How to Make a Gnome Porch Decoration Supplies Needed Plastic pots (various sizes) Hot glue/glue gunSheet mossScissorsAssorted faux greens Wool dryer ballFaux berries3 22-inch dowelsZip tieFluffy white fleece 1-yard fluffy fleece fabric Step-by-Step Directions Follow these easy instructions for how to make a Christmas gnome for your front porch or another welcoming spot. You should be able to complete the Christmas craft project in under an hour. Step 1: Stack Pots Each gnome starts with a plastic gardening pot, so the first step is to decide how many gnomes you want to make and how large you want them to be....

How to Make a Dried Flower Wreath Sunburst grapevine wreathMatte white spray paintAssorted dried grasses and flowersFlorists wireWire cuttersFloral scissorsHot glue gun Step-by-Step Directions With a few supplies and these how-to instructions, you can create your own handmade wreath. Customize your easy project with your favorite dried flowers. Step 1: Paint Wreath In a well-ventilated area (or outside), lay down a protective surface. Place a sunburst grapevine wreath ($20, Joann) on the surface and spray paint it matte white....

Preparing a Vase Start by prepping the vase you plan to put the flowers in. Fewer tall flowers will look better in a narrow vase, while a large bouquet will sit better in a vase with a wide mouth. Once you decide what vessel to use, fill the vase half-way with fresh water and add plant food (many bouquets come with a packet of food inside the wrapper). Stir in the food until it dissolves into the water....

How to Make Apple Butter If you’ve made homemade applesauce before, you can absolutely make apple butter from scratch. The process starts the same way (slowly cooking apples), but apple butter is cooked longer with warm spices to achieve a thicker consistency and more concentrated apple flavor. Most apple butter recipes are similar, but we’ll be referring to our Test Kitchen’s trusty apple butter recipe for this guide. Step 1: Cook Apples on the Stove Top Core and quarter tart cooking apples (don’t forget to wash them first)....

To make your own set of coasters, all you need is a round silicone mold, resin mixture, and dried flowers. We’ll show you how to mix and pour the resin so that the flowers are perfectly suspended in the middle of the clear coasters. How to Make Resin Coasters Supplies Needed Wax paper or kraft paper Respirator Nitrile gloves Safety glasses Round silicone molds Rubbing alcohol Clear casting kit Plastic cups Wooden stir sticks Heat gun or skewer Tweezers Assorted dried flowers Clear rubber spacers...

Shiplap Stunner Shiplap is a timeless farmhouse accent, but this version achieves the look using lattice. The converging lines add dimension to the whitewashed wall without overwhelming it. A horse drawing, wicker basket, and rustic galvanized bucket provide classic country charm. Learn how to install your own shiplap wall to accent your farmhouse decor. Charming Character General store or farmhouse kitchen? Decorated with antique wall art, such as marquee letters, a chalkboard, and a salvaged door from a general store, it’s no wonder this room blurs the line....

Rescue a Cabinet Corner Shelf It can be challenging to store bowls or food storage containers with lids in the same place. This can lead to a drawer full of mixed-up lids nearly impossible to keep straight. To help, sort your lids by size or container type and arrange them on a three-tier shelf as you see fit. Print labels to make sure nobody in the house gets them mixed up....

At the forefront was a coronavirus pandemic that disproportionately affects Black and brown communities and racial injustice protests after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. For some, it was a time to pause and take inventory of their place in the world. Throughout history, Black people have shaped the narrative and identity of America, from food to music and even the Americana aesthetic. During enslavement, Reconstruction, and segregation, Black people continued to impact art and culture, exploring the topics of race, identity, and legacy in their work....

We asked cleaning experts to share their favorite strategies and organic-based solutions for spot-cleaning carpets. Use these natural ingredients and must-know cleaning tips to lift unsightly wine, pet mess, and greasy stains from carpets and rugs. How to Remove Carpet Stains Naturally When cleaning carpets, act quickly to ensure spills and stains don’t set or spread. Scrape up solid bits; if the spilled substance has dried, vacuum the area before applying a stain remover....

Test Kitchen Tip: Satisfy those with bigger appetites by spooning this recipe over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes. Buy It: Cuisinart 12-Inch Deep Fry Pan with Cover, $45, Bed Bath & Beyond Buy It: Classico Basil Pesto Sauce, $3, Walmart Test Kitchen Tip: If tilapia is not your thing, try branzino or red snapper. Test Kitchen Tip: Try it with black beans if you don’t have any poultry handy or you want a vegetarian variation....

Test Kitchen Tip: Put the spicy chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven to keep it warm while you fry the rest of the bird. Test Kitchen Tip: Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use our fried chicken guide to find out the optimal temperature for every cut of meat.

Buy It: Lipper International Acacia Wood 3-Piece Salad Bowl and Server Set ($43, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper ($50, Target) Buy It: Miranda Trifle Bowl ($40, Crate & Barrel) Buy It: Pyrex 3-qt Easy Grab Baking Pan with Lid ($15, Target) Buy It: Dyna-Glo Open Cart Propane Gas Grill ($139, The Home Depot)

Keep in mind that learning about these leaders is only the start—and learning about Black history shouldn’t be limited to just the month of February. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, bring the whole family on board and pick up some children’s books that celebrate inclusivity and self-acceptance (these are a few of our favorites!) or educate yourself about a prominent civil rights activist (here are five resources to help you learn more about Dr....

The idea is simple: Spend the day doing small acts (like buying a stranger’s coffee or paying all the parking meters downtown) to help make someone’s day brighter. If you need inspiration for how to spend the day, here are a few of our favorite ideas. 1. Pay for a Stranger’s Coffee I’ve been grabbing coffee almost exclusively via drive-through during the pandemic, which is not only safer but also provides the perfect opportunity to make a stranger’s day....

Buy It: Hamilton Beach Food Processor ($58, Target) Buy It: Expert Gas Grill ($89, Walmart) Buy It: Crock-Pot Slow Cooker ($50, Target) Buy It: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Pan ($145, Williams Sonoma)

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Editor’s Tip: Plan ahead for next year. Purchase red or green slipcovers, pillows, and glassware at after-Christmas sales. You’ll be able to add bursts of holiday color at a budget price.

DIY Tip: Make sure you have your placement perfect before you attach the decals. Though they’re removable, some are difficult to reapply after they’ve been removed.