bundle-wrapping.jpg (JPEG Image, 1000x772 pixels) - Scaled (83%)
A visual guide to efficient bundle-wrapping packing techniques for minimalist travel.
John Cox
Blogs · @wyome
Tagged diy · everything
Patch Perfect: It's Like Grass Seed On Steroids!
A guide to using concentrated grass seed products to quickly repair and fill in bare patches in lawns.
Battery Christmas Lights: How to convert Xmas lights to run on batteries/DC (regular or LED)
Running Christmas lights off batteries requires using DC power instead of the AC power from wall outlets, and the key to making this practical is switching to LED lights, which use 80-90% less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs and can provide roughly 10 times longer battery life. The article outlines three approaches—buying pre-wired DC light sets, using an inverter to convert DC to AC power, or rewiring existing lights yourself—and provides detailed guidance on calculating power consumption, selecting appropriate batteries (with 12V battery packs recommended for convenience), and physically wiring lights for battery operation. With LED lights and proper battery selection, even modest battery packs like a 2200mAh unit can deliver dozens of hours of runtime, making it feasible to decorate bicycles and other locations without access to electrical outlets.
An Introduction to Square-Foot Gardening ∞ Get Rich Slowly
Square-foot gardening divides a raised bed into small grid sections, with each section planted according to crop spacing needs rather than traditional rows, dramatically reducing weeding, watering, and labor while producing good yields in small spaces. The method involves building elevated boxes filled with a specific soil mixture, establishing a permanent grid overlay, and planting different crops densely in each square foot—one tomato per square or sixteen carrots in another—then replanting with new crops as each section is harvested. The author successfully used this system in the 1990s with his ex-wife on a small city lot and has recently returned to square-foot gardening on his country property, finding it practical even when modified from Mel Bartholomew's original specifications.
Folder tree with Drag and Drop capabilities
This page provides documentation for a JavaScript drag-and-drop folder tree widget, including download links for all necessary files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP backend components). It explains how to configure the tree using HTML list attributes, initialize it with JavaScript, and implement features like renaming, deleting, and persisting node changes via Ajax or form submission. The script is distributed under LGPL with commercial licensing options available.
No Media Kings » How to Silkscreen Posters and Shirts
Shannon Gerard's tutorial walks through the complete silkscreen printing process at home, from selecting the right aluminum screen and mesh count for your surface to burning emulsion-based stencils and finally printing multiple layers of color onto fabric or paper. The guide emphasizes practical details like using a makeshift red lightbulb setup in a bathroom as a darkroom, maintaining proper exposure times, and the importance of registration techniques to align multiple color layers accurately. Each step includes specific material lists and troubleshooting tips, making it accessible for beginners while addressing common mistakes that compromise print quality.
Free Online Graph Paper / Grid Paper PDFs
A free online utility for generating customizable graph paper and grid paper PDFs that can be downloaded and used offline.
Home-made FLOAM
This piece provides guidance on selecting a qualified remodeling contractor for home renovation projects, emphasizing the importance of vetting professionals carefully to ensure successful outcomes whether undertaking kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home updates. The second excerpt describes the West Midlands as a tourist destination highlighting its museums, galleries, and historical sites that blend cultural heritage with modern attractions.
box templates
Printable or downloadable templates for creating custom boxes for storage, gifts, or shipping.
PocketMod: The Free Disposable Personal Organizer
A free, printable personal organizer that folds into a pocket-sized planner with customizable layouts and sections.
rust paint repair prevention restoration refurbish
This is a product description for Rust Doctor, a rust-treatment coating that chemically converts existing rust into stable black iron oxide while priming the surface, all without toxic fumes or flammable solvents. The product can be applied by spray, brush, or roller directly over rust and existing paint, requires no chemical preparation or rinsing, and cleans up with soap and water. The description emphasizes its safety advantages—being non-toxic and non-flammable—and recommends pre-treatment with Grease Doctor, a water-based degreaser, to remove contamination before application.