Wagner Airless Paint Sprayer Tips

Wagner has several different styles of airless paint sprayers available, although the company is best known for its Power Painter line of products. Airless sprayers make quick work of hard-to-paint projects like shutters, fences and wrought iron. With a little practice and the right equipment and spray tip for the job, airless sprayers are easy to use.

Choose the Right Sprayer

Most Wagner airless sprayers have electric hydraulic pump motors and need to be plugged in to an electrical outlet with a cord no longer than 50 feet. A lithium battery-operated, hand-held sprayer allows for cordless operation. Most Wagner Power Painter models have a reservoir holding from 1 quart to 1 gallon of paint, making them perfect for smaller jobs. For commercial use and larger projects, Wagner Paint Crew airless sprayers hold up to 2 gallons of paint and can be operated on 100 feet of electrical cord.

Choosing the correct spray tip for the job is important. Different sized tips allow for varying fluid viscosity. You would use a different tip for stain and varnish than you would for paint. Additionally, spray tips come in different fan widths, allowing for a wider fan to paint walls and siding and a narrower fan for furniture or wrought iron fences.

Setup and Use

Prepare the area by covering or masking all adjacent surfaces, because spray paint has a habit of getting everywhere. Make sure there's adequate ventilation, and wear a mask and protective glasses.

Stir the paint before using it, instead of shaking it. Shaking creates air bubbles that can cause the sprayer to "spit" paint through the tip. Some paints should be thinned with up to 1 pint of water or solvent per gallon of paint. Refer to the paint label for guidance. If the paint is old or contains debris, or if you have problems with the spray tip clogging with use, strain the paint into a clean container. Paint stores carry paint strainers, but clean nylons also work well for this.

Fill the reservoir with paint and make sure all fittings are securely tightened. The spray tip can be tightened onto the gun to give you either a horizontal or vertical fan. Practice with the sprayer until you get the hang of it. Keep the gun perpendicular to the surface, and start moving the spray gun before squeezing the trigger. Pointing the gun at the surface and squeezing the trigger without moving your hand guarantees a big, thick run of paint on the wall.

Pay attention to all warnings, and always lock the trigger when not in use. Accidentally spraying high-velocity paint on your skin at close range will inject paint and chemicals forcefully under your skin and require a emergency room visit.

Troubleshooting

One of the most frustrating problems with using smaller airless sprayers is small pieces of debris clogging the spray tip. When this happens, you need to take the sprayer apart and remove the minuscule piece of dirt or hardened paint. Consider purchasing an optional reversible tip, which allows you to blow the clog out of the back of the tip in seconds.

Remember that spray tips should be replaced periodically. When the orifice becomes worn, it will cause the paint to come out unevenly, causing drips, spattering and runs.

Tags: airless sprayers, gallon paint, Most Wagner, Power Painter, problems with, spray tips

Contemporary Exterior Colors

Contemporary colors are fresh and surprising.

Choosing fresh, contemporary colors doesn't have to mean making enemies out of your neighbors. Whether you choose a brand new, modern color palette or simply incorporate some surprising color accents to your home's exterior, give your house a makeover with a fresh color scheme. Does this Spark an idea?

Color Trends

The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute publishes its color trends and predictions every year. For 2010, it states that "trends for 2010 take inspiration from a variety of social and economic influences." These colors include pale gold, coral and yellow paired with mineral gray, or simple, classic hues that increase curb appeal for home sellers.

Geographical Influences

Match a color to the environment or style of your home. For instance, while earth tones are a perennial favorite in Seattle, according to a Seattle Times article, choosing deep versions of those earth tones and using complementary colors can make them more contemporary. Try deep plum with mossy green, or gold and gray-green. If you live in the sunny Southwest where lighter, brighter colors are more common, put a modern twist on traditional terracotta tan and paint your stucco home fresh salmon paired with sky-blue trim.

Colors With a Twist

You may live in a neighborhood where you're restricted to neutral colors, but that doesn't mean you can't spice them up a little. Look through a stack of paint swatches and you'll see that there's no such thing as truly "basic beige." All colors, even neutral ones, have underlying tones making them redder or golder, cooler or warmer, darker or lighter. Choose a warm yellow-hued beige for your siding, and instead of dark brown trim, use a cool complementary color, such as charcoal gray or muted sage green.

Accents

Architectural details, such as shutters, wrought iron, and unique front doors can pop with contemporary and surprising color, even if the rest of your home is painted with neutral or traditional hues. If you have wrought iron railings, paint them navy blue or deep green instead of traditional black. Choose a fresh color for your front door---celery green or pumpkin orange. Accentuate shutters with a twist on classic colors by choosing pastel shades of traditional dark painted shutters.

Take Cues from Hue

Paint company Benjamin Moore awards architects and color designers with the Hue award for skill in choosing contemporary and exciting colors and color combinations. Recent winners have included residencies with shades of gold siding paired with white, plum and light brown trim, sage green with shades of plum trim, and chocolate brown siding with creamy white woodwork and deep orange accents.

Tags: paired with, your home, brown trim, earth tones, fresh color

About Blacksmithing Anvils

Blacksmithing anvils come in several shapes and sizes. Many are named after the country in which they originated or after the time period in which they were used. Either way you look at it, an anvil is used for one main purpose: to shape metal. The anvil provides a flat, hard surface on which to pound and shape hot forged metal into swords, tools or other metal objects. Most anvils are made of wrought iron, because it transfers the energy of a hammer strike more efficiently. Steel and other metals are too brittle to stand up to the constant pounding of a blacksmith hammer.

Types

The most common types of blacksmithing anvils are the square and double horn anvil. The square anvil is shaped like a square block, while the double horn anvil (most commonly known) has two points that are used to shape and emboss steel. Of these blacksmithing anvils, a few common types include stake or stump anvils, which have a stake for a base that can be pounded into a stump or block, and work bench anvils, which have their own base. Popular blacksmith anvils that are still used today include London-style anvils, Austrian style anvils and a few medieval anvils. Each reflects the style of design common to the time or country in which they were used.

Features

A blacksmithing anvil consists of a face, which is the flat surface on the top where metal objects are placed to be shaped. On one end is a horn-shaped object simply called a horn, used for shaping rounded objects. The heel is the other end of the anvil. On the face, anvils have what is called a hardy hole and pritchel hole. Tools can be inserted into these holes to help shape the metal. Just below the body of the anvil is the waist, which tapers down to a base that has feet that stick out and provide stability. The area below the horn is called the shoulder, and that flat space between the horn and the face is called a table.

Function

An anvil is used in a blacksmith shop as the main surface on which steel is pounded into shape. Hot steel right out of the forge is laid on the anvil face and flattened using a flat hammer. Rods could be laid across the horn and pounded to create a bend shape. Sheet metals could be embossed or concaved by being laid on the horn and pounded by a hammer as well. With additional tools inserted in the holes, rods could be shaped into various other objects.

Size

Anvils come in all sizes and are generally sized according to weight. The smallest anvils weigh anywhere from 6 to 50 lbs. Larger anvils will weigh 100 to 260 lbs. or more. Small stump anvils are as small as 1.5 by 1.5 inches. Typical dimensions of an anvil are about 1 foot high by 5 inches wide by 8 inches long.

History

Blacksmithing anvils have been used ever since the bronze age when metal working began. They have been referenced in Greek and Egyptian mythology and writings. The anvil was improved and developed during the Middle Ages when blacksmithing was extremely common. All over the world, different types of blacksmiths created anvils with variations that let them work more easily. Today, blacksmiths still use them to create handcrafted metal objects, but they are not used in industrial metal working.

Tags: metal objects, which they, anvil face, anvil used, anvils have

Design Exterior Doors

There are several design elements for exterior doors.

An outside door, especially the front door, can make a statement about the people who own the home. You want the door to be welcoming and to set a mood that fits with the rest of the house and its occupants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick a size and shape. The size and shape is partly determined by the size of the house. The simplest door design involves only the door and trim around it. To make it a bit fancier, add a sidelight (a vertical section that usually contains windows) next to the door for extra width or a transom window above the door for extra height. A more complex design can involve sidelights on both sides and a transom across the whole width. The transom can be rectangular or the top can be curved for an even more dramatic effect. A transom is a way to add natural light to the entrance area without sacrificing privacy. Other unusual options include a double door, or a door that has a semi-circular top. A simple door with shutters on either side can give the effect of extra width at a fraction of the cost of adding sidelights. Other exterior doors, especially those that open onto patios, may be sliding doors or French doors, and can have wider windows adjacent to them to add even more light. The main determining factors are the size and style of the house and the budget.

2. Decide on a style. The presence or absence of windows will greatly affect the look of an exterior door. The other main factor is color, whether it be a natural wood or a painted surface. The location and style of the windows is also a big factor. Place windows up high with a solid surface down low for maximum privacy while still letting in some natural light. Frosted or decorative glass can let in more light while still maintaining some privacy. You have options for glass in the door itself as well as the sidelights and the transom or in any combination of these.

3. Choose colors. You can choose to paint or stain the wooden parts of the door. The color you choose should be part of the overall design of the front of the house. Pick a contrasting color to make the door stand out or a similar color if you want it to blend in with the rest of the house. Trim colors can give a little extra interest that is more understated than an entire door of a contrasting color.

4. Add decorative details. This is where you can make a statement without breaking the budget or offending the neighbors with a door that appears garish. Choose decorative hardware, including doorknob, hinges, door knocker and kickplate. Many types of metal surfaces are available, from rustic wrought iron to shiny brass. Decorative glass can add an unusual and unique look. Carry the decoration throughout all windows, but reserve the most ornate decoration for the glass in the center of the door, if the door has glass, or the transom.

5. Don't forget a storm door. In many climates, a storm door is needed for extra insulation, giving you a way to open the front door without immediately letting in all the weather. In summer, the glass panes can be replaced by screens, giving you the option to have the door open without letting bugs and other small animals into the house. Consider how this addition will affect the look of the door before adding it.

Tags: affect look, contrasting color, door door, door extra, door that, even more, exterior doors

Victorian Designs For Gazebos

A Victorian gazebo provides a romantic backdrop for a wedding.

A gazebo is a multi-sided, freestanding, outdoor structure originating in the Victorian period. These post-and-beam buildings contained many of the design elements of Victorian design, including fretwork, corner brackets, friezes, turned posts, roof design elements and balusters. In the 1900s, the Industrial Age forced homes to be built closer together. Gazebos were created as an open-air escape for garden gazing, intimate entertaining and meditation. Does this Spark an idea?

Architectural Basics

Ornate millwork is a telltale feature of Victorian architecture.

The iconic elements of Victorian design are popular with gazebo enthusiasts. Corner brackets (gussets) are installed in the triangular opening created by the horizontal roofline and each post. Also called carpenter's lace, bric-a-brac, or gingerbread, these corner brackets add a Victorian detail to dress up any gazebo.

Friezes -- bands or lines of wood beneath the roofline -- are additional Victorian elements that can stand alone or combined with corner brackets. Curling scroll work or quatrefoil and four-leafed design cutouts are telltale touches of Victorian fretwork. Wrought iron elements were popular in the Victorian era and make characteristic touches when incorporated as corner brackets or railings in place of wood.

Accents

Victorian settees featured elaborate detailing.

Furniture placed in Victorian gardens was almost as elaborate as the indoor d cor. Wrought iron tables, chairs, and settees will add an elegant touch to your outdoor room. The more intricate the design work, the better. Wicker and rattan furniture are also good choices for a Victorian gazebo. Wall sconces or a central ceiling fixture that simulates old gas light fixtures add a historic touch. Add a tin ceiling to your outdoor structure for texture and an authentic feel.

Plantings

Place a window box with small boxwood and geraniums on your gazebo rail.

A flower garden works well as a border around your gazebo. Place the tallest plants closest to the gazebo railings and successively shorter plantings spread out from the structure. Roses on a white lattice trellis or a lattice wall section on one side of the gazebo add a romantic Victorian touch.

Vines were often used in Victorian landscapes so plant nasturtiums or morning glories next to your outdoor structure, allowing them to climb posts and railings.

Stone or concrete planters in and around the gazebo should be filled with begonias, caladiums, heliotrope, zinnias or lobelia for an appropriate touch.

Water Features

Victorians adopted water features to accompany geometric garden beds.

Water features were a popular addition to Victorian landscapes. Surround your gazebo with a runnel -- a narrow channel of water. Filled with rocks or water-loving plants, a runnel adds a soothing touch, especially when combined with a circulating water source. A sculptural fountains can be placed at one side or in the center of your outdoor building. A man-made fishpond next to your gazebo is an appropriate Victorian touch. Birdbaths were also popular additions to the landscape.

Tags: your gazebo, your outdoor, corner brackets, outdoor structure, combined with, design elements, elements Victorian

Replace Coconut Liners In Flower Baskets

Using coconut liners in flower baskets is ideal for preventing root decay as the liners allow excess water to drain easily. The liners fit inside wrought iron baskets and plant holders. They are constructed of coconut fibers and held together by tree sap. Though coconut liners usually last two to three growing seasons, they do eventually need to be replaced--a very messy event. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay down drop cloth (optional), and place the flower basket on a flat surface.

2. Reach into the coconut liner and gently pull up on the soil as this will make it easier to lift out the flowers.

3. Scoop out the flowers by lifting up underneath their roots. Use only your gloved hands to feel for the bottom of the roots.

4. Transfer the flowers over to the replacement coconut liner. Place them in the middle of the liner, along with any soil stuck to the roots.

5. Pick up the old liner and set it aside.

6. Pick up the replacement liner with the flowers and place it in the basket. Rearrange your flowers so they are in the middle of the liner.

7. Dump the remaining soil from the old liner around the flower roots. Add some fertilizer to the soil.

8. Press around the top of the soil to pack in the flowers.

9. Sweep up any remaining soil and put it into the basket.

Tags: coconut liner, middle liner, remaining soil

Replace Scratched Wood Bedpost Finials

Some traditional-style bedposts have pinecone-shaped finials.

The term "finials" refers to the carved or sculpted shapes that crown the tops of bedposts. They're the finishing touches that give a bed a final decorative touch. While finials can technically have any shape, balls or round spires are most common. If the finials on top of your bedposts bear scratches and other imperfections, these flaws can give the entire bed a slightly weathered look. Luckily, you can fix the problem by removing and replacing the finials. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Shake the finial very gently. This will indicate how well-attached the finial is to the bedpost. Most finials that you shake will have a slight looseness to them. Unscrew the finial to the left until it comes off in your hand, or pull the finial out of the socket of the bedpost by yanking it straight up.

2. Measure the width of the dowel once you've removed the finial from the bedpost. Purchase replacement finials that are no bigger than this dowel width, as otherwise they won't fit in the bedpost hole.

3. Cut a 1-inch piece of two-sided tape and wrap it around the dowel. If the dowel on your replacement finial is significantly smaller than the other dowel, you'll need to wrap several layers of two-sided tape around it.

4. Slide the tape-wrapped dowel into the hole. Press it down firmly and adjust it so it's straight. Allow the adhesive to set for an hour.

Tags: finials that, two-sided tape

Design A Yard Fence

Design a Yard Fence

A new fence for your yard can add both form and function, and there are a variety of materials and styles that make for an attractive fence. While the design process takes some careful consideration, it is well within the skill level of anyone willing to follow some basic guidelines. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the purpose for the yard fence. This is the most important of all factors when designing a fence. Pet containment, privacy, security and area separation are among the many reasons for putting up a yard fence; know your motives before proceeding.

2. Obtain the parameters for your fence. Measure the proposed fence line length and decide upon an appropriate height for the fence, based on its purpose and compliance with local codes, laws and neighborhood covenants.

3. Select a material for your fence. Consider the purpose of the fence, durability, price, availability and aesthetics of the material before you decide. Choose the material that best fits your preferences.

4. Consider future modifications, improvements or embellishments when you design the fence. For example, do not design a fence that requires welding and deep, concrete-set posts if you think you want to move or change the fence line someday.

5. Consider the cost and labor necessary to properly maintain the fence. Wood fences require frequent refinishing or painting, while a wrought-iron fence may not need any maintenance at all. However, wrought-iron fences are much more expensive initially.

Tags: design fence, Design Yard, Design Yard Fence, fence line, Yard Fence, your fence

Why Does My Gas Stove Leave Black Marks On My Pots

Gas stoves can leave unsightly marks on colored cookware.

Cooking at home can create large messes, both on your oven and your pots and pans. Because it uses flames, a gas stove sometimes scorches the pots and pans used for cooking. Maintaining your stove can help you prevent these unsightly marks, and if you do get them, extra cleaning should remove the marks. Does this Spark an idea?

Causes

A gas stove might turn your pots black if it is not heating evenly or if the heat is turned up too high. If the flame is not heating evenly, you will notice that the flame is blue with yellow. If you see yellow, your air to flame ratio needs to be adjusted. Adjust your air intake valve until you see only blue in the flame, which should fix the problem.

Prevention

Keep the heat as low as you can to complete your cooking job. If you can, cook foods longer on a lower setting to avoid black marks. See that the flame does not touch the bottom of the pan at all. An alternative to traditional pots and pans is cast iron. These pans are already black, so if they do get some marks, they will not show anyway. Cast-iron lasts longer than other pans and doesn't require a lot of cleaning and maintenance. After a gentle scrubbing with water and soap, you can rub grease in the cast iron pan to help it last longer.

Cleaning the Pans

Even if you try to prevent the black marks, you might still get the occasional mark. If you are using cast iron or another black pan, these marks are not a problem; however, some pans and pots come in designer colors and are made to match other kitchen appliances and decorations. Keep these clean by scouring them with oven cleaner if they get black marks. You can also boil a large pot of soapy water, place the marked pot in the larger pot and boil it for a few minutes.

Cleaning the Stove

If your gas stove is dirty, it can make your pans dirty, too. Clean your gas stove regularly, especially after a spill. Turn all burners off, and remove the grates. Use a damp sponge or cloth and warm soapy water to clean the surfaces. A spray glass cleaner can get rid of caked-on areas. You can use an abrasive cleaner, but watch that it does not scratch the surface. Don't use a soap-filled scouring pad.

Tags: black marks, cast iron, pots pans, your stove, heating evenly

Make Decorative Landscape Fence Borders

Making decorative fence borders.

Oftentimes, fences look pretty dull compared to the tapestry of ornamental plants that peek out from behind them. Liven up the look of your landscape fence borders by incorporating living or non-organic decorative elements. Use your existing garden, home's architecture or natural surroundings as inspiration. Give your neighbors another reason to stare in awe over your landscaping. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Living Plants

1. Check the amount of light your fence receives. Most plants can grow in full sunlight conditions; however, there are also a wealth of plants that can grow in partial shade. Make a diagram of your fence and indicate the measurements of the fencing and the amount of light each area receives. Include the height of the fence.

2. Decide what type of plant you would like to grow either on or in front of the fencing. You can use climbing plants like clematis, ivy or roses to grow on the actual fencing. Also, you can grow medium-height shrubbery, ornamental trees or bordering plants like pansies in front of the fence.

3. Plant next to the fence. Place a net over the fence for climbing vines. Tie the canes loosely with pieces of nylon to the netting. Space shrubbery and bordering plants far enough apart so they receive air circulation, yet contribute a uniform row.

4. Keep your natural, decorative elements looking their best by pruning them to keep a streamlined look. Your fencing can take on a chaotic aesthetic if plants are left to their own devices and grow outside their designated areas. Use bypass shears, lopping shears and a pruning saw for shrubs to maintain your natural look.

Inorganic Decoration

5. Paint your fence to perk up the motif of the fencing. Picket fences do not always have to be painted white. You can use the exterior color scheme of the home or a predominant ornamental flower color used in the landscaping.

6. Bring your fence measurements with you to the paint store. One gallon of paint covers 350 square feet of fencing. Buy plastic to place on the ground to avoid getting paint on the grass.

7. Pick a warm, sunny day to paint. Wash the fence off and dry with towels to remove dirt. Roll the paint with paint rollers, but use small natural bristle brushes for small hard-to-reach areas.

Tags: your fence, amount light, bordering plants, decorative elements, fence borders, plants like, plants that

Hang Beeswax Candles

Decorate your home with natural beeswax candles for a casually elegant look. You can enhance any wall in your home with beeswax candles or suspend the candles from your ceiling using a lantern. Beeswax candles are known for their bright, long-burning flames. They give off the subtle, sweet scent of honey and naturally freshen the air, while their natural tan hue coordinates with almost any style or decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose your candles. Beeswax candles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as tapers and pillars. You can also choose smaller candles, such as tea lights and votives, for smaller wall displays.

2. Pick a candle holder on which to hang your candles on the wall or from the ceiling. Complement beeswax candles' rustic appeal by choosing black wrought iron wall sconces. A pillar candle will fit inside a lantern for an elegant look.

3. Affix the beeswax-filed wall sconces to the wall using a hammer and nails. Place two sconces on either side of your couch as a decorative touch. You can also attach them on the wall above your bed to add ambiance.

4. Suspend a candle lantern from the ceiling. Attach a small chain to the end of the lantern and screw a hook into the ceiling. Hang the lantern chain from the ceiling hook. There is a large variety of lantern styles to choose from, including stained glass, wrought iron and copper; choose the look that complements the room's decor. Hang the candle lantern over your dining room table to provide a soft lighting element.

Tags: beeswax candles, from ceiling, your home with, Beeswax candles, candle lantern, elegant look, home with

Design A Victorian Home

Queen Victoria's reign represented a stable period for the middle classes.

People's views of the Victorian style of decoration tend to fall into two distinct camps: they either love it or hate it. You may not like it if you are into minimalism, love light and space and abhor clutter. On the other hand, if you are drawn to history and its architecture and are of a nostalgic frame of mind, the Victorian era may be just for you, with its emphasis on comfort and warmth. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 until 1901. This period marked the time when the British empire was still strong, but signs indicated that the era was coming to an end. You can bring this era to life in your home by choosing Victorian furnishings and styling. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint some of your interior walls in deep colors, such as plum red and forest greens. Decorate some of your rooms or just one wall of a room in a rich wallpaper. Look for prints of birds or flowers. If you wallpaper a room, just apply between the dado rail and the skirting board. Use rich faded carpets in the center of the rooms with a polished wood border around the edge.

2. Use rich, heavy fabrics for upholstery and curtains. Buy well-upholstered, plump button-backed chairs. Display several pieces of furniture in your rooms. The Victorians were influenced by several styles, including the Arts and Crafts movement, Gothic and rococo. Use the Gothic style in a library, creating a masculine environment with wooden shelves for the books, dark walls and leather-seated furniture.

3. Decorate a lady's bedroom in rococo style, with ornate fittings, such as mirrors and vanity cases. Use moldings in your decor, particularly ceiling roses. Look for brass or cast iron light fittings. Hang a sampler on the wall.

4. Add other ornate touches to your home. Victorian fireplaces were either wooden or cast iron and often decorated with patterned tiles. Use tiles in private as well as public spaces, such as in hallways. You may be able to find encaustic tiles, that is, tiles that had the pattern baked on in the kiln.

5. Add Victorian-style fittings to your bathroom. Include a roll-top bath with claw feet. Look for ceramic sinks and lavatories with appropriate fittings.

Tags: cast iron, Queen Victoria, some your, tiles that, your home, your rooms

Design A Unique Fence

Wrought Iron Headboard

You can design a unique fence for your vegetable garden or your property line with metal headboards made from brass or wrought iron, painted to match or left as is. Create a sleek and shiny black fence as a backdrop for a brightly colored flower garden or leave the mismatched headboards in various stages of rusted or paint-flaked metal. Design a unique headboard fence that appeals to your sense of style and whimsy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find used brass or iron headboards at local thrift stores, yard sales and architectural salvage yards. The headboards may range from twin size to king size, whatever you can find that appeals to you and the height and width you're looking for. You can mix the metals and styles of the headboards together from those with posters to simple arches or cross bars to create a unique fence surrounding your garden or delineating a property line.

2. Spray paint all of the headboards to match; black works for an artsy and inexpensive wrought-iron-style fence, or you could paint it white for a twist on a picket fence. Blend the shades of your headboard to match the greenery and flowers planted nearby for a distinctively colorful fence line. Paint the wire to match your fence.

3. Design the alignment of the headboards according to height; two tall headboards flanking a shorter one or vice-versa. Once you have the fence in place, mark and dig 6-inch to 8-inch holes for the posts. Mix and pour a small amount of quick-dry concrete in the holes and stand the headboards on the mixture; make sure the posts are straight and level. Fill the holes with concrete.

4. Join the headboards together on the sides with 18-gauge wire close to the top and center of the shortest headboard. This step is only necessary if you're using tall headboards that may tend to sway; in which case joining the headboards together will anchor the fence line. You can also elect to wire each piece together for aesthetic reasons.

Tags: headboards together, fence line, property line, tall headboards, that appeals, unique fence

Repair Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered furniture is characterized as any padded furniture that is covered with fabric, leather or vinyl. Because a simple wood frame usually sets the shape of and provides all of the support to the upholstered furniture, many things can go wrong--especially if you've had the piece for many years. The most common problem with this kind of furniture is the appearance of holes that show up over time. The problem can easily be fixed with a simple trip to the fabric store and some common household tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Slide an iron-on patch, which can be found an any upholstery supply or fabric store, under the tear.

2. Remove a piece of excess upholstered furniture from a hidden location to use in addition to the iron-on patch if the hole is larger than just a small tear. Place the piece of upholstery over the iron-on patch, and make sure it covers the hole completely. Trim away the excess.

3. Heat the patch with an electric iron on one side of the tear once you are sure that the patch is in position. Only iron one side at a time so that you can make small adjustments as needed.

4. Heat the other side down once the already-ironed side of the tear is firmly attached to the patch and the tear is smoothed over.

5. Apply a small amount of fabric adhesive to the underside of the fabric if the tear isn't smoothed out or if it is not remaining attached to the iron-on patch.

Tags: iron-on patch, fabric store, iron side, side tear, tear smoothed

Design A Tuscan Farmhouse

Tuscan Farmhouse

Perhaps you are still dreaming about your fabulous stay at that historical farmhouse in Tuscany, Italy--so much so, you've decided you want your own Tuscan farmhouse now that you're back home. A new, specialty home should be beautiful, inviting and comfortable. Perhaps the best way to get that is to design your Tuscan farmhouse yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Designing a Tuscan Style Farmhouse

1. Find out everything you can about the Tuscan farmhouse style. Research online and at the library. Buy design books and look at pictures in magazines. Once you have done thorough research, you will discover what attributes mean Tuscan living to you.

2. Keep in mind there are many ways to create the home of your dreams. A little paint, a few interior changes or some outdoor architectural updates may be all you need to do.

3. If you decide to go forward with designing a home, establish your priorities. Decide on a budget. Figure out what attributes you want in a house--the size of common areas, how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, how much storage space you need, whether you want an office or if you are going to include a pool.

4. Determine if your house plan is suitable for your building site. Consider the neighborhood, the terrain and the climate.

5. Get a large piece of plain white paper, or one with lines going both ways and a pencil with an eraser. Draw your own floor plan. The plan should have a great flow pattern from one room to the next. Decide where to place the common areas and kitchen. Decide on the number of bedrooms and appropriate number of bathrooms. Draw the common areas as well as entrances, doorways, hallways and stairways. Consider how high you want the ceilings to be.

6. Keep in mind the character and style of a Tuscan farmhouse as you design. Make the kitchen the focal point of the home as is common in Tuscan farmhouses. Design the kitchen so it is large enough to accomodate the traditional long Tuscan farmhouse table, the large island with massive overhead pot rack, the brick oven with the overhead Tuscan style chimney hood and room for ample countertop space.

7. Design the way you want the outside of the house to look. Remember what you learned in your research about the characteristics that are typical of a Tuscan farmhouse. Farmhouses in and around Tuscany have stone exterior walls, clay tile roofs, arched windows and doorways with wrought iron railings and several verandahs or porticos.

8. Consider what you want in the way of interior decorating. Note these features on your design plan. Again, refer back to your research and what you learned about the Tuscan style. Include dark-stained cabinetry and natural slate or colorful glazed terra-cotta wall tiles in the kitchen. Tuscan farmhouses typically have dark, rustic ceiling beams throughout the house. The walls are decorated with frescoes and wall murals of the Italian countryside. Floors are covered with clay tiles or are wooden parquet washed with white paint.

9. Make a list of what you want inside the house, once again referring back to your research. Decide on the Tuscan style furniture you want. Furniture is dark and rustic with wrought iron accents in casual settings or smooth and carved in more formal surroundings. Furniture also may be handpainted. Fabrics and wallpaper are seen in warm shades of red, gold, olive and green. Common patterns are wide stripes, fruit and vegetable motifs and florals. Rugs are typically made of natural reed matting or are Oriental, Turkish or Indian in design. Include colorfully painted earthenware pottery, copper pots, reed baskets and wooden wine racks on your list.

10. Make a list of what you want in the way of landscaping. Keep in mind what is suitable for the lot you have. Again, refer to your research about Tuscan farmhouses. Include olive trees, sunflowers and lavender on your list, as they are typical of plants and trees that surround farmhouses in Tuscany.

11. Never hesitate to bring in a professional. Consider looking at professional floor plans, calling a builder or bringing in a home or interior designer. At the same time, trust your own instincts when it comes to the characteristics of your Tuscan farmhouse. This is your dream home.

Tags: Tuscan farmhouse, your research, about Tuscan, common areas, Keep mind

Replace Round Wooden Balusters With Iron Balusters

Replace your wooden balusters with iron for a new staircase appearance.

Update your traditional wooden staircases by replacing the round wooden balusters with iron. Iron balusters can change the entire look of the stairway without lessening its strength. With a large range of design types, you can even mix and match the iron replacements, allowing you to customize the look of your staircase so that it not only goes well with your decor, but also serves as a conversation piece. Removal of the old wooden balusters is destructive, but much of the work of the new installation is already completed by the original wooden baluster installers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut the wooden baluster in half using a jigsaw. Pull both halves from their placement in the railing and the stair tread using your hands. Remove any nails that secured the baluster in place using the claw end of a claw hammer or a small pry bar if the baluster halves fail to move easily. Fill the nail holes with wood putty the same color as the wood surrounding the holes.

2. Measure the height between the stair tread and the bottom of the stair rail and add 1 3/8 inch to the measurement as the length needed for the iron baluster.

3. Cut the iron baluster to the measured length with the jigsaw, making the cut at the bottom of the baluster. The top of many iron balusters contain a turned section that enables you to install the baluster into the railing without a shoe, and as such should remain untouched. The shoe is a decorative metal piece that surrounds the end of the baluster to conceal the point of connection between the baluster and the rail or stair tread.

4. Modify the holes in the railing and the stair tread to fit the iron baluster. Drill in the holes used for the wooden baluster with a 5/8-inch drill bit, creating a depth of 11/16 inch in the tread and 1 ½ inches in the railing.

5. Fit the cut baluster in place by sliding the bar into the rail to the full depth of the hole and then lowering the baluster down into the tread hole. Make any adjustments to the holes necessary to ensure proper fit and then remove the baluster.

6. Slip the baluster shoe onto the baluster. The shoe will sit around the base of the baluster and covers the hole and the epoxy holding the baluster in place.

7. Mix the two-part epoxy until it forms a putty. Place enough epoxy into the railing and tread holes to hold the baluster steady, and then place the baluster into the holes. Wipe any excess epoxy from the stair tread, railing or iron baluster with a cloth. Place masking tape around the top of the baluster to prevent epoxy from dripping down the length of the iron. Allow the epoxy to set for the time suggested by the epoxy manufacturer.

8. Remove the masking tape and place the shoe at the base of the baluster against the tread. Secure the base into place by using the drill to place two 1 5/8-inch wood screws through the holes to either side of the base into the tread. If the shoe is not made to be screwed into the floor, secure it to the floor using epoxy.

Tags: stair tread, iron baluster, baluster place, wooden baluster, wooden balusters, baluster into

Design A Rustic Garden

Add a secluded seating area in your rustic garden.

No one is denying that a well-manicured and exquisitely-planted garden is a thing of beauty but there is a quaint charm in to cultivating the rustic garden. In a rustic garden, linear structured formality is banished in favor of curving, irregular lines and seemingly haphazard flower beds. Instead of well-sculpted borders of evergreens the emphasis is on borders packed full of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and bulbs. Scented and traditional plants playa vital part, as do roses, especially climbers and ramblers grown over fences and arches. Rustic gardens can be productive, if you intermingle edibles with flowers, and are not labor intensive to create or maintain. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clear and measure the area. Look at the area and try to incorporate existing features. If you had a tree stump taking up one corner it would have to be removed to install a formal garden but it can become a feature of interest in a rustic garden.

2. Lay a single garden path. You can fashion the walkway with a random mixture of stone, brick and paving is laid informally, with plants spilling onto it from adjacent borders. Unlike formal garden paths that require the area be completely leveled a rustic garden path can be a little uneven as long as it is not unstable or unsafe.

3. Install some reclaimed timber beams. Using post hole diggers install some rustic poles or reclaimed timber beams or poles around the garden. These can be planted with clematis, English ivy, or climbing roses and used to make an informal archway or even provide some shade.

4. Create a secluded corner getaway. A wooden bench or hammock, tucked away behind shrubs, provides the ideal place to enjoy the scents and colors of the garden and give the garden a “lived” in feeling.

5. Plant herbaceous shrub borders that will require little maintenance. Shrubs like azalea or hydrangea will bloom in spring and summer for display and need only be cut back in winter.

6. Build informal flower beds. Unlike formal gardens there is no need for strict symmetry or flower choices in creating flower beds in a rustic garden. Plants of all shapes, colors, textures and scents are planted without a hint of a straight line in a rustic garden.

7. Place rural-looking containers with annuals and seasonal flowers around the garden to infuse the space with a splash of new. Also consider intermingling herbs because annuals and herbs in containers are an often attractive mix.

Tags: rustic garden, flower beds, around garden, formal garden, garden path

Twist Steel For Decoration In Metal Working

Twist Steel for Decoration in Metal Working

With some previous metal working experience, it is possible to learn twist steel for decoration purposes in metal working. Twisting steel allows the artist or metal worker to create decorative additions to a wide variety of projects, from home decor items such as wrought iron bed frames or picture frames with decorative metal curlicues, to kitchen hardware such as twisted-metal wine racks. With experience, even delicate metal jewelry can be created using twisted steel.

Instructions

1. Adjust your wrenches so they fit over your piece of steel slightly loosely so when the heated steel expands, the wrenches can still fit onto the steel--this eliminates the need to adjust your wrenches while losing precious time as your metal cools.

2. Place your piece of steel bar into a vice securely by tightening the vice. The portion you wish to twist should be free from the clamps of the vice, allowing ample room to work with the heated steel and twist it using your wrenches.

3. Put on your protective gloves and goggles and turn on the oxy-acetylene torch. Heat the section of steel you would like to twist until it turns orange in color. Place the torch aside on a torch rack where it can safely remain burning so it is available to reheat the metal when it loses its orange color and is no longer pliable.

4. Twist the metal before it loses its orange color. With a wrench in each hand, slide the wrenches onto your piece of metal until it reaches the orange portion and twist toward you with both wrenches to create twists that spiral upwards to the right; twist away from you to create twists that spiral upwards to the left; twist one direction with one wrench and the other direction with the other wrench for more ornate twists.

Tags: orange color, your piece, your wrenches, create twists, create twists that, Decoration Metal, Decoration Metal Working

Make A Rose Trellis Out Of Branches

Climbing roses add color and beauty to any garden.

Providing support for climbing roses is essential to maximizing air circulation between branches and allowing light to reach all areas of the plant. While you can purchase trellises made of wrought iron, bamboo or cut wood, a do-it-yourself natural looking trellis can blend into your landscaping and show off your roses without drawing attention to the framework. Before you make a rose trellis out of branches, you'll want to spend time collecting branches with a relatively even thickness to create a trellis that is both sturdy and decorative. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Gather branches that are all between 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Cut side shoots from the branches to leave as straight a branch as possible. Measure and cut the branches until you have 4 branches each 6 feet tall and 9 branches all 2 feet long.

2. Lay the four 6-foot branches side by side on the ground running vertically with each branch set approximately 6 to 7 inches apart. Starting at the top, place a 2-foot branch horizontally across the top cut ends of the 6-foot branches.

3. Screw through the 2-foot branch and into the 6-foot branches at each of the four intersections to connect. Place the next horizontal 2-foot branch 6 inches below the first and secure with screws.

4. Continue to place the 2-foot branches 6 inches apart and screw them into place until the entire trellis is constructed and the bottom 18 inches of the 6-foot branches are left sticking out from the grid-like frame.

5. Loop lengths of twine around each intersection of the trellis to cover the screws and create a rustic, natural look, if desired.

6. Dig a narrow, 1-foot-deep trench behind the area where your roses will be or are planted. Make the trench 2 feet long. Slip the bottom ends of the 6-foot branches into the trench and hold the trellis so it is level. Fill in the trench and pack the soil around the trellis to hold.

Tags: 6-foot branches, 2-foot branch, branches each, ends 6-foot, ends 6-foot branches, feet long, inches apart

Secure Outdoor Fences

Chain-link fences can be cut or climbed if you don't take precautions.

A fence is a useful tool in keeping unwanted visitors off your personal property but the fence itself is susceptible to compromise if you're not careful. A fence can potentially be climbed, broken or vandalized and it can be expensive to repair or replace. The fence should be treated like any other part of your property in that you should attempt to protect it from damage. Securing an outdoor fence requires some planning, diligence and the proper equipment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set the fence and the posts deeper into the ground to make it more resilient. You can dig the fence deeper into the ground with a shovel and there are diggers specifically designed to assist in lowering fence posts into the ground. Fence posts should penetrate at least a foot or two under the ground to help keep the fence stable and resistant to tipping. Setting the posts in concrete is also a common practice.

2. Use a guard dog to monitor the fence if you are capable of responsibly taking care of an animal. A dog can alert you by barking if anyone is approaching the fence and can possibly attack anyone who tries to climb over it.

3. Keep the fence well-lit at night. Security lighting works as a deterrent to potential vandals since it increases the chances they will be seen. Some use sensors that are motion-activated while others will turn on once it gets dark. Either type, or a combination of the two, will help prevent vandalism and damage.

4. Set an alarm near the fence. They rely on sensors much like the security lighting in that sudden motion will trigger a loud noise that helps startle a perpetrator away while also alerting you that someone is near your property.

5. Plant thorny bushes on both sides of the fence to provide a natural barrier that will make the fence more difficult to get to for vandalism or scaling purposes. Digging a deep trench on either side and filling it with water is another option to provide a barrier.

6. Install security spikes or barbed wire at the top of the fence to make it more difficult to climb over.

Tags: into ground, climb over, deeper into, deeper into ground, make more, more difficult, your property

Attach An Iron Headboard To A Standard Bed Frame

Iron headboards can attach to standard bed frames.

An iron headboard adds a certain elegance and timelessness to a bedroom. If you want to achieve that look but don't have the rest of the iron bed frame or want a smaller sized bed frame, there are ways to make it work. With a few simple adaptations, you can attach an iron headboard to a standard bed frame. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Bed Frames

Standard bed frames are the most basic mattress supports on the market. These metal frames consist of long rails with swing-out crossbars that connect in the center of the frame. Crossbars are located at the top and bottom for twin and double beds, while a central bar is required for queen-sized and king-sized beds. Although a standard bed frame doesn't require a headboard or footboard, many standard bed frames come with headboard brackets, which are plates fastened to the head of the bed frame with bolt holes that are pre-drilled. These headboard brackets are designed to allow headboards to be bolted to them. Some standard bed frames do not have brackets.

Iron Headboards

Iron headboards are typically bolt-in headboards, where the bed rails attach to the headboard with a nut and bolt system. When an iron bed frame comes as a complete set, the rails and supports are all iron. The rails have plates at the headboard end to receive bolts, which have passed through the legs of the headboard. Nuts securely hold the bolts in place, creating a stable frame for the bed. Footboards on iron beds are secured the same way.

Headboard Adapter Kits

If a bed frame does not have headboard brackets already in place, many furniture manufacturers and retail stores sell headboard bracket adapter kits. These are brackets with bolt hole plates that fit on the headboard end of standard bed rails to allow bed owners to affix a bolt-in headboard. The headboard bracket adapter kits come in various heights, sizes and widths to accommodate almost any kind of headboard, including iron headboards. Odd-sized or oversized headboards can be attached to standard bed frames using modification headboard bracket adapters.

Assembly Steps

Check the bed rails to see if there are already headboard brackets on them. Align the bolt holes on the brackets with the bolt holes on the headboard legs. If they align, insert a bolt through the headboard leg and bracket, then hand-tighten it with a nut. Repeat with other bolts as needed. When all bolts are in place, tighten the nuts with a wrench for added stability. If you need to put headboard bracket adapters on the rails first, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, the brackets are attached to the rails with bolts and nuts. Align the new bracket bolt holes with the headboard holes and bolt them together.

Tags: headboard bracket, bolt holes, headboard brackets, standard frames, with bolt, adapter kits, bolts place

Las Vegas Western Decor Shops

Western decor is inspired by cowboys and the southwest. Common materials include solid hardwoods, wrought iron, leather and woven fabrics. Western decor often has a worn, rustic look and a style that appears as it was created with a collection of vintage items salvaged or passed down through the family. In Las Vegas, some western decor shops will help you outfit yourself and your "home on the range." Does this Spark an idea?

Great Southwest Furniture Design

Great Southwest Furniture Design is an online furniture retailer with a Las Vegas showroom, open by appointment. The company specializes in handmade wood and iron furniture and western accessories for your bedroom, dining and living rooms. All wood furniture is made of solid wood and carved, assembled and painted by the hands of an artisan craftsman. Products include buffets, wine cabinets, dining tables with upholstered chairs, canopy and four-poster beds, bar stools, hand-carved armoires and hutches. The showroom has textiles and accessories for sale that complement the furniture. One-on-one design consultation services are available.

Home Treasure Cove

Home Treasure Cove is an online furniture and home decor retailer, based in Las Vegas. The store has a partnership with Wyoming craftsmen Frontier Ironworks, a family-owned and -operated company. Handcrafted products include rustic iron light fixtures and solid wood furniture. Unique home accessories include a wine-bottle display holder made from a solid piece of wood log. The retailer has a selection of Native American and southwestern furniture and home decorating items.

Sedona Style

The home decor and furniture sold in Sedona Style is handcrafted by employees of the company in Mexico, allowing the retailer to set prices much lower than the typical furniture store. The company has been in business for more than 35 years. Items include dining and bedroom and living room furniture, rugs, mirrors, lighting, wall art and yard art. The store sells western, Mexican hacienda, cabin and new southwest-inspired items. The store sells outdoor furniture and decorative accessories.

Shepler's

Shepler's has two locations in Las Vegas, each with more than an acre of retail space. The stores are located in the Sahara Pavilion inside the Vons Shopping Center and at the Sam's Town Casino on the second floor. Shepler's sells decorative pieces for the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Items include throw blankets, embroidered pillows, branding irons and bullwhips. Novelty home decor items include a wine-bottle holder in the shape of a horse and a mailbox in the shape of a horse trailer. In addition to items for the home, Shepler's features gift items, child toys and an extensive line of western wear for men, women and children, including cowboy boots, work boots and denim products.

Tags: home decor, Furniture Design, furniture home, Great Southwest, Great Southwest Furniture

Design A Moroccaninspired Room

Longing to capture the exotic, sensual and colorful essence of Arabian Nights within the interior comfort of your own home? No matter your budget, here are some ways to design a Moroccan-inspired room. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Consider the geographic beauty of Morocco when selecting your color scheme. Look for the deeply vibrant colors of red, green and blue found in the Mediterranean Sea as well as gold, yellow, and silver from the surrounding Sahara Desert.

2. Design a lush, tropical atmosphere by bringing the outside indoors. Use exotic plants and flowers, murals and textured walls, and water fountains. Terra cotta tiles are also a typical decorative material. In Morocco, these tiles are used on floors throughout the home while walls are covered primarily in kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Incorporate unique, Moroccan-inspired interior home accents such as lamps and lanterns, wall hanging rugs, carpets, mirrors, screens and folk art. These small decorative items can greatly enhance the overall theme of the room.

4. Utilize traditional Moroccan-carved or Moroccan-inspired furniture such as mosaic-topped tables, consoles and armoires, wrought iron chairs and benches or sofas and chaises upholstered with Moroccan fabrics.

5. Mark the room's entrance with a decoratively carved door. In Morocco, doors are another opportunity to display traditionally symbolic and intricate wood craftsmanship.

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Dining Table Ideas

Formal dining tables are typically larger than other dining tables.

Sitting down to a shared meal with your family forms a strong bond. The dining room table becomes the center of your family and the place where you share things with each other. Even if your family rarely eats together, you haven't yet had children or your kids are all grown, you still need a dining room table. Dining table ideas include options for those who prefer entertaining and those with a modern style home. Does this Spark an idea?

Formal Dining Tables

A formal dining room table is typically used for those who have a separate dining room and those who have a breakfast nook or space for dining in their kitchen. The kitchen table is usually smaller and a place for sharing quick meals or snacks. A formal dining room table is used less often and reserved for holidays, special occasions and entertaining. The tables are made of wood and rectangular in shape, though round tables are also available. When you purchase a formal dining table, you must first look at the number of diners or guests. The more guests you have, the larger a table you need. For example, a 36 by 48 inch table only fits four people comfortably, while a 48 by 96 inch table fits up to 10 guests. If your guest list changes frequently, look for tables that expand for additional seating.

Contemporary Dining Tables

For a modern style kitchen, opt for a contemporary dining table. This style of table also works well in kitchens that are open and airy or those that use lighter shades. Contemporary tables are typically made with a glass top. The base of the table is made from metal, such as wrought iron or from a strong plastic made to look like metal. The base may cross in the center, which provides more stability. The base itself is visible through the table top.

Unique Table Ideas

Dining tables are also made in unusual styles. One example is a dining room table made from planks of old wood. The gouges, knots and damage on the wood add character to an otherwise plain table. You'll also find tables made from salvaged wood and tables made from old doors. In the case of old doors, the tabletop is usually made from two or more doors, which gives you more space around the table. Dining tables also come with shaped bases and you'll find some that only stand a few feet off the floor, for an Asian-styled look.

Tags: dining room, dining room table, made from, room table, formal dining, tables also, tables made

Decorate A Wall With An Oars Display

Make a statement with boat oar decorations.

While they may not be the first thing you would think of to use as a decorative element, boat oars serve as an eye-catching accessory in a room. Display boat oars in a nautical or rustic themed room or to show off your love for boating. Use your own boat oars or purchase them from a secondhand store to create an inexpensive and striking artistic display in your home. Add other decorative elements to the wall for even more personalization to the display. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a wall to feature the oars on. A wall that is easily visible, where they will be the focal piece, is ideal.

2. Add personalization to the boat oars. Sand off some of the existing finish to give them a worn and rugged look. Refinish them in a color that matches the finishes in the rest of the room. Paint them in a color scheme that complements the decor of the space or paint a picture, design or words on the oars.

3. Determine how you want to hang the oars. Hang them in a crisscross fashion in the center of the wall. Hang two to four over one another in a horizontal fashion. Display two to four oars in a vertical position. Hang them horizontally so that one edge is pressed against the wall, creating oar wall shelves.

4. Display other decorative accents in combination with the oars. Display a picture of a sailboat, the ocean or a lake on the wall. Frame pictures of you fishing and hang them on the wall or set them on oar shelves. Tie ropes into nautical knots and hang them on the wall around the oars. Feature fishing poles or a prized stuffed fish on the wall. A ship's wheel works as a decorative accent with oars. Suspend nautical flags along the wall.

Tags: boat oars, hang them, hang them wall, other decorative, them color, them wall, with oars

Cut Welds

Spot welds are a common metal fabrication technique.

Many household items are assembled using spot welds. Spot welds are small welds that hold two pieces of metal together in place of screws or rivets. If you attempt to service or repair an appliance that is spot-welded together, it is first necessary to cut the spot welds. Spot-weld cutters are available at most home improvement and automotive parts stores. The cutters are inexpensive and relatively easy to use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clamp or otherwise secure the spot-welded item to prevent it from moving.

2. Place a metal punch in the center of the spot weld and strike it sharply with a hammer.

3. Chuck the spot weld cutter into a drill according to the drill manufacturer's instructions.

4. Place the center of the spot weld cutter into the depression in the spot weld created by the metal punch.

5. Hold the cutter flush to the welded surface. Drill slowly until the cutter is through the weld.

Tags: spot weld, center spot, center spot weld, cutter into, metal punch, spot weld cutter, Spot welds

Cook On Wood Stoves

Maintaining a constant supply of firewood to the woodstove is integral to successful cooking.

Wood stoves originated in the 17th century, when they primarily served to heat homes. The first dual-purpose wood stoves, known as Step-top cook stoves, were produced in the 1820s, and proliferated as a cooking device in the second half of the 19th century. Wood stoves operate on simple principles, but cooking with them requires successful management of the flue, the oven damper and firebox vents. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Ensure that there is a free passage of air from the firebox to the chimney. Open the slide under the firebox and the oven damper on the direct draft shaft to the chimney. Add kindling to the firebox and ignite it with kitchen matches. Add firewood to the firebox. After establishing the fire, close the oven damper.

2. Cultivate a flow of oxygen to the fire by maintaining a draft through the stove to the chimney. Keep the air flowing by partially closing the stovepipe's damper, opening the slide in the broiler drawer or adjusting the position of the lids over the fire.

3. Heat the oven for baking by closing the oven damper. Several variables affect the temperature of wood stoves and the preparation times of the foods cooked in them. In a wood-burning stove the area over the firebox receives the most direct heat, the center receives the most indirect heat and the side opposite the firebox receives the least heat. Because of the nature of airflow, wood stoves have areas within the oven that receive more heat than others, commonly referred to as hot spots. Only repeated use will determine these areas. However, certain foods, such as meats, should cook to a safe minimum internal temperature. Allow whole beef products, such as roasts, to reach a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Pork items should have an internal temperature of 160 degrees F and poultry must reach 165 degrees F for safe consumption. When baking, turn the item 180 degrees halfway through to facilitate uniform cooking.

4. Monitor the food as it cooks on the stove top. Adjust the placement of pans as necessary; for instance, place foods that require low heat and long cooking times, such as roux-based sauces and soups, on the side of the stove opposite the firebox. Place items that require high heat in short durations, such as saut ed vegetables, directly over the firebox.

Tags: oven damper, internal temperature, firebox receives, internal temperature degrees, minimum internal, minimum internal temperature, opposite firebox

Select A Pedestal Sink

Installing a new pedestal sink in your bathroom will increase the beauty and value of your home, and save space in tight-fitting rooms. Pedestal sinks come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors, so much so that a quick trip through the sink isle at your nearest hardware store may intimidate you. Though choosing a sink for your bathroom can be overwhelming, following these few steps will ease your decision-making process. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Choosing the right pedestal sink

1. Evaluate your space: Start by asking a few basic questions: Where is the sink going to be placed? How much space do I have in my bathroom? Do I want a certain color of sink for my bathroom? By having a quick conversation with yourself and your family, you can save yourself a lot of time when you are in the store.

2. Consider the basics: Pedestal sinks typically come in two pieces. The bowl portion of your sink can come in a wide variety of sizes. Larger bowls are typically better in larger bathrooms, while a smaller bowl can be perfect in a tiny half-bath. Many of the larger bowls have a rim along the side that will hold hair brushes or curling irons, and deeper bowls allow more space to wash your hands without splashing. Similarly, the pedestal portion of your sink also comes in many different sizes. If you are taller, you may want to consider a taller pedestal to accommodate. However, before you purchase a separate bowl and pedestal you will need to make sure they will fit together when installed.

3. Choose a color and material of your sink: Sinks range in color from white to black, and pedestal sinks also come in a variety of materials. Be sure to check out all of your options, and ask about installation for different materials of sinks. Some solid surface sinks require professional installation, while typical pedestal sinks can be installed by a do-it-yourself handyman.

Tags: your sink, come wide, come wide variety, pedestal sink, portion your

Design A Gothic Room

Designing a Gothic room takes thoughtful consideration and careful planning.

While the word "Goth" brings to mind spider webs, bats and ultraviolet band posters, these items are more suitable to represent Halloween than the traditional Gothic style. Gothic design is about aesthetic beauty and a deep respect for the classical. Drama and deep, lush colors give off an aura of mystery that surrounds the Gothic style. There are plenty of options to choose from when redesigning a room to illustrate Goth, but the more traditional style focuses on architectural features and layers of accessories. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Research all aspects of Gothic design thoroughly and pick your favorite elements. A variety of sources contribute to the Gothic style, including the 12th- to 16th-century abbeys and churches in France as well as the more dramatic Victorian-era Goth. Neo-Goth takes not only the lines and proportions but also the colors from the Victorian era and strips them to the bare minimum to preserve true aesthetic beauty.

2. Choose your wall color. While the Gothic color is stereotypically black, better choices include dark red, purple and deep blues. You can texture these shades to appear older to ensure a Neo-Goth style.

3. Emphasize the vertical axis of the room. Accessorize with floor-to-ceiling shelving or bookcases. Consider placing the curtain rods a foot above the windows to accentuate the architectural style. If your home does not have high ceilings or windows, you will need to make it feel like it does. This can be accomplished by adding items that draw the eye upward. A four-poster bed, columns or long window drapes work well. Paint the ceiling a lighter shade than the walls and use dark wood floors and area rugs to make the room appear taller.

4. Use floor-length drapes to add dimension to the room. Deep, rich colors help bring the room together by adding visual "weight." Heavier fabrics help to absorb the sound to make the space more intimate, while the vertical folds in the drapes emphasize vertical space.

5. Use wrought-iron accessories. Add drawer handles, window shutters and curtain rods. If you are designing a bedroom, the bed frame and mirror frame should also be wrought iron. Find candlesticks and light fixtures to match. You may choose to paint your accessories a flat or semigloss black to help create a contrast against the drapes.

6. Use indirect lighting to keep the room dim at all times. Single strands of one-color Christmas tree lights work well and help maintain a subtle and ambient atmosphere. Other popular light fixtures include candelabra, chandeliers, wall sconces and candles, when practical.

7. Choose wood furniture with carved accents. The more elaborate the furniture, the more traditional your room will feel. The furniture should look heavy and be well-placed. Choose upholstery, bedding, pillows and cushions in velvet, in deep purples and with embroidered cases. Gothic rooms require many pillows, so arrange them in a variety of sizes and shapes.

8. Use tapestries and stained-glass accents. Reproductions of medieval art or one large elaborate mirror can help complete the Gothic style. Stone effects and pewter dragons and gargoyles are also good choices. If you want to go the extra mile, consider using religious symbols, dried roses and incense.

Tags: Gothic style, aesthetic beauty, curtain rods, Gothic design, light fixtures, more traditional, work well

Styles Of Garden Gates

Styles of Garden Gates

Garden gates come in a variety of styles. Adding a garden gate to a yard or to create an enclosure is not only functional to keep out pests and critters that want to get to your garden, but also adds beauty and uniqueness to the area as well. The types of garden gates available are ornamental, wooden and Japanese. Does this Spark an idea?

Ornamental Garden Gates

Ornamental garden gates can be made of wrought iron, brass, steel or aluminum. These gates can be painted or left natural. Also, the wrought iron gates are rust-resistant. Ornamental garden gates come in a variety of shapes and designs, from scrolling designs to crisscross patterns. They can also be solid with design patterns engraved into them.

Wrought Iron and Steel Garden Gates

Wrought iron and steel garden gates are heavy and durable. They are also ready to hang and the installation is very simple. Wrought iron and steel garden gates can be customized as well, with spikes on the top, for example, or adorned with letters, words or pictures. They can also be found with extremely detailed and ornate features throughout the gate.

Brass and Aluminum Garden Gates

Brass and aluminum gates are durable and rust-resistant and last longer than cast iron; however, they are not as strong as their wrought iron and steel cousins. They are a lightweight material that is easy to install and work with. Brass and aluminum garden gates can be made with ornamentation throughout, such as flowers, scrolls and designs and patterns. Aluminum and brass garden gates often come with a rounded or squared top, but occasionally spikes and spheres make an appearance. These gates come in natural aluminum and a brass color; however, they can also be a deep red, brown or black.

Wooden Garden Gates

Wooden garden gates are a solid or patterned wood. A solid wood garden gate is a single sheet of wood; however, it can still have scalloped or decorative edging, as well as decorative engraving added to the panel. A patterned, or lattice, garden gate will have wood slats going vertically, horizontally, diagonally or a combination of two or three of these orientations. Open shapes between the slats vary depending on how far apart the wood is spaced. Wooden garden gates can be left its natural color or painted and sealed as desired. There is also the option with wood to have a solid panel of wood, with wrought iron or steel ornamentation around the edges or decorative hinges.

Japanese Garden Gates

Japanese garden gates can be made of wood or bamboo. Bamboo especially is a very strong material that is durable and lightweight. There is a large variety of styles and shapes in this category. They are usually constructed of individual planks of wood, and there can also be a narrow roof added to the gate. Keeping the wood natural in color is common; however, a Japanese garden gate can be painted red or black and still convey a Japanese theme and feeling.

Tags: garden gate, garden gates, garden gates made, gates come, gates made, iron steel, Brass aluminum

Attach A Wooden Railing To A Concrete Porch

Attach a Wooden Railing to a Concrete Porch

Attaching a wooden railing to a concrete porch adds a touch of elegance. Many people are choosing wooden railings over iron because wood does not rust and it's easy to remove or replace. It's an easy project that you should be able to finish in less than a day. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure on the concrete where each post will be placed. Have someone hold the railing on the porch, then mark where the posts will go. Mark each corner of each post to determine the center for the bolt-down post holders.

2. Place the bolt-down post holders on the concrete. Line up the post holders with the corner marks you made for each post.

3. Mark each hole on the post holder. There should be two to four holes that will need to be drilled.

4. Make the holes in the concrete with a hammer drill and bit. Use a bit that is the size of the lag bolts that will secure the post holders to the base.

5. Secure each post holder with a socket wrench. Make sure the bolts are tight and use a washer between the bracket and the lag bolt.

6. Place the railing posts in the post holders and the railing is secure.

Tags: post holders, each post, Attach Wooden, Attach Wooden Railing, bolt-down post, bolt-down post holders, Mark each

Window Treatments For Cottage Decor

Window Treatments for Cottage Decor

Cottage decor-examples of which include overstuffed floral print or white wicker furniture, mismatched accent tables and throw rugs scattered around hardwood floors-provides a comfortable and relaxed style of home interior. Window treatments for a cottage-style interior incorporate a simple design to complement the furnishings. Learn the basics of cottage window treatments to give your house a cozy, homey look. Does this Spark an idea?

Options

Options for window treatments vary depending on the type of window you plan to cover in your cottage-style room. If you need privacy, consider plantation shutters with large 2-inch-wide slats. Create window treatments from shutters that you would normally place on the outside of your home, or install standard pull-down shades or relaxed Roman shades. (Note that relaxed Roman shades suit a cottage decor style better than other varieties of roman shades because they poof when raised and may have a decorative scalloped edge that fits in with the cottage look.)

If you select plantation shutters or standard pull-down shades, soften the look with draperies. Gauzy white sheers pair well with the shutters, and decorative lacy panels will work to cover the shades.

If privacy does not pose an issue, use breezy sheers or simple lightweight curtain panels to accent the design of the room without adding the heaviness other drapery styles can bring. Ruffled edges and lacy patterns work well with some cottage decor styles, while straight lines work better with others.

Applications

Part of the charm of a cottage-style decor lies in the fact that the room's furnishings do not have to match, which also holds true for the window treatments. If you'd like, install plantation shutters on one window and exterior shutters on another-although this approach works best for windows on different walls.

Attach exterior shutters to the inside of the windows in your cottage-decor room so they meet in the center of the window as they close. Leave enough room on either side of the window for the shutters to fit when open.

Install plantation shutters and all types of shades inside the window casing. This leaves you the option of layering with sheers or adding a decorative touch along the front-facing window casement. Incorporate stenciling for a simple way to add a touch of color or to highlight your favorite inspirational saying along the border of your window.

Sheers and other curtain styles fit on the outside of the window casement. Layer fabric panels over any style of shade-except the relaxed Roman shades and the exterior style shutters, which should stand alone.

Tags: plantation shutters, relaxed Roman, relaxed Roman shades, Roman shades, cottage decor

English Garden Wedding Ideas

Few locations are more romantic and sweet than an English garden. English gardens embrace nature and delight visitors with innocence and romance. They are an ideal location for wedding ceremonies and receptions in fine weather. If there isn't an appropriate facility near you, bring elements of an English garden into your venue with fresh flowers, natural details and rustic charm.

About English Gardens

English gardens evoke innocence and romance in a natural setting. An English garden is marked by profusions of flowers in natural abundance. Though they are not haphazard and are indeed well-planned, English gardens tend to embrace nature's artistry rather than containing it and forcing it into submission. Flowers and plants most often used in English gardens include roses, primroses, lavender, poppies, pansies, delphinium, foxglove, bachelor's buttons, ivy and lily of the valley. Topiaries are also popular.

An English garden is inviting. There are often flower-lined paths to wander and benches to relax on. Fountains, wrought-iron gates, picket fences and trellises are also common features.

Decorating an English Garden

The best time to have an English garden-themed wedding is in springtime, when flowers are in bloom. Check your local nurseries, parks and historic homes for good garden options. If an appropriate garden is not available, you can always create one, either indoors or outdoors. Bring the classic features of an English garden into your decor. Include typical English flowers, like roses, lavender, pansies and lily of the valley. Set up benches and birdbaths. Consider a flower-lined aisle to walk down. Find wooden wheelbarrows or carts and paint them muted, natural colors, like white, light blue or light green. Or leave them rustic and natural and fill them with potted flowers or plants.

For centerpieces, you could use small topiaries in whimsical designs. Bird baths would be a nice touch, too. Or consider wildflowers set in baskets or English tea pots. The bride and bridesmaids should carry profusions of flowers in their bouquets, with primroses, delphinium or rosemary.

Attire

Clothing for an English garden wedding should be traditional, romantic and light. Don't wear anything heavy or too ornate. Lace and tulle are appropriate fabrics, and be sure to wear attire with simple lines. Satin ribbon and pearls are ideal for accessories and jewelry. Consider a spray of flowers woven into the bride's hair or delicate floral garlands for the bridesmaids. Colors should be natural, in pinks, blues, greens and creamy whites. The groomsmen would be appropriate in linen suits with floral boutonnieres.

Food

The food at an English garden wedding should be fresh and flavorful. Baked ham, green salad, grilled fish, chicken salad, fresh fruits and pasta salads are fine options. Finger sandwiches and tea are typically English. Fresh vegetables are perfect: include carrots, asparagus and new potatoes. Serve punch, champagne and lemonade. Have a floral design for the cake and perhaps include edible flowers.

Tags: English garden, English garden, English gardens, embrace nature, English garden into, flowers natural, garden into

Make A Kitchen Island With An Old Table

A flea market is a good place to find an old table.

Creating a kitchen island from an interesting old table is a good way to add artistic appeal and make a nice gathering place. Part of the island can be designed for bar stools or cooking projects, so that it provides room for kitchen activities. The most interesting features of the old table can be left completely unfinished and exposed to add visual interest to the kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find an old table that is at least 36 inches high. Construct a solid wooden base to sit the table on if it doesn't meet the height requirements. Secure the base to floor joists using stainless steel screws. Build the kitchen island with countertop at least 3 inches in depth. Use durable laminate, tiles or chopping block material.

2. Decide if you will use the table in its unfinished state, or if you prefer to sand and refinish parts of it. Refinish the table for painting the entire surface by first sanding it thoroughly. Brush on a good brand of primer and allow it to dry. Sand the table thoroughly again. Paint with a natural-bristle brushes to avoid brush stroke marks. Apply very thin coats to minimize the brush strokes. Thin paint slightly with paint thinner to make the coats smoother and minimize brush strokes even more. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats.

3. Construct a framework for the island if the table is not sturdy enough to support countertop weight. Use 2-by-4 boards to build an island design that accommodates the table and exposes its best features. Slide the table into place under this framework, with no weight actually resting on the table, and secure it to the framing or the kitchen floor. Attach the framing unit to floor joists using angle-iron L-shaped fittings.

4. Enclose one or two sides of the framework with wood materials that match your kitchen cabinets, leaving a couple of sides of the old table and its legs exposed. Measure for countertop materials and have them made by a home improvement store. Design a countertop large enough to accommodate a bar overhang and bar stools on one side. Leave part of the table top exposed to support a chopping block countertop or room for a portable chopping block approximately 2 feet square.

5. Paint artistic scroll work on edges of the exposed old table. Install sturdy drawer pulls or metal accents to match the hardware on your kitchen cabinets. Use an artist's brush to incorporate a small border or painted pencil line on the table legs that will match one or more colors from your kitchen floor.

Tags: chopping block, your kitchen, brush strokes, floor joists, floor joists using

Decorate A Bathroom For A Log House

Bathroom

Decorate a bathroom in your log house with natural elements, such as stone flooring and twig furniture, to complement the antique charisma of a claw-foot tub and pedestal sink. Wrought-iron accessories and natural fabrics add elegance and style to the bathroom while keeping in step with the rustic décor. Incorporate the design of your log house as you decorate the bathroom with a flair for comfortable country style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay pebble floor tiles in the bathroom to add to the rustic ambiance of your log house. You can find a beautiful selection of river rock pebble tiles at your local home improvement store or at online retailers. Durable and natural, pebble floor tiles are a perfect choice to decorate your bathroom floor.

2. Install a claw foot tub and a pedestal sink to the bathroom in your log home. Old time charm combines with modern convenience and sets the stage for your rustic-style bathroom. Pewter, nickel or copper fixtures designed to look as if they were crafted a hundred years ago are excellent choices for both the tub and the sink.

3. Place a twig chair or bench and twig shelving your bathroom for both decoration and convenience. Natural twig furniture fits well with the rustic décor in your log home and can be used in the bathroom as well as in other parts of your house. Add a cushion to the seating made from a natural fabric for added comfort. Twig shelving for linens or bathroom accessories will offer height and balance if placed on a wall opposite the claw foot tub.

4. Decorate your bathroom walls with a wrought-iron mirror hung opposite the window for added light and botanical prints framed in natural wood or decorative metal frames. As an alternative to botanical prints, frame black and white digital prints of the area around your log house or hang old family photos in sepia tone.

5. Add a wrought-iron chandelier as lighting for your bathroom, along with wrought-iron sconces flanking the mirror over the sink. A decorative metal floor lamp in proximity to the claw-foot tub will also add to your rustic country bathroom décor.

Tags: your house, your bathroom, bathroom your, botanical prints, claw foot, decorative metal, floor tiles