Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Remove stickers from any surface using olive oil or peanut butter
We all know how it goes: We purchase a bundle of new binders for our classes, get entranced by some cute kawaii stickers, and plaster these little babies all over our binders. And then, approximately two months later, we question why we ever did such a thing and want them off.
How To: Hammer a nail safely and hold your nail in place with cardboard
Hammering nails seems like such a common skill. Yet we all must admit that when it comes to those first few strikes of the hammer, it's hard to hold the nail perfectly perpendicular to the slab of wood. This means we often hit our own nail or knock the nail we're hammering off course.
How To: Paint perfect edges using painter's tape
Most home interior painters, professional and ameteur alike, rely on painter's tape to get around edges without splattering paint everywhere. But painter's tape allows for little air bubbles to form, meaning paint can easily seep below and ruin your work.
How To: Blue a broken mug handle together using Elmer's glue
Did you accidentally drop your favorite Star Wars mug on the kitchen floor? Don't lament your cruel fate and sweep the mug pieces up to toss in the trash can; instead, just glue it back together.
How To: Freeze wet paint rollers to save paint
If you've ever embarked on a room makeover mission all by your onesie (or with a nice buddy), then you know that when it comes to repainting a room, you generally have a lot of paint left over in your roller that you don't know what to do with.
How To: Grow healthy and productive fruit trees
In this tutorial, we learn how to grow healthy and productive fruit trees. Pest management is an issue with growing plats, so use something that can grow in a small area. Only use disease resistant varieties of trees, so you won't lose any while they are growing. You can grow some trees in a small area so they maintain in their space and they are very active. Make sure you prune the trees once they reach a certain heights and you remove any pests that are around. Use these tips to grow health...
How To: Maintain an edge on your woodcarving knife
The first step needed to maintain an edge on your woodcarving knife is to test the knife each time before use. One sign of a woodcarving knife becoming dull is for the cuts to come off in small splinters instead of curled shavings. One of the easiest ways to sharpen your knife is to hold it at a 20 degree angle on your sharping belt and push away from your person. You must repeat the rolling motion shown in the video around ten to twelve times before retesting for sharpness. This step can be ...
How To: Revamp a junk table with paint
In this tutorial, we learn how to revamp a junk table with paint. If you find a cheap junk table, buy it! Just grab some paint brushes and a nice white or cream colored paint. Then, use the brushes to brush a white undercoat onto the entire table. After this has dried fully, take any color of paint that you would like to match your decor. From here, paint the entire piece until it's full coated. You may have to apply another coat to make it soak in fully. When finished, let it dry and use it ...
How To: Read a tape measure like a professional
In this tutorial, we learn how to read a tape measure like a professional. Rulers are awkward and you can't measure something over 13 inches with them. A retractable tape measure will measure as long as you would like and it has different markings on it. It has an inch, half inch, and goes on and on. The smallest is 3 32nd's of an inch. As you become more familiar with measuring the tape measure, you will take more accurate measurements for the projects you're working on. When finished learni...
How To: Build a tipi
In this video, we learn how to build a tipi. First, measure poles to make sure they are the same size, around 23 feet long. After this you will use a rope to tie the poles together so they are flat. To build the tipi, use the middle wooden pole to prop up in the very center. Make sure the rope is woven through the poles tightly and they are spaced apart. After these are secured together, you can bring them up into the air and set them against other poles to stand up. From here, decorate and u...
How To: Pitch a large tipi
In this tutorial, we learn how to pitch a large tipi. First, work on the tripod and get it lifted up. Recruit people to help you get it lifted up and pull it up with a rope. Use poles to help keep it in place so it won't fall back down. Swing the tripod up until it's in the air. Place them to where they will go according to your measurements. Use a tape measure to see where everything should go, so you know you are putting it in the right spot. After this, your tipi will be pitches and set up!
How To: Tile a kitchen floor with a border
In this video, we learn how to tile a kitchen floor with a border. First, you need to remove the flooring that is currently on the ground and sweep it clean. After this, lay down the paste and then the filling for the middle of it on top of the paste. Make sure this is pressed down firmly, then lay down the white paste on top of it. From here, you will be able to la down the tiles in a pattern that will make all of them line up together. Place the border around the sides and you will be finis...
How To: Make a cover for a tipi
In this video, we learn how to make a cover for a tipi. First, put windows all around the bottom of the tipi. Then, take a tarp and cut out the top of it to make it into a circle shape. Then, cut out a hole from each side and put a rope in it for the top of the tipi. Wrap this around the sticks that you made the tipi with and then cover up the top of it with an additional tarp. This will protect you against water and other natural elements! Enjoy decorating and have fun making your tipi!
How To: Organize the clothing in your home closet
In this video from DiscountTrendsetter we learn how to organize your closet! First take inventory of what you have an eliminate items you don't need. Place items such as oversized t-shirts in a drawer or in a bag. Keep your closet for your trendy stuff. Items that are ripped, torn, bleached, etc, get rid of them. Items that are still trendy, but you know you won't wear again, get rid of as well! If you haven't worn something in 2 years, give that item away! Now what you have left are the item...
How To: Prepare a raised bed garden for planting
In this video, we learn how to prepare a raised bed garden for planting. First, clear some of the debris that was left from last year. Then, take a pitchfork and loosen the soil all around the bed. Bring the soil from the bottom up to the top to make it stay loose throughout the bed. Then, start shoveling the soil around the bed and then add in some manure to the bed and mix together with the shovel. Worms in the compost will give you a lot of nutrients and help break down the manure. When fi...
How To: Lay floor tiles
In this video, we learn how to lay floor tiles. Lay the tiles in a diamond pattern, using a tape measure to make sure you have enough of them. You will need to cut the corner tiles so they fit in with the rest of them. Lay the tile adhesive down first before you lay the tiles down and make sure they are pushed down into place securely. Continue to lay the tiles down until you have covered the entire area. After this, you will lay mortar in the middle of it and then wipe it off clean to finish...
How To: Preserve and clean your antique silver
This is a video tutorial in the Home & Garden category where you are going to learn how to preserve and clean your antique silver. Tony Duke shows a fast and effective way to clean heavily soiled silver ware. Put the silverware in to the "silver dip" fluid and leave it for about 35 to 45 seconds. You will see that it is cleaning. Because it is a liquid, it gets in to the nooks and corners of the silverware and cleans them. Take it out of the liquid and wash it. You then got to polish it with ...
How To: Build a shadowbox style privacy fence
The video begins with a finished fence being shown as an example of what your final product should look like. The first step is to lay out straight lines with string to create the outline of fence parameter. To set the first post you must dig a five inch hole in the ground which the post is placed in. The post will be set along the string line spaced out about four inches evenly along the parameter. the holes must be filled in with rock or cement to set them securely. You must then nail board...
How To: Paint a kitchen cabinet
In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a kitchen cabinet. First, you need to take the cabinets off from the base using a screwdriver and removing the hardware from them as well. After this, you will need to sand down the entire area of the cabinets and then number the door so you know where to put it back at. After it's sanded, you will need to paint the entire area of the door until it's covered. Paint on another coat if you need to. When finished, let dry and then paint the other side. Whe...
How To: Remove gum from the carpet or clothing with various methods
There is no one way to remove gum. Depending on the type of gum and where it's stuck - the carpet versus your shirt, for instance - you may need to enlist a different method for each to remove the gum.
How To: Make a serving tray from a picture frame
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a serving tray from a picture frame. First, grab a picture frame in a larger size that comes with glass on it and a backing. From here, you will grab some scrapbooking paper or another type of paper and cut it to size to fit on the background of your paper. Then, find two handles that you have and screw these onto the sides of the picture frame. After this, glue your favorite pictures onto the paper and then let it dry. When finished, stick this under th...
How To: Become an interior decorating minimalist
Minimalists are the opposite of pack rats. Whereas pack rats thrive on the philosophy of "more is more," minimalists belive emphatically that "less is more." And if you're a decorating minimalist, that means using the fewest decorative objects possible to achieve a satisfying and cohesive room.
How To: Figure out if you can grow an October Glory maple tree
Why wouldn't you want to grow a maple tree? Not only would planting and watering it help relieve stress and help you become one with nature rather than with Facebook, but the tree also produces maple syrup.
How To: Hang picture frames and posters on the wall with tips from Lowe's
Until you decorate, your house won't feel like a home, but when you start hanging picture and frame on your living room walls, you should watch this video from Lowe's for some pre-hanging tips!
How To: Clean and optimize your garage and basement storage areas
Is your garage a little more cluttered than it should be? Well, it's time to get organized! And Lowe's is here to help! In this video, Mike Kraft gives some great tips for shaping up your garage or basement, in a neat and organized room that you can finally walk through.
How To: Make cheap and safe handmade laundry soap
When it comes to staying safe, we all know that dish detergents, spray cleaners, and any sort of bleaching cleaners are bad for our health, since they distribute potentially cancer-causing toxins into the air.
How To: Choose, plan and install a wooden or vinyl fence with Lowe's
When it comes to fence-building, nobody knows better than Lowe's. And if you're thinking about fencing an area of your home, either for privacy, decoration or busywork, this video series will inform you on everything you need to know. Learn how to choose and plan out your fence, whether it be wood, aluminum or vinyl, then see how to start laying it out and digging the posts. Then move on to the actual installation.
How To: Replace old ceiling fans with newer kid-friendly fixtures
Are your ceiling fans wobbling too much? Making more noise than you can stand? Seem unsafe? Are boring your kids? Then it's time to upgrade to a newer ceiling fan, but don't worry— you can easily DIY it! This video will show you the step-by-step procedure for removing your old ceiling fans and installing new kid-friendly ones. This added (and functional) fixture will help cool your house while adding a fun decorative touch to your home. They're great for kids!
How To: Replace an old deadbolt and install a new electronic keyless entry device
If you've recently upgraded you doorknob to an elegant Schlage Plymouth Handleset, then it's time to match your front entry locks and install a new electronic high-security Schlage Plymouth Keyless Entry Deadbolt. This keypad is great if you never want to lock your bottom handleset (or doorknob). Watch this step-by-step installation video to see how it's done! You'll need a phillips head screwdriver or electric drill. To see how to install the matching handleset, click here.
How To: Replace an old doorknob and install a new front entry handleset
Tired of your old front entry doorknob? Get rid of it in lieu of something a little classier (and safer). A handleset is the perfect way to make your front door stand out, and this video will show you how to install one— specifically, Schlage Plymouth Handleset. You'll need a phillips head screwdriver, tape measure, battery drill, 3/8" drill bit and a Sharpie or other marking device. To see how to install the matching deadbolt, click here.
How To: Replace (or install) a brand new toilet in your bathroom
You're in drastic need of a new toilet, but you're scared of the cost of installation— don't worry, you can install it yourself with absolute ease. You don't need a plumber for this at all. It's actually one of the easiest home repairs you can DIY, right alongside a leaky faucet. This step-by-step tutorial will show you the whole process of removing your old "crap" toilet and install a bright, shiny new one. You'll need a putty knife, tape measure, crescent wrench, gloves and wax ring.
How To: Replace (or install) a widespread bathroom faucet
If your bathroom faucet is old and leaky, it may be time for a replacement. But don't worry about expensive installation cost, because you can install it yourself! It's one of the easiest home maintenance repairs possible. Chrysten Cotney shows you the step-by-step DIY process of successfully tearing out an old faucet and installing a new one. You'll need an adjustable wrench, some plumber's putty and a roll of teflon tape.
How To: Measure your staircase for a Summit Stair Lift installation
Measuring a staircase for a Summit Stair Lift is a simple process, but it's important that it's done right. This video will outline the quick measuring process so you can start your stair lift installation with no problems.
How To: Paint furniture with Formica surfaces and metal hardware
It's not always an easy task to paint used furniture, especially when you're dealing with Formica, which is a hard durable plastic laminate used on countertops, cupboards and some furniture pieces. This video will show you the steps required to start painting a Formica surface. Also, you'll learn how to properly prepare metal hardware to be painted.
How To: Install faux wood cathedral ceiling beams in your home
Just because you have a cathedral ceiling in your home, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beautiful decorative texture of wood beams. Faux wood ceiling beams are a great way to add character and warmth to a plain room. Compared to real wood, they're cheaper, lightweight and easier to install. See how to install them in a cathedral ceiling. This video gives you step-by-step instructions for installing fake wood beams, including materials and tools list.
How To: Install suspended faux wood ceiling beams in your home
If you already have basic faux wood ceiling beams installed in your home, then you may still want to go a bit further, and suspended faux wood beams is the way to go. It's decorative, cheaper than real wood, lightweight and can add character and warmth to a plain room. This video gives you step-by-step instructions for installing fake wood beams, including materials and tools list.
How To: Install basic faux wood ceiling beams in your home
Let's face it— we'd all like to have some decorative wooden beams on our ceilings in our living rooms. It's a great way to add character and warmth to a plain room. But you don't need real wood to get this look. There's a lightweight and cheaper alternative— faux wood ceiling beams. This video gives you step-by-step instructions for installing fake wood beams, including materials and tools list.
How To: Make a wall treatment with reclaimed wood for your apartment
This is a classy and environmentally friendly way to give your home a wall treatment with reclaimed wood. You can find reclaimed lumber from nearly any lumberyard, especially green ones. Make sure you get the right tools and hardware, as well!
How To: Build a hoop house or cold frame for gardening
In this DIY guide from the folks at Gardenfork.tv, we learn how to construct a hoop house or cold frame to extend the gardening season. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this gardener's guide can present a complete overview in about 9 minutes. For all of the details, and to get started making your own hoop houses and cold frames, take a look.
How To: Use shortcuts to save time and energy when cleaning your house
Like having a clean home but wish there were a faster way to tidy it up? This clip from Good Housekeeping will teach you a number of useful, time-saving shortcuts certain to help. For all of the details, and to get started incorporating these tips into your own cleaning routines, take a look.