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First Coast Living

A Round-Up Of The Diva’s Favorite Household Tips

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In honor of her LIVE appearances at the 2016 Fall Jacksonville Home + Patio Show, the Diva is sharing her favorite, simple household tips!  Come out and say “Hi” on Sunday, October 2 at 11:30 a.m. – The Diva will be cooking things up on The Jacksonville Magazine Cooking Stage! If you plan to go to the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show, use promo code DIVA to get a discount on your tickets when you buy online! Buy Tickets HERE.

How To Fold A Towel For Easy Stacking: Tired of your towels flopping over when you try to stack them? The Diva makes it easy! Check out the tip – Click Here

How To Get Your Dryer To Dry Faster: Is it taking forever for your clothes to dry? Try this little tip from the Diva – Click Here

What To Do With Dryer Lint: If you do laundry, you know it always produces lint! You can leave the lint (along with old thread) out for the birds to use in their nests! Or check out this simple tip  from the Diva – Click Here 

The Secret Way To Make A Room Smell Great! – Try adding a Febreze Car Vent Clip to your air conditioning vent in a room – rarely do people look up when they enter a room, so it is a great way to make a room smell great, without being too heavy a scent! Available at Pubix, Target, Walmart and more. Or, you can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your air conditioning filter when you change it out every month.screen-shot-2016-09-29-at-7-20-36-am

Simple Way to Clean Blinds: Tongs & Microfiber cloths! Wrap a microfiber cloth around each end of tongs, secure them with rubber bands, and you have a simple tool to clean those blinds! Toss the cloths into the wash when done!

How To Clean Large Amount Of Silverware: This is my FAVORITE Simple Holiday Survival Tip! Click Here to see how to go from tarnished to clean, without having to do all that hard polishing! (And you have to watch my Simple Holiday Survival Series before the holidays!)

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How To Clean A Wooden Cutting Board: Lay the board on a clean work surface. Sprinkle the cutting board with salt. Using half of a lemon, place cut side down on the board and rub in a circular motion, combining the lemon and salt. The salt gently removes any built up grime, and the lemon naturally sterilizes the wood.

How To Clean Your Hair Dryer: Prevent your hair dryer from blowing up with this SIMPLE tip! Click Here

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Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for having me on to share these tips!

 

 

Simple Fall Decor For Your Home

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Happy Fall Y’all! I LOVE the cooler weather! Now is the perfect time to start decorating for the season, so I thought I would share some simple ways to bring a little fall into your décor!

Decorate With Mason Jars! You can buy mason jars in bulk at Publix, Walmart or other stores. They are very plentiful now because people are canning their summer produce.

Distressed Can Be Good! Check out these cute, painted & distressed mason jars! I used Krylon Flat White Spray paint from Michael’s, sprayed the clean mason jars, then, when they were dry, I used a fine sandpaper to lightly distress the jars. I finished them off by wrapping natural twine around the top and added fall hydrangea! So simple!

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fall-decor4

 

Get Leafy With It! If you like the look of fall leaves, grab a few, use glossy Modge Podge to affix the fall leaves to the mason jars – I use silk leaves when I do this project!

Love the Mercury Glass look? Grab a can of Krylon “Looking Glass” spray paint (I found it at a Michael’s Store) and spray the INSIDE of your mason jars. Add an LED candle inside and you have a cute candle! (Another Great Idea: You can also use the paint on the inside of one of those glass vases that come with flowers! I always have a few around the house! Or buy a simple glass vase from the Dollar Store!)

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Bring A Little Nature Into The Home: Grab some pine cones from outside and use them in your decor! (But first be sure to dry & “debug” them with this simple tip from TwoitYourself.com)

Pine cones & Flowers – Now check out this cute Flower display – it looks like the flowers are sitting in a jar of pine cones! (the Trick is, you have 2 vases – one small, one large. Put small inside the large, then add pinecones in between the two! Flower stems go inside the smaller vase!)

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Shop Your Home! Using pine cones and items around your home, you can create a Fall Tablescape that can take you from early Fall, Halloween on through to Thanksgiving! The tray is one that has been sitting in my bedroom. I had the three glass jars. I got the pine cones from outside, and then I just added items appropriate for the season – orange berry sprays for Fall, glitter pumpkins for Halloween, and I can add small gourds & mini pumpkins for Thanksgiving! The only thing I bought were the candles!

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Dollar Store Deals – If you want to decorate for the fall, you’ve got to check out dollar stores NOW! They have all their products out for fall and Halloween! (And even a little Christmas now, too!) I found cute little mini pumpkins, felt placemats in the shape of fall leaves, and forms for wreaths!

Special Giveaway! I will be cooking things up on the Jacksonville Magazine Cooking Stage Sunday, October 2, 11:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show. I have 4 pairs of tickets to the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show, September 29-October 2. The first four people to email me at info@simplesolutionsdiva.com will win the tickets.

If you don’t win, don’t be upset because I have a coupon code you can use to get discounted tickets at the Home & Patio Show – Use the code DIVA!

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these simple tips!

 

“Green” Ways To Clear Your Drains

SSD Clog drain

 

Let’s face it, clogged drains are gross. No one really wants to deal with them, but deal with it we must! Do you want to start with chemicals and toxins? Nope! The Diva has some “green” tips on how to clear that clog and prevent them!

Note: I have two daughters with very long hair, and you can imagine how often their bathtub (and bathroom sink) get clogged. I have tried chemicals to unclog them, but I really wanted to find more “green” ways of unclogging and KEEPING the drain clear.

Step 1: “Green” Drain Cleaner (A Natural Clog Clearing Solution) – Remove all water as best as possible. Boil 3- 4 cups water. Pour down the drain 1 cup each of baking soda and white vinegar. Let that sit in the drain for 10 minutes, then follow it up with the hot water. Try it a couple of times if it doesn’t work.

SSD Drain Cleaner

 

Step 2: Remove the Clog –You’ve heard people say they are going to “snake” the drain? This is an easy way to do it and costs a LOT less than the plumber (less than that grande, fancy coffee drink you might order!). Try using a product called Pypthon Drain Tool (picked it up at Home Depot).Kind of gross but cool!  You feed this plastic tool down the drain, and twist it around a bit, making sure you have the built-in cover/protector set over the drain. Then you slowly pull the tool out — yes, it is covered with gunk! But the cover/protector (see photo below) keeps the gunk from touching your hands!  FYI – You shouldn’t do this after you have used a chemical drain cleaner. Here is a link to the product if you are interested: Python Drain Tool

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Photo Courtesy of HomeDepot.com.

 

Step 3: Prevent The Clog – Try the Drain Wig (perfect for the tub!). After you’ve cleared the clog in the drain, place this in the tub and it will catch hair and debris that might clog your drain. Pull it out, throw away and replace every 2-4 months. You can find it at Bed Bath & Beyond – here is the link: Drain Wig

Photo Courtesy of BedBathandBeyond.com
Photo Courtesy of BedBathandBeyond.com

 

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these tips! 

Simple Organization Ideas Around The Home

When people think of organizing, they tend to think of big organization projects they need to do around the house – like clean out the closet. But sometimes, organization can be very simple! Decluttering a little and having simple ways to store items may be all you need around the house. With just few items, for as little as $1, you can have simple organization!

Hair Band Holders – As the mom of girls, I can attest that hair bands must be related to rabbits – they seem to multiply fast and are everywhere! Try this simple trick – use a carabiner (or some call them D-Rings) to hold them together and keep them in one place. Easy to hang on a hook in the bathroom!

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My daughter also uses one as a key chain that easily can attach to her purse!

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Bathroom Storage – A trio of glass candle holders on a small long platter make the perfect storage for Q-tips, cotton balls and small personal items.

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Baskets, either wooden or plastic can also work for larger items like towels or toilet paper storage.

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School Supply Storage – The kids need supplies like pencils, crayons, scissors, but those can get messy really fast! Try using wire tea light holders for storing them on a worktable or shelf.

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Jewelry Holder – I love my earrings, but they can get tangled and separated in my jewelry drawer. Try using ice cube trays to store pairs of earrings together – they are stackable in a drawer!

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Pantry Storage – Simple plastic storage works perfectly for open goods like crackers, rice or dried beans that need to be protected from humidity and bugs. Or use stackable plastic storage for spice packets, napkins, Potatoes or onions makes things neat and organized.

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Beach Toy Storage –Use a mesh laundry bag to carry kids beach toys to and from the beach. The mesh allows you to rinse off the toys for easy clean up and you don’t take the beach home with you!

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Simple Car Cleanup –Turn a small plastic cereal holder into a trashcan perfect size for the car! (This can actually fit between two seats!)

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Thank you to WTLV-TV, NBC 12 First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these simple tips!

 

organization for home

collage organization

Keep The Family Entertained & Interacting This Holiday!

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The holidays mean lots of family time! But with people of different ages coming together, how do you keep everyone entertained and interacting? Try a few, fun holiday games to bring the family together to laugh and be silly – something all ages can get into!

Snowball Toss

What You Need:

  • Jumbo marshmallows (or you can use regular marshmallows) in a big bowl
  • Christmas Wreath with wire or ribbon to hang in a doorway.
  • A Bucket
  • A kitchen timer or someone to watch the time!

Directions:

Suspend the wreath from a doorframe about chest high. Place the bucket on floor just behind the wreath. Stand about 6 feet from the wreath. Throw the “Snowball” marshmallows through the wreath and get them to land in the bucket. You have 60 seconds to get 10 in the bucket.

 

Christmas Charades

Have the family play a classic with a holiday twist!  Here’s a Handy Sheet you can print out and cut up to use for this classic game:

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Christmas Tree Minute To Win It!

What You Need:

  • 36 Red Plastic Cups
  • A Flat Surface For the Game (a large table or cocktail table)

Directions:

Using only one hand, you have one minute to stack all 36 cups to make a Christmas tree pyramid. 

 

Ornament Balance

This is like Jenga with ornaments!

What You Need:

  • Shatterproof ornaments with wire hooks on them.
  • One Wooden Yard Stick
  • Empty Paper Towel Tube – I covered mine with red construction paper, just to be festive!

Directions:

Stand the paper towel tube on one end. Place the yard stick on top of the tube, making sure to center it as best as possible (See photo below!).

Balanace

Participants take turns placing ornament on either side of the yardstick. The game is over when the yardstick becomes unbalanced and it tumbles!

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Off The Top Of My Head 

A funny drawing game where even the family artist will be challenged!

What You Need:

  • Cheap Paper Plates
  • Markers

Directions:

Give every participant a plate and a marker. Each participant places the plate on their head. Next, they follow these directions (Someone needs to lead this game!):

  1. Draw a line for a floor.
  2. Draw a Christmas Tree, adding decorations if you would like.
  3. Draw a star on top of the tree.
  4. Draw a Fireplace with a mantle next to the tree.
  5. Draw Stockings hanging from the mantle on the fireplace.
  6. Draw a present below the tree.

Or you can draw this as a second round of the game:

  1. Draw a circle for the face/head.
  2. Draw two eyes.
  3. Draw antlers on top of the head.
  4. Draw a nose in the center of the face.
  5. Draw a smile.

 

Jingle Junk In The Trunk 

This is sure to get people moving in this challenge!

What You Need:

  • Two empty facial tissue boxes (the long, rectangular size are best!) – Cover them with red paper or holiday paper, if you would like!
  • Two belts (or enough ribbon to use as a belt for each box)
  • 16 jingle bells
  • Holiday Music

Directions:

Make two slices on the bottom of the tissue boxes – large enough to thread the belt or ribbon through.

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Feed the belt or ribbon through the holes.

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Tie or belt the boxes onto each participant so the box is on, or near, their rear end. Place 8 bells into each tissue box and “Cue The Music”! Each participant starts shaking and moving to the holiday music – first one to bounce all the jingle bells out of their box is the winner!

 

Super Easy Halloween Party Foods

It is the day before Halloween, and you get invited at the last minute for a Halloween Party. You need to bring something to share, but you want to do something easy! Try one of these simply ghoulish treats – they are tasty, easy to make, and are kind of creepy! They are so easy, the kids can even make them!

SSD Halloween Party Foods

 

Spider Eggs

These are the EASIEST food to bring by far! It is as simple as getting powdered donut holes, stacking them on a plate or bowl, and placing plastic spiders around and on the donut holes. (If there are little kids at the party, they need to be supervised so they don’t eat the spiders!)

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Witch’s Broom

Another super simple, little party treat! Reese’s minis, unwrapped and placed upside down on a serving plate. Insert into what is now the top of the Reese’s (actually the bottom), insert a small pretzel stick. Easy Peasy! (Note: You may want to use a toothpick to make a small hole first – the size of the pretzel stick may crack the Reese’s – as seen below!)

SSD Witch Broom

 

“Blood-Splattered” Cupcakes

You can make your own, or use store-bought, white frosted cupcakes for this treat! Using red GEL food coloring (it adds a little thickness to the “blood”), squeeze into a small bowl and add a little water. Take a BRAND NEW toothbrush (use an old one? YUCK!), dip it into the red mixture, then splatter the cupcakes with it. Looks gruesome! (Be sure to not wear a white or other light colored shirt – protect your shirt while doing this!)

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Pumpkin Pizza

No, not pumpkin flavored pizza, just pizza decorated to look like a Jack-0-Lantern! Take any frozen, round cheese pizza and add toppings (choose your favorites) to decorate! Here is a great example from the Papa Murphy’s Restaurant website:

Pumpkin Pizza: Photo Courtesy of Papa Murphy's Restaurant.
Pumpkin Pizza: Photo Courtesy of Papa Murphy’s Restaurant.

 

Spider Dogs

These cute little guys are probably the most time consuming of the bunch here(it took me 10 minutes to whip up and assemble them), but they are just so cute! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Start with one hot dog (one hotdog will make 4 spider dogs), slice it length-wise. Cut each length in half. See illustration below:

hot dog

Lay each quarter dog flat. Slice 3 slits on each end of the quarters (leaving about 1/2 inch or so solid in the middle. These will make the eight legs for the spiders!

Using crescent roll dough, take slices of the dough and wrap around the middle of each spider and place on the parchment paper covered cook sheet. Black sesame seeds make the eyes. Place in the oven for 8-12 minutes, until the spiders are light brown (ovens will vary so be sure to watch them!).

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Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these simple Halloween recipes!

Simple Kitchen Hacks To Save Time & Money

Simple Kitchen Hacks

 

Kitchen Hacks – those time-saving, and sometimes money-saving, tips that can make things easier on you in the kitchen! I like to consider myself the Queen of Culinary Improvisation (or some would say the MacGyver of the Kitchen), so I’m sharing some great kitchen hacks sure to simplify things in the kitchen!

What A Cool Lunch Box! Place a water-soaked sponge in a plastic ziplock baggie and freeze – a perfect lunchbox cooler!

My Fresh Little Tomato! Store tomatoes stem side-end down to keep them from spoiling as quickly. This prevents air from entering and moisture from exiting the scar where the tomato once attached to the vine. Storing them at room temperature rather than in the fridge also makes them last longer.

“One Banana. . .” Keep bananas fresher, longer by wrapping the end of the bunch with plastic wrap. Better yet, separate each banana, then cover the stem with plastic. The plastic wrap blocks ethylene gases from releasing out of the stem, consequently ripening the fruit too fast.

“Two Banana . . .” Peel a banana easier by taking a knife and making a small horizontal slice just under stem(where it connects to the banana) to open it easier! Do this before putting the banana in the school lunch box!

Wait, You Can Peel Fresh Ginger? The surface of fresh ginger is very knobby.  Forget the peeler – Peel ginger using a spoon! It is easier to get into the nooks and crannies!

Roll Out The Lemons! Juicing a lemon? Roll it before you juice it – it breaks up the cells inside, making it easier to get the juice out!

Seeds Are So Cheesy!  Wrap lemon in cheesecloth to prevent seeds! The cheesecloth allows for seed-free juice!

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these tips!

Using Technology In The Garden

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We are bringing technology outside today! What do you do if you have pest problems in the garden or need to identify a plant? Want to design your garden before you plant? Or even what kind of bird just visited your bird feeder? Here are a few top websites and apps to help you in your garden!

Design Your Garden – On Line Garden Planner

Garden Planner

This website allows you to create a layout of your garden, or to use a pre-designed garden layout. They have a free, limited 15 day trial available (you can design, you just can’t save the plans), or you can purchase the full version for $34.00. They also have an app available for iPad for $9.99. (iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garden-designer/id521621059)

Website: http://www.smallblueprinter.com/garden/planner.html

 

Identify That Plant or Garden Problem – Garden Compass App

Garden Compass Logo

This app is like having a gardener in your pocket! They have garden experts in all regions of the country. You have a problem or need to identify a plant, you simply take a photo and it is sent to one of their garden experts. Within 24 hours, you receive an answer to your question. They have a library of more than 6,000 plants to reference. Right now, the App is free and can be used on iPad, iPod Touch, or your iPhone. When you download the app, you are given 6 credits for free, allowing you to send in 2 different photo inquiries. Additional credits (10 credits) are available to purchase for cost $6.99.

http://www.gardencompass.com

 

Identify That Bird – WhatBird.com

What Bird Logo

Humans aren’t the only ones who like to visit Florida! Birds like to visit our state on their migratory paths! WhatBird.com is a great, free site to identify the unique, and the run-of-the-mill, birds you see in your yard! You can identify the birds by color, body shape, bill shape and even by their sound! They also have an app called iBird for the iPhone and iPad – which is currently on sale for $14.99.

http://identify.whatbird.com/mwg/20/0/1/10/vals.aspx#Values

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these websites!

 

Surprising Bathroom Cleaning Tips

SSD Bathroom Cleaning Tips

 

Who likes to clean the bathroom? Certainly not the Diva! But you can count on her to have some simple (and some surprising) tips to keeping your bathroom clean – besides calling in a cleaning service!

Clean up every day! Really, if you just do a couple of small clean up jobs every day, you will feel better about deep cleaning later. Things like wiping down the counters, faucets and sink at the end of the day, plus a spot cleaning of the mirror will keep things tidy enough so you won’t feel overwhelmed when it is time to do the deep cleaning job. Keep the essentials for these jobs under your bathroom sink – like Lysol wipes, Windex Glass & Mirror wipes, paper towels.

Clear your counters. When you are planning to do a deep cleaning of your bathroom, clear off the counters completely of your products, toothbrush, drink glass, etc. and place them under the sink or out of the room.

Vacuum and Dust! Before you start a deep clean of the bathroom, vacuum and dust from the top to the bottom. Using a microfiber cloth, dust the light fixtures – don’t forget the top ledges of the fixtures and the light bulbs! Dust off the countertops before you use cleanser on them. Dust off the baseboards. Vacuum your ventilation fan using the extension and brush attachment. Be sure, if you want to take the cover off, to turn off the circuit breaker to the fan so there is no power. Finally, shake out your bathroom rugs and place them out of the room, then vacuum the bathroom floor. This will give you a clear surface to clean.

Get Steamy! Spray all your countertops and shower stall with your cleaners, then run the shower at the hottest level, allowing the bathroom to steam up. The heat and dampness will help loosen up/soften up grime. And the cleaners will have a chance to start the disinfection process! After about 5 minutes, open the door and start scrubbing away at the counters and the shower. Rinse down everything and dry off the counters. Mop the floor and you are out the door!

Reduce clutter. When placing products, toothbrushes, etc. back on countertops, think about whether you really need them. Maybe even consolidate those half-used bottles of product! Try to reduce clutter, or find a place under the sink for some of those products.

Additional Tips:

  • Keep all cleaning supplies in your bathroom. If they are there, you will most likely use them
  • Use old dryer sheets as cleaning cloths.
  • Keep extra small trash bags in bottom of trash can so one will always be there when you need it!

You can find “recipes” to make your own Homemade Cleaning Products here: The Diva’s Homemade Cleaning Products.

Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these tips!

Simple DIY Projects For Our Feathered Friends

SSD Bird Projects

Spring is here and the birds are all aflutter! How about trying a few small DIY projects that are for the birds, literally! With a little creativity and a little elbow grease, you can make some adorable (AND Simple!) projects that will have all the birds tweeting! Best of all, these projects are perfect for the kids to make – with a little adult help!

DIY Bird Feeder

SSD Bird Feeder 2This simple feeder can be made with any teacup and saucer!

What You Need:

  • Teacup & Saucer (I used a mug small enough to fit on saucer)
  • Gorilla Glue (or other waterproof adhesive that works with ceramics)
  • Copper Floral Wire (optional)
  • Bird Seed
All you need for this little project!
All you need for this little project!

Directions:

Clean and remove all stickers from the teacup and saucer. Dry thoroughly.

With a spray bottle or damp cloth, moisten the saucer. Using the Gorilla Glue, draw a thin line of glue on the side of the teacup opposite of the handle. Place the teacup, glue side down, on the saucer. Hold in place for two hours. (I used a small hand weight to keep constant pressure and to keep teacup in place.) NOTE: These instructions are specific to using Gorilla Glue as your adhesive. If using something other than Gorilla Glue, follow the directions for that product.

You can use the handle of the cup as a hook, or you can create an extended hanger by using copper floral wire (optional). Use the Gorilla Glue to secure the wire in place on the cup handle.

Add birdseed and hang in location where you can enjoy watching the birds visit!

DIY Birdhouse

SSD Birdhouse 2A little clay pot, a clay saucer, a hole cutter drill bit and you’ve got one cute Birdhouse! This project requires the use of power tools (a drill), so gather your materials before beginning the project!

What You Need:

  • Clay Pot – I had several on hand in case I broke one while drilling (which I did!).
  • Clay Saucer that is a bit larger than the top of clay pot.
  • Electric Drill
  • Hole Cutter Drill Bit, or progressively larger series of drill bits. I used an adjustable hole saw by Skil – Click link to find a Skil Adjustable Dial Saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Protective Eyewear
  • Gorilla Glue
  • Eye Bolt & Nut
  • Two Fender Washers
  • Clear, Protective Coating Spray Paint (I used Krylon Fusion, Clear UV Protection)
  • Acrylic paints, small paintbrushes (optional)
Everything you need to build a simple little birdhouse!
Everything you need to build a simple little birdhouse!

Directions:

Remove all labels from pots and saucers. Soak the pots in water for approximately 5-10 minutes. This will soften the clay and will lessen the likelihood of the pot breaking into shards. (Keep a bucket of water handy while drilling – you may need to dunk the pot in the water occasionally to keep things damp.)

On a safe, flat work surface, using something to secure the pot in place on the work surface, use the drill and hole cutter drill bit to cut the hole in the pot. Be sure to use protective eyewear! Size of hole will depend on the size of the pot. I cut a hole about 1.5 inches in diameter. I also used sand paper to smooth out the edges of the hole.

Turn the pot upside down on a clean, flat work surface. Feed one washer onto the eyebolt, then feed eyebolt through bottom of the pot. Turn pot right side up, feed second washer onto eyebolt. Add the nut and secure the eyebolt to the pot.

Using the Gorilla Glue, and following the directions on the label, glue the saucer to the top of the pot. Allow 2 hours to affix completely.

If desired, paint the birdhouse with acrylic paints. Spray clear, protective coasting spray over entire birdhouse. Hang in a tree and enjoy the new visitors!

 

 

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