(Translated by https://www.hiragana.jp/)
DIY Life
The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20071030060530/http://www.diylife.com:80/
One small click of your mouse, one giant leap for your planet: GreenDaily

Dude, where's my drawstring?

Whoever invented sweatpants deserves a special award. They're comfortable, adjustable, cozy, great for lounging on a Sunday afternoon, and terrific for accommodating a pregnant lady's expanding belly. It's terrible, though, to pull your favorite pair out of the dryer and discover that the drawstring has found it's way out of the waistband and is lying in the bottom of the machine like a dehydrated worm.

Though it's tempting to throw out the pants instead of trying to re-thread the drawstring through the teeny, tiny holes, don't do it. Here are a couple of handy tricks to coax it back into place.

Continue reading Dude, where's my drawstring?

Restore your vacuum's suction


I just spent $16 on a used upright vacuum cleaner. Right now it sucks up dirt about as fast as a baby sea turtle can drag itself to the ocean -- that is, painstakingly slowly. So why did I buy it? Answer: it's not broken. It just needs some TLC in the form of a new drive belt.

Replacing the drive belt on a vacuum cleaner is an easy DIY repair that anyone can do. The drive belt is just a big old rubber band. One end of the belt hooks around a shaft that's attached to the vacuum's motor. The other end hooks around the vacuum's rotating brush, which sweeps the floor and scoops up all the crumbs, hair and other crud you're trying to get rid of. Above is a photo of my "new-old" vacuum cleaner with the drive belt removed and displayed on top, so you can see what it looks like.

Is your vacuum short on suction? First eliminate other possible causes: check for blockages and leaks in the tubes, and obstructions or tangles in the rotating brush. This sort of thing comes under the category of regular maintenance that you should be doing every now and then anyway. If none of those things is the cause, then you should replace the drive belt.

Continue reading Restore your vacuum's suction

DIY Vampire fangs


The DIY vampire fangs in this video are the ultimate Halloween costume accessory. Avoid the store bought fangs that are uncomfortable to wear and leave you looking and talking like they are about to fall out all night. These fangs are molded to your gums making a seamless fit, and are very realistic looking vampire teeth.

Bre and Eric are hilarious as they make spinach molds of their own teeth. With this negative mold they pour plastic to make a positive mold. The actual tooth is made of a two part nail acrylic. You'll end by carving the tooth into a sharp tooth with a Dremel tool. Leave the gum line and ridges so that it comfortably forms to your teeth. Watch their step by step video for the full vampire fang transformation. You've only got a couple more days to perfect your costume. These last minute touches will set you apart and get you ready for a fearsome Halloween.

Disney's Haunted Mansion: 999 Crafty Haunts

The iconic Haunted Mansion sign, by Flickr user AckOok.

Disney's Haunted Mansion ride is beloved by many, and we're nearing the best time of year to go on it. (How many times have I been on it? Oh, um, like, a lot.) But some people just love it more than the rest of us, so there are entire web sites devoted to the ride's history and how it works, as well as ways to bring a little of the enchantingly spooky magic into your own home.

We're dying for you to join us after the break, for everything I could dig up related to the Haunted Mansion: its history, the four different versions of it, how some of its best tricks are accomplished, how to haunt your own mansion, and a ghost host of crafts... including how to get in touch with a few from a dearly departed page. Hop in your Doom Buggy and join us!

Gallery: Disney's Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion signDisneyland's Haunted Mansion - CaliforniaHaunted Mansion Orlando from the sideTokyo Disneyland Haunted Mansion - JapanEuroDisney's Phantom Manor - Paris

Continue reading Disney's Haunted Mansion: 999 Crafty Haunts

Window pins keep burglars at bay


Food for thought: it's said that criminals tend to break and enter when it's easy to do so. Usually that means they poke around until discovering a vulnerable dwelling with unlocked or poorly secured windows and doors. One simple home improvement project should be on the To Do list of any DIY'er -- the installation of window locks. That is, clever yet inexpensive locks in addition to the ones your windows already came with. Why? Many of those locks can be easily defeated by someone with the know-how.

Lots of older houses (mine included) have wooden-framed double-hung windows. Here's how to install window pins that will help prevent this type of window from being pried open:

Step 1) Get your tools ready! You will need a drill with drill bits, a hammer, a tape measure and a pencil. And, of course, your window pins. You can use one pin per window or two -- one on the left side and one on the right. Your choice.

Step 2) Close and lock your first window. Use your measuring tape and pencil to locate and mark the point to drill your first hole. This is where the window pin will go when the window is in the closed and locked position.

Continue reading Window pins keep burglars at bay

Easy Candy Corn Cookies


Pressed for time? Need sweet treats for serving at a Halloween party or other seasonal get-together? Here's a terrific no-fail idea I spotted in the October issue of Country Living magazine: Candy Corn Cookies.

Here's what you don't need: candy corn! That's right: these yummy goodies look sort of like the famous Halloween candy, but you don't use them in the recipe. Here's what you do. Step 1: mix up some sugar cookie dough or use some ready-to-bake store-bought sugar cookie dough. Step 2: mix in extra flour and a couple of drops of orange food dye. Step 3: roll the dough and cut into triangles using a cookie cutter. Step 3: bake according to your recipe or the instructions on the pack, depending on what you're using, then let cool. Step 4: dip one end of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and the other end in melted white chocolate. Chill in the freezer for a few minutes until chocolate is set.

I will be trying this recipe out for myself next week. They look really pretty. (Click here to see a photo.) It's also a fun idea for people who love chocolate, don't you think?

Living the DIY Life: October 20 - 26

This post was supposed to go live on Friday, but I've been having internet problems all weekend, so here it is... finally... on a Monday. For those of you who had continual internet connectivity over the last week, here's a list of some of the best posts you might've missed on the first go-around:
Most commented posts:
  1. How to de-stinkify your shoes
  2. 16 basic products (and tools) you need to clean everything in your house
  3. Head in a jar
Most viewed posts:
  1. Make your own fairy wings
  2. How to figure out a combination lock in 12 seconds
  3. How to make a charred corpse
What new and exciting things will we learn next week? Only time, and your continued readership, will tell.

Wedstravaganza, Part 7: creating the picture-perfect wedding in under five weeks


In last week's edition of Wedstravaganza, I started cinching up quite a few important and final details before the big day came -- August 3, 2007. Among the areas I covered included wine and champagne amount calculations (yes, there's a formula for this), wedding program finalization and printing, deejay preparation and reception presentation picture scanning.

This week will feature a decent amount of wrap-up before I complete the Wedstravaganza series with next week's Part 8, which I hope to have to you on the ever-spooky day of Halloween. I hope you've enjoyed the ride thus far, and I hope you can appreciate the level of planning and detail that goes into a wedding and reception. I'll cover the honeymoon in next week's finale, as I've held off on that until now.

Additionally, next week's finale will include a timeline, a cost breakdown and the ending of our special day to our chosen Honeymoon destination the very next morning after Marci and I were married. So, don't forget to check back! Until then, continue reading.

Continue reading Wedstravaganza, Part 7: creating the picture-perfect wedding in under five weeks

Bandanas aren't just for cowboys anymore

kitty wearing a red bandanaEverywhere you look, you see someone wearing a skull cap or a bandana. Cowboys, whether in movies or real life, wear them tied across their face to keep the dust out of their nose and mouth. They also keep them tied around their necks to wipe the sweat off their face. My dad used a bandana as a handkerchief.

I came across an article on Wisebread, written by the very talented Myscha Theriault. She writes about bang up ideas for bandanas, and sends you off to read the many links that accompany her awesome article. I absolutely love her article and I too have put many of the fascinating ideas to use.

I like the fact that Myscha mentions using bandanas as no sew window valances, as I had written a blog for DIY Life about that very thing back in July. Some of her other ideas I like for using bandanas include making toddler pants and a toddler dress, no sew pillows, using bandanas to wrap up a homemade gift and making a beach bag. Be sure to read the article, as it will keep you busy with things to do with bandanas for quite some time, and give you lots of ideas for Christmas gifts.

Ghastly Ghoul Grabber sure to terrify


You've got the candy. You've got your costume. You're juuust about ready for your big Halloween bash. Or are you? C'mon. It's just not Halloween until you've scared the living daylights out of your friends, family and/or colleagues. For those with electronics know-how, there's many a fun DIY project out there to fit the bill. Take this one, for example: the Ghoul Grabber from the site Instructables.com.

The Ghoul Grabber consists of a homemade step sensor attached to a ghoul dummy. When your friend arrives and steps oh-so-innocently over the threshold, he/she unwittingly steps on the sensor, which sets off the small motor to which it is attached. The motor, in turn, is hooked up to the ghoul, making the ghoul's "arms" suddenly lunge forward and grab for your guest's legs. Aaaahhhhh!!!!

Click here for full instructions and 27 pics, including a schematic wiring diagram. Your gentle instructor for this project, a fellow with the screen name "guyfrom7up," totally mangles the English language. However, he won me over with his enthusiasm and great photos! Click here to see a variation on the step sensor theme. For those with the tech know-how, these sensors can be wired to do all sorts of other tricks -- for example, to set off spooky lights and scary Halloween sounds.

Growing container mums for Fall cheer


Put on a happy face this Fall: plant container mums by your front door! The chrysanthemum is an inexpensive yet high-impact plant that will provide a colorful focal point for your home. Its cheerful, compact blooms look good in any context, while the myriad rustic shades of brown, red, orange, and yellow are perfect for autumn.

Here are a few tips for success with container mums this Fall.

First, consider impact. One lonely pot of mums does not look good unless your home or apartment is right up close to the street, in which case you might be able to get away with it. A much better strategy is to mass at least three plants in separate pots. Place them in a casual-looking cluster or in a row descending your front steps. Another option is to plant several chrysanthemums in one large pot.

Continue reading Growing container mums for Fall cheer

15 creative uses for tea bags

tea bagsWe know that drinking tea has great health benefits. Now your tea bags can be used for alternative healing and other creative problem solving uses. I knew that tea could freshen tired eyes or ease a sunburn, but I had no idea that it could stop bleeding and pain after losing a tooth or even serve as an effective furniture polish. You'll find more interesting tips in these 15 wonderful uses for tea.

A reader comments that a green tea bag can clean stubborn stains off a white board. Here are a few other uses I was able to dig up. What inventive ways have you used tea bags. Share your tips in the comments.

Continue reading 15 creative uses for tea bags

Cellphone taser modification, if you dare


Okay folks, if you're into some kind of odd electronic mod, you may want to check out the below from a Sony Ericsson cellphone fan. The voltage released by the LED-based flash mechanisms found in many cellphone camera systems can be made into a light taser mechanism for those times, you know, when only a cellphone shock will do.

I'd say perform this modification at your own risk (this post is for educational purposes only, like every DIY Life post is) and perhaps use as a backup to that keychain pepper spray if you're that worried about needing to fend someone off from an attack in that apartment hallway or street corner. Be advised that the Sony Ericsson cellphone model below features a 'xenon' flash system, which is the kind you'll need to scrounge up more than a few hundred volts to give that nasty-person some taser action should the need arise.

This mod will take a few small electronic additions (like adding some small-farad capacitors to store that energy), but once you locate your xenon flash-equipped cellphone of choice, have at it. Just don't use it unless you really, really need to.

Create a ribbon-striped bulletin board for Halloween

Add style and organization to your home by making a ribbon-striped bulletin board ... go even further by making one just for Halloween.

Objects can be either slipped behind the ribbons or pinned directly to the board.

Materials:

  • Staple gun
  • Scissors
  • Tacks (optional)
  • Cork bulletin board, canvas board, Styrofoam board or fiberboard (available at hardware stores)
  • Fabric a bit bigger than the bulletin board
  • Ribbon (in various colors and sizes) or you can use twill tape or even seam binding

Gallery: Ribbon-striped bulletin board

Cut FabricStaple fabricStaple fabricFabric on boardMake riboon pattern

Continue reading Create a ribbon-striped bulletin board for Halloween

Different types of squares and their uses

saw and framing squareSquares are useful in planning your work, checking angles, and making sure that your cutting is accurate. There are 7 different kinds of squares, each with their own use. Knowing when to use each one will make your jobs much easier and prevent mistakes.

  1. Combination square
  2. Drywall square
  3. Framing square
  4. Try square
  5. Sliding T-Bevel square
  6. Folding square
  7. Measuring square

Do It Yourself has this great article describing all 7 types of squares, their characteristics and uses. Next time you are planning a project use this handy reference to know which square you need to pick up.

There are some important safety tips to keep in mind when working with squares. When using a square as a saw guide, clamp the square so that you are controlling the saw with both hands. This won't just save your hands, but it will also encourage accuracy. When using framing squares, you'll want to wear gloves. The sliding T-bevel can be dangerous with its blade. Always close it back into the handle when you're not using it. Keeping these safety tips in mind and choosing the right square and using it properly will go a long way towards your project success.

Next Page >

About DIY Life

Do Life! DIY Life highlights the best in "do-it-yourself" projects.

Here you'll find all types of projects, from hobbies and crafts to home improvement and tech.

Featured Projects


Powered by Blogsmith

DIY Life Exclusives

Wedstravaganza DIY Halloween Amigurumi-o-rama

Sponsored Links

Featured Galleries

Winterize your lawnmower
Deer accident
Ribbon-striped bulletin board
The Haunting Image
Scanner Photographs of Homemade Jewelry
A Rocky Horror Type Gallery
Fairy Wings
Pumpkin Dalek
Autumn apple facial mask
Phone Book uses
Build-compu-04
Marble magnet tutorial
PSP Cartoon
Bomb Pop Amigurumi
Water Wall
Amineko amigurumi tutorial
hairbows
GoogTeleSearch
Paint Shop Pro Logo Project
Stop that weed
Clean the washing machine

 

Most Commented On (7 days)

  1. How to de-stinkify your shoes (27)
  2. Head in a jar (18)
  3. 16 basic products (and tools) you need to clean everything in your house (16)
  4. How to photograph jewelry (4)
  5. Tree felling: read up first and avoid DIY devastation (3)
  6. Bird feeding is for the birds, not the squirrels. (2)
  7. Give your pantry a makeover (2)
  8. 15 creative uses for tea bags (2)
  9. Homemade furniture polish (1)
  10. Make an address pumpkin tower (1)

Weblogs, Inc. Network