This week's free ToolGirl How-to video gives you a billion options for bone-easy handmade gifts. You'll learn to frame any two-dimensional item using inexpensive materials and a soldering iron...
How To Make A Tinned Picture Frame - step by step instructions
It's getting to be gifty season and I've got a hostess treat that's fast and classy depending on your definition of classy. This quick video contains my hard-earned tips for festooning candles with microwave-pressed flowers (or hardware for a more manly version).
My friend Shyenna (7) has an eye for colour. When there's paint around, she cuts loose. Her choices are instant and fearless. I love watching her because it inspires me to go with my own instincts, even though I've always doubted them.
And this project isn't just about decorating with fabric and paint. We also built the mirror frame from scratch. It's a simple, fun project that any beginner can accomplish. (Plus there's a monster who lives in the mirror!)
In case there's any doubt in your mind about whether someone as young as 4 years old can use a drill or a saw, just watch these faces...
(See 15 easy building projects for kids 3-9)
Sometimes you just have to help giant manufacturers out with a few hacks to their displays...
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.
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.
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. 😖😃
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. 😖😃
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.
