Things To Do In Columbus

Columbus

Columbus is the geographical center of Ohio. It is the state's capital, and its metropolitan population of 1.75 million makes it the state's largest city as well. While rarely thought of as a tourist destination, Columbus is far from being a dull place, and its central location and economic importance do attract many visitors.

The German Village

This neighborhood began as a German immigrant's district in the 1830s and 1840s. It went into a slump and decline through the first half of the 20th century, but began to revive with the 1960s preservationist movement. That culminated with the village becoming a national historic landmark in 1974. It is now a lovely residential neighborhood of red brick homes and wrought iron fencing, and is located adjacent to the lively Brewery District. The latter was home to the small breweries that quenched the thirsts of the aforementioned German immigrants, and is now a trendy restaurant area.

Noted Buildings

There are a handful of strange and noteworthy buildings in Columbus. On the strange side is the Longaberger headquarters, located nearby in Newark, Ohio. Longaberger is a housewares maker with German roots, and particularly well known for its maplewood baskets. Its company headquarters is designed to look like one of those baskets, making it a peculiar spectacle.

Columbus also is home to the Ohio Stadium. This is worth a drive-by look, as it is the third largest college sports stadium in the country.

Touch of Class

Even if you are not staying there, you should think about stopping into the Great Southern Hotel and Theatre. The theater is a 19th century marvel with its decorative gold trim and foil fittings, while the hotel (now a Westin) offers a touch of southern grace in the heart of the midwest.

Another place to consider taking in a show is the Ohio Theatre, the other of the city's great surviving playhouses. It opened in 1928, and stands as one of America's few surviving great Spanish-Baroque buildings. It is now operated by the Lowes chain, and hosts both live performances and a summer classic movie series.

Finally, make a point of having dinner one night at the Refectory. This old church has been converted into a restaurant with a delightful ambiance created by its solid wood, pew-like furnishings, white tablecloths and candlelight. The menu is expensive, but well worth it.

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Make A Home Look French

Add a Continental feel to your home with French decor styles.

There are two French decor styles: French provincial, more commonly known as French country, and French Empire. These two styles create very different finished effects. French country is a relaxed and rustic, homely style. It creates a family-oriented, farmhouse kitchen feel. French Empire, from the 1800s, evolved from the court of Napoleon and is based on classic Roman and Greek design. It is a far more decorative and formal style than French country. Whichever style you choose, making your home look French is a fairly easy process that will make a real impact. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

French Country Style

1. Split the walls into upper and lower halves, ensuring that the upper parts of the walls are the largest areas. Keep the top parts neutral with shades of gray. For the bottom parts of the walls -- approximately floor to chair rail height -- use either a grayish red or a dusty, chalky blue. Paint woodwork and details in fresh white or soft cream.

2. Add stronger colors to the room with cushions and throws. Use a range of blues, reds, creams, grays and white to tie the color scheme together. Windows in French houses open inward, so curtains are not common; however, fine voiles often hang at the windows instead. Look for a traditional toile de Jouy patterned fabric or striped or checked linens to create your window dressings.

3. Add a large armoire, a key piece when selecting furniture for a French country-style interior, which can be used in any room in the home. A traditional Louis XV-style armchair or chaise longue is suitable for both the bedroom and the lounge. Keep furniture in the kitchen rustic, with rush-seated ladder-back chairs and a large, farmhouse-style kitchen table. Wrought-iron garden furniture is commonly used indoors in French homes. Mix the old and new together to create a well-rounded, comfy-looking finished effect.

French Empire Style

4. Mix lighter tones of earthy, neutral colors with bold, rich colors such as red, green, gold, blue and amethyst. In a small room, keep the main colors neutral and light with one accent wall in deep, rich hues. Walls and ceilings feature extensive decoration and ornamentation, so faux paint effects are a great addition to a French Empire-style room. Add motifs to the room that are reminiscent of Roman and Greek design, such as torches, empire wreaths and the letter "N" for Napoleon.

5. Create a faux paint effect on the floors for a really rich and elaborately decorated interior. Alternatively, stick to neutral colors or dark wood flooring, and add richly patterned rugs in bold colors. Use heavy, rich fabric with bold prints for the window dressings.

6. Search antique shops for furniture appropriate for a French Empire-style interior. This style of furniture features strong geometrical patterns and inlay and brass trimmings with Roman and Egyptian motifs and is very heavy and solid-looking in dark woods. Sofas and armchairs should be soft yellow, green or white, with cushions featuring a bold, bright pattern. Also look for furniture that features Roman and Greek design features. The overall look should be one of great detail, ornamentation and embellishment.

Tags: French country, French Empire, Greek design, Roman Greek, Roman Greek design, decor styles, faux paint

Grow Ivy On A Fence

Incorrectly growing ivy on a fence can create patches in the ivy or bares spots on the fence. Additionally, if you don't anticipate the path of the ivy, you could end up with ivy that bunches or trails along one side of the fence and not the other. Done properly, you can create an old-world appearance and have ivy climbing all along your fence. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Rake and hoe the ground along the fence line, removing all weeds and upturning all grass until you have a well-hoed patch of soil.

2. Unwind potted ivy transplants from the sticks or poles that planters provide for the ivy to crawl up on.

3. Dig a hole in the soil to a depth equal to the vine's rootball using the shovel.

4. Plant the first ivy vine in the middle of your fence and at 6 feet intervals if your fence measures longer than 6 feet. Ensure that you don't plant any bags or plastic potting material.

5. Top the rootball with soil left over from digging the hole.

6. Stretch the ivy vines outward along the fence line, so that you increase the chance the ivy will crawl upward and cover as much as the fence as possible.

7. Press the u-wire pegs over the vine and into the dirt at 1 to 2 foot intervals. The u-wire pegs consist of sections of stiff wire folded in the shape of a "U." By "stapling" the vine to the ground, you keep it from blowing around and give it time to crawl up the fence.

8. Water the main rootball, using the watering can, until the soil becomes damp but not over-saturated to the point that water pools.

Tags: your fence, along fence, along fence line, fence line, rootball using, u-wire pegs

Bird Themed Table Decorating Ideas

Birds make an attractive theme for decorating and craft projects. The variety of different birds in different colors, shapes and sizes gives a wide scope for table decorating ideas. You could choose anything from a colorful tropical bird theme, silhouettes of birds sitting on a wire or in flight, or stylized owls. The bird theme that you choose can be incorporated into table decorating by using it for placemats, a centerpiece, napkin rings and decorated napkins. Does this Spark an idea?

Placemats

Placemats are simple to create from scratch, or purchase plain placemats to decorate with your bird theme. Find a patterned fabric featuring birds and sew a simple rectangular placemat. Cut two placemat-sized rectangles of fabric and apply a rectangle of fusible interfacing to the wrong side of one piece. Sew the two pieces of fabric around the edges with the right sides together, leaving a 2- to 3-inch gap, flip the piece right sides out and slip stitch the gap closed. Alternatively, cut a bird shape from the fabric leaving a margin around the edges and applique the bird to a plain store-bought placemat. If you do not wish to do any sewing, use fabric paint to paint a bird onto a plain placemat or use a rubber stamp or stencil of a bird with fabric paint. You can make a set of identical placemats or decorate each one with a different bird shape. Bird-themed motifs like feathers, a bird cage, branches and nests can be featured as well as birds.

Napkin Rings and Napkins

Napkin rings can be made from fabric or paper and are an easy way to include a bird theme in your table decorations. Find gift wrap, scrapbooking paper or origami paper that features birds, or draw or paint your own onto card stock. Cut a strip of the paper or card and glue or tape it together to form a ring. If the paper you are using is thin, take an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll and cut it into rings, then glue the decorative strip to the outside of it. You can further decorate the napkin rings with lace, ribbon or different colored strips of paper or cardstock as a trim.

Plain fabric napkins can be decorated with a bird theme in the same way as placemats, or you can choose bird-patterned fabric and hem squares of it to make your own napkins. Find bird-shaped novelty buttons or trinkets and sew one in the corner of each napkin for a simple decorative touch.

Trivet

If you have the appropriate equipment, you can create your own bird-themed trivet for protecting your table from hot dishes. Paint four plain bathroom tiles with bird designs. If you are artistic you can paint a bird free-hand, otherwise a black silhouette of a bird with a distinctive shape, like a swallow in flight, looks very dramatic stenciled onto a white tile. Set the four tiles into cement in a shallow wooden tray.

Centerpiece

A homemade centerpiece for your table can be created with a bird theme. If you can find a small, old-fashioned wrought iron bird cage, fill it with candles or flowers for a stunning and unusual centerpiece. Plain wooden birdhouses are available at craft stores. Paint one or several birdhouses to match your table decor and arrange them with some tree branches (real or fake) and a string of lights in the center of the table. Arrange thick plain candles of different heights on a plate and decorate with bird motifs. Cut bird shapes out of tissue paper or any thin plain or patterned paper and glue them to the outsides of the candles with craft glue. For safety, keep the shapes at least a few inches from the tops of the candles and do not burn the candles down to the level of the paper shapes. A fake bird's nest from a craft store can be used to hold candles, lights or flowers to complement the bird theme.

Tags: bird theme, with bird, your table, around edges, bird cage, bird shape, bird with

The Best Home & Garden Gifts

Choose a home and garden gift your recipient will love.

If you are looking for the ideal gift for a special occasion, buying something that you are unsure the recipient will want is the last thing you want to do. While there are several types of gift cards and certificates available for really choosy gift recipients, few things beat a nice gift from the heart. When shopping, focus on the recipients overall style and interests. Does this Spark an idea?

Plants

If you are buying for a housewarming or a gift related to someone moving into a new home, a plant is a good choice. Plants are versatile and, depending on the season or where they live, you can choose either an indoor or outdoor plant. Favorite interior plants that are hardy include the Christmas cactus, potted palms and the dracaena. The Christmas cactus is a type of succulent plant that can be grown from a small stem of a larger plant. This green plant transforms once winter begins (typically around the holidays) into a plant with bright pink flowers. It is fairly easy to maintain throughout the year but must go into a semi-dormant state in the late summer months before it will bloom in the winter. This plant makes a good choice for the home office or family room. Potted palms make good focal points for empty corners in the home. Dracaena is also a hardy house plant that likes minimal light and is a nice option on overhead cabinets or plant stands.

Candles

You may think that a candle is an old standby when selecting gifts, but, in fact, candles are mainstream in home decor. Candles do more than just provide a scent for the home or office; they can also accent the room's decor. You can start off by choosing the recipient's favorite scent, or pick one of your own. Thousands of scents are available that are reminiscent of baked goods, flowers, outdoor scents and spices. Many homemade candles personalize scents, which are different than commercialized candle scents. Choose from traditional wax scents or soy-based candles, which tend to give off less smoke. Candle types include taper, container, jar, pillar and votive. You can also purchase candle replicas that offer a battery-operated tea light that flickers like a real candle inside a frosted votive.

Garden Decor

Garden decor offers a good way to make your recipient's outdoor living area feel more welcoming. Choose wooden or resin welcome signs or stones that can be used near the entryway. Bird feeders and bird houses are also favored as a functional decor piece. Garden stakes offer design flair to a flower or vegetable garden. Many garden stakes are solar powered to make them both decorative and functional.

Home Decor

Several styles of home decor can be used in a variety of home designs. French-themed items, such as the Eiffel Tower and French bistro signs, are welcome in the kitchen and living areas of the home. Wrought iron accessories are ideal for candle holders, wall sconces and decorative hardware used around the home.

Tags: Christmas cactus, good choice, home decor, home office, plant that, recipient will, your recipient

Paint A Rusty Metal Fence

A rusty fence can be painted to improve the appearance of your yard.

Metal fences rust over time if not properly protected from the elements, leaving your yard with an eyesore. Painting your rusty fence can liven up your yard and only requires a little extra time and effort than painting a fence without rust. Help avoid future rust by painting the fence with two layers of outdoor paint to protect it from the elements. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrape any loose rust off of the fence with a wire brush.

2. Paint the rusty parts of the fence with a rust converter and allow it to dry, which may take two to four hours. A rust converter takes the place of a primer and converts the rust into a protective black layer.

3. Paint the fence with a coat of outdoor paint and allow it to dry, which may take four to six hours. Paint a second layer of outdoor paint on the fence for added protection and a bolder color.

Tags: fence with, outdoor paint, your yard, allow which, allow which take, four hours

Remove Jhook Wiper Blades

Remove J-Hook Wiper Blades

The process for removing wiper blades from a vehicle depends on the type of wiper arms they are connected to. A wiper arm serves as a connection between the blade and the motor that powers the blade's movement across a windshield. There are a variety of connection types, and blades with hooked or "J" wiper connectors are prevalent, sold both at general merchandise store car sections and auto parts retailers. Just as you probably surmised, the end of a J-hook wiper arm has a hook shaped like the letter "J." The wiper blade's center connection fits and locks into this hook. Learning and preforming the blade removal process for a J-hook type of wiper blade is extremely easy to do.

Instructions

1. Lift the driver-side wiper arm off the windshield and let it rest in a vertical position.

2. Find the safety mechanism at the center of the wiper blade. Depending on the brand of wiper blade, you are looking for either a small lever or a clasp. This mechanism is responsible for ensuring that the blade remains securely on the wiper arm.

3. Undo the safety mechanism. This "unlocks" the blade.

4. Hold the wiper arm with one hand; with the other, pull the blade out of the hook.

5. Place a dry sponge on the windshield, and rest wiper arm's bare tip onto it. This is a precaution against scratching your windshield.

6. Repeat this removal process on the passenger-side wiper blade.

Tags: wiper blade, removal process, safety mechanism, type wiper, windshield rest, Wiper Blades

Mediterranean Homes Exterior Decorating Ideas

Use an ornate gate on the exterior of your home.

The light colors and distinctive building materials used in Mediterranean-style homes make the curb appeal quite high. This appeal can only be enhanced and built upon with proper exterior decorating. Decorating a home's exterior can include anything from the actual building to the landscape surrounding it. Aim to keep the Mediterranean vibe going when selecting objects to use in the project, which helps to contribute to the exotic nature of the space. Does this Spark an idea?

Architectural Elements

Certain architectural forms, including columns and arches, are common in Mediterranean architecture. Incorporate these into your exterior space. You can do this in a number of ways. For those who have a pool, place columns on either side as a place for vines to grow. Create a garden pergola using columns for the base, and place stone benches underneath for a place to sit. You could also line your driveway with columns and have several archways on the path leading to your front door.

Colors and Materials

A Mediterranean home's exterior can be enhanced by the use of certain materials and colors. Finishing the outer walls with stucco adds to the exotic look. Paint colors like tan or eggshell along with a terracotta room give a classic Mediterranean feel while colors like orange or red give the outside of a home a striking, attention-grabbing appearance. Some homes in this style also include exterior window bars made of ornate wrought iron designs.

Landscaping

Ornate landscaping is often associated with this style of home. Add a terraced garden to the home's exterior if you have the space. Plant topiary trees for an elegant decorating touch. A Mediterranean home may have spaces where indoor and outdoor areas flow seamlessly together because of the mild climate found in the countries of inspiration. Wrought iron patio furniture can add to the vibe in exterior living areas as well as provide durability. Large urns overflowing with flowers can accent a patio space and add vibrant splashes of color to a home's exterior.

Tags: home exterior, colors like, Mediterranean home, this style

Select Accessories For Your Mexican Country Style Home

Mexican country style has a wealth of accessories to choose from. Antique pieces are available, and you can also look for items at import shops. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remember that Catholic missionaries exerted a great influence on Mexican history. As a result, religious objects such as crosses, padres, Madonnas and saints are popular.

2. Use carved objects such as sugar molds, tortilla presses, coffee mortars and pestles, as well as figurines, as sculptural accents.

3. Set the mood with candles, both votives and tapers. These may be in glass, metal, wood or ceramic holders.

4. Use tile - from humble Saltillo floor tiles to exuberantly colored glazed wall tiles - generously in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as on furniture and floors.

5. Include wrought-iron accents in the form of candleholders, light fixtures, gates, window grates and furniture hardware (especially heavy hinges and drawer pulls). Be creative - a section of a fence or window grate can become a headboard or be hung on the wall as a sculpture.

6. Have fun with clay figurines, ranging from peasants in colorful everyday attire to animals to the surprisingly festive Day of the Dead skulls and skeletons.

7. Hang pictures that celebrate Mexico, including ranch landscapes and still lifes featuring religious objects and native plants. The pictures might be unframed, in simple wood or metal frames, or in highly ornate carved wood frames.

8. Collect folk-art masks made from carved wood, papier-mache, clay and coconut shells, and hang them on the walls.

Tags: carved wood, objects such, religious objects

Accessorize Fireplace Mantels In Tuscan

Yellow sunflowers in a sky blue vase give your mantel a Tuscan touch.

Tuscan decorating takes its cue from rustic Italian farmhouses and grand villas. Colors in Tuscan décor are drawn from nature. The bright blue of the Tuscan sky on a sunny day, the burgundy of wine, sunflower yellow and olive green are all hues found in this decorating style. Textures are rough like the plaster walls in a centuries-old farmhouse and the cobble stones on a narrow village street. Wrought iron, copper, ceramic items, pottery and baskets are all prevalent in Tuscan décor. Each of these elements can be used when you accessorize your fireplace mantel in Tuscan style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. March pottery vases filled with bright blooms like sunflowers and Gerber daisies across the fireplace mantel. Choose Gerber daisies in saturated colors such as red, yellow and orange. Mix colors and sizes of sunflowers for more interest. Arrange a large bouquet in a terra cotta pitcher and flank it with pillar candles in wrought iron or pottery holders. Hang a painting, print or photograph of the Italian countryside in the same hues above the mantel.

2. Line up a collection of ceramic pitchers on the mantel from large to small, or group similar colors together. Intersperse them with a grapevine garland and faux bunches of grapes. Hang a large grapevine wreath above the mantel embellished with grape bunches.

3. Place glass vases in Tuscan colors of cerulean, sage and burgundy on the mantel. Choose small graceful olive branches to put in each vase. Buy them at your local craft store. This arrangement gives your mantel both Tuscan color and the natural touch so common in Tuscan decor.

4. Pile colorful fruits and vegetables in a woven basket. Opt for artificial ones. Choose apples, grapes, red and green peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. Flank the basket with candles in wooden or wrought iron holders. Add a dash of elegance by switching out the basket for a glass pedestal bowl trimmed in silver like one you might find in a Tuscan villa. This arrangement would work well on a fireplace mantel in a Tuscan style kitchen.

5. Pair a persimmon color ceramic urn with a trio of deep blue ceramic candle holders or contrast it with three black wrought iron ones.

6. Give the mantel vineyard flair by displaying a collection of glasses from your favorite winery. Add bottles of Italian wine in woven basket bottle holders. Chianti bottles are perfect for this. Consider putting candles in a couple of them for a romantic glow.

Tags: fireplace mantel, mantel Tuscan, wrought iron, above mantel, fireplace mantel Tuscan, Gerber daisies, mantel Choose

Decorate The Front Iron Door For A House

Choose an appropriate decoration for the iron door on your home.

Iron front doors are common for people who want an extra measure of security between the world and their home. If you have a wrought iron security door on the front of your home, you can still beautify it so that it coordinates with the rest of your home. Decorating your iron door will make it look less like a security door and more like an attractive aspect of your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Tie a bow using weatherproof ribbon and attach it to a grapevine wreath using florist's wire. Run the florist's wire beneath one of the grapevines on the back of the wreath and then attach the wire to the iron door. If your door has wrought iron poles, attach the wire to them. Twist the wire tightly so that the wreath is secure on the door. If you have a solid iron door without poles, use a wreath hanger that sits on the top edge of the door instead.

2. Attach a large bow using weatherproof ribbon. Run a piece of florist's wire through the center of the bow and attach it to the iron door. This is an ideal option for a party, the holidays or if a family is celebrating something, such as a birth.

3. Choose a wooden sign for your door decoration, such as a painted sign depicting the first initial of your last name. Run a zip tie through the hanger on the back of the sign, and then attach it to the iron door securely so that it will not fall off.

4. Decorate your door so that it reflects a particular season or holiday. In the fall, decorate a wreath with orange and yellow leaves and miniature pumpkins. For the Christmas season, hang a wooden sign on the door depicting Santa Claus or a candy cane. Springtime calls for a bow made with floral or pastel ribbon. Choose a door decoration that fits with the time of year so the door looks cohesive with the season.

Tags: your home, florist wire, iron door, iron door, your door

Spot A Fake Longaberger Basket

The Longaberger basket company has been in business for over 35 years. These high quality, collector approved woven baskets are a rare find at flea markets and thrift stores. Like other designer products, manufacturers tend to make replicas and pass them off as the real thing. Avoid a high cost mistake by knowing tell a fake Longaberger basket from real one. Determine the authenticity by looking for the simple and subtle signs of a true Longaberger basket.

Instructions

1. Flip the basket over and look for the date, the weaver's initials and the Longaberger Company logo. All three should be located on the bottom exterior of the basket. If the basket does contain all three but the logo is scratched out or has a line through it, it is still real but it has been marked as flawed. Flawed baskets are less expensive than unflawed ones.

2. Hold the basket and determine the weight-- is it light or heavy? Longaberger baskets are made from hard maple wood and should feel heavy and solid. An imitation Longaberger will feel lighter and flimsy in your hands.

3. Observe the woven wood and determine if it is tightly woven or loose. Cheaply made Longaberger imitations will have loose woven wood and feel flimsy. If the wood is unraveling but the basket shows no sign of wear, it is an imitation.

4. Check the trim strip around the edges of the basket. If they are held on by tacks, then it is Longaberger. Imitation baskets will have the trim strip stapled on. Although very rare, Longaberger did manufacture some baskets with a stapled trim strip. If you feel the basket is authentic but has a stapled trim strip, it is best to contact Longaberger directly to verify the authenticity of the basket.

Tags: trim strip, Longaberger basket, stapled trim, stapled trim strip, will have, woven wood

Design Outside Dining For A Restaurant

Design Outside Dining for a Restaurant

Outdoor dining provides extra seating areas for your business and attracts a new customer base--those who enjoy dining al fresco. The outdoor area can be as simple as a couple of cafe tables and chairs set on the sidewalk, or as elaborate as a structure with removable walls that can be used in any weather. The design you choose should reflect the type of restaurant you're designing for. Most designs share the same basic elements.

Instructions

1. Design a flat surface for the patio that slopes slightly toward the street so that rainwater doesn't collect. If you're using an existing sidewalk, make sure there are no loose bricks, cracks or other flaws that might cause customers or servers to trip.

2. Plan to erect an awning for dining in inclement weather, or umbrellas or sun sails to protect patrons from the sun. Install ceiling fans if the outdoor dining area has a permanent cover.

3. Separate the outdoor dining area from passersby or a parking lot with a wrought iron or wooden fence. Position planter boxes around the periphery with insect repelling plants like lavender, marigolds and pennyroyal.

4. Create a servers' station with a sink and storage for napkins, silverware, glassware, condiments and wash rags. Include a heat source for keeping coffeepots warm and an icemaker for chilled water. Put lockable doors on it so that setup items don't have to be taken inside when the restaurant is closed.

5. Provide lighting for outdoor guests. Place candles or lanterns on tables. String up party lights if the restaurant is casual. Use gas lamps outside more formal restaurants.

6. Select furniture that suits the restaurant's dining style. A tablecloth restaurant should have high-end furniture that mirrors the furniture inside the restaurant. Casual restaurants can have an eclectic mix of furniture styles and materials, like wicker and directors' chairs.

7. Design a bar area if there's enough space, or create an ocean-side atmosphere by removing a section of the wall and building a counter. Put stools at the counter and serve patrons from inside the restaurant. Install pocket doors that can be closed and locked. This eliminates the need to move liquor inside when the business is closed.

Tags: Design Outside, Design Outside Dining, dining area, Dining Restaurant, doors that, furniture that, inside restaurant

How Is Wrought Iron Made

How Is Wrought Iron Made?

What Is Wrought Iron?

All irons and steels are simply irons with different carbon contents. Wrought iron has a very low carbon content. Its fibrous appearance is because of the slag (oxidized metal impurities) in the iron. Wrought iron is now less common than mild steel, which has a similar appearance, though a different carbon content.

The Original Manufacture of Wrought Iron

A few centuries ago, wrought iron was made through the bloomery process. This process included throwing iron ore and charcoal into a forge and burning the mixture, called the bloomery, at a temperature below the melting point of iron. This caused the slag in the ore, which must be removed to harvest the iron at low carbon content, to run out of the forge. However, this did not produce pure wrought iron. The bloom, which was the spongy iron ore produced from the forge, had to be fired again and beat into bars for use by blacksmiths.

The Most Modern Production of Wrought Iron

Although no wrought iron has been commercially manufactured since 1969, the most recent method for its production was the Aston process. In this process, molten steel from a Bessemer converter, which converts high-carbon pig iron to steel through oxidation, is poured into somewhat cooler liquid slag. When the molten steel hits the slag, its impurities are evaporated as gases, and a mass similar to that described above is produced. As in the bloomery process, this mass must be compressed and beaten many times until flat bars of wrought iron are produced.

Tags: carbon content, Wrought Iron, bloomery process, different carbon, iron produced, molten steel

How Is Cast Iron Made

Raw Materials

The making of cast iron begins with a combination of raw materials. Iron is rarely found in its pure form. Only meteorites contain pure iron. The iron in use for centuries is found in the combination of iron and other elements. These combinations are known as iron oxides. Mining pulls most of the iron from iron ores which are rocks found on the outer layers of the earth that contain iron. This iron ore is then converted into various types of iron but first it is processed in a blast furnace to produce pig iron. Used by itself, pig iron has few uses due to its brittle nature. Alloyed with other metals, pig iron takes on new uses.

Making Cast Iron

The term cast iron is generally used to describe grey cast iron, but it can also describe a whole group of alloys too. The surface color of the cast iron is often used to identify it. Cast iron begins its life as pig iron, which is remelted and often combined with large amounts of scrap iron and sometimes with steel. Contaminants are removed from the melted pig iron, and the iron, once melted, is then cast. Casting is the process of pouring the iron into a mold thus giving it a shape. Molds and pouring methods divide this process up. Molds can be made as expendable molds (sand) or non-expendable molds (metal). Pouring can happen via gravity, low-pressure or vacuum. Controlling the pouring process becomes more important the more intricate the mold is.

Solidifying Cast Iron

After the iron is cast, it is allowed to solidify. If performed incorrectly, the solidification process can destroy the effort and the metal is then re-used as scrap metal thus being recycled and living again as pig metal ready for casting. Controlling the cooling curve is very important to good solidification practices and can note the difference between high quality and average cast iron. Quick cooling produces fine grain construction and slow cooling produces coarse grain construction. Cast iron that has not cooled evenly produces a low-quality cast. Other problems faced during the cast iron process include contamination of the iron, gas porosity (the forming of bubbles in the iron), and problems with the fluidity of the metal. The casting process is an art that must be examined and experienced to be fully understood.

Tags: cast iron, cooling produces, grain construction, iron begins, iron iron

Determine The Age Of An Antique Singer Sewing Machine

The serial number is the key to determining your Singer's age.

Singer sewing machines have existed since 1851. From the cast iron treadle-operated machines before the advent of electricity, to the iron "modern" machines of the 1950's, many a seamstress has owned a Singer. Identifying the production year of an antique sewing machine may be difficult for some brands, but not for Singer machines. The Singer Company owns detailed logs of sewing machine serial numbers which, when matched with the serial number on your antique sewing machine, can determine the age of your Singer machine. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn the sewing machine so the front is facing you. Locate the serial number stamped or embossed into a metal, rounded strip attached or embedded into the base of the machine in the front or on the base below the wheel.

2. Observe the serial number. For machines produced before 1900, the serial number will be only numbers, according to the Singer Company. For post-1900 machines, one or two letters will precede the number.

3. Match the serial number on your sewing machine with a serial number on one of the three lists the Singer Company posts online (see Resources). This will reveal the year your machine was manufactured. However, lists of serial numbers for machines produced from 1851-1870 are unavailable because the original serial number log books were lost, according to Singer.

Tags: serial number, sewing machine, Singer Company, according Singer, antique sewing, antique sewing machine

Decorating Ideas For The Corners Behind A Sectional Sofa

An indoor plant brightens up an empty corner behind a sectional sofa.

Decorate the corners behind sectional sofas with items that complement the style of the room and blend with the design element. Items placed behind the sectional should look like they belong there, not like you are trying to fill the empty space. Take into considerations the fabric, color, pattern and placement of the sectional sofa when decorating the space behind it. Does this Spark an idea?

Floor Lamp

Install a floor lamp in the corner behind the sectional to subtly illuminate that part of the room. Position the lamp strategically behind the seating arrangement so it serves both as a decorative element and creates a reading nook. Offset traditional upholstery on the sectional with a contemporary floor lamp for a modern yet cozy feel. Alternatively, use a lamp with a woven natural fiber lampshade such as rattan or jute to balance a contemporary sectional sofa.

Houseplants

For a larger corner that receives plenty of warm but indirect sunlight, consider a tall houseplant that adds natural color and beauty to the space. Select easy-care plants such as palms, bamboo and corn plants that thrive in the indoor environment. Other houseplants include the cast iron plant, Norfolk Island pine and umbrella tree. You can also hang a pot from the corner of the ceiling and grow trailing or vining houseplants such as English ivy, fuchsia or string-of-beads that add color at varying eye levels behind the sectional.

Table

A sofa table slightly shorter than the height of the sectional sofa forms a functional and decorative backdrop for antiques, keepsakes, books and glassware. Select a table in a bright shade such as yellow or red to add a burst of color behind a neutral or dark sectional, or use one with a soft finish such as pale blue or natural wood for a patterned sectional. Arrange books between bookends. Place a tall vase with fresh flowers or insert memorable photos in frames and arrange them strategically on the table.

Wall Art

Display artwork on the corner walls behind the sectional. Hang a group of framed photos or artwork in varying heights and sizes to add depth and beauty to the otherwise bare spot. Mark the exact positions of the individual items on the wall beforehand to save time during installation. Avoid cluttering the corner or hanging too many pieces, but choose the ones that blend with the theme of the room or those of significance or sentiment. Artwork by children or grandchildren, handmade school crafts, family portraits or collectibles from foreign trips add a personal touch to the corner.

Tags: behind sectional, sectional sofa, behind sectional, blend with, corner behind, corner behind sectional, floor lamp

Make Cushions For Patio Chairs

Some people purchase new patio chairs to bring a new look to their patios. Instead, you can make your own cushions for patio chairs to get the exact colors and patterns needed to complement your outdoor space. You also create the precise comfort level you enjoy when you make the cushions with the foam firmness of your choosing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the surface area of the patio chairs. Don't add extra inches over the sides of the chairs. Cushions hanging over the sides of furniture will sag and deteriorate faster than properly fitted cushions.

2. Decide how thick you want the cushions. The less forgiving and conforming the furniture frame may necessitate thicker foam. You also need to decide how firm the foam should be. Foam can be very supportive, very conforming or somewhere in between.

3. Buy the foam for the cushions. You will need to provide the dimensions for the cushions to the foam store.

4. Measure the cushions to get a good measurement for purchasing fabric and cutting the fabric. Sometimes cushions aren't the exact advertised size.

5. Buy a good weather-resistant material and zippers for the cushions. Use the measurements from the foam as a guide to purchasing the fabric. Remember to include the thickness of the pads on all four sides. Get zippers long enough to go across the long side of the cushion with 1 to 2 inches of non-zipper space at each end.

6. Create a pattern for your fabric by drawing the measurements from the foam pad onto a pattern paper. You need a pattern for the top and sides as well.

7. Cut the fabric according to the pattern.

8. Sew your pieces of fabric together inside out, like you would sew a pillow case.

9. Sew the zipper into one of the long sides of the cushion fabric.

10. Turn the fabric right side out through the hole created by opening the zipper.

11. Stuff the cushion with the foam.

12. Put your newly made cushion on the designated piece of furniture and give it a test sit.

Tags: cushion with, from foam, measurements from, measurements from foam, over sides, patio chairs, pattern your

Mediterranean Style Bench Seats

Italy has a major influence on Mediterranean design.

Historically, bench seats were elongated, backless seats that served as seating for the common man; chairs, having backs and seats, were reserved specifically for persons of prominence. Mediterranean bench styles vary by region, with Mediterranean design being influenced by 21 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Italy, Spain, Turkey and Morocco have had the most pronounced impact on Mediterranean design style and architectural elements. They have traded artistic talents over the centuries, creating similar Mediterranean bench styles with distinct differences resulting from a craftsman's geographical area, available resources and skill level. Does this Spark an idea?

Italy

Tuscany, located in the central portion of Italy, has a romantic, earthy influence on Mediterranean design. Rich golds, reds, greens, oranges and browns typify the Tuscan color palette. Rustic wooden benches are a favorite in Tuscan decor. Rich brown wood carved into a bench featuring a ladder-back style with woven rush seats exemplifies this old-world style. Tuscan benches are casual, comfortable and practical, looking as though they have been around for many years.

Morocco

Artistic talent from the north African country of Morocco weighs heavily on the Mediterranean style. Vibrant, jewel-tone colors of royal blue, ruby red, amber orange and emerald green reflect the Moroccan color palette. A bench with ornately detailed legs and sides crafted from dark-stained wood may be topped by a brightly colored seat cushion. Moroccan furniture pieces are often enhanced by mosaic tiles, inlays and hand-painted designs.

Turkey

Turkey occupies Asia Minor and a small portion of Europe, impacting Mediterranean design style. Ornate Turkish lamps, decorative artwork, hand-woven rugs and detailed furniture pieces are often found in Turkish home decor. Colorful pillows touting gold tassels, hand embroidery or exquisite fringes tossed atop an ornately crafted wooden bench add vibrant color and texture..

Spain

Spain lies in the southwestern part of Europe and strongly influences the Mediterranean interior design style. The Spanish style is simplistic and uncluttered. Rustic, vibrant hues of blues, yellows, pinks, oranges, greens and browns are common Spanish color schemes. Simple benches may be crafted from dark woods, having a worn, distressed and ancient appearance. Ornately crafted wrought-iron furniture provides a more decorative option in keeping with the Spanish style.

Tags: Mediterranean design, design style, bench styles, color palette, crafted from, furniture pieces

Hip Decorating Ideas

Hip designs have a funky and young feel.

Hip decorating ideas infuse a space with a fresh and young mood. Hip design mixes funky, artistic, retro, and kitsch elements to produce a lively and eclectic look. Bold patterns, such as over-sized dots and tiny zigzags, mix with unusual color combinations, such as aqua and tan, to keep the style looking anything but ordinary. Does this Spark an idea?

Living Room

Add a hip mood to your living room with the creative use of wall paint. One aqua blue wall and three baby blue walls provide contrast to the area. Large, subtle, baby blue "O" shapes on the aqua wall help add texture and soften the bold color. White trim helps keep the design looking sharp, and dark wood floors provide a plain base for fun furniture.

A mocha-colored fabric couch with aqua, baby blue, and yellow decorative pillows forms a strong focal point with splashes of color. Wood aqua armchairs with white trim complement the couch design. Black wrought-iron end tables and a matching coffee table with mosaic tile tops provide an eclectic accent. Black wrought-iron curtain rods with sheer yellow curtains add a soft touch around each window.

Bathroom

Combine jade, purple, blue, and gold hues to create a hip bathroom design with a fish theme. Cream walls, white trim, a cobalt blue tile floor, white cabinets, and jade green tile counter tops provide the basic room design. A silky jade shower curtain, colorful fish shower hooks, and a royal purple bathmat add rich hues to the bathtub area.

Layer fish-embroidered white hand towels with cobalt trim over royal purple body towels to create an artistic accent on a golden towel bar. A matching toothbrush holder, soap dish, and soap pump with gold trim and tropical fish designs complement the jade, purple, and blue hues. A royal purple wastebasket and toilet brush cover provide functional and fun accessories that fit the theme.

Bedroom

Use subtle base colors with bold accents to create a young and hip bedroom design. Dark gray carpet, white walls, and lime green trim provide an unusual base. A red fabric-covered bed frame with a cushioned, square, red fabric headboard adds a bold splash of color to the room. White sheets and lime-and-white zigzag-patterned bedding create an amusing contrast against the red.

Thick, rectangular, lime green nightstands with round silver tabletops add a modern touch to the hip bedroom. A short, wide, red wood dresser with silver square knobs provides storage and display space. A large, rectangular, clear glass vase with red, lime, and white swirls decorates the top of the dresser for an artistic accent. Silver curtain rods with pleated red linen curtains create sharp dressings for windows.

Tags: baby blue, royal purple, artistic accent, Black wrought-iron, curtain rods

Collect Old Beds

Canopy, Jenny Lind, cast iron and four-poster beds all conjure images of beds through history. Romans invented the first beds. Since then, bed frames have been elaborate and simple, constructed from wood and metal, and the mattresses filled with leaves, down, grass and straw. Beds have been handmade by individuals, designed and built for royalty and mass-produced in factories. Their age, construction, design or manufacturer might inspire a collector of old beds. Collecting old, antique beds connects collectors to the history of furniture, interior design and comfort.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of old, antique or vintage beds to collect. Collecting creates categories. Antique bed collecting categories might be beds of cast iron, beds from Vermont, oak beds or mid-19th century beds. An alternative would be to collect beds made by only one company. For example, the Charles P. Limbert Company out of Holland, Mich. created Arts and Crafts furniture, including beds, from 1906 to 1922.

2. Educate yourself about the types of beds you intend to collect. Read about the history of furniture to learn about the styles and decorations popular during different time periods. Fifteenth-century builders made the first four-poster beds. In the early 1800s, cast iron beds were first made. Jenny Lind beds, with turned knob decoration, became popular in the late 19th century.

3. Locate venues for purchasing your antique beds. Old, antique and vintage beds can be found at auctions, estate sales, antique stores and online. Beds found at auctions may be less expensive than those found in an antique store; however, they may require more work to clean and polish them. It is quite common to purchase antiques online but the size of the beds may involve high shipping costs.

4. Evaluate the condition of all beds before you purchase them. Look at the finish on the wood. Is it original or has it been refinished? Examine each piece of wood to see if they all match or are a combination of two or more beds put together to create one bed. Check the legs and feet to look for damage and repairs. Antiques are supposed to show signs of wear; however, you want to be fully knowledgeable of the degree of wear before you purchase the piece.

5. Create a system to maintain information about your old, antique beds. Whether you intend to sell or display your antique bed collection, you want to keep all of the documentation for each bed. Receipts, letters and other information should be stored in a safe place.

6. Preserve your antique bed collection. Clean and wax your beds to maintain their value and beauty. Make a cleanser of mild liquid soap combined with water and wipe the beds with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. You may also use a vacuum cleaner, set on low, with the brush attachment. For wooden beds, use a hard paste wax once or twice a year to protect the finish.

Tags: your antique, antique beds, cast iron, antique collection, antique vintage

Determine Age Of Antique Metal Bed Frame

The style of an iron bed can indicate its age.

In the late 1800s iron bed makers encouraged consumers to "wage war on dust, disease or vermin" by using a more sanitary iron bed. In addition to a "more sanitary condition," iron bed frames offered consumers elegant, beautiful designs that many wooden beds couldn't compete with. Because iron is a durable material that is less subject to breakage, many of these beds may be found in antique stores as well as city dumps today. If you have found a potential antique, you must study it closely to determine the date. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look at the metal involved in creating the bed. The Victorians primarily used hand-crafted cast iron for their home products until the start of World War I. This included bed frames, headboards and foot boards. After that point, mass-produced beds made of aluminum were common. If your bed frame is made of aluminum instead of iron, it is a reproduction.

2. Look through antiques stores for bed frames in similar styles. Bed frames made in similar styles can date from the same time period. Some of the design styles that rose to prominence when Iron beds were popular include the Victorian style of the mid-1800s, the Art Nouveau style of the late 19th century and the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. Iron-bed frames created in these styles may date to these time periods.

3. Examine the bed for an impression, trade mark or stamp that identifies the manufacturer. This mark may include a date of manufacture. If the maker is no longer in business, you can narrow the date of the bed to the time period before the manufacture closed. Consult antiques books for a record of bed designs made by that manufacturer. Many furniture makers change their designs over time. An individual piece of furniture's design helps to narrow the date of manufacture down.

4. Look at the structure of the bed. Antique iron beds were built into the frame. They generally consisted of a headboard and foot board and side rails. The side rails connected to the head and foot board with hitches instead of brackets. If your bed has a separate frame or brackets for hardware, it may be a reproduction. Antique beds were also larger in size. A full/double antique bed from the Victorian era would be the equivalent of a modern queen or king sized bed.

Tags: beds were, date manufacture, foot board, made aluminum, more sanitary, narrow date, side rails

Paint A Metal Towel Rack

When changing your bathroom decor on a budget, you can paint your metal towel racks, rather than replace them, and save some money. In one weekend, you can paint over chrome, stainless steel, brass or wrought iron and create glossy or matte-finished racks of any color that you need. With primers and paints available that bond with metals and inhibit rust, you can make old and out-of-fashion towel racks like brand-new, more easily than ever before. Even in the wet environment of a bathroom, your towel racks will not chip, crack or peel---if you paint them properly.

Instructions

1. Disassemble the towel rack, if it was put together previously, and set aside any screws or other fasteners.

2. Clean the towel rack with a heavy-duty, degreasing metal cleaner, following the manufacturer's directions. Dip a sponge in the cleaner and rub the rack thoroughly; make sure that the cleaner covers the entire surface area.

3. Rinse the towel rack thoroughly, and let it dry.

4. Remove any loose finish or rust with a wire brush, and sand the area smooth with a sheet of fine, 180-grit sandpaper. Wipe the rack with a clean, dry cloth, to remove any sanding residue.

5. Apply two coats of primer; let the first coat dry completely before applying the second. Be sure to use a primer that is formulated for your specific type of metal. Spray-on primer works best, but if you can't find any, you can apply primer with a sponge paint roller.

6. Spray on one coat of metal paint that is approved for the type of metal you're painting. Allow the paint to dry according to the label instructions, before you reassemble and mount the towel rack.

Tags: towel rack, towel racks, rack thoroughly, rack with, type metal

Contemporary Home Accessories And Decor

Match your accessories to fit your style.

Contemporary décor creates a comfortable living space known for its clean lines and simple feel. However, the wrong accessories can quickly ruin the room's inviting mood. Does this Spark an idea?

Color

Since most contemporary rooms have mainly neutral furniture, accessories are your chance to liven up the room with color. Go for pillows, throws, and rugs in warm, bold colors.

Metal

Look for coffee tables, picture frames, lamps, and other accessories with metal accents. Add interest to the room by incorporating at least one unusually shaped metal piece, like a floor lamp with a unique stand.

Artwork

Artwork can add color or bring out the base colors in the room. For example, black and white pictures over the couch may help complete the look in a living room with black end tables. On the other hand, a painting with rich colors may help add life to a room without many accents.

Texture and Simplicity

Contemporary accents should have rich texture, but not intricate detail. Choose curtains, wallpaper, rugs, and blankets made from unique material with simple prints.

Clutter

Keep your accessories to a minimum, because nothing ruins modern décor faster than clutter. On that note, make sure you keep the room clean as well.

Tags: accessories your, room with, your accessories

Build Iron Rod Fences

An iron rod fence is not as imposing as a spiked wrought iron one.

An iron rod fence is a beautiful addition to any yard. Less imposing than a wrought iron fence with sharp posts, this waist-high fence has a curved top instead. As with any wrought iron fence, the goal is not privacy but rather a frame for your house. An iron rod fence will allow your landscaping and house to shine through it, creating a balanced and symmetrical picture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check with local zoning officials to determine the rules in your area for fences. Call utilities to mark underground cables.

2. Pound stakes in the ground where you want the fence. String a line as a guide for setting the posts.

3. Dig holes for the posts every 8 feet. The depth of the hole needed is the height of the post less the height of the fence.

4. Lay out the gate, hinges and latching hardware and dig holes for posts on either side to attach the gate.

5. Place each post in a hole and mix concrete and pour it around the posts. Check for plumb. Let dry for 24 hours.

6. Using the brackets that come with the 8-foot sections of fence, slide a bracket over the end of each of the two horizontal rails and screw to the post. Hang the remainder of the fence sections.

7. Screw the hinges onto the gate and hang it by screwing the hinge hardware to the adjacent post. Pre-drill the holes on the post before screwing in place. Attach the latching hardware on the opposite side of the gate and the post on the latch side of the gate.

Tags: iron fence, wrought iron, holes posts, latching hardware, side gate, wrought iron fence

Rustic Indian Home Decor

Redesigning your home according to a rustic Indian theme will create a natural, earthy atmosphere inside your home and also make it cozy and comfortable. You may transform your home to a rustic getaway by adding to each room appropriate motifs and design elements that emphasize the rustic appeal. Does this Spark an idea?

Living Room and Den

Decorating your home with old-fashioned, handcrafted furniture will accentuate the theme and bring out its warmth and informality. Consider hickory, pine wood, Aspen log or wrought-iron furniture, such as western benches, ottomans, rockers and trunks. Hardwood floors emphasize the look, especially when adorned with Western-designed rugs, or a simple piece of large cloth with Native American-themed pictures, such as a forest or wild animals.

Bedrooms

Choosing deep and rich colors for the bedding and combining them with solid-colored or checkered drapes and pillows, will leave the bedroom looking vibrant. Supplement with earthy tones and accentuate the bedroom with Native American and rustic-themed figurines, such as wild animals, Kokopelli and wood or metal-framed mirrors and paintings. For furniture, wooden or copper chests, dressers and nightstands will complement the rustic theme.

Decoration

Beautify the walls with rustic-themed decorative pieces, such as wildlife knick-knacks that can be hung from or attached to the wall. Some ideas include leaves, birds, fishes and fishing nets. For a more rustic or cabin style ambiance, use wagon wheels, deer antlers or wildlife paintings. Bring out the old-fashioned charm with wildlife-themed fireplace screens, wooden porch swings, earthy throws and old-fashioned cowbells and weathervanes.

Tags: your home, wild animals, with Native

Gift Ideas For Family Tree Collectors

Family tree collectors will appreciate a variety of gifts pertaining to family.

Family tree collectors appreciate gifts that help add to their family tree or aid in the search for genealogy information. Rare documents or photos are also cherished gifts.

Collectors enjoy displaying items with their family's information or gifts that contain names of family members, perhaps with room to add future family members. A variety of gifts to please the avid family tree collector are available for various budgets and tastes.

Display Items

Give the collector a starter kit for a family tree display. A metal-fabricated tree frame in a convenient size to set on a table is available at collector sites, such as Gifts.com. The trees come with small picture frames to place pictures or write names of family members and ancestors. A less expensive version of the tree is to use a wrought-iron ornament tree. Small ceramic tiles are available at hardware and flooring stores, and permanent decorative markers write nicely on the tiles. A loop of gold thread glued to the back of each tile will make hangers to place the tiles on the tree. Family photos can also be glued onto the front or back of tiles, if desired.

Personalized Collectibles

Family trees can be designed and printed on to quilts or stitched on to throws. A photo family tree can be created with as many photos that are available. Some displays place the ancestor names and pictures over a recent family photo of one of the families on the tree. A family crest is an old-world idea and can be searched for, or one can be designed and printed. The Tree Maker is one online source for these types of gifts. A photo store can also created personalized items that will delight family tree collectors.

Documents

Genealogy tips from the web site Solve Your Problem offer some ideas of documents to search for in genealogy. Find a document the family tree collector will cherish. Some examples include a ship manifest, a record of military service or award given, an account of an interesting event or "family skeleton," property records and landowner receipts from the home country of an ancestor.

Magazine or Online Subscriptions

A family tree or genealogy magazine will provide information and ideas that the collector may not know about. An online search site or magazine is also a subscription that the family tree collector will find helpful. These gifts can be purchased for long or short subscription times.

Electronics

A handheld scanner, an oversized printer for large documents and a media converter are some of the electronic devices that family tree collectors can use in their searching.

These are available online at sites like Find Your Roots that sell genealogy help tools.

Tags: family tree, family members, family tree collector, tree collector, tree collectors, collector will, designed printed

Install A Preassembled Fence Panel On A Slope

A pre assembled fence panel can take work when installing on a slope

Pre-assembled fence panels can be installed on a slope, but it generally requires some adjustments. Fence panels come pre-assembled at many home improvement stores in a variety of types, styles and materials. The pre-assembled panels make the task of putting up a fence significantly easier and less time consuming. One major problem however, is that these fence panels are built for even yards. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose an installation method. There are two main methods to putting fencing on a hill. The first method is called stepping, which leaves a triangle shaped gap under each panel. The second method is called the racking method, and it puts the fence panels on a consistent down angle.

2. Dig and set the posts according to the height needed for the slope. At least a third of the post should be in the ground. You can use a shovel or post hole digger for this. After putting the post in the hole, fill with concrete according to the directions on the concrete bag. The posts will need to be set in between each fence panel. You may have to cut the posts with a saw if they are too tall for your fence. Every time you move down the slope you will need the next post to be a bit longer. The post should be at the same height on top but will need to extend to reach the same distance in the ground. You may need to cut your posts accordingly.

3. Connect the posts to the panels by screwing or nailing them in place. For the stepping method they should connect perfectly, except you will match the top of the fence so that it is straight. On the next post you will start on the ground but keep it straight; the end of the panel will be several inches or more off the ground when connected to the next post. The space underneath the fence panels will start off very small and get larger at the end creating a triangle shaped gap between the bottom of the panel and the ground. For the racking method, up to a 10 degree slope will be fine, but more than that will require you to enlarge the connections holes on the rails and the posts and require cutting and mitering of the fence posts and pickets. For a slope greater than 10 degrees a pre-assembled fence panel will not likely work. On the sloping method you will connect your panels at a slant so that the panels all line up and there is no gap at the bottom.

Tags: next post, will need, fence panel, fence panels, fence panels, method called, panel will

Grow Ivy On A Wrought Iron Fence

Ivy can help disguise an old, rusty fence.

Ivies are hardy, usually evergreen plants with a vining habit and glossy, pointed leaves. There are many varieties of ivy to chose from, and many make attractive house or garden plants. English ivy is a very commonly found species in North America, but it is considered invasive in some areas. Boston ivy is deciduous in cooler climates, but produces a brilliant red color display in fall and has large, wide, notched leaves. Both of these are climbing ivies, but some are also sprawling. Whatever ivy you chose, it will grow quickly and need little extra care. Choose an area with full to partial shade and provide occasional supplemental water. Most important of all, pick an ivy that is self-supporting or climbing to make training it up the fence easy and attractive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plant the ivy as close to the fence as possible. It should be within 6 inches of the structure. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of the ivy and mix in 3 inches of compost. Gently fluff up the roots of the plant and place it in the hole. Backfill and press the soil in around the ivy.

2. Water the plant until puddles form on the surface of the soil. Let them drain, then water once again. Provide water twice per week until the ivy becomes established, about one month.

3. Cut the ivy back to 6 inches. Let it grow for four months, then fertilize with 1/2 cup of all-purpose fertilizer. Work the fertilizer into the top 3 inches of soil and follow with a deep watering. Fertilize every other month during the growing season.

4. Tie the new growth up to the bottom of the fence to assist it as it climbs. Once it reaches 1 foot tall it can usually self-adhere and will need no assistance.

5. Twine the young growth in around the iron stems of the fence once every two weeks or so when it is young. This will result in a fuller appearance than if you just allow it to grow on the outside of the structure.

6. Prune the ivy in spring to promote bushiness. Cut the terminal growth back 4 to 6 inches, ending just before a growth node. Cut off dead stems at any time of the year to enhance the appearance. Remove any smaller stems that splay out from the fence to keep a tidy habit.

7. Rinse the leaves off when they are dusty and use a hose to spray off any insect pests you may spot. Spider mites are the most common and can be identified by their webbing on the plant. Use an insecticidal spray to coat the leaves and stems weekly until the pests are gone.

Tags: back inches

Reuse Old Windows

Use creative techniques to reuse old windows.

You move into a new home and find several windows stacked in the attic or garage. Or you're having the windows in your home replaced with new, energy-efficient ones. Or you're tearing down a building; all the windows have been removed. What do you do with all these old windows? Don't throw them away. You can breathe new life into old windows in all sorts of creative and unique ways. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn a window into wall art. There are numerous way to do this. Paint the frame or carve decorative designs into it. Glue wrapping paper, multicolored tiles, small mirrors, photos or dried leaves to the panes. Paint or stencil pictures and designs on the panes; incorporate a holiday theme for Christmas or Thanksgiving or a food theme for a kitchen. Remove the glass and hang beads and trinkets in each panel. After beautification is complete, attach hooks to the window, hang it on the wall lengthwise or crosswise, and viola! A boring wall is instantly dressed up with this fun and funky accent piece.

2. Use an old window to make a tabletop. You can attach four table legs to a window, or simply find a table the size of your window and lay the window atop it. To streamline the look, paint or stain the window and legs or window and table so that all pieces will match. Decide what to do with the glass: leave it clear or paint it black or whatever color works best with your décor. Window coffee tables, end tables, dining room tables and sofa tables make for interesting and eye-catching interior design--and making furniture yourself gives it sentimental value.

3. Make decorative doors. Replace the doors on cabinets, closets, wardrobes, shadow boxes, hutches, and the like with windows--a much less run-of-the-mill, humdrum option than a regular door. As with the window-table idea, paint or stain the window so it will match the furniture to which it is being attached. Of course, doors are made to keep clutter hidden, so if you want to keep items behind the door out of sight, you can paint or frost the glass in the window panes, or glue on wallpaper.

Tags: legs window, paint stain, paint stain window, stain window, will match

Decorate A Half Canopy Iron Bed

A half canopy bed doesn't look quite so dominating in the room.

While many are familiar with a wrought iron canopy bed, a half-canopy bed is not as common. The name describes the structure perfectly as the canopy frame that extends over the bed is only a fraction as long, starting at the head of the bed. This gives you the best of both worlds as you get the benefit of having a slight canopy overhead without the sometimes overbearing impression that a full canopy bed can give. Decorating such a bed might seem daunting, as it's less traditional, but it can still be a fun and rewarding process. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select your bedspread or duvet cover first. The color of this cover should match one of the main shades of your color scheme. Select two pillowcases that match this color exactly.

2. Select sheets and a dust ruffle that match this color but have a bold pattern. For example, if your bedspread is blue, blue floral sheets and a blue floral dust ruffle will keep the look from seeming static.

3. Measure the height of your canopy. Cut a piece of fabric that is 2 feet wide and three times as long as the height of your canopy. Select a fabric that matches the patterned fabric of your sheets and dust ruffle exactly.

4. Drape the fabric in and out of the curves of the frame of your half canopy. Experiment with how low or how symmetrical or asymmetrical you want the curves, drapes and folds to be.

5. Add a three or four throw pillows in a different, contrasting color of your color scheme to keep the bed looking dynamic. Add pillows of different textures.

Tags: dust ruffle, blue floral, color scheme, fabric that, height your, height your canopy

Treat Cast Iron Grills

Regular cleaning and curing will keep your cast iron grill in tip-top shape.

Cast iron is a highly valued cooking surface due to its high heat retention and even heat distribution. Many gas and charcoal grills have cast iron grates, which are ideal for searing and cooking food. Cast iron does require special care and maintenance to avoid rusting and degradation. The keys to treating your cast iron grill are regular cleaning and seasoning -- or curing -- with high heat and vegetable oil. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn on your gas grill to high or start your charcoal grill fire to heat the cast iron grates.

2. Use a stiff wire brush to scrape and scrub any charred food residue and rust that has accumulated on the grates.

3. Apply vegetable oil to the hot grates by draping an oil soaked rag over your wire brush and rubbing along them.

4. Allow the grill to heat and absorb the oil before placing any food on it.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron grates, cast iron grill, high heat, iron grates, iron grill, wire brush

Bend A Metal Rod

Bend a Metal Rod

Metal rods, typically made of steel or iron, are used in a wide variety of construction applications. Most often metal rods are bent, cut and welded according to the specifications of the project. Use an oxy-acetylene torch to bend metal rods. Oxy-acetylene torches are versatile welding tools used to heat metal to high temperatures, which allow for easy manipulation. Use an oxy-acetylene torch if you want a welding tool that is portable, easy to use and less expensive than other types of tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the rod to be bent in a table vise so that the area to be heated and bent is just above the jaws of the vise.

2. Put on your welding gear. This includes long pants, a long sleeved shirt, leather gloves and a welding helmet. A leather work coat or apron can also be worn to protect clothing from sparks.

3. Open the acetylene and oxygen tank valves. Start with the acetylene tank. Open the main valve a half-turn. Open the regulator valve until you reach a psi of 5 as indicated on the pressure dial. Open the main valve of the oxygen tank all the way. Open the regulator valve until you reach a psi of 10.

4. Open the torch valves and light the flame. Open the acetylene torch valve slightly. Light the gas with a flint welding striker (always point the torch away from you). Adjust the flame until there is no dark smoke being emitted. Then open the oxygen torch valve and adjust until you achieve a neutral, blue flame.

5. Heat the area of the rod to be bent with the torch until it is glowing bright red-orange. Turn off the torch valves. Turn off the oxygen torch valve first, followed by the acetylene.

6. Grab hold of the end of the rod (do not grab around the heated area, grab above it) and pull it over the jaw of the vise to bend it. Use a hammer to hit the rod just above the heated area to help create a sharp angle.

7. Allow the rod to cool or submerge it in cold water.

Tags: torch valve, Bend Metal, heated area, just above, main valve

Build Iron Rod Gates

Iron rod gates are not as fussy as wrought iron, but can still contain finials and monograms.

Iron rod fences and gates offer security and privacy to your home, while not displaying the imposing ornate look of wrought iron. Instead, iron rod offers a sleek and stylish look that's also durable and strong. Gates must be manufactured off-site, since their construction involves casting from iron using a forge and welding tools. The finished product is primed and finished with sandblasting techniques and the topcoats are baked on, in an oven. However, the homeowner can install the material, in all but a few complex instances. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Contact local building authorities to determine if you'll need a permit to erect a gate. This is usually only applicable if you're putting a gate at the end of a driveway.

2. Determine the gate's width and height, using a tape measure. Make certain that the ground the gate will swing over is level and solid.

3. Create your design from the many options available through various gate manufacturers, or design your own. You can choose from various finials or add a monogram, if desired, and select a finish color.

4. Check with the manufacturer to determine the best post footings for your gate. If the gate slides out of the way, you can set the posts in a concrete footing. If the gate swings open, you must use heavy posts set 3 to 4 feet into steel reinforced concrete. Also, if your gate contains an automated opening system, you must embed the electrical line into the post.

5. Dig post holes, using a post hole digger, to the recommended depth. Place the posts in the holes, and embed in concrete, per the gate manufacturer's instructions. Check for level and plumb--straight up and down.

6. Attach the gate to the posts, using the prefit hinges provided by the gate manufacturer. Hook up the automated opening mechanism, per the gate manufacturer's instructions.

Tags: gate manufacturer, automated opening, gate manufacturer instructions, manufacturer instructions, wrought iron

Decorate & Paint A Room

Transform any room with a fresh coat of paint and decorative accessories.

Decorating and painting are two of the most advantageous ways to improve a room's interior design. Depending on the size and style of the room, paint colors and decorative themes can enhance the overall appearance of the living space. Modern decorative trends and painting options allow a room design to become a showpiece for the entire home. Choosing a comfortable interior design theme, painting the walls, selecting attractive pieces of furniture, enhancing the walls and adding decorative accessories can transform a boring room into one with flavor and visual appeal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a theme for the room that suits your personal taste and harmonizes with the rest of the house. Opt for French country, rustic cottage or Americana themes if you enjoy the simple elements of country decor. Choose metropolitan, contemporary or modern themes if streamlined furnishings and eclectic artwork fit the design of the house. Select Tuscan, Asian and Mediterranean themes if you enjoy a colorful and exotic interior design. A decorative theme will guide you as the rest of the design elements are incorporated into the mood and motif of the room.

2. Paint the walls. Choose wall paint that has neutral undertones to create a soft, blank canvas for the room decor. Beige, mocha, yellow gold, sage green, cream and taupe paint colors add warmth and comfort to the room design while maintaining a neutral and safe background. Select white or tan paint colors for the trim to outline the borders of the living space. Paint window sills, door frames and baseboards in the same trim color. Use painter's tape where the walls meet the ceiling and floor to avoid unwanted paintbrush marks. Cover the floor with painter's cloth or plastic to keep hardwood and carpet free from paint spills.

3. Select basic pieces of furniture. Choose furniture that coordinates with the theme of the room. For a country design, choose tables, chairs, sofas and bedroom furniture that are made from natural wood. Oak, maple and mahogany are three popular wood materials for a country room design. For a modern appeal, select streamlined couches, accent tables and chairs that have metal legs and a sleek fabric design. Opt for wrought iron, wicker and dark wood furniture for exotic room themes. Choose four or five major pieces to decorate the room to avoid clutter.

4. Complement the space with wall and floor decorations. Add window treatments that encourage the maximum amount of light to enter the room. Sheer curtains, cotton panels and linen draperies provide visual interest to the wall space. Add one large piece of wall art to the room to provide a focal point for the interior design. Complement the rest of the walls with sconces, framed images and wrought iron wall art. Choose hardwood or tile flooring for the majority of the floor space. Add a decorative throw rug in a complementary color to the center of the room.

5. Add decorative accessories. Choose items that harmonize with the theme of the room, paint color, wall accessories and furnishings. Select candle holders, throw pillows, plants, lamps, linens and table decorations that blend with the overall layout and theme of the room. For a country appeal, choose checkered fabrics, wooden candlesticks and handcrafted artifacts to adorn the room. For a modern style, select metal-framed mirrors, colored glassware and sateen fabrics. In an exotic room, add wicker table lamps, clay vases and live green plants to the room decor.

Tags: interior design, theme room, decorative accessories, paint colors, room design

Collect Cast Iron Cookware

A cast iron skillet might be collectible, or it might just be handy in the kitchen.

If you like to cook with or collect cast iron cookware, you'll find plenty to choose from. Two names to collect are Griswold (those made before 1940) and Le Creuset (known for its bright enamel finish). But households have always needed basic kitchenware, and cast iron is sturdy and long-lasting. So whether you're seeking a skillet, a griddle or a corncob-shaped muffin pan, it won't elude you for too long.

Instructions

1. Check price guides before you shop. This will help you spot the bargains.

Then start looking. Try garage sales out in the country. Sometimes grandchildren inherit cookware, but don't collect or care to keep it.

2. Next, try estate sales and auctions. If an auction doesn't list its items, call and ask whether it has any cast iron.

3. Check and recheck thrift and resale shops. Once they get to know you, they may call and let you know what they have. Woks, dutch ovens, corn muffin pans, flat grills, bean pots, frying pans, lids, deep fryers, sauce pots, spoon holders -- you never know what may pop up.

4. When you see something you like, flip it over and look on the bottom. If it has a name, that will give you a clue to its origins. If it's heavy and thick, that's also promising. Stay away from the thin stuff.

5. Don't let dust or rust change your mind. You may find these at a bargin and be able to clean them up. Use an air tool with a wire brush attachment and get after it. Then cure it to prevent oxidation.

Look out for deep pitting and big flakes. These may be getting too thin. If you want them for decorations, though, you can paint them.

6. Let your family and friends know that you collect vintage cast iron. They will keep an eye out for you, then let you know or purchase it for you. You might get them as gifts.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron, know what

Composite Vs Wood Fence

Many people like the look and feel of wood. Many of those same people dislike the work of keeping the look and feel of wood pristine. If you are one of those people then you may want to consider a composite fence. Composite fencing offers the same look and feel of many wood varieties including cedar, pine, walnut and redwood. As with anything, there are pros and cons to both. Does this Spark an idea?

Installation Costs

Your initial budget will play a major factor in the fence choice you make. You can expect wood fences to cost approximately $15 per foot for a six foot fence. The cost of composite wood fences range from $20 to $25 per foot for the same six foot privacy fence. When it comes to labor, the same amount of time is required for both composite and wood, although composite fencing can be purchased in pre-fabricated sheets which will lessen installation time and labor costs.

Maintaining Wood

Wood is taken from a living tree and processed. If you don't take care of the wood, there is no way to stop the natural decomposing process. In order to do this, you should expect to treat the wood for insects, particularly termites. You will also need to replace or repair rotted areas. You must paint and stain wood with a finish that can withstand the elements. This is something that must be done annually (or more frequently in harsher weather climates) to preserve your fence. Expect to pay approximately $20 per foot of wood to maintain it.

Maintaining Composite

The great thing about composite is that you don't need to take care of it aside from hosing it down or using a mild detergent on it. Many people like that most composite fences have a warranty for twenty years or more. They are weather resistant and are not afflicted by insect populations. Water or a high powered washer will get most of the dirt off. A cleanser can be used to remove mold or barbecue smoke stains. .

Carbon Imprint

Many people like the fact that wood is a renewable resource that can last for years with proper care. This reduces the amount of fossil fuels used to create composite fences. While cutting more trees down is not ideal, neither is using more energy and chemical to create something that is not biodegradable.

Style

Composite fences were created because many people like the look and feel of wood but were opting for vinyl that had more durability with less work. Because composite has the ability to mimic many types of wood, you can achieve almost any look you want. However, this does not allow you to alter that look over time. Real wood can be painted or given a different finish that is either lighter or darker. For someone whose tastes may change over time, wood may be the better alternative.

Tags: look feel, people like, feel wood, look feel wood, Many people