Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/DmfTFDc9ziU/solar-empire-videos-playlist.htm
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Saturday 30 April 2011
Solar Empire Videos
On TLC's "Solar Empire," learn about experiments to create effective life support systems that will keep astronauts alive for long space missions.
pentiomino code (very cool)
O.K., I got this from a very very good book I am reading, called "Chasing Vermeer" if you have the chance you should read it. The book is by Blue Balliett. But the code is very simple, but it can take a while to decode other codes if you just started it. Print the picture above, or just find it on g...By: thawkman
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/pentiomino-code-very-cool/
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Bacon-bi-plane
MAKE A BACON BI-PLANE items needed: 3 slices cooked, MEDIUM CRISP, bacon ; 1 weiner; 4 toothpicks table or steak knife work surface: cutting board or paper plate prep the Bacon Bi-Plane weiner (fuselage) Prep The Weiner: The weiner will be the "fuselage;" that is, the lon...By: inad
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Bacon-bi-plane/
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Small Plant Terrarium
I made a few of these a week ago. This one sits on my desk as a fun little thing to look at. Hopefully the light that I shine on it provides enough light so it wont die or wilt. Just asking, does a flourescent lightbulb provide enough types of light(ultraviolet radiation, etc...) so the plant doesnt...By: dombeef
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Small-Plant-Terrarium/
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Confetti Egg Bombs!
This is what I made that is great for an easter egg hunt. Crack it on people's heads to cover them in confetti! This is also an entry for the Egg-Bot contest so please vote! Here is what you need: 1 Egg 1 Bobby Pin Confetti (Lots!) 1 Bowl Tissue Paper Paint (Optional) Egg-Dye (Op...By: GameNox
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Confetti-Egg-Bombs/
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All About Landscape Lighting
Our experts explain what it takes to put your property in the best light after the sun goes down
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/qPhm8ugcuyQ/0,,20484224,00.html
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Mother's Day Craft: Bring Black & White Photos to Life
Filed under: Crafts, Holidays, Crafts & Celebrations
This Mother's Day, show your mom some love by turning a forgotten photo into an eye-catching piece of art. 
So why not give it a thoroughly modern spin by pairing the photo with not one but two bright, bold prints? And is there a more perfect holiday to celebrate vintage snaps of the ones we love than Mother's Day?
Photo Editor Jolie Novak had this amazing photo of her mom, Leslie, pregnant with her and kindly volunteered it for our project. Want to recreate it at home with a shot of your own mom? Read on...
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=998040&pid=998039&uts=1304029448
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Bring Black & White Photos to Life
Gather your materials:
-Plain frame
-Two different patterns of wallpaper/wrapping paper
-The photo you're going to spotlight
-Tape
-Blade or paper cutter
-Cardboard, or any surface you can safely cut on.
Bring Black & White Photos to Life
Cut the first piece of decorative paper to the size of the frame's backing using the blade. Then move to the next sheet of paper. This one should be cut smaller by about 2/3 -- though the actual sizing is up to you.
Bring Black & White Photos to Life
If you've printed out the black & white photo like we did here, cut it out completely so that there's no border.
Bring Black & White Photos to Life
Tape the first piece of paper right onto the frame's backing.
Bring Black & White Photos to Life
Once the entire backing is covered, bring the next, smaller, piece of paper. Try to get it as close to the middle as possible. Then do the same with the photo.
Bring Black & White Photos to Life
Tada! Here's Jolie with her mother's day present all ready to go.
Looking for more Mother's Day crafts? Check out...
DIY Paper-Cut Mother's Day Card
DIY Mother's Day Corsage
Mother's Day Flower Arrangements
Flower Arranging 101
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/29/mothers-day-crafts/
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Friday 29 April 2011
Could You Build an Underground Fort?
Filed under: Outdoors
A 1920's instructional on underground forts got us thinking...is a sub-ground hang-out even possible?
Over on Wired, one industrious blogger discovered a 1929 "Modern Mechanics" featuring surprisingly detailed images and instructions on building an underground fort -- complete with measurements. This ultimate DIY got us thinking: Could someone really pull this off? Consider...
The Underground Fort's Foundation
Digging the hole is basically like digging a foundation for a house. Only in this case, the hole will actually be your house. A tarp or water-proof material is needed for the flooring and plywood is used to support the "walls."
The Underground Fort's Roof
While some fort instructions say to use plywood for this part of the structure, the fort in this illustration uses tar paper.
The Underground Fort's Appliances
Candles and lanterns can easily illuminate your underground hang-out. Just be sure to contain the flames. Just think of it as being in a tent. The stove situation is a bit more complicated though. Certainly you won't be installing a state-of-the-art range and hood. But you can contain a brick or stone fire. And -- most importantly -- make sure to have an exhaust!
The Underground Fort's Safety
Safety is the main issue we thought of when seeing this underground habitat. After all, access in through long, narrow tunnels. And depending on the ground your working with, hazards could be high. While we're pretty sure a savvy DIYer can make this happen, we're still rolling out the caution tape. Although, tree forts leave you hanging on a limb, so which option is less risky?
OK, this is all sounding a little shaky to us. Unless you've got a professional willing to help or consult, we'd advise sticking with your basement or attic as a hideout -- or copy this writer's husband and take up a new "man cave" apartment!
And be sure to check out other DIY ideas:
Easy, Low-Cost Weekend Projects
DIY Solar Projects
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/28/underground-forts/
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How to Remove Wrinkles and Puckers from Carpet
In most cases you should be able to restretch your carpet to remove wrinkles. Read on to find out more.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/0Y87XmUzUog/
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Unclog Your Drain With A 2-Liter Bottle
One way to unclog your drain using a two liter bottle is to fill it with warm water and squeeze the bottle while pointing it down the drain. The pressure will swoosh light debris away. When that doesn't work, get out the scissors and head on over to the Dollar Store Crafts blog for instructions on how to make your own drain snake our of a two liter bottle. Just get ready for a disgusting surprise and the smell of death.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/XhYA2yLxZZU/unclog-your-drain-with-a-2-liter-bottle
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Clipped: Inspiration from around the Web
Curbly's Clippings section is a trove of user-gathered design inspiration. Check it out if your looking for some ideas, or create an account and get started saving your own clippings! Here are some of my recent favorites:
Want more pictures? Try browsing the clippings by tag. Try all 'Green' clippings:
Or, how about everything tagged 'Modern':
If you find something really cool, let us know in the comments!
Source: http://curbly.com/bruno/posts/10233-clipped-inspiration-from-around-the-web
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DIY Lamp (Guess what it's made out of!)
This lamp casts gorgeous light, no? Can you guess what it's made out of?
How about now?
If you said wire whisks you'd be correct. Natalie used no less that 300 of them to construct it.
Via Recyclart
Source: http://curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/10225-diy-lamp-guess-what-it-s-made-out-of
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Cheap Date Ideas: Try DIYing
Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations
Yes, dinner and a movie is fun. But if you're looking to impress a true DIY-er, try one of these crafty date ideas. 
Whether you're trying to plan a super original first date or just hoping to remind your partner of how creative you are, a craft-oriented date is the perfect solution. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it will get you both out of your comfort zone (and the monotony of coffees/drinks/desserts) and bring you closer.
We found the best crafty dates on HowAboutWe, a dating site that lets users fill in the dots of "How About We..." to take you offline ASAP. And according to the site's co-founder Brian Schechter, the benefits of DIY dates go beyond a fun night. "If you're go on a crafty date, you know the guy (or girl) you're going out with is also into the same things you are, so there's a good chance you'll have fun together and want to go out again," Schechter tells us. "And even if they're not the person you're looking for, you at least made something cool together, so you come out on top anyway." One more perk? "Besides, crafty, work-with-your-
Outdoor Cheap Date Ideas
Forget bringing flowers to a date -- these activities take are way more hands on. From "guerilla gardening" in the park to building a home for the less fortunate, we're all about these get-outside-NOW dates.
Artsy Cheap Date Ideas
Some of these require skill (public sketching), some require courage (trying to sell your just-made artwork to strangers). But all are worth it for the story.
Silly Cheap Date Ideas
In addition to being creative and crafty, these ideas are among the most hilarious -- and yes, the ones we'd most want to recreate. Question is, what to do first: Bedazzle thrift shop clothes or make origami cranes?
Looking for more great dates? Head over to HowAboutWe. Looking for more fun DIY projects? Check out...
Make a Dog Bed Out of a Nightstand
Apartment Gardening: Turn a Filing Cabinet Into a Planter
Make a Terrarium...Today!
Create a Crackled Paint Faux Finish with Plain School Glue
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/20/cheap-date-ideas/
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Thursday 28 April 2011
Flower Arranging 101: Dress Up Your Home and Impress Your Friends
Filed under: Crafts, Essential Skills, Know-How, Crafts & Celebrations
With this five-step guide to arranging bouquets, you can skip the florist and head straight to the flower market (or better yet, your garden).My ideal self does a lot of things well. I speak different languages fluently, I never drip paint on the floor while doing simple touch-ups and I arrange flowers effortlessly and beautifully while wearing a lovely apron and telling some charming joke.
Flower Arranging Step #1: Pick your flowers. Pick your color palate. Choose flowers in groups of threes.
We chose ours from a mix of big blooms like Yellow Spider Mums (yellow flowers with lots of skinny petals), Coffee Break Roses (dark roses), Free Spirit Roses (bright orange roses) and Esperance Roses pink-and-white roses) and then moved onto accents like Happy Romance Hypericum (red berries), Erica Pink Bliss Heather (fluffy pink/purple stems), White Hybrid Waxflower (small white flowers on branches) and Yellow Solidago (fluffy yellow stems).
But when it comes to your bouquet, remember this: Just pick what you like, and what you feel goes together best.
Flower Arranging Step #2: Clear everything off of the stem, except the good stuff on top.
That includes the leaves. Toss all the extra aside and only focus on the long stems with beautiful leaves and flowers up top. Not only will this give you a healthier arrangement but it will look better and be easier to manage.
Flower Arranging Step #3: Start with one flower in your hand and place the second flower's stem diagonally across it. Slightly turn your hand, then add the next flower.
This is really the key for arranging a hand-tied bouquet. You're always turning your hand and "crossing" a new flower into the mix. This is the creative part -- use your eye to continuously try to fill out the bouquet to make it look round and full, while keeping the flowers at similar heights. Make sure to alternate between the flowers to keep the mix interesting. And when it looks just right, use the leaves to surround your bouquet.
Flower Arranging Step #4: Tie things off and cut the stems
It's easiest if you have a friend to help you. At H.Bloom we used Oasis wire, but if you're doing this at home, try stealing a twist tie from a bag of bread. It has a similar consistency and gets the job done. Once your bouquet is secure, snip off enough of the stems so it will fit in your vase.
Flower Arranging Step #5: Line the vase with broad leaves.
We used Aspidistra leaves. See how only two leaves lined in there cover the glass so that you don't see the tied-off, naked stems? It's a tiny touch that makes things look super professional.
I'm grinning here because I'm so proud of my first flower arrangement. Not bad, right? And check out the pro-level arrangement made by my friend Nicole!
And now -- more exciting news: For those of you who still prefer a florist's perfect touch, H.Bloom has generously extended a special offer for DIY Life and ShelterPop readers: If you're in New York or Washington DC, head over to H.Bloom and use the coupon code ShelterPop25 for 25% off any floral subscription's first delivery!
Still have flowers on the brain? Check out...
America's Most Fascinating Public Gardens
Celebrate Spring at Home like Eva Mendes
April Flowers: What's Blooming?
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/04/28/flower-arranging/
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How To: Make a DIY Modern Birdhouse (No Woodworking Required)
A few years ago, I made a mid-century inspired birdhouse, modeled after the iconic Case Study houses. I created it using my growing collection of woodworking tools, like a table saw and router table, cutting complex angles, and using joints like rabbets and dadoes. It was fun and challenging, and nearly three years outside later, it's still very strong and holding up wonderfully.
But, of course I know that most folks, even other creative-types and DIYsters, don't have access to all these tools. So, I wondered: is it possible to come up with a modern, handmade birdhouse that doesn't required bunches of power tools and knowledge of complex joinery?
Of course it is. So, here's a DIY mod birdhouse that requires only an electric drill and a few toolbox staples. The whole thing can be made for around $10 in materials, and in just an hour or two. Materials and Tools:
- Cedar 1x6, cut to:
- (2) 5 1/2" lengths
- (2) 4" lengths
- Luan plywood, cut to:
- (1) 8 1/2 x 8 1/2"
- (1) 4 x 4"
- 1/4" hardwood dowel (oak or maple is preferable to poplar)
- Outdoor-approved oil-based paint and brushes (I used Rustoleum with an aluminum finish)
- Electric drill and drill bits:
- 1/4"
- 5/16"
- 1 3/8" Forstner bit
- Crescent pliers to cut dowels, or other cutting pliers
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Optional:
- Clamps
- Wood filler
- Boiled linseed oil
1. Head to the home improvement center and find a nice, straight cedar 1x6" with a pleasing grain and few knots. Dimensional lumber is actually smaller than listed, so a 1x6" is actually 3/4 x 5 1/2". Weird, right? Have a nice associate cut yours to the sizes listed above; you can probably make three or four of these guys with an 8' or 10' length. Then, find a small sheet of luan (probably 2x4', about $4) in the sheet goods section. Luan is a plywood used to make canoes, so it's certain to be waterproof, important for outside. Have it cut to the sizes above, and on your way out, grab a 1/4" dowel rod, and a 1 3/8" forstner drill bit. (Get a set if you can. You'll pay less per bit, and they're useful for all sorts of things)
2. When you get home, chuck in the 1 3/8" Forstner bit, and drill a hole in the center, about 1/3 of the way down from the top, of one of the 5 1/2" pieces. My center point was 1 13/16" from the top, and 2 3/4" from each side.
3. Glue everything together into a square, with the 5 1/2" lengths in the front and rear, and the shorter ones on the side. Include the 4x4" piece of luan on the bottom as a floor. Be sure to turn the faces so that the end grain faces up, keeping the sides looking nice and clean. If you have clamps, they'll be helpful here; if not, just use some painters tape to hold everything together for the first hour or so. (But, seriously, 12-14" bar clamps are a great DIY investment, and can be had for under $10 each.)
4. Once everything has dried, find the center line along the face and the back, and drill 1" deep hole 1" from each side with the 5/16" bit. Use a piece of painter's tape to mark the depth on the drill bit. Then, drill matching holes on the back.
5. Then, drill a 1/4" hole in the roof to accept the dowels at 2 1/2" from the front and side. It's best to drill the back holes about 30-degrees and the front around 40, to welcome the angle of the roof. If this is too overwhelming, don't worry about it. Just drill it at 90-degrees and make the roof flat. Easy peasy.
6. Then, cut the dowels into rough, too-long lengths, and assemble everything for a dry fit. You can make the roof sit as far away from the walls as you'd like. Mine is about 1 1/4" in the front, and 1/2" in the back.
7. Use the pliers or a small saw (if you have one) to cut the dowels flush to the roof, and use some rough grit sandpaper to sand everything flat.
8. Fill the dowel holes on the roof only with glue and let dry. If you're particular (like me), you can use wood filler to fill in any gaps, but that's totally optional.
We're going to let the roof just float on the body, so that it can be easily removed to clean out any old nests to welcome new birds. So! Be sure not to glue the dowels into the body. They're a 1/16" bigger so everything slides out easily.
9. Sand everything smooth, and paint the roof/dowel combo with exterior grade paint. You don't have to finish the body, as cedar is naturally decay-resistant. If you do, be sure to use something that won't hurt the birds, like boiled linseed oil.
10. Lastly, you can install the birdhouse. I chose to mount it on its own stand, using 1/2" black pipe and a floor flange. I installed a 3" x 3" piece of cedar inside to provide a structure to accept the screws. You could also flush mount it to a house using mending plates, or strap it to a tree.
Special note: I put mine in the ground on Thursday evening, and by Saturday morning, a beautiful gold finch was already coming in and out, and there's the beginnings of a nest in there already! Awesome.
For other mod, ornothilogical-leaning projects, check out the complex version of the mod birdhouse and an easy modern bird feeder:
Build Your Own Mid-Century Modern Birdhouse
Note: In researching the design for my birdhouse, I found those from Weiler to be very helpful.
Source: http://curbly.com/chrisjob/posts/10219-how-to-make-a-diy-modern-birdhouse-no-woodworking-required
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