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Learn How to Sew With These Fun and Easy Projects for Beginners

May 21, 2015 by

If you want to start learning how to sew, the best way to begin is by trying a few simple projects. Here are three great tutorials that will help you to learn the basics, all while creating cute and functional crafts that you can use afterward!

Brigitte Headscarf [Tilly and the Buttons]
This colorful project from sewing blog Tilly and the Buttons provides all of the instructions that you’ll need to create a wearable headscarf with retro ‘50s appeal. You choose the fabric in colors and patterns of your choice, then simply follow the step-by-step instructions to topstitch the scarf.

Makeup Pouch [Noodlehead]
If you’re looking for a sewing tutorial that’s slightly more complex, you’ll love this cute makeup pouch from the blog Noodlehead. You can use any type of scrap fabric that you have lying around, and in this tutorial, you’ll even learn how to sew on a zipper.

Valentine’s Day Ruffled Tea Towel [craftaholicsanonymous.net]
Not just for February 14, this adorable tea towel makes the perfect gift for a loved one or decoration for your own home. It features multiple layers of fabric that you’ll attach using a tool called a ruffler foot, as well as a towel leash to keep it securely in place.

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Check Out These Creative Uses for Wallpaper

April 16, 2015 by

If the thought of adding wallpaper to your home makes you cringe, you may want to rethink your opinions on this seemingly outdated wall covering. There are a number of creative uses for wallpaper that have nothing to do with your walls, and don’t worry: there’s no outdated paisley print here.

  1. Line a bookcase. If you have a hand-me-down bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, dress it up with a fun, colorful wallpaper backdrop. Simply remove the shelves and stick on a solid or printed wallpaper that goes with the rest of the room’s decor.
  2. Line drawers. Instead of lining your drawers with plain old drawer liners, get a bit more creative by lining them with leftover wallpaper.
  3. Dress up a dresser. Cover an entire dresser, the sides, or just the drawer fronts to bring a bit of color and a pop of pattern to your bedroom.
  4. Transform tray tables. If you want to add chic side tables to your living room but you’re on a bit of a budget, make over affordable tray tables using wallpaper. Simply stick the wallpaper to the tops of the tables, then create an attractive vignette using books, a lamp, or a few romantic candles.
  5. Frame it. If you have a very small amount of wallpaper that you love, turn it into a piece of DIY art using a simple, store-bought frame.

12 "Off the Wall" Places to Put Wallpaper [Bob Vila]
Unexpected Uses for Leftover Wallpaper [Real Simple]
9 Unexpected Ways to Decorate With Wallpaper [Good Housekeeping]

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Your Kids Can Hone Their Math Skills on These Fun, Free Websites

March 19, 2015 by

It can be difficult to help a child who is struggling with math, whether they’re learning basic elementary addition or complex algebraic equations. If your son or daughter needs a bit of extra practice outside of the classroom, these fun and free math websites can help improve their skills and make them excited about learning.

Knowledge Adventure’s Math Games
Knowledge Adventure is a colorful website that enables users to tailor math games to their child’s specific grade level. Each game features adorable cartoon characters, exciting graphics, and fun levels that are so silly, your little one may not even know that they’re also educational.

Math Playground
This rainbow-hued collection of games spans math-related topics like addition, multiplication, fractions, and pre-algebra. Kids can navigate the site’s easy-to-use features entirely on their own, or you can browse by grade level to find games related to the specific areas where your child is struggling.

Fun Brain
Fun Brain is an educational website that offers fun games in a variety of different schools subjects, and its Math Arcade section includes five games perfect for elementary students. Choose between games like Space Slingshot and Math Baseball to make learning arithmetic fun for your child.

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Simple Tips for Avoiding Freezer Burn

January 22, 2015 by

Freezer burn happens when a food becomes exposed to the cold, dry air of the freezer, causing the thin layer of moisture on the food’s surface to evaporate. This makes the food toughen and dry out, and it leaves behind grey or brown patches that look pretty unappetizing. To prevent freezer burn, follow these helpful tips before freezing foods like meat or vegetables.

  1. Make sure the food is completely covered. The most important thing that you can do to prevent freezer burn is to cover your food completely. Use plastic wrap, wax paper, or aluminum foil to cover the food, and tape it shut if it seems like some air might sneak through an open side. You can even double wrap the food to be extra cautious.
  2. Don’t leave foods in their store-bought packaging. Although store packaging on things like meat or fish seal the food against the air, they aren’t meant to protect it from the freezer. Be sure to remove foods from their packaging and wrap them yourself before freezing.
  3. Rotate items. Just about anything can become freezer burnt if left in the freezer for too long, so be sure to rotate the items in your freezer to ensure that you eat the older foods first.

Food Science: What is Freezer Burn and How to Prevent It [The Kitchn]
Freezer Burn: Gross, Yet Safe and 10 Tips for Prevention [Don’t Waste the Crumbs]
How to Prevent Freezer Burn [Real Simple]

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Online Knitting Resources for Any Level

December 4, 2014 by

Whether you want to learn to knit or you’re already churning out scarves and blankets galore, there are always new things to learn about this wonderful hobby. There are numerous online communities devoted to knitting, and they can provide helpful tips, tricks, and patterns to improve your knitting. Here are two wonderful online knitting resources.

Craft Yarn Council
This informative site is packed full of everything you need to know about knitting, from the very basic techniques to more advanced patterns. Craft Yarn Council provides information about the best places to purchase yarn and needles, detailed descriptions of DIY projects, and even lists of yarn guilds and groups to connect you to other knitters in your area.

Knitting Help
If you’re a beginning knitter who wants to pick up new techniques, this site is full of fun instructional videos for all skill levels. A friendly forum allows users to exchange tips and questions with fellow knitting enthusiasts, and, of course, there’s also an assortment of free patterns to help you find your next project.

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