Hang A Ceiling Pot Rack

When kitchen cupboard space begins to grow thin, you must search for additional storage solutions. One elegant and functional choice is a ceiling-mounted rack for holding your assorted pots and pans. Like any wall or ceiling-mounted storage option, the most difficult task is installation, but with the right tools and a little know-how, you can hang a ceiling pot rack. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate a convenient place to hang your ceiling pot rack. Ideally, the rack should be close to where you do most of your cooking. Choose a hanging site near your oven, at a place where it can be easily reached. Consider whether or not the hanging site will obstruct the view of another area or reduce your ability to get to other ingredients or equipment.

2. Find ceiling joists from which to hang the ceiling pot rack. Considering the weight of most pots and pans, simply supporting the ceiling rack in the plaster will not suffice. Run a stud finder along the ceiling in your hanging site to look for the joists, waiting for the beep or light flash to indicate a joist.

3. Drill pilot holes into the ceiling. Pilot holes will make the installation easier by providing a guide and a start for your screw installation. Measure on the ceiling how far apart you want to install the hanging points and mark the holes. Drill the pilot holes into the marks with a power drill, making the hole no larger than the chain supports.

4. Hang the chains from the ceiling. Screw the chain supports into your pilot holes, allowing the length of the screw to sink into the joist. Adjust the length of the chains as desired and hang them from the supports.

5. Hang the ceiling pot rack from the chains. With the chains secure and at their proper length, you can safely hang the pot rack. Connect the chains to the rack support.

6. Test the height of the pots when hanging from the rack. Remove the pots if you need to readjust the chain to achieve the desired height.

Tags: ceiling rack, hanging site, ceiling rack, chain supports, Drill pilot

Decorate A French Bistro

Use warm tones when decorating your bistro-style kitchen.

The words "French bistro" conjure up images of a warm kitchen environment, tasteful d cor, cozy conversations, steaming coffee and freshly baked bread. Bistros are small cafes in European countries that feature simple but inviting designs and eye-catching d cor. If visiting a bistro in France is out of your budget, consider transforming your kitchen into a personal bistro or an inviting space for family and friends. Set a budget so you know your limit before visiting a home store and purchasing essentials for the project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Tile the floor in the traditional checkerboard theme. Install black and white square tiles to create the checkerboard effect. Remove existing flooring and level the ground before installing the tiles. Alternatively, spread inexpensive linoleum sheeting over the floor to create the effect or use black and white carpet tiles.

2. Paint the walls a warm color such as deep or buttery yellow, terra cotta, dusty tan or pale olive green. Using paintbrushes and rollers, apply one coat of paint and leave to dry before applying another coat. Alternatively, paint all but one wall and paste warm-toned wallpaper on it to break the monotony and add warmth.

3. Paint the cabinets a coordinating color to create harmony and bring the design element together. Depending on personal preference, paint the cabinets the same color as the walls or a complementary color. You can remove the fronts of the cabinets and replace with chicken wire so your antique French ceramic dishes are visible.

4. Place wrought iron or wicker furniture in your kitchen, including chairs around a table, stools next to the counter, and a baker's rack.

5. Hang mounted paintings of coffee, a restaurant, wine or caf on the walls to give the space a bistro-like ambiance. Alternatively, paint cheese, espresso, baguettes and French wine if you are artistic.

6. Suspend string lights to enhance the look of the bistro, or use pendant lamps that direct light downward. Depending on personal preference and the look you want to achieve, use clear, colored, frosted or opaque glass.

7. Display bistro items strategically in the space. For instance, place baguettes or French rolls in a bread box or basket and place over the counter. Display ceramic pitchers, bottles and dishes in the bistro to add warmth and color to the space. Add colorful pottery, dishware and canisters to open cupboards. Hang a wooden or ceramic rooster on a prominent wall.

Tags: Alternatively paint, baguettes French, black white, Depending personal, Depending personal preference, personal preference

Value Antique Iron Skillets

An antique cast iron skillet in good condition is highly collectible.

Cast iron skillets have been in use for more than 2000 years, with some Chinese skillets dating to the second century B.C. Antique cast iron skillets vary in value depending on several factors, including the condition and rarity of the skillet. Collectible cast iron skillets must be usable, and skillets with extensive damage such as holes or missing handles are not collectible. Since cast iron has such a long life span, valuable old skillets can be found at yard sales and in thrift stores.

Instructions

1. Clean off any rust that is present on the skillet. Rust can hide damage or past repairs to the pan, handle and lid.

2. Examine the cast iron skillet to determine its condition. Look for evidence of repairs, such as welds on the back of the skillet or paint on the inside surface. Look also for replacement parts, dents, holes, damage to the hinge in skillets with hinged lids, pinholes and bubbling in porcelain and enamel-coated skillets, or warping and cracking. Damage and repairs will lessen the value of the skillet.

3. Identify the brand and style of the skillet by looking on the bottom of the pan. Early cast iron skillets did not always have the brand imprinted, however. Some companies placed the city of manufacture on their early cast iron skillets instead. Griswold skillets, for example, are marked "Erie." Other companies used logos or other symbols.

4. Look on the back of the pan to see if it has size and pattern numbers. Pans manufactured with the number 1 are in great demand and have the most value. Collectors also look for pan size numbers 12, 13 and 14. Skillet lids also have value and you can sell them separately if a pan is missing or damaged.

5. Check with an antique collector to determine the rarity of your cast iron pan. A model that introduced a new feature, such as a shaped handle or a hinged lid, is much more valuable than second-generation pans with the same feature.

6. Determine the average recent selling price of your cast iron skillet by checking with major auction houses and Internet auction websites. When comparing your skillet to recent sales, make sure the description and condition of the auction skillet is the same as yours. If prices were similar across five or six auctions, you can compute the average value of your cast iron skillet.

Tags: cast iron, iron skillets, cast iron, cast iron skillet, iron skillet, cast iron skillets

Decide On A Storm Door

You can find storm doors in local home centers, major home improvement chains and lumberyards. Storm doors are generally sold in pre-hung kits in standard door widths of 30, 32, 34 and 36 inches. The kits include all the hardware such as hinges, latches and pneumatic closers that you will require to properly install the door. All storm doors are manufactured with a combination of screen and glass panels, but the features may vary. Decide what kind of storm door you want based on the style of your house and how you will use the door. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select what type of screen system you desire. Galvanized steel screens are the least expensive; they are resistant to tears but the coating can fade. Aluminum screens withstand corrosion (except in seaside areas) but are not as strong as galvanized steel and have a tendency to darken. Fiberglass screens are impervious to corrosion and the easiest to install. Bronze screens are the most long-lasting and the most expensive.

2. Choose what kind of window panels you want. A full-height glass panel is great if you want to enjoy a view or welcome light in. The mid-view type has a solid panel at the bottom of the door that offers you ventilation control. The high-view door contains a glazed section that reaches to half the door's height. On some storm doors, you can remove and replace clip-in glass panels with insect screening. Other panels bypass each other on tracks and some panels can even be stored inside the door when not in use.

3. Look at the door's construction. Storm door frames are usually made of aluminum, fiberglass, steel or wood. Solid-wood core doors can be painted (high maintenance), encased in a permanently bonded sheath of aluminum with an enamel finish (virtually maintenance-free) or vinyl-clad (not as durable as aluminum). Quality metal-framed storm doors may have foam insulation in their frames.

4. Decide if you want a storm door for weather protection or for personal security. If you prefer security, look for a screen door with heavy-gauge protective grilles, laminated security glass, tamper-proof deadbolt locks and/or a multi-point locking system.

5. Test the sample doors in the store. Check how each door opens and closes; the hinges and latches should operate effortlessly and quietly. A good door will have solidity and its corners and moldings will be close-fitting. Also look for a limited lifetime warranty.

Tags: storm doors, glass panels, hinges latches, storm door, what kind

Tips On Painting Wrought Iron

Some of the smartest-looking homes are adorned with sleek wrought iron furniture and fixtures. But these are known to rust if exposed to moisture. Whether you want to repaint old wrought iron fixtures or paint new ones for the first time, the process remains more or less the same. Does this Spark an idea?

Removing Existing Coating

Before you paint any wrought iron item, you should carefully remove any scraps of old paint or flaky rust. There are a variety of ways in which you can do this. Sandblasting, during which abrasive sand is blasted onto the wrought iron surface through a nozzle by highly pressurized compressed air, is the easiest to do. It is also the least time-consuming. Using a hand brush or a wire wheel brush with a drill can help remove the rust and paint too. If these processes are not enough, you should do the needful removal by hand, with sandpaper. Instead of a mechanical device, eradicate rust by using water-based, nonflammable, rust-converting chemical solvents. These solvents, which create a rust-preventive layer for the iron, dissolve the existing rust. No matter which method you employ, reach all the corners and crevices, and remove every possible piece of rust or paint matter.

Cleaning the Surface

Once the rust is removed, the next step in painting preparation is cleaning the surface. As paint will never bind well with dirty surfaces, remove every scrap or remnant of grease or dirt. Thorough washing with a powerful soap, and in some cases, rubbing hard with a cloth moistened with paint thinner will do. After the cleaning process, allow sufficient time for the wrought iron fixture to dry.

Applying Primer

To add primer on to the surface of the wrought iron item, choose any metal primer, available as liquid, which you can paint on the fixture with a brush. You could opt to spray this primer in case your wrought iron item has subtle nooks and details. Choose a color of primer closest to the shade you want for your finished item. The primer will generally contain a formula that will offer protection against rust. Once the primer is dry, it will be easy for the paint to bind with the surface and stay that way, without peeling off, for a long time.

Painting

Earlier, your primary choice would have been solvent-based paints, but these days, good quality water-based paints are also easy to come by. These do not smell much, come with rust-preventing chemicals in their makeup and can be cleaned up easily in case of a mess. These are also beneficial in the way that they blend in with any unseen, unnoticed, ensnared moisture, make it rise to the surface of the iron, replace it with rust-preventive substance and seal it off, averting further rusting. Use a spray or brush to apply such paint, once or twice, depending on how deep you want the color to be. Leave the painted wrought iron fixture to dry before using it.

Tags: wrought iron, iron item, wrought iron item, iron fixture, primer will, remove every, rust paint

About Bathroom Mirrors

When designing your bathroom choosing the mirrors can be one of the most important steps. Not only are they usually the first thing you see when you walk in the room but mirrors also give the space presence by reflecting other objects such as windows, lights, and decorative pieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

Mirrors serve many purposes when hung in a space. Of all of the functions mirrors perform one of the most important is reflecting light. Whether the light is natural or artificial a properly hung mirror will give your space more appeal.

For the mirror to fit in correctly with the look of your bathroom it is important to choose a type that matches the design style of your space. For instance you could mix traditional frames and shapes with the more traditional vanities.

Types

There are many varieties of bathroom mirrors available for consumers to purchase in today's market. You can certainly find a style to fit any bathroom decor. On Lamps Plus.com you can browse through a wide array of bathroom mirror styles to find the one that is perfectly suited for your space. Some of the types available include contemporary, traditional, wrought iron, rustic lodge, country cottage, tropical and frameless. On CSN Mirrors.com you can sort the mirrors by popularity, price and brand.

Features

When choosing your bathroom mirror make sure and consider the needs of the space. If you do not have enough storage in your vanity you can purchase a bathroom mirror medicine cabinet. Not only will it help you get ready each morning but you can also use it to hide your essentials out of site. If you are wanting to purchase something contemporary and unique, The Home Depot carries a Kohler Purist Mirrored Cabinet with Integral Laminar Faucet that integrates the mirror, cabinet and faucet together.

Size

Finding the right size mirror for your bathroom depends mainly upon the style and size of your vanity. The mirror edges should never extend beyond the length of the vanity sides. If you have two separate sinks you can either hang one large mirror with side lights or hang two separate smaller mirrors of the same style with the side lights next to each one.

For two sinks you can also choose two different mirrors of the same style to give the bathroom more flare. Make sure that the mirror is large enough to support the vanity below. You should not have a large vanity and a tiny mirror or the exact opposite proportion.

Benefits

A well-designed bathroom with mirrors that fit the style gives you a space to relax. Having the right bathroom mirror is very beneficial when you are getting yourself ready each day. With proper storage and lighting the process will become much less time-consuming and difficult.

Once your space is perfectly designed with the right bathroom mirrors you can enjoy the satisfaction you get from a job well done each time you enter the room and be proud of yourself while showing it off to your friends and family.

Tags: bathroom mirror, your bathroom, your space, bathroom mirrors, mirrors same

What Will Make Spray Paint Stick To Glass

What Will Make Spray Paint Stick to Glass?

Glass is a naturally smooth surface that expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. This can cause spray-painted coatings to crack or creep. The naturally smooth surface of glass also makes it difficult to keep paint from cracking and delaminating. Choose a spray paint that will tolerate these conditions or prepare the surface carefully for maximum paint adhesion.

Clean the Glass

Most spray paints will stick to glass. Make sure the glass has been cleaned carefully and is free of any oils, moisture, debris or fingerprints. Use a glass cleaner or solvent that will evaporate completely, and make sure the glass is completely dry before painting. If possible, test the paint on a small area before proceeding with the entire project. Clean and spray, then let the paint dry per manufacturer's instructions. If the paint flakes or chips, remove the paint with an appropriate solvent and try another spray paint.

Choose the Best Paint

The spray paint should not be affected by atmospheric moisture--this will cause it to expand or contract depending on humidity. This will cause cracking and delamination of the paint. Check with the manufacturer to see if the particular paint you want to use is recommended for glass. If the object is going to be handled, make sure you choose a high-durability paint specifically designed for glass. Unless specified by the manufacturer, no paint should be used on surfaces that will contact food or beverages. There are a variety of commercially available paints that provide special effects on glass.

Prime or Etch the Surface

Roughening the surface of the glass will make any paint stick more effectively. Glass can be etched chemically with different commercial preparations. There are also paint primers that are specifically designed for glass that will allow spray paints to stick more effectively.

Sand-blasting

Glass is also typically sand-blasted or frosted to make paint stick more permanently. This is a job for large-scale projects and is typically undertaken by professionals. After applying any spray paint to any glass surface, make sure it is allowed to dry out of direct sunlight to avoid uneven drying and creeping or wrinkling.

Tags: that will, stick more, designed glass, make paint, make paint stick

Wrought Iron Railing Installation

Wrought-iron railings will add classic detail to your stairs.

Pick wrought-iron railings for a classic choice for porch railings. They are durable and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for many homeowners. Historic home owners may choose to install a wrought-iron gate as part of a restoration project. The installation process is not as difficult as it may seem and can be completed by the homeowner as a do-it-yourself project. Railings come in several styles, so choose one that works well with your home exterior. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Position the railing along the stairs in the approximate location where you will install it.

2. Hold the railing in position along the stairs and drive the provided screws through the mounting holes in the bottom post into the bottom stair tread using a screw gun. Work your way up the railing and fasten each post to the stair tread in the same manner until you have fastened all of the railing posts.

3. Hold a level parallel to the top post against it lengthwise. Move the post left or right until it is level as indicated by the level. Hold it in that position against the porch post.

4. Drive the mounting screws through the mounting holes in the top railing post into the porch post with a screw gun.

Tags: along stairs, mounting holes, porch post, post into, screws through, screws through mounting, stair tread

Alternatives To Burglar Bars

Burglar bars improve a home's security but may mar its aesthetics.

Most homeowners would agree that the safety of their loved ones comes before house considerations such as aesthetics or even price. However, it'd be hard to find anyone who's pleased to find a new home's windows covered with unsightly burglar bars. A number of alternatives to this basic safety measure exist. If you're looking to improve your home's security without evoking all the appearance of a prison, consider burglar bar alternatives. Does this Spark an idea?

Security Fences

If you live in a single-family home, install a high security fence around your property, extending the safe zone to include your yard or garden and leaving your windows free of bars. Incorporate the fence into your landscaping for a less austere look. If you opt for a relatively open fence design, such as wrought iron bars, plant high shrubs along the fence's perimeter for additional privacy. Avoid planting any shrubs directly outside windows or doors, as those may provide convenient cover for intruders.

Before installing any fence, consult local building codes and ordinances. Municipal codes sometimes ban high fences along front yards or fences built of certain materials. If your property is on a corner lot, you may need to design your fencing so it doesn't extend to the extreme corner of your property. Some cities, such as East Chicago, Indiana, have ordinances requiring that fences do not prevent drivers or pedestrians from seeing intersecting roadways.

Alarm Systems

A range of home security companies offer alarm systems that alert you or the police of the entrance of any unwelcome guests. Depending on your home's relative security risk, an alarm system might include motion detectors, video cameras, audible sirens or a direct calling feature to reach local law enforcement. Typically, with an alarm system, you enter a security code into either a keypad or an electronic touch-screen to arm and disarm the system. When armed, the system monitors all the entrances and may additionally detect the sound of breaking glass. Systems may include additional security monitors, incorporating advanced smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. Modern systems may include fingerprint or iris identification. The system should cover all entrance points, including basement windows that are low to the ground, the most common location for burglar bars. A good security company will consult with you on the specific safety profile for your home, including factors such as local crime rates, distance from other houses, property value, your pets and your daily schedule.

Guard Dogs

If you enjoy animals and have the necessary time and energy, consider the adopting and training a guard dog. While this alternative will require a smaller initial investment than high-tech security systems, adopting a dog will require long-term food and medical expenses as well as demands on your lifestyle. Mother Earth News advises that the specific breed of dog matters less than its training to serve as a guard; a ferocious temperament is less important than a loud and responsive bark.

Tags: home security, your home, your property, alarm system, will require

Decorate A Church With Candelabras

Use candelabras for a dramatic decoration.

Candelabras make good focal points in a decorating scheme. For your next church ceremony, create lots of drama and ambiance with tabletop and freestanding candelabras. Save some money on decorating by renting candelabras from equipment rental companies. Consider the color and style of the candelabras. Black wrought iron candle holders look nice in a rustic church. Gold-toned or pewter finishes are also good choices for candelabras.

Instructions

1. Place standing candelabras at the end of each church aisle. Place them close to the front of the church, out of the walkways.

2. Hang flower cages over empty candelabras.

3. Layer the cage with greenery like palm fronds. Zip tie the greenery to the floral cage.

4. Add flowers to the candelabras and attach them to the floral cages with zip ties.

5. Place taper candles on the candelabra. Press the candles down into the base carefully. Light the candles a few minutes before the ceremony or service.

6. Lay a table runner on the altar and communion table.

7. Set the candelabras on the table runner. Add candles to the candelabras, pressing them down gently into the candleholder.

Tags: table runner

Common Area Fences

There is no universal law or standard on common area fences. Generally, a common fence is one shared by two or more homeowners, where all property owners have an equal interest in and responsibility for the fence. But the definitions and rules vary by state and locale. Most common area fence rules are set out by neighborhood associations, defined residential areas or gated communities, apartment complexes and condominium associations. Does this Spark an idea?

Homeowner Fence Is Not Common

A fence built by a homeowner entirely on his own property at his own expense will generally not be considered a common fence, if it does not interfere with any neighbor's access or property and meets any local legal restrictions on type of fencing, height or stability. Disputes may arise over blocking of views, interference with drainage or similar issues.

Neighborhoods Define Fence Rules

A neighborhood association or defined residential area will define common fences in bylaws or similar protocols, to which a homeowner must agree. Common fences in these areas often are built and maintained by the association, with dues or assessments from individual homeowners. Associations may set rules for fences built by individuals, restricting height, materials and setbacks from streets or property lines. Homeowners agree to these conditions upon purchase.

Condos Have Common Fences

Condominium communities often build and maintain common fences. Fences usually are built at the time of project construction. Buyers are notified of rules upon purchase, and once terms are agreed to, the condominium agreement acts like a legal contract. Condominiums usually impose a maintenance fee as part of the basic agreement, to cover costs of fence construction and upkeep.

Neighbors Can Build Fences

Neighbors can agree on a common fence, where a single fence affects multiple property owners. Usually, neighbors will agree on the type of fence and divide the cost of construction and maintenance. These informal agreements, while often effective, can lead to disputes if property ownerships change, relationships among owners change or there are traumatic changes such as storm damage.

Tags: common area, common fence, defined residential, property owners, upon purchase

Decorate With Wicker Furniture

When decorating with wicker, select unusual wicker accessories for variety.

Many homes feature wicker furniture, because it's inexpensive and durable, and it lends itself to many decorating styles. Indeed you can find wicker furniture in homes on the beaches of the East Coast as well as in homes that strive to recreate British Colonial décor. Wicker is a natural choice for many rooms of the house, because it not only looks lovely in its natural state, but also can be painted and adorned with colorful pillows and blankets to completely change a room's look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decide how you'd like to use the wicker furniture in your room. For example, many decorating styles including beach and British Colonial use wicker furniture as a key element. Making a decision about the decorating style will help you choose pieces that complement the wicker furniture.

2. Consider painting your wicker furniture. Many pieces of wicker furniture are painted already---white usually---but you can pull different decorative elements together in your room by adding a painted trim onto your wicker.

3. Buy smaller furniture pieces made from wicker. Look for items like wicker trunks, wicker magazine racks and wicker baskets. If you've opted to paint the trim on some of the larger wicker furniture pieces, consider painting these items completely one color.

4. Add an element of comfort to your wicker couch by investing in an abundance of throw pillows of different sizes. If you're painting your wicker furniture, look for pillows with patterns that feature your paint colors to pull the decorative elements in the room together. Then select a few pillows in contrasting colors to add a bit of visual interest through contrast.

5. Remember the smaller details in the decorating scheme by incorporating pictures and mirrors with wicker frames into your room.

6. Break up the "wicker only" look of the room by buying some larger pieces of furniture that complement wicker. For example, British Colonial style decorating uses a lot of wicker, but also incorporates heavy mahogany dressers or tables.

7. Shop for accessories like white cotton afghans or handmade quilts at local flea markets or country fairs. These accessories add color to your wicker if you opt not to paint it and bring an inviting and homey look to the room as well.

Tags: wicker furniture, your wicker, British Colonial, wicker furniture, your room

Recycle Scrap Iron

Recycling scrap iron is a common practice that helps save materials from going to landfills.

Scrap iron recycling is a common practice people do to make money, to save the earth and to get rid of things. Ferrous items are any type of metal containing iron. Scrapyards are businesses that buy ferrous metals. They also buy non-ferrous metals; which are metals containing no iron. To recycle scrap iron, some steps must be followed. Scrapyards typically buy any items or scrap that is metal based. This includes items such as scrap steel, old appliances and lawnmowers, pop cans, aluminum rims and so much more. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Sort the scrap iron. Sorting is an important step when recycling all types of metals. Non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and brass are worth more money than ferrous-based scrap. Scrap iron is any form of iron, tin or steel. Most scrapyards also have different categories when it comes to iron. Certain types of sizes of iron are worth more money. Most scrapyards pay a premium for scrap that is considered prepared. Prepared scrap iron to most companies is iron that is in pieces smaller than 5 feet by 2 feet. They are willing to pay more because they do not need to prepare the steel for shipment.

2. Bring the scrap to a local scrapyard. If you have a lot of scrap, such as a truckload, the person in charge of the scale will have you pull onto it. Most scrapyards have huge scales that weigh cars and trucks. The scale operator weighs the loaded truck and sends them on their way. Someone in the scrapyard then unloads the scrap and the customer is sent back on the scale for an empty weight. If a person only brings in a small amount of scrap, someone in the scrapyard will most likely take the scrap and weigh it on a smaller scale.

3. Get paid for the scrap. After the scrap is weighed, it's time to collect payment for it. Scrap iron prices are based on tonnage. If you brought in a half of ton, you will get paid half the price of a full ton. The scale operator or office worker will ask for a state ID, calculate the price and pay you in full on the spot.

Tags: Most scrapyards, worth more money, common practice, containing iron, more money, price full

Identify A Treadle Sewing Machine Iron Stand

A 19th Century homemaker sews with her new iron treadle sewing machine.

Antique sewing machines had bases and treadles cast from iron. Barring the inevitable rust when not cared for periodically, they are very durable. Cast iron pieces blend well as a design element with other antiques. It is because of these qualities that old cast iron pieces have become valuable to collectors. Because they are unique in design, identification of cast iron treadle sewing machine stands should be simple. Complications arise when newly manufactured cast iron stands mimic vintage ones.

Instructions

1. Look for a maker's name on the piece. Vintage Singer treadle sewing machines sit on a wooden cabinet that has cast iron legs and treadle pedal(s). In some cases, the word "Singer" is incorporated into the treadle design, making this type of base very recognizable. Unfortunately, there are companies that specialize in replica products and re-manufacture parts for vintage Singer treadle sewing machine, so there's no guarantee that the Singer treadle you find is truly vintage.

Check out the International Sewing Machine Collector's Society (ISMACS) website. During the late 19th and early 20th century period, sewing machine makers were asked by many companies to place that company's name on their product. The ISMACS has records of nearly 5000 "exclusive" names produced by half a dozen makers. The situation is further confused in that retailers might switch makers at the end of a contract period and the same name would then appear on a completely different machine by another manufacturer. It can help to have a list of these names that could appear on the sewing machine and its stand.

2. Use a parts list to help identify a vintage iron treadle stand. The truly vintage piece will have a pedal (or two) or single treadle, one or more stabilizing bars that joined the legs together and sometimes a large iron wheel that helped turn the mechanism. Iron, cast or wrought, is very heavy. These iron stands were sometimes ornately designed. However, plain, simple parts are just as common.

3. Note the iron's finish. The style of the Peugeot Balancieres, a treadle machine, is rustic and it was roughly painted black in the Peugeot factory.

White manufacturing company offered some treadle machines housed in a cherry library table cabinet which may still be attached to the stand. A bronze-gold coloration to the cast iron is seen on earlier models.

4. Try out the machine, if there is still one attached to the iron stand. Everything about the White is the reverse of the Singer - the handwheel rotates away from you instead of toward you. New owners of vintage White sewing machines often can't get their machine to stitch because they are trying to make it turn the same direction as a Singer, so this is a good indication of a truly vintage machine.

Tags: cast iron, iron treadle, sewing machine, sewing machines, Singer treadle, treadle sewing

Paint A Gate

Painting your gate is a great way to give the exterior of your home a mini-makeover. It will give your house and yard a fresh new look and feel with minimal effort and money. Make painting your gate as stress-free as possible while ensuring your gate ends up looking its best by following the instructions below. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Start by laying down a large piece of plastic underneath the gate. Try to use a piece that is large enough to cover both sides of the gate so that you don't have to move it when you switch sides. Place rocks or other heavy objects on top of the plastic to keep it from blowing around.

2. Tape off the sides of the house, fence or other structures that the gate is adjacent to using a wide painter's tape. This way you won't have to worry about painting anything but the gate itself.

3. Use a primer to cover any exposed pieces of wood or metal on your gate. You will also need to prime any parts that have never been painted, such as a replacement board on a wood fence. Choose a primer that is designed for outdoor use.

4. Apply the primer using a handheld paintbrush, which is more effective than a roller for spot painting. Hold the brush as you would a pencil for maximum maneuverability and minimum discomfort.

5. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint.

6. Paint the gate using a paint roller to cover the most amount of space in the least amount of time. Use a roller extension pole to make your job easier. Don't forget to make sure that your paint is for outdoor use.

7. Touch up pieces of hardware or any other spots that need it with a handheld brush after you have finished painting the rest of the gate. Also use the handheld brush to get into all of the nooks and crannies that you couldn't reach with the roller.

Tags: your gate, handheld brush, that have

Repaint A Rusted Surface

Bringing rusty wrought iron furniture back to life is a rewarding endeavor.

Corrosive rust occurs when oxygen combines with iron or an iron alloy such as steel, at the atomic level. It is a lengthy process that results in the formation of a new compound called "iron oxide" which weakens the structure of the metal. Iron oxide forms when the metal is exposed to water or humidity. If this oxide, or rust, is not completely removed from the metal surface before repainting, it will spread under the surface of the new paint and cause it to flake off.

Instructions

1. Prepare the work area. Scraping and sanding old paint from a rusted metal surface is a messy job that involves toxic dust, chemicals and sharp pieces of paint and metal that can be dangerous to eyes and small children. Find a well ventilated but non-breezy area and protect the ground or floor with a tarp. Gather all the materials you will need and don't forget to put on your goggles and dust mask. Since you are working with rust, avoid starting this process on a rainy or extremely humid day.

2. Clean the surface of all loose and flaking rust and paint. Surface preparation eliminates surface contamination that can also include dust, moisture or dampness, oil and grease that will interfere with the bonding of the paint to the surface. Scraping loose paint often reveals areas of rust that are not immediately visible.

3. Remove rusted areas. To clean moderately rusted steel, scrape loose rust scale off the metal and then use a wire brush or steel wool for a more thorough cleaning. Use a drill equipped with a wire brush to remove chipped paint and rust from ornamental iron work or wrought iron patio furniture. If the surface is extensively or deeply rusted, consider having it sandblasted. After you've sanded off the rust and smoothed the surface, wipe it with a rag dipped in paint remover to remove any dust. Always wear a dust mask, safety goggles and gloves for protection.

4. Apply corrosion-resistant primer. Make sure the primer and top coat are compatible by checking with your paint dealer. After removing old paint and rust dust, brush or spray on the primer. If you use a spray, it's very important to work the primer into the metal surface with a brush while it's still wet. Spray painting won't get the paint down into tiny crevices or pinholes in the metal, and this can result in the occurrence of more rust as moisture and oxygen attack the exposed surface. Notice the drying time for the primer and re-coat as soon as possible to help the topcoat bond with the surface.

5. Apply a topcoat of paint with a spray, brush, or roller. Spray paint is fast and effective, but it is more expensive than other methods. Rolling is also a fast way to apply the paint but whether you spray or roll, remember to back-brush to level the paint, fill in tiny spaces and remove drips.

Tags: metal surface, dust mask, paint rust, wire brush, wrought iron

What Is Wrought Steel Pipe

Steel pipes can be manufactured into numerous specifications.

The manufacturing process for wrought steel pipe works raw steel into tubes of various lengths and diameters. Steel pipes play a role in the underground moving of water and gas, encasing electrical wires for protection, and the production of vehicles, bicycles, plumbing and heating systems, street lamps and refrigeration units.

Welded Pipe

The welded wrought steel pipe manufacturing involves moving steel strips through rollers that form the material into a tubular shape. These strips then pass through a welding device that fuses them into a single pipe.

Seamless Pipe

Seamless wrought steel pipe starts as a solid piece of heated steel. Forced through a form that shapes the material into a hollow tube, the pipe is then machined into appropriate dimensions.

Additional Processing

Welded and seamless wrought steel pipes often go through a machine for straightening. Threads machined into the ends of smaller diameter pipes allow them to connect together. Various protective coatings placed over the steel -- such as oil, paint, zinc or other kinds of material depending on the usage of the pipe -- prevent rusting.

Tags: wrought steel, steel pipe, wrought steel pipe, machined into, material into, Steel pipes

Pick Out Light Fixtures For A Patio

Design your outdoor patio lighting to fit your individuality.

Lighting design has expanded and amplified over the years. No longer are you resigned to simple jelly jar wall lights or black carriage lights. Designs vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, from the smallest deck light to the largest outdoor hanging pendant. The hardest decisions when it comes to picking out light fixtures for your patio will be what color and what style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make a list of the type of lighting you think your patio needs. Contemplate your existing lighting and decide whether you will leave some of it installed or replace all of it. Decide whether you need to add lighting to new locations, or perhaps install security lighting or landscape lighting to brighten the yard at night around the patio. Set a budget. Knowing what you can spend can help you narrow your decision.

2. Measure the areas on your patio where you plan to install light fixtures. For a replacement wall light, measure the height from the electrical connection to the eave of the roof and from the electrical connection down to any structures that might impede the wall fixture. Measure the maximum width you have from the electrical connection. For landscape lighting, get the measurements from the lighting transformer installation point and around your patio to know how long your cable needs to be. For security lighting, measure the length and the height of your exterior walls to determine how many lights you'll need. Security lights have maximum coverage area designations, and the type you choose will determine the number of lights you need to cover the area.

3. Pick a color and finish for your patio lighting. They should complement existing patio features and blend in with the outdoor decor. For example, if the furnishings on your patio have copper accents, lighting with a copper finish would enhance the accents. For a patio with black wrought iron furnishings, black wrought iron fixtures can tie the lighting and furnishings together. With outdoor lighting finishes ranging from aged bronze to antique white, you should have no issues in choosing light fixtures that will enhance your patio.

4. Pick a style of outdoor lighting fixture for your patio. Use your existing patio features as inspiration to choose the style of lighting that will enhance your patio. If your style is art deco, then choosing art deco lighting fixtures would make more sense than picking traditional fixtures. A patio with a modern air would call for a modern style fixture rather than one with a nautical theme, for example.

5. Take all of your information to a designer at your lighting or home improvement store. Do not limit yourself to what is on the showroom floor. Take the time to look through special order lighting catalogs to choose just the right outdoor patio fixtures for your home. Before placing any special orders, ask the lighting designer if he has a similar fixture in the showroom.

Tags: your patio, electrical connection, from electrical, from electrical connection, black wrought, black wrought iron

Pros And Cons Of Metal And Wrought Iron Trellis

Wrought iron is popularly used for gates and railings.

A trellis made of metal will add an antique, old-fashioned look to your garden. Metal trellises are typically constructed out of aluminum, steel, copper or wrought iron. Aluminum is a lightweight metal with a high tensile strength, which makes it excellent for trellis systems. Copper is also a lightweight and durable metal, which makes it ideal for long-term installations. Wrought iron has been smelted free of much of its impurities, and typically is black in appearance, though it can be painted. Metal makes an excellent sturdy trellis for a rose bush or other climbing plant, but is not without some drawbacks. Does this Spark an idea?

Strength

A metal trellis is an excellent choice for climbing plants and vines that will be heavy when they reach maturity. Plants such as grapevines can weigh hundreds of pounds when mature and laden with fruit. Metal trellises can support considerably more weight, but consequently also require a firmer foundation when constructed. Metal trellises require a firm footing to prevent tipping over and damaging plants, and may need to be cemented in place to ensure stability.

Durability

Metal trellises are durable and will last a long time, if properly maintained. A steel trellis, unpainted and allowed to rust, can fall victim to the elements inside of a few seasons. If a metal trellis is maintained, cleaned and repainted yearly, however, it can be expected to last for many years.

Weight

One consideration gardeners frequently forget to consider is the weight of their trellis. A metal trellis may be a wonderful addition to a patio planter or placed on a cement footing, but its considerable weight will cause it to slowly sink into the ground when used in a yard or lawn. This situation can be mitigated by placing cement pavers beneath its feet to disperse its weight.

Expense

A metal trellis has many advantages over its wooden or plastic counterparts, but is also considerably more expensive. If you are planting a climbing plant that you expect to be a permanent fixture in your yard, such as a grape vine or heirloom rose, a metal trellis may be the way to go. If, however, you are looking for a material for a trellis that will serve its purpose only for a season or for a temporary garden bed, lower cost alternatives such as wood and plastic may be preferable.

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Aluminum Pipe Projects

Aluminum piping is a useful material for home and automotive projects.

Although aluminum piping is used most often for industrial or construction applications, homeowners and auto enthusiasts have adapted the material for common household uses. Using aluminum piping can save money and be a lighter alternative to steel or iron piping. Aluminum piping is available in various diameters from 2-inch to 12-inch, and it is available with the ends already threaded for use with couplers. Does this Spark an idea?

Gardening

Try aluminum piping in the garden.

At home gardeners use aluminum piping for boarders around garden beds. The material is also light enough to be used as a trellis for vine tomatoes and other climbing plants. Lengths of pipe can be connected and angled by fastening cut tennis balls to either end. This helps keep the structure solid but usually only lasts for the growing season.

Truck Rack

Metal shops can create truck racks from aluminum piping.

With the ability to bend the piping, resourceful metal shops produce automotive accessories. Truck racks from anodized aluminum are used to carry materials, and provide a platform for moving long or heavy objects. The aluminum piping is light enough to have a smaller effect on gas mileage than a heaver steel rack, and durable enough to carry the load.

Antennas

Radio users create steel-framed antennas from aluminum piping.

Ham radio enthusiasts and CB radio fans use aluminum tubing to create the structure to support antennas from residential roofs. These extended antennas help boost the signal receive by the device, and the tubing has the strength to withstand the winds generated in most areas of the country. Sturdy frames allow radio and CB antennas the support they need. Before undertaking this project, check local building code restrictions on antenna heights allowed in your area.

Canopy Bed

Aluminum tubing can be used to create canopy bed frames or side tables.

Interior furnishings like canopy beds and bedside tables are traditionally made from wrought iron. Aluminum tubing is a lightweight alternative that adds a modern look to the room. Fasteners are available for threaded lengths of tubing, and by constructing a simple frame, decorator options are only limited by imagination.

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Entrance Wooden Door Styles

This door gives you the best of both worlds: it's dutch style with an arched top.

While many people like to focus on the color of their homes or the style of interior of the house, many forget the importance of the front door. Too many underestimate the power of the front door and the profound effect that it can have on the appearance of your home. Take your time when selecting a front door style as there are many to choose form. Does this Spark an idea?

Rounded Arch Top Doors

Rounded arch top doors were a staple of Gothic and Tudor architectural styles and also common in French domestic architecture, as Camille Enlart states in her book, "Gothic Art and the Renaissance in Cyprus." Rounded arch top doors can immediately give any home a quaint, cozy effect, practically reminiscent of a home in a fairytale. With simple hardware and wrought iron fixtures the door can easily have a rustic quality. However, such doors, particularly those with ornate carvings and dark woods can look regal, stately and typical of Gothic style.

Craftsman Doors

Craftsman doors have the elegant simplicity, distinctive of the style. Such doors usually feature a small rectangular window at the top; sometimes the window is a single pane of glass, other times it could consist of several panes. The remainder of the door often contains a long "T" shaped carving that gives the door shape and texture. The design is not fussy but has a stately appearance that is ideal for a craftsman style home.

Dutch Doors

Dutch doors are decidedly rustic and add a distinctive look to the front entrance of your home. Dutch doors consist of a door made of upper and lower halves, and are commonly seen in vintage farmhouses. Such doors give you the freedom of allowing fresh air into your home, without the danger of kids or pets wandering outside or the fear of squirrels, raccoons or other critters getting inside. Some Dutch doors consist of two wood parts whereas other Dutch doors have glass panels in the upper part made of a variety of different shapes such as half-moons or a series of separate panes.

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Angle Iron Welding Projects

Angle Iron Welding Projects

Angle iron is made from mild steel, and is very strong for its weight. It is a ready-made corner, and is useful for making machinery stands, shelving, welding tables, storage racks, bed frames and fire-safe staircases. Angle iron can be painted if it will not be exposed to high temperatures.

Welding Table/Work Bench

Make welding tables with open sides and no shelves or racks below the work surface. This prevents accidental storage of rags, boxes or flammable items on or under the table. It also makes it easier to spot hot metal fragments so they do not smolder and cause a shop fire later.

Lincoln Electric recommends using a square while assembling the frame, tack-welding two opposite corner joints in place, and checking that the corners are flush and square before completing the weld. If the corners are not square, it is much easier to break a tack weld without causing structural damage to the frame.

Add an extra support rail every two feet for any table longer or wider than four feet. This prevents the work surface from bowing in the center, which will cause welds to fail. Crossed center supports should be mitered at the corners and intact at the cross point. Space them an inch or so apart between the table surface and the floor. Add a support made from tube steel or black iron pipe if the cross point is more than three feet from the table's legs.

Shelving

Space shelves according to storage needs, with the longest, widest and deepest shelves closest to the bottom. Space shelves closer together as you near the top shelf, to prevent accidental overload. Add an L-shaped wall mount to the shelf unit to secure the shelf to the wall for any shelf more than three feet tall, to prevent accidental crushing due to tipping. Use a power drill with a titanium-coated bit to drill one to three holes spaced evenly along the underside of the top shelf edge to accommodate the bolts or wall anchors needed to attach the wall mounts.

Automotive Repair Ramps

Measure a set of existing auto ramps and mark the measurements onto pieces of angle iron. Adjust the width of the ramp frame to the width of your vehicle's tires. According to Mike Bumbeck of AutoMedia, "Do not use ramps if the tires on the vehicle are wider than the ramps."

Use a chop saw to cut the pieces apart. Miter the edges of the rails that create the sloped part of the ramp for a smooth transition between it and the floor to prevent tire damage. Weld diamond skid plate to the angle iron frame instead of smooth plate to provide greater traction. Be meticulous when grinding away any burrs, beginning with a coarse wheel and ending with 00 fine steel wool.

Tags: Angle iron, Angle Iron Welding, cross point, Iron Welding, Iron Welding Projects, made from

Arrange Furniture Around A Fireplace & Entertainment Unit

Highlight the fireplace to create a focal point.

Arranging living room furniture around a fireplace and entertainment unit requires careful thought and planning, so that you create a comfortable yet functional space for family and friends. You want everything to coexist in the living room, not compete and divide the space into sections. The key to decorating in this kind of scenario is to define the focal point and work from there. Does this Spark an idea?

Highlight Focal Point

Highlight the fireplace so it stands out in the room and draws the eye. Depending on personal preference, mount a family portrait, framed mirror, a colorful painting or even a flat-screen television above the fireplace. This step makes it easier for you to arrange furniture in the room. If, however, you prefer to make the entertainment unit the focal point in the room, especially if you have a small fireplace located in the other corner of the room, highlight the fireplace with a small painting or portrait.

Furniture

Arrange the main pieces of furniture around the focal point. For instance, if the fireplace is the focal point, set a large sofa or sectional against the wall across from it, but facing it. Set a loveseat or smaller couch perpendicular to the large sofa or sectional. Place a low-profile chair on either side of the fireplace, or a rocking chair on one side. Set the entertainment unit on the opposite wall. Place large floor cushions or bean bags in front of the entertainment unit to increase seating. Place side tables on each side of the sofa, and a large table in front of the large sofa if the space allows for it. You don't want this table to conflict with the space designated for the entertainment unit on its other side.

Accents

Define the living room space with a large carpet or rug. Alternatively, lay a large rug under the seating arrangement, one for the area surrounding the entertainment unit and the other for the space near the fireplace. This highlights the different features of the room but maintains them as a single unit. Place lamps on the side tables and position a floor lamp on one side of the fireplace. Dress up the fireplace mantel with decorative accents, framed pictures or collectibles.

Considerations

When decorating a living room with two main features, avoid dividing the space into two separate sections. Instead, create a well-balanced, harmonious room. This allows family members or friends to stay in the same area but participate in different activities. Avoid placing seats or couches with their backs against each other, as that separates the room into two sections. Take into consideration the locations of doors and windows when setting up furniture to ensure the furniture doesn't block them.

Tags: entertainment unit, focal point, living room, large sofa, entertainment unit other

Decorate A Bistrostyle Kitchen

A bistro-style kitchen brings the sophisticated elements of European living together with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Channeling French and Italian bistro styles into your kitchen will make guests eager to sit down and enjoy a pastry or decedent glass of wine, while enjoying the exquisite company and atmosphere. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a warm color palette. Buttery yellow or dusty tan on the walls combined with red and orange accents and black furniture will create a distinctly European bistro look.

2. Choose wrought iron furniture for any pieces needed in your kitchen. Stools, tables, and a baker's rack in black wrought iron will look as though they belong at a sidewalk café.

3. Install café curtains in the windows in a light, airy fabric. You may want to use white to add a lighter element to the bright colors already in the kitchen.

4. Incorporate the delicious regional food of your favorite European country into your décor. Mount a wine rack and decorate with grape motifs, or focus on a variety of fresh produce and cheeses. Include these elements in the artwork in your kitchen. Keep a basket of fresh bred on hand, or a bowl spilling over with plump grapes and other fruits.

5. Use brightly colored accent pieces. In a kitchen, all of your plates, mugs, wine glasses, serving dishes and other dinnerware can become accent pieces in your decorating theme. Set a rack for your coffee mugs on the counter if their color adds to your décor, or prop serving plates up along a shelf to display when not in use.

Tags: your kitchen, accent pieces, into your, wrought iron

Measure For Iron Security Doors

Security is an important consideration for homeowners.

Iron security doors add an extra measure of safety to the entrances of your home. Iron is a heavy, durable metal that holds up well under inclement weather conditions. It is not difficult to measure your existing door frame so you can order this security feature. These doors can add a decorative appeal to your home due to the wide variety of styles available to accentuate any home exterior. They can also add curb appeal and increase the resale value of your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Hold the tape measure across the width of the existing door and write down the exact measurement.

2. Measure the height of the door by using the tape measure to calculate the measurement from the top to the bottom of the existing door.

3. Calculate the molding width above and on either side of the door. This is the flat piece of wood around the exterior of the door frame on which the security door will mount. It is important that the flat molding is at least 1.25 inches in width.

4. Take the measurements with you when you shop for an iron security door.

Tags: existing door, your home, door frame, security door, tape measure

Hotels Near Port Republic Virginia

Port Republic is located near the Shenandoah Valley.

Port Republic is located in northwestern Virginia between the Shenandoah Valley and George Washington National Forest. Visitors to the area can enjoy the beauty of the valley as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby is Harrisonburg, home to James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University and the Virginia Quilt Museum. Visitors to the area will find accommodations at individually owned Bed and Breakfasts, complete with southern hospitality, inns and chain hotels.

Grandma's Cottage Bed and Breakfast

Situated in Port Republic, Grandma's Cottage Bed and Breakfast is located in an 1892 Victorian home. The home was remodeled to accommodate guests, opening as a bed and breakfast in 2000. Guests may choose to stay in Grandma's Cottage, which offers Victorian bedroom furnishings, a complete kitchen, a separate sitting area, a fireplace and a porch. Grandma Nana's room is located in the main house. The room offers a queen-size wrought iron bed, quilts and feather pillows. The room includes a private bath and working fireplace. Guests are offered a home-cooked country breakfast in the main house, including fresh eggs and homemade jams. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the gardens located on the property and the train collections in the main house. The bed and breakfast is within 15 miles of James Madison University, the Shenandoah Valley and historic Civil War museums and battlefields.

Cave Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast

Cave Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast is located just 7 miles from Port Republic in McGaheysville, Virginia. This bed and breakfast offers five individually decorated rooms in a restored 1830s manor house on a 400-acre working dairy farm. Guests enjoy the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a pre-Civil War museum located on the premises. The Bridal Room is furnished with an 18th century mahogany bed. Other rooms offer Amish-made queen-size beds. Some of the rooms include fireplaces. A full gourmet breakfast is provided each morning, served on antique china and linens. Cave Hill Farm is convenient to the Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, Massanutten Resort and Harrisonburg.

The Village Inn, Harrisonburg

The Village Inn is located in Harrisonburg, just 13 miles from Port Republic. Guests enjoy accommodations including queen or double beds, microwaves, refrigerators and free high-speed Internet service. Most rooms include a whirlpool tub or deck overlooking the Virginia countryside. The grounds of The Village Inn include a swimming pool, hot tub, shuffleboard and a playground. A dining room located on the property serves a country breakfast buffet and southern-style lunches and dinners.

Marriott Courtyard Harrisonburg

This hotel is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, just a few blocks from James Madison University, 9 miles from Massanutten Resort and 13 miles from Port Republic. Car rental facilities are located in close proximity to the hotel. The hotel offers an on-site coin laundry. The Courtyard offers breakfast at the Courtyard Caf . Dinner delivery from local restaurants is available. Guest rooms offer either king or queen beds with plush bedding and work desks. Many rooms offer views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Tags: Port Republic, miles from, Shenandoah Valley, Cave Hill, Cave Hill Farm, from Port, from Port Republic

Paint A Pool Table

Pool tables are a fun addition to any game room and can be a centerpiece of decor with their rich wood finishes and elegant style. Painting a pool table is a relatively easy process made difficult only by the labor and man hours needed to do it right.

Instructions

1. Remove the pockets with the screwdriver.

2. Sand off the previous finish with the largest grain sandpaper. This is a key step that will take most of your time.

3. Use finer sandpaper to smooth out the surface when you reach the original wood. Clean off the dust and wood with a damp rag.

4. Apply coats evenly on all wood surfaces with a brush if using paint. Apply several coats and allow it to dry.

5. Apply stains by rubbing them into the wood with a rag if using stain. Apply several coats and allow it to dry. Wood stains will give a more brilliant display of the wood's grain.

6. Brush on a lacquer to protect the paint/stain and to add shine. Allow to dry before placing pockets and felt on.

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Measure A Glider Bearing Arm

A glider bearing arm is found in love seats and glider chairs. It is a small metal piece that can vary in size. Bearings in the end of the metal arms give them a gliding functionality that lets patio furniture rock or glide forward and back. If your glider bearing arm needs to be replaced, a new one can easily be installed. The first step in the installation process is finding out what size your glider bearing arm is. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the glider bearing arm on your piece of patio furniture. Remove it from its current location with an adjustable wrench. Loosen the bolts and set them aside. Lay the glider bearing arm down on a flat and steady surface so it can be measured.

2. Attach a tape measure to one end of the glider bearing arm and run the tape measure down to the other end. Push the tape measure against the glider bearing arm and record the measurement to the closest tick mark on the tape measure.

3. Write down the measurement of the entire glider bearing arm. Most will measure either nine or 10 inches. Have a helper hold the tape measure at the hole in the glider bearing arm. Run the tape measure from the end of one hole to the end of the other hole.

4. Record that measurement to the closest tick mark. This will typically measure 7 5/8-inches for a 9-inch glider bearing arm and 8 5/8-inches for a 10-inch glider bearing arm. But measurements should still be taken so the holes will match up properly.

Tags: glider bearing, tape measure, bearing tape, bearing tape measure, closest tick

A Comparison Of Aluminum & Iron Fences

Wrought iron fences offer an array of styles.

Selecting a fence for your backyard is an important choice, as it is a decision that will last for many years. When deciding between a wrought iron and aluminum fence, you should weight the advantages and disadvantages of both to see which is the best fit for you. Purchase these types of fences at a home improvement store and put them together yourself, or hire a contractor to do the job. Does this Spark an idea?

Advantages of Wrought Iron

Wrought iron fences are heavy-duty fences and ideal for areas of excessive wear and tear, according to the Fence Depot website. These types of fences are all-welded together to give them top strength compared to basic fencing. Wrought iron fences come in panels that you weld together. The designs are endless and customization is an option for wrought iron, as well. Have your last name initial welded in a wrought iron fence gate or have a custom design made for each panel.

Disadvantages of Wrought Iron

The price of wrought iron fencing compared to aluminum fencing is usually more expensive. If money is more important than style and appeal, wrought iron is not an ideal option. It is not a good fence to use if you have steep landscaping because the fence is not very flexible. Wrought iron is a metal and is susceptible to rust and oxidation, which means you must sand down and repaint the fence every few years or when necessary. Wrought iron fences come in black or white. If you want any other color, you will have to paint it that color.

Advantages of Aluminum

Aluminum fence is a durable and maintenance-free fence type. This type of fence is less expensive than wrought iron fence and is easier to install. This long-lasting fence will not rust, so you will not have to sand and paint it after a few years. Aluminum fence comes in black and white; however, it is easy to paint if you would like it another color. It comes in a variety of styles, shapes and design combinations. With the array of styles available, you can easily match the theme of your home.

Disadvantages of Aluminum

One disadvantage to aluminum is the strength. With high winds and inclement weather, these types of fences are more susceptible to damages. Although the fence is easier to install, it takes more specialty tools to install it than wrought iron fence. If a cheaper cost is more important to you, then an aluminum fence is an ideal selection.

Tags: iron fences, Wrought iron fences, iron fence, types fences, wrought iron fence

A Railing To Concrete Steps

Iron railings provide beauty and safety.

A wrought iron handrail enhances the appearance of concrete steps and makes them easier and safer to ascend or descend, especially during inclement weather. Wrought iron is durable and usually adds timeless appeal to a space. Installing a metal railing is something you can do yourself. Survey the market for railing designs, and choose one that is easy to grip and that withstands natural elements. Most metal railing kits include all components and installation hardware. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the distance between the vertical balusters on the metal rail with a measuring tape, or refer to the instructions on the railing kit for the spacing between the balusters.

2. Mark on the concrete stair treads the locations for the brackets that the balusters will fit into, using a marker. Form the marks 2 to 3 inches inward from the edges of the stairs to prevent any cracking when you drill through the concrete. Ensure the marks are spaced evenly along the stairway.

3. Select a masonry bit that measures a sixteenth-inch smaller than the length of the screws. Position the bit directly above a marked spot on a tread and drill a pilot hole through it. Move up or down the concrete stairway, depending on where you drill the first pilot hole, and continue drilling the remaining holes through the marked spots along the treads.

4. Hold a bracket over a concrete tread, directly above the pilot hole. Secure the bracket in place using a masonry anchor and a 3-inch screw. Alternatively, secure the bracket using nuts and bolts provided with the railing. Tighten the bolts with a wrench. Repeat this process of setting the brackets in place along the stairway.

5. Assign a helper to hold one end of the iron railing while you hold the other. Center the lower ends of the balusters directly above the brackets before sliding them through. Use a wrench to tighten the set screws along the ends of the balusters to the brackets.

6. Attach the top and bottom rails to the vertical balusters according to the manufacturer's instructions, since these vary. Also attach intermediate rails if they're provided with the railing kit. Secure each piece in place using screws provided with the assembly. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver to anchor them securely to the balusters and prevent the railing from wobbling.

Tags: directly above, pilot hole, provided with, along stairway, ends balusters, metal railing

What To Do With Sheet Moss

Sheet moss is a ground covering plant that is cultivated and sold as a floral or craft product. It grows in a carpet-like sheet, hence, the name "sheet moss." What is sold in stores is usually dead moss and not meant for planting and growing. The moss can be cut and shaped for use in a variety of ways. Blend different types and colors of moss for a more unique look.

Build Sculptures

Apply sheet moss to wire forms and create a menagerie of shapes---shoes, birds, spheres, cones, Christmas trees. Pre-made wire forms can be purchased through floral supply or arts and crafts stores. Cut wire mesh (chicken wire) in pieces and shape over the wire form. Secure the mesh using a floral wire and cut away excess mesh using wire cutters. Moisten (use water and a spray bottle) the sheet moss front and back to make it more pliable. Attach the moss to the mesh, cutting and shaping it to mold it to the form. Poke the corners of the moss into the mesh and overlap with a new piece. Bend pieces of floral wire into a U-shape and use as pins to keep the moss in place. Twist the ends together from the opposite side or weave them through the moss and mesh. Use the finished sculptures in vignettes with other interesting items like gazing balls, ornate boxes and candle sticks.

Make A Tablecloth

Use a plastic or vinyl table cloth and a glue gun to attach sheet moss to the cloth. Choose a tablecloth that is green or has a green pattern on it. This keeps the table cloth from interfering visually with the moss. Cover the whole fabric, or place the plastic cloth on the table to be used. Outline the table edges directly on the cloth using a sharpie marker. Remove the cloth, cut the shape out and place on the table top and begin attaching the moss. Design the cloth to fit on a wrought iron or cottage style table. Use the cloth as the focal point for a dramatic tea party or an ornate display. Mist the moss every few days to keep it looking fresh and green (damp climates will need less watering).

Use As Filler

Sheet moss makes a good choice for filler around existing potted plants and trees or as small decorative touches around the home. Pull or cut the sheet moss into small bunches, mist lightly and place at the base of potted trees or large plants to visually hide roots and soil---remove when watering. Use in small bunches around candle and floral arrangements. Arranged as a runner across the top of a sideboard or up the middle of a table. No need to attach it to a cloth or surface. Instead, place it on top of scrap fabric cut in the same overall shape for easy clean up. Choose a green or brown fabric for better visual blending. Allow moss to drip over edges so that it appears to be part of the surface.

Tags: sheet moss, table cloth, floral wire, mesh using, moss into, moss mesh

Types Of Cast Iron

Cast iron was used to build American railroads in the 19th century.

Cast iron is an alloy of iron, carbon and silicon. It comes in four main varieties: gray cast iron, white cast iron, ductile cast iron and malleable cast iron. Today, people might think of cookware and decorative garden furniture when they hear the term "cast iron." But in the 1800s, cast iron had a major role in the industrial development of the United States; railroads, buildings and factory machinery were all constructed from cast iron. Does this Spark an idea?

Gray Cast Iron

Gray cast iron is the most commonly used of all cast irons. It is strong and hard, but brittle under tension. Although gray cast iron is black, it's called "gray," because when it fractures, the fracture surfaces look gray. China started making cast iron plows in the 3rd century BC -- many centuries before the first cast iron foundry was built in Britain. Gray cast iron is easy to cast -- to pour into a mold -- but it can't be reheated or reworked after casting.

White Cast Iron

White cast iron has a light appearance. It has carbon only as a "carbide," which makes white cast irons extremely hard and resistant to abrasion. However, white cast iron is even more brittle than gray cast iron. According to Professor Carl Koch of North Carolina State University's Materials Science Engineering Department, white cast iron is used for rolling machines for paper manufacturing.

Ductile Cast Iron

Ductile cast iron is the most versatile of cast irons, according to Professor Serdar Z. Elgun of Farmingdale State College's Mechanical Engineering Department. It is strong and tough, easy to machine, and less expensive than other cast irons. Ductile cast iron is used by automobile manufacturers to make crankshafts, truck axles, engine rods and many other vehicle parts. Ductile cast iron is also used by the modern cast iron pipe industry.

Malleable Cast Iron

Malleable cast iron is made from reheating, then cooling, white cast iron, according to Professor Elgun. Malleable cast iron has superior machinability and is used to make connecting rods, transmission gears and valve parts for trains, ships and other heavy-duty applications.

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Homemade Decorations For The Home

Are you ready to spice up your living space but don't have a big budget? With imagination and some inexpensive or even free materials, you can create your own homemade decor and turn your home into a work of art. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall Hangings

One of the easiest ways to add interest to any room is with unique wall hangings. You can find inexpensive picture frames at dollar stores and flea markets in various sizes which you can leave black or paint any color of your choice. Inside the frames include pictures from magazines, calendars or greeting cards, pressed flowers and leaves, crocheted doilies or hankies, or memorabilia like ticket stubs, menus or napkins. You can even hang empty glassless frames painted in different colors in an interesting arrangement on the wall.

Photos also make wonderful wall hangings. Simply take a favorite photo and blow it up at your local drug store or photo shop or arrange black-and-white photos inside different-sized clear photo cubes. Shadow boxes also offer endless possibilities, which you can fill with seashells, small pine cones, dried seed pods or other small objects.

Tables and Shelves

Take an old end table or one you've scavenged from a yard sale or flea market and restore it by gluing down a new surface made out of 1/2-inch cork. Or create funky side tables using two small metal garbage cans finished off with small, round sheets of glass from a hardware store. Look for other materials that would make fun tables, such as cinder blocks you can spray paint and stack.

If you have problems finding bookshelves that are the right size for your space, or if they're too expensive or require too much assembly, consider stacking sturdy wooden benches on top of each other to make a streamlined shelf. You can also create instant shelves by laying Plexiglas over cinder blocks stacked in layers, as with the tables above.

Lampshades

Turn your boring lampshades into conversation pieces by covering them. Measure the lampshade by rolling it sideways over a piece of paper and marking the bottom and the top widths with a pencil (leave an extra inch on each side). Take any non-flammable paper or cloth and cut out your pattern, then attach it to the shade using fabric spray adhesive or a glue gun.

Another option is to mark a pattern on a plain lampshade in chalk, then use a glue gun to cover the shade in flowers, beads, leaves, glitter, or any other interesting objects from a crafts store or dollar store.

Vases, Bowls and Candles

Dress up tables and other flat surfaces with plain vases and bowls hand-decorated with acrylic or glass paint or simply fill the container with homemade potpourri using essential oils and dried pine cones. You can also make your own candles from any mold that is heat-resistant and doesn't leak, like an old soda can or a bottle and fill with melted paraffin, colorings, and fragrance and pre-tabbed wicks.

Curtains and Valances

For easy valance window toppers, hang different colored napkin rings on a tension rod and loop pretty patterned napkins through the rings. Or drape ready-made linens like bandannas, napkins, pillow shams, kitchen towels, tablecloths or pillow cases over the curtain rod folded in triangle shapes. For simple curtains, mount a bamboo pole or tree branch above your window perched on nails with large heads and drape a decorative tablecloth or baby blanket over the pole, covering the nail heads by hot gluing seashells, pine cones or large buttons onto them.

Headboards

Create an inexpensive headboard by taking an old, solid door hung sideways, either in its plain form or sanded and stained. If it has panels, paint them a different color or add paper inserts or stenciled designs. Salvaged fencing like wood picket or wrought iron styles can also make an attractive headboard, and you can simply stand them up behind the bed if you don't want to hang them. Other ideas include using folding screens, shutters, garden trellises, or window frames hung side-by-side above the bed.

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Pool Fence Ideas

In just about every municipality in this country, if you have a swimming pool that is at least 4 feet deep, you need to have it secured with a fence and a locked gate that is of a certain height. Check the building codes to find out the exact requirements for your particular area. Although security is your main concern with pool fencing, the other three areas to consider are privacy, functionality and aesthetics. Does this Spark an idea?

Privacy Fencing

When it comes to pool fencing, privacy is always a key concern. Nobody wants to be lounging in the pool with the whole world watching. The level of privacy you desire will most likely be motivated by how exposed your pool area is. If you live in the middle of the woods with no other houses around, then your privacy concerns will be minimal. However, if you live in a crowded neighborhood with numerous houses in your view, you will want a fence that has the ability to restrict the outside world's view, without completely alienating your neighbors. The best type of fence for this application is a solid wood plank fence that is at least 4 feet tall. A stockade fence, which has no gaps between the slats of wood, will provide the ultimate privacy, though it may be a bit imposing, especially for a small yard. A wood fence with a thin gap between its slats will provide adequate coverage and maintain a natural feel with the surrounding landscape.

Functionality Fencing

If creating privacy is not your main concern, then you may want to consider a fence that is functional but still allows you to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. The best type of fence for this effect is a spit rail fence. Your best bet would be to use a three-rail fence, as this will be more sturdy and secure than a two-rail fence. You will need to cover the outside of your fence with wire mesh that is at least 4 feet tall. The nice thing about this combination is that the wire mesh blends in nicely with a split rail fence while still providing the safety and security that is required of a pool fence. Use a solid grade of wood. The two most common woods available are pine and cedar. Pressure-treated pine is OK, but it will not last as long cedar. Cedar is much more durable and resistant to rot.

Decorative Fencing

If cost and privacy are not real concerns, then the ultimate pool fence would be ornamental iron fencing. Although this type of fencing is far more expensive than regular wood fencing, it is aesthetically pleasing and will not only blend in perfectly with the surrounding environment, but it will actually enhance it. Because it is usually made with wrought iron, it will be much more durable than wood and last for many years. You can also find ornamental fencing that is made of hot-dipped galvanized steel, which is not as expensive a true wrought iron but will provide the same look and durability.

See the fence companies listed in the Resources section to help you visualize your ideal look.

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Mesa Arizona Pool Fence Regulations

A protective pool fence is required in Arizona to prevent drowning.

Arizona has some of the strictest pool fence laws of any state in the nation. The laws are in place for a good reason --- to prevent drowning. Pools are common in backyards, at hotels and motels, and in apartment communities. The state pool fence law, which was passed in 1991, covers the entire state, but each city or county has the flexibility to impose its own regulations, as long as it meets or tightens the statewide restrictions.

Height of Pool Fencing

The fence chosen for the pool must be at least five feet high. The siding for the fence can be any obstructive material, whether the vertical railings are metal or the fence is made from wood. Synthetic fabrics can be used for pool fencing as long as they are sturdy enough to keep children from cutting them or tipping them over.

Gate Requirements

The gate must have a self-closing mechanism that latches automatically. The gate has to be five feet tall. A self-closing gate should automatically close within a second after the person has walked through it.

The latch for the gate must be 54 inches off the ground and must be on the inside of the gate. The release for the latch has to be six inches below the top of the gate, and there can be no openings larger than 1/2 inch within two feet of the gate on all sides.

Holes, Handholds and Openings

Make sure that the fencing material cannot be climbed using either handholds or footholds. Fences that use vertical posts cannot have posts that are apart four inches or more.

Alternatives to Pool Fences in Mesa, Arizona

The City of Mesa has two alternatives for households with small children that cannot install a fence. The first is to install door alarms on all doors that have direct access to the swimming pool. The alarm has to go off within seven seconds of opening, and it must sound for 30 seconds after it is activated. The switch to deactivate the alarm has to be 54 inches off the floor.

The homeowner can install a pool cover that is automatically activated using a key. The activation switch has to be located 54 inches above the ground.

Doors and Windows Within Five Feet of the Pool

Windows that are within five feet of the swimming pool must use safety glass, and doors must have alarms meeting the requirements in the previous section.

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