Tip Contest Results

Ideas For Crocheted Chains

I am sad to say that over 3 years ago, I received a request for samples of what can be made with crocheted chains. Just two days after that, I was flying across country to spend five months with my former in laws. I didn't see it and I am so very sorry. I hope that snooZQ is reading this. I decided to do everything in one day instead of waiting for several more days to go by.

The only way I was able to do this was to this was to crochet a full 8 oz skein into an 80 foot chain. This took a while, so making a sample of several things would have taken up all of it and I didn't want to use it all up. When I thought of the things I wanted to do with it, I realized I could just start a project, explain it, then unwrap it and start something new.

So, here is a small but nice little list of what can be done with just a few yards, more for some, less for others, photos, and tips. Lastly, I will give you all some ideas of what you can do on your own.

Bracelet:

I just held the tail to the back, and began to wrap around the bangle bracelet. This was one I got for .10 at a yard sale. You might need a bit of hot glue in the back, but not much. If, when you meet the yarn and finish up, you find it's a bit "bumpy or ugly" you can either cover it with a pretty button or flower. You can also crochet several loops like chain 8 and make a loop in the first chain, doing that till you have a nice little crocheted flower.

Headband:

It's pretty much like the bracelet but you have a space to wrap and is actually easier. Some ideas are to lay a short piece of ribbon along the space you are wrapping, then tie it once the wrapping is done. You would not be able to do it tightly, or you will expose the headband underneath. Again, buttons and other embellishments can really make it pop.

Planter:

I just hot glued a bit of the tail, then I didn't have to do much but just spin the planter and hold it there for the shot. You can also make some hangers for the lighter ones, but keep in mind that they will stretch. This is fun to do with jars, especially straight ones, for pencil/pen holders, crochet hooks, coffee stirrers, honey sticks, toothbrush holders, and more.

Baskets:

I had these cute little baskets and even though this did not fill up the holes very well, you can double it up for mix it with fabric strips.

Hanger:

This is what prompted my post in the first place. I prefer the thicker ones, but you can use any kind. I don't find the wire ones will work but the basic ones you get at any thrift or dept. store works. Simply wrap the first tail from the back around the base of the hook, then from the front, start wrapping, gluing every few inches, always in the back.

When you are done, you can tie some pretty ribbon around the base of the hook and double secure it with a spot of glue in the back, just before you tie a bow in front.

Cat Entertainer:

This was pretty worn out when I got done with it, so I tied it to the binder clip on the shelf and let Cornelius play with it.

Crocheting Using Chains

Now for the best tip: Any thing you can make with a single yarn you can make with a crocheted chain. Just remember it will be bulky, but also take you twice as long. If you have the time, and the project is fairly simple, it's worth it.

For a hot pad size: Ch. 16, making a sc in first ch from hook. Ch 1, skip 1, and make sc in next chain across. Ch. 1 and turn, going back and forth with each row till you have made 12 rows. Break off and work in tail.

For rug, simply determine the size you want, and make your base row to those dimensions. For instance the hot pad is 7 by 7 inches with a base row of 16. If you wanted the rug to be 21 inches across, you would make a base row of 48, and just keep crocheting till you like the length.

Here are some things to think about making:

• Place mats and matching napkin rings.

• Curtain Tie Backs

• Got a broken cup? Wrap the handle and make into a planter or pencil/pen holder.

• Crochet a 6 inch spot on the top of a bucket handle for comfort.

• Use to gather flowers to hang upside down to dry.

• Use to make a fancy bow for a teddy bears neck.

• If you have those white assembled shelf units, wrap some around the posts, then make a small ball and glue to the top of the supports. You will have a country look for sure.

• Crochet a very country doily for a wall hanging. Decorate with buttons, ribbon or ripped fabric.

Now have some fun! Keep in mind that this would not work for everything. It's too thick for baby blankets or afghans.

By Sandi from Salem, OR

Save Money by Organizing Your Refrigerator

Always add a label with the date a product was opened to insure freshness. If you do not plan to use leftovers right away, immediately freeze them for future use.

Once a week empty the fridge prior to grocery shopping so that you do not purchase something that you already have, while empty wipe the inside clean before returning food to the fridge. Keep a check list on your computer (I use excel) of all the most frequently used items so that you can highlight when they are needed.

By Donnaschmitt215 from Glendale, NY

Using Vinegar to Get Rid of Ants

I live in what used to be an orchard, so as the weather warms, I get ants coming in. My solution, the natural way, is to keep white vinegar in a spray bottle in the kitchen and in the bathroom. When I see ants, I spray to cover. I leave for a few minutes then go in and take a paper towel to wipe the counter; in the bathroom, they come in via the tub so after spraying I just use the shower head and rinse. Since vinegar is an antibacterial, I get twice the benefit, it kills the ants and gets rid of odors at the same time (it may take a few times for the ants to get the message). Plus it's not toxic to the pets and humans living in the house.

By Dee from Salem, OR

Improving Less Expensive Furniture

We all know buying furniture at Goodwill or any thrift store will save us money. Not everyone has the time to find these precious few pieces. I watch so many shows on decorating, then put my twist on it. What I have found is you can take anything, even a old dresser you're not using, and put it in the kitchen (for linens) or add it to the living room to hold DVD's, other games, and things that need a home. Gives it a whole new look.

Night stands in the bathroom also work well and look great. They serve a purpose and are easy to find without investing too much money. So, always think outside the box, that is what makes your home yours.

The cheaper furniture, like from IKEA or Big Lots, can be beautiful with a little work. You can spray paint to change color, add fabric to door panels, or the change the hardware. You also can create an expensive look by changing the hardware.

Go online or to the library and look at how trimming the doors on a cabinet gives you a totally new piece. Think how you can take something you may not need in bedroom and use it in another way. Personally I don't like the "show room" look - make it yours. You'll have one of a kind furniture without the one of a kind price.

If you have, or find, left over nursery furniture it can be changed to fit elsewhere in your home. A changing table makes a wonderful side table or even a bar with a little work and imagination. That one table you have to hold a lamp in small child's room is one thing you shouldn't pass up. Take it and change the color. If it has hardware, change that. What a great addition to the bathroom!

Always look in the back of stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Kohls. My friends, great finds are hiding there at super great prices. In big box stores, usually these items are in the middle of the store. Check furniture stores when they sell what have been floor displays. All of this is brand new furniture, quite often name brand at marked way down prices.

Hotels and motels have auctions when they redecorate. You can get beds, dressers, and night stands for little investment. Some even have desks. So make sure you do not make fast purchase. Saving money is so much joy. With a little work you have your own one of a kind look.

I got these ideas by reading magazines, shopping at thrift stores, and I love decorating shows. This is how I have redone my whole apartment. I get compliments always, with nobody knowing it was used, found, or refinished.

By Luana M. from San Diego, CA

Cabinet Door Chalkboard

I never had a place to make a note and could never find a pen and paper when I needed it. I purchased some chalk paint at Home Depot. I taped off a section on a pantry cabinet I have and spray painted the section with the chalk paint. I actually did 2 light coats and used a sponge brush to smooth it over. It's very easy to use, the craft stores have a brush on chalk paint that you can buy. It dried fast and looks really nice. Now I always have a place for a note or I can write a cute message for my husband on it.

By Jill from Blue Bell, PA

Link: Free Online Jigsaw Puzzles

If you like working jigsaw puzzles you'll really like this site! It's free, easy to navigate and has both a random option and oodles of specific puzzles to choose from including how many pieces. You can also choose to enlarge, reduce and/or 'full screen' the puzzle of choice. Oh, and it has a timer letting you know how long it took to build your puzzle! Happy Jigsaw Puzzling! ;-)

* I almost forgot to mention that you can create your own puzzles too!

Source: http://www.jigidi.com

By Deeli from Richland, WA

Memory Foam Bath Mats for Leather Car Seats

I found our leather seats so cold during the winter, and when I wore shorts or a dress in the summer, I stuck to the seat. Ouch! You can buy seat covers, but they are quite a pain to put on and take off. I came up with an inexpensive, very comfy solution, memory foam bath mats. You can get them at most department or bath stores in various colours and sizes, but I got this one at Walmart.

They are on sale often at Walmart. I got mine for $8.99. If you have wide seats like our truck, you can lay it sideways across the seat. If you have a narrow seat (like my car does) you can put it with the length from front to back. I tuck some of the excess in the crack between my seat back and seat. You have to work at getting it to go in between, but once it's there, it stays very securely. Being machine washable is a bonus! These are so soft and comfortable, you won't be sorry if you give these a try.

By Ann from Goulais River, Ontario

When You Get Ants, Make Lemonade!

Well, don't really make lemonade, but I read in an old fashioned tip book that ants don't like lemons. When I got ants in my pantry, I took an old bottle of lemon juice, dampened my cleaning rag with it and wiped down the shelves and walls. The ants went away and haven't come back. I also cut up lemon peels and sprinkled them around a ant bed beside my patio and they left. I have used the lemons several times and it has always worked for me.

Source: An old book whose title is missing.

By Elaine from OK

Use Coffee Filters When Potting Plants

When potting plants or seeds, place a coffee filter in the bottom of the pot before filling it with soil. The filter stops the soil from leaking out of the holes in the bottom of the pot and making a mess in the saucer. It also helps keep your soil moist.

By Eileen from Yorktown, VA

Hot and Spicy Weed Killer

I have used the same method for many years now. Who would know that a huge mistake could turn out to be something useful years later? Maybe many ideas come to use that way, this one for sure did.

We were boiling shrimp with some friends when I lived in Louisiana. Being young and trying not to show it actually taught me two things in the same weekend. One: do not put shrimp down the garbage disposal. Two: the hot mixture of spices kills your grass almost instantly! I do pretty much everything I can organic. If I still lived in the South where you boil shrimp or craw fish often, I would just use the left over water to pour on all my weeds. Since I have moved from there, now I make a special "brew" to kill all of those weeds, without hurting the environment. The ones that come up through cracks in driveway or close to the steps can't hide from this hot and spicy weed killer.

You take Cajun Pepper (red pepper will do) and hot sauce, vinegar can also be added if you have extra. Bring it to a boil and pour directly on any area you want everything to die. Be very careful not to get it on grass you want to stay alive. Anything this hot mixture is put on will die (ants don't like it either). If you make more then you use at any given time, put in bottle for next time. This works cool but I have found works faster when boiled,steaming hot. If you aren't wanting to see results immediately, know it works after mixture has cooled off.

I add a half jar of Cajun or red pepper and half a bottle of hot sauce to a large pot of water. You just know it is ready when your eyes are watering and the room fills with the smell of the mixture. I have added left over pickle juice, vinegar, even jalapeno juice to this, depending what is left over in my fridge or cabinets. This works and works well without hurting anything in the air, animals tend not to eat in that area but it doesn't hurt them.

If you do boil shrimp, crab or crawfish, please drain the water where any unwanted weeds are so you get double use out of something you would just throw away. At most markets that sell seafood, they have bags with seasoning already in it. I always ask this time of the year to let me know if any are past the selling date. A couple of times I got lucky and was able to get the boil in bag seasoning for a dollar. Any of these ingredients can be found at the Dollar Store. With no more worries about pulling weeds, maybe you will have more time to enjoy this beautiful time of the year.

By Luana M. from San Diego, CA

Repurposing Water Cooler Bottles

I heard this from a member of my garden club. When the large refill bottles that are used in water machines crack, they are no longer of use to hold water. My friend goes to the water store and asks them for their damaged bottles which they give to him for free.

He then uses a Dremel to cut a line around the top, removing the top with the spout on it (the part that slips into the water cooler). Now he has a large cloche that can be put over plants in the garden as a mini cold frame. These freebies will accommodate large plants and are more versatile than the expensive, fancy glass ones you can buy.

By Jeannie from Vancouver, BC

Tips for Estate Planning

I'm not getting any younger and wanted to make my passing as easy as I could paperwork wise. I have gathered and organized everything I could into a special colored folder and my daughter has a copy of it all, and she and my husband know the color of the folder in my desk, as I do not keep it out in the open.

I included:

• internet passwords to important sites
• a list of programs
• our living wills
• our wills
• medical info
• insurance policies
• vehicle titles
• subscriptions
• social security
• medicare

All of these so she can notify/cancel. She is also on our bank accounts, and has the logins so she can transfer any money if something happens as she lives in another state. I tried to think of everything I could so I would not leave anything to chance. I wanted my daughter and/or my husband to be able to immediately take over things without any difficulty. I go through it every so often and make sure it is all up to date. It does offer peace of mind knoing that when my time comes, all is ready to be taken over.

By Martil

Getting Rid of Ants Without Chemicals

Use Vinegar! We had this problem in one of our apartments. The ants literally went from our balcony sliding door right to the dog food. I put vinegar in a spray bottle, sprayed the track of the sliding glass door, the balcony, and the carpet to the dog dish and under it. No more ants. I've done this in my current home on counter tops, door frames, carpets, everywhere. No worries.

I don't know if this would work in the garden since vinegar is also a short term weed killer, but it may work on the ant mounds.

By lkaserman from Adelphi, MD

Banana Peels for Removing Warts

My son had a wart and a friend told me to put a banana peel over it and cover with bandage. I did and it was gone in a week. A friend also uses them to whiten her teeth. She rubs the inside of peel all over her teeth leaves on for ten minutes and then brushes them.

By Coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Feed Dogs Green Beans

I learned a year or so ago that many overweight dogs will eat green beans. Substituting generous amounts of them in your dog's bowl for higher-calorie ingredients is a way to fill him/her up without adding fat.

I used canned green beans (whatever "cut" is cheaper). If I can get "no salt" green beans economically, I use them; otherwise, I just rinse whatever kind I have.

I prepare several days worth at a time, and I use a stick blender to puree them slightly. I have also used a potato masher successfully.

I started my mini Rat Terrier, Sarge, on a teaspoon a day, and gradually went up until he overcame his suspicion of them. He is now eating over 1/2 cup per day, and LOVING them. When I am opening the cans and pureeing his "gee-bees" (that's what we call them so the little brainiac won't know they're vegetables), he is begging for them.

I think Sarge would have lost some weight by now if I hadn't been sharing portions of my snacks with him. Unfortunately, we have both gained, but that's MY fault.

By Jayni from Richmond, TX

Shoe Rack For Storing Fabric

I found a shoe rack when I was browsing the local "as is" store. It was $1.00 so I scarfed it up and have all my larger pieces on it. Smaller ones I put in zip lock or clear veggie bags so I can see what I need. Clear plastic tubs can be so very handy, and I get mine secondhand to save money.

I hope this helps. Staying organized means never having to say "where is that"!

By Sandi from Salem, OR

Use Cinnamon To Deter Ants

To get rid of ants in the kitchen I sprinkle cinnamon on them and around the spot that they seem to be interested in. My local dollar store is a great source for cinnamon. The ants came marching in to the dog and cat food bowls and I sprinkled a bit of cinnamon.

Source: I really don't know where I learned this, possibly from Organic Gardening or Mother Earth News years ago or it could have been from my Mom because she was a true organic gardener.

By Linny from Roundup, MT

Get Rid of Redness From Pimple

My teenage son had a red pimple on his face for Picture day. He used Visine on it and it took the redness out of it so it was not so noticeable.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Take Outdoor Photos On Cloudy Days

An excellent published professional photographer once told me that it's often best to do outdoor photography on cloudy days. Colors of flowers and leaves look much more vibrant on overcast days and there are fewer shadows to deal with.

By KDS from Wilmington, Delaware

Listerine as a Mosquito Repellent

Use Listerine mouthwash in a spray bottle. Spray your chair, blanket, and surrounding area. Mosquitoes stay away.

By grmama from WI

Storing Christmas Tree Decorations in Popcorn Tins

Over time we have been gifted several themed popcorn tins. They have worked great for storing our Christmas tree decorations in. The one with angels on it, holds all our angel ornaments, while the one with snow covered homes stores all our special homemade ornaments. The one with Santa and his sleigh store all our Santa ornaments, while the one with the old classic cars on it stores all our sports themed ornaments.

My all time favorite has antique dolls on it and holds my mini doll ornaments. We have one with snowmen on it that holds all the Christmas coloring books and crayons for when our grandsons visit. These are then stored in rubber totes. After the tree is all decorated, we just set all the pretty tins around the room, for extra holiday beauty. Easy peasey when its time to pack them all away again.

By Sue from Taylor, MI

Bottle Lids for Barbie Dishes

Let kids use old pill lids and pop lids as Barbie dishes. They can cut out foam to put in the bottoms of the lids.Then use old beads and paint them to look like fruit and other foods. They can also cut foods out of foam. My girls loved to do this. They also rolled up tin foil for baked potatoes.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Calcium Supplement for Dogs

Dry egg shells in the oven at 250 degrees F for 30 minutes. Crush the shells and add to your dogs food. You can also use them to feed birds as well. Put extra ones in the garden, they deter snails and slugs.

By Coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Plastic Bags as Emergency Toilet

Another use for plastic bags is to drape them over a bucket or other container and then use as a toilet! If it's solid waste, you just tie it off and put it in the trash. If it's urine, then before using, line the bottom of the plastic bag with a layer of newspaper (or other absorbant). In either case, you can then tie off the bag then get rid of it in a sanitary way. I understand that in Africa, they call these "flying toilets." It would be great for camping or to use in an emergency situation.

By Pam M. from Los Angeles, CA

Fix That Mousepad

My mousepad was is sad condition. It showed multiple spill spots, and had peeled up from all four corners. I considered buying a new one. But of course I had to try and use what I had first.

I tossed it in the washer first, and let it drip dry. It came out looking all pretty in color, but still quite dilapidated in form.

Next I used a gel glue pen all over the lower surface of the pad, and pressed the peeled off section back down with my hands.

I let it rest under a heavy weight overnight.

Presto: my mouse pad will last a little longer.

By Kirsten from Logan, UT

Glass Bottle Wind Chime

Small glass bottles can be used to make a wind chime. Just wrap with wire, add beads or shells to wired necks of bottles.

By Karen from Pawtucket, RI

Use Shower Caps Instead of Plastic Wrap

I buy the colored "disposible" shower caps, the ones from the Dollar General or Family Dollar. They are large enough to cover a pretty large bowl. Best yet, I hand wash them and reuse them for months.

By Liz from Missouri Valley, IA

Repurpose Glass Bottles

1. You can make a bottle tree. Just put on branches in or near the garden. Blue ones look great for this.
2. Turn upside down and put in ground, evenly spaced apart as a border for a garden.
3. Make a lamp.
4. Use to store herb/citrus infused olive oils and vinegars. Decorate with dried herbs and flowers, if you like.
5. Use to store bubble bath or lotion.
6. Use as a vase, put 1 stem in each.
7. Break and use for mosaic tables, planters, stepping stones, bird baths, wind chimes (wrapped with wire), etc. Be very safe and wrap in a towel or large rag first before breaking and wear heavy gloves to protect your hands while handling.

By Karen from Pawtucket, RI

Pet Treat Bags for Grease Disposal

When the foil cat treat bag like Purina Whisker Lickin' Tender Moments is empty, do not throw it away. Instead, let your grease cool after cooking and then then pour it into the little bag and zip it shut. This will keep the grease from smelling up your garage can and also prevent it from leaking all over everything.

By Kathy from Jefferson, LA

Reusing a Wendy's Frosty Cup

After you have finished off your cool, refreshing Wendy's frosty that comes in a clear plastic cup with a clear plastic dome covering. Wash it and reuse in the bathroom for a toothbrush holder. Use another cup without the dome cover as a drinking cup. Adds nostalgia to the bathroom. Maybe check on eBay for matching shower curtain and towels? Is that going too far? Who would want a Wendy's bathroom?

By Vickie from Canton, MI

Saving Money on a Clean Shave

A clean shave results in a great feeling, particularly considering the closeness allowed by multiple blade razors; however, the cost of replacement razor blade heads is steep, if not a bit galling. Try the following technique:

1. Rather than replace the disposable razor head when it dulls, sharpen it. If you search eBay for "razor sharpener" you will find an unlikely looking item for $3 or 4 which works wonders. It is a strip of some kind of flexible plastic about 1"x3"; you simply wet your blade then draw it across this strip several times. Some kind of nanotechnology is incorporated into this strip which apparently transfers to the blade and allows for a much extended blade life.

2. If you have an electric shaver, you can do a primer shave on those areas, the mustache and chin for example, where nicks and scrapes often occur. This will make the blade shave go more smoothly.

3. Use a shaving brush to create a lather to apply soap to your face. Begin by wetting the brush in hot water and rubbing briskly against the skin; this will soften the whiskers. Use the shaving brush to replenish the soap on your face while shaving; the hotter the water the better for the shave.

By Tracy from Kansas City, MO

Uses for Tennis Balls

Cut a tennis ball in half, cut a hole in the bottom, and slide up your paint brush to catch drips. You can use the other half in the kitchen to open tight jars, just put the tennis ball over the top and it will make it easier to grip. It opens jars easily.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Collecting Important Tax Documents

When I get my first tax document in the mail (1099, W-2, etc.), I designate a drawer near my computer as my "tax documents drawer" and let everyone who handles the mail know. Then as things come in, everyone knows right where to put them, and when I sit down to do the taxes, I know right where to find them.

By Kirsten from Logan, UT

Talcum to Deter Kitchen Ants

Every year ants invade my kitchen for a few weeks in June. Last year, they almost drove me crazy until my daughter gave me this tip. I sprinkled talcum powder across the threshold of the door and they will not cross it. It must be talcum powder. It really worked.

By Lilac from Springfield, MA