A rusty iron fence can ruin the outward appearance of your home if left to decay. It is important to deal with rust on a fence almost as soon as it appears. Rust left to fester on a fence can potentially eat through the metal causing the fence to rot from the inside out. This may require you cutting out portions of the fence, which should be done by a professional to ensure a uniform look to the fence. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Inspect the rust on the fence to make sure it is superficial and that it has not eaten its way through the fencing.
2. Plug in your drill and attach the wire wheel attachment.
3. Put a drop cloth under the fence to catch the paint.
4. Turn on the drill and touch the wire wheel attachment to the fence to remove the rust and any loose paint. Remove all the paint on the fence if you are doing a brand new paint job for the entire thing. Wipe down the surface with a clean rage to remove any metal dust.
5. Apply a metal primer to the fence surface with a brush, allowing it to dry according to the package instructions.
6. Apply your metal paint using a brush once the metal primer dries.
Tags: metal primer, rust fence, surface with, wheel attachment, wire wheel, wire wheel attachment
If you like your beaches and islands with a Spanish accent, then look at some of the stellar decorating themes at Mexican and Spanish resorts. They may sit on different continents, but Mexico and Spain share a flair for fabulous coastal properties with rustic and colonial details. You can emulate the look with a quick addition of paint and a switch of textiles, or you can invest more time and money for a island-theme full-home makeover. Does this Spark an idea?
Palette
Aim for a splash of Spanish and Mexican color. Cobalt blue and bottle green evoke the Mediterranean Sea, while earthy terra-cotta, mellow yellow and mango orange add the warm tones of island sunshine. You can paint four walls a plain antique white, but try some fine grain sand in the paint to emulate the textured walls of Spanish haciendas and Mexican beach resorts. You might also opt for a faux finish, such as painting the walls a dark color, adding a thin layer of translucent antique whitewash, and sanding away at the edges with fine grain sand paper for the look of a crumbling hacienda.
Architectural Elements
Add some authentic flavor to your Spanish/Mexican home with some architectural elements that impart an island feeling. Skylights or solar tubes allow natural light to pour inside. Large wooden doors, instead of windows, lend a rustic colonial touch. Create vignettes within your home that integrate your exterior landscape, such as a courtyard, garden, patio, deck or terrace. You can emphasize outdoor spaces by leaving windows exposed and filling your landscape with vivid flowers, plants, herbs, fruit trees, cactus and succulents. Painted tiles can border architectural elements such as stairs, window frames, door frames, niches and counter tops.
Furniture and Finishes
For a rustic island theme, furniture in natural materials works best. Go for bold pieces in medium stains that feature trademark details of Mexican and Spanish craftsmanship, such as hand-painted trim, chunky metal hardware, hammered tin frames, engraved panels, wood joinery and a series of niches in different orientations and sizes. You can evoke the island architecture of red tile roofs by adding a small red tile roof over a doorway or on a garden wall. Saltillo tile in terra-cotta or rusty red adds depth to floors, counter tops or tabletops. Wrought iron and oxidized metal looks perfect on furniture frames, wall art and fixtures. In the bedroom, a simple platform style bed gets an island makeover with a mosquito net overhead as a canopy.
Tags: Mexican Spanish, counter tops, fine grain, fine grain sand, grain sand, rustic colonial
Wrought iron is common in a variety of rustic benches.
Rustic benches are found in all of the casual design styles, such as those for French Country or log cabin designs. Depending on the style's origin, they are fashioned from iron, rustic woods or fine hardwoods with artisan-created imperfections or a combination of all of these materials. Some of the rustic bench design styles include intricate carvings, painted motifs or leather covered bench seats. Does this Spark an idea?
French Country Rustic Bench Style
Benches with a French Country rustic style have a rustic but still elegant feel. They are typically constructed of distressed dark woods but you can also find lightly whitewashed benches where the natural wood grain shows through the light paint. A rustic bench in the French Country design style could also include wrought iron decorations or sides.
Tuscan Rustic Bench Style
Tuscan rustic bench styles are designed to give your home a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Benches with a Tuscan design style typically feature rustic distressed woods combined with iron legs or iron decoration, but you can also find a rustic Tuscan design bench made from dark woods with a painted or inlaid grape motifs. Some even include plush leather upholstery for comfort.
Mediterranean or Spanish Modern Rustic Bench Style
Rustic Mediterranean or Spanish modern bench styles range from functional to formal. Benches in this rustic style are constructed of dark woods with ornately hand-turned legs. They have hardware that is heavy and burnished for a rustic but formal feel or wrought iron combined with distressed or reclaimed wood for a more rustic but functional feel.
Spanish Hacienda Rustic Bench Style
Rustic benches with distinctively Spanish hacienda style are constructed from iron, rustic woods or dark hand-carved fine hardwoods. They often include inlaid accents of copper, iron or tile to support the Spanish casual living style or to create a more ornate feel.
Log Cabin Rustic Bench Style
The log cabin furniture design style features benches constructed from cut pine, maple or aspen tree limbs or logs, but it also encompasses benches constructed from distressed or reclaimed wood with antler or intricately forge iron legs or backs. Log cabin styled benches add a prairie feel to your home.
Western Rustic Bench Style
Western rustic bench styles combine a variety of materials to give the benches a simple natural feel. By combining the twists and turns of natural woods and found leg and arm pieces, like wagon wheels or antlers, a rustic Western style bench gives you a rustic organic feel for your home decor.
Mexican Rustic Bench Style
Mexican rustic benches have a soulful nature and are rich in character. Benches with a Mexican flair are constructed from beautiful locally harvested woods, such as mesquite, Mexican cypress, pine, Spanish cedar or parota, and feature chip carving. Mesquite benches are tremendously strong and they naturally repel insects, making them perfect for long-term outdoor use. But if you are looking for a colorful rustic bench style you should select one of the Mexican style pine benches that feature colorfully painted scenes on their backs and sides.
A black and white table can take many forms, from a country kitchen breakfast table to an elegant foyer console. Establish a style for the table through the use of textiles and accessories. Black and white is a classic combination, so you may wish to embrace this color scheme even if you don't already have a black and white table. Does this Spark an idea?
French Influence
If your table top has a black-and-white checked pattern, you are off to a great start. Play up the French style with touches of metallic gold added to more black and white. Add a table runner in black or white, or black and white toile, trimmed in gold. If your table top is plain, black-and-white checked tablecloths are available. A console or sofa table can be accessorized with a miniature Eiffel tower and a lamp or vase in black and white porcelain. A small gold box and framed black and white prints can be finishing touches. For a kitchen or dining table, fill a black and white bowl with fruit. Golden candlesticks with white tapers complete the centerpiece.
Glamor
Think of the fashion and home accessories of old Hollywood. Black or white silk or satin textiles can be spread and rumpled across the table top. Crystal vases can hold black and white feathers for a console or dining table. Use silver candlesticks and bowls. A white sculpted bust set on the table is reminiscent of a glamorous Hollywood home. A crystal lamp adds just the right lighting to a console. For an even more feminine touch, drape some strands of imitation pearl beads to cascade from a vase or bowl.
Stately Elegance
Black iron, rich woods and bronze lend stately style to a black and white table. Wrought-iron lamps or candlesticks can adorn the top of a console or dining table. Soften the area with a fabric runner or some greenery in a simple brass or bronze container. A realistic sculpture in bronze or wood adds sophistication to a table top. Look for handsome wood boxes in rich tones and miniature framed paintings or prints in traditional frames that can be displayed on a console or sofa table.
Bright and Bold
Red or yellow, when used in small amounts, complement a black and white table without detracting from it. Employ black and white accessories of your choosing but intersperse them with pieces in red or yellow. A bowl or tall glass container of lemons or apples looks fresh and appealing against black and white. A red or yellow runner will make anything black or white that is placed on it more noticeable. Lamps, urns and vases in red or yellow are available in home decor stores. For the decorator look, limit the color to either red or yellow instead of using both.
Tags: black white, black white, white table, black white table, dining table
Deer and other animals can damage tree bark by chewing on it or scraping up against it. A tree guard is a useful device that can be installed around trees to protect them from damage from animals and also from landscaping equipment and other threats. Young trees especially benefit from the guards, which protect the vulnerable saplings until they grow strong and become established. There are several types of tree guards you can use depending on your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Mesh Guards
Mesh guards have a natural curve to them and keep animals from nibbling on bark. The mesh is cut off of a larger roll of material with scissors or wire snips and wrapped around the tree trunk. The holes of the mesh are open enough so that water can drain and air can get to the base of the tree, preventing mold from growing.
Solid Plastic Tree Guards
Solid plastic tree guards cover the base of the tree completely and allow full protection against weeds, animals and insects. This type of guard is especially useful for sheltering new young trees that damage easily. It keeps away chemicals and pests as well as protects during transport and eliminates sucker growth.
Decorative Guards
Decorative guards are not just for decoration. These guards are made of wrought iron or some other metal and look similar to fencing. They can be small in diameter and wrap closely around the tree trunk or be further out and look like a small fence around the tree. The wider ones are normally used when the tree is in a planter, and the guard follows the edge of the planter.
Tags: around tree, around tree trunk, base tree, from damage, tree guards, tree trunk
A butterfly room is very popular among girls for their bedrooms, but can be a great theme for a guest room, kitchen, bathroom or even a sun room. Different effects will suit each room and each decorator. You can make this themed décor as simple or as ornate as you wish. Does this Spark an idea?
Ceiling
Hanging a butterfly mobile is a quick way to give an airy flying effect to a butterfly room decoration theme. To make the room even more magical, create sheer draped fabric canopies over furniture or at windows, and decorate with wooden or metal butterflies. If you can paint the ceiling, add fluffy white clouds to a blue sky, or a sparkly moon and stars to a purple sky. Stamp, stencil or hand-paint butterflies dancing across the ceiling.
Walls
Choose a color scheme for painting. You may want a feminine, pastel color theme or a tropical, green butterfly house feeling. Dramatic purple and silver, warm earth tones, or relaxing pale blue and yellow are other possible butterfly color approaches. If you don't want to repaint, add butterflies to your walls with sponge stamps or pre-cut stencils. Vinyl wall clings add graphic impact, and can also be customized from some companies. See the Resources section for links. You also may want to simply add a butterfly-patterned wall border to your existing décor. If you are creating a butterfly garden look, try painting a garden fence along the walls, or attach real fencing to go above and beyond the usual.
Floor
If redoing the carpeting is an option, look for a plush coordinating color like lavender, sunshine yellow, or even royal blue or deep green. If it isn't, there are butterfly rugs available, either shaped like a butterfly or patterned with a butterfly design. For added depth and warmth to the room, layer butterfly area rugs on top of larger area rugs, perhaps with a decorative fringe or border. See the Resources section for rug ideas. On wood or tile floors, you can paint freehand butterflies or use craft stencils to create butterfly decorations, perhaps around the edges of the room or on every third tile.
Furniture
Transforming a bed's headboard into a giant butterfly is a big project, but if you are handy with a jigsaw, it could be a great addition to a butterfly room. Draw the shape and size on light wood, cut out, sand and paint. You also can find commercially-made butterfly headboards, or remove a headboard and paint directly on the wall behind it. For a cheap addition to the room, try the classic butterfly chair; a canvas sling over a metal frame that is shaped like a set of wings. A colorful floral print fabric will be perfect to make it match the room. Or, turn to the garden for furniture inspiration. Use wicker or wrought iron chairs, and add matching cushions to them. If you cannot change your furniture, let it dictate the room. Modern, black, sleek furniture might be perfect in a lime green or retro red butterfly décor scheme, for instance.
Accents
Craft stores usually carry glittery tulle butterflies in many colors, with wire stems attached for twisting into decorations. These could adorn drawer handles, light pulls, chair backs and curtains. You also can buy larger versions of these as hanging decorations or knick-knacks to set on tables or shelves. Dress up a plain bulletin or whiteboard by painting the frame a matching color, like pink, and using butterfly magnets or stickpins to post notes. And, butterflies love flowers, so add in some painted, paper or vinyl flowers to your décor. Butterfly pillows, curtains and quilts will add softness and comfort to the room as well.
Tags: area rugs, butterfly room, color like, Resources section, shaped like
Hunting cabins sometimes have wood heaters that can be used for cooking.
Generations ago, families cooked delicacies on a wood stove in their kitchens. A wood heater is not that much different. Such heaters come in handy in areas where the electricity goes off during the winter. These appliances can keep your home warm as you can prepare meals on them. Camping favorites such soups, stews and beans are delicious when they are slow-cooked on a wood heater. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
Cooking a Stew
1. Place cubed beef, canned tomatoes, cubed white potatoes and chopped onions in a pot. Add enough water to just cover the meat and vegetables. Allow the pot to cook on the top of the wood heater for about an hour or until the beef and potatoes are cooked.
2. Keep the fire burning steadily in the heater. Add wood as necessary. Once the beef is done, add other vegetables such as canned corn, green peas or mixed vegetables. Frozen vegetables can be used as well.
3. Add seasonings and spices such as oregano and paprika. Let it slow-simmer for two hours or more.
Pan-Fried Biscuits
4. Lightly grease a 10-inch skillet that has a good-fitting lid. Allow the pan to get warm.
5. Open a can of refrigerated prepared biscuits. Place the biscuits in the pan and cover the pan with the lid. Allow them to cook until the bottoms are slightly brown.
6. Turn them over and cook the other side until browned. If the pan gets too hot, move it to a cooler part of the heater top.
For a special breakfast treat, place 2 tsp. of sugar and 1 tsp. of cinnamon in a brown paper bag. Toss the biscuits in the bag while they're warm to coat them with cinnamon sugar
A porcelain coating can protect cooking grids from rust.
Porcelain coatings are often added to cooking grids to improve the performance of a grill or smoker. According to website Smoker-Cooking.com, porcelain is found on both steel and cast-iron grids, helping to maintain the integrity of the metal by fighting rust buildup. Cleaning porcelain-coated cooking grids requires careful handling with a soft tools and mild cleansers to avoid chipping the ceramic surface. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the cooking grids carefully. For most grills, you can just lift them out of the unit. Refer to your grill's user guide for specific removal procedures.
2. Place the cooking grids on a large plywood sheet for cleaning.
3. Mix a small amount of dish-washing soap and hot water in a bucket. Soak a soft cleaning cloth in the soapy water and scrub the cooking grids. It may take some effort to remove stuck-on food particles. If necessary, lay a towel saturated with the hot water over problem areas and let sit to soften the particles.
4. Scrub the cooking grids with a piece of plastic mesh or soft-bristle brush designed for cleaning porcelain. Add a mild, abrasive cleanser made for stainless steel to remove grease and any remaining food particles.
5. Rinse the cooking grids thoroughly with warm, running water to remove residue. Keep the grids under the water until the porcelain feels clean and the water draining off is clear.
6. Dry the porcelain surface with a clean towel. Once dry, reinsert the cooking grids into the grill.
We spent about one-third of our lives sleeping, so having a bed that suits your personality and lifestyle is more important than it initially seems. There are many types of beds perfect for all people, no matter what their age or lifestyle. Does this Spark an idea?
Ornate headboard on a bed
Sleigh Beds
The term "sleigh bed" refers to its ornate design--both the large head and footboards are curved outward, resembling a horse-drawn sleigh. Although American craftsmen adopted the design in the 19th century, antique and contemporary types can be found today.
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are perfect for two people sharing a smaller bedroom. Two beds, usually with twin-sized mattresses, are held, one on top of the other, with support beams.
Futons
Popular in college dorm rooms, a futon is a bed that can also be used as a couch during the daytime. A futon usually has a wooden or metal frame and the pad is typically a bit thinner than an average mattress.
Murphy Beds
A Murphy bed is also called a "wall bed" because it can be folded up and away in a space in the wall or a closet to conserve room. This could be an ideal bed for someone with a very small studio apartment
Canopy Beds
A canopy or "four-poster" bed is a design that has a wooden or metal frame built above it. A canopy or veil hangs down from the frame, surrounding the mattress and giving the bed a luxurious feel.
Tags: beds perfect, beds perfect people, metal frame, perfect people, wooden metal, wooden metal frame
An antique sewing machine with a cast iron treadle stand.
Sewing machine treadles on antique sewing machines were usually made from cast iron. A treadle is basically a pedal connected to a push rod that turns a flywheel when depressed. Cast iron is very resilient and, unless the iron has become rusted due to neglect, the treadle should still be in relatively good shape. Vintage treadles are now valuable collectibles on the antiques market, and owing to their unique design, are not too difficult to identify. Some modern treadles have been designed in imitation of antique treadles, so if you are looking for an authentic antique, you will want to inspect the treadle iron closely. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Look on the treadle for the manufacturer's name. The majority of sewing machine manufacturers emblazoned the company name somewhere on the treadle. This is not a conclusive method, however, as replicas will feature a company name on the treadle design as well.
2. Cross-reference a manufacturer name on a treadle by consulting the International Sewing Machine Collector's Society website. The site has an archive of thousands of manufacturer names dating back to the late 1800's.
3. Look at the finish on the cast iron. Different sewing machine companies would finish their treadles differently. Peugeot finished their treadles with a rough black paint while some early White treadle models were finished in bronze.
Tags: cast iron, antique sewing, cast iron treadle, company name, iron treadle, manufacturer name
Fish cooked in cast iron skillet has a long tradition in American cooking. Since a cast iron skillet can stand high heat temperatures, it is the preferred skillet for frying fish or cooking the many different recipes for blackened fish, such as Cajun black fish. A cast iron skillet can be used on the stove top, on a grill top or over a campfire to prepare the fish at the river's edge if desired. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
Frying Fish
1. Fill the skillet with 1 to 2 inches of oil, Crisco or lard.
2. Heat the skillet to frying temperature over medium high heat. The oil is ready when a drop of water in the oil sizzles.
3. Carefully lower the prepared fish into the hot oil.
4. Brown the fish completely, turning with tongs or a spatula if needed to brown both sides.
Blackening Fish
5. Coat the inside surfaces of the skillet with vegetable oil.
6. Place the skillet on the stove eye and heat the skillet until it is very hot over medium high heat. Test the heat by dropping a few drops of water on the surface, if they sizzle the pan is hot enough.
7. Lay the prepared fish in a single layer in the skillet and cook until seared on one side.
8. Use the spatula to turn the fish in the skillet and sear on the second side. This searing process gives the fish the "blackened" look called for in many recipes.
9. Serve the fish by removing it from the skillet and transferring to a plate or platter.
Tags: high heat, iron skillet, cast iron, cast iron skillet, medium high
You can make a delicious steak in a skillet with the proper technique.
For those that love a a juicy piece of steak hot off the grill, not much can compare. The smoky flavor that a grill imparts on the steak is hard to duplicate with other methods. However, sometimes you don't feel like breaking out the grill to enjoy a good steak. In times like these, you can still cook a tender and flavorful steak right on the stove, if you know do it right. The key to skillet cooking steak is to sear it on the stove and finish it in the oven. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
2. Place the cast-iron skillet into the oven and preheat to 400 F.
3. Remove cast iron skillet from the oven when the oven is fully heated, using oven mitts and kitchen towels. Place the skillet on a burner on the stove over high heat. Leave the oven on.
4. Lightly coat the steak with the oil and season both sides with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Place the steak into the hot pan on medium-high heat. The steak will sizzle loudly and some oil may spatter from the hot pan, so use caution during searing.
6. Sear the steak for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip the steak using tongs and sear the other side for the same amount of time.
7. Open the oven and place the hot skillet with the steak in it in the oven, using oven mitts, to let it finish cooking. Let the steak cook for another 5 to 12 minutes, based on the level of doneness that you prefer.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and place the steak on a plate. Cover the plate with foil and let the steak rest for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak to make it juicy.
Tags: cooking steak, from oven, oven mitts, oven place, skillet with, using oven, using oven mitts
Refinish and restore a cast iron bathtub so you can sell it.
Many older homes have cast iron bathtubs. Cast Iron bathtubs are meant to last a lifetime. However, over time and with a lot of use, a cast iron tub can stand a little makeover. Without too much difficulty you can restore a cast iron tub. If you find one at a flea market or you have one at your home, you can restore it and sell it. When you do want to restore a cast iron tub that is not already inside your home, be sure to work outdoors, as the restoring process is a messy business.
Instructions
1. Scrape any rusting or flaking spots of the cast iron tub using sandpaper or a stiff wire brush. Sandblast if necessary to remove any stubborn rust. Put on safety goggles when sandblasting to protect your eyes.
2. Use a shop vac to help remove any of the dust and debris left from sanding. Wipe any remaining dust off the tub using a damp rag. Remove all of the dust so that it does not mess up your paint job.
3. Read through all the manufacturer's instructions for the tub and tile paint as some of the directions may vary a little from brand to brand.
4. Mix the two parts of the paint according to the instructions and let it sit for the recommended amount of time to allow the two parts to react.
5. Apply the tub and tile paint using a foam brush. Start at the upper portions of the tub and work your way down. Feather the paint to prevent drip marks from appearing.
6. Cover the entire tub with a thin layer of paint and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a second coat and a third coat if necessary.
7. Place an ad to sell your cast iron tub. Post something locally on an Internet site or in a newspaper, or post something where people might specifically be looking for a cast iron tub, such as home improvement and restoration magazines or auction and antiques outlets.
fence is a great way to set the boundary of your property. The pre-assembled 48-inch vinyl fence sections make short work of erecting the privacy panels. Veranda fencing is easy to clean and maintain. You simply wash it off. There are some things to consider as you install Veranda privacy fence. You must be able to install it precisely, or the vinyl fence sections may not fit properly during freezing and thawing periods of the year. If your property is hilly, you may want to hire a professional to get the grade work done properly. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Mark where you plan to dig your posts. Each post is set 6 feet on center. Use stakes and string to mark the fence line. Make sure the corners are square.
2. Dig the postholes with a power auger or posthole jobbers. The holes need to be deep enough to bury the posts below the freeze line in your part of the country. Make the holes at least 12 inches across and 6 inches deeper than necessary.
3. Put the 4-by-4-inch posts in place. Use a level to make sure they are plumb vertically. Fill the holes with 6 inches of gravel to allow drainage. Mix ready-mix concrete according to the package directions and put it in the hole. Tamp the air out of the concrete. Slope the concrete at ground level so water can run away from the post.
4. Set all the posts in this manner. Make sure the spacing is correct. Try to keep the tops of adjoining posts as level as possible. All the posts should be square with the string line you established. Slide the vinyl protectors over the fence posts to complete the post installation.
5. Attach the lower brackets to the bottom of the posts. Use stainless steel screws and brackets because they don't rust. Line up the brackets on facing posts to make sure they are level.
6. Set a section of Veranda privacy fence in the lower brackets. Slide the top bracket over the top of the panel and attach the top bracket to the post. Continue installing the fence sections until you complete the fence installation.
Panel fences will give your yard privacy, security and curb appeal. They are easy to self-install, and come in a large variety of styles and materials. Panel fences also add to the value of your property and make it more desirable to potential buyers. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Solid and shadow-box-style fences come in wood or vinyl, with panels that are 6 feet high. They afford the most privacy, and are used to enclose backyards.
The spaced picket fence comes in wood or vinyl, with panels that are 4 feet high and are more suitable for the front of the house.
Metal panel fences are made of wrought iron. They are purely decorative, and are used in the front of the house--usually with matching handrails on the stoop.
Features
Wood and vinyl panel fences are easy to install. Wood is more traditional and costs less than vinyl. But it needs to be painted regularly, and it can split and splinter, making repairs necessary. Vinyl costs more out of pocket, but there is no additional maintenance or painting expense. The shadow-box style fence has a special feature: It looks the same on both sides, so you and your neighbor each have the same view.
Wrought iron needs to be installed by a professional. It is purely decorative, and gives the property a formal feeling. The panels have decorative motifs and are open instead of closed.
Features
The fencing industry is keeping up with the times. Eco-friendly materials like bamboo are becoming more popular. The shadow-box style evolved because only one side of the traditional fence had decorative features, while the other side showed the framework. That approach will be taken further in the future, as well.
Considerations
It is wise to tell your neighbors about your plans to put up a fence. They may take the idea the wrong way and consider it a "spite fence." Find out the local regulations regarding the height of a fence and its distance from the curb or sidewalk.
Warning
The 4-foot high fences come with either pointed or rounded tops. If children are around, think safety and pick the rounded tops. The splitting and cracking that can occur with wood can cause harm to children or pets. Make sure that wood fencing is repaired right away. You may need to apply for a permit.. And most important, check with your local utility companies to make sure there are no electric or gas lines running right where you need to dig.
Tags: About Panel, About Panel Fences, feet high, fences come, panel fences, panels that
fences, furniture and decorative pieces are flea market treasures.
Wrought iron can be a hidden flea market treasure. These finds often sit unnoticed in the back of a secondhand store, covered with layers of old paint and rust. Most people look past these worn items, opting instead for the clean and shiny items that seem to have better potential. But wrought iron is a tremendous find. Iron is durable and made to look great for generations. Stripping off the old layers of paint will reveal the wrought iron's real beauty. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Move the item into your yard or driveway. Set your hose on its highest pressure setting. Spray the wrought iron to remove dust, dirt and cobwebs. Dry the item with a towel to remove the majority of the water, and let it dry completely outdoors.
2. Remove the rust from the wrought iron with a steel-bristled brush. Scrub as much rust from the iron as possible.
3. Fill a spray bottle with phosphoric acid (check the product's instructions regarding the type of container you can use). Spray the entire surface of the wrought iron with the solution. Allow the spray to sit on the item overnight. The acid will react with any unseen rust on the item, turning it into iron phosphate. Brush off all of the iron phosphate with the steel-bristled brush.
4. Apply a 1/8-inch thick coating of paint thinner to the wrought iron piece with a paint brush. The paint thinner will ruin the bristles on the brush, so use an old brush if possible. Allow the paint thinner to penetrate the paint covering the wrought iron, usually for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Test to see if the paint is soft by scraping the paint with the paint scraper. Once softened the paint should remove easily from the iron surface. Scrape away as much paint as possible from the wrought iron.
6. Apply paint thinner directly to a piece of steel wool. Scrub any remaining paint with paint thinner and steel wool. Rinse the wrought iron with clean water and towel dry.
7. Evaluate the piece to determine if any paint or rust remains on the surface. Sand the entire surface to remove traces of paint and rust. Rub the entire wrought iron piece with medium-grit sandpaper until smooth. Once all traces of rust and paint are gone the piece is ready for paint or a coating of shellac.
Tags: paint thinner, wrought iron, iron with, paint rust, with paint, wrought iron, wrought iron
Hang faux spider web and spiders on your Halloween fence to give guests a fright.
Crafting a worn looking Halloween fence and decorating it provides a rewarding experience for you -- and your guests will certainly appreciate your efforts. Once your fence is completed, decorate it with swaths of faux spider webs with large, scary spiders scattered across them, or hang a series of jack-o-lantern decorations in various places on it. On average, it should only take about an afternoon to complete a 3-foot length of Halloween fence. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure 36 inches from the bottom of two of the fence pickets and make a pencil mark. Using a circular saw, cut the two pickets at the mark, leaving you with four pieces of fence pickets that are 36 inches long.
2. Make a mark at 36 inches and 42 inches on the other two fence pickets, measuring from the bottom of the wood. Estimate and mark the center of the fence picket at the 42-inch mark. With a ruler, draw a straight line between the center of the 42-inch mark and both edges of the 36-inch mark, making a triangle shape.
3. Using the circular saw, cut the two fence pickets at the 42-inch mark. The resulting scraps should measure approximately 30 inches. Put them to the side with the other pieces. Cut the remaining pieces on the triangle outline to create two pointed fence pickets.
4. Place two of the 36-inch pieces of fence on a large work table, spaced about 24 inches apart. These are the crossbars of your fence, and all of the pickets will attach to it.
5. Lay the two pointed pickets on top of the crossbars. Put one at each end, leaving enough space for another picket on either side of them. With the drill, screw the tops and the bottoms of the pointed pickets to the crossbars.
6. Arrange the other four pickets over the crossbars, tilting them in various directions. Make sure none of them go below the 36-inch mark that can still be seen on the pointed pickets. Screw each of the pickets to the upper and lower crossbars.
7. Spray black paint on the fence panel in a quick manner, just leaving enough paint to make the fence appear dirty. Do not apply a full coat of paint to the fence.
8. Install your Halloween fence by removing the two pointed pickets from the panel and hammering them into the ground until they reach the 36-inch mark. Put the fence panel back into place and secure it to the pointed pickets.
9. Decorate the fence with faux spider webbing, adding creepy fake spiders to complete the look.
should think twice before igniting their wood burning fireplaces.
California residents who wish to curl up next to their fireplaces this winter should make sure they are not breaking the law in the process. Numerous counties have placed limitations on when wood burning fireplaces can be used out of the interest of public health. California fireplace laws also stipulate what kind of wood can be burned. Painted or treated wood cannot be burned. Does this Spark an idea?
Bad Air Days
According to an article written in the Los Angeles Times on Mar 8, 2008, wood burning fireplaces cannot be used in Southern California on bad air days, or days with heavy air pollution. The South Coast Air Quality Management District board unanimously passed the ban and will issue fines to those who use wood burning fireplaces on polluted air days.
Purpose
The purpose of wood burning fireplace laws in the state of California is to reduce the amount of pollution they place into the air. These pollutants include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and volatile organic compounds. Once released into the air, these pollutants can cause breathing problems, headaches, confusion, dizziness, and even death.
Gas Burning
Some areas of California, such as the San Joaquin Valley, prohibit new homes from being constructed with a wood burning fireplace. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District passed Rule 4901 in 2003 stating that only gas burning fireplaces can be built into new homes.
People have prized glass for art objects since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Contemporary glass art can be both heavy and fragile. To display the art to its best advantage, use the same techniques that artists and galleries use. With the correct hardware, you can create a gallery-quality glass art display in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Planning
To determine the most effective method for hanging a specific piece of glass art, decide where you want to hang it. Consider light sources. The position where you can light the art glass to best effect can help in determining a good placement for it. Natural light, a spotlight, or other light source sets off the art glass to good advantage.
The usual rule is to hang art at eye level, though it is fine to take latitude as members of the public and of a specific household vary in height. Make a pencil mark on the wall at the center of the art glass object. Have an assistant help to hold the art glass to help get the placement right.
Hardware
Hardware that holds the glass art at least an inch from the wall allows light to come through the glass. Notice the difference when you hold the glass against the wall compared to when you hold it farther away. Experiment with different light sources. Lighting brings glass art alive.
There are numerous types of hooks, brackets and mounts available for hanging art. Look at hardware designed for hanging glass art. In some locations, you may be able to obtain these supplies at art supply, craft or home improvement stores. Some online sources specialize in products and kits for hanging glass art, including glue that bonds metal and glass to affix hanging hardware to glass permanently. Some heavy-duty mounts can hold glass art weighing up to 30 pounds.
Hanging the Art Glass
After obtaining a product that suits your needs, clean the back of the glass art in the center. A quick wipe-down with vinegar-water works well. The objective is to remove any residue in order to have effective results with the adhesive. Rinse it off and dry it thoroughly.
Apply the glue according to the product instructions and press the hardware on the glue. Hold the hardware in place for a minute, or as long as directed to allow the adhesive to set.
Install the other part of the hardware at your wall mark, according to the directions. Most mounts require only two screws to attach it to the wall.
After the glue dries, slide the art glass hardware onto the wall hardware. Now your art glass hangs the same way a professional would hang it.
Tags: hold glass, hanging glass, hardware your, light sources, when hold
Nesting tables stack on top of one another until needed.
Nesting tables are versatile, small stacking tables. They come in sets of two or three and slide or stack on top of one another for space-saving storage when not in use. Resting on its own legs, the tabletops don't touch each other when stacked. A variety of styles, colors and designs make these multifunctional tables ideal for any room or decor. Does this Spark an idea?
History
The quartetto table was the forerunner of the modern nesting tables. Thomas Sheraton, an English furniture designer, created the quartetto table during the 18th century. It was comprised of four stacking tables that graduated in size. They stored compactly together in a room until needed for needlepoint or checkers. Today a set of nesting tables is composed of two or three stacking tables.
Design
Nesting tables commonly feature a square or rectangular design and are made of wood. Glass, slate and metal tabletops with wrought iron or brass legs have expanded the nesting table repertoire. One-piece clear acrylic stacking tables are ultra modern, lightweight and scratch-proof. Table tops crafted from recycled railroad ties depict one-of-a-kind nesting tables with no two sets being alike. Hidden drawers and bottom shelves are useful features added to some nesting tables.
Styles
Tabletops crafted from cherry, oak or walnut with turned legs and rounded corners blend seamlessly with traditional decor. Rustic distressed wood nesting tables in pine or oak complement the lodge or log cabin style. Tables with straight lines and angled corners in black, merlot or brunette enhance the contemporary ambiance in a room. A Southwestern decor would appreciate reddish brown mission style tables.
Uses
Nesting tables give you additional space for drinks and snacks when entertaining. They're convenient, mobile and don't take up much storage space. Pull one out for a game of chess. Place one or more beside your bed for extra books or bedtime snacks. They're just the right size for a child to color, draw or build blocks on. Weatherproof nesting tables tucked away outdoors can be placed beside patio chairs or poolside to accommodate guests.
Removable pool fences are safety devices for pools that are difficult to fence, or pools where the owners want an extra degree of safety. People with small children or pets often install a removable pool fence to prevent drowning accidents. To compare removable pool fences, compare features that are important. Does this Spark an idea?
Strength
Look for composite fiberglass poles and durable mesh. Nylon or dacron mesh will deteriorate faster than a vinyl mesh. Aluminum poles bend easily.
Ease of Installation
Some fences can only be installed on certain pool decks. Removable fences need a solid surface deck. Note that safe installation is the only way to have a safe fence. For users doing a self-install, look for a product that requires a water-cooled drill. Those installed with hammer drills are not secure enough. Holes must be placed precisely, because removable fences are tension-based.
Ease of Use
It's necessary to open and close the removable pool fence often. Look for a fence that is easy to open and remove while still providing maximum safety.
Transparency
Look for mesh that is as see-through as possible to add beauty and safety.
Safety
One of the most attractive features of removable pool fencing is that it is very difficult for a child to climb. The mesh has no footholds, so children are unable to climb. Look for gates without a solid bar across the top so that children can't grab on and pull them selves up. Look for heights of at least 48 inches. Look for a solid locking system that won't break or allow a child to open it.
Manufacturer Reputation
Look for a fence company with a history of good customer service. Choose one with good customer service response times, and 24-hour phone lines for installation or use questions. Look for warranties against deterioration and failure, and be sure the manufacturer, not the distributor, will be around long enough to back them up.
Tags: removable pool, customer service, good customer, good customer service, Look fence
Create a hand-written menu for your bistro-style kitchen.
Bistro-style decor is known for its timeless beauty and charm. Most people create a bistro style in their kitchen to give it a sophisticated, faraway look. Bringing the look of France and Italy to your kitchen does not have to be a difficult task. With a few ideas and a creative imagination, you can create a bistro-style kitchen you will love and that your friends will envy. Does this Spark an idea?
Walls and Windows
Bistros usually have one bright color such as red or yellow, mixed with warm neutrals. Paint one wall red or yellow and paint all the other kitchen walls in a neutral color. Create a black-and-white tile backsplash. Awnings often adorn bistro windows. Create the same look in your kitchen by mounting two cafe rods together over a window to create a faux indoor awning. Use fabric and hot glue to create a scalloped edge on the awning. Another idea is to use a wrought-iron curtain rod with a neutral color curtain.
Accents
Accent the kitchen with dark wood cabinets and other woodwork, such as a kitchen island. Use bold-colored dishes, cups and serving items, both functionally and decoratively. A black-and-white checkered pattern is a popular accent for any bistro style. Use black-and-white checked hand towels, dishrags, rugs and aprons. Keep up the bistro theme by making food accessible in the kitchen. For example, place a bowl of bread on the table or fruit in a basket on the counter.
Seating
Wrought-iron tables best reflect Italian- and French-style cafes. Bring comfort to the table by attaching seat cushion to all the seats. Another idea is to go with small round wood tables painted in shiny black paint and covered in checkered tablecloths. Wicker is another option for bistro-style seating. You can also find wicker and wrought tables and chairs, which are ideal for a bistro kitchen. Place one or two flowers in a wine or milk bottle to use as a centerpiece for the table.
Accessories
Accessorize your kitchen with a variety of bright-colored appliances, such as an espresso machine, coffee grinder, standing mixer and food processor. Heavy-duty models are best, as those are what you would find in an authentic bistro. Feature a large chalkboard sitting on a pedestal with a hand-written menu. Alternatively, use the board for family communication. For French accessories, add topiaries, roosters and sunflowers around the kitchen. Use wrought-iron items such as pot racks, napkin holders and wine racks throughout the kitchen.
Tags: your kitchen, Another idea, bistro style, bistro-style kitchen, hand-written menu
The importance of illuminating your two story foyer
Designing the lighting for your two-story foyer is more than simply picking out a particular style and finish. It has a lot to do with staging. You want to impart a warm welcome from both the outside and the interior, and spotlight your decor style. You definitely want a dramatic chandelier, but don't let that be the only light source. Consider pendants, wall sconces, rope lighting and table lamps. Does this Spark an idea?
Chandeliers
A multitiered brass chandelier is perfect for a traditional foyer.
If you are more comfortable being conventional, then choose a brass or wrought iron chandelier for your traditional or Colonial home. If you are not bound by convention, be eclectic by blending styles and materials. If you want to go way out, opt for a Dale Chihuly chandelier; or if you cannot afford one, commission a local glass artist to create one for you, or find a very modern fixture at your lighting store.
Consider Proportion
A too-small chandelier will get lost in a commodious, soaring entry, and one too big will overwhelm the space. As a general guideline that all lighting contractors follow, add the length of the room to its width, and the sum will indicate what diameter the chandelier should be. For example, if the foyer is 15 feet by 8 feet, the sum is 23 feet. Convert that to 23 inches, and you will have the correct-size fixture.
How Tall, Where to Hang and How High
Center the chandelier in front of a second-story window.
Choose a chandelier that has enough tiers to dominate the height of the foyer. If a two-tier chandelier is recommended for an 8-foot ceiling, then a four-tier chandelier is correct for a two-story or 18-foot-high foyer. If your foyer has a window over the door, be sure to center your light so that it can be seen from outside. The bottom of a two-story foyer chandelier should be 8 feet from the floor.
Other Foyer Illumination
Add other sources of light to your foyer.
Since a chandelier provides only downlighting, which diffuses as it descends from its source, install wall sconces between 60 and 65 inches from the floor at 6 to 10 feet intervals to provide uplighting that softly illuminates your foyer and accents your furnishings. If you have a console table in your foyer, place a coordinating table lamp on it. Accent your elegant stairway by entwining it with rope lighting. Add pendant lighting on the second story to light the way.
Proper Illumination
The industry standard for determining the amount of light or wattage needed is to multiply the foyer's length by its width and then multiply the product by 1.5. For example, if your foyer is 12 feet by 16 feet, you would need 288 watts of illumination, or an 8-light chandelier with 40-watt bulbs. If you use other light sources, lower the wattage in the bulbs. Select clear bulbs to add shimmer to a chandelier or frosted bulbs under light shades. Use a dimmer to control the amount of light.
Tags: your foyer, feet feet, amount light, chandelier should, chandelier that
Stay in an RV campground in North Carolina located on a lake.
Whether you're vacation is a day trip or a weekend getaway, spend it in an RV campground on a lake in North Carolina and enjoy many water sports, fishing and other outdoor adventures and activities the campground has to offer. You can also spend some time outside the campground--many of which are located close to North Carolina's popular attractions including Biltmore House and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Asheville East KOA
Asheville East KOA is open all year and offers 175 sites for campers including RV and tent sites. RV sites have a maximum pull-through length of 70 feet with 50-amp electric service and free cable television. Services include a pavilion/meeting room, LP gas sales, a modem dataport, a seasonal snack bar and free wireless Internet service. Fish just steps from your campsite in two well-stocked lakes, swim in the pool or play mini golf. Rent a bike or a boat or participate in planned activities. On-site RV and cabin rentals are also available.
Asheville East KOA
2708 Highway 70 East
Swannanoa, NC 28778
800-562-5907
ashevilleeastkoa.com
Dan Nicholas Park
Dan Nicholas Park is a family campground with 12 sites on a 10-acre fishing lake. Sixty-seven sites have 30- and 50-amp electric service. Rent one of 17 covered picnic shelters or play bingo and sing karaoke. Visit the concession for snacks, drinks and permits for fishing on the lake. You can also feed ducks or take a paddle boat ride. Senior citizens ages 60 or over and kids under three fish for free. Six family cabins are also available for rent.
Dan Nicholas Park
6800 Bringle Ferry Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
866-767-2757
dannicholas.net
Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort
Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort is located on the banks of Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford, NC. Thirty-two of the 58 RV sites have an unobstructed, panoramic view of the lake. Thirty- and 50-amp electric service and water connections are available. All sites have concrete pads, picnic tables and free Internet access. Amenities include a perimeter lined with a wrought iron fence, security cameras and trash pick-up every morning. Facilities are an on-site lakeside store, a bathhouse, laundry facilities, a playground, a fenced-in pet park and four piers, a boat ramp and dock slips. You receive a welcome package that includes trash bags, a map of the resort and a site key similar to a hotel key for gates and for making on-site purchases. Rent a boat and go fishing or and water skiing on the lake or simply view local wildlife.
Lake Norman Motor Coach Resort
6738 East Hwy 150
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
877-489-6033
lakenormanmotorcoachresort.com
Tags: Lake Norman, North Carolina, sites have, 50-amp electric, 50-amp electric service
There are many ways to embellish your yard or flower garden. One of the best ways is to repurpose old pieces of furniture. One way to do this is to use old, worn-out chairs and make them into outdoor planters for flowers and plants. They are beautiful and you can place them in different spots in your yard for "yard art." Move them from sun to shade. They make ideal conversation pieces as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Find a chair that is old and has no bottom in it. Put a wire planting basket in the place of the chair bottom. Wire it to the wood sides in several places so it is attached to the chair. Put in wet peat moss thickly in the wire basket to fill in all holes. Then put in planting soil on top of the peat moss.
2. Put in flowering plants that bloom all season along with some ivy. This will fill in as the summer goes by and become very full and beautiful. Place the chair planter against an out building, on the edge of a porch, in a flower bed or wherever you feel it fits in your yard.
3. Paint some of the chair planters to give your yard art variety. You can leave them worn, or make them bright with paint. Place them with other pots or containers of flowers to make yard art. Also, use chairs that have woven bottoms that have unraveled, and place a flower pot down through the weaving. Then plant your flower pot with your flowers and ivy, and the pot will rest in the seat of the chair.
There is a candle holder available for every decorating style.
Candles add an interesting glow and warmth to almost any space. Scented candles, environmentally-safe soy candles or candles used specifically for aromatherapy are some of the types of candles being added to the nearly universally used taper candles in our homes. U.S. consumers buy over $2 billion in candles per year, and with our current love affair with candles, different types of candle holders are essential to facilitate their use. Does this Spark an idea?
Candlestick
Glass candlesticks are an elegant way to dress up your table.
A candlestick typically has a small, circular depression in the top to hold a taper candle, but are also available with a larger depression to hold a 3- or 4-inch candle. They come in many different materials, shapes and heights, in nearly every color or theme. Glass candlesticks set an elegant tone to a room. Wood candlesticks may show your casual style. Group them together in different heights for a dazzling display of light, or set a beautiful one by itself on a mantle to let its individual personality shine through.
Votive Holder
A large group of votive holders makes a striking display.
A votive holder is a shorter type of candle holder used for a votive or tea-light candle. It can be clear or colored glass, flared at the top, rounded or even attached to a long stem. Votive holders with a lighted candle inside are lovely lining your walkway to greet guests at a party, or festive on the table at an outdoor event. They can add romance to a bedroom or a peaceful feeling to bath time. Grouped together in large quantities, they make a stunning impact.
Candelabrum
This candelabrum has three arms, all at the same height.
A candelabrum is a candlestick that holds several candles. It has a center stem with at least two branches, each branch holding a taper. It can be used on a tabletop or set on the floor. The branches may all be at the same height, or they may be at different levels. The glow given off by a candelabrum provides a beautiful energy and lots of light. Candelabra are made of many different materials and can be formal, casual or whimsical.
Sconce
Decorative sconces can be used as wall art.
A sconce is a candle holder that attaches to a wall. Sconces are often used in pairs and come in many different styles. The candle holder tray of the sconce may have a decorative section built around it so it can be used as wall art. Or the sconce may be narrow and placed at both sides of a large wall mirror or doorway. Many are made of wrought iron or wood and can hold a taper, a votive candle or a larger 3- or 4-inch candle.
Menorah
A menorah is a type of candelabrum used in the Jewish faith.
A menorah is a type of candelabrum used in the Jewish faith. A menorah with nine branches is used during the Chanukah season; one candle is lit during each night of Chanukah. Menorahs come in many different colors and styles.
Tags: many different, candle holder, come many, come many different, 4-inch candle, candelabrum used
Your headboard might be one of the least utilitarian pieces of furniture in your house, but in terms of design, a headboard fulfills a big job. A headboard's main practical purpose is to support your back when you're sitting up in bed. But because your bed is the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom, the headboard you choose almost always become a focal point, drawing together various elements in the room and helping to set a theme for the rest of the design. Luckily, there are numerous styles to choose from. Does this Spark an idea?
Upholstered
Upholstered headboards add a touch of softness to any room. Their padding makes them an ideal choice for bedtime readers, plus they help absorb sound and cool temperatures. They are also one of the most versatile of headboard styles because they are available in a range of fabrics, shapes and designs, many of which you can make yourself. For a modern look, choose a low-profile rectangle shape in neutral or textured fabrics. For a more romantic twist, try a Victorian-inspired scalloped shape, with more height in the center than the sides. Fabric headboards can be accentuated with tufts, which can look modern if they are shallow or more Victorian if they are deep. They can also be accented with upholstery nails, which give them cleaner lines, or even wooden trim.
Metal
Metal headboards got a bad rap in the 1980s, when ornate brass beds were everywhere. But metal headboards are available in a range of designs, from vintage to modern and can give a contemporary or classic look to any room. Wrought iron headboards with scrolls, castings and spindles can give your room a romantic, antique look. Metal beds can also be pared down for a more traditional effect, such as the Ethan Allen Darby bed, which has simple, straight spindles, ball finials and a pewter finish.
Wooden
One of the most ubiquitous American headboard styles, the swooped-backed sleigh bed, creates a commanding traditional look, partly because it takes up so much space. European styles, with swooping lines, ornate carvings, and even paintings of pastoral scenes, can give a room a similarly romantic appearance. For a more simplistic effect, go with a Mission style, which is usually made of oak, cherry walnut or other hardwoods and has simple, rectangular shapes with slatted backs. Wooden shelving or bookcases can also serve double-duty as a headboard, with the added advantage of providing extra storage space.
Tags: available range, furniture your, headboard styles, They also
Making a wooden baker’s rack is one project with which beginning woodworking hobbyists can sharpen their woodworking skills. One of the reasons why this is a good project for beginners is because it doesn’t require the use of expensive power tools to get the job done. This means that if you don’t have many saws or tools, you can still get this job done. Another reason is because even if they don’t make the most beautiful rack, it will still be very useful.
Instructions
1. Build a wooden box frame using two of the 2-foot by 2-foot planks and two of the 2-foot by 2-foot boards. Drill a 1-inch screw into each corner of the frame from the outside of the boards into the edges of the planks. The frame will measure 2.5-feet wide by 2-feet tall by 2-feet deep.
2. Attach a 6-inch by 6-inch block to each corner of one of the 2.5-foot by 2-foot faces of the frame so that the frame sits on the blocks. To attach the blocks, drill a 1-inch screw from the inside of the frame, down into the center of each of the blocks.
3. Insert a 2-foot by 2-foot plank into the wooden box frame, parallel to the other two planks and 1-foot away from each of them. Attach this plank to the frame by drilling two 1-inch screws from the outside of the frame, into the each of the edges of the plank.
4. Attach two 2-foot by 1-foot planks to the outside of the frame, on the 2.5-foot by 2-foot face opposite the blocks. Each of the 2 x 1-foot planks should be flush with the 2-foot edges of the frame, parallel to the boards but perpendicular to the planks of the frame. Attach the pieces by drilling two 1-inch screws from the inside of the frame into the edges of the planks.
5. Attach one 2-foot by 1-foot plank to the two 2 previous 2 x 1-foot planks on the end opposite the frame. This plank should be perpendicular to the previous planks of the same size but parallel to the larger planks of the frame. Attach the pieces by drilling two 1-inch screws in through the outside of the first planks into each of the edges of this plank. You now have a wooden baker’s rack that has four shelves: two of them enclosed in the frame, two of them outside of the frame; three of them 2-feet wide and 2-feet deep, and one of them 2-feet wide and 1-foot deep.
6. Rub all of the wooden surfaces of the wooden baker’s rack with sandpaper until the wood is smooth, and then brush on a thin coat of wood stain. The wood stain will protect the wood and also give it a nice finish.
Rust not only destroys metal, it can cause infection and tetanus.
Rust is a flaky substance called ferric oxide that corrodes and destroys metal items as a result of oxidation, especially in salty or wet conditions. Rust by itself is not dangerous but if someone steps on a rusty nail or cut by a rusty item, it can be fatal. Minor infection of the wound is the least of the injured person's worries. The threat of tetanus or even gangrene is the worst.
Proper Wound Care
Any rust wound not properly cared for can become infected. Puncture wounds are particularly vulnerable, because they are likely to leave rust residue in a wound tract that may not be noticed encouraging infection. Often the rust acts as a wooden splinter would and works its way out of the skin. Other times it remains in the wound and contributes to infection. Proper wound care after injury varies depending on the size of the injury. If it is small washing with soap and treating with antibacterial ointment and a bandage may be all it needs to heal. Larger wounds should be seen by a physician as they may require debridement (removal of dirt, rust or other contaminants) or even sutures. Physician assistance is required if the injured person has not received a tetanus shot or booster within the last five years.
Simple Infection from a Rusty Cut
Simple infection of a rusty wound is evident even to the casual observer. The tissue around the wound becomes red, swollen and inflamed. Pain increases and the presence of a thick white fluid called pus may be noticed. Some with an infected wound will maintain a low-grade temperature and feel fatigued. A quick trip to a physician or emergency room is needed. The wound will need to be re-treated and the patient prescribed oral antibiotics. Infections left untreated only get worse. At this point, the physician will again suggest a tetanus shot if the patient has not had one.
Serious Infection from Rusty Cuts
Once a rusty wound has become infected and left untreated, the infection worsens. An ignored infection will produce a high fever, pus production increases and is accompanied by a foul smell. Lymph nodes will swell and wound pain will be almost unbearable. An emergency room visit is essential now as the usual broad spectrum, oral antibiotic treatment may not work. It may even be necessary for the injured person to be hospitalized and intravenous antibiotic therapy started. The wound itself will need further debridement and may require a drain to be inserted for pus drainage. Ignoring the infection by not seeking medical attention will ultimately result in tissue death, called gangrene. Gangrene is a complication of uncontrolled infection that destroys tissue. In addition to hospitalization and aggressive antibiotic therapy, possible amputation of the affected areas may now be required. If the infection has invaded the blood, septicemia, a full body bacterial infection could result in death for the person with the rusty cut or puncture.
Tetanus and Rusty Cuts
In spite of popular belief, almost any puncture or injury can cause tetanus, but tetanus is often connected to rusty cuts. Tetanus is a severe bacterial infection, caused by Clostridium tetani introduced to the body through a cut or puncture. Tetanus symptoms can begin from two weeks to two months after the rusty cut. Symptoms include headache and jaw muscle spasms, giving the infection the label, "lock jaw." As the toxin spreads through the body it quickly involves spasms in more muscles such as neck, limbs and stomach. It also can cause severe convulsions. People who contract tetanus usually will need to spend several weeks in the hospital as recovery is gradual. Complications of tetanus can be severe and include extended periods of muscle stiffness and soreness, lung and breathing problems, low bone density, pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), arrythmia (abnormal heartbeat), high blood pressure, pneumonia and possible death. Tetanus, which was once widespread, is now rare since a vaccine was created in the 1940s. In the United States, the death rate for tetanus is 3 out of every 10, mostly in people who are underimmunized or not immunized. Tetanus continues to be common in undeveloped countries lacking proper medical care.
Tags: injured person, will need, antibiotic therapy, bacterial infection, become infected, destroys metal, emergency room
Cast iron cookware is popular because of the durability of the pots and pans, and the versatility of the cooking surface. The care and cleaning of cast iron is different than what most people are used to, but very easy to manage when the process is learned. A cast iron grill pan is a bit more difficult to clean than a regular pan because of the ridges in the bottom, but certainly easy once the pan is properly seasoned and regularly cared for. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
Cleaning a Cast Iron Griddle Pan
1. Use a stiff nylon brush
Rinse the griddle under hot water, and scrub as much food off as you can with a stiff nylon brush. Resist the temptation to use soap, which is not recommended for any cast iron cookware.
2. Boil a shallow layer of hot water in the bottom of the griddle for a few minutes to loosen any food residue that remains.
3. Use a paste of kosher salt and vegetable oil
Make a paste of vegetable oil and kosher salt: one tablespoon oil, one tablespoon salt. Place the paste on the griddle, making sure to get it in all the ridges. Using the paste, scrub the griddle with a nylon brush to remove any remaining food residue.
4. Dry with an absorbent cloth
Dry thoroughly with an absorbent cotton or linen dish cloth.
5. Coat your griddle with vegetable oil
Coat the griddle with a light layer of vegetable oil while the pan is still warm from the hot water. Paper towel, or a soft cotton cloth works well for this.
Seasoning a Cast Iron Griddle Pan
6. Cast iron is timeless and can last for generations
Put a layer of aluminum foil, or a cookie sheet on the bottom rack of your oven to catch any drips.
7. Preheat oven to 350 to 400 degrees.
8. Scrub the griddle with hot water and soap; not detergent. Use a stiff nylon brush.
9. Rinse well with hot water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
10. Apply a layer of vegetable oil onto the entire griddle, inside and out.
11. Put the griddle upside down in the oven, on the top rack.
12. Bake for one hour. Turn off the oven and let the griddle cool right in the oven. Cast iron cookware requires seasoning to work properly and maintain a non-stick surface. A well seasoned griddle that is lightly oiled after every use will not need to be scrubbed as often, and will be easier to clean after every use.
Tags: griddle with, iron cookware, nylon brush, stiff nylon, stiff nylon brush, after every
A mix of Spanish, Mexican, American pioneer and American Indian, the Southwestern style blends the rustic with the refined. Muted desert colors are mixed with rich vibrant tones. Textures range from rough-hewn wood to smooth painted tiles. Defined by the Southwestern climate, the style relies on the blending of natural elements with interior spaces. Does this Spark an idea?
Geography
The lower Southwest, which includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California and Mexico, enjoys mild desert winters with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing. These balmy months, though, are balanced by extreme heat in the summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 110 degrees.
To psychologically counteract the heat, cool color palettes are used. Muted pinks and yellows are balanced with rich tones such as turquoise and sage. Warm red tones are used sparingly as counterbalance to the chillier hues.
Features
The cool color palette keeps the other elements from "overheating." Wide-planked hardwood floors, either pine or oak, are commonly seen in Southwestern design schemes. Large cabinetry, a Spanish-Mexican influence, is an element of the style; cabinets are often ornate in decoration, painted or host to intricate carving. The floors and cabinetry are dark and heavy and, without the cool colors, could feel oppressive in the warmer months.
Identification
The Southwest colors are derived from the desert landscape with its creamy white sand and rock, its verdant green sage and cacti, its brilliant-colored flowers and dark, looming mountains.
The lighter colors are seen in fabric and paints, the darker in accessories. While the color palette is distinctive, it is the imagery that sets Southwestern design apart.
Graphic patterns are commonly used in upholstery. Images of animals such as deer, bears, lizards and birds are seen in blankets, throw pillows, pottery and sculpture; this is the American Indian influence. Landscape vignettes of sleepy villages, a Mexican influence, are favored for painted tile murals.
Large photographs and paintings of vast desert and mountain landscapes serve as artistic elements, their imagery paying homage to the harsh and enigmatic environment.
Types
The cool color palette and use of imagery are characteristic of the Southwest style, but the mix of influences allow for varying types of design schemes.
The Spanish and Mexican influences have merged to create a Hispanic style of Southwest decor: wrought iron furniture for informal dining both indoors and out, terra cotta tiles and pottery, painted cabinetry and, for accessories, painted tin and carved statues of saints.
The American Indian influence is seen in kiva ladders, clay pottery, woven baskets and blankets, and adobe fireplaces. Furniture is made from oak or pine and smaller in scale than those of the Hispanic scheme.
The pioneers and cowboys of the 19th century bring to the Southwest design rustic furniture, leather and rawhide, artifacts of the cowboy lifestyle such as wagon wheels and saddles, and open-air kitchens.
Considerations
The elements of the Southwestern style can be blended with other interiors as well. American Indian pottery makes for textural and colorful displays in sleek, modern decors. Hand-painted tiles punch up a country kitchen. The earthy appeal of painted tin is compatible with Moroccan and Mediterranean styles.
The confluence of these cultural influences has given the Southwest style versatility in its applications. Whether the dominant features are Hispanic, American Indian or early American, the style brings with it a rustic charm made elegant by its cool colors.
Tags: American Indian, color palette, cool color, American Indian influence, cool color palette, cool colors
Cast iron cookware is extremely durable, versatile, and easy to maintain. It comes in a variety of styles, including grill pans, which feature raised ridges and make it easy to grill during the colder months. However, since cast iron can withstand high temperatures, it is possible to use your cast iron grill pan on an outdoor gas grill. Add this to my Recipe Box.
What is Cast Iron
Cast iron is a type of iron alloy that is too brittle to be wrought because of the presence of carbon, so it must be shaped by pouring it into a mold.
Preparing Cast Iron for Use
Cast iron grill pans must be seasoned before they are used. To season a pan, apply a thin layer of oil all over the pan, both inside and out. Heat your oven to 300 degrees, placing a piece of foil on the bottom to catch any dripping oil, and place your pan on the top rack, upside down. Cook for an hour, turn off the oven, and let the pan cool in the oven.
Using Cast Iron on the Grill
Since cast iron can withstand high heat, it is suitable to use on a gas grill. Simply place the pan on the grates as you would on an indoor stove burner and bring the heat up slowly.
Benefits of Grilling With Cast Iron
Using a cast iron grill pan on a gas grill means you are able to cook a wider variety of foods outdoors. Smaller food pieces will not fall through the grates, and you can even prepare sauces on the grill using your pan.
Warning
Exercise the same caution you would when using your cast iron grill pan indoors: never pick a hot pan off the grill with bare hands and be sure that you do not over cook the food. Do not use soap to clean your cast iron grill pan, as soap removes the seasoning.
Tags: cast iron grill, cast iron, iron grill, your cast, your cast iron, Cast Iron
Climbing roses are shown to best effect against a trellis that looks airy and light. The trick is to make a structure that's ethereal in appearance but of solid and sturdy construction. Beautiful as they are, rose bushes are also heavy, and the canes are stiff and stubborn. Only a substantial support will keep them secure and upright. Does this Spark an idea?
Building a Trellis
Decide if your trellis will be free-standing or if it will be mounted to a porch, garden fence or wall. A free-standing trellis needs at least one, and preferably two, in-ground supports. A steel fence post is suitable, as is a metal pipe submerged in a buried, poured-cement footing. Your trellis needs to withstand the weight of the rose bush, the ice and snow buildup of winter and the buffeting of strong winds, so use well-anchored, sturdy supports. Use heavy-duty supports to mount a trellis to a wall, porch or fence. Metal supports will not rot and so are a better choice than wooden ones Ten years from now, you won't want to detach the now fully grown climbing rose that you've carefully tied to the trellis over the years in order to replace supports that have rotted away as the rose grew.
Wood is a good choice, however, for the trellis itself. Since it won't be submerged in soil, treated woods or naturally decay-resistant woods (such as cedar and redwood) make a beautiful, sturdy trellis.
A trellis can be rectangular, fan-shaped, square or even rounded. The design is limited only by your imagination and your skills. The simplest trellis design involves constructing lattice out of overlapped lengths of lath or lumber in a "tic-tac-toe" configuration. Secure the overlapping lumber strips with brads or finishing nails. Once it's nailed together, secure the piece to the support post or posts with the grid-design square to the ground, or angle the whole piece so that the grid squares point down in a diamond-shape design. Surround the lattice with a square frame for a more sturdy trellis.
Galvanized chain, of about the width of a man's thumb, is strong enough to support rose canes. Experiment with sections of chain strung and interwoven between two posts or within a square wooden frame to create a spider-web effect. Keep the chain fairly taut, and secure it firmly to the posts or the frame.
If you have soldering skill and tools, build a trellis from copper pipe. Other unusual materials for a trellis include pruned tree saplings or branches, complete with bark: Nail them into a fan-shape, or secure them to a pole in a tent configuration, allowing enough space between the sticks for the climbing rose to grow up from underneath.
Check out architectural antiques stores and junk shops for old brass bed headboards or sections of wrought-iron fence: Secure them to the fence posts, or mount them to the wall or fence with sturdy brackets. Look for other items to repurpose as a trellis. A section of picket fence or an old wooden ladder need little work to transform them into a trellises. Just reinforce rickety joints, replace broken steps or pickets and perhaps paint them a bright color to make them a whimsical focal point in the garden while they support your climbing rose.
Tags: climbing rose, sturdy trellis, them into, trellis needs
Aluminum "wrought iron" style fencing comes in many designs and colors.
Aluminum "wrought iron" style fencing is a nice alternative to traditional wrought iron fencing, which has become somewhat rare due to the high costs of labor and maintenance. Choose from a wide variety of styles, designs and heights to both enhance and add beauty and maintenance-free protection to your home or business. This cost-effective fencing option can also increase the value of your residential or commercial property. The standard colors for aluminum "wrought iron" fencing are black, white, bronze and green. Does this Spark an idea?
White Aluminum Fencing
White aluminum "wrought iron" style fencing creates a fresh, clean look for your property. It stands out, brightens and many curb appeal specialists consider white a "safe" color to use with any style of home. You can use soap and water to clean white aluminum fences, keeping them looking their best.
Black Aluminum Fencing
Black aluminum "wrought iron" style fencing can add sheer elegance to your property. This color gives the driveway fence, yard fence, garden gate or pedestrian access gate a classic "wrought iron" look while being extremely durable. It does not require much maintenance or cleaning.
Bronze Aluminum Fencing
A bronze-colored aluminum "wrought iron" style fence brings an ornamental effect to your property. The more muted shades of bronze can pair nicely with homes that have warm exterior paint colors. You can order bronze aluminum fencing, as well as the other standard colors, in residential, medium and commercial grade.
Green Aluminum Fencing
Green aluminum "wrought iron" style fencing goes hand-in-hand with today's eco-friendly world. Property owners who appreciate a natural look or live in a woodsy area may want to use this color to help create a seamless look with the natural surroundings.
Tags: iron style, wrought iron, wrought iron style, iron style fencing, style fencing