Top 5 Eco-Friendly Garden Containers

What could be more eco-friendly than a garden? A garden full of recyclable garden containers! These simple, easy projects will add visual interest, color and layers to an already wonderful home garden.

P1070597Want to add an industrial edge to a natural garden? Check out this garden container from Eclectically Vintage!

7b87fc10d29bfa067775c2f011509d2e

Don’t throw out an old pair of shoes! Repurpose them to hold all the best plants.

a3ef8da212594557dfafd548893fd612

Have old parts from a car or an already intact tire swing? Add cute color flowers to any garden!

af41b61fbda731ccfa1164346bc7c7f2

Does a toolbox really need to be packed into the back of a garage? Use it in the garden instead!

6644383_nsueucyf_c

Make rusted tin cans like new again! Grow any plant possible in these old gems.

For more ideas, check out The Garden Glove

 

The Easiest Way To Improve A Mirror: Add A Frame

plcaz53a7630cb0c7d

A remnant of home decoration past, for some reason, many bathrooms have a frameless mirror. This style is not just ugly, but it can make even the best remodeled bathroom look unfinished. With just a few supplies and tools, turn any half-remodel into a full one with time and money to spare.

Visit a local hardware store and pick up these items:

  • Prime case moulding
  • Liquid glue
  • Paint

vi7rp53a763182d03b

First, measure the length and width of the mirror and cut the moulding to size. Lay it out on the floor to gauge what the final arrangement will look like.

This next step isn’t necessary, but can add another element of class to any bathroom. Depending on the style of bathroom, neo-Victorian or country classic, paint the trim to match its overall decor. Shaunna from hometalk settled on black for a timeless appearance.

4jari53a76311690ef

Lastly, attach the moulding to the mirror with liquid glue. Directions should be on the packaging and make sure to not use too much. Globs of glue are even less attractive than no framing at all. Use painters tape to keep it secure until the glue dries.

And that’s it! A combination of moulding and adhesive brings any bathroom remodel from ordinary to exceptional in just a few steps.

766u353a7630a599b1

Need more ideas for remodeling? Check out Idea Corner weekly for home renovation ideas.

Speak Every Lingo: Get The Trype Keyboard For Free

trype-keyboard

Just met some new bilingual friends? Need to send a text to an international business associate? Looking to freshen up on the high school language you’ve most likely forgotten?

Well, the Trype Keyboard makes this possible. And for a limited time, it’s free!

This user friendly app allows you to type in any message and the keyboard will simultaneously translate the text into any of its 80 languages in its database.

So get ready for any & all communications with the Trype Keyboard!

 

Concrete Countertops: Get The Popular Look On A Budget

fDSC_0513copy

Concrete countertops are all the rage in home renovation. Not only is the style industrial, but easier to clean than the more expensive granite or marble. Despite being seemingly cheaper, concrete countertops can run pretty steep. So instead of getting a slab professionally installed or taking the copious amount of time to create concrete forms, get the same aesthetic by applying concrete over pre-existing countertops.

IMG_4314

Here are the needed supplies:

  • 10-pound bag of Ardex Feather Finish
  • Course-grit sandpaper
  • Drywall knife
  • Putty knife
  • Finish sealer
  • Paint brush

IMG_4321

To start the process, sand down the previous counters with the course-grit sandpaper to create a perfect surface for the concrete to settle on. Following this, mix the Ardex Feather Finish and water until it reaches a semi-thick consistency.

IMG_4340

Once the mixture is prepared, apply multiple thin layers to the countertop’s surface. For 100 percent coverage, 3 or 4 layers will most likely be required. To ensure a durable surface, sand thoroughly between each application.

IMG_4348

When these layers are dry, use the putty knife to clean up any mixture that splattered onto walls and create natural texture in the surface. Depending on the desired look, feel free to sand the surface until trowel marks show through or until a smooth concrete look is achieved.

IMG_4379

Finally, pour the sealer over the concrete making sure it soaks through thoroughly before using a paint brush to remove any residue.

IMG_4384

So for just $15 and a few hours, concrete countertops aren’t only affordable but achievable without any back breaking hard work.

dDSC_0693

Get the detailed tutorial from The Little Green Notebook.

In search of quality service for more kitchen remodels? Contact Chicago Handyman today!