via toolshows.ca
I'm starting to pack my tools for 5 Ladies' Nights across Canada starting Friday October 15th in Surrey, B.C. - Maybe you can come out (you don't have to be a lady - I hardly ever am); Plus I'm giving away tons of free gifts to attendees because I want to be Canada's Ellen. You could go home with free silk bedding from SmartSilk, free household products from Planet People, or free tools from Ryobi and Ridgid!
We're halfway through our first shoot day for Real Life with Sharon Caddy. As you can see, we're out standing in our field.
This shot is an intro to a segment called 'Reserved Sparking', a beginner's guide to changing a lawnmower spark plug.
The weather's great and the crew (Greg and David) are way more efficient than me but I'm trying to lower their standards.
It's my favourite time of year. I'm building stuff, experimenting with finishes, learning to weld, turning utensils into coat racks, sketching outlandish projects that take way too long to make but I do it anyway. Because it's fun. When's the last time you built something just for the heck of it? It just doesn't get better, does it?
If you can make it to the show I'm there Friday and Sunday at 12:30 and 3:00 on the DIY stage.
Here's a sneak peek at some of my projects for beginners:
A key rack and cellphone dock made from Montana Ghostwood (lumber harvested from trees killed by beetles and forest fires)...
A lampshade made from used plastic bags...
A coat rack made from pre-finished wainscoting that's chip-carved and forked up with my new micro-forging process...
And lots more fun stuff including USB flash drives made from lilac twigs, rustic shutters, a kick-butt lap desk, and staining wood with all-natural dyes (including tea, vinegar and tobacco).
Hope to see you there!
I've been answering lots of questions over the years but only one person benefits at a time.
So I'm trying out this new service that lets me answer any question so everyone can see it. Whether you're asking about Avonlea, woodworking, tools or my biography of Red Green, let 'er rip. You have to type your question into the box below to enable me to answer it at FormSpring. Thanks.
You can see all of the questions and answers at this location: http://www.formspring.me/magruffman
Such a nice article in The Star today. Thanks to Alex Newman for pulling so many crazy details together and making me sound like I have a coherent plan in life!
Join the HomeStars.com team for some holiday cheer! I'm hosting this shindig and it's going to be a fabulous party. Plus we have some fantastic giveaways from your favourite tool manufacturers including Stanley, Irwin, DeWALT and Ryobi - and great music, bar food and drinks...
via www.pingg.com
Every so often I get to do a morning with the high-spirited crew of Breakfast Television and I always have a blast with Dina. She's quirky, fearless and in-the-moment. Hence the turkey gobbling thing. She got me to do it twice. I can't believe I didn't make her do it too. Dang.
(If you click on the photo it'll take you to the video)
Bryan Baeumler from HGTV's Disaster DIY will help you choose what to attempt and what not to - because he's seen it ALL, baby.
If you have questions about your dwelling and how to make it look good, feel good and last for ages, you can get a free education this weekend at the Toronto Fall Home Show.
The home show is the city's best hands-on forum for homeowners trying to figure out the right course of action for the unique needs of their home.
More than 250 experts, contractors and vendors are on hand to answer your questions, give you advice and introduce you to the latest design trends and technologies.
I'll be on The Planning Stage twice (12:30 on Friday October 2 and 12:30 on Saturday October 3) giving a billion tips on how to make yourself feel comfortable in your home instead of worried, anxious or doubtful about the choices you're making. (HINT: Denial is not the answer)
I'll take questions you may have, teach you how to use basic power tools, explain how you can tell exactly where to start upgrading to suit your home's personality -- even if it's wonky, old, semi-rotten or semi-finished.
And if you're getting ready to sell, I'll give you 5 changes you can make to get the most money from a buyer.
I'll even show you how to radically and economically upgrade your garage storage with Gladiator Garage Works components so you can actually park your car in there this winter!
BONUS: Save $5 off your ticket to the Toronto Fall Home Show by writing a few words about your plumber, landscaper, electrician, carpenter or installer.
The show runs from Thursday October 1 - Sunday October 4. Need more info?
WHERE IS THE SHOW?
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
151 Princes' Boulevard
Toronto, ON
416-263-3000
I love seeing the look on people's faces when they realize what they can do with a few tools.
That's why I'm teaching a free "Power Tools for Beginners" class (1 hour) at the Toronto Fall Home Show Friday October 2 (3:00) and Saturday October 3 (3:30). I'd love to see you there.
We'll cover 4 basic power tools you need to build your own shelves, fences, outdoor furniture, planters and toys. It'll be SO FUN.
I have some fantastic colleagues who are also teaching free classes this weekend at the show:
HGTV's Hands-on Workshop Series
- Cheryl Torrenueva, HGTV design expert - Luxe living for less!
- Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV's Disaster DIY - Building green
- Linda Leatherdale, financial expert - Your Home: How to get more bang
for your buck
- Christopher Jones, founder of StyleNorth.ca - The vintage advantage
- Janette Ewen, interior stylist and CityLine expert - How to be your
own decorator
- Jackie Morra, founder, Home Décor Solutions - Choosing the right
accessories
- ToolGirl, Mag Ruffman - Power tools for beginners
Here's a direct link to sign up for classes. Hope to see you there.
We're All In This Together
Based on four years of interviews with Steve Smith, Mag's unconventional biography reveals the personal stories, sorrows and joys that continue to inspire the man behind the Red Green legacy.
How Hard Can It Be?
Mag's quirky and entertaining book of home improvement projects for beginners.
