Basket Table: Storage on Wheels

This mobile end table organizes clutter with the flip of a lid, and can be whisked off to wherever it's needed. Start by painting the basket and lid.

You need: Sturdy lidded basket/4 1x2/paint/scrap lumber/6 wood screws/screwdriver/casters

How to

Position two 1 x 2 cut 2 inches shorter than baskets length, inside basket 1 inch from each side. Align with second pair-cut the same length, mitered at a 45 degree angle, and painted-places on the underside, with scrap lumber beneath. From inside basket,join three layers with wood screws
Screw casters to supports on bottom of basket If you plan to put heavy books or plants on top of the lid, it's good idea to insert a strong plastic wooden lidded box inside the basket, flush with the rim,for additional support

Roll Up Pencil Kit

This clever idea was made from a 18 inch wide placement . For your budding student or artist in your life.

You need a placement/pins/ruler/shoelace/

How to

Lay the place mat face down;fold the right edge over to be 2 inches short of the edge. Pin in place use a ruler and a washable marker to draw a parallel lines perpendicular to the fold,about 1 inch apart, Fold a shoelace in half,and tuck in its fold between the layers at the midpoint of one side. Next, sew up the two sides of the pouch the shoelace will be sewn in and along the parallel lines. Slide pencils into the compartments and roll the case toward the shoelace side and tie

Over the sink storage

I thought this was a clever way to add storage to your kitchen. It's a pot rack. It's a window treatment. This discount store curtain rod works twice as hard. Install extra support brackets for heavy pans. Make a pretty pot rack out of a flea market find.

Happy New Year

I would like to wish all of you out there a "Happy New Year" . Hope that 2010 is a healthy, happy, successful year for everyone.This year will be an exceptionally good year for us, with the birth of our first grand baby.We can't wait. So again Happy New Year, and be safe.

Mushroom Sauced Pot Roast

My family loves pot roast dinners, and I thought this one sounded great

You need

1-1/2 boneless beef chuck roast
4 medium potatoes
1 16 ounce tiny whole carrots
1 4 ounce can mushrooms stems and pieces drained
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon or basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 10 3/4 ounce can condensed golden mushroom soup

How to

In the slow cooker combine potatoes carrots and mushrooms, tarragon or basil and salt Add roast Pour mushroom soup over the mixture in slow cooker

Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours.

Crescent Beef Burritos

I am going to make these, they look and sound yummy!! It's made with a Crescent roll.

You need

1/2 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2tablespoon taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup re fried beans
2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 cup salsa
4 slices American Cheese cut diagonally in half
1 cup sour cream
1/4 sliced ripe olives

How to

Heat oven to 350 Spray cookie sheet with spray In a 10 inch skillet cook beef and onion until beef is cooked; drain

Stir in taco seasoning mix and water Reduce on medium and cook for 5 minutes stirring until water is evaporated Remove from heat and stir in beans

Unroll dough separate dough into 8 rectangles Firmly press perforations to seal

Spoon about 2 tablespoons beef mixture and 1 tablespoon of the salsa onto each rectangle spread to within 1/2 inch of one short side Starting with other short side, roll up each rectangle, pinch edges to seal Place seam side down on cookie sheet

Bake 18-23 minutes or until golden brown Top each burrito with cheese and bake 2-3 minutes longer Garnish with sour cream and olives

Pretty and Private

Stencil a pattern onto your bathroom windows for privacy. Clean the window with ammonia and secure a stencil to the glass with quick release tape or spray adhesive . Next, tint paint an ochre color,using paint formulated for high humidity rooms. Apply paint using as dabbing motion with a stipple brush. Let dry and dab on a second coat for opaqueness using a synthetic sponge.

Clever Art with Paper Scraps

Personalized Letters --- Embellish wood letters with your scrapes. Cut photos to fit the shape of the letter,then embellish using paper and ribbon and whatever you please.

Faux French Doors

This is a clever idea and a good one too !! Add the look of a pretty French Door. This is a great way to give a plain interior door an intriguing treatment. Have a mirror cut to the size of the interior door panel and add muntins painted to match the door

Easy to Make Clock

Keep perfect time with an easy to make patterned face clock

You need

Scrapbook paper/foam core board/spray adhesive /chipboard numbers/clockworks

How to

Decide on your clock/s shape Adhere paper to foam core board using spray adhesive Cut out the desired shape using a craft knife

If desired paint chipboard numbers in a coordinating color,let dry Attach to the clock face with glue

Mark the location for the clockworks. Using a 5/16 inch diameter dowel sharpened to a point or a round pencil or awl, puncture a 5/16 inch hole Carefully trim excess paper from the ole with a craft knife

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the clockworks.

Message Board

What is it: An old cabinet door is transformed into a beautiful memo board.

How to: Mount a small shelf to a vintage cabinet door. Apply your favorite finish. Cover the inset panel in chalkboard paint with a magnetic additive. Hang in kitchen, hone office, or mudroom

Ladder Shelf

What is it: An old ladder extends storage space and adds vintage charm.

How to: Give a ladder a fresh coat of paint.Add old vent grates to each rung and simply screw them into place

Custom Pencil Cup

What is it? Glue together molding scrapes from a lumber store to corral pencils and pens in style.

How to: Attach four rosettes with wood glue, then glue the squares to a piece of plywood cut to fit the bottom Paint to match your room's decor

Kid Friendly Storage Bench

What is it ? A kid friendly way to store just about anything

How to: Add bun feet to an upper kitchen cabinet and top with a seat cushion in a durable fabric or vinyl.

Wall Shelves

What is it: An easy and stylish storage addition

How to : Transform a pair of two shelf laminated storage stacker's commonly used for organizing shoes, into wall shelves

Winter Wear Organizer

Avoid mismatched gloves and misplaced scarves by keeping each family members cold weather gear in a wire gym basket. Label the baskets,and attach them to two wooden rails 60 inch in length of 1 x 4 lumber use 1 1/2 inch round screw hooks at equal intervals down the center of each rail.

A 1 1/2 inch screw eye in the end of each rail allows the basket rack to be suspended from a 2 inch round screw hooks that have been screwed about 13 inches apart in the bottom of a coat rack. The rails are painted the same color as the coat rack.

Safe Ornament Storage

Protect your ornaments from damage as you pack up after the holiday season. Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard to line the bottom of a plastic storage bin.

Then use a hot glue gun to attach paper cups to the cardboard, Wrap ornaments in tissue paper, and place in cups. Then stack cardboard and cup flats inside the containers. Store smaller ornaments in egg cartons

Business Card Holder

Turn a cast off cassette tape case into a handy business card holder. Digitally size two canvases to match the dimensions of the plastic case's back and lip,or measure and trim card stock to fit.

Add text, digital elements, and photos,then print out the designs on photo paper. Adhere them to the case with adhesive dots.

Boxed Rings

This jazzed-up shadow box, retrofitted with a variety of hooks and knobs, shelters delicate earrings and chains from possible entanglements while turning them into objects of art.

How to

Select a shadow box or a small wine crate with a back and sides are at least 1/4 inch thick to accommodate the hooks Sand and prime the box, then apply two coats of semigloss spray paint

Cut a piece of decorative paper to fit inside the box, coat the back of the paper with spray adhesive and press into place,smoothing it from the center out to the corners with your fingers. Then lay out the jewelry where you'd like it to hand and screw hooks at the appropriate points

Finally add two evenly spaced saw tooth hangers to the box's back for a steady mount

No Slip Hangers

Keep your most delicate dresses from falling to the floor with felt topped wooden hangers. The pattern for this is a long rectangle, rounded on the ends. Trace the pattern you create onto felt and cut out;repeat.

Adhere felt with craft glue, wide ends out, to both sides of a wooden hanger

Stepladder Bed Stand

Take advantage of every bit of bedroom space by stacking your night time necessities instead of crowding them on top of a tiny stand.

The four wide runs of an extra stepladder provide a steady spot for a row of books as well as the necessary alarm clock and reading lamp

Making Children's Bookshelves

A ready made plate rack can be easily transformed into a child's bookshelf, displaying both toys and children's books.

You need

Tape measure/plate rack/anchors and screws/drill/L shape brackets

How to

Decide at what level you want the plate rack to hang. Measure from the top of the baseboard,making sure it's level, and mark the wall. Attach one mount to the top of each side of the plate rack.Drill holes into the wall, and insert anchors.Using a drill, drill screws 1/4 inch in

Hang rack on screws, one side at a time. Secure the bottom of the rack beneath the bottom shelf with one L shape bracket on each side;screw them in

Firewood Carrier

Fashion a compact firewood tote from a 22x42 inch piece of canvas,1/2 inch grommets, and two 30 inch lengths of rope

Stitch a 1 1/2 inch hem on long sides of canvas and a 2 inch hem on short sides.Use a grommet kit, a hammer, and a block of wood to drive two holes through hem on each short side, 4 1/2 inches from corners

Secure grommets. Slip rope through grommets from finished side of canvas;knot the ends

Convert a Cabinet

Use a square space,at least 14x14,deep enough to hold bottles on their sides. Cut two 1x12 boards to match dimensions of depth and diagonal between corners of shelf;sand to fit.

Notch middle of each piece at 90 degrees;with pencil and speed square,mark wood;jigsaw to make a 3/4 inch wide notch that stops at center. Bisect pieces at notched points Paint to match shelves

Extend a Window Sill

My husband made me one of these, and it it the handiest think I have. It folds flat when you don't need it,saving you room

Select plywood the same thickness as sill;cut it as wide as the sill and 12 inches deep. Attach bottom of shelf to bottom of sill with 3 hinges;1 at the center , the others near the sides.

Cut 2 right triangles from wood thin enough to lie flat beneath shelf;trim tips. Brackets should extend 3/4 of the way across shelf and 3/4 down apron.Hinge brackets to apron.Paint before installing.

Battery Charging Drawer

Keeping electronic devices charged is easier if you make it an evening ritual Create a charging station in a nightstand with a back,a drawer, and an outlet close by

Drill matching holes in the back of the nightstand and the rear of the drawer

Affix adhesive wire clips to the drawer bottom and cable,near holes

Thread cords,leaving enough loose line so drawer can open;clip them, and tie on a 5 ounce fishing weight behind table to take up the slack when the drawer is closed

Monogram Wall Art

This is another good idea for a baby's room or older child's room

Create a personalized, monogrammed gift with a wood letter and leftover craft supplies. Paint the letter a neutral color, and embellish to suit the recipient's personality

Decorative Wooden Clock

No, I am not losing it !! Just thought this was different, and in the right decor it would be unique.

Combine a clock kit purchased from a craft store and an old wood plaque to make this unusual home decor accent. Cover the plaque in chipboard numbers in a hodgepodge pattern for a personalized look.

Pretty Baby Blocks

I can't wait to see how Jennifer decorates her baby's room.!! This might be an option, Jennifer!!

Prime and paint unfinished wood blocks .Digitally format photos and paper to fit each of the block faces.

Budding Artist's Portfolio

I thought this was a good idea. I know when Jennifer was younger, I kept everything she ever did, but I know that I was always scrambling for some place to keep.

Ensure a child's artwork crinkle free with an accordion folder.Attach handmade patterned paper flowers and letter stickers to personalize.

Knitting Needles

I thought these were kind of cute for a pal that knits. If you are giving them as a gift,pack them in an unused, Chinese take out container with a ball of yarn

You need

Sandpaper/pair of rounded chopsticks/Polymer clay/craft glue

How to

Sand the the tips of the chopsticks until smooth and rounded,then lightly sand the rest of the chopstick.

Form the clay into two round beads or into customized shapes, such as stars, birds,pieces of fruit or silly heads. Make in indentation with the flat end of the chopsticks into each bead. Then bake the beads according to the package directions and let cool

Glue each bead in place on the flat end of a chopstick and let dry.

Bath Towels with Patterned Trim

A patterned trim can tie together almost any assortment of colored towels

For the Hand Towel

Cut off towel's hems

Using a 2 inch bias tale maker,create two strips of fabric that span the width of the towel,allowing 1/2 inch on each end for finishing

Use the one step binding method to attach trim,beginning and ending with a fold over finish.Top stitch ends close 1/8 inch from folded edge.

For the Bath Towel

Using scissor or shears, cut two 8 inch wide strips of fabric on the bias that span the width of the towel,allowing 1/2 inch on each end for finishing

Fold raw edges of fabric so they meet in the center back,and press with an iron to create single fold bias tape.Fold in half lengthwise again and press

Continue as with hand towel

Towel Ladder

Keep the bathroom tidy by hanging towels from the rungs of a progressive or apple picking ladder propped against a wall. Or use a towel ladder on a porch for beach towels, so sand isn't brought indoors.To prevent the ladder from slipping,attach rubber tips made for chair legs to the ladder's feet.

Egg Fried Rice

Not only is this dish delicious, but your child will think it's cool to cook scrambles eggs right in the middle of the other ingredients.

You need

2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
4 scallions sliced
1 cup frozen baby peas
1 medium carrot grated
3 cups cooked and chilled white rice
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

How to

Heat 2 tablespoons oil and the sesame oil in a large saute pan Add the scallions,peas and grated carrot all at once,taking care to avoid being splattered by hot oil. Saute the vegetable for 1 minute,stirring them constantly Add the rice and stir the mixture as it heats for 2 to 3 minutes

Have your child break the eggs into a small bowl and beat them with a fork. Then move the rice to the perimeter of the pan and pour the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil into the center.Add the eggs and stir them continuously with a wooden spoon until they are soft but not overcooked

When the eggs are almost fully cooked, stir the rice into them until everything is well mixed Add soy sauce and heat for another minute

Terry Cloth Curtain

Nothing looks as inviting in a cool white bathroom as plush terry cloth towels. This shower curtain is made from bath sheets stitched with a simple seam. Use two bath sheets 35x70. Lay one on top of the other and sew along one side staying within the bound edge.

To hang the curtain you will need 28 metal grommets and 14 shower hooks. Attach grommets and hang as normal. Be sure to add a vinyl liner to keep your towels dry.Note-- Cut slits in towels before attaching grommets.

Hanging Baskets

I thought that this was a rather clever and unique idea. Baskets designed to hold fisherman's tackle or to hook onto a bicycle's handlebars come ready with holes in the back. Hung on a kitchen wall with cup hooks, or on a peg board, they make a great receptacles for unwieldy kitchen tools or fruits and vegetables that don't require refrigeration.

Sending Cards

Times change,and while letter writing is an all but extinct art form,there's still no replacement for the feeling of receiving a thoughtful or funny card. Whether you choose to send an old fashioned paper greeting or zap an e-card to your loved ones' inbox, here are three sites that will help you do it faster.

JackCards.com: For getting it all done at once ----this site allows you to select cards for the entire year. Schedule them to arrive on the right date. They cost about $4 each

Hallmark.com This site has a truly one stop shop, animated,musical or a simple e-card. Either at no cost or as much as .99 depending on the card. You can add photos and messages.

123Greeting.com For Hundred of Free E- Cards This site is completely free They have tons of musical,animated, and the basic e-card for every occasion.

Thought this might help !!!

Bathroom Cubbyholes

Keep bathroom items neat and accessible with cubbyhole shelves. Each of the shelves is made from 5 pieces of 3/4 inch plywood. The top, bottom and two sides are each 12 inches by 9 inches; the back if a 12 inch square. The top , bottom and sides are mitered along the ends, glued together,and secured with 1 1/2 inch finishing nails.If you want to avoid mitering cut the boards,top and bottom to be 10 1/2 by 9 inches and the sides 12 inches by 9 inches . Glue the ends of the bottom and top boards to the inside edges of the sides boards,and secure with finishing nails. Glue on back and secure with more finishing nails.

Sand,prime and paint the wood.

Girl's Catchall

A catchall solves the problem where to keep those easily lost things. It makes a nice wall hanging too. This one is made from a picture frame with spools and ribbons attached and can be hung from a picture hook. Spools hold necklaces, rings and elastic bands;the ribbons hold barrettes, clips and earrings.

How to
Choose an unfinished frame with a wide flat front this one is 14x11 has a 2 inch wide edge. You will not need the glass or backing. Paint the frame and some small, medium, and large wooden spools with white acrylic or latex paint;let dry. Glue the spools in place with wood glue. turn the frame over and , with a staple gun,attach lengths of 1/2 and 3/4 inch wide grosgrain ribbon to the inner edge of the frame,pulling the ribbons taut. Hang the frame from a nail.

For a finished look, attach ends of a 2 inch wide grosgrain ribbon the the back of the frame, and secure it t the wall above the frame with a decorative nail.

Flowerpot String Dispenser

Bring a favorite flowerpot indoors turn it upside down, and you have a charming way to keep your kitchen string neat and accessible. Choose a clean pot with a bright glaze, and place it over the ball of twine, threading the end through the drainage hole. Pull out the string and snip lengths for tying herb bouquets or trussing a chicken. Try this idea with wayward balls of twine and cord in your craft closet,too.

Broccoli,Potato and Bacon Quiche

Perfect for supper orbrunch, this hearty quiche can be made in just minutes with frozen vegetables and refrigerated pie crusts

You need

1 bag Frozen roasted potatoes with broccoli and cheese sauce
1 refrigerated pie crust
4 eggs
2/3 cup whipping cream
7 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup Cheddar cheese
2/3 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives

How to

Heat oven to 350 Cook frozen potatoes with broccoli and cheese sauce in microwave

Meanwhile place pie crust in a 9 inch glass pie plate and bake

In a bowl, beat eggs and whipping cream with wire whisk until well blended Stir in cooked potato mixture and remaining ingredients except chives Pour filling into crust spread evenly Sprinkle with chives

Bake 30-40 minutes or until edges are golden brown Let stand 5 minutes and serve

Country Italian Beef

Yummy !!! Reminds of my childhood !!!

You need

2 pounds boneless beef chuck
8 ounces tiny new potatoes
2 medium carrots
1 large onion chopped
1 medium fennel bulb
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 14 oz can beef broth
1 6 ounce can tomato paste
2 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 cloves garlic
1 to 2 cups basil leaves,spinach leaves or torn fresh escarole
1 cup dry red wine or beef broth

How to

Trim fat from meat cut into 2 inch pieces

In a slow cooker combine potatoes,carrots,onion and fennel. Add meat sprinkle with rosemary

In a medium bowl whisk together broth, wine,tomato paste, tapioca, pepper and garlic Pour over mixture in cooker

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours Just before serving stir in basil

Soap in a Sponge

Put soap shards and leftover hotel soap bars to good use.Use a utility knife to slice into the center of a natural sea sponge. Then insert soap and lather up. Every last bubble will be surrendered. The soap will stay in place as it shrinks,adhering to the fibers of the sponge

Scratch Free Skillets

Nesting pots and pans saves space in a cupboard, but you should take steps to prevent them from damaging one another.

Preserve stainless steel interiors by inserting large coffee filters between pans. Nonstick surfaces are protected just as well by soft paper towels. For seasoned cast iron skillets use coated paper plates, which won't soak up oil

Oilcloth Lunch Bag

The same oilcloth that covers your kitchen table can transport your children's lunches or your own in leak free style . These reusable bags will cut back on waste since they can simply be washed with a damp sponge

How to

Cut main piece 29 1/2 by 8 inches and two side panels each 12 1/4 by 5inches

Fold long panel,inside out, into U shape with 5 inch bottom

Make 1/4 inch cut at bottom corners of side and middle pieces so bag folds smoothly. Sew in side panel.leaving 1/4 inch seam allowance

Turn right side out and top stitch all around ,1/8 inch from edge

Merry Christmas To You !!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone from my family to yours!!! This has been a great year, we are truly blessed. I hope that your year was as good as ours,and we wish you a Happy New Year in 2010

I think that I have exhausted all my ideas for this season. I hope that you have enjoyed them as much as I have enjoyed bringing them to you.

I thank you for all your support in this endeavor of mine, my goal was to bring you some ideas and try and make your lives a little easier.

Hopefully,I can continue to bring you things that you enjoy seeing. Again I would like to Thank you and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Helen

Silver ware Stocking

These stockings add a play full touch to the dinner table and also make it easier to hang on to everything when you are maneuvering through the buffet line

You need

Stocking template/scissors/felt/patterned fabric/hot glue or fabric glue/rickrack /beads(optional)beading cord

How to

Cut out your template (2) from the felt and then cut the cuff and toe shapes from the fabric. The cuff is a long rectangle with the two long edges folded under and ironed for a clean look

Glue the two stocking shapes together at the edges,leaving the top of the stocking open. Fold a 6 inch length of rickrack in half and glue the ends just inside the stockings top Glue the cuff and toe in place

String beads (optional)