If a butcher block has been used and abused, refresh it by sanding down scratches and polishing it with butcher block oil or walnut oil. Either one is non-toxic and will hydrate the wood. Butcher block oil also works well to restore wooden utensils like rolling pins, salad bowls, and wooden spoons

The only way to duplicate the look of an antique is with a hand-rubbed, penetrating oil finish. One product that is often recommended is flaxseed oil, but the problem with flaxseed oil is that it never dries completely, so it is always a bit sticky. The problem gets especially bad in hot weather.

Lucie rowe This small-scale project is a great way to get started in metalworking and a fun accent to any wardrobe. Materials and tools: (2) silver forks Rotary tool with metal cutting disc, sanding disc and wire brush. safety glasses and gloves screw propane torch heat resistant work surfac

Materials and tools: (3) coordinating fabric prints, one each for middle, base and handles, and lining the adhesive backing thread magnetic clasp grosgrain ribbon scissors rotary cutting tool sewing machine iron ironing board rule parchment paper for pattern straight pins Fray Check or

Homebuyers dont necessarily have the time or design skills to make their own kitchens pretty, so theyre looking to buy something with cute, says real estate agent Mark Nash of Evanston, Illinois. The easiest way to create a look that sells is to focus on window treatments, says Nash, the author of 1

Lighten in the living room For tips on laying out a lighting plan, take a look at the living room in the 2009 HGTV Dream Home. A minimal yet striking chandelier is the centerpiece above. An assortment of reading lamps offers task lighting. The library bookcase illuminates what is inside, and the ca

A full moon always gets all the spooky attention on Halloween. Give that full moon a run for its money with this easy DIY yarn wrapped crescent moon wreath. Jennifer perkins In almost no time, and with the help of embroidery threads and hoops, your front door or interior wall will be ready for H

Ostentatious candles Materials and tools: pillar or taper candles DecoPaint Candle (by Marvy Uchida) ultra fine glitter manila folder Steps: Use Candle DecoPaint to add Halloween-themed drawings to the pillar candles. Crazy stripes look creepy too. While the DecoPaint candle is still wet, sprin

Lucie rowe Materials and tools: spoons Rotary tool with cutting wheel or hacksaw. safety glasses and gloves drill or drill press Drill bit suitable for use in metal punch and hammer old decorative earrings or brooches 2 part epoxy resin Bowl of sand or raw rice. Steps: 1. Choose a spoon to

Introduction Watch an overview video Step 1 Tools and materials recovered frames Paint Brush tongue hooks Laser level picture hanging strips metallic photos reused objects circular saw Pencil Square Safety glasses sanding block Recovered tables wood glue clamps Wooden stairs

Materials and tools: 12 12 Gauge Sterling Silver Round Wire, Dead Soft 36 of 20 gauge sterling silver twisted wire 2-1/2 14 gauge sterling silver round wire, dead soft focal stub (hole large enough to accommodate 12 gauge wire) assorted beads for accents (hole large enough to accommodate 12 gau

Materials and tools: blank buckle belt with a crest rock n roll images scrapbooking or wrapping paper Glue stick rhinestones gem glue toothpick half decoupage ultra fine glitter small brush leather paints Brushes leather belt Steps: 1. Cut out the paper and image(s) to fit inside the h

Jeffrey Rowe Materials and tools: light cotton rope 28 gauge wire tapestry needle White glue to paint Decorative wire, beads, other embellishments. Steps: 1. Cut several pieces of 6 rope. 2. Thread about 1 of cord through the tapestry needle and double it. Carefully run the needle through th

Materials and tools: two cups of flour a cup of salt a cup of water coloring paste food processor roller spatula sturdy drinking straw metallic ribbon or raffia ceramic glue Steps 1. If you want to color your dough, add food coloring paste to the water before adding the water to the salt

Step 1 Hang a clothesline Use a rope or sturdy rope to make a clothesline inside your home. You may want to put it in the kitchen because you will be using the freezer. Do not hang line outside - wind and weather can further damage items. Step 2 Put papers/photos in the freezer bag Put wet

Have you ever dreamed of making a nice profit at craft shows? Its very possible if you take a strategic approach, says Patricia Baranyai, jewelry maker and author of Craft Show Business:How to Sell Jewelry at Craft Shows, Maximize Sales and Minimize Risk. But be patient when youre starting out. Li

Statistics indicate that about two in 10 adults regularly work outside the home, and about three in 10 work at least part time. Statistical projections suggest that those percentages are expected to grow by 10 percent per year for the next several years. When conducting business from home, a common

The retail cost of a roll of wallpaper can range from $18 to $250 per roll. But the price of wallpaper does not necessarily indicate the level of durability of the product. In fact, some of the more expensive wallpapers are delicate and need to be handled carefully to prevent damage. The most comm

Materials and tools: wooden box like a wine box Luan board (thin plywood) scroll saw, if used safety glasses brush and red and black paint golden golden cream hammer and finish nails grass cloth to fit the bottom of the drawer Steps: Get a wooden box, whether its a discarded wooden wine cra

Antique shopping The first tip to remember is to limit your search to a single item to avoid getting sidetracked. Bring along the dimensions of the room, a tape measure, room color chips and fabric swatches. Examine items closely. Move the object around to make sure its sturdy. If youre buying cha