Headboards That Attach To Standard Metal Frames

With an attached headboard, you can angle your bed in a corner.

When you don't have the space or budget for a bed consisting of headboard, footboard and rails, consider attaching a headboard to your metal bed frame. A bed with a headboard looks more finished than just a mattress and frame, and it gives you something to lean against while you read or watch television in bed. Headboards that attach to metal bed frames come in a wide range of decorating styles and price points. Does this Spark an idea?

Construction

A headboard that attaches to a standard metal frame has elongated slots or a series of holes near the floor at each end of the headboard. On some headboards, the slots or holes are drilled through the headboard's legs. On others, the openings pierce metal or wood plates attached to the insides of the legs. By including slots or multiple holes, manufacturers ensure that their headboards will attach to metal bed frames of varying heights.

Attach

To attach a headboard to metal bed frame, you'll need carriage bolts, wing nuts and washers. The needed length and size varies according to the headboard depth and the size of the slots or holes.

With the headboard standing upright, center the bed frame in front of it. The slots on the bed frame should align with the corresponding slots or holes on the headboard. Insert carriage bolts into the slots on the bed frame and push them through the openings on the headboard. Slip washers over the protruding ends of the bolts at the back of the headboard and then screw a wing nut onto each one.

Advantages

Attaching a headboard to your bed frame helps keep both in place. With headboards that hang on the wall or merely stand behind the mattress, the frame inches away from the headboard as you toss and turn in the bed. You may wake to find your pillows in the floor between them. The problem is worse when you have hard floors instead of carpet, even if you lock the bed frame's casters or replace them with glides.

An attached headboard also gives you more options as you arrange your furniture. You can float the bed in the room or angle it in a corner. You can't do either with a freestanding or wall-mounted headboard.

Styles

Headboards that attach to metal bed frames come in wood, metal and upholstered fabric or leather. Many manufacturers offer headboard-only versions of their complete beds. Others make headboards of all styles -- from antique-inspired to sleek and contemporary -- as stand-alone pieces.

Most bed styles that typically include a footboard and side rails also look good as just a headboard. Sleigh beds and wrap-around bed styles are the exceptions.

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Bed Styles For A Loft

Loft apartments have an open and urban appearance.

A loft apartment is an open concept space that has no clear distinctions between the living areas. Bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens flow into each other and are visible to each other. The style of the bed is an important feature in a loft bedroom because of the lack of privacy or walls between rooms. The bed must add to the interior design of the entire loft apartment. When living in a loft, keep the bed made and clothing put away. Does this Spark an idea?

Beds With Storage

Loft apartments must have adequate storage to maintain the open and airy appearance of the space. Beds with built-in storage can provide additional storage to keep the bedroom area of the apartment tidy. Some platform style beds provide drawer space built into the bottom of the bed. Additional shelving in the headboard of the bed can provide storage for books as well.

Modern and Contemporary Beds

A contemporary style fits in well with the design and look of a loft style apartment. Contemporary and modern bed designs are low to the floor with a simple and minimalist appearance. Modern furniture has a sleek look without embellishment, such as carved ornate headboards or the opulent styles common in traditional or Victorian furnishings.

Metal Beds

Metal beds also make a statement in a loft apartment. While modern and contemporary beds have a minimalist look, an ornate wrought iron bed can make a grand statement in a loft apartment. The metal beds have an urban look that fits in with the style of the apartment and takes advantage of the view from other areas of the living space. The bed becomes a decorative element for the rest of the apartment.

Canopy Beds

Canopy beds can provide some measure of privacy in a loft style apartment. The canopy bed surrounds the mattress with fabric or netting, which can keep the sleeping space out of sight of the rest of the apartment. While sleeping in the bed, the bed itself can also feel like a little cocoon of privacy in the wide open loft.

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Diy Wall Shelf

Use stainless steel shelf brackets instead of wrought iron for a contemporary look.

Wall shelves are an ideal place to showcase a few decorative items on a wall. Add interest and show a bit of your personal style by adding wall shelves to some of the rooms in your home. You can build your own basic wall shelf as a do-it-yourself woodworking project. Select a quality hardwood for your shelf so that it will be beautiful and lasting. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Insert a roman ogee bit into the router table and lock it in place. Adjust the height so that it will cut the full profile into a 1-inch thick board. Adjust the fence so that it will accommodate a 1-inch thick board.

2. Place the hardwood board on the router table with one 1-by-24-inch edge flat against the table and one 12-by-24-inch side flat against the fence. Turn the router on and guide the board through the router to rout one 1-by-24-inch edge of the board. Run the board through in a steady motion and remove it from the table once the edge is completely routed. The routed 1-by-24-inch edge of the board is the front of the shelf.

3. Place one 1-by-12-inch end flat against the table with the same 12-by-24-inch side from Step 2, flat against the fence. Run the board through the saw to rout the edge of the end. Follow the same procedure on the opposite end.

4. Sand the entire shelf board with fine-grit sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain until the surface is smooth. Clean the dust left from sanding off with a tack cloth.

5. Apply an even coat of wood finish to the shelf with a paintbrush. Allow the first coat to dry at least four hours and apply a second coat. Allow the final coat to dry for at least 24 hours.

6. Place the 1-by-24-inch edge that is not routed flat against a work surface. Align one shelf bracket under each end of the bottom side of the shelf. The top of the shelf has the routed profile along the edges on the front and ends. Position the brackets 4-inches in from each end. Screw the included mounting screws through the holes in the brackets into the bottom of the shelf board with a screw gun.

7. Slide a stud finder along the wall where you want to mount the shelf. Locate two wall studs nearest to where you want the shelf located and mark them with a pencil at the desired height for the shelf. Hold the shelf up to the wall so that the brackets are centered on the studs. Place a level on the shelf and adjust it for level. Mark the mounting holes. Remove the shelf and level from the wall.

8. Center the shelf on the wall and align the holes in the brackets with the marked positions for the mounting holes on the wall. Drive the included mounting screws through the holes in the brackets into the wall studs with a screw gun.

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Diy Make A Retail Clothing Display Out Of Fence Bars

This piece of fence is just begging for a new paint job and a jewelry display.

Fence bars can be used to excellent effect as a prop for creating a display. Whether you are selling high end jewelry or sporty shoes and skateboards, knowing what kind of fence to use and display it to your advantage will help you sell. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a fancy fence, the type with curves, names and wrought iron, to give a display a more elegant "high-class" look. These types of gates remind people of expensive mansions, so they work well for selling things like jewelry and accessories like scarfs. You could also drape light, airy dresses over them, since this type of fence looks more "feminine" than most. For a more modern look, try spray painting your fence with a vibrant, in style color, like lemon yellow, or neon pink.

2. Use a chain-link fence to give a sporty or athletic look. Be careful with this one, because it can also look "jail-like." Try to keep it to just one wall and make it clear that the fence represents something sporty, like the fence around a baseball park. A few caps and a baseball bat are sufficient props to show off running shoes, athletic tops or shorts.

3. Use a standard "white picket fence" to show off "the folks next door." You can use this image to sell all manner of things, from outdoor goods like barbecues, to mid range clothes like polo shirts and summer dresses. This is also a cute, familiar-feeling way to sell pet or children's products, since it gives the customer an impression of safety and familiarity.

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Use Jb Weld

JB Weld may very well be the greatest thing since mechanics' wire and wire tie wraps. If you need to repair something metal and are not a welder or it can't be welded, try JB Weld for a temporary or long-term fix. Uses are limited only by your imagination. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decide whether to try to repair the item or get a new one. JB Weld can be used for almost anything made of metal, plastic, wood, or ceramic around the house, farm or on a vehicle. If the item is critical for bodily safety, however, it would probably be wise to replace it.

2. Clean all pieces thoroughly. Scrape rust and debris from metal and use solvent and a rag to clean off any oil or grease.

3. Mix equal portions of resin and hardener in an adequate amount to do the repair you have in mind. Use a disposable piece of plastic to mix on, such as a jar lid or clean food dish and a wooden paddle such as a tongue depressor or match stick.

4. Follow instructions on the JB Weld package or one of the tubes. Work quickly. The chemical reaction is starting when you can feel a little heat from the mixture and it will set up in a few minutes.

5. Clamp the pieces together or hold firmly until the glue is set, then let the JB Weld harden for the required length of time before using the item.

Tags: item Weld

Alternative Headboards

Headboards can be made to suit your individual style.

There's no hard-and-fast rule that says headboards have to be a bulky piece of furniture. You can make a headboard from a variety of different materials and items. Regardless of whether you're a gifted artist or a novice in need of change in your bedroom, you can create an aesthetically pleasing headboard. Does this Spark an idea?

Lattice

Turn lattice into a headboard that is both practical and a work of art.

Paint lattice in a color that matches your bedroom color scheme and decor. Screw a 5-foot tall piece that is as wide as your bed to the wall. Use the lattice to hang scarves, hats and sunglasses. Place plate hangers on it to display vintage or nouveau art pieces above your bed. It's also a place to display mementos, photos and souvenirs from trips and shopping excursions. When you want to change the look of your room, it's as simple as swapping out the items that are hanging from your versatile headboard. A word of warning: Make sure whatever you hang above your bed, especially if it's a heavy item, is secure, so that it doesn't fall on you during sleep.

Room Divider

The depth and height of room dividers are an optimum alternative to traditional headboards.

Create one of the easiest headboards you'll ever own by simply positioning a room divider between your bed and the wall. A wrought-iron room divider works well for Spanish-style decor. An Asian-inspired screen complements contemporary styles. For those who need to feel more "involved" in the process of making a headboard, simply paint three narrow pieces of plywood and screw hinges between them.

Paint

Release your artistic side by using the space above your bed as a canvas. If you have the artistic ability, then the sky's your limit. Even if you aren't a trained artist, there are several options from which to choose. Tape off an area that actually looks like the outline of a headboard. Paint the wall on the outside of the tape one color and the area inside the tape another. Once it's dry remove the tape and enjoy your new headboard. Stencil your name or flowers or even favorite quotes above your bed to take the place of a traditional furniture piece.

Curtains

Let curtains take the place of your headboard.

Hang curtains above your bed. You don't need to push your bed underneath a window in order to use curtains as your headboard. Hang a rod at the top of the wall. Use a fabric that complements your room and matches the other window treatments. If your bed is already beneath a window, use ornate tie-backs to pull the drapes open.

Windows

Take an old weathered window frame and hang it above your bed in its less-than-perfect state for a vintage touch. Sand and paint it in bright colors to make the space pop. Wallpaper the window panes with different samples for an eclectic look. You can also hang black-and-white photo copies inside the panes to create a nostalgic headboard.

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Clean Rust & Rod Iron

Iron rods can collect rust and dirt, which will need to be cleaned.

Iron rods can be used for a number of purposes, such as decorations or reinforcements. As useful as wrought iron is, since it is made from iron, it can rust, becoming visually unappealing and weakening the original strength if left untreated. There are ways you can clean and protect irons at home for little money and little effort, restoring them to their original strength and visual appeal using everyday products you probably have laying around your garage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Method One: Cleaning Iron Rods

1. Add a drop or two of dish detergent to a bucket of water. Mix the solution together.

2. Soak a clean rag in the soap mixture.

3. Rub the wet rag on the iron rod, making sure to thoroughly clean the crevices on the rod. Use a soft bristle toothbrush if necessary.

4. Use a hose to spray the iron rod clean.

5. Allow the rod to air dry thoroughly before proceeding.

6. Protect the rod using paint or wrought iron-specific wax following the package instructions.

Method Two: To Remove Rust

7. Use sandpaper to rub the rusted area. If it is minor rust, use a medium-grit sandpaper to start. If it is deep rust, use coarse-grit sandpaper.

8. Rub the area with the sandpaper until the majority of the rust is gone. Rust may penetrate underneath adjacent areas where the protective coating is still intact, so rub these areas as well. Switch to a fine-grain sandpaper as the amount of rust remaining decreases.

9. Continue to sand the rusted area until all the rust is gone.

10. Wipe the rod down with a clean rag to remove any remaining dust from your sanding.

11. Protect the rod using paint or wrought iron-specific wax following the package instructions.

Method Three: To Remove Rust

12. Place four to five drops of turpentine onto a steel wool pad.

13. Rub the iron rod with the turpentine pad. Apply extra pressure over highly rusted areas. Continue to rub the rod until you have removed the rust.

14. Use a clean, dry rag to wipe the rod clean.

15. Protect the rod using paint or wrought iron-specific wax following the package instructions.

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Hanging Wrought Iron Planters

Bring an old-fashioned type of beauty to your home or garden by hanging plants in wrought iron planters. Since wrought iron is heavier than plastic planters, it is necessary to take some extra steps and use some special tools to ensure that the planter stays in place. You can either choose to hang your wrought iron planters from the ceiling or from the wall. However, you will need to buy an extra hanger if you want to hang the planter on the wall. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

From the Ceiling

1. Measure how far out from the wall you want your wrought iron planter to hang. Make a mark with the pencil on the ceiling of where to place the eye hook. Find a stud, using a stud finder if necessary, to screw the eye hook into if possible.

2. Pre-drill the hole for the eye hook, especially if you are screwing it into a stud. Screw the eye hook into the ceiling, making sure that it is tight and secure. Use an anchor if you cannot find a stud.

3. Hang the wrought iron planter from the ceiling.

From the Wall

4. Find the area of the wall in which you want to hang your wrought iron plant hanger. Find a place that has studs to ensure that the planter is secure and will not damage the wall. Use an anchor if you cannot find a stud.

5. Set the wrought iron wall hook up against the wall and use the pencil to mark where the holes are in the hanger. Pre-drill these holes using the drill.

6. Place the hanger back up against the wall and drill in the screws through the holes.

7. Hang the wrought iron planter on the wall hook.

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Bathroom Wall Mirror Ideas

Bathroom mirrors provide a decorative element to the room.

The mirror is one element of bathroom decor that is necessary and beautiful at the same time. A bathroom mirror provides the usual pluses of making the room look bigger and better-lit, and it helps you to get ready for your day. Choosing the right mirror can mean that your bathroom design looks more pulled-together. Does this Spark an idea?

Contemporary Mirrors

A contemporary style for the bathroom has a sleek look. The mirror that you choose for your modern bathroom should not be ornate or have a bulky frame. Plain glass on the walls or metallic frames with interesting, modern lights surrounding the glass works well in a contemporary bathroom. To achieve a modern look with your wall mirrors, use two or three small round mirrors above the sink.

Traditional Styles

Traditional bathrooms often feature a wood framed mirror or one with a decorative frame. Traditional wrought iron lights on either side of the mirror create a classic look. Choose wood colors that fit the decor of the room, which would include dark wood stains in bathrooms with a traditional style. Choose a rectangular or square shape for the traditional bathroom mirror. Traditional bathroom mirrors may also form the front of a cabinet that provides storage.

Small Bathrooms

Mirrors can help a smaller bathroom appear larger, but it is important to not use multiple mirrors, to avoid causing confusion in the room. Mirrors on either side of the walls can be disorienting in a smaller bathroom. You can use more than one mirror, but be aware of the issues that may arise. Mirrors also reflect a greater amount of light into the room, to give it a brighter appearance.

Full-Length Mirrors

Full-length mirrors on the walls work well in a modern bathroom design. The larger mirror provides a useful tool for getting dressed and can contribute to a modern, clean appearance in the bathroom.

Tags: bathroom design, bathroom mirror, either side, mirror provides, modern bathroom, smaller bathroom

Mount A Wine Rack

Protect your favorite wines with a properly installed wine rack.

Wine racks are mounted on the wall or ceiling to hold wine on an angle to keep the cork from drying out. They need to be mounted correctly to prevent them from falling after adding bottles of wine to the rack. Although there are many different types and styles of wine racks, using the correct fasteners to attach them to the wall provides a safe, secure rack for wine storage and display. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the studs in the general mounting area for the wine rack with a stud finder or hammer. If using a hammer, tap the wall gently and listen for a different sound as it changes from a hollow area between studs to a solid area where the studs are located. Tap a finishing nail in at horizontal locations to locate the edges of the stud. The finishing nail will slide easily in hollow areas and encounter resistance at the stud location. Mark both sides of the stud location with a pencil.

2. Hold the wine rack on the wall or ceiling with one set of mounting holes over the center of the stud. Adjust the position of the wine rack to meet your preferences. If the top or sides of the wine rack are straight, use a level to square it.

3. Mark the locations for mounting screws on the wall by pushing a pencil in each screw location. If the holes are too thin, push a small nail into the mounting locations and mark the wall with the tip of the nail. Remove the wine rack.

4. Install hollow wall anchors at each mounting screw location that is not over a stud. Position the pointed end of the wall anchor against the wall and screw it in or tap it into the wall depending on the type of hollow wall anchor chosen.

5. Place the wine rack back into position and align the mounting holes with the anchors and marks on the wall or ceiling. Insert the screws packaged with the hollow wall anchors into the mounting holes over anchors. Use coarse-threaded wood screws to attach the wine rack at locations where there is a stud. Appropriate-sized washers may be needed between the heads of the screws and the wine rack to prevent the screw heads from slipping through the mounting holes.

Tags: wine rack, mounting holes, hollow wall, wall ceiling, wine rack, finishing nail, holes over

Tuscan Home Colors

Use earthy tones for a Tuscan-designed home.

Designing a home reminiscent of a sunny, breezy Mediterranean villa is achievable with the right colors. Freshome.com explains that Tuscan design is relaxed and casual, yet sophisticated. This Italian aesthetic relies on the earthy, subdued colors of the Tuscan landscape as the guiding force behind this classic, sensible home design. Does this Spark an idea?

Olive Green

From the juniper and olive trees growing outside to the pots of basil and rosemary growing on the window sill, olive green is a prominent color of Tuscan homes. If possible, add this color by placing an herb garden on the kitchen window sill or on the patio. Otherwise, fill large glass bottles with olive oil and place them on kitchen shelves. Use olive green in the bedroom or guest room with throw pillows, linens and plants.

Tan

Dusty tan colors are used not only on the outer walls of Tuscan homes but also in home furnishings. Paint the walls in a light tan color, and lay tile mosaics on the outside patio using small tan tiles. Choose a sandy tan color for carpeting if tiling is not an option indoors. Also, use dusty sandstone countertops for bathrooms, kitchen counters and fireplace mantels. Use tan-colored Venetian plaster for walls and murals throughout the home.

Brown

Brown, along with tan, should be a dominant color in a Tuscan home design. Choose deep chocolate-colored leather couches, dark rustic wooden beams for the ceiling, and rich wooden tables, cabinets and chairs. For all wall art, choose thick, brown wooden frames. Brown is also appropriate for terracotta flooring. Place large brown ceramic jugs on mantels and shelves for a true Italian feel.

Black

Adorn your home with black wrought iron accessories. Use an ornate wrought-iron gate for fences in the front yard and the back yard. Display plants in a wrought iron plant holder in the garden area. Hang wrought iron candleholders, mirrors and picture frames in the household. Find wrought iron chandeliers to hang in the living room, bedrooms and even in the bathroom.

Accent Colors

Cherry tomato red, lavender and burnt orange are all appropriate accent colors for a Tuscan theme. Use these accent colors in wall art, dishware, blankets, towels and vases. A copper rack hanging above the breakfast bar is another way to use orange colors while adding Italian authenticity to the home.

Tags: wrought iron, accent colors, color Tuscan, colors Tuscan, home design, olive green, Tuscan homes

Paint A Metal Garage Door To Look Like Carriage Doors

Garage doors are often the most prominent part of a house.

Carriage doors are traditionally thick, solid wood with wrought iron hardware, giving them an expensive look and a price tag to match. Replacing an ordinary garage door with carriage doors might be out of the question, but there is an artistic work-around that can help. Faux paint techniques can duplicate many textures, including wood. Practice on a scrap board to perfect your style, then take an afternoon to transform your garage door into a focal point of your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Raise the garage door, spread the drop cloth across the garage threshold and lower the door.

2. Apply painter's tape around the edges of the door and anywhere you do not want paint.

3. Place a paint tray liner in the paint tray. Fill it with primer. Apply primer to every garage door crevice and in corners where a roller cannot reach using an angled paint brush. Rinse the brush with water, and dry it on a rag.

4. Roll the paint roller through the tray to soak the fibers with primer. Roll it against the top of the pain pan's slope to remove the excess. Roll the primer onto the garage door using long strokes. Paint top to bottom, and from one side of the door to the other. Let it dry.

5. Replace the pan liner. Fill it with paint. Paint hard-to-reach areas with the paintbrush. Rinse the brush and dry it. Replace the roller cover. Load the roller with paint by passing it through the tray. Paint the garage door with long strokes and let it dry. Apply another coat, and let it dry.

6. Replace the pan liner. Fill it with glaze and glaze extender in a mixture ratio recommended by the extender's manufacturer. Extender helps it the glaze dry slower. Apply the mixture around the perimeter of one section of the door using the brush. Replace the roller cover. Load it with the glaze mixture and cover that section with glaze.

7. Press a wood graining tool against the wet glaze and pull it top to bottom inside the section. Rock it slightly by its handle as you slide it through the glaze to achieve the grain look. Drag the tip of the brush bristles through the glaze around the perimeter of the section. Use horizontal strokes across the top and bottom and vertical strokes down the sides of the section. Complete the wood grain in each separate section of the garage door using the same techniques. Rinse and dry the brush. Let the door dry.

8. Replace the tray liner and roller cover. Fill the tray with sealer. Apply sealer to the entire door using the brush and the roller. Let it dry and remove the painter's tape.

Tags: garage door, door using, Fill with, Rinse brush, roller cover, with glaze, around perimeter

Balcony Fencing Ideas

A balcony fence can be designed for heightened safety and privacy, if desired.

Balconies add a distinctive look to a home, office and building. Most balconies have a railing, which is a shortened form of fencing. The railings primarily serve as a safety border to help prevent anyone from falling. Fencing is used to add the additional element of privacy. Expand on ideas used for decks and porches to create ideas for a balcony fence. This will broaden your design options and enhance the look of the balcony. Does this Spark an idea?

Balusters

Balusters will give the balcony a definite architectural style. Wide balusters with turnings will make the balcony take on a colonial effect, or one that's reminiscent of New England and Cape Cod architectural styles. This effect will work well with brick, clapboard and wood-frame homes or buildings. Painting the balusters white will make the balcony fencing look classic and stately. In addition to wood, you can explore urethane balusters to eliminate concerns about peeling and warping and other weather-related problems.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is another option and can be used for contemporary or traditional homes and buildings. The wrought iron can be straight or curved to flow with the design of the balcony and add visual impact. The wrought iron can be black or white, smooth or textured. Select a color and shape that will enhance and blend with the style of the home and the materials used, such as brick or wood.

Glass

An all-glass enclosure will give the balcony a contemporary look. The glass can be solid with flat surfaces on the front and sides so the balcony has a transparent look. Think about creating a high-style look by incorporating chrome or brass piping to bracket the glass. You could design the glass in horizontal panels that connect to the metal brackets, or have the glass run vertically and unobstructed. Another option is to design a curved glass fence so the balcony functions as an observation or lookout point.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is a choice for those who definitely want to make a design statement. The steel can be die-cut with shapes and designs to create a balcony fence that is full of contemporary appeal. This look will enhance a new building or renovation such as a loft or condominium, especially buildings that are extremely modern and contemporary, inside and outside. The exterior appearance of the unusual balcony treatment will accent the look of the building and set it apart. The building might even become a neighborhood landmark.

Custom Panels

Panels are another option to give the fence an artistic look. Panels can be made of wood, metal or glass. The panels can include a scene that mimics the environment and surroundings, such as a sunburst for a home that is near the ocean, or a horse for a lodge-style home or retreat. A business could even have a custom-made panels constructed that include its logo on the balcony fence design.

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Remove Paint From Metal

Removing paint from metal surfaces is a task tackled many different ways depending on the type of metal and paint. Old ironwork and ornate pieces require more finesse and elbow grease than a simple flat, easy-to-access pieces. The decision to use chemical strippers, sandpaper or wire brushes is entirely up to the person undertaking the project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean the entire piece of metal with a damp or tacky cloth before trying to remove any paint. Wipe away any loose rust or flaking metal.

2. Use a wire brush to remove any more difficult areas of rust. Use a firm back and forth action to strip away stubborn areas of loose debris and dirt.

3. Strip away the paint from the metal by applying a chemical paint stripper. Apply chemical strippers with brushes, then hose off.

4. Sand away the paint with commercial metal 80-grit sandpaper followed by a light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper. Work the sandpaper into difficult to reach areas of the metal piece.

5. Sandblast away paint from metal using a sandblaster if needed. These machines rent by the day, yet are available for sale at home improvement or hardware stores. Blowing sand onto the metal piece under great pressure strips all of the unwanted paint from the metal work.

6. Wipe down the entire piece of metal after paint removal for a clean surface.

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Frugal Rustic Decorating Tips

Wrought iron piececs will give your home a rustic look.

Decorating your home with a rustic design on a frugal budget is simple. A rustic decor scheme is made to look relaxed, comfortable and thrown together. Incorporate items you already own with timeworn wood and metal pieces. Pull your antique collection out of the closet and use it to give your home a rustic, country-inspired flair.

Wicker Baskets

Wicker baskets will give your home a rustic touch without costing a fortune. In the bathroom, display rolled earth-hued towels in wicker baskets rather than on shelves. Display potted plants in woven baskets in the kitchen and living room. Place a wicker basket on a bedroom dresser to store items such as keys, sunglasses and wallets. Fill a wicker basket with dried flowers for a country-inspired look and use it to enhance any room.

Wrought Iron Items

Wrought iron items will instantly infuse your home with a rustic style. Use secondhand items and flea market finds to save money. Create a country-inspired kitchen tablescape with a wrought iron napkin holder and napkin rings. Hang bathroom towels from wrought iron racks and a shower curtain from wrought iron hooks. Enhance a deck, patio or porch with a vintage wrought iron bistro table and chair set; rust will give the set added rustic charm.

Country Fabrics

Use fabric scraps to transform home items from plain to rustic and country inspired. Use red, pink, blue, yellow or green gingham fabric to cover a white lamp shade. Sew red bandannas together to make curtains, tablecloths or place mats. Use a vintage cowboy or wildlife-inspired scarf as a side table or night stand covering.

Wood Touches

Inexpensive wood touches will infuse your home with a rustic look. Place nature images, such as birds, lakes and rolling fields in rough-hewn wood frames. Use old wood crates to store magazines, or turn them upside down to form plant stands. Use a vintage wood window frame to display photographs or artwork. Paint a worn wood chair rust red for a country Americana look; enhance the seat with a red, white and blue cushion.

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Buy Patio Furniture

Imagine relaxing in the comfort of your own backyard, sitting pretty in a classic lawn chair or sprawling on a garden chaise. Shop smart for patio furniture, and you'll be ready for casual entertaining and spur of the moment patio picnics. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look at the empty space on your patio, deck or out in the garden. Begin to develop a vision of chairs, benches and tables with your lifestyle in mind.

2. Measure the space and consider who will use it and for what purposes. A quiet reading nook needs different furniture than a place to host your son's baseball team.

3. Survey what's available in quality patio furniture: Surf the Internet, check decorating magazines and visit local shops. Make notes about materials, colors and styles you like.

4. Check warranties, care instructions and necessary maintenance of materials. Be sure the furniture you choose is durable and that parts will be available when you need them.

5. Decide what works for you; that's simply a combination of your wants and needs. And don't forget accessories such as side tables to hold cool drinks or a baker's rack for potted plants.

6. Know that materials convey style: Wrought iron seems Victorian, but other metals lend a 1950s retro mood. Wicker is romantic, wood feels warmly rustic and resin plastic speaks of a no-nonsense practicality.

7. Choose fabrics treated with water and stain repellants or treat them yourself before using. Plan to clean and retreat fabrics annually.

8. Keep budget in mind, but shop for value over price. Flimsy materials, complicated assemblies and delivery hassles can be costly in the long run.

9. Look for bargains in floor models, discontinued styles and pieces with minor scratches or dents at reduced prices. Consider sets that are missing a piece that you don't need or can supply, such as chair cushions.

10. Try before you buy; check out the styles you like to be sure you'll be comfortable in them. Sit on benches, loll on the chaise lounge and pull chairs up to their table to make sure you'll be comfortable all summer long.

Tags: patio furniture, styles like, sure comfortable

Decorate A Tall Rounded Wall

Decorative floor lamps are ideal for tall, rounded walls.

Decorating a tall, rounded wall in your home may pose quite a challenge, particularly if you don't know whether you should accentuate or diminish this unusual space. Many people choose to leave areas like this blank, resulting in a stark, unfinished look. Others attempt to fill it with so much decor that the wall looks chaotic and too busy. Utilizing harmonious paint colors, decor and furniture helps to create the look you desire with this uncommon wall shape. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the tall, rounded wall in a dark color if you want to minimize the height of the wall. Select a wall color that is two or three shades lighter than the color on the other walls if you want to draw attention to the space.

2. Place large furniture in front of the tall, rounded wall instead of fragile, diminutive pieces. A wooden bookcase is much more effective than one with a metal frame and glass shelves.

3. Hang large wall art with curving lines, such as wrought iron scrollwork. This accentuates the roundness and fills the expanse of bare wall, yet it doesn't add too much bulk. Another idea is to hang a grouping of pictures. Choose pictures that have a theme or colors in common, such as many black-and-white photos or a series of floral pictures.

4. Mount a curtain rod approximately 6 inches to 2 or 3 feet higher than an existing small window on the tall, rounded wall. Once you add the curtains, it provides decor that is more suitable to the large expanse of wall space. If you don't have a window in the area, but there is one on the opposite wall, consider hanging a mirror to create a faux window. Mount a curtain rod and curtains above and along the sides of the mirror. This brightens the room and adds a decorative look to this wall.

5. Place a decorative room divider or screen in front of the tall, rounded wall. Often, these screens are angular, and this detracts attention from the odd-shaped wall, particularly if it has a large print on it. If the screen is a solid color, position an unusual floor lamp or a tall, potted plant near one side or directly in front of it. This adds interest and texture to the area.

6. Hang a wallpaper border so it is near the ceiling of the other walls. Continue the horizontal line of the border across the tall, rounded wall at the same height. This helps to draw attention away from the rounded section. Another option is to use crown molding.

Tags: rounded wall, tall rounded, tall rounded wall, decor that, draw attention, front tall, front tall rounded

Southwest Bathroom Decorating

Decorate the bathroom with cactus green shades.

If you love the desert Southwest, decorate a bathroom to reflect your passion. A Southwestern decor style will give the space a warm and welcoming look. Use the desert landscape, including red canyons, green cactus, vibrant flowers and the blue sky, as inspiration when choosing a color scheme. Traditional desert and Southwestern motifs, patterns and materials such as clay, will give the space an authentic look. Completely redesign the bathroom for a fresh, updated style, or mix Southwestern-inspired pieces with items you already own. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the bathroom walls with a desert-inspired color to set the stage for the Southwestern decor style. Pick a warm, earthy hue such as adobe red, sunny yellow, cactus green, sand brown or dusty terra-cotta orange.

2. Hang a shower curtain featuring a Southwestern design; a decorative curtain will make the shower the room's focal point. Choose a cloth curtain featuring a desert landscape scene, cactus, coyote, abstract sun or lizard pattern. Suspend the shower curtain from coordinating resin hooks to complete the look.

3. Install black wrought iron towel racks for a rustic Southwestern style. Hang turquoise bath towels featuring vibrant brick red, orange, yellow and green stripes to add a pop of color to the space. Choose sandy brown or rich brown towels if you want to tone down a bright shower curtain or walls.

4. Decorate the bathroom with live plants to add a fresh touch to the space. Plant a small cactus in a cream-colored ceramic pot featuring Native American tribal designs and natural jute handles. For a decorative look, display the pot on a wrought iron footed base.

5. Enhance plain walls with traditional Southwestern decor pieces. Display a punched tin wall hanging that features a gecko, coyote or cactus pattern. Cover a large wall space by hanging a woven rug featuring desert hues and Native American-inspired geometric patterns.

Tags: shower curtain, Southwestern decor, bathroom with, cactus green, curtain featuring, decor style, Decorate bathroom

Clean Wroughtiron Cabinet Hinges

A dirty cabinet hinge not only looks unattractive, but depending on how dirty and/or rusty the hinge is, it may actually reduce the mobility of the cabinet door. If your cabinet hinges are made of wrought iron, they are susceptible to the same degradation as regular iron hinges, even though wrought iron is an iron alloy. Although you can clean the hinges while they are still attached to the cabinet, removing them from the cabinet ensures that you can give each hinge a thorough cleaning. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the hinges from the cabinet and cabinet doors. The hinges are attached to the cabinet with screws. Remove the screws connecting the hinge to the cabinet door first, then carefully take down the door. Unscrew the hinge from the cabinet and put it aside. Repeat the process for all of the hinges.

2. Soak the hinges in warm soapy water for approximately 30 minutes. Mild detergent and water is sufficient. Make sure each hinge is fully submerged.

3. Scrub each hinge with a soft brush, covering the entire surface area of the hinge. Dry the hinges with a soft, dry cloth after you finish scrubbing. If the hinges are rusty, rub medium or coarse sandpaper against the rusty areas of each hinge. Wipe the hinges clean after removing the rust.

4. Spray a rust inhibitor onto the entire surface of each hinge to protect it against further rusting. Allow the inhibitor to dry on each hinge.

5. Reattach the hinges to the cabinets and cabinet doors.

Tags: each hinge, from cabinet, attached cabinet, cabinet door, cabinet doors, entire surface

Stabilize A Wobbly Bed Frame

A wobbly bed frame makes it difficult to sleep and creates a potential safety hazard. The wobbling may result from loose bolts or separating joints that, when pulled completely apart, can cause the entire bed frame to collapse. Typically, stabilizing a wobbly frame involves evaluating the frame and floor area to determine the reason for the wobbling and using simple tools and bed rail hardware to repair as needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the mattress, box spring and/or padding from your bed frame and set aside.

2. Tighten any bolts holding your bed frame together with a wrench or screwdriver. Often a bed frame begins to wobble as the result of loose hardware not holding the rails together.

3. Rejoin any separating joints on a wooden frame. Separating joints can cause the wooden frame to shift, creating a swaying or wobbly motion.

For a non-glued frame, rejoin by asking one or more people to help you hold the frame. Lay cloths on both sides of the first joint to protect the wood from rubber marks and gently use a mallet to hammer the joint together. Repeat on the other joints.

For a previously glued frame, rejoin by applying glue inside the first separated joint. Lay cloths on both sides of the joint---in this scenario to also catch any excess glue---and gently hammer the joint together with your rubber mallet. Clamp the area to secure while drying. Repeat on any other separated joints.

4. Measure the length of the legs and/or feet on your bed frame with a measuring tape to determine if all of the legs and/or feet are of the same length. If not, the frame may have become uneven. In addition, check the slope of the floor with a carpenter's level as length-matched legs or feet on an uneven slope can cause wobbling. In either scenario, adjust the length of the existing legs and/or feet or replace with new ones that level the bed frame.

5. Check ropes for sagging if you have a rope-style mattress support on your bed frame and re-rope with help from one or more people if loose. Check the pegs and joint areas; hammer together any that have begun to separate as pegs and joints provide the primary support for the frame. The ropes on this style of frame and mattress support system also secure the shape of the frame. If the ropes loosen, the pegs and joints separate easily, causing the wooden frame to not only wobble but to pull apart completely.

6. Use a bed repair kit to fix the wobbling.

Tags: legs feet, your frame, wooden frame, both sides, cloths both, cloths both sides

Buy Metal Bunk Beds

Metal bunk beds can be designed in any shape and color you prefer.

Metal bunk beds are a modern take on a traditional favorite. Bunk beds can help you save space and add an additional sleeping area to a room at low costs. A metal bunk bed is an ideal way to accomplish this task at even less expense. Most metal bunks take up even less bedroom space than the traditional wood version. Choose one carefully to make sure it meets all safety standards and satisfies your style requirements. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Evaluate different construction possibilities. Some metal bunk beds are constructed of all metal parts. Others incorporate wood. An all-metal bunk bed may be cheaper and easier to clean. A metal bed that combines both materials can be more visually arresting.

2. Look for sturdy joints. Metal bunk beds are most often constructed from tubular metal. The metal comes in forms that look like pipes and forms the support for the bed. Examine the joints between each part of the metal closely. You should find no evidence of rust anywhere. Give each joint a gentle shake. The tubular parts should stay in place and not move away from each other as the bed moves. All bolts should stay securely fastened to avoid collapse.

3. Investigate the types of finishes available. Metal bunk beds come in a wide variety of colors. Most stores have several finishes on display ranging from standard white and black to eye-popping purples. Smaller children often love bright colors and patterns, so consider a bed in bright red or electric blue. A little girl may want a metal bunk bed painted pink with a floral motif. Many stores will custom paint the bed for you for an additional fee. You can also add your own touches if you have an artistic bent.

4. Compare safety options. Most bunk beds have several safety features, including handrails for the ladder leading to the bunk bed and safety rails for the top bunk. If your metal bunk beds are for a younger child, you may want to add additional safety features such as a rail on the bottom bunk. Yank all the rails to make sure they are fastened securely.

5. Ask assemble the metal bunk beds. Some companies will deliver the bed for you and then assemble it at your house. This can be an excellent option if you are not handy. If you are planning to assemble it yourself, ask the sales clerk about any possible problems you might encounter. Contact the manufacturer as well. Before you begin, make sure that you have all necessary items to set up the bed.

Tags: bunk beds, make sure, Metal bunk, metal bunk, Metal bunk beds

Height Of End Tables

End tables are sized for easy access while sitting on a sofa or chair.

End tables are decorative and practical pieces of furniture typically placed next to living room sofas and armchairs. Their height is based on the common tallness of sofa and chair arms to make access to the tabletops easy. The table elevation also allows the best positioning of lamps for reading. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Table Height

Although end tables can be between 20 and 30 inches tall, the typical height for an end table is 24 inches, a size determined by the ordinary height of the arms of sofas and living room chairs. The customary height of the arms is between 32 and 34 inches, and end tables are made 8 to 10 inches lower to provide easy access to them while adjacently seated. Taller and shorter end tables also disturb the visual flow of the room and create an uncoordinated look with the other living room furniture.

End Table Uses

The uses for end tables are both decorative and useful. Display framed photos or art, a decorative hand-carved box or a collection of small curios on the table surface. Keep car keys, remote control devices and books you are reading handy on an end table. End tables can also showcase a houseplant, or you can place a reading or ornamental lamp on the table.

Styles and Types

End tables can match the style of the living room furniture or make bold accent statements with dissimilar designs and colors. If all the other furniture in the room is angular, soften the look with a round, an oval or a curvy-edged table. Conversely, an end table with clear, sharp angles gives a modern touch to rooms overwrought with puffy overstuffed chairs and sofas. To lighten a dark room, choose tables made from light-colored woods, and use dark wood end tables to tone down rooms decorated in bright or primary colors. End tables made from curved wrought iron, glass, marble or brass give the decor a modern flair. If space is limited, consider a set of stacking end tables that can be tucked into a corner when not in use. End tables with drawers provide storage for coasters, CDs, DVDs and magazines.

Other Table Heights

Just as end tables are designed to provide easy access to items while seated on a sofa or chair, other tables are built to accommodate other needs. Coffee tables are typically between 12 and 18 inches high to offer easy access to items while seated and provide a makeshift footrest. Kitchen tables are usually between 28 1/2 and 30 inches tall so accompanying chairs fit underneath and a seated person is at an appropriate level with the tabletop.

Tags: between inches, easy access, living room, sofa chair, tables made, access items, access items while

Choose Glasstop Tables

Love them for their sophisticated look. Hate them because they perpetually show every speck of dust and dirt on their surfaces. There's no debating the polarity of opinions about the merits of glass-top tables. Not a popular pick for parents with exuberant kids, these stylish surfaces nonetheless appeal to plenty of homeowners willing to lavish money and attention on them. If you're sitting on the fence about whether to buy one, consider the information in this article before you go shopping. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a glass tabletop by shape. Base your decision on your decor and the amount of room at your disposal. You'll find standard glass-top tables in these shapes: rectangle, boat, pentagon, circle, triangle, hexagon, oval trapezoid, and octagon. Determine the best shape for your situation by using this rule of thumb: pair oval or round tabletops with contoured furniture, and rectangular or square tables to complement couch and chair lines that are sleek and geometric.

2. Choose a round glass-top table in a size that will fit your crowd, using these standard diameters: four guests (42 inches), five guests (48 inches), six guests (54 inches), seven guests (60 to 66 inches), eight guests (72 inches), and nine guests (82 inches). Bring a tape measure when you shop to verify sizes.

3. Choose from these popular rectangular table sizes if you have no need for a custom glass table. For four guests: 48 or 60 inches by 24-inches, 36 or 42 inches by 30 inches, or 60 inches by 30 or 36 inches. For six guests: 72 or 84 inches by 24 inches; 48, 72, or 84 inches by 36 inches; and 48, 60, or 72 inches by 42 or 48 inches. Order a 48-inch wide by 96-, 108-, 120- or 144-inch long rectangle for eight to 12 diners.

4. Choose by glass type. Opt for tempered tops if you prefer a glass offering extra protection, keeping in mind that tempered glass, while coated, is more brittle; thus, you'll wind up with more small shards if it breaks. Expect more glass chips around edges and corners of your tempered glass-top versus an untempered one.

5. Choose by glass color or edge work. Select a coordinated glass-top from a rainbow of color options, including popular picks like clear, grey, light green, white, and bronze. Go for special-order glass in a hot shade like sapphire, which will be stunning but expensive. Spend more cash by requesting beveled edges or a fancy cut like pencil polished, flat polished, ogee cut, or mitered edges, and you might find you've invested your entire furniture budget on one grand table of glass.

6. Choose by custom fabrication. Make your glass-top table one-of-a-kind and exceed even the well-known finishes described in Step 4 by commissioning these cuts: custom drilled table holes, cut-outs, notching, finger pulls, plate grooves, sandblasted designs, or etching, each of which requires ultra-thick glass and plenty of patience because it takes time and care for artisans to apply these techniques.

7. Choose by table base materials. Opt for wood if you already have that type or color wood in the room targeted for your new glass-top table. Sleuth out wrought iron for edgy, sparse decorating schemes, or find leather table bases seated with glass tops to achieve a look of elegance.

Tags: guests inches, inches inches, inches inches inches, Choose glass, glass-top table

About Wrought Iron Porch Posts

About Wrought Iron Porch Posts

Wrought iron porch posts used to be some of the most common features on homes across the nation. Although their popularity has diminished for some new construction, they are still out and about in older areas. Wrought iron porch posts are relatively inexpensive and offer a host of benefits unless they are left to go to pot. Then they become a miserable eyesore. Does this Spark an idea?

Time Frame

While wrought iron porch posts are less common today, they used to be all over town. Older homes, built from the 1920s through the 1970s, will often feature wrought iron porch posts. New owners don't always appreciate these posts as they become weathered, rusted and give the home a dated look.

Features

One of the joys of wrought iron is its ability to be welded into intricate designs. While some wrought iron porch posts may consist of a single black bar, others will have some style. Posts can feature a framework of thin iron embellished with layouts such as scrolls, fleur de lis, petals and vines.

Size

Wrought iron porch posts are usually at least 7 feet tall or more, depending on the height of the porch. Their width and configuration can vary from a single iron bar about 1 inch wide to a corner post with detailing that can measure several inches. They are also very heavy. A medium-size post can easily weigh at least 100 pounds.

Considerations

Posts that have become rusted are not that difficult to refurbish. Clean the posts with warm, soapy water and a stiff sponge. Gently rub off any rust with fine-grain sandpaper. Wash again and dry with a soft rag. Once fully dry, apply a paint primer to paint sticks to the iron and follow that with a protective exterior paint that is made to protect outside items.

Prevention/Solution

Adequately maintaining wrought iron porch posts is always easier than totally refurbishing those that have rusted. Maintenance consists of gently washing the posts regularly, especially after a storm or conditions that kick up a lot of debris. Make sure to thoroughly dry posts with a soft rag. Spot checking for rust and spot correcting the rust with sandpaper and a fresh coat of primer and paint will quickly quash any longer-term problems.

Warning

Since wrought iron porch posts are sturdy and relatively inexpensive, at least compared to some other options, they may be an automatic choice for someone who is refurbishing the porch. This is only fine and dandy if the homeowners association or other governing body allows it. Some places, especially historic districts, may frown upon wrought iron porch posts and forbid homeowners to use them altogether.

Tags: porch posts, iron porch posts, iron porch, wrought iron, wrought iron porch, About Wrought, About Wrought Iron

Places That Buy Scrap Iron

Find places that buy scrap iron.

After you've finished a construction project, cleaned up a work site or junked a vehicle, you might have scrap iron left over that you'd like to sell. Scrap yards and scrap metal recyclers buy scrap iron, which can then be used for new iron projects. By selling your scrap iron, you can reduce the amount of new ore that needs to be mined.

Iron Industries

Iron Industries buys scrap iron from around the world. The company will deliver 20-foot or 40-foot ocean containers to your facility or project site so you can export your scrap iron directly to them.

Recycler's Exchange

Recycler's Exchange lists facilities that buy scrap iron, categorized according to a variety of grades, such as sheet iron scrap, mixed cast iron scrap and flattened car bodies. Click on the "View Listings" link to see a list of facilities, their locations and what kinds of scrap iron they are interested in buying.

Northern Metal Recycling

Northern Metal Recycling serves the upper Midwest, with locations in Minnesota and North Dakota. Many of its sites allow the general public to drive through to drop off scrap iron and other metals. Before you go to a particular location, verify that it accepts your material.

Exporters SG

Exporters SG provides a scrap iron buying leads directory. It lists types of scrap iron that companies are looking to buy, such as used rail or pipes. Buying leads are categorized by country, target prices and quantities. You can click on links next to each lead for details and to send quotations.

Tags: scrap iron, your scrap iron, Iron Industries, iron scrap, Metal Recycling, Northern Metal, Northern Metal Recycling

Paint Iron Furniture

Rehab old patio furniture with new paint.

To properly paint iron furniture, use spray paint. Getting into all the nooks and crannies on a piece of furniture with a paintbrush can be a real pain, but spray paint performs the job quickly, effectively and cheaply. Ask the Builder recommends aerosol for those unused to spray paint; these can be found at hardware and home improvement stores in a wide array of colors. Spray painting your iron furniture takes a few hours from start to finish, depending on the drying time of your paint. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash the furniture with a rag dipped in a bucket of soapy water to remove dust and grime. If you paint over dirty furniture, you'll trap it inside. Rinse the furniture with water to remove all soap. Let it dry thoroughly in the sun.

2. Spread a tarp out in your garage or driveway--somewhere you can work with sufficient fresh air. Place the cleaned iron furniture on the tarp.

3. Coat the furniture with spray paint primer if it's never been painted before. Keep the can 10 to 14 inches from the surface. Move your hand back and forth to coat the object, never stopping your hand. Wait the recommended amount of time for the primer to dry. Turn over the furniture to coat the bottom with primer. Let it dry again.

4. Apply your first coat of spray paint in the same manner as you applied the primer. If the paint runs, you're applying too much. When you've applied one coat, wait for it to dry.

5. Add a second coat of paint in the same manner you did the first. When that dries, examine your furniture in bright light. Add one more coat if you feel the color isn't dark enough.

Tags: furniture with, spray paint, iron furniture, paint same, paint same manner, same manner

Seal A Long Crack In A Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

Clean along the cast iron crack using a steel brush.

Cast iron sewer pipes, though long lasting and durable, are brittle and will crack if accidentally knocked. Though always best to repair cast iron cracks by replacing the broken pipe section, epoxy putty will seal the crack so the pipe is again usable. The putty comes in a tub in two separate colors, and it starts to cure (harden) when it comes into contact with air you begin to mix it to one uniform color. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wipe off all oil and dirt using a rag and solvent. Thoroughly brush the cracked area using a steel brush -- this helps to create an abrasive surface for the putty to bond to the pipe. Wipe off any small metal filings caused through brushing the pipe.

2. Cut the required amount of epoxy putty from its tube. Roll and knead the putty with your hands into one uniform color -- wear rubber gloves if the putty irritates your hands. Apply the putty along the length of the crack on the cast iron pipe, making sure to cover the area around the crack to a width of 1/2 inch. Start applying the putty no more than one and half minutes after you finish kneading.

3. Wet your finger tips to smooth out the putty, thinning out the putty edges where it meets the cast iron pipe. Thoroughly wash your hands with hot water and soap after applying the putty to the pipe.

Tags: cast iron, your hands, applying putty, cast iron pipe, epoxy putty

Install A Garden Trellis

A garden trellis is a great way to add interest to your outdoor space. Trellises add height to your garden, and are great dividers for your garden area. If you want to add climbing vines to your garden, a trellis is a necessity. A climbing vine on a trellis is a beautiful way to hide an ugly wall. Follow these steps to properly install a garden trellis outside your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a location for your garden trellis, making sure the area receives the required amount of sunlight needed by your climbing plant. You can install your trellis in the ground or in a large pot.

2. Determine if the bottom trellis posts are sufficient for driving into the ground or pot. If the trellis is freestanding, it needs to be driven about 2 feet into the ground for stability. If the trellis is in front of a wall, post, or other solid object, the trellis can be secured with a bracket. If the posts are not long enough, add a length of wood or metal post.

3. Drive the trellis into the ground (or potted soil) with a hammer or mallet. If the ground is too hard to drive the posts into the ground, dig a hole, insert the trellis posts, and then fill and pack the hole with soil.

4. Use a level to determine if the garden trellis is level vertically and horizontally. Adjust the trellis if necessary.

5. Secure the center of the trellis to a nearby wall or post, if necessary. This will prevent the trellis from shifting or falling over time due to the weight of the climbing plant.

6. Plant your climbing plant at the base of the trellis and weave all long vines through the trellis as desired. The plant will continue to grow, weaving through the trellis, but might require occasional adjustment to achieve your desired look.

Tags: garden trellis, into ground, your garden, climbing plant, through trellis

Southern New Jersey Restaurants

Dining in South Jersey can be a treat.

Also known as "South Jersey," Southern New Jersey is a region in the state of New Jersey encompassing Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem and Ocean counties. Offering various tourist destinations, South Jersey boasts recreational areas, museums, landmarks, theaters and theme parks. Thanks to its multicultural populace, restaurants serving various cuisines can be found throughout the area. If you are planning a visit, Southern New Jersey has many dining options for you.

The Crab Trap

Serving the community since 1967, The Crab Trap is located in Atlantic County, New Jersey. The Crab Trap was voted "Best Seafood Restaurant" by the Press Readers Poll in 2009. Open daily for lunch and dinner, popular entrees on the menu include the live Maine lobster, bos' n mate and the crispy crabcakes, as well as an array of soup, salad and appetizer options. Also featuring an extensive wine list and many beer and ale choices, The Crab Trap restaurant has banquet facilities available from October through May.

Crab Trap Restaurant

2 Broadway

Somers Point, NJ 08244-1195

609-927-7377‎

thecrabtrap.com

Sapori

Located in Camden County, New Jersey, Sapori is an authentic Italian restaurant that has been rated among the top 1,000 Italian restaurants in the United States by Zagat. Sapori's rustic brick floors and walls and wrought-iron balconies and chandeliers give the restaurant a medieval-style ambiance. The Italian dishes served vary from calamari fritti and gnocchi with duck breast, to chicken stuffed with butternut squash and pork medallions. Sapori restaurant serves lunch Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and dinner is served every day but Tuesday.

Sapori

601 Haddon Ave.

Collingswood, NJ 08108-3703

856-858-2288‎

sapori.info

Surf Taco

Surf Taco restaurant is located in Ocean County, New Jersey, and serves "surf Mex" cuisine in a oceanic-themed interior decor, featuring art collages, a large world map and surf boards. Surf Taco’s menu offers a broad selection of Tex Mex and Island-style cuisine options such as the garlic shrimp burrito, Aloha wrap with teriyaki chicken, fresh-made fruit smoothies, quesadillas and nachos. Surf Taco is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday.

Surf Taco

21 South Hope Chapel Road

Jackson, NJ 08527-5000

732-364-8226‎

surftaco.com

Tags: Crab Trap, Surf Taco, County Jersey, South Jersey, Southern Jersey, lunch dinner

Choose A Drapery Rod

Delicate fabrics look best on thin drapery rods.

When you're choosing window treatments, the drapery rods you select are just as important as the drapes that hang on them. Drapery rods are not just something from which to hang your drapes; they also can enhance the room's decor. Details like the style of your draperies, the size and placement of the windows and the decor in the room are all important elements to consider when selecting drapery rods. The type of drapes and the number of layers are also key elements in choosing the rods that support them. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what type of drapery rod you need, based on the type of drapes you're hanging. Pinch-pleat drapes require traverse rods, which allow you to open and close the drapes by pulling a cord. Simple traverse rods are white and "invisible" when the drapes are closed. Decorative traverse rods have a visible area just above the drapes that provide a finished look.

Tab-top, rod-pocket and grommet drapes work with stationary or manual rods that attach to the wall with brackets. These rods allow you to manually pull the drapes open and closed.

2. Select a drapery rod made from a material that accents other things in the room. For example, glass, wrought-iron and chrome rods coordinate well with contemporary rooms, while iron and pine work best in country-style rooms.

3. Consider the style and weight of the drapes. Light, delicate fabrics look best on a thinner rod. Heavier drapes require a sturdy rod.

4. Measure the area around the window to determine if there is enough room for finials -- decorative pieces on the rod ends -- tie-back hooks or other drapery hardware that will extend beyond the width of the window. Select rods with these decorative pieces to accent the drapes and enhance the room's decor.

Tags: drapery rods, traverse rods, decorative pieces, drapes require, drapes that, enhance room

Amish Furniture & Crafts

Amish crafts include many handpainted, decorative wooden items.

The Amish lifestyle is based on simplicity and basic needs while providing food, shelter and clothing for the family. To supplement their lifestyle, many Amish families farm and sell their homegrown food or handmade furniture and crafts. Today, many more Amish families are creating and selling various types of crafts and woodwork as a means of making money.

Furniture

The Amish create numerous types of wooden furniture to sell to the public. Products include chairs, tables, beds, cribs, cabinets and desks. The difference between Amish furniture items and many mass-produced pieces of furniture is the quality of the product. Amish craftsmen take great pride in their work and use natural materials and long-lasting, strong cuts of wood. If you have a specific piece of furniture in mind, often the Amish woodworker will build furniture to order.

Quilts

Many Amish women and girls learn to quilt at an early age. The designs and colors incorporated into many Amish quilts are creative and meticulously crafted. Because Amish women and girls have such extensive experience with quilting, these quilts are made to last.

Decorative Items

Baskets, candles, clocks, bird feeders, birdhouses, dolls and wrought-iron decor are just a few of the decorative and useful items made by the Amish. Every piece of genuine Amish decor is made by hand and hand-painted or stained. These items make ideal gifts or serve as distinctive decorations for your own home.

Tags: Amish families, Amish women, Amish women girls, many Amish, women girls

American Window Treatments

Give a room a distinctly American touch with window treatments in a colonial, country or mid-century modern style. American window treatments tend to have less heaviness and formality than European styles, allowing more natural light to enter spaces and maximizing outdoor views. American window treatments work particularly well in rustic, log cabin, lodge, western, southwestern, Native American, shabby chic, colonial, coastal, country, primitive, folk art and farmhouse decorating schemes. Does this Spark an idea?

Colonial Window Treatments

Colonial window treatments often incorporate shades, shutters and a touch of fabric as an accent. For example, adorn a kitchen window with white, hinged shutters that cover the bottom half, and hang a swag of royal blue and white stripe along the top, leaving the top half of the window exposed. For a more rustic look, consider shutters in weathered or distressed wood. Plantation shades in white, linen or a faded earth tone have a lighter look than shutters. If you prefer curtains, keep the look simple. Hang lace or sheer panels from a rod or bar, gathering them with matching tie backs.

Country Window Treatments

Country window treatments add a pop of color or pattern to an interior. For a basic country look, sew loops or tabs onto tea towels, a pillow case, an apron or a couple swatches of any lightweight natural fiber. Vintage cotton, organic cotton, linen, muslin and fine wool are common materials. Country curtains often feature patterns such as plaid, stripes, gingham, checks or florals. Larger window treatments may feature country scenes. For a more classic look, consider valances. Hanging hardware may consist of a simple wooden rod or a wrought iron bar with ornate curlicue supports. Color schemes trend toward primary shades of deep blue, bright blue, barn red and sunny yellow, with white or cream as accents.

Mid-century Modern Window Treatments

The mid-century modern design movement stressed simplicity and natural shapes. Open floor plans with large, wall-sized windows made natural light take center stage in home decor. Blending interiors and exteriors was key, so window treatments tended to be removable or adjustable. Simple and restrained window treatments complement a mid-century modern decor. Keep fabrics neutral and unadorned with trim. Pleated drapes should hang to the floor to make windows appear larger. Fitted roman shades have casual elegance. Stick to natural hues and solids which can complement the different types of wood used in mid-century modern interiors. If you want a bolder look, play with texture rather than color. Find fabric with a pattern weave or a monochromatic embroidered design.

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Wholesale Western Gifts

Wild West wholesale gift items make for fun shopping.

Wholesale Western gift items are big business, especially for retailers catering to appeal to international visitors who want to bring home authentic American keepsakes. Stores in the "Wild West" states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and even parts of California will also find that local customers send these gifts to friends and family in other states or abroad. Familiarize yourself with some of the wholesale Western gift product lines available to retailers. Does this Spark an idea?

Wild West Company

Wild West Company offers a wide range of wholesale Western, country and horse gifts, including personal-care items, collectibles, food and a line of Western apparel for kids called Uncommonly Cute Country Kids. Set up a stationery section of your store where you can carry Wild West Company's gift essentials like greeting cards, gift bags, note pads and note cards. Edibles always make fun gifts, so stock plenty of chocolate bars, barbecue rubs and sauces, hot cocoa, dips and spreads to help your customers put together Western-themed food gift baskets. Stock your checkout area with small add-on items, all Western-themed, like lip balms, candles, mint tins, coffee and travel mugs, playing cards and bookmarks.

To obtain ordering or catalog information from Wild West Company, retailers need to register as a retailer, but this is a free service. Request a free sample kit to make sure the merchandise meets your store's needs and standards. This wholesaler offers five ordering options: mail, phone, fax, online and email.

Wild West Company

P.O. Box 40

Sisters, OR 97759

888-440-6674

wildwestcompany.com

Shadow West Card Company

Shadow West Card Company is a source of wholesale Western gift enclosures, Christmas cards and other print or card items. Their Western-themed series include scenes of winter, cowboys, cowgirls and cowboy kids, still life, landscapes, horses, Southwest scenes, ranch life and wildlife. Retailers can purchase the cards either units of 6s or 12s, boxed or ready for display in the company's expandable wire display system that can hold their entire card line and boxed note cards. The wire displays are available in several configurations based on your budget and the amount of space in your store.

Free samples are available to retailers, and the company will accept territory requests from sales representatives wishing to carry Shadow West's merchandise. Imprinting services are available, too.

Shadow West Card Company

12171 S.E. 38th Ave.

Milwaukie, Oregon 97222

800-960-8802 (toll free)

503-652-8800

shadowwest.com

The Texas General Store

The Texas General Store offers both Western-themed gift items and home d cor merchandise. Among the items they offer, most of which is either tin or cast iron, are boot and other Western-themed key rings, animal collectibles and cutouts (alligators, frogs, armadillos, geckos, turtles and butterflies), decorative crosses, door knockers and knives.

Retailers wishing to buy wholesale from the Texas General Store must have a valid and verifiable Resale/Use Tax ID number. Interested retailers also need to complete both the customer registration form and the online resale certificate before placing wholesale orders. Once approved, you will be able to access the wholesale pricing sections of the company's website at login.

The Texas General Store

21504 Interstate 20 (Canton)

Wills Point, TX 75169

903-865-6060

thetexasgeneralstore.com

Tags: Wild West, West Company, Wild West Company, General Store, Shadow West

Decorate A Porch Using Country Styles

A screened-in porch with country appeal.

Country styles in decorating include a wide range of themes, such as farmhouse, cottage and rustic. These themes share common characteristics that reflect a connection with nature and the surrounding landscape, making country-themed decor a good choice for your porch. Use elements from the various themes to create an eclectic appeal that brings comfort and visual interest to your outdoor space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create a color scheme for the porch. For a more rustic appeal, use earth tones such as dark brown, forest green, reddish-orange and sunny yellow. A cottage theme calls for grassy greens, floral blues and pinks and creamy whites. Bright red and deep blue with clean white accents works for a farmhouse-themed color palette.

2. Paint or stain the floor of the porch a darker tone from your color palette. Choose a lighter shade of that color for the ceiling of the porch. Coordinate the color with the exterior of your house to create a smooth flow between the house and the porch.

3. Use a contrasting or neutral color from your palette for the porch railings and columns.

4. Select a furniture theme for the chairs, benches and tables. For a cottage appeal, select wicker or wood-slatted furniture, keeping all furnishings the same material. For a more casual, rustic or farmhouse appeal, choose a mix of wood and wrought-iron furniture, choosing pieces that appear aged and gently used. Select furniture with curves and rounded corners, avoiding those with clean, angular lines.

5. Use fabrics for upholstery that reflect outdoor themes, such as floral prints or pastoral scenes. If you prefer patterns, such as stripes, choose fabrics that stay within your color scheme. Avoid fabrics with graphic or highly stylized patterns, as they are a more modern style.

6. Choose accessories that reflect country living, such as antique garden tools, stoneware jugs and pottery, wicker baskets and hand-crafted goods such as wreaths and rag rugs. Do not overcrowd the porch with accessories; select a few items and place them beside furniture groupings and at the entryway.

7. Make the entryway to the porch a focal point and coordinate it with the front door entryway to your home. For example, place a tin milk jug at the porch entrance and one on either side of the front door. The repetition of accessories ties the two spaces together, making for a cohesive entry to the porch and to the home.

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What Is A French Double Bed

What Is a French Double Bed?

You may have encountered the term "French double bed" during your travels abroad. Hotel beds in Germany, Switzerland and France may feature this type of bed, which is something with which North Americans may not be familiar. A French double bed is a bed that is bigger than a single, but smaller than a double. Commonly called "un grand lit" in French, the French double bed is another characteristically French item. Does this Spark an idea?

Identification

A French bed is smaller than a double bed, measuring 115 cm to 140 cm. It is larger than a twin bed, so a person may fit more comfortably in a french bed. The French bed is meant for a single person, since it may be rather small to fit two people. It is meant to provide a better sleeping experience for the single person, or a cozy experience for a couple.

Design

French double beds can be made of wrought iron material, upholstered wood or dark wood. Bed frames may be elaborate in decor and bigger in size, but it is still considered a French bed if the size of the mattress is within the French double bed size. Many also feature antique-style design, with gold plated metals and warm hues. Headboards and footboards are shaped in curvy fashion.

Costs

French double beds can be expensive, especially when bought in Europe and shipped to the United States. French double beds can range from $300-1500 as of 2009. You may also want to take into consideration the costs of maintenance for the bed, especially those that are upholstered or made with dark wood, since these can be quite costly.

Consideration

Elaborately designed French beds may take up more space in a room than a simple, rectangular bed because of the shape of the headboard and frame. French beds are meant to be the highlight or centerpiece decoration of a room, so when designing a room with a French double bed, consider the amount of space you have, as well as your room decor.

Locations

European properties, such as houses and hotels, may have French beds. In the U.S., a French bed is uncommon, since bigger double beds are more popular. Double beds in the U.S. measure 140 cm to 190 cm. Beyond hotel chains, bed and breakfasts also feature French double beds.

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Clean Old Cast Iron Cookware

Rust on a cast iron skillet is completely normal.

If you recently discovered a rusty old cast iron skillet in your garage or at a yard sale, don't be deceived by its disheveled appearance. These heavy pieces of cookware are designed to hold up against the ultimate test of time. Restoring an old cast iron skillet to its original condition simply requires some heat, vinegar and elbow grease. Once cleaned up, you can use your cast iron cookware for your everyday culinary needs. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place the cast iron pan upside down on a rack in your oven. Turn on the self-cleaning cycle and use this high-heat cycle to burn off excessive filth or rust.

2. Fill a sink or bucket with a solution of one part water and one part white vinegar. Fill the container with enough solution to complete submerge the pan.

3. Allow the pan to soak for up to four hours. Do not soak the cast iron pan for more than four hours, as the vinegar can dissolve the surface of your pan.

4. Wear rubber gloves to remove the pan from the vinegar solution. Scrub any stubborn spots with a plastic scrub brush. Rinse the pan and towel dry.

5. Season the cast iron surface by applying a thin coat of vegetable oil to the entire surface of the pan. Heat your oven to 350 degrees and cook the pan for 45 minutes. Repeat this process three times to finish the cleaning and seasoning process.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron skillet, iron skillet, four hours, your oven