Hang-O-Matic Wall Hanging Tool Review | Pretty Handy Girl

This is one of the multitude of gadgets that gets sent to me for review. Most don’t make it to the light of the blog. But, this little gadget has proved useful in my toolbox. Stick around to learn how you too can Hang Art easily using Hang-o-Matic. And why I gave this little tool a second chance.

The creators of Hang-o-matic sent me this tool to try out. The first one I received was defective. The moveable clip was loose and wouldn’t stay put. I explained to the creators that I didn’t like the tool because the point wouldn’t stay where it was set. Apparently there had been some production issues and they shipped me a second one. I was doubtful, but after trying the tool a handful of times, I have to admit it is the perfect tool when you are hanging art, decor, or mirrors that have two hooks.

Instructions for Hanging Art Easily using Hang-o-Matic:

Remove the cover from the ruler/level section.

Hang-O-Matic Wall Hanging Tool Review | Pretty Handy Girl

Mark the height you want to hang your art with a pencil. Read more

Build a Snowman and Win a Getaway for 4 on a Disney Cruise! | Pretty Handy Girl

Build a Snowman and Win a Getaway for 4 on a Disney Cruise! | Pretty Handy Girl

Do you wanna build a snowman? Come on let’s go and play! Ha, my apologies if you have that popular Frozen song in your head now. Do you have snow where you are? We are on the tip of an “epic” winter storm that is rolling into North Carolina right now. I hope we’ll get some pretty white stuff. Unfortunately, we usually get a heaping dose of slick ice and sleet, and not the fluffy white powder.

 

 

How to Build a Snowman without Snow:

Build a Snowman and Win a Getaway for 4 on a Disney Cruise! | Pretty Handy Girl

Do you have snow? If not, want some help making your snowman without snow? No worries, I got your back. You’ll need a few tools and supplies to build a snowman without snow. Keep in mind you can substitute any of the materials for something you already have on hand.

Materials:

Read more

These DIY Stacking Cubbies are a great storage solution for stuffed animals, shoes, and more! The plans and tutorial make it easy to build as many as you like!

Hey everyone!  It’s Katie again from Addicted 2 DIY.  Today I’ve got a project to help keep things organized around the house.  These stacking storage cubbies are perfect for stashing away those growing stuffed animal collections, shoes, toys, books, etc.  They were so simple to build and they are easy to customize to fit your needs.  I’ve got the step-by-step tutorial for you below, and you can also stop by my site to download the printable plans.

Materials:
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  • 2 – 1″ x 12″ x 8′ pine boards
  • 1 – 1″ x 6″ x 8′ pine board
  • 2′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood (I used some that I already had on hand)
  • Kreg Jig
  • Brad Nailer
  • 1 1/4″ pocket screws
  • 1 1/4″ brad nails
  • 5/8″ brad nails
  • Kreg Rip-Cut
  • wood glue
  • orbital sander
  • 220 grit sandpaper

Cut list (for each storage cubby):

  • 2 – 1″ x 12″ @ 12″ (sides)
  • 1 – 1″ x 12″ @ 15″ (bottom)
  • 1 – 1″ x 12″ @ 16 1/2″ (top)
  • 1 – 1″ x 6″ @ 16 1/2″ (front)
  • 1 – 1/4″ plywood @ 12 3/4″ x 16 1/2″ (back)

Instructions:

Start by cutting all of your pieces for the cubbies.  Drill 3/4″ pocket holes into the bottom 1×12 pieces.

These DIY Stacking Cubbies are a great storage solution for stuffed animals, shoes, and more! The plans and tutorial make it easy to build as many as you like!

Attach the sides to the bottom using wood glue and 1 1/4″ pocket screws. Read more

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How to Sew a Custom Tote

Tote Week | Pretty Handy Girl

Hey guys! Do you know what today is? It’s the beginning of Tote Week! What, you had no idea? Tote Week here on Pretty Handy Girl is five days devoted to Tote Bags! Learn how to sew adorable tote bags and how to customize store bought tote bags.

If you’re just joining in here’s the line up:

To start us off, Jaime is here to give you the basic sewing tutorial to make your own lined (and monogrammed) tote bag. Jaime is from That’s My Letter, a blog filled with DIY Tutorials. Today, she’s showing you How to Sew a Custom Canvas Tote complete with painted monogram:

canvas tote

This tote makes a great everyday bag or purse, just big enough for all the important stuff but not too bulky.  The finished size is 16″w x 9″h x 8″ square at the base, and the handles extend about 6″ in height.

canvas tote 13

The tote is fully lined and includes an interior zippered pocket.  The zipper is easy as pie I promise!  I’ll show you how down below.

You can add any monogram or name to personalize the tote.  Then you’ll be making canvas totes as gifts for all your friends.

canvas tote 3

The square base makes for a nice wide tote and the canvas is super durable:

canvas tote 2

Materials:

  • drop cloth canvas (1 yard)
  • blue canvas (1/2 yard outdoor patio fabric Sunbrella or the like)
  • lining (1 yard)
  • medium weight fusible interfacing (1 yard)
  • firm interfacing – 9″ x 9″
  • 1 1/2″w cotton webbing (1 yard)
  • 9″ zipper
  • lightbox
  • small paintbrush
  • acrylic paint
  • sewing machine, thread to match, iron, seam ripper

Materials Cut List:

Base:

  • 1 – blue canvas 9″ x 9″
  • 1 – lining 9″ x 9″
  • 1 – drop cloth canvas 9″ x 9″
  • 1 – firm interfacing 9″ x 9″

Body:

  • 2 – drop cloth canvas 10″h x 17″l
  • 2 – med. fusible interfacing 10″ x 17″
  • 2 – lining 10″ x 17″
  • 2 – blue canvas 4″h x 17″w

Handles: 2 – 1 1/2″w cotton webbing @ 17″l

Instructions:

canvas tote fabric cuts

Step 1: Cut materials (see cut list above).

canvas tote base

Step 2: Prepare base.  Sandwich drop cloth, firm interfacing then blue canvas. Read more