Craft:

Dollar Store Crafts show us how to make a purse out of a leather shirt sleeve.

New from Craft how to: tin can tea light holder.

Crafty reuse: ten ways to repurpose an Altoids tin from Crafting a Green World.

DIY:

The best DIY ideas from Apartment Therapy Chicago.

Tips and tricks to enhance small living spaces from Charles and Hudson.

DIY Maven shares how to make this adorable ruffled lotus lantern and kitchen makeovers on a budget.

New from Design Sponge, save space with these secret storage books or make a framed display box.

Spotted at Apartment Therapy’s Oh Dee Doh, slatted shallow shelving from old doors.

Importance of following building codes when building a shed from Danny Lipford.

Reattach loose tile
If you have tile flooring, you may notice over time that some of the tiles getting loose. This could be because the adhesive securing it to the floor is no longer sticky and all you need to do is use a little heat to make the adhesive tacky again to reattach the tile.

Try this tip from TLC: grab a sheet of aluminum foil and an iron.  Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the tile to protect it from the direct heat. Turn your iron to high and place it directly on the foil over the tile. Keep the iron on the foil and tile long enough for the adhesive to melt and reattach to the floor. If it’s a small tile, it should take about five minutes; a larger tile might take 10. Finally, place a heavy object, such as a bathroom scale, on the tile until the adhesive dries again.

HVAC: Install a Programmable Thermostat
DIY Network suggests improving your home’s comfort and efficiency with a unit that allows multiple settings.  A programmable thermostat offers more control options and saves on home heating and cooling expenses. It allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, and even different times on different days.

Silence a Squeaky Floor
Living in an older home may mean that you have squeaky floorboards.  This is generally caused by slightly shifted floorboards that rub against one another and cause the squeak.   To get started, be sure to locate all the squeaking planks.  Then, apply a small amount of Amazing GOOP Craft adhesive in between them, making sure to wipe excess adhesive away and let it dry overnight.

Patch a Holey Screen
You can fix small holes in your screens instead of spending hundreds on replacing them.  It’s easy: just apply a small spot of E-6000 in the hole to seal it right up.

Basement Build Out
Consider this a maximum value big ticket upgrade that will not only add extra square footage, but will pay you back when it comes time to sell.  Not sure where to start?  Check out  HGTV’s Front Door, which provides great advice and tips regardless of your budget.  If you’re just looking to remodel an unfinished basement, DIY Network shares easy how-to steps on installing drywall, bamboo paneling, subfloor panels and more.

Craft:

Crafting a Green World made a decoupaged cereal box, which is a perfect organizer for the office.  You can use Amazing GOOPfor this project!

Personalized decor is definitely a favorite. Try these plaster letters from Poppytalk.

Have you visited P.S. I made this? Lots of great, stylish projects!

Seven back to school crafts for kids from Crafting a Green World.

DIY:

Love the plaid fabric on this comfy and stylish ottoman from Design Sponge.

Chevron rugs are a must have, so why not make your own?! Fantastic tutorial from Leaf House Decor.

Lots of great inspiration from this amazing DIY wedding featured on Design Sponge.

This DIY rolling rack would be useful for so many things!

Update a light fixture and make this gorgeous turquoise beaded chandelier from Dollar Craft.

These vintage DIY save-the-date cards are adorable.

Creative re-use ideas for crates from Apartment Therapy.

Tips for removing paint from brick from Charles and Hudson.

How to prepare your home now for hurricanes from Danny Lipford.

Reliable Remodeler takes another look at efficiency remodeling.

Material & Tools

• razor blade
• branches
• zip ties
• Ul light bulbs
• Ul electrical wire
• EcoGlue Premium Wood Adhesive
• safety glasses
• pencil
• Forstner bit
• drill
• hand saw

Step 1: Arrange & Secure Branches

Search your yard for branches or purchase them from a local crafts store. The number of branches you need depends on the size of chandelier you want.  Remove the greenery and pull off any loose bark,  then weave the branches together until you achieve the desired look. Secure your design with zip ties.

Tip:  If you are hanging the chandelier above a table, place the branches on the table when weaving so it will match the table.  This will also help ensure that the bottom is flat when hung.

Step 2: Electrical Wires

Choose a few thicker branches to hold the UL light bulbs and wires. Cut each branch down to size and, using a forsner bit, notch an opening in the top. Then slice a small opening down the length of each branch. Attach UL electrical wires to a UL-approved socket and place a socket in each opening, feeding the wire down through the branch. Screw a bulb in each socket.

Step 3: Bulbs

Fill openings with EcoGlue Premium Wood, place the UL electrical wires on top and secure with zip ties. Once the glue is dry, remove the zip ties. Finish your project by filling in any bare spots with more branches.

Craft:

Great tutorial on how to make fabric flowers from Simply Vintage Girl.

Dollar Store Crafts show us how to make a doily monogrammed tote bag.

DIY:

Bring the outdoors in with this gorgeous DIY 3D wall art.  Spotted at Curbly.

Also from Curbly, 2 easy DIY kitchen cabinet organizers.

Poppies at Play takes a lampshade and refashions it into industrial art using E6000!

We love this salvaged wood inspiration board featured on Design Sponge.

A couple things from Charles and Hudson this week – boost your home’s value with these DIY projects and help your low basement ceilings see the light.

DIY fence building tips from Home Fixated.

Fire safety tips for your kitchen from Danny Lipford.

Craft:

We love this magnetic map board from Apartment Therapy.

Five crafty things to do with clothespins from Crafting a Green World.

Blue Cricket Design made this cute copper frog ball with E6000!

Paint your clothes for one of a kind outfits. Great idea from Dollar Store Crafts!

DIY:

Design Sponge shares how to make a cup holder coffee table.

Lots from Charles and Hudson this week! Update your window coverings with a DIY valance, create bathroom bliss with a converted dresser, top 3 DIY repair jobs to do before autumn and crown molding is easier than you think!

Interesting look at the start of green homes from Old House Web.

If this is your first time tackling a project like this, we recommend asking a friend to help you.  You’ll appreciate the extra hand as well as the company as this can take several hours.

Materials & Tools:

• Level
• Clamps
• Belt sander
• Caulk gun
• Rubber mallet
• Shims
• Saw horses
• EcoGlue Premium Wood Adhesive
• Safety glasses
• Manufactured countertop
• Drawing compass
• Miter clamp kit
• Silicone caulk
• Carpenter pencil

Tips before getting started:

When you measure for your countertop, be sure to include the counter overhang, which is usually between 3/4″ – 1″ in front and on open ends.

The point where two counters meet in a corner must be square. Make a mark 3′  from the corner on one wall and 4′  from the corner on the other wall. If the distance between marks isn’t 5′, consider having a professional make and install a custom counter.

Make all measurements twice for accuracy.

Note: You can custom make your own countertop, or you can select a stock countertop from a home improvement center. Many color and pattern combinations are available.

Safety:

Shut off power at the breaker box for any electrical appliances under the countertop. Then shut off the water supply at the valves under the countertop.

Double-check to ensure your sawhorses are level and stable before placing the countertop on them.

Step 1: Set and Level the Countertop

• Set and clamp the countertop in place.
• Shim as needed to make it level.
• Check for gaps between the backsplash and the wall. If the gaps are narrow, fill them in with caulk and proceed to step four. If the gaps are large, follow steps two and three below.

Step 2: Mark Backsplash with Compass

• Set a drawing compass to the span of the largest gap between the backsplash and the wall.
• Set the compass point next to the wall and the marker on the backsplash.
• Pull the compass along the wall to mark what will need to be removed on the backsplash.

Step 3: Remove Countertop and Clamp to Sawhorses

• Remove the countertop and clamp it in place on sawhorses.
• Use a belt sander to sand the backsplash to the line drawn with the compass.
• Place the countertop on the cabinet and ensure the backsplash is flush against the wall.

Step 4: Glue Edges Together

• Where two pieces of the cabinet meet, glue them together with the glue from a miter-clamp kit. If the kit has no glue, apply a thin bead of silicone caulk to the edges of both pieces.
• Apply EcoGlue Premium Wood Adhesive to the rest of the edges and press together.

Step 5: Tighten Miter Clamps

• Make sure the entire surface is flush at the seam along the front edge of the counter.
• Tighten the nearest miter clamp and wipe away any excess glue.
• Stand behind the backsplash and push the countertop up and down as needed to make the seam flush along the back of the counter.
• Tighten the miter clamp nearest the backsplash.

Step 6: Level the Countertop

• If one side of the seam is higher than the other, protect the surface with a piece of wood and tap the countertop with a rubber mallet.
• When the seam is level, tighten the remaining miter clamps.

Step 7: Fasten the Countertop to the Cabinet

Note: Check the length of every screw carefully before driving it into the countertop.

• If the cabinet has a top surface, fasten the countertop by screwing up through the bottom of the cabinet top into the countertop. If the cabinets have no tops, screw through the front rail and any blocks built into the cabinet.
• Seal the seam between the backsplash and the wall with silicone caulk that matches the color of the countertop.
• Your countertop installation is complete!

Craft:

Dollar Store Crafts shares how to make a pendant lamp out of placemats.

A new craft great for the kids  from Crafting a Green World – balancing butterfly mobile using recycled paper. Also from CAGW, don’t miss 10 crafty things to do with old sweaters.

Fun printable coloring pages perfect for a quiet afternoon from Make and Takes.

DIY:

Love these DIY rustic log shelves from Design Sponge.

Ready Made shows us how to make an upcycled chalkboard table.  Try using EcoGlue Premium Wood adhesive for this project!

How to build an adirondack chair for your yard from Danny Lipford.

Great info from Charles and Hudson on hardwood floor installation.

Home Fixated suggests dividing an open space with a pony wall.

How to fix a sticking door from This Old House.

Pounded Thumb’s roundup of the top 100 DIY videos.

If this sounds like a project for you, pick up some E-6000 at a Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Jo-Ann’s or Hancock Fabrics near you or buy online with code E6BGTW for buy-one-get-one free (2 oz. E-6000 Craft, limit 3).  If you haven’t checked out Mark’s newest book, Big Ass Book of Crafts, head on over to his blog and enter his book giveaway.

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Yes, we’ve all seen mosaic before, but I love this twist on what to use for it.  When I was making this I kept having to run back to the craft store to pick up more mirrors so be warned!  Figure out your space and about how many you’ll be needing before you head out.  The other great thing about this table….You can see up your nose while you’re eating!  Enjoy.

YOU’LL NEED:

• Enough round mirrors to cover your table top.  Michaels Arts and Craft Stores has a very nice assortment of round mirrors at a very good price.
• E-6000 or Household GOOP Adhesive
• Krylon 18K Premium Gold Plate Metallic paint.  (I have tried many gold paints, Krylon makes the best Metallic paints hands down)
• Bathroom tile grout
• Sandpaper
• Spackle Knife
• Sponge
• Bucket of Cold Water
• A table that you want to cover.  Mine was a 30” diameter table top and it took about 800 round mirror tiles that ranged in size from 3/8” to 1”.  HINT:  Check out 2^nd hand stores and furniture outlets for simple, inexpensive tables that you can use for these projects.

HERE’S HOW:

STEP 1:  Sand your table top surface.  This will make a nice rough surface which will make your glue stick much better.

STEP 2:  Glue on your tile mirrors with the GOOP Craft glue.  Do it randomly making sure to leave just about 1/8” inch in between each round tile.

STEP 3:  Once the tiles are dry (I like to leave things overnight) spread your grout with your spackle knife making sure to get grout in between each tile.  Get in on there anyway you can!

STEP 4: Wet your sponge with cold water, ring it out and smooth the grout in between the tiles while at the same time wiping off the mirrors.

NOTE:  Your mirrors will have a grout residue but don’t worry about that, you can clean them off when the grout is dry.  Also, don’t worry if you don’t get grout in every spot right  away, you can always go over it a second time to get the spots you missed.

STEP 5:  Let grout dry.

STEP 6:  Tape off the top of the table and spray paint your base.  You can choose any color that you like, I used gold on this table.

Craft:

Dollar Store Crafts show us how to turn a tank top into an adorable tote.

Love this idea for a plant stand from Design Sponge.

DIY:

It’s not too early to be thinking about school supplies.  Check out this list of DIY school supplies from Crafting a Greener World.

Great idea for a smaller kitchen! DIY back of the door spice rack from Curbly.

This game is so fun! How to build a ladder golf game set This Old House.

Amazing DIY bathroom transformation at Apartment Therapy.

Brick repair 101 from Charles and Hudson.

How to make windows more energy efficient form Danny Lipford.

Advice and ideas for crown molding and other DIY trim upgrades from This Old House.

New on the Matter Network – green framing offers more sustainable homes.