Tuesday 31 May 2011

May 29th Newsletter - 2011

Wood Bike 2 I got into wood bikes recently. I made Wood bike 1 and then have been looking on the net and elswhere for ideas for number 2. I found one on this site that I loved http://www.instructables.com/id/Bent... Strike anywhere matches You will need: Matches, sanding paper, a small cont...
By: randofo

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/May-29th-Newsletter-2011/

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Margarita Cupcakes

This delicious recipe is simple and sweet. It's a hit at Cinco de Mayo, 21st birthdays, and all other occasions! Ingredients: Cake- 1 box lemon cake mix (plus listed ingredients) Frosting- 5 cups powdered sugar 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature) a pinch of salt 1-2 tablespo...
By: grifla01

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Margarita-Cupcakes/

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How to Make Simple Cupcakes

Here is a simple tutorial showing you how to make a basic cupcake and how to decorate them for any occasion. The video will show a simple decorating technique that will look great with a bit of practice! So here is the recipe- Recipe for 12 cupcakes (this is only the base bit)- 135...
By: deliciabale

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Simple-Cupcakes/

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Before & After: A Masculine Nursery Makeover

created at: 05/29/2011

Fluffy pastel animals: take a hike! �This may be one of the manliest baby nurseries I've ever seen. � … Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/capreek/posts/10361-before-after-a-masculine-nursery-makeover

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Tesla Roadster Trunk Light Upgrade

First off, thanks go to Scott451 at the Tesla Motors Club for the idea. First 'ible so bear with me.  Supplies The tools that will be used in this project: Soldering Iron Wire Cutters/Strippers Heat gun/micro torch Screw Drivers - a torex multi bit tool, phillips #2 Multimeter Ite...
By: BlackAngel999

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Tesla-Roadster-Trunk-Light-Upgrade/

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Crafty Memorial Day Countdown: Quick Party Decoration Round-Up

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Skip the trip to the party store with these quick party decoration ideas that'll seriously impress your guests. (Yes, even fussy Aunt Rita.)

Quick Party Decoration #1: Watercolor Favor Tags

party-decorationVictoria Hudgens, A Subtle Revelry



Originally designed as wedding favors by genius stylist Victoria Hudgens of the party blog A Subtle Revelry, these hanging tags can dress up any bottle of bubbly. To make them, write each guest's name on a piece of heavy paper with crayon. Then, apply color over the written name with sponge dipped in watercolor pigment. The crayon wax will repel the water, allowing the inscribed name to emerge from the color. Next, simply cut out a tag shape, punch a hole in one end and add a loop of twine. For complete instructions, visit A Subtle Revelry.

Quick Party Decoration #2: Lacy Cocktail Umbrellas

Victoria Pearson, Country Living



Part functional, part fabulous, these lacy drink parasols from Country Living's June issue lets guests stir up a cocktail with style. The secret to making these pretty party decorations? 4-inch lace doilies. Check out the full how-to for creating the lace drink parasols.

Quick Party Decoration #3: Beehive Pinata

party-decorationRay Kacharorian, Country Living



This DIY pinata seems time-consuming, but the basic paper-mache process goes by really fast (especially if you have kids pitching in). Simply dip strips of newspaper into a combo of school glue and water, then mold around a balloon. Once dry, pop the balloon, cover the newspaper with crepe paper and add on pom-pom bees. Oh yeah, don't forget the candy. Here's the full how-to for creating your own beehive pinata party decoration.

Want more party decoration ideas? Check out...

Daily DIY: Make Your Party Sizzle with a Swizzle
Easy Summer Entertaining
Update Your Patio Space

And to see how to dress up your patio for your party, watch this...

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/29/crafty-memorial-day-countdown-quick-party-decoration-round-up/

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How Military Flyovers Work

The thrilling roar of fighter jets performing a military flyover is now a common experience at many big events. In fact, the military approves most of the 850 or so flyover requests submitted annually. What does it take to arrange a flyover?


Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/iK57yfDixPk/military-flyover.htm

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Monday 30 May 2011

How To: Make a Mod Dot Headboard

created at: 05/26/2011

Our friend Miki has ideas that just won't stop. Wanting a headboard, but not something heavy and permanent, she came up with this brilliant, textural, tone-on-tone solution that, literally, pops off the wall.

Any guesses as to how she pulled it off. (Hint: they're super inexpensive and quite easy to use.) � … Continue reading on Curbly.com

Source: http://www.curbly.com/chrisjob/posts/10355-how-to-make-a-mod-dot-headboard

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Nickel City Smiler Movie - Karen People of Burma Refugee Documentary Film

A documentary film about refugee resettlement in Buffalo, New York: Forced to flee their homeland because of the brutal Burmese military dictatorship, Nickel City Smiler follows a refugee's struggle for hope and the American dream.
By: nickelcitysmiler

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Nickel-City-Smiler-Movie-Karen-People-of-Burma-R/

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Architectural Inspiration: Daylighting

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If you plan on renovating this summer, there's new reason to rethink window placement: Research has shown that daylighting (an official-sounding term that refers to maximizing the natural light in a space) can make a room feel more inviting and you more productive. Also, it looks great. See for yourself with these amazing projects by the masters of daylighting, KSS Architects.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


Let me ask you: Which space is more appealing to you, the left or the right? If you answered "the right" (I'm guessing 100% of you did), you just learned the core principle of daylighting: Maximizing the light through windows and details. KSS Architects completely transformed West Chester University's 25 University Place building by opening up the ceiling and adding a high row of windows. But while daylighting might be associated with windows, a neutral color palette and unobtrusive lighting are also ways to boost the bright factor.

Your takeaway: Blonde wood accents, neutral flooring and discrete overhead lighting (check out the bent-arm lamps) can be just as effective as adding windows.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


This project really sold me on the power of daylighting. Here is the dramatic before and after of the basketball court at New Jersey City University's University Academy Charter School, another KSS project. The building had a nice big window, but obviously little charm (an understatement). KSS kept the brickwork but did something that I thought was interesting: Instead of repainting the walls white for a uniform look, they chose to strip the paint to reveal the natural hue of the brick.

Your takeaway: While white paint tends to make a space feel larger, sometimes it's best to expose the original finish of a high-quality material.

daylightingKSS Architects; Doug Snower Photographer


At Lawrence University's Warch Campus Center, KSS added Mondrian-esque windows and filled the space with brushed metal accents (which gently reflect light without scattering intense beams of sun all over the place). Like the 25 University Place project, neutral wood elements punctuate the room. To make the juxtaposition less jarring, stone tiles in both browns and grays were installed on the floor.

Your takeaway: Brushed nickel accents give you the gleam of metal without the upkeep (no worries about smudges). To integrate it into a space that has a lot of wood, opt for a natural stone tile that has bits of both hues.

Want more ideas for brightening up your home? Check out...
Easy Ways to Brighten the Kitchen and Living Room ... - ShelterPop
11 ways to brighten a room - DIY Life
10 Things You Can Do (Right Now!) to Brighten Your Home - Shelterpop

And to see how you can quickly boost the light in any room, watch this...


 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/

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Apron Sink Video Part 1

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Tim Carter unpacks a deluxe apron sink and gets ready to install it.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/Apron_Sink_Video_Part_1.shtml

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Adding a Pocket Door to Save Space

Adding a pocket door to save space in the home can create about ten additional feet of usable space in a room. Pocket doors slide into the wall and disappear completely from view.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/adding-pocket-door-save-space

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Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 1

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In Random Recast, we find new ways to use ordinary things. This week: Plastic grocery bags.

grocery-bagWill Taylor, ReadyMade


When is a plastic grocery bag not a plastic grocery bag? When it's used to create a useful (and incredibly sturdy) messenger bag. It's made by quilting together a bunch of plastic grocery bags together. Because you'll need about 17 plastic bags, this is a great time to clear that stash you've hoarded for future use. To get the full instructions, check out ReadyMade's tutorial.

Another way to repurpose plastic grocery bags for sewing is to fuse them together to create a durable fabric. Just sandwich 4 grocery bags between parchment paper, then smooth with an iron to bond them. (This works best if you trim away the grocery bag handles.) For a full tutorial, visit ModCloth's post on bonding grocery bags.

For more on all things grocery bags, check out...
Creative uses for all those plastic bags
Spinning yarn out of plastic bags
A Fee for Using Plastic Bags: Is Your State Next?

Want to see how to fuse grocery bags together to make a laptop case? Watch this...

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/23/random-recast-grocery-bags-day-1/

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Live Wallpaper

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Turn a blank wall opposite any window into a live action wallpaper by effectively turning the entire room into a giant camera obscura. The view from your window will be projected (upside down) onto the opposite wall with the use of only a bit of cardboard, tape, and a lens available from your local optician. The effect is pretty cool - but wouldn't it be possible to flip the image right side up again by using a second lens? [via]


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/CHn-9F6orgc/live-wallpaper

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How To Polish Marble

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Marble floor polishing can remove small scratches. You can polish the flooring either by dry sanding or wet sanding. Use special silicone-carbide sandpaper in range of grits to slowly work out those imperfections.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/879_How_To_Polish_Marble.shtml

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Sunday 29 May 2011

How to Make Magnets Featuring Your Neighborhood

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Customized fridge magnets make great handmade party favors because they're a budget-friendly project that's quick to complete. This idea from designer Jessica Jones (you might know her from the awesome blog How About Orange) offers a personalized twist by using pieces of a map to add a little extra flair. Here's how to make the magnets...

Jessica started with plain wooden disks (available in the woodcrafting section of your craft store) then added a magnet to the back. Next, she glued on pieces of a paper map to the top of each disk. So far, so good. The unexpected step: Applying a coat of Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to the top of the map. This will seal the paper but also add a super-glossy finish that just looks amazing.

Can't get enough DIY magnets? Then check out...
Making magnets from flat glass marbles
DIY: Fabric Covered Magnetic Board
Magnetic Paint Gallery Wall

Want to see how to make magnets first-hand? Watch this...

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/19/how-to-make-magnets/

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Planning A Spa Brunch for a quiet relaxing day!

This morning I was working on my brunch menu for this entry and my brother stopped by. I am mentioning this because of an unexpected reaction from him. I had made the Cucumber and Lemon water and offered him a glass. He looked at the water and exclaimed Thank You! He said: Wow this is grea...
By: sunshiine

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Planning-A-Spa-Brunch-for-a-quiet-relaxing-day/

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Central Vac

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A central vac can be installed in an existing home. A central vac system requires some planning. Location of vacuum cleaner outlets is important so your central vac hoses will reach all parts of the house.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/871_Central_Vac.shtml

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3x3x3 LED Cube with optional pc-control

This is my 3x3x3 led cube. Original is he controlled with a pic16f628a. It has 27 leds and each of them can be controlled by the pic. You can see below a video of my cube with the pic. I have a file, voorbeeldprogramma.hex, also uploaded so you can make it. PC Control ...
By: martijn222

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/3x3x3-LED-Cube-with-optional-pc-control/

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Make a planting pot maker!

In stead of buying plastic planting pots you can make a tool so you can make your own planting pots out of news paper. When the plant is ready to put in your garden you just dig down the hole thing, including the pot. The pot will naturally dissolve by time... You can make this in an even easier ...
By: tobias.tanke

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-planting-pot-maker/

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Fireplace Repair Options

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A fireplace restoration can be a major project. Converting from a natural stone fireplace to a wood surround requires a lot of resources and skills. You will need to visit the local building department to check on current building codes for fireplaces.

Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/877_Fireplace_Repair_Options.shtml

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Avocado Coconut Smoothie

Need: Blender Ice Coconut Vodka Simple Syrup Vanilla Ice Cream Optional: Water Take an entire avocado (minus skin and pit) in blender with a 1cup of ice, 1scope ice cream (some where between a golf and tennis ball in size), about 4oz of simple syrup (1part sugar-1part water), and a...
By: violentorchid

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Avocado-Coconut-Smoothie/

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How to make a ROV

The ocean is indeed a mysterious and fascinating area of research and until recently the ocean depths have remained largely unexplored. Extreme levels of pressure, negligible light levels and frigid temperatures are conditions that make unaided exploration impossible. With the onset of the indus...
By: interspec

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-ROV/

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Saturday 28 May 2011

Origami Bodhi Bonsai Tree 2: Assembly, Figs, and Potting

How to create an origami bodhi bonsai tree. This second video describes how to attach the leaves to the trunk, create and affix the figs, and how to place the tree into a pot and add finishing touches.
By: gregrgay

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Origami-Bodhi-Bonsai-Tree-2-Assembly-Figs-and-P/

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Marshmallow Flower Cupcakes

These cupcakes are easy and fun to make and they come out beautiful.
By: lynzeemd

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Marshmallow-Flower-Cupcakes/

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Simple Wooden Shelves

I needed a small set of shelves in my room to organize all my junk, with a few cheap brackets and a 2x8 I came up with a decent design that works for me. Thinking about writing an instructable on the entire build process.
By: centaurboi2

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Wooden-Shelves/

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Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 3

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In Random Recast, we find new ways to use ordinary things. This week: Plastic grocery bags.

grocery-bagsSupercyclers


Grocery bags can be sewn into bags and folded into flowers, but did you ever think you could make a bowl out of the plastic sacks? Sarah and Liane of Supercyclers discovered that it's possible to create water-tight bowls, cups and planters by gently heating grocery bags over objects. To do so, you'll need a heat gun, which is pretty easy to find at your local hardware store.

The ladies just have a word of caution before you get started: "There is a degree of plastic bag fumage, the worst lowest possible grade on the petrochemical chain, but you should never see actual smoke as you work. Wear a good quality respiratory face mask at all times and even [safety] glasses."

Gloves are also recommended, as you'll be able to really mold the grocery bags around the bowl or cup without worry. For complete instructions, visit the Supercyclers blog.

Want to catch up with this week's Random Recast? Check out...
Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 2
Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 1

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/random-recast-grocery-bags-day-3/

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spaghetti wiring

This is my first instructable. Ingredients Spaghetti -Spinach - 1/2 pound Spaghetti - 10 hot dog  the  white sauce - 1 1/2 liter milk -2 tablespoons of butter -2 tablespoons of flour - 1 cup sliced mushrooms white sauce 1. In a saucepan, melt the two tablespoons of but...
By: ninjase

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/spaghetti-wiring/

building materials building renovation building supplies bungalow remodel

Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway

In cities and towns all across the country, the vast majority of home driveways are made from one of two materials - asphalt or concrete. Both materials have their own pros and cons but if you are considering building a new driveway or replacing your old one, here's an outline of some differences between the two materials to help you make a decision.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/asphalt-vs-concrete-driveway

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Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 2

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In Random Recast, we find new ways to use ordinary things. This week: Plastic grocery bags.

Faux flowers get a bad rap, but I think the key to using them in your home is to choose styles that are inspired by blooms rather than literal interpretations. These light-as-air poppies made from plastic grocery bags definitely fits the bill. Made by blogger Elizabeth Abernathy, the plastic flowers start with fused grocery bag "fabric." (We covered how to make the durable material in yesterday's Random Recast project.)

After fusing the grocery bags, Elizabeth cut out abstract petal shapes from the material. Then, she stacked the petals and secured the layers in the center with a pretty pin.

Though this method is very easy, there's another way to create ethereal flowers from plastic grocery bags. Simply cut the bag into rectangles of equal sizes, layer one on top of another then accordion-fold the stack together. Cinch the stack in the center with a twist-tie, then shape the ends into petal shapes with scissors. Unfold each petal to create a full peony-like flower. For more detailed instructions, check out Nuno Magazine's tutorial. (Psst, the mag was created by Elizabeth!)

For more on all things grocery bags, check out...
Random Recast: Grocery Bags Day 1
Spinning yarn out of plastic bags
Are You For Or Against Plastic Grocery Bags?

Thought this video of a fashion show that used all upcycled materials (including grocery bags) was pretty neat...

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/24/random-recast-grocery-bags-day-2/

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Rock Your Little One to Sleep Nerd Style

You know that drink holder that came with your computer that says "CD ROM" on it? Turn out it can be used for more than just a beverage shelf. With this simple script, you can program it to open and close endlessly. Tie it to a baby rocker and you've just got yourself a few precious hours of freedom from being a parent. [via]


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/S56T-oe79JA/rock-your-little-one-to-sleep-nerd-style

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Friday 27 May 2011

Easy Chocolate Frosting

I have used this chocolate frosting recipe for years on my angel food birthday cakes. I never really liked the fluffy frosting that you find on most cakes, so this has always been my go to recipe for any frosting or sauce. This recipe also works great as a chocolate sauce or for just about anything,...
By: lebowski

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Chocolate-Frosting/

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"Black Cow" Handblown Glass Doorknobs

Tired of the same old brass doorknobs that everybody in your subdivision has? Well, you could really stand out with a knob made from handblown glass. You'd stand out doubly if that knob was speckled with "black cow" spots. This...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/black_cow_handb.php

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Cherry Buttermilk Gelato

Cherry- Buttermilk Gelato 2 pounds fresh, ripe Bing Cherries, washed and de-pitted 1 1/2 cups cultured buttermilk 1 1/2 cups half & half 5 large egg yolks 2 tablespoons water 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice a pinch of salt Place the pitted cherries, water and...
By: aujardinpotager

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Cherry-Buttermilk-Gelato/

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Linked List Necklace

Here's a bit of nerdy jewelry I made which illustrates the notion of a "linked list" in computer science. Each link has a 'next', 'prev' and 'data' pointer. And the 'data' is heart shaped because I love data! I made it with Type 6 plastic (shrinky dinks) and a craft cutter using "Make the...
By: j_l_larson

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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Linked-List-Necklace/

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