CasaSugar

Open House: What Was Your Most Successful DIY?

CasaSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:30:31 -0800

For crafters and DIYers, a few failures are par for the course. That's part of the reason why successful DIY projects are such a coup. I've had my share of successes and failures, and I'm currently in the middle of one of my more ambitious projects ever. I find myself fretting over it, since I'm not sure if it's going to completely work out yet, and there are still several steps to complete.

One of my favorite DIY projects was refurbishing a wood and canvas canoe with my father. It was a project that took a long time to complete, but the end result was absolutely amazing. I loved paddling around the lake in the canoe, knowing that we'd made that moment possible thanks to our hard work.

This table, shown above, was also a collaboration between a parent and grown child. You can read more about it here. But before you do, tell me a little about your most successful DIY project. Was it quick and easy? Or did it take lots of love, elbow grease, and patience?

Source: Flickr User Sporkist

Su Casa: A Thrifty and Hip DIY Shelf

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:25 -0800

Often, home enthusiasts find a product that is perfect for their homes, but find that the price point is definitely less than ideal. Such was the case with Su Casa member Senorita.

She writes, "I had fallen in love with the CB2 Hancock bookshelf ($199). I wasn't keen on that exact color (a bright orange), but I loved the shape. I debated on buying two and repainting them, but at $200 a piece, that was a little more than I was willing to spend. So I started my search for a shelving unit that would work on this extra-large wall of mine."

To see what she found instead, and what fabulous color she decided upon, read more.

Senorita continues, "I happened to browse through Ikea and found a series called Lerberg. They were a little smaller than the CB2 shelves, but with a little paint could be whatever color I wanted, and for three (enough to cover the wall) a mere $60. So, I got to work and bought three shelves and three cans of lime-green paint. I am thrilled with the final product - they definitely pop with color!"

Have you come up with a smart DIY or home project? Then share it in our Su Casa group!
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Link Time!!!

FabSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:00:22 -0800

Craft work: DIY bloggers and their fashion-forward projects - Refinery 29
3 surprising facts about Topshop's Philip Green - Racked
Beth Ditto breaks all the fashion rules - Style.com
eBay to open first holiday store - Nitrolicious
Maria Cornejo's debut swimsuit line - Lucky
Adam Lippes thinks it’s hard to find an intern with good style - The Cut
Bilson bows to fashion - Fashionista
Woman invents neck bra - Jezebel
Christian Louboutin talks politics, knocks comfort - Stylelist
Agyness Deyn is back in black - Teen Vogue
Kelly Osbourne’s fierce rules of style - Off the Rack
Vogue.TV debuts 60 Seconds to Chic - Vogue TV
Laudni Vidni two bag giveaway! - Bag Snob

Have You Started Holiday Crafting Yet?

CasaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:31 -0800

Once November hits, I start my list for holiday crafting projects I want to work on. From scarves to teacup candles to salves, all of the crafting takes time - and planning - so I like to stretch it out over many weeks, instead of rushing and freaking out in mid-December.

Source: Flickr User LollyKnit

5 Adorable Handmade Nintendo DSi Cases

GeekSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:05:10 -0800

As if covering your cell and iPhone with amazing handmade goods wasn't enough, I went ahead and found five adorable DSi cases on Etsy that are worthy of a look-see, and maybe even a purchase if you don't already have your console protected. That DSi was an investment, no? Might as well keep it free of scratches and dings with one of these!

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How to Make Chicken Cutlets

YumSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:50:30 -0700

When I was developing my recipe for buffalo chicken mac and cheese, I headed to the local butcher to buy chicken cutlets. The butcher said he didn't have any on hand, but could make some for me on the spot. But when I stood there watching him, I couldn't believe how easy it was! I vowed to share the painless process with you. For step-by-step instructions, keep reading.

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Before and After: Updating a Sun Porch

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:23 -0700

Su Casa member PrettyLittleWorld loves her new home, but she wasn't a fan of her sun porch. She writes, "When we moved into our new home over the summer, we knew the sun porch would have to get some attention so that we could use it. The previous design was just all around unattractive, and made the porch feel a little depressing. We needed to stay within a small budget because there were bigger and more expensive things that needed doing in the rest of the house."

To see how she improved the original porch, read more.

PrettyLittleWorld used paint to improve the sun porch, which, as you well know, is one of the most dramatic and inexpensive ways to update a space. Using Winter Flannel and Quail Egg paint, the entire space looks updated and refreshed. PrettyLittleWorld also added a new, comfy porch chair for a green pop of color, and moved houseplants into the space as well. "We changed the sun porch into a space that we love to use!" she reports.

Have you made any changes in your home? Share them on Su Casa.

DIY Geeky Pac-Man-Carved Pumpkins

GeekSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:31:37 -0700

The hardest part about making these adorable 8-bit gourds is finding just the right pumpkins to carve! Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories the creators of this Pac-Man-carved creation, suggest finding a bagful of these decorative gourds at the grocery store - try to find one with a curvy base and a rounded one with a flat base.

And now that you've got the perfect pumpkins, here's how you should carve your pumpkins:

Gourds like these have a hard shell, about 3mm thick, that is rather hard to cut through. We used a loose drill bit (turned by hand) to make the initial cut. From there, a regular hobby knife (e.g., X-acto) works well. Once the soft flesh and seeds are scooped out, the hard shell can dry to make a semipermanent display.

Better Than Lollipops: Crispy Rice Treats on Sticks

YumSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:30:10 -0700

At a baby shower this year, LilSugar sent everyone home with the most clever party favors: crispy rice treats on a stick! They were the perfect parting gift at the shower, but, when adorned with color-coordinated orange sprinkles and ribbons, they'd also make a charming alternative to serve trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

This delight takes less than 10 minutes to come together on the stove top. Evenly press the mixture into a pan coated with cooking spray, and let cool for about five minutes. Cut them to uniform size, roll each into the shape of a ball, and insert sticks through the middle. Wrap treats in individual cellophane bags, and tie with a pretty ribbon.

Got any other sweet ideas for Halloween? Share them below!

Crafty Community Member Turns Her Dogs Into Pumpkins!

PetSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0700

I wasn't the only one awed by those dog breed pumpkin patterns - Community Member Yogaforlife made two for herself! Checking out the magazine's choices for inspiration, she created stencils for her Australian Cattle Dog/Smooth Collie mixes, Maia (on the left) and Benny (on the right). Certainly gives me hope that I can carve out some time to create a North-inspired gourd myself!

See something cool around town? Send it to our Spotted! group. Plan on dressing up a pet (or done so in the past)? Add it to the Dress Up Extravaganza. Simply have cute animals? There's always Pet of the Day for that ~~problem~~ blessing, too!