By MICHELE BESCHEN, Scripps Howard News Service

Hobbies: Resourceful renovation

We kicked off the new year with a home-renovation project that has renewed my enthusiasm for the do-it-yourself life.

Even as someone who has been a DIY advocate and enthusiast all my life, I still get blown away by the fulfillment that comes from doing things myself when I'm knee-deep in a big project.

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Hobbies: Taking advantage of the holiday aftermath

"Waste not, want not." That's what my grandfather used to say. I now find myself proudly saying the same thing, and believing in it and acting on it. As you begin the task of tearing down and packing away the holiday trimmings you have scattered about your home, here are a few resourceful ways to use some of those trimmings throughout the coming year:

The Tree

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Hobbies: The natural beauty of a wreath

The evergreen wreath is a beautiful addition to most homes this time of year. Wreaths can be created in a multitude of ways using a plethora of materials and techniques, but when created out of evergreens, they're believed to represent the strength of life and healing.

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Hobbies: Branch out

The creative possibility that lies within a single branch is inspiring. It can be manipulated and transformed into some of the most beautiful, organic jewelry pieces. Working with branches doesn't cost anything, which makes people even more fearless with their efforts, because they're not as concerned with making costly mistakes.

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Hobbies: The magic of a mishap

Let's face it: When something breaks, our natural reaction is usually less than positive. We're upset, we're angry, we're disappointed. We can dwell on the breakage for moments that extend long beyond the "breakup." Or we can embrace the mishap as a creative opportunity -- the opportunity to pick up the pieces and turn them into something magical.

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Hobbies: Back to basics 'creatively'

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." -- Albert Einstein

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Hobbies: Make a miniature tree house

"Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play." -- Herodotus, Greek historian

Kids are home for the summer, camps are in full swing and parents and instructors are embracing as many inventive things as they can to keep their youngsters happy, busy and productively playful.

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Hobbies: Let the outdoor entertaining begin

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" -- Robin Williams

The windows are open wide, the perennials are back to greet us and we're staying outdoors later and later with every warming day. Let the outdoor entertaining begin with some ideas for budget-friendly, naturally good backyard bashes.

'Plant' to Party

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Hobbies: Get your garden on

"Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there." -- Thomas Fuller

Gardens can come in many shapes and sizes. They can be contained or sprawling, big or small.

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Hobbies: Make rock-solid planters

Spring always delivers a mixed bag of creative opportunity.

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