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Take it Outside! It's National Backyard Games Week

by eclectic on May 18, 2009 in Uncategorized with No comments

What were your favorite backyard games as a kid? Mine usually involved making something up from scratch. Sometimes we would play hide and go seek for hours. Other times my siblings and I would put on a play for our (very patient) parents. But our favorite backyard activities involved building a fort, creating a new club and keeping the boys at bay.

The important part, of course, is to find a way to have fun together. We put together some ideas for celebrating National Backyard Games Week (May 18 – 25) and a tutorial for a simple picnic table project:

Water games! The weather is warming up, kids are counting down to the final days of class… what’s better than a water balloon fight? If you prefer more “structure” to your water games, you might try water balloon badminton (the directions call for a balloon filled with air, but water balloons are so much cooler).

Don’t Need a Single Supply to Play! Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says take nothing more than a group of silly kids and some imagination. Mix in a little Mother, May I and Red Rover, and you’ve got hours of (free) fun.

Creating New Family Traditions! With some inexpensive and easy-to-find supplies, you can rediscover old favorites like Lawn Darts or Croquet and even learn some new games like Bocce Ball. (Yes, I realize Bocce Ball is not even remotely a “new” game, but it’s new to me… and it looks like fun.)

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Don’t Need a Backyard! What if you live in an apartment? Don’t worry about it! Find your favorites from the list above, many can be easily taken in to public places, like your local park, and enjoyed together.

Finally, if you want a backyard space more situated for family fun, we found a few simple picnic table tutorials. And remember, when building things for your kids to enjoy, think about the materials used. Repurpose some old wood (either your own, or buy it at a building recycling center) and choose adhesives with low or no volatile organic compounds.

Picnic Table Plan (with video) from Handymanwire.com

Classic Picnic Table from Popular Mechanics

Refresh an Old Picnic Table from Learning to Step Lightly

Enjoy!

Adorably Simple: Spring Projects with E-6000

by eclectic on April 27, 2009 in Crafts with No comments

E-6000 is a favorite of crafters and jewelry makers. We came across some lovely spring projects that use one of our most popular products.

From CraftStylish: Soda Can Brooch

From ZakkaLife: Seed Bead Ring

Jessica doesn’t use E-6000 specifically in this project. I think it would work really well, just be cautious of things like ventilation especially if crafting with your child.

From Dollar Store Crafts: Make Cute Rings

We might have theme with the kids’ stuff here. This project doesn’t specifically call for E-6000, but the blogger uses another of our craft glues: QuickHOLD. Either will work.


Small Magazine: Small Projects – Spring Dragonflies

The directions for these adorable dragonflies call for using a hot glue gun, but E-6000 or QuickHOLD would work, too.


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Spring Has Sprung & Outdoor Entertaining Season Begins

by eclectic on April 20, 2009 in DIY, Home Improvement with 1 Comment
In Eugene, Oregon (where Eclectic Products Inc. is based), we’re enjoying one of the first beautiful weekends of the year. The weather is absolutely stunning. With the gorgeous blue skies and cherry blossoms in bloom, we come to the stark realization that our patio spaces aren’t as ready for spring to arrive as we are.

However, with a little attention, you can be ready for outdoor entertaining season. Here are our favorite tips:

  • Repair patio furniture umbrellas, retractable awnings and upholstery right away. Of course we like Amazing GOOP for these tasks because it dries flexibly – perfect for cloth repairs.
  • No deck, but you want an outdoor entertaining space? Try a “paver patio.” It’s a weekend warrior type project, but totally doable. Add a fire pit, and your yard will be the place to be on warm summer nights.
  • Seal your concrete surfaces like driveways. Spring is an ideal time, according to HGTV‘s spring maintenance checklist.  This video will give you the step-by-step.
  • Like it or not, we’re still in for some more rain, so check the rain gutters in case they are loose or leaky. Make sure, too, that the downspouts point away from the foundation.

Happy Spring! If you have any other tips (or questions), please leave them in the comments.

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Going Green Around the House on the Cheap

by eclectic on April 13, 2009 in Green with 2 Comments

Going green doesn’t have to cost a lot of green. We’ve done some research and found plenty of ways that you can go green around the house and not spend a lot. In fact, going green will often save you money, primarily in energy costs.

Lower your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Even a 10 degree reduction can save you 5 percent in energy costs and there’s no reason to have your hot water any higher.

Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact florescents. 2777441779_56d64f504a1According to the US Department of Energy:

“If every American home replaced one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than three million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.”

Seal the gaps. Doors and windows give away their air leaks and drafts because you can feel them. Two simple steps can help seal the leaks, lower your energy bills and keep you more comfortable. The first is weather stripping.

From ACME How-to:

Weather stripping should be installed along the sides and top of the door and a door sweep or similar device should be installed on the bottom of the door. Old weather stripping should be periodically replaced.

An all-purpose sealant will close the leaks around the outside of the doors and windows (the jambs, sills and moldings, particularly). This method works well for sealing around door and window frames, around plumbing fixtures and for small gaps. Using a low VOC adhesive like EcoGlue Extreme gives you instant grab and its completely water-based. It bonds to most any substrate instantly and can be painted after 24 hours.

Make sure your attic, basement and crawl spaces are well-insulated. These areas are notorious for letting heat and cooling escape.

Plant more trees on your property. Evergreen trees on the north and west sides of the house protect against winter winds and leafy trees on the south and west shade from the summer sun.

For more info:

Tips to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency (Easy tips that anyone can do)

Green Home Tips (particularly helpful for historic homes, but lots of relevant tips)

Five Ways to Build Affordable, Energy Star Rated Houses (from BUILDER Magazine)

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The Best Remodeling Projects in a Tight Economy

by eclectic on March 26, 2009 in DIY, Green, Home Improvement with No comments

Many families are spending money on smart remodeling and home improvements rather than embarking on major renovations or moving to a new home. What are the best projects to spend your time and money on?

  • Projects that improve energy efficiency. Sealing windows, replacing siding or improving your home insulation will add value and reduce your energy bills, even in the short term. Often your local utility will provide rebates or incentives for projects like these, so check with them to find out more.
  • Pared-back kitchen or bathroom remodels. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, focusing on cosmetic improvements will cost you less, but still have a good return on the investment, even in the short run.
  • Think green! According to a study by McGraw-Hill, people will pay a premium of up to $20,000 for a “green home.” Spend your remodeling dollars in ways that make your existing home more environmentally sustainable. Even the DIY products you use on project can make a difference. The Wall Street Journal offers several ideas for greening your home.
  • Maintain and repair. Look for opportunities to make simple repairs to maintain your home and prevent expensive problems later. ServiceMagic recommends getting a home inspection. While not the most glamorous of tips, knowing if problems loom can give you an opportunity to head off disaster.

What other tips would you share? What projects are you taking on (or putting off) right now?

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Take the Craft Night Pledge

by eclectic on March 9, 2009 in Crafts with No comments

craft_night_logo1March is National Craft Month – one of our favorite months of the year! This year, the focus of the festivities (sponsored by the Craft & Hobby Association) is Craft Night, a campaign to encourage families to spend one evening together making arts and crafts.

Money is tight – why not spend time at home together doing something that has proven emotional and physical benefits.

“Whether providing a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, or memory keeping*, crafting has therapeutic benefits that are appealing to people of all ages, looking for a creative outlet,” said Dr. Rallie McAllister, family physician. “Knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, quilting, or almost any craft can help people by reinforcing the many emotional and social benefits associated with focus and repetition. Plus, an economical way to have some fun with the ones you love.”

  • Save some money: A family of four can save more than $150 a month by having a Craft Night at home instead of going to the movies or out for dinner. Try a great family craft using EcoGlue – it’s non-toxic, so it’s fun for kids to use on their little masterpieces. An egg carton caterpillar is a terrific craft for preschoolers.
  • Encourage a sense of accomplishment: Parents can help their school-going kids keep up with the latest fashions with a DIY craft night at home. Have your kids try a craft from Mark Montano’s Big Ass Book of Crafts (like the urban corsage) and let their inner creative genius shine.
  • Girls Night In: Rather than go out, a girls night in gives you a chance to unwind and bond while making clever projects with pooled materials – saving cash, catching up on gossip and strengthening your friendships. This lovely jeweled vase is quick, cheap and easy and adds a little sparkle to a shelf or window sill.jeweledvase

How will you celebrate National Craft Month?

*CHA Attitude & Usage Study – 11/30/08

Repair, Don't Replace: Little Girl Shoes

by eclectic on February 23, 2009 in DIY, Repair Don't Replace with 1 Comment

If your little princess’ shoes are losing their luster, a little GOOP will help keep her on her toes.

princess_shoe1

Step 1: Clean each part of the shoe that need to be stuck together. Apply a thin layer of GOOP between the shoe and the sole.

princess_shoe2

Step 2: Clamp the toe of the shoe together using a basic plastic clamp.

princess_shoe3

Voila! Your little princess is all set for another twirl around the ballroom dancefloor.

GOOP, GOOP, All Kinds of GOOP

by eclectic on February 16, 2009 in Just for Fun with No comments

Maybe our biggest fans?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpEs18QADX0&hl=en&fs=1]

GOOP Rap Lyrics

GOOP. GOOP. All Kinds of Goop.
It sticks like goo up under your shoe
To seal a window on a van
It’s there for every need of man

GOOP GOOP. What is that stuff?
Have you ever heard of GOOP?
GOOP is much more tough
You can use it on a flat
You don’t have to use a spare
You can patch your own tire
GOOP will be right there

GOOP. GOOP. It works great on my cabinets
GOOP. GOOP. It sticks together like magnets

If you happen to break your mother’s favorite vase
GOOP will make it all better, put it back in its place.

GOOP. GOOP. All Kinds of Goop.
It sticks like goo up under your shoe
To seal a window on a van
It’s there for every need of man

Celebrity Crafting with Mark Montano! The Urban Corsage Project

by eclectic on January 30, 2009 in Crafts, mark montano with 3 Comments

Sundance is all about celebrating the independent filmmaker against the backdrop of beautiful Park City, Utah and the Rocky Mountains. So what better place to showcase eco-chic creativity with a decidedly unique twist?

Our favorite crafter & designer, Mark Montano, hosted a celebrity crafting event on January 17 and 18th amidst the buzz of Sundance. Celebs were silkscreening, embellishing and upcycling alongside Mark. Many walked away with urban corsages, one of the clever projects from Mark’s very popular Big Ass Book of Crafts.

Photo by Auxy Espinoza

KayCee Stroh, Aubrey O’Day and Anya Monzikova were among the celebs sporting the corsage. Really the ultimate in eco-chic – you can recycle fabrics from other crafts and use left over baubles, too.

Want one of your own?

Supplies:

  • 2 pieces of 11″ x 3″ fabric (with edges that fray are the best)
  • Buttons
  • Rhinestones
  • Faux flowers & leaves
  • Ultrasuede
  • Amazing E-6000 Craft Adhesive
  • Different colors of thread
  • Sewing machine with zigzag stitch capabilities

Directions:

  1. Place your fabric pieces on top of each other and zigzag stitch them all around, about 1/2 inch in from all four sides. One piece of fabric is the outside and the other is the inside. Kind of like a fat watchband with a button closure instead of a buckle.
  2. Arrange your leaves and zig zag stitch them onto the cuff.
  3. Take your faux flower apart and zig zag stitch it to the center.
  4. Cut out hearts, stars, random shapes and zig zag stitch them around your flower.
  5. Stitch three buttons to one side of your flower (for different wrist sizes)
  6. Wrap the cuff around your wrist to figure out where the button holes should go and mark the placement. If your sewing machine has a button hole setting, stitch one in. If it doesn’t you can cute a slit and stitch the edges of the cut.
  7. Using E-6000, add rhinestones to the center of the flower and the cuff.
  8. Accessorize with your favorite jeans and t-shirt and show it off!

What if I don’t have a sewing machine? No worries! Glue is a wonderful thing. You can glue most of the elements on this project that require sewing.

Mark adds, “You can also use velcro dots instead of a button and button hole, this way you can immediately fit them to different sized wrists.”

E-6000 is waterproof. It does need some time to fully dry, so we suggest waiting 24-hours before wearing your cuff. Enjoy!

Photo by Auxy Espinoza

Photo by Auxy Espinoza

Be Eco-Chic with a Mark Montano Urban Corsage

by eclectic on January 16, 2009 in Crafts, Green with 1 Comment

Our friend, Mark Montano, is hanging out at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend creating eco-chic and sustainably stylish projects and gifts. Mark is a featured guest at The Green Lodge, a special event at the Festival, where he’ll be crafting with celebrities.

Celebs like Olivia Newton John, Rhianna, Mariah Carey, Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens and their High School Musicial 3 cast mates will create their own “urban corsage” from Mark’s The Big Ass Book of Crafts (page 140).

urban_corsage

Because The Green Lodge is focused on recycling, upcycling and using eco-friendly resources, the Urban Corsage is a perfect fit. Mark will be also using EcoGlue with many of his craft projects for this event.

Stay tuned for more info, more projects and more Mark.

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