DIY Life

The DIY Reel: Fix a Carpet Burn

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-19T15:00:00+00:00

Hosting the holidays, but have an unsightly burn on your carpet? No worries -- Kelly Edwards is here to show you how easy it is to fix a carpet burn with just a few simple tools and the easy tips from this video:

1. Trim away the burned fibers using scissors or a sharp blade.
2. Scrape a razor blade across the clean part of the carpet to loosen some fibers.
3. Gather the loosened fibers.
4. Fill the burn hole with super glue.
5. Using tweezers, push the carpet fibers into the glue until the hole is filled. Allow glue to dry completely.
6. Brush away the excess fibers and fluff up the glued fibers to match the rest of the carpet.

Done and done! Now you can host your family gathering burn-free, and no one will even notice you had an unsightly burn in the first place. Thanks, Kelly!

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Daily DIY: Re-Shine Your Aluminum Pots

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-18T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, entertaining, cleaning

Photo: About.com

Planning a dinner party, but can't stand the sight of your dull pots and pans? Follow this simple tip to bring the shine back onto your pot rack (and make your home smell fresher than an autumn orchard!):

Boil a few apples and/or apple peels in water to get that aluminum shiny and new. That's it! Easy enough, right?

Have a few other pans to clean? Follow this easy guide:
Cast Iron pans: Wipe out with a damp cloth rather than completely wash them, dry completely to prevent rust.
Copper pans: Dip the bottom of the pot in leftover pickle juice. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes and rinse well.
Burnt pots & pans: Make a paste from equal parts water & baking soda, rub into burnt area and let it sit for an hour!
Enamel ware: To remove discoloration, mix equal parts salt and vinegar, clean area & let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse well.

Why not print this out and tape it to the inside of your kitchen cabinet for a no-fail cheat sheet? Happy cleaning!

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Holidash Highlight: Pet-Proof Your Christmas Tree

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-13T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, seasonal, pets

Photo: azainman, Flickr

Face it; your furry friends are as part of the family as anyone, and this year, keeping them safe is top of mind. Just the same, keeping your Christmas tree safe is a priority, too. Holidash shows us how to protect both Fido and the christmas tree this year! Read on!:

* That pan of water that is keeping your tree from drying out can be very attractive to thirsty pets. But that sticky water can also make them very sick. Discourage drinking by cutting a piece of screen or other sturdy mesh fabric to fit and duct tape it over the pan. This will keep little tongues out while still allowing you to replenish the water supply.
* Cats love to bat balls around -- especially bright, shiny ones that are attached to a Christmas tree. Prevent breakage and possible injury by decorating your tree with plastic or wooden ornaments.
* That little metal stand that is holding your tree in the vertical position is no match for a rowdy pet with a running start. Get rid of it and invest in a large, sturdy tree stand. For extra protection, attach a string of fishing line from the top of the tree to a small hook in the ceiling.
* Puppies like to chew on things and those lower limbs of your Christmas tree may prove irresistible even to the most well-behaved little dog. Surrounding your tree with a baby pen might not be the most attractive solution, but is surely the safest. Otherwise, don't allow your puppy to be alone in the same room as the Christmas tree.
* Avoid tinsel. Cats find it delicious and fun to chew, but it can cause serious damage to their digestive systems.
* To discourage chewing on your light cords, spray them with bitter apple. Unplug the lights when not in use.
* Clean up fallen needles regularly. Some dogs will eat just about anything and these sharp pine needles can cause internal injuries if ingested.
* Don't decorate with edible ornaments. If it smells like food, a determined pet will find a way to reach it.

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The DIY Reel: Divide a Big Room With Architectural Details

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-12T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor

It seems when house shopping comes around, the bigger the better. But how do you make massive rooms into cozy spaces you can call home? AOL's resident decor expert Kelly Edwards gives us the inside scoop on turning big rooms into cozy hideouts:

One of Kelly's great tips is to divide the rooms with a touch of color. Different colors used on walls (either patterned or solid) will create the illusion of separate rooms. Not a fan of too much color? Try molding! Because you can also use furniture or architectural detail to delineate space and split the rooms, molding works well.

To put molding on the walls, first measure the area and purchase your trim accordingly. It's a good idea to get a little more than your measurements to cover your mistakes and trimmings. And yes, there will be mistakes, as every good homeowner knows.

Good luck!

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ShelterPop Swap: Stretch Your Bookcase -- Literally!

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-03T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, organization and storage

Photo: Cool Things

I'm all for innovative storage, especially when it comes to displaying my books. Face it -- bookcases can be so dull, especially when your budget calls for Billy after Billy after...Billy. Luckily, ShelterPop has a great solution for a DIY bookcase I can pretty much guarantee you've never seen!:

Enter a fun and flexible (pun intended!) solution. Originally created for Design Showcase 2009 by Pete Oyler, the S T R E T C H Shelf is slated to hit boutiques any minute now with an approximate price point of $120.

Eek. That certainly breaks the bank for me. But what if we used Oyler's product as inspiration for our own rubber band shelving system? I can imagine them working quite well in a modern, industrial space using brightly-colored heavy duty rubber bands and a few stainless screws.

Or try a few animal rubber bands in your child's room as a great way to display light artwork. And for a long, floor-to-ceiling rubber band bookshelf, why not use a bright resistance band used for exercising?

Forget the Billy and book it (ha! another pun!) to your nearest office supply store for the coolest rubber shelving in town. Stretching your dollar never looked so chic.

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HowNow: How to Install Window Blinds

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-26T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, doors and windows

Window treatments can make or break a room, but sometimes installations cost a fortune. Want to know how to install your own window treatment on a budget? Look no further!:

How To Install Window Blinds on Howcast

Easy enough, right? And of course, we've got a few tips and a bit of window history to inspire your project!:

1.If you're mounting the blinds inside the window frame, mark the end brackets at least an inch and a quarter from the face of the glass so the blinds won't touch it.
2. Rubbing wax on the screws before you install the brackets will make them screw in more smoothly. A candle works well.

Did you know that the early Egyptians tied together reeds from the Nile River to create an early version of window blinds? Crazy, right? Good thing all you have to do is head to your local hardware store. Ahhh, such a comfortable life we modern-day folk live.

Good luck!

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ShelterPop Swap: Easy Lampshade Update

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-20T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, seasonal, lighting

Photo: ShelterPop

It's never too late to bring some festive decor into your home, and with this easy DIY lampshade update, chances are you've already got the tools to do so! Don't believe me? You have a lamp and some paper, right? Good. Then get to work:

The only materials you need for this tutorial are as follows:
black paper, a pair of scissors, a pencil and double-stick, clear tape

Yep, that's it!

Your instructions couldn't be easier! Try these few, easy steps on for size:
1. Download, print and cut out the black cat template.
2. Trace the template onto black paper with a pencil.
3. Cut out the cat shape from the black paper
4. Use double stick tape to adhere the silhouette to the inside of the shade.

And with that, you've got an instant DIY trick up your sleeve, perfect for surprising last-minute Halloween guests.

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Daily DIY: Roses from Maple Leaves

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-19T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, crafts, nature

A sweet maple bouquet will make your darling smile! Photo: iDiy

Want a fun, creative DIY from Mother Nature herself? Look no further than the falling leaves on your front porch, because this is a project straight from heaven! Why not surprise your special someone with a maple leave bouquet? Of course, you'd have to make the leaf into a rose, but with this great photo tutorial, you should have no problem at all!

I'd assume the DIY would work best with moist leaves to prevent cracking and breaking, but other than that --- use your creativity! I'd love to see a multi-colored bouquet with red, orange and vibrant yellow maple leaves. Or, better yet, make a bouquet into a brilliant gift decoration for those fall birthdays you're gearing up to celebrate. Of course, the look would also brighten up a bare wooden wreath to create a cozy, homemade entryway decor that will make your guests smile with delight. See? The possibilities are indeed endless! Happy crafting!

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Daily DIY: Create a Custom Tea Set

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-16T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, home decor, art, crafts, entertaining

Want a one-of-a-kind tea set? Look no further! Photo: Aya Rosen, Apartment Therapy

Whoa, nelly. This is my kind of DIY project. With the leaves beginning to change color, I'm dreaming of late nights by the fireplace... with my trusty chai tea, of course. I'd love to own a one-of-a-kind tea set, and it looks like Re-Nest has made that possible -- and on a dime, no less!

All you need are a few key materials to get started. Aya found her tea set at a local thrift shop and scored two saucers for $1.99 and two cups for $2.99. Major score! For paint colors, she used Pebeo Porcelaine 150 in Turquoise and a Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pen in black. Of course, you can get as creative as you'd like with colors, but I think these look smashing together!

From there, you'll need a paintbrush, tissue paper and a jar for water. That's it! Aya has some awesome how-to instructions for how she created her pattern, but if you like to doodle, why not try it free-hand? You'll be guaranteed a unique, custom look that your guests will eye with envy.

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The DIY Reel: Create a Rolling Kitchen Cart

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-15T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, in the kitchen, kitchen

My husband and I put an offer on a fixer-upper (ahhh, the agony of moving yet again!) this past weekend and if our bid is accepted, it looks like we'll be facing a super intense kitchen makeover. Of course, helpful tips like Kelly's rolling kitchen cart makeover will come in handy when it's time to tackle that kitchen island.

The best part about this easy-to-do tutorial? It uses a basic side table as its main material, and we all know how many side tables are scattered among garage sales and thrift shops. Why not keep your eye open for a side table next time you're out and about? Chances are, you can score one cheap and splurge on a nice countertop material (I'd love white marble or slate!) and caster wheels.

Another option? Cover your side table with stainless steel sheet metal for a sleek, modern look. You'll get a few more scrapes and dents in the island, but hey --- isn't that the definition of character?

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Daily DIY: Make a Woven Felt Placemat

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-15T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, crafts, entertaining, sewing

Weave your way through the fall season! Photo: The Purl Bee

Felt screams cooler weather to me, so I can't wait to get my hands on a pair of brightly-colored felt threads and work some magic this fall. For now, I'll be keeping this project from The Purl Bee close by -- I can't wait to try it and have a feeling that even I can't screw this one up!

The following materials will make a set of six 11-inch x 17-inch place mats:

Six 18-inch x 18-inch pieces of Ecru Wool Flannel (color of 91)
Two Wool Felt Bundles. This tutorial uses the spring shades offered.
OK-To-Wash-It Fabric Glue
water soluble fabric marker

From there, you'll need to cut, weave and finish! The craft couldn't be easier and would make an excellent art project for your family. Why not let your children pick out their own felt colors to give everyone a personalized place setting? Better yet, with holidays coming up fast, consider gifting felt placemats to your favorite families.

Get to work!

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Daily DIY: A Silhouette For Your Thoughts

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-14T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, art, crafts, gifts

Jump for this fall's newest DIY trend: active silhouettes. Photo: Jolie Ruben, Time Out New York

I love the timelessness of silhouettes, yet how the ways in which silhouette projects materialize are so, so versatile. This project from Time Out New York is a fun, quirky example of implementing a seemingly-stuffy concept into a more lighthearted environment.

The steps are easy enough:

You'll need:
o. Old photographs or a camera and printer to make new ones
o. Black construction paper
o. Scissors
o. Tape
o. An assortment of picture frames

Step-by-step:
1 Find a photograph of a loved one in an active pose. Or gather friends and stage new shots specifically for this project. The more dynamic the photo, the better.
2 Cut out the figure from the photograph.
3 Trace the figure onto black construction paper and cut it out.
4 Tape the new silhouette onto white paper and insert into frame.
5 Repeat the process and arrange the frames so that each silhouette seemingly interacts with the adjacent figures.

That's it! Get to it, folks!

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Daily DIY: AstroTurf It!

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-13T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor

Turf in style this season... Photo: Readymade Mag

Summer may be long gone, but I'm still allowed to dream of astroturf, right? Especially after seeing this lovely DIY AstroTurf couch in a recent ReadyMade mag issue. The perfect outdoor seating would look just as smashing on a front porch or sunroom, and I'm half tempted to strike a deal with the husband -- if he helps me build an AstroTurf couch, I'll let him use the leftovers for his very own backyard golf course. Good deal, right?

And you know what? Turns out I don't even need his help to build it! The instructions couldn't be easier:

1. Take removable cushions off of the sofa. Lay AstroTurf down on the sofa and cut into pieces just large enough to cover each area with a slight overlap.
2. Using the staple gun, attach AstroTurf, stretching as you go for a snug fit. You don't need to cover the bottom of the sofa, but try not to leave any gaps where water might seep in.
3. Cover removable cushions separately.

Super fun, right? So excited to try it!

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Daily DIY: A Chair Made From Pool Noodles? Yes!

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-12T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, tools, wood working

Re-purpose those pool noodles into a sleek, modern chair. Photo: Instructables

It's time to pack up those pool accessories and face the facts -- cooler weather is here to stay, whether we like it or not. Still, you can have a bit of a last hurrah with those old pool noodles you've got scattered around your back patio. Why not transform your average noodle into a fabulously unique chair with this tutorial from Instructables?

One tip from our expert designer? "The chair's joints are cast aluminum, made using the lost styrofoam process. I know most people don't have access to a foundry, and getting custom work cast is expensive. However, the joints could just as easily be made out of wood, hopefully something that provides a nice contrast to the plywood"

In other words, get creative with a few inexpensive and crafty materials to keep the bill low and the work unique. Sometimes having a budget is the best way to ensure you have a one-of-a-kind piece!

Happy crafting!

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Daily DIY: A Warren Platner on the Cheap

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-07T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, household hacks, weekend projects

Add a circle of glass and you have it -- instant designer side table! Photo: Chiasso

Think you need to spend the big bucks for a Platner piece? Think again. In fact, a trash can could do the trick just fine. And yes, I'm being serious. Chiasso has a new garbage can that looks oddly Platner-inspired. Why not cut a circle of glass over the opening and call it what it is --- a designer side table!

Even better? You can get a circle of glass cut for a few bucks at your local glass or framing store, turn the table on its end and for around $30, you have a designer-inspired side table. Try finding that great of a deal at your favorite big box retailer.

Proof that to get an aesthetic of high design, you don't necessarily have to pay a high price tag. In fact, design is in the (sometimes trashy!) details.

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ShelterPop Swap: Build a Colorful Bookshelf

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-06T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, tools

Organize in style with these DIY colorful bookshelves! Photo: Laura Plouzek

Our friends at ShelterPop are back at it again with excellent DIY-able advice. This week? Learn to make these kid-friendly, colorful bookshelves that you can arrange and re-arrange to your heart's content.

What you'll need:
- A jigsaw or similar saw
- Sandpaper/electric sander
- Wood screws
- Powerdrill and/or screwdriver
- Lumber
- Wood glue
- Paint
- Measuring tape
- Pencil and paper

The Plan:
1. Use your saw to cut your lumber pieces to the length that you need.
2. Use a vice or clamps to hold the pieces together and use wood glue to join the corners of the lumber together. When they are dry, drill wood screws into each corner for reinforcement.
3. Sand down all of your edges.
4. Paint your boxes. Laura used high quality spray paint, but any thick, interior household paint or craft paint for wood will work just find.
5. Stack boxes into alcove and enjoy!

Isn't the look adorable, colorful and unique? I can't wait to try it myself!

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The DIY Reel: Turn a Table Runner into a Valance

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-01T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, doors and windows

With fall around the corner, I'm shopping for more autumn appropriate tableware, specifically table runners. But after seeing this video, it looks like I won't be using my table runner for entertaining...

Smart, right? Don't worry -- if a valance isn't your thing, there are many uses for table runners that don't even involve sewing. A few of my favorites?:

1. Wall Hanging
Hang either vertical or horizontal for an unexpected dash of textiles in an otherwise bare space. The look is beautiful, whether framed or unframed. I'd go with a pattern or embroidery-inspired table runner to make the most of the aesthetic.

2. Gift Basket Lining
The perfect hostess gift always includes something for the table. Why not line your basket with a table runner for a re-usable and inventive way to welcome your neighbor to a new community? Include fresh flowers, fruit and seasonal teas for a wonderful, creative gift that any hostess will love.

Table runners aren't just for the kitchen anymore; get creative and mix things up... you'll be thrilled with the result.

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Sophisticated Halloween Decor

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-30T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, seasonal

So. Halloween is inching closer and closer and I'm dreaming of throwing a sophisticated dinner party for the occasion... or at least dressing my home in festivities. Yet I'll admit -- I hate the traditional black and orange "ghoulish" decor. I can't handle skeletons in my home, absolutely despise scarecrows and wouldn't be caught dead (no pun intended) courting the thought of a Frankenstein head as a centerpiece.

So what's a gal like me to do to ring in Halloween? Shall we just skip the occasion and go straight to turkey decorating? Never! I've rounded up a few great ideas that are as easy on the eyes as they are on the budget. And don't worry -- you won't find any dead fingers amidst these looks.

Black and white and chic all over. Photo: My Little Corner

Gothic Black/White Graphics:
I love the Thomas Paul collection of Gothic melamine plates, and luckily, with a few pumpkins and black candlesticks strategically placed, the look can be quite Halloween-esque, but still perfect year-round. Good deal, right?

Gilding Pumpkins:
Turns out that a can of spray paint takes an orange staple in the Halloween decor industry up one notch to chic, understated glamor. That's right; the pumpkin gets a facelift with gold and silver gilding. This entryway is definitely my kind of autumn decorating, and I can't imagine trick-or-treating with anything else.

Raven Silhouettes:
I know, I know --- I said no tradition Halloween decorations. But the raven, although spooky and understandably ghoulish (you saw Birds, right?!), isn't altogether Halloweeny, right? Because a raven silhouette in a glass casing is a trend I could really get behind...

Autumn Centerpiece:
Although I'm not usually a supporter of the silk flower movement, seasonal decorations sometimes call for faux arrangements. In this case, the bright marigold and daisy palette is both inviting and classic, creating a gorgeous centerpiece worthy of Halloweens across the globe. The orange screams "fall" without screaming bloody murder. My kind of Halloween!

Overall, there are so many ways to infuse your home with seasonal decor --- with or without the witch's broom. Get creative using items around your own home to complete an eclectic, fall-inspired aesthetic that won't break the bank -- or your superstitions.

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ShelterPop Swap: 5 Dreamy Headboards You Can Make Yourself

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-29T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor

Lie down and bask in the beauty. Photo: ShelterPop

We talked headboards last week, and I can't help but shake the fact that I desperately need to spruce my own up a bit. As usual, I'm taking a cue from our fellow friends at ShelterPop. This lovely round-up has me craving a Saturday afternoon with a bit of fabric, plywood and my handy dandy staple gun.

This handy ReadyMade tutorial is one of my favorites, as I'm an avid read-in-bed kinda gal. There's nothing comfortable about stacking a few pillows against a hard, upright headboard, so this design is perfect for me. And with just a few tools, the process couldn't be easier!

Don't see one you like? Blogger pioneer Grace Bonney from Design*Sponge gave us a sneak peek of her own bedroom, including a DIY video of this gorgeous homemade headboard that's fit for a queen. Or, you could check out Curbly's round-up of 10 Fantastically DIY-able headboards.

Happy dreaming!

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Daily DIY: Marker It!

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-28T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, art, crafts

Fabric markets? Yes, please! Photo: Mer Mag

Personal touches are the new trend this fall, and I'm all for creating a fun spin on normal, everyday products. Naturally, these lovely fabric markers spotted on Mer Mag are right up my alley -- and should be up yours, as well. With a dash of skill, these markers can make anyone an artist.

Merrilee is attempting to create a tablecloth, using her pattern know-how to the best of her abilities. I think the look is marvelous, and the mustard yellow is the perfect accent for any dinner table. I can't wait to see how it looks finished!

Why not attempt to freehand your favorite pattern? Or, if you don't trust your creative instincts, simply trace a patterned silhouette, decal or paper cut onto the fabric. There is so much fun that can be had with just a few markers and a clean slate. Think of the possibilities -- curtains! bedding! blankets, oh my!

To purchase markers like Merrilee's visit Dharma Trading Co. right here.

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