Increase your self-reliance by increasing your ability to do more projects yourself instead of hiring out or purchasing from the store. Our do-it-yourself projects for the homestead include building projects, home goods, cleaning, health/beauty, and crafts! Because, after-all, self-reliance is all about “doing it yourself” (with a little help, of course).
This article is the third in a series on backyard sugaring in partnership with the Vermont Evaporator Company. We appreciate their partnership in helping us to test out the process and share with our readers! You’ve tapped your trees, and in your sugar woods is …
This article is part of a series on Backyard Sugaring in partnership with the Vermont Evaporator Company. Check out the first article – How to Tap a Maple Tree for Syrup – and then use this one to get you to the next step in …
A top-down fire is a great strategy for a fire in wood stove, fireplace, outdoor oven, or campfire. The process is just like it sounds – you build a fire with the largest pieces on the bottom and the kindling on top, instead of the …
This post was contributed by Kate Whelley McCabe from Vermont Evaporator Company, our partner in a series of articles on backyard sugaring for February 2020. We appreciate Kate’s help in teaching our audience how to tap a maple tree! You’ve decided! You’re going to make …
Add these simple instructions for building removable interior storm windows (or “window insert”) to your energy efficiency checklist this winter! One of the best things you can do to improve the efficiency of your home and save costs on heating is to improve the insulation …
A log cutting rack makes it easy to cut firewood into log-length pieces.
Beeswax holiday ornaments are a great gift for friends and family. They are easy to make with just a few simple supplies, and they smell beautiful! You can package your beeswax ornaments into a box with a ribbon for a gift that looks gift store …
While there are many methods for cleaning and rendering beeswax, this method, described by Starla of Misty Meadows Homestead & Apiary results in beautiful clean wax worthy of all of your beeswax products. We asked her to share with our readers so you too can …
When it comes to seed starting, it is hard to find a better set up than a vertical, tiered seed starting shelf with grow lights on each level (commonly called a “grow light stand”). This set-up allows you to grow multiple levels of seedlings in …
Should you buy a wood stove for your home? Wondering the best way to use a wood stove to effectively heat your home? In this article, guest author Jana Strain provides information and advice for those of you who are considering wood stoves or who …