Simple DIY Project: Cork Planters Craft Idea

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Things You Will Need

• Magnets
• Wine corks
• Hot glue gun
• Organic soil
• Teaspoon
• Toothpick
• Screwdriver
• Paring knife
• Miniature shoot-offs of your favorite plants
• Straw or eye dropper

Instructions

1. Use the screwdriver to punch a hole in the middle of each cork.
2. Place the paring knife in the holes and wiggle it around to carve out larger holes in the interior of each cork. Leave the bottom part intact. Use a little force as you may split the corks if you use too much. Your hole should go approximately halfway down each cork.
3. Use the hot glue gun to attach the magnets to the back of each cork. Try to use small magnets which aren’t visible from the front.
4. Put the soil in the corks using the teaspoon. Make small holes in the middle of the soil with the toothpick. This is where the plants’ roots will go.
5. Put the plants inside the corks and add soil to cover the roots. Make sure the roots are completely covered.
6. Hang your magnetic cork planters on the refrigerator or any other place of your choice.
7. Water them regularly with a straw or an eye dropper.

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Just like its title, this simple DIY project is super easy. The cork planters make amazing fridge magnets and will have everyone wondering how you made them. If you are a recycling enthusiast, you’ll love the fact that you don’t have to throw away your wine corks anymore. You can also give the planters as gifts. Make them for your loved ones who love plants and wine.

What crafts are you currently working on?

A recent study discovered 70 percent of homeowners are planning a remodeling or renovation project and expect to spend upwards of $3,500 to finish the job. Chances are that a large chunk of money is set aside for flooring. No matter what flooring you want, the cost of replacement it can be staggering. If your budget is tight, but you don’t want to skimp on style or quality, there are many clever and unexpected ways to save on several flooring varieties.

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Be Realistic

You may dream of installing travertine, marble or an exotic hardwood throughout your home. Unfortunately, your budget is only enough for laminate and linoleum. When it comes to installing flooring, it’s important to create a budget and stick with it. Also, keep in mind the specific room and its function. For instance, you probably want to keep carpeting in your bedroom.

Surf the Internet

You’ve wandered the aisles of every flooring provider in your area but cannot find what you’re looking for, or more importantly, an amazing deal. The Internet might not seem like the obvious choice when it comes to flooring, but there are many amazing deals there. Purchasing flooring direct from the manufacturer is another option. In many instances, you can save 50, 60 or 70 percent because you’ve cut out the middle man.

Look for Discounts and Remnants

If you’re covering a small area, inquire about any laminate, hardwood or carpeting remnants at your local home improvement store or floor covering dealer. Remnants are the leftover chunks of flooring, such as the end of a carpet or linoleum roll. In many cases, the seller is so motivated to make room for new inventory that he just might discount the remnant as much as 80 percent. However, don’t expect to recarpet your entire home on remnants. Most of the time, the pieces are large enough to cover a small bedroom, foyer or bathroom.

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Skip Professional Installation

Many flooring retailers offer free installation if you purchase a set amount of product. However, in most instances, you’ll be expected to pay out of pocket to have it installed. There is another cost-saving installation option: perform the work yourself. If you don’t have the basic tools or expertise to perform the job, ask someone like a friend or family member for help. Laminate and hardwood aren’t difficult to install and require only basic tools. All you need for carpeting is a knife and a knee kicker, which can be rented from many hardware stores. However, if you’re installing expensive, natural flooring, it’s best to leave this delicate procedure to the professionals.

It Never Hurts to Ask

Your locally owned carpet or flooring showroom might not offer the best prices in town. However, aside from service, these institutions can offer you something the big-box retailers never can: a chance to negotiate the price. Once you locate the ideal flooring choice, don’t be afraid to ask if it is the best price. Even if the seller refuses to discount the sticker price, you can still offer to pay cash for a two- to three-percent discount. This will often cover the potential fees charged to the seller by his merchant service for using your credit card.

You might get discouraged by the search for inexpensive and quality flooring, but don’t give up until you find the ideal product for your home and lifestyle. If you continue to struggle, remember to ask for a discount, look for remnants and hit the clearance aisles to find an amazing deal.

Rose Jefferies is a guest blogger and contractor who recommends COIT to her clients. Whenever Rose is ready to spruce up her home’s appearance, she also looks to COIT Carpet Cleaning.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

Creative Uses for Cork in Your Home’s Interiors

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Corks can make a difference in your home. Aside from aesthetics, you can also lean on its functionality. These are vital features that anyone would like to have for their home items. Corks are used for do-it-yourself projects because they are easy to cut and shape according to the blueprint. Here are some of the creative uses of cork in your home:

Cork flooring

The best thing with cork flooring is its safety. The cork is basically fire-resistant and will only react if very high temperature is present. Another great feature is its comfort. Corks act as cushion underfoot while walking or running. It provides a natural warmth and noise absorber. The durability of cork flooring is superb. It resists abrasions and cracks better than other materials.

Cork Vases

This is a great decorative item at home. Cork vases will bring out the natural looks of your interior plant or flowers. Best of all, these vases can also serve as a mini bulletin vase board. You can pin a paper message on the vase easily without damaging its looks. Cork vases can extend the life of your plants by absorbing moisture.

Cork boards

Well, there’s no doubt that cork boards are so important in the office and at home. You place all important reminders like your monthly bills, letters, incoming family events or assigned tasks for each family member. This piece of board can save you from having problems brought about by forgetting. You can also place your greetings if someone at home is celebrating his or her birthday.

Corks are environment-friendly. It is a renewable material and all natural. Take a closer look at these cork materials you can use at home and see the difference.

For more home interiors ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Your floor carries a heavy load at home. This is why choosing the right flooring should not be taken for granted and needs proper planning before purchasing. In deciding what type of flooring, you have to consider the durability, installation, materials and maintenance. But the more crucial decision would be the type of materials you choose for your flooring and your lifestyle of your family.

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Before making the decision, take time to think about being environmentally friendly. Here are a few green flooring options to consider:

Cork

Cork flooring started as a by-product from surplus or scrap from the wine cork industry. The popularity of cork tile flooring increased not because it comes cheap but due to its resiliency. This type of flooring is tolerant to dropped dishes and very comfortable to stand on. Cork also features stain and fire resistance which makes it low in maintenance and more safe. Other notable characteristics of cork floors are the ability to absorb sound and resistance to soak up moisture.

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Bamboo

As you know, bamboo is a fast growing type of grass that is so abundant and looks like wood. It is remarkably durable and can last for a long period of time. There are three distinct bamboo patterns available for your home floors: grain, horizontal and vertical grain. You can also choose between natural and caramel shades.  One of the best features of bamboo is its cool and cozy effects on your home. It absorbs heat and is hard-wearing.

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Linoleum

People often refer this material to vinyl flooring but these two materials are different from each other. Linoleum contains no vinyl and is made from flax seed by-product which is the linseed oil. It is a mixture of sawdust, powdered cork, minerals and pine resin. Although it is a bit expensive than vinyl, you can count on its durability, low maintenance and more importantly biodegradable. But linoleum gained recognition with its antibacterial properties especially when used in healthcare facilities.

Getting the best flooring for your home is one of the major decisions you have to make. You should take some time and be aware of your options. Remember, a healthy home environment is priceless! Use these green flooring ideas to choose the right one for your home and the environment.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

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