3 easy DIY holiday activities
For those of you not planning to go away on holiday this December, here are a few DIY things you can do in and around the house.
Make a pot rack from copper piping:
If you have a small kitchen, a pot rack is a practical way to create additional storage space and keep essential utensils and pots close at hand. You can make one yourself from copper piping.
Needed:
• 2 x long-length 20 mm copper pipes.
• 2 x short-length 20 mm copper pipes (these could be off-cuts from your long lengths, it all depends on the overall dimensions).
• 4 x 90 degree copper connectors.
• 4 x steel cable crimping sleeves.
• Crimping tool or pliers.
• Steel cable.
• A few ‘S’ hooks.
• Copper glue.
Method:
• Decide how big you’d like the utensil hanger to be, then get the copper pipes cut to the appropriate lengths at your local hardware store. If you prefer to cut the pipes yourself, use a pipe cutter for a clean cut.
• Once the pipes are cut to length, lay out the two long pieces and short pieces in the shape of a rectangle. Decide where the top of the utensil hanger will be (in this case it was one of the longer lengths) and drill two small holes for the steel cable. Ensure the holes are evenly spaced to carry the weight.
• Thread the steel cable through the holes and crimp the ends with a crimping sleeve.
• Add a small dot of copper glue into each 90 degree copper connector and plug in your lengths of copper to create a rectangular shape. Allow to dry.
• Next, loop the top end of the steel cable and crimp the ends, this is where you will hang the utensil hanger from.
• Install hooks above the kitchen island or in the ceiling in the correct position. If you’re going to hang heavy pots and pans, ensure the ceiling hooks are inserted in a truss.
• Once done, hang the rack, add the “S” hooks on the lower pipe and style with your pots and utensils.
DIY garden project:
Turn a tree stump into a stunning side table, perfect for the patio.
Needed:
• A tree stump, cut to the desired height.
• Hammer and chisel.
• Paint in the colour of choice (optional).
• Paintbrush.
• Heavy grit sandpaper or sanding mouse.
• Three castors (not essential, but they make it easier to move your side table around).
• A drill and an electric screwdriver.
Method:
• If you’re in a hurry, remove the bark with a hammer and chisel by wedging the chisel between the bark and the stump. Otherwise leave the stump outside for a few months and the bark will peel off easily.
• Sand it smooth with the sandpaper or an orbital sanding mouse and make sure there are no rough or sharp edges.
• Attach the castors, if the stump isn’t level use washers or spacers to adjust the height, otherwise use a wood planer to get a level surface.
• Position the castors equidistant and as far apart as possible to give the table stability.
• Mark the position of the holes.
• Drill small holes for the screws first as it makes it easier to screw them in, or use an electric screwdriver.
DIY bird feeder:
Needed:
• An enamelware bowl with lid.
• An enamelware plate.
• An electric drill and drill bits.
• A sharp knife.
• Brass or copper plumbing pipe and connectors.
• A shifting spanner or pair of pliers.
• A short rope or cord.
Method:
• Mark the centres of the bowl, plate and lid and drill holes the same size as your piping. Remove any burrs with the sharp knife.
• Cut the pipe to the desired length and fit the bowls and lid along the pipe, keeping them in place with the connectors.
• Tighten the nuts on the connectors with the spanner or pliers.
• Fit a rope or cord to hang the feeder and fill with birdseed.
