Living the DIY Life: March 1-7, 2008

Once again, it's time for our weekly look at the most informative, entertaining, useful, or just plain offbeat posts to rear their heads on DIY Life.

• We like to write about unusual uses for common items. This week, Ryan McFarland tackled inner tubes, and Anna Sattler addressed hairspray. Both articles go far beyond what you might expect; they're totally worth a look!
• Strictly for fun, Diane Rixon taught us how to laugh like a proper villain. She also taught us to identify common poisonous plants in our yard or garden (not so much fun, but very useful nonetheless).
• St. Patrick's Day is a holiday not usually closely associated with the DIY spirit (unless you brew your own beer). We aim to correct that issue: Diane posted about shamrock crafts, and Bethany Sanders trapped some leprechauns. You'll see more posts with a wee bit o' the Irish in them throughout the coming week!

After the break, we'll take a look at crafts based on lavender oil, an old game board, and gorgeous Japanese dolls. We'll discuss all sorts of tips for your bathroom (green, money-saving, and/or decorative) and other parts of the house, introductory advice for people thinking of buying or selling a home, and solid ideas to help you find a lost pet. And, as usual, we'll reveal our top three posts of the week.

In the crafty world:

• I talked about the Japanese Doll Festival (a.k.a. Girls' Day), Hinamatsuri, and hunted down a bunch of related crafts for adults and children alike; all the crafts are based on the gorgeous ornamental dolls associated with the celebration.
• Ryan McFarland showed us how to turn a game board (carroms, in this case) into a table. See, the side pockets make really awesome cup-holders....
• Debra McDuffee put us in a heaven of scent with her long article about lavender: blend it with other essential oils for a variety of moods.

For the home:

• Francesca Clarke discussed eco-friendly ideas for your bathroom (including a low-flush toilet hack).
• Victor Agreda, Jr. showed an easy way to change the look of your bathroom tiles (which would also work in a kitchen or laundry room).
• Kelly Smith looked forward to warmer weather, when he discussed radiant barrier paint and tuning up your air conditioner condenser.

Francesca and I also passed along information you'd want if you were buying or selling a home:

• 15 ways to prepare your home for a showing
• What first-time home-buyers need to know

Bethany Sanders discussed how to find a lost pet: a methodical search may reunite you with your little friend much faster than a panicked frenzy.

Our top three most-visited posts this week are old friends (they've all appeared on this list before):

1. 8 do-it-yourself wedding centerpieces by Anna Sattler
2. Radio + tape + calculator = metal detector by Francesca Clarke
3. Free knit & crochet patterns: the best of October, 2007 by M.E. Williams

Finally, it wouldn't hurt to check out this week's product recalls and safety information.

See you next Monday!