Craft supplies and blanks can really add up and […]

One reader said, "Such a blast for the little ones!"

World's Easiest Silicone Mold.: This simple way of silicone mold-making will have you wanting to make casts of all your trinkets and toys. 2021 Edit: If you are looking to use this mold-making technique to do life-casting or food casting, these molds are not skin-safe or food-sa…

If you like this post, you should also check out Homemade Febreeze and Homemade Green Window Cleaner. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had the time and energy to dust all the surfaces in their home on a daily basis? It would be pretty awesome. But, unfortunately, it’s not gonna happen. So the next best...Read More »

If your dishwasher is not cleaning as well as you would like, you probably don't need to buy a new one. There are a few inexpensive tricks to get it running as good as new (or even better than new).  Here are a few tips and tricks to help a dishwasher clean better. Detergent TipsIf your detergent loads on the inside of the door, like most dishwashers do, then load the dishwasher detergent and close the door before adding dirty dishes.  When you leave the door open when loading dishes, crumbs and dirty water enter the detergent area making it unclean.  When it comes to dishwasher detergent, you may need to invest in the expensive detergent since your current dish detergent may not be strong enough or work well with the type of water in your home.  Do not use more detergent than required, else additional detergent may be deposited on your dishes making them look dirty.  Do not confuse dish washing soap and dishwasher detergent or you may get a kitchen full of bubbles and a floor full of water to clean up.   Pre RinseYou should not have to wash every spec of debris off your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, however you should do a quick rinse to get the larger food items off your dishes.   The better you rinse, the better the dishwasher can clean.   LoadLook at how your dishwasher is set up to wash.  Load your dishwasher so that all items will get hit by water from the sprayers.  Don't load a large casserole dish or cookie sheet horizontally on the bottom rack and expect the items on the top rack to get clean if you only have bottom sprayers.  If you do not have top sprayers, load your large items on the top or run the dishwasher with the large items on the bottom and nothing on the top.  Don't try to cram all of your dishes into your dishwasher to clean everything in one cycle.  Let the dishes have some space for water to pass around them.   Ensure that none of your spoons or bowls are overlapping.   Hot WaterDishwashers are very efficient in the amount of water they use.  They need very hot water in order to clean dishes well.  Immediately before starting the dishwasher, make sure to run hot water in your kitchen sink until it comes out very hot.  If you do not run hot water first, the "hot" water coming into the dishwasher will be cool or warm at first and it will not clean very well.  Check the temperature setting on your water heater to make sure it is at the optimal temperature for your dishwasher (not too hot, not too cold).   Rinse AidMost newer dishwashers have a compartment for a rinse aid, such as Jet Dry. If your dishwasher has a compartment for a rinse aid, you must use one for the dishwasher to clean properly.  Some people substitute vinegar as a rinse aid with mixed results.   Correct CycleMost dishwashers have multiple cycle types to choose from.  In order to clean your dishes well, make sure to select an appropriate cycle for the type of dishes you are washing.  A gentle rinse only cycle will not clean heavily soiled pots and pans very well.   Dishwasher CleanerYour dishwasher may need to be cleaned in order to be efficient.  Start by removing any debris at the bottom of your dishwasher.  After that, you can use a specialty cleaner (such as Dishwasher Magic) or use just plain white vinegar.  To clean with vinegar, start with an empty dishwasher and add 1 cup of vinegar to the bottom and run a wash cycle as usual (without detergent). Owner's ManualIf all else fails, read the owner's manual.  What, you can't find it?  Luckily, most manuals are now available online - just search for your particular make and model.  Each dishwasher is a bit different and may have easy fixes for problems that could arise.  Start by looking at the troubleshooting section that is usually found at the back of the manual. Save

Learn how to tie four must-know knots essential to macramé.

Craft supplies and blanks can really add up and […]

So, as I've been cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, I've shared a DIY Bathroom Scum Remover, a DIY Window/Mirror Cleaner, and a DIY Granite Cleaner, but we need one final homemade cleaner to finish our cleaning

A step-by-step guide on how to make a DIY book page wreath using vintage books and household supplies, and links for wreaths to purchase.

Did you know that you can cut your own picture mats!? It’s easy, I promise!The husband would accuse me of (incorrectly) saying this about a lot of things…and ho…

Are you looking for a way to sleep and live in your Honda Civic or other small car? Let me walk you through everything you need to sleep and live successfully in your car, including what to buy, what to DIY, and how much I spent on my own Honda Civic camper conversion!

You'll never go back to buying expensive store-bought hardwood floor cleaner again after trying this homemade DIY solution! Its fast and easy to make, inexpensive and all natural: The best homemade wood floor cleaner that shines.

summer frock – tutorial + pattern I’ve had a quite a few requests for this tutorial. I hope you use it + enjoy it. This dress is made to have neither a front nor a back. It is also made to go over the head, one arm at a time. Lets get started. Buy the pattern piece right here in my shop. Print pattern. Supplies needed: -skirt fabric -bodice fabric -bodice lining fabric -fishing wire -scissors Start by cutting 2 bodice pieces + 2 bodice lining pieces. Stitch the neckline of the bodice. Then stitch the armholes about 1/2 way up. Turn each piece. Press the neckline flat. Then press the armhole flat. Including the length of the armhole that is not stitched. Your two bodice pieces should now look like this. Lay your two pieces, right sides together. Take the top edge of each bodice + pin flush. Like so. Now using a 1/4 inch seam, stitch the two pieces together, on both sides. This will leave you with a small hole that we will deal with in just a bit. Time to stitch the sides. Again put right sides together. Pull up the lining on each side + pin. Using a 1/4 inch seam, stitch your sides. Be sure to only get the sides of the bodice when you sew, nothing else. Time to iron the armholes. Push the fabric back into the hole, following your original pressed lines. And iron flat. Press your seams flat on the sides, Turn down + press the sides. Your bodice should now look like this. Everything should be pressed nice + flat. Top-stitch the neckline using an 1/8 inch stitch. Nice + close to the edge. Now top-stitch the armholes, again using an 1/8 inch stitch. You just made a bodice + a fine one, I’m sure. Now make the skirt. For the length, I measured from right underneath the breast bone to the knee. I also used the edge of a pillowcase for skirt, so finishing the hem was unnecessary. You can follow the directions on the elastic waist tutorial for finishing an hem. Additionally, I used a french seam on the skirt, tutorial for french seam here. To create the gathers in the waist I used the fishing wire technique. Using a zigzag stitch, stitch the fishing wire to the top of the skirt. Like so. Now time for assembly. Start with your skirt piece + bodice piece RIGHT side out. Pull up the bottom part of the bodice. Then turn the bodice inside out. Then upside down. Slide your bodice piece into your skirt piece. Pin bodice to skirt. Make sure to have about equal lengths of fabric between each pin. Then pull your fishing wire loose ends tight to gather the skirt. Using an 1/2 inch seam, stitch along the top edge. You should have something similar to this. Now, pull the the bodice up out of the skirt. Lay bodice flat. See how your raw edge is completely enclosed within the bodice? Perfect! Turn the dress inside out + press your back seam, making sure the raw edge is going up into the bodice. Then turn your dress right side out + turn the outside edge of your bodice under about 1/4 inch. Press flat. Using 1/8 inch, stitch the top bodice to the skirt Now go forth + enjoy summer.

Three Ingredient Liquid Dishwasher Detergent Thrifty Thinking DIY Time It’s DIY Time , where I post something you can do yourself rather than buy, which is a money saver, and can be VERY REWARDING. Some of these posts are crafts, sewing projects, homemade cleaners, homemade health aids, tutorials, and the like. What I love about the on-line...Read More »

Are you doubted how to make a beehive? If so, ping at The Gardening Dad to know about the right place to make a beehive.

This easy homemade Elderberry Syrup recipe is packed full of nutrients! Keep it on hand to fight off cold and flu symptoms and to boost your immune system.

Microgreens are nutrient dense, delicious and best of all, easy to grow! Learn how to grow microgreens on paper towels.

Start your Macrame journey with my free Macrame for Beginners Knot Guide and easy tutorials. Plus, discover top Macrame supplies with my handy shopping lists!

How to harvest and cut parsley to have an endless supply of this fresh herb all summer long. When parsley is properly harvested you will never have to buy it again!

◦ DIY - BUILDING PLANS FOR WOODEN BACKDROP ON WHEELS ◦ With included links to purchase all supplies and material ◦ Great addition to any photo studio to add texture & warmth to your photos! ◦ Perfect for any party, wedding, baby shower, etc. ◦ These are digitally downloadable plans. NO physical product will be delivered. ◦ Once purchased, the plans will be available for download. ◦ This is a fun project for DIY'ers & could save you hundreds of dollars from having to buy a backdrop wall already made. However, we recommend the assistance from someone with some carpentry skills or power tool experience. ◦ Build Plans Include: 1. List of Recommended Tools 2. Material List (with links to purchase) 3. Prep List 4. Cut List 5. Assembly Instructions ◦ Skill Level: Intermediate Use Code: ONEOFAKIND at Checkout Happy Building!

In this article you'll learn six different ways to make a DIY pom pom in all kinds of sizes to suit just about any crafting project.

I know what you are thinking… why would I want to make anything no-sew??? But, hear me out: These rugs go together so beautifully, are easy to make, are delightfully luscious under foot, and …

You can absolutely make your own HOMEMADE ALCOHOL INK to SAVE MONEY and to make your own CUSTOM COLORS. These markers are dye-based which will give you high pigment loads in your homemade alcohol inks, and are the BEST. You can also use ethically-sourced micas or acrylic paint, as long as you make sure to ONLY PU...

Did you know that you can cut your own picture mats!? It’s easy, I promise!The husband would accuse me of (incorrectly) saying this about a lot of things…and ho…

Summer is in full swing in the northern hemisphere and sewing swimwear is on my mind. As I’m shopping around for materials for my own swimwear projects, I thought it would be helpful if I com…

Where to buy craft supplies online doesn't have to be a mystery. This is my personal list of resources plus secret discounts to help you buy your own craft supplies online! This is an ongoing list that will be added to as new resources are discovered. Enjoy shopping for all things crafting from painting to

Resources for silhouette and cricut cutting machine users. From free cut files to the cheapest places to buy supplies.

It is so easy to make this dusting spray. You can skip all the chemicals that you have in Pledge. Save money by and try out this homemade dusting spray today.

Learn how to regrow an (almost) endless supply of fresh green onions from kitchen scraps. All you need is a starter bunch of green onions, a jar, and fresh water.

Did you know that you can cut your own picture mats!? It’s easy, I promise!The husband would accuse me of (incorrectly) saying this about a lot of things…and ho…

Find an easy way to remove print heat transfer vinyl lettering from t-shirts and reuse your t-shirt for another craft design or project.

Try out the Best homemade shower cleaner. It is the Best diy Shower Cleaner with only 2 ingredients. Plus it also is the best Bathtub Cleaner!

What dollar store activity supplies are a must buy? Check out these 10 supplies and the 15+ activities you can make with them. Kids love these activities!

These dishwasher pods are easy to make and they really work to get your dishes clean! Save money buying the expensive dishwasher soaps and make your own!

This DIY carpet deodorizer REALLY WORKS! You don't need to buy anything with chemicals - this carpet freshener uses just two ingredients. Great for homes with children and pets.

Start your Macrame journey with my free Macrame for Beginners Knot Guide and easy tutorials. Plus, discover top Macrame supplies with my handy shopping lists!