Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

• Make a table runner. Here's an easy pattern you can follow if you have some material for backing and some fusible fleece or interfacing.
• Create a placemat set. There are instructions to make matching placemats for your table runner, and it becomes more economical to make both when buying the other supplies you will need.
• Fashion a set of cloth napkins. If you want to make them fancy, try this pattern for cloth napkins with a binding edge. They look very high-end.
• Sew pockets into a strip of material and make a caddy to take along silverware for picnics.
• This wine bottle cover uses just under a yard and makes a beautiful presentation of your gift of wine
  

• Cover a bulletin board. Add some ribbon and you'll have a designer look for a cheapo cork board price.
• Make 2 window valances. Have a room that needs a perk-me-up? Many windows are 30 inches wide, so cut your material in half and you can make two tailored valances. Simply sew a seam along the bottom edge and the sides, then make a tube wide enough for the hardware to go through along the top. A new look for essentially free!
  
• Sew a throw pillow cover or two. You can try a basic pillow cover or an easy knock-off designer pillow.
  
• Make a set of eight matching fabric-covered padded hangers.
• Cover the back of shelves. Using a hot glue gun, you can make a statement by attaching fabric to the back of shelves. You can either fold the fabric under to make a seam around the edges, or cut it exactly to size and glue ribbon trim around the edges to hide the rough edge of the fabric.
  
• Create a wall hanging (use remnants and scraps too). The picture at the top of the post is a castle I made for my son's room by covering a lightweight wood with batting and fabric, then gluing on the details with scrap fabrics, felt, and trim.
  
• Re-upholster an old dining chair seat. You'll need a staple gun, but if I can do this (and I have) then it must be simple. And no sewing is involved!
  
• Recover a lamp shade. A little spray adhesive and your old lamp is a designer masterpiece.
  
• Make a chair pad, with or without a ruffle.
• Sew one end of your fabric into a pocket and and thread the other side under a couch cushion or mattress as a place to hold books or remotes.
  
• A special gift can become memorable when gift-wrapped in a stunning fabric yardage. Add raffia or ribbon for a finishing touch.
• Book covers can technically be made from fabric leftovers, but a matching set would really add to your home decor.

• Make a superhero, wizard, or witch cape. I think we have one of these in every color imaginable.
  
• Sew a stuffed animal. This dachshund is especially cute if you have some fur cloth to use up, but my favorite is this dog that will look precious in any material you choose. Yes, I am partial to dogs!
  
• By cutting and sewing your fabric into a rectangle or triangle, you can create a flag for a child's fort or pirate ship. Glue your flag to a dowel and you've just made instant fun.
  
• Keep those dollies warm by making a blanket just the right size for the pretend babies your babies love.
  
• If you've got an overabundance of stuffed animals or dolls, sew a corner hammock for them and create space.
  
• Hand puppets are easy to sew, and a yard of fabric will get you a whole family of bears, frogs, cats, or owls.
  
• Make a drawstring treasure pouch.
• You'll need at least two yards of material for a baby sling, but you can make a doll sling with less than a yard. Encourage baby wearing with the next generation!
  
• Make an infant dress.
  

• Fashion a tote bag in just one hour.
• Make a pair of boxer shorts.
• You might have some spare denim to make a purse, but you could use any material to make this classy little number.
• Sew a chef's hat. C'mon, you know you want one.
• To make a sweet handkerchief to carry, use a 12-inch square piece of fabric. Sew a narrow seam around the edge or finish it off with lace trim.
• To make your bandana less sweet, leave off the lace!
• Spice up your wardrobe with various styles of belts, all made with less than a yard of fabric.
• Surely you want some fabric bling for your laptop. Try making a laptop tote bag, with or without the groovy monogram.
• If you don't want to sew one, this no-sew gardening apron will do the trick.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ask any real estate agent, and she'll tell you that when it comes to home equity and return on investment, the two most important rooms are the kitchen and the bathroom. Forget the fancy pool; it's nice, and it might close the deal at sale time, but prospective buyers are going to decide yea or nay in the kitchen.

The kitchen is a focal point for family gatherings and entertaining guests. So what are the main components of the typical kitchen? Well, there's the major appliances. They should match and be energy-efficient. Storage? There should be plenty of cabinets to stash food, dishes, pots and pans.

But what really stands out are the kitchen countertops. This is where the real work is done. Because of that, lighting should be focused on them, literally putting them in the spotlight.

Whether you're planning on building a new home or you're rolling up your sleeves for a remodel, you have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting the countertops. The things to consider are personal preference, aesthetics, matching the rest of the decor, and, of course, budget. Let's have a look at some of the choices.

The current favorite: granite

There's no denying the fact that granite is a trendy choice just now. It's available in a multitude of color mixes and patterns: that's just the way nature made it. Where is it quarried? All over the world. The U.S., Italy, Brazil, India, China; the list goes on. Obviously, the farther away it comes from, the more it will cost.

The high price of granite is driven by its popularity and transportation costs rather than its availability. Generally speaking, you can expect to shell out from $60 to $120 per square foot, not including installation labor costs.

Maintenance is routine. To begin with, most suppliers recommend applying a granite sealer before use. Avoid dropping anything on it. Clean up spills right away with a damp sponge or cloth, to avoid stains. Use trivets and coasters. True, granite is quite heat-tolerant, but any grit between a pot or pan and the surface might scratch the sealer.

Corian: imitation stone

Corian is a stone look-alike made by DuPont. It's very durable, nonporous, and heat- and scratch-resistant. It's available in over 130 distinct colors, so matching your decor is a snap. The fact that it's synthetic brings the price in lower than natural stone.

Maintenance is similar to granite, other than not requiring a sealer. It is important to wipe up any spills immediately, even water, because standing liquid tends to form a film which will require a strong cleaning agent to remove.

One interesting fact about Corian that makes a strong selling point is that it comes from the factory kosher certified. Is DuPont a forward thinking company or what?

Plastic laminate: it's everywhere!

Plastic laminate is arguably the most prevalent countertop in homes throughout the country. In the way that most soft drinks are referred to as "Cokes," plastic laminates are generically called "Formica." Formica is actually a brand name. Other brands of plastic laminate are Wilsonart, Nevamar, Hamilton, and Pionite.

Laminates are available in a mind-boggling variety of colors and patterns. What you see when you look at the surface is actually a photo-like reproduction.

Caring for a laminate countertop is basic. It's nonporous, but it scratches if you try to use it as a cutting board --which a surprising number of people do. Since it is a plastic material, it's definitely not recommended to put a hot object directly on it.

A big selling point here is that working with laminate is a great DIY weekend project, as long as you're only planning on flat surfaces. In other words, curved corners or backsplashes are best left to cabinet shops. A 4' X 8' sheet of laminate can be had at home depot or Lowes for about $80.00.

Other than the laminate, you'll need a saw with a laminate blade, some contact cement, a router with a laminate bit, a J-roller, some dowels, and, of course, your time!

A butcher block countertop: functionality and style

Nothing says "class" like a butcher block countertop. As the name implies, it's used as a cutting surface. Strictly speaking, you don't often see an entire butcher block countertop surface. It's usually just a section of it located where it's most logical for use.

These countertops are always made with hardwood (maple being my personal favorite). Different shades of wood can be laminated together for an impressive-looking surface.

This is another fun DIY project. There's nothing too difficult about building one, and you can be just as creative as your imagination allows. I'll save all the details for a later date, but it basically boils down to cutting hardwood strips, gluing them together, cutting to the desired dimensions, meticulous sanding, sealing, and installation.

Regular care involves disinfecting the surface often and keeping it wiped down. Periodically, you'll want to sand it lightly and re-seal it. I like to use a product called Behlen Salad Bowl Finish.

Ceramic tile: providing a vintage look

Many, many years ago, modest kitchen countertops were made exclusively of wood; of course, this proved a very bad idea, for a number of different reasons. Primarily, what's in a kitchen? Fire and heat. Fire, heat, and wood don't always play well together.

Another problem is all the moisture. Back then, sealers weren't what they are today. But in the early 1900's, ceramic tile began to replace wood. If you want a truly extreme retro look, go for hexagonal white tiles: white was the most common color because of its hygienic implications. (Think old-time hospital walls.)

Today, ceramic tile is still used, for both countertops and backsplashes. Laying ceramic tile is also a very do-able DIY adventure. The important thing to remember is to use a high-quality grout sealer.

These surfaces are very easy to care for. Wipe it, scrub it, set hot pans on it. Well... very warm pans, anyway.

Have you made your choice yet?

While the above list is far from all-inclusive, I've covered a few of the most popular kitchen countertops. The important thing is to choose something that you like now and that you will continue to enjoy looking at for years in the future. The really good news here is that almost all of these are DIY possibilities.

Even with granite, you can do much of the work yourself. For example, when my mother-in-law was getting granite for her bathroom vanity, I did all the cabinet work, but I let the rock guys cut and set the countertop. Then I finished the project by installing the snazzy plumbing. Saved her a ton of money... and scored some points at the same time!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The other day, I found an interesting and easy decorative glass vase tutorial over at CasaSugar. I thought to myself, "That's pretty cool for around the house, but I bet it would also be perfect as a wedding centerpiece." In fact, it turns out that the project originated at DIY Bride.

This is really as simple as picking up some rub-on transfers you like, along with a clear glass vase that has a smooth surface. After making sure the vase is completely clean and dry, just cut around the transfers you like, then use the burnishing stick that comes in the package to carefully rub designs onto the vase (exactly as you would if you were rubbing them onto paper).

The transfers are sold in almost any store that carries scrapbooking or other craft supplies. Thousands of designs are available, but if you can't find any rub-ons that you like in your area, the DIY Bride post has a list of online resources.

This project is as versatile and stylish as your imagination (for example, the right transfers would make it great for Mother's Day), but this is not exactly a new tip: a few months ago, this concept also ran in the Winter, 2008 issue of Somerset Life magazine, where it was used to decorate glass bottles and jars. Please join me after the break to read more about the appealing ideas that were presented there.

The article was written by the editor of Somerset Life, Jenny Doh, who suggested a few further tips:

• Jars work as well as vases; the lids can be painted and decorated for further customization.
• Coordinating several different colors of rub-on in the same piece can give an interesting look.
• If you use white rub-ons, try filling the jar with something brightly-colored for contrast that will make the white designs pop.
• To pull the look together, consider wrapping ribbon that matches the design's colors around the neck of the vase, bottle, or jar.

You can see some photos from the article at the page for the Winter issue (scroll down to "Tatted Jars"). If you're interested in what you see, back issues of Somerset Life are currently available at their website.

For more fun with rub-on transfers, see Maureen Carter's post about making your own!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

• Paint walls with soothing colors. Soft blues and greens are calming, while yellows and pinks are energizing. Avoid complicated and busy patterns on the wall as it may be distracting. The walls in my living room are a basic cream and in urgent need of a makeover. While the blue and green suggestions sound nice, I think I'll opt for a soft golden color -- a little energy is always welcome during the workday.
  
• Choose an ergonomic workstation. Look for a desk at an appropriate height for you. Also, choose an adjustable-height chair with proper back support and position your keyboard and mouse at the right height. In my office, space is an issue. Also, since my office is in my living room, I don't want anything that looks too business-like. I've found an adjustable chair covered in suede that's not only ergonomic and comfortable, but it suits my living room decor. I'm still on the hunt for a better desk.
  
• Add a footrest under your workstation. For proper back support, your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest. Otherwise you may find yourself scooting to the front of your seat which places undue pressure on your spine. By the end of the day, I always find my shoulders hurting. I'm not sure how yet, but I'll find a way to make myself a handy little footrest to see if it helps. (If it works out, I'll be sure to post the how-to!)
  
• Bring the outside in. Add plants and fresh flowers to your office -- they promote healthier air and are restful. Adding other natural elements -- such as using a shell or a piece of driftwood for a paperweight -- are also beneficial. After reading this advice, I moved some plants around in my living room so they were visible from my desk and it is more pleasant.
  
• Modify the lighting. Your computer screen should be the brightest light in the room. Overhead lighting that is too strong can cause you to strain your eyes to see the screen. I've found it necessary to close my living room blinds during the day to keep the glare off of my monitor.
  

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

• a sewing machine
• 3.8 yards of fabric of your choice
• 3.8 yards of inexpensive fabric (for the inner bag)
• 50 cm zipper
• beanbag filling
• scissors
• thread
• pencil

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

In my house, there's a small wooden cabinet, somewhat scratched-up, which was given to us by a relative a few years ago. It has strange knobs in the form of faceted acrylic balls; they looked good in my aunt's antique-loaded home, but aren't so great in mine. The plastic parts look cheap to me, and overall, they don't quite suit the style of the cabinet.

So, last night, I took on a fifteen-minute project that I'd prepared for a few weeks ago: I changed the knobs.

The last time I was at The Home Depot, I bought four replacement knobs on a whim. The knobs I found, by Liberty Hardware, cost less than a dollar each; they have a nice design, reminiscent of stylized Japanese cherry (sakura) or plum blossoms (ume). If you don't like my selection, Liberty makes a number of low-cost brass decorative knobs. Some of their designs have a vintage feel.

The photo above is a "before" (taken from a slightly odd angle; this cabinet faces the end of a sofa with about an 18" gap between the two); click through to the break for an "after" and some instructions!

Check for new knobs or drawer pulls in home improvement centers like The Home Depot and Lowe's, but also in smaller hardware stores, and even in places like the Anthropologie chain of boutiques. There's a wide selection out there that will allow you to change and customize the look of just about any drawer or cabinet.

It only takes a minute to get inside the drawers and the door and unscrew the old knobs; all that is usually required to put on the new ones is a screwdriver. Most knobs come packaged with appropriate bolts (the knob acts as a "nut"). The head of the bolt will usually be inside the drawer or door, almost flush against the front, so it may help to clean the drawers out first.

Unscrew it, pop off the knob, then push the new bolt in from the interior of the drawer and screw the knob back onto the front. The procedure is basically the same with drawer pulls, except that there will be two screws instead of one and you'll want to try to tighten them evenly.

When I was done, I found that the cabinet had originally been varnished with the knobs in place. The old knobs had a wider base than the new ones, so there's a little varnish-ring spot, with an unfinished center, around each new base. This is mostly in the shadow of the new knobs, but it definitely shows if you look closely. (This picture shows it much more readily than the naked eye, because of the flash.)

I'm not worried about the look of the unfinished spots: the piece is never well-lit, and I eventually plan to refinish it in either red or black lacquer, or a dark green stain. At that point, I may also paint the knobs themselves with enamel. But that's a while in the future, and in the meantime, I think the look of the cabinet has been pleasantly improved. I really hated those acrylic knobs!

(This post has been edited since publication to correct a link.)

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Back in September of last year, I wrote a comprehensive tutorial for making marble magnets, an easy project in which images are placed under little glass bubbles in a way that really makes them come alive. In that post, I mentioned that the image pebbles could also be used in other projects, like concrete mosaics.

Kathy Cano-Murillo, one of my favorite craft gurus, recently posted the kind of mosaic project I was talking about: Concrete Coasters. The process for making them is similar to making a mosaic tabletop or paving stone, on a smaller scale.

After creating the image marbles, you mix concrete and pour it into coaster molds, then embed the marbles in the molded material and allow it to dry for at least a day. After removing the concrete coaster from its mold, you varnish it to seal it, and add felt padding to the bottom; if you like, you can further decorate the coasters until you end up with something like Kathy's results.

The one thing I would do differently than Kathy? I don't think white glue (also called PVA glue) is the best thing for gluing images to marbles; glass isn't porous, and that kind of glue is most appropriate for porous materials. I recommend using E-6000 glue instead. However, the fact that you're sealing the marbles in concrete probably makes it a moot point.

[via Craft.]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments