Michael Perdriel fashioned a manual clothes washer that could be used by those in developing countries, but its low-tech design makes it indispensable for people in developed countries who dream of going green and off the grid. It requires no electricity or running water, and it cleans a load of clothes in 20 minutes. Interested in […]
I have to admit something: I LOVE FONTS! I guess being a graphic designer has a little to do with that. I’m always scoping out typeography posters online, vintage distressed signage, and cool magazine layouts using fonts in an unusual way. One thing I’ve been noticing a lot of late are simple font posters in […]
Bathroom needs a makeover but the budget is tight? The gentlefolk at Bath Fitter sent along these eight tips to give your bathroom a facelift in a tough economy.
This hot weather is reminding me of the days of yore when my high school boyfriend’s parents decided they were going to brew their own root beer. Like most of their half-baked DIY schemes, it was a huge flop. Shell shocked after that fiasco, as well as a subsequent bad break-up, I never thought I’d […]
Ranch homes have experienced a rebirth as of late, and it’s no wonder. They are amenable to many different interior aesthetics, and, for homeowners who are also DIYers, they’re one of the easiest architectural styles to modify. Because of the ranch’s comeback, it’s high time we honor the father of the California Ranch, Cliff May.
Veneer damage is an instant deal breaker when I’m on the hunt, and I know I’m not alone. The reason? I just plain don’t know how to fix damaged wood veneer. Until now, that is!
Many a charming ceramic pots have been passed up due to the lack of a drainage hole. Sometimes I can’t resist and I buy them regardless, attempting to do the French Drain (where did that term come from?) where you spread rocks in the bottom to provide a reservoir for excess water. Also, many a […]
For retro kitchen enthusiasts, Big Chill is the holy grail. Their stoves, range hoods, refrigerators and dishwashers look as if they’ve just rolled off a 1950’s assembly line. They have all the character of vintage pieces
First of all, notice my aqua Singer, circa 1970’s, that I found a couple of months ago at the Salvation Army Superstore for $10.00. Serviced and cleaned up, it’s one of my favorites. Now, on to the matter at hand; one drawback to sewing home furnishings with a lightweight machine is that it’s difficult to […]
Between flowers and vegetable garden tending, you’ll have a few weekends to build a zen like river rock fountain to make your backyard the tranquil envy of the neighbors (not that this is a competition, mind you). You can use just about any outdoor garden structure for a fountain, but you can’t beat the organic […]
I am LOVING this cute and clever tissue box cover. To make one, all you need is fabric–both for inside and outside, which makes the cover reversible–a couple of buttons and some elastic.
Chair makeovers take place daily in my studio. I’m not sure if my students are as excited as I am when I see the transformations. Here, Nikkole is tearing down her sister’s chair with the hope that it will turn out. See what you think.
Here we go. Build your own lawn aerating sandals and take a laps around the yard to open up the thatch, let the air, water and sun in there. Better yet, make a few pairs for your your kids and pay them a quarter to stomp around out in the yard. You’ll be treating your […]
What more can you say about this dreamy, relaxing, chic daybed built for two? It’s the epitome of perfection for a double or single nap on a sunny, warm afternoon. What did you say, call in sick?Â
So you’ve downloaded an eBook. Now what? Well, if you’re a bibliophile like me, you might want to print out the ones you love. Like Curbly’s new Make It! Secondhand Chic, for example. I’m lucky enough have the new edition to the Curbly Library in perfect-bound, so I’m set for hard copy. However, I had […]
Good choice! For $75.00 each, two outdated, chipped Bombay chests were converted into updated, reflective silver leaf stunners. This silver leafing process is not nearly as intimidating as it looks. See step by step how Jenny at Little Green Notebook de-frumped her bargain Bombays and turned them into glamorous showpieces
Don’t you HATE rusty paint cans? Especially when they’re almost full of perfectly good paint or polyurethane? I was confronted by such a thing last week. If the can would have been almost empty, I could see (maybe) disposing of it and buying new, but this can, as you can see, was nearly full. To […]
Looking for some simple, quick and CHEAP garden decor that the birdies will love? Check it out…with a few supplies you can make bird baths and feeders in less than a minute. Yes, you read that correctly. Less than a minute! Here’s what you’ll need to make ’em:
Photos: Popluar Mechanics We’ve all seen photos of amazing tree house architecture, but nothing compares to this dad’s tender narrative of building his kids’ their own backyard tree fort. The next best thing to letting his kids build it themselves is reading about his recollection of the construction of his own childhood perch with his […]
So, have you heard? Curbly is releasing a new ebook next week, Make It! Secondhand Chic. In it Chrisjob, ModHomeEcTeacher and I scoured our favorite second-hand haunts and came up with 14 very cool and inspiring makeovers (if I do say so myself!) that will have you rummaging through rummage too! One of my projects […]
