Gourds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are perfect for creating decorative projects, such as birdhouses, bowls, flowerpots, and more. These fruits are first classified by the name of their general shape, such as kettle, canteen, gooseneck, and egg, and then by their size. A note may ...

These projects use a variety of knots you may already know. If not, however, diagrams are provided. A “sennit” is a row of the same type of knot.Candy Cane Plant HangerDip dyeing plant hangers is easy and looks great. This 43-1/2-inch-long plant hanger has a loop at the top made out of ...

A weighted blanket is exactly what it sounds like: a blanket made heavy by the addition of polypropylene pellets sewn into the blanket itself. More and more, weighted blankets are being used as an effective treatment strategy for children showing the symptoms of sensory processing challenges, ...

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Photo by Getty Images/LauriPattersonBrussels sprouts absorb a great deal of oil as they cook; the generous amount called for here ensures they’ll brown evenly, without drying out and burning. You’ll need to sear them in batches. If possible, choose smaller Brussels sprouts, which are easy ...

Photo by Getty Images/bhofack2Having a dish in mind before you’re ready to cook a meal provides direction, guidance, assurance, and a place to start. However, recipes don’t always take into account the food we have on hand, our appetite, our available time, or our mood.Meal planning often ...

Plants make any home feel effortlessly natural, calming, and comfortable. Plus, I like how they fit perfectly with the mid-century modern designs of my home.I looked everywhere for a cute plant stand before deciding to make my own. I wanted to challenge myself and create some industrial decor. ...

Photo by Getty Images/bhofack2Don’t overcook this cut. Use carefully sourced meat and an instant-read thermometer for best results. Especially with the loin, great flavor and texture depend on perfectly cooked meat. The fennel-thyme salt is great for leg of lamb, too. Yields 4 ...

Some years ago, while walking through a quaint and arty area in Montreal, I spotted a painting of an owl in the window of an art gallery. It was largely made up of metal parts, but what really stopped me in my tracks was the clock face that was its pot belly.That owl inspired me. For hours I ...

Photo by Unsplash/Becca Tapert This jam is the royal cousin of griddled diner onions. Give yourself at least 2 hours to make it properly. It will keep for about 3 weeks in the refrigerator, and up to 6 months in the freezer. Yields 1-1/4 cups. NOTE: Freeze the jam in small portions — 4 to 6 ...

Everybody loves a great homemade gift, especially one that’s practical. That’s why I made these flannel pillowcases for a Christmas gift exchange a few years ago. You, too, can make these with minimal sewing skills — either by hand or with a machine — but they’ll look like you put a ...

This adorable crocheted bear hood is easy to make and incredibly cozy to wear on those chilly fall and winter days. Hoods are both stylish and warm, protecting your head and neck from the winter chill. This is one of my animal hoods for kids from my book, Crocheted Hoods and Cowls.Tools & ...

Photo by Michael RuderThis easy-to-wear cape is oversized for extra comfort on chilly days, with large armholes that help hold the cape on your shoulders without restricting your arms. The finished cape is 49-1/2 inches wide and 27 inches long. The garment pictured here was made with Lang ...

Photo by Getty Images/ALLEKOYields 8 to 10 servings.