DIY Building Projects

Why I Make Homemade Soap with Locally Sourced Beef Tallow

By Liz Beavis, Eight Acres

I started making soap 10 years ago when I realised I could use beef fat from a butchered steer. Since then I've learnt to use local, natural ingredients.

Making Homemade Goat's Milk Soap

By Holly Chiantaretto, Hallow Springs Farm

Directions, tips, and a recipe for making goat's milk soap to use, give as gifts, or sell.

Use the Whole Animal: 5 Uses For Non-Meat Deer Parts

By Fala Burnette, Wolf Branch Homestead

When processing a deer during the hunting season, consider saving certain parts of the deer for use as tallow, bone needles, and even a seed stripper.

How to Build an 8-Foot-Square Garden or Storage Shed

By Emily Heyde, ShedPlans.org

When it comes to building a simple but cost-effective 64-square-foot outdoor shed for creating more space in your backyard, this simple plan will get the job done. These shed blueprints are designed for all skill levels, even newbies

Make Your Own Multi-Herb Smudge Sticks

By Carole Coates

Using herbal smudge sticks is an ancient tradition for purifying the air. Here's how to make your own from sage, lavender, mint, or other favorite herbs.

What’s the Deal with Cloth Cage Liners for Small Pets?

By Danielle Pientka

Learn about using reusable cage liners for small pets like guinea pigs and practical considerations, such as saving money on bedding.

Sheep and Their Fleeces, Part 2

Deborah Niemann teaches a class on dang near everything you need to know about marketing your fleeces.

No-Sew Heavy-Duty Curtains

By Carole Coates

Draperies can be expensive, even if you’re making them yourself. But if you make curtains from canvas drop cloths, you’ll save both money and time.