Useful DIY Tips

How to Make Funky Hangers

What you will need

Glue gun
Circular mitre saw
Pliers
Paint brush
250ml paint sample pot
Pine 116x18mm 1m (can be cut to size in-store)
3M picture hanging strips
Spoons and forks

Adult supervision is recommended and always keep children away from hand and power tools.

Steps

1. Cut pine to size to allow spoon/fork to fit. Paint 116x18mm pine squares with sample pot colours. Ensure that the brush strokes go in the same direction for a clean finish
TOP TIP: don't forget to paint the side profiles of the pine. This will be visible once complete and applied onto walls

2. Select old knives, forks and tea spoons from your house
TOP TIP: pick utensils that are not solid metal, to make it easier to bend

3. Using pliers bend the utensils at the top tip of the arm in an upwards motion

4. Using a hot glue gun put a decent amount of glue onto the utensil
TOP TIP: make sure glue gun has been on for at least 10 minutes before starting this project

5. Place in position instanstly as the glue starts to harden very quickly. Push down firmly on utensil
TOP TIP: mark the exact position you want your utensil to sit on timber so you can stick down immediately

In every home there are many simple and easy ways to save energy. Saving energy can help reduce your household costs and help you make a difference to the environment.

Energy saving appliances
Water saving showerheads
Motion detecting lighting
Clothes drying rack/Clothesline
Efficient hot water system
Ceiling & wall insulation
Reverse angle ceiling fans
Blinds
Rag

House - general tips

Check for and repair any holes in your ceiling, floor, windows, walls, roof, pipes and plumbing. These can release cool or warm air which increases your energy usage especially when you are trying to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Block off the chimney when not in use, as this will allow hot air to enter the house during summer.
Repair dripping faucets.

Turn off appliances at the power points when not in use. e.g. TV, toaster.


Heating and cooling

Keep out the heat. On hot days the north and west facing windows should have the blinds pulled down.

Install ceiling and wall insulation as this can be an efficient way to get the most out of your heating and cooling equipment.

Install exterior blinds to reduce heat gain in the house.

Close windows when heating or cooling.

Use reverse angle ceiling fans to force hot air down to floor level.

Reduce your heating/cooling thermostats.

Use heavy drapes in front of windows to retain heat.


Lighting

Motion detector lights are a great energy saver in low traffic areas.

Turn off lights whenever you aren’t using them.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs as fluorescent bulbs use less energy and last longer.

Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as the front door or side path (see Fig 2).

Clean light fittings annually as dirt reduces their output.


Laundry

Simple and effective - use the sun and wind to dry clothes instead of the dryer.

Wash clothes only when you have a full load.

Use cold water whenever possible in operating the washing machine.

Don’t rely on your dryer to dry your clothes, use the clothesline as this saves power.


Kitchen

Use the dishwasher only when you have a full load.
Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice build-up becomes thick.
When possible cook using the range-top burners or microwave instead of the oven.
Clean the refrigerator coils regularly.
Perform scheduled maintenance on the fridge, dishwasher and oven.
Adjust door latches (if needed) and replace worn door gaskets.


Bathroom

Install a water restrictor or low-flow showerhead. Have a short shower instead of a bath.