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?

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How to Install a Sprinkler System

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June 15, 2018/12 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

copper, DIY, Do It Yourself, Home Office

DIY Concrete Desk Organizer

Hi! It’s Sheri from Hazel + Gold, and I’m excited to share this DIY Concrete Desk Organizer tutorial with you! This organizer was born from necessity. Do you have a jar or cup-like pen holder? Have you ever knocked it over reaching for a pen or pencil? I did this all the time!

One reason they tip is because they aren’t big enough to hold all my items. The other reason is these containers aren’t weighted enough. I knew there must be a better way and I’ve been itching to use concrete for a project. It dawned on me I should make something out of concrete to store my pens, pencils, and paintbrushes. Fellow pen and utensil tippers, want to learn how to create this awesome DIY concrete desk organizer? Then let’s do 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.)

Instructions:

Cut scrap wood to create the box mold for the organizer. A rectangle is space saving and easy to create.

Use three pieces at 8 ½” x 4 ½” and two pieces 5″ x 4 ½”.

The longer pieces will make the bottom and sides, while the two smaller pieces create the ends. Spread wood glue along the joints. (Wood glue holds great but allows the box to be easily removed later on.)

Use clamps to assemble and secure the mold while the glue cures.

Let the glue dry for an hour. Then your box mold is ready for casting!

Prepping Mold and Adding Concrete:

To prevent the concrete from adhering to the wood, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the inside of the box mold.

Collect your wine tumblers, concrete mix, water, and stir sticks. (I used large plastic cups to mix the concrete and ended up having to mix three different batches. If you have a larger container you can make one large batch.)

Mix the concrete according to the instructions on the package. You may have to do a bit of math because people typically use larger quantities of concrete and every concrete is different. I mixed it to a milkshake consistency and it came out perfect.

Pour the concrete into the mold, allowing room for the wine glasses.

Set the wine tumblers into the concrete. Make sure they are level, then use masking tape to hold them in place. Pour in more concrete until it reaches the height that you desire. Make sure the widest part of the glasses are submerged in the concrete to hold them securely.

Remove the mold:

Once the concrete cures (mine only took one day) remove the box mold. Use a knife to pry the sections apart at the joints.

They should come apart easily.

The sides may still look dark, but it will lighten up.

Clean up and Paint:

Clean off all the splatter marks from the glasses. Use a retractable knife to lightly scrape the residue off. Follow up with a soft cloth to clean the glasses. They should clean up easily!

Time to make it pretty! Use some masking tape to mask off a line.

Paint the bottom section (or wherever you prefer) with metallic copper paint.

Add a piece of felt to the bottom to prevent your organizer from scratching the surface it sits on.

Your modern DIY Concrete Desk Organizer is finished!

You can use it in your shop, the kitchen, your office, or anywhere you desire!

Wait until you see the huge number of supplies it will hold without tipping over!

What do you think? Would you make one of these DIY Concrete Desk Organizers? Share your thoughts in the comments below and remember to pin this image to Pinterest so no one has to suffer with tipping containers ever again!

Thanks for reading! Come on over to Hazel + Gold and say “Hi!”

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 ~

June 1, 2018/0 Comments/by Sheri

art, decor, DIY, Gift Ideas, Home Decor

Pressed faux flowers behind glass

Pressed Faux Flowers

Hello, Pretty Handy Girl friends! Julie from love my simple home here, with a new DIY project! Pressed faux flowers behind glass is quick and easy to make. You’ll end up with a beautiful piece of leaning art that you can display on a shelf in your home.

Materials:

Faux Silk Flowers
Glass from two picture frames in different sizes
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun
Craft Glue

Instructions:

Choose two different size picture frames (they can be any size you want.) Make sure they will fit on your shelf. I used one 5″ x 7″ and one 8″ x 10″.

Remove the back and the glass from your picture frames.

2. Select the flowers of your choice. Pull the blooms off the plastic stems.

3. Cut the plastic stems from the flowers. Use your scissors for this task.

4. Arrange the flowers any way you like on top of the larger piece of glass. When you like what you see, add a dab of craft glue to the back of each flower and gently press onto the glass.

6. Place the smaller piece of glass on top of your lovely flower arrangement. Grab your trusty hot glue gun and put a dab of glue on the four corners of the smaller glass piece.

7. Flip the glass, then lay the glass down over the flowers. The glass should be centered on the large piece of glass. Gently push down on the four corners and hold it in place for about 30 seconds or more until the glue adheres to the glass. After the top piece of glass is in place, the flowers will lay flat pressed between the two pieces of glass.

That’s it, you now have a beautiful piece of leaning art you can display on a shelf in your home.

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy DIY art idea.

Be sure to check out my other tutorials here at Pretty Handy Girl and over on my website love my simple home.

May 24, 2018/2 Comments/by Julie at Love My Simple Home

Centerpieces, cloche, decor, Decorating, DIY, Home Decor

Spring Cloche Idea

DIY Spring Decor Cloche table centerpiece

Spring Cloche Idea

Hi, it’s Julie from Love My Simple Home back with another simple DIY tutorial. Today I have a quick project using a cloche, faux spring flowers, and live moss to create a beautiful spring cloche.

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.)

Instructions:

You can purchase moss at most craft stores or find it free in your yard (like I did.) Did you know moss is super easy to dig up? Just use your fingers to peel it off the ground.

Place the moss on top of the plate and trim the edges so there is no overhang when the cloche is placed on top. No need to worry about the moss drying because the cloche acts as a greenhouse and keeps the moss moist.

Use your wire cutters to trim the branches and stems of your faux spring flowers. Cut them at various heights and make sure to trim to fit inside the cloche. You can make the arrangement full by adding more branches or keep it light and airy with just a few.

Tips for decorating with faux flowers:

Select faux flowers that are in season.
Buy flowers that have the closest color and texture as the real deal.
Add something live to your arrangement to trick the mind into thinking the fakes are real.

After the branches and stems are cut to size, it is time to make your arrangement. Position the tallest branch in the middle of the moss then place the other branches and stems around it. Push the stems and branches inside the moss and dirt for a secure hold.

You might have to play around with the flowers until you get an arrangement you like.

Once you have all the branches and stems in place, go ahead and place the cloche over your arrangement and display it in your home.

That’s it for today, be sure to check out my other projects here at Pretty Handy Girl and over at my blog love my simple home.

If you liked this post, you’ll love these other spring decorating ideas!

Quick Spring Decorating Ideas

Spring Flower Wreath Tutorial

April 25, 2018/2 Comments/by Julie at Love My Simple Home

Aged, decor, Decorating, DIY, Do It Yourself, Home Decor, Uncategorized, Upcycling

111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas

Do you love farmhouse decor as much as I do? What is Farmhouse Style exactly? It can be described as worn, weathered, rustic, comfy, or anything that reminds us of a simpler time. If you’re like me (and love all things farmhouse), you may find yourself being lured into buying new decor that can put a dent in your budget. But, rest assured, today I’m giving you 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas to help you create the space you desire for less money. Get ready to be inspired!

DIY Lanterns for your mantel or side table.

DIY Sheet Metal Trays to display on tables, counters, or your desk.

Upcycle an old window into sweet wall decor.

DIY Personalized Wood Slice Coasters to decorate your table.

Make a tray from a cabinet door for serving drinks at your next party.

Make this Home State Pride Garden Flag from a Placemat to add some interest to your yard.

Sew these memory making Reversible Recipe Placemats for a personal touch to your tablescape.

Hanging Beaded Flower Vases add color and sparkle to your windows.

Make this State Capital Rustic Tray to carry coffee each morning.

This Artist Inspiration Board is made from an Old Window for the artist in your home.

Another window can be transformed into a memo board with Colored Chalkboard Paint (make custom colors for your chalkboard projects.)

Gorgeous Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Plates to hang on your wall.

How to Install a Scrap Wood Wall to add character to any room!

Easy DIY Yard Stick Star to stand or display on your mantel.

DIY Chalkboard Painted Mugs to give to guests at your next holiday party.

A DIY Metal Number Sign adds rustic/industrial interest to your wall collage.

This DIY Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece adds rustic beauty to your table. Best of all, you don’t need any power tools to make it!

Reusable Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial would be cute hanging on a wall hook in your mudroom. Or use them at the grocery store and watch the other shoppers gawk.

Make Upcycled Cabinet Door Chalkboard Art to add a sweet quote to your wall.

DIY Feather Art is unique and eye-catching.

This DIY Star Garland is simple yet impactful for year round decor.

Customize a tote bag with an old shirt to carry everything you need.

Make a Driftwood Gift Crate to attractively store books, trinkets, or any small items in your home.

Frosted Glass Vases from the recycling bin can be used all over your home, with flowers or none.

This Fork Photo Holder is a simple and fun way to display photos!

An Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame lets your kids write messages on their door.

Decorated Chalkboard Clipboards are a great way to stay organized or give as gifts to the teachers.

Create a Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame to display photos anywhere.

Make a Decorative Barn Door for impactful wall decor.

Dress up a Dormer Window with Shutters to add cute character to a window.

Build a DIY Gift Tray or Box (because you can always use trays for a multitude of things.)

A DIY Barn Wood Picture Frame adds some rustic charm to your art.

Make a Concrete and Wood Planter for your sweet succulents.

This Pottery Barn Inspired Lantern came from a super inexpensive source! You too can score one like it for less than $10!

Learn how to paint and antique an old wash stand or any furniture.

This Rustic Wooden Caddy with a Branch Handle is the perfect farmhouse accent with rustic charm.

Create a Faux Ceiling Medallion with Stencils to add instant decorative detail to your room.

Follow this Aged Painted Pail Tutorial to create chippy paint on almost any surface.

Try Refinishing a Garden Bench to update furniture that has seen better days.

Shutters are great for Displaying Christmas Cards or any cards throughout the year. It’s the perfect tall decorating item for your farmhouse look.

A White Washed Window Box from a Wine Crate is perfect for a farmhouse accent for any window.

This Vintage Step Stool Makeover transformed from an old worn out style to new farmhouse style.

Create a Rustic Wood Headboard to add farmhouse beauty to your bedroom. You’ll be surprised by how affordable this project is.

Cut and Finish an Old Tabletop To Create a Wood Desktop in your kitchen instead of spending big money on countertops.

A White Washed Patriotic Flag adds a patriotic farmhouse feel.

Rubber Bronzing Cabinet Hardware can update your dated cabinet knobs and pulls.

A Painted, Stenciled, and Distressed Table was previously a dumpster cast off.

A Rustic Pie Safe got a vintage makeover with some Milk Paint in a bright color. (Farmhouse style doesn’t have to be colorless.)

Have an old fridge you don’t mind painting? Add a Chalkboard Calendar to keep your family on schedule.

Chippy Painted Corbels are the definition of farmhouse style. This is one tutorial you must read!

This Easy Faux Cross Stitch Tea Towel is a sweet farmhouse accent to your kitchen.

This DIY Chalkboard Calendar Wall is one way to be sure you don’t miss an activity.

A Painted and Distressed Wood Tutorial will help you add rustic colorful wood anywhere you want.

DIY Vintage Painted Oars are a fun way to add nautical accents.

Install a Branch Towel Bar to add some nature to your bathroom.

Chalk Painted Wooden Stools are handy and attractive to have around.

Learn How to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly and save some money on that aged metal look.

My Personal Gray Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe is perfect for the farmhouse aesthetic.

A Scrap Wood Christmas Tree is a great farmhouse holiday centerpiece.

Create Inexpensive Faux Copper Patina to add gorgeous character to your home.

This Book Page Rose Wreath is a beautiful DIY craft.

The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique Tutorial can be used for many items or furniture for a farmhouse look.

Aging and Antiquing Furniture Legs gives it an old, worn and beautiful look.

Build a Blue Loft Bed with colorful wood stain, so pretty!

Make an Old Sign from a Footboard to decorate your mantel. Signs like this sell for hundreds of dollars, but this one will cost you much less!

Create a Unique Wine Rack From an Old Dresser for an instant bar cart.

Old Paintbrush Cabinet Door Handles are a clever addition to your craft room.

An Autumn Book Page Leaf Garland is a pretty and simple DIY craft that looks great.

For your springtime tablescape, make this DIY Springtime and Easter Blue Bird Nest.

DIY a Rustic Farm Crate Sign to fake a farm in your family name.

This Anthropologie Inspired Pendant Light looks like it came right from the farm.

This Patriotic Denim Bunting Tutorial is perfect for your summer decor.

Build a Kitchen Counter Height Desk to customize your organization center.

This Song Lyrics Lamp Makeover has simple colors and is perfect for a bedroom.

Twig Star Decorations are quick and cute farmhouse decorations.

10 Uses for Old Windows help you achieve farmhouse aesthetic in any room.

Log Tea Light Pillar Candles are rustic yet elegant.

How to make a Chalkboard Surface Desk to create a built in workspace for your kids.

Installing Brick Wallpaper Mural gives an aged feel to any room.

Make a Mason Jar Soap Pump and use that blue ball glass to remind you of old times.

This DIY Rustic Cake Stand can be decorative and functional.

Take a plain lampshade and paint it to match your farmhouse-inspired room.

A Spoon Tealight Candle Holder is a great use of old spoons.

Make a Simple Pinecone Garland to bring some outdoors to your indoors.

Build a Wall Chalkboard with a Chalk Ledge for the entire family to use.

DIY Industrial Cupcake Stands are a cute farmhouse style addition to any party.

Learn How to Mount Antlers and bring some farm to your decor.

Here’s How to Build Custom Rustic Wood Box Crates that will fit into many spaces.

You must Build a Giant Chalkboard to decorate for all the holidays.

DIY Interior Cedar Shutters are a staple for any farmhouse home.

Adding these Spigot Handle Drawer Pulls is a cute and creative way to update a dated dresser.

Learn How I Took a Standard IKEA Cabinet and gave it a rustic farmhouse look.

A Farmhouse Bed with Storage is a great addition to your farmhouse styled bedroom.

Use Mirrored Glass Spray Paint to give glass an aged look and make it reflective.

FREE Printable: Fall Chalkboard Art is a great wall decor item.

Build a Trough Centerpiece to add to your farmhouse style dining room.

This Vintage Map Lampshade is perfect for your living room or office.

Re-paint Dated Home Decor to update old decor and transform it into farmhouse style.

How to Build Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign and keep the farmhouse look through the holidays.

This Metal Tree Form is simple and beautiful.

This isn’t a DIY, but thought you should know the Pros and Cons of a Farmhouse Sink before you purchase one.

A DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece adds some shiny and industrial farmhouse feel.

Rustic Wine Crate with Rope Handles are an attractive way to store magazines or books.

Rustic Bark Vases are so easy to make and look perfect anywhere in your home.

Make Your Own Street Sign to add your personal flair to your gallery wall.

DIY Sheet Metal Vase is shiny, industrial and beautiful.

Give Tired Magazine File Boxs a Facelift with rustic, natural papers.

Make Your Own Clock Sign from any flat surface material.

A Family Organization Center Door with aged copper and distressed paint screams of farmhouse charm.

Guess what?! This DIY Faux Aged Metal Pulley is actually a cheap plastic pulley I painted!

Hidden Storage Under Laundry Room Sink makes an otherwise messy space beautiful.

I hope you liked these 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas and found a lot of inspiration! Share it on social media and PIN this image to show your friends how they can save money on Joanna Gaine’s worthy decorating.

If you liked 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas, you’re going to love:

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April 20, 2018/2 Comments/by Sheri