It’s time for spring cleaning, and I’ve learned that some of my favorite cleaning products can be toxic. What’s a good alternative?– M.R., Dover, VT Common household cleaners that contain chlorine, ammonia, and petroleum-based chemicals may contribute to respiratory problems, release harmful fumes, irritate allergies and chemical sensitivities, and burn skin or eyes on contact. […]
How To
How To
Covered Bridge Driveway
The lone covered bridge in Whitingham, Vermont, is on Ed and Diane Takorian’s hillside property. With gable ends, Douglas fir decking, wrought-iron lanterns, and a too-real-to-believe artificial slate roof made of recycled tires, this 26-foot span is small but stunning. The Takorians could have built any old bridge — but Ed, a retired tool machinist […]
A popular garden piece gets refashioned as an entry hall mainstay in this simple DIY trellis coat rack project.
A greenhouse roof made from the lids of maple sap buckets just might be the most New England spring DIY home project ever.
How To
Do-It-Yourself Home Projects
Yankee ingenuity is alive and well. Here are five clever home projects to inspire the do-it-yourselfer in all of us. This rooftop pergola (pictured), for instance. “It divides things up,” says the home owner. “You have a choice: You can either sit with the flowers and vegetables or sit under the shade in the pergola.” […]
Inspired by his boyhood love of pickup hockey on frozen ponds, a New Hampshire dad creates a backyard ice rink.
Materials to Make Ghosts on Glass Several pieces (4×5, 5×7, and 8×10 inches) of picture glass from glass store Contact paper Pencil Artist’s knife Stencil paintbrush Etching cream from crafts store Copper tape from stained-glass store Instructions to Make Ghosts on Glass Cut piece of contact paper the same size as the glass. Peel backing […]
Materials to Make Boogeyman in the Window Ruler 6 sheets black Canson card stock paper Elmer’s clear glue White gel pen Artist’s knife Instructions to Make Boogeyman in the Window Measure each windowpane and cut paper to fit. Place a small amount of glue on each corner of the windowpanes. Place paper in the windows […]
Materials for Raven Halloween Craft Stencil of bird from crafts store Pumpkin Black acrylic paint Paintbrush Small sculpting tool Instructions to Make Raven Halloween Craft Using the stencil, paint bird on pumpkin surface. Let dry; repeat. Use small sculpting tool to etch details.
Looking for an easy Halloween craft? Paper candle holders made to look like haunted houses are perfect!
Deck your house out with this spooky stairway vampire. Or try your hand at creating a witch or goblin. We think they’re all frightfully fun! Materials to Make a Stairway Vampire Ruler 6 sheets black Canson card stock paper Tape White gel pen Scissors Double-stick tape Pumpkins, candles, squash Instructions to Make a Stairway Vampire […]
Craft projects by Matthew Mead Halloween decorations are becoming as prevalent as Christmas lights. Let’s say you want to add a spook-tacular look inside your home. Below are five simple, crafty ideas that will do the trick. Start now for a happy, haunting Halloween. Also, see SLIDESHOW: Outdoor Halloween Decorations Share your ideas for inside […]