Weekend Project: Halloween Gingerbread House

Posted on October 28, 2011 by DIY Guy



Try this fun spin on the traditional gingerbread house this Halloween. There are so many different ways you could decorate your house, so have lots of fun creating your spooky version of a gingerbread house!




Materials:


Gingerbread House Kit (Or make one homemade)


Assorted Halloween Candy


Food Coloring


Extra Icing (In case your kit doesn’t have enough)


Decorative Icing Tube (Black, Orange, Browns, etc)



Other Items that can add Spooky-ness (Walnuts, snack sticks, Chex, etc)




Steps:


1. Dye the icing the color of your choice. I used Orange. Construct the house using the icing as glue to hold it together.



2. Decorate the house using the assortment of candy and snacks; use the colored icing as the glue to hold the items in place. You can also outline or add images with the decorative icing. Let your imagination run free. You can use walnuts as the grass, make trees, clocks, spiders, ghosts, or just decorate in oranges, blacks, browns, and yellows. Have fun!



Remember to send us your pictures! info@mydiyguy.com Thanks!




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Weekend Project: Broomstick Gift Bags

Posted on October 26, 2011 by DIY Guy



Looking for a fun and creative way to give your guests a great Halloween treat? Try making these gift bags for your next spooky party.





Materials:


Paper Lunch Bags

Raffia

Twine


Sticks


Goodies to fill the bag (For an adult party, you can use bottles of wine. For a kid party, fill with candy, fruit, snacks, and/or small toys)




Steps:


1. Place the goodies in the paper lunch bag. Tape or tie the stick to the bag or in our case the wine bottle. Tie the bag shut with a piece of twine.



2. Cut your raffia to cover from the tie off point of the bag to the bottom of the bag. Place the raffia all around the bag, holding it all together at the tie off part of the bag at the top. Using a piece of raffia (or twine) tie the raffia at the same point you did the bag.



3. You can add more decorations like plastic spiders, spider webs, black or orange ribbon, etc. or keep it plain and simple. Either way your guests will love them and appreciate the gift!





Don’t forget to send us pictures! info@mydiyguy.com




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Weekend Project: Burlap Pumpkins

Posted on October 26, 2011 by DIY Guy






Here’s a great project you can make at home to help decorate for the fall season. If you try this project out, please send us pictures so we can share with everyone. Thanks! info@mydiyguy.com




Materials:

Burlap

Twine

Orange Paint

Green Paint

Paint Brush

Floral Wire

Scissors


Different size rocks (or you can use rolls of toilet paper, or something else you have around the house)





Steps:


1. Place the rocks (or object of your choice) on the burlap and cut a square out around the rock. You want to make sure that you can gather the corners and edges at the top of the rock to tie and form the “stump” of the pumpkin.



2. Gather the corners and the edges at the top of the rock. Tie together using a piece of twine. It should now be in the shape of a pumpkin with a stump. You can trim the tops to your liking. They don’t have to be perfect, this is a very rustic looking pumpkin.



3. Paint the bottom portion (below the twine) orange. Once again it doesn’t have to be perfect or completely covered in orange paint. Step back from it every once in awhile and see what spots need more paint if at all.



4. Paint the top half (above the twine) green. This will be the stump. You could leave this natural if you like. And again, it doesn’t have to be perfect, a little natural burlap showing through is fine. I used a newspaper to place behind the area I was painting so as not to make a mess.



5. Tie some floral wire around the pumpkin, where the twine is tied. Curl the wire around your finger and pull off. This will look like the “vine” for the pumpkin.






Enjoy decorating with your burlap pumpkins! Remember to send us pictures! Thanks! info@mydiyguy.com




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10 DIY Halloween Costumes

Posted on October 25, 2011 by DIY Guy



Here are our top picks for a great DIY Halloween costume! Halloween can get a little expensive sometimes so these are some affordable ideas. We hope everyone has a safe and FUN Halloween! Enjoy!


1. Spa Girl: This would be a great comfortable costume and can probably be made with things you already have at home. You can wear a robe, towel in your hair, facial mask, slippers, etc.


2. Farmer/Scarecrow: Wear a flannel shirt, some overalls, a cowboy hat and boots. Just stuff straw in the sleeves and legs to make into a scarecrow.


3. Hunter/Soldier: Camo is always easy to find and make into a costume. A little face paint and a toy gun and you are set!


4. Killer Bee: Take a Yellow shirt and wrap black electrical tape around it for the stripes. Wear some black pants/leggings. Tie some pipe cleaners to a head band with pom poms on the end for the antenna. Then strap on a toy ammo vest or belt and carry a toy gun along (Make sure its obviously toy ammo/guns). Don’t forget the stinger!


5. Progressive Lady: This one would also be easy. Just wear white with a white apron. Write Progressive in blue letters across the top of the apron. Wear a head band with ’50s styled hair. Don’t forget the “Flo” nametag!


6. Chick Magnet: Wear a solid color like black. Take little stuffed chicks or peeps and tape/pin/glue them all over yourself. For added effect, make a huge U-shaped magnet out of cardboard (You could paint it red and silver too) and hang over your shoulders.


7. Bedbug: Another comfortable costume. Wear your pajamas and make a headband antenna out of pipe cleaners and pom poms. You can even paint your face to look like a bug. Maybe make some extra legs out of stuffed sleeves sewn on to your shirt. Use a pillow case as your trick-or-treat bag.


8. Dalmation: Wear all white (it helps to have a hooded sweater with ears sewn/pined/taped on). Then take black spots cut from either paper or felt, etc and tape/glue/pin them all over. Use some face paint to draw whiskers and don’t forget a tail!


9. Glow Stick Jellyfish: Get a lot of glow sticks (the really long ones that often make necklaces). Take a hat like a sombrero and outline it with glowsticks (attach with glue/tape). You want it to look like a dome shape. Then make long tentacles hanging off the hat by attaching the glowsticks together (they should come with little connectors). This one looks really cool in the dark!


10. Umbrella Bat: Wear all black. Take an old black umbrella cut to make wings. Use face paint as necessary and don’t forget some ears.


Bonus- Raining Cats and Dogs: Take an umbrella and attach (glue/tape) stuffed cats and dogs to it. Wear a rain coat and rain boots.




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10 Must-Have Safety Gear Items

Posted on October 25, 2011 by DIY Guy



Every DIY-er needs to have safety equipment handy. You never know what could happen and its always better to be prepared. Here is our list of the 10 must-have safety gear items.


1. Work Gloves: You have got to protect your hands because they will probably be doing most of the work.



2. Safety Glasses: You wouldn’t want to harm your eyesight in any way. Your eyes can be very susceptible to harm, so protect them!



3. Respirator: Protect your lungs by wearing one of these anytime you work with harsh chemicals or things that will cause dust or particles to fly in the air.



4. Boots/Steel Toe: Its important to have a good pair of work boots. Objects can fall on your feet or you could step on something harmful.



5. Hard Hat: Of course one of the most important things to protect is your head. Be smart and wear a hard hat when working in dangerous situations where objects could fall on you.



6. Harness: You should wear a harness anytime you are working with heights for your own fall protection. Its also important to wear a back harness if any heavy lifting is involved.



7. Safety Vest: Sometimes its important to wear a safety vest so that others can see and identify you. If you are working near traffic or in a busy location, safety vests are essential to protect not only yourself but those around you.



8. Ear Plugs: Anytime you are working with loud machinery or tools, ear plugs are important to wear. Protect your hearing from deteriorating.



9. Cooling Products: You want to make sure you are always hydrated and your body temperature is normal. Always keep a water jug handy. If its warm out, make sure you have a fan, cool neck wrap, etc. If its winter, make sure to keep warm with space heaters, jackets, or other warming devices.




10. First Aid Kit: And if something does go wrong, make sure you have a well-equipped first aid kit handy.





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Remove Adhesive From Tub

Posted on October 24, 2011 by DIY Guy



I received the following question from a reader, and would like to take the time to answer it for all of you to see as well. If you have any other suggestions or ideas, please feel free to post in the comment section. Thanks!


Question:
“I recently purchased a home that has a bathtub with horrible adhesive stains at the bottom of it. It looks like there used to be an anti-slip mat at the bottom or something. How do I remove the adhesive?” -Nell, San Antonio




Answer:
There are several things you can try. First, I would try soaking the tub in vinegar or baking soda overnight and then try scrubbing the adhesive stain off. (You can also try soaking it with more abrasive household cleaners as well) If that doesn’t work, try using petroleum jelly. Work it into the adhesive and try scraping off. Goo Gone and WD-40 also work great. Just make sure to clean thoroughly afterwards so you don’t slip in the tub. Heat guns are great at removing adhesive as well. Another trick I’ve heard of if you want to go a more natural route, would be to use a lemon cut in half covered in salt to scrub the area. Cleaners like Comet, Barkeeper’s Friend, or AJAX also work great but are more abrasive. A little elbow grease will definitely be needed. The key is to soak the adhesive, get it soft and then remove by scraping or wiping. If all else fails, call a company to come re-finish the tub. It will cost anywhere from $100-$200. Good luck!


Send us any DIY question you may have! info@mydiyguy.com




Categories: Ask DIY Guy, Bathrooms, Uncategorized | Leave a comment



Remove Tree Sap

Posted on October 24, 2011 by DIY Guy



I recently received this question from a reader, and would like to take the time to share the answer with all of you. Feel free to add any other suggestions or ideas in the comment section!


Question:


“How do I remove tree sap off of my deck?” -Bryan, TX




Answer:
There are several things you can try. I would start with something like rubbing alcohol or Murphy’s Oil. Let it soak into the sap to help dissolve and soften and then wipe away. You can also use mineral spirits to try to soak and wipe it away. If those products don’t work, use a heat gun to soften the sap and then wipe it off. A pressure washer can also help remove sap residue. If all else fails, you can try sanding the sap off to fresh wood, but this may require you to sand the entire deck area so it matches. Once you remove the sap, be sure to re-stain and seal the deck to make residue removal easier next time. Good luck!


Let us know if you have a question that needs to be answered! info@mydiyguy.com




Categories: Ask DIY Guy, Outdoor, Uncategorized | Leave a comment



10 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Posted on October 11, 2011 by DIY Guy



With winter quickly approaching, here are some great ways to winterize your home:




1. Clean Gutters: Do this after all the leaves have fallen. Remove any debris that will clog or damage the gutters. Ensure your gutters will properly dispose of water. While you are up there, check the roof and flashing for any trouble spots as well. Look for loose or missing shingles, damaged areas, etc. Try to prevent any leaks of water or cold air.


2. Find and Seal Leaks: You can use an incense type candle stick to check to see if the smoke is pulled through any spots on your windows, doors, recessed lighting, outlets, baseboards, etc. If you find a leak, be sure to seal with caulk, weather-stripping, or other proper materials. You may need to replace old weather-stripping, door sweeps, or caulk if you notice it’s cracking, aging, etc. If the leak is outside near brick, use a masonry sealer for all the cracks. Be sure you seal your dryer vent as well.


3. Insulate: You should have at least 12″ of insulation in your attic. A good rule of thumb: if you can see the joists, you need more insulation. If you already have a layer laying one direction, lay the next layer the other direction. Replace any rotted, aged insulation. Use a spray foam type insulation for any cracks or areas you can see daylight or feel air come through.


4. Check Furnace Now: Be sure that its working now. Change any filters that are needed. If something is wrong call your local serviceman and fix it now before you are stuck without heat or a serviceman that is swamped with other customers who weren’t prepared.


5. Clean and Seal Ducts: It’s best to call a professional for this job. Let them know you are wanting to winterize your system.


6. Install storm Windows: If you live in an area that requires these, install them now. If you don’t, this is also a great time to update older windows to double pane or to buy and install window insulator kits for them.


7. Inspect Chimney: Ask a chimney sweep for a level 1 and/or a sweep. Be sure to put a cap on the chimney as well. Now is a great time to stock up on your firewood as well.


8. Reverse Fan: This will allow your ceiling fans to work for you by helping push down the warm air. (the blades should be turning clockwise)


9. Wrap Pipes: Drain and store all your garden hoses. You want to be sure to insulate and wrap any outdoor faucets, hose bibs, non-insulated-exposed pipes, and pipes in unheated areas as well, like the garage, basements, etc.


10. Check Alarms: With the use of so much heat and fire during the winter, now is a great time to check your alarms in your house. Make sure they are properly working, install new batteries, or install new ones if needed. Have a fire safety plan in tact as well.


ONE MORE! Service or purchase Winter equipment: Depending on the type of winters your area typically has, be sure to be fully equipped and ready for whatever mother nature may throw your way. Service or purchase snow-blowers, snow shovels, rakes, ice choppers, ice melt/sand, batteries, flashlights, water, non-perishable food for emergencies, candles, matches, fire wood, generators, etc.


Everyone have a safe and happy winter!




Categories: Electrical, Outdoor, Plumbing, Rooms, Top Tens, Windows/Doors | Leave a comment



Replace HVAC Air Filter

Posted on October 11, 2011 by DIY Guy



I received this question from a reader and would like to take the time to respond and help whoever else may have this same question.


“How often should I replace my HVAC air filter?” -Pam, ND




This is an important question because your clean air filters will ensure that your HVAC performs properly. It also ensures that your family is breathing quality air. And great maintenance to your HVAC, especially the air filters, ensures lower energy bills as well.


Longevity of your air filters depends on a few things:
1. Type of air filter you are using
2. Overall air quality of your home
3. How many pets you have inside the home
4. Number of people living in home
5. Level of pollution and construction around the home


Typically a 1″- 3″ air filter should be changed every 30-60 days. If you suffer from allergies, have pets that live indoors, more than 2 people living in the home, and/or have lots of construction or pollution nearby, change it more often (like once a month). If you have a media filter which is typically larger/thicker, you could change it about every 3-6 months (3 months if you have the above listed conditions). If the home is a vacation home, in a remote area, with few cars nearby, then you could probably change it less often, like every 6 months. Just remember the more pollutants you have in your air, dog hair, cat hair, exhaust from cars, dust, allergens, etc. the quicker your air filter will clog and need to be changed more frequently. A poorly maintained air filter will result in a poorly performing HVAC system.


A few clues that indicate it’s time to change the filter:
1. The most obvious- the filter is dirty
2. If you notice you have to dust your house more often
3. If you notice the air vent screens are dirty
4. Most newer thermostats will notify you when its time for a change
5. If its been 30-60 days or your recommended change out time


There are a few things you can do to remember to change your filters:
1. Set up e-mail reminders
2. Install a phone app that will send you reminders
3. Write it down on your calendar
4. If you change yours out every 3 months, try to time it with other quarterly tasks, like paying tax deposits, fertilizing, seasonal decorating, etc. If you change it out every month, coincide with pets monthly medications, paying rent, changing your calendar, etc.
5. If it’s a newer thermostat, check it every once in a while, it will probably notify you when you need to change them out.


To help your HVAC system and air filters, its recommended to dust, clean or vacuum regularly. Try to shampoo your carpets and upholstery annually. You should also have the HVAC system checked annually.


Best of luck with your air filters! Please let me know if you have any other questions! Send questions to info@mydiyguy.com! Thanks!




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How To Read A Tape Measure

Posted on October 9, 2011 by DIY Guy

 

 

REMEMBER….SAFETY FIRST!

 

 

Tools & Materials Needed:

 

 

Step by Step

 

1. Each number on a tape measure represents 1″ 5. The largest mark between an inch represents 1/2″
2. There are 16 hash marks/inch and each represents 1/16th and are the smallest marks between an inch 6. Find which inch your measuring and count the marks (ex. 1 3/16″ would be 1″ and three of the smallest hash marks)
3. There will be 8 slightly larger marks between an inch that represent 1/8″ each 7. It helps to be some what familiar with fractions as 2/8ths=1/4″
4. There is also 4 marks larger than the 1/8″ marks that represent 1/4″ each 8. Go measure something!



Categories: Bathrooms, Decorating, Electrical, Flooring, Kitchens, Outdoor, Painting, Plumbing, Remodeling, Rooms, Windows/Doors | Leave a comment