DIY – do it yourself

Back in the 1990s, people in Western Europe came up with the clever idea of ​​building a comfortable and cozy insect hotel for the beneficial insects in the garden. This particular idea quickly made its way from Germany and the Netherlands to the Nordic countries and became a popular method for preserving the biological diversity of the world and avoiding a serious ecological crisis. As a result of the uncontrolled use of pesticides and the destruction of the natural habitats of the flying insects, their population dropped drastically at the end of the 20th century – this endangers the survival of numerous animal and plant species and could have long-term harmful effects on nature and the landscape. That is why the protection of insects is becoming more and more important nowadays – every household could contribute to their well-being and attract beneficial insects into the garden through a unique insect hotel.

The hut should, however, be well suited for the most common insect species in the corresponding terrain. The beneficial insects house should be adapted to their needs and fully meet their “high expectations”! In recent years, insect hotel building has become a favorite activity for children in Norway and a popular educational material on environmental protection. The little ones learn in an entertaining way the functions within an ecosystem and the primary role of insects in maintaining balance in nature.

The materials and tools required:

• small pine cones
• hollow logs (about 10-12 cm. long)
• Reeds or bamboo poles
• Bark mulch
• dried flower heads
• Metal hangers
• Cordless screwdriver
• Screws
• Table saw or foxtail
• drilling machine

Spruce or cedar wood for the entire construction (length x width x thickness):

• Roof (14 cm. X 14 cm. X approx. 2 cm.)
• Bottom part (14 cm. X 14 cm. X approx. 2 cm.)
• Back wall (30.5 cm. X 14 cm. X approx. 2 cm.)
• 2 x side wall (30.5 cm. X 12 cm. X 2 cm.)

Building an insect hotel step by step:

• Use the table saw or the foxtail to cut the boards according to the dimensions given above.

• Assemble the whole construction by carefully drilling through the boards with the drill and then screwing them on using the cordless screwdriver.

• Fill the house with the pine cones, logs, bamboo poles, bark mulch and flower baskets by placing them in rows on top of each other, but at the same time leaving enough space between the individual filling materials so that the insects can fly in and “move in”.

• Nail or screw on the hanger and finally hang the insect hotel on a previously selected location in the garden, e.g. on the garden fence.

The insects are always welcome in the hotel

What insects check happy to go to the hotel? 

Most of the Wild bees have their nest in the ground, so these beneficial insects do not need a “hotel room”. If you dig up the ground at the beginning of spring, you will most likely come across the bumblebees’ wintering place! Honey bees survive the winter by cuddling with power and shivering warm, so they don’t even leave their hive for months. The lonely bees, However, those who do not live in colonies prefer to build their nests in hollow logs during the cold months. These insects will move into the hotel with other lonely bees, seal the opening of the wood with mud and stay in this cozy atmosphere for months. The beneficial insects will then thank you warmly for the accommodation in spring by fertilizing the plants in your garden by transferring pollen and pollen!

Marian pine overwinter in groups between different dried plants and branches. On warm spring days, these insects will help you fight aphids and really do an excellent job against the uninvited guests!

Beetles, spiders, lacewings and other beneficial insects need different living conditions depending on their living needs. Due to the varied filling material, however, your insect hotel attracts numerous useful insects. By securing them a unique “apartment”, you will gain enviable fighters against the pests by your side. In this way, nature and people benefit from each other! Perhaps a few harmful insects will move into the newly built hotel, but don’t worry and leave everything in the hands of Mother Nature, because only she herself can ensure the ecological balance in the environment!

In order to attract as many insects as possible to the hotel, you can use different strategies. In any case, you should choose a quiet and sunny location in the garden for the “guest house”, which is also well protected from wind, rain, rodents and birds. There should be different flowering plants in the vicinity. A bowl of sweetened water could serve as another attractant. You should keep an eye on hygiene and change the dried grass, moss, straw and twigs at least once a year.

In the attached video you will find further detailed building instructions for a somewhat larger beneficial insect house that could accommodate several insect species at the same time!

If you paint the insect hotel in any bright color, you will lure even more useful insects into your courtyard

Countless insects find shelter in this luxurious one hotel

The shape doesn’t matter – the filler material is the most important thing

Hang the insect hotel on the tree and attract its residents

If the insect hotel is stable enough, you can place it directly on the ground near flowering plants

In our gallery you will find a few more clever ideas for the unique design of your insect hotel! 

Everything at a glance – from small beneficial insect houses to very large insect hotels!

We have been fascinated by painting and drawing for a long time. Many take it as a meditative hobby or simply as a relaxing, creative activity in which you can completely let yourself go. Painting different objects and everyday objects is also a lot of fun and can even be seen as real art. In addition to stones, flower pots, vases and cups, you can also paint porcelain or ceramic plates. You don’t have to be advanced to try it. Take a look below to see which are the most popular painting techniques for this and what else you should consider. In the picture gallery you will also find an extra helping of fresh inspiration for your own DIY projects with painted plates.

Painting plates with botanical motifs 

Paint the plate with porcelain paint

Some porcelain paints need to be glazed, that is, kilned. But it is even easier with a suitable water-based acrylic paint, which you ultimately only allow to dry out in the air. There are also porcelain paints that are made of synthetic resin and only harden in the oven at a low temperature.

A few important tips when painting plates with acrylic paint:

• As soon as you no longer use the ceramic marker, cover it with a lid, even if it is a short break from work. The tip can dry off and become clogged.
• Acrylic paints are translucent, so it is better to use them on white or light-colored porcelain.
• If you want the color to be less transparent, mix it with white.
• Acrylic paint is resistant to washing in the dishwasher and heating in the microwave. Please note that this color must be marked as non-toxic.

Graphic, black and white motifs for real minimalists 

Paint plates using these 5 techniques

There are countless techniques and ways to paint your plates. Here we briefly describe our five favorites, which are also perfect for beginners. You only need a few utensils and the selected colors and motifs.

# 1 painting technique with brush

Traditionally painting plates, that is, with brushes and paints, is the best way to create a real masterpiece.

To do this you will need:

• Artistic synthetic brushes of various shapes and sizes;
• Acrylic paints for porcelain and ceramics on a water basis.

First you need to create the underpainting, that is, draw large parts of the composition that will form its basis. Next, add volume and depth to the drawing using dark and light colors. And then look into the details. At the end of the work, fix the color. Mix colors and play with halftones to create unusual colors and effects. Painting a ceramic plate with a matte glaze is easier than painting on glossy ceramic or glass because the color is thicker and more even.

Excellent painting idea for beginners and purists

These are the most common ways to fix the color: 

• Natural way – let it air dry for a day as normal – if you rarely want to use a plate or even only want to use it as a decoration.
• Dry the paint with a hairdryer and let it set naturally for 10-12 hours.
• Bake for half an hour at a temperature of 150-170 degrees, then let the dishes cool without removing them from the oven. After firing, it is advisable not to wash the painted dishes for 20 days so that the paint lasts longer.

Below you will find simple but interesting ideas for painting plates with brushes and acrylic paints, even for beginners.

Advanced students can also paint plates without the background painting 

# 2 painting technique with marker

We have all been familiar with drawing with markers and felt-tip pens from childhood. With the help of special markings for painting, you can quickly and easily decorate the plates with inscriptions, as well as present a graphic and very detailed picture.

To do this you will need:

• Degreaser and cotton wool;
• Felt pens for porcelain in different colors and thicknesses.

It’s that easy:

• Do not forget to degrease the surface before you start drawing on the dishes.
• The main rule: try to draw lines and outlines of the picture in small, frequent strokes. This way you are less likely to make a mistake.
• Also, try to keep the drawing from the general to the specific.
• Mark the outline of the picture in advance, use a template if necessary.

Most markers dry out within 24 hours, do not need to be burned and are not washed in the dishwasher.

How about a magical feather?

# 3 painting technique with stencils

Another method that anyone can use is with stencils.

To do this you will need:

• Acrylic paints for porcelain and ceramics or markers for painting utensils, which are available in different colors and thicknesses.
• Appropriate size artistic synthetic brushes (optional) or a sponge to dab;
• Alcohol for removing paint, degreaser;
• Everything you need to draw and cut out a stencil or template: paper, cutter, pencil.

That’s how it works:

First you need to draw a stencil yourself or print a finished one, and then cut out the holes with a cutter. Perhaps, with this technique, only this phase can be described as labor-intensive. After that, everything is much easier: degrease the surface and stick the stencil on the surface to be painted with adhesive tape.

Then you start to fill the pattern on the stencil with color. You can add accents, draw details or outlines on your picture.

If you’ve painted with acrylic paints, you can dry them naturally, with a hair dryer, or in the oven, following the recommendations above.

A great idea for stencils are lace doilies made of paper or nylon

# 4 Bubble-look painting technique

This is a unique technique for painting the pottery. It’s a kind of texturing of the surface. You should use soapy water for this technique.

It’s that easy:

• Dilute your paints in soapy water, then make bubbles.
• Let these bubbles sit on the pot and pop on their own.
• When the paint dries out, you get a beautiful, bubbly painting.

This effect is even stronger, especially in green and blue

# 5 Sponge painting technique

You should use different shapes of sponges in this technique. If you put different amounts of pressure on the sponge, you will get different types of textures. You can use acrylic or oil paints for this. Decide what kind of design you want on the pot. If you are a beginner try painting some clouds on it. This way you will understand how to use the sponge.

Tip: To add class to your ceramic or porcelain painting, try creating an ombre effect on the surface.

You can combine geometric patterns with dots or other elements 

Take a look at the remaining inspiration examples from our picture gallery and implement your own projects. Painting plates is a lot of fun and is very suitable for both advanced and absolute beginners. It is a creative activity that is also often used in occupational therapy. We wish you every success and a lot of fun!

The dot technique is also popular with many painting fans

How about such a colorful heart, for example? 

Or do you prefer a subtle mix of patterns? 

Are you looking for a do-it-yourself concrete lamp? Then you have come to the right place, because Christian and Sari from the blog Saris Garage will show you how easy and, above all, how much fun it can be to cast a lamp out of concrete. In addition to their upcycling furniture and home accessories, Sari and Christian also deal with the topic of concrete decoration and now have several DIY projects to show that concrete lovers would like to have in their own four walls. Here you come to the instructions Concrete lamp from Sari’s garage.

Creative concrete decoration as far as the eye can see

No matter whether you are window shopping, leafing through various living and furnishing magazines or surfing the Internet. Concrete decoration is currently very trendy and can be found in all forms and functions. With creative concrete, all imaginable things can be poured into shape. If you want to get even closer to the material and experiment with it, kneaded concrete is ideal for this, which can be kneaded like modeling clay and has even more design potential.

Our concrete lamp – the concrete doesn’t always have to be cold

Concrete is quickly underestimated as a material. In the past it was only considered a cold building material, today it is an absolute highlight in your own home in combination with color accents or light. No matter whether exposed walls made of concrete make the living room look modern or the home is decorated with small concrete decorative elements, in combination with the right living accessories and a bit of color, concrete decoration now finds its place everywhere, as does our concrete lamp.

The idea of ​​pouring a concrete lamp into shape sounds totally exciting, especially when you can also see how easy it is to make this concrete lamp yourself. Here, too, the two of them stayed true to their upcycling ideas and, in addition to the creative concrete, kept empty jam jars in front of the waste glass container and cleverly built them into their DIY concrete lamps. It doesn’t actually take much to build this concrete lamp yourself. In addition to the aforementioned waste glass and creative concrete, you need a round bowl and lamp accessories or an LED light chain. To do this, stick the jam jar with the lid pointing downwards in the bowl with a little hot glue, stir the creative concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions, also put it in the bowl and let the concrete mass dry overnight.

Step two can already follow the next day. To do this, remove the first part of your lamp from the bowl and fill the bowl again with the creative concrete. Finally, position the finished lamp part in the middle of the freshly mixed concrete mass and use small pieces of wood as spacers. Here, too, the entire concrete lamp can be removed from the bowl on the following day. Let the concrete lamp dry out for a few days. Finally you cut a hole in the lid of the jar and let in the lamp holder or light chain. complete.

If you had a little difficulty following the concrete lamp instructions, that’s no problem at all. On Sari’s Garage you will find more detailed step-by-step instructions and a DIY video in which Sari shows and explains everything again in great detail. Check out her DIY blog here www.sarisgarage.de

Do you also have the urge to constantly turn your apartment upside down and to implement the last idea that you got as soon as possible? You might think that you are never satisfied with your establishment and that your search for perfection will never stop. People cannot understand that the change is exactly the element that makes you satisfied … It’s magical how you create different and impressive atmospheres within the same four walls..

DIY decoration and furnishing examples made of rope

Welcome sign for real sailors / seawomen

Safely ensnare fragile glass 

Now you’ve had enough of these floral surroundings, of the spring and the trendy, metallic look and would like to create something … summery at home, aren’t you? It would be good to know what exactly summer means to you and which symbols you associate with summer.

Everyone will like such flower vases

Rope and cork – sustainable is in 

One of the symbols that many people associate with summer is the blue sea and the longing for rushing water. We cannot conjure up the sea at home, but the illusion of a ship’s bunk and a nautical environment would be quite conceivable. It would be enough if you take a look at our DIY decoration ideas and furnishing examples. From natural fiber ropes to decorative ropes to twine, we have tried to find inspirational and varied examples of furnishings and rope decorations that are not only maritime in character. The rope decoration makes every object look more solid and stable and gives the interior a natural, decorative and yet practical appearance.

Leave four returnable bottles and make beautiful decorations

Stable hold

Complete the ideas according to your own needs

And because renewal and decorating should not only be associated with costs, we have included exciting ideas that make old jars and glass bottles wake up to new life.

The thicker the rope, the more stable the shelf

Visitors can be received in the luxury bunk

Ideas, ideas and even more ideas

Sit comfortably and securely 

For enthusiasts only

Coasters with nautical motifs 

More order in the bathroom

A fishing net over the lampshade when the nostalgia gets so big 

A homemade watch that actually works

So that you can run down the stairs safely 

Ropes exude such strength

So that you never slip

The sustainable tendency to work with rope influences furniture design and interior design. Incredible but true, imposing stools, lampshades and shelves can be created from rope. The creative thinking can go further, because it can result in even more original and useful designs made of rope, something like a rope partition or the safest banister in the world.

We are pleased again to have enriched your world of ideas a little more.

Nothing will fall out

Winter is slowly approaching again and with or without lockdown we are spending more and more time at home. Fortunately, Christmas is just around the corner and it will be festive and contemplative again. And although a lot is not really clear this year, one thing is for sure: we need an Advent wreath! Because that makes it much easier to wait for Christmas Eve. With every further lit Advent candle, the most beautiful festival of the year is approaching and young and old alike can enjoy the sweet anticipation. The pre-Christmas season is known to be handicraft time, which is good for all of us. So if you want to make an atmospheric Advent wreath, we have collected the right DIY ideas for you below. And did you already know when and how the first Advent wreath was invented? You will also find out all of this in the next few lines.

The Advent wreath as the highlight of your Christmas decoration 

This is how the Advent wreath came about

The first Advent wreath was actually a wagon wheel. The theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern set up this for the first time in 1839 for the orphans in the Protestant Rauhen Haus in Hamburg. To make waiting for Christmas more exciting for the little ones, he attached as many candles to it for the first Advent as there were days until Christmas Eve.

So the children could light another candle every day and look forward to the coming festival with shining eyes. That is why the traditional Wichern Advent wreath has four large candles for the Advent Sundays and either 20 or 19 smaller, white candles for the remaining days of the week.

Later, Advent wreaths were set up more and more often in Protestant churches and in 1925 for the first time in a Catholic church in Cologne. Over time, more and more households have adopted the beautiful tradition and tied smaller wreaths with just four candles. Fir green and green branches were then used as decoration.

Celebrate the beautiful tradition every year

The symbolism of the Advent wreath

With every further Advent Sunday the light becomes more and more intense, which symbolically means the ever closer birth of Christ. In addition, the circle generally stands for infinity and eternal life or, in other words, for the resurrection. Many also see the Advent wreath as a symbol of community and wholeness. The four candles stand for the four cardinal points as well as the four elements and the green fir branches for hope and a new beginning. All strong symbols that everyone can interpret for themselves. Over time, the traditional appearance of the Advent wreath has changed a lot. Other shapes and materials can be used and the wreaths are always more creative and modern. Nevertheless, they do not lose their deepest meaning and are among the most important and popular decorations at Christmas time.

A star-shaped Advent wreath, for example, looks particularly original

The latest trends for Advent and Christmas decorations

In recent years, the trend in decorating has clearly been towards nature and sustainability. More and more natural materials are used for handicrafts or decorations, and used objects are creatively used. Minimalism and simplicity are also still preferred by many and welcome in all aspects. This year, too, Advent wreaths with eucalyptus remain pretty trendy and are very often tied themselves or are available in specialist shops. In addition to the numerous decoration ideas, you will also find two super simple and very effective instructions for discreet and sustainable Advent wreaths below.

1. Instructions: Make an advent wreath out of moss and feathers

You need:

• Wreath blank
• Moss (from the craft shop or collected yourself)
• a couple of succulents
• feathers
• Craft pliers (optional)
• Hot glue gun
• four candles of your choice
• four spark plug caps

Simple materials and little time required

And this is how it is done:

If you have collected moss in the forest yourself, you should clean it of impurities and vermin and let it dry out a little. Then simply start to glue pieces of moss one after the other to the wreath blank with the hot glue gun. Wait a moment and add the succulents and feathers in the same way. If the wreath is already decorated, you can arrange the candles on top with the help of the candle holder. complete!

You can also try it out with a wreath stand

Design the moss advent wreath according to your own taste

You can also combine fir green and eucalyptus leaves with cones

Or just opt ​​for eucalyptus in a very modern way

2. Instructions: Make an Advent wreath with empty tin cans

You need:

• four empty tin cans
• four table candles
• Fir green or green twigs as desired
• white acrylic paint
• Brush / alternatively spray paint
• Floral foam
• Cardboard or wrapping paper
• Jute cord
• scissors
• Felt marker

And this is how it is done:

First spray or brush the four tin cans with the white acrylic paint and let them dry out completely. Then put some floral foam in each jar so that you can attach the candles and twigs to it later. Turn each tin can neck down and place it on the floor, preferably outside. Then stamp on top with your foot to crease the cans slightly. So they look much more effective afterwards. Cut four rectangles out of the cardboard or packing paper and draw the number from 1 to 4 on them. Then tie them to the cans and stick the candles and the fir branches in them. Your upcycling Advent wreath is ready quickly and easily.

An original and, above all, sustainable craft idea for the Advent season

The other decoration ideas below provide you with even more inspiration. Most of them are super easy to implement and you usually only need a few materials that you may already have at home or can easily get hold of. We wish you a lot of crafting fun and good luck!

Stay healthy and enjoy the peaceful Christmas season!

Mason jars quickly become a simple Advent wreath

Small flower pots are also very suitable for this

And the old winter scarf is far from obsolete

Even the baking pan gets its second fairytale chance

How to hide the cables and be more creative 

No matter how frugally and modestly you live, when you move, it becomes clear how much you actually own. Especially the technology that collects in our apartments together with technical progress and all these cables … Around the computer, television, music system, record player, amplifier, charger, boxes, printer and, and, and … You are sure to make dissatisfied grimaces , because you know exactly what is meant …. What do you think of it when you find out that there are people who create something beautiful out of annoying cables and add aesthetics to their function? Sounds too utopian, you think?

Hide the cables or not – that is the question

Never again get frustrated walking past electrical outlets 

Then take your time and draw some inspiration and a good mood from our picture gallery. We have tried again to choose practical and creative decoration ideas for you and today we want to deal with the topic of how to creatively and functionally hide one or more cables.

Go beyond the traditional zip tie

You will find that there are many and different ways you can create a cool and expressive wall design using the (until recently) annoying cables. What you absolutely wanted to hide can become an object worth seeing if you only had enough ideas. Renew the apartment and make it look more modern instead of hiding certain areas. This works well with simple shapes and colors. It is even possible to create a clear and optimal order behind the beautiful facade.

Create your beauty!

Look carefully at how long the cables are, which wall or corner is best for such a project, and what you can do with the resources available. Be sure to consider your own needs and adhere to simple design rules!

Make the disadvantage special 

If you have the opportunity, plan your facility in advance and calculate in your head where and how you can make your unpopular cables disappear and create something creative that pleases your eye!

Good luck and see you next time!

Think creatively!

Complete your living space 

Find the right solution for you 

The best solutions are simple

The mites are very small arachnids and we cannot notice their presence at home. House dust is their natural habitat. They live in the toys, carpets, sheets, and mattresses. The plush toys in the nursery are likely home to a million mites, regardless of how often you wash them.

By themselves, the mites are not dangerous. The picture above shows it 350 times larger. They won’t bite or hurt you – they feed on dead skin cells – epidermis. The problem lies with the substances the mites release when they feed. You breathe these with the air, so they are a prerequisite for allergies and asthma

Fighting mites in bed

Your mattress is the largest incubator. If you are going to buy a new one, don’t forget that there are lots of dead cells at the bottom. The ideal habitat for mites. The foam mattress is also not recommended. It is best to choose a latex mattress. They do not have any cavities where dust and dirt can develop and they do not provide pleasant living conditions for the mites. Also, do not place this mattress directly on the floor. It is essential that you use a bed frame or frame so that you can clean under the bed more easily and effortlessly. But this is only the first step in combating it.

Mattress infested with mites

 The best way to clean the mattress and upholstered furniture is with a vacuum cleaner with a water filter. The substance on the surface of the water looks like greasy flour – these are actually the mites.

Many people think the fear of mites is excessive. But if in doubt, use a vacuum cleaner with a water filter.

The right mattress and prevention – that’s all that protects against house dust and allergies.

Decent, clean bedroom 

Use salt

Life circle with the mites

Dense mattress suitable for the development of mites   

The mattress with vacuum cleaner clean 

How can you easily build a folding table yourself?

Folding furniture is the perfect solution for small apartments. That much is already certain. What do you think of a folding table that you can build yourself and that has a double function – like a table and mirror in one. Unusual? For sure. But therefore also very original and multifunctional. This saves you a lot of space and when the table is not in use, you have a great large mirror in the room. We were fascinated by this idea. We hope you like it as much. Above all, the design of the table impresses with its subtle simplicity and clean lines. Such a piece of DIY furniture not only looks stylish, it also inscribes itself well in almost every interior design and fits into every living style. Scandinavian style chairs and a few fresh splashes of color, for example in pastel, are the perfect complement.

Build your own folding table, made easy

Here comes the instructions with pictures.

Materials:

• Wooden boards
• Metal fishing rods
• mirrors
• Adhesive tape for the mirror
• Acrylic paint
• L hook
• Masking tape
• Screws

Tools:

• paint brush
• Wood drill
• electric drill
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper or wood grinder
• pencil
• ruler
• Protractor
• Masonry drill

Step 1: Draw a rectangle with the pencil

First draw a rectangle on one of the wooden boards with a pencil. There should be at least 10 cm between the outer edge and the sides of the rectangle.

Step 2: Drill four holes with the wood drill

Then take the wood drill and drill a hole in each corner of the rectangle.

Step 3: work with the jigsaw

We recommend wearing craftsman gloves during this step. Using the jigsaw, cut out the area you have drawn, starting with the holes.

Step 4: sand with sandpaper or wood sander

Take sandpaper or the wood sander to hand and carefully sand the edges until they are nice and smooth. This board will serve as a table leg and a mirror frame at the same time.

Step 5: paint with acrylic paint and attach the fishing rods

Paint the wooden frame, the second wooden board and the hinges with the acrylic paint of your choice and let them dry. When the parts are completely dry, connect the two table parts on their shorter side using the hinges. Use the electric drill for this.

Step 6: fix and attach the mirror 

Now place the mirror on the other side of the table top and fix its position with the masking tape. Then attach the adhesive tape / adhesive tape to the back of the mirror and attach it to the table top at the position that has already been fixed. Press gently but firmly. Then remove the masking tape. complete!

Step 7: attach the table top to the wall 

Now attach the table top with the mirror (as shown above) to the wall using the metal hinges and the masonry drill. In this way, the table can be easily opened.

Step 8: attach L-hooks to the wall

Last but not least, you only need to attach the L-hooks to the wall on the left and right of the folding table. These will secure the whole construction with the wall mirror option. That’s it!

Now you have not only saved a lot of valuable space, but also built a cool folding mirror table yourself. Congratulations! You did it!