DIY Maven's blog
Turkey Alternatives
By DIY Maven
If a recent news conference by a certain future ex-Alaska governor has you horrified--especially with Thanksgiving next week--I thought some turkey alternatives might be in order. Follow the jumps for recipes of these ideas:
Standing Rib Roast
Ham
Crown Roast of Pork
Boneless Beef Rump Roast
Roasted Duck
Italian Roll
Steaks, including rib-eye, t-bone, porterhouse and filet mignon.
If the video has put you completely over the edge and » READ MORE
The Wireless Router Vase
By DIY Maven
Finally, an answer to that age-old question, ‘Could they make wireless routers less ugly?’ STC’s response is a wireless router vase combo. I’m not sure about the safety issue of water so close to all those connectors--especially the AC one--but hey, it’s still an inspired design, and you could always go the faux floral route in your router.

Also incorporated into the vase are wireless internet, voice over IP, land line telephone » READ MORE
Dexter's Blood Splattered Dining Room
By DIY Maven
Eleven designers were inspired by six different original Showtime series to transform a townhouse in Gramercy Park into Showtime’s Design House. Lucky Amy Lau drew the Dexter card and came up with this blood splattered dining room. If you know anything about Dexter, the television show or the book series, the blood makes perfect sense.

Dexter is an expert at blood splatter analysis who just happens to be a serial killer. But he’s a » READ MORE
Make Snowflake Gift Soaps
By DIY Maven
Two things that make a perfect handmade gift include its level of sweetness and its degree of easiness. These snowflake soaps score high on both points.
Ingredients you'll need to make them:
- "Silicone muffin pan (6-cavity)
- Approx. 20 oz. Goat Milk Soap Base
- Cornflower Blue Mica
- Peppermint Essential Oil (second distillation)
- Small Metal Snowflake Cookie Cutter
- Alcohol in a Spray Bottle
- Measuring Cup, Spoons, Etc"
Char » READ MORE
Sky Planter: The 21st Century Version of a Hanging Plant
By DIY Maven
A new twist on the macrame hangers of the 1970's, Boskke's Sky Planter is an
upside down
planter. (Much like the inverted tomato plant idea, I'm guessing.) It locks in the soil so there's no mess below, and because you water from the top down, there's no water lost to evaporation. Its 'internal reservoir system' means you water less often too. A conversation starter, no doubt, that will save precious floor space. Not bad! Via.
It's hip to be square...
By DIY Maven
if you're a wreath, that is. From Williams-Sonoma, the boxwood (get it? BOXwood??) wreath measures 18" square and comes with a red ribbon. A little pricey at $59, but it is a lovely, modern take on the traditional round variety. Via.
How to make star garland out of plastic bottles.
By DIY Maven
Seriously, who would have imagined these stars started out as plastic bottle bottoms?? And to make this project even better, it's super easy to do!
To make a garland consisting of 5 stars & 3 snowflakes, you'll need:
- 8 plastic bottles
- a scissors
- a needle or small hole punch
- string
- clear beads
For the entire tutorial, go to Esprit Cabane. Via.
3D Puzzle Christmas Tree
By DIY Maven
Made from 100% recycled cardboard, Pop Deluxe's new laser-cut Snowflake Tree puzzle ($17) comes is kraft brown or white. It measures 10 x 10 x 13, and although they can be decorated with paint, glitter and such it seems unnecessary. Their simplicity is rather elegant.

Sewing Paper: A Tutorial
By DIY Maven
Julia over on Belle Papier has an excellent tutorial explaining how to use a sewing machine to sew paper to paper. This practice is popular among those of us who make greeting cards, but it could be a fantastic way to fabricate an art piece.
Some of Julia’s suggestions:
- If you don’t have an electronic sewing machine automatically corrects tension, check your tension on a scrap piece of paper, and adjust as necessary.
- Don’t try to » READ MORE
Make a Modern Paper Chain
By DIY Maven
Conventional paper chains are so last century. Heck, they’re so
two
centuries ago! (Not to mention so second grade.) Jeffery over at CraftStylish has reinterpreted this classic, putting a completely modern and grown-up, not to mention GORGEOUS, spin to it. The materials you need to replicate Jeffery’s design are minimal enough and include:- Medium weight paper
- Two circle punches, one smaller than the other (Jeff used one 1" inch » READ MORE
DIY Maven
Self-proclaimed Maven of DIY, I'm up for anything from gonzo rehab...From: Minneapolis / St. Paul
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