CasaSugar

Has Your Home Made You Handier?

CasaSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:15:59 -0700

In the New York Times article "Two Hands, Two Homes", writer and handyman Anthony DePalma reflects on how his family's older homes, which were in need of constant repairs, made him into a bona fide handyman. He writes, "Although I started out as a real innocent, dumb as a nail about home repairs, I might now be considered a jack of all trades, times two."

I suspect that this is how many of us become handy. Out of necessity, when we can't get a repair person out to fix a toilet or look at a broken step, we often take matters into our own hands. It's certainly gratifying when the results work out in our favor, and we gain a valuable new skill.

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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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Gift Guide: The Handyman

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:15:55 -0800

Each holiday season I inevitably find myself searching for gifts that the men in my family will actually enjoy. For some reason, furry suede slippers never do well. And, you can only give a man a tie and a set of cuff links so many times before he starts to think you want him to spend more time at work. But anyone with a Y chromosome wants to think he's useful at home as well as the office. So, whether you need to encourage the men in your life to do a little more work around the house, or you want to reward them for all the picture-hanging and deck-building they can't seem to get enough of, a handyman-style gift is just the thing to put a smile on your dudes' faces this year. I've collected some items I know they'll love, and perhaps laugh about (overalls). But I also recommend checking out your local hardware shop and some old standbys like Duluth Trading and L.L. Bean. If you're working with a beginner handyman, the ideal gift is a sturdy toolbox or bag filled with all of the essential household tools. Also, listen closely, there may be some sort of power tool your very own handyman is already aching for. To see my suggestions, read more.

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For more gift gifts, holiday home decorating tips and more, check out HolidaySugar!

Open House: Who Is Your Handyman?

CasaSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:45:04 -0700

You know I love to DIY. But, contrary to popular opinion, I am not actually good at everything. I can paint, sew, garden, hang wallpaper, and even do some plumbing, among other things. But, electrical projects are not my forté; and it's probably a fire hazard for me to attempt them. Some of you may be quite adept at installing a new light fixture and rewiring your outlets, though. Or maybe you can fix a squeaky door with the touch of your pinky finger. Maybe your man does all the work for you — or none at all. Or, perhaps you hire someone to fix things around the house or know a great celebrity handyman. Tell me where your skill set lies, and where it's lacking by commenting below!
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Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:30:30 -0800

Staying in the house this Winter? Here are some tips for keeping cozy.
Most of you loved the Keep Calm and Carry On rug.
You fell hard for Door Sixteen's delightful bathroom.
Proenza Schouler designed a fab chair for DWR.
Amy Butler has adorable downloadable gift tags for you.
My expert handyman has some cheap and easy home improvement projects for you.
Mindy Kaling is house poor. Are you?
A Su Casa member whipped up some cool coasters.

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Five Household Tasks to Contract Out

CasaSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:30:37 -0700

I recently asked you who your handyman is and which tasks around the house you undertake yourself, and which ones you designate to others. Not surprisingly, you're a talented bunch, and some of you cited that you sign up for tasks like installing dishwashers and light fixtures, sanding, plastering, building window shades from scratch, and refinishing furniture. But, according to Popular Mechanics, there are some DIYs that should be left to professionals. To hear which tasks you should avoid and why, read more.

Electrical work, particularly "extending existing electrical circuits or adding new ones," should be left to specialists, because it can result in electric shock or fire if attempted by an inexperienced DIYer.
Plumbing, particularly attempting to "modify a home’s water-supply lines or hot-water heating system," could result in flood or fire.
Tree cutting, in all forms, can put you and nearby property at risk (think sliced flesh and fallen limbs).
Unless you're roofing a dog house, the risk of falling involved in roofing is too great.
Removing walls without knowledge of your building's structure (load-bearing walls) can cause floors and roofs to come crashing down. Let's just say the neighbors will not love you.

Read the Popular Mechanics article for more details.
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Casa Quickie: Double Your Closet Space

CasaSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:00:39 -0800

I just came across a Real Simple tip that is arguably the simplest way to renew your cramped closet, and I felt obliged to share. Hang a second rod below the existing rod to store short clothing items like scarves, pants, tops, and sexy minis. You don't need a handyman for this installation; you can buy an extendable rod with rubber stopper ends to fit your space perfectly. Or, buy a standard rod that easily screws in.

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Carhartt® R07 Washed Denim Overalls - $60.00	8-Volt Impact Drill by Tomboy Tools - $79.00
Small Utility Box - $15.99	Bootscraper Replacement Brushes, Set of 2 - $12.50
Multi Battery Storage Case - $5.99	11" x 6-3/4" Compartment Boxes - $9.99
Platinum elfa Mesh Garage Drawers - $150.73	Cheerleader Trunk with Wheels - $219.00
Classic Tool Boxes - $8.99	Hercules Hook - $14.99
Professional Picture Hangers - $1.99	Wall Anchors for 5/8" Drywall - $5.99
Sheet Metal Screws - $3.99	Smart Power Strip - $39.00
Grundtal Electrical Outlet, Double - $39.99	Command™ Adhesive Picture Hanging Strips - $3.99
20' Tape Measure by Tomboy Tools - $11.99	Medium-Weight Mallet by Tomboy Tools - $11.99
Power Drill Bits by Tomboy Tools - $8.99	The Ultimate Hammer Tool - $14.99
18" Aluminum Level by Tomboy Tools - $16.99