Scissors get dull. Fast. Getting them professionally sharpened can cost a pretty penny, too. Rather than shelling out for a sharpening session or for a brand new pair of shears, I decided to learn exactly how to sharpen scissors on my own. I did a little research, and here's what I learned:
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Why do they call it oil cloth? What is currently being sold in stores as oilcloth is actually made from cotton fabric covered with a petroleum-based coating. However, genuine oilcloth (the real thing grandma had on her kitchen table) is made from cotton, canvas, or linen fabric coated in linseed oil. The fabric can be dyed or printed before the linseed treatment, and the oil gives it a water-resistant surface. Genuine oilcloth (also known as oilskin) is biodegradable in a landfill. The "real" oilcloth sold in stores today is made from PVC or polyvinyl chloride, and as such does not break down in a landfill.
Here's how to make oilcloth, the old-fashioned way:
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I love my cat. I'm not shy about admitting that (I even mention it in my bio). I'm also not ashamed to say I think she's the best cat in the world. Her name is Donut, but I also refer to her as "Angel Face" or "Precious Baby Kitty" (which drives my fiancé crazy, I'm sure). The cat drinks filtered water and has a basket full of toys. She's one of the more spoiled cats out there, and leads a pretty cushy life (as evidenced by this plushy DIY cat bed I made especially for her).
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Upgrading thrifted or inexpensive furniture is one way you can accomplish a cute home on a budget, and also make your home unique. Reupholstering furniture can seem daunting, especially if you don't have many tools. These 12 upholstery projects don't need fancy upholstery tools, and are perfect for any upholstery beginner.
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:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0016/4161/DIY_upholstered_tufted_headboard_01_large_jpg.jpg "credit: Isabelle McAllister [http://dosfamily.com/2013/02/make-a-headboard-diy/]")
I love this spin on the traditional upholstered headboard and, as it turns out, it's a shockingly easy DIY project, too!
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0016/3970/1_large_jpg.jpg "credit: John Fitzgerald [http://www.designsponge.com/2013/02/diy-utility-bucket-ottoman-by-revive.html]")
Whether you need some inconspicuous extra seating or just a place to put your feet up, this DIY upholstered ottoman is the project for you!
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0016/1985/1_large_jpg.jpg "credit: Jenny Komenda [http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/11/sponsored-post-how-to-upholster-framed.html]")
Stuff like this always blows my mind. How does one actually make something so, well, amazing looking -- without breaking the bank and from scratch?! Fortunately, Jenny from Little Green Notebook knows the answer to that!
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0016/1343/1_large_jpg.jpg "credit: Shelly Leer [http://www.modhomeec.com/2011/07/27/make-a-modern-upholstered-bench-out-of-a-goodwill-dud/]")
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0016/1070/6a00e55224287c883301774312b202970d_large_jpg.jpg "credit: Chez Larsson [http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2012/07/round-ottoman.html]")
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0016/1038/1_large_jpg.jpg "credit: Daniel Kanter [http://manhattan-nest.com/2010/07/23/a-whole-mess-of-staples/]")
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:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0015/8778/Daybed%20Before_large.png "Credit:_The Apprentice Extrovert[http://apprenticeextrovert.blogspot.com/2012/02/day-bed-tutorialpart-one.html]")
Courtney had an awkward corner on her back deck (which happens to be in Australia). Instead of just sticking a table and a plant there and calling it a day, Courtney and her husband Tony pulled out the power tools and came up with a great solution for the space.
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Sherry from Design Indulgence took this stool from humdrum to humdinger with a can of spray paint, some graphic black and white fabric, and to my surprise, upholstery webbing!
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0015/7309/1_large.png "credit: Katherine Jalaty [http://papernstitchblog.com/2011/11/30/make-this-custom-storage-ottoman-diy/]")
Ah, the ubiquitous storage ottoman! These multi-functional bad boys can be had for cheap, cheap, cheap from just about any discount store, thrift store, yard sale, or "super mega market". Of course, they're usually covered in some sort of horrible quality, lime green microfiber... maybe even hot pink with sparkly purple piping. You know what I'm talking about. Fortunately, there's an easy solution to all this garishly-colored madness!
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0015/3374/1_large.png "credit: Domestic Adventure [http://www.domesticadventure.com/2010/10/diy-cornices/]")
It's no secret: custom window treatments are EXPENSIVE. Excessively so, it seems. That's why I flipped my lid when I spotted this tutorial for making your own DIY cornices (those fancy box-like things at the top) for about $15 a piece. Yes, fifteen dollars.
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0014/6126/ottoman_before_large.jpg "\"Photo: Little Green Notebook [http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/03/make-ottoman-from-coffee-table.html]\"")
When the ottoman of her dreams was snatched away from beneath her nose, one DIY-er put her abilities to work to make one bland coffee table (above) the reincarnation of The One That Got Away.
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0014/6274/diy-ottoman-after11_large.jpg "credit: Young House Love [http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/07/lets-build-it-karas-amazing-diy-ottoman/]")
Ottomans. Footstools. Whatever you call them, I call these tutorials to make them fabulous. The first one, pictured above, comes from Kara who used an old coffee table to make hers. Follow this jump to YHL for the entire tutorial.
Next we have Diane's
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A galvanized steel tub, much like the one pictured above (albeit a bit older), went from holding curds and whey to propping up Miss Muffet's tired tooties. This particular item has been
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0013/7208/1_large.png "credit: Lori Dunbar / Fresh Snapped Photos [http://www.paisleywallpaperblog.com]")
Is your beige sofa getting you down? Consider giving it a playful (and colorful) facelift!