Fun with Pancakes

Be they Swedish or German, cornmeal or buttermilk, fluffy or crepe-esque, pancakes are a meal that everyone can agree on world wide. Some people like them for their taste, others for their texture, and some just enjoy them as a host food that makes it acceptable for you to drown a meal in syrup. Wha...
By: rowdyrosiepiper

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fun-with-Pancakes/

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Fix Scratches in Wood

Sometimes, the most common household items can be used in unexpected ways. Learn what you can use (that you probably already have at home) to fix scratched wood.

Orin Zebest, flickr

It's never fun discovering that your beautiful wooden table is marred with a nasty scratch. But let's face it: It happens to the best of us. Whether you're on a budget or just need a quick fix, here are five do-it-now ways to fix scratched wood. Best of all? These solutions feature common items that you likely already have on hand. Let's get started!

1. Oh, Nuts
For scratches that have penetrated beyond the finish, try rubbing a pecan or walnut gently across the surface of the scratch. You'll fill the wood naturally, quickly and cleanly - and the natural oils in the nut will ensure that it lasts.

2. Make It Up
Because it's soft, oil-based and wood colored, eyebrow pencils work wonders at filling in and camouflaging anything from small surface scratches to much deeper ones. Choose a color that most naturally matches the wood, then fill the crack and buff.

3. Pour on the Mayo
If the wood is cracked, and not simply scratched, try a little Mayonnaise. Smooth enough mayonnaise over the crack to fill it, then wipe away the excess and let it sit for a one to three days. The protein and oils in the Mayonnaise will help the wood to swell and will actually fill that crack. When the crack has swelled sufficiently, wipe off any remainder and polish to a shine.

4. Ashes to Ashes
It's hard to believe, but cigarette ashes are the turn to ingredient to repair water rings or spots and surface marks. Make a small paste of ash and water and gently rub into the affected area, then wipe clean. Toothpaste also works in a pinch if you don't happen to have any ashes on hand.

5. Raid the Coloring Cabinet
Manufacturers actually make special wood crayons for this purpose, but why pay extra when you can use what you have on hand? Find a brown crayon around the same shade as your wood and simply color it in. Smooth any excess with a soft cloth and polish to a beautiful, scratch-free shine.

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/24/scratches-wood/

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Septic Tank Pumping Tips

Your septic tank needs to be pumped out from time to time. But that time frame is based on a number of factors including the number of people in the household and the size of the septic tank system.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/899_Septic_Tank_Pumping_Tips.shtml

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Sew a Gryffindor scarf!

This is a really simple sewing project - you can have a handmade scarf in a couple hours. :) I made two different styles - so you can choose which you like. It's also amazingly easy to switch out the colors to support your favorite Hogwarts house. :D What you'll need: red fleece (or a ...
By: jessyratfink

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Sew-a-Gryffindor-scarf/

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Brick Paver Repair Tips

The trick when repairing brick pavers is to get the replacement brick paver level and to match colors. Brick pavers will weather outside over the years. If your replacement paver is brand new, it might not match.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/894_Brick_Paver_Repair_Tips.shtml

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Etsy Q&A: Crafter regansbrain

Filed under: Crafts

If you've tried to start up your own online shop, you know that competition can be fierce and it can be hard to get noticed. But in this excerpt from Craftfoxes' interview with designer-and-crafter Regan Saunders of regansbrain, we've learned that tapping into the resourced of the crafting community can pay off. Saunders' shop has had over 500 sales (and counting).

Photos: regansbrain, etsy

How did you come up with the name for your shop?

Do you remember the commercial, "This is your brain. And this is your brain on drugs. Any questions?" That inspired me to think about my own brain - Regan's brain.

What's one important lesson you've learned about your business?

There are a lot of other shop owners and crafters that want to see you succeed. They are willing to help you if you let them. It's a huge "scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" mentality out there. Don't be afraid to ask someone else for help, or reach out to other shop owners and bloggers. We are all in this together!

Have a simple tip for other sellers?

Take great photos. I still feel like I need work on this, but I learn new things all of the time. Shoot and re-shoot until you get it right!


For the whole interview (including tips and links to awesome new shops), visit Craftfoxes.

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/09/11/etsy-qanda-crafter-regansbrain/

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How to make a viola in 3 days

By: pixelhalo

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-viola-in-3-days-1/

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