20 Ways to Make Your House Smell Better UPDATE

 

Photo source:  Real Simple

"Smell is often called our most powerful sense, and scents tell us a lot about the world—from what we should eat even to who we should kiss. When it comes to our homes, if a space smells fresh, that's a great sign. If the smell is bad? We feel uneasy.

But the secret to a nose-friendly space isn't simply to spray fragrance on top of yucky stuff. You have to really get into the nitty-gritty of the smell's source to combat and neutralize bad odors. Make your home a haven filled with these expert-backed strategies to keep it smelling great."  Comment from Real Simple

Click here to go to the Real Simple article page to learn many of the ways to make your house smell better.

6 Things Making Your Home Smell Bad -- How to Banish Odors for Good from Better Homes and Gardens

How to Sew Mini Baskets – that fold together!

 

Photo source:  SewCanShe.com

"My newest addition to my fold up basket sewing patterns is here – Mini Baskets!

• The medium sized fold up baskets
• These big cubby-sized baskets ones
• and more than 20 free DIY Basket Patterns to sew!"

Comment from SewCanShe.com

Not only are they cute and functional, but they fold up for easy storage and the patterns are free.

Click here to go to the SheCanSew.com tutorial and free pattern page.

DIY Scrapyard Tote

 

Photo Source:  SewCanShe.com

"Sew a beautiful bag that’s just the right size to be a purse or handbag. This is a great project for using up scraps that you have left over from quilts or other bags, or you can use a charm pack (which is precut bundle of 40 5’’ squares)."  Comment from SewCanShe.com

Cute totebag and great to use up your fabric scraps!  Everyone can either use a totebag or need a gift for a friend.

Click here to go to the SewCanShe.com tutorial and free pattern.

Yarn Project Bag

 

Photo source:  SewCanShe.com

"With your yarn ‘in the bag’ it will stay clean even when the bag is on the floor – perfect for using at home and in the car, at appointments, or at a friend’s house!"  Comment from SewCanShe.com

Cute and clever bag for yarn crafters to stay organized!

Click here to go to the SewCanShe.com tutorial page.

How to Cut Up Old Jeans for Sewing & Upcycling Projects

 

Photo source:  Upcycle My Stuff

"Because I often repurpose my old jeans as handbags and quilts, people often ask me what the best way is to cut up old jeans. If you want to make sure you get the most useable denim out of your jeans for sewing and upcycling projects then this is the post for you!'  Comment from Upcycle My Stuff

I've never paid attention to how I cut up my jeans!  It is always good to have a plan to make the most of what up have.

Click here to go to the Upcycle My Stuff article.

DIY Bandana Bowl Covers

 

Photo source:  Sadie Seasongoods

"If you are looking for ways to reduce waste (like me), then this idea might be for you! I love using my antique stoneware bowls, but because they don’t have lids, I end up using foil or plastic wrap to cover them. So, I decided to make some reusable bowl covers for a recent Independence Day party."  Comment from Sarah at Sadie Seasongoods

Love this idea since I have a bunch of bandanas left over from my days as an online reseller and seller at flea markets.  I've been thinking about what to make with them.  Great idea!

Click here to go to Sarah's tutorial page.

Twice as Nice Zippered Pouch

 

Photo source:  sewcanshe.com

"Sew up a double sided pouch to help you organize your cosmetics, sewing and craft items, art supplies, travel necessities, and more! This zippered case has two angled compartments that hold more than they appear to. Plus, the inside of the pockets is sewn with vinyl so you can easily see what’s inside."  Comment from sewcanshe.com

Great idea to organize sewing and craft supplies and so cute!

Click here to go to the sewcanshe.com tutorial

How to Sew a Scrappy Pet Leash

 

Photo source:  sewcanshe.com

"Sew up a new leash for your favorite pet – it’s sew easy! All you need is some fabric scraps, a bit of interfacing, and a lobster claw clasp. You can also cut off and reuse the clip from your pet’s old leash."  Comment from sewcanshe.com

Love this!  I'd love to use heavy duty denim scraps, making the leash stronger.  Great concept!

Click here to go to the sewcanshe.com tutorial.

DIY Petit Four Baskets

 

Photo source:  Sewcanshe.com

"Are you looking for a cute way to organize a messy drawer – or an instant handmade gift basket that’s just the right size for little goodies? Sew up a cute Petit Four basket!" Comment from sewcanshe.com Loving these little fabric baskets. They are a great way to use up fabric scraps.

Click here to go to the sewcanshe.com tutorial.

DIY Body Scrubs

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Dry, flaky skin doesn’t stand a chance when you’ve got a good body scrub on your side. But before you drop a small fortune on those fancy spa jars, hear me out—DIY body scrub recipes are easier (and cheaper) than you think. These five super simple scrubs are made with pantry staples, take just minutes to mix up, and leave your skin feeling like a dream. They’re gentle, effective, and seriously affordable."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

This is an excellent article that not only gives you the recipes for these body scrubs, but also provides everything you need to know about why using body scrubs are good for you.  It is also my opinion that making your own is a reassurance of what goes in the scrub and also giving you the opinion of using your preferences.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

DIY Mop Pads

"Check out this easy tutorial for the best diy mop pads for wet cleaning you'll ever make. Here's how to make a mop out of towels, no velcro adjusters or press studs are needed."  Comment from Apple Green Cottage

Great idea to use fabric scraps of old towels and t-shirts.

Click here to go to the Apple Green Cottage article.

Stunning Ideas For Your Fabric Scraps

 

Photo Source:  Upcycle My Stuff

"If you are an avid Upcycler or a craft addict of any sort, chances are you have a bag, bucket or suitcase filled with scrap fabric from other projects.  If you need a little inspiration for what to do with all those excess fabric scraps you’ve come to the right place!"  Comment from Upcycle My Stuff

I can't wait to get my craft room in order so I can get back to my fabric scraps and being creative.  If you are like me, you will love this article that will inspire you.

Click here to go to the Upcycle My Stuff article.

The Biggest Manicure Trend For Winter 2026

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

LOVE THESE COLORS!!

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.

Rag Rug Weaving Tutorial and Tips

 

Photo source:  The Country Farm Home

Denim rag rugs are so awesome, in my opinion.  I've wanted to make one for a long time, but never did.  It is something I really want to do in the future.

This pattern looks time consuming but easy enough if you follow the excellent instructions.

Click here to go to The Country Farm Home tutorial.

Tablet Mini Messenger Bag

 

Photo source:  Crafty Staci

"Sometimes, when I don’t have just the right bag, I have to make a new one. Like this mini messenger bag that holds my tablet!" Comment from Crafty Staci

My tablet needs a messenger bag . . . now I have a pattern!

Click here to go to the Crafty Staci tutorial.

How To Make A Blue Jean Rug

 

Photo source:  https://www.notjustahousewife.net

"My finished rug measured approximately 6' x 7.5'. It took around 55 pairs of jeans to make! I cut the jeans into 2" strips, then ironed them like seam binding so that no raw edges would show (makes for a cleaner look) and I didn't want to sew them all and pull them right side out....that would take a lifetime!!) I then sewed them into fairly long strips (end to end) and started braiding then adding more strips as I went. I started to coil the rug and used outdoor upholstery thread (thought it would last longer and is very strong) to sew it all together. This was a huge project especially because of the finished size of the project...I would estimate that nearly 300 hours went into it...I hope it lasts a long long time!!"  Comment from Not Just A Housewife

For the longest time I have wanted to make this kind of jeans rug.  I don't think I have enough for that big one, but smaller is really what I want.

Click here to go to the Not Just A Housewife article.

How to Wash a Comforter in the Washing Machine

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Comforters can be intimidating to wash at home, whether they’re filled with down, feather, or synthetic fibers. The good news? With the right method and attention to detail, you can safely wash most comforters in your washing machine for easy-to-achieve cleanliness year-round."  Comment from Martha Stewart

They really are intimidating to wash and it seems that most people take them to a laundromat.  If anyone knows how to do it properly, it is Martha.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart article.

7 Easy Ways to Get Wrinkles Out of Clothes

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"Few things are more frustrating than pulling your favorite shirt or pants out of the closet to find they're too wrinkled to wear. When this happens, don't reach for something else to put on. Instead, use one of our foolproof methods for getting wrinkles out of your clothes. We provide techniques that anyone can do from home—even if you don't have an iron or steamer."  Comment from Martha Stewart

I solved the wrinkling problem by not buying clothes that wrinkle.  In the past, I have used a steamer and it was a great solution.  However, Martha Stewart has many solutions for your consideration.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

A Lifetime of Memories Packed Away for Another Year

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Packing away Christmas decorations is always bittersweet. After fifty-three years of carefully storing the lights, ornaments, and baubles, it’s become more than a chore—it’s a tradition. Each item packed away holds memories of our family’s journey, marking the passage of time. This annual ritual reminds me of what’s truly important: not the gifts, but the moments and traditions that shape our lives."   Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

Although I wish that oak tree did not smash into my storage shed and destroy all of my Christmas stuff, it did not smash my memories of those Christmas ornaments and decorations.  Even though it was decades ago, the moments and traditions are still alive in my memory.  I wrote about my Christmas memories associated with those ornaments here.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

EPIC Recycled Christmas Card Crafts

 

Photo source: heatherednest.com

"If you’re anything like me, you feel sad when the season is over. And one of the saddest moments is when you go to dump those wonderful Christmas cards you’ve received over recent weeks from friends and family."  Comment from heatherednest.com

People still send Christmas cards via snail mail?  It has been close to 2 decades since I have.  Apparently heatherednest.com still does.

Anyway, I still have all the old ones.  Never could throw them away or any card for that matter.  Anyway, could you actually cut them up?

OK I will stop and consider the article.  It is a great idea for anyone who won't throw them away and is willing to cut them up.  It is actually a good idea.  Especially someone like me who has tons of them and should not hoard, if I decided to do something with them.

Click here to go to the article.