DIY Life

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-28T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Makeovers & Inspiration, Know-How

Yes, you can paint kitchen cabinets...and not be left with exposed brush marks or peeling paint. Kate from Centsational Girl shows us how she achieved these amazing results on her kitchen island.

Centsational Girl

The right way to paint kitchen cabinets has always been a mystery to me, one that I've always been too intimidated to undertake by myself. That's why I was thrilled when DIY home remodeling genius Kate from Centsational Girl has done gone through the tough task on her kitchen's center island. And it turns out that the task isn't so tough anyway. Here, check out her before...

Centsational Girl

It's impressive to see that the new white coat of paint is just as smooth as the original finish. You would really think that she had bought the island new. So, how did she do it? First, lots of sanding. While we always know to clean off the cabinets before painting, some of us (maybe even me) neglect to thoroughly sand the finish. Kate also recommends light sanding between paint coats as you work. (This is what prevents brush strokes.)

Another hint is to use an oil-based primer, which has a bonding agent and dries to a hard finish. Kate says that it's also helpful to use a conditioning additive like Penetrol to lengthen the time you have to work with the primer and to also minimize brush strokes.

Once the primer coat completely dries (and you've sanded away any rogue brush strokes), apply two coats of oil-based paint. While latex does dry quicker, an oil-based paint tends to be more durable over time. (Just be careful of white and paler shades, since oil-based formulas in these hues can yellow as they age.) For more tips, check out Kate's post on how to paint kitchen cabinets.

Want to read up on painting cabinets before you bring out the brush? Check out...
Replace, Reface or Refinish?
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
The Daily Fix: Cover a Scratch on Your Painted Cabinet

And to see another way to paint kitchen cabinets...

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

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Could You Get Paid to DIY?

Amy Preiser — 2011-08-25T14:07:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

In England, two landlords are testing a system that pays tenants to do their own routine repairs. Will it catch on?

If you're going it anyways, shouldn't you get the cash? Photo: Getty

Ever find yourself unclogging your drain or repairing a chipped tile and grumbling "I should really be paid for this"?

England's National Housing Federation feels your pain. The BBC reports that housing associations and councils spend about $1,633 on repairs per property, per year. So doesn't it make sense to put the money in the hands of the renters, rather than the contractors?

No, that doesn't mean renters will be in charge of everything that goes wrong -- just the little things. Landlords will still be responsible for uneven floorboards, where-did-those-come-from ceiling leaks and complicated plumbing issues.

And for the truly anti-DIY crowd, fear not: Tenants are allowed to use the cash for hiring help on their own...or perhaps buying dinner for a particularly handy friend. And while some skeptics might argue that simply paying tenants to take on a landlord's duties makes things more difficult for the renter, consider this: With the easier stuff pushed off their plates, wouldn't landlords be better equipped to handle major repairs? After all, if my landlord didn't have to deal with every one of my 29 building-mates calling to get a fix for their chipped sink, maybe he'd have time to tackle that weird water sound happening in all of our bathrooms. Or get the washing machine to stop eating my quarters.

And he's not the only person to benefit -- if I knew I could get paid for painting over the spackle he placed after a minor leak, I'd get around to it much sooner. Housing Minister Grant Shapps says it best: "When residents take pride in their homes it saves their landlords cash, so I think it's right that tenants should benefit too."

What do you think: Would you welcome cash-for-DIYing? Or do you want all home repair issues off your to-do list?

What about you?

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Random Recast: Corks Day 4

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-21T19:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Know-How, Living Spaces

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Corks.

Yes, I know what you're thinking: That's a lot of corks. But would it make you feel any better if I told you that each cork was sliced in half? So really, it takes half the corks you'd think to create this mat. Using real cork will make this mat antibacterial, mildew- and water-resistant. Your local wine bar (or fine restaurant) can often supply you with a bunch of corks, but I've also heard that wineries will ship old corks to you if asked. For the full tutorial to create this bath mat, visit Craftynest.

Want to catch up with this week's Random Recast: Corks? Check out...
Random Recast: Corks Day 3
Random Recast: Corks Day 2
Random Recast: Corks Day 1

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Weekend Project: 3 Kitchen DIYs

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-13T14:10:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Makeovers & Inspiration

Get a jumpstart on your weekend to-do list with these quick kitchen ideas from our sister site Shelterpop. These projects prove that small details can make a huge difference!

Weekend project #1: Rethink your kitchen cabinets
A standard-as-can-be kitchen gets a pop art-inspired new look thanks to the most creative use for posters we've ever seen.
Photographs by Jason Radspinner of Image Locations, Inc.

Weekend project #2: Fake a beadboard wall
In tough times, an interior designer tests how far she can stretch a dollar. What I loved about this story was the faux beadboard wall made by applying beadboard wallpaper ($25/roll). Much easier than adding the real thing.

Photo: Michael J. Lee

Weekend project #3: Change up your color palette with paint
In this makeover, a traditional kitchen gets a modern look. Though the tiled backsplash, new counters and cabinets are a little beyond the scope of a weekend project, the new soft neutral hued walls made just as big of an impact in a fraction of the time.

Raenovate.com

Looking for more great projects? Check out...

The Best Looks From Design on a Dime

Minute Makeover: An Herb Garden in Your Kitchen

Laundry Room Ideas: Cheer Up Your Chores

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Our Favorite DIY Projects from the ReadyMade 100

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-11T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Storage & Organization, Living Spaces

ReadyMade magazine recently crowned the top 100 DIY projects as submitted by their readers. Here are our favorites from the list.

Patricia Heal, ReadyMade

I love any DIY project involving re-upholstery. I mean, how many times have you passed up a thrift store find that had a good shape, but ugly fabric? (Too many for me to count, at least.) This project by Shelly Lear actually starts with an electrical spool, so it's a good starting point for learning the mechanics of upholstering. Here's the step-by-step.

Patricia Heal, ReadyMade

Need more storage space for the random stuff in your kitchen? Try these hanging bins made from repurposed loaf tins. Dedicate each for a different grab-and-go item, like utensils. Here's the how-to.

ReadyMade

This was my absolute favorite of all the DIY projects. Here, old cans destined for the recycling bin are joined together to create sculptural open-storage. It would work wonderfully on a wall. And how great would it be with a coat of glossy spray paint? Here's the how-to.

Can't wait to tackle one of these DIY projects? Then get ready by checking out...

DIY Project Tools and Tips
Safety Tips: 20 DIY Mistakes to Avoid

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Spackle Your Way to New-Again Walls

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-10T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

Spackle can cure a wide range of little wall problems that often add up to a big chunk of your security deposit. So before you leave your campus digs or move house, take a little time out for quick corrective action.

insinu8, Flickr

When faced with a wall of nail holes, cracks and random gashes, spackle is your friend. But when you go to the big box home store and ask for it, you'll get one of two things: A tub marked "spackle" or a pail of joint compound. If you get the latter, don't panic. For us home DIYers, the stuff is generally the same thing, functioning to repair holes in the wall. Though I know the pro contractor set might disagree, the main difference I've seen is that joint compound doesn't dry out as fast as spackle.

Next you'll need a spatula for spreading the spackle across the damaged area. Though the plastic ones are cheaper, go for the metal instead. (Or at least a metal-edged plastic model.) Metal will level the spackle more precisely than plastic. If you don't have the requisite ventilating mask, primer and paint to match the wall, now's the time to get them. And for your final purchase, pick up a sanding block.

With tools in tow, you're ready to go back home for the repair job. Let's assume that you've opened the door too hard, sending the knob into the wall, leaving a gash. Pick out the crushed bits of wall from the gash, leaving a clean crevice. Now, apply a good sized blob of spackle to your spatula and spread over the crevice to fill, using a smooth stroke. Wipe away the excess from your spatula, then use the clean edge to level out the spackle filling. Don't make it too flush; remember that spackle constricts as it dries. A wet sponge can be used to even-out big blobs.

After the spackle completely dries, check to see if you need another layer (which you will need if it's a big area to repair). If so, repeat the filling process. If not, then you can sand the area smooth and apply primer/paint as needed. You're done.

Want to learn more about the riveting world of spackle (and joint compound)? Then check out...

How to Fill Gaps in Walls with Joint Compound
How to Prepare a Room for Painting
Renters: Home Improvements That Move With You

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House Number DIY

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-09T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Exteriors & Facades

A modern house number set inspired by Neutra's classic design can be yours for under $20. And it's ready in under two hours.

Curbly

A new house number ranks right up there with painting the front door when it comes to adding curb appeal quickly. The trouble is that the really super-stylish ones can be oddly pricey. Believing that you shouldn't have to give up quality just because of a silly thing like a small budget comes this project by uber-DIYer Chris at Curbly. He replicated a whole set of house numbers for the fraction of a price of ONE number sold at DWR. Impressed? So was I.

Curbly

The secret to creating the lookalike house number set was nixing aluminum in favor of painted Extira, an exterior panel product that has the benefits of MDF (easy to cut, well-priced) but none of the downsides (it won't absorb water). After tracing a template, he then cut out the house numbers with a jigsaw. Screws were added to the back with epoxy to create a cool raised effect. Here's the full house number tutorial.

Want more creative house number ideas? Check out...

Everything You Need to Know About Curb Appeal
Erik Spiekermann Classic House Numbers
Exterior Home Makeover: Young Modern Style

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Hanging Art...When You Don't Have Any

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-06T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Makeovers & Inspiration, Living Spaces

How one talented illustrator (and Mom!) displayed treasured finds and sentimental mementos to create a whole new approach to hanging art.

Summer Pierre

When Summer Pierre wanted to create a happy focal point above her son's changing table, went for a salon-style arrangement of hanging art, with a twist: Instead of prints, the talented author and illustrator went for a mix of scavenged and saved items. Her son's handknit "jeans" (a gift from a friend), a vintage sign and even an egg beater.

Summer Pierre

In her own studio space, she took a more traditional approach to the art, but not the hanging method. Here, she clamped her latest illustrations using a clothesline. How cute! For more ideas, check out her house tour.

Looking for alternatives to typical hanging art? Then check out...
Wall Art Ideas to Make You Smile - Shelterpop
Atypical Wall Art - Shelterpop
Bright Idea: Recipes (and Food!) as Art - Shelterpop

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Pegboard Goes Out of the Garage

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-04T14:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Small Spaces, Storage & Organization

A panel of pegboard can lift up the clutter that's been taking over workspace, thanks to easy add-ons like hooks and shelves. And did we mention that it's ultra-cheap when compared to pricey wall organizing systems?

Lajos Geenen, Readymade

Crafty entrepreneur Diana Rupp hung up a huge piece of pegboard behind her workshop's learning stations, so students have everything they need right at hand. Makes you just want to play with those spools of thread, doesn't it? One thing I'll warn you about: A pegboard panel has to be raised away from the wall a little bit, in order to accomodate things like pegboard hooks. Most people build a rail or framework made from wood strips to accomplish this, but I've had success with attaching unused kitchen sponges at the corners of the pegboard backing using hot glue instead. (Of course, this was for a way smaller pegboard than Diana's!) Get the full how-to over at the fabulous ReadyMade.

sassyradish, Flickr

Julia Child famously organized her kitchen tools on a pegboard wall, but this DIYer took a more compact approach. I loved the notice-me shade of orange that was used, too. If you decide to paint the pegboard, I'd suggest spray paint. You won't have to worry about paint clogging the perforations the way a brush-on latex can often do.

adamknits, Flickr

Instead of a knitting bag (where yarns end up getting tangled into each other), hang the skeins on pegboard hooks. Just looking at all the different yarns is inspiring and keeps your stash at a manageable size.

Want more ideas for using pegboard? Check out...
Spring Spruce-Up: Organizing Accessories and Jewelry
5 Things You Can Do (Today!) to Organize the Garage
DIY: A Golden Jewelry Board

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Paint a Door - The Shortcut Version

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-04T10:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Exteriors & Facades, Essential Skills, Know-How

To boost your home's curb appeal and its value to potential buyers, just paint a door!

monkeysox, flickr

A quick color change is the most satisfying way to give your front entry a facelift, but it turns out there's a better way to paint a door, in just one easy step. The key is to use porch and floor enamel. This type of paint dries to a hard, colorfast, moisture- and mildew-resistant surface. (All without needing a primer coat.) It's ideal for front doors because the enamel dries to a super-strong coating that offers unparalleled protection against scratches. Once you paint a door with it, the color will stay bright and fresh-looking for season after season.

And, um...it also prevents the wood from rotting, something that most of us don't detect until things get really gross. Trust me, you do not want that happening. (But if it isn't too out of control, small bits of wood rot can be fixed with epoxy.)

The caveat: Enamel dries to a very glossy finish. So if you aren't a fan of the look, try an oil-based enamel, which has the same benefits of porch and floor enamel, but comes in eggshell finishes. Just be prepared for a slightly longer drying time.

I know, painting the front door is a chore. But you'll save time if you decide to tackle this project now, rather than later. Why? Because May is the ideal time to paint in most parts of the country. The general low humidity and friendly 50-70 temperatures present the ideal conditions for that coat of paint to dry quickly to a pristine finish. And if you're putting your home on the market, the fresh coat will signal to potential buyers that this home has been cared for, increasing its relative value.

Need a little brush-up before you paint a door? (Especially you, home sellers!) Check out...

How to Paint a Door

Selling Your Home: Quick Fixes for Big Returns

Exterior Paint Colors That Sell

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How I Snaked a Drain and Got My Security Deposit Back

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-03T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

Faced with a monster sink clog, I learned to snake a drain and fight a disgusting clump to the death.

Brie's sink. Yuck! Photo: Brie Dyas.

If I fixed this, I'd get my security deposit back. That's really the only thought that would motivate me as my boyfriend Chris and I took apart the sink drain pipes in my ancient apartment, then peered into the hole where the mother of all clogs resided. Deal with whatever was in there and I would get 2,000 much-needed dollars back. And probably a tetanus shot from handling the decades-old pipes. But that's OK.

Just why we resorted to the DIY route instead of calling my landlord was another thing. Well, two things: My cats Cookie and Roscoe. Not recognizing that unmarried women are compulsory given a cat to care for upon signing their first solo lease, the building management was decidedly less than enthused at the idea of feline occupants. So whenever something happened, which was frequently in the 90-year-old house, I had little choice but to roll up my sleeves and do it myself. (Alright alright, usually with the help of Chris.) And now that the building was being sold, it was high time to fix all of the "little things" that would take a big chunk out of my security deposit had I continued to ignore them.

First came the slow bathtub drain, which had been an ongoing problem that I had pretended didn't exist. (If you take to showering on top of a naturally-waterproof teak step stool, it's easy to ignore the rising water line.) It took about two hours to fix, using a trusty hand-cranked augur that's freed countless hairballs that were mere moments away from evolving and gaining the ability to talk.

Brie Dyas

Almost immediately after I pulled up the terrible treasure from the underworld, Chris discovered that the bathroom sink wasn't draining. Working quickly, we tackled it with the surprisingly effective "As Seen on TV" Turbo Snake. Enjoying the post-repair high, I went to the kitchen for a celebratory cocktail. As I rinsed out a glass, I watched with horror as the sink quickly filled with water.

Yep, it was clogged.

We overconfidently tried the Turbo Snake, which did absolutely nothing. Then the auger, which was about as effective as wishing the clog away. Even less effective: Calling Chris unprintable names as he splashed the standing water all over me.

At this point, late into the evening, reeking of sink water and bad attitudes, we decided to take a chemical approach with a liquid drain opener. I can hear what you're saying, so I'll address it now. Is it bad for the environment? Yeah. Bad for the pipes? Uh-huh. Does it make the whole house smell like a newly-cleaned locker room? You bet. But when you're inventing new insults, it's time to try anything.

Over the course of the next day, we tried two different openers to no real avail. My heart sunk as it became more apparent that we'd have to open up the pipes ourselves. Releasing the trapped water and drain openers through the clean-out plug, we then braced ourselves as we exposed the drain stubout.

It wasn't the overflowing grossness we expected but rather a yawning hole, or maybe a gateway to Narnia. The flimsy beam of a flashlight couldn't brighten the abyss. We blindly cast the snake in, like Captain Ahab trying to capture the whale. Nothing.

That's when it occurred to me: Take a photo of the hole. Not to preserve the terrible ordeal for posterity, but because the super-bright flash will flood the space with light. And once uploaded, we could lighten the photo further to see what exactly was clogging the drain.

Sounds crazy and impossibly nerdy but it worked. This was what was living in the drain, a half-hidden mass of unidentifiable grossness that yielded to the Turbo Snake minutes after this photo was taken.

And yes, I did get my security deposit back.

Still have more things to unclog? Check out...
Unclog a Drain: Baking Soda Vs. Drano
The Daily Fix: How to Unclog a Toilet
Tips for Unclogging A Dirty Drain

Want to be 100% sure that you get your security deposit back? Read up...
Renters: Get Your Security Deposit Back
Six Ways to Make Sure You Get Back Your Security Deposit

And if you want to see exactly how it's done, watch this video.

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How to Disguise Glass-Front Kitchen Cabinets

Francesca Clarke — 2011-04-22T08:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects

If you, like our writer despise your glass-fronted kitchen cabinets but aren't ready to bring in new doors, here's a few ways to give them a new look.

We didn't agonize over cabinet choices. We loved the house, and I never gave the kitchen cupboards much thought - until I moved in that is. Photo: Getty

I'm just going to come right out and say it: My glass front kitchen cabinets are just plain stupid. Seriously. This isn't a china cabinet or a living room display case, this is a kitchen cabinet, and in my kitchen I need function.

I know that in theory, the glass makes a small kitchen feel larger. But the result in my home is the opposite: It looks crammed, messy and pretty much the opposite of spacious.

But maybe it's just me: I've seen glass front cabinets work in some homes. If you have an abundance of cupboard space, go ahead -- display a few pottery dishes, decorative plates or wine glasses. When we first moved in, I had my best dishes in the display cupboard. But as our need for functional space expanded, my growing collection of mix-matched dishes migrated into that glass front cupboard for everyone to see. Now, there's a teetering stack of bowls, cups of every size, tacky coffee mugs and various dinner plates in there. Does it sound attractive? It is not.

And say you're a better person than me and your matchy-matchy dishes are always display-ready. Even if you manage to keep the inside of your cupboard clean, the outside will still be plagued with finger prints and will serious dust. Hardly appealing.

For now, I'm stuck with my glass front cabinets. And if you're in the same boat, join me in trying out these makeover ideas to make them easier to live with.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Here are a few simple ways to convert the see-through front and achieve a bit more privacy:

Glass Cabinet Rescue #1: Apply a Stained Glass Applique
This solution couldn't be more simple. Stained glass appliques are available at most hardware stores and come in a huge variety of colors and patterns -- including a frosted glass look, if you're into that. Buy a standard size or trim it to fit, stick it on and you're done.

Glass Cabinet Rescue #2: Paint a Functional Finish
If you're feeling a little funky, try chalkboard or whiteboard paint and use your cupboard front as a message board. Just make sure to include a cute message in there every once in awhile along with the standard "Buy milk!"

Glass Cabinet Rescue #3: Cover it With Fabric or Wallpaper
This is an interesting choice because it lets you change your kitchen's look with the seasons (or your mood!). Simply tape the fabric or wallpaper to the inside of the glass cupboard door and play with new color and pattern themes.

Are you in a small space with glass cupboards doors? How do you manage?

And check out these other kitchen makeover ideas!
Family Kitchen Makeover: From "Ugliest" to Unbelievable
Painting Furniture: 3 Kitchen Tables Get a Makeover
Modern Kitchen Makeover

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Carter Oosterhouse's Top 5 Manly Things You Need to Know

Colleen Oakley — 2011-04-08T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

There are some jobs around the house that you can get away with outsourcing. But these five should be all you.

No, changing a shower head isn't one of the things. But we love Carter Oosterhouse's confident attitude while doing it! Photo: Ketchum.

We don't mean to enforce stereotypes here: We believe that "manly things" can and should be tackled by both men and women. So read up, friends. If you already know how to do these, why not email this article to someone who could take the hint? (Or, check out ShelterPop for how to take your spouse from husband to handyman!)

For this, we checked with Carter Oosterhouse, the very manly carpenter from the HGTV series Carter Can.

Manly Thing #1: Know Where the Breaker Box is
Once you've located it, learn what to do when the power goes out, says Oosterhouse. Squealing is not the answer.

Manly Thing #2: Put a Ceiling Fan Where a Light Fixture Used to Be
"I think everybody -- guys and girls -- should know how to do that," he says. "When you get into electrical stuff, people think that it's tough, but it's really not." A ceiling fan can add value to your home and help save on your air conditioning costs in the summer.

Manly Thing #3: Install Crown Molding
"We always talk about how paint is and inexpensive way to transform a room and anybody can do it" he says. "I feel that way about crown molding too. It's not difficult to put up and it makes a room look 20 times bigger." Plus, a carpenter will charge you double the price you could do it for yourself.

Manly Thing #4: Use a Snake to Unclog a Drain
If you think this is referring to a live animal, you have a long way to go.

Manly Thing #5: Change a Sprinkler Head
"Sprinkler heads can get clogged up over the winter time or crack if the lawnmower goes over them," he says. "This is really simple to do, but shockingly not everyone knows how to do it."

For more great home repair and do-it-yourself tips, check out Carter's latest Green It Yourself webisodes.

And make sure to see...
Looking for Cheap Tools? A New Way to Get a Bargain
DIY Solar Projects You Can Do Today
Renewing Butcher Block Countertop

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Silverware Crafts for your Home

Nikki Pepper — 2011-04-07T10:01:00+00:00

Filed under: in the kitchen, Crafts, Small Projects, Crafts & Celebrations

Maybe you have an old set of mismatched silverware or maybe you're just feeling crafty. Either way, have we got projects for you...

Silverware is great on the dinner table, but we knew it had even more potential. So we went looking and found these three silverware crafts. (Okay, the last one is plastic -- but it still counts!)

Or So She Says

Or So She Says posted this silverware-turned-windchime craft. A perfect housewarming gift for the cook who has everything. Want to give it a try? Check out the step-by-step.

Design*Sponge

Design*Sponge brightens up your foyer or mudroom with these colorful block hooks. Perfect for hanging keys or the kids' jackets. Get the step-by-step instructions to make these hooks happen in your home!

ReadyMade

Or, try this version of silverware hooks. ReadyMade takes on the project with old spoons. We like the idea of flattening the spoons and mounting right onto the wall. Make this silverware craft by following these instructions. No spare spoons? No problem! Let a flea market be your craft store.

ReadyMade

And here's the plastic silverware craft -- another from ReadyMade. How can you not love this nifty idea? This craftster saw a candle holder in those extra party forks and spoons. And now -- we do too!

Ready for more DIY projects?
Make Jewelry Holder
P lant Seedlings in a Citrus Peel

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Unusual Uses for Cork

Nikki Pepper — 2011-04-04T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Unusual Uses, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Crafts & Celebrations

You know we're obsessed with finding out-of-the-ordinary ways to utilize everyday materials. Today: Cork!

Whether you polish off a bottle of wine a week, a month or a year, you'll still left with any number of corks that you have no idea what to do with. But who knew you could be saving those babies up for a bathmat, a wreath or any number of creative ideas we found?

craftynest.com

Cork Use #1: Bath Mat
We found this creative bath mat on Craftynest.com. It's composed of corks that were sliced lengthwise. Check out the step-by-step to construct one for your bathroom.

Design*Sponge

Cork Use #2: Lamp
Cork can be at your bedside with this unusual use. Design*Sponge posts the complete instructions for making a cork lamp. We love how you can just post your after-hours thoughts on your lamp, alongside inspirational photos.

Lovely Indeed!

Cork Use #3: Trivets
Keep this DIY in mind for when you need a housewarming gift! The blog Lovely Indeed! posts the easy how-to for this trivet. We like this idea as cork coasters too!

Elaine with Grey Cats, Flickr

Cork Use #4: Stamps
Carve shapes and symbols on the flat end of a cork for homemade stampers!

And even more uses for corks....

-Pin Cushion: You'll never have to search for your pin cushion when you can just grab a cork and use one to secure pins and needles while sewing.

-Furniture Covering: ReadyMade posted a DIY filing cabinet makeover. Instead of living with the vile green, the reader used piece of cork to cover the cabinet. Genius!

-Wreaths: We've seen a number of wreaths constructed of corks. And don't forget that you can dye the corks colors for holiday decor!

-Place Card Holder: If you score the cork -- creating a narrow slit -- you can rest a place card in the cork. This is a cute way to decorate a dinner party...especially one with plenty of wine on hand!

We have more unusual uses too! Check out uses for phone books and egg cartons!

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3 Creative Ways to Store Knives

Nikki Pepper — 2011-03-31T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: organization and storage, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Storage & Organization, Know-How

With these three ideas, you can store knives efficiently and creatively. (And we promise, your knife block will look nothing like your neighbors'.)

Knife blocks generally fall into two categories: Super high-design/super expensive and super basic/regular price. Instead of scouting out the few pieces out there that are attractive and affordable, we've got three of the best DIYs out there.

Shelterrific

Think popcorn is just for the movies? No way. You can bring kernals to the kitchen in a calorie-free way: Just choose any ceramic vase you wish, then just fill with popcorn! (Un-popped, of course.) We love how you can customize this idea to fit as many knives as you need -- and yes, that the kernals work in separating the knives and keeping them sharp. Check out Shelterrific for the details.

DIYLife

Another creative way to store knives? Why not build a wooden box and fill it with skewers! (And you thought they were just for shish kabobs!) Get the step-by-step to make this knife block in your home.

2Modern Blog

No room on your counter? No problem! Check out this magnetic block that mounts on the wall. We came across the idea on the 2Modern blog. Learn how to make this happen in your kitchen by following the instructions listed there.

Want more DIY ideas? Check out:
Make a Jewelry Holder
Uses for Old Phone Books

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13 Things You Can Clean With a Toothbrush

Kristine Hansen — 2011-03-29T08:10:00+00:00

Filed under: in the kitchen, organization and storage, cleaning, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Living Spaces

One of the cheapest cleaning tools is also one of the most versatile. Do you know all the things your toothbrush is capable of?

Mary Findley ("Mary Moppins" of GoClean.com) has been a career housekeeper for at least a dozen years. She's also the co-author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning" (2005) and wrote a follow-up four years later ("The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning"). It's the move-outs for private residences that allow her to do the best work -- and remove every single speck of dirt. About every four to five months at each of her client's homes she arms herself with a toothbrush and does a deep clean.

Photo: Getty Images

Here's are some areas of your home -- make that, 13 -- where a toothbrush will come in handy. In most cases, your favorite cleaning products or simply warm, soapy water over the toothbrush bristles will be enough to do the job.

1. Edges of the kitchen and bathroom sinks
"It's those little crevices where dirt goes. Toothbrushes work a lot better than toothpicks, which break off all the time and then get stuck," says Findley.

2. Sink drain
To clean out the drain in your bathroom or kitchen sink, simply pour vinegar (which Findley likes as it's less toxic than most other options) down the drain. Next, take your toothbrush and scrub, scrub, scrub until you don't see any more grime lining the drain.

Photo: Jolie Novak, AOL

3. Stove and dishwasher knobs
If you've ever tried to take a sponge and swipe it over the knobs on your kitchen appliances, then you know this just does not work. The goal is to remove all of the dirt, not just some of it. That's where a toothbrush is your friend. It allows you to get under and behind those pesky little knobs, which is actually where dirt builds up, yes?

Photo: Jolie Novak, AOL

4. Faucet base
Mold and mildew can easily collect on the base of a faucet, says Findley. Gently brush the wet bristles of a toothbrush over the base and more will come off than you could have removed using a rag or a sponge.

5. Linoleum flooring
Put a blob of toothpaste onto a moist toothbrush and get down on all fours to get stubborn stains out, especially marks made from boots or high heels. "That's the only way I get heel marks off my client's floor," says Findley. Note: Do not try this with hardwood or ceramic-tile flooring, however. The toothpaste could stain and the scrubbing leave nasty-looking marks on the floor.

6. Lampshade
Getting dust off a lampshade might require just a swipe with a microfiber cloth, but what about keeping the color pristine? Grab a children's soft toothbrush and gently rub it against the lampshade. "They are wonderful for cleaning the pleats in a pleated lampshade," says Findley.

7. Framed pictures or art
Take a small piece of gauze and cover the bristles, says Findley. "That does a good job of cleaning the corners of framed pictures." If you don't cover the bristles you run the risk of scratching -- and forever damaging -- a beautiful frame.

8. Toilet-seat hinges
Another tight space that a toothbrush has no problem fitting into.

9. Wall sockets for light switches
You're probably already thoroughly cleaning the socket, but what about the little "off" and "on" areas? The bristles on a toothbrush can get the dirt out of those little letters, no problem.

10. Sliding glass doors
You know the runners on a shower area's sliding glass doors? They get pretty grimy and they're a pain to clean. Findley suggests that next time you tackle this task with a toothbrush. "Runners get moldy pretty quickly. A toothbrush gets in the corners," she says. "Man, a toothbrush just zips that stuff out of there."

11. Window frames
Just like the sliding glass doors, the insides of window frames are prime real estate for collecting mold. Take a toothbrush over the cracks and crevices to do a better cleaning job.

12. Microwave or stove vents
Findley takes a rag (she' s really good at chopping up her husband's old T-shirts into 5" by 5" pieces) and gets it slightly wet with a cleaner before throwing it over a toothbrush. This is perfect for cleaning out microwave or stove vents. "You can't spray a cleaner back there because it will burn out the fan," she says.

13. Refrigerator vents and coils
Ideally these should be cleaned twice a year. "With the slats in those vents, it's real hard to get a cloth down there," says Findley.

Read about more surprising ways to clean:
Weekly Cleaning Tips Put to the Test
Mint Robot Cleaner: We Tried It, You Win It

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How to Flush Your Water System

Charles & Hudson — 2011-03-28T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

One spring cleaning task you may not have thought of yet: Cleaning the water. Here's how to flush out your water systems throughout your home.

Check out this story from our friends at Charles & Hudson:

Now that spring is officially here, spring cleaning is definitely in order. You're probably tackling floors, countertops, bedding and other commonly cleaned areas and items, but what about your home's water system?

Get that faucet running. Photo: Getty.

It's a good idea to flush out your water system once or twice a year to ensure any untreated water that may have built up in your pipes or faucets is removed, preventing possible contamination. An annual flushing may also prolong the life of your pipes and faucets. We've compiled some tips for different parts of your water system:

Hot water faucets: Turn on all hot water faucets and allow to run for 15 minutes, unless your hot water tank is larger than 80 gallons--then run for 30 minutes.

Cold water faucets: Turn on the tap and run the water until it feels cold; keep running for at least a minute or two.

Dishwasher: After you've flushed your hot water faucets, run one cycle with an empty dishwasher. (Bonus: Your dishwasher will be cleaner, too!)

Refrigerators: Flush your refrigerator's water dispenser with at least one quart of clean water.

These flushing tips are especially helpful if your area has recently been under a boil order. If you're trying to troubleshoot a noisy faucet, a more thorough faucet line flushing may be in order. And for that, you may want to consult your faucet manufacturer, whether at a retail location or via the Internet. Different faucets will require different flushing procedures, as well as a varying supply list.

What else is on your spring cleaning list?

Now -- check out these other great pieces from Charles & Hudson:
Best Way To Build Custom Window Screens
How To Get Rid Of Ground Moles

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Renewing Butcher Block Countertop

Mrs. FIXIT — 2011-03-25T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

One more thing to love about butcher block countertops? No matter what shape they're in, it's easy to make them look brand new. Here's how.

A butcher block countertop is a hard-working, hard-wearing, long lasting classic choice for your kitchen. The natural wood is treated simply with oil to lock in moisture and to protect the wood. Damage to these counter surfaces can be sanded or scraped away and the surface can be re-oiled to get back to its original beauty.

Photo: David Young-Wolff, Alamy

Over time, the oils in these counters can sometimes build up. But don't worry -- there's a way to bring them back to glory!

Step 1: If the surface seems sticky and oily, run a wide plastic putty knife over the surface to remove as much of the residue as you can.

Step 2: Mask of the remainder of the kitchen with plastic sheeting and pull on a sanding mask and goggles.

Step 3: Use a palm sander and a sixty-grit sandpaper to remove all of the surface scratches and damage. Work slowly and only in the direction of the grain. Going across the grain can cause more damage than good. Also, remember to keep the sander moving so you keep the surface nice and even. (Make sure you change the paper as soon as it gets gummed up with mineral oil.)

Step 4: When the surface is smooth, change to a hundred-grit paper and sand the whole surface again. Then work down to a hundred and fifty grit paper and finish up with a superfine two hundred grit paper for a smooth finish. Remember to clean the surface between each grit.

Step 5: Once all of the sanding is finished and all of the dust has been cleared, treat the surface with plain mineral oil and a soft cloth, which you can pick up at any drugstore, rubbing it well into the surface. Then let the oil soak in completely before you start using your counter again.

A beautiful counter brought back to life in a few easy steps. I'm Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!

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Creative Potato Storage: Try Pantyhose

Daniella Nicole — 2011-03-22T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Products & Materials, Storage & Organization, Essential Skills, Know-How

Fresher produce may just be a pair of pantyhose away. Really!

One great way to help lengthen the life of fresh potatoes -- and creatively store them -- is to use pantyhose. Start with either a new or old, clean pair of pantyhose and clip off the toe end. Tie a simple, semi-loose knot where the toe used to be and insert one potato into one leg from the waistband end. Tie a knot directly above the potato and then insert another potato into the same leg. Tie a knot directly above the potato. Repeat process as needed.

If this is your idea of potato storage, read on... Photo: Clinton Hussey, Corbis

Hang the pantyhose from a nail or hook in a cool, dark, dry place -- we suggest inside a cabinet, unless you consider pantyhose-packaged potatoes statement decor. Having the potatoes separated from one another can add time to their life and save you trips to the market. Of course, it's the tiny holes in the pantyhose that allow the potatoes to "breathe", while still keeping them protected.

Once you're ready to use the potatoes, simply untie the toe end knot and remove a potato. And if your spouse or kids look at you funny? No mashed potatoes for them.

Check out other great unusual uses:
New Ways to Recycle Phonebooks
12 Unusual Uses For Velcro
Cornstarch - Unusual Uses

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