Identifying and Treating a Ringworm Outbreak Among Horses

When you take home your first horse its a wonderful feeling. That same feeling hits you with each new purchase or birth of yet another horse. It takes a lot of work to keep him fed, exercised and in good health. Youll have to get him shots, vet treatments, special foods, products for his coat. Well, the list is extensive. There are some times when your horse needs a vet because you simply dont have what it takes to heal or help him. Other things, though, like common fungi, can often be taken care of without calling the vet.

Its almost a constant battle to keep your horse free from bacteria, viruses, insect bites and other skin conditions. Symptoms can be anything from a bare patch on the skin, to a rough, bumpy spot, to the horse constantly rubbing against things to scratch. If you can identify the problem you can often treat it yourself.

Ringworm is one common ailment which can affect a horse, but in no time, can infect all of your horses. Ringworm is a fungus which grows rapidly and can travel between the animals. Once one horse is infected the others can also be infected when tack and grooming items like brushes and harnesses, are shared. Ringworm is usually recognized as circular patches, which generally start out small, but can grow if untreated. The skin within the circle is generally rough and can have the appearance of a scab. If the ringworm isnt stopped it can become large and irregular, and in addition, can lead to secondary skin conditions and infections. The fungus is often noticed around the saddle area, girth, legs and face. Although the most susceptible to ringworm are horses under three years of age, elderly, and sickly horses, any horse can develop the fungus. When you notice a ringworm, immediately separate that horse from the others, and check the others for the fungus. Its necessary to disinfect all tack and grooming supplies which have been used with that particular horse. Mix ten parts water with one part bleach and apply it liberally to all the horses tack and grooming items. For the horse itself, use a medicated shampoo which contains miconazole. Treat the horse daily for a week then once a week until the infected areas are completely gone. Although the shampooing of the horse and the disinfecting of the tack should completely erase the ringworm infection, if you still see signs after the complete treatment, contact your vet. Source: www.horses-and-horse-information.com

Fun Hair Clip Organizer

Too many hair accessories and no where to put them all? Have I got a craft for you! Organize hair clips, barrettes and other accessories by doing a fun project which makes hanging hair for holding those things. Its perfect for a little girls room since it hangs on the wall and is sort of silly.

Start with a piece of cardboard and cover it with fabric. Wrap the material around the edges of the cardboard and glue or tape it to the backside. Although the cloth you choose can be most any color or design certain fabrics work better than others. Thin material is better than really thick types. Also, youll be making a simplistic head and face on the cloth so fabric with skin colors, like black, brown, white or off-white are ideal.

Use a coat hanger or long piece of pliable wire to create a large "U" shape. Cut many lengths of yellow, brown, black or other yarn to make hair. These can be as many or as few as you want and can be as long as you wish. The longer the "hair" the more clips it will hold. And, the more yarn pieces you use, the thicker the hair on the organizer will be. Start at the end of the wire and, holding all the yarn pieces together, lay them against the wire. Leave several inches of the yarn hanging off of the end of the wire and tie a ribbon or rubber band around the end of the wire to hold the yarn in place. Wrap the collective yarn pieces around and around so that you completely cover the wire "U". Twist the yarn together, then wrap it around the wire, and butt each wrap against the previous one. When you get to the other end, tie a ribbon or rubber band to secure, and allow several inches of yarn to hang off beyond the wire. Lay the yarn-covered wire on the cardboard piece and attach it with hot glue. Simply apply the adhesive to the rounded area of the "U". Position the wire so that the "U" is upside-down and creates the shape of a head. Make a face for the arrangement by using a marker or paint to create a chin and jaw area. Just draw from one side of the hair, down and around, and back up to the other side of the hair. You can draw on eyes or other features, if you want. Use the yarn arrangement to hang hair clips. Just open the clips and attach them to the yarn shape. To hang barrettes, attach them to the strands of yarn which hang off of the ends of the wire. Its a fun way to organize all those loose hair accessories and create a unique and silly piece for your little girls room.

Frightening Wall Projection Jack-O-Lantern

Are you one of those people who makes the same jack-o-lantern, year after year? Maybe you stumbled upon a fabulous jack-o-lantern design, and you love it so much, you make it every Halloween? Well, make your regular jack-o-lantern this Halloween - the one you set outside to show - then make a special jack-o-lantern for indoors. Youll need a wall inside the house to project a scary face, threatening message, or other design for your Halloween visitors. Prepare to see them jump as they see a frightening projection just behind a pumpkin youve set out for display. The two-faced pumpkin is fun to make and loads of fun to watch in action.Actually, you could make the wall projection pumpkin to set outside but its great indoors for a party. You can also set it on a porch to scare the trick-or-treaters. The larger the pumpkin, the larger the scary face or other projection will be. Start by cutting the bottom off of the pumpkin and setting it aside for the moment. Scoop out the meat and seeds.You can cut any design you want for the jack-o-lantern. Decide on the side of the pumpkin which will be shown to the visitors. This can be a friendly pumpkin, the word "BOO", or another image. Carve it using traditional implements and techniques.After carving one side, turn the pumpkin around, and carve the exact opposite side. For this side, make something frightening. Carve a scary face or even write a menacing message. Its fun to make a cute face on one side, and a frightening one on the other, or to write a friendly "Happy Halloween" on one side, and a disturbing message on the other.When the two-faced pumpkin is carved, set a candle on the base, then position the pumpkin over it. Set the frightening side of the jack-o-lantern towards a wall while the friendly side faces the guests. With the candle lit, the nice side is illuminated, and the eerie side projects onto the wall.Try lighting the candle and then positioning the pumpkin just right so the guests can easily see the projection as well as the inviting side of the jack-o-lantern. It can be a little tricky. If you position the pumpkin too far from the wall it can be difficult to make out feature or lettering. Place it to close to a wall and the projection can disappear behind the pumpkin where it cant be seen at all. Whether you set the two-faced jack-o-lantern inside or out, whether its large or small, the finished pumpkin makes a cool decoration for Halloween.Two-Faced Jack-O-Lantern

Window Jewelry Organizer

Its not a secret that many women display their jewelry, even if they are the only ones who will ever see the necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces. Hanging jewelry is always gorgeous - in any setting. You dont have to get fancy with the jewelry holder. Costume or real, jewelry can be hung on tree branches, drawer knobs, an embroidery hoop, and other common things. But if you want a jewelry display that truly sparkles, shines, and grabs attention - even if its only your attention - look to a window in your home. Instead of hanging a curtain, hang jewelry, and youll make a curtain substitute with glittery results.

A window jewelry organizer is almost like a work of art. When you see it, it definitely looks like an unusual art piece - even if a person sees it from outside. Jewels, hanging on a window, are bound to get noticed. But more than that, hanging your jewelry on a window makes a great way to organize them, and display them. Select a window where people cant see in, since you wont have a curtain up. Or, hang the jewelry on the window, and hang a curtain over it.

For the most beautiful effect, hang the jewelry on a window that has a one-piece design. Although you can make the jewelry organizer on a window that features the wooden molding pieces between glass panes, a solid piece of glass is much more elegant, when it comes to making a jewelry display. Wondering how youre going to hang all of your jewelry on a glass window? Tiny suction cups! You can buy them at a craft store; theyre available in various sizes. Each suction cup has a small wire hanger, perfect for holding jewelry. Simply wet each suction cup a bit, and stick it to the window. Make neat little rows, or, even better, randomly hang the suction cups all over the glass. Hang bracelets, necklaces, chains, hair ribbons, hoop earrings, and even key rings, on the assorted suction cups. Jewelry containing real jewels, or fake rhinestones, are especially glittery against the glass. When the sun shines in, the whole effect is an amazing display. Make the arrangement you want; after all, its an art piece, and you can design it your way. And, the most fun is, you can change it around any time you want. Just slide your fingernail, or a toothpick, under the suction cup to break the suction. Remove that cup and move it anywhere you want, on the window. Youre going to love the cheap but fancy display - and so will your neighbors!

Display Bullwhip

Ive traveled in America a lot over the years and I, like most people, enjoy shopping at places right off of the interstate. Often, they feature collectible plates, salt and pepper shakers, t-shirts, special candies, and even Native American goods. Among them, you can purchase arrowheads, lifelike hatchets, and more. The painting alone is often exquisite. With colors of aqua, black, white, and red, the Native American bead work and other goods, are quite collectible. In the same store youll often find things that are similar to what an American cowboy might have used. You can buy cowboy hats, belt buckles, and even bullwhips. Have you ever seen the price tag on one of those whips? Its made to hang on the wall but it costs as though its a main furnishing in your home. You can make nearly an identical version of the bullwhip for just a fraction of the cost.

A bullwhip can be made from cheap vinyl strips, so that a child can play or practice, or can be made from quality leather. You can definitely order leather sinew online and you can sometimes find it through a local upholsterer. Other places that might sell it include craft and fabric stores.

Besides the leather sinew youll also need a piece of PVC pipe, and some tape. The pipe should be three to four inches in diameter (slightly smaller for a child), and cut to a handle length for either a child or an adult. A good length for the handle on the real bullwhip would be four to five inches. For a child, take away an inch or two. Apply PVC pipe cement to the inside of the tube. Gather three, six, or nine strips of the leather - depending on how wide they are - and tie them all together in a knot. If the knot isnt large enough to fit tightly into the pipe, wrap it with tape first. Use an implement - like a spoon handle - to push the knot into the PVC pipe, and into the glue. Separate the leather into three equal groups, and braid them together. At the end, tie a knot to hold the three sections together. Or, use glue to secure the braid without a knot. Use tape that closely matches the color of the leather to give the handle a finished look. Cover the open end of the PVC pipe with a piece or two of tape, and then begin wrapping the tape around the handle. Start at the top of the braid, and continue wrapping, around the handle, until you get to the end. Hang the bullwhip up and enjoy the fact that you paid just a few bucks, instead of a hundred!

Hanging Ball of Flowers Wedding Decoration

Having an elegant wedding? A wedding with lots of flowers? Well, after youve done some floral arrangements in vases for the centerpieces, and attached a flower to each napkin ring, and youve done all the other flower crafts you can think of for your wedding, take the leftovers and make a hanging ball of flowers. Its easy to create and makes a striking statement for those entering the wedding reception area. Theyll be taken aback by the spectacular floral ball that can hang over a food table, a dining table, or elsewhere in the room. Make several of them and hang them around the room and youll have a breathtaking scene.

You might have already seen pomanders - or balls of flowers - while browsing through stores or looking at wedding catalogs. But this ball of flowers will be much different than those. The pomander-type wedding decorations are generally balls with flowers attached right to the ball. Theyre gorgeous but ordinary. You can make something much more intriguing and lovely when you start with a Styrofoam ball.

Poke a small hole anywhere on the ball, fill it with hot glue, and add a hanger. To do that, cut a ribbon or even a piece of fishing twine, fold it in half, then insert the ends into the hole. Hang the ball somewhere that allows you to work on it as you attach the flowers. For this spray-type of flower ball youll need flowers and greenery that have long stems. The ball is made in the same basic manner as a regular pomander ball but you wont believe the difference in appearance when you use flowers and plants that are long. If youre using silk flowers simply stick their stems into the ball, take it out, fill the hole with hot glue, and stick the stem back into the hole. Make rows which go around the ball and cover the entire ball. If youre using real flowers, poke a hole, slide in the flower or vine stem, and if necessary, use a floral wire piece to secure it. Youll achieve the best look for the ball of flowers if you use long flowers and greenery but assorted sizes. Some can hang slightly away from the ball and others can extend way out from the ball. All white flowers, with lots of greenery, is perfect for a wedding but you can make the spray-type floral ball with any color combination. Dont need hanging flowers? Make the balls, omit the hanger, and stand them on tall vases. Theyre absolutely stunning and, although each one takes a bit of time, theyre very easy to create.

Floor Tile Dry Erase Board

Werent we all impressed when dry erase boards and markers first came out on the market? No more using paper after paper to let kids draw or to leave family notes. With the appearance of the dry erase boards we could write, erase, write and draw again - and again and again. It was like magic! Nowadays, dry erase boards are as common as pencils - nearly everyone has one. If you dont have one, and you dont want to spend the money to get one, theres an alternative that works just as well. A floor tile! A leftover floor tile can be turned into a unique and useful dry erase board that hangs on the wall or can be carried around. The perfect floor tile is one thats solid white or has some faint marbling. You can use a peel-n-stick tile or a ceramic tile for this project. The adhesive tile is lightweight and perfect for kids. The heavier, ceramic tile looks nice when you make a hanging message center for the kitchen.

To continue with the lightweight version paint or cover a piece of thick cardboard or really thin wood with decorative paper or fabric. The cardboard should be cut so that its square. It should be two inches larger, all the way around, than the tile itself. If the tile is too large for a small child you can cut it down to a smaller size. When the board is ready simply peel and stick the vinyl tile to the board.

Make a heavier version from a ceramic tile. These tiles are much smaller than the vinyl tiles but are used in the same manner. For this design use a piece of wood thats square and larger than the tile. Glue the tile to the board and allow to dry. Use a metal picture hanger on the back of the board to hang the message center. You can purchase dry erase markers at most any place that sells magic markers. Stick it to the board by using Velcro. Cut a tiny piece of adhesive Velcro and stick half to the side of the board and half to the marker to hold it in place when not in use. If you want, attach a small sponge piece with Velcro for erasing. The slick tile works just as a dry erase board but costs nowhere near what a new board will cost. Either of the dry erase board designs can be decorated with wooden letters, stickers or other embellishments. Spell out "Messages", "Notes" or other words, or just glue on foam shapes for kids. The hanging message board can be useful in the kitchen or outside for visitors to leave notes when youre gone. The lightweight version is perfect for any child!

Trailer Ball Cover

Have you ever paid attention to the trailer ball on the back of someones truck while driving? You know, that metal ball, made for pulling a trailer, positioned below the bumper. Maybe youve never noticed but theyre often rusted. They sell ball decorations to go over those metal balls but who wants to pay that much money for such a small item? There are several different ways you can cover such a ball so that it wont rust.You dont necessarily have to be a tennis nut to use a tennis ball as a trailer ball cover. The rubber inside the ball will protect the trailer ball from water and rust. Just take a craft knife and cut a hole on one side of the ball. Make the hole a bit larger, and a bit larger, until its the right size. Make it too large and it can possibly blow off of the trailer hitch. The tennis ball should fit snugly over the metal ball but should not be difficult to slide on and off.A Styrofoam ball is another option for protecting your trailer ball. Purchase a ball thats much larger than the one on the trailer and create a hole in it. Cut a hole on any side of the Styrofoam, lay a piece of sandpaper over the end of a pencil, then use it to file the hole larger, if needed. Styrofoam is easy to shape when you use sandpaper or even an emery board.Turn the Styrofoam ball into a smiley face or other design by painting it. Use tempera paints, which dont melt Styrofoam, to create the image you want. Or, after painting the ball, write "Have a Good Day" or another wish, using a paint marker.Make a cover that looks really nice, and is protective as well, by using a scrap of thick plastic or vinyl. Cut a circle to be larger than the ball. To get an idea of how large the circle should be, drape the vinyl over the trailer ball, then cut a circle thats well below the ball.One way to finish the ball cover is to simply sew elastic around the edges of the circle. Sew a straight stitch down the center of a piece of quarter-inch elastic, tugging slightly at the elastic as you sew, and sewing it all the way around.If you have no elastic, fold the edges of the circle under, then sew around it to make a hem. Slit the hem and feed through a cord or drawstring. Whereas the elasticized version can simply slide over the trailer ball this version must be tied on.Now that youre aware that your trailer hitch ball might be rusting you can take steps to do something about that. The ball will not only be protected but it will look good, too.

Altoid Tin Memory Party Favor Game

You know the mom who is always seemingly better at everything than the other moms? The one whose holiday cooking is spectacular, and whose birthday parties are over the top? The kids - and adults - often look forward to the next invitation to a party at her house. You might not be that mom, but kids will be talking about how much better your Memory game is, when you have a birthday party featuring the popular card game. You know the game, dont you? You turn a bunch of cards upside-down and kids turn over two over at a time. If the two match, the child takes those two, and he or she takes another turn. Its a simplistic game but its challenging and fun. Its also a great game to play for prizes at a birthday party for kids. When you change the game a little bit, that fabulous mom will throw away her Memory game cards, because all of the kids will want to play only your version in the future.When you buy tiny tins, like Altoids or even Sucrets, you get a metallic box full of candies or throat drops, plus a little tin with a hinged lid. You can also purchase small tins with lids at a craft store or novelty retailer. Use the tins instead of cars and the birthday party kids will have more fun than theyve ever had playing Memory. As they play the game they get to keep their game pieces!Decide how many tins (painted or not) you want to use and keep in mind how many kids will be at the birthday party. Allow at least two tins for each child. Align the tins in a block arrangement on a table. To begin the game, have each child draw a number from a jar youve prepared, and the one with the number "1" goes first, the number "2" goes next, and so on. The first child opens up two tins to see whats inside. If the items inside each tin match each other, the child removes those two tins from the game, and places them next to him or her. That child continues his turn and opens two more tins. When the opened tins dont match, the next child takes a turn.There are lots of things you can place inside the tins as party favors but just make sure to create two exact tins each time. Suggestions for small prizes include stickers, temporary tattoos, shaped erasers, felt cutouts, a miniature marker, dice, mints or candies, coins - real or play, fake fingernails or small cosmetics (for an all-girls party), toy soldiers or other characters, or even things to make an emergency kit. Once the kids open up your Memory game tins theyll call you "that mom"!

Rubber Band T-shirt Art

If youre like me, and youre not much of an artist, you have to get creative. If you dont, you get left out on many craft projects, and we dont want that! If you cant draw its necessary to use other tactics for creating images on various objects. If you love decorative t-shirts, but you lack a little in the art department, you can still proceed. Its easy to make assorted designs on t-shirts by using rubber bands! There are literally zillions of different designs you make, not only on t-shirts, but on other objects as well. Use tiny rubber bands and you make small circles. Use large rubber bands and you make designs which look much different. Combine small and large rubber bands to create even more t-shirt images.

Dispense some shirt paint onto a paper plate. Use only one color on each plate. Position the rubber bands in the paint so that one circular side of the band is in the paint. Its not necessary to cover the bands in thick paint; if the band is set in the paint just enough to cover one side its ready for use.

Tweezers can be helpful to pick up the rubber bands and place them accurately on the shirt. Align the bands in neat rows or place them randomly on the shirt. Make vertical or horizontal stripes with rubber bands or create flower shapes, hearts and more. Large rubber bands can often be used to make not only heart shapes but tubular shapes, squares and other shapes. A tiny dot of glue on each corner of the square works to hold the shape. Youll create many different designs by how you use the rubber bands. For instance, you can make paint marks on just the collar and sleeves of one shirt but just straight down the center of a different shirt. Dip all the rubber bands in one color of paint to make one design or in various colors to make other t-shirt creations. When using more than one color let the first color dry completely before starting with another color. Its important that the paint isnt dripping from the rubber bands as you hold it over the shirt. Also, be careful when laying or picking up the bands so that you dont leave "drag" marks. Be aware that, if the tweezers touch the shirt, you could end up with a bit of paint on the shirt where you dont want it. Its a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of cloth until you get the feel for it. Then, on to the real project: making that unique, one-of-a-kind t-shirt that has everyone thinking youre an artist even if youre not!

Dye Your Own Wedding Flowers

Have you checked to see how much it will cost you to get a florist to dye flowers so that they match or coordinate with your wedding colors? Dont bother; its very expensive! Why should you pay extra for blue carnations instead of pink ones? For purple roses instead of white ones? Sometimes, we love the look of a certain flower, but we wish we could change the color. Nature makes many flowers, in a huge assortment of colors, but some of those colors dont match the flowers we like. Change all that, and save yourself a fortune, by dying your own wedding flowers! Sound complicated and messy? Its quite the opposite! Its a breeze to turn white flowers into flowers of unusual color. Turn white daisies to blue ones, white roses into orange ones - most any white flower can easily have nearly any color you desire. All you have to do is water them! Take freshly picked flowers from the roadside or your garden, or purchase flowers from a florist, or save even more by purchasing the flowers from a greenhouse. Fill a vase with warm water and add 20 drops of food coloring for each half-cup. This can be all of the same color or part one color and part of another. Before preparing the vase its a good idea to experiment a little with combining food coloring drops. That way, you can be certain of the color youll be dying the wedding the flowers.

Cut at least a couple inches off of each stem. Set the flowers in the vase of colored water. Within 24 hours youll see them changing color. Flowers take in water constantly, and therefore, they take in the food coloring as well. Although the water evaporates, the dye doesnt, and it is stored in the petals of the flower.

If you use colored vases to display the flowers at the wedding it wont be necessary to remove the flowers from the colored water and place them in clean water. However, if you use clear vases its advisable to place the flowers in different vases before decorating the tables. If left in the colored water for a short while, the flowers will barely show the new color, but the longer theyre left in the water, the darker the color can become. Keep this in mind so that, when the desired color is achieved, you can then place the flowers in a new vase. Your homemade, dyed flowers will be just as lovely as the ones you would have gotten from the florist but youll save a small fortune over his price. Now, on to the placement for all those beautiful flowers...

Feathered Wedding Headband

The bride is dressed all in white - white dress, white shoes, white veil - its a gorgeous look that most people never tire of. Some brides choose an antique dress for a retro look whereas others find the most modern gowns the best for their weddings. No matter what type of gown you choose, though, theres a headband accessory that you can make to give any gown a finishing touch with feathers and frill.

Whether the bride will be the one wearing feathers, or her party will, the guests will be whispering compliments as the ladies walk down the aisle. The best part of making the headbands is you get to be creative and make any design you want. Create an antique look, a colorful accent to match dress sashes, or a simple design with glittery touches.

Feathers from a craft store are not expensive and come in a small variety. Youll find even more feather types online. Dont choose stiff feathers, generally used for Indian head gear, but the more delicate type that usually comes in a bag of one color or many. Its helpful to first lay out the feathers of the color(s) you want to get an idea of sizes, shapes and types. That makes it easy to quickly match up colors or cover certain areas as youre making the headband. Decide on the colors of feathers you want to use and lay them so that all their quills are pointing the same way. If needed, trim quills down to make them closer to the feather itself. Start with a cloth-covered headband and use hot glue to attach the feathers. Decide if you want to use only white feathers or colored ones as well. Select a design where the feathers will go all the way across or one where they will gather on one section of the headband. Choose really wispy feathers or slightly stiffer ones - or a combination. Other variations, such as pointing the feathers all one way instead of assorted ways, can create completely different designs. Use hot glue to attach the feathers where you want them. After all theyre all in place there are several choices for covering the quills. Glue on rhinestones, sequin, a strip of lace edging, fake pearls, generous amounts of glue and glitter or other craft supplies. With the supplies being only a few bucks you can make each headband for around five dollars. The bridal party will look gorgeous - of course, they already would have - but guests will think you spent big bucks at a boutique for those stunning, feathered accents.

Popcorn Ball Turkey

Lets face it; you only get to have turkey decorations when its Thanksgiving. At no other time do you see anyone who has a turkey kitchen theme, a turkey centerpiece, or other turkey home accents. So, enjoy it while you can. Not just by putting out a bunch of turkey decorator pieces, but by creating turkey snacks and desserts, too. Lots of people make popcorn balls at this time of year and, if youre one of those people, it will be fun to serve them in a completely different way this Thanksgiving. Turn the popcorn balls into adorable turkeys and youll make all your child guests very happy.You can make your own popcorn balls or just purchase them. Its not hard to find popcorn balls during the Halloween to Thanksgiving period. It doesnt matter if the popcorn balls are regular, or caramel, nor does it matter if theyre colored. Youll just need one popcorn ball for each turkey.The popcorn ball will be the body of the turkey. Tap it on a hard, flat surface to flatten one side so it wont roll. Use two pretzels to make the turkey feet. The ideal pretzels are ones shaped something like hearts. Apply a little frosting to one area of each pretzel and set the popcorn ball on it.Use a miniature Reeses peanut butter cup to make the head. Apply a dab of frosting to the center of the top of the peanut butter cup. Stick that area to the popcorn ball to secure. Eyes can be made from two dots of black decorator gel. If you have none, poke two holes in the peanut butter cup with a toothpick, then push a mini chocolate chip - point side first - into each hole. A wattle can be made with red decorators gel, or even a piece cut from Fruit by the Foot.When you use feathers from a craft store you can quickly give the turkey colored tail feathers. The best feathers are the long, stiff ones. Align them on the end of the popcorn ball, opposite the head. If you have no feathers you can make them quickly. Just cut simple feather shapes from construction paper or another type of colored paper. Make two identical feathers and lay a toothpick on one. Glue the other feather to it, trapping the toothpick between them, but make sure you leave half of the toothpick sticking out of the feather ends. Stick the paper feathers into the turkey to complete it.The popcorn ball turkey is just one more turkey thing you can have for Thanksgiving. And, since you rarely see a popcorn ball turkey, youll surprise and please all your little guests.Popcorn Ball Turkey

Planters You Can Make for a Small Deck

If you have a small deck youve probably noticed other people who have much larger ones. They have the luxury of being able to arrange outdoor furniture and plants galore on their room decks but things are much different for you. Your deck is small but you still want it to look great! There are many different planters you can make for a small deck that will turn boring into fabulous.

Using wallpaper troughs you can change the look of your deck in no time. Youll find the troughs at a home improvement store and theyre not at all expensive. The troughs are long and narrow - perfect for setting on a deck railing. Whether you want real flowers or artificial ones poke holes in the bottom of the trough so rainwater can drain. Paint the trough the color you want.

Weight the trough with gravel or even dry beans so it wont blow off the railing in bad weather. Glue Styrofoam inside the trough to hold fake flowers. If youre using real ones you can set them in while still in small pots or you can fill the trough with dirt and plant them. Instead of setting the troughs on the deck railing you can hang them on the outside of the pickets. Before filling the trough poke holes on the backside and thread a pliable wire through them. Go in one hole, across the inside back of the trough, then out the other hole. Now you can wire the trough to the pickets and let it hang. Make planters for fake plants to hang on the outside of the pickets by using Styrofoam. Cut a large Styrofoam ball in half then poke a hole on the cut side, in the center, towards the top. Use most any type of waterproof glue to cover the ball in Spanish moss, raffia, small stones or something similar. Arrange the flowers and plants by first poking them in and then removing them. Add a drop of the glue to the hole then reinsert the piece. Hang the finished arrangement on a nail. Even coffee cans are easily made into planters for small decks. Cover the outside with adhesive contact paper. Poke holes in the bottom with a nail. Weight the can down with gravel or other heavy material. Now plant real flowers or fill the can with artificial plants. Set these on the corners of the deck rails. Just because your deck is small doesnt mean it cant be beautiful. No longer will you look at others decks and wish your deck looked like theirs. Flowers and plants give any home a more welcoming look but you dont have to spend a lot of money to achieve that look!

Easy Cloth Wall Hangings

Look around a fabric store and youll find lots of different material that features cool shapes. There, youll find cloth with cartoon character images, outdoor themes, geometric shapes and more. Youll be thrilled to find out just how easy it is to turn those images into unique wall hangings for any room of the house.

Cut the shape out of the chosen fabric and select the picture frame you want to use. A frame which is missing its glass, or has a broken glass, is perfect since the wall hangings need no glass covering.

Glue fabric or decorative paper to the cardboard piece which comes with the picture frame. If there is no cardboard piece simply cut one to fit and cover it with the selected fabric or paper. Scrapbook paper gives you lots of choices for creating a background theme for the wall hanging. If youre using fabric select something that isnt stretchy, and is somewhat thin. Choose the fabric carefully. For example, if you select a solid white cloth it might not look white after you glue it to a brown cardboard piece. Place the cloth image on the background in the area where you want it. Use hot glue to attach the fabric to the background cloth or paper. Glue down nearly the entire image but leave an opening so you can stuff the fabric to give it a 3-d appearance. Stuff cotton, cotton balls, fiberfill or similar things inside the fabric. Dont overstuff it; just add enough to give the image a fuller look. Use a skewer, pencil or other implement to push in the stuffing. When youre finished stuffing it simply glue down the remainder of the fabric. You cant leave the edges of the design unfinished so choose a very small-diameter cord or roping to surround it. Choose something that does not unravel when you cut it for best results. Select an area of the image to start, glue the cord around the perimeter, then glue the ends together. Its important that the ends be glued together flawlessly in order to pull off the look. Use childrens fabric to make a childs wall hanging or use cloth with fruit images to make a picture for the kitchen. You can easily make 3-d wolf pictures, lighthouses, hearts, shells, pets and other wall hangings simply by starting with images cut from fabric. Further embellish the pictures by gluing rickrack, lace, ribbon, roping or other materials around the inside perimeter of the frame itself, on the background fabric. They finished pictures are adorable and truly unique!

Ladder Closet

Ive been in many old homes in my lifetime and there are certain things you can say about lots of them - particularly farmhouses. Often, the rooms are quite large, and just as often, there is a lack of closet space. If there are any closets at all theyre usually very small. Back in the days when old farmhhouses were built couples generally had several children and those kids frequently shared bedrooms. At the same time, people didnt have a huge array of outfits, shoes and accessories. So, the bedrooms were large to accommodate two or three kids each, but the closets were tiny because there wasnt a lot of clothing to put in them. If you live in an old house that features fabulous, spacious rooms, but no closet space, just get out that old ladder and build one. Dont use the ladder for climbing; use it as the closet!A walk-in closet would require lumber, shelving and many other materials but a walk-by closet is much different. Simply set up, against a wall, a quick and easy arrangement that will serve as an atypical closet which is perfect for storing all your clothes and accessories.Once you have all the materials you need it will only take a few minutes to actually assemble the closet. First, youll need a set of shelving units, bookcases or similar furnishings. The pieces should be exactly the same and contain shelves inside an encasement. They should also be no less than four feet tall, however, units which are around five feet tall, or so, are even better. The shelves can be wooden, hard plastic or another type.One way to make the closet is to just place the shelving units against a wall, space them far apart, then lay a wooden ladder on top of them. Another way is to cut a section from the ladder. Attach a piece of wood across the side of the unit and another to the side of the oppposite unit. Lay the ladder on the wood pieces then use screws or nails to hold the ladder in place.Fold and stack some clothing or other objects on the shelves of the unit then use baskets to hold things which you dont want seen - like dirty clothes. Hang clothing, coats, umbrellas and other things on the rungs of the ladder.Something else you can incorporate into the closet, on the floor under the ladder, is a bench for holding your shoes, a footlocker for holding blankets and linens, or even just a small coffee table for holding shoes or baskets. The walk-by closet is useful, looks nice and is easy to assemble.See a walk-by closet here.

Unusual Picture Frame Wall Arrangement

Its not unusual to walk into someones home and see picture frames. Theyre on the walls, on the mantle, on shelves and other flat surfaces. In fact, it would be more unusual to see no picture frames in a home. With so many thousands of different picture frames available for purchase theres something to fit anyones style. Youll find metallic frames, thick wooden ones, or even nursery-theme picture frames. But, when the glass breaks on the frame, its generally tucked away inside a cabinet or other storage area where it can sit for years without notice. Its not really all that expensive to replace the glass in a frame but, for whatever reason, most people dont bother. Often, theyll simply purchase another frame to replace the broken one. Do you have some frames at home without glass? If so, gather them all up and do a fun and easy wall arrangement thats unusual and eye-catching.

A bare wall that needs a little something can benefit from the unique wall arrangement you make from mismatched picture frames. You dont need to put anything in the frames; just use the frames alone to make the d?cor. Remove any broken glass, photos, backing and such to leave you with just a collection of frames.

Hang assorted frames on a wall and youll be shocked at just how lovely the arrangement is. Paint them all the same color to create one style; leave them as-is to create something different. Or, choose a color, like blue, then paint the frames in assorted shades of that color. The best look for the picture frame wall arrangement is achieved when you hang a variety of frames all together. Some choices include a large, oval frame, a square one, a rectangular frame, maybe another square which is hung so that it has a diamond shape. Butt a couple frames together, place a small frame inside a large one - just go crazy. Although the empty picture frames create quite a stunning wall arrangement you can, if you want, place a piece of scrapbook paper - or other cloth or paper - inside a frame or two to add interest to the whole arrangement. Using various sizes, shapes and colors of frames, there are no limits to the arrangements you can make on most any wall in your home. Its a project that anyone can easily accomplish by just using frames they already have or picking up inexpensive frames from a dollar-theme store, flea market or thrift store. See an empty picture frame wall arrangement here.

Sticker Blinds

Ive always been a huge fan of craft projects which help make something I already own look completely different. That way, I dont have to pay money for something new yet I feel like Ive gotten something new anyway. The smallest change you make to something, like repainting a picture frame or setting out a new vase of flowers, can instantly make the whole area look different. Subtle changes dont usually cost a lot of money yet they can be very rewarding. When it comes to your window blinds you dont have to buy new ones to have them look completely different.

Purchase stickers from a craft store or other store and use them to make pictures on your blinds. Tiny stickers, of course, could be used but they dont make quite the impact that larger stickers can create. Dont worry that a sticker you like will be too large for one blind; the sticker can cover more than one with this easy technique.

Its important that you clean the blinds well before making the sticker pictures. If there are areas where the sticker wont adhere youll get a sloppy look to the finished craft. When the blinds are clean, close them completely, then create the particular design you want. Large stickers with clear backings look fabulous on the blinds. Peel and stick them anywhere you want, covering two or more blinds with each one. After all the stickers are in place use a craft knife to cut the sticker in the area between the two blinds. After all the stickers are appropriately cut you can open the blinds to let the sun shine in or you can close them to see a pretty picture or other design. Youll notice that, upon cutting the sticker between two of the blinds, youll often end up with a bit of the sticker, on the cut edges, that needs trimmed. If needed, apply a little glue to the cut areas to secure them. Besides stickers you can also give the blinds a make-over by using fabric. Dip fabric shapes in liquid starch, ring them out, then stick them to the blinds. Allow them to dry completely before cutting the areas needed. These can simply be peeled off when you want to remove them. The stickers may require soapy water or "sticker-off" products to remove them. Sticker Blinds The stickers can create a beautiful look in a room when the blinds are closed but a regular appearance when theyre open. Its fun to create floral blinds, blinds with stripes, and even blinds featuring childrens cartoon characters. Youll love them.

Sticker Key Pendant

Many people think that jewelry making involves chain links, assorted tools, and lots of money. Thats mostly true. Many homemade jewelry pieces end up being quite expensive to make and a huge investment of time and effort. Thats why, if youre thinking of making some unique jewelry pieces, but you dont have a lot of money or time, youll thoroughly enjoy making a key pendant. The key can be given to someone, as the "key to your heart", or you can just make a beautiful jewelry piece for yourself.Nearly any key - except a skeleton key - will work for making a beautiful necklace. Be sure the key is clean and dry before beginning to craft. Choose a small decal or sticker from a craft store or other source. The decal can have flowers, a beach scene, an animal, or another image. Youll find thousands of different stickers when you shop online or visit a nearby craft store. The sticker doesnt have to exactly fit the key; just make sure the main image will fit. For example, you might have to cut the bottom off of a lighthouse to make the sticker fit the key.Affix the sticker to the main area of the key - the part you hold when using the key. Your key might be round, by design, or could be square. Keep this in mind when choose a sticker or decal. If you have no sticker or decal, cut out a tiny picture, and glue it to the key.Use Amazing Glaze enameling resin, or a similar product, to make the key much more attractive. The resin, found at craft stores, is used to create what appears to be a glass covering over the surface of the object. Lay the key on foil on a baking pan. Sprinkle the resin crystals over the decal and follow the directions on the package to bake it. Use a regular oven or toaster oven and the crystals will melt, forming the glass coating.Allow the key to cool and you can then attach it to a chain. Use an adjustable ring and slide it into the opening of the key. Then, slide it into the link in the center of a necklace chain.The key necklace can be many different things. If youre known for growing roses, it can be a rose necklace. If you have a pet who is no longer with you, the necklace can be made into a memorial, sporting a picture of the pet on the key. Affix a picture of a new grand baby and you can show him or her off to everyone without going for your wallet. Or, make a cartoon character key that a child will love. Youll adore this project which is simplistic but creates a gorgeous jewelry piece.Key Pendant

Wedding Bow Tie for Dogs

Materials needed: Quarter-yard of black (or other color) of linen (or other black fabric) Velcro dot or square Youve thought of everything when it comes to your wedding. Youve taken care of every last detail, from the decorations to the foods to the party favors. Theres nothing left to do but to actually walk down that aisle. Itll be fabulous. All your family and friends will be there, as well as your other friend, your dog. Oh yeah, the dog. What will he wear? It doesnt have to be anything fancy; how about an ordinary, black tie? Thatll work! Make a tie for your pooch by using a piece of black linen or other fabric. The size you cut the pieces will be based on the size of your dog. First, cut the collar piece. Measure around your dogs neck and add an inch and a half to that measurement. This will be the length of the collar. To determine the width decide how wide you want the collar to be, double that amount, then add a half-inch to that measurement.

Fold the collar in half, lengthways, so that the right sides of the material are facing each other. Stitch across one short end and down the length of the collar. Remove from the machine and turn the collar right-side-out. A long, skinny item, like the handle of a wooden spoon, can help you turn the narrow collar the right way. Stitch the opening shut. Overlap the ends of the collar, mark the area where they meet, then stitch a Velcro piece on one side and the opposing piece on the other side.

To make the bow itself, decide how long and wide you want it, according to the size of your dog. It can be helpful to cut and scrunch a piece of paper and hold it up to the dog to get an idea of the size you want. Generally speaking, the fabric you cut will be a square, not a rectangle. So, the width measurement will also be the length measurement. Cut two pieces of fabric using the paper as your pattern. Stack the two squares so that their right sides are facing. Sew around three sides, remove from the machine, and turn the square right-side-out. Sew the opening shut. Cut a short piece of ribbon - not too wide and not too narrow - and use it to finish the bow. Overlap the ends of the ribbon, position them on one end of the collar, and tack them using the machine or a few hand stitches. Your dog is going to look fabulous at the wedding in his new, black tie. Have a feamle dog instead? Instead of making the bow part of the collar sew on a fabric flower!