the ReFab Diaries

You know those framed prints that take up oodles of space at thrift stores? The ones of basset hounds, fox hunts, manor houses and historic street scenes? The ones no one really wants, even though they're 50c? Well next time you see one, buy it.  Then add food coloring to bubbles and let your kids turn it into art! Complete tutorial at Life As a Thrifter.

Original images via the Farmer's Nest - Collage by me. Please use kindly

One day I will have to round up all the amazing DIY/Re-do play kitchens I've seen ... the transformations never cease to dazzle me!  This one is care of The Farmer's Nest - please click through for the complete how-to.  (via Life As a Thrifter)

I saw these "candy" lights and thought Quality Street!!  Not that I've seen/tasted one of these "choc-ies" in many years.  They used to come out especially for the holidays ... the way I see Fannie Mae bought around here ... or See's Candies in CA.  So I think it's entirely appropriate to create party decor with this kind of "candy".

Get the how-to at OhHappyDay.  If you planned it, you could start saving plastic clamshell berry containers now, rather than buying corsage boxes.  

I think the pictures say it all really.  I am in awe.  Get the instructions at Paint on the Ceiling.

Arvind Gupta thinks “The best thing a child can do with a toy is break it!”

I don’t even know where to start with this one. His web site boasts an astonishing range of educational experiments like how to fashion a potato battery and a bottle barometer. But in addition to the nerdy, educational stuff, the site features quick and easy one-offs that aren't the least bit science-y, like how to fold six types of newspaper hat.