CasaSugar

DIY: Denim Wrench Case

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:15:23 -0800

If my Handyman Holiday Gift Guide wasn't good enough for you, perhaps you'd like to DIY a gift for your favorite hunky household helper. If your handyman has every tool in the toolbox, consider making him this Denim Wrench Case made by Cut Out + Keep member Eva G, which holds a full set of wrenches and rolls up into itself. All you'll need for this product is a few pieces of denim or other sturdy fabric (try canvas), embroidery thread, a needle, scissors, and an elastic band. Eva gave the case to her father last Christmas and embroidered his initials onto the case to personalize it. I love how the color of the red thread pops! It's also very masculine looking - what genuine handyman could argue with that? To learn how to make this wrench case, and to see it rolled up, read more.

Line your wrenches up on a paper bag, with about half an inch to an inch of space between each wrench. Using a ruler, trace a straight-lined outline around the wrenches, adding an inch on each of the sides and the bottom to allow for your hem. Add four inches to the top of the outline, and draw a straight line for the top, making a trapezoid shape.
Cut out your pattern.
Using your piece of denim or canvas, cut out the fabric using your pattern.
Next, cut out a thinner trapezoid shape. The thinner shape should be half the diameter of your first piece of fabric. The fabric should also be two inches longer than the larger piece of the case. This will allow room for sewing each wrench pocket
Now, sew the exterior hem on the larger piece of fabric, which will be the exterior of the case. Fold the fabric under twice, to avoid any fraying or unsightly unfinished hem line.
Next, line up the thinner piece of fabric in the middle of the large fabric. Starting from the bottom, sew the first pocket.
Check the size of each pocket so it matches the head of each wrench. You don’t want the pocket opening (where the head will sit) to be so big that the head will slip through.
When you get to the top, fold the top hem under. Slip the elastic band between the two pieces of fabric, and sew it securely.
If you’re really ambitious, you can embroider initials onto the case, just like Eva G did.

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Crave Worthy: Marie Christophe Lustre Cygnes Chandelier

CasaSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:00:55 -0700

I try to be sensible about where I spend my money . . . invest in durable, timeless pieces that I use every day, cut back on trends and accessories, etc. And then, something comes along like a bolt of lightning on a clear day that's so unique and heart-wrenchingly beautiful, it makes me want to throw caution to the wind. A piece like the Marie Christophe Lustre Cygnes Chandelier (inquire for price) might not be the most sensible place to spend my hard-earned dinero, but it would certainly put a smile on my face each day. I simply adore its delicate, whimsical wirework and vibrant turquoise and amber beading. What I really love, though, is its regal swan heads graciously carrying baubled lamp shades in their beaks. What could be more charming?

How-To: Fixing a Leaky Faucet

CasaSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:30:31 -0700

A leaky faucet is a pretty common annoyance . . . but it needn't be! It's actually fairly simple to fix, so I figured this was an excellent start to your home schooling. So rather than letting water go to waste, and taking migraine medicine to remedy drip-drop-orchestra-induced headaches, just take a few minutes to conquer the inconvenience on your own. You'll just need a washer, faucet stem or O-ring, six-in-one interchangeable screwdriver, and eight-inch adjustable wrench or six-inch slip joint pliers. To learn the steps to saying sayonara to your leaky faucet, read more.

Here's how, from Barbara K!:

First, check to see if the leak is coming from the faucet tap or the handle. If it's the former, you'll need to replace the washer. The latter, you'll need to replace the faucet stem or O-ring.
Turn off the water by turning the knob under the sink.
Drain out any remaining water by opening the faucet.
Next, close up the stopper in the sink bowl and then place a towel in the sink to protect against scratches or chips.
Now, take off the decorative top of the faucet handle.Unscrew the screw that is exposed, so you can then remove the handle.
Remove the stem assembly by turning the locknut counterclockwise with your wrench, and then lifting the stem assembly out. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen the stem if it sticks.
Then, take off the washer underneath.
Pick up an exact match to your washer at the hardware store. Replace the screw with an exact match as well if it looks worn.
Before replacing the stem, clean off any corrosion.
Then replace the washer and screw with your new purchases, and reinstall the stem.
Put the locknut, faucet handle, and decorative cap back on.
Turn the water back on via the valve below the sink.
Turn the faucet on and off, and then listen for any drips. Fini!
If there are any drips, run through the steps again, making sure everything is securely tightened.

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Nice and New: Neuton Battery-Powered Mower

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:00:36 -0700

I've already shown you plenty of ways to make your home eco chic indoors, but there are also some ways you can eco-fy the space outside your home. For one, you can sprout a couch which will actually produce oxygen (!), and you can also be smart about the hour you water your garden. Beyond that, you can trade in your loud, gas-guzzling lawn mower for the Neuton Battery-Powered Mower ($479). Obviously, this mower cuts back on CO2 emissions, but it doesn't contaminate your ground water either. According to the product description, "The EPA estimates that of the 800 million gallons of gas used to fuel lawn mowers in the U.S. every year, about 17 million gallons are spilled, which can contaminate ground water." Running on a 24-volt battery, the mower will cut your grass for 45 to 60 minutes, and it also features a mulching plug, bagger, side discharge chute, safety key and two wrenches. Now if you could only hire someone to do it for you, sit back, and enjoy an ice-cold brew, poolside . . .

Primer: Making an Emergency Preparedness Kit

CasaSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:26:16 -0700

Hurricane season is in full force, and here in California, there's always the chance of an earthquake. Even if you don't live in storm or quake country - but especially if you do - you should have an emergency preparedness kit stashed away.

The American Red Cross recommends having enough food and water on hand to support every member of your household for at least three days. They've also got a great list of other must-haves you may not have thought of, including bleach and a non-electric can opener. Tune in tomorrow, when I'll feature some ready-made kits you can buy. Until now, here's a checklist of everything you should have on hand.

Water. The Red Cross recommends one gallon per day per person, including pets. If you don't have any stored, why not make a habit of picking up a gallon or two every time you go to the supermarket?
Food. Concentrate on ready-to-eat canned fruits, veggies, juice, and meat, as well as protein-rich snacks like trail mix and granola bars. Don't forget vitamins and special supplies for any elderly family members, babies, and pets.
A first-aid kit with Band-Aids, latex gloves, gauze pads, a thermometer, over-the-counter drugs, and necessary prescription medications.

For the other essentials, read more

Tools such as scissors, tweezers, a sewing kit, a manual can opener, a knife, and a wrench to turn off gas and water.
Moist towelettes and antibacterial hand gel
Sunscreen
Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
A hand-crank or battery-operated radio, with batteries
Flashlights with extra batteries
Candles and matches
Cash
Small fire extinguisher
Toilet paper, feminine products, and garbage bags
Dish soap
Bleach
Blankets or sleeping bags
Rain gear
Important documents, such as wills, deeds, passports, family records, and a bank account numbers.
A list of important phone numbers

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