How-To Archives - Page 7 of 31

Yard Projects That Up Curb Appeal

Having a nicely groomed yard is a huge factor in cultivating curb appeal. And even though winter is still raging on, now is the time to start planning yard improvements for the Spring. I love this amazing list at DIY n Crafts! It has 150 projects that you can do yourself (most are extremely easy and inexpensive) that will vastly improve your curb appeal if you are getting ready to sell. Here are some of my favorites from the collection:

-Plant a mailbox garden

-Refinish/ paint your front door, upgrade all hardware

-Add some window boxes

-Install outdoor lighting

-Wash and paint home and garage doors

-Reseed the lawn, plant perennials

-Keep the lawn neatly mowed

Photo Credit: normanack

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Building an In Home Bar

by Kathy T.

While it may not pay off if you are selling your home, an in-home bar is a lot of fun. If you entertain a lot, and have friends that like having a drink and hanging out at your house, a bar might be the perfect project for you. They’re great for sports buffs, TV and movie nights, and other get-togethers. If you are interested in creating your own home bar, check out this post by Gordon at Milligan’s Gander Hill Farm for a full tutorial. The post has an extremely detailed, photo-centric tutorial, so I don’t think that pasting any of it here will do it justice. Be sure to check it out.

Photo Credit: Matt Scott

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Saggy Sofa? How To Update It!

by Kathy T.

I feel like everyone has it: the 10+ year old, beige, microfiber sofa. It has stains of indeterminate origin, maybe some kind of sticky black mark (gum??), and saggy, deflated-looking cushions. If you don’t have one, you know someone who does. If it IS your couch, never fear! Making them like-new again is actually fairly easy. Instead of spending hundreds on a new sofa, you can simply perk yours up for less than $30. Check out this tutorial by Tonya at Love Of Family And Home if your sofa is looking slouchy:

–The first thing I did for this makeover was wash all of our couch cushion & throw pillow covers! Let me just tell you, I had NO IDEA how filthy those things were until I washed them! It was unbelievable!

– I bought a 10lb box of Poly-Fil at our local Walmart store for $20.00 and used it to add more stuffing to the back cushions and throw pillows. I just unzipped the cushions & stuffed! Easy peasy!!

-As far as the seat cushions go, I perked them up a bit using some Poly-Fil Quilt Batting ($9).

Photo Credit: kishisaka

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Starting Seeds For Beginners

by Kathy T.

If you’re an absolute beginning gardener, most guides will recommend that you buy saplings or seedlings, instead of trying to grow your plants directly from seeds. And it’s easy to see why. Starting seeds can be extremely difficult. If you’re a beginning gardener, getting the water and soil and sunlight all exactly perfect to cause a seed to sprout can seem daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be! Especially if you do your research. I found this awesome post by Stephanie at Garden Therapy, and it’s basically everything you need to know about starting your own seeds. Check out some of the topics:

–Seed Starting 101

–Tips for Starting Root Vegetable Seeds like Carrots, Beets, and Radishes

–Seed Starting Containers: The Real Dirt – Part 1.

Photo Credit: Stacie

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Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers

by Kathy T.

…What does that mean? Is it some hip new zombie video game? A type of dance move? Some kind of… I don’t know, amusement park ride? All wrong! Apparently, using the “thrillers, fillers, and spillers” rule is a way to arrange plants in a container for maximum aesthetic appeal. Read: how to make your potted plants look pretty. I’m a huge fan of potted plants! I love bringing the outside indoors. Just having nature around me makes me feel more creative and inspired. Apparently, putting multiple types of plants in the same pot is a great way to make them even more eye-catching. Just add a few of each type of plant to your container (a thriller, and a few spillers and fillers). Still clueless? Check out this post at Dwell On Joy:

THRILLERS – plants with height

SPILLERS – plants that spill over the side of the container

FILLERS – plants that fill up the empty spaces between the thrillers & spillers

– Be sure you match the plants in your pot by the amount of sunlight they will need. For example, full sun thrillers belong with full sun spillers.

– Be sure to use both foliage and flowers. Try contrasting colors and textures to get the most dramatic look!

Photo Credit: Smabs Sputzer

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Upcycling Idea: Ladder Shelf

by Kathy T.

I absolutely love the whole “shabby chic” design trend. I think it just makes the home look cozy and lived in. But, my favorite décor style is bohemian! Flowy fabrics, rich colors, plants living in the house, mismatched throw pillows and rugs- it’s the absolute epitome of maximalism! Which I am all about. That’s why I love this project by Donna at Funky Junk. It incorporates the best of both worlds, while also upcycling an old piece. Check out her stepladder shelf tutorial here:

-Select boards for shelves, wall supports, and something to connect the ladder to the wall.

-Lean the full ladder against the wall at the desired angle. Attach ladder to the wall with top brackets.

-Mark how long you desire the boards to be, then cut to size.

-Paint or stain boards if desired

-Attach supports to wall, add boards.

Photo Credit: My Latest Obesession

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DIY Bird Feeders

by Kathy T.

I grew up with my Dad always keeping bird feeders at the house. There was a hummingbird feeder on the porch, and at least two feeders filled with bird seed hanging from trees in the yard. I love watching them (especially hummingbirds- they’re hilarious), and helping them out- especially in winter. For a fun indoor craft you can do with kids, check out this post by Erica at What We Do All Day for some creative DIY bird feeders:

-Pine cone bird feeder- pour melted suet onto pine cone, hang with yarn or string from tree

-Hanging orange bird feeder- Step 1. Scoop out orange halves. Step 2. Poke 3 equidistant holes. You need at least three holes to keep it from tipping easily. Step 3. Thread string or twine through the holes for hanging. Step 4. Fill with tasty bird treats. We used bird seed and cranberries.

-Paper roll bird feeder- coat a paper towel roll with shortening and roll in bird seed.

Photo Credit: Frederique Voisin-Demery

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Orchid Care 101

by Kathy T.

I’m a pretty lazy person- so I’m a huge fan of plants that don’t demand a ton of attention to be kept alive. That’s why I love orchids- they’re gorgeous (purple!), and surprisingly low maintenance. They can also make beautiful gifts. If you want to start taking care of your own orchids, check out this post by Annie at Annie Hearts for some easy tips:

-You would think I was some sort of orchid whisperer. I’m so not! You can do this too and the best part is that it’s about as low maintenance as it gets.

All I do is:

give it two ice cubes once a week
keep it in a bright south-facing window with no direct sun

Photo Credit: Rene Mensen

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Cool DIY Ideas For Your Home

by Kathy T.

I’m always on the lookout for easy home upgrades that I can do- that don’t take more than five minutes. I love the idea of having a totally personalized, put together house, but I usually lack the skills to make all my DIY ideas a reality. I don’t know much about electricity, wiring, carpentry, plumbing, or even painting (I’d rather call a professional for those services) – but I’m all for throwing a little glitter on a dollar store item to make it look like a million bucks! That’s why I love this Buzzfeed article by Peggy Wang– it’s packed full of ideas that will make your home stand out, without having much technical knowledge on repairs:

-Paint your old vinyl or linoleum floors

-Make your own curtain tie backs

-Hide television wires in a shower curtain rod

-Add a large picture frame around your flatscreen TV- or add frames around light switch covers

-Cover an air vent with a doormat

Photo Credit: Curb Alert Blog

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Plants That Grow On Fences

by Kathy T.

I’ve always loved gardens that look a bit “wilder” than the average. Ivy growing up the side of the house, bursts of wildflowers and tall grasses, and hanging vines– I want it all. I like to give Mother Nature some control (there is a fine line between natural and unkempt!), and I love the look of plants that are more untamed. That’s why I was thrilled to find this post by Heather Rhodes at Gardening Know How– it has a long list of plants that will grow on fences. They can cover up ugly chain links, or simply just add more character to your yard:

–English Ivy

Photo Credit: K. Oliver

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