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DIY: Mason Jar Garden Lights

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:00:52 -0700

Considering the prices of garden lights these days, I've been looking for a low-cost alternative. Lucky me, I found a DIY for temporary garden lights you can make from only LEDs, lithium coin cells, mason jars, and a little bit of tape. The lights will be temporary, until the battery runs out, but you can always refresh your battery supply just for about 30 cents each.
Supplies:

One ultrabright LED with a diffused lens per light
One CR2032 lithium coin cell per light
One mason jar per light
Tape, masking is fine

To learn the steps,

Before and After: A Free Ikea Chair Gets a Facelift

casasugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:00:45 -0700

Craftster member Minouette recently posted photos of the free Ikea chair she took from dumpster worthy to crave worthy. She writes, "I found this chair. It had a sad little sign saying FREE. It was filthy and had been much abused by a cat. The legs were scuffed and marked, but it looked solid and had potential."

To see the truly remarkable results,

DIY: Faux Bois Photo Board

casasugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:00:49 -0700

I recently stumbled across this clever DIY that adds faux bois to a board reserved for treasured photos. It's a quick and simple project with lovely results.

What You'll Need

Cardboard (any size)
Faux bois contact paper (about 2 feet depending on the size of your frame)
Picture frame
Scissors or Xacto knife

To find out how to make this faux bois photo board,

DIY: Collage Blocks

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:45:15 -0700

While this project was identified by Martha: The Martha Stewart Show as a DIY for baby blocks, I think they'd make a cool addition to a very grown up bookshelf or fireplace mantel. You can coordinate the images and paper you select for the greatest decorative impact.

What You'll Need

3 1/4-inch square wood block
Sandpaper
Scissors
Acrylic paint
Mod Podge
Paintbrush
Decorative paper
Emery board
Letters, numbers, and embellishments
Sponge

To find out how to make it, according to Martha,

Cool Idea: Hanging Wedding Flowers

casasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:45:03 -0700

Miss Cherry Pie recently posted photos of her hanging wedding flowers. She's still perfecting the idea, but I think they look great already. She writes that she "spent some time this weekend with my shepherd’s hooks and cache of jars working out how to attach one to the other. First, I picked out 20 jars of a similar smallish size, and set them aside. Then, I went a-crafting. I took a trip down to Michael’s to pick up some wraphia (aka raffia), a natural-looking, grassy ribbon that’s strong enough to use as a hanger."

Then, she tied the wraphia around the mouth of each jar, fashioning a handle out of it, and hung them from the shepherd's hook. This is such a lovely, simple idea for displaying large flowers. It's a beautiful, easy arrangement for any couple planning a DIY wedding.

Source

DIY: Organic Fly Trap

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:00:13 -0700

If you don't feel like spending your endless Summer chasing flies around with a swatter, a fly trap may be more like it. I recently came across a DIY for making an organic fly trap, and since this season goes hand-in-hand with the little pests, I decided to summarize it for you. You should have most, if not all, of the supplies already in your home.

Supplies:

A two-liter soda bottle (used)
Sharp knife
A wire hanger
Match, lighter, or stove gas flame
Electric tape
Bait (like a small piece of meat or dog poo mixed with water!)

To hear the steps,

DIY: Floral Foam Vase

casasugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0700

If you read Casa regularly, you've probably noticed that people are making vases out of almost anything these days (pipes, plastic bottles, honeycomb, light bulbs). Quite frankly, a makeshift vase (coffee can, glass bottle) is not the hardest DIY. But, when I came across a DIY from ReadyMade for a vase made from floral foam that was cheap, easy, and most importantly, water retaining, I was pretty impressed. You'll probably find most of the supplies needed for this project in your house, too; who can argue with that?
Supplies:

Floral foam
Wax pellets or standard white candles
Baking paper
Cookie sheet
Toothpicks
Long, sharp knife
Cookie cutter or jar lid
Double boiler
Coffee can, slightly flattened to form a spout
Aluminum foil

To learn the steps,

DIY: Marble Suncatchers

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

I spotted this DIY project on the blog Wisdom of the Moon, and was immediately taken with how lovely it looked. Better yet, this is an easy, simple project that only requires a few very inexpensive supplies, and which will hold up for years, even when left outside in the elements.

What You'll Need

Fishing Line
Flat-backed marbles
Masking tape
Glass Adhesive

To find how to make it,

DIY: Photo Triptych

casasugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:45:50 -0700

Using a triptych photo frame can make a photo collection more substantial, or unite three images with a common theme such as subject, composition, or color. And, if you have three wall-mounted frames without stands, turning them into a triptych will allow them to stand up on their own. A photo triptych makes a great gift and a fun weekend project.

Supplies:

three 3.5-by-5-inch unfinished pine frames
four hinges with screws
small flathead screwdriver
paint in your color of choice and a paint brush (or spray paint)

To see the steps from Martha Stewart,

DIY: Floral Fairy Lights

casasugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:00:12 -0700

Want to add some visual pop to your white fairy lights? With a few supplies found in your craft cupboard and kitchen, you can take your fairy lights from run of the mill to unexpectedly lovely in no time.

What You'll Need

LED lights (only use LED lights, as they do not emit heat)
short-bladed scissors
long-bladed scissors
cardboard egg cartons, preferably in a few colors

To find out the steps,

DIY: Dryer Balls

casasugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:15:32 -0700

My eyes are always peeled for alternatives to chemical cleaning solutions. So, when I came across a DIY for making dryer balls from wool yarn rather than the blue plastic PVC alternative, I had to share. If you've got some spare yarn in the house, you'll likely have all the ingredients necessary to rid your garb of static cling, so check it out!

Supplies:

100 percent wool yarn (use scraps!)
Old pantyhose or a sock
Cotton or acrylic yarn, or string
Scissors
Small crochet hook
Measuring tape

To learn the steps,

DIY: Cereal Box Magazine Holder

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

With a spare roll of decorative paper from Paper Source, and a stale box of cereal taking up space in my pantry, I attempted a little DIY project this weekend. You know how I love my shelter magazines and all of my paper projects. So I decided to make a magazine holder out of my cereal box, which would have otherwise made its way to the trash bin. To learn how to make one of your own,

In the News: Observing, Not Doing It Yourself

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:45:59 -0700

A recent New York TImes article, "If I Had a Hammer, I Wouldn’t Watch TV" by Michael Grimes, looks at the DIY movement through a most passive of pastimes — the television. Grimes spent an entire day watching the DIY Network, which is affiliated with two other get-up-and-do-it stations, the Food Network and HGTV. From the high class of This Old House to the writer's obvious boredom with knitting show Knitty Gritty (all right, yes, how exciting can a show about knitting really be?), a full day of DIY programming was critiqued from the safe confines of Grimes's recliner.

The obvious irony in this is that while do-it-yourself programs and books are meant to inspire ordinary people to pick up a power drill and get cracking, often the books, TV shows, and instructions never make it past the stage of observation. There's also, of course, something very seductive about watching a two-month-long kitchen remodel happen in the space of an hour. It's so much cleaner, cheaper, and less time consuming. On the other hand, it also means that the only home that's going to look any different is the one on your television screen.

To find out more about this article, as well as the DIY Network,

How-To: Create a Moss Chair

casasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:00:08 -0700

Last week, I introduced you to talented designer Kyle Schuneman, who's known for his innovative small space design. Kyle recently created this cool moss chair. Luckily for all of us, he also sent along directions on how CasaSugar readers can get the look of this awesomely garden-inspired seating option.

To see how to make this chair for your own home, patio, or garden,

DIY: Homemade Hammock

casasugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:00:51 -0700

Yesterday I told you about how I sewed a hammock for my backyard by riffing on instructions from the Getaway issue of ReadyMade magazine. If you want to get the exact instructions from the magazine, head down to your local bookstore and pick up a copy. In fact, I urge you to do so, as there are a ton of other cool Summer projects that will keep you occupied and crafting this month.

Want to get comfy in your own hammock? Then

DIY: Eco Liquid Soap

casasugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:00:24 -0700

So, it turns out that many cleaning fluids, such as anti-bacterial liquid soap, contain something called methylisothiazolinone, a chemical found to be allergenic, cytotoxic and linked to nerve cell death, as well as Triclosan, another anti-bacterial chemical registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a pesticide and is believed to destroy fragile aquatic ecosystems. The obvious alternative to using these chemical-filled detergents is simply to use all-natural bar soap. But, waaa, you don't like bar soap because it slips into the sink, looks messy and "dirty" sitting in its dish, and then it gets so tiny that you can't use it anymore. What to do? You can make natural liquid soap from a bar! To learn how,

Cool Idea: ReadyMade Magazine's DIY Hammock

casasugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:15:04 -0700

I picked up the latest issue of ReadyMade over the weekend, and was delighted to find it brimming over with fun, easy projects for Summer living. One project I started nearly immediately was making their hammock project, which was explained in the article "Re-Kindle." Basically, all you need for this project is an old sheet, a sewing machine, and some rope. I used a duvet cover I'd made a few years ago, and which had been gathering dust in the linen closet. The project only took about half an hour from start to finish (threading the rope through and remembering my rock-climbing figure eight and water knots took the majority of that time).

If you want to make one for your own yard, pick up a copy of ReadyMade at your local bookstore. You can also check back tomorrow, when I'll share my own version of building this hammock. And yep, that's my hammock in the photo. It's surprisingly comfortable and strong, given that it's just a few layers of cotton. Are you going to make one for yourself?
Source

Casa Quickie: Mirrored Furniture That Doesn't Shatter the Bank

casasugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:15:57 -0700

If you love mirrored furniture as much as I do, but don't have the dolla dolla bills to make it happen in your living room, there is hope. Find a piece of furniture you already own, or thrift one, and have a local glass cutter custom cut you a mirror (or several pieces of mirror) to the measurements of your table, dresser, etc. Sand the surface of your table lightly and adhere the mirror to your table with mirror adhesive like Liquid Nails. Presto! Your very own art deco-style furnishing. For detailed instructions, check out iVillage.
Source

DIY: Eco Chopstick Birdhouse

casasugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:15:12 -0700

I came across this YouTube video by eco-architect Michelle Kaufmann about how to make a birdhouse by reusing chopsticks from all those Friday night orders of vegetable lo mein. I'm actually quite impressed with the design; contrary to what you might expect, it doesn't look a thing like a kindergarten craft project. I summarized the steps for you below, but some of you may find the video helpful as well.

Supplies

Chopsticks
Non-toxic exterior glue
String or wire

To learn the steps,

DIY Inspiration: A Midsummer Night's Dream Light

casasugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:48 -0700

Craftster reader FrouFrouFreak made this "Midsummer Night's Dream Light" from floral wire, electrical wire, newspaper, Mod Podge, paint, LED lights, and some craft store details like silk flowers, birds, and butterflies. I can't recall the last time I was floored by a DIY project, so this one definitely takes the cake! It's simply magical. It looks just as fabulous and fairy-tale like sparkling in the dark as it does turned off in broad daylight. I can honestly say I'd pay big money to own this (more than the Crave Worthy butterfly chandelier I recently posted), and feel inspired to take on a time-intensive DIY project of my own. Do you love it? Has it motivated you to put on your DIY hat?

Source

DIY: Magnetic Vase

casasugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:30:59 -0700

I came across a DIY video for lanky magnetic flower vases on Curbly that was so magical and simple I decided to transcribe it for you. Essentially, by slipping a metal plate under your table, you can fool your dinner guests into thinking your wobbly, skinny vase (with a magnet butt) can stand up on its own. You can find all of the supplies at your local hardware store.

Supplies

One sink water line extender/thin metal pipe to use as the vase stem
A metal sheet to use as a base
A hack saw
Superglue

To learn the steps and see the video,

DIY: A Terra-Cotta Fountain

casasugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:30:51 -0700

It's safe to say that I'm a little obsessed with water features in gardens. Whether it's a koi pond or a granite fountain, I'm all for it. So, when I found this Martha Stewart post on making a backyard fountain out of economical materials, I knew that it would be a hit with Casa readers. You can even make it more eco chic by using gray water for the water in your fountain.

What You'll Need

Three terra-cotta pots that can stack top to bottom, as seen in the photo and diagram, for the inside body of your fountain
Two supporting pots
Foam sealant (even better, use a green foam sealant)
One-inch diameter plastic tubing, a little shorter than the height of your pots (you can trim it after you've built the fountain)
Water pump
A power cord that will connect to the pump
Flow-control valve
Terra-cotta feet for the bottom pot

To find out how to make it,

Su Casa: Hazelnut Spread's Nakashima-Esque DIY Table

casasugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:30:52 -0700

Well, color me impressed — really, really impressed. The other week, when I answered a reader's question about Nakashima-esque tables, I also read a great message in the comments from Hazelnut_Spread. She shared that she'd actually made this type of table herself.

She writes,

I recently embarked on a DIY project where I crafted a large Nakashima-style (live-edge) coffee table myself. In short, here's what I did. I purchased an Acacia wood slab on eBay. Nakashima routinely used Black Walnut for his projects — but Acacia is actually heavier/stronger than Black Walnut and, from what I've seen, it's more economical. It also has a beautiful grain. I sanded the table down with a random orbit sander in the direction of the grain. (For this particular project, I used a RIDGID 5 In. Random Orbit Sander. It's a tool that's generally well reviewed and I highly recommend it.) I started sanding the wood with 40-grit sandpaper, and worked myself up to 60, 80, 120, 150, and 220.

To see a gallery of Hazelnut_Spread's gorgeous table, as well as find out the rest of the steps,

DIY: Build Your Own Wedding Bouquet

casasugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:15:17 -0700

If you love to make your own bouquets for your home, you can easily make one for your own wedding, or for that of a friend or family member. Not only will you help to save money, you'll also create a unique, personalized bouquet that will help to make the day more special. Remember to try to go with simple, fresh flowers that are grown locally — if you can buy from a flower grower or farm and cut the flowers yourself the day before the wedding, you're guaranteed to have gorgeous, fresh blooms.

What You'll Need

Floral Wire
Stem Wrap Tape
Hot Glue
Long Stemmed Fresh Flowers
Preservative Solution
Small Bucket
Fabric or Ribbon that matches or contrasts well with bridesmaids' dresses
Knife

To find out how to "build" your bouquet,

DIY: Handsewn Bird Mobile

casasugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:00:51 -0700

If you've never sewn before, this is a great project to start you on your way. No machine is needed, as everything is hand sewn. Hand sewing is a great skill, as you can use it to complete simple repairs on clothing, from patching jeans to sewing on buttons to hemming skirts. And what better way to get you on your way than with an easy, adorable home decor project? This bird mobile, from Spool Sewing, will look lovely in a nursery, craft room, or primary-color saturated kitchen. Since many of you admit that you're still in love with the bird trend, why don't you take some time this weekend to get started on this project?

What You'll Need

2 different fabrics
Scissors
Thread
Sewing needle
Stuffing
Sticks
Filament wire

To find out how to make it,

DIY: Iron-On Vinyl Coasters

casasugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:30:41 -0700

I spotted this DIY on How About Orange, and thought it was so cute and simple, so I decided I'd summarize it. The great thing about this project is that you can personalize it with any fabric, or by sewing or stitching an interesting pattern into the coaster. It's also a great housewarming gift that's inexpensive and can be customized to the color scheme of a friend's new home!

Supplies:

Heavy-weight fabric
Iron-on vinyl
Scissors
Fabric glue stick
Vanishing fabric marker
Sewing machine (or needle and thread in coordinating color)
Pinking shears

To hear the steps,

Before and After: From Awkward Corners to Splendid Shelves

casasugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:00:09 -0700

DIYer Paul Smith spent several weekends constructing shelves for the odd, recessed space on either side of his fireplace. He cut wood to size, drilled, glued, clamped, and painted, and came up with something amazing. Here's what it looked like about halfway through the project.

To see what the shelves looked like afterwards, as well as a gallery of in-the-process photos,

Casa Quickie: A Low-Budge Rug

casasugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:30:49 -0700

If you're dismayed by the prices of accent rugs these days, or just looking for an inexpensive solution to pull a room together while you look for the perfect one, I have the answer to your problem-o. Stop by a cheap home furnishing store (Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond, a local outlet) and pick up two or three small cotton rugs, which you can find for $2 to $10. Then, tape or stitch them together to create a larger accent rug, which would normally cost you upwards of $100.

I once took this project into my own hands with some household duct tape and two $7 rugs from a local linen outlet. No, it doesn't make for the most crave worthy rug, but it's a quick, small change that can make a room look a bit more composed.

Have You Helped Make a Ribbon Bouquet?

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:27 -0700

If you've ever been to a bridal shower, you may have been responsible for helping to DIY the ribbon bouquet. At bridal showers, it's traditional to gather all of the ribbons together from the gifts and construct a bouquet, which will then be used at the wedding rehearsal.
Source

Have You Helped Make a Ribbon Bouquet?

I've made too many to count!

I've helped out with a few.

I've used mine at my wedding rehearsal!

What? I didn't even know about this tradition.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

DIY: Wine Cork Placecard Holders

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:36:07 -0700

I spotted these Wine Cork Placecard Holders ($23.95) at Bright and Bold, which are actually made of resin, and thought they'd make a fabulous and simple DIY for a bridal shower brunch (or any other event). It's kind of a sad fact that these are being mass produced, but we won't get into that. I'm sure most guests would get a kick out of them, especially my girlfriends who are staunch wine fans. If you can handle drinking a few bottles of wine to save up for this DIY, then I think you'll be in the clear, supply-wise. But, you can also have cork stoppers special ordered from an industrial retailer and personalized with "Mrs. X" or "Angie & Brad" etc.

Supplies:

1 wine cork per place setting
Razor blade or X-acto (craft) knife
Cardstock
Calligraphy pen
Optional: Hot glue gun and magnet strip

To hear the steps,

DIY: Canopy Headboard

casasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:30:15 -0700

You needn't buy a $19,000 four-poster to get the look of a romantic canopy bed. A few supplies and a spare afternoon and your bedroom will be fit for a queen, without the stuffy price tag. And, if that's not good enough for you, I'll show you how to live like a modern Marie Antoinette. This canopy headboard DIY, from Point Click Home, is easy enough for a neophyte crafter, but chic enough for the DIY maestro. Also, check out this post for another DIY headboard.

Supplies:

10" faux willow leaf wreath (or a tool wreath for the dudes)
Spray paint (white, gold, or silver)
2 yards 1" wide ribbon
Scissors
2 safety pins
2 sheer curtain panels
1 large nail
Hammer

To learn how to make this headboard,

DIY: Paint-Swatch Weaving

casasugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:27:51 -0700

In part inspired, part stingy, and part needing fresh air, I decided to take a walk to the hardware store this past weekend and pick up some (free) paint swatches to use for an art project. Aside from being gratuit, a benefit of using paint swatches for an art project is that you can choose the exact colors you're looking for to bring your room together or just to add a touch of color. How you use the swatches is up to you, but I figured I'd let you in on how I executed this little masterpiece (ha).

Supplies:

Paint swatches
Scissors
Rubber cement
Frame

To learn the steps, and see this DIY hung on the wall,

DIY: Ribbon Trimmed Lampshade

casasugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:17 -0700

A painless way to personalize a plain, big-box retailer lampshade is to trim it with a bit of grosgrain ribbon. The small change will not only make an otherwise boring shade distinctly you, but it can help bring together the mix of colors in your room. You can choose to run your ribbon across the top of your shade, top and bottom, layer ribbons to cover the entire shade . . . the possibilities are endless!
Supplies

Grosgrain ribbon
Plain lampshade
Fabric glue
Clear nail polish

To learn the steps,

DIY: Oilcoth Placemats

casasugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:00:52 -0700

Since the grass is green, the weather warm, and I recently broke out my bikini, Spring picnics in the park are constantly on my mind these days. PartySugar has me covered with a delicious Spring picnic menu to fill my belly between rounds of Frisbee and catch, and I came across a wonderful DIY for cheerful placemats to go along with her all-American apple pie bar and fried chicken recipes. The no-sew DIY is just too cute to resist, and easy as apple pie bars, so I had to share.

Supplies:

Oilcloth (15-x-12 inches per placemat)
Grosgrain ribbon (18 inches per placemat)
Scissors
Craft knife
Pinking shears

To learn the steps,

DIY: Rub-On Vase

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:45:29 -0700

If your kitchen cabinets can be mistaken for a 1-800-Flowers inventory shelf full of plain glass vases, it may be time to spice them up a bit and put them to work. This project will help you transform the run of the mill to something that's distinctly you (and a bit Tord Boontje, too). Or, if you're just looking for a bulk of inexpensive yet elegant vases for your wedding, perhaps, this is the DIY for you. You can pick up the supplies (vases included) at your local crafts store, and get your rub on!

Supplies:

Clear, glass vase
Glass cleaner and paper towels
Rub-on transfers (online sources: Two Peas in a Bucket and Lifetime Moments)
Scissors
Burnisher tool (popsicle stick will do)

To learn the steps,

DIY: Embroidery Hoop Corkboard

casasugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:00:28 -0700

I recently fell head over heels for this hoop.dee.do bulletin board ($22), sending it to the top of my wish list. What a perfect way to add style and function to your home office!? So, when I came across a DIY on how to make them on my own, my excitement skyrocketed. I do love to support all the lovely hand-making Etsy studios, but sometimes it's nice to just have a project for myself. Luckily, this one doesn't seem too intimidating, time-consuming, or expensive. I'm thinking of making several hoops in varying sizes and patterns to cover the wall above my desk.

Supplies:

1 wooden embroidery hoop
Cork board (an old board, or cork board squares)
Pencil
Drywall saw or sharp craft knife
Upholstery-weight fabric
Picture-hanging tooth w/nails
Hammer
Staple gun
Glue gun w/glue sticks

To learn the steps,

Open House: Wedding Décor DIYs

casasugar — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 05:04:35 -0700

As we skirt through wedding season, I've given you some DIY suggestions like wine glass candle lampshades and a DIY wedding book, but of course, I know there's plenty more to offer in that department. So for this Open House, I'd love to hear about any types of wedding décor you've seen DIY'd or that you've handmade for your own weddings.

Have you been to an entirely DIY wedding? Received any homemade goodie baskets? Did your friends arrange their own flowers at their weddings? Sew the tablecloths or napkins? Make their own candles? How about the invites? Were they handmade? I bet you've encountered some DIY wedding décor somewhere along the line. Tell me by commenting below! As always, check out IDoSugar for all of our wedding coverage.
Source

DIY: Botanical Prints

casasugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:15:57 -0700

I found this great DIY on Design Happens, and it fit so well into this month's theme and Earth Day that I had to share.

Here's What You Need

Plant cuttings from your yard or a nearby park (remember to only take one from each plant)
Clear acrylic finish
Plexiglas frames to match number of cutting you want to frame
Matting to match number of frames
Watercolor paper
Hot-glue gun

To find out how to put these botanical prints together,

DIY: Hanging Grow Bags for Your Plants

casasugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:30:02 -0700

Instead of dropping dollars on planters, you can make hanging grow bags for your plants, which are portable and simple. If you're growing stylish, colorful flowers, there's no need to get fancy with glazed pots or antique planters. You most likely own most of the supplies needed for this project as well; who can argue with that?

Supplies:

Heavy-duty garbage bag
1 8" X 24" scrap of wood
Staple gun with staples
6- 8 seedlings
Lightweight potting soil mixture
Knife

To hear the steps,

In the News: A Debtless DIY

casasugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:15:00 -0700

The New York Times' "Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Solvent" is a heartwarming story of an Akron, Ohio couple, David and Gina Giffels, who exquisitely renovated a condemned 1913 Tudor house with six fireplaces, a solarium and a billiards room, which they'd purchased for $65,000, bit by bit over 12 years (and counting) without the use of credit cards. Upon closure, the house was in awful condition; it had been inhabited by a slew of neighborhood creatures, and "the roof over the master bedroom leaked so badly that the previous owner had placed 55 aluminum baking pans on the floor to catch the rain." Living on columnist and teacher's salaries, the Giffels never had much to contribute to renovation costs, or construction experience. But, with a lot of devotion, and the ability to endure the stress of it all (and two miscarriages), they have gradually resurrected a piece of history and built a home for their two children, Evan and Lia (12 and 9) — with little help from contractors and a mortgage under $100,000.
Source

DIY: Wine Glass Candle Lampshades

casasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:22 -0700

In your blog travels, you may have come across the Dekoop Gorgeous Helen Wine Shades ($20), which tops off your wine glasses to make easy votive lamps for your parties. I couldn't get them off my mind for months when I first saw them; I thought they were so clever. Then, lucky me, I came across a DIY to make them. The project is fairly simple, and allows a lot of room for creativity. You can leave yours as plain vellum, or punch decorative holes in them, screen-print them, or even paint them! It's up to you, but regardless, this project is fabulous, inexpensive, and perfect for that wedding you're planning! And for all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Supplies:

8-1/2" x 11" sheets of vellum (one per lamp)
Scissors
Decorative bladed scissors
Decorative paper punch
Glue pen
Wine glasses
Tealights or a LED battery-operated tealight
Candle putty (floral clay)

Here's how, from Save On Crafts:

Download and print out this lampshade pattern.
Trace the pattern onto your vellum sheet. Cut out the shape with your regular scissors. If you want, you can use decorative bladed scissors along the bottom edge to add another element to the shade.
If you like, use a paper punch to punch holes evenly or haphazardly throughout the shade, as shown in the PDF.
Using the glue pen, apply a thin line of glue to one straight end. Wrap the other end over the glued end, and adhere together, forming the shade.
Secure the tealight with the candle putty, and set the lampshade on top of your glass. Fini!

Source

DIY: Planting Your Garden Box

casasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:00:12 -0700

Did you read my post on building a redwood planter box? If so, you're already halfway done. You still need to anchor the box, level it, fill it with soil, and plant it. Read on for my list of suggestions on how to do it.

Move your box to the area you want to permanently place it. Since the area in my yard was on a slight incline, I had to dig the box in further on one side than on the other. In any case, you're going to want to dig a perimeter trench for the box, and then place it in the trench.
Use a level to make sure that your box is sitting evenly.
You can stand on the four corners and jump up and down a bit to make sure it's anchored well, too.
Now, break the soil that you dug out of the trenches and use it to stuff into the sides of the box to fill in any holes.
Then, use a pitchfork or shovel to dig up and turn over the grass and soil inside the box.

For the rest of the directions, just

DIY: Build Your Own Garden Box

casasugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:45:47 -0700

This weekend, I decided to expand my vegetable garden space by building another garden box. If you know how to operate a power drill, you can build this box, too. Here are some tips to make it easier: If you're a first-time builder, go to a small hardware or lumber store with a friendly clerk who can help you work out the details. Also, have the hardware store folks cut all of your lumber to the correct lengths; this will save you loads of time and headaches. Finally, remember: This is going to get filled with soil, so it doesn't have to look perfect! Tune in tomorrow, when I tell you how to securely place, fill, and plant your box.

Here's What You Need

4 longer pieces of redwood, cut to specified length (I used 8 ft lengths)
4 shorter pieces of wood for the ends, cut to specified length (I used 3 ft lengths)
4 4-x-4-inch square pieces of redwood cut to match the height of 2 boards (in my case it was 12 inches). You can also opt to cut your 4-x-4s to a slightly longer length (such as 2 inches longer). This way, you can use the longer length of the 4-x-4s to anchor your box when you have to dig it into the ground.
Galvanized 4 inch-long screws (galvanized screws will resist rust)
Power drill (preferably with other battery pack charged)
Flat, large surface for working, such as a patio, deck, or garage
A willing helper, who can hold ends of lumber and fetch tools as needed

To find out how to build this garden box, just

Home Library: The DIY Wedding

casasugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:15:54 -0700

If, like me, you're a somewhat nontraditional bride who's looking for creative and budget-friendly ways to individualize her wedding, then I highly recommend checking out The DIY Wedding. Written by Kelly Bare, who intersperses tips, stories, and details from her own DIY wedding throughout the book, this is a great resource for any bride who wants to plan her nuptials on her own.

To find out more about this brilliant wedding planning resource, just

DIY: Self-Watering Recycled Vase

casasugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:30:22 -0700

This DIY will show you how to make a planter from nearly all recycled (and free) products which will pretty much water itself. Without giving them much attention, you can grow your own herbs, flowers, or other plants. You can continue to re-use the planter, or simply recycle it when you're finished. If you don't like the look of the plastic bottle on your windowsill, you can always cover a recycled tin with some decorative paper, and slip in the planter for a look that's more your style.

Supplies:

1 plastic soda bottle (2 or 3 liter)
Newspaper, aluminum foil, or a bit of a black plastic bag
Twine
A drill or hot wire (to make a hole in the bottle cap)
Certified organic potting mix
A sharp knife (to cut the bottle)
Seeds

To learn the steps,

DIY: Grow an Herb Garden Indoors

casasugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:00:08 -0700

Want an easy way to get into gardening? Then try an indoor herb garden!

Supplies:

1 large container with 20-inch diameter (plastic or clay, with a drainage hole)
1 saucer to fit container
Certified organic potting soil mix
Herb plants
Gravel or screen mesh
Certified organic fertilizer

To learn the steps,

This Just In: ReadyMade's Green Issue Available Online!

casasugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:00:37 -0700

ReadyMade’s Green Design Issue is available in a paperless edition. And good news: this first installment of the online edition is absolutely free. Check out all of the cool DIYs, online exclusive pieces, and clickable table of contents. I don't know about you, but I'm a huge ReadyMade fan, and offering readers a tree-free version is super smart for this green design issue. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go read up on organizing my garden gear.

Source

Open House: Proud of Your Projects

casasugar — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:11:27 -0700

Not to brag, but I must admit that I'm pretty pleased with some of the DIYs I've completed, and the before and afters I see here and there never cease to impress me. Sometimes it takes a lot of willpower to keep my house so fresh and so clean too, so I can't help but pat myself on the back when I stay on top of things. I'm sure you feel the same, and I'm sure you've completed plenty of projects that entitle you to blow your own horn.

Since last week I asked about what projects are on your To Do list, for this Open House, I want to hear about the projects that you're most proud of having completed. Did you work with an architect to design your house? Is the interior design of your living room coming along nicely? Have you come up with some inventive craft projects lately? Even completed a DIY you've read about here? Did you build a deck on your home? Have you been keeping your house so fresh and so clean lately? Let me know by leaving a comment below! And, be sure to add photos of these great achievements to our Su Casa group.
Source

DIY: No-Sew Sachets

casasugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:15:37 -0700

While sachets aren't exactly a recipe for clean, they will leave your lingerie drawers smelling oh so fresh. No worries, there's no need for a sewing machine in this DIY, but feel free to use one if you'd like. This is a perfect way to reuse that favorite tee you accidentally shrunk or pretty cotton clothes you've outgrown. But, if you're not up for it, just buy my recent Etsy Find instead.

Supplies:

Fabric scraps
Fabric glue
Potpourri (try lavender and spices)
Scissors

To learn the steps,

DIY: Homemade Moon Jar

casasugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:44:34 -0700

This DIY will show you how to make a solar-powered LED jar light like Tobias Wong's Moon Jar, which was a Nice and New of mine a while back, which would set you back $40 if purchased. It's pretty darn cool — it "collects" sunshine during the day, so you can use it as a lamp when the sun goes down.

Supplies:

1 Ikea SLOM Jar
1 Solar garden light
AA rechargeable battery (if it doesn't come with the garden light)
Blu-tack
Screwdriver
Utility knife
Glass frosting spray or tracing paper

To learn the steps, from Instructables,