Everyone’s going crazy for washi tape and with good reason, too! It’s inexpensive, and you can decorate anything with it! Spruce up your keyboard, notebooks, smartphone, or walls using nothing but these fun patterns. You can get washi tape from any office supply store or you can purchase it in lots for cheap on Ebay. Making your own washi tape wall decals is a great way to decorate your plain walls without worrying about damaging the wall or repainting it when you get bored with your design. When you’re in the mood for a change, simply peel off the tape and start again!

Supply Checklist:

1) Washi tape

2) Parchment paper

3) Letter templates (print your own using Microsoft Word in any font and size you like)

4) Scissors

5) Craft knife

6) Craft mat

Step #1:

Print out your letter templates onto regular printer paper. Cut them out along the outer edge leaving any edges inside the letters intact. This will make your template a bit more stable when you’re cutting out your letter out of washi tape later.

Step #2:

Take a piece of parchment paper and place it on your letter. Cut strips of washi tape and place it over the letter. Make sure every new strip of tape you lay down overlaps the previous strip of tape slightly. This will help the letter stay together when you’re peeling it off later.

Step #3

Turn the parchment paper over and place it on your cutting mat. The washi tape should be facing down. Take your letter template and place it on top. Cut your washi tape letter out using your craft knife.

Step #4:

When you’ve cut out all your letters, it’s time to figure out how to arrange them on your wall. Use scotch tape to stick the letters (with the parchment paper still attached) on your wall. Arrange them any way you wish, and when you’re finished, you can begin peeling the parchment paper off and sticking the washi tape onto your wall. All finished!

Photos: Designer Trapped, 3 Little Green Woods.

If you’re looking for just the right thing to fill up your porch, living room, kid’s room, or basement, make this hammock! This hammock can really add a bit of fun to any space, and the kids will love it! It’s simple to put together and you don’t need to have pro building skills to make it! Take a look at the tutorial below and let’s get started!

Supply List:

1) 1 1/4″ x 3′ oak dowel (oak is a hard wood and is great for supporting heavy weights)

2) 3/8″ x 16′ braided polypropylene

3) 2 yards of plain canvas

4) 80mm stainless steel spring snap link (holds up to 220 lbs)

5) 3/16″ stainless steel quick link (holds up to 660 lbs)

6) black fabric paint

7) paint brush

8) drill and 3/8″ drill bit

9) sewing machine

10) iron and ironing board

11) shears

12) ruler

13) lighter

Step #1:

Fold the 2 yards of canvas in half. Lay the canvas flat with the fold on the left side. Measure 7″ in from the top right edge and make a mark. Using a ruler, draw a line from the top mark to the bottom right corner. Cut through both pieces and open your canvas.

Step #2:

Fold the top edge down 1/2″ and iron the edge until it’s flat. Fold it again 1/2″ and iron. Pin the bottom of the fold and stitch. Repeat this process with the long bottom edge.

Step #3:

Turn your canvas 90 degrees to the left, making sure that the longest edge is on the right side. You need to create pockets for the rope to slide through. Fold each corner 1 1/2″ in and iron until flat. Fold the top edge (that isn’t hemmed) in 1/2″ and iron.

Step #4:

Fold the canvas again 1 1/2″ and iron until flat.

Step #5:

Stitch 2 lines along the bottom folded edge. Make sure you reinforce your beginning and ending using back stitches. Repeat the same process with the other side.

Step #6:

Mark at 2″ and 4″ in from both ends of the dowel and drill through. Sand any rough edges and stain if needed.

Step #7:

Place the canvas on a protected surface and paint on your design on one side of the canvas. Allow it to dry, and paint the design onto the other side if you like.

Step #8:

Tie a knot at one end of the 16′ rope. Leave about a 3″ tail at the end. Use the lighter to melt the end to prevent fraying. Thread the rope through the outer hole of the dowel and up from the widest corner on the one side of your canvas to the narrow corner of the canvas. Tie another knot 3′ from the first knot. Thread it into the dowel. Continue threading it down into the hole, 4″ from the other edge. Measure about 3′ from the loose end and tie a knot. Thread the rope down through the other pocket and back through the last hole. Finish by tying another knot with a 3″ tail.

Step #9:

Find the center of the piece of rope that’s above the dowel and tie a knot. Make sure there is about 8″-10″ of room above the knot. Attach the spring link and then the quick link. Hang it onto a hook that you previously screwed into a ceiling beam. Make sure it is secure.

Step #10:

If needed, you can add a cushion to your hammock for extra comfort.

Photos: A Beautiful Mess.

Cleaning your home shouldn’t take you forever. We’ve got 10 tips from professional cleaners that will teach you how to clean your home in record time. Let’s get started!

1. Schedule Cleaning

Learn from the pros, and schedule a time for cleaning. Professionals won’t quit until the job is done, and neither should you! Set a specific time to clean, and stick to it!

2. Motivation

Don’t stop cleaning to check your e-mail or watch the latest show on TV. Use motivators to keep you focused on the task at hand. Play upbeat music or listen to an audio book. You can also clean with family members to help you stay on task.

3. Tools

Professional cleaners never have one-use tools, or a tool they saw on an informercial. Buy good tools once and save money in the long run.

4. Wear Proper Clothing

Wear clothing that’s comfortable and washable. Get yourself supportive shoes and knee pads if you will spend a lot of time cleaning low areas. Use goggles and gloves to protect yourself from harsh chemicals.

5. Tote Your Tools

Use a cleaning tote to store all your tools in one place. This way, you will never forget anything, and it will save you time. Check out our article on how to organize your very own cleaning tote here.

6. Simplify Supplies

You don’t need a lot of cleaning products to get your home clean. Professional cleaners always have these 4 cleaners on hand:

– A light duty cleaner, like glass cleaner or multi-surface cleaner

– A heavy duty degreasing cleaner

– Tile and bathroom cleaner

– Powdered abrasive cleaner

7. Use Both Hands

Get in the habit of using both your hands when you clean. Spray a counter with one hand, and wipe it down with the other. Dusting will go twice as fast when a lambswool duster in one hand cleans tough-to-reach corners, and a cleaning cloth in the other gets flat surfaces.

8. Teamwork

Two people can clean twice as fast, and that’s why professional cleaners always work in teams. Make cleaning your home a family affair. Family members that clean are more reluctant to get everything dirty later!

9. Pick it Up

Before you start cleaning, de-clutter your home. You can’t clean properly if all surfaces are covered in knick-knacks, papers, toys, and dirty dishes.

10. Make it Count

Professional cleaners will never circle a room more than 1 time. When they’re at the bathroom sink, they’ll clean the sink, wipe down the mirror, counter, and polish fixtures before moving to the rest of the room. Clean everything in your path before you move on.

Photos: Veterinet, Rayal Cleaning, Part Time Maid, Greater Cincinnati Maids.