Category: DIY

halloween

Top 6 Fun Projects For Kids This Halloween

Halloween will be much different this year, like many other activities and holidays! However, that doesn’t mean we can’t scare each other at home! From spooky treats to artistic creations that border on witchcraft, here are some ideas that will keep you entertained all night long! Halloween is the spookiest night of the year, and it is one of those days when we can all let our creativity run wild, be it with our home decorations or our costumes.

Here are six simple and inexpensive decorating ideas and festive projects that will entertain the little ghouls in your house this October. Indeed, the days leading up to Halloween can be a very stressful time, especially if you have a big party to plan, a costume to choose from, spider webs to hang, and scary tricks to plan. 

As a queer person who loves horror movies, Halloween is my Christmas, and it is the type of year where I go all out, and my costumes get wilder and bigger every year because it is a time for me to let my freak flag free. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the best craft and DIY projects to do for Halloween.

1. Mummified Cookies

halloween

Feel like baking some beautiful cookies that will haunt the house this Halloween season? Why not turn to a mummy cookie recipe destined to end up on your Instagram account? Make a whole batch of these using your homemade recipe or by purchasing ready-made cookie dough. All you have to do is decorate by adding band-aids and googly eyes, all sweet, of course.

2. Create your own Halloween crown

There’s nothing better than a funeral wreath to scare the neighbors! Simply pick up a good old, bare wreath from the store of your choice and decorate it with a glue gun, wire, branches, and creepy accessories like plastic spiders, orange and black ribbon, toilet paper ghosts, decorative pumpkins, and even candy.

3. Brew your own goo

Add a little science to your activities and create your own slime! To make yourself a beautiful, sticky monster, you’ll need clear glue, baking soda, salt solution, green paint, and a pair of eyes (don’t take your own). Place 5 ounces of glue in a bowl, and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Mix with the paint (or food coloring), then add 3 tablespoons of saline solution and roll it around in your hands until it becomes gooey. Add the eyes and pour them into a jar to keep it cool.

4. Turn a plate into a mask

Wearing a mask has a whole new meaning since 2020… Why not make one for the little ones in the house with a simple paper plate? It’s easy to do. With a good pair of scissors, glue, and a few items, transform the plate into a Halloween pumpkin, a menacing vampire, or an adorable kitten. To manipulate the plate, glue a simple Popsicle stick to the base! Holes will be needed for the eyes, and get creative with whatever you can find in terms of paper, ribbons, glitter, pipe cleaners, etc.

5. Dye a garment (tie-dye)

halloween

Need a common costume for the whole family? You’ll take great photos by transforming a plain black sweater. Dampen it with enough water, and crumple it into a compact ball that you hold together with rubber bands. Using rubber gloves, submerge the sweater in a bucket containing half cold water and half bleach. Watch as it discolors and turns orange. Remove the sweater from the liquid after about ten minutes and wash by hand in the sink, and let dry. Make sure this whole process is done in a well-ventilated room.

6. Make a cardboard haunted house

Why not make this Halloween party an art project for the whole family? Go ahead and build a miniature haunted house that you can proudly display on a windowsill or in a bookcase. Use an empty box as a starting point (think delivery or cereal box). All you have to do is decorate the structure with whatever you find in the house. Younger kids can paint or put fun or scary stickers on it, while older kids can make fake spider webs, felt bats, glow-in-the-dark ghosts, etc. Your imagination is the only limit!

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about the funniest DIY to do for Halloween.

Best Thanksgiving Quotes and Wishes You Can Write on Your DIY Card

Best Thanksgiving Quotes and Wishes You Can Write on Your DIY Card

Here is a nice collection of thanksgiving quotes for friends and families. So, don’t forget to share them!

From Joyce Giraud:

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are.

From Melody Beattie:

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

From Marcus Samuelsson:

From Marcus Samuelsson

 

I love Thanksgiving because it is a holiday centered around food and family, two things that are of utmost importance to me.

From J. Robert Moskin:

Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.

From Theodore Roosevelt:

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.

From Colossians 3:15-17:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

From Psalm 119:1-8:

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart — they do no wrong but follow His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

From Isaiah 12:1-6:

From Isaiah 12:1-6

In that day you will say: “I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

From Matthew 6:25-34:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these…”

 

 

 

 

plastic

Top 5 Good Reasons To Start A DIY Project

Would you like to make a Do It Yourself creation? It is estimated that nearly 8 out of 10 Americans practice at least one DIY activity. These activities are varied, to say the least: manual activities and crafts, but also growing your own fruit or vegetables, making jam or fruit juice, repairing a vehicle, etc. Are you still hesitating to get started? Discover, in this article, 5 good reasons to practice a DIY activity, whatever it is!

1. Save money with DIY

sewing

The economic aspect is certainly one of the main advantages of Do-it-Yourself! Indeed, more and more people dare to take the plunge, realizing, rightly so, that DIY creations are often less expensive. According to a recent IPSOS study, we save, on average, more than 270$ per year thanks to Do It Yourself.

Even if the raw material purchase can require a certain budget, putting a little elbow grease can be quickly profitable. Moreover, you should not hesitate to make DIY with recycled products, objects, and raw materials. Indeed, recycled creations are the most interesting to save money while adopting eco-responsible behavior. You would be wrong to deprive yourself of it!

2. Make useful creations

Give meaning to your creations by making them useful in your daily life! For example, don’t hesitate to create a shelf if you lack storage space at home. If you want to have a bag to carry your things more easily, make it!

The creative possibilities are endless! So as you want and need, don’t hesitate to think about what you need before you think about how to make that DIY project. If you think you can create something useful, this is the perfect opportunity to get started. After all, there’s nothing better than useful DIY creations to make your life easier and to make you want to create more and more!

3. Do a DIY activity to keep yourself busy

brownies

If you don’t know what to do when you have little time on your hands or to keep yourself busy on a rainy day, think DIY! Indeed, it’s a great way to keep busy without seeing the time pass. In fact, by focusing on a manual creation, your brain and hands should quickly be on fire.

Children, adults, and the elderly can enjoy themselves and fill in any moments of solitude by indulging in manual creations of all kinds: decorative creations, sewing projects, painting activities, personalization of media, etc. The possibilities are endless; you won’t have a minute to yourself while focusing on your favorite creative hobby!

4. Gain self-confidence

Nothing is more satisfying than being able to say, “I did it”! In fact, making a DIY creation often allows you, over time, to assert yourself and gain confidence in your own abilities. As you progress, you will feel more and more at ease and therefore be able to launch yourself into more meticulous and/or complex projects. The result will be an even more satisfying feeling when you reach your goal!

If you are starting from scratch, in any activity, starting with something easy is always recommended. Find (or have in mind) a pattern that you can easily replicate. Once you’ve done that, you can add some complexity by using other materials, larger volumes, and/or testing other creative techniques.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for their opinion: positive opinions will confirm your abilities! Also, be sure to consider the more nuanced opinions to progress in your various creative approaches. You will thus be constantly pulled upwards!

5. Sharing good moments with your loved ones

Easy DIY Gifts for Father’s Day (Part 2)

Sharing is also something essential for every human being. Good news: DIY is conducive to exchanges, discussions, and even, sometimes, new encounters! If you have the opportunity, dare to make handicrafts with family, friends, or even colleagues. Indeed, this type of activity will allow everyone to enjoy a pleasant moment of sharing. Moreover, if you have creative events or even hobby fairs near you, we can only recommend you to go there!

You will be able to meet creators and sometimes exchange with speakers or even participate in creative group workshops. Don’t hesitate to browse blogs, forums, Facebook groups, or any other virtual community to meet other designers, discover new techniques, ask your own questions, and exchange with different people. You’ll see for yourself: DIY brings together a big (and supportive) family. It’s a lot of fun to share your own experiences, give advice and get new Do It Yourself ideas!

Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about starting a DIY project.

5 Easy Steps to Prepare the Surface to Be Wallpapered

5 Easy Steps to Prepare the Surface to Be Wallpapered

5 Easy Steps to Prepare the Surface to Be Wallpapered

 

 Summary

 – Step 1: Remove the old wallpaper

 – Step 2: Clean the surface

 – Step 3: Fill in cracks and holes

 – Step 4: Prepare the gluing

 – Step 5: Remove outlets and switches

 

Wallpaper should be applied to a previously prepared wall or ceiling for best results. Even if some papers hide defects and roughness, it is preferable to work on a healthy, clean, and relatively uniform support, to facilitate the gluing, the installation, and the good behavior of the wallpaper.

 Depending on the type of support and its old coating (wallpaper, paint…), allow a few hours before installing the future wallpaper.

 Here is the material and the steps to prepare the wallpaper support.

 1. Remove the old wallpaper

 If the support is covered with one or more layers of wallpaper, remove all the coverings to avoid defects and unnecessary overlapping …

 Work from the bottom to the top by tearing off all the paper.

Read more: 3 Important Steps for Removing Wallpaper

 2. Clean the support

5 Easy Steps to Prepare the Surface to Be Wallpapered

 – To remove all the old traces of wallpaper paste, wash the support well.

 – If the support is covered with an old

 ◦ Clean it well to get a clean background using a special cleaner or wall lye.

 ◦ Let it dry well.

 ◦ Remove paint blisters with a painter’s knife.

 – If the support is covered with an old coating, peel off the parts that no longer hold.

 Note: before washing the substrate, turn off the room’s power and protect the floor with a plastic sheet.

 3. Fill cracks and holes

 Regardless of the type of surface, fill cracks and holes with filler.

 Once dry, sand to even out the surface and remove dust.

 4. Prepare for gluing

 To facilitate gluing:

 – If the support is blocked (paint, lacquer…), sand the surface to roughen it up and apply an undercoat or use a special glue for blocked backgrounds when installing the wallpaper.

 – If the support is porous (plaster, wood, concrete), apply a bottom blocker to solidify the support.

 5. Remove sockets and switches

5 Easy Steps to Prepare the Surface to Be Wallpapered

 To make wallpapering easier, remove outlets and switches. Before you begin, turn off the circuit breaker or fuses.

 For the switches, unscrew the visible mounting screws with a flathead screwdriver to access the electrical wires. If necessary, note the cables’ location so you can reassemble them correctly.

 Loosen the retaining screws and gently remove the switch from the wall without forcing the wires. Place the wires in the holes so that they do not stick out.

 Materials to prepare the wallpaper

 Painter’s knife 

 Filler 

 Sanding paper 

 Flat screwdriver 

 Alkaline detergent

 Sander 

Read more:

3 Steps to Drill Wood

3 Steps to Drill Wood

3 Steps to Drill Wood

Contents

– Step 1: Prepare your work area

– Step 2: Prepare to drill

– Step 3: Drill the wood

Drilling wood is relatively simple, but it does require some skill. A poorly drilled hole can make it difficult to screw two pieces together. That’s why it’s important that the drilling be done in a straight line. When drilling wood, it is crucial to choose a suitable drill bit. Choose a special wood drill that is well sharpened and will make holes without splintering. Here’s our handy sheet to help you drill wood like a pro.

1. Prepare your work area

3 Steps to Drill Wood

 

If you have several holes to drill, prepare a convenient work area. Protect the furniture and floor by covering them with used sheets, polyethylene film or tarps. Protect your face with a face mask and your eyes with goggles to avoid dust splashes.

2. Prepare for drilling

3 Steps to Drill Wood

Insert a wood drill bit into the chuck.

Depending on what the hole you are making in the wood will be used for, note that if you want to:

– dowel the wood; the diameter of the drill bit should be precisely equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the wood dowel that you will place in the drilled hole.

– screw in the wood, the diameter of the drill bit must be smaller than the screws.

– passing a bolt or rod through the wood, the diameter of the drill bit must be slightly larger than the bolt.

To determine the depth of the hole to be drilled:

– Take the screw you will be screwing into the drilled hole.

– Place the screw next to the drill bit.

– With masking tape, mark the location of the screw head on the drill bit.

– Insert the drill bit into the chuck. To do this

o Unscrew the chuck with the automatic system or a wrench, if the drill has one.

o To insert the drill bit into the chuck, refer to the instructions provided when you purchased the drill.

– Make sure that the drill bit is held correctly in the chuck: there should be no play.

3. Drill the wood

3 Steps to Drill Wood

– Set the drill to minimum speed and drill through the wood to mark the hole.

– Position your drill bit in the center of the mark.

– Start the drill.

– Increase the speed of the drill and drill to the mark previously made on the drill bit.

– Stop the drill.

– Blow the dust out of the drilled hole to dislodge the dust.

– Remove the dust from the floor related to the drilling with a vacuum cleaner.

– Remove polyethylene film, tarps or sheets from the floor and furniture.

Equipment needed for drilling wood

Vacuum cleaner

Tarp

Drill

Safety glasses

Protective mask

Drill

Electrical extension cord

Masking tape

READ MORE: 

– DIY: How to Make a Wooden Crate;

– How to Clean Your Painting Equipment (Part 1);

– How to Do a Paint Touch-Up;

– How to Drill a Sink;

– How to Install a Sink;

– How to Paint With a Brush (Part 1);

– How Do You Drill a Wall;

– Painting With an Airless Sprayer;

– The Essential Craftsperson Tools (Part 1);

– The Tools Every Craftsperson Should Have (Part 2);

– 3 Steps for Using a Jigsaw;

– How to Sew Jersey;

– How to Sew an Appliqué;

– 3 Steps to Assemble a Knitted Fabric.

Hope you like this post and the ones in the above links. Visit our blog to read more about the craftsperson, and don’t forget to leave your comments.

cardboard

Top 10 Crafts To Recycle Cardboard

We don’t always realize the potential of the materials around us. That’s why we have gathered for you all the good ideas to make with cardboard. It is surprising, aesthetic, and innovative! Yes, recycling is an art. We have to get away from the idea that cardboard is good for packing, wrapping, and nothing else.

No, cardboard is much more than that! Let’s change our preconceived ideas and how we treat the world. Cardboard furniture and decorative objects are colorful, practical, light, and recyclable, and there is really no reason not to try the experience. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our best crafts that you can make at home with old cardboard.

1. Thank you card

cardboard

You received a nice gift, and you want to thank the person who gave it to you? A beautiful handwritten thank you card never goes unnoticed. And why not use the cardboard from your gift to write your message? Cut out your cardboard, fold the card and decorate it to your liking. This kind of card can be sent this way without needing an envelope.

2. Napkin ring

With this trick, you’ll make people jealous! Create original napkin rings from an empty paper towel roll or aluminum foil. Cut the roll into a 5 or 6 cm wide ring, and cover it with fabric. About 30 cm of fabric will be enough to cover 5 napkin rings. Use fabric glue or double-sided tape to secure the fabric inside each ring.

3. Decorative planters

Here’s a great idea to turn cardboard into a flower pot. Decorate a simple cardboard box, then line it with a plastic bag poked with a few drainage holes. Now you can put a plant in its pretty new planter.

4. Labyrinth for kids

If you’ve just moved, you probably have these huge boxes. Then you can make this cardboard maze that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Cut a door or two from each box and join them together to create passageways. Clip it all together with sturdy plastic ties or note clips.

5. Natural weed killer

cardboard

Cardboard is a strong but compostable material, making it a very effective natural weed control solution. To do this, place flat pieces of cardboard over the area to be treated for weeds, then soak them thoroughly to help them stay in place. When you’re done, add mulch on top to camouflage the cardboard. It will get rid of the weeds, depriving them of light.

6. Storage for your magazines

When you finish a box of cereal, what do you do with it? You throw it in the recycling bin, right? Did you know that you can turn it into a stylish magazine storage box? Just cut it to size and cover it with decorative paper or fabric. And there you have it; your magazines are now neat and tidy.

7. Photo frames

Why use an expensive frame from a craft store when you can customize it yourself? Thin cardboard, such as from a cereal box or notepad holder, is perfect for this. Just cut it to the appropriate size, then spray glue and apply the fabric of your choice.

8. Gift Bags

These gift bags were made by cutting a cardboard cereal box into a suitcase shape with handles. Paint them brown (or any other color of your choice). Add some decorative elements: glitter, ribbons… And that’s it! You have created an original bag to hold your little gifts.

9. Party decorations

You don’t need to buy decorations to decorate a wedding or birthday hall. Make a flower garland like this for your next event. Cut up paper towel rolls and decorate them with paper towels or fancy sticky paper. A simple craft where you paint, fold, glue, and thread it all onto a wire.

10. Disposable painting pallet

cardboard

Making paint is a great way to relax and put everyday problems aside. The problem is that you have to wash everything afterward, and you don’t necessarily have the time. With a disposable cardboard palette, all creative projects are easier! Simply drill a hole for your thumb to take the palette in hand. And off you go!

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about DIY cardboard ideas.

4 Vital Tips for DIY Novices

4 Vital Advice for DIY Novices

 

Do you have to perform minor tasks that don’t call for expert assistance? For instance, mounting a shelf, putting together and taking apart furniture that comes in a kit, and more…
You might be hesitant to try some DIY techniques, but with the help of the simple DIY advice in this post, you will be able to finish simple tasks at home. So let’s get started right away!

1. Unscrewing a rusty screw

4 Vital Tips for DIY Novices

It doesn’t take long for rust to form and fuse the contact between the two pieces when moisture gets between the threads of a screw and those of its nut – the screwdriver won’t turn because the screw is so rusted. How can you remove this blockage without a specific tool in your possession?

There are three possibilities:

– Pour a few drops of kerosene on the screw. If, however, it is still impossible to remove, make a mixture of machine oil/nail polish remover, leave it to act for 15 minutes, and remove the screw with a screwdriver.

– Use white vinegar and pour it on the head of the screw, leave it for 15 minutes and remove the screw with your screwdriver.

– Insert the screwdriver into the rusty screw, adjust the wrench to hold the screwdriver, and turn the wrench while pressing the screwdriver. 

Good to know: do not reassemble a rusty screw or one whose impression is starting to be damaged.

2. Drive a thin nail easily

Driving a nail seems simple and within reach of any DIY enthusiast. However, driving fine nails requires a minimum of technique. Here are a few tips that will allow you to hammer them in one after the other without ever hitting your fingers:

– Position the nail in the desired location, keeping it straight. Then give the nail small taps, always holding it with the other hand. When your fingers become too thick to hold the nail still, remove them, then finish by tapping with the hammer.

– Pinch the nail with a clothespin and hit it with a hammer without risking injury.

– Take a sheet of cardboard, and stick your nail in it; the cardboard will hold the nail straight; you will just have to tear it when you have driven the nail into the wood.

Good to know: don’t forget to grip your hammer firmly by the bottom of the handle; your gesture will be more precise.

3. Driving a screw in a hard-to-reach place

Sometimes you’ll need to screw in a place where you can’t hold the screw with your fingers, for example, in a place that’s too narrow to fit your hand. How do you manage to do this without getting upset? You have several solutions:

– Put a sticky substance, such as fixing paste, or double-sided adhesive, between the screwdriver and the screw, it is the screwdriver that will put the screw in the right place, and you can then screw without problems.

– Slide the screw between the teeth of a small comb that will act as a “third hand” and is suitable for screws of different sizes.

– Push in a piece of plastic or rubber tube at the end of the screwdriver to hold the screw head.

– Attach a paper clip to the end of the screwdriver with a rubber band or adhesive tape and wedge the screw between its legs.

– Magnetize the screw by placing it on a magnet for a few minutes.

4. Provide a hardware base

If you’re tinkering on the weekends or in the evenings, it’s always maddening to have to stop in the middle of a task to buy the right size screw, nail, or dowel.

Therefore, plan a hardware base that will be very useful:

– a collection of screws, nails, hooks, and dowels in the most commonly used sizes;

– a set of drill bits of different diameters for your drill, for the most common materials, concrete, brick, metal, and wood.

You will also need to bring:

– a wooden pencil;

– a large ruler or tape measure;

– a spirit level.

This will prevent you from abandoning a DIY project because you ran out of the necessary supplies.
Note: It is essential to keep goods properly in tiny boxes or clear plastic bags so that you can immediately locate the right ones.

That’s it, then. We’ve finished our quick and simple advice. What brought you to this post? Kindly leave a few comments below.

 

plastic

Top 6 Crafts To Do With Plastic Bottles

Generally, when we have a plastic water bottle, we make two uses of it; first, we drink its content, then we throw it away with the other plastic waste so that it is recycled. Well, not bad, but well, can do better. And yes: a plastic water bottle, whether full or empty, can actually be used to do a whole lot of things that we rarely suspect. We can make sports, decorations, jewels, and much more with plastic bottles.

The only limit we can have is our imagination, because as far as our wallet is concerned, it is certainly not a pack of water that will ruin us! In short, if we want to impress the gallery at a low cost, we go into recovery mode and do not throw away our water bottles. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the crafts you can do with plastic bottles.

1. Exercise!

plastic

When you want to build up your biceps or triceps at home by lifting 1.5kg dumbbells, you have two options: either you buy dumbbells in a sports store, or you use dumbbells that you already have at home. It works just as well to build muscle gently, but it costs less! What do you mean? Well, a full plastic water bottle is 1.5L. And 1.5 liters of water weighs 1.5 kilos! So instead of lifting weights, we take a full water bottle in each hand and start our exercises.

2. A beautiful bracelet

When we want to buy jewelry, it’s always the same: the simplest ones are often the most beautiful…but the most expensive! While we always have the impression that we could make them ourselves. What if we went to the practice?

With a slice of plastic water bottle, some mohair to reinforce it, and a nice fabric to cover it, we make ourselves, in two times three movements, a super nice bracelet that we will be the only ones to wear this summer. Practical and aesthetic!

3. Birdhouses

plastic

It’s summer, raining hard, the kids are overexcited, and we don’t know what to do with them because we only have paint but no paper. No problem: a plastic water bottle can easily be transformed into a birdhouse, which the children will be delighted to build with us.

To do this, all we need is a water bottle that we will cut in half, shorten and then make a hole in the bottom part, paint and glue the two parts together to make a little hut before hanging it in a tree with a string and two holes in the cap.

4. An improvised vase

It’s summer, and the kids have just picked a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers (on the neighbor’s stoop, actually, oops, too bad) that we want to put on the garden table. Problem: the table in the living room is exposed to the shots of balloons, to the shakes, to the wind…

It would be a pity to break the pretty vase that offered us, mother-in-law, at Christmas (although… in short). The solution: show that you are a pro of the system D! We can either cut a plastic water bottle in two or work a little on the aspect of our vase if we have a little more time…and a computer for a tuto!

5. An emergency broom

plastic

The horror: by shaking our good old broom, we have just broken it in two. And we tried to glue the handle to the other part, but nothing made it. No panic; we have a broom if we have tape and plastic bottles. And yes, we will cut many strips in empty plastic water bottles, which we will assemble with tape on our old broom handle. To our great surprise, we will see that we can sweep a floor very well with plastic broom bristles!

6. Pretty flowers

And if to show that we were a pro of recovery, we decorated our plastic vase with pretty flowers… they also realized from plastic water bottles? It’s quite simple: we take bottles’ bottoms and cut out flower shapes in them. So that the petals of our flowers are not too sharp but smooth and rounded, we work them gently with the flame of a lighter. We can also fix our plastic flowers on wires or plastic tubes or place them in candle holders for a guaranteed effect!

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about crafts to do with plastic bottles.

Basic Cookie Recipes You Need in Your Collection (Part 2)

Basic Cookie Recipes You Need in Your Collection (Part 2)

The best way to make nearly-perfect cookies is to find a recipe for cookies that you like. I mean that a good start to a nice cookie is finding a good recipe. And, here we have a list of some of the very best ones.

Delicious Lofthouse Cookies

Delicious Lofthouse CookiesIngredients you’ll need to make the cookies:

  • 1-2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup of cornstarch
  • Three cups of all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon of almond extract
  • One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • One cup of granulated sugar
  • One teaspoon of baking powder
  • One teaspoon of kosher salt
  • ½ cup of softened butter
  • Four oz of softened cream cheese

Ingredients you’ll need for the buttercream:

  • Food coloring
  • Sprinkles for the decoration
  • One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • One teaspoon of heavy cream
  • ¾ cup of softened butter
  • Three cups of powdered sugar

Instructions to make the Delicious Lofthouse Cookies:

Step 1:

You start by taking a large bowl and adding the all-purpose flour, cornstarch and baking powder. Combine the ingredients and then sprinkle some salt as per your preference.

Step 2:

Now, take another large bowl and mix the softened butter with the cream cheese and sugar – remember to use a hand mixer for mixing and beating properly. Once you’ve got a fluffy, light and soft mixture, start adding the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and mix until well combined.

Step 3:

You can now add all the dry ingredients one by one. Once you’ve obtained a well-combined dough, transfer it to plastic wrap and flatten the dough into a disk. Put the dough in the fridge and wait for at least 1-2 hours.

Step 4:

While you are waiting for the dough, preheat the oven to 350° and line 2 large baking pans with parchment paper.

Step 5:

Once the time is over, get the dough out and after sprinkling flour on a flat surface or on your kitchen counter, dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it to ½” thick.

Step 6:

Now, it’s time to cut the cookies and place them on the baking sheets.

Note: You can use a special cookie cutter to cut the cookies out.

Step 7:

Bake the cookies for around 10-12 minutes or until the edges are properly baked. Make sure that the cookies don’t gain many colors on the top. After removing them from the oven, set them aside for a few minutes.

Step 8:

It’s time to make the frosting. So, in a large bowl, add the soft and creamy butter along with the powdered sugar and beat until you obtain a soft, light and fluffy combination. Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt and some of your favorite food coloring and beat until well combined.

Step 9:

With a spatula, set the frosting properly on top of the cooled cookies and finish with some sprinkles on top.

Big and Soft Ginger Cookies

Big and Soft Ginger CookiesIngredients you’ll need for this recipe:

  • One cup of sugar
  • 1-2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¾ cups of softened butter
  • 2-3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • One teaspoon of baking soda
  • ¼ cup of molasses
  • Two teaspoons of ground ginger
  • ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
  • Additional sugar

Instructions on how to make Big and Soft Ginger Cookies:

Step 1:

It’s obvious that your starting point should be preheating the oven 350° and lining the baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Now, take a huge bowl and combine the softened butter with the sugar until you obtain a fine and fluffy batter. Start beating in the eggs and molasses and add the all-purpose flour, along with the baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and salt. Combine properly.

Step 3:

Set the batter aside for a few minutes and then divide the dough into balls. After rolling them in sugar, place them on the baking sheets and bake the cookies for around 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly browned.

 

Basic Cookie Recipes You Need in Your Collection

Basic Cookie Recipes You Need in Your Collection

If you go back to your childhood days, I think one of the first things that would most likely bring the whole family into the kitchen would be some nice and tasty cookies, isn’t it?

Well, if you fancy some delicious and crispy cookies, have a look at the following recipes.

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Simple Chocolate Chip CookiesIngredients you’ll need:

  • A cup of white sugar
  • A cup of softened butter
  • A cup of brown sugar
  • 2-3 eggs
  • Two teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • Two teaspoons of hot water
  • One teaspoon of baking soda
  • A cup of chopped walnuts
  • Three cups of all-purpose flour
  • Two cups of semisweet chocolate chips
  • Half teaspoon of salt
  • Three cups of all-purpose flour

Instructions to make the Simple Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Step 1:

It’s obvious that you need to start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2:

Take a large bowl and pour down the white sugar, brown sugar and butter and start mixing them together –cream until you obtain a smooth mixture. Now, put in one egg at a time and then add the vanilla extract.

Step 3:

Take some hot water and dissolve the baking soda in it. Proceed by adding the baking soda and hot water to the batter. For the last round, you can add the salt (based on your preference), all-purpose flour, chocolate chops and nuts.

Step 4:

Now, it’s time to grease your pan with some butter (or oil if you prefer). Then, drop down large spoonfuls of the batter onto the greased pans.

Step 5:

Once the cookies are in the preheated oven, let them cook for around 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are nicely browned.

Easy-to- Make Sugar Cookies

Easy-to- Make Sugar CookiesIngredients you’ll need:

  • One teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Two or three cups of all-purpose flour
  • One teaspoon of baking soda
  • One teaspoon of cream of tartar
  • One or two large eggs
  • One teaspoon of almond extract
  • One tablespoon of lemon zest
  • Three-quarter cup of powdered sugar
  • Half teaspoon of sea salt

Ingredients you’ll need for decorating:

  • Icing
  • Glaze
  • Cashew Frosting
  • A mixture of coarse sugar with a tiny amount of matcha powder
  • Supernatural White sequins

Instructions to make the Easy-to- make Sugar Cookies:

Step 1:

Again, it’s obvious that you should start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Then, line at least two baking pans with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Take a large bowl and add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Start combining the ingredients until you obtain a smooth mixture.

Step 3:

Now, cream the butter using a stand mixer. Proceed by adding the sugar and beating until a fluffy batter is obtained. Then, add the eggs, the almond extract, vanilla extract and lemon zest and combine them properly. It is important to note that all the dry ingredients must be added one third at a time.

Step 4:

Once you have a well-combined dough, divide it into two balls and use a plate (or anything else you can use) to flatten them into disks. Then, wrap each disk in plastic wrap and transfer them to the fridge. Let them chill for around 2-3 hours.

Step 4:

Once time is over, take out the dough and roll them on a flat surface. You can use cookie cutters to create desired shapes. Once you are done with this task, transfer them to the baking sheets and let them bake for 8-10 minutes. Before the last two-one minutes, take a look at the cookies and see if they are ready or if they need more baking time. After removing them from the oven, set them aside.

Step 5:

This is the decoration phase: Once you’ve sifted the sugar, pour it into a medium bowl and add the meringue powder and some water (around 4-5 tablespoons of water). Mix these ingredients until you obtain a smooth mixture. Once you’ve transferred the frosting to a piping bag, get ready to decorate your cookies the way you want.