hobbies and craft
A Tool to Help Hobbyists and Professionals Get the Job Done
Having the right tools allows you to work more efficiently and effectively, regardless of your craft or hobby.
Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Whether you’re into woodworking, metalworking, building models or another craft or hobby, the right tools allow you to work faster, easier and smarter.
A capable and versatile project partner, the IQ Vise System by Work IQ Tools is a problem-solving bench vise system that is transforming the way DIYers, craftsmen, hobbyists, makers and pros get the job done. It features a ball and socket design that articulates and rotates 360 degrees for optimal work positioning while complementing task-specific jaw sleeves are crafted to create the perfect grip for an extensive range of shapes and materials.
Plus, with four ports built directly into the vise, you can attach the plug-and-play workshop accessories including the IQ Connect Work Light, Magnifying Glass and Cell Phone Holder directly to the vise or take them where you need them around your workspace.
With three mounts – a bench mount to screw directly into your workbench or stud wall, a magnetic mount that can attach to any metal surface and a clamp mount that functions like a common c-clamp for quick and temporary mounting to any surface edge 2 1/4 inches or under – it’s like having an extra set of hands to help tackle whatever project you’re taking on.
Find more tools to help you work smarter at workiqtools.com.
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(Feature Impact) To add charm to your yard, encourage local wildlife and give you a front-row seat to nature, building a birdhouse is a simple weekend project that checks all of those boxes.
Building a Birdhouse
Seasoned DIYers and first-timers alike can follow this step-by-step guide to create a functional, welcoming birdhouse.
Step 1: Choose the Right Design
Start by deciding what type of birds you’d like to attract. Different birds prefer different house sizes and entrance types. A simple, classic birdhouse design makes the project beginner-friendly and works well for common backyard birds like wrens, chickadees and bluebirds. In general, plan for at least a 1-1 2/2-inch entrance hole, a 5-by-5-inch interior space and 2 inches or more of roof overhang.
Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools
Most DIY birdhouses can be built with basic materials and tools you may already have at home, including untreated cedar or pine wood, screws or nails, wood glue, sandpaper and exterior-safe paint as well as a measuring tape, pencil, saw and drill.
Step 3: Measure and Cut Wood
Measure and cut wood to make the front panel, back panel, two side panels, floor and roof. Then sand all edges for smooth assembly.
Step 4: Drill Holes
Using a hole-saw bit, drill the entrance hole into the front panel. Position it a few inches below the roofline to keep predators out. Next, drill 2-3 small drainage holes in the floor piece to prevent water buildup and help keep the birdhouse dry.
Step 5: Assemble the Birdhouse
Attach the side panels to the back panel using screws or nails. Add the front panel then secure the floor piece, slightly recessed, so rainwater can drain. Attach the roof last, making sure it slopes slightly to allow water to run off.
Step 6: Paint the Exterior
If you plan to paint your birdhouse, stick to neutral, nature-inspired colors. Light browns, soft greens or white help regulate temperature and blend into the environment.
Step 7: Mount Your Birdhouse
Once dry, place your birdhouse in a quiet, sheltered spot away from heavy foot traffic. Mount or hang it 5-10 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing winds.
Visit eLivingtoday.com for more DIY project inspiration.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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home gardening
Gen Z Turns the Houseplant Craze into a Lifestyle Trend: Shops Thrive as Gen Z Continues to Nurture the ‘Plant Parent’ Trend
Plant Parent: While many pandemic habits have faded, America’s houseplant obsession has only grown stronger. The indoor plants market was valued at $20.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $30.25 billion by 2032. Consider how mobile marketplaces are contributing to the trend.
Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Gen Z Turns the Houseplant Craze into a Lifestyle Trend: Shops Thrive as Gen Z Continues to Nurture the ‘Plant Parent’ Trend
(Family Features) When Jessica Janik-De Gennaro started seeing her $20 succulents pop up between electronics and yoga pants on a mobile marketplace, she knew she’d found something unexpected. The entrepreneur had been shipping plants nationwide since 2012, but joining Temu in 2024 opened an entirely new customer base. “We saw growth right away,” said De Gennaro, the 43-year-old founder of Shop Succulents who sold 3,500 items on the platform in just four months. Her success reflects a broader trend: While many pandemic habits faded, America’s houseplant obsession only grew stronger. Spending on gardening-related items jumped 18.7% in 2020 – an $8.5 billion increase from the year before, and that momentum hasn’t stopped. The indoor plants market was valued at $20.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $30.25 billion by 2032, according to industry research.
“The potential for scaling is enormous,” De Gennaro said. “Seeing our $20 succulents next to Temu’s bargain electronics was surreal, but that’s the magic – the algorithm doesn’t discriminate. Our plants became ‘items to explore’ for people who never knew they wanted a spiky plant until it popped up between yoga pants and kitchenware.” Following a similar strategy, House Plant Shop’s inventory spans more than 500 species, from air plants and succulents to pet-friendly potted plants and rare tropicals. After joining Temu in December 2024, sales on the platform rocketed. By May, it had become the company’s largest online channel, surpassing all other marketplaces. “Temu quickly became bigger for us than any other marketplace,” said Andy Burde, 33, founder of House Plant Shop. The platform’s young customer base has proven ideal for plant sellers. A survey by CraftJack found that 6 in 10 young Americans say “pets are the new kids, and plants are the new pets.” The smaller plants, sold in 2-3-inch pots and priced around $10 by House Plant Shop, have performed especially well. “They’re affordable, easy to ship and our customers love watching them grow,” Burde said. The shift to mobile commerce has been crucial to both companies’ success. With 76% of U.S. adults using smartphones to shop online, platforms like Temu have become discovery engines for impulse purchases, including houseplants. Now, House Plant Shop ranks among the top three live plant sellers on the mobile marketplace. “Our goal is to become the No. 1 live plant seller on the platform,” Burde said. “We’ve found our second growth wave, and we’re excited to keep growing while staying true to our roots.” Join the plant parent trend by visiting Temu.com or downloading the app. Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation MilestoneLink: https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/
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Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Family photos, vacation pictures, candid snapshots of friends and family – they’re often visual representations of some of your most treasured moments, so it’s likely you’ll want to give them some special treatment.
Consider these easy and affordable ways to showcase some of your favorite photos.
Variations on a theme – You don’t have to have a whole set of matching frames to create a unified look. Gather frames of different sizes, shapes and textures then paint them all the same color. White, cream or black are colors that let the eye focus on the photograph. Then when you group them together, you’ve got a cohesive display without everything being the same.
Location, location, location – Photos don’t always need to be on a wall or shelf. Try hanging a series of related photos on the back of a door or between windows.
A new use for old frames – Take a large frame with no back and paint it. Then take two pieces of ribbon or wire and attach them to the back of the frame, dividing it into three sections. Attach small photos to the ribbon or wire with mini clothes pins or other small clips.
New frames out of old windows – Fit a photo mat inside each pane of an old window. Attach photos to the backs of the mats and you have a vintage frame.
Map it out – Showcase favorite travel photos by covering a mat with a map from one of your vacation spots. Just trim the map to fit your mat, tape it to the back and insert your picture.
Get it on canvas – Treat your photos like the works of art they are by having them printed on artist canvas. There are a variety of online vendors that let you choose the size and photo treatment to create a unique piece for your personal gallery.
Put it all on the table – Add to your stylish decor and protect your furniture all at the same time by making your own photo coasters.
Find more ideas for creatively displaying your favorite photos at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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