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DIY Without Power Tools

How to Make an Optical Illusion Mirror (It’s Cool!)

Published on April 28, 2021Last updated October 11, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

DIY optical illusion mirror with blue frame.

Turn a plain mirror into an optical illusion using these step-by-step instructions. Create your own door to a secret world. This mirror looks great at the end of a hallway or in a bedroom. If you … [Read more...]

How to Choose Plants for Miniature Gardens

Published on April 3, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Miniature garden plants.

Want to create a miniature garden with living plants? This guide by expert Janit Calvo has all the information and resources you need to get started. Find out about the best plant choices, where to … [Read more...]

How To Make a Stone Birdhouse

Published on December 6, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Decorative stone birdhouses and a bluebird.

Use these step-by-step instructions to make a decorative stone birdhouse for your garden. With the right adhesive these little houses can last outdoors for years to come. To make nesting boxes … [Read more...]

How to Clean Animal Bones for Display

Published on November 23, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Groundhog bones being cleaned with bleach solution.

Ready to clean animal bones? This tutorial provides a clear, step-by-step process for bleaching and whitening bones—a final step in preparing degreased animal bones for display. For more posts on … [Read more...]

How to Make Pinecone Animals (Penguin, Owl, & Mouse)

Published on November 18, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Crafts created with pinecones including penguin, owl, and mouse.

Turn pinecones into delightful pinecone animals with this tutorial. Instructions show how to create fun and festive penguin, owl, and mouse ornaments. If you enjoy working with natural materials, … [Read more...]

How To Preserve Leaves With Beeswax

Published on October 26, 2020Last updated October 26, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Leaves preserved in beeswax.

This popular method preserves leaves by dipping them in melted beeswax. It's an excellent way to capture the beauty of fall leaf colors—red, orange, yellow, green, and gold—for use in crafts and … [Read more...]

How to Press Flowers—Fast & Traditional Methods

Published on October 18, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Pressed flowers and leaves.

Learn how to quickly press flowers and leaves using a microwave oven or iron, or use the traditional method with a flower press or heavy books. Includes 25 creative ways to use your pressed … [Read more...]

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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
Join me as I share creative + frugal home & garden ideas with a dash of humor.
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