Posts Tagged ‘DIY’

Aug
0

8 One-minute Design Projects

Common items used in unique ways – fun!

Apr
0

The Pallet Cabin

Solabode is “a company dedicated to the development and promotion of experimental building design for human occupation and use.” These guys are having fun trying out many different materials and ideas in shaping shelter. The video below shows them using wood pallets and other salvaged material to create a small, one-room cabin.

Building with Pallets from RKF on Vimeo.

Feb
0

The Hidden Drawer

Kudos to local craftsman Brian Grabski for creating this fun mechanism that opens a hidden drawer. I love this kind of stuff! This whole video was shot with an iPhone to get into the tight spaces. See more of Brian’s work at Designed & Made Custom Woodworking.

Dresser w/ Hidden Drawer from Brian Grabski on Vimeo.

May
0

DIY PhotoWall

I love looking at pictures on the computer or iPad but there is something special about an actual print. Here is an easy project to display some of your photos in a fun way.

Apr
0

Turntable Art

When I was a young boy, I had rigged up an old turntable with an arm hanging from the ceiling that would randomly move and scratch my back. (Did I just admit that?) Artist Robert Howsare created this ‘lazy man’s Spirograph’ using a similar idea. It is mesmerizing to watch and spins out a nice piece to hang on your wall.

Feb
0

DIY Design – Coat Rack

DIY Design – Coat Rack

You always need some place to hang coats, hats, back packs, etc. in your entryway. Everything I saw had a traditional look or used the typical hooks and was frankly, uninspiring. Here is one I made using some scrap birch and walnut with some brass/steel rod. It was very simple to put together and has a clean, modern look. Click on the images to enlarge.

Feb
0

Podcast #32 -Let’s Talk Windows

Podcast #32 -Let’s Talk Windows


Today we speak with Bill Gautsche III of Pella Windows and Doors. Bill guides us in understanding what is important when selecting windows for your project. A few questions discussed include:
-What are the basic components that make up a quality window?
-What are the different types of windows?
-Clarify the difference of R-value versus U-value.
-What options are there for glass and what is important to be aware of?
-How are windows installed? New construction versus replacing existing units.
-What future technologies do you see related to windows?

Resources can be found at:
Pella and HERE for information and installation videos

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the titleĀ ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

Dec
5

Installing Plywood Flooring

During the weekly parties (well, maybe now and then) we hold at our house, people always ask about the plywood flooring. We have used plywood on several projects with great results. It is inexpensive and comes in a variety of species. We installed it ourselves and so can you! Here is a quick video of how we did it in our home.

Nov
0

DIY Design -Table Lamp

DIY Design -Table Lamp

Not finding economical (and cool) bedside table lamps, I decided to build my own. I used miscellaneous pieces of aluminum angle, steel, brass/steel rods and my favorite -a truss plate, to make the basic fixture. I then picked up some electrical components including a 15 watt bulb and that’s it! Click on the images to enlarge.