So, you want to give your Valentine a gift that's original, adorable, and straight from the heart? Well, you have less than a week to do it (yes, V-Day is this Sunday). No worries, though: I have just the project to keep you in the good graces of your spouse, kids...well, just about anyone this February 14th.

Inspired by David Stark's blog, I'm excited to present this super-easy and totally doable craft that you can personalize to your heart's content: custom clocks!

Yep, you can make a clock out of virtually anything. All you really need is a simple clock kit -- which includes the hands and the movement (the case that houses the clock's mechanism). Check out the easy (and affordable!) project after the jump, complete with a tutorial and a few ideas to get you started.

YOU'LL NEED:
(1) Clock kit (I used this model from Amazon, which came with handy instructions and a few spare parts)
(1) Power drill
(1) 9/64" drill bit
(1) Item to drill the clock onto. Feel free to get creative here! Think of an object that represents something your Valentine is particularly fond of.

Book publisher Oxmoor House recently recalled nearly one million do-it-yourself books due to bad advice regarding electrical wiring in the home. Fortunately, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), no incidents have been reported in relation to the recalled books. Regardless, the following nine titles have been removed from shelves:

A little late for this year's Hannukah festivities, yes, but hey -- there's always catch-up next year, right? After all, when you find a craft project that's this good, you'll use any excuse you can to display it year-round! Thanks, ReadyMade!:

1. Gather eight clear bottles of one size (we used small Lorina Lemonade bottles) and one slightly taller bottle.
2. Soak the bottles in warm water to remove the labels. (Use Goo Gone to remove any stubborn areas.)
3. Cover the surface with spray paint, adding a second coat only if necessary-too much can result in cracking and peeling.
4. Insert taper candles into bottle openings, arrange with the taller bottle in the center, and light each night.

Happy Hannukah!

Sure, bananas grow in bunches, but should they stay in bunches? Never! Bananas release gases which cause fruits (including other bananas) to ripen quickly. Separating them will keep them fresh longer, so separate those bananas and place each in a different location.

Of course, if you have a few less-than-desirable bananas laying around, you could always put them to good use, even if they're not the freshest fruit in your home. Turns out that bananas contain potassium, which is also a key ingredient in shoe polish. To polish your shoes, all you need to do is rub a banana peeling on your shoes, buff with a soft cloth, and then sit back and admire your shoe polishing job.

Fantastic, right? Check out a few other fun, banana-related posts here on DIY Life:
-Fix a CD or DVD scratch with a banana
-A banana amigurami? Yes, please!

I'm thinking of switching up the holidays this year and gifting presents for Thanksgiving, rather than Christmas. Why not offer up some DIY pumpkin facial masks to a few of your favorite lady friends? The tutorial is simple and easy to do:

Pumpkin Face and Body Mask
* 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
* 1/4 cup bentonite clay (available at health food stores)
* 1 tbsp honey
* 2 tbsp water
* 1 tbsp almond oil
* 2 tsp cinnamon

Mix together and apply evenly to your face or anywhere else you'd like to smooth. Leave on 10 minutes before rinsing. Almond oil moisturizes, clay draws out impurities, honey replenishes collagen and cinnamon improves circulation.

And guess what? "Pumpkin contains antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, as well as phytonutrients that help keep you looking young," says Michelle Schlekewey, spa director at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego.

An extra serving for me, please!

Yep, our friends at Holidash even have you covered this Halloween. Whether you're a lover of DIY or a lover of TV (or perhaps a lover of John Krasinki, which is ... umm, every girl I know), Holidash has a tip for your 'The Office'-inspired costume. Which character will you be this year?

Read on!

It seems everyone I know has a love/hate relationship with The Office. I'm on the love end of the spectrum, perhaps because I'm living vicariously through the show. After all, I work in my pajamas at the kitchen counter, so wouldn't it be fun to channel my inner office employee for the day?

For me, that day is October 31st, where I plan to trick-or-treat with a few friends as our favorite characters from The Office. Want to see the list?:

Jim Halpert
Wear: Harness your Halloween look with 3-hole punched Jim, or go as everyday Jim with a long-sleeved Oxford shirt and tie.
Carry: A messenger bag and your heart on your sleeve.
Finishing Touch?: A perfected Stanley impression and a few emergency packs of Jello.

Pam Beesley
Wear: An outdated work outfit, preferably button-up and longer skirt. Oh yes, and loafers.
Carry: A 6-pack of Mixed Berry yogurt.
Finishing Touch?: A half-up permed hairdo and plenty of harnessed flirtation.

Michael Scott
Wear: A business suit and receding hairline.
Carry: An unhealthy affection for your boss, Jan Levinson. And, of course, keys to your Sebring convertible.
Finishing Touch?: Add a spare head on your shoulder to harness Michael's Halloween look.

Dwight Schrute
Wear: A yellow, short-sleeved Oxford shirt with a mismatched tie, brown slacks and glasses.
Carry: A grudge against your nemesis, the 3-hole punched paper, Jim Halpert.
Finishing Touch?: Pit stains. You didn't grow up on a beet farm for nothing.

Kelly Kapoor
Wear: Anything from Bebe.
Carry: A perfectly-coordinated clutch purse to match your well-manicured nails.
Finishing Touch?: Grab a random guy and make out with him. You know, to make Ryan jealous.

Who needs "practical" items when you can transform them into a quirky character with needle and thread? That's the question at the heart of the work of Ossu! Shugeibu, the super cool and macho guerilla crafting club from Japan!

Ossu! Shugeibu was founded in 2003 by Shoichi Ishizawa and seven of his male friends, none of whom had any background or skills in crafting. They were interested to find out what inexperienced but creative men could do with traditionally female crafts. The resulting "club" became a fun and inspiring community meeting on a regular basis.

Translated into English as Yo! Crafting Club, Ossu! Shugeibu is fueled by a mix of testosterone and pure creativity uninhibited by rules or conventions. Using repurposed materials and freestyle techniques, founder and president Shoichi Ishizawa inspires his myriad club members - men and women who have participated in his workshops - to create surprising craft art without any prior experience in the traditional crafts.

Want to see some Ossu! Visit NYC's Gallery Hanahou where the exhibition is currently taking place; it's a true inspiration for DIY folk worldwide!

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.

Are You DIYing Safely? Well, according to some UK statistics and news reports, the British certainly aren't. According to a handful of headlines that keep popping up in my browser, the English have done a better job tracking DIY-related injury ... and a better job of stoking anxiety about it.

"You're Better Off Staying in Bed," yells one headline, while another reads "DIY Shows on Television Causing 'Rise in Accidents.'" That's right: some blame TV renovation shows for the uptick in reckless DIY activity and resulting injuries. We're talking power tool and ladder mishaps, and all the other bad stuff that'll land you in traction.

For some time now, I've been watching for equivalent claims here in the US. But there's nothing. Nada. Searching key words like "blame," "DIY" and "injury" in the US news produces dramatically different results. The CDC blames cats and dogs for many domestic injuries, a Florida driver blames his SUV crash on a snake, and roller shoes are blamed for kids' injuries.

But DIY doesn't enter the picture. Why the disconnect? I'm stumped. Is it cultural? Please share your views in the comments section!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. And, as it turns out, we're not faring well indoors, either. With an increasingly contagious flu on the loose, we need take important measure to keep our families healthy. Of course, in my home, flu has already taken over our lives and we're currently nursing four runny noses with eighteen tissue boxes. Because we don't like to pop pills every four hours, I thought it may be nice to research a few household remedies for our autumn aches. Want to join along? I've got eight surefire ways to beat the flu -- one herb at a time.*

1. Take Vitamin C to boost immune system and increase the number of white blood cells. However, be sure to get your Vitamin C straight from the source, rather than vitamins. Because the flu reduces your appetite, you're at risk for burning your stomach lining with a vitamin. (I actually burnt my stomach lining this weekend, and trust me, it's not an enjoyable sensation!).
2. Take Zinc lozenges to boost the immune system as soon as your symptoms develop.
3. Take garlic capsules to decrease the growth of the virus.
4. Make a homemade tea with the following ingredients:

* 1 tsp. bayberry bark
* 1 tsp. grated ginger root
* ½ tsp. cayenne powder
* 1 cup of boiling water

Let sit for 20 minutes, then enjoy.

5. If you experience a cough, throat and chest pain, dry mouth/lips and are thirsty, try Bryonia Alba.
6. Try Gelsemium if you have symptoms of chills, aches and/or fevers.
7. Nux Vomica is often used when a simple cold has develop into influenza.
8. Cat's Claw has been known to shorten the duration of the flu.

In addition, drink plenty of water, orange juice and hot tea. Avoid milk and dairy products, as they speed mucus production. And lastly, get plenty of rest! You'll be back to your healthy self in no time.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Of course, it's always best to consult a doctor if you're feeling any of the above symptoms. Call your physician prior to self-medicating with herbs, as they could interact with your current medication.

I have a massive procrastination issue. I believe it started somewhere in university, where you could often find me face-down in a pile of unfinished classroom notes and study guides -- cramming for that inevitable 9 a.m. exam.

Not much has changed in recent years, although rather than the aforementioned study guides, you'll often find dinner party recipes, article deadlines, and -- this month in particular -- costume ideas for that dreaded Halloween party.

This year, I've vowed to change my ways and am getting started early. Yet, for those of you with chocked-full schedules that are anticipating a very late Halloween Eve, feel free to check out these last-minute costume ideas that have saved my procrastinating buns in the past. Each costume requires very little craft knowledge on your part, and should be easily compiled with household items. Ready? Let's get started!

1. Static-Cling
What You'll Need: Dress normally and pin a few pairs of panty hose, a dish towel and dryer sheets to your clothing.
Bonus: You'll get a few laughs, and will be the comfiest (sans pins!) in the room.

2. Paper Shredder
What You'll Need: A stack of paper. When someone asks you what your costume is, tear a piece of paper in half and proclaim "I'm a paper shredder!"
Bonus: You can use your spare paper for all of those phone numbers you'll be sure to get.

3. Nudist On Strike
What You'll Need: Dress normally and create a sign out of posterboard, cardboard, or whatever you have on hand. Poster should say "Nudist On Strike."
Bonus: Trust us -- no one wants any other kind of nudist at their party.

4. Aircraft Carrier
What You'll Need: Steal a toy airplane from your little brother, or make a paper airplane of your own. When someone asks you who you're dressed as, hold the airplane high and announce "I'm an aircraft carrier!"
Bonus: You still have one spare hand to hold your drink!

5. Refrigerator Magnet
What You'll Need: Spray paint a shoe box black and attach it to the back of your shirt. Instant refrigerator magnet!
Bonus: Your sense of humor just might magnetize a new date.

Proof that Halloween can be both fun -- and affordable -- this year, with or without the late night procrastination! For more Holidash highlights, head on over to Holidash right here.

Etsy seller Ideaka loves take out food enough to incorporate the packaging into a fun new DIY lighting kit. Chow mein never looked so good (unless you're on a diet, of course).

To win this lighting goodie, comment below with your favorite take-out-food-inspired DIY and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck, and hurry -- contest ends Friday!

CONTEST RULES

• To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us your favorite take-out-food-inspired DIY project!
• The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, September 11, 2009.
• You may enter only once.
• One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
• One winner will receive one Take Out Light (valued at $40).
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
• Click here for complete Official Rules. Winners will be notified by email, so be sure to provide a valid address!

I have a horrid coffee addiction. For some reason, I can't quite focus in the morning without my daily cuppa. I usually stop there, but it's not pretty. Needless to say, at one point, I had dozens of these frappuccino bottles rolling around in the backseat of my car (did I tell you I'm a reformed slob?). If only I'd saved them for a tutorial as good as this one...

What You Need:
(1) Starbucks Frappuccino bottle
(1) White and (1) Clear can of spray paint
(1) Set of colored paint for your letters
(1) Fine paint brush
(1) Pencil
(3) Sheets of carbon paper
(3) Print-off sheets of your choice words

That's it! A quick and easy tutorial with a big result. I'd love to use these for as party centerpieces, as they're cheaper than most vases, and come on -- the coffee inside is just icing on the proverbial cake!

And while we're talking spray paint, don't forget to check out Kelly Edward's foolproof spray paint tips right here!

It seems that every DIY tutorial I've come across in the past few weeks involves spray paint. Whether I'm transforming a patio set, desk or kitchen cabinet hardware, spray paint often seems to be the quickest and easiest route. Yet when I attempted to create a wooden stand for a project I'm working on, my spray paint job looked a little less luxe and a lot more... well, loser.

AOL's home decor expert Kelly Edwards came to my rescue with this quick and easy tutorial on prepping, priming and spray paint techniques. If you're ever unsure how to create that lacquer-finish look with a can of spray paint, this is the tutorial to watch:

And once you've learned the art of spray painting, why not tackle that old chandelier in your dining room? Even if you don't love the result, you can turn the empty can into a light fixture of your own!

If you've ever shipped posters before, you'll know how inexpensive cardboard tubes can be. And if you've ever shopped for a chandelier, you'll know how expensive those can be. Let's swap the two, shall we?

Instructables shows us how to create a lovely chandelier with a few materials and just $25 (the cardboard tubes used in the tutorial were free, but you can get more than enough for the project for less than $10 right here).

The tools? Gorilla glue, cardboard tubes, seam ripper, clamps, marker, metal wire, light sockets, surge protector, light bulbs. That's it! Easy enough, and definitely worth a trip to the hardware store for a $30 chandelier.

Don't like the industrial look? Why not spray paint your cardboard tubes in a bold lacquer color, such as hot pink or lime green. Or, for a more glamorous look, paint the tubes white and let the bulbs shine through.

However you slice it, this light fixture will score you a permanent spot in the Most Inventive Lighting Awards* next year!

*MILA may or may not exist.