Archive for the ‘Do It Yourself Guides’ Category

One of the common problems with basement finishing projects is solving the height problem. When homes are built, the thought of basement planning never comes to one’s mind. It is always after the building is complete and the basement finishing project starts that the problems are noticed. Not only the ceiling height but various other such structural problems occur which need to be solved intelligently with simple tactics to follow. The methods are generally quite creative and effective to put up with the challenges of basement finishing.

Creating several arches in your basement adds a rich architectural appeal simultaneously hiding out the horizontal beams to give a neat finish. In places where there are plumbing lines or ductwork along the walls, tray ceilings can be used to cover them up. If there happens to be some sort of defect or problem, nice creative molding works can be very useful in distracting the eyes to cover up for the faults.

Basements are a wonderful place if used for entertainment purposes and the ceiling height generally does not pose much of a problem. In such cases, installing wainscot with a drink ledge is a good idea and averts attention from the ceiling height being too noticeable.

Since most basements’ finishing project and planning start after the house building is complete, one might end up having unwanted pillars and posts at the wrong places. They can be turned into attractive decorative columns, making your recreational space more attractive. The correct selection of color to paint your basement is an important factor that determines an illusive look of a spacious or cramped look.

All of these techniques are effective solutions to solving ceiling height problems and other similar problems during a basement finishing project. It is necessary that the technique is useful in camouflaging and covering up for what is unwanted or creating the necessary illusion to give your basement the desired appearance. All of these methods are not expensive and all it requires is some good amount of planning and completing them with the help of proper expertise. Good basement finishing helps add value to your home.

Using infrared (IR) light pens and the Wii Remote, it is possible to create very low-cost multi-point interactive whiteboards and multi-point tablet displays. Johnny Chung Lee, Carnegie Mellon University. The software can be downloaded at johnnylee.net

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from Saysa and more videos in the General Crafts category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com A kaleidoscope is a fun toy, but you don’t have to buy one in the store. It’s easy to make one yourself. To complete this How-To you will need: A sheet of clear, heavy, bendable plastic A ruler A pen Scissors Clear tape A paper towel tube Black construction paper A square of plastic wrap Small shiny objects, such as beads, sequins, and shiny confetti Wax paper A rubber band Stickers or wrapping paper (optional) A utility knife (optional) Step 1: Draw a rectangle Draw a rectangle, 8-by-4 inches, on the plastic using your pen or permanent marker, and cut it out with your scissors or a utility knife. Step 2: Draw your fold lines Draw three lines, parallel to each other, lengthwise along the rectangle. The lines should be 1¼ inches apart, starting 1¼ inches from the top edge. The last line will be ¼ inch from the bottom edge. Step 3: Fold the rectangle Fold your rectangle along the lines you just drew, forming a three-dimensional triangle. The small 1/4-inch fold should be on the outside. Using your clear tape, tape the triangle together along the thin ¼-inch flap of plastic. Step 4: Cut the paper towel tube Cut the paper towel tube to a …

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from Seaworthy and more videos in the Survival Skills category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com Getting out of the wilderness alive is a matter of knowing what to do–and what not to do. To complete this How-To you will need: Water Shelter Step 1: Stay where you are As soon as you realize you are lost, stay where you are. It’s much more difficult for rescuers to find you if you’re on the move. Step 2: Remain together If you’re with others, remain together. Step 3: Follow the acronym STOP Follow the acronym STOP: SIT down to collect your thoughts; THINK before you do anything or walk anywhere; OBSERVE what’s around you, and listen carefully for noises that indicate people or roads nearby; PREPARE for a long wait by gathering whatever items will keep you safe and comfortable, like wood and kindling if you have a way to start a fire. Tip: If you can start a campfire, start three of them in a straight line or triangle. The universal distress signals are three gunshots, three blasts of a whistle, three fires, or three flashes of a mirror or reflective object. Step 4: Drink up If you have water with you, drink it whenever you feel thirsty. You may be tempted to make it last as long as possible, but it will do you more good in …

It only takes a minute to steal a US Election!

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from vinzfeller and more videos in the Travel Preparations & Packing category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com Want to travel light? With a little research — and a lot of editing — you can lose your luggage dependency one overstuffed bag at a time… To complete this How-To you will need: Neutral colored clothes Washable fabrics Rubber bands 3 oz. plastic containers Plastic baggies Extra bag straps Step 1: Check the forecast Check the 10-day weather forecast of your destination so you’ll know whether you’ll need more warm- or cool-weather clothes. You also don’t want to waste space on an umbrella, shorts, or a heavy coat if they’re not likely to be needed. Step 2: Choose neutral colors Allow yourself a few favorite pieces of clothes for fun or special occasions in colors that you love. Everything else should be dark or neutral colors that can be worn with these pieces and mixed and matched with each other to create a number of outfits. Step 3: Think two Follow the general rule of two: pack 2 short-sleeved shirts, 2 long-sleeved shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, and 2 pairs of long pants. Tip: Limit pants to your favorite jeans and a pair of black pants that can be dressed up or down as the situation warrants. Step 4: Choose …

Part one on the natural growth show, a brief way showing how to use cornrows as a protective style

Ingrid y Maggie conocieron a la estrella de los jaripeos

from the album “All For You”

Author Kelly Corrigan wrote this moving essay about women’s remarkable capacity to suport each other, to laugh together, and to endure. The full text is available in the paperback edition of her memoir, The Middle Place, on sale December 23, 2008.