The Art of Simplicity is a Puzzle of Complexity

This next idea isn’t actually something I’ve done in my home. It comes courtesy of my friend Kristen, who has done some amazingly cute things with her studio apartment. One day I noticed a lovely new piece of art on her kitchen wall. When she told me the print I was admiring was actually a puzzle, I couldn’t believe what a great idea that was. Not only is it a very cool idea to hang a puzzle on your wall, but from a distance, you can hardly tell. So here is how to create your own:

Just like working with tapestries over slip-covers gives you a lot more range in playing with patterns, using puzzles as wall art opens up a whole new world of choices. Try what Kristen did, and choose a puzzle that is based on a piece of art or a vintage poster. A good backing to use is foam board. It is cheap and can easily be cut with a craft knife to the exact size of the puzzle.

Once the puzzle is assembled, use puzzle glue (about $3 for a bottle) to adhere the puzzle pieces together. Coat the front, and once it has dried, flip the puzzle over and coat the back. Repeat the process. Then use craft glue to mount the puzzle onto the foam board.

Once the glue is dry and you are satisfied that the puzzle is secure on the board, you can mount it on your wall. For a no-fuss and temporary wall mount, try removable wall tabs, which can be purchased for under $5.

And that's it, your very own puzzle art! Puzzles are a great way to spend quiet time with a friend or someone you love. Now instead of throwing the finished project back in the box, you can have it to keep and enjoy for years.

Picture This

I may not be the most talented at them, but I love do-it-yourself projects. And if they are really easy like this one, you don’t have to be talented! This is an idea I got from Real Simple magazine. The article in the magazine was on interesting and inventive ways to use pictures frames. One of my favorite ideas from that article was using picture frames as refrigerator magnets. I’ve made several since, and I’m going to share with you some tips that I’ve learned.

The basic idea is that you take a small or medium sized frame, put a picture in it and glue a few magnets on the back to make a cute refrigerator decoration. You can use any frame you like, but unless you want about 15 magnets on glued on the back of it, lighter is definitely better. Medium-sized (about 5”x7”) wooden frames or smaller (3”x5”) metal frames seem to be about the right weight.

To get the magnets on the frame, you will have to remove the stand on the back. Since most are made of cardboard, it is pretty easy. Once the cardboard part of the stand has been ripped off, you will be left with the metal hinge. The best way to get this off is to use a paper clip or needle to force out the pin that holds the hinge together. Once the pin is out, the main part of the hinge will come off and the back of the frame will be almost flat.

Placing one small magnet on each corner of the frame is usually enough. You can buy plain round magnets and superglue them on, or you can also find magnets that have a peel-off adhesive on one side. Once you think you have enough magnets on, stick the frame on the refrigerator and make sure it sticks. Give the frame a wiggle and if it feels a little loose, even if it doesn’t slide down, add a few more magnets.

The fun part is deciding what picture to put in. Postcards, greeting cards, CD sleeves, your own art, photographs—you can put anything in. Try going to a thrift store or flea market and looking through their collection of old postcards. Three of the magnets on my fridge have vintage 1950s postcards in them that I picked up at a local flea market.

This project makes a quick, fun Saturday afternoon project. And remember, the holidays are upon us. Because they are cheap to put together and you can make them unique as the person receiving them, these magnets make great gifts!

Where did you get that fountain? I made it!

Having moving water to your home can be very beneficial, and I don’t mean the kitchen sink or the toilet. In fact, feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of achieving harmony through the manipulation of objects and energy in your environment, is translated as “wind-water.” Followers of feng shui believe that having a moving-water element in your home can increase the flow of positive energy, especially in the areas of wealth and career.

A good way to add a moving-water element to your home is by having a fountain. There are plenty of fountains, both outdoor and indoor, out there, ranging from the low $20s to $200 or more. But if you can’t find one that exactly fits your tastes—try making your own.

It is very easy, and pretty cheap to make your own fountain. First start with a bowl, preferably copper or ceramic, and definitely not porous. It can be as big or small as you want, but not so shallow that a two or three inch tall pump will stick out over the edge.

Next, choose something to fill the bowl with. Putting in small stones or marbles will make the trickling water sound more interesting and will also help hide the motor. Choose something that complements the color and style of your bowl.

Then you need a pump. Small fountain pumps can be bought at most stores that have home and garden sections for usually less than $20. You will also need to get a small amount of clear plastic tubing to fit around the opening of the pump so that you can control and direct the water flow.

Now you are ready to assemble. Put the pump in the bowl first and cover the opening with about an inch of the tubing. You can adjust the length of the tubing until the water flows as high or low as you want it to. Then pour in your rocks or marbles around the pump, covering it the best you can. If you are having trouble hiding the very top of the pump, consider using a small decorative incense holder in the shape of a leaf or shell to sit on top of it.

Then fill the bowl with water. Too little water will strain and possibly damage the pump, but too much water will make your fountain very splashy. Ideally, the motor of the pump should be completely submerged and there should be at least ½ inch between the water level and the edge of the bowl. But experiment until you find the perfect depth.

And there you have it: your own home-made fountain, easily assembled for under $50. Enjoy the peaceful trickling water sound and hopefully wealth and luck will flow into your life!

For more information, see these Web sites:
http://paradise1987.blogspot.com/2007/09/feng-shui-tips-for-your-home.html
http://traditionalfengshui.wordpress.com/2007/09/29/the-power-of-water/