DIY Life

I know, paper cups are bad, and I am bad if I use them. What if I reuse them? Can I redeem myself just a little?

If you've got paper cups kicking around, there are all sorts of ways that they can be re-purposed into cool Kiddie Crafts. Just this afternoon, I went to the pantry for some dried pasta and realized that there was only a very little bit left. I also came across some leftover party cups that I'd stashed away. What do you do with pasta and paper cups? Make maracas of course!

After the break I'll tell you how, share another paper cup craft that we tried, and point you to a few more that I think pass the kiddie craft test (simple, inexpensive, fun, and easily modified for different ages).

And you thought popsicle stick crafts were just for kids. Not true, not true. This basket-like purse is decidedly grown-up and frankly, it's too cute for words.

You'll need about 150 popsicle sticks. (I'd spring for the new ones you buy at the craft store. It's great to save the sticks from your icy summer treats, but I'd hold those back for another project. You don't want grape, orange, or cherry popsicle stains ruining the look of your new purse!) You'll also need wood glue, wood stain, a sponge brush, a handkerchief for the liner, and leather straps for the handles.

Glue and layer rows of the popsicle sticks in an elongated diamond pattern (about 25 rows of popsicle sticks ought to do it). Once dry, create a bottom for the purse with a dozen or so popsicle sticks. Let it dry overnight and then stain it. For the lining, fold the handkerchief in half lengthwise and sew together. Attach the leather straps, insert the lining, and your purse is complete! Scribbit has all the details on making this fun and functional purse.

[via Whip Up]

I've mentioned here before how much I love the amigurumi patterns by Brie, the Scottish blogger who writes at Roman Sock. She designs with a wonderful eye, and her resulting creations are completely charming.

This time, she's back with a travel yarn holder that you can crochet in one of two shapes: an acorn, or a strawberry. All you'll need to make it is heavy worsted weight yarn, a crochet hook, some ribbon, a few beads, simple crochet skills, and your spare time.

When you've finished, you'll have a cute way to protect a ball of yarn while you transport it, or to dangle it from your wrist when you work on a project.

Brie doesn't charge for her patterns at this time; however, one of her friends is seriously ill and is trying to raise over US $10,000 for treatment, so she's asking that people donate if they can afford to. It's for a good cause, so why not? Details at her blog.

[[via Becky at Craft.]]

I recently adopted a 10-year-old boy. Despite his having a big room with a big closet, a big dresser, and a big bookshelf, his stuff has slowly spilled out to the rest of the house in a big, big way. I've reassigned drawers and shelves all over the house for his belongings, but still we've had trouble keeping any semblance of organization.

I don't know about your kids, but for my son, anything that requires too much effort is useless. The over-the-door rack I bought for his baseball caps? It's completely empty. The case I bought for his Hot Wheels cars? It doesn't even house one measly little vehicle.

But there are kid-friendly storage solutions. What I've learned is that when it comes to kids and storage, easier is better. I'll discuss what I did after the break.

Easter is my favorite holiday, and the kid in me still looks forward to coloring eggs and waking up Easter Sunday morning to find the hidden basket of eggs, toys and chocolate. Of course, now I do the basket hiding, but it is still fun to watch kids find their basket.

This year, you can save some green by letting your kids make their very own Easter basket. Let them pick out the color of the cotton fabric, and weave the fabric around the stiff rope. Adult supervision is necessary when using the tapestry needle.

Once your little ones have the dimensions they want in their handmade Easter basket, you can help them make the handle for their basket. Don't forget to take pictures for Grandma and Grandpa; they'll want to see the kid crafted basket too. Top off their Easter basket with plenty of chocolate, leaving room for these pretty dyed eggs.

Could it be that the DIY'er/gardener you love so much might prefer something handy and practical this Valentine's Day? Afraid he/she'll be mad because you chose functionality over sentimentality? Never fear! Your gift can be practical and romantic. You see, the secret is all in the presentation.

Consider putting together a gift basket of DIY-type goodies, all wrapped up in colorful paper or cellophane, and topped with a red ribbon. The basket should contain some sort of mouth-watering Valentine's-themed candy, just for the sake of tradition. As for the rest of the contents, let your sweetheart's interests be your guide. For a gardener, how about seeds, a new pair of secateurs (pruning scissors), or new gardening gloves? For a handyman/woman, how about a hardware store gift card, a screwdriver or a new tool belt?

Selected your gifts? Now comes the fun part: making it look all nice and pretty. The gift basket is always a great choice. Here are some tips on how to assemble a Valentine's Day gift basket for a gardener, for example. However, if this gift is for a real manly man-DIY'er, baskets and cellophane aren't such a good choice. How about using a metal canister, like the one pictured above? Looks a little more manly, a little less frou-frou.

Visit our fabulous sister site, Holidash, to see all our Valentine's Day ideas!

There's something about eating outside that just makes food taste better. And when the food is great to begin with and the setting is a natural wonder, well, then you've got yourself a little slice of heaven.

That being said, eating outside takes a little work. Most of the time you can't find the candles, the picnic blanket, the plates or the plastic wine glasses. So what is suppose to be fun usually turns into a stressful-pull-your-hair-out Saturday afternoon.

This summer, organize like a pro and tuck everything into a portable container (preferably the picnic basket ) and park it near the door or in your pantry. You'll never have to waste time hunting for anything again.