One flea market lamp, three DIY shades

Finding a whimsical vintage lamp at a flea market can be great, but what if it doesn't have a shade? You might find something off-the-rack. (Yawn.) Or do it yourself and craft a shade that honors the style of the lamp and is truly one-of-a-kind.

Finding a whimsical vintage lamp at a flea market can be great, but what if it doesn't have a shade? You might find something off-the-rack. (Yawn.) Or do it yourself and craft a shade that honors the style of the lamp and is truly one-of-a-kind.

Learn how ordinary, unassuming household items have hidden superpowers. We scoured cleaning guides, magazines and the Internet, along with asking our friends, moms and grandmothers to find the best double-duty ideas.

Learning how to repair things yourself keeps cash in your pocket and provides satisfaction.

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DIY for the Home & Garden

Kids' Craft Projects

Mr. Fix-It's New To Lou Too

  • The Original Adjustable Door Hinge

    Sticking doors have plagued homeowners for centuries, requiring timely cutting, sanding, painting and re-leveling, until now. With the original Adjustable Door Hinge, all you need to fix a sticking door is a screwdriver and a pair of pliers - it's that easy! Check them out at: www.... more

  • Magwear from the Spoon Sisters

    Spoon Sisters are at it again! Check out their cool gadget, Magwear. If you're tired of holding nails in your mouth and waste entirely too much energy climbing up and down ladders to retrieve fallen screws...then Handyman's Helper is for you. The ridiculously strong magnet (N50 Neodymium magnet,... more

  • Frockz

    Spice up those old tattered lampshades with Frockz! Frockz are form-fitting, removable, washable, universal sized slip covers for lampshades. Like Lou referred to them - they feel kind of like pantyhose - you simply slip them over your lampshade and they form to the size! Frockz come in a variety... more

  • Healthy Hands Musical Hand Wash Timers

    While hand washing is a simple precaution we can all take in the fight against swine flu and other illnesses – the question for parents is "Are your kids washing their hands the right way?" Now parents can answer "yes" - making it fun and easy to get their kids to wash their hands healthier – with... more

  • The Ultimate Slanket

    Sorry to burst your bubble Lou! There already is blanket with feet...and it's called...The Ultimate Slanket! more

  • Fling Bins

    Ugly bags and smelly trashcans are no longer invited to the party. Flings decorative trash and recycling containers are the perfect solution for all your get-togethers. Portable, attractive, convenient, and easy-to-spot, Flings make clean-up part of the fun - at every gathering, every time! To find... more

  • Honey Can Do Portable Garment Rack

    Honey Can Do is your source for organization, storage and style. This week we featured their portable/foldable garment rack - perfect for your holiday parties and travel this season! Honey Can Do has a ton of helpful products that will help organize your life - check 'em out at www.honeycando.com more

  • Stattec Lock

    This New To Lou Too targets do-it-yourselfers, off-road enthusiasts, outdoorsmen – or anyone else who's ever searched for a lock key or struggled to remember a combination – STRATTEC Security Corp. has just launched a series of locks that open with their owner's car, SUV or truck key. more

  • Wallpaper for Windows

    Wallpaper for Windows is at it again with their new decorative window film. the adhesive-free static cling Deco-Tint colored vinyl film is easily trimmed to size and applied, will look for years and when it's time to redecorate, can be removed in minutes with no tools or residue. It's a great... more

Mr. Fix-It Podcasts

  • Mr. Fix-It Podcast 3-05-10 Audio

    Lou Manfredini offers tips on fixing streaks on your roof, stopping your water pipes from knocking and banging, and starting your spring renovation plans. more

  • Mr. Fix-It Podcast 2-26-10 Audio

    Lou Manfredini offers tips on almost getting central air in your home, installing new flooring, and installing a flat screen television. more

  • Mr. Fix-It Podcast 2-19-10 Audio

    Lou Manfredini offers tips on updating your electrical system while remodeling your kitchen, checking the caulk in your shower, and finding the best roofing contractor. more

  • Mr. Fix-It Podcast 2-12-10 Audio

    Lou Manfredini offers tips on filters for your water supply, how to tackle projects in your home, and checking your basement sump pumps. more

  • Mr. Fix-It Podcast 2-5-10 Audio

    Lou Manfredini offers tips on finding the best cordless tools, adding extra heat to a colder room in your home, and detecting leaks in your home. more

Do-It-Yourself Nation

What's the next project you're taking on?

  • Home Repairs
  • Interior Design Improvements
  • Car Maintainance
  • Craft Projects
  • Getting Organized