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Helpful Motivators I Use
Like many of you, I’ve got aspirations. However having a goal and reaching it can be tricky at times. Finding different modes of motivation to help me achieve my goals is what this page is all about.
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Saying Goodbye to Mom
She was someone in my life who made everything better just by listening and now she's gone. For the first time in a long time I realize again how precious life is and that time is a priceless gift.
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Hanging Clothes the "New" Old-Fashioned Way
Hawaii has the highest electric rates in the nation, so weather providing I always choose to hang my laundry outside. The result is a much cheaper electric bill and some great smelling fresh laundry!
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Sew a Simple Backpack for the Beach
This is the lightest backpack I've used. It's perfect in so many ways. Suited for all ages and budgets too and most importantly it's super easy to make. Follow my step by step picture tutorial!
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How to Redo a Vintage Buffet
This was not one of my fastest projects to complete, but it's done now and I'm so in love with this old buffet. The organization it allows me is priceless. Follow my pictorial instructions to see!
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How to Sew a Corner Cat Hammock - My Easy Pattern and Tutorial
If you've ever wanted to learn to sew a cat hammock that fits in the corner, here's your chance. I'm sharing my tutorial here. Please show this to all your animal loving friends. Thanks from the cats!
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Tap Dancing Around the Truth
A little confession on this page. I know I'll feel better once I tell you about it.
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EclectiCheap Crafting and Décor 101
If your budget is tight and you like to decorate you may find you have to really do some brainstorming and research to get those imaginative juices flowing. That's what I hope this page does for you.
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Making Rearrangements - My Reading Nook
I enjoyed remaking my special reading area so it's comfortable and peaceful when I have time to sit down to read. No money was spent in the revamping of this spot...just a little brain power really.
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Hang a Picture - Fast and Easy
No tools, no fuss, no waiting for the DIY person in the family to hang artwork because with this product YOU are now the handy man or woman in the house. Oh yes and they are cheap to purchase too!
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Organized Bedroom Drawers in 30 Minutes!
I'm sure you can find 30 minutes some time soon to tidy up some areas in your home, don't you? I tackled our bedroom drawers not long ago. What a difference 30 minutes can make; come see what I did!
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Five Pound Milk Chocolate Bar - Feast on This!
If you think bigger is better when it comes to the subject of chocolate, then this giant candy bar is sure to please. All the goodness of a Hershey's milk chocolate bar wrapped into a 5 pound bar!
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Our Saggy Mattress Fix!
A good nights sleep was only a dream for us once, but not anymore. I ordered this gel memory foam mattress topper strictly based on the online reviews and it was one of the best decisions I've made!
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How to Sew and Stuff a Paper Goodies Pouch
The sewing machine is a wonderful crafting tool for paper. Make sure the machine needle you're using is compatible with the paper. That's about as scientific as these instructions will get. Have fun!
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Gift Calming Music for Your Dog
Okay, yes, I was skeptical too when I first heard of these special CDs. But if you love your fur kid you'll want to check out this music. You and your dog can listen here on this page to a sampling.
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My Breadmaker Makes THE BEST Foolproof Bread!
For those of you who have never used a bread making machine before, I hope you remedy that status soon. There is nothing like the taste of this freshly baked bread. It's amazing!
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Homemade in a Hurry Christmas Ornaments
Interested in creating fast and easy but very personal Christmas ornaments? That's what this page is about so gather your odds and ends and sentimental bits and give me just two minutes of your time!
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Hearty and Spicy Fish in Coconut Milk Soup
Years ago I would never have thought of putting the basic ingredients of this recipe together in one big old pot soup. But, that's what you do. It's easy, it's delicious. Serve it with crusty bread!
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Webbing Projects
This polypropolene webbing is an awesome product. Using this you can complete projects and know assuredly they are made much stronger. It's easy to sew and work with; I'm sharing my tips here.
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Kitchen Turntable Organizer
If you don't have one or several of these in your kitchen you can't be truly organized. When you find a product as versatile as this one, it's imperative you spread the word. That's what I'm doing! :)
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DIY Mini Witch Hat Headband
I made these sexy mini witch hat fascinators for my grown daughter and her friends. Sharing my tutorial complete with photos on this page so you can make some too. Who wouldn't want to wear this?
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Mechanical Outlet Timers - My Gush Worthy Gadgets
Products that make my life easier are worthy of a shout out or two. If you've never utilized a timer, you'll want to do just that once you've read this page.
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Door Hinge Hook Adds Hanging Storage
Saving space is a hobby of mine, but I don't like to simply save those inches. It's important each area of my home is not only functional but pleasing to the eye. This product fits the storage need!
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Savvy Space Saving Ideas
You can live big in small areas of space by implementing one or more of the ideas featured on this page. My photos show every suggestion we've used in our home and how we have reclaimed our space!
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Best Inexpensive Lightweight Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair, etc.
When I say "Best", that's exactly what I mean. I've used this product daily for over a year now and it's still working as hard and efficiently as ever. And it's certainly affordable at less than $20.
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DIY Renovation Tools
There are basic tools you'll always need for general home repair, but when it comes to a major remodeling or renovation job you'll need some special tools. Here are some we use and trust for the job.
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Remodeling Pictures - Renovating a Home
Every remodel differs even if it's a home improvement project you've done before. This job will go down in our family history as our whopper project....turned out to be much bigger than we'd thought.
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Shades of Green - Backyard Pictures
Growing up in the U.S. Midwest, the arrival of Spring meant new growth with lots of green buds and plantings. Now living in Hawaii for over three decades, I am fortunate to see greenery all year round. Our seasonal changes are very slight here, but...
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Mushroom Soup Recipe - From Our House to Yours
It's great to share something you enjoy so much. This delicious soup recipe is a favorite here in our home. I hope you like it!
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Easy Dressing
I enjoy drizzling a good dressing on my salads. Even the simplest of salads can benefit from homemade dressing.
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How to Make a Cat Hammock (With Step-by-Step Photos)
People love watching cats hanging out in hammocks, and cats just love being in a hammock. They are so easy to make, so why not make several hammocks to donate to a local animal rescue or shelter?
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Dog Bottle Toy - DIY
Why buy a dog toy if you can make one? This bottle cover chew toy is a favorite of most dogs. It'll keep them busy and happy. Please think about making extra to donate to your local animal shelter.
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Make a Cat Bed
I think there must be every kind of cat bed imaginable to be made. You could upcycle a piece of furniture for your kitty, crochet a bed or maybe you'd rather sew a hammock for your cat? Here's how!
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Best Sewing Machine to Gift
I have finally found the best sewing machine and want to share my knowledge with you. If you're planning to gift a new machine, I hope after reading this page you feel better assured of your choice.
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DIY Garland
I've seen garlands for nearly every occasion I think, and some were made "just because". Those strands like the popcorn strings I made as a kid...I think those are some of the best, don't you?
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Design Your Own Monster - Monster Stuffies
So you want to make your own monster stuffie? From designing to completion, this page will show you how it's done. Make a monster with your own twist and style! Or maybe I should say "twisted style"?
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Trick or Treating and Collecting for Charity
Combine two favorite things this Halloween. While drumming up ideas for costumes this year, have your kids think about collecting for a charity too! They can collect candy while helping others.
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Bootiful Halloween Bouquet - DIY
I like crafting with googly eyes, don't ask me why because I couldn't tell you except they are goofy and easy to work with. One Halloween not long ago I brainstormed this eyeball bouquet. Here's how:
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Fall Crafts - DIY
Something about the Fall season and being inside makes a person want to settle in and get creative. At least that's the way it effects me. Time to do a little Fall DIY decorating. Please join in!
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Funky Bracelet - Handcrafted Jewelry
The look of this bracelet can be easily changed by switching out the beads, of course. Using a wire in a different finish is another way to alter this piece. It's a fun project with no set rules. :)
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How to Make Bias Tape
Over the past few years I've been making my own bias tape to use in various sewing projects. Once I learned how simple it was to make I vowed never to purchase it again. Learn how-to on this page!
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How Can I Help Animals?
Everyone can do something to help animals whether they realize it or not. Just like raising a child it helps to have a whole bunch of folks working together to save the animals. Thanks for caring!
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Sewing Gifts - Great Choices
On this page you'll find gifts for anyone who sews, no matter how expert or not they may be. Am I qualified to write on this subject? After fifty plus years of sewing experience, I like to think so.
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DIY Halloween Tablecloth with Googly Eyes Fringe
This is really an easy DIY project to make for Halloween. Follow the simple steps below and before you know it you'll have created a unique table topping that is sure to receive many compliments!
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DIY Beauty Products Packaging
The way you present something can add so much to the value and look of a product or gift. On this page I've collected information and suggestions specifically to package home made beauty products.
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DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas
A special ornament for Christmas will make memories for a lifetime. It's easy to make them. Here are a few ideas for do it yourself Christmas ornaments. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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DIY Dorm Decor
There are so many ways to make a dorm room comfortable, cozy and fun while still keeping on a strict budget. You'll find several DIY ideas on this page to suit a variety of personal styles.
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My Piece of Paradise
Living in Paradise comes at a price. Our home is tiny and these islands are getting more crowded each year, but as long as we have our little piece we're fine. Welcome to our wonderful spot on earth!
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Fabric Yoyo Sewing Projects
Making fabric yoyos has become sort of a part time addiction with me. Every time I decide to start working on them I find it difficult to stop. It's a fun craft that's very portable and inexpensive.
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DIY Wood Art
If you're into making decorative things for your home, I'm sure there are several wood art projects on this page that will interest you as much as they did me. Take a look and let's see if I'm right!
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Sewing With Window Screen - How To
Yes, of course, you can sew with window screen. I've been doing it for a while now and sharing my tips here on this page. There are pictures to help you along the way. Try it; I bet you'll love it!
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DIY Small Gift Ideas
What's not to love about small gifts? Actually sometimes the hardest thing about them would be coming up with ideas. This page will definitely help you by suggesting some good ideas for small gifts.
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Peeling Garlic - How to Peel Garlic
We use a lot of garlic in our recipes at home so peeling garlic quickly is no longer a problem for us. It's easy to do and practice does make perfect. We've definitely had a lot of practice here.
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Easy Sew Project - Mesh Beach Tote, Mesh Beach Bag
It's easy and inexpensive to sew, lightweight and perfect for the beach or the pool. Learn to make one here with my free tutorial complete with helpful step by step photos.
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ADOPT Me Vests for Dogs - Dog Vest Pattern
You can help dogs find forever homes by sewing and donating Adopt Me Vests. If you can't sew share this information with other animal lovers who do. The point is do something! Rescue, foster, adopt!
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Diy Outdoor Swings
Who doesn't love a good turn on a swing now and then? Any of these DIY swing styles are great! If you had a big enough home you could put one of these swings inside your home too. That might be fun!
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Sewing Projects with Insulating Fabric
This fabric is perfect for hotpads, oven mitts, flat iron and curling iron cases, casserole carriers and much more. It's versatility and ease of use makes this product a winner in my sewing arsenal.
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QUIRKY - Brainstorming Ideas
I am always trying to think of new ideas or products or ways to make my life simpler. If you love working with others and figuring out the "better way", Quirky may just be the place for you!
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DIY Laundry
Until the time someone invents practical, affordable and environmentally-friendly disposable clothing made of recycled materials, then pretty much all of us will do laundry. Why not make it more fun?
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Make a Bunny
Who loves bunnies? Fat bunnies, goofy bunnies, bunnies to eat and bunnies for your feet! You'll find information for all these rascally rabbits on this page for you to DIY. So hop on in and get busy!
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Things to Make for a Baby
I think some of the best gifts are those made by hand. Babies may not realize the item they are playing with or perhaps wearing is "homemade" but I think they feel the love that went into creating it.
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Simple Sewing Projects
All of the featured sewing projects on this page are truly simple to make. Just practice sewing a straight line and once you have that procedure mastered, you can make any of these with confidence.
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Tipsy Pots
Tipsy pots! The moment I first glimpsed a tipsy pots tower I made it my goal to make my own to grow fresh herbs. I think the topsy turvy look adds a lot of whimsy to my little herb garden, don't you?
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Ornaments Dear to Me
It's interesting how people decorate for the Christmas holiday season. Some folks prefer more elegant decorations and then there are those like myself who love the sentimental. Which type are you?
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Projects to Sew for Charities
Sewing skills can be put to good use for many charities. If you find yourself with some extra time and materials on hand, why not get busy and do some sewing for a good cause? It feels great to help!
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Redoing Furniture - Wet Sanding
Learning the technique of wet sanding will open up a lot of possibilities for furniture refinishing. Hairpin legs, especially, are easy to freshen up with this process. Follow the directions here.
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How to Make Cage Mats or Kennel Pads for Cats
This kennel bedding mat sews up quickly. I hope you make lots of extra mats to donate to animal shelters. Please share this tutorial so more animal lovers can help!
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How to Make Bandanas for Dogs: Step-by-Step With Photos
Making a dog bandana with a casing is a quick sewing project—plus, this homemade bandana is much safer for your pet to wear! Learn how with my step-by-step tutorial and photos.
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DIY Gifts - Good Tutorials
I love a good tutorial, especially when it's my first time making something. Usually the author has fine tuned the instructions and the user has the advantage of either following the text or tweaking.
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DIY Projects - Good Tutorials
When I'm planning a project these days I always do some research first to see if someone else has already done it. Often I'll find a good tutorial to follow. It's quick to see what to do and how.
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DIY Crafts - Good Tutorials
Well written tutorials can make or break the successful completion of a craft. Those instructions that have photos are especially valuable to crafters. Here are a few great tutorials for you; enjoy!
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Trash to Treasure - My Style
My living area is constantly changing which is another reason I love decorating in this style of found and upcycled, repurposed objects. You never know what combination you'll come up with this way!
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Little Notes - Saving the Past
Memories are priceless. One way or the other they and what they represent help make us the people we are today. The notes you want to keep.....keep them safe!
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DIY: Stain Wood With Fabric Dye
When dyeing wood you can skip the regular wood stains available and use products you might have in your kitchen or laundry right now!
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Japanese Cucumber Salad
This is a refreshing and cool side dish we eat here all year round. It takes only a few minutes to prepare.
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Pet Food Bank - Help for Animals
The sad reality today is an economy where many people are forced to choose whether they or their pets will eat. This page contains information about pet food banks and valuable links to help .
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Recipe for Mango Salsa
This is another great way to prepare fresh mangoes. It's a refreshing change of pace; not your regular salsa for sure. :)
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Seared Ahi Tuna
Once you've tasted seared ahi tuna you'll want to make it yourself. Once you make it and discover how easy this dish is to create you'll wonder what took you so long to sample tuna prepared this way.
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Kalua Pork - Oven Roasted
This method of roasting pork in the oven results in a very juicy, tender, savory piece of meat. It's almost fool proof.
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Tofu Salad
Raised in the MidWestern part of the U.S., I didn't grow up eating tofu but it's a food I've come to enjoy. My husband's family introduced tofu to me years ago. It's easy, it's yummy, it's healthy.
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Mango Bread Recipe - Easy Bread Recipe
I tasted my first mango in 1978. It was fresh off the tree in my in laws backyard. Since then I've eaten it a variety of ways but I do like baking it in bread. It can be frozen and enjoyed year round.
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Sewing Projects - My Favorites!
Over the past fifty plus years I've sewed lots and lots of garments, home decor items, crafts, etc. I absolutely, positively love to sew. Sharing some of my favorite projects on this page.
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DIY Decorating with Hardware Store Supplies
Don't hire a decorator. Decorate your own home with the help of your local hardware store. For best results, read this page for inspiration first. Then go shopping with your mind wide open. Have fun!
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Canvas Drop Cloth in Home Décor
Drop cloths aren't just for painting. The very essence of a drop cloth is the second word.... cloth. The fact it's usually dropped on a floor to protect the furniture doesn't matter. Let's decorate!
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How to Build a Shed - Our Experience
This DIY project was a summer endeavor in our backyard a few years ago. My husband and I did some planning and worked together to get it done. It was a very satisfying experience. Here's what we did..
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Diy or Not - Do It Yourself or Not?
My philosophy about doing things yourself is simple. Do your research. Wear safety equipment at all times. Use common sense! If YOU feel any DIY project should best be left to the experts then do so!
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Advent Calendar Ideas - DIY
Do you have a favorite way you celebrate the countdown to Christmas? I've gathered several neat ideas here you may want to incorporate this next holiday season. Here's to inspiration; Merry Christmas!
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Embroidery Projects I Have to Try
This page has several fun embroidery ideas. Embroidery is like most other sewing crafts....it just takes practice. The more you do it, the better the results.
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Thingamajigs for Diy
Hand me that doo hickey...yes, the thingamajig! Yes, that one over there. Does this sound like a conversation in your house? If so, I'd love to share my favorite whatchamacallits with you here. Enjoy!
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Potholders Easy to Make
Regardless of how much you cook in the kitchen, a good basic potholder can be a life saver....or at least save a few fingertips from burning hot pots and dishes. You'll find lots of ideas here.
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DIY Gifts for Teachers
Remember a gift does not have to be expensive to let a teacher know they are appreciated; simple is probably a good thing. If you still can't decide, a homemade thank you card from your child is fine!
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Diy Christmas Gifts and All Occasion Gifts
This page has a whole bunch of good ideas for anyone who likes to give and make budget friendly gifts. Have fun and enjoy your creative side!
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Used Furniture - DIY Ideas
I like things with character and the furniture in our home is no exception. When you do something yourself to transform a piece of furniture, you are making functional art, and that's the best kind!
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How to Make Ginger Chicken
More people have requested this recipe from our family than any other, I believe. I've published it here so anyone can make it. Enjoy!
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Trick or Treat Bags DIY
Halloween Do it yourself trick or treat bags sure have changed! When I trick or treated 50 plus years ago my brothers and I carried a paper sack. No need to do that now..there are so many cool ideas !
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Decorating Ideas Using Doilies
There are probably as many doily patterns as there are snowflake patterns; that's what it seems like to me. Even better is the fact there are probably just as many ways to decorate with doilies.
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Upcycle Leather Belts
Several years back I was brainstorming on the subject of seating. I needed to redo the seat of a thrift shop chair. A bag of old leather belts, a staple gun and a bit later, viola! Enjoy these ideas!
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Flower Pillows - DIY
Perhaps you've seen a beautiful occasional flower pillow in your favorite home accessories outlet, or maybe online but the cost was too much for your budget? Why not make one yourself? Here's ideas!
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Banana - Fun Fruit, Fruity Fun
If you're reading this, it's a good bet you like bananas. Well, really, who doesn't? Of all the fruit I've enjoyed, the banana has to be the absolute easiest to eat if nothing else. Enjoy!
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How to Prepare Fresh Pineapple
Sweet and juicy pineapple picked fresh from the source. This is the way you're supposed to enjoy fruit. It's simply delicious no matter how you slice it, but here are two suggestions.
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Wall Art - DIY & On The Cheap
I may never have what's considered traditional art on my walls at home but I've got art that is personal to our family which makes it priceless to us. Isn't that what matters most? Try your hand here!
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Weird Stuff I Love
We as individuals are all entitled to our own style. It would definitely be a boring world if everyone looked, dressed, and decorated in the same manner. I like unique and I like weird. Welcome!
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Square Footage - Making the Most of Small Spaces
Desperate to find more storage space? Even in the smallest of places there are always solutions. I've gathered here a lot of my favorite ideas for storage which I use daily in our cottage home.
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Room Dividers DIY
Dividing a room is truly an act you can do yourself. Lots of ideas have been gathered on this page to help inspire you to create a room divider that works well for your home.
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DIY Gifts Under $10 (Many under $5)
Many of my DIY gifts started out as one thing and ended up another. In fact several of the DIY gifts shown on this page came about by accident.
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Felt Crafts - Versatile and Fun
Felt is a great medium to use to create a whole bunch of fun. It's easy to work with and inexpensive as well. Need a special color? You'll find that too in felt. Find a fun felt project on this page!
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Habitat for Humanity ReStore - The Affordable Alternative
Remodeling? Renovating? On a budget? Checked your local Habitat ReStore yet? Don't know what that is? Read to learn all about this alternative site to find affordable, quality building materials.