ToolGirl Mag Ruffman's Official Web Log

Write instead of read; upgrade your bathroom with chalkboard paint

via www.charlesandhudson.com

Come ON. How cool is this?

Fire & Acid Create Aged Hardware

via blogs.popularwoodworking.com

What holiday season would be complete without getting out the propane torch and gun bluing? This super-short Popular Woodworking video is a fun primer on adding an expensive-looking patina to generic hardware. LOVE.

Sugru hacking compound - Mag's Product Review [video]

My review of the new moldable silicone putty that cures to a grippy, tough, permanent firmness. 

 

Repair holey sweaters in seconds with Woolfiller kit

This is such a cool, easy technique; you'll be overjoyed to reclaim your moth-eaten woolens.  Read my Sun Media article for more details on how to use Woolfiller.  Oh, and Woolfiller is one of Time Magazine's top 50 inventions of 2010, so I'm not the only one who thinks it's brilliant.

 

The DIY Bug is Gender Inclusive

via goinsolomag.blogspot.com

Goin' Solo Magazine is a cool publication dedicated to self-sufficiency and the Do-It-Yourself lifestyle. A recent post features a few Canadian DIY enthusiasts including Steve Smith (Red Green), me and Lee Valley's Jennifer Hart. The Goin' Solo site is worth perusing - they cover the maverick urge, from DIY film-making to creative new business models for the independent-spirited person. 

The Home Depot Community

via community.homedepot.com

The Home Depot is dipping its orange toe into social media with a new DIY community forum.

Insanely cheap, gorgeous European curtain fabric

Richie is back! My favourite eBay source for dropdead gorgeous European fabric disappeared suddenly a few years ago to deal with some health problems. I missed him hugely, and now he's back. He ships to Canada and he's clearing out his entire UK warehouse to move to sunnier climes. He's a lovely guy to deal with, and you'll never find more beautiful curtain fabric this side of the Atlantic. (He sells leftovers from his interior design contracts). I made all of the curtains and blinds in our house from his stuff. Shipping costs are around $100 for a large bolt - I happily pay it knowing the quality of the fabric I'm getting at such a great price. 

Sugru: Putty in your hands - my column at Homes-Extra.ca

via homeandgarden.homes-extra.ca

No, I can't seem to stop talking about Sugru, my favourite fix-it material from UK inventor Jane Ni Dhulchaointigh. Here's my article in this week's Homes-Extra.

ToolGirl's gifts for arty, crafty people [video]

Wabi Sabi Design: Make an iPhone/iPod dock from wood

This is a little rustic for some, but I love my new dock made from a chunk of 150-year-old cedar fence that had been decommissioned.  I cut the end off and carved it out with a Dremel, a chisel and a Forstner bit.  Then anchored the connector in some Sugru (silicone-based putty that dries to a nice tough resilient consistency) and let it cure overnight. 

More details below: