Your Wood Deck
5 May 2012 | 3:31 pmCelebrate the upcoming Memorial Day holiday on your new refinished wood deckand then enjoy the rest of the summer! Refinishing a wood deck is a great summer project that will improve your outdoor living space and extend the life of your deck which is a significant investment in your home. Deck refinishing includes several steps such as: inspection, basic deck board repair (if needed), initial deck board cleaning / brightening, deep cleaning with a power washer, sanding, staining / sealing and the celebration BBQ! There are several tricks and tips I outline for you in How to Refinish a Wood… -
Repairing that Broken Garbage Disposal
1 May 2012 | 3:59 amThe garbage disposal is taken for granted but once it stops working we realize how essential an appliance it has become. When this little workhorse stops working dish cleanup can becomes a big inconvenience....Read Full Post -
Friezé to Level Loop and All Carpet in Between
25 Apr 2012 | 6:52 pmWe all love the wide variety of carpet styles available but besides the obvious element of color, do you know what creates the different looks of carpet such as the Friezé shown here?...Read Full Post
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About.com Landscaping
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Stars of the Yard For May, 2012
13 May 2012 | 2:21 amAs a baseball fan, I sometimes have mixed feelings about a game that my team is winning by a lopsided margin. One side of me revels in the joys of the moment, but the other side of me wishes that we could somehow "save some of those runs" for the next game, when every run might well turn out to be precious. ...Read Full Post -
Letting the Cat Out of the Bag About Allium
11 May 2012 | 2:46 amSome plants are so gorgeous and so unusual-looking that it's hard to describe them adequately in just a few words. It's really best to see them for yourself (at least in pictures); only then will you understand what all the hoopla surrounding them is about. Schubert's flowering onion is one such plant, so I won't even attempt to describe it here in a blog post. Instead, I hope you'll click through to my article on Schubert's flowering onion, where I discuss it in detail and provide a photo. ...Read Full Post -
Grass Pollen Allergy: A Reason for Mowing Lawns?
9 May 2012 | 2:07 amI make no bones about it: I'm not crazy about mowing lawns. My attitude comes from a lifetime of wearing this green albatross around my neck. You see, whether as a child or as an adult, and no matter where I've lived, I've been expected to mow the lawn. ...Read Full Post -
Put 'Sky Pencil' in the Winners' Column!
7 May 2012 | 3:17 amThere are certain plants that only a gardener could love -- and only a subset of gardeners, at that. You know the kind I mean: mousy plants that elite gardeners fuss over, but which do not excite the general public. ...Read Full Post -
Deer Stay Away From Zebra -- Grass, That Is
5 May 2012 | 2:54 amOne's perspective sure can change when growing plants becomes an obsession. Take the desire to see wildlife in the yard, for example. If my plants weren't so important to me, ...Read Full Post
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About.com Pool & Patio
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Treat Mom to a BBQ That You Do
10 May 2012 | 10:53 pmDepending on the weather forecast, you might want to honor mum with an outdoor feast this Sunday. Just make sure she sits back, relaxes, and has absolutely nothing to do with the preparations or cleanup -- just eating the savory meal you have planned and made for her. Photo © Stephanie Gallagher We've come up with a list of favorite grill and barbecue recipes from About.com's many chefs and culinary experts. Whether the queen for the day is a vegetarian, seafood lover or a traditional burger gal, there are new recipes and side dishes for a complete feast that will make her proud. And of… -
Gift Hint: Take Mom on a Garden Tour
8 May 2012 | 12:33 pmOne of the reasons I love this time of year is the abundance of garden tours, especially in Southern California. In one direction is Los Angeles, in the other is San Diego, and yet other directions are great tours in historic Riverside or Pasadena. Where else but a garden tour can you go for inspiration, ideas, light exercise and a general sense of well-being? Throw in a neck and foot massage and a bottomless glass of iced tea (served by George Clooney, natch), and I'd be a happy camper, but that's probably a tad too much to expect from the nice folks who host garden tours. Directions to the… -
Swimming Pool Quotations: The Other Kind
30 Apr 2012 | 6:57 pmLike anything, people have something to say about swimming pools and swimming. Quotations about swimming pools. But not about the price of building a swimming pool, which most people are interested in. Still, the list of famous folks who have used swimming and swimming pools as a metaphor for life, Hollywood, challenges or pretty much anything is varied, to say the least. What would you say? -
What to Say Down Under at the Backyard Barbie
30 Apr 2012 | 5:36 pmIf you found yourself Down Under in Australia or New Zealand at a barbecue, pool party, get-together or other outdoor social event, would you take offense or be confused by some of the natives' expressions? Let's hope not. To take some of the awkwardness away and clear up any misunderstandings, I've compiled a list of expressions with which you might want to familiarize yourself. Because you just never know when someone is going to throw another shrimp on the barbie or mention the Freemantle doctor or invite you to see the new cubby house. And are they teasing you, or not? Better find out. -
What's New in Outdoor Furniture for 2012?
30 Apr 2012 | 2:53 pmAnyone who follows design or even reads the headlines on their desktop may know that the Pantone color of the year for 2012 is Tangerine. I've seen lots of tangerine patio furniture, upholstery, accents and accessories, and I'm not complaining. I've always liked orange, by whatever name you call it. Photo courtesy of CB2 But what about patio furniture trends for 2012? While there aren't earth-shattering changes from year to year, things like the Pantone color of the year can influence patio furnishings and accessories, as can certain materials. Right now, FSC-certified woods and …
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GreenWerks
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A Guide To Counter Lighting For Your Kitchen
15 May 2012 | 7:00 pmIf you’re just getting started with a kitchen remodeling or a few small updates, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Should the countertops be granite, quartz, Corian, Formica or wood? What about the flooring – tile, hardwood, or laminate? When you move onto lighting decisions (often one of the last considerations a homeowner makes), you may be ready to throw in the towel and go for anything your contractor recommends. Hold that thought! Under cabinet lighting is poised to bring out the colors and details of your countertops and backsplash, complement your wall color, and… -
How To Remove Carpet Stains
15 May 2012 | 6:44 pmRemoving carpet stains can be a bit tricky. For different kinds of stain, there are various ways of getting rid of them. Here are a few tips on how to remove carpet stains: Treat the stain with table salt. One of the most effective ways of treating stains caused by fruits, juices, and wine is to treat the stain with table salt. Spread a small amount of salt on the stain because this will absorb the moisture and coloring on the carpet. Use a cleaning solution. The next step is to saturate the stain using a cleaning solution. After letting the salt stay for several minutes, spray the cleaning… -
How to Design Your Dream Green Kitchen
15 May 2012 | 6:28 pmYou might be hesitant to completely overhaul your kitchen for a number of reasons. For one thing, it will put the most popular room in your house out of commission for at least several weeks (more likely months). And in this economy it seems a bit ill-advised to undertake such an expensive project in home renovation (especially considering the state of the housing market and the poor odds of recouping costs on a sale in the near future). But even beyond that there are all kinds of environmental considerations to take into account. What happens to all the materials that get hauled away? Do… -
Great Ideas For Creating A Family-and-Entertainment-Friendly Backyard
15 May 2012 | 10:06 amAs the summer months approach, many families and outdoor lovers alike have turned their thoughts towards imagining and creating the ideal family-friendly and entertainment-centric backyard space. While ideas on this subject are plentiful, it is also important to consider your budget when thinking of what your ideal backyard would encompass. After all, while creative ideas abound, so do their price tags. Here are some great tips for making an entertainment-and-family-friendly backyard space a reality this summer: First, start with a plan. Your backyard is an extension of your home and as… -
Does Your House Plan Leave A Green Footprint?
14 May 2012 | 8:26 amIf you are looking to building a new home and excited to create something that leaves as little harm to the environment as possible, you need to start your planning with the house plan itself. Having everything mapped out at the start, will allow you to streamline your energy efficiencies and allow you to create a home that is both practical and green all at the same time. What You Need To Consider When it comes looking at floor plans, there are a couple of key points that will drastically improve how green your home ends up: Are You Taking Advantage of The Elements? Depending on where you…
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Home Construction Improvement
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Racor Home Storage Products Review
29 Apr 2012 | 9:05 amRacor Home Storage Products Keeping my garage space clean and organized has always been a chore and something I’ve neglected. We have two young children with bikes, bats, balls and toys. Along with that we have ... Home Construction & Improvement published by: Racor Home Storage Products... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Flashing A Deck Ledger Board Properly
7 Apr 2012 | 6:30 amDeck Ledger Board Flashing Detail Lately I’ve been seeing problematic deck ledger flashing details so I’d like to share with you my perspective on how to properly flash and secure your deck to the house. Properly ... Home Construction & Improvement published by: Flashing A Deck... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Delta Air Cleaner Review – Model 50-875
19 Mar 2012 | 4:15 pmDelta 3-Speed Ambient Air Cleaner – Model 50-875 One of the health hazards associated with woodworking is getting fine dust particles trapped in your lungs. Fine dust particles ranging from 1 to 5 microns in size ... Home Construction & Improvement published by: Delta Air Cleaner Review... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Vinyl Window Seal Failure – How To Repair
12 Mar 2012 | 6:56 pmHow To Repair A Vinyl Window Seal Failure Vinyl windows can be virtually maintenance free but occasional a window seal failure cause quite a headache! Window seal failures are usually pretty easy to diagnose once you ... Home Construction & Improvement published by: Vinyl Window Seal Failure... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] -
Lead Paint Opt-Out Bill May Soften Tough New Lead Law
7 Mar 2012 | 6:46 pmLead Paint Opt-Out Bill Introduced In The Senate Back in April of 2010 the EPA started enforcing the new Lead Paint Law. Since then home owners and contractors have been in an uproar about insanely steep ... Home Construction & Improvement published by: Lead Paint Opt-Out Bill May Soften Tough... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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Rambling Renovators
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Oldie: Mini Chair Makeover
16 May 2012 | 6:30 amTo celebrate five years of blogging fun, I'm reposting some of my favourite posts this week. Hope you enjoy them the second time around! ***** Originally posted March 24, 2010 8 months, 148 nail tacks, 7 feet of flexible tacking strip, 1.5 yards of fabric, 1 quart of paint, and 2 bloody fingers to take this: to this and finally this: It's not perfect, but its done :) This is my first reupholstery job and I learned a few things like: - flexible tacking strip is probably well suited for regular sized furniture but is a pain in the butt for a mini chair like this one - flexible tacking… -
Oldie: The Organized Garage
15 May 2012 | 6:30 amTo celebrate five years of blogging fun, I'm reposting some of my favourite posts this week. Hope you enjoy them the second time around! ***** Originally posted August 11, 2008 Having spent a lot of time in the garage this past weekend, I finally took a good look around the place. This is the one room that HandyMan was left on his own to 'decorate', and I have to admit, he's done a really good job. Aesthetically, the place is fine, all wood and... sawdust. Functionally though, the place is just awesome. HandyMan has a few organizing tricks up his sleeve. Like those shelf brackets above. See… -
5 Years
14 May 2012 | 6:00 amCan you believe I forgot my own 5 year blogging anniversary?? Yes, I did. April 23, 2007 is when I started writing this little old blog. Who knew I would still be here, 5 years later? Not me. I'd like to thank each and every one of you who have dropped by here, read a post or two, and left me a comment. You might not realize it, but you make my day. I'm incredibly thankful for all the friendships and opportunities this blog has brought my way. My life wouldn't be the same without it. Funny, but I look around my house and memories of it are intertwined with the blog. Like how HandyMan fell… -
BlogTalk: Privacy
10 May 2012 | 10:36 pmI have to say I was touched by the response to last week's BlogTalk on Honesty. It can be scary when you put yourself out there, but your responses were unexpected and encouraging. Its nice to know that we share much in common and some of you have the same worries and fears. Thank you all for that. Some of you mentioned this topic in last week's comments and its one I think about constantly. There is a line between being honest and keeping private that we tread as bloggers. You want to connect with your readers, share with them. Over time, your readers get to know you. They know what you look… -
Thursday Random
9 May 2012 | 10:28 pmI'm consumed with planning for BlogPodium so today all I have energy for is a random photo post. A few snippets of my life lately. With the basement being worked on, things aren't where they're supposed to be and clutter is everywhere. Case in point: the play kitchen is in Chloe's bedroom and she play cooks all hours of the day and night. I'm happy she's enjoying the kitchen we made her. I'm just wondering when that "clean up" gene kicks in. Chloe and I made some thank you cards a few weeks ago for the birthday gifts she received. Is there anything cuter than seeing little kid signatures?
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DIYdiva
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Small Wins
16 May 2012 | 1:20 pmSince it is taking hours upon hours to paint all of the wainscoting in the Not-Pink Parlor and I needed to be able to check a couple of things off my list in order to feel right about the universe, I decided to take some time this week in between rounds of painting, calking, and swearing about getting joint compound in my eye to tackle some smaller projects around the Liberty House. First up on the list was installing new door hardware on the back door, garage, and barn so that all the locks can be opened with the same key. This is the back door of the house: This mismatched set of hardware… -
Things That Wouldn’t Get Built Without My Mom: Fences, Pergolas, Houses
14 May 2012 | 12:32 pmThere are a lot of times when I start a big project on my own and then at some point–usually when I find myself wedged between a large piece of lumber and my garage, flailing around helplessly and hoping a neighbor will come to my rescue– I decide that things might go a little more smoothly if I have a little help. In those instances, the first person I call? The woman with the hatchet. I’m pretty sure (judging by the fact that she dressed me in pink saddle shoes when I was a kid) that my mother thought birthing a daughter would mean things like shopping and pedicures and… -
Built-Ins In The Bathroom (I don’t know if that’s a statement or a question)
11 May 2012 | 7:30 amYou may have noticed on my Master List that there are at least three rooms in the Liberty House that will eventually have built-in shelves and storage. I need places to put things, otherwise I set them down in the middle of the room and they stay there, um, forever. Now, the future study and the cupboard-under-the-stairs are places you may expect that kind of thing, but the bathroom? Well, here it is in its current state: This is, by the way, is the first floor bath and has the distinction of being the one functioning bathroom in the house right now. Other than a small spot in the ceiling… -
The Month of May
9 May 2012 | 1:13 pmI know that all of you think I took one look at that bigass list I wrote, fell out of my chair, and have by lying on the kitchen floor contemplating the purpose of linoleum and how the hell I’m going to get all that work done ever since. In fact, my mother finally called me last night and said basically “Listen daughter, I know I go into crazy mother mode, but you haven’t posted anything on your website or facebook for like a week. The only reason I knew you were alive is because you repinned something on Pinterest nine hours ago!” Yes. Pinterest is not only a good… -
Liberty House: The Master List
3 May 2012 | 8:30 amWhile I’m only making incremental progress (read: just barely keeping things from falling apart) on the Liberty House, I dream of a day when I’ll be checking things off my list left and right. Since I’ve had almost no success in keeping the house organized, I thought I might have better luck organizing my brain. One hundred and sixty items later… yep. Still crazy. This list is easily the next two (and probably the next three or four) years of my life. So basically I’m in project heaven. I also haven’t quite gotten over the exhaustion from 1.) not sleeping…
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I'm an Organizing Junkie
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Garage Sale Tips for the Non-Garage Saler
15 May 2012 | 1:34 pmsource: John Beagle I’ve written before about my love of going out to garage sales each week. Every Friday night my 12 year old son and I head out to see what “treasures” we can find. It’s a great bonding time for us as we drive around town chatting to one another without any interruptions. I really enjoy our date night. However as we cruise from garage sale to garage sale there is something that drives me a little bit batty. I instantly know when I walk up someone’s driveway whether or not they are garage salers themselves and those particular garage sales are… -
Menu Plan Monday ~ May 14/12
14 May 2012 | 8:00 amUpdated: I’m so sorry if you are still having problems getting onto my site. This has been a very painful experience for me as I try to correct the problem. If anyone has any suggestions for me or a hosting company to recommend (I’m currently with Bluehost) please let me know. Thanks! Hi everyone and Happy Belated Mother’s Day! I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing day yesterday. We started the day off at church and then went for a long family walk in the woods. It was a beautiful sunny day and so nice to be out enjoying it. I then was treated to a yummy Chinese… -
The Great Garage Clean Out Challenge ~ Week Two
11 May 2012 | 4:00 amWe are back! How are you all making out? This weekend I was dragging my feet I tell you. Of course it could have something to do with the HOURS I spent trying to teach my youngest how to ride a two wheeler, talk about painful! When we got back to the house I was already exhausted and not really wanting to tackle the garage. It just felt like it would take hours to make headway. Oh the stories we tell ourselves. I decided to spend an hour working on the garage and whatever I got done would be better than if I did nothing at all. My husband had already done a pretty big purge so… -
Container Organization
8 May 2012 | 11:43 pmPlease welcome my guest, Rebecca from D and R Tabb, to the blog today. Rebecca is talking about my favorite subject, containers of course! Talking about containers never gets old to me, especially inexpensive ones. They are the best! And they make me deliriously happy too :) Containers bring me inner peace. If I had not been a toddler in the 80s, I would probably have sold Tupperware. Things have a way of growing legs and spreading all over your house. From the shoes you kick off at the door, to the bag of groceries you bring in from the car, to (my personal unfavorite) the junk… -
Shoe Tree Organization
8 May 2012 | 12:07 pmSo I bought a new friend, a lovely new shoe tree friend. She was only $20 in a discount store (Fields for those of you in Canada) so I just couldn’t pass her up. These go for a lot more in specialty organizing shops for sure. Besides she called my name when I walked by and I could tell she was lonely. I originally thought I’d put her in my bedroom closet for my dress shoes because there wasn’t any room in my entryway closet. However I’d really rather have all my most frequently worn shoes in the entryway closet as that’s where I need them as I’m…
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This Old House: How-To And Repair
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How to Install a Ceiling Fan
12 Jul 2012 | 6:00 amA step-by-step guide to putting in a versatile and stylish fixture -
How to Lay a Cork Floor
5 Jul 2012 | 6:00 amAn eco-friendly floor that's also easy on the feet -
How to Install a Front-Entry Flagpole
28 Jun 2012 | 6:00 amHanging the Stars and Stripes will give your house a nice seasonal touch of classic Americana. Here's how -
How to Paint a Room
21 Jun 2012 | 6:00 amGive your interior a new personality in just one weekend -
How to Build an Outdoor Bar Cart
14 Jun 2012 | 6:00 amOffer guests cocktails and brews by wheeling out this dedicated serving station
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Handyguys Podcast - Home Improvement and DIY Advice
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Mower maintenance and tips for a better lawn
19 Apr 2012 | 3:01 pmThe Handyguys interview Mike Ballou, product Manager for John Deere, and discuss Mower maintenance and the best way to care for your lawn. Mower maintenance Proper mower maintenance is critical for having a healthy green lawn. Do not begin this new mowing season without changing the oil, sharpening your blades, lubing the joints and checking filters and spark plugs. Your mower manual will provide all the details you need for proper mower maintenance. Mike provides detailed instructions on: Mowing height blade sharpening and extra blades removing a deck from your lawn tractor Mulching… -
Generator Transfer Switches Interlock Devices
13 Apr 2012 | 9:00 amThe Handyguys continued a discussion from an earlier episode on generators. Paul wanted to followup with the methods for connecting a generator to your electrical system. Generator Transfer Switches and manual generator interlock devices are discussed on the show. Generator Transfer Switches Manual transfer switches Manual generator transfer switches are best suited for use with portable generators. Essentially you just throw the switch, plug in your generator and start it up. Automatic transfer switches An automatic generator transfer switch is usually used for stand by generators that… -
Renting a Lawn Aerator and avoiding weeds
24 Feb 2012 | 10:21 amOkay – here is a quick tip, not a full show. Lawn Aerating Fall and Spring are a great time to aerate your lawn. An aerator will break up hard compacted soil and allow water and nutrients to better reach the roots of your grass. We all know that, that’s not the quick tip. The tip has to do with when you rent an Aerator. Lawn Aerating Problems When you rent an aerator there is often the previous users bits of dirt and grass embedded in the plugs inside tines. Those plugs can contain weeds, weed seeds, other varieties of grass, etc. When you run the aerator over your lawn you… -
GE Refrigerator Not Cooling Troubleshooting and Repair
2 Feb 2012 | 12:49 pmThe Handyguys discuss modern refrigerator troubleshooting. Many of these tips apply regardless of who makes your refrigerator. Paul’s GE side by side refrigerator is not cooling correctly (model gss25tsre.ss). In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss how to track down the issues. Some common problems with modern refrigerators include: Ice maker does not work Water line for ice dispenser freezes up Water line or water tank leaks Water valve unit on back of refrigerator can go bad The main control board can go bad or just do dumb things. Paul’s Ge refrigerator stopped cooling… -
Replacing water tank and lines on GE side by side refrigerator
17 Jan 2012 | 12:54 pmIn this video episode of The Handyguys Podcast Handyguy Paul replaces the water tank on his GE Side By Side refrigerator. His tank was leaking so he found the part and replaced it. This repair will be similar for many different makes and models of refrigerators.
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One Project Closer
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How to Make a Wooden Planter Box
16 May 2012 | 6:00 amContinuing my foray into the world of woodworking, last week I made a wooden planter box, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. The box is functional, looks good and all the joints are nice and tight. Much like the wooden beer tote I made, if you change the dimensions, this planter box can be used for many other purposes (like a casserole dish). It was a fun woodworking project, and here’s how I put it together. Materials: 1 x 10″ x 6′ Oak 1/4″ plywood Wood filler Wood stain Polyurethane Handles Plants 10×14″ baking tray Rocks Tools Table saw… -
Free Tools and Craft Stuff?!
15 May 2012 | 6:00 amIf you’re a relatively new reader, you might not realize that we give away a lot of free stuff. For instance, right now in our Rewards Center we have 10 items up for grabs (with several more queued up for the near future). Plus, the stuff we giveaway is really nice! Here’s a quick overview of what we have to offer right now. How it Works Project Rewards (click here for full details) is a reader appreciation program, and for a shot at all these freebies, you need to: Register: All you have to do is pick a username and provide an email address, and you’re all set to start… -
How to Tile a Bathroom, Shower Walls, Floor, Materials (100 pics, Pro-Tips)
14 May 2012 | 6:00 amWelcome back to our latest Pro-Follow update. Last time we left off, Steve Wartman and his crew had finished installing the bathroom fan, and the previous day they had hung concrete board in the shower and Fir plywood over the subfloor. At this point, the bathroom is ready for tile, and Steve called in Rick Smith and his crew to tile the shower and bathroom floor. Rick brings over 30 years of experience, and coincidentally Rick is the contractor that tiled my master bathroom several years ago. If you enjoy our Pro-Follows and learning how professional contractors complete home improvement… -
How to Install a Retrofit Bathroom Vent Fan
11 May 2012 | 6:00 amWe’re back with another Pro-Follow update for the bathroom remodel with Steve Wartman and his crew. If you’re just joining us, you can read up on the progress so far at these links: Day 1: Demolition Day 2: Plumbing, Electric and Concrete Board In the introduction to this project, I mentioned that moving the bathroom fan was part of the plan. The original fan was situated on the opposite side of the shower and vented into the attic space. Steve wanted to relocate the fan so that it more effectively pulls moisture from the room, and he wanted to vent it out through a nearby soffit. -
How to Install a Floating Laminate Floor
9 May 2012 | 6:00 amSteve Wartman and his crew have almost finished the basement remodel, and I’ll be writing a comprehensive post to unveil the transformation soon. Installing flooring is one of the last phases in the process, and the homeowners have opted for a floating laminate floor in the laundry room. Floating floors are a great DIY project because the work goes fast, and since a floating floor isn’t nailed down, they don’t require as many tools as a traditional wood floor install (see our How to Install Hardwood Flooring article for more details). Plus, floating floors can be laid over…
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Renovate Australia
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Two Ways to Build a Mudroom Built-In
28 Apr 2012 | 1:18 amAs I wrote in my last article we are currently looking at making our laundry into a mudroom. I included some drawing from my plans for the mudroom in the last article, but I am still looking around at other options, and seeing what other people have done for their mudrooms. Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking did a “build off” from two of their contributors to build a mudroom bench. The results of both are pretty impressive, and go beyond what I am able to do and am planning to do for our mudroom bench. It was interesting to see the different approaches that the two… -
Plans to Build a Mudroom Bench
19 Jan 2012 | 12:53 pmThe door to our attached garage goes directly into our laundry room. It’s a decent size room so we are looking at making better use of the room by also using it as a family mudroom. We already have a decent size shoe rack in the laundry room since it is our most used entrance to the house (post to follow), so now we are looking at adding a mudroom bench and hooks. Since there are five of us we will be building in five different sections and cubby holes in the bench. The plan is to build the mudroom bench against the wall and then add the wainscotting look to the wall above it. At the… -
Blueway Air Conditioner Error Codes
18 Jan 2012 | 1:04 amOn one of my previous posts about our Blueway Air Conditioner I have had quite a few people ask me about the error codes that people come across with the unit. Although we never had a problem with our Blueway air conditioner quite a few other people seem to have experienced problems. Here is the list of the error codes: E2 - Indoor temperature sensor failure E3 – Indoor pipe temperature sensor failure E4 – Outdoor unit abnormality failure E5 – Indoor fan motor failure df – Unit Defrosting I hope that helps the people who are needing them… -
Find a House for Removal in Australia with Drake Homes
14 Oct 2011 | 12:15 amIf you are looking for a house for removal in Australia there are a few places you can go. I remember in Townsville there was actually a lot where they had a number of old houses for sale, but it was quite hit and miss with what was available, and there was never really all that great of a selection. You can always try looking on ebay, but the selection there is pretty pathetic at the moment with only five houses currently listed. The best place that I have found where you can find a house for removal in Australia is the private selling listings over at Drake Homes. There are over 50 homes… -
Easy Way to Check Your Roof Insulation and Heat Loss
10 Oct 2011 | 11:57 amI was watching an episode of Holmes Inspection and Mike Holmes had a very easy and quick way to check on the insulation and heat loss in your roof in the winter. Go outside the morning after a heavy snow fall. The snow fall has to be sufficient to leave snow on the roofs in your neighbourhood for this test to work. Have a look at the roofs in your area to see how much snow is on the roof. If you see that you have had more snow melt off your roof than your neighbours then it is probably a safe bet that you have increased heat loss through your roof. This could be because of a lack of…
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Home Fix Info - Home Improvement Blog
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How to Make a Wooden Planter Box
16 May 2012 | 6:00 amContinuing my foray into the world of woodworking, last week I made a wooden planter box, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. The box is functional, looks good and all the joints are nice and tight. Much like the wooden beer tote I made, if you change the dimensions, this planter box can be used for many other purposes (like a casserole dish). It was a fun woodworking project, and here’s how I put it together. Materials: 1 x 10″ x 6′ Oak 1/4″ plywood Wood filler Wood stain Polyurethane Handles Plants 10×14″ baking tray Rocks Tools Table saw… -
Ceramic Tile vs. Porcelain Tile
15 May 2012 | 3:33 pmby StonePeak Ceramics If you were taking the verbal section of the SAT, one of the questions might look similar to this: A square is to a rectangle, as ___________ is to ceramic tile. The answer of course would be porcelain tile . Much like a square has stricter credentials, however still meets the qualifications of a rectangle, porcelain tile is just that. While porcelain tile fits the description of ceramic tile, it takes it a step further in differentiating itself from its close relative. So what’s the Difference? What qualifies something as ceramic tile? Ceramic tile is usually… -
How to Tile a Bathroom, Shower Walls, Floor, Materials (100 pics, Pro-Tips)
14 May 2012 | 6:00 amWelcome back to our latest Pro-Follow update. Last time we left off, Steve Wartman and his crew had finished installing the bathroom fan , and the previous day they had hung concrete board in the shower and Fir plywood over the subfloor. At this point, the bathroom is ready for tile, and Steve called in Rick Smith and his crew to tile the shower and bathroom floor. Rick brings over 30 years of experience, and coincidentally Rick is the contractor that tiled my master bathroom several years ago. If you enjoy our Pro-Follows and learning how professional contractors complete home improvement… -
Kohler’s Contemporary Valet
14 May 2012 | 5:00 amby Mecc Interiors The Margaux Valet, K-16257 Though it would seem that Kohler’s Margaux collection is not new, the first time I was introduced to the fabulous valet was at this year’s K|BIS show. I thought that it was perhaps new to Canada, but it seems that valets simply aren’t popular enough to warrant being pointed out. One of the things I love about the Margaux, aside from the absolute simplicity, is the functionality. The hanger portion lifts off, making it moveable, while the base remains in place as an extra wall hook! So one could install multiple valets in various… -
How to Install a Retrofit Bathroom Vent Fan
11 May 2012 | 6:00 amWe’re back with another Pro-Follow update for the bathroom remodel with Steve Wartman and his crew. If you’re just joining us, you can read up on the progress so far at these links: Day 1: Demolition Day 2: Plumbing, Electric and Concrete Board In the introduction to this project, I mentioned that moving the bathroom fan was part of the plan. The original fan was situated on the opposite side of the shower and vented into the attic space. Steve wanted to relocate the fan so that it more effectively pulls moisture from the room, and he wanted to vent it out through a nearby soffit.
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HowStuffWorks Daily Feed
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How Rummikub Works
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmEndlessly mispronounced but universally beloved, this game is a mix of rummy and older, tile-based games like mahjong and dominoes. Think you can be the first to yell out "Rummikub"? -
The Ultimate Bicycle Quiz
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmLearning to ride a bicycle seems to be a universal experience for children around the world. Whether you've been riding bicycles since you were a child or just recently started pedaling, how much do you know about this elegant and simple vehicle? -
5 Ways TV Has Influenced Presidential Elections
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmThe introduction of television all but changed the way we elect our presidents. So just how exactly has this powerful medium influenced our elections? Read on to find out. -
Videos: Stephen Hawking's Visions of the Universe
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmAstrophysicist, cosmologist, lecturer, cartoon voice actor, author, parent, grandparent -- Stephen Hawking wears many hats, and he also has a few ideas about black holes, time, aliens and wormholes. -
How long should building a house take?
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmIs your new home proceeding on schedule or is your contractor just blowing smoke at you? Here's how to tell.
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How-To Geek
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Quick Physics: Why the Solar System can Exist [Video]
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmEver wonder how the planets in our solar system maintain their balanced orbits around the Sun? This quick physics lesson video shows you just how the balance is maintained. Why the solar system can exist [via Geeks are Sexy] How To Use Calibre To Correctly Order Your Ebook Series How To Make Line Tone Art (Like on Money) With Photoshop and No Filters How To Get Hulu and Amazon Video On XBMC -
Geek Trivia: Which Comic Book Artist’s Ashes Were Mixed Into Ink Used To Print Comics?
16 May 2012 | 12:37 pmWhich Comic Book Artist’s Ashes Were Mixed Into Ink Used To Print Comics?1) George Perez2) Mark Gruenwald3) Stan Lee4) Jack KirbyThink you know the answer? -
The Worst Office Ever [Humorous Image]
16 May 2012 | 12:00 pmThe direct line of sight, the smell of burning popcorn, we too have seen the horrors of a terrible office. Pleated-Jeans [via Geeks Are Sexy] How To Use Calibre To Correctly Order Your Ebook Series How To Make Line Tone Art (Like on Money) With Photoshop and No Filters How To Get Hulu and Amazon Video On XBMC -
The Movie Vanishes: How Toy Story 2 Was Wiped Out and Recovered [Video]
16 May 2012 | 10:00 amRedundant backups are important for everyone; this entertaining animated short highlights how an accidental backup saved the Toy Story 2. [via Neatorama] How To Use Calibre To Correctly Order Your Ebook Series How To Make Line Tone Art (Like on Money) With Photoshop and No Filters How To Get Hulu and Amazon Video On XBMC -
Improvising on the Spot (So to Speak) [Humorous Image]
16 May 2012 | 9:30 amAmazing what you can find to use and make do with when you really need to… [via Fail Desk] How To Use Calibre To Correctly Order Your Ebook Series How To Make Line Tone Art (Like on Money) With Photoshop and No Filters How To Get Hulu and Amazon Video On XBMC
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Shelterrific
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real life test kitchen: calzone with broccoli rabe and olives
16 May 2012 | 6:06 amPizza is one of those things I never make at home. When you live in New York or New Jersey, the best pizza in the country is just a walk, ride or phone call away. But this article by Melissa Clark in the Times the other week had me looking at pizza dough in a new light. Instead of baking a traditional pie, she piled on cheese, veggies and such, folded it over and produced something I haven’t eaten since my college days: a calzone! Though Melissa had a few suggestions of what you could stuff the mega-sized dough pocket with, the one that spoke to me instantly was made with broccoli rabe… -
meet judy kaufmann: our etsy artist of the month
15 May 2012 | 5:15 amAs soon as we saw Judy Kaufmann’s vibrant Houses & Birds, we knew we had to feature her as one of Etsy artists of the month. Barcelona-based Illustrator makes gorgeous, repetitive patterns of animals, famous people, houses, cars, trees — all the things that fill our heads, everyday. Sweet and funny, they are sure to make your day. Some of our favorites include her portrait of Woody Allen and her whimsical world map. Click here to visit her Prints & Prints shop on Etsy. Her prices start at only $25 a print. Wouldn’t one be a great birthday present for your bff? We… -
the door series: handsome in hudson
14 May 2012 | 7:39 amI am obsessed with front doors. It is the place where a home’s personality is most projected outwards. My favorites are ones that are painted a bright color so they POP and let you know that something fun and quirky is within. This dandy door is in Hudson, New York, where we are lucky enough to hang out a weekend or two a month. Isn’t it perfection? The bright teal complements the gunmetal gray building color just right. The well tailored checked curtains are masculine and slightly retro. It’s also geniusly unsymmetrical: with a large potted plant to one side and a classic… -
mother’s day pinspiration for a good a cause
11 May 2012 | 6:07 amYou don’t have to twist our arms to pin cute images of nursery decor to our boards on Pinterest, but Dwellstudio and Hatch maternity have created a really good reason for us to start a new one today. In partnership with Christy Turlington Burns’ and her awesome charity organization Every Mother Counts, they have started the #stylesquared contest. Make a pinboard that captures your personal nursery and fashion style, tag it #stylesquared, and you could win over $1500 in DwellStudio and Hatch gear. But best of all, for each pinboard created, the companies will donate $10 to Every… -
real life test kitchen: healthy peanut butter banana chunk cookies
9 May 2012 | 8:54 amIn recent weeks I’ve made brownies with black beans and peanut butter pie with squash inside. This past weekend I added another guilt-free goodie to my repertoire: peanut butter banana chocolate chip cookies. What makes them so healthy? No sugar! Not one little pinch. There’s also no flour and no eggs. In fact, I’m not even sure you can technically call these buttons of yumminess cookies — they are more like congealed clumps of well-matched ingredients. I found the recipe on Babble’s Family Kitchen blog. Here’s my version: Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal…
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Infolific » Money Management
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Short Selling a House
10 May 2012 | 5:35 amWith the deterioration of the housing market, there's been an increased interest in 'short selling' homes. I didn't know much about short selling, so I did a little research. I should say up front that I don't have any personal experience in this topic (thank goodness); here's what I learned, [...]Short Selling a House was originally published on Infolific. All Rights Reserved. -
Retirement Income Funds (RIF)
5 May 2012 | 3:41 pmIn Canada, a retirement income fund, also known as a RIF, is a specialized retirement account used to force people to withdraw from their RRSP accounts. This in turn will produce income tax for the government to collect. The conversion process must must occur by the end of the year [...]Retirement Income Funds (RIF) was originally published on Infolific. All Rights Reserved. -
Day Trading and Technical Analysis
5 May 2012 | 3:33 amMajor Goals Technical analysis is the complete opposite of fundamental analysis so it's no wonder that Day Trading is one of my least favorites strategy. This is a high-risk strategy, even for those that master it. The vast majority of new day traders don't last a year, they lose enough [...]Day Trading and Technical Analysis was originally published on Infolific. All Rights Reserved. -
How to Deal With a 401(k) Plan That Sucks
19 Apr 2012 | 11:12 pmMost of the time when you read about 401(k)s, it's something like, "contribute at least up to the company match," or, "don't put too much in company stock." But what do you do when your company's 401(k) sucks? Problem: Your company doesn't offer a match. Solution: Contribute as much as [...]How to Deal With a 401(k) Plan That Sucks was originally published on Infolific. All Rights Reserved. -
Aronson Family ETF Portfolio
12 Apr 2012 | 8:38 pmTed Aronson heads up AJO Partners based in Philadelphia. They manage about $20 billion. All institutional, tax-exempt retirement funds. No retail/taxable funds like Fidelity and Vanguard. And that's why Ted's portfolio is worth looking at. "All of my family's retirement money is in AJO funds," says Ted. "But because the [...]Aronson Family ETF Portfolio was originally published on Infolific. All Rights Reserved.
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moop :: handmade
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This American Life
11 May 2012 | 7:31 amLast night Jeremy, Parker and I went to see the This American Life broadcast in our local movie theatre. I want to say it was a life changing experience - but that just feels like too dramatic of a statement. But, for me, it kind of was. I completely fell in love with Anna Bass. I have never connected with a dance as much as I did her two performances last night. Nor have I ever found dance funny and moving and as incredible as her two numbers were. I felt renewed and rewarded. I listened to two people who are navigating the physical changes their bodies… -
The NEW Carrier!
26 Apr 2012 | 7:25 amWe are pleased to announce the re-issue of The Carrier! It is now available in four great waxed canvas colors: black // bright red // gray // brown They are available for pre-order (will ship in about 1-2 weeks). The code CARRYMEHOME entered upon checkout gives you free shipping within the domestic US until Saturday, April 28, 2012. -
analong SMS
19 Apr 2012 | 7:11 amOh, Moleskin...as though I did not already have you incorporated into every facet of my life. I'll send you my first analog SMS. It will be: Thank you. This is fun. found via DesignTaxi via PSFK via everywhere else on the internets. -
Caine's Arcade
17 Apr 2012 | 6:27 amI'm sure most of you have seen this (I heard about it on NPR last week) - for those of you who have not, you must! It's a little bit of all that's good in the world to start your day. One of my favorite parts: the calculator square root security check for the fun pass. !! Read more about Caine's Arcade here. -
plants!
13 Apr 2012 | 6:30 amI love this little moss terrarium! (featured in yesterday's Etsy email) I am looking forward to building up the plant presence in our studio - there are still lots of construction projects to complete before we fill the space with living things...but, just noting my favorites :)
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HowToWeb.com
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Lego Minifigures Series 7 Features Computer Programmer
5 May 2012 | 6:00 pmLego has a Computer Programmer minifigure in its Lego Minifigures Series 7. This programmer has some mad skills from debugging a server in ten seconds to recovering data from completely melted drives. Here is the complete description of the Lego Computer Programmer: "Hello, World." Other computer whizzes can argue all they like about what kind of computer or operating system is the best one - the Computer Programmer knows that the only way to be a real expert is to master all of them. He knows everything there is to know about computers and how to use them, from the biggest old-time… -
Quora Says Its Not Just for Technology Discussion
24 Apr 2012 | 3:00 pmQuora is an online discussion platform. It is often described as a being a source for answers to tech-oriented questions, but Quora says it has other topics as big as tech. Quora says, "Quora is often mentioned as being tech or Silicon Valley centric. While we knew this assumption hasn't been true for a long time, the full diversity of content this analysis exposes was surprising.:" Quora released this chart to show the different topics being discussed on its site: Image: Quora Permalink | Facebook | Twitter | Recent Headlines | News Feeds -
Associa Launches Eco-Iniative, Support for Keep America Beautiful
17 Apr 2012 | 2:00 pmAssocia, a community association management company in North America, has launched a new national environmental initiative, Associa Green. Associa Green's kickoff events are being held throughout April in neighborhoods in the Seattle, Tampa, Austin and Washington, D.C. areas, in conjunction with a nationwide rollout in all Associa communities. Daisy, the Associa Green mascot is pictured above. Associa will begin a social media fundraising campaign throughout the launch to support Keep America Beautiful. For every like on Associa's Facebook page or follow on Twitter, the company will donate $1… -
HowToWeb Joins Pinterest
12 Apr 2012 | 6:00 pmHowToWeb is now on Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that lets users create pinboards for their favorite topics, such as gadgets you love or your favorite video games. You can find us on Pinterest here. You can also find HowToWeb on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter. Image: Pinterest Permalink | Facebook | Twitter | Recent Headlines | News Feeds -
Google Maps Launches 8-bit Version
1 Apr 2012 | 6:00 pmGoogle Maps has launched an 8-bit version for the NES/Famicom. Google says, ". With the power of Google's immense data centers, and support from Nintendo and Square Enix, we were able to overcome the technical and design hurdles of developing 8-bit maps." Google says it has long neglected NES. You can find Google Maps for NES and its wonderful 8-bit graphics online here. Take a look: Photo: Google Permalink | Facebook | Twitter | Recent Headlines | News Feeds
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Popular Science - DIY
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Gray Matter: In Which I Play With White Phosphorus
16 May 2012 | 11:15 amUnsavory Element White phosphorus creates an eerie flickering light on Theodore Gray's gloved hand. He will show this and other experiments on NOVA's Hunting the Elements , airing April 4 on PBS. Mike WalkerOne of the nastiest substances on Earth creates a beautiful glow Being a mad scientist can be a thankless job, but every once in a while you get a chance to shine-literally. I recently had that opportunity when working with a TV show to film one of the most beautiful of all chemical phenomena, the cold luminosity of white phosphorus. White phosphorus, an uncommon form of the element, is… -
Turn Your Old Netbook Into A Touchscreen Tablet
19 Apr 2012 | 4:27 pmNetbook To Tablet Greg Maxson Tablets are taking over the portable-computing market, but that doesn't mean the netbooks that they've replaced are useless. It's possible to jam the processing power and battery life of most netbook models into a smaller, touchscreen-equipped package. The project is very straightforward: Remove a few parts, add a touchscreen overlay (about $80; MyDigitalDiscount), reseal the device in its new tablet form, install a driver, and calibrate the screen. And if you use an old netbook you have lying around (or buy a used one), it costs a fraction of the price of a new… -
Video: A DIY Flight Simulator Built in the Nose of a Real Boeing 737
19 Apr 2012 | 1:43 pmThe Flight Deck of a 737 Not a simple build. Sol Young via Wikimedia Some people golf. James Price tiners with the full-blown flight simulator he's been building in the nose of a Boeing 737 jetliner in his garage for the past two decades. The air traffic controller and aviation enthusiast is now one of only a few people in the world who have built this kind of flight sim in an actual aircraft nose. And he's among only a handful of people in the world with a toy this cool. Price's sim goes far beyond the ambitions of most flight sim enthusiasts, who recreate cockpits in their home offices or… -
Simple Project of the Month: Build A Rotating Time-Lapse Camera Stand
19 Apr 2012 | 10:13 amVersatile Platform The timer can be mounted on most standard tripods, not just this GorillaPod. Larry ToweA panning platform made from a kitchen timer If you're into time-lapse photography here is a way to easily build yourself an affordable panning device using some simple tools and a kitchen timer. STEP 1 Drill a 15/64-inch hole in the center of the dial of a kitchen timer such as Ikea's Stäm model. Insert a ¼-inch-20 set screw. STEP 2 Drill an 11/32-inch-diameter hole in the bottom of the timer. Screw a 3/8-inch bolt or a 3/8-inch tap cutter into the hole to create threads for a 3/8-inch… -
Gray Matter: Want a Chemical Reaction Without Heat? Add a Catalyst
18 Apr 2012 | 9:13 amButterfly Effect Copper facilitates a reaction between oxygen and acetone, causing an earring to continuously glow red-hot even without an external heat source. How does this copper earring glow without any flame or current? The copper earring you see here had already been glowing bright orange for half an hour when we took the photograph. There is no flame under it, no electric current through it. Underneath is a pool of volatile and highly flammable acetone, but the liquid is not on fire. So where is the heat coming from? Acetone vapor and oxygen from the air are combining and releasing…
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THAT PainterLady.com
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PaintingTips | Painting A Tray Ceiling
30 Apr 2012 | 12:47 pmInteresting… sometimes it’s like people are reading my mind. I have a kitchen that has an ugly old fluorescent light fixture and I can see that there is a lovely tray ceiling under all that old plastic. I’ve been on the lookout for some tray ceiling lighting ideas. My plan is to pull out all the old plastic and light fixtures. I’ll replace them with 4 can lights. The center of this tray ceiling holds a really ugly ceiling fan. I already have an old iron chandelier for that space… with amber mica shades. The light fixture keeps calling out my name from the… -
How To Tips: Painters Tape and the Dreaded Bleed Under
19 Apr 2012 | 10:51 pmI know…I know. I’ve addressed this before. Debra’s addressed this before. It’s a common topic. But I got a new email about this very issue this week and decided I needed to write about it one more time. So…A newsletter subscriber wrote in – actually left a comment on another post about this subject – about how she and her husband had just painted stripes in a bedroom and wished they’d read about how to get the tape set right so it doesn’t bleed under it. Here’s what she wrote in: “Several reviews I’ve read say… -
Painting Tips | Don’t be afraid of going BOLD
11 Apr 2012 | 3:58 pmBe BOLD - Photo thanks to indigophotos Do you like bold colors…but think they’re only for eggs or kids clothing? Think again!! Bold colors have a place in our homes as well. Sure, they look good in throw pillows, or in paintings, or accessories, but they also look great on walls! Really!! The easiest way to change up your decor – any decor – is with color. Change the color of your drapes. Add a colorful throw rug to a small bathroom. Put a painting up on the wall. Bold style is most often about color. One of the best ways to get there is with paint. So… -
Faux Painting Tips | Faux Painting Formica Laminate Counter Tops
5 Apr 2012 | 10:22 pmFaux-Granite Painted by Debra Conrad Hi Painter Ladies! I have a formica bath (half bath really) counter that I would like to do a faux countertop painting on so that it looks more updated. Until I can do something else. This bath doesn’t get used much. Can I do this, what products can I use, and is what are the steps in doing the process? I’ve ordered your video but am nervous about starting. Thanks, M YES! You absolutely CAN do this! Painting Laminate Countertops is not rocket science…but it is labor intensive. And worth every minute to update your half… -
Change Your Décor | Make your Home Feel more Comfy Cozy
28 Mar 2012 | 4:57 pmI just read an article where they had six designers tell them tricks on how to make a “more comfortable home”. With people staying put in their homes until the markets improve I thought it might be a timely piece to share with you all. You know me…all about the sharing! When you’re painting you move the furniture away from the walls and stuff anyway. Might be a good time to change things up! That’s usually when I decide to make the move. So the first tip they gave was to have COMFORTABLE seating in your dining room. What? Yeah…have more comfy seating. So…
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Kitchen Remodeling Ideas Blog
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Kitchen Appliances
8 May 2012 | 10:46 amThe latest in kitchen appliances, as well as the old standbys, can be a daunting choice. Find out what's available before you ... -
Kitchen Countertop Ideas, So Many Choices
8 May 2012 | 10:45 amGranite, Soapstone, Tile? With so many choices it's important to get as many kitchen countertop ideas as possible, but where do you ... -
Kitchen sinks are a major part of a kitchen remodel
8 May 2012 | 10:44 amKitchen sinks have their own styles and are made from a variety of materials. -
Range Hoods, The Selection Is Amazing
8 May 2012 | 10:43 amThe available selection of range hoods is immense. Not only in the designs but also the materials . From copper to ... -
Most Popular Kitchen Flooring Choices
8 May 2012 | 10:42 amKitchen flooring can make a dramatic impact. Find out which one is the best for you.
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Instructables: exploring - featured
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Oversized Scissors (Stage Prop)
16 May 2012 | 11:31 amI made it at TechShop http://www.techshop.ws This project was made at TechShop - Detroit for a school play. They needed an oversized pair of scissors for the scene in the Wizard of Oz where the Cowardly Lion is getting "all prettied up" to see the Wizard. After designing the three-dimensional sciss...By: lime3DContinue Reading » -
Banana and Strawberry Whoopie Pies
16 May 2012 | 9:37 amI obviously have a thing for bananas, and this time, strawberries too! Banana Cakes about 12 whole whoopie pies 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 medium mashed bananas 1/2 cup buttermilk 4 ounces (...By: kristen0329Continue Reading » -
Head board with hidden cubbies
16 May 2012 | 8:07 amThis was inspired by two things I saw. IKEA has a head board that has storage space in it, but... It was very plain and did not come in a king size. I also saw a DYI on YouTube of a headboard with a neat patterned fabric as the “center piece”. So my uncle and I scratched out some sketches together a...By: PadiDiver33Continue Reading » -
Beaded Clasp
16 May 2012 | 7:46 amThis basic tutorial will give you an idea how to create a clasp and add your own personal touch to it that will make your handcrafted piece totally handmade from start to finish. Materials & Tools: 20ga x 6cm copper wire Some seed beads Round nose pliers Flat nose pliers Wire cutter Cut 6cm x 2...By: diylessonContinue Reading » -
Make your own D.A.R.C.
16 May 2012 | 7:21 amD.A.R.C. - Defence Attack Rescue Claw Got this idea after an internal brainstorming about the question 'What kind of tool would I like to have if I should be burried alive?' Call it The Dark Side Of Myself... This question implicates multiple 'as's: - waking up on time (oxygen stuff) - no panic (w...By: bartoloContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - living - featured
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Head board with hidden cubbies
16 May 2012 | 8:07 amThis was inspired by two things I saw. IKEA has a head board that has storage space in it, but... It was very plain and did not come in a king size. I also saw a DYI on YouTube of a headboard with a neat patterned fabric as the “center piece”. So my uncle and I scratched out some sketches together a...By: PadiDiver33Continue Reading » -
Beaded Clasp
16 May 2012 | 7:46 amThis basic tutorial will give you an idea how to create a clasp and add your own personal touch to it that will make your handcrafted piece totally handmade from start to finish. Materials & Tools: 20ga x 6cm copper wire Some seed beads Round nose pliers Flat nose pliers Wire cutter Cut 6cm x 2...By: diylessonContinue Reading » -
Charizard -Partial Dragon Costume
16 May 2012 | 5:17 am---Table of Contents--- Introduction | Overview | Materials and Tools | The Construction | Project Videos Introduction This was my very first costume project I ever attempted. I was 17, had never touched a sewing machine, never thought about working with fabric or sculpting with foam, and basic...By: CanineHybridContinue Reading » -
Make a zoetrope or 20
16 May 2012 | 12:49 amI developed this kit as a way for kids to learn the basic mechanics of strobing images and get excited about animation. My first workshop was with our local science discovery centre's school holiday program. (Scitech!) The kit had to be exceedingly simple and quick to make because I had to make at l...By: EGiRContinue Reading » -
Make a Mod Mobile
15 May 2012 | 4:26 pmThis mobile is a great way to bring some mid-century modern into your home for less than a buck. Yep! I said a buck. In fact, if you work from materials in your stash, or your recycling bin, your only expense will be the two pennies you use to weigh the mobiles down. I used two main colors for the t...By: dollarcraftContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - living - popular
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Carabiner Keychain Mod: Stop dropping your keys
13 May 2012 | 10:18 pmI used to keep my keys on a standard carabiner, which I could clip to my belt loop. Most of the time, that worked fine. But every so often, when I unclipped the carabiner from my belt loop, one of the key rings would slip off without me noticing. I had spare keys, so such events were really just ...By: elplattContinue Reading » -
Paper Pub #4: Install Surveillance Cat
11 May 2012 | 3:47 pmWahn Wahn Mon, Instructabrarians! I've been around on the Blagosphere for a while now and I've come to realize that there are three things the internet will never get over: 1) Web Videos, 2) Cats and 3) Cute Japanese Animated Girls That Turn Into Machines. While Amanda already did an 'ible on vira...By: SHIFT!Continue Reading » -
R2D2 - Dark Roast Edition
7 May 2012 | 5:06 amStar Wars, Love it or hate it. One thing you can’t deny is the universal love and identification of one of its side characters R2D2, the little astromech droid who could. Only now, he even better… cause he makes me coffee. Of course anyone who makes me coffee goes up a few notches, so why not h...By: iminthebathroomContinue Reading » -
Modified Strawberry Topsy Turvy
6 May 2012 | 3:42 pm.This picture shows the first time i used a Topsy Turvy. It didn't grow any Strawberry's that i could really eat .I started realizing a few things as the growing season went along. The first thing i noticed was as the season went on the soil on the bottom of the Turvy got really hard and compacted...By: coolbeansbaby68Continue Reading » -
Do your own star trek sweat shirt !
2 May 2012 | 8:09 amIf you are fan of Star Trek this instructable is for you !!!! You will find here a good way to build a stencil and create a hand on a sweat shirt and when you open the zip Live long qnd Prosper appears! :) FOR STAR TREK FAN : Sorry, Let's notice this fail as normally the thumb have to be separate...By: lpxavContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - living
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Jack Daniels Christmas Lights
16 May 2012 | 1:13 pmBy popular demand (sorry it's taken a while by the way guys I know a few of you have asked but life has a tendency to get between me and the interenet these days) I've knocked up a quick guide to how to make your own pretty funky decorations using little more than a cheap light string and a few mini...By: Hank_2kContinue Reading » -
Home made Save the Date cards!
16 May 2012 | 12:44 pmI decided to make my own save the date cards. I love card making it is something easy to do and keeps my hands busy. Also it was much cheaper than buying them from somebody. The only cost that I find to be a bit excessive was the postage but that was because I bought a role of stamps. Materials y...By: KirstareisContinue Reading » -
How to do flawless Nails
16 May 2012 | 11:08 amThis is a very simple tutorial on how to do your nails with an accent finger. This is the most simple, sort of different way to do my nails that I have found to be flawless every time. This picture I did the same process I just used different colors, in this picture I used Sinful colors™ Dancing Nai...By: KirstareisContinue Reading » -
Avengers Symbol (Captain America Colours)
16 May 2012 | 11:07 amI really wanted to do something related to the movie Avengers, and that's when i came up with the idea of making the Avengers symbol, with the colours of Captain America. What you will need: 1st. Red,White, and Blue clay 2nd. A butter knife Cutting the pieces out First start with the red clay,...By: coloured bubblesContinue Reading » -
Personalized Party Cups
16 May 2012 | 8:47 amI’m planning a few parties this summer, and I have been desperate to find unique ways to make each one special. The first party I’m planning is for my boyfriend and the new officers that will be relocating to the Keys. His class is graduating from the FWC law enforcement academy this summer. I found...By: PadiDiver33Continue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - outside - featured
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Make your own D.A.R.C.
16 May 2012 | 7:21 amD.A.R.C. - Defence Attack Rescue Claw Got this idea after an internal brainstorming about the question 'What kind of tool would I like to have if I should be burried alive?' Call it The Dark Side Of Myself... This question implicates multiple 'as's: - waking up on time (oxygen stuff) - no panic (w...By: bartoloContinue Reading » -
Backpacking Food Bars 2.0
13 May 2012 | 1:52 pmEven though it was posted over a year ago, I’m still receiving a surprising amount of interest in my Backpacking Food Bars. I’ve refined the recipe a bit and taken it on another trip, so I thought I’d share an update. This new version is significantly more nutritious and tastier than the previous ...By: Grand WandererContinue Reading » -
Hakima Roof Rack - Poor Man's Strut Channel Cross Bars
12 May 2012 | 6:42 pmMy SUV came with a basic luggage rack. What I really needed was something with the functionality of a Yakima or Thule cross bar but with a dumpster diver price tag. For less than the cost of a single store-bought cross bar I was able to bodge a reasonably functional bar using strut channel that I p...By: alhazenContinue Reading » -
Exceedingly simple and easy bike rack flat-bed
11 May 2012 | 6:53 pmOK, so this is a very simple way to turn your bike rack into a flat-bed truck (well, you get the idea!) You can use this to haul all kinds of things, you can strap a box or tote to it and put things inside, you can even stop along the road a throw fresh roadkill on this baby (not legal in some state...By: ganeshruskinContinue Reading » -
Using an eReader as a survial tool
11 May 2012 | 3:20 pmJust a quick thought simply because I haven't seen much in the way mentioned about such: An eReader can be an invaluable survival or teaching tool. You are talking about a device that can hold the equivalent of upwards around 2000 books (and that's just in the main memory) Mine is loaded with aroun...By: MountainmistressContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - outside - popular
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Backpacking Food Bars 2.0
13 May 2012 | 1:52 pmEven though it was posted over a year ago, I’m still receiving a surprising amount of interest in my Backpacking Food Bars. I’ve refined the recipe a bit and taken it on another trip, so I thought I’d share an update. This new version is significantly more nutritious and tastier than the previous ...By: Grand WandererContinue Reading » -
Go/hiking/extended stay bag
10 May 2012 | 9:49 pmAlright, just to finish out my camping/go gear. Here is my extended stay bag. As in not an overnight bag. This bag started out as a generic Field-line I used it a few years then started looking for another bag. But I found it difficult to find an affordable bag with all the things that I liked about...By: MountainmistressContinue Reading » -
Small Survival Knife
10 May 2012 | 12:46 amHere is an Instructable on how I made the little knife in my survival kit. Here are the things you will need: 1 Sheffield "Rhino" Utility Blade Duct Tape Piece of Milk Carton approx 3"x5" Piece of Cardboard approx 3"x5" Super Glue Scissors Marker or Pen Para Cord ...By: tomsweet65Continue Reading » -
How to Make a Cotton Ball Fire Starter
9 May 2012 | 9:54 pmThis is a very useful fire starter that you can use on camping trips, in your fire at home, or anywhere you choose! They will burn from 2-3 minutes depending how much Vaseline you put on and the size of your cotton ball. Gather Materials You will need: 1 cotton ball (per fire starter) Some Vasel...By: lax0131Continue Reading » -
Build a 3 drum rain collection system better
8 May 2012 | 7:03 pmMY VERTICAL 'stacked" RAIN COLLECTION SYSTEM I live down in south Louisiana & plant a vegetable garden every year. Now even though my area is considered tropical, we do have dry periods. Watering my garden from the tap hinders the growth because of the chemical and algae inhibiters that they ...By: cajundoodContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - outside
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Make your own D.A.R.C.
16 May 2012 | 7:21 amD.A.R.C. - Defence Attack Rescue Claw Got this idea after an internal brainstorming about the question 'What kind of tool would I like to have if I should be burried alive?' Call it The Dark Side Of Myself... This question implicates multiple 'as's: - waking up on time (oxygen stuff) - no panic (w...By: bartoloContinue Reading » -
Slick Shoes - No More : Retread Your Old Kicks
16 May 2012 | 12:06 amI recently began googling for DIY ways to fix my slick soled 1+ year old Keens (out of warranty), which have become very worn down. After reading up on possible retread methods like gluing actual tread from automobile tires, I decided to see if there was a simpler way to go about giving my Keens th...By: synthescapeContinue Reading » -
Functional art — hexagon tallbike
15 May 2012 | 6:23 pmwww.rat-patrol.org/RPOz/FArt/disasterRecovery.html After more than 20,000km, my daily transit tallbike was crushed by a car... the driver stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake! After a brief grieving period I decided to model the new one from the old one, I photographed it from the side,...By: _nicosContinue Reading » -
Teardrop Trailer
15 May 2012 | 6:04 pm1/8" birch plywood makes a good skin for the interior of the hatch. Also, I installed the locks. The handles look pretty good. I like it. I used peg board for the back of the "kitchen". It will be useful for hanging stuff on it. ...By: e1ioanContinue Reading » -
How to make the perfect smore and rootbeer float
14 May 2012 | 10:24 amI chose to do this project for my instructable for a couple reasons. The first is that whenever i go camping i see people making smores that are really small. Isn't the point to make a good snack to fill you up? And secondly because everytime someone else makes me a rootbeer float, it is too small,...By: MaxKemp19Continue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - play - featured
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Oversized Scissors (Stage Prop)
16 May 2012 | 11:31 amI made it at TechShop http://www.techshop.ws This project was made at TechShop - Detroit for a school play. They needed an oversized pair of scissors for the scene in the Wizard of Oz where the Cowardly Lion is getting "all prettied up" to see the Wizard. After designing the three-dimensional sciss...By: lime3DContinue Reading » -
making a child's 'name' puzzle
15 May 2012 | 2:34 pmOne of my granddaughters has an unusual, family, name. She just turned two, and her mother loved puzzles starting at that age. So when I took the class, on using the laser cutter, at the Tech Shophttp://www.techshop.ws/ I knew I wanted to make her a puzzle out of her name. First I chose a simple...By: crdwolffContinue Reading » -
minitile
15 May 2012 | 12:59 amWhat is a fun game? What are the differences between a game and a toy? Everyone might have a different explanation of what a fun game is, so it is hard to create a game for everyone. Yet, a toy is something that people play with and without limitations of how to play it. People love to create, and...By: khuang3Continue Reading » -
How to Make a Mockingjay Pin: As seen on the Hunger Games
14 May 2012 | 10:25 pmOk so this instructable is really simple to make but it takes a lot of time and patience. To make this Mockingjay pin you will need the following: -clay (that can be put in the oven) -knife -gold and black paint (I used nail polish) -a pin -scolpting tools -an oven -glue Step 1: Ok so to start yo...By: Jam_JamContinue Reading » -
Lego Sonic Screwdriver
13 May 2012 | 9:14 pmThis will show you how to make a life sized Sonic screwdriver prop from Dr. Who out of of Lego! The steps are in the photos, Ive highlighted the things you need to add. Pieces Here's a list of pieces needed to make this. Main body (handel) First the main part of the screwdriver, all the other...By: monsterlegoContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - play - popular
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Gas powered pencil sharpener- for students that spend the entire class sharpening a pencil.
7 May 2012 | 9:41 pmEvery now and then, a student will spend a big chunk of class making sure his/her pencil is SHARP. For some reason, after a particularly long day, I was vegging at my desk staring blank-eyed at my pencil sharpener. It was one of those *LIGHT-BULB!!!!* moments. You, too, can have a gas powered pen...By: dorkpunchContinue Reading » -
Super Stilts
7 May 2012 | 5:59 amEver had the desire to be really tall? or be able to dunk a basketball? or to see what the world looks like if you were tall? Well for all you short people here's the answer! All you gotta do is build the stilts, practice walking around awhile, painfully fall a few times, whack your head on doorways...By: machoturtleContinue Reading » -
Insert Coin (hard case wallet)
6 May 2012 | 7:35 pmI´d like to share a project called "Insert Coin". It´s a hard case wallet and a tribute to retro video gaming. You might be familiar with the shape of my product, especially if you grew up in the eighties =) The wallet, or "card holder" if you´d like, is made from 3mm acrylic sheets in 4 diiferent...By: quizz_kidContinue Reading » -
Electric Violin
5 May 2012 | 10:53 am(Audio on step 6) This electric skeleton violin uses a piezoelectric pickup. The body and neck are solid maple and the darker wood is mahogany. I eventually finished it in November of last year after a two year build. It could have probably been done a lot quicker but exams and school got in the...By: Toms WorkshopContinue Reading » -
The Anti-Gravity Jumper
26 Apr 2012 | 11:05 amRemember those great baby contraptions, your parents would hook up to the door frame, and you'd bounce around for hours? Johnny jumpers! Well I made the big boy version today...it's johnny jumpers--all grown up. Ever want the feeling of being nearly weightless...or be able to have an extra long hang...By: machoturtleContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - play
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Oversized Scissors (Stage Prop)
16 May 2012 | 11:31 amI made it at TechShop http://www.techshop.ws This project was made at TechShop - Detroit for a school play. They needed an oversized pair of scissors for the scene in the Wizard of Oz where the Cowardly Lion is getting "all prettied up" to see the Wizard. After designing the three-dimensional sciss...By: lime3DContinue Reading » -
How to make a flying paper model plane without PDF
16 May 2012 | 5:13 amHi good to see you today to view this instructable how to make a flying paper model plane without PDF files made of paper. Sorry if its shape is incorrect because it is my first time to do this. And this came out. This was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. What you need: You need: 2 Short and 1 long bon...By: noob006Continue Reading » -
Lego CNC/3D printer/plotter
16 May 2012 | 1:31 amHey guys, second instructable here. This time, I decided to have a Lego CNC machine. I had originally planned this for the makeitreal competition, and I thought the deadline had passed, but apparently not. Anyway, I'll be updating this instructable as I make more progress on it. It won't be entir...By: graphmasturContinue Reading » -
Foam Machine
16 May 2012 | 1:13 amBuilt this to spray a coat of biodegradable bleach alternative on my wooden deck to clean it. Spent $3.95 on a 3/8" OD 1/4 " ID poly tubing and $1.35 on a threaded vinyl nipple at the farm supply store. The kids loved the secondary use as a party foam machine! The Motor is just an old leaf blow...By: elbContinue Reading » -
Lego Minecraft mobs with bonus!
15 May 2012 | 8:59 pmthis is my first instructable. hope u like it! By: mockingjayContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - technology - featured
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Basic Electronics
16 May 2012 | 12:12 amGet started with circuits with the basic electronics guide! These electronics Instructables will get you up to speed on the concepts, components, and tools you'll need to start designing and building your own circuits. Learn about current and voltage, how to wire an LED, and get started using the ...By: amandaghassaeiContinue Reading » -
Millennium Falcon and X-Wing from Floppy Disk (with Special Guest Appearance: Death Star)
15 May 2012 | 11:14 pmThanks to the positive response I received from my previous floppy disk art Instructable (itself inspired by a floppy disk Starship Enterprise and Klingon Bird of Prey), I decided to follow up with two new models: The Millennium Falcon and an X-Wing! I had been feeling bad for posting models only o...By: Jetpack5Continue Reading » -
The Complete Guide to RC Electronics
15 May 2012 | 11:10 pmHello, my friends. I have often found hobby RC electronics to be of interest in my projects due to their apparent simplicity and ease of use. However, it took me a while to figure out how to put together all the different components, figure out where to get all of the stuff, and read all of the (ra...By: biolethalContinue Reading » -
IPhone Cover for Engineers
15 May 2012 | 8:42 pmWith everything going digital these days I started to think that current and future Engineering/Mechanical students are going to rely a lot on software to solve problems, it's happening now, I do it. When something new or something that we haven't done in a while in Engineering arises we always look...By: Danny TasContinue Reading » -
Making BoBo The Devil Dog in Modo
15 May 2012 | 6:04 pmCreating bobo the devil dog in modo and printing it at shapeways. Making BoBo The Devil Dog in Modo Part1 First we create the general shape of the body. Making BoBo The Devil Dog in Modo Part2 Add more geomtry for the legs and start pulling the body to give it a more rounder shape Making BoB...By: skatersollieContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - technology - popular
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Crystal cMoy Free Form Headphone Amplifier
15 May 2012 | 4:04 pmThis headphone amplifier is a little different to conventional modern construction methods in that is is air Wiring,P2P (peer to peer) or free form wiring just like in the good old Valve days before the intervention of PCB's and the transistor. If your reading this and thinking why do you need ...By: koogarContinue Reading » -
Arduino Nano based Microbot
15 May 2012 | 2:09 pmThis instructable was created to be entered in the Robot Challenge. If I win, the parts will of course, go into robots like this one. Notes on how to include some of the very components in the prize packages are given in the last step. I am 28, so of course, I'm not going for the student prizes. I ...By: PaulMakesThingsContinue Reading » -
Homemade pocket knife sharpener #2
15 May 2012 | 9:44 amHere is a picture of the finished sharpener ready to start sharpening small knives.. Knife holder plans Here is the illustration plan i drew for making the knife blade holder. pocket knive blade holder fabrication Pic#1 Shows me milling the 3/8 wide slots by 3/4 of a inch long. pic #1,...By: coolbeansbaby68Continue Reading » -
Dr. Who Inspired Desk Clock
13 May 2012 | 4:27 pmI've done quite a few clock related instructables lately and I find that when I'm working on one clock I get an idea for another one (at this rate I'll have a home full of clocks). So the latest idea I had was to make a back lit desk clock. The idea was incubating for a while and I guess while wat...By: ChrysNContinue Reading » -
How to CNC a skull
13 May 2012 | 1:13 pmReally, everyone should have a skull on their desk. It's an age-old symbol, a memento mori that reminds us that we are not long for this world. So I set out to make one out of aluminum. This was my process. CAD/CAM I designed the skull in Solidworks. I don't have a ton of images from this p...By: surfwizzContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - technology
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Apple logo Stop-motion
16 May 2012 | 11:23 amI decided to make this video after watching a video on youtube of an apple start up remix song, and thought it would be fun to make a stop-motion to the song. Materials Craft foam (need different colors) Apple logo cut out Scissors Computer with Stop-Motion pro program Web ...By: Logen995Continue Reading » -
How to repair your headphones.
16 May 2012 | 3:48 amThis is a quick guide on how to fix broken/damaged headphones. With this set, the right side headphone was not working, so I thought I'd have a go at fixing it. It's a very easy, 5-minute, cut-n-shut job, for any ability. This works for in-ear 'phones (as seen here), the older type headphones and th...By: TurboSnailContinue Reading » -
Basic Electronics
16 May 2012 | 12:12 amGet started with circuits with the basic electronics guide! These electronics Instructables will get you up to speed on the concepts, components, and tools you'll need to start designing and building your own circuits. Learn about current and voltage, how to wire an LED, and get started using the ...By: amandaghassaeiContinue Reading » -
Millennium Falcon and X-Wing from Floppy Disk (with Special Guest Appearance: Death Star)
15 May 2012 | 11:14 pmThanks to the positive response I received from my previous floppy disk art Instructable (itself inspired by a floppy disk Starship Enterprise and Klingon Bird of Prey), I decided to follow up with two new models: The Millennium Falcon and an X-Wing! I had been feeling bad for posting models only o...By: Jetpack5Continue Reading » -
The Complete Guide to RC Electronics
15 May 2012 | 11:10 pmHello, my friends. I have often found hobby RC electronics to be of interest in my projects due to their apparent simplicity and ease of use. However, it took me a while to figure out how to put together all the different components, figure out where to get all of the stuff, and read all of the (ra...By: biolethalContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - workshop - featured
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Laser Cut Candle Holders
16 May 2012 | 12:03 amInspired by those awesome Moroccan cutout lanterns, I made a set of three laser cut candle holders, perfect for small votive candles or tea lights. All the laser cutting for the project was done at TechShop SF. 3D Modeling I modeled the candle holders in AutoCAD by drawing two boxes and subtra...By: amandaghassaeiContinue Reading » -
The Mary Kay Doll House
15 May 2012 | 11:07 pmThis is picture guide to aid people building the Mary Kay dollhouse from dollhousedesigns.com. The plans were designed by Jon Lash. This project took me about 1 month to complete and was completed during my holidays from college for my niece. Check out the video, but I encourage you to read throug...By: luke_wojContinue Reading » -
Medieval Hand Cannon
15 May 2012 | 9:41 pmThis is a replica of a hand cannon, also known as a handgonne, that would have been used in 14th century Europe. It is a very easy and quick project if you have access to a lathe. Total time for the project was about 6 hours not including design and the cost was about $30. Materials: 1.5” dia. x...By: jeanluc83Continue Reading » -
DIY Coffee Table
15 May 2012 | 3:15 pmI had seen an amazing coffee table made out of railroad ties at Anthropology a few or so ago. The price was way out of my range- so I made my own! I drew up the plans which you can find here and HERE. You can also find more info and the full step by step on my blog- Adventures In Creating! Cutting...By: rfalcon12Continue Reading » -
Rainbow Wood Magnetic Knife Strip
15 May 2012 | 2:03 pmThis is a magnetic knife strip that is made from cut-offs of fine hardwoods that I had lying around the shop. Glue them all together and you get something I'm calling rainbow wood. It also has a line of rare earth magnets embedded in it so it's got surprisingly strong knife-holding power. My is...By: noahwContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - workshop - popular
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Dead drop spike v.1
11 May 2012 | 12:27 pmThis is a project I made a little while ago as a birthday present for the friend who introduced me to geocaching. It is based on several designs I saw in a book on spy gadgets. They would have been used for passing stolen documents and film between an agent and their handler, storing money and docum...By: rouge.renardContinue Reading » -
Rocket Bookshelf
10 May 2012 | 8:34 pmAn easy way to make a cool Rocket bookshelf using 123D Make and TechShop!. This tutorial only covers the creation of the file, not the actual how to cut out the Rocket. If you have access to a shopbot it couldnt be an easier task. Click here to find a ShopBot near you. 123d Make 123d Make is a fr...By: JesseHarringtonAuContinue Reading » -
Chulengo (sudaca's BBQ)
9 May 2012 | 11:56 amDesde que me mudé a mi casa actual en 1998, usé para las "grandes ocasiones" una parrilla convencional, con techo de ferrocemento en forma de campana, y parrilla que sube y baja colgando de un par de cadenas. Los días ventosos o muy fríos me veía obligado a tapar la carne con bandejas o papeles, par...By: rimar2000Continue Reading » -
Undroppables
7 May 2012 | 3:10 amWho here likes to fiddle with their stationary while at school, college, work or home? And who's teacher/lecturer/boss/wife get's annoyed at this (when you drop it)? Well, there's me, and I'm sure a few others. To solve this problem I came up with a small metal object that you can make that keeps ...By: sdfgeoffContinue Reading » -
Metal flower lamp
6 May 2012 | 11:12 amI made this guide retrospectively, so some of the steps will have to use cardboard mock-ups or drawings instead of photos I'm afraid, as I wasn't about to make another one just for the instructable! If any parts don't make sense, please massage me and I'll do my best to clarify... Tools required: W...By: TomohawkContinue Reading »
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Instructables: exploring - workshop
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Laser Cut Candle Holders
16 May 2012 | 12:03 amInspired by those awesome Moroccan cutout lanterns, I made a set of three laser cut candle holders, perfect for small votive candles or tea lights. All the laser cutting for the project was done at TechShop SF. 3D Modeling I modeled the candle holders in AutoCAD by drawing two boxes and subtra...By: amandaghassaeiContinue Reading » -
The Mary Kay Doll House
15 May 2012 | 11:07 pmThis is picture guide to aid people building the Mary Kay dollhouse from dollhousedesigns.com. The plans were designed by Jon Lash. This project took me about 1 month to complete and was completed during my holidays from college for my niece. Check out the video, but I encourage you to read throug...By: luke_wojContinue Reading » -
Flask Engraving
15 May 2012 | 10:19 pmif you need some fancy presents to give away for 21 birth days or collage graduations an engraved flask is both memorable and affordable. To engrave the flask I trace the image off my computer montier using boxing tape. Then I use my rotary tool to trace the outline of the image after I align the ta...By: W1LL7Continue Reading » -
Medieval Hand Cannon
15 May 2012 | 9:41 pmThis is a replica of a hand cannon, also known as a handgonne, that would have been used in 14th century Europe. It is a very easy and quick project if you have access to a lathe. Total time for the project was about 6 hours not including design and the cost was about $30. Materials: 1.5” dia. x...By: jeanluc83Continue Reading » -
Miniature Radial Engine Crank Case
15 May 2012 | 8:41 pmModeled and then milled a crank case out of aluminum using a Manual Milling Machine; with rotary table. Also used a lathe and boring bar. This will be for a compressed air power 8 cylinder radial engine with 0.5"bore and 0.625" stroke. By: Flying_MashedPotatoesContinue Reading »
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PixieThisBlog.com
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Mother’s Day Robin Card with Rosa Clifford
4 May 2012 | 2:28 pmToday the clever and meticulous card creator Rosa Clifford is sharing a darling card for Mother’s Day. Having worked with Rosa on several occasions when she appeared on the TV show, I have a deep appreciation for the time, care and total consideration she gives to all her designs and her how-to photo panels do not … The Crafts Dept. Mother’s Day Robin Card with Rosa Clifford is a post from: PixieThisBlog.com -
Dyed Cups
3 May 2012 | 8:50 pmFor the May issue of Living I dyed paper cups, bowls and bamboo place mats using RIT Dye. I got the cups and bowls from Branch Home (they are compostable!). Simply fill a bucket or bin with four quarts of hot water and add 3-4 teaspoons of the dye. I tinted just the outside of … The Crafts Dept. Dyed Cups is a post from: PixieThisBlog.com -
DEFINING YOUR BUDGET
3 May 2012 | 5:00 am• Written by guest blogger Margaret Jules Your level of indulgence in luxuries is decided by your budget, and giving a new look to your home could be one of those luxuries. Whether an internal or an external makeover, the project might range from painting the walls of your house, to new flooring, and even buying new furniture for your dining room or living room. So if hiring an interior designer is your splurge of choice, then you must take a closer look at your budget so you can get what you need from your designer. However, there are various factors which could help you define… -
Puff Paint Earrings
2 May 2012 | 9:38 amToday’s guest post comes from the fabulous Evie S: I’m excited to share with you all an idea to make loads of earrings in all your favorite spring colors for just pennies a pair, using puff paint. This oft overlooked form of paint is usually in the category of tacky, but this project gives puff … The Crafts Dept. Puff Paint Earrings is a post from: PixieThisBlog.com -
The Etsy Show!
1 May 2012 | 4:00 pmLast week’s Etsy show was a great success! We had an audience full of Etsy sellers and guests from all walks of life within the Etsy world. For those of you who may not know, Etsy.com is a wonderful e-commerce website that features over 15 million users (800,000 of whom are sellers) and is the … The Crafts Dept. The Etsy Show! is a post from: PixieThisBlog.com
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Thrift Core
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Thrifty "Toy Planter" DIY: Funky Animal Planters for Cheap
16 May 2012 | 7:13 amWith a house full of toys and a plant obsession, I'm frequently asked when I'm going to make the toy planters trending on the web these days. I'd been planning to make some, but my friend Rosaly of Old Skool Junk beat me to the punch making the colorful set above. She recently gave them to me to finish painting, fill with plants, and sell. DIY Steps: 1) Select your thrifted toys to slice into, make sure they're hollow! 2) Cut a hole in their backs for the plant to live in. 3) Optional: Spray paint your toys, leave them to dry for at least a day. 4) Fill with your plant, most likely a… -
Thrift Haul: Super Summery Mod Scores for a Song
14 May 2012 | 7:59 amI thrifted five hours south in sunny Sarasota, Florida last week and let myself scoop up summery mod scores to revitalize my antique store booths. The thrifting is good in Sarasota, I'll definitely be back to hunt through them and document them further! Here's what I found: This very mod drinking set was actually sent to me by Scott (@zombiedad on Twitter) to sell on his behalf. I just got in the mail this week. I do offer this service, so contact me if you need assistance there-- or if you'd like to purchase this lovely set! A veritable skittles-hued variety pack of vintage beauty. -
Thrift Decor: Living Room 30 Minute Thrifty Before and After
11 May 2012 | 8:00 amYou might recall that I made a work section in my living room from my new apartment tour. That wasn't working out. I didn't use the table as intended for long and it made a giant mess, like so... Woah, look at that shameful mess! The work space in the living room was such a bad idea. I ended up painting, tagging merchandise, and organizing supplies in the space. Who could entertain in such squalor? No one, that's who! I was going to have pals over and knew I had to get to work, so I set my timer for 30 minutes and hit it! Artwork: $0.00, all on-hand, made for myself, or trades "New"… -
Thrift Jobs: 5 Fresh and Innovative Reselling Tactics
9 May 2012 | 7:13 amWe all know about reselling online and in vintage shops and fairs, but we can do better than that. As thrifters we're required to be the most creative and resourceful people alive! Let's exercise those skills on these less-often reported guerrilla reselling tactics! 1. Make a mailing list; update frequently. Create mailing lists for your online and offline retail spaces. Send an e-mail out to members at least once a week to show off your new merchandise and/or developments. 2. Extort Your Friends! (What else are they good for?) Tell everyone in your circle about your thrift endeavors. Let… -
Shocking Truth: The Top 5 Blogging Tips I NEVER Follow
8 May 2012 | 7:00 amStruggling with your blog? Is it not growing or producing fast enough for you? Maybe your problem is following the sea of "top tips" on the web; it's time for a fresh perspective! Let me help by debunking 5 blogging tips you've heard before. Lots of notes, homemade vegan pie and ample tea help when blogging gets tough. 1. Don't obsess over traffic; ignore your counters. I used to check my Google analytics and hits daily, now I could go months without a peek. Monitoring traffic is important, but I prefer to fuss over quality. Craft superior content that readers are compelled to…
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Creative Faux Panels
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Irish Pub comes to life with Stone Veneer Panels
11 May 2012 | 11:26 amIt’s a universal truth that wherever you go in the world – whether Dublin, New York, Hong Kong or Kuwait – you’ll always find an Irish pub – somewhere to enjoy an ice-cold pint of Guinness. Now one of our FauxPanels.com customers has taken that a step further – by creating their own Irish pub right in their basement. Flynn's Inn Irish Pub was brought to life with stone veneer panels. With a name like Flynn, it should come as no surprise that Kathryn and her family come from good Irish stock. To pay tribute to that heritage (and their fondness for a pint of the black stuff) she… -
Don’t “Cut Corners” Cutting Corners: Why Miters Matter With Stone Veneer
8 May 2012 | 11:30 amDon’t make this common mistake when you corner your stone veneer panels. An example of how NOT to miter your stone veneer panels Check out the picture to the left. It’s a photo of a stone veneer made out of concrete that we snapped in Manhattan over the weekend. Why? Because it’s a fine example of why our faux panels are more practical, more versatile and easier to install than stone veneer products made out of other materials – and ours always look better as a result. I’m not sure who did the job with the concrete veneer – but here’s where it went wrong: The corners. -
From Wood to Stone with Veneer Panels
27 Apr 2012 | 11:30 amThese recent Before and After fireplace pictures reveal how far just a few stone veneer panels can go to enhance the inviting atmosphere of a room. BEFORE: Wooden walls gave a traditional, all-American look - but there was room for improvement. When Tim Magee’s photos hit the FauxPanels.com™ inbox, we all agreed that we liked his style. The combination of hardwood floors and Americana styling created a warm, welcoming look that we all admired. So how do you improve on near perfection? In Tim’s case, it was by stripping down the wood paneling behind his gorgeous cast iron stove and… -
Restaurant Facelift with Stone Veneer Panels
20 Apr 2012 | 11:00 amA family restaurant in Ohio updates its storefront design with a classy new look thanks to some stone veneer panels. The friendly frontage of Max and Erma's is an Ohio institution. Max and Erma’s is an Ohio institution – a chain of restaurants founded by Todd Barnum and Barry Zacks in the early seventies. Thanks to canny franchising and a great concept, their mouthwatering menu items are now being served all the way from South Dakota to Virginia Beach. But for new franchise owners, one of the challenges is transferring that old-time storefront design and feel in a brand new location. -
Build an Exciting Accent Wall with Old Chicago Brick Panels
13 Apr 2012 | 11:00 amAlthough Chicago’s often described as “the second city”, residents fiercely contend that they’re first in a lot of ways: They’d take deep dish and Wrigley Field over thin and crispy and the Yankee stadium any day of the week! Taking inspiration from that pride and heritage, FauxPanels.com™ recently launched a rugged new line of faux brick panels molded directly from real Chicago brick. Here are some ideas of how to use them: Worthy of any Chicago speakeasy, this stunning fireplace and drinks cabinet is framed by our Old Chicago brick veneer panels. From Al Capone to Barack Obama,…
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Home Improvement Blog – The Apron by The Home Depot
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A Casual, Southwestern-Style Patio from Sara of The By & By
16 May 2012 | 5:00 amIn our Style Challenge series, we challenge some of our favorite bloggers from around the web to surprise us with their ideas for creating a stylish and functional space using a single Home Depot product as a starting point. Sara Stoner from The By & By created a smart, yet casual Southwestern outdoor space to suit an Austin backyard. Working with the Morris 4-Piece Patio Seating Set, along with succulents, throw pillows, and quirky accents, Sara shows us how to make the most of a small outdoor space. When the Home Depot reached out to The By & By to participate in the Style… -
Inspired: The Polo Blue Braided Rug
15 May 2012 | 8:00 amNautical-themed rooms have been popping up in magazines and design blogs for months now. While sailing kitsch might work well for a beach house, there are ways to create a room that feels preppy and sea-worthy without anchor prints, seashells, and sailboats. To create a living room that evokes the feeling of a Cape Cod cottage you can’t go wrong relying on a few traditional prints and a blue-and-white color scheme. This will give your living room a nautical feel without diving too far into one particular theme. In the inspiration board above, we were inspired by the Colonial Mills… -
YouTube Tuesdays: Who’s Next? Are You Ready for a Career at The Home Depot?
15 May 2012 | 5:00 amFor many of our associates, working at The Home Depot is more than just a job. It’s being part of a family. Wearing the orange apron is a source of pride. Do you have what it takes to be a part of the next generation of leaders at The Home Depot? If you’re ready to rise to the challenge, we may have an internship or career opportunity on our team that can help take you to the top. Watch this video to find out what we mean. (It’s not your normal corporate video. It’s actually pretty fun to watch.) And ff this video speaks to you, visit our Who’s Next web page for… -
Eat Up: 5 Fruits and Vegetables To Grow On Your Wall
14 May 2012 | 5:00 amVia JS on Wikipedia The twin arts of gardening and cooking share many secrets in common, not least of all this: that the rewards are enhanced by the ritual of having done the work yourself. A meal that was made for you can bring with it feelings of gratitude, but a meal that was made by you is more alive to your senses, more vital. And how much more so when you’ve not only prepared the food but also raised the ingredients! Fresh produce is one of the simplest, yet most significant rewards of gardening. In addition to the flavors we normally associate with each, an herb, vegetable or fruit… -
First Look: Liberty Hardware’s Handmade Cabinet Knobs
13 May 2012 | 5:00 amIt’s not so common these days to find hand made products outside of specialty boutiques. But Home Depot is pleased to be carrying a line of exquisite hand crafted cabinet knobs, pulls and handles by Liberty Hardware. It’s Liberty’s HomeGrown Hardware line of unique cabinet hardware designed and made by three American artisans. Watch this short video to see how Tammy Newhof of Windborne Studios produces her beautiful fused glass cabinet pulls. In addition to the fused glass knobs by Tammy Newhof, Liberty’s HomeGrown Hardware series features beautiful…
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PoolGear Plus Blog
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Save 15% on Select Sizes of Printed Overlap Pool Liners
16 May 2012 | 7:11 amOur Memorial Day Sale is underway! Spruce up the appearance of your above ground swimming pool with a printed overlap pool liner. Your backyard will have a fresh, clean look when the pool has a new, bright overlap liner. Follow these above ground overlap liner installation instructions and your pool will look brand new in time for Memorial Day weekend! -
The Memorial Day Sale is Here: Save on Chlorine and Pool Shock!
14 May 2012 | 7:16 amMemorial Day weekend is an exciting time that marks the true start of summer for many pool owners. At our Memorial Day Sale on pool supplies, you’ll get everything you need to open your swimming pool and keep it crystal-clear all season long! Our Memorial Day Sale starts early (May 14, 2012) so you have plenty of time to get your pool supplies and open your swimming pool before the big weekend. -
Pool Water: Eye and Skin Irritations
9 May 2012 | 7:33 amDo you avoid the swimming pool due to itchy eyes or irritated skin from pool water? There’s good news; this problem can probably be fixed with a few pool chemical adjustments! Eye and skin irritations are a common problem for swimmers; you are not alone and you shouldn’t be left out of the enjoyment that comes from the swimming pool. -
Summer Swimming Safety
4 May 2012 | 9:00 amMay is National Water Safety Month and simple swimming pool safety tips can save lives. Educating ourselves on how to use the pool safely this summer can reduce drowning, entrapments, and other harmful swimming accidents from occurring. You, your friends and your family can make the pool a safer place by adopting the following simple swimming safety tips: -
Kreepy Krauly® Great White® Inground Pool Cleaner
3 May 2012 | 7:12 amUnlink other automatic pool cleaners, the Great White® inground pool cleaner scrubs and vacuums away the toughest grime. Debris and dirt can’t hide from its patented bristle-drive mechanism that has the strength to knock any dirt loose, while the vacuum action takes care of small and large debris.
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Home Improvement from the Networx Blog
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An Introduction to Earthships
16 May 2012 | 7:40 amImagine a home that heats and cools itself without the need of a furnace or AC unit; one that produces its own zero emission supply of electricity, and is not dependant on a municipal source for water. This kind of home also processes all of its wastewater locally, and can even grow a quantity of its occupant’s food. See full article. -
Drywall Tip: Avoid Common Mistakes
16 May 2012 | 5:35 amDrywall guru Myron Ferguson of Albany, NY offered tips for remodeling with drywall. Some common DIY mistakes he notes include: “Not using enough mudding compound behind tape, causing bubbles. Not letting the mudding compound dry thoroughly between coats, and too thick or too thin fill coat which covers the tape. See full article. -
How to Press Your Shirts WITHOUT an Iron
16 May 2012 | 5:16 amWhen I was growing up, my mom was exceedingly mom-like. She cooked, she cleaned, she over-protected. But, not even once did I see her iron any clothes. She didn’t like to iron, and she didn’t do it. I, therefore, grew up with no positive ironing role models and have been muddling through adulthood with no idea what any of you people are doing when it comes to rubbing what looks like a future spaceship coffee pot over your wrinkled clothes. See full article. -
Concrete Tip: When Your Foundation Leaks
16 May 2012 | 2:55 amWhat are steps you should take if you discover your concrete foundation is leaking? In a Networx article, writer Steve Graham gets some advice from Cassi Sherman of Peak Basement Systems, a concrete contractor near Denver. Sherman emphasized safety and said to check for submerged wiring or appliances before stepping into a pool of water. See full article. -
HVAC Tip: Choosing the Best and Greenest
15 May 2012 | 7:19 amWhat attributes should you look for in a “green” HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) business? One example of such a company is Greentree Heating and Air Conditioning in Denver and Omaha. They recommend working with a company that follows all government incentives and tax benefits associated with installing or improving your home energy standards. See full article.
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Pro Tool Reviews - Power and Hand Tool Reviews and News
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Second Annual National Tradesmen Day (NTD) September 21
16 May 2012 | 4:20 amLast year we covered the Irwin-initiated National Tradesmen Day (NTD). Now the second annual NTD will be held on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, and IRWIN Tools is again encouraging all Americans to make plans to recognize America’s tradesmen. Why tradesmen? These are the men and women who are the backbone of our great nation. These are our country’s skilled craftsmen, the people who continue to build this country and keep it running day in and day out. Tradesmen are, rather unfortunately, being declared second-hand citizens by some - and meanwhile, their skills are in high demand with not enough… -
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4" Hex Impact Driver 2653-22 Preview
14 May 2012 | 9:10 pmBrushless motor technology is exploding into the market and Milwaukee Electric Tool isn't wasting any time in expanding their 18V platform to include this new tech into their line. Their most recent addition is the new M18 FUEL 1/4" Hex Impact Driver, which is available in several configurations including Kit, Compact and tool-only. As part of the new M18 FUEL family, the new 1/4" Hex Impact Driver utilizes Milwaukee's PowerState Brushless Motor, the vastly-improved RedLithium Battery Pack and RedLink Plus Electronic Intelligence to deliver up to 3X longer motor life, up to 50% more runtime,… -
DeWalt 12V Thermal Imager Kit DCT416S1 Preview
13 May 2012 | 7:20 pmNear the end of 2010, DeWalt announced its first 12V MAX Infrared (IR) Thermometer, the DCT414S1. As the company continues to expand its 12V MAX cordless platform, they went all out on the mac-daddy model, the DCT416S1. Half IR thermometer, half thermal imager, it's been engineered to go far beyond to display both visual and thermal images on the integrated full-color LCD screen. You can even blend the images together in order to really pinpoint an issue. This is very handy when troubleshooting electrical panels or heating and cooling leaks. It's certainly a much more advanced product, and… -
Rockler Universal Fence Clamps with Clamp-It Review
11 May 2012 | 3:20 amThis won't be a long review, mostly because the tool under scrutiny is so easy to use. Rockler introduced its Universal Clamp-It Kit several months ago. This is a clamp set designed to give you a "third arm" when assembling frames, drawers, or any two pieces of stock wood at 90 degrees. Anyone who's done this type of work will recognize that clamping a perfect 90° angle can be a pain without the right jigs and clamps. Rockler's new Clamp-It and Fence looks to be a good "one person" solution that simplifies the process of tightly and securely joining stock. -
Porter-Cable PCCK510LA 18V Oscillating Multi-Tool Preview
10 May 2012 | 4:35 amWhen we attended this year's IBS Show in Orlando, Florida we were shown a new tool and sworn to secrecy on on penalty of... well, it wouldn't have been pleasant. That new tool was the 18V Oscillating Multi-Tool. It's sold as both a kit (PCCK510LA) and as a bare tool (PCC510B). Both tools utilize Porter-Cable's new Tool Free System, allowing you to swap out multi-tool blades and accessories without having to reach for the Allen wrench. Plus, since it runs on an 18V platform, the new PCCK510 delivers twice the run-time of their current 12V MAX oscillating multi-tool (PCL120MTC-2). If you're…
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Faux Wood Workshop
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African Heritage Recognized with False Beams and Planks
11 May 2012 | 1:00 pmWe’re always excited to receive photos and letters from our customers, showing us the incredible projects they’re created using our faux wood products. Pictures of one project that really blew us away were recently sent to us by Marketechs creative design studio – who used our faux wood beams and planks as part of an incredible museum project. False beams are a seamless addition to the stunning displays of the Africa America museum. The Central Pennsylvania African American Museum was built by the Old Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Reading to recognize the incredible… -
Faux Wood Tips: Staining Knots on your Beams
1 May 2012 | 11:00 amOne of the reasons our false beams are so popular is because they perfectly mimic the texture and look of real wood – right down to the grain, saw marks and imperfections. For some, though, these imperfections aren’t imperfect enough – and some enterprising customers have taken recreating the look of real wood one step further. Some like our beams finished in the factory - others like to do it themselves, for a more customized look. “Knots” are dark spots in wooden beams and planks that reveal where branches used to grow. These areas of wood often feature a different grain pattern… -
5 Smart Reasons Contractors Prefer False Beams
20 Apr 2012 | 1:00 pmAs our blog has demonstrated, there are thousands of customers all over America who use our false beams to decorate the interior and exterior of their homes. What we cover less often is how contractors and design professionals also adore our products – because it enables them to create stunning designs for a fraction of the cost or time that it would take using real wood. There’s a reason shows like Man Caves and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition use our faux wood products. With a tight budget, short deadlines and high expectations to meet, the versatility of our faux wood products is… -
Rustic Ceiling Panel and Faux Wood Beam Combo
13 Apr 2012 | 12:00 pmSome of our canny customers have helped bring a dynamic new element to their home redesign projects by combining our false beams with faux wood wall and ceiling panels. Here’s one recent example a customer sent us; demonstrating a dynamic faux wood combo that used rustic barn wood ceiling panels paired with false beams for a look that really brings his room design to life. Neil's stunning Allentown home has an all-American look thanks to our faux wood beams and panels. Forget the brick, steel and glass of the big city – everybody knows that America was really built on wood. From the… -
Decorative Beams & Murals Turn a House Into a Home
6 Apr 2012 | 12:00 pmAlthough it’s been a while since FauxWoodBeams.com™ was featured on the final episode of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the honor of being involved in such an exciting and heartwarming project has not diminished for us. Our faux wood beams span the entire length of the ceiling, adding a stunning rustic look. Recently, we were lucky enough to revisit the experience of helping rebuild Joplin, Missouri, when we received new shots from the seven incredible homes Ty Pennington and the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team built there in just seven days. Many of them included our…
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How Skills - How To Articles Just For You
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How to Make Money Writing at Home
9 May 2012 | 6:31 pmMoney Making Opportunities For Writers Starting a writing career from home can be quite a challenging process especially if your goal is to make money. Either establishing your own name from scratch, or finding a known outlet/website where you can write and profit can be a challenge. You have to weed through the routes and find your method that fits your over all style all together. Enjoy this article dedicated to helping you find a great beginner money making writing outlet, or providing the next exciting career for you making money writing at home.1. Consider… -
How to Get Loyal Blog Readers for Your Blog
8 May 2012 | 4:39 pmGaining Loyal Blog Readers It's one thing to get readers that want to be loyal to your blog and blog content by means of search engines and other means. It's another method though of keeping them loyal and wanting to actually come back to your blog, which is a very important thing. In this article learn some tips that may help capture loyal readers to your blog, so they keep coming back over and over and over and over...........1. Consider writing a series. This would be where you may have 5 to 20 articles for one topic of your choice. By doing so, you will… -
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
8 May 2012 | 10:26 amSpaghetti Squash RecipeSpaghetti squash is known for the tendency of its flesh to pull out of the shell in spaghetti-like strands once it has been cooked. This yellow squash is available year-round in grocery stores and is a favorite of those watching their caloric intake. Spaghetti squash contains vitamins C, A, B-6 and K as well as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folate and pantothenic acid. One cup of spaghetti squash has 42 calories and 2.2 grams of fiber, making it a healthy addition to your diet.Follow some easy steps to boil, bake and microwave spaghetti squash.Boil1. Cut the squash in… -
How to Cook Asparagus
5 May 2012 | 8:54 amWays To Cook AsparagusThe appearance of asparagus in grocery stores and farmers markets is one of the first signs of spring. This tender member of the lily family is tasty, high in folic acid and antioxidants and easy to prepare. Asparagus tastes best when you prepare it shortly after purchase; however, it can be refrigerated for up to four days. For maximum freshness, buy asparagus that is refrigerated or standing in cold water. Wrap it in damp paper towels, and keep it in your crisper until you are ready to cook it.Read on to learn how to steam, roast and sauté this delicious spring… -
How to Have a Weed Free Lawn
2 May 2012 | 10:54 amHaving a Weed Free LawnWeeds are an annoying fact of summer life for most homeowners. Tough and tenacious, each weed can produce thousands of seeds, threatening to overwhelm your lawn despite your best efforts at fighting them. Many homeowners turn to synthetic herbicides despite the danger to people, pets and plants. Failing to tackle the underlying problems affecting lawn health, however, will only lead to more frequent application of chemical weed killers.Learn how to control weeds by building up the health of your lawn and removing weeds before they have a chance to spread.1. Use clean…
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Hack a Day
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Alarm clock wakes you like [Lawrence Welk]
16 May 2012 | 1:01 pmThat awful buzzing/beeping beside the bed in the morning might not seem so bad if it were a cascade of bubbles instead. At least that’s what [Will] is hoping for. He took a child’s toy and turned it into a bubble blowing alarm clock. We’re guessing you’re not going to be too happy with the alarm settings feature. This isn’t using a real-time clock, or any clock at all really. [Will] rolled his own light detection circuit using a PNP transistor whose base is controlled by an LDR. When the light level in the room reaches a certain threshold the bubbles start… -
3D gesture tracking with LIDAR
16 May 2012 | 12:01 pm[Reza] has been working on detecting hand gestures with LIDAR for about 10 years now, and we’ve got to say the end result is worth the wait. The build uses three small LIDAR sensors to measure the distance to an object. These sensors work by sending out an infrared pulse and recording the time of flight for a beam of light to be emmitted and reflected back to a light sensor. Basically, it’s radar but with infrared light. Three of these LIDAR sensors are mounted on a stand and plugged into an Arduino Uno. By measuring how far away an object is to each sensor, [Reza] can… -
Controlling a TV with a microcontroller
16 May 2012 | 11:01 amHere’s two builds that print text to a TV with only two pins: Still Alive with an Arduino After seeing all the builds that play Still Alive, [Bob] decided to take a 1972 amber monitor and recreate the cut scene at the end of Portal. The build uses the TVout library for Arduino. There were a few problems with running the Unix and Still Alive animations at the same time, so [Bob] flips a bit in the EEPROM at the end of the command line animation and restarts into GLaDOS’ report. You can check out the old school color monitor here ATMega Video Text Generator [Stian] didn’t… -
Sell your projects with Club Jameco
16 May 2012 | 10:01 amEveryone’s favorite electronic component distributor, Jameco, rolled out a new way for you to make a few bucks off of your projects. It’s called Club Jameco and looks like a great place to design, sell, and learn about new projects from around the Internet. The premise behind Club Jameco is simple. You send Jameco a short description of one of your projects. If the folks at Jameco think your project will sell, they’ll post it on Club Jameco for some feedback while you write up the instructions and the BOM. Once your project is done, Jameco will build it, sell it, and send… -
Turning an oscilloscope into a logic analyzer
16 May 2012 | 9:01 amSooner or later, you’re going to need a logic analyzer. If you don’t have a Bus Pirate or Logic Sniffer lying around, [Joonas] has a great MacGyverism that turns an oscilloscope into the simplest logic analyzer ever. The basic premise of the build is tying four digital lines to the analog input of an oscope. This is done with a 74HC126 buffer that provides a high impedance input for the logic probes and outputs the four-bit status of each logic channel. With a few resistors in an R-2R network, the state of four digital lines can be easily read. [Joonas] included the source code…
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Stain Removal Blog - A Mom's Guide To House Cleaning, Laundry And Stains
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Meat Tenderizer Uses For Stain Removal & Cleaning In Your Home
16 May 2012 | 12:45 pmIf you like to use common ingredients from your pantry to clean and remove stains, make sure you note these meat tenderizer uses for use in your home. -
Tips For Using Mr. Clean Eraser To Clean Walls And Other Surfaces
22 Apr 2012 | 12:33 pmA reader, SLN, wrote in to share with me how she uses her Mr. Clean Eraser for cleaning walls and soap scum from surfaces, and provided tips about what kinds of walls this cleaning product works best on. -
Cleaning Floor Linoleum With Magic Eraser: Can It Be Done Safely?
22 Apr 2012 | 10:23 amI got a question from a reader asking about cleaning floor linoleum with a magic eraser, and whether this was safe. After lots of research check out my answer. -
Reduce Garbage Can Odors With Baking Soda
21 Apr 2012 | 6:59 pmHere was a quick tip from Lila, who shared one of her favorite uses for baking soda in her kitchen, to help reduce garbage can odors. -
Orange Glo Hardwood Floor Cleaner Reviews: Made Floors Slick
21 Apr 2012 | 4:28 pmHere are reviews of Orange Glo Hardwood Floor Cleaner everyday spray, with two different reviewers complaining that the product made at least part of their floor slick, plus my suggestions for how to remove Orange Glo from your floor if you no longer want it there.
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An Eclectic Blog
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Sticky Business: Posts We Liked This Week
14 May 2012 | 11:06 amHere are our favorite craft and DIY links this week. Be sure to follow us @amazinggoop for daily updates on crafts, DIY projects and more! Crafts Get ready for summer with this seashell mirror how-to by HGTV. Here’s a budget-friendly alternative to a purchasing a new ring. Consider creating your own gemstone cocktail ring by Little Luck Tree. Creative Southern Home shows you how to make your own DIY glass apothecary with two pieces of glassware and E-6000. DIY We love these 50 tricks for DIY savings from This Old House. If you’re getting your house ready for summer, check out these 9… -
Sticky Business: Posts We Liked This Week
5 May 2012 | 1:30 pmHere are our favorite craft and DIY links this week. Be sure to follow us @amazinggoop for daily updates on crafts, DIY projects and more! Hope you have a great weekend! Crafts Here’s a charming birthday party idea. This Princess and the Pea Birthday Party by Michelle of Maddycakes Muse was created with loads of pink, glitter and E-6000. Consider trading your traditional table runner for this DIY Photo Table Runner by Ruffled for a creative and fun way to display photos. Here’s another creative photo craft. Display your favorite memories in these mini shadow box fridge magnets by Crafts… -
Sticky Business: Posts We Liked This Week
28 Apr 2012 | 5:59 pmHere are our favorite craft and DIY links this week. Be sure to follow us @amazinggoop for daily updates on crafts, DIY projects and more! Hope you have a great weekend! Crafts Here’s an easy and creative spring craft. Salt Tree shows you how to turn a sturdy bowl into a planter for an umbrella patio table using E-6000. Make a cuff bracelet to pair with your favorite spring outfits from Pinterest. Need a few more accessories to adorn your spring wardrobe? Try making this turquoise and cameo bracelet from Expressive Style. Spruce up a plain full-length mirror with mini mirrors from Crafts… -
DIY: How to Build a Loft Bed
4 Apr 2012 | 11:19 pmAs children grow older, not only do they outgrow their clothes, but they also outgrow their bedroom spaces. If you have a teen or a tween in the house, a loft bed can be the perfect solution to providing additional space in a small bedroom. A loft bed allows you to use the space underneath for a desk, a couch or additional storage space. The grown-up version of a bunk bed, loft beds free up space while still looking stylish and cool. Building a loft bed is a large project, but it’s a great budget-saver if you have DIY skills and a straightforward plan such as… -
Decorate for Easter: DIY Candy Jar
27 Mar 2012 | 1:31 pmWith Easter just a hop, skip and a jump away, it’s time to start thinking about decorations. We love this DIY pickle jar project from eighteen25 for displaying your colorful Easter candy in a way that is both practical and festive. You can use this simple tutorial to create multiple candy jars or decorative holders. After Easter, swap out your jars with other seasonal candy to use them year-round. What you’ll need: Glass pickle jar with lid Grey primer White spray paint E-6000 glue Candlestick Easy Instructions: Clean pickle jar thoroughly and remove label with hot water. Paint jar lid…
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Alure Home Improvement
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Operation Bring Andrew Home
7 May 2012 | 5:17 pmAbout 2 years ago, 15-year-old Andrew Rosa, while riding his bike, was hit by a car and severely injured. In order for Andrew to return home, his house needed to be outfitted to handle the special needs of hospital equipment and lifts. Alure and several other contractors from NARI’s Long Island Chapter came together to -
Tips for Mold Prevention & Removal in your Bathroom
22 Feb 2012 | 12:06 pmThe one place where mold can build up quickly is in your bathroom. Mold problems grow well in constantly moist areas. The bathroom qualifies as the perfect breeding area for mold. Mold will start to grow on grout between tiles in the shower and in the corners of the tub or shower. If caulking was -
Sal Ferro & Extreme Makeover : Home Edition say a few words about the show at the International Builders Show 2012
22 Feb 2012 | 10:23 amSome of the crew from Extreme Makeover : Home Edition took the stage at the International Builders Show 2012 to say a few words about the builders that helped make the show such a success. In attendance was Sal Ferro, President/CEO of Alure Home Improvements. Here what they had to say about being a part -
Alure provides assistance in build of new home for Samantha Garvey of Brentwood, NY
22 Feb 2012 | 9:03 amAfter a whirlwind couple of weeks, Samantha Garvey, the once-homeless teen who captured the nation with her inspirational story of becoming an Intel science contest semifinalist, will finally get a chance to settle up inside her own bedroom, take a deep breath, and fall into a well-earned nap. The 18-year-old Brentwood High School senior and -
Clark Gillies hosts Bowling for Kids Night at 300 Bowling Center
16 Feb 2012 | 10:49 amOn January 25, 2012, The Clark Gillies Foundation hosted their first Bowling for Kids Night at 300 Bowling Center in Melville, NY. It was a night full of fun, excitement, prizes and more all for a great cause! Some folks even stepped up to challenge of bowling Clark himself! Check out some of the images
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Pipe Gripes - By Thompson Plumbing Heating Cooling
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The Best Restaurant Bathrooms
14 May 2012 | 11:09 amAccording to infamously potty-mouthed British chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay, a restaurant is only as good as its bathrooms – a dirty restaurant bathroom, according to Ramsay, indicates that the kitchen is probably dirty, too. Based on that theory, the food at the following restaurants must be pretty swell, because their bathrooms havethe reputation of being top-notch. Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, Ohio: The entrance to this bathroom may be fashioned to look like a port-o-potty, but don’t be fooled – there is a squeaky-clean and spacious modern… -
America’s First Waterworks
7 May 2012 | 9:51 amEver wondered about the origins of waterworks in America? Well, wonder no more because you’re about to learn just that! The United States’ first waterworks were formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1652. The water line for the waterworks ran from Jamaica Pond to Faneuil Hall, the meeting place of the Boston Tea Party. These wooden waterworks were created to supply water for domestic use as well as firefighting. In the 1600s, houses and other buildings were framed with wood, and chimney fires were common. Thus, the creation of a firefighting waterworks was an important innovation, indeed. -
May 2012 Deal!
2 May 2012 | 1:09 pmThroughout May get any drain or main sewer line cleared for just $97.00 -
Poll: Has Your Basement Ever Flooded?
30 Apr 2012 | 11:17 amMany states, such as Kentucky and Ohio, get a lot of rain. The combination of heavy precipitation with older homes is a surefire recipe for flooded basements – although floods can occur in newer homes, too. Most basement floods are attributable to clogged or compromised gutter systems, cracks in the foundation, or broken/overworked sump pumps. We are interested in hearing from our readers about this issue. Have you ever had to deal with a flooded basement? Take our poll and, if you like, leave a comment to share your ideas for dealing with or preventing basement floods. Poll: Has… -
Maintaining Your Sump Pump
23 Apr 2012 | 1:54 pmSump pumps help prevent your basement from flooding by collecting and removing excess groundwater that might otherwise enter your home through cracks in the foundation. Sump pumps are also important for fighting mold and mildew that thrive in moist, dark places. If you live in a low-lying area that gets a lot of precipitation, it’s important to have sump pump and to do regular sump pump maintenance to make sure your pump continues to function at peak performance. Sump pump maintenance recommendations vary depending on make and model, so read the manufacturer’s instructions for your sump…
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All About Doors and Windows Articles
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VIDEO: How to Replace the Bushing on Patio Door Handlesets
9 May 2012 | 1:09 amPart Used: Metal Bushing Kit (part #40050)For written article, please read: How to Replace the Bushing on Patio Door Handlesets -
How to Replace the Bushing on Patio Door Handlesets
9 May 2012 | 1:06 amHow to Replace the Bushing on Patio Door Handlesets (including those on Peachtree IPD, Pease, Hurd and Pozzi doors) A common problem with patio door handlesets is cracked bushing. If the door lock cannot be engaged from one side of the door (but can from the other), a cracked bushing is the likely culprit. The bushing, or interior gasket that connects the handle to the spindle, is often made of plastic, which can crack over time after extensive use. -
VIDEO: How to Remove Thermatru Door Lite and Sidelite Surrounds for Replacement
1 May 2012 | 2:03 amFor written instructions on replacing glass surrounds in door lites and sidelites, read: Replacing Glass Surrounds -
Replacing a FUHR Roller-Style Multipoint Lock with HOPPE Roller-Style Lock
7 Apr 2012 | 3:09 amFUHR no longer ships its producs to the United States, and direct replacements for FUHR products are not readily available. All About Doors & Windows can help you find a replacement for your FUHR multipoint lock. This article pertains specifically to replacing an automatic- or manual-style FUHR multipoint lock with two locking rollers (automatic version has an additinoal third stationary roller that triggers the locking motion). This tutorial will detail how to remove t -
Replacing a FUHR Roller-Style Multipoint Lock with HOPPE Roller / Shootbolt Lock
6 Apr 2012 | 6:00 amFUHR no longer ships its products to the United States and direct replacements for FUHR products are not readily available. All About Doors & Windows can help you find a replacement for your FUHR multipoint lock. This article pertains specifically to replacing a FUHR roller-style multipoint lock. This article applies to both automatic and manual version of this lock (what does this mean?). This lock features a
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Julian Cassell's DIY Blog
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Decorating fillers
16 May 2012 | 7:59 amTweetDecorating fillers occupy row upon row of shelf space in most DIY outlets, which I always imagine provides a very confusing message to most experienced DIY enthusiasts, let alone some poor soul considering their first decorating project. I appreciate that there are different manufacturers, and different package sizes, but that aside, the overwhelming choice seems to encourage buying a different filler for every occasion, when in fact you can do every decorating job you’ll ever come across with a far, far smaller range requirement. I don’t doubt that most of the products in… -
Screws or Nails?
15 May 2012 | 3:43 amTweetScrews or nails for your DIY project? Which do you choose? To be honest, using nails has now become a comparatively rare occurrence, as you can be much more accurate with screws, they are easy to pop in and out if you need to make adjustments, and in most cases, create stronger fixings than nails. Also, one of the main reasons I, and indeed any builder, or DIY enthusiast uses more screws than nails these days is a direct result of the invention, and general uptake of the cordless screwdriver. Effectively, screws can now be inserted much more quickly than a nail, with far less effort. -
How much do extensions cost?
9 May 2012 | 8:59 amTweetHow much do extensions cost? Or, what will it cost to add on an extra room? Both these questions appear fairly high on my “frequently asked questions” list, and on a basic level, there is a simple answer, but this is quickly followed by advice containing much greater detail, that will immediately start pushing the initial figure up. This guide therefore looks at finding your initial starting estimate, as well as pointing out the factors that will impact on this estimate to determine how much your extension may finally cost. The basic calculation that most builders use, is… -
The top 10 tips for exterior decorating
2 May 2012 | 6:50 amTweetDecorating the exterior of your home is a DIY task that can range considerably in size, depending on your circumstances. You may literally have a few small details that require painting if you live in a uPVC double-glazed unpainted brick home, or alternatively, re-decoration will be on a much larger scale if your house is rendered with wooden windows, for example. My list below can be applied to all outside decorating, but it is probably of most interest to those people with lots of wood, and lots of walls to paint! My guides – ‘Painting exterior walls’ and… -
Planting a hedge
28 Apr 2012 | 5:08 amTweetPlanting a hedge is a great way of creating a boundary, whether it be around the edge of your land, or, between you and your neighbour, or even as a decorative division between different parts of your garden. Box hedges, as shown below, are very easy to plant and maintain, and can be trimmed to stay small for a more a decorative option, or allowed to grow much higher in order to create a larger boundary feature. 1. Always follow the supplier guidelines, but generally you need to plant five box plants per metre in a single row. The best soil for box is chalky, but as long as the ground is…
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One House One Couple
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What’s in Our Purse?
15 May 2012 | 8:30 amSince I’m kinda going through an emotional time right now, I decided to do something fun and easy for today. I’ve been seeing this on various blogs lately and thought it would be fun to post what Kyle and I always bring with us everywhere we go. Obviously, Kyle doesn’t have a purse, and like [...] -
For the Love of Mothers
13 May 2012 | 8:30 amOn Thursday evening when Kyle came home, he brought in the mail. We ate dinner, watching Jeopardy as usual. At 8pm, I looked through the mail and noticed a card from my Grandma Burdick. I was surprised because I wasn’t expecting to receive a birthday card from her this year. Just over a year ago, [...] -
Yostie Blog Award – The Casual Castle
12 May 2012 | 8:30 amThis week’s Yostie Award goes to Rachel at The Casual Castle. Rachel is my best friend and she was my maid of honor at Kyle and my wedding. We met in college. We lived across the hall from each other and had Fitness Through Movement class together, and we’ve been friends ever since. Rachel got [...] -
Learn How to Install Tile Grout and Do It Yourself
10 May 2012 | 8:30 amThis is a guest post by Spencer at GroutcleaningDIY.com The first rental property I owned was located in Kent, Washington. It was built in 1956, and it didn’t look a day younger. I really liked this condo because it taught me a lot about how to do repairs and because I made a little bit [...] -
UFO Featured Project Winner
9 May 2012 | 8:30 amGreat job everyone! You did such a fantastic job getting your butts in gear and finishing your UnFinished Objects! Sorry to any of you who had issues linking up! Hopefully next time the kinks will be figured out! It didn’t help that I was out of town when the link party happened. Poor planning! Although, [...]
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violetlebeaux.com
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Guitar Hero Controller Adorable Make Over V2
16 May 2012 | 6:15 amI started these Guitar Hero modifications months ago. I finished James’ one straight away because it was super easy and he’s really not picky XD Mine took a lot more thinking through. I wanted it to be over the top, what’s the point of rocking out if you can’t do it turned up to 11? So result? And how did I do it?First up was the face place the same as James’. I removed it and covered it with some left over fabric from another project. I hot glued all of the edges down and it was much more time consuming because of how stretchy the fabric was. And from the other… -
Guitar Hero Controller Make Over V1 Tartan
15 May 2012 | 3:15 amGuitar Hero! James is obsessed with it, he’s only had the PS3 since Christmas so he’s catching up on all the games he’s missed in the last few years including looking like a tool playing Guitar Hero :D But our controllers were second hand and had ugly Metalica stickers from their previous owner. Meh. James requested a remake and I was happy to oblige! First I removed the face plate and laid it out on the fabric face down. I cut around it leaving a few cm around the edges. Next went all round the edge and snipped it around the edges every few cm. This was so I could glue it… -
Hair Tutorials For Short Hair, Vlogs and More! Round Up!
14 May 2012 | 3:40 amWeekly round up time and lots to be excited about actually! Firstly I’ve finally got video tutorials for people with short hair :D The lovely Stef of Read Cook Shop volunteered to be my victim model. So here’s the first one, I have several of them to upload and if you have any requests let me know! Also, a while ago I made a diy hair donut/sausage thingy. I promised to show you all how to use it and here it is the first video! Now on to the week’s V-Logs, hope you enjoy! We are so sleepy after this week I decided to take a few days this week to take it a little easier… -
Snapshots!
12 May 2012 | 5:55 amI saw a lot of things in this edition of snapshots! Lots of cool stuff I want to buy one day :D Firstly, I love stupid small print like this: In the same shop that was in I spotted a super bling snow man XD I had a hilarious argument with James over these marshmallows. He was convinced the first time he got the new bubblegum McFlurry that it had some kind of magic bubblegum pieces in it but only the first time he got it, every time after it was regular mini marshmallows. I was convinced that the first time it was just old crappy squished marshmallows XD These old crappy squished marshmallows… -
Outfits and Face Facts Competition
11 May 2012 | 3:50 amThis post was sponsored by Face Facts Tees. For more information on sponsored posts please click here. Time for some outfits and there’s a competition for Australia readers at the bottom of the post ^_^ It’s getting really cold here so I’ve busted out all of my Winter clothes finally! Hat- Imagination Scarf- ebay Dress- Valley Girl Stockings- Ebay Shoes- 7 Angels I like this outfit a lot, mostly the stockings because they have little hearts all over them :D The shoes were a bargain at only $10! I really need to poke another hole in the belt because it’s quite loose. I…
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StepByStep
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Step by Step How to Make a Hayride Cocktail
16 May 2012 | 1:00 pmHayride cocktail is one of those inventions that are made by different columnists in innovative columns. This cocktail was invented in a newspaper’s column i.e. Boston metro in their 2-4th November 2007 edition by Dan in his column titled “Cocktail of the Week”. The cocktail is made by making use of Cognac, triple sec and fresh lemon juice and... Please visit Stepbystep.com for the full article -
Step by Step How to Make a Harrogate Nights Cocktail
16 May 2012 | 12:00 pmHarrogate Nights cocktail is one of the juiciest cocktails as it uses many types of fruit juices all together such as pineapple juice, cranberry juice and orange juice. The juices are mixed with many other types of alcoholic drinks such as vodka and peach schnapps. The cocktail got its name from Harrogate town of North Yorkshire in United Kingdom,... Please visit Stepbystep.com for the full article -
Step by Step How to Make a Grasshopper Cocktail
16 May 2012 | 11:00 amThe Grasshopper cocktail is one of the most flexible cocktails in which ingredients can be added or removed in order to get a flavour according to the needs of the drinker. This cocktail makes use of crème de cacao and menthe and both of these can be introduced in the recipe with different ratios, allowing more flexibility in terms of the taste... Please visit Stepbystep.com for the full article -
Step by Step How to Make a Gong Cocktail
16 May 2012 | 10:00 amOne of the most admired and interesting to make cocktail drinks is the Gong cocktail that is inspired by a special type of rum called Cachca rum and island fruits. There are other types of Gong drinks available such as Gong on the go, Gong Ho and Mo Gong but all of them are complex to make while this cocktail is easy to make and even a newbie can... Please visit Stepbystep.com for the full article -
Step by Step How to Make a Godmother Cocktail
16 May 2012 | 9:00 amThe Grandmother cocktail is almost the same as the Grandfather cocktail, but with a bit of feminine touch as it makes use of vodka instead of scotch, and is considered to be lighter as compared to the Godfather cocktail. This recipe is also good for those who are new to bartending and do not have much experience of this industry, since it is one... Please visit Stepbystep.com for the full article
