DIY Starter Log
Starting a fire, even in a fireplace or a wood burning stove takes time, time and kindling. It’s much more convenient to use a starter log. But starter logs cost about $5 a piece, and that quickly adds up in the winter. This video demonstrates how to make starter logs yourself, from material and tools …. Read More
Dollar Store First Aid Supplies
It’s really important to keep a well-stocked first aid kit on the homestead. Scrapes, scratches, and bruises are common, and you also might live far away from a medical clinic or hospital and will need to tend to more serious wounds or illnesses yourself at times. There are a multitude of pre-made first aid kits …. Read More
DIY Scrap Mouse Trap
Mice can be a real problem, this time of year they aren’t satisfied with staying outside. This means that they will bring all of their diseases with them, if you let them. Exterminators can be expensive, and traps can too. My favorite store bought trap is the igloo-like electric trap, and that can cost as …. Read More
DIY Calamine Lotion
If you’ve ever had poison ivy, poison oak, hives, or any other kind of severe skin irritation that causes itching, you’ll know just how soothing calamine lotion can be. I always thought it was something specific, but it turns out the ingredients will probably be pretty familiar to you if you have a basic natural …. Read More
Natural Antibiotics That Are Better Than a Perscription
This time of year there are all kinds of bugs in the air, and you’re bound to get sick sooner or later. A lot of people will rush right to the doctor to get antibiotics if they suspect an infection, and antibiotics certainly are amazing miracles of modern medicine. But they can also be harmful …. Read More
Rope Making (Video)
When it comes to homesteading, I love plotting and planning for as much self-reliance as possible. And a huge part of that includes supplies. I love to see how other people make their own supplies, and this rope-making video is pretty cool. They have a pretty cool little contraption that wouldn’t be to difficult to …. Read More
Seed Tape
At $3 or more per packet, seeds can be one of the primary costs of gardening, especially if you are starting a new garden or expanding the crops you are growing. To some extent, it is an unavoidable cost, but all too often seeds are wasted and the cost of your garden grows needlessly. …. Read More
How to Make Fermented Chicken Feed
Us humans love fermented food. It’s not just kombucha and sauerkraut for hippies, most of us eat fermented food in the form of beer, wine, cheese, yogurt, vinegar, pickles and sourdough and levain-style artisan breads, which are all fermented when traditionally made. I’m a big fan of fermentation because not only are most fermented foods …. Read More
How to Make a Holiday Wreath (Video)
A holiday wreath is a really easy way to dress up your house for the holidays without spending hours hanging lights that you’ll just take down in a few weeks anyway. And for homesteaders, why not make some wreaths out of found seasonal foliage on your property? Even if you don’t homestead, this easy, homemade …. Read More
Make Your Own Powdered Laundry Detergent
Are you tired of buying overpriced laundry detergent that has too much scent? As a homesteader, you should be making your own laundry detergent. You will find that with a few simple ingredients, you can create laundry detergent that works just as well as what you buy, and it will save you quite a bit …. Read More