DIY Archives - Page 15 of 52 - Pretty Handy Girl

DIY, Do It Yourself, Electrical, energy conservation, Home Maintenance, light fixture, Tutorial

How to Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED Lights

Do you have those old discolored recessed can lights in your home that use big hot flood bulbs? If so, it’s time for an upgrade!

How to Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED Lights

Today I want to show you how to update ugly recessed can lights with energy saving LED recessed lights. This process is quick and easy, not to mention the new lights will look better, last longer, and save you money on your energy bill! What more could you want? Change out all your ugly recessed lights in no time by following this simple tutorial.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

6″ LED Recessed Dimmable Retrofit Downlights
Ladder or step stool
X-acto knife (optional)

Instructions:

Here is what my old lights look like. Not only are they ugly, but they use the large flood light bulbs that use too much energy, radiate heat, and burn out quickly. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of changing these burned out bulbs.

Want to see how quickly you can change out your lights? Here’s a one minute video (that’s how fast you can do it):

The first step to replacing these recessed lights is to remove the light bulb by simply unscrewing it from the socket. Unless you’re extraordinarily tall, you’ll probably need a step ladder for this project.

Next, find two small springs inside the baffle, as shown in photo below. They look like a wire with a loop in the center. Pull up and out on the springs to release the baffle inside your can light.

Remove the trim by simply pulling it off the ceiling.

Grab your new retrofit LED recessed light and screw the adapter into the light bulb socket, exactly as you would screw in a light bulb. It’s that easy!

Inside the opening, find two metal clips. Squeeze the spring hinges on your LED light and insert them into the clips inside the old recessed can. These will hold the light in place.

Finally, gently push your light up into the ceiling. Believe it or not, you’re done!

Now you have a beautiful, white, and energy-efficient LED recessed light. Take some time to admire it.

Now you can easily change out all the can lights in the room and voila, your lighting is upgraded! This is such a quick, easy, and inexpensive project. There is no point in putting it off any longer.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Feel free to share any questions or thoughts in the comment section below. Thank you for reading!

Liked this project? I know you’ll love these other lighting upgrades:

Change Out a Dated Hollywood Strip Light

How to Convert a Recessed Can Light to Accept a Hard-Wired Light

September 24, 2018/31 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Build It, Decorating, DIY, organizational tips

16+ DIY Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas

Built in storage and shelves are a great way to create an attractive home that is as functional as it is beautiful. Built-ins maximize the space you can use in your home and make it easier to keep organized and clutter free. Here is a collection of 16+ DIY Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas to help you come up with ways you can upgrade your home this year with built in storage!

16 DIY Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas:

Learn to build this modern and sleek a floating TV shelf that doesn’t take up much space but offers great storage.

Add some beautiful hanging storage to your wall by building this Coat Rack made from an Old Door.

Add warmth, character and display space by building this Scrap Wood Wall with built-in ledges.

Upgrade and organize your laundry or storage room with a Flow Wall cabinets and slat wall.

Add storage without sacrificing sunlight by building some Glass Window Shelves.

Organize kids books and keep them in view by installing these simple and functional Rain Gutter Bookshelves.

Add some small decor features to your room by installing these Industrial Display Shelves.

Repurpose your space and turn a Spare Closet into a Reading Nook.

For a quiet kid zone, build this Children’s Closet Library to make great use of unused wall space.

Tackle your sports equipment by building this Sports Gear Storage Shelf within a small unused space.

Build full Chalkboard Front Storage drawers for your pantry to organize and easily find any item you need.

Add some simple elegance to a room by building this Built-In Decorative Shelf.

Take your decor up a notch by adding gorgeous Shelves Using Corbel Brackets for storage. Don’t let a tile wall stop you!

Don’t search for missing shoes any longer, organize your closets by building these DIY Built-In Shoe Shelves.

Upgrade your office or kitchen storage by building a beautiful Wall-Mounted Hutch.

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Make great use of small space by building these Narrow Pantry Shelves with vintage ruler stops.

And here’s your bonus +1! Make custom storage for under your sink cabinet using scrap wood and dollar store bins!

I hope these DIY built-in storage and shelving ideas inspire you to maximize the space you have available in your home and create a more organized and clutter free space for your family to enjoy!

Hi, I’m Sheri from Hazel + Gold Designs. Here are a few fun stats about me: I ~~like~~ love chocolate and peanut butter (together of course.) If you like stats, I have been crocheting for about 16 years, crafting for 20, and woodworking for about 4 years. I found a passion in making and being creative and began documenting my projects online at Hazel + Gold Designs.

When not working on projects, I enjoy spending time with my husband, four children, perfect dog, and ornery cat. You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Read all of Sheri’s tutorials.

~Find more of Sheri’s projects here ~

August 13, 2018/3 Comments/by Sheri

DIY, Do It Yourself, Landscaping & Gardening

46 Awesome DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces

DIY Firepit and Seating | Pretty Handy Girl

Awesome DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces

One great way to enjoy more time outdoors is to make your outdoor spaces useful, attractive, and functional! Here are 46 Awesome DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces that will help you to create a personalized oasis on your property. Some are so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of them.

Make a beautiful Living Wall Planter on a fence or porch wall.

Rot-Resistant Raised Planter Beds are a great way to get your garden started!

A Scalloped Planter Box Centerpiece would be a beautiful addition to a patio table.

Make your own Planter from an Ice Bucket to display beautiful flowers on your porch.

This Utensil Holder for patio umbrella is a great addition when hosting a party!

These Mini Planters would work on any table or small outdoor shelf.

How to Make a Window Pane Lattice Gate & Fence

How to Build a Window Pane Lattice Privacy Fence and Gate Learn how to build these beautiful and professional looking window pane lattice privacy fences and gates

Build a Wood Storage Shed and enjoy s’mores around your fire pit without looking for more wood.

This Marble Toss Game would entertain the kids during your next outdoor party!

Dressing up a Patio Table Dress Up a Patio Table for your next brunch.

Turn a Bed Frame into a Patio Bench and curl up with a good book outside.

Create an amazing Firepit and Outdoor Seating space to entertain all year long.

A Fence Trellis is a gorgeous way to turn those climbing plants into art.

This Giant Mandala Tattoo is a unique way to beautify your deck.

Use these Adirondack Chair Plans for more outdoor seating.

Install a Gravel Patio for a great seating spot!.

This Porch Swing from Pallet Wood is a perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of every season.

Install Concrete Paver Edging around your flower beds.

Install super Simple Mulch & Rock Garden Paths anywhere in your yard.

A Living Wall Lattice Privacy Screen provides beauty and some privacy from your neighbors.

Build Garden Bed with Cucumber Trellis to keep your plants healthy and productive.

An Air Conditioner Screen from Pallets will hide that hideous—but oh so necessary—appliance.

Learn how to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights along your walks for nighttime lighting.

A DIY Sprinkler System can keep your landscaping thriving.

This Washer Toss Game would be fun at your next barbecue!

A Little Red Wagon Planter is a cute feature in any garden.

Tile a Small Tabletop to add a pretty table to your patio.

Re-Painting Metal Patio Chairs handles rust and keeps them fresh and new.

A No Sew Tablecloth for Table with Umbrella will come in handy every night of the week.

Scrap Wood Planter Boxes are quick and easy projects to make for your flowers.

Repurpose Vintage Milk Jugs into Side Table for a farmhouse addition to your porch.

Tips for Creating Knock Out Container Gardens will come in very handy this year.

Make DIY Yard Dice and have fun rolling them with the kids.

MORE DIY projects for outdoor spaces

Learn How to Build a Rock Solid Gate and keep the dogs in or people out.

Make some DIY Tall Fence Planters for just $10 each, they’ll look modern and sleek in your landscaping!

Knowing How to Fix Window and Door Screens will save you lots of money.

Check out this post for Inspiration for Backyard Landscaping this year.

Kids grown up? Make a Grown Up Swing Set and have more fun than the kids.

Add some gorgeous color to your patio by making these Easy Upcycled Marimekko Tin Can Planters.

Build a Pergola with Trellis Screens to hide your trash cans and add beauty to your walkway.

Easy Solar Light Stands creates an inviting spot and they will keep those solar lights from falling over.

Build a Rolling Plant Caddy so you don’t have to lift your heavy planters.

Save money by learning how to Recover Outdoor Pillows and add some comfort to your outdoor space.

A DIY Concrete and Wood Planter is a modern and sleek way to hold succulents for your porch or deck.

This Indoor/Outdoor Dining Bench is perfect for some quick and easy seating.

Make a DIY Hose Hiding Planter to keep your landscaping looking sharp.

I hope you loved this roundup of DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces! Which was your favorite? Share in the comments!

Pin the image below for reference and show all your friends these great ideas!

If you liked this list of outdoor ideas, you’ll love these beautiful Dreamy Screen Porches:

July 20, 2018/1 Comment/by Sheri

Build It, Decorating, DIY, Do It Yourself, Trash to Treasure, Upcycling

50+ Pallet Wood Projects You Can Make!

50 plus pallet wood projects you can make Pinterest Image

50+ Pallet Wood Projects You Can Make!

Do you have a spare pallet lying around from that last large shipment? Or maybe you know somewhere to get free or inexpensive pallets? If you do, here are more than 50 Pallet Wood Projects that you can make with your own two hands!

Create Bread Crate Cubby Display Shelves for any room in the house.

Make a DIY Pallet Bookshelf for your kids’ bedroom or an office.

Make this gorgeous rustic DIY Wine Glass Carrier to use when serving your guest a glass.

Have you ever tried composting? This DIY Worm Compost Bin For Vermicomposting is an awesome idea.

Build this Pallet Potting Table to help you complete your gardening goals this year.

Make a Wood Deck Cooler before your next outdoor party.

Keep your pallets mostly intact and make this Super Easy Pallet Couch for some cozy outdoor lounging.

Learn how to Make Pallet Wood Into A Round Circle Shape that can be used to decorate any room.

Build this clever DIY Pallet Shelf to help turn your house into a HOME.

Create this DIY Whale Silhouette Coastal Pallet Art if you love bringing the feel of the beach into your home.

Before December arrives make this festive Scrap Wood Christmas Tree.

Create a “Start Being Awesome” Typography Art for your home as a motivating reminder to all.

This DIY Coastal Whale Coat Rack would be perfect for a beach home.

An alternative option for a beach-themed home would be this gorgeous DIY Nautical Pallet Wood Coat Rack.

Display your favorite photos with these beautiful DIY Rustic Pallet Frames.

Another holiday project, this Customizable Rustic Wooden Advent Calendar is a great way to countdown in December.

Build this Reclaimed Wood Wall Hook & Vase to add some functional beauty near your door.

A Rustic Wood Bathtub Tray would be the perfect luxurious addition to your bathroom.

Decorate your holiday mantle with a DIY Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign.

DIY Farmhouse Sign With Pallet Wood And Repurposed Lug Wrench

Learn how to Build A Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece full of rustic beauty for your tablescape.

Make A Driftwood Gift Crate to take your next gift to a whole new level.

How To Make A Beautiful Painted Wood Pallet Planter for your yard or porch.

How To Make And Install Pallet Bookshelves With Knobs to organize your kids’ books and toys.

Add some edgy Shark Pallet Art to your wall.

Make A Stunning Printed Map Picture Frame to display your ever-changing family photos.

Create an amazing DIY Potting Bench like this to work at every year when springtime arrives.

Trays are perfect for corralling clutter. This DIY Rustic Ruler Tray would look perfect in a home office or kids’ room.

How To Make Farmhouse Style Pallet Wood Frames for a rustic and colorful touch to your decor.

Add some comfort to your patio with this modern style DIY Outdoor Couch.

Make a huge statement on your front porch with these Flower Planters using Free Pallets.

Use a few pallets to Create A Rustic Wood King Headboard for your bedroom.

If you have a pool, make this DIY Nautical Towel Rack to keep things organized poolside.

Create some rustic and beautiful DIY Feather Art.

Make these DIY Framed Pumpkins, perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Learn How To Install A Scrap Wood Wall to create a gorgeous accent wall in your home.

Here are a bunch of DIY Pallet Projects By East Coast Creative.

Create a DIY Porch Swing Using Pallet Wood for your outdoor oasis.

Create a DIY Pallet Slat Bin to hang on your door or use as a centerpiece.

Create this gorgeous Rustic Pallet Serving Tray for your next brunch or party.

Make An Air Conditioner Screen From Pallets to hide that ugly beast of an appliance.

These cute DIY Pallet Plaques are perfect for displaying photos.

Build this stunning and rustic DIY Pallet Coffee Table for your living room.

Love vertical planters? Make this DIY Tropical Pallet Living Wall.

Build some beautiful storage with this DIY Pallet Wood Hose Holder With Planter.

How To Make A DIY Distressed Headboard for a beautiful rustic addition to your bedroom.

Make A Super Easy Pallet Table for a huge conversation piece in your living space.

This DIY Kids Wall Hooks From Pallet Wood would be great, much-needed storage for any kids room!

Show your patriotism this July by making a DIY Rustic Pallet Wood Flag.

Now that you’ve been inspired, here’s how to harvest that pallet wood:

How To Salvage Wood From Shipping Pallets.

I hope you got some great inspiration from all of these pallet wood creations. Re-using pallet wood is a great way to save money and get a unique rustic feature for your home that you built yourself! Which is your favorite? I’d love to hear in the comments. Thank you for reading and feel free to share this post! Pin this image so you can refer back to this post!

Liked this collection of ideas? If so, you’ll love this round up of Scrap Wood Projects:

July 9, 2018/3 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

DIY, Fix It, Gardening, Home Maintenance, Landscaping & Gardening

How to Easily Fix a Leaky Hose

How to Easily Fix a Leaky Hose

A garden hose is a valuable tool around my yard in the summertime. It’s vital to keep my yard looking beautiful, keeping plants watered, and occasionally for a fun water fight with my kids. But what happens when that very useful hose springs a leak? Not only is it frustrating to use but it is a complete waste of water (not to mention that you get wetter than the person you intend to soak in a water fight.) It may be tempting to throw it out and buy a new one, but did you know it’s fairly simple to fix a leaky garden hose? It is! I have the solution for you in this tutorial on How to Fix a Leaky Hose!

Ready to save money and water? Great! Let’s get to it!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Phillips Head Screwdriver
Hose Repair Male Coupling (sized for your hose)
Heavy Duty Tin Snips

Instructions:

The first step is to cut off the leaky end of the hose using your heavy duty snips. Be sure to cut perpendicular to the hose.

Remove the two screws from the hose repair coupling clamp using your screwdriver.

Insert the threaded coupling piece into the cut end of your hose.

Have patience, this can be the hardest step. Push it down against a hard surface until the coupling is completely inserted into the hose.

Next, take the two parts of the clamp and put one piece behind the hose, as pictured. Hold it in place while you add the second clamp piece. Line up the screws with the holes on the back piece.

Tighten the screws. It may be easier to set it on a hard surface, as shown here.

Now connect your sprayer to the end and give it a test try!

Hooray! No more leaky hoses. Now where are those crazy boys of mine? Time to start a water fight on this hot summer day. ;-D

This was a simple fix to a frustrating problem and it only cost a few dollars. Definitely worth it! I hope you liked this tutorial and it comes in handy should you need it. Do you have a leaky hose you need to fix? Or have you repaired a leaky hose with this method?

If you liked this post, you’ll love:

How to Install a Sprinkler System

Tips to Creating Knockout Container Gardens

June 15, 2018/12 Comments/by Brittany Bailey