I know this is like, the millionth post I’ve written that involves building things out of wooden pallets, but I can’t help it! I love them! They’re so cheap (usually free, if you look on Craigslist or ask around at businesses), and they have a great “shabby” chic, rustic feel. They’re also perfect for projects that just need a few extra planks of wood. That’s why when I saw this post at The Homestead Survival, I knew I had to share it here. It’s a detailed photo tutorial on how to make wooden flooring out of pallets. Hardwood floors usually cost thousands of dollars with costly installation expenses. If you like the unconventional, patchwork-y look of pallet wood anyway, and don’t mind some DIY elbow grease, this project is for you! Check out the full tutorial here.
Friday Fun Video: Folding a Fitted Sheet in 30 Seconds
For those of you who thought it was impossible/witchcraft. I know I used to! Haha!
Concrete Counters Tutorial
Have you been wanting to update your kitchen (or bathroom) counters, but aren’t really sure what you want to do? Want to save money by turning it into a DIY project? Always liked the look of granite and stone on counters? Well then, consider this idea by Sarah at Sarah’s Big Idea blog. This post includes a full, detailed, photo tutorial on how to make faux concrete counters. This is the first I’ve seen of this look, and it is beautiful! The tutorial also walks you through how to build the entire counter from scratch, which is a huge bonus. Go check it out!
Bathroom Organization Tips
Bathrooms can be one of the most difficult spaces in the house to get organized (next to the kitchen! Yeesh!). Often, it’s a very small space that needs to contain a lot of products. Toilet paper, towels, soaps, shampoos, toiletries, hair supplies, and cosmetics? Usually, the dinky space under the sink is just not going to cut it when you have a thousand bottles of goop and no place to put them. Jennie at Craft-O-Maniac has some great ways to store your bathroom junk, all while looking stylish and un-bathroomy. Check out this entire post at her blog for her amazing before and after pics, as well as some creative storage solutions.
Cleaning Hacks that Will Save Your Life
Have you ever just looked at a mess in your home and thought, “Now, how in the world am I going to clean THAT up?” You know what I mean. Sharpies on walls. Wine stains on white carpet. Heavy electrical appliances used for cooking that obviously can’t be thrown in the dishwasher (old crockpots? Toasters? Waffle irons? Griddles?) Well, luckily for you, this huge post by Anna at My Life and Kids has ways to clean up just about every common (but tricky) household spill, stain, or mess. The best part? They often just use other items around your house. Check it out!
Here’s how to get rid of permanent marker from hardwood floor:
Put a dab of white toothpaste on the marker.
Then rub like crazy with a damp washcloth or paper towel. (I like to use my microfiber cloth.)
And you’re done!
Permanently Straight Picture Frames
Picture frames that like to remain obstinately crooked are a neat-freaks worst nightmare. If not mounted and secured properly, even the slightest bump can send frames spinning. If you find yourself constantly policing the pictures in your house and adjusting them on a daily basis, then this post is for you. Chelsea at TwoTwentyOne has a wonderful tutorial on keeping your frames permanently straight:
Are you ready for my secret weapon?
You simply stick two bumpers onto the two bottom corners of your picture frame, so one bumper per corner. Hang your picture frame. Slap your level on top. Adjust until it’s level. Then give the bottom corners with the bumpers a little push.
Making Your Cookie Sheets Shine Like New
It happens to all of us, even the best of housekeepers. Over time, cookie sheets (and metal bake-ware) just get yellowy and gross looking. The combination of cooking spray, constant use, and grease just tends to build up, especially in the corners. You ignore it and throw it in the dishwasher anyway, because hey, who cares? You’re just going to put foil over it next time you cook. Well, Jill at OneGoodThingByJillee has found a way to make them sparkle like new:
As I stared at the pans I wondered how my “miracle” cleaner would work on these. A couple of weeks ago I shared how the “miracle” of baking soda and peroxide had pretty much changed my life. 😉
Well, ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration…but I was FLOORED at how well it works on pretty much everything in my kitchen. It even worked on my long-neglected cookie sheets and pans! For corners and harder to clean areas, simply use some goo-be-gone!l
Friday Fun Video: Make Your Own Rain Barrel
A great way to save big on watering costs, all while being more environmentally friendly!
Friday Fun Video: How to Fix Damaged Drywall
Help with treating drywall damaged by water or other processes.
How to Get Rid of a Tree Stump
Trees are a beautiful necessity for any yard. But sometimes, for whatever reason, they have to go. They may have been damaged by extreme weather, or be in the way of a future construction (like a shed or home extension). The worst thing about trees is how much of a pain they are to remove– especially the stumps. However, worry no more! This post at the Family Handyman shows an easy way to get rid of annoying tree stumps– without a lot of backbreaking work:
- Remove as much off the top of the stump as you can with a chainsaw.
- Drill vertical holes throughout the stump
- Buy a can of stump remover and pour the granules into the holes.
- Wait 4-6 weeks- the remover will decompose the stump and it will become spongy. Then, you can chop the rest of it away with an ax or burn it.