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May 11, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Light Up The Room, Build An LED Light Table!

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Happy Monday, Chicago Handyman readers! Ready for a great summer project? Need to light up a room and hate the messy cords of floor lamps or harsh overhead lighting? Well, build an LED Light Table and resolve those problems in just a few hours and $50.

Start by getting together these materials:

  • Wood
  • 3 or 4 strip LED light kit
  • Frosted sheet of plexiglass
  • 3M tape
  • Wood glue
  • Wood clamp

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Gather together the wood and make sure each side is notched. Then gut a groove into the top of the wood where the plexiglass will go. Slide the wood sides together and fit in the plexiglass to make sure everything is the correct size.

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At the bottom of the box, drill a hole for the power cord to slip through and attach to the wall. Tape down the 4 LED strips using 3M tape. Test the lights to make sure the wiring is working properly.

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Finally, glue together all the pieces of the wood box using wood glue and utilize wood clamps so it dries quickly and efficiently.

With this final step, the LED table is complete and ready to be gawked at by guests.

For a complete set of instructions, check out Remove and Replace’s article on building an LED light table.

May 8, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Top 3 Water Features To Liven Up A Backyard This Summer!

Summer is finally around the corner! And that means barbecues, summer breezes and many more people chilling out in the backyard. But don’t worry, Chicago Handyman’s got it covered.

Here’s the top 3 water features to enhance any backyard into an oasis:

1. Outdoor Fireplace

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Heat up a cool summer night with a cozy fireplace. This won’t only make getting out of the pool more bearable, but provide a second living space!

2. Pond Niche

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No need for an overstated feature. Instead, create a quaint reflective space in the yard by tucking a bamboo and stone pond in the corner.

3. Bubbling Containers

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These beautiful fountains can be attained on any budget. Buy one at the hardware store or convert a garden container into this water feature.

Want more ideas? Check out HGTV’s article on budget-friendly water features.

 

May 7, 2015 in Tech Toybox

The Most Modern Magnet Around: Invoxia’s Smart Fridge Magnet

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Sick of roommates forgetting to get more milk? Want to blast tunes while cooking breakfast on a Saturday morning? Need an easier way to make kitchen phone calls? Look no further than Invoxia’s Smart Fridge Magnet, Triby.

This magnet basically replaces any need for a home phone or cellphone in the kitchen. With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability, the magnet not only serves as a noise-cancelling loudspeaker but a message center and even can make phone calls.

Invoxia’s Triby is not available on the market yet, but when it does, it’s a product definitely worth checking out.

May 6, 2015 in Idea Corner

Who Said Recycling Is Boring? Upcycle Two Broken Chairs Into A French-Style Bench!

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Upcycling is becoming a trend among homeowners. Why? Because it’s a simple, affordable way to help the environment. So don’t trash broken chairs; turn them into a French-style Bench masterpiece!

Here’s the required supplies:

  • Two chairs
  • Sturdy hardwood
  • Pine wood
  • Long screws
  • Molding
  • Wood filler
  • Plywood
  • Paint
  • Quilt batting

Bench First step

Begin by choosing two chairs that look great from their sides, ( the curvier the better!) and then remove their front legs and seats.

Bench second step

Depending on the desired length of the bench, cut sturdy hardwood to length and nail together a rectangle box with two wood screws on each end. Make sure to attach the box by screwing through the chair and into the box to make sure it is extra secure.

Painting bench

To provide even more support, add a bottom bench. This will be a thinner rectangle box made of pine below the hardier bench box. Attach this to the bottom of the chair legs in the same manner as before. Following this addition, nail vertical slats of molding to the rectangle to create an area for storage.

Bench Top After

With construction complete, use wood filler to fill all the holes and then sand the material thoroughly. Once dry, paint the whole bench any color desired, though white is recommended.

Finally, add a 1/2″ plywood to the top of the bench and secure quilted batting and any material desired to finish off the backyard seating.

Enjoy the outdoors with a nearly new French-style bench!

For a step-by-step guide to how to build a French-style bench, check out Jami’s post from An Oregon Cottage!

May 5, 2015 in Tech Toybox

Get Ready For Summer With The Zoku Quick Pop Maker!

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With spring swiftly ending and summer coming to a head, nothing will cool off those hot days like a popsicle. No need to waste time or money on a trip to the grocery store or ice cream shop. Instead, check out the Zoku Quick Pop Maker.

Using any groceries, like fruit, juice or even yogurt, the Zoku Quick Pop Maker can create homemade popsicles in just 7 minutes. No electricity required!

To see how it works, check out the video below: