Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/lZYxJz-LeRg/0,,20518320,00.html
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
27 Inspirational Homework Areas and Study Stations
Steal ideas from these amazing home office spaces and watch the good grades roll in this semester
Natural Gas Hanging Patio Heater Warms Outdoor Living Space
As soon as the snow melts, you'll probably start thinking of spring and summer and outdoor living spaces again. You can start the grilling and lounging-around-the-deck season a littler earlier with a patio heater. There are quite a few models...
Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/natural_gas_han.php
Etched Glass Interior Doors Increase Light in Your Home
Wood interior doors are pretty common, but they don't do a good job (or any kind of job at all) at letting light flow through when the door is shut. For interior rooms without a lot of windows, or homes...
Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/etched_glass_in.php
$1 Op-Amp ECG
Sometimes you just want to do a little heart monitoring without going into debt for the rest of your life (yes, that's a not-so-subtle jab at our wonderful healthcare system). When you can't afford the real thing, this $1 home made electrocardiogram will allow you to monitor your heart as you go into cardiac arrest while opening bills from your previous hospital adventures. This is much simpler than our previously covered homemade ecg, and probably about as accurate (read: not very). [via]
Notice: This ECG cost less to make than an artery clogging burger from your local BK. Therefore, we do not recommend making medical decisions based off of the data received from it.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/6Vdb6runI4U/1-op-amp-ecg
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
Walkie Talkie Camera Trigger
Here's a great MacGyver tip on how to make a remote (very remote) camera trigger using a couple of walkie talkies. This idea came from the desire to take nature photography from a remote location and a unique viewpoint (although we're pretty sure by "nature" the inventor means "women's locker room").
Anyway - a very cool project. Putting together some simple electronics is required. Go find out how to make your own walkie-talkie camera trigger. [via]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/iSTGsC_Ce6E/walkie-talkie-camera-trigger
Fix Scratches in Wood
Sometimes, the most common household items can be used in unexpected ways. Learn what you can use (that you probably already have at home) to fix scratched wood.
It's never fun discovering that your beautiful wooden table is marred with a nasty scratch. But let's face it: It happens to the best of us. Whether you're on a budget or just need a quick fix, here are five do-it-now ways to fix scratched wood. Best of all? These solutions feature common items that you likely already have on hand. Let's get started!
1. Oh, Nuts
For scratches that have penetrated beyond the finish, try rubbing a pecan or walnut gently across the surface of the scratch. You'll fill the wood naturally, quickly and cleanly - and the natural oils in the nut will ensure that it lasts.
2. Make It Up
Because it's soft, oil-based and wood colored, eyebrow pencils work wonders at filling in and camouflaging anything from small surface scratches to much deeper ones. Choose a color that most naturally matches the wood, then fill the crack and buff.
3. Pour on the Mayo
If the wood is cracked, and not simply scratched, try a little Mayonnaise. Smooth enough mayonnaise over the crack to fill it, then wipe away the excess and let it sit for a one to three days. The protein and oils in the Mayonnaise will help the wood to swell and will actually fill that crack. When the crack has swelled sufficiently, wipe off any remainder and polish to a shine.
4. Ashes to Ashes
It's hard to believe, but cigarette ashes are the turn to ingredient to repair water rings or spots and surface marks. Make a small paste of ash and water and gently rub into the affected area, then wipe clean. Toothpaste also works in a pinch if you don't happen to have any ashes on hand.
5. Raid the Coloring Cabinet
Manufacturers actually make special wood crayons for this purpose, but why pay extra when you can use what you have on hand? Find a brown crayon around the same shade as your wood and simply color it in. Smooth any excess with a soft cloth and polish to a beautiful, scratch-free shine.
It's never fun discovering that your beautiful wooden table is marred with a nasty scratch. But let's face it: It happens to the best of us. Whether you're on a budget or just need a quick fix, here are five do-it-now ways to fix scratched wood. Best of all? These solutions feature common items that you likely already have on hand. Let's get started!
1. Oh, Nuts
For scratches that have penetrated beyond the finish, try rubbing a pecan or walnut gently across the surface of the scratch. You'll fill the wood naturally, quickly and cleanly - and the natural oils in the nut will ensure that it lasts.
2. Make It Up
Because it's soft, oil-based and wood colored, eyebrow pencils work wonders at filling in and camouflaging anything from small surface scratches to much deeper ones. Choose a color that most naturally matches the wood, then fill the crack and buff.
3. Pour on the Mayo
If the wood is cracked, and not simply scratched, try a little Mayonnaise. Smooth enough mayonnaise over the crack to fill it, then wipe away the excess and let it sit for a one to three days. The protein and oils in the Mayonnaise will help the wood to swell and will actually fill that crack. When the crack has swelled sufficiently, wipe off any remainder and polish to a shine.
4. Ashes to Ashes
It's hard to believe, but cigarette ashes are the turn to ingredient to repair water rings or spots and surface marks. Make a small paste of ash and water and gently rub into the affected area, then wipe clean. Toothpaste also works in a pinch if you don't happen to have any ashes on hand.
5. Raid the Coloring Cabinet
Manufacturers actually make special wood crayons for this purpose, but why pay extra when you can use what you have on hand? Find a brown crayon around the same shade as your wood and simply color it in. Smooth any excess with a soft cloth and polish to a beautiful, scratch-free shine.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Make It: A Stunning DIY Rope Rug!
From 3D maze rugs to eco-friendly bathmats to room-sized chevron rugs, we've shared quite a few DIY flooring projects here on Curbly. �But this rope and pompom rug definitely takes the cake when it comes to originality and, well, straight up pizazz! � … Continue reading on Curbly.com
Source: http://www.curbly.com/capreek/posts/11098-make-it-a-stunning-diy-rope-rug
Open up space, Attic Turned Ultimate Kids' Bedroom Suite
To open up space in a tiny room with a vaulted ceiling, install built-ins, under-bed storage, and roof windows.—Attic Turned Ultimate Kids' Bedroom Suite
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/DuEpZIEnAMQ/0,,,00.html
Adjustable Depth Finder Transducer Bracket
I was going to make this two instructables, but decide to combine two in one. It started when the transducer for my depth finder broke as it was attached to a piece of wood on the back of my boat. When I pulled it out of the water, the transducer would scrape on the ground. I needed to come up wi...By: DoDo729
Continue Reading »
Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Adjustable-Depth-Finder-Transducer-Bracket/
Tried-and-True Hurricane Survival Tips - Good To Know
Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How
Yeah, there's a hurricane hurtling towards a big swathe of the country. And if you've evacuated to a safer place or are waiting it out, it's time to take a few minutes to make sure you are super, incredibly, 100% prepared. Here's a few of the best tried-and-true tips from DIYLife readers for getting through a hurricane. 
Admittedly, writing a preparedness guide is probably the one thing that is keeping me from having a minor fit about this hurricane business. That, and vodka (which is number #3 on the following list).
That said, I'm hoping that you won't really need this list. I hope it goes into the "Hey, good to know!" category of your brain, along with useless facts about the favorite sandwich of Elvis and the lyrics to "Don't Stop Believing."
- Make sure the windows are taped. Duct or masking tape can be used for this. Make an "X" across each pane of glass, then cross it over again with tape for good measure. And I've recently discovered that Con-Tact paper works brilliantly well--just cut a length long enough to fit on the pane, remove the backing, press to the glass.
- Whatever you do, DON'T open a window. There's an old wives' tale going around that if you crack a window, it'll correct a pressure imbalance that can crack windows. And you know what else is an old wives' tale? That goats eat tin cans, which makes them nature's recycling plants. And it's just as incorrect. An open window will just introduce your interior to 80+ mph winds, which is what leads to not only windows breaking, but the roof of your home getting blown apart.
- Turn a C into a D...battery, that is. Most radios take D batteries, which are in short supply. If you have any C's on hand, try this: Place the C into the battery area, then slide in a few quarters to fill out the empty space between the spring and battery. Why does it work? A C battery is the same voltage as a D, and the quarters are conductive.
- Bring out the vodka. This can help steady nerves...but also it can do things like clean out cuts and scrapes, sterilize things, etc. But mainly, I hope you will be using it in a cocktail.
- Place a few bottles of water in the freezer. Now. If the power goes off, the bottles can be used to keep food fresh. As the ice melts, you'll have nice cold water.
- Store candles in the freezer, too. This will make them last 1-2 hours longer.
- Water...everywhere. Fill up bathtubs, storage containers, buckets. Why? If the water gets shut off, there's the delicate matter of bathroom issues. Namely, flushing the toilet. A small bucket of water will take away the waste.
- Things getting scary? Get in the closet. You want to be as far away from windows as possible, in a small room with load-bearing walls. For most of us, it's the closet.
- Make an olive oil lamp. Just fill a clean jar or bottle with olive oil, then wrap a length of wire around a scrap of 100% cotton (old, clean sock will work as material). Place the makeshift wick inside the jar/bottle, then light. For a more polished tutorial, visit Instructables.
- Stay calm. Yeah, easier said than done. But when faced with a tough time, panicking will accomplish nothing. If you find yourself panicking, take 10 deep breaths. And have something on hand that will distract you. For me, that's a small selection of Nancy and Sluggo comics.
- Know these numbers. Here's a list of phone numbers for the Office of Emergency Management in the states that will likely be affected by the hurricane this weekend:
Connecticut: 800-397-8876
Delaware: 877-SAY-DEMA
Maryland: 877-636-2872
Massachusetts: 508-820-2000
New Jersey: 609-963-6964
New York: 518-242-5000 or 212-867-7060
North Carolina: 919-733-3867
Pennsylvania: 717-651-2001
Virginia: 802-244-8721
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/27/tried-and-true-hurricane-survival-tips-good-to-know/
Wood Rot Prevention and Repair
 |
Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/895_Wood_Rot_Prevention_and_Repair.shtml
Air Duct Cleaning and Sealing
 |
Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/889_Air_Duct_Cleaning_and_Sealing.shtml
Light Your Yard Inexpensively
The cost of all types of energy continue to climb everywhere in the country and it seems power is one of the leaders in the race to be the most expensive. So with the price of electricity in your area continuing to rise, isn't it nice to know you have an inexpensive option for lighting your yard.
Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/light-your-yard-inexpensively
Monday, 29 August 2011
Is this your ticket to the fast track?
If you want to get in a real race car and learn to drive like a professional, racing schools can give you that chance. Find out more in How Racing Schools Work.
Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/Xl3Bhrp5Ygg/racing-school.htm
What is Green Building?
 |
Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/897_What_is_Green_Building.shtml
Kids Party Ideas - A Cheery Carnival Party
Filed under: Crafts & Celebrations
It can be such a challenge to come up with memorable kids party ideas, so I was thrilled to see this charming carnival theme. Working equally well for boys or girls, this idea is even easier to DIY. 
This charming party came my way from Jennifer Shields, the founder and president of Posh Tot Events, a seriously adorable event planning company based in Atlanta. Posh Tot Events designed and executed the cheery party to benefit Bert's Big Adventure, a non-profit organization that graciously provides a five-day trip to Walt Disney World for children with a chronic or terminal illness and their families.
Though the carnival party looks luxe, it's actually filled with touches that are a breeze to DIY. I just love how creative the admission tickets were used in this party: Unwound as a runner, coiled to act as coasters and cinched around napkins. For a list of other resources, visit the Bert's Big Adventure page at Pizzazzerie.
Another way to get the carnival look is to use red-and-white striped paper to back printed labels for drinks and menus. In the top photo, it's also used for a runner. Using the same print throughout the party is what helps give that cohesive, well-designed look.
Looking for a few more kids' party ideas? Check out...
Great Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Fun birthday party ideas: Gymnastics
Kids Birthday Party Ideas Video: Entertaining
And to see how a pro plans a kids' party, watch this...
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/28/kids-party-ideas-carnival-party/
9 Hours 9 Persons 9 Doors Key Card Props
If you don't already know what 9 Hours, 9 Persons , 9 Doors is, you probably won't be interested in this. Unless of course, it piques your interest and you go buy the DS game and play it until you get all six endings. In which case, good for you. Welcome to our world. Assuming you've played th...By: garooob
Continue Reading »
Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/9-Hours-9-Persons-9-Doors-Key-Card-Props/
Behind The Scenes: The B Brian Atwood Showroom
Filed under: Living Spaces
We were so excited to hear that one of our favorite shoe designers is launching a contemporary line: B Brian Atwood. But what got us talking was the label's amazing showroom in New York City's Meatpacking district.
Located inside a building dating back from 1901, the showroom features an almost reptilian sculpture made of mirrored tiles. The space-and sculpture-was designed by installation artist Sebastien L. Agneessens. Agneesens, who is a musician and sound designer in addition to his work as creative director of design and production studio Formavision, compliments Atwood's architectural shoes with an environment inspired by music and art.
"When designing the sculpture, I kept in mind how a giant glam rock vibraphone would look, something Daft Punk would play with at their concert," he says. "It has the ability to
capture and reflect the light in a fantastical way, and further translates the look and feel of the
space: organic, yet contemporary and hopefully elegant."
To see how the space came together, check out this behind-the-scenes video of the B Brian Atwood showroom.
And if you're in New York City, visit the B Brian Atwood trunk show August 18-19 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
To see how the space came together, check out this behind-the-scenes video of the B Brian Atwood showroom.
And if you're in New York City, visit the B Brian Atwood trunk show August 18-19 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/17/behind-the-scenes-the-b-brian-atwood-showroom/
How to Turn Coffee Tins into a Hanging Herb Garden
Even though summer is on the wane, that doesn't mean we still can't plant an herb garden. Like this one! So colorful and lively it will keep summer in your heart all autumn and winter long. I also like how it serves as a window treatment as well. Check it out:… Continue reading on Curbly.com
Source: http://www.curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/11094-how-to-turn-coffee-tins-into-a-hanging-herb-garden
First Look: Country Living's September Issue
Filed under: Exteriors & Facades, Living Spaces
This latest issue of Country Living (out August 9) is all about before-and-afters. Subtitled "The Makeover Issue," you'll find some really amazing home transformations-big and small.My favorite is the story of Laurietta, a plantation home in Fayette, Mississipi. To say that this home needed work is a major understatement. In fact, when Tere and Mac Thomas took a look at the newly-purchased property, they were greeted by a roosting buzzard.
I loved the story so much that Country Living is kindly giving DIYLife readers a peek into the incredible renovation. We'll take a day-by-day look at the revamped rooms, starting with...the entryway.
Here, the clean-lined frames surrounding the matted illustrations beautifully echo the painted treads of the stairway. Beautifully simple, spare and graphic, this entryway is a lovely welcome to the home.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/09/first-look-country-livings-september-issue/
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Live Wallpaper
Turn a blank wall opposite any window into a live action wallpaper by effectively turning the entire room into a giant camera obscura. The view from your window will be projected (upside down) onto the opposite wall with the use of only a bit of cardboard, tape, and a lens available from your local optician. The effect is pretty cool - but wouldn't it be possible to flip the image right side up again by using a second lens? [via]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/CHn-9F6orgc/live-wallpaper
Wild World: D�j� Vu
If you've ever walked into a new friend's home and felt that you'd been there before, then you've experienced d�j� vu. If you've ever walked into a new friend's home and felt that you'd been there before, then you've experienced d�j� vu. If you've ever ... OK, that's enough. Is it reincarnation? Is something wrong with the brain? What's behind this eerie feeling?
Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/HNu13Y6fw-A/deja-vu-quiz.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)