Since when is crafting snarky?
A new magazine, "CRAFT:" will debut on newstands Oct. 17. It's geared toward "hip" crafters who might want to knit their own wig or learn how to make chain-link armor clothing (I'm serious). It's part "Jane" magazine with a healthy dose of "MAKE:."
With a cover price of $14.99, it'll be a tough sell. But you can get a free taste and some how-to projects here.
Fans of Country Living magazine will be pleased to learn the editors are posting free how-to videos on their website with tips on redecorating rooms, shopping a flea market and more.
Of the current offerings, my favorite is a segment on flower arranging--how to spruce up cheap supermarket bouquets.
There are a bunch of ways to get discount tickets to Broadway shows, but my hands-down favorite place to look is BroadwayBox.com.
It's a simple, reliable site where like-minded bargain shoppers post promotional codes that can be used to purchase cheaper tickets (sometimes as much as 50% off) from reputable sellers like Ticketmaster or Telecharge.
For example, right now you can get $60-$65 orchestra tickets (reduced from $110) for select Hairspray performances through Nov. 5 by using code BOX6 through Ticketmaster.
Don't get too excited- there's no secret code that will unlock reduced tickets to sold-out shows such as Wicked or The Lion King. Still, there's always a healthy crop of on- and off-Broadway theaters that are running deals to fill their seats. And although the site is community-run, I find the codes to be 90% accurate.
I love the look of custom Roman shades, but not the $300+ price tag that comes with them. Even standard pre-made Roman shades with neutral fabric from Linens 'n Things cost $30-$60 per window.
If you're somewhat crafty, it's easy and inexpensive to make your own. Mine, pictured, cost about $20 per window, including the $9.99/yard fabric.
First I visited Make-Roman-Shades.com, where you can input your window's dimensions and get a free custom pattern and step-by-step directions. The site also sells shade kits for about $50 per window that come with precut cord, ribs, mounting board and lining fabric. But I picked up everything I needed at Joanne Fabrics in West Babylon and Home Depot.
Blueprint magazine's fashion editor Katie Hatch was on Martha Stewart's morning show the other day showing everyone how to make this nearly no-sew ultrasuede skirt.
Cute, right?
If you make it, email me your photos. Or at least tell the rest of us whether it's as easy as she made it look.
The hardest part about painting a room is simply getting started. Walls, trims and ceilings can be painted in a mind-boggling combination of color schemes.
Even if you have a general idea about the color palette you want, picking those just-right shades from a wall of hundreds of chips is hit or miss. Benjamin Moore's Color Makeover Program is a remarkable way to get free advice from the folks who stare at these colors all day.
Go to the site, upload some photos of your room, explain what (if any) ideas you have and within 10 business days a Benjamin Moore mix master will deliver a personalized packet with a recommendations and oversize paint chips.
You know who you are.
I'll admit:
Surely I'm not the only bargain shopping, do-it-yourself domesticate in town. So let's make this our domain to share tips, advice, craft projects, coupon codes and whatever else "our kind" finds of interest.
