How To - Common Sense Homesteading

Print Your Own Gift Labels

Dec 152012

I always cringe when I look at the prices on gift labels at the store. Often I deliver gifts as I package them through the season (or make up gift baskets) and just skip the labels, but sometimes it’s nice to dress things up a little bit, or to label similar looking packages.

Gift Labels for Packages

With some help from friends, I’ve pulled together a few different printable gift labels. We’ve got snowmen and trees and snowflakes for package labels. Right click on either image, select “Save Image as” to save to your computer and print. Continue reading »

Support a Thoughtful Christmas

How To 13 Responses »

Nov 182012

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been barraged with ads from the Big Box Stores encouraging me to buy lots of stuff I don’t need and don’t want for the holiday season. Shopping is just not my thing, and when I do shop, I prefer sturdy, well-made items that last over mass produced junk that’s made to break and be replaced. This gave me an idea – why not create a spot where small business owners, crafters and those who write about making your own gifts could link up and share their ideas and goods? So here we are with the “Support a Thoughtful Christmas” link up. Continue reading »

How to Make a Burn Barrel – Burn Trash Safely

Homesteading, How To 16 Responses »

Nov 122012

Love them or hate them, burn barrels are a part of Country Living. With the cost of dropping off trash at local dumps going up, more and more people are returning to using burn barrels. People sometimes complain about the smoke and the smell of a burning barrel of trash. This post how to make a burn barrel for your country property, or for emergency trash disposal anywhere, that burns cleanly and efficiently. Continue reading »

How to Make Homemade Extracts – Vanilla, Lemon and Almond

How To, Recipes 31 Responses »

Sep 302012

I do a fair amount of baking, especially once the weather gets cooler, so I figured I could save quite a bit of money if I learned how to make homemade extracts. It turns out it couldn’t be much simpler – the biggest skill required is patience – and I can have plenty of extract for pennies on the dollar compared to buying high quality extract. This post covers how to make the three homemade extracts I use the most – vanilla, almond and lemon. Continue reading »

Pillowcases to Reversible Tote Bag Upcycle Project

How To 4 Responses »

Jul 202012

This is a fun and easy pillowcases to reversible tote bag upcycle project that you can complete in just a couple of hours (at the most) with the added bonus of teaching you an awesome sewing skill – making a bag with a lining, or making it reversible!

Sewing Level – Beginner
Time to Complete – About Two hours Continue reading »

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