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Soap from scratch
I started to make lye soap in the 1970's and enjoyed it so much I started a small business, selling it around our province (Saskatchewan, Canada). My soaps were really popular and stood out from others because I didn't use scent. I don't know about you folks, but there are so many scents in so many products that it makes…
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Kratky / Aquaponics and cabage.
This year the cabbage in the Kraty system has done exceptionally well in 1 gal containers. The cabbage in the aquaponics did not do as well, but it provides backup plants for the ones in the Kratky system if they do not work out for me. Lots of worms coming out for a feast I am considering going ahead and taking the best…
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Another way to use solar panels without battery or inverter...
I have been using nichrome wire, but this looks interesting to me.
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Storing heat in Sand.
Here I show the steps I have made in testing sand batteries.
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Inexpensive, simple outdoor rocket stove
This is easy. I figure that it wouldn't take much more thought to convert this idea into an oven too...& maybe a smoker? It would be handy for those hot summer days or nice to possibly warm up by in winter after skating or whatever. Here is a similar version with a few tips.
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Cleaning tile joints in the shower
I am looking for a natural and efficient way to clean my shower tile joints. Usually I use baking soda and water. Sometimes vinegar. Is there any other way that would work quickly and efficiently. I have read that one can spray with vinegar and then add soda, rub in and wash. This is what I am about to do. But there might…
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Cucumbers! Who woulda thought!
I found this on a FaceBook post and it said to share, so here it is. I knew about a few of these but not all. Looking forward to trying #4! 1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium,…
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First 5 knots
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How to select and hold a kitchen knife
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Appalachian Green Wood Working and Carving: Intro
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Herbal Play Dough
Mountain Rose Herbs just posted this recipe for home-made herbal play dough. I'm going to be teaching a Herbs for Kids workshop at a local Mom & Tot playgroup and this is going to be perfect.
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Apple vinegar+ Lavender as fabric softener
This is about washing clothes. I have been washing linen and clothes with homemade soap and rinsing them with a homemade apple vinegar for a couple of years already. This experience I am sharing in my workshops on nature friendly household. This year I experimented with herbs to give apple vinegar another scent - a scent…
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Use those old wool sweaters
This is one of my favorite things to do with an accidentally felted wool sweater. I'll post my mittens in a comment. It's quick, easy, and they make welcome gifts.
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rag rugs tutorial
Our rag rugs were fun to make, easy to clean and lasted forever. It was a great project in those cold winter months when you did not even think of getting off the snowy hill. We saved money and had a crafted useful item full of memories. Even years later at Christmas if you asked someone what they wanted the answer would…
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DIY Reupholstering furniture
Here is a simple how to from Mother Earth News. We've got both a beautiful old living room chair & a number of stacking stools to do. I found super heavy denim that I can easily use for the stools (and I'll have a bunch of extra fabric...what to do with it?), but need to find something more comfy for the chair. The denim…
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A projects site
There is lots to explore here for the diy person. This site covers all sorts of projects from biofeedback to gardening & community & school projects.
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My Chicken Shack build
Howdy! I just completed a wheel-less chicken tractor (ok, so I guess that technically makes it a chicken coop, but it will someday have a wheel system installed!) and took a bunch of photos of the process. It was designed to keep three hens happy and safe from the various wildlife in the area that would otherwise try to…
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The Gophers Are Coming...The Gophers Are Coming!
Normally I am pretty acceptable with the wildlife visiting my garden. After all, my garden is in their home (the outdoors) is the way I feel. But they sure are stepping up their game this year. I intentionally sow wildlife gardens too each year on the outside edges of my garden so they can eat their way thru them. All of…
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Solar powered lawnmower, anyone???
Found this DIY solar powered lawnmower tutorial on Mother Earth News.
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Laundry with Soapwort/Sweet William/Saponaria officinalis
Washing with Wild Sweet William (soapwort) after experimenting, looking for answers, finding some... I have prepared this text and photos to share my experience with you 😊 Do you do the washing with ivy leaves? I do regularly. However, ivy is not suitable for washing very delicate fabrics such as silk, wool and other…
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Shampoo alternatives
@Marjory Wildcraft , a few years back, you did a video/post about looking for shampoo/cleaning alternatives that, ideally, didn't involve using resources that would be better as food (like eggs). Have you considered growing soapwort? or whatever plant provides soapnuts? I'm just starting to use a soapnut shampoo. I found…
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What to look for/avoid when purchasing property?
Morning everyone, It's hard for me to believe the time for looking for property is here but after selling our house, in less then 12hrs after it was listed, yesterday my husband and I are seriously looking to see what we can find. We've been researching ways to find land/property for cheap and certain things to be careful…
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Best criteria for purchase of homestead property?
It is our goal to start a small family farm, approx. 2-5 acres with basic barn, work shed, and a simple, one story family home. Is there any advice on criteria we should follow when choosing property to purchase? Any pointers from those of you who have had this kind of experience is greatly appreciated.
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How to home produce ethanol for fuel.
With fuel being so expensive, this might be thought provoking. Somewhat labor intensive to start. but possibly useful. "The choice of raw material is an important factor. Crops with a high sugar or starch content are ideal, but nearly any crop cull or surplus can work (if used before spoilage sets in), so you can choose…
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repurpose shoes
Any type of boot would probably be cute
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Make your own baby wipes
Just found this. I'm thinking old flannels sheets that have thin spots. Draw grid lines and let my serger/overlocker do the work.
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Recycling glass
What other uses do you have for glass?
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LF Soap: Beef Tallow Soap Recipe Source
We are looking for a really old easy to follow recipe (not blogger or YouTube) that we can print/buy & use. We want an heirloom recipe if possible that may have tips that people may have forgotten (such as it is done curing when you can lick it and it doesn't taste bad...that type of insight). Does anyone have one or know…
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Make a plant wand
They say its good for Holiday stress but it looks like it would be good for any time. Its fast and simple and would make a nice quick gift.
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Easy Christmas ornaments
Some of these are so cute.