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Home / Alex Shoemaker

Author: Alex Shoemaker

Alex Shoemaker is an experienced journalist and DIYer. He started shoemakesnew.com in 2020 with his wife, Emma. He loves making his house more functional for his family.
sanded vs. unsanded grout
DIY Projects

Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Choosing for DIY Tiling Projects

Discover the key differences between sanded and unsanded grout for DIY tiling projects. Learn when to use each type, tips for mixing, and how to choose the best grout for floors, backsplashes, showers, and more!

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What to Do After Closing on a Home: A New Homeowner Checklist
All Posts

What to Do After Closing on a Home: A New Homeowner Checklist

Learn exactly what to do after closing on a home with our comprehensive guide for new homeowners. From changing locks to transferring utilities, we cover essential next steps.

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Murphy Bed vs Sleeper Sofa: Which is Better for Guest Rooms?
All Posts | DIY Projects

Murphy Bed vs Sleeper Sofa: Which is Better for Guest Rooms?

Trying to make the most of a small guest room?…

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rubber mulch vs. wood mulch
Products

Rubber Mulch vs. Wood Mulch: Which Is Better for Your Garden?

Explore the pros and cons of rubber mulch vs. wood mulch for your landscaping needs. Compare durability, cost, maintenance, environmental impact, and more to make the best choice for your garden.

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What to Do Before Closing on a Home
All Posts

What to Do Before Closing on a Home: Including FREE Checklist

Discover what to do before closing on a home, including inspections, final walkthroughs, closing costs, and essential paperwork to ensure a smooth buying process.

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cozy breakfast nook bench
All Posts | DIY Projects

Comparing Drawer vs. Flip-top Storage for Breakfast Nook Benches

Discover the best storage options for breakfast nook benches in small kitchens. Compare drawer and flip-top storage, learn pros and cons, and choose the perfect solution to maximize your space. Whether for easy-access, hidden storage, or child-safe options, find out which storage style fits your needs and budget.”

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Electric vs Gas Fireplaces
DIY Projects

Why We Chose Electric Over Gas For Our DIY Fireplace

Discover the pros and cons of electric vs gas fireplaces for DIY home renovations. Learn about cost, heating efficiency, installation, and which option is best for your project.

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Composite Wood Fencing vs. Traditional Wood: What’s the Best Choice for You?
DIY Projects | Products

Composite Wood Fencing vs. Traditional Wood: What’s the Best Choice for You?

Discover the true differences between composite wood fencing vs. traditional wood. Compare costs, durability, and maintenance requirements to make the best choice for your home. Expert insights on materials, installation, and long-term value.

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Pros and Cons of a Washer/Dryer Combo
All Posts | Products

Pros and Cons of a Washer/Dryer Combo

Wondering if a washer/dryer combo is right for you? Discover the pros, cons, drawbacks, and maintenance tips to decide if it fits your lifestyle.

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DIY Renovations That Added the Most Value to Our Homes
All Posts | DIY Projects | Renovations

DIY Renovations That Added the Most Value to Our Homes

Discover the best DIY renovations that add value to your home. From kitchen remodels to bathroom updates, learn which projects offer the highest ROI and transform your space with these expert tips.

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shoemakesnew

shoemakesnew

A thrifty Aussie mum with the audacity to DIY anything. Old house, new projects, & life back home after a decade abroad 🛠️
✉️: emma@shoemakesnew.com

I’ve been on a journey to make my own cafe curta I’ve been on a journey to make my own cafe curtains because I needed a little bit of softness and whimsy in my kitchen renovation and despite feeling very overwhelmed for a bit in the middle there I feel like these turned out so cute (if you aren’t tooo close)! 
Now I’m overconfident on the old sewing machine and who knows what this self proclaimed seamstress is going to make next. 

#sewsewsew #diycafecurtains #kitchenremodel #kitcheninspiration
After 11 years in America, one husband and two kid After 11 years in America, one husband and two kids, coming home to a house that needed everything seemed like the next logical step. Can confirm live still feels calmer. 

#lifeinaustralia #expatlife #movingabroad #australianhome #diyhome
If you were hoping for a dreamy tutorial on how to If you were hoping for a dreamy tutorial on how to make DIY cafe curtains for your kitchen… this isn’t it. But I diiiid figure it out as I went and I’m actually so proud of pulling this one off. I still might need to give these bad boys a steam but ugh the whimsy of it all! They added exactly the amount of character to these giant windows that I hoped for 🤌🏻
We have these massive windows in our kitchen (one We have these massive windows in our kitchen (one is two metres and one is three, which is like 6-10 feet each), and I emphatically love them but the morning sun is annoying and I had this vision of whimsical flowy cafe curtains to give them some pizzazz. 
I priced out some brass and some wood rods and they were all really thick curtain rods, they didn’t come in long enough sizes, or they were literally more than ONE THOUSAND dollars so I bought a dowel and grabbed some scrap wood and thought I’d just do it my damn self 🤷‍♀️ 
It took a few prototypes and honestly the brackets are still a bit rough but from afar they’re fine and it saved me so much money I’ll get over it. Plus hopefully the focus is going to be on the pretty wispy curtains I’m whipping up next so follow along to see if I can pull it off! 

#diycurtains #kitchenrenovation #kitchenreno
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