tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62835570738744878252024-03-16T01:09:47.858+00:00Patent Pending ProjectsCrafty Ideas for Recycling and Recycled Craft IdeasMartin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-67635578527563135362015-02-02T15:29:00.000+00:002015-02-02T15:29:59.366+00:00Recycled VHS Tape Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkyk0T69Aoo/VM-C7k95TXI/AAAAAAAADm8/OJqthF3Y05Y/s1600/PIC.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkyk0T69Aoo/VM-C7k95TXI/AAAAAAAADm8/OJqthF3Y05Y/s1600/PIC.PNG" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had considered writing an short paragraph explaining the reasons why I haven't kept this site updated. In truth - life just
keeps getting in the way...which is kind of why I'm writing this now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We become so caught up with our day to day
dealings that we miss out on simple solutions to growing problems. In
the words of Tyler Durden <i>"Advertising has us chasing cars and
clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need"</i>...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...and as always, we are throwing
away stuff we could 100% reuse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Case in point. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Myself and my wife
popped a message on Facebook recently, asking if anyone wanted some
kids shows that we had on VHS. Yes..we still have a VHS player (amongst a growing variety of other formats and machines that are slowly invading our house....see above T.Durden quote!) but our son has outgrown all of
these shows, and they could easily go off to a new home but sadly,
not a single person had any interest. "Why not give them to a
charity shop?" some said...well guess what? We tried and even they didn't want them.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, what do we do? Bring them to the
recycling centre? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They are just bits of plastic after all. Aren't they? It's not like
we should imagine a kind of bond with them solely based on the fact
that our son learnt about the 4 Seasons from Barney or about
Friendship and Honesty from Thomas the Tank Engine or how to count with 'The Count' from Sesame Street. They are just tapes aren't they?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Damn you Toy Story...you have a lot to answer
for when it comes to anthropomorphizing inanimate objects!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what alternatives are there? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Surprisingly...loads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How about.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> An Umbrella Stand</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoCoA_Jqjgw/VM-FEHZwVSI/AAAAAAAADnI/SX7jRkbjH4U/s1600/6f95255130a61831da26327a4ad1351c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoCoA_Jqjgw/VM-FEHZwVSI/AAAAAAAADnI/SX7jRkbjH4U/s1600/6f95255130a61831da26327a4ad1351c.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> A Pencil Case</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddLd3qzJj2k/VM-FTVLW__I/AAAAAAAADnQ/E6W6xSzXOkM/s1600/Pencil%2BCase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddLd3qzJj2k/VM-FTVLW__I/AAAAAAAADnQ/E6W6xSzXOkM/s1600/Pencil%2BCase.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gift Decorations</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBj7kib80Yo/VM-FsPyGWxI/AAAAAAAADng/o46SCstWoPM/s1600/4d8512ee6bb06e28f7657b2c628978dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBj7kib80Yo/VM-FsPyGWxI/AAAAAAAADng/o46SCstWoPM/s1600/4d8512ee6bb06e28f7657b2c628978dc.jpg" height="640" width="368" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Shelves</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFyZKynKzgA/VM-Fd0T1wgI/AAAAAAAADnY/9f58CF-ZT1s/s1600/24806d259a84e954b896639368fb860b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFyZKynKzgA/VM-Fd0T1wgI/AAAAAAAADnY/9f58CF-ZT1s/s1600/24806d259a84e954b896639368fb860b.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Photo Frames
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CajKWveuwgE/VM-GzerOFtI/AAAAAAAADns/azrPmk5gDd0/s1600/10409729_494135260685984_7266703165892931144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CajKWveuwgE/VM-GzerOFtI/AAAAAAAADns/azrPmk5gDd0/s1600/10409729_494135260685984_7266703165892931144_n.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> For the DIY enthusiast there's a Foosball Table</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDJeAjAQEHc/VM-HkgRZ-lI/AAAAAAAADn0/fxlew5bl0mM/s1600/e28e19ef954f667f256e6823131fdc13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDJeAjAQEHc/VM-HkgRZ-lI/AAAAAAAADn0/fxlew5bl0mM/s1600/e28e19ef954f667f256e6823131fdc13.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> but most of us just want somewhere to hang our keys.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GILKR5Q1MpM/VM-Rq7fddPI/AAAAAAAADoE/ahziOVhh0lI/s1600/ff701d522f2197512125232c8156543c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GILKR5Q1MpM/VM-Rq7fddPI/AAAAAAAADoE/ahziOVhh0lI/s1600/ff701d522f2197512125232c8156543c.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Look...the list is endless. Don't believe me? Have a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=recycled%20VHS%20tapes&term_meta%5B%5D=recycled%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=VHS%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=tapes%7Ctyped" target="_blank">look here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not saying that you should keep everything and have a cluttered house. We all need to do a Spring Clean and check what we have and what we need but just because it's not useful to us - doesn't mean it's not useful to someone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In that spirit, I'll do my best to keep this site going. I might have outgrown it myself - but that's no reason to throw it away!</span></div>
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Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-470921876667451392014-09-08T10:16:00.000+01:002014-09-08T10:17:05.117+01:00Pebble Cactus Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwywvKMVUEM/VA1odgUjDjI/AAAAAAAADgk/WlFErs_f2tI/s1600/easyrockartcraftberrybush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwywvKMVUEM/VA1odgUjDjI/AAAAAAAADgk/WlFErs_f2tI/s1600/easyrockartcraftberrybush.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/07/cactus-rock-art-childrens-craft.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a></td></tr>
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If you like to have plants around the house and have the world's worst green fingers, so much so that there's a good chance you could even kill a cactus, then this project is perfect for you.<br />
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Also, if there are kids in the house, this is a great idea too as it could be a nice little craft project for them as we enter a colder season and finding 'stuff to do', while it pours rain outside, is all part of a parents daily quest.<br />
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All you need are some pebbles, small pots (with a bit of sand), and craft paint.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/07/cactus-rock-art-childrens-craft.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a></td></tr>
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Get the kids to decide what colour they want to paint them (the more colourful the better) and choose what type of spines or thorns you'd like. You should head to the <a href="http://www.botanicgardens.ie/" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens</a> or search for <a href="https://www.google.ie/search?q=Cactus&client=firefox-a&hs=HSw&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=np&biw=1252&bih=567&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=sG0NVNLXGK6g7Abm6oEI&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ" target="_blank">images online</a> for inspiration<br />
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If you want to stick 'branches' on the sides, use smaller pebbles and glue them with a glue gun or strong superglue. It's probably a good idea to do this before you start painting them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6Gd7cZMh8M/VA1upZVBuqI/AAAAAAAADg8/CKLb1QEORQk/s1600/easyrockartcraftberrybush2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6Gd7cZMh8M/VA1upZVBuqI/AAAAAAAADg8/CKLb1QEORQk/s1600/easyrockartcraftberrybush2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/07/cactus-rock-art-childrens-craft.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a></td></tr>
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There are loads of options and colours and the kids can have fun painting over them again and again, trying out different designs.<br />
And if you <i>are</i> the type of person with a lack of 'green fingers' then this might very well be the answer to your involuntary plantslaughter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiEO72qcPKs/VA1ytR8LGxI/AAAAAAAADhI/_XmhFyTJlnw/s1600/rockcraftcraftberrybush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiEO72qcPKs/VA1ytR8LGxI/AAAAAAAADhI/_XmhFyTJlnw/s1600/rockcraftcraftberrybush.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/07/cactus-rock-art-childrens-craft.html" target="_blank">Craftberry Bush</a></td></tr>
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<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-71124756496335330392014-04-16T13:38:00.002+01:002014-04-16T13:38:35.049+01:00Wednesday Website # 001 - Colouring Pages<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VrL58_HvOs/U05z9i8G_AI/AAAAAAAADWo/Byt0Wd_pOC8/s1600/FrozenVV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VrL58_HvOs/U05z9i8G_AI/AAAAAAAADWo/Byt0Wd_pOC8/s1600/FrozenVV.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=473426499423527&set=a.343931152373063.1073741825.130777007021813&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Patent Pending Projects</a></td></tr>
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I have been really bad about updating this blog of late, yet I find the time to update the Facebook page on a daily basis - so new rule - update weekly.<br />
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To start things off - On my Facebook page I highlight a website every Wednesday. Most of the time it's for useful stuff like where to find great ideas for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=295253350574177&set=a.343931152373063.1073741825.130777007021813&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Handmade Gifts</a> or cool websites that allow you to create <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=201524636613716&set=a.343931152373063.1073741825.130777007021813&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Photo Booth Style Pictures</a> with your webcam. Sometimes, I'll point you in the direction of a great <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=381554851944026&set=a.343931152373063.1073741825.130777007021813&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Read</a> or some great <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=417417208357790&set=a.343931152373063.1073741825.130777007021813&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Art</a>.<br />
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Sometimes, I just need <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=441653789267465&set=a.343931152373063.1073741825.130777007021813&type=3&theater" target="_blank">a little break from all of it.</a><br />
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Today's website (and one of my favourite types of website - the FREE PRINTABLES kind) comes <a href="http://www.colouring-page.org/" target="_blank">Colouring Page</a>, a fantastic resource for lots of free colouring pages of characters from your favourite family friendly Movies, TV shows and Books.<br />
Here's their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/colouringpages" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> too.<br />
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With colouring pages for Beauty and The Beast, Toy Story and Frozen to Peppa Pig, Spongebob Squarepants and Winnie The Pooh. There's something here to keep the kids entertained on the rainiest of days.<br />
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And remember - if you can, try to reuse any discarded printed paper to print the colouring pages on.<br />
Better to have the kids scribbling on that than brand new pages, that if we're being honest, probably won't end up on the fridge 'forever'.<br />
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<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-60211522336839442932014-03-24T10:57:00.002+00:002014-03-24T10:57:40.837+00:00DIY Dominoes Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79mZa8SoueU/UzAJ9g-ZUOI/AAAAAAAADUk/oufZP-oO7Ms/s1600/Untitled+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79mZa8SoueU/UzAJ9g-ZUOI/AAAAAAAADUk/oufZP-oO7Ms/s1600/Untitled+1.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Patent Pending Projects</td></tr>
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"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."<br />
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Of course we all know that Ferris Bueller quote but lets just take a look at the first part of the sentence.<br />
Life moves pretty fast.<br />
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When I started this blog in 2011, I wrote 70 posts. In 2012, I wrote 54. Last year there was a meager 13 and so far, in 2014, if I manage to finish this one...it'll be a grand total of 3 and March is almost over.<br />
Yes, life is moving pretty fast, with not much time for personal projects anymore like this blog - and even more so now, with a 3 and a half year old and a 10 week old puppy, who can be both found running around my ankles on a daily basis.<br />
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There's also that game we all have to play each day called 'Earning Money and Paying Bills'. A game we must unpack every morning, check that all the pieces are there, explain the rules to existing and new players before rolling the dice and either winning everything or losing it all. At the end of each day, we must pack every little card and token back into the box and put it away for the next morning when we get to play it all over again. Yipee!<br />
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So.....<br />
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.....now that I've 'elbowed' that metaphor into this post, I can get on with what I'm really here to talk about.<br />
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Games.<br />
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Now that my son is learning about team games and playing gently with the puppy - I think it's time he got to grips with the complexities of 'games with rules'.<br />
Of course, one can easily be suckered into handing out big bucks and buying expensive 'themed versions' of old family favourites like 'Mickey Mouse Monopoly', 'Peppa Pig Pursuit' or even 'Toy Story Tiddlywinks' and lose sight of what's really important.<br />
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(Important note to self: need to check delivery date on that 'Superman Snakes and Ladders' game that I ordered on eBay - it's been 2 weeks!)<br />
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So, what is the cheaper - or even FREE alternative?<br />
<br />
Well, how about Painted Stone Dominoes?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoC32pzF_aA/UzALF3fqAXI/AAAAAAAADUw/JQ_we_T5zA0/s1600/a99348_win06_dominos_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoC32pzF_aA/UzALF3fqAXI/AAAAAAAADUw/JQ_we_T5zA0/s1600/a99348_win06_dominos_xl.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/272423/rock-dominoes" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyLwdVSCo_Q/UzANH8CZUrI/AAAAAAAADVQ/DVh_Y-_21kc/s1600/c823e26a697b2179392dd8cb15ceecaa.jpg" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://happyhooligans.ca/natural-elements/" target="_blank">Happy Hooligans</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Really, this is just the greatest idea ever.<br />
<br />
First of all, you get to have a day out at the beach with the kids collecting stones. <br />
<br />
Second, if it's a bit of a rainy day out - stay in doors and you can spend the afternoon painting the designs on the stones and you don't even have to stick to a traditional design.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WndUZYpYRKc/UzALZnBOJcI/AAAAAAAADU4/u8u9NWz-e4Y/s1600/xDIYPaintedStones.jpg.pagespeed.ic.8AgpSYkoBd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WndUZYpYRKc/UzALZnBOJcI/AAAAAAAADU4/u8u9NWz-e4Y/s1600/xDIYPaintedStones.jpg.pagespeed.ic.8AgpSYkoBd.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.lovefromginger.com/diy-5-minute-painted-stones/" target="_blank">Love From Ginger</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzK3Xomir48/UzANPMCJYOI/AAAAAAAADVY/9yJItCURAFE/s1600/stones+step4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzK3Xomir48/UzANPMCJYOI/AAAAAAAADVY/9yJItCURAFE/s1600/stones+step4.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://giochi-di-carta.blogspot.it/2013/02/diy-painted-stones.html?showComment=1361963316734" target="_blank">Giochi Di Carta</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You don't even have to stick with Dominoes!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E460oZYDewI/UzAME_6xPII/AAAAAAAADVE/2izHekuFWvg/s1600/2-diy-painted-rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E460oZYDewI/UzAME_6xPII/AAAAAAAADVE/2izHekuFWvg/s1600/2-diy-painted-rocks.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.ie/2013/07/tic-tac-toe.html" target="_blank">eighteen25</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Third, you get to create your own game and it's all free.<br />
<br />
<br />
This is all that I've been trying to say in 70 posts in 2011, 54 posts in 2012, 13 posts in 2014 and the same thing again in my third post this year.<br />
We are always throwing away things that we think are useless. We use things up and fail to see that they could be transformed into something new but most of all, we disregard a lot of what the world offers us in favour of a conveniently, neatly packaged product - instead of wondering what we can do with the resources around us.<br />
<br />
Which brings me back to the second part of that Ferris Buellers quote.<br />
<br />
"If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."<br />
<br />
<br />
. <br />
<br />
<br />
Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-30306535317300698802014-01-30T10:51:00.003+00:002014-01-30T10:52:10.269+00:00Nuts & Bolts Chess Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSda7As-Rho/UuorLUxooGI/AAAAAAAADS8/qVQV3p1mUSo/s1600/chess-set-from-nuts-and-bolts3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSda7As-Rho/UuorLUxooGI/AAAAAAAADS8/qVQV3p1mUSo/s1600/chess-set-from-nuts-and-bolts3.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://cubscoutideas.com/1384/webelos-craftsman-project-nuts-bolts-chess-set/" target="_blank">Cub Scout Ideas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other night I watched a fantastic documentary called <a href="http://www.brooklyncastle.com/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Castle</a>, which told the story of five members of a chess team from a below-the-poverty-line inner city
junior high school in Brooklyn, that has won more national championships than any
other in the US.<br />
<br />
<i> "The film follows the challenges these kids face in
their personal lives as well as on the </i><br />
<i> chessboard, and is as much about
the sting of their losses as it is about the anticipation </i><br />
<i> of their
victories."</i><br />
<br />
It was a compelling, engaging and moving<i> </i>documentary that put forth a powerful and positive message about how to succeed, no matter what your circumstances are.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
It made me think about my own introduction to chess (<a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2012/07/chess-table-project.html" target="_blank">which I have mentioned here before</a>) and how easy it could be to 'make' your own chess table and pieces - and I'd like to take another look at one of the ideas previously mentioned in that post. <br />
<br />
Chess pieces made from nuts and bolts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVx50_bhOd4/UuoryI6r0II/AAAAAAAADTM/av0mXxyQwXM/s1600/chess-queen-from-nuts-and-bolts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVx50_bhOd4/UuoryI6r0II/AAAAAAAADTM/av0mXxyQwXM/s1600/chess-queen-from-nuts-and-bolts.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://cubscoutideas.com/1384/webelos-craftsman-project-nuts-bolts-chess-set/" target="_blank">Cub Scout Ideas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is such a simple and beautiful example of great design.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gJ95tgK-yk/UuorwOMwDkI/AAAAAAAADTE/e4ZkYOv97to/s1600/chess-king-from-nuts-and-bolts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gJ95tgK-yk/UuorwOMwDkI/AAAAAAAADTE/e4ZkYOv97to/s1600/chess-king-from-nuts-and-bolts.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://cubscoutideas.com/1384/webelos-craftsman-project-nuts-bolts-chess-set/" target="_blank">Cub Scout Ideas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150520430/classic-tool-chess-set?utm_campaign=Merch&utm_medium=Internal&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Some websites</a> are actually selling Chess Sets made with nuts and bolts for upwards of 180 euro. <br />
Not 1 euro 80 cent. Not even 18 euro, but One hundred and Eighty Euro! 180 euro!! Really!<br />
<br />
To be honest, fair play to them for trying. They're really going for that "non compos mentis" type customer - of which, it seems, there are more and more of these days. <br />
<br />
But really - If someone is willing to spend that sort of money, then they've obviously got a few screws loose!<br />
<br />
So, if you are part of the 'mentally sound' population and fancy making your own Chess Set for a fraction of those costs, then jump over to <a href="http://cubscoutideas.com/1384/webelos-craftsman-project-nuts-bolts-chess-set/" target="_blank">Cub Scout Ideas</a> for a comprehensive and low cost list of nuts and bolts that can be picked up from any hardware store or DIY shop. They even have their own ideas on <a href="http://cubscoutideas.com/1600/webelos-craftsman-ideas-diy-chess-board/" target="_blank">DIY Boards</a> made from picture frames<br />
<br />
You can even try spray painting the set to achieve different colours.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pl7cYeLnWQ0/UuotLQSK4RI/AAAAAAAADTg/4hPH870ahTs/s1600/Craftsman-Chess-Set-from-Nuts-and-Bolts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pl7cYeLnWQ0/UuotLQSK4RI/AAAAAAAADTg/4hPH870ahTs/s1600/Craftsman-Chess-Set-from-Nuts-and-Bolts2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://cubscoutideas.com/1384/webelos-craftsman-project-nuts-bolts-chess-set/" target="_blank">Cub Scout Ideas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1NyjEeP5M/UuotImIaY3I/AAAAAAAADTY/Nj-VZ2jp2kc/s1600/Craftsman-Chess-Set-From-Nuts-and-Bolts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0g1NyjEeP5M/UuotImIaY3I/AAAAAAAADTY/Nj-VZ2jp2kc/s1600/Craftsman-Chess-Set-From-Nuts-and-Bolts.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://cubscoutideas.com/1384/webelos-craftsman-project-nuts-bolts-chess-set/" target="_blank">Cub Scout Ideas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As always, here's an alternative design. A larger image can be <a href="http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/025/f/f/nuts_and_bolts_chess_set_by_retro_gamer-d5sq9gw.jpg" target="_blank">found here</a>.<br />
I have to say, I quite like the look of the wing-nut in this design.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CuemaLa0Zl0/Uuoq8WUeLEI/AAAAAAAADS4/_XIckGzsitk/s1600/nuts_and_bolts_chess_set_by_retro_gamer-d5sq9gw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CuemaLa0Zl0/Uuoq8WUeLEI/AAAAAAAADS4/_XIckGzsitk/s1600/nuts_and_bolts_chess_set_by_retro_gamer-d5sq9gw.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/025/f/f/nuts_and_bolts_chess_set_by_retro_gamer-d5sq9gw.jpg" target="_blank">deviantART</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-56580919378111020692014-01-13T15:34:00.000+00:002014-01-13T15:38:10.757+00:00Cable Storage Project<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXtIvUtWtyY/UtP-473tSAI/AAAAAAAADRo/OqZu40vFdiI/s1600/organize+your+cords_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXtIvUtWtyY/UtP-473tSAI/AAAAAAAADRo/OqZu40vFdiI/s640/organize+your+cords_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.ourthriftyideas.com/2013/01/Cord-Organization-Washi-Tape.html#.UtPsE_th4RZ" target="_blank">Our Thrifty Ideas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
People who set goals for the new year are no way happier than people who don't set goals for the new year. In fact, I'd go as far to say that they are probably less happier than the people who don't set any goals at all.<br />
<br />
Lets look at it this way.<br />
<br />
Most people who make new years resolutions are looking to either lose weight, exercise more, sort out their financial debt, have a more rewarding job, eat more healthy foods, smoke less cigarettes (or possibly quit), stop procrastinating, be more active, get things done, stress less about smaller things or simply...make more time for themselves to enjoy those smaller (and possibly do bigger) things.<br />
<br />
At least 50% of us will fail and in a way, we set ourselves up to fail. The first time we break the resolution we feel weak and therefore feel like a failure. The trick is to fail but not give up entirely.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I want to lose weight and exercise more. (All I can do is try)<br />
I want to get out of financial debt and have a more rewarding job (Who doesn't want that?)<br />
I want to smoke less cigarettes, or quit (again) entirely (Tough, but past experience says not impossible!!)<br />
I want to stop procrastinating and be more active (This is my first post since October, so this is a start)<br />
I want to stress less about the small stuff and enjoy what might lay ahead (Simple)<br />
<br />
So, no goals for me. In fact, I'm going to call them 'non-goals', but I am going to try new things and I'm bound to fail trying but I'll keep at it until I am happy one way or the other.<br />
<br />
Right now though, what will really make me happy, is if I can just sort out my cable drawer.<br />
<br />
Which looks a lot like this when trying to find that weird USB cable that only works with my old camera.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcyTQNvMhic/UtP9bVtW7OI/AAAAAAAADRc/3t8LFBQ1jZQ/s1600/it-guy-0013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcyTQNvMhic/UtP9bVtW7OI/AAAAAAAADRc/3t8LFBQ1jZQ/s400/it-guy-0013.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://peterskastner.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/it-guy-0013.png" target="_blank">Peter S. Kastner</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, most people would say (and when I say 'most people' I'm mean my wife) - that I'm probably better off throwing out most of my cables - but my feeling is, there's always going to be that one occasions when you're going to need that old mobile phone charger. And then where will you be?<br />
(A hoarders dying words if I ever heard them)<br />
<br />
So, by using some empty kitchen roll or toilet roll holders to store your cables, you are actually doing a small bit for recycling and managing to organize a small part of your chaotic 21st Century life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEMpZ_kicIM/UtQA3L6ch4I/AAAAAAAADR0/M5fi07LABy4/s1600/506af530d9127e30da00145d._w.540_h.405_s.fit_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEMpZ_kicIM/UtQA3L6ch4I/AAAAAAAADR0/M5fi07LABy4/s400/506af530d9127e30da00145d._w.540_h.405_s.fit_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/TP-Roll-Organizer-Box-instructable/" target="_blank">Instructables</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you want to 'pretty' them up or pop labels on them to remind you of which cable goes with which device - cover them in decorative paper and/or write on them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U1QOa7sJLg/UtQERuH6hfI/AAAAAAAADSQ/6WM3VPahb7I/s1600/cord-control-8.1-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U1QOa7sJLg/UtQERuH6hfI/AAAAAAAADSQ/6WM3VPahb7I/s400/cord-control-8.1-1024x768.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/32181" target="_blank">Organizer & Decorate Everything</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dd-BqK3Icj8/UtQEH7i85EI/AAAAAAAADSI/Lrjytbq4W2E/s1600/a4e28fc594b857c28b3786c45f42f444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dd-BqK3Icj8/UtQEH7i85EI/AAAAAAAADSI/Lrjytbq4W2E/s400/a4e28fc594b857c28b3786c45f42f444.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.darkroomanddearly.com/2012/11/diy-how-to-organize-your-cords-and.html" target="_blank">Darkroom and Dearly</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, now that I know what my first 'non-goal' of 2014 is, I have one final thought on the subject of new years resolutions. I know it's going to be tough doing or trying new things or cutting out old things that I like (and know are bad for me) but I'm reminded of the old question "How do you eat a whole Whale?"<br />
<br />
One bite at a time.<br />
<br />
Perhaps that's not such a great example if I'm planning on losing some weight!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-83286864724900096102013-10-03T12:28:00.001+01:002013-10-03T12:38:28.885+01:00DIY Wall Sculpture Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6itsFEmylA8/Uk02D4UJz6I/AAAAAAAADMg/NCf-YXoiypo/s1600/Boom-Sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6itsFEmylA8/Uk02D4UJz6I/AAAAAAAADMg/NCf-YXoiypo/s400/Boom-Sculpture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seems that BBQ season is well and truly over.<br />
<br />
You could be forgiven for thinking last week that we were getting a second chance to enjoy some sunshine and warmth before the winter finally set in and we started pulling those big woolly jumpers out from the back of the bedroom cupboard.<br />
<br />
The heating went on and in our case a new boiler went in. Any outdoor furniture you have was packed away in the shed along with the BBQ, which went into forced hibernation, much like we will do in a week or two.<br />
<br />
If you watch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curb_Your_Enthusiasm" target="_blank">Curb Your Enthusiasm</a>, then you'll be familiar with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mucLKYobmkQ" target="_blank">Larry David's issues with skewers</a> and having to look like an idiot, not knowing what to do with one, when you're finished eating the food from it.<br />
<br />
Now I'm sure Larry couldn't care less, or at the very least, probably wouldn't have a huge problem with recycling the used kebab skewers, but until I find another (cleaner) use, you'll have to make do with this post, which relates to what you can do with 'unused' skewers that aren't going to get the hibernation treatment along with the BBQ.<br />
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Much like <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2013/09/lamp-shade-project-supplemental.html" target="_blank">last weeks post</a> about a DIY focal point for your room, made for a fraction of what it costs to buy, <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> from <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/" target="_blank">poppy haus</a>, shows you how to create a Danish modern, mid century style sculpture for your walls for as little as $10.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xik0py9B0D0/Uk1FtLPfT3I/AAAAAAAADM0/SISnI8paAtA/s1600/Dwell-Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xik0py9B0D0/Uk1FtLPfT3I/AAAAAAAADM0/SISnI8paAtA/s400/Dwell-Studio.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/" target="_blank">Dwell Studio</a> are currently selling these wall sculptures for almost $200 but you can make your own with some Styrofoam balls (found <a href="http://store.evansartsupplies.ie/store/product/15906/Crafty-Bitz-50-Styrofoam-Balls/" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.ebay.ie/itm/10PCS-40-100mm-Modelling-Polystyrene-Styrofoam-Foam-Ball-AD025-/200962185802?pt=UK_Crafts_Children_s_Crafts_EH&var=&hash=item2eca479a4a" target="_blank">here</a>), bamboo skewers and some spray paint.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYNOAYIyg78/Uk1Jzzns82I/AAAAAAAADNk/U2HdEVgyRzw/s1600/boom-diy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYNOAYIyg78/Uk1Jzzns82I/AAAAAAAADNk/U2HdEVgyRzw/s400/boom-diy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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Materials: <br />
- 2 x 2" Styrofoam balls<br />
- 10" Bamboo skewers<br />
- Gold, Black and White spray paint<br />
- <a href="http://www.ebay.ie/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=velcro+square&_sop=15" target="_blank">Velcro squares</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnAABaQNnMU/Uk1G3e8YaiI/AAAAAAAADM8/Aqz9qDH56_A/s1600/materials-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnAABaQNnMU/Uk1G3e8YaiI/AAAAAAAADM8/Aqz9qDH56_A/s640/materials-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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Instructions:<br />
Spray the Styrofoam balls the base colour (either black or white) and spray the skewers gold. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHEZYGHjmNo/Uk1InQDl8rI/AAAAAAAADNI/7lo7QPYeV1g/s1600/spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHEZYGHjmNo/Uk1InQDl8rI/AAAAAAAADNI/7lo7QPYeV1g/s400/spray.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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There is a thin seam line on the Styrofoam balls that divide it in half, use this as your starting point.<br />
Insert the skewers around this line and then fill upwards. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnsnK6R7ZQw/Uk1I_htyn0I/AAAAAAAADNQ/S7oiqKGBUz8/s1600/insert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnsnK6R7ZQw/Uk1I_htyn0I/AAAAAAAADNQ/S7oiqKGBUz8/s400/insert.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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Spray paint the centre colour onto the base of the skewers, creating the shading from white or black to gold.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu_HmGWFFnw/Uk1JlnGESNI/AAAAAAAADNc/x1KCH5uAfSA/s1600/boom-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu_HmGWFFnw/Uk1JlnGESNI/AAAAAAAADNc/x1KCH5uAfSA/s400/boom-detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZHhEcqCC-E/Uk1LJU2zdpI/AAAAAAAADOE/bxF4E3LMozU/s1600/gawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZHhEcqCC-E/Uk1LJU2zdpI/AAAAAAAADOE/bxF4E3LMozU/s400/gawk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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To attach them, sand the back side flat and attach the adhesive Velcro square. Simply pop on the wall. <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KzQErpXFMU/Uk1KejY2FhI/AAAAAAAADNw/nLug7LAsEl4/s1600/velcro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KzQErpXFMU/Uk1KejY2FhI/AAAAAAAADNw/nLug7LAsEl4/s400/velcro.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlB_YvoJOXg/Uk1KoZwFRpI/AAAAAAAADN4/iK4VHYEusrA/s1600/portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlB_YvoJOXg/Uk1KoZwFRpI/AAAAAAAADN4/iK4VHYEusrA/s640/portrait.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.poppyhaus.com/2013/09/diy-dwell-studio-boom-art-sculpture.html" target="_blank">poppy haus</a></td></tr>
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.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-18205732182342370262013-09-26T13:53:00.001+01:002013-09-26T13:53:32.320+01:00Lamp Shade Project *Supplemental<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
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This time last year, I was on the hunt for <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2012/08/lamp-shade-project-1.html" target="_blank">the perfect lampshade</a>. </div>
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If I may, I'd like to make an addition to <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/#uds-search-results" target="_blank">that list</a> - if for no other reason than to be able to have a lampshade, currently selling online for a criminal 1000 dollars, and make it for as little as 20 - 30 dollars. </div>
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That's 15 - 20 euro to us.</div>
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The Rhododendron Chandelier below is for sale at <a href="http://www.bhg.com/shop/anthropologie-rhododendron-chandelier-p4fe47f1282a75e55847463c0.html" target="_blank">$998 at Anthropologie</a>. That's right......$998 for a lampshade!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOTimUYwhFU/UkQg1G0ykjI/AAAAAAAADKs/by1SLCpn7kk/s1600/anthropologie_giant_paper_flower_Rhododendron_lantern_chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOTimUYwhFU/UkQg1G0ykjI/AAAAAAAADKs/by1SLCpn7kk/s640/anthropologie_giant_paper_flower_Rhododendron_lantern_chandelier.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But now you can create your own at a fraction of that cost and all you need is a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/70103410/" target="_blank">pendant lamp</a> from IKEA (cost 2.50) and some <a href="http://www.ebay.ie/itm/BLACK-STRIPES-CUPCAKE-LINERS-BAKING-CUPS-50-CT-STD-/320706461858?pt=Cake_Decorating_Supplies&hash=item4aab9840a2" target="_blank">cupcake paper liners</a> that you can buy on ebay (for approx 10 euro) <a name='more'></a></div>
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With a little bit of glue and a certain amount of patience, you will have your own incredible version - that will instantly become a center piece to any room. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x1Ayugwx98/UkQn5k8hfkI/AAAAAAAADMM/ZtA99ABrblA/s1600/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_lit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x1Ayugwx98/UkQn5k8hfkI/AAAAAAAADMM/ZtA99ABrblA/s640/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_lit.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/diy-project-sculptural-paper-orb-lights.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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Materials needed:</div>
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1. 100 - 125 standard cupcake liners</div>
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2. 100 - 125 striped petit fours papers (<a href="http://www.ebay.ie/itm/BLACK-STRIPES-CUPCAKE-LINERS-BAKING-CUPS-50-CT-STD-/320706461858?pt=Cake_Decorating_Supplies&hash=item4aab9840a2" target="_blank">found here</a>)</div>
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3. A paper lantern</div>
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4. Hot Glue Gun</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMfL_q8fxLY/UkQjsj1zABI/AAAAAAAADLE/HTttsUUgqUU/s1600/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_materials1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMfL_q8fxLY/UkQjsj1zABI/AAAAAAAADLE/HTttsUUgqUU/s640/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_materials1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/diy-project-sculptural-paper-orb-lights.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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Instructions:</div>
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1. Assemble the pendant lamp and place it in a shallow bowl to keep steady.</div>
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2. Put a small dot of glue on the backside of a white cupcake liner. Starting about 1/2" in from the wire ring at the top, place the liner on the lantern and press until attached.</div>
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3. Continue around the ring, spacing the papers so that the circular bases are approximately 1" apart, allowing the outer edges to merge and shape.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9IcmqaXy2k/UkQkrmGKmWI/AAAAAAAADLQ/oRHlzYIwvkU/s1600/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_step2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9IcmqaXy2k/UkQkrmGKmWI/AAAAAAAADLQ/oRHlzYIwvkU/s400/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_step2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/diy-project-sculptural-paper-orb-lights.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyXphel2mpc/UkQk4uc9iMI/AAAAAAAADLY/vF5NXN44bW0/s1600/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_step3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyXphel2mpc/UkQk4uc9iMI/AAAAAAAADLY/vF5NXN44bW0/s400/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_step3.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Image: </span><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/diy-project-sculptural-paper-orb-lights.html" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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4. Apply the cupcake papers around the lantern in rings until you are 3/4 of the way down, and then flip the lantern over and gently place it back in the bowl, top side down.</div>
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5. Complete the underside, and fill in the bottom so that the papers cover the base opening.</div>
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6. Begin applying the petit fours papers, centering them inside each white paper. 3/4 of the way up the lantern, flip it top side up. Complete the top side.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssrd8loX4oQ/UkQmd317dYI/AAAAAAAADLk/hy6j8QSme0E/s1600/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssrd8loX4oQ/UkQmd317dYI/AAAAAAAADLk/hy6j8QSme0E/s400/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_detail.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/diy-project-sculptural-paper-orb-lights.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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7. Go back through, gently manipulating the outer papers to the desired shape.</div>
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8. Pop it on your ceiling light!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX-9kRRkSP0/UkQnvsJyj-I/AAAAAAAADME/7A8ZeXGL0DY/s1600/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX-9kRRkSP0/UkQnvsJyj-I/AAAAAAAADME/7A8ZeXGL0DY/s640/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_done.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/diy-project-sculptural-paper-orb-lights.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FepqrDdG1FA/UkQnXmdolBI/AAAAAAAADL0/uxfj6DYVl2g/s1600/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_lit_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FepqrDdG1FA/UkQnXmdolBI/AAAAAAAADL0/uxfj6DYVl2g/s640/ds_diy_paper_chandelier_lit_detail.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/03/diy-project-sculptural-paper-orb-lights.html" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-75690723287711737152013-09-16T13:10:00.002+01:002013-09-16T13:10:51.419+01:00Biodegradable Bird Feeder Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEdpeDAUArM/UjbEl7lbDgI/AAAAAAAADJo/z_ct123kxLQ/s1600/orange+bird+feeder+hanging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEdpeDAUArM/UjbEl7lbDgI/AAAAAAAADJo/z_ct123kxLQ/s400/orange+bird+feeder+hanging.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.dailymesses.com/2012/07/orange-bird-feeder.html" target="_blank">Daily Messes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You find yourself walking in the countryside eating a piece of fruit and when you're finished you can see no bins around to get rid of the core or the peel. You think about putting it in your pocket, maybe wrapping it in some old tissue and then you realize - "Hey, I'm in the countryside. This is biodegradable" and you toss it under the nearest tree for some small woodland creature to feast upon. In the absence of said small woodland creature, the fruit will just simply decompose and return nutrients to the earth and support a new generation of growth.<br />
<br />
But here's a question. Is this considered littering?<br />
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<br />
Technically, it is.<br />
<br />
Let's imagine you are sitting in your car. Stuck in traffic and hungry. You remember you have an orange or a banana in your bag so you begin to peel it and then you throw the peel out the window because "hey...it's biodegradable". If this was considered socially acceptable, let's say in the same way that certain people who throw cigarette butts on the ground are largely ignored by almost every single person passing them, then our city streets would look like a compost heap. <br />
<br />
So what we do instead?<br />
<br />
We throw our biodegradable waste into biodegradable bags and wait for bin men to come and take it away. Hurrah!<br />
<br />
It's so simple.<br />
<br />
But how long does it take biodegradable bags to decompose?<br />
<br />
<i>"Biodegradable plastics take three to six months to decompose fully.
That’s much quicker than synthetic counterparts that take several
hundred years. Exactly how long a biodegradable bag takes to break down
depends on various factors, such as temperature and the amount of
moisture present. But the bags aren’t always as environmentally friendly
as they seem. They’re made from similar petrochemical-based materials
to conventional plastic, only with compounds added that cause them to
disintegrate gradually in the presence of light or oxygen. They often
then degrade into a sludge of toxic chemicals. Bioplastics made of
cornstarch and other plant-based materials are a better bet. They give
off CO2 as they decompose, but they’re merely expelling carbon locked in
by the plant matter that originally formed them. The net effect on the
environment is therefore close to zero."</i><br />
<br />
Submitted by Jack Serle - for <a href="http://sciencefocus.com/" target="_blank">FOCUS</a> science and technology<br />
<br />
If you also take a look at some of the items that we place in these biodegradable bags and how long they take to decompose (ie: Paper Towel - 2-4 weeks. Banana Peel - 3-4 weeks. Apple Core - 2 months. Orange peels - 6 months. Cigarette Butts - 10-12 years) it's not such a simple solution. Just a convenient one.<br />
<br />
So I'm a real sucker for any idea that can reduce the amount of waste that we expel on to the World and has the added benefit of having another use. So when I saw this idea for a biodegradable bird feeder over at <a href="http://www.dailymesses.com/2012/07/orange-bird-feeder.html" target="_blank">Daily Messes</a> I knew I'd found another reason, adding to the countless other reasons, in which to drive my wife insane by saving all my orange peels instead of binning them...like normal people!<br />
<br />
Jump over to <a href="http://www.dailymesses.com/2012/07/orange-bird-feeder.html" target="_blank">Daily Messes</a> to check out the list of supplies needed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kdu9m1vaCo/UjbxRGxf2tI/AAAAAAAADJ4/UTZENWnjzAw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kdu9m1vaCo/UjbxRGxf2tI/AAAAAAAADJ4/UTZENWnjzAw/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://anursethatknits.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">A Nurse that Knits</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrbeVOOTQ5c/Ujbx7Ktu88I/AAAAAAAADKA/DCd8rK6ONbc/s1600/bird-feeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrbeVOOTQ5c/Ujbx7Ktu88I/AAAAAAAADKA/DCd8rK6ONbc/s400/bird-feeder.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/craftygoat/6702103927/" target="_blank">Angela Mabray</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnVqFHqUoBQ/Ujby2rpLl3I/AAAAAAAADKM/3QOOOk6E1Ec/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnVqFHqUoBQ/Ujby2rpLl3I/AAAAAAAADKM/3QOOOk6E1Ec/s400/001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://rhythmofthehome.com/2010/05/orange-birdfeeder/" target="_blank">Rhythm Of The Home</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
.<br />
<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-73444241370990722352013-06-10T01:00:00.000+01:002013-07-04T17:25:49.281+01:00Flameless Fire Pit Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-Swhsn6_SA/Uax5duIu9JI/AAAAAAAADEo/ryjuoJJdRYE/s1600/FPLead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-Swhsn6_SA/Uax5duIu9JI/AAAAAAAADEo/ryjuoJJdRYE/s640/FPLead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Camping in this country can be really hit or miss.<br />
<br />
I say that, being very much a non-camper and extremely hesitant to relinquish any comforts I've acquired through the years. The idea of sleeping on the ground, surrounded by, what can only be described as a large brightly coloured bag held in place by folding metal poles, does not appeal to me in the slightest.<br />
<br />
I know there are many of you who love the outdoors - whether there's wind, rain, sleet or snow (and on the rare occasion - shine) and if I'm really being honest, so do I.<br />
The outdoors can be spectacular and beautiful - especially when looking at it from the coziness of indoors.<br />
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<br />
I feel though, my days are numbered and soon my son will show his true colours and prove once and for all if he's indeed my son or not. I must embrace all eventualities. If he ends up loving camping, I'll have to play my cards well and keep trips into the wild to a minimum - for my own well being. If he turns out to really be 'my boy' and repel the outdoors as much as me, I'll will need to be prepared and verse him in the ways of the bluff to help him 'fit in' with all the other kids. Something I've had to do my whole life. I'll show him what it's like to go camping - while not actually camping.<br />
<br />
Ah, the role of a father is never easy..... <br />
<br />
And so, every little bit helps when trying to master the art of indoor camping. <br />
<br />
You've set up the tent (in this case indoors - with running water)<br />
You've arranged the sleeping bags and pillows for maximum comfort (and directed towards the TV)<br />
You've hunted and you've gathered food (from any and all available cupboards - including the treat drawer)<br />
<br />
The only thing you're missing is the camp fire. Or are you?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7u4sgl7SS-8/UayRJWlzKbI/AAAAAAAADFA/v0OU5XNh3Jk/s1600/FP16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7u4sgl7SS-8/UayRJWlzKbI/AAAAAAAADFA/v0OU5XNh3Jk/s400/FP16.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
How about this great idea for a Flameless Fire Pit from <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a><br />
<br />
What you'll need.<br />
1. Cut strips of lace.<br />
2. Tree branches (make sure they’re at least 3/4 inch in diameter)<br />
3. Aluminum foil<br />
4. Fabric stiffener - <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_8421767_make-homemade-fabric-stiffener.html" target="_blank">which you could make yourself</a><br />
5. Paintbrush<br />
6. String Fairy lights<br />
7. Rocks<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y33oHP8CW54/Ua3c_arEgZI/AAAAAAAADFQ/FwNJQ5p50QE/s1600/FP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y33oHP8CW54/Ua3c_arEgZI/AAAAAAAADFQ/FwNJQ5p50QE/s400/FP1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What to do.<br />
<br />
1. Wrap each branch in aluminum foil, making sure to cover every bit of
wood. This will make sure the lace doesn’t stick to your branches once
it’s dry.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoxnfjKD7iE/Ua3dUhcSgXI/AAAAAAAADFY/id7UXPhT5N0/s1600/FP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoxnfjKD7iE/Ua3dUhcSgXI/AAAAAAAADFY/id7UXPhT5N0/s400/FP2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GHmW5Q8Hqw/Ua3db7qroTI/AAAAAAAADFg/szRtM4-Bowo/s1600/FP3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GHmW5Q8Hqw/Ua3db7qroTI/AAAAAAAADFg/szRtM4-Bowo/s400/FP3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. Apply fabric stiffener or glue to a strip of lace, making sure it’s
saturated. The more you use, the sturdier your lace branch cast will be.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9WUbVwVlC0/Ua3ePOndJOI/AAAAAAAADFo/o6f4FhRREJk/s1600/FP4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9WUbVwVlC0/Ua3ePOndJOI/AAAAAAAADFo/o6f4FhRREJk/s400/FP4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Wrap the lace around a branch, starting at one end and working your
way to the other. Make sure to overlap the lace a little so that there
are no holes. Use any many strips as necessary to reach both ends.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6fPSHBZoB4/Ua3eTrcEw5I/AAAAAAAADFw/7HSEwMMnDkk/s1600/FP5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6fPSHBZoB4/Ua3eTrcEw5I/AAAAAAAADFw/7HSEwMMnDkk/s400/FP5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. Repeat until all your branches are covered and let dry. Leave for 24 hours to make sure the
lace is completely dry before moving on to the next step.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGrREhX1OT4/Ua3eYLayrNI/AAAAAAAADF4/fx64aHS43NE/s1600/FP6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGrREhX1OT4/Ua3eYLayrNI/AAAAAAAADF4/fx64aHS43NE/s400/FP6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Once the lace is totally dry, pick up a branch and use a sharp knife to cut one clean line into the lace, from one
end to the other. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Clz8Tm6ejk/Ua3eevUMnTI/AAAAAAAADGA/wHnsxuWyZwo/s1600/FP7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Clz8Tm6ejk/Ua3eevUMnTI/AAAAAAAADGA/wHnsxuWyZwo/s400/FP7b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iP3IZFJ94XE/Ua3ee8aDuRI/AAAAAAAADGE/t8q_sLJulQM/s1600/FP8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iP3IZFJ94XE/Ua3ee8aDuRI/AAAAAAAADGE/t8q_sLJulQM/s400/FP8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Pop the cast off of the branch, and remove the branch. Carefully peel
the aluminum foil off of the interior of the lace, and discard the
foil.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fnJnSwICxk0/Ua3enX7WiWI/AAAAAAAADGQ/rBKR22_zCD4/s1600/FP9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fnJnSwICxk0/Ua3enX7WiWI/AAAAAAAADGQ/rBKR22_zCD4/s400/FP9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
7. Repeat on all branches.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgMsHqbc6uc/Ua3etQ3IhlI/AAAAAAAADGY/T43K9S6-uPA/s1600/FP10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgMsHqbc6uc/Ua3etQ3IhlI/AAAAAAAADGY/T43K9S6-uPA/s400/FP10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8. Arrange your rocks into a circular shape,
filling the middle area with string lights. Make sure you
can reach an socket.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrQ01QEG7UE/Ua3fAF7CKDI/AAAAAAAADGo/sx7lQK_payw/s1600/FP12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrQ01QEG7UE/Ua3fAF7CKDI/AAAAAAAADGo/sx7lQK_payw/s400/FP12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
9. Arrange your lace branches into a cone-like shape, touching towards
the top. The branches should all balance on one another, holding each
other up. If you have trouble getting your branches to stay up, wedge
them between the rocks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP-ujj91CkQ/Ua3fAdLl9tI/AAAAAAAADGs/dHY3u6eJ8I0/s1600/FP15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP-ujj91CkQ/Ua3fAdLl9tI/AAAAAAAADGs/dHY3u6eJ8I0/s400/FP15.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
10. Add some more rocks and plug in your lights!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--l4n6j9AYR8/Ua3fOYYOonI/AAAAAAAADG8/P1AW54SiaJc/s1600/FP16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--l4n6j9AYR8/Ua3fOYYOonI/AAAAAAAADG8/P1AW54SiaJc/s400/FP16.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSosl58HrhY/Ua3fOFnpAFI/AAAAAAAADG4/saZbB4usMSg/s1600/FP17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSosl58HrhY/Ua3fOFnpAFI/AAAAAAAADG4/saZbB4usMSg/s400/FP17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-flameless-fire-pit/" target="_blank">Free People BLDG 25 Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So that's indoor camping and a flameless camp fire sorted - the next step in the 'bluff your way through camping' conversation is to rig up a fishing rod with magnets and fill the bath tub with a couple of tins of tuna. In fact while I'm at it - I might throw in a can of beans as well.........a small can though.<br />
I recall as a child trying to hook a mega tin of Heinz Spagetti Hoops from our kitchen sink only to lose <i>it </i>and half a pack of tayto to the neighbours dog and so it will be forever remembered as 'the one that got away.'<br />
<br />
So you see, even taking part in outdoor activities, indoors - is quite the disaster for me.<br />
<br />
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.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-82339509247872164592013-05-16T11:52:00.000+01:002013-05-16T12:11:11.139+01:00Ikea Rast Cabinet Hack Project<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjgUn8LWIgg/UZS9kZ6khOI/AAAAAAAADEY/okdQ1TtULqc/s1600/main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="537" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjgUn8LWIgg/UZS9kZ6khOI/AAAAAAAADEY/okdQ1TtULqc/s640/main.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Patent Pending Projects</td></tr>
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Most of us know that IKEA is a great place for furniture that is easy to assemble, it's affordable and it can fit a lot of shapes and spaces but there is a community of people who take it one step further. <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/" target="_blank">IKEA hackers</a> use incredibly simple ideas to modify, repurpose and customize IKEA furniture and give it a personal twist to turn a mass produced item into something that's one of a kind.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/75305709/" target="_blank">IKEA Rast</a>, which is made from solid wood but is only available in a natural pine finish, lends itself to an Ikea hack. It's basically a blank canvas and it's only 25euro.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYojK_0EIFw/UZSZk4uVdxI/AAAAAAAADCE/e6Vj670_Zz8/s1600/rast-chest-of--drawers__0132846_PE018446_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYojK_0EIFw/UZSZk4uVdxI/AAAAAAAADCE/e6Vj670_Zz8/s400/rast-chest-of--drawers__0132846_PE018446_S4.JPG" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/75305709/" target="_blank">IKEA</a></td></tr>
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Below are some links to some really great tutorials.<br />
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If you would like to opt for the industrial look, you will need some stainless steel label pulls and a black gloss paint, which you will need to apply two coats. - For a full tutorial head over to <a href="http://refresheddesigns.blogspot.ca/2012/03/industrial-look-ikea-rast-chest-refresh.html" target="_blank">refreshdesigns</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ey4JnKoFi_c/UZSeGd-iZYI/AAAAAAAADCg/No1kpuCFuUA/s1600/black-ikea-rast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ey4JnKoFi_c/UZSeGd-iZYI/AAAAAAAADCg/No1kpuCFuUA/s400/black-ikea-rast.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://refresheddesigns.blogspot.ca/2012/03/industrial-look-ikea-rast-chest-refresh.html" target="_blank">refreshdesigns</a></td></tr>
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If you prefer a splash of colour, then <a href="http://forchicsake.com/diy-campaign-chest/" target="_blank">For Chic Sake</a> shows you how to transform your IKEA Rast into a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campaign_furniture" target="_blank">campaign style</a> cabinet with the aid of some high gloss sugar plum paint, campaign-style drawer pulls and 2’’ brass flat corners.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80wh3unzHZI/UZSdOuz21MI/AAAAAAAADCU/VvLqNhHg3_w/s1600/DIY-Fuschia-Campaign-Chest-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80wh3unzHZI/UZSdOuz21MI/AAAAAAAADCU/VvLqNhHg3_w/s400/DIY-Fuschia-Campaign-Chest-500.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://forchicsake.com/diy-campaign-chest/" target="_blank">For Chic Sake</a></td></tr>
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If Sugar Plum is not your colour - try a greyish blue for a more office feel.<br />
Full tutorial over at <a href="http://www.almostmakesperfect.com/2012/03/01/the-ikea-rast-campaign-hack/" target="_blank">Almost Makes Perfect</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwO_6A4fMng/UZSmZc8M-SI/AAAAAAAADCw/wauRM9vY2c4/s1600/campaign-rast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwO_6A4fMng/UZSmZc8M-SI/AAAAAAAADCw/wauRM9vY2c4/s400/campaign-rast1.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.almostmakesperfect.com/2012/03/01/the-ikea-rast-campaign-hack/" target="_blank">Almost Makes Perfect</a></td></tr>
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To turn your Rast chest into a bedside table or
nightstand there are just a full simple steps. Apply two coats of primer. Then apply two or three coats of paint in the
color of your choice. Add some drawer pulls, which can be easily found in any DIY superstore, and you're done. <a href="http://www.armelleblog.com/2011/03/diy-ikea-rast-dresser-to-bedside-table.html" target="_blank">Armelle Blog</a> has some great tips to achieve a smooth finish with your paint. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CkP6BOLFwE/UZSoJur0EkI/AAAAAAAADDA/0USEJYElgKM/s1600/0f9e244cba0e23a9fa79368fe9e81d56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CkP6BOLFwE/UZSoJur0EkI/AAAAAAAADDA/0USEJYElgKM/s400/0f9e244cba0e23a9fa79368fe9e81d56.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.armelleblog.com/2011/03/diy-ikea-rast-dresser-to-bedside-table.html" target="_blank">Armelle Blog</a></td></tr>
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If that last one was a bit plain for your taste, then you can glam it up a bit with a marble floor tile, antique drawer handles and nailhead trim. To create this look, head over to <a href="http://theabundantabode.blogspot.ro/2012/09/sunday-in-suburbia-nailhead-marble-ikea.html" target="_blank">The Abundant Abode</a> for a detailed tutorial.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5p5XY2UdUDA/UZS2NdTcDPI/AAAAAAAADD4/3ApbTvNPvWY/s1600/ikea-rast-hack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5p5XY2UdUDA/UZS2NdTcDPI/AAAAAAAADD4/3ApbTvNPvWY/s400/ikea-rast-hack.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://theabundantabode.blogspot.ro/2012/09/sunday-in-suburbia-nailhead-marble-ikea.html" target="_blank">The Abundant Abode</a></td></tr>
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Finally, if you are feeling very adventurous and have a basic knowledge of woodworking, the very website that inspires most of these modifications, has a couple of ideas to combine 2 cabinets and turn them into a sideboard. You will need some extra wood to connect the two cabinets along with wood stain and your choice of paint. A full list of materials can be found over at <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/04/rast-turned-sideboard.html" target="_blank">IKEA Hackers</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mrNMURmBUQ/UZSrihypkYI/AAAAAAAADDQ/xNYPf4g9fT8/s1600/sideboard-from-rast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mrNMURmBUQ/UZSrihypkYI/AAAAAAAADDQ/xNYPf4g9fT8/s400/sideboard-from-rast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/04/rast-turned-sideboard.html" target="_blank">IKEA Hackers</a></td></tr>
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Another idea to combine 2 Rast cabinets appears on today's IKEA Hackers <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/05/double-rast-cabinet-hack.html" target="_blank">main page</a>.<br />
This tutorial is courtesy of Kata, from Hungarian website <a href="http://akicsihaz.blogspot.hu/2013/05/dupla-rast-hack.html" target="_blank">KICSIHÁZ</a> (which means little house). It requires a slightly higher level of woodworking skills but if you relish a challenge...this might be for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsdVZBtl9M8/UZSvx7xKXeI/AAAAAAAADDo/wQxnJRj-LR4/s1600/ikea+rast+hack+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsdVZBtl9M8/UZSvx7xKXeI/AAAAAAAADDo/wQxnJRj-LR4/s400/ikea+rast+hack+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://akicsihaz.blogspot.hu/2013/05/dupla-rast-hack.html" target="_blank">KICSIHÁZ</a></td></tr>
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With the exception of that last tutorial, most IKEA Hacks are simple to accomplish and with some great websites like IKEA Hackers, highlighting simple clever ideas, you can turn a cheap, pre-made piece of furniture into
something perfect for your needs, and save you the time and energy searching for that 'perfect little something' that's different from all the mass produced furniture that seems to be invading our homes.<br />
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IKEA are even getting in on the trend by posting this idea for an <a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/diy-industriromantik-med-rast-byra" target="_blank">industrial style cabinet</a> on their own blog.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rtlNqEq3-I/UZS5f5tWBxI/AAAAAAAADEI/7ZNgB9X59R4/s1600/industri5rak_fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rtlNqEq3-I/UZS5f5tWBxI/AAAAAAAADEI/7ZNgB9X59R4/s400/industri5rak_fix.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://livethemma.ikea.se/inspiration/diy-industriromantik-med-rast-byra" target="_blank">Livet Hemma</a></td></tr>
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.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-17259281304946338062013-04-04T13:41:00.001+01:002013-04-04T13:51:28.316+01:00Upcycled Door Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfw6FOgq8XQ/UV05Gr7mEzI/AAAAAAAAC-M/E0J1HREadok/s1600/8ea4239e9733789187822fb8e1f3e316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfw6FOgq8XQ/UV05Gr7mEzI/AAAAAAAAC-M/E0J1HREadok/s400/8ea4239e9733789187822fb8e1f3e316.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.babble.com/" target="_blank">Babble</a></td></tr>
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When one door closes, another one opens.<br />
Or you can just open the closed door... that's how doors tend to work.<br />
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Or is it? <br />
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Here's a roundup of some clever upcycling ideas which use old doors.<br />
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">How about reworking an old door into a coffee table?</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7nRmbuxu1k/UV1PWZ0ZFBI/AAAAAAAAC-8/-z9LhsEp74Y/s1600/DSC_0022_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7nRmbuxu1k/UV1PWZ0ZFBI/AAAAAAAAC-8/-z9LhsEp74Y/s400/DSC_0022_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/2011/08/my-cutest-table-ever-old-door-turned-coffee-table.html" target="_blank">Sweet Pickins</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">Or turning a screen door into a chalkboard with a vintage look. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80k_KDp4WBA/UV1IM0ibJaI/AAAAAAAAC-c/wPSdV1pzO4A/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80k_KDp4WBA/UV1IM0ibJaI/AAAAAAAAC-c/wPSdV1pzO4A/s400/02.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/2012/05/old-door-chalkboard.html" target="_blank">Sweet Pickins</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">Make use of old kitchen cabinet doors by building a hinged art desk for kids.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rbeMtwKMLM/UV1LX3SXgNI/AAAAAAAAC-s/KoL6q1yq19E/s1600/2011-05-041a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rbeMtwKMLM/UV1LX3SXgNI/AAAAAAAAC-s/KoL6q1yq19E/s400/2011-05-041a2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2011/05/creative-guest-icandy-handmade.html" target="_blank">U Create</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">Taking it outdoors - try this simple idea and create a snug little shelter.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJV-a4dHGVU/UV1gI8mdCHI/AAAAAAAAC_M/iBTPte2l4uo/s1600/eac6586b120123921d24303c9d07134f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJV-a4dHGVU/UV1gI8mdCHI/AAAAAAAAC_M/iBTPte2l4uo/s400/eac6586b120123921d24303c9d07134f.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/428384/garden-decor" target="_blank">hometalk</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;"></span><span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">If you're sick and tired of all those 'Billy Bookcases' from Ikea - this unique bookshelf just might be the cure.</span><br />
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mI7SZKYzcIU/UV1hIeTmivI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/0ue4nOHnyQI/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mI7SZKYzcIU/UV1hIeTmivI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/0ue4nOHnyQI/s400/06.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/2010/10/door-repurposed-bookshelf.html" target="_blank">My Repurposed Life</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;"></span><span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">Create a piece of furniture that becomes a focal point for the whole room. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TBzIJdnWqY/UV1jaZIiwRI/AAAAAAAAC_o/r4nlubMrPO8/s1600/john_after2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TBzIJdnWqY/UV1jaZIiwRI/AAAAAAAAC_o/r4nlubMrPO8/s400/john_after2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/09/before-after-sofa-made-from-old-doors.html#more-116072" target="_blank">Design Sponge</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">Storage is a ongoing argument in our house - could this be the solution?</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUH4-dWTyBs/UV1khBWWjBI/AAAAAAAAC_0/Ep4UwYnq3Jg/s1600/bench4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUH4-dWTyBs/UV1khBWWjBI/AAAAAAAAC_0/Ep4UwYnq3Jg/s400/bench4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://twigdecor.blogspot.ie/2010/09/bench-from-repurposed-door-headboard.html" target="_blank">Twig</a></td></tr>
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An old door turned into a custom headboard is a fantastic way to add character to a room.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMcmveFy6ic/UV1lZcX63lI/AAAAAAAADAA/ix7CYej-BKY/s1600/Final+ERM+4+243%5B3%5D_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMcmveFy6ic/UV1lZcX63lI/AAAAAAAADAA/ix7CYej-BKY/s400/Final+ERM+4+243%5B3%5D_thumb.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2011/08/room-makeover-old-door-into-headboard.html" target="_blank">Vintage Revivals</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">Take advantage of the (supposed) great Summer we are going to have and have a few outdoor dinners.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaUl2Sqhgis/UV1ms50dhkI/AAAAAAAADAM/TdytEwbJYks/s1600/picnic+table+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaUl2Sqhgis/UV1ms50dhkI/AAAAAAAADAM/TdytEwbJYks/s1600/picnic+table+093.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.ie/2011/06/old-doors-rock-my-world-unique-outdoor.html" target="_blank">Embracing Change</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;"> </span>Kitchen storage solution. Remember those slated doors we all had for our built-in wardrobes? <br />
<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_O3KuNIAbIc/UV1o9q2xz-I/AAAAAAAADAg/yc1x8Zt0zW8/s1600/creatingreallyawesomefreethings_door_kitchen_organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_O3KuNIAbIc/UV1o9q2xz-I/AAAAAAAADAg/yc1x8Zt0zW8/s400/creatingreallyawesomefreethings_door_kitchen_organizer.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/door-organizer-upgrade/" target="_blank">C.R.A.F.T.</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">And these slated doors are perfect for a hallway organizer.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieXKtGdT5dQ/UV1qK5hoNlI/AAAAAAAADAs/YGhMKxAd71c/s1600/martha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieXKtGdT5dQ/UV1qK5hoNlI/AAAAAAAADAs/YGhMKxAd71c/s400/martha.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/244803/shutter-entryway-organizer" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">This last one is less about upcycling old doors and more about revealing whats behind those closed doors.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKydhi7Ig9o/UV1sEWV3CEI/AAAAAAAADBA/KNNtftxMaDw/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKydhi7Ig9o/UV1sEWV3CEI/AAAAAAAADBA/KNNtftxMaDw/s400/11.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://theoldpaintedcottage.com/pages/cotm-may-10.htm" target="_blank">The Old Painted Cottage</a></td></tr>
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<span class="image-caption current" style="opacity: 1;">If any of these ideas appeal to you and </span>but it's a case of "Oh shucks ...I just don’t have any old doors lying around" (like so many of us), fear not, you can always try <a href="http://www.freecycle.org/" target="_blank">The Freecycle Network</a>, <a href="http://www.freetradeireland.ie/" target="_blank">Free Trade Ireland</a>, or one of the many salvage yards that might be in your city. You can also try, <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2011/02/reply-chair-project.html" target="_blank">as I've pointed out before</a>, a little bit of skiphunting.<br />
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With the growing number of skips taking up residence outside houses undergoing refurbishment - it's the perfect opportunity to grab a few discarded doors.<br />
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And we all know what they say about doors and opportunity! Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-91158799422192113072013-03-14T12:25:00.003+00:002013-03-14T12:40:10.840+00:0052 Cardboard Craft Projects<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz01Ca7kZpU/UUGyrSYbeYI/AAAAAAAAC90/nFw_oFcQAuM/s1600/Cardboard+1B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz01Ca7kZpU/UUGyrSYbeYI/AAAAAAAAC90/nFw_oFcQAuM/s640/Cardboard+1B.jpg" width="619" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2011/03/how-to-work-with-cardboard.html" target="_blank">ikatbag</a></td></tr>
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<br />
They say when training a toddler, it takes 3 days to make or break a habit.<br />
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I'm sure there are many arguments for and against this notion but I'm here to tell you that it works.<br />
Well, at least with my child. I'm not so entirely sure it works on me.<br />
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Most of the time we don't even realise that we are creating bad habits - but we suffer greatly when it comes to breaking them. I constantly hear myself say "I quit smoking two years ago" - but that's mostly when I'm about to light up my third cigarette in a row.<br />
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A few of years ago, I refused to throw all the beer bottle caps into our bin each time I had a beer and instead I was going to do something absolutely amazing with them. I'd open a bottle of beer. Place the cap in a glass which was inside a cabinet. When the glass became full - it moved to a bag that fit neatly under the sink.<br />
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This process went on for about 3 months and throughout all this time my brain wandered magically, having visions of creating an awe inspiring piece of art that would finally make my wife say "You know what, I was completely wrong. You were completely right. Filling up our cabinets with bags and bags of beer bottle caps was totally worth it and I was a fool to ever think otherwise. You are a true genius and I bow humbly before you".<br />
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Of course, I was completely wrong. She was completely right. Filling up our cabinets with bags and bags of beer bottle caps was totally not worth it and I was a fool to ever think otherwise. I was a true idiot and now had to bow my head in shame whilst slinking away with an overflowing bag full of bottle caps to the local recycling centre.<br />
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Upon returning home, I pulled a beer out of the fridge, popped the cap, opened the cabinet door, placed the cap inside a glass and closed the cabinet door. Holy Mother of God! My body just moved involuntarily and performed an action that, unbeknownst to me, I had spent months training it to do. Just imagine what I could do if I actually put my mind to it - or case in point - what I have been doing without even thinking.<br />
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So now it's time for me to get up on my soap box and the good old fashioned cardboard box. <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2012/07/parking-garage-project.html" target="_blank">Again. </a><br />
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Most of us, day in and day out, are surrounded by cardboard that we are trained to discard in a heartbeat because we don't even see what it is or what use it can have.<br />
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You see an empty cereal box, some packaging, or an depleted paper towel tube. I see an endless supply of possibilities and so does <span style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Lorraine from <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2011/03/how-to-work-with-cardboard.html" target="_blank">ikatbag</a> who appears to have a complete obsession/love affair with all things cardboard.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60IK5jTUj1A/UUGyyphqLnI/AAAAAAAAC98/5UZDqXGq8XA/s1600/Cardboard+2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60IK5jTUj1A/UUGyyphqLnI/AAAAAAAAC98/5UZDqXGq8XA/s640/Cardboard+2B.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2011/03/how-to-work-with-cardboard.html" target="_blank">ikatbag</a></td></tr>
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Check out <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2011/03/how-to-work-with-cardboard.html" target="_blank">her article here,</a> which includes all 52 of her tutorials - using her favourite craft material - Cardboard. <br />
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If we just stop refusing to see all this waste we are creating and start seeing what we can create from this waste then we are well on our way to breaking the habits of a lifetime.<br />
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It doesn't take much to think outside the box when it comes to cardboard - but before we do - we need an actual cardboard box!<br />
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.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-29068798666830813322013-02-21T13:24:00.001+00:002013-03-06T16:29:40.934+00:00Play Kitchen Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cb0Cve3m7K4/USXvdt5F9UI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/cT3IHy-EvoQ/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cb0Cve3m7K4/USXvdt5F9UI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/cT3IHy-EvoQ/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images: <a href="http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/before-and-after-diy-play-kithcen/" target="_blank">Baby Centre</a></td></tr>
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Anytime Jaws is on TV (and I'm able to) - I must sit down and watch it.<br />
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With an incredible number of memorable scenes and quotes it's easy to understand why it's in most people's top 10 movie lists. <br />
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- The terrifying opening attack.<br />
- The scar contest on the Orca - ‘Mary Ellen Moffit, she broke my heart’.<br />
- The Indianapolis Speech.<br />
- "Here's to swimming with bow-legged women". <br />
- The zoom in/dolly out shot on Chief Brody at the beach.<br />
- Mrs Kintner slapping Brody hard in the face.<br />
- The chalkboard scratch. <br />
- "We're going to need a bigger boat!".<br />
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The list could go on and on but there is one scene that will always stand out.<br />
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If DVD commentaries and movie websites are to be believed, the scene at the dinner table, between Chief Brody and his son, was improvised by Roy Scheider. Scheider noticed, in between takes, that the young boy who played his son was copying what he did. Calling Steven Spielberg's attention to it, they decided to roll the cameras and that scene became this rare moment of calm and warmth in a movie that, from all reports was a difficult film to make and gave the story and characters a grounding that most blockbusters these days would miss.<br />
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The reason I mention all this is because last night, as I was standing over the cooker making dinner, I looked over to see my 2 and a half year old son sitting on the floor with a large pot, a bag of potatoes and a wooden spoon - talking away to himself about making dinner....... and ketchup. It's an obvious thing to say that our children learn everything from us but the simple fact is, they do so by copying everything we do. <br />
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For toddlers, pretend play is a big part of growing up and understanding the world around them. I don't want to be the kind of parent who runs around, arms flailing, screaming 'Hot', 'Sharp', 'Carefull', 'Stop'.<br />
I don't want my son to be afraid of things around the house, but instead, understand what they are and how they work.<br />
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It's only a matter of time before he moves on from his wooden spoon and bag of potatoes and decides Mammy and Daddies cooker look fun to play with.....so, maybe it's time for one of these.<br />
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Check out these 5 DIY play kitchens for toddlers and get inspired to maybe build your own.<br />
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Number 1<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKYLinOJl2s/USX2G23X3GI/AAAAAAAAC4A/H6gki3HnAUA/s1600/Untitled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKYLinOJl2s/USX2G23X3GI/AAAAAAAAC4A/H6gki3HnAUA/s640/Untitled2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images: <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/claras-christmas-kitchen/" target="_blank">Young House Love</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hN8gzMfX5NM/USYK9No-tQI/AAAAAAAAC5U/i0qTQF4jpnw/s1600/PlayKitch-After-Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hN8gzMfX5NM/USYK9No-tQI/AAAAAAAAC5U/i0qTQF4jpnw/s320/PlayKitch-After-Side.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/claras-christmas-kitchen/" target="_blank">Young House Love</a></td></tr>
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Over a <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/" target="_blank">Young House Love</a>, Sherry and John turned an old kitchen cabinet into a one-of-a-kind play kitchen for their daughter. Check out their blog for <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/claras-christmas-kitchen/" target="_blank">a full tutorial.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIr9On3Daa8/USYK9BEXtkI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/LnhUnGUAQFs/s1600/PlayKitch-After-Knobs-Close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIr9On3Daa8/USYK9BEXtkI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/LnhUnGUAQFs/s320/PlayKitch-After-Knobs-Close.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/claras-christmas-kitchen/" target="_blank">Young House Love</a></td></tr>
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Number 2<br />
Some crafty parents over at <a href="http://mirandawalker.blogspot.ie/2010/02/play-kitchen-diy.html" target="_blank">Narrating Life</a> transformed an old TV stand into a cool retro
play kitchen.<br />
And they did it all for about $30.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wEQFYNCDKTM/USXx5QZ81KI/AAAAAAAAC3o/di2DRAY80Z4/s1600/4370598775_845a95ca77_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wEQFYNCDKTM/USXx5QZ81KI/AAAAAAAAC3o/di2DRAY80Z4/s640/4370598775_845a95ca77_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://mirandawalker.blogspot.ie/2010/02/play-kitchen-diy.html" target="_blank">Narrating Life</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYGimyyKanQ/USYN9sI1PqI/AAAAAAAAC6I/5GKe-3DVpjI/s1600/4370598569_1e6ff53b31_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYGimyyKanQ/USYN9sI1PqI/AAAAAAAAC6I/5GKe-3DVpjI/s320/4370598569_1e6ff53b31_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://mirandawalker.blogspot.ie/2010/02/play-kitchen-diy.html" target="_blank">Narrating Life</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trP1Kqd61P4/USYN9z_8TgI/AAAAAAAAC6M/RDDaMRmZXwc/s1600/4371348252_315fb4b4b7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trP1Kqd61P4/USYN9z_8TgI/AAAAAAAAC6M/RDDaMRmZXwc/s320/4371348252_315fb4b4b7_o.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://mirandawalker.blogspot.ie/2010/02/play-kitchen-diy.html" target="_blank">Narrating Life</a></td></tr>
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Number 3<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sXVGkdE0zE/USYBC_rZoFI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/coXIbhfSXww/s1600/Untitled3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sXVGkdE0zE/USYBC_rZoFI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/coXIbhfSXww/s640/Untitled3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images: <a href="http://blachindle.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/play-kitchen/" target="_blank">Baby Andoo</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZV-kb0S7pY/USYPPKo1gEI/AAAAAAAAC6k/W55rL7Oha5Y/s1600/inside-of-fridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZV-kb0S7pY/USYPPKo1gEI/AAAAAAAAC6k/W55rL7Oha5Y/s320/inside-of-fridge.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7q0V8qL3g4/USYPOk4ehqI/AAAAAAAAC6c/tjHpXRkiln0/s1600/knife-rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7q0V8qL3g4/USYPOk4ehqI/AAAAAAAAC6c/tjHpXRkiln0/s320/knife-rack.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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If you like your Ikea hacks - then check out all the details of this one-of-a-kind Ikea play kitchen from <a href="http://blachindle.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Baby Andoo</a> who adapted a simple piece of Ikea furniture. <br />
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Number 4<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSnPdkkjDkw/USYFIMA1RmI/AAAAAAAAC4w/Ro441FAZRd0/s1600/Untitled4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSnPdkkjDkw/USYFIMA1RmI/AAAAAAAAC4w/Ro441FAZRd0/s640/Untitled4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images: <a href="http://www.thefarmersnest.com/2012/01/how-to-make-play-kitchen-set-out-of.html" target="_blank">The Farmers Nest</a></td></tr>
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Here's a real trash to treasure idea from <a href="http://www.thefarmersnest.com/" target="_blank">The Farmers Nest</a>. Two
old bedside lockers are transformed into an amazing play kitchen with a
fresh coat of paint, some DIY store finds and lots of creativity. Check
out the <a href="http://www.thefarmersnest.com/2012/01/how-to-make-play-kitchen-set-out-of.html" target="_blank">full tutorial here.</a> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7skwFgZb2ns/USYRFpSJh_I/AAAAAAAAC7E/mh8AF2B8SEs/s1600/untitled+shoot-6002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7skwFgZb2ns/USYRFpSJh_I/AAAAAAAAC7E/mh8AF2B8SEs/s320/untitled+shoot-6002.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.thefarmersnest.com/2012/01/how-to-make-play-kitchen-set-out-of.html" target="_blank"></a><br />
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Number 5 <br />
This modern looking play kitchen from Small & Friendly is a somewhat labour intensive transformation but saying that, it actually looks better than my own kitchen. Which is kind of upsetting!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JopnYkCClEk/USYKYhUq54I/AAAAAAAAC5I/JgRi3XbPfkM/s1600/Untitled5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JopnYkCClEk/USYKYhUq54I/AAAAAAAAC5I/JgRi3XbPfkM/s640/Untitled5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images: <a href="http://www.smallfriendly.com/small-friendly/2012/01/diy-modern-play-kitchen.html" target="_blank">Small & Friendly</a></td></tr>
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It even has a mosaic tile back splash.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VruSNJc1SkU/USYRonXe-LI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/hJQUCDjPUFo/s1600/6a0133ec490e97970b0168e545fd38970c-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VruSNJc1SkU/USYRonXe-LI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/hJQUCDjPUFo/s400/6a0133ec490e97970b0168e545fd38970c-800wi.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQzESaRh0-Y/USYRoi_N8-I/AAAAAAAAC7c/e7xNfhhAkDg/s1600/6a0133ec490e97970b0168e545fad9970c-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQzESaRh0-Y/USYRoi_N8-I/AAAAAAAAC7c/e7xNfhhAkDg/s400/6a0133ec490e97970b0168e545fad9970c-800wi.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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Hopefully there are some ideas there to help inspire you to recycle or repurpose and old piece of furniture into a small play kitchen.<br />
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I think it's also important to note that the days of a play kitchen being a girls toy are pretty much long gone.<br />
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Recently Hasbro, the makers of the Easy-Bake Ovens, <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2012/12/03/one-girls-quest-to-make-the-easy-bake-oven-more-boy-friendly/?xid=gonewsedit" target="_blank">have come under pressure </a>
to change the way they market the toy as something exclusively for
girls after a campaign by 13-year old McKenna Pope. Pope, was upset to find that there were no Easy-Bake Ovens marketed to
boys, even though her 4-year old brother Gavyn Boscio had asked for one
for Christmas. Now, it seems like the gender-neutral toy movement is spreading. Mattel,
the world’s largest toy-maker, is introducing the Mega Bloks Barbie
Build’n Style, the first Barbie construction set in the doll’s 50-year
history.<br />
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Therefore, I know my son would be delighted, standing in front of his mini cooker, thinking he was making the best spaghetti bolognese in the world - just like Mammy or Daddy. And as for his Shepherd's Pie....he'd probably think it could win a prize.<br />
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Well, I know his Mother's would!<br />
. Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-83017871504987194352013-01-31T11:26:00.003+00:002013-01-31T11:27:35.106+00:00Instagram Photo Cube Project<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0trrtkCQWzs/UQo1_P2sOgI/AAAAAAAAC1o/LFjIMr5hz-I/s1600/8420727937_4a3748804e_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0trrtkCQWzs/UQo1_P2sOgI/AAAAAAAAC1o/LFjIMr5hz-I/s400/8420727937_4a3748804e_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://wellitsokay.blogspot.ie/2013/01/diy-instagram-photo-cube.html" target="_blank">Well It's Okay</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2011/11/mini-polaroid-magnets-project.html" target="_blank">I've mentioned before</a> that my mother seems to be the only person I know who still prints out photos. What I find even more amazing is, she prints them all from her phone. I haven't printed a photo from my own camera in about 2 years, let alone one from my phone.<br />
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All I seem to do now is back them up on to a hard drive whilst foolishly muttering something to myself about 'needing to sort them out.' As Travis Bickle would say, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP4hYtwGFlI" target="_blank"><span class="st">"One of these days I'm gonna get <i>organizized</i>"</span></a><br />
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<span class="st">With more and more of us using apps like <a href="http://instagram.com/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, the days of sitting around with family, an old biscuit tin full of photos on our lap and laughing about ludicrous hairstyles and dodgy dress sense, has gone and been quickly replaced with crowds of us huddled around one tiny iPhone, all trying to get a glimpse of a pic before it's unceremoniously whipped across a screen to the next entry. At least with photos, you could pass them along and everyone would get a look in.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Some favourites do get chosen and we decide to pop them up on Facebook and Twitter and other social network sites, so why not have a little reminder on your desk or shelf at home?</span><br />
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<span class="st">Here's a really simple idea from <a href="http://wellitsokay.blogspot.ie/2013/01/diy-instagram-photo-cube.html" target="_blank">Well It's Okay</a> which shows you how to turn some of your favourite Instagram photos into a great looking photo cube.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAusorC0w7o/UQpIlnOM5DI/AAAAAAAAC24/1r-01vPOEeY/s1600/8420728023_108783ea69_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAusorC0w7o/UQpIlnOM5DI/AAAAAAAAC24/1r-01vPOEeY/s400/8420728023_108783ea69_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://wellitsokay.blogspot.ie/2013/01/diy-instagram-photo-cube.html" target="_blank">Well It's Okay</a></td></tr>
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<span class="st">You can find all the materials you will need at any arts & crafts shop </span><br />
<span class="st">1. Wood Cubes </span><br />
<span class="st">2. Spray Adhesive </span><br />
<span class="st">3. <a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/How-Print-Instagram-Photos-18562772" target="_blank">Printed Instagram Photos</a></span><br />
<span class="st">4. Craft Knife</span><br />
<span class="st">5. Cutting Mat</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ox_YLNvVeBs/UQpG5OpnD_I/AAAAAAAAC2g/E-D-O9Eiv_o/s1600/8421825062_4127e709f3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ox_YLNvVeBs/UQpG5OpnD_I/AAAAAAAAC2g/E-D-O9Eiv_o/s400/8421825062_4127e709f3_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://wellitsokay.blogspot.ie/2013/01/diy-instagram-photo-cube.html" target="_blank">Well It's Okay</a></td></tr>
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Spray an
even layer of adhesive on one side of the block. Spray a light layer
onto your first picture and then stick onto the block. Keep in mind
what parts of your picture you want to show as you're probably going to have to trim it
down. Use the craft knife to trim off the excess.<b> </b>Then repeat for all 6 sides.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcepdBFueto/UQpEYJ1X4AI/AAAAAAAAC2A/Os0PdWQCI70/s1600/8421824548_f66e210a88_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcepdBFueto/UQpEYJ1X4AI/AAAAAAAAC2A/Os0PdWQCI70/s400/8421824548_f66e210a88_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://wellitsokay.blogspot.ie/2013/01/diy-instagram-photo-cube.html" target="_blank">Well It's Okay</a></td></tr>
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<span class="st">There you have it. It's also a great gift idea for anniversaries, birthdays or valentines day. <br /><br />I feel like I need to mention the fact that I'm not giving out about technology and how it has changed us. I'm not some old grumpy luddite who bangs on constantly with "in the old days...we didn't have...such and such."</span><br />
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<span class="st">I actually think it's amazing what is possible these days and I'm completely blown away by the fact that my 2 and a half year old son can navigate my iPhone, straight to his Thomas the Tank app and play some educational games and puzzles. </span><br />
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<span class="st">To be fair, back in the day when all we did have was photos, some of us really didn't care to sit through 200+ photos of 'your amazing Summer in Magaluf' and not every one wants to see 40 odd pictures of what you had for breakfast, lunch or dinner - which is one major plus with photos on the iPhone. Whilst everyone is huddled around trying figure out exactly what it is they are suppose to be looking at in your dark and blurry photos from inside a sweaty nightclub, nobody will even notice if you decide to slink off. </span><br />
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<span class="st">Now, that's something you couldn't have done in Gran's house when she pulled out a torn and crumpled envelope bursting full of pictures of your second cousin Laurence who use to play mean tricks on you.</span><br />
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<span class="st">All you could do was go and hide in the kitchen, banging cabinet doors and pretend you were looking for more chocolate biscuits until the photos went back in the tin. </span><br />
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.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-32677974420338920332013-01-24T09:10:00.000+00:002013-01-24T09:11:18.791+00:00Faux Folksy Chair Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjFMuSkIb-U/ULyhSRTR9bI/AAAAAAAACqg/gJbTda75dwU/s1600/131730357821955109_OcijufO8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjFMuSkIb-U/ULyhSRTR9bI/AAAAAAAACqg/gJbTda75dwU/s400/131730357821955109_OcijufO8_c.jpg" width="533" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertent Farmer</a></td></tr>
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<br />
There is a old wooden chair, comfortable tucked between two wardrobes, in a spare bedroom in my home. I love that chair very much but - if one out of a hundred people, who enter my home, ever lay their eyes on it, they will be amongst a pocket sized group of very close friends and immediate family.<br />
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As sturdy and solid as it is, it will never be a part of our day to day lives but it has attended and participated in significant moments throughout my life.<br />
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It was there in my very first apartment and now, 9 different homes later, it's still with me. <br />
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It's sole purpose?<br />
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It's my painting chair. Each home that I've lived in, if it needed a splash of colour, I could call upon my trusty chair to help me reach the lofty heights of walls and ceilings.<br />
It's last job, was aiding me in the decoration of my sons room, just 1 month before he was born. The fragments of splashes, a pale pistachio paint - cherished reminders and worthy additions to the other countless remnants from previous home improvements.<br />
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If I ever decide to retire my painting chair (by which I mean, buy a ladder) I do believe that I have found the ideal revamp treatment for it.<br />
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There is a great, fun project over at <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertant Farmer</a>, which uses some children's foam stickers and a wonderful, playful sense of creativity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RwaXegA3pQ/UQBTECMp3TI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/f4jwz91ZiR4/s1600/6a00e553deebaf88340120a81b8ca3970b-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RwaXegA3pQ/UQBTECMp3TI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/f4jwz91ZiR4/s400/6a00e553deebaf88340120a81b8ca3970b-450wi.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertant Farmer</a></td></tr>
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All you need is:<br />
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1. A Chair.<br />
2. Foam Stickers <br />
3. PVA glue<br />
4. Primer Paint<br />
5. Gloss/Satin or Eggshell Paint (Colour of your choice)<br />
6. Paint Brush<br />
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STEP 1 <br />
Start by placing the foam stickers on the chair and attach them with some PVA glue. Allow to dry.<br />
(You could sand the chair before applying the stickers...but you don't have to.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyR6wb15PwM/UQBU29XeGZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/9wB67pKZGns/s1600/6a00e553deebaf88340128771e8c3b970c-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyR6wb15PwM/UQBU29XeGZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/9wB67pKZGns/s400/6a00e553deebaf88340128771e8c3b970c-450wi.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertant Farmer</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W9I3Th69zo/UQBUuDRs29I/AAAAAAAAC0k/2P_jzTlaIYU/s1600/6a00e553deebaf88340120a81b9756970b-550wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W9I3Th69zo/UQBUuDRs29I/AAAAAAAAC0k/2P_jzTlaIYU/s400/6a00e553deebaf88340120a81b9756970b-550wi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertant Farmer</a></td></tr>
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STEP 2<br />
Remove the seat and apply a coat of primer to the entire chair. Allow this to dry according to the instructions on the tin.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWS7SUoBsQo/UQBV5zrSF9I/AAAAAAAAC00/ORSlRaVFBZk/s1600/6a00e553deebaf88340128771e9368970c-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWS7SUoBsQo/UQBV5zrSF9I/AAAAAAAAC00/ORSlRaVFBZk/s400/6a00e553deebaf88340128771e9368970c-450wi.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertant Farmer</a></td></tr>
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STEP 3.<br />
Once the primer is completely dry, apply 2 coats of your paint, allowing drying time between each coat.<br />
This would be a perfect time to look at recovering the old seat which you can find instructions for <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/dining-rooms/how-to-recover-a-dining-room-chair/index.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/how-to-upholster-a-dining-chair-with-welt-cord-buttons.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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You might even try using some recycled material.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX8eAAvyk1o/UQBYiHIrlnI/AAAAAAAAC1I/wWAb8tnkOxY/s1600/6a00e553deebaf88340128771e9d6f970c-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX8eAAvyk1o/UQBYiHIrlnI/AAAAAAAAC1I/wWAb8tnkOxY/s400/6a00e553deebaf88340128771e9d6f970c-450wi.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertant Farmer</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrFJPDirvvs/UQBYnV-CBCI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/Ubcu29-gYuQ/s400/6a00e553deebaf88340120a81ba523970b-450wi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="298" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2010/01/painting-an-antique-old-oak-chair-a-fun-craft.html" target="_blank">The Inadvertant Farmer</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Now that I think about it, it may be some years before I retire this old chair.<br />
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More recently, it has taken up moonlighting at Christmas, helping me decorate the tree and again when it's time to come down. To be fair, it's had a good workout this year and it still stands firm. I'd guess there's some life in it yet.<br />
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Maybe my son will take it, 18 years from now, when he moves into his very first home.<br />
Chances are, living with me all that time, he'll think his new place could do with a lick of paint.<br />
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<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-46064315841292979882013-01-10T13:26:00.001+00:002013-01-10T14:08:37.054+00:00Milk Carton Row Boat Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ygdpHJD76mI/UO6bhDWLVcI/AAAAAAAACxA/1lwoqJoKv_E/s1600/DSC_0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ygdpHJD76mI/UO6bhDWLVcI/AAAAAAAACxA/1lwoqJoKv_E/s400/DSC_0939.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://lilla-a-design.blogspot.ie/2010/03/skepp-ohoj.html" target="_blank">Lilla A</a></td></tr>
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Everything that is made has a life cycle.<br />
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The life cycle of a milk carton begins with a tree. That tree is harvested for wood which is turned into paper. That paper is made into a carton and filled with milk. The milk is brought to a shop where we buy it, empty it out our morning cereal and then the carton is tossed into the bin. Of course that should be a recycling bin, but still.... a somewhat unceremonious end to a serenely grand beginning.<br />
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So before you go and drop it into the bin, why not try your hand at some great kids crafts using empty milk cartons. <br />
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<br />
<br />
A quick search on Google brings up <a href="https://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=recycled+milk+carton&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1357700187,d.ZG4&biw=1366&bih=629&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=gKzuUPrCLMGnhAej2YCYAw#um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=recycled+milk+carton+crafts&oq=recycled+milk+carton+crafts&gs_l=img.3..0i24.178007.179199.0.179426.7.2.0.5.5.0.141.204.1j1.2.0...0.0...1c.1.F6M7GKWXpqU&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1357700187,d.ZG4&fp=eb22e55ae73537ad&biw=1366&bih=629" target="_blank">100's of great ideas</a> such as bird feeders and planters to toy houses to dumper trucks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTw_WvrIrF8/UO6zBIQD04I/AAAAAAAACxo/DeXcDXdIwYo/s1600/Untitled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTw_WvrIrF8/UO6zBIQD04I/AAAAAAAACxo/DeXcDXdIwYo/s640/Untitled2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=recycled+milk+carton&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1357700187,d.ZG4&biw=1366&bih=629&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=gKzuUPrCLMGnhAej2YCYAw#um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=recycled+milk+carton+crafts&oq=recycled+milk+carton+crafts&gs_l=img.3..0i24.178007.179199.0.179426.7.2.0.5.5.0.141.204.1j1.2.0...0.0...1c.1.F6M7GKWXpqU&fp=1&biw=1366&bih=629&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&cad=b&sei=FbPuUMu-LNG3hAf43YDoCg" target="_blank">Google</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But my favourite one comes from <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/" target="_blank">Artists Helping Children</a>.<br />
<br />
How to make a <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">Milk Carton Row Boat</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_StXDwLzQg/UO60zlJLUsI/AAAAAAAACx8/Iv5z3KovknM/s1600/1st-pic-milk-carton-row-boats1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_StXDwLzQg/UO60zlJLUsI/AAAAAAAACx8/Iv5z3KovknM/s320/1st-pic-milk-carton-row-boats1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>All you will need is:</b><br />
2 Milk Cartons<br />
Pen or Pencil<br />
Scissors<br />
Tape<br />
Nail<br />
String<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
STEP 1 <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3eDXfKGwavM/UO61hor7axI/AAAAAAAACyE/AFrsjQUBhGI/s1600/step11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3eDXfKGwavM/UO61hor7axI/AAAAAAAACyE/AFrsjQUBhGI/s1600/step11.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
STEP 2<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARYrpPlIEy8/UO61sF2y1UI/AAAAAAAACyM/aOrtgvfNLSk/s1600/step21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARYrpPlIEy8/UO61sF2y1UI/AAAAAAAACyM/aOrtgvfNLSk/s320/step21.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
STEP 3<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SybYZhEkqo0/UO62FUyGGRI/AAAAAAAACyU/I7yLYTSGvcU/s1600/step31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SybYZhEkqo0/UO62FUyGGRI/AAAAAAAACyU/I7yLYTSGvcU/s320/step31.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
STEP 4<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPTWG-J5uC8/UO62PB_s6-I/AAAAAAAACyc/lWnvJPgA_gE/s1600/step41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPTWG-J5uC8/UO62PB_s6-I/AAAAAAAACyc/lWnvJPgA_gE/s320/step41.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
STEP 5<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmq9HtwPlTU/UO62kWxws-I/AAAAAAAACyk/L5J1Uo6KTG0/s1600/step51.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmq9HtwPlTU/UO62kWxws-I/AAAAAAAACyk/L5J1Uo6KTG0/s320/step51.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
STEP 6<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4Ioj7ga8jc/UO62pEGLTpI/AAAAAAAACys/4fHaOcWF4rw/s1600/step61.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4Ioj7ga8jc/UO62pEGLTpI/AAAAAAAACys/4fHaOcWF4rw/s320/step61.png" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQuIv-pvzxA/UO624UdfgaI/AAAAAAAACy8/cnOHjxLNhG0/s1600/step6b1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQuIv-pvzxA/UO624UdfgaI/AAAAAAAACy8/cnOHjxLNhG0/s320/step6b1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
STEP 7<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqaoLbw33qM/UO62t8IaXaI/AAAAAAAACy0/UEV-OsCz9kE/s1600/step71.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqaoLbw33qM/UO62t8IaXaI/AAAAAAAACy0/UEV-OsCz9kE/s320/step71.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
STEP 8<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdPFBTVy1s4/UO62956qRpI/AAAAAAAACzE/qBI-5BPwlQg/s1600/step8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdPFBTVy1s4/UO62956qRpI/AAAAAAAACzE/qBI-5BPwlQg/s320/step8.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
STEP 9<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sct_Y6zJ1FQ/UO63CkWPs9I/AAAAAAAACzM/7sM7m0_umEo/s1600/step9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sct_Y6zJ1FQ/UO63CkWPs9I/AAAAAAAACzM/7sM7m0_umEo/s320/step9.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/07/how-to-make-a-milk-carton-row-boat/" target="_blank">AHC crafts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There you have it. You can use it in the pool, bath tub or any body of water and the thing about milk cartons is, their waxy surface makes them completely water proof…. so they perfect for the water.<br />
<br />
As for it's life cycle in the hands of a child, well..............that's anyone's guess! <br />
<br />
<br />
.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-35989149736612275882013-01-07T12:24:00.003+00:002013-01-07T12:25:33.202+00:00DIY Puzzle Block Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITOPVU7PKeY/UOqoYJs51iI/AAAAAAAACu4/5UJRQVKuVgg/s1600/puzzelblokken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITOPVU7PKeY/UOqoYJs51iI/AAAAAAAACu4/5UJRQVKuVgg/s400/puzzelblokken.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.101woonideeen.nl/zelfmaken/puzzelblokken.html" target="_blank"><span class="st">101 Woonideeën</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About a year ago, we bought a 4 in 1 jigsaw puzzle (<a href="http://www.thomasthetankshop.com/thomas-the-tank-shop-376-81--thomas_jigsaw_puzzles.htm" target="_blank">of a famous toy train character</a>) in the vain hope that our 18 month old would show signs of being 'just as clever' as all the other amazing, in your face 18 month olds.<br />
<br />
There was a 12 piece, 16 piece, 20 and 24 piece jigsaw.<br />
<br />
Just taking the 12 piece jigsaw first and packing away the other 3 for a much later date, we were in for a big shock. Not the kind of shock that entails finding the next <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garry_Kasparov" target="_blank">Garry Kasparov</a>. Having become bored and unchallenged by a 12 piece jigsaw, our genius offspring would now attempt all 4 jigsaws at once whilst twirling his dummy on a chain in a counter clockwise motion, all the time singing the alphabet...backwards.<br />
Next stop, Mensa.<br />
<br />
No, it was not that kind of shock.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
What began as the usual, "Give him time...he's only 18 months old", turned quickly into "He's eaten another piece of the jigsaw. What does that make...5?" <br />
<br />
Of course, that's only a phase.<br />
A phase that lasted 10 months...but still, it's a phase.<br />
<br />
So one day last week, when he made a 7 piece jigsaw (from the original 12) and said "Mammy, jigsaw broken" we jumped at the chance to bring another jigsaw out of hiding- this time a much bigger sacrifice at a whopping 16 pieces. <br />
<br />
Within 10 minutes he had put it all together and that night he had the 20 piece and 24 piece done also.<br />
There has been an explosion of interest in jigsaws and puzzles in this last week and this morning he finished a 49 piece jigsaw (with a little help from me - which if I have to be honest, was a little tough)<br />
<br />
Obviously, as we learnt from our own little jigsaw gobbler, not every child works to the same speed but it's great to encourage them to get started on puzzles and jigsaws.<br />
<br />
The sheer joy of seeing his little face work out where the pieces go and the delight when he figured it out was priceless. It's then that I, as a parent, see the bigger pieces of a grander puzzle fall in to place.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a roundup of a few simple, DIY puzzle block projects from around the web.<br />
<br />
From <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/" target="_blank">apartment therapy</a> there is this great idea for <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-painted-block-puzzlemomtas-146034" target="_blank">DIY painted blocks</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WphAkVKjgtk/UOq2XkfOzsI/AAAAAAAACvU/m13xsiCaUa0/s1600/2011-05-04-puzzle1_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WphAkVKjgtk/UOq2XkfOzsI/AAAAAAAACvU/m13xsiCaUa0/s400/2011-05-04-puzzle1_rect540.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-painted-block-puzzlemomtas-146034" target="_blank">apartment therapy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://makeprojects.com/" target="_blank">Make Projects</a> has a wonderful <a href="http://makeprojects.com/Project/Elephant+Block+Puzzle/2176/1#.UOq3Haz8VQ4" target="_blank">Elephant Puzzle</a> that you can download and transfer to wood blocks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmT5SAyUG3w/UOq3XusKiNI/AAAAAAAACvg/WIJ5XxdZFXg/s1600/gCKAJAmTvBaffPOb.large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nmT5SAyUG3w/UOq3XusKiNI/AAAAAAAACvg/WIJ5XxdZFXg/s640/gCKAJAmTvBaffPOb.large.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://makeprojects.com/Project/Elephant+Block+Puzzle/2176/1#.UOq3oaz8VQ5" target="_blank">Make Projects</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You could also try pages from an old children's book (ideally use one that is beyond repair as I still have an issue with cutting up a perfectly good book). <a href="http://www.zrecommends.com/" target="_blank">Z Recommends</a> has a nice tutorial for making your own <a href="http://zrecs.blogspot.ie/2008/02/diy-block-puzzle.html" target="_blank">Block Puzzles</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4-YDPu7x1Y/UOq5jtcAHyI/AAAAAAAACv8/zbu8ALV8YZk/s1600/DSC_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4-YDPu7x1Y/UOq5jtcAHyI/AAAAAAAACv8/zbu8ALV8YZk/s400/DSC_0179.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://zrecs.blogspot.ie/2008/02/diy-block-puzzle.html" target="_blank">Z Recommends</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And the photo at the top of this post comes from <a href="http://www.101woonideeen.nl/" target="_blank">101 Woonideeën</a> which suggest using your own child's drawing to make in to <a href="http://www.101woonideeen.nl/zelfmaken/puzzelblokken.html" target="_blank">Puzzle Blocks</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkRvJh5kuzM/UOq1-2RT_HI/AAAAAAAACvM/fDadgMaso_8/s1600/puzzelblokken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkRvJh5kuzM/UOq1-2RT_HI/AAAAAAAACvM/fDadgMaso_8/s400/puzzelblokken.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.101woonideeen.nl/zelfmaken/puzzelblokken.html" target="_blank"><span class="st">101 Woonideeën</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Finally, if your child has moved on from puzzle blocks and exhausted all manner of jigsaws, you can still recycle your old jigsaws in to a brand new one with a simple paint job.<br />
Which you can find amongst <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2011/10/painted-jigsaw-project.html" target="_blank">these pages here.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BvECKlLavg/UOq8XUDi60I/AAAAAAAACwQ/wR-dM7OPSUg/s1600/4953197436_91afe37b32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BvECKlLavg/UOq8XUDi60I/AAAAAAAACwQ/wR-dM7OPSUg/s400/4953197436_91afe37b32.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/09/painted-puzzle-tutorial.html">Alisa Burke</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz6LfUKglm0/UOq8nN1zB7I/AAAAAAAACwY/CWLmlURw0Zs/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz6LfUKglm0/UOq8nN1zB7I/AAAAAAAACwY/CWLmlURw0Zs/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2011/10/painted-jigsaw-project.html" target="_blank">Patent Pending Projects</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-68221854053466436372013-01-03T14:18:00.000+00:002013-01-03T14:19:05.413+00:00Teapot Birds Nest Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHDj-ImmXks/UOV1K2CQGrI/AAAAAAAACtc/mP9J6wwDSoY/s1600/10234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHDj-ImmXks/UOV1K2CQGrI/AAAAAAAACtc/mP9J6wwDSoY/s400/10234.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.edenproject.com/" target="_blank">The Eden Project</a></td></tr>
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There's a common idea that there is no trouble so great or grave, that cannot be diminished with a nice cup of tea. It will warm you if you are cold, cool you if you are hot, cheer you up
when feeling down and if you are excited or nervous, it will calm you.<br />
<br />
A teapot then, can represent at the same time, the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. <br />
<br />
When your teapot comes to the end of it's life, as ours did this Christmas, there are a number of ways in which you can repurpose it and give it new life.<br />
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The most obvious idea is plant pots.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cijyziQVBeQ/UOWI3xt-wGI/AAAAAAAACts/lckfmUnP0J8/s1600/7-Recycling-Items-Loupe-0223HPRAM005B-RESCAN_article_banner_img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cijyziQVBeQ/UOWI3xt-wGI/AAAAAAAACts/lckfmUnP0J8/s400/7-Recycling-Items-Loupe-0223HPRAM005B-RESCAN_article_banner_img.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.redonline.co.uk/interiors/easy-to-steal-ideas/recycling-objects?img=6" target="_blank">Red Online</a></td></tr>
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Which is also a great idea for those chipped and broken cups<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqKpAXGkrd4/UOWJcLc_wcI/AAAAAAAACt0/Eup0zm0Z30Y/s1600/diy-indoor-teacup-succulent-garden-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqKpAXGkrd4/UOWJcLc_wcI/AAAAAAAACt0/Eup0zm0Z30Y/s400/diy-indoor-teacup-succulent-garden-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.homedit.com/top-30-planters-diy-and-recycled/" target="_blank">Homedit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But my favourite idea, and somewhat inspired from one of my sons favourite books - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Bluebird-David-Lucas/dp/0374363307" target="_blank">The Robot and the Bluebird</a> - which tells the story of a robot with a broken heart, wasting away on a scrap heap.<br />
<br />
One
winter’s day a migrating bluebird lands on his shoulder, too exhausted
to go further.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>“Let me carry you,” </i>said the Robot.<i> “I’ll carry you in my heart, and shelter you from the cold and storms.”</i><br />
<br />
The bird’s companionship stirs up the robot’s last glimmer
of energy and he carries her across snowy wastes to the warm south,
whereupon his strength finally dies out.<br />
<br />
There he stands today like
an old hollow tree, home to dozens of singing birds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Odvjq26qbDM/UOWMLxR1WyI/AAAAAAAACuI/gyhb12hGxbk/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Odvjq26qbDM/UOWMLxR1WyI/AAAAAAAACuI/gyhb12hGxbk/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Bluebird-David-Lucas/dp/0374363307" target="_blank">The Robot and The Bluebird</a><i><br /></i></td></tr>
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<br />
What better way to start the new year and herald in the spring than by making a home in your garden.<br />
<br />
Jump over to <a href="http://kvcreativedesigns.blogspot.ie/2012/03/teapot-birds-nest.html" target="_blank">KV Creative Designs</a> for a wonderfully simple tutorial to turn a teapot into a nest. It also uses the lid as a small feeder in front.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cp3bj4uC4b0/UOWPyq0pqOI/AAAAAAAACuc/gj4H05Vaaqk/s1600/Camera+Effects-1330886849772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cp3bj4uC4b0/UOWPyq0pqOI/AAAAAAAACuc/gj4H05Vaaqk/s400/Camera+Effects-1330886849772.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://kvcreativedesigns.blogspot.ie/2012/03/teapot-birds-nest.html" target="_blank">KV Creative Designs</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDZZjTKNveY/UOWQUZEwJzI/AAAAAAAACuk/Zzkc67sPc3U/s1600/Camera+Effects-1330886929001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDZZjTKNveY/UOWQUZEwJzI/AAAAAAAACuk/Zzkc67sPc3U/s400/Camera+Effects-1330886929001.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://kvcreativedesigns.blogspot.ie/2012/03/teapot-birds-nest.html" target="_blank">KV Creative Designs</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Upon entering any home, you can be guaranteed that within the first minute, an offer of tea will be made. Such a small gesture of warmth and kindness should surely extend to the garden? <br />
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.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-31412824528409851232012-12-31T13:18:00.000+00:002012-12-31T13:19:38.571+00:00Make One Change Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gHEC-_1cjU/UOB5uEPrf5I/AAAAAAAACsc/KtWR-ChP6DM/s1600/you-must-be-the-change-you-wish-to-see-in-the-world-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gHEC-_1cjU/UOB5uEPrf5I/AAAAAAAACsc/KtWR-ChP6DM/s640/you-must-be-the-change-you-wish-to-see-in-the-world-1024x576.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://shiftwallpapers.com/" target="_blank">Shift Wallpapers</a></td></tr>
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<br />
It's New Year's Eve and for most of us, that means it is a time for reflection, to look back on the past year and take stock of what we have achieved - or what is more frequently the case, what's left to be achieved.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ2LCAyPK6I/UOFubxr9tGI/AAAAAAAACss/o2ydwsfVUBk/s1600/168603579769483425_IeS3GQgq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ2LCAyPK6I/UOFubxr9tGI/AAAAAAAACss/o2ydwsfVUBk/s400/168603579769483425_IeS3GQgq_c.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://googoogoojoob.tumblr.com/post/15343774844/tommaso-via-piccsy-new-years-resolutions" target="_blank">This is confusion, am I confusing you?</a></td></tr>
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It's ironic that in a world obsessed with making everything twice as fast as it was last week, it's getting progressively easier to say - "I just don't have the time". In truth, we have exactly the same number of hours in a day that were given to Helen Keller, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein.<br />
So why do we claim to be far too busy? <br />
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I'm sure each and every one of us has a valid reason for being constantly connected to our laptop, iPad and iPhone - but when it comes to blind copying yourself on your own emails, just to stay 'in the loop' - it's probably taking it a step too far.<br />
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It's all about choice. Some of us have a choice and some of us don't have that choice. My intention with this site was to always offer a choice. An alternative to 'sorting rubbish in the right coloured bins'.<br />
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While some of us live in a world where this is a good idea.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYKzdXQCJ2k/UOGIUpf06aI/AAAAAAAACtM/UNj4lsUtsI8/s1600/LR_thumb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYKzdXQCJ2k/UOGIUpf06aI/AAAAAAAACtM/UNj4lsUtsI8/s400/LR_thumb2.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://emilyaclark.blogspot.ie/2012/03/send-me-picture-last-thing-i-hung-on-my.html" target="_blank">Emily A. Clark</a></td></tr>
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Millions of us live in a world where this is a necessary idea.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3VE8ZwdBzc/UOGGKxJNnUI/AAAAAAAACs8/hKBh2TeDDnE/s1600/Soles4Souls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3VE8ZwdBzc/UOGGKxJNnUI/AAAAAAAACs8/hKBh2TeDDnE/s400/Soles4Souls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.soles4souls.org/" target="_blank">Soles 4 Souls</a></td></tr>
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This year, instead of making a list of changes that you would like to see in your own life.<br />
Make a choice to change one thing in someone else's life.<br />
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"What we do for ourselves, dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." <br />
- Albert Pine<br />
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<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-64026725480149880502012-12-06T13:36:00.000+00:002013-12-12T08:26:24.009+00:00Christmas Decoration Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSQ3Ph2z0IY/UMBuwPSuNAI/AAAAAAAACqw/SylhSIMsx8o/s1600/6254106809_e80d7a3dbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSQ3Ph2z0IY/UMBuwPSuNAI/AAAAAAAACqw/SylhSIMsx8o/s400/6254106809_e80d7a3dbf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2011/10/recycling-project-holiday-ornament.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
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And so it begins.....<br />
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There has been much discussion in our home about when Christmas starts.<br />
<br />
Is it when everything from windscreen wipers to organic fair trade coffee becomes available in gift baskets?<br />
Is it when twinkly lights appear on the neighbours house and seem to be powered by a mini nuclear reactors?<br />
Or is it when you start taking photos of your dog wearing reindeer antlers? <br />
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In truth, it's actually when all the shops start to sell an eclectic range of elastic pants with special re-inforced waist bands.<br />
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In our house, it's when the tree arrives, which happened this week.<br />
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We welcome the tree in to our home with a healthy drop of mulled wine and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlMYKPWcgIk" target="_blank">Doris Day singing Silver Bells</a> on the stereo. Then it's time to decorate the tree and sit back to watch our mid riffs expand over the next 2 weeks.<br />
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Each year, I try to reduce the need for waste by recycling whenever I can.<br />
From <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2011/12/recycled-wrapping-paper-project.html" target="_blank">Wrapping Paper</a> to <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2011/02/magazine-gift-bow-project.html" target="_blank">Gift Bows.</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5opauY7MUZc/UMCV3SC02kI/AAAAAAAACrA/R7Bx2h25EaI/s1600/Xmas+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5opauY7MUZc/UMCV3SC02kI/AAAAAAAACrA/R7Bx2h25EaI/s640/Xmas+Photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.greenista.com/">Greenista</a> (left), <a href="http://www.howaboutorange.blogspot.ie/2009/10/make-gift-bow-from-magazine-page.html" target="_blank">How About Orange</a> (right)</td></tr>
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This year, I'm trying to extend that philosophy to the decorations and ornaments.<br />
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Over at <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a> there is a wonderfully simple <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2011/10/recycling-project-holiday-ornament.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> that recycles the empty cardboard ring from sellotape - which is one thing we'll probably all be using this Christmas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8xyn586VKM/UMCXXYtWDYI/AAAAAAAACrI/ScUg1r45l5o/s1600/6254633224_3ee921af25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8xyn586VKM/UMCXXYtWDYI/AAAAAAAACrI/ScUg1r45l5o/s400/6254633224_3ee921af25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2011/10/recycling-project-holiday-ornament.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
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The Materials you will need are:<br />
<br />
- Cardboard ring - which you will paint white.<br />
- White card stock & red card stock (or you could use old book pages & magazine pages)<br />
- Some red embroidery thread and a push pin<br />
- Some Glue, a craft knife and a metal Ruler<br />
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The instructions are:<br />
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- Paint the cardboard ring white and let it dry.<br />
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- Cut white strips of card stock that are slightly narrower in width than the width of the cardboard ring.<br />
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- Glue the strips to one another by overlapping 1/4" (5mm) of each end
of the strips. You should end up with a strip that is at least 60"
(152cm) long.<br />
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- Fold the strips accordion style at 3/4" (2cm) intervals. Glue the opposite ends of the folded strip to form a full circle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ly05l0pc8U/UMCY5JVcVUI/AAAAAAAACrQ/tzSLKQMN9r4/s1600/6254633354_22fd6c0ec5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ly05l0pc8U/UMCY5JVcVUI/AAAAAAAACrQ/tzSLKQMN9r4/s400/6254633354_22fd6c0ec5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2011/10/recycling-project-holiday-ornament.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
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- Using a push pin, make one hole in the center
of the width of the ring. Thread a length of embroidery thread through
the hole that is long enough to hang the ornament.<br />
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- Tuck the ring of folded white strips inside the card board ring. Add
dots of glue to the edges of some of the outer folds of the white paper
and glue to them to the inside of the ring.<br />
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- Cut six strips of red paper that are the same width of the white
strip and twice as long as the height of the folds. Fold each red strip
in half.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVzCq0rXOTI/UMCZV29PXrI/AAAAAAAACrY/FTxU0IcjJjw/s1600/6254102597_d85c83e486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVzCq0rXOTI/UMCZV29PXrI/AAAAAAAACrY/FTxU0IcjJjw/s400/6254102597_d85c83e486.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2011/10/recycling-project-holiday-ornament.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
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<br />
- Tuck the red pieces inside the folds of the white paper to form a 6
point star. It might take some trial and error to make the star look symmetrical. Once they are in
the right place glue the red paper to the inside of the accordion folds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYsLW3vOhmc/UMCZrUo_LcI/AAAAAAAACrg/bAZBHtn1UrE/s1600/6254130655_fb9045c302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYsLW3vOhmc/UMCZrUo_LcI/AAAAAAAACrg/bAZBHtn1UrE/s400/6254130655_fb9045c302.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2011/10/recycling-project-holiday-ornament.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
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And that's it. It couldn't be simpler.<br />
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If you don't have a cardboard ring, you can make your own by making a circle with a strip of card board from something like a cereal box. Sellotape them together and that wrap them around a few times to create a thick edge and then paint it white.<br />
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<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-87046872333525453622012-10-22T12:52:00.000+01:002012-10-22T14:52:00.101+01:00Halloween Lantern ProjectEach year, millions of households around the world, carve scary faces into shop bought pumpkins and then place them in their windows and on their doorsteps as part of their Halloween decorations.<br />
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From the distinctly traditional...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4AtiRoi0JM/UIUPFp_Zl0I/AAAAAAAACoA/KguVbnMN7Bc/s1600/2994833658_4dee82fa37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4AtiRoi0JM/UIUPFp_Zl0I/AAAAAAAACoA/KguVbnMN7Bc/s400/2994833658_4dee82fa37.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://woodwarddesign.ca/blog/2008/11/06/woodward-design-pumpkin-carving/" target="_blank">Woodward Design</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O32VRVAkehQ/UIUPyvxyeGI/AAAAAAAACoI/86POTmKvaeM/s1600/Halloween-Carved-Pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O32VRVAkehQ/UIUPyvxyeGI/AAAAAAAACoI/86POTmKvaeM/s400/Halloween-Carved-Pumpkin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://puzzles-games.eu/puzzle-halloween-carved-pumpkin-1151.html" target="_blank">Puzzle-Games</a><br />
<a name='more'></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
....to the minutely intricate...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pOUoolUxB0/UIUV_KysTbI/AAAAAAAACo4/fAp8wW8yKNQ/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pOUoolUxB0/UIUV_KysTbI/AAAAAAAACo4/fAp8wW8yKNQ/s400/untitled.JPG" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: 1- <a href="http://bdgastore.com/blog/2011/10/pumpkin-carving-ideas/" target="_blank">Bodega</a> / 2 - <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/275704/more-great-pumpkins/@center/276965/halloween" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a> / 3 - <a href="http://designcollector.net/pumpkin-carving-by-ray-villafane/" target="_blank">Design Collector</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...by way of the downright geeky.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-037vETQAvhY/UIUZbHaEwmI/AAAAAAAACpQ/PXtO2HgB92M/s1600/HalloweenPumpkins0820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-037vETQAvhY/UIUZbHaEwmI/AAAAAAAACpQ/PXtO2HgB92M/s400/HalloweenPumpkins0820.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-star-wars-pumpkin-carvings.php" target="_blank">TopTenz</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There's no denying though, that pumpkin carving can be a huge waste of food, and you should have a wide variety of pumpkin recipes to choose from to use up all the pumpkin and seeds that are scooped out. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhxmTE_7fXQ/UIUbJ4h5lEI/AAAAAAAACpY/CMUUKVI1iXc/s1600/Recipes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhxmTE_7fXQ/UIUbJ4h5lEI/AAAAAAAACpY/CMUUKVI1iXc/s640/Recipes.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="https://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&q=pumpkin+recipes&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=QQ2FUPTLBIXPhAeAt4CYAQ&biw=1116&bih=815&sei=Ug2FUIXtJ9KZhQejiIDQDw" target="_blank">Google </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, lets say you don't like the taste of it and the idea of carving up a pumpkin , making a big mess and throwing out good food, just for a few weeks of festive decorations, seems like a lot of hard work, when actually there are tons of alternatives out there that can help you recycle some everyday household objects and cut down on that needless amount of waste.<br />
<br />
You could try simple <a href="http://www.jollymom.com/2010/10/do-it-yourself-halloween-tin-can.html" target="_blank">Tin Can Lanterns</a> by <a href="http://www.jollymom.com/" target="_blank">jolly mom</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGIgBw5vaq4/UIUc--cSL6I/AAAAAAAACpg/TRsBF82Q7bI/s1600/Tin-Can-Halloween-Lights.001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGIgBw5vaq4/UIUc--cSL6I/AAAAAAAACpg/TRsBF82Q7bI/s400/Tin-Can-Halloween-Lights.001.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.jollymom.com/2010/10/do-it-yourself-halloween-tin-can.html" target="_blank">jolly mom</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.shemakesahome.com/2010/10/indoor-jack-olantern-52-weeks-of-diy.html#.UIUgq2ftn0d" target="_blank">Glass Jar Jack O' Lantern</a> by <a href="http://www.shemakesahome.com/" target="_blank">She Makes a Home</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfyUJYzMZGk/UIUgt-IAZSI/AAAAAAAACpw/Uc7XAdc88QY/s1600/DSC03917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfyUJYzMZGk/UIUgt-IAZSI/AAAAAAAACpw/Uc7XAdc88QY/s1600/DSC03917.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.shemakesahome.com/2010/10/indoor-jack-olantern-52-weeks-of-diy.html#.UIUhXGftn0e" target="_blank">She Makes a Home</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And with a few extra materials you can easily create these <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2011/10/halloween-ghost-lights.html" target="_blank">Halloween Ghost Lights</a> by <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/" target="_blank">Craft Passion</a> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQqU4YL1cvg/UIUlKbGNWMI/AAAAAAAACqI/rXnCLy1j6uA/s1600/halloween-ghost-light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQqU4YL1cvg/UIUlKbGNWMI/AAAAAAAACqI/rXnCLy1j6uA/s400/halloween-ghost-light.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2011/10/halloween-ghost-lights.html" target="_blank">Craft Passion</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvJBZsZUv8I/UIUlP_0dPfI/AAAAAAAACqQ/IlwBWPFcSOU/s1600/halloween-6-ghost-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvJBZsZUv8I/UIUlP_0dPfI/AAAAAAAACqQ/IlwBWPFcSOU/s400/halloween-6-ghost-lights.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2011/10/halloween-ghost-lights.html" target="_blank">Craft Passion</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a wonderful spooky idea and will give your boxed up, packed
away
Christmas lights an earlier introduction than expected and a purpose other
than hugging a tree for two weeks only to be boxed up and shoved in the
attic for 50 more weeks.<br />
<br />
Now that really would be a waste.<br />
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<br />
.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-35288256110653638812012-10-11T09:16:00.000+01:002012-10-11T11:44:06.857+01:00Security Envelope Project(s)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eN3bxTROPw/UHVSY4CflpI/AAAAAAAAChY/6y17yoJY8Jw/s1600/2956269319_d54597e7b2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eN3bxTROPw/UHVSY4CflpI/AAAAAAAAChY/6y17yoJY8Jw/s400/2956269319_d54597e7b2_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecomonster/2956269319/" target="_blank">Eco_Monster</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Security envelopes hold our lives in the balance.<br />
<br />
When the post arrives, we are greeted with one envelope giving us money, or at least telling us that in theory we have money, but not for long - because the next envelope will take it away from us in the form of a bill or bank charge.<br />
<br />
It's ebb and flow. It's yin and yang. It's Russian roulette with window pane envelopes.<br />
<br />
More importantly, it's a total waste of paper.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
We throw these discarded envelopes into the trash without even noticing the amazing designs inside or think about the projects that could be achieved with a small amount of imagination and a little bit of time.<br />
<br />
First up are these simple to make <a href="http://www.milomade.co.uk/blog/2010/10/paper-decorations-made-from-envelopes/" target="_blank">Origami Wreaths</a> from <a href="http://www.milomade.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">MiloMade</a>.<br />
<br />
A really great idea which can be used for lots of different festive decorations. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osWYBG3j7YM/UHV0pJ1JfQI/AAAAAAAACik/pIx1afdGT5w/s1600/origami-wreath-012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osWYBG3j7YM/UHV0pJ1JfQI/AAAAAAAACik/pIx1afdGT5w/s640/origami-wreath-012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.milomade.co.uk/blog/2010/10/paper-decorations-made-from-envelopes/" target="_blank">MiloMade</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not to frighten anyone, but Christmas is only 10 weeks away. It's a good
a time as any to start saving a few pennies and start making your own
decorations, especially with these fascinating graphic designs.<br />
<br />
And why stop with decorations? How about some gift tags too? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2dFP-PhzbM/UHV8P5UfaqI/AAAAAAAACjw/xnuEc41xu2c/s1600/1858834346_43f4bcc453_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2dFP-PhzbM/UHV8P5UfaqI/AAAAAAAACjw/xnuEc41xu2c/s400/1858834346_43f4bcc453_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35516546@N00/1858834346/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Swirlyarts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With the amount of bills and junk mail that comes through my own front door, I could easily have an endless supply of reminder note cards. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zXSMI9ows8/UHV9-xZw-DI/AAAAAAAACj4/3Z_smtm9cHc/s1600/2security-envelopes_idea-note-cards_cozyhomemaker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zXSMI9ows8/UHV9-xZw-DI/AAAAAAAACj4/3Z_smtm9cHc/s640/2security-envelopes_idea-note-cards_cozyhomemaker.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://cozyhomemaking.blogspot.ie/2009/01/iheartjunkmail.html" target="_blank">Cozy Homemaking</a> / <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cozymemories/3397533871/" target="_blank">Cozy Memories</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Or bind some of those note cards together to make a pocket sized note book.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4C-sOzBc9KY/UHWSHbIQ5OI/AAAAAAAACmQ/as3twTeyIjo/s1600/Paper+2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4C-sOzBc9KY/UHWSHbIQ5OI/AAAAAAAACmQ/as3twTeyIjo/s400/Paper+2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://carolynshomework.blogspot.ie/2012/03/inkling-scratch-paper-booklets.html" target="_blank">Homework</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you happen to get a lot of larger security envelopes and manage to collect enough, then you could occupy yourself with one of my favourite, and coincidentally, <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2011/02/office-scrap-paper-project.html" target="_blank">one of my own projects</a>. A handmade notebook.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95ZBFtEHQcs/UHWMPgrlkbI/AAAAAAAAClE/SRR4_TsDnKg/s1600/security-envelope-note-book_lena-corwin2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95ZBFtEHQcs/UHWMPgrlkbI/AAAAAAAAClE/SRR4_TsDnKg/s400/security-envelope-note-book_lena-corwin2.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://blog.lenacorwin.com/post/493" target="_blank">Lena Corwin</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately, the link to the above photo leads to a dead end but over at <a href="http://bee-inspired.blogspot.ie/2012/02/diy-notebook-sketchbook-whatever-i-want.html" target="_blank">Bee Inspired</a> there is a wonderful tutorial for book binding, which can be found <a href="http://bee-inspired.blogspot.ie/2012/02/diy-notebook-sketchbook-whatever-i-want.html" target="_blank">here</a> or a much simpler version <a href="http://patentpendingprojects.blogspot.ie/2012/04/im-constantly-finding-little-scraps-of.html" target="_blank">found here</a>.<br />
<br />
Alternatively, check out this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHAJyzzb4EE" target="_blank">great video</a> for book binding on YouTube.<br />
<br />
There is an absolute wealth of ideas to explore with regard to these seemingly useless pieces of paper. In fact a quick <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=security+envelopes" target="_blank">search on Pinterest</a> throws up 100's of ideas to consider. The least of which is to decorate inexpensive plain white stationary, like this idea from <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/07/recycling-project-security-envelopes.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a> which also finds a great use for the discarded transparent window panels and turning them into bookmarks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHJOlzeOBo4/UHWTo6c-AgI/AAAAAAAACmY/ilBGgKCFdsE/s1600/4818622860_b4037aa46a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHJOlzeOBo4/UHWTo6c-AgI/AAAAAAAACmY/ilBGgKCFdsE/s400/4818622860_b4037aa46a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/07/recycling-project-security-envelopes.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWH3V5Nv6Ns/UHWVHV7IhOI/AAAAAAAACmg/VPd7XpbB8mA/s1600/4818623260_227ece3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWH3V5Nv6Ns/UHWVHV7IhOI/AAAAAAAACmg/VPd7XpbB8mA/s400/4818623260_227ece3880.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/07/recycling-project-security-envelopes.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If it all seems like too much hard work, the easiest thing you can do is just turn the envelope inside out. Stick an address label on the outside, recycle it and use it as a new envelope yourself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmYAd36QjnM/UHWV3X04-gI/AAAAAAAACmo/s2qzgfEAKWA/s1600/security-envelopes_tangledcrafts_wordpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmYAd36QjnM/UHWV3X04-gI/AAAAAAAACmo/s2qzgfEAKWA/s400/security-envelopes_tangledcrafts_wordpress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.craigoldham.co.uk/experimental/internal-mail/" target="_blank">Craig Oldham</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, the next time you get a bill through the front door, try your best and recycle. It's not that hard. As a community we are very wasteful.<br />
<br />
Just take a bit of time. Use your imagination and figure out the best way you can recycle everyday items.<br />
<br />
It's not like these are groundbreaking ideas and I'm certainly not pushing the envelope.<br />
<br />
But you can.<br />
<br />
.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-15163187651573283182012-09-27T13:32:00.000+01:002012-09-27T13:44:37.676+01:00Build Your Own Office Organizer* Project<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">*As much as I would love to begin this post by leaping into the world of science and lay out plans, schematics and diagrams for <a href="http://letsmakerobots.com/start" target="_blank">building your own robot</a>
to aid you with the organization of your office and life, this task, much like
having to 'build your own' robot, effectively rest with your very own
capable hands. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">Also, it's just made from a cereal box. So there's that!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQAGreubtM8/UGF4_omykkI/AAAAAAAACa0/FhATgzgPAUY/s1600/4427456902_04ae0db002_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQAGreubtM8/UGF4_omykkI/AAAAAAAACa0/FhATgzgPAUY/s400/4427456902_04ae0db002_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">With shops
like <a href="http://www.staples.ie/?gclid=CNeH4-bC0LICFYNO4QodZlgADg" target="_blank">Staples</a>, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/" target="_blank">Ikea</a>, <a href="http://www.tiger-stores.ie/" target="_blank">Tiger</a> and what appears to be the Daddy of them all <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm" target="_blank">The Container Store</a>, being disorganized looks to be a thing of the past.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">In the turbulent, whirlwind-like chaos that we call our daily lives, some of us strive </span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">for that little piece of calm, the eye of the storm if you like,</span></span> and try to arrange our desk drawers to look like this. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_SbmShcl0M/UGF5vJ0m-mI/AAAAAAAACa8/4TgqAe8imA4/s1600/tumblr_m7nffxojm51qbbtlr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_SbmShcl0M/UGF5vJ0m-mI/AAAAAAAACa8/4TgqAe8imA4/s400/tumblr_m7nffxojm51qbbtlr.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://imgur.com/hf2yA" target="_blank">imgur</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">In truth, most of us must face that post twister aftermath and we struggle with desk drawers that look a lot like this.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCOSN7AliC0/UGF62BfmETI/AAAAAAAACbE/3pufb-EmFOQ/s1600/messy_drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCOSN7AliC0/UGF62BfmETI/AAAAAAAACbE/3pufb-EmFOQ/s400/messy_drawer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://esrose.blogspot.ie/2010_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">esrose</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Step 1 is admitting you have a problem.<br />
<br />
Step 2 is popping out to one of those office supply superstores and picking out the latest range of molded plastic office accessories in vivid artificial colours - but <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">wait, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't offer one or two alternatives and in doing so, help you recycle some everyday items.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">There is the obvious choice of recycled tin cans. Tuna tin cans would appear to be perfect as they are shallow enough to fit in a drawer, b<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">ut (and I'm
speaking for myself here) look at all that empty space between the cans.
Surely it's only a matter of time before the old habits kick in a items
like loose change and random nic-naks start filling in the gaps.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ht76I_oYl1M/UGQV2Kx0LoI/AAAAAAAACcM/dmevbYU2hBU/s1600/diy+soup+can+drawer+organizer+dividers1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ht76I_oYl1M/UGQV2Kx0LoI/AAAAAAAACcM/dmevbYU2hBU/s400/diy+soup+can+drawer+organizer+dividers1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.simplifiedbee.com/2011/01/simple-steps-to-organize-a-junk-or-desk-drawer-with-style.html" target="_blank">Simplified Bee</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">This idea does lend itself though, to other storage solutions, by way of recycled cans. For example, this great idea, from <a href="http://www.homeandgardenblog.com/tin-can-organizer/" target="_blank">Home & Garden Blog</a> utilizes recycled soup cans, stuck with magnets to a metal cooking sheet.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udQ4Q-hA0cc/UGQ7hejhdnI/AAAAAAAACdU/I27TD0JVHAw/s1600/tin-can-holders1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udQ4Q-hA0cc/UGQ7hejhdnI/AAAAAAAACdU/I27TD0JVHAw/s400/tin-can-holders1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.homeandgardenblog.com/tin-can-organizer/" target="_blank">Home & Garden Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">I digress though.This is about drawers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">So how about this idea, over at <a href="http://the3rsblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/10/project-24-week-27-altoids-tins-desk-accessories/" target="_blank">the 3 R's blog</a> which uses old Altoids tins</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opFT-i5XAOI/UGQ9FscYNMI/AAAAAAAACdc/dR6xe_T1fmc/s1600/09-altoids-tins-cork-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opFT-i5XAOI/UGQ9FscYNMI/AAAAAAAACdc/dR6xe_T1fmc/s400/09-altoids-tins-cork-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://the3rsblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/10/project-24-week-27-altoids-tins-desk-accessories/" target="_blank">the 3 R's blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">We seem to be getting closer but I think this final idea which comes from <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a>, is hands down my favourite one as the main component is recycled cereal boxes and the template an be easily adapted to suit larger pieces of cardboard.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPN38EXRAoE/UGRAe_G9bVI/AAAAAAAACek/DGNcdbeczu4/s1600/4426694649_ddaf7a156f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPN38EXRAoE/UGRAe_G9bVI/AAAAAAAACek/DGNcdbeczu4/s400/4426694649_ddaf7a156f_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">All you will need is:</span></span><br />
1. Template (which you can download <a href="http://alittlehut.com/blog/PatriciaZapata-Matchbox.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
2. Craft knife or scissors<br />
3. Cardboard from a cereal or cookie box that is at least 8" x 9"<br />
4. Pencil<br />
5. Ruler<br />
6. Cardstock <br />
7. Craft glue and a glue stick<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Step 1. Print and cut out the template.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrfeSBoc1QY/UGRB2V8fitI/AAAAAAAACe8/qYtfASYuvho/s1600/4427456312_9e115cb32e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrfeSBoc1QY/UGRB2V8fitI/AAAAAAAACe8/qYtfASYuvho/s400/4427456312_9e115cb32e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter">Step 2. Trace the template onto the cardboard. Draw small hatch marks that
line up with the interior lines of the template (shown by red dots).
This will make it easier for you to score more accurately.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoRZFKevQzw/UGRCBLoeIdI/AAAAAAAACfE/rNrLSxad2rM/s1600/4427456432_e17abd9443_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoRZFKevQzw/UGRCBLoeIdI/AAAAAAAACfE/rNrLSxad2rM/s400/4427456432_e17abd9443_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Using the <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BIC_blue_pen_cap.jpg" target="_blank">cap from a bic pen</a>, score along the solid lines shown in the template. Cut out the box along the drawn outline.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yOwDq6J82Q/UGRDw80WGKI/AAAAAAAACfM/ZwfqJ6ny9vU/s1600/4427456530_09ce113534_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yOwDq6J82Q/UGRDw80WGKI/AAAAAAAACfM/ZwfqJ6ny9vU/s400/4427456530_09ce113534_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. Fold the outer most tabs towards the outside part of the box or the
craft paper colored side. Fold the other edges towards the inside or the
printed side of the cardboard.<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Svjr5FXtg0/UGRD821atXI/AAAAAAAACfU/6voGvfNNj4I/s1600/4427456596_cc78ff8ba1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Svjr5FXtg0/UGRD821atXI/AAAAAAAACfU/6voGvfNNj4I/s400/4427456596_cc78ff8ba1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="aligncenter"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKyaPgeQO_0/UGRECvOmBGI/AAAAAAAACfc/5V_9UAKbxm4/s1600/4426694507_907683a439_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKyaPgeQO_0/UGRECvOmBGI/AAAAAAAACfc/5V_9UAKbxm4/s400/4426694507_907683a439_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Using the craft glue, adhere the longest sides of the box so that the
long tabs are flat against the bottom inside of the box. Fold and glue
the short sides in the same fashion making sure to go over the small
tabs. The small tabs should be sandwiched between the short sides of the
box. If necessary clamp the sides with clips<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TE4H5oQXw78/UGRERWCJ-xI/AAAAAAAACfk/x6hfEi4YYHc/s1600/4426694595_d17dff7ce4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TE4H5oQXw78/UGRERWCJ-xI/AAAAAAAACfk/x6hfEi4YYHc/s400/4426694595_d17dff7ce4_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. For the inside of the box - Cut out another piece of cardboard that
is 3" x 4". That is the exact measurement of the box. Because of
thickness of the sides, the inside bottom of the box will be slightly
smaller. Trim the length and width of the cardboard as necessary to
allow the rectangle to fit on the bottom of the box. Attach it with
glue. If you prefer this would be a perfect place to use a contrasting
color to give the inside of the box some color.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1M_8uXPN3R8/UGREol7TYdI/AAAAAAAACfs/iXG7mXbeMqM/s1600/4426694649_ddaf7a156f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1M_8uXPN3R8/UGREol7TYdI/AAAAAAAACfs/iXG7mXbeMqM/s400/4426694649_ddaf7a156f_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.ie/2010/03/recycle-project-no-21-matchbox.html" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8. Line up the paper with one of the long sides of the box. Pinch and
crease as the paper goes around the box making sure that the cover is
snug but not too tight. Before gluing it together make sure that your
cover will comfortably slide on and off the box. Glue the ends of the
paper cover using the glue stick and make sure to let it dry completely.
Done!<br />
<br />
There are limitless ways in which to customize this idea and truth be told, if you started with a messy drawer, there's all the likelihood that you'll always have a messy drawer, no matter what.<br />
<br />
So just do yourself a favour and recycle some old cereal boxes instead of spending much needed money on cheap looking plastic that will only end up disappearing under an overflowing pile of office supplies.<br />
<br />
.Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6283557073874487825.post-77981616309753263922012-09-20T14:01:00.000+01:002012-09-20T14:01:54.399+01:00Piggy Bank Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtxPbtrZ4cE/UFsLH3IpPbI/AAAAAAAACW4/LoafUHcsAyY/s1600/5548287516_1eea519e87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAuWGI5mW-Q/UFrulzNr_FI/AAAAAAAACVo/FuLBpM_Z-o8/s1600/5548287144_5281c27dae_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAuWGI5mW-Q/UFrulzNr_FI/AAAAAAAACVo/FuLBpM_Z-o8/s400/5548287144_5281c27dae_z.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is 1985's chart topping hit, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrUB0g8Vjgg" target="_blank">"Money's Too Tight (to Mention)"</a>, a <span class="st">frighteningly</span> accurate prophesy of the economic climate, or is it simply just an obvious reminder that all this has happened before and all this will happen again*.<br />
<br />
Either way, it's time to save our pennies and this little projects, from <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">the little red house</a>, which utilizes recycled newspapers and discarded egg cartons, will help you do just that.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Here's a list of materials.<br />
<br />
Recycled Newspapers<br />
An Egg Carton <br />
Balloons<br />
Masking Tape<br />
Flour<br />
PVA or Craft Glue<br />
Tissue Paper (if you don't use colourful paper, which you can pick up in a craft shop, just use normal tissue paper and paint it afterwards.)<br />
Paint Brush<br />
A Large Cork<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erX0cOjMZPk/UFsJcS80fWI/AAAAAAAACWw/7YFpMw9f_e0/s1600/5547705047_02479c9378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erX0cOjMZPk/UFsJcS80fWI/AAAAAAAACWw/7YFpMw9f_e0/s400/5547705047_02479c9378.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Step 1<br />
<br />
Blow up the balloon and cut out 5 sections from your egg carton. Tape each section to the balloon, making 4 legs and a nose. Place the nose section over the balloon tie to hide it.<br />
<br />
Step 2<br />
<br />
Mix your flour and water to form a thin paper mache paste.<br />
There are some great paper mache recipes <a href="http://ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-recipes" target="_blank">at this link</a> from <a href="http://ultimatepapermache.com/" target="_blank">Ultimate Paper Mache </a><br />
<br />
Cut your newspapers into strips and start putting a thin coat of paste on each strip and apply it smoothly to the balloon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtxPbtrZ4cE/UFsLH3IpPbI/AAAAAAAACW4/LoafUHcsAyY/s1600/5548287516_1eea519e87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtxPbtrZ4cE/UFsLH3IpPbI/AAAAAAAACW4/LoafUHcsAyY/s400/5548287516_1eea519e87.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Keep applying strips of paper until the entire balloon, legs and nose are covered.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lywG1rs85kc/UFsLzQSe6yI/AAAAAAAACXA/5R-8btDQzJc/s1600/5548287402_ea3f82a407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lywG1rs85kc/UFsLzQSe6yI/AAAAAAAACXA/5R-8btDQzJc/s400/5548287402_ea3f82a407.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Leave to dry over night.<br />
<br />
Step 4<br />
<br />
Choose the colour tissue paper you like (or paint it white, let dry and paint it the colour you like) <br />
Cut the tissue paper into small squares(about 2 inches squared)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7lm1ujPYHc/UFsMvSadW2I/AAAAAAAACXI/m_xkO5xcWT4/s1600/5548287312_7f3bb4069f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7lm1ujPYHc/UFsMvSadW2I/AAAAAAAACXI/m_xkO5xcWT4/s400/5548287312_7f3bb4069f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mix the PVA glue with some water to make a runny glue that can be painted on to the pig. Apply the squares of tissue and using the paint brush, paint the glue on to help keep them in place. Once the entire pig is covered, allow to dry over night. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtKQVm7Jc-w/UFsNYEqkb8I/AAAAAAAACXQ/wOiD5MYCtrE/s1600/5547704927_2e96611929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtKQVm7Jc-w/UFsNYEqkb8I/AAAAAAAACXQ/wOiD5MYCtrE/s400/5547704927_2e96611929.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Making sure the pig is completely dry and hard all the way around, cut a slit in the top (big enough to take coins) and then cut a hole in the bottom, about half the width of your cork. You should be able to pull out the remains of the balloon from either of these two holes that you've cut.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhHVGgApA70/UFsOzKJ-2GI/AAAAAAAACXY/rnMdveBd-zQ/s1600/5547704829_149bff4b2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhHVGgApA70/UFsOzKJ-2GI/AAAAAAAACXY/rnMdveBd-zQ/s400/5547704829_149bff4b2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Step 5<br />
<br />
Start saving your money for a rainy day. Just don't spend it on every rainy day because if you go by our weather, you'll be broke by the end of the week.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjSfIuDcvUI/UFsSmAEHR2I/AAAAAAAACYg/CNH6SW10RzU/s1600/5547704871_da397137c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjSfIuDcvUI/UFsSmAEHR2I/AAAAAAAACYg/CNH6SW10RzU/s400/5547704871_da397137c0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.ie/2011/03/this-little-piggy.html" target="_blank">the little red house</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
*Forgive the Battlestar Galactica reference but if you know me, you're probably very surprised that I haven't quoted it sooner. Really...it was only a matter of time.<br />
<br />Martin Fanninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14838771813490150821noreply@blogger.com1