Painting Plastic Laminate Countertops

Marie asks, "My laminate countertops need to be replaced, but my budget won?t allow it right now. Can I paint them instead?"

Yes, there are several products on the market specifically made for painting plastic laminate countertops. Read on to find out more.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/CmUmVu9pG_I/

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Blackboard-color

Blackboards are very nice: - You dont have to put out a lot of paper - you can clear it - poster-sice or wall-sice - overview - visible for everyone who comes in the rooom (topics of conversation) - a green wall is comforting the temper You can get a lacquer (waterbase) for wood, plas...
By: rgossak

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Blackboard-color/

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Painting Plastic Laminate Countertops

Marie asks, "My laminate countertops need to be replaced, but my budget won?t allow it right now. Can I paint them instead?"

Yes, there are several products on the market specifically made for painting plastic laminate countertops. Read on to find out more.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/CmUmVu9pG_I/

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Creating Your Own Geocache

If you've never heard of geocaching, you're in for a treat. Chances are that you have a few geocaches right in your own neighborhood. These mini-treasure boxes can be found with GPS coordinates downloaded from the geocaching website and can be a fun way to get outdoors and try something new. All you need is a GPS - even a capable smartphone will do the trick.

After you've found a few caches, it's a good idea to contribute to the sport by making one of your own. Geoaching.com offers a great tutorial on putting together your first cache and finding a good hiding place for it.

sports

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/utQvnjRPFmY/creating-your-own-geocache

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Creating Your Own Geocache

If you've never heard of geocaching, you're in for a treat. Chances are that you have a few geocaches right in your own neighborhood. These mini-treasure boxes can be found with GPS coordinates downloaded from the geocaching website and can be a fun way to get outdoors and try something new. All you need is a GPS - even a capable smartphone will do the trick.

After you've found a few caches, it's a good idea to contribute to the sport by making one of your own. Geoaching.com offers a great tutorial on putting together your first cache and finding a good hiding place for it.

sports

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/utQvnjRPFmY/creating-your-own-geocache

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Water Drops Square Glass Vessel Sink Stands out

When you're shopping for vessel sinks, you'll probably be surprised with all the variety. There are so many cool designs that it can be hard to narrow it down and pick one for a permanent home in your bathroom. This...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/water_drops_squ.php

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Curbly's on The Craftsman Experience This Weekend!

Chris Gardner, Curbly's all-around awesome guy (and editor-in-chief, not to mention the man behind ManMadeDIY.com) will be in Chicago this weekend for a busy few days of DIY madness. He'll be helping out on the Craftsman Experience, a live, online show where DIY and home improvement experts teach you everything they know.

You can watch him (remember, it's a LIVE show!) Saturday, October 1st at 7pm central time. So, on Saturday night, just�go … Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/bruno/posts/11273-curbly-s-on-the-craftsman-experience-this-weekend

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Hearty Apple

A hearty apple is a fun way to bring a smile to anyone's face.  Pack it in a lunch or serve it at mealtime.  This tutorial will show you how quick and easy you can turn an ordinary apple into an extraordinary apple.   What You Need Here is what you will need: 2 Red apples  2 Green appl...
By: sunshiine

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hearty-Apple/

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Rock Your Little One to Sleep Nerd Style

You know that drink holder that came with your computer that says "CD ROM" on it? Turn out it can be used for more than just a beverage shelf. With this simple script, you can program it to open and close endlessly. Tie it to a baby rocker and you've just got yourself a few precious hours of freedom from being a parent. [via]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/S56T-oe79JA/rock-your-little-one-to-sleep-nerd-style

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$1 Op-Amp ECG

Sometimes you just want to do a little heart monitoring without going into debt for the rest of your life (yes, that's a not-so-subtle jab at our wonderful healthcare system). When you can't afford the real thing, this $1 home made electrocardiogram will allow you to monitor your heart as you go into cardiac arrest while opening bills from your previous hospital adventures. This is much simpler than our previously covered homemade ecg, and probably about as accurate (read: not very). [via]

Notice: This ECG cost less to make than an artery clogging burger from your local BK. Therefore, we do not recommend making medical decisions based off of the data received from it.

medical, cheap

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/6Vdb6runI4U/1-op-amp-ecg

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Kitchen Flooring Buying Guide: Linoleum

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Products & Materials

Thinking of installing new kitchen flooring in time for spring? In this five-part kitchen flooring series, we'll lay the groundwork -- and you make the decision. In this second installment we take a closer look the DIYer's kitchen flooring material of choice: Linoleum.

Linoleum flooring. Photo: tuchodi, Flickr

How It's Made: Linoleum is a mixture of cork dust, ground limestone, linseed oil, mineral pigments, recycled wood flour and tree resins -- all pressed together and mounted onto jute backing. Interestingly, its name is a combination of the Latin words for flax (linum) and oil (oleum).

How It's Sold: Linoleum kitchen flooring is available as tile, sheeting and even cutout pieces that look similar to area rugs. It sticks to the floor with adhesive. Tile is sold in all sizes and sheeting is typically sold in 6-foot x 7-inch widths and multiple thicknesses.

Pros: Linoleum is considered a green material because no hazardous chemicals are associated with its creation or disposal. It's also naturally antibacterial and biodegradable, easy to clean, comfortable to stand on and scratch- and gouge-resistant -- excellent for high-traffic areas just like the kitchen. Linoleum can last 40 years or more.

Cons: Although it's rugged and easy to work with, linoleum just doesn't have the same appeal to some consumers as higher end materials.

DIY Degree of Difficulty: Very Easy (Tiles) to Tough (Sheeting)
While any eager 8-year-old assistant could help you lay a linoleum tile kitchen floor (just spread out latex adhesive, place tiles on it, then set with a roller), laying sheet linoleum is another story. The adhesive makes linoleum sheeting shrink in length and expand in width, which adds up to a potential nightmare situation. So it's wise to leave the sheeting installation to the pros, and take on tile installation yourself.

Care & Maintenance: Dust mop and/or sweep regularly with a soft-bristled broom. Vacuum with the soft floor attachment (careful: the ends of certain attachments can scratch delicate finishes). Remove stubborn scuff marks with a clean rag dipped in undiluted linoleum cleaner. Wash by hand with a natural vinegar-based solution or use a damp mop as needed. Recoat floors once per year with acrylic sealer to maintain performance and luster.

Cost (per square foot)
Linoleum tile is typically priced from $2 to $7. Sheet linoleum costs $3 to $4 installed.

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/09/14/kitchen-flooring-linoleum/

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Colorful Candy Corn Bottle Vases

I always make a habit of hanging onto empty glass bottles from beer, sauces, etc. I just can't shake the feeling that there's going to be a project right around the corner when they'll come in handy, and I don't want to be caught without! My latest bottle-saving spree is about to come in handy for these colorful candy corn bottle vases. � … Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/kellyb/posts/11254-colorful-candy-corn-bottle-vases

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Architectural Inspiration: Rustic Wood Walls

The reclaimed wood walls almost overshadow the fab food and drink at MB Post, a restaurant in Manhattan Beach, California. Stephen Francis Jones, the architect behind the hot spot's design, lets us in on how you can create your own rustic walls.

Stephen Francis Jones

To give the new restaurant a cozy, lived-in feeling, architect Stephen Francis Jones turned to reclaimed wood. Though reclaimed wood is a hot commodity in the design world, Jones tells me that you can actually buy it online through Trestlewood.com. "You can actually pick out the bundle of wood you want, down to the colors and textures," Stephen says. "Just keep in mind that it is 'recycled', so you may get a few bad pieces in the mix."

And to create the wood wall, Stephen recommends starting out with a drywall surface that's been painted black. Then, simply adhere the wood to the wall with construction glue and nail with finishing nails.

You can also use the reclaimed wood wall technique on an exterior surface. Check out MB Post's entrance:

Stephen Francis Jones

Feeling inspired to see what else reclaimed wood can do? Check out....
In the Spotlight: Eco-Friendly Flooring
Trend Spotting: Five Non-Paint Wall Ideas
Design Influence: Wood - Shelterpop

And for experienced woodworkers, watch how to make a coffee table from reclaimed wood...

How to Make a Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/09/11/architectural-inspiration-rustic-wood-walls/

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Portal 2 Plushie - Potato GLaDOS

"Oh hi. So, how are you holding up? Because I'M A POTATO." -PotatOS If you haven't realized it already, MASSIVE SPOILER ALERT . This is a plush toy of Potato GLaDOS I put together for my girlfriend for our anniversary (because Portal 2 is the game for couples). While she was plummeting thr...
By: DucttapeNinja

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Portal-2-Plushie-Potato-GLaDOS/

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How to set up a HD webcam on Bifferboard running Debian

Bifferboard is the smallest Debian board from http://bifferos.co.uk/ It's hardware is like for NAS server. But it was not possible to reprogram NAS server that it becomes Bifferboard. Processor slow.  Power consumption from wallplug with webcam, hub and USB stick 4.5 W. You can set up a HD...
By: janisalnis

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Debian-on-Bifferboard/

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P2000 Insulation Customer Story

There are many pros and cons about the foam-board insulation product P2000. Is this insulation better then fiberglass or other conventional insulation. Read the story of one P2000 user.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/P2000_Insulation_Customer_Story.shtml

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3 Ways To Upcycle Paint Samples Into Impressive Accents

Filed under: Crafts & Celebrations

Sometimes you just can't help but grab a few paint sample cards at the home improvement store. If yours are piling up, here are a few genius ways to get some use out of them.

Featuring

Little Bit Funky

Upcycling Idea #1: Bunting
Perhaps paper bunting is an obvious paint sample craft, but so are "Your Mom" jokes, and yet we still love them. Moreover, they're easy - a paper punch and a threaded needle are all you need to complete this cheery décor. For the complete tutorial, visit Little Bit Funky.

Craft Ahoy

Upcycling Idea #2: Mosaic Table Top
Need to hide a few of your coffee table's scrapes and bruises? Cobble the table via paint samples for an easy-meets-trendy makeover. It's your call whether those sassy paint sample names get to show, but we vote yes. To see how to do it, visit Craft Ahoy.

How About Orange

Upcycling Idea #3: Mosaic Art
For unique wall decor, consider creating this paper mosaic using clipped paint samples. Straight lines and striking colors are the key to this design, but don't let that stop you from curving outside the lines. Get the full directions to make your own art piece at How About Orange.

Want to see 7 more ideas for upcycling paint samples into impressive accents? Visit Craftfoxes.

And don't miss these great stories...

The Beginner's Guide to Scrapbooking
Vintage-Style Aprons from "Oh Sew Easy" (Pattern)
Knitting vs. Crochet...What's The Difference?

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/09/16/3-ways-to-upcycle-paint-samples-into-impressive-accents/

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Why We SHOULD NOT Be Using Pallets in Our Interiors

Okay, here's the deal, a blogger by the name of Nick went on a rant a few months back about why we should absolutely NOT be using rescued pallets in our interiors. His argument is compelling indeed and has made me re-think all those 'pallet projects' I've promoted over the years.�

First he points out the history of rescued pallets.

• They are "exposed to water, all manner of vermin and insects" and bird droppings.

Then he brings up E. coli &… Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/11264-why-we-should-not-be-using-pallets-in-our-interiors

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Custom Wood Radiator Cover Hides Old, Ugly Heaters

If you've got an old, ugly radiator acting as a sore thumb in an otherwise well-appointed room, you're not alone. Some of the most popular posts here have been on hiding radiators with cabinets and heater covers that hide baseboard...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/custom_wood_rad.php

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Space Shuttle & Astronaut Cabinet Knobs

If you have children who dream of going to space camp, then you can inspire their astronautic aspirations with the appropriate cabinet knobs on their dresser or perhaps on the cabinets and drawers in the kids' bathroom. This space shuttle...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/space_shuttle_a.php

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Ribbon Crafts: 5 Ideas For Your Home

Filed under: Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

Here's how to think outside the bow. Decorating with ribbon has its moment.

Ribbons come in every pattern and style. And you can use a $10 spool of ribbon for many things other than wrapping presents. When I let my imagination run wild, I had some pretty fun ideas for decorating with ribbon. Yes, one little ribbon can help spruce up your home in easy, unexpected ways. Here are five fun ideas to get you tying ribbons all over your home.

Flickr, Muffet

1. Instantly Tied Together: There's no need to be fussy with curtain tiebacks. Use a strip of ribbon you love to tie back your curtains in the morning and let the sun shine in. (Photo below.)


2. Mirror on the Wall: Attach a strip of sturdy ribbon to a mirror or picture frame and hang it off a nail or hanging hardware in the wall. You'll add a pop of pattern with ribbon. We love the look of plaid, a pattern that never goes out of style. (Photo below.)

Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

3. All Hung Up: All you need to keep your strappy dresses from sliding off their hangers - a little leftover ribbon. Tie a strip of ribbon on each end to keep those spaghetti straps in place.


4. Wine Markers: The next time you throw a dinner party, cut some ribbons to make wine markers and help your guests remember which glass of wine is theirs. All you need to do is tie small strips of ribbons around the stem of each glass - easy, instant wine markers. (See below, left.)

Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

5. Lightbulb Moment: You don't have to go bold with pattern - even a simple white ribbon can complete the look of a DIY lampshade. This lampshade has been made over with wallpaper (but you can really use any paper or fabric to cover a lampshade and give it a whole new look.) Simply glue the ribbon to the top and bottom trim of the lampshade for a polished finishing touch. (See above, right.)

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Best Cleaning and Organizing Apps
Creative Centerpiece in a Cinch
Decor Don't: Extreme Decluttering
Decor Don't: Too Much Lighting

By Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/29/ribbon-crafts/

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