ToolGirl Mag Ruffman

Sugru Subterfuge at IKEA!

Sometimes you just have to help giant manufacturers out with a few hacks to their displays...

 

Photo Blocks for Kids

I've been working on making more blocks for kids after reading this fantastic New York Times article about how educators are returning to blocks and unstructured play.  WHAT A HUGE STEP FORWARD!  Because fingers can do so much more than work on a computer keyboard or a tablet surface, and kids with 3D aptitude have, when given the chance, amazing ways of expressing themselves.  They're the makers, builders and artists of tomorrow.

Here's a little preview of photo blocks made from poplar.  

 

How to avoid disastrous paint color choices. And I would know about that.

I once had to repaint a floor 7 times because I couldn't get the colour right. I went through white, straw, green, grey, gold and brown before finally settling on Chili Pepper Red (and only because the paint-counter lady took pity on me and suggested it).  Things would have been way easier with this cool electronic tool, which is now available for free at any ICI paint store.  

Sneaky leaks and your water bill

1 in 5 toilets is snacking on your water supply while you're not watching. If you don't like the idea of adding as much as $250 to your annual water bill, you can fix a leak for less than $5 in under 5 minutes.

P.S. If you don't have a non-toxic vegetable dye tablet, a few drops of food colouring will do the trick.

P.P.S.  This just in - great tip from a reader for anyone who uses chlorine pucks in their toilet tanks...

Make a note that chlorine pucks put in tank to clean and disinfect toilet cause breakdown of flapper and voids new toilet warranty- i had to change 4 new ones within 2 months because of those damn pucks !!!!
Dr. Carey.  😖😃

 

Is your toilet leaking silently? (plus how to gross out 8-year-olds)

If you ever need to know how to make a group of 8-year-old boy scouts yell, "Ewwwww!" in unison, try my trick.

HUGE TIP: This tip just came in from a reader - for anyone who uses chlorine pucks in their toilet tanks...

Make a note that chlorine pucks put in tank to clean and disinfect toilet cause breakdown of flapper and voids new toilet warranty- i had to change 4 new ones within 2 months because of those damn pucks !!!!
Dr. Carey.  😖😃

 

The eyes have it - 22% of DIY injuries are to the face

Cutting edge safety gear including MP3 player ear-protection and a respirator that lets you sound like Darth Vader.

 

Choosing a furnace filter that doesn't suck

Just say 'no' to furnace filter bafflement:

 

 

Stain Gang - Food safe solutions for icky stained cutting boards

Canadian invention helps you hang art work with no arguing

This is a really cool invention from Canadian designer Liette Tousignant.  And it helps you hang anything from photos to small cabinets without the usual disagreements from relatives of different heights.

 

Make your own 'shabby chic' crackle finish for antiquing picture frames and furniture

This is a really fast, easy project that allows you to be both sloppy and clever.  And making paint crack is way more fun than watching paint dry.  It's a great technique to use on old stuff or new stuff, bare wood or finished wood, even painted surfaces.