February 27, 2020

Homemade Kite IdeasSpring is a perfect time for kite flying. You don't have to spend a lot and buy one when it is possible to make one at home with either materials you already have, such as plastic bags, or with the purchase of a few inexpensive ones. Learn how here.

 

Making Kids' Toy Rattle DrumsLearn how to make toy rattle drums, in two versions, from jar lids and paper ribbon spools. They are easy and fun to make and more fun to play with.

 

Making Wooden BookendsIf you own or have access to a saw and drill you can make these easy wooden bookends. The supplies are listed below and you can add your own embellishments to suit your tastes.

 

Make a Cute Fox from ShellsCreate this very cute bit of decor using mussel and scallop shells. The complete craft with photos, a supplies list, and instructions can be seen below.

 

How to Make a Bottle Cap Frog Gift TagIf you have a green plastic bottle cap you are on your way to recreating this fun little frog gift tag. Don't have one, this only adds one more step of painting one. Simple to follow instructions are given below.

 

Making a Bottlecap PincushionTransform a plain plastic bottle cap into a pretty, useful pincushion. You will need fabric scraps, Polyfil or other stuffing material, and glue as the basic supplies. Decorate as you like or follow the instructions provided below.

 

How to Protect Yourself Against the Coronavirus (COVID-19)Starting in late 2019, an outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) started. The virus has been spreading across the globe with outbreaks throughout the world. Here are some helpful ways to protect yourself from this infectious virus.

 

Making Cutout Paper Heart ValentinesFollow the instructions below to make two cute construction paper heart Valentines. One is a funny heart caterpillar and the left over paper from which the hearts were cut is incorporated into a second card.

 

Saving Money On Light BulbsAs the preferred type of light bulb has been changing over the last several years the types of bulbs available has shifted. The newer LED bulbs are not only longer lasting their cost has dropped. Finding the right bulb for your fixture and how it is used is one way to save money on light bulbs.

 

Home Sweet Home Framed Leaves Wall HangingReplicate this lovely leaf wall hanging with foliage that you select. Follow the steps below to complete one for your home.

 

Creating a Photo Holder RockWith a strategically placed pipe cleaner you can make a photo holder from a decorated or painted rock. Have your kids get involved too. These would make nice gifts for friends and family.

 

Making a Jigsaw Puzzle Piece FrameA common recycled craft for children and adults alike is making photo frames decorated with puzzle pieces. This is an excellent use for puzzles missing some of their pieces. Learn how to get started here.

 

Using Wine Corks For DecoratingWine corks are used in a variety of craft projects. Learn how to make a cork and faux grape filled painted box to display in your home.

 

Making A Patriotic Flag With Left Over WoodSalvage a piece of scrap wood to create your own patriotic flag yard decoration for your garden or entryway. You will need paint, a brush, painter's tape, and an optional hanger.

 

Making Paper Roll Kids' Cuff BraceletsRecycle an empty paper roll into cute cuff bracelets for your kids to decorate and wear. An example of this project follows. Using whatever you have on hand to decorate them makes this a very low cost craft.

 

Making a Strawberry Planter from a Laundry BasketLine a plastic laundry basket with burlap, fill with soil, cut holes in the sides for some of the plants and you have an inexpensive strawberry planter for your garden. Plant the berries and stand by to enjoy delicious strawberries alone or in recipes.

 

Laundry Basket PlantersPlastic laundry baskets make fun holders for outdoor potted plants. Set the pots down inside and create a cluster planting effect.

 

How to Protect Yourself Against the Coronavirus (COVID-19)This week, the CDC has told Americans that we need to be prepared for an outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus has been spreading across the globe with outbreaks in China, Korea, Japan, Italy, and Iran. As of today, the US has only seen 56 cases of the disease. Currently, 8,400 people in California are being monitored for the coronavirus.

 

Lamb and Eggplant DipHalim Bademjan is a lamb and eggplant dip from the Middle East. It's great for either an appetizer or main course. I love serving it with soft lavash bread and Greek yogurt. Don't forget to try the fried mint recipe at the end to top it with. It's amazing!

 

Identifying a Stuffed Toy Cat?My girlfriend has had this red tabby cat stuffed animal since she was a little girl, and had been wanting a new one for a long time, but can't find it anywhere online. I've searched with her over and over, but I can't find it either. It is really similar in shape and look to Mary Meyer's Flip Flops, but I can't find it there either.

 

Value of a Vintage CorningWare Dish?I have a Corningware P-1 3/4-B dish that was given to me. I looked up the stamp to age it and it is from around 1966. I was just wanting to see about pricing on this and what I could maybe sell it for. It has a little wear and tear on the bottom. I looked online and most of the prices on there seemed unrealistic.

 

Value of a 1858 Webster's Dictionary?What do you think it's worth?

 

Removing Armour Etch Film on Glasses?I used Armour Etch cream on my everyday eyeglasses to remove scratches and the cream left a horrible smudgy film on my lenses. I cannot see through them now. How do I remove this smudgy film?

 

New Dog Not Going to the Bathroom?I have a 9 year old dog that came from a multiple dog home of a disabled owner. She was newspaper trained and never walked outside. I've had her for 3 weeks and was doing pretty good with potty training, as she would consistently go back to the pad, but would pee right on the edge so half would go on the floor and half on the pad.

 

Identifying an Old Pin or Fastener from a Hardware Store?I acquired this pin in a box at an auction at an old rural hardware store. The pin is 7 1/2" long and is diamond shaped. The part # 13242 is stenciled on the side. Value?