Our Favorite Easter Crafts: No Eggs Allowed!

Filed under: kids, art, Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

Speckled eggs, marbled eggs, dyed eggs....tired of the same old Easter crafts? We gathered projects with only one requirement: No eggs.

We know, Easter wouldn't be the same without colorful eggs. But how many different ways can you decorate with them? We decided it's time to collect fresh ideas for crafts that think outside the egg -- err, box.

Craftynest

Easter Craft #1: Moss Centerpiece
We loved this craft as soon as we spied it on Craftynest. Even though the flowery stump and moss arrangement is technically a centerpiece, we can see this craft decorating any part of your home. You don't even have to add the lettering -- the colorful arrangement can be decoration enough. Each project is unique due to the authentic wood stumps and moss clumps. What a creative way to bring outdoor elements inside to celebrate spring! Find out how to make this moss centerpiece and get crafting.

nevet5, flickr

Easter Craft #2: Cookies
OK, technically these include eggs -- in the batter. But this Easter, let your sugar cookies take a new shape. Be inspired by spring: Try decorating your sweet treats as birds, flowers, bumble bees and ladybugs. Experiment with food coloring and vanilla icing for the perfect spring hue.

My Paper Crane

Easter Craft #3: Sock Bunny
My Paper Crane has the instructions for this adorable craft. Altered from what we recognize as a sock monkey, this bunny is super simple and super cute. And it's fitting for the season. Get the step-by-step to surprise your little ones with this homemade Easter basket treat.

Looking for more? Try:

-Felt Easter bunny finger puppets from The Purl Bee

-Easy paper crafts from Chez Larson: Mini-Easter Bunting and an Easter Tree.

-A wreath made of Jordan almonds and a crepe paper ball Easter decoration (above) on Country Living's site from stylist extraordinaire, Paul Lowe aka Sweet Paul.

-Two more sugar-coated ideas from The Kitchn: Homemade Marshmellow Peeps and Golden Chocolate Easter Eggs.

Looking for more ideas, including crafts with eggs? Get some Easter ideas from the craft guru herself, Martha Stewart.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/19/no-egg-easter-crafts/

all home improvement allure home improvement

DeskSquid: The Ultimate Helping Hand

Need a hand? A good set of helping hands is crucial for any tiny jobs you might have - especially when dealing with electronics. An extra set of nimble fingers goes a long way. Mike from Instructables has put together a guide for making the ultimate set of helping hands using some commonly available pieces.

DeskSquid / Helping Hands. [Thanks, Mike]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/Fc23t1Y360I/desksquid-the-ultimate-helping-hand

bungalow remodel bungalow renovation cabinet cabinet refacing

Dry Ice Blasting 101

Dry ice blasting refers to a cleaning process which involves dry ice. Remember that dry ice is actually carbon dioxide in its solid state.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/dry-ice-blasting-101

best home improvement projects build your own home build your own house builder contractor

Protect Your Home With... Dinosaurs?

Filed under: Living Spaces

Home security system feeling a little stale? A Japanese company's been trying to use plastic dinosaurs to stand guard. Can you imagine?



Check out this piece from our friends at Charles & Hudson!

We stumbled upon this little interesting little tidbit stemming from this year's CES and thought we'd share with you: how'd you like a pet robot dinosaur as your home security?

Plastic Pals via Charles & Hudson

Back in 2002, Japanese robotics company TMSUK developed the "Banryu" (or "Guard Dragon") line of robots intended for home use. The prehistoric crime predators were designed to patrol homes and photograph would-be intruders using a camera installed in their snouts, and some were designed to even detect carbon monoxide in your home! The robots supposedly automatically patrolled buildings, and, in an emergency, could be remote-controlled to fire fight in an early stage.

Available in two styles (triceratops and stegasuarus), and could go up to 15 meters a minute to chase down intruders in your abode. It should also be noted that they were designed to be controlled with a mobile device -- including a mobile phone. Do you remember what cell phones were like in 2002? We do, and the fact that they could control anything more than calls or maybe a text is mostly mindblowing.

At the staggering price of $18,000 US, obviously these items were not the utmost in affordable home security technology. Some models were available for rent as well, but unfortunately the Banryus didn't catch on as the next best thing since guard dogs. It bears stating that in 2002, home-robotics were just beginning to become possible, and perhaps the "trend" of robotic pets with purposes were a wee bit overestimated at the time.

Still, can you imagine? A pet dinosaur robot home defender -- without all the mess of an actual pet? Only in yesterday's future.

And tighten your home's security with other our other home security stories:
DIY: Home Security System
Secure your Home for Summer Vacation

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/27/dinosaur-security/

bathroom design ideas bathroom designs pictures bathroom home improvement bathroom home remodeling

Tips for Installing a Bathroom Exhaust Vent Fan

Watch this video for some tips on how to choose a quiet bathroom exhaust fan and where to vent the fan to remove moisture from the air and prevent mold from forming after showering.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/ElR1ng-r3mg/

bathroom design ideas bathroom designs pictures bathroom home improvement bathroom home remodeling

Reclaimed Barnwood Ceiling Warms up Study

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

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

bathroom tiles bathtub refinishing bay area contractors bedroom additions

DeskSquid: The Ultimate Helping Hand

Need a hand? A good set of helping hands is crucial for any tiny jobs you might have - especially when dealing with electronics. An extra set of nimble fingers goes a long way. Mike from Instructables has put together a guide for making the ultimate set of helping hands using some commonly available pieces.

DeskSquid / Helping Hands. [Thanks, Mike]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/Fc23t1Y360I/desksquid-the-ultimate-helping-hand

atlanta home repair atlanta remodeling contractors atlanta renovation attic remodeling

How to make an easy paint stirrer

You can make a paint stirrer from a broken plastic clothe hanger. The stirrer can be attached to a power drill and mix paint or anything else that needs to be mixed quickly.
By: blkhawk

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-an-easy-paint-stirrer/

bathroom design ideas bathroom designs pictures bathroom home improvement bathroom home remodeling

Reclaimed Barnwood Ceiling Warms up Study

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

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

basement design basement finishing basement finishing atlanta basement finishing systems

How to Rejuvenate a Dying Lawn

Advice from TOH landscape contractor Roger Cook on how to revive a half-dead yard of grass

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/IP8TQKEtrDQ/0,,20482019,00.html

bath bath design bath remodeling bath renovation

Mini Lamp Shade

Blinded by the light?  Homemade lamp shade made from simple home objects. Standard night light (you can find at a dollar store) Parchment Paper Wire Permanent Marker Scissors Ruler Step 1 Gather materials. Step 2 Determine where holes should be place for weaving in and out of ...
By: tamilam

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-Lamp-Shade/

bedroom remodeling bedroom renovation before and after renovations best home improvement projects

A Commercial Style Range? What else is there.

How far back do you have to look to find when the commercial range rage began? Starting 25 years ago, commercial style ranges for upscale homes began their run to dominate the market. And, as they have increased in popularity, so have more modest models from mainstream brands entered the marketplace to provide this look and cooking style to a broader audience.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/commercial-style-range-what-else-is-there

basement remodeling floor plans basement remodeling ideas basement remodeling plans basement renovation ideas

Creating Your Own Geocache

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

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

sports

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

bathroom home remodeling bathroom ideas bathroom improvement bathroom makeovers

Concrete Repair

The mystery holes in the foundation were made by the foundation form panels. If they are leaking, there are concrete repair products for foundation repairs. Be sure the concrete repair is done with an expanding foundation repair product.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/868_Concrete_Repair.shtml

bathroom remodeling bathroom remodeling contractors bathroom remodeling costs bathroom remodeling plans

5 Biggest Nuclear Reactors

Today, more than 400 nuclear power plants are located in 30 countries across the globe. Together, these plants produce 15 percent of the world's electricity. Which nuclear reactors produce the most power?

Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/4ZuMSqn0Kpc/5-biggest-nuclear-reactors.htm

bathroom improvement bathroom makeovers bathroom pictures bathroom refurbishment

Oxo Good Grips Jar Opener Review

I got my parents an Oxo Good Grips Jar Opener for Christmas, and it's surprising how delighted my mom in particular has been about it. Who knew you could win big with a $12 gift? She has trouble with her...

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

basement ideas basement remodeling basement remodeling company basement remodeling contractor

Oxo Good Grips Jar Opener Review

I got my parents an Oxo Good Grips Jar Opener for Christmas, and it's surprising how delighted my mom in particular has been about it. Who knew you could win big with a $12 gift? She has trouble with her...

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

basement remodeling design basement remodeling floor plans basement remodeling ideas basement remodeling plans

Free Crafts: Nesting Dolls and Tea Towels

Filed under: Crafts, Unusual Uses, Crafts & Celebrations

Antsy to get crafting without stepping foot in an art supply store? These genius ideas make use of things you already have around the house.

Check out this great DIY project -- one of our favorites from the brand new May 2011 issue of Country Living!



How to spice up wooden nesting dolls
Make matryoshka dolls do more than sit pretty by turning a pair into fetching salt and pepper
shakers. With a pushpin, pierce four to six small pilot holes in the top of each doll (from $8.95
for three; arussiansouvenirshop.com). Then, using a 1/16-inch bit, carefully drill through each pilot hole. Fill the bottom half of one doll with salt, the other with pepper. Tightly twist on each
top-and set about dolling up your dining table.

Country Living

Put tea towels to work as a market tote.
Adapted from Clare Youngs's The Perfect Handmade Bag ($19.95;
Cico), this cute carryall requires little more than a pair of small wooden spatulas and two tea towels ($15 each; motherlindas.com).

Step One: Cut six strips of fabric from one towel. Two, measuring 3¾"W x 14¼"L each, will serve as the decorative horizontal bands at the top of the tote and should incorporate the towel's graphics (as shown, left). The other four, measuring 3½"W x 8"L, will form tabs for the bag's handles.Turn under the long sides of each strip and press a ¼" hem.

Step Two: To make a tab,topstitch one of the long sides of a 3½"W x 8"L strip near the edge. Then fold it in half so that the short sides meet, and topstitch the other, now folded, long side, sewing through both layers of fabric. Repeat with the other 3½"W x 8"L strips.

Step Three: Lay the second towel on a flat surface, right side up. Align the long side of one decorative 3¾"W x 14¼"L strip horizontally with a short end of the towel (as shown). Topstitch in place. Repeat on other short end.

Step Four: Flip the towel right side down. To determine where to place the tabs, center a spatula atop one of the towel's shorter ends, and use straight pins to mark the spatula's width. Place a tab at each pinned point, slightly over-lapping the tabs with the top of the towel. Make sure that each tab's closed side lines up with the pins and that the open sides face each other. Remove the pins, then topstitch both tabs in place. Repeat on the towel's other short end.

Step Five: Fold the towel in half, wrong sides together. Pin, then stitch the sides closed using a 3/8" seam; backstitch at the tops for reinforcement. Insert spatulas into the tabs, then hand-sew closed to secure spatulas.


Read the whole article for more practically free crafts at Country Living.

Country Living

And for more Country Living on Shelterpop, check out:
Garage to Garden Shed
Country Living Celebrates What's Country Now

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/25/free-crafts/

bathroom remodeling costs bathroom remodeling plans bathroom renos bathroom renovation ideas

Hardwood Flooring

The installation of hardwood flooring is a major project. Hardwood floors require special tools for installation. The floor must be level before the wood flooring is installed. Some flooring systems, such as floating hardwood flooring, don't get nailed to the floor below. The wood pieces interlock.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/869_Hardwood_Flooring.shtml

basement contractors basement design basement finishing basement finishing atlanta

Free Crafts: Nesting Dolls and Tea Towels

Filed under: Crafts, Unusual Uses, Crafts & Celebrations

Antsy to get crafting without stepping foot in an art supply store? These genius ideas make use of things you already have around the house.

Check out this great DIY project -- one of our favorites from the brand new May 2011 issue of Country Living!



How to spice up wooden nesting dolls
Make matryoshka dolls do more than sit pretty by turning a pair into fetching salt and pepper
shakers. With a pushpin, pierce four to six small pilot holes in the top of each doll (from $8.95
for three; arussiansouvenirshop.com). Then, using a 1/16-inch bit, carefully drill through each pilot hole. Fill the bottom half of one doll with salt, the other with pepper. Tightly twist on each
top-and set about dolling up your dining table.

Country Living

Put tea towels to work as a market tote.
Adapted from Clare Youngs's The Perfect Handmade Bag ($19.95;
Cico), this cute carryall requires little more than a pair of small wooden spatulas and two tea towels ($15 each; motherlindas.com).

Step One: Cut six strips of fabric from one towel. Two, measuring 3¾"W x 14¼"L each, will serve as the decorative horizontal bands at the top of the tote and should incorporate the towel's graphics (as shown, left). The other four, measuring 3½"W x 8"L, will form tabs for the bag's handles.Turn under the long sides of each strip and press a ¼" hem.

Step Two: To make a tab,topstitch one of the long sides of a 3½"W x 8"L strip near the edge. Then fold it in half so that the short sides meet, and topstitch the other, now folded, long side, sewing through both layers of fabric. Repeat with the other 3½"W x 8"L strips.

Step Three: Lay the second towel on a flat surface, right side up. Align the long side of one decorative 3¾"W x 14¼"L strip horizontally with a short end of the towel (as shown). Topstitch in place. Repeat on other short end.

Step Four: Flip the towel right side down. To determine where to place the tabs, center a spatula atop one of the towel's shorter ends, and use straight pins to mark the spatula's width. Place a tab at each pinned point, slightly over-lapping the tabs with the top of the towel. Make sure that each tab's closed side lines up with the pins and that the open sides face each other. Remove the pins, then topstitch both tabs in place. Repeat on the towel's other short end.

Step Five: Fold the towel in half, wrong sides together. Pin, then stitch the sides closed using a 3/8" seam; backstitch at the tops for reinforcement. Insert spatulas into the tabs, then hand-sew closed to secure spatulas.


Read the whole article for more practically free crafts at Country Living.

Country Living

And for more Country Living on Shelterpop, check out:
Garage to Garden Shed
Country Living Celebrates What's Country Now

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/25/free-crafts/

bay area contractors bedroom additions bedroom remodeling bedroom renovation

Free Crafts: Nesting Dolls and Tea Towels

Filed under: Crafts, Unusual Uses, Crafts & Celebrations

Antsy to get crafting without stepping foot in an art supply store? These genius ideas make use of things you already have around the house.

Check out this great DIY project -- one of our favorites from the brand new May 2011 issue of Country Living!



How to spice up wooden nesting dolls
Make matryoshka dolls do more than sit pretty by turning a pair into fetching salt and pepper
shakers. With a pushpin, pierce four to six small pilot holes in the top of each doll (from $8.95
for three; arussiansouvenirshop.com). Then, using a 1/16-inch bit, carefully drill through each pilot hole. Fill the bottom half of one doll with salt, the other with pepper. Tightly twist on each
top-and set about dolling up your dining table.

Country Living

Put tea towels to work as a market tote.
Adapted from Clare Youngs's The Perfect Handmade Bag ($19.95;
Cico), this cute carryall requires little more than a pair of small wooden spatulas and two tea towels ($15 each; motherlindas.com).

Step One: Cut six strips of fabric from one towel. Two, measuring 3¾"W x 14¼"L each, will serve as the decorative horizontal bands at the top of the tote and should incorporate the towel's graphics (as shown, left). The other four, measuring 3½"W x 8"L, will form tabs for the bag's handles.Turn under the long sides of each strip and press a ¼" hem.

Step Two: To make a tab,topstitch one of the long sides of a 3½"W x 8"L strip near the edge. Then fold it in half so that the short sides meet, and topstitch the other, now folded, long side, sewing through both layers of fabric. Repeat with the other 3½"W x 8"L strips.

Step Three: Lay the second towel on a flat surface, right side up. Align the long side of one decorative 3¾"W x 14¼"L strip horizontally with a short end of the towel (as shown). Topstitch in place. Repeat on other short end.

Step Four: Flip the towel right side down. To determine where to place the tabs, center a spatula atop one of the towel's shorter ends, and use straight pins to mark the spatula's width. Place a tab at each pinned point, slightly over-lapping the tabs with the top of the towel. Make sure that each tab's closed side lines up with the pins and that the open sides face each other. Remove the pins, then topstitch both tabs in place. Repeat on the towel's other short end.

Step Five: Fold the towel in half, wrong sides together. Pin, then stitch the sides closed using a 3/8" seam; backstitch at the tops for reinforcement. Insert spatulas into the tabs, then hand-sew closed to secure spatulas.


Read the whole article for more practically free crafts at Country Living.

Country Living

And for more Country Living on Shelterpop, check out:
Garage to Garden Shed
Country Living Celebrates What's Country Now

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/25/free-crafts/

add a room addition contractors additions advanced home improvements

Setting Type Joint Compound Video

Tim Carter explains how to make fast drywall repairs with a joint compound that dries in minutes not hours. You can wet sand it too so there's no dust!

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/Setting_Type_Joint_Compound_Video.shtml

bathtub refinishing bay area contractors bedroom additions bedroom remodeling