Owner: Homeowner's Handbook URL:http://beyonddusk.blogspot.com Join Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:05:48 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Home Decorating and Design Ideas Site statistics:Click here
How-To: Homemade Soap - Recipes 2008-07-02 12:33:00 Basic SoapsLard Soap- Hand stir method2 pound recipeBasic soap1 ½ cups of melted tallow ½ cup of olive oil (can substitute with extra tallow) 6oz of cold, distilled water 4 Tbs. of lye molds Optional:essential oils or fragrance oils- about 1 tsp. per pound of fat preservative of your choice colorant of your choice Prepare the lye solution by adding 4 Tbs.'s of lye to 6oz of distilled water. Sti
How-To: Homemade Soap - Required and Optional Supplies 2008-07-02 12:19:00 BlenderA blender is in the supply list because some of the recipes in this booklet are designed to be made in the BLENDER (there are also "hand stir" recipes given). I know this may sound strange but it can save you hours of work and heartache. The only drawback to using this method is that you are limited to making 1 pound batches or possibly 1 1/2 pounds. As a beginner, it is best to start out w
Stop Pipe Water Leaks 2008-05-08 14:42:00 Diagnosing plumbing leaksPipes leak or burst for a number of reasons — freezing, blockages, corrosion, and failed joints and seals, to name a few. To stop a plumbing leak, determine if the source is the home's water-supply or water- and waste-removal system. Supply lines are under constant pressure. When a fitting or pipe springs a leak, water will spray or pour from the break. Water quickly poo Read more:Leaks
Stop Roof Water Leaks 2008-05-08 14:33:00 Roof leaks can be very deceiving; they rarely become evident at the source. Typically, water enters through broken shingles or flashing, then flows along roof sheathing or attic rafters until it finds a convenient place to drip down (see inset at right). There are several likely sources.Broken shingles are a good tip-off. Anything that protrudes through the roof — such as chimneys, vent stacks, Read more:Leaks
Keeping Your Asphalt Driveway in Top Shape 2008-03-05 09:57:00 Maintaining and repairing your driveway on a regular basis will help ensure many years of service. Fortunately most driveway maintenance is a job that most home owners can do themselves. Although not difficult, it can be messy when it comes to applying sealer. Be sure to wear old clothes and a pair of shoes that you can throw away when you are done.The first step in maintaining your driveway is to Read more:Shape
Shutters: A Hot New Architectural Element 2008-02-13 13:23:00 Shutters have been a traditionally favored trim that has been used on the exterior of American homes for many years. In recent years, however, shutters have made an appearance not only as an exterior window covering but also as an innovative architectural element gracing the interior of contemporary homes.Classic shutter styles may be purchased at virtually any home improvement center. You may als Read more:Element
Wallpaper: Spruce Up Your Home; Enhance Your Mood 2008-02-13 13:16:00 Take a fresh look at your surroundings and consider redecorating. Whether you are considering some touches to simply brighten a room and celebrate the season, or a major decorating project, wallpaper is one tool you should not overlook.The New World of Wallpaper Today's technology has transformed the world of wallpaper that our grandparents knew. From the wide range of patterns available, to its e Read more:Spruce
Decorating Basics for Home Offices 2008-02-13 12:32:00 When it comes to decorating a home office, you want to be sure that the flooring and wallcoverings you choose are both easy to care for and durable. But this doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice beauty in order to achieve them. Flooring Hardwood. Wooden floors offer warmth and character to any decor. They are durable and come in any number of wood types and finishes. Many are stained and sealed Read more:Basics
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Decorative Painting Tips 2008-02-10 22:29:00 Using paint to decorate a room or furniture has never been so popular, probably because it's never been easier. Even the not-so-artistic do-it-yourselfer can create paint finishes and glazes that rival the professionals. All it takes is a little imagination and some paint to transform Plain Jane walls into an interesting and appealing accent. A piece of discarded furniture can become the focal poi Read more:Decorative
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Reupholstering a Bench 2008-02-10 22:11:00 Level: EasyThis is an easy reupholstering project that anyone can tackle. It actually doesn't involve any sewing. Reupholstering a vanity bench finishes off a bedroom for example, to match the new drapes, a dust ruffle, toss pillows, and fabric-trimmed lamp shades. It was the finishing touch my guest bedroom needed to coordinate everything perfectly.Make sure you use a drapery-weight fabric that b Read more:Bench
A Heart-Shaped Pillow for Your Sweetheart 2008-02-10 22:05:00 Level: EasyAnyone can buy flowers, candy or perfume for a sweetheart on Valentine's Day but it's fun to be more creative and make a lasting gift. All sewers have a stash of fabric that are in small oddball sizes and shapes. If you would like a way to use the scraps and have fun doing it, then follow these step-by-step directions for a strip-quilted, heart-shaped pillow.Supplies:1/2 yd. of muslin ( Read more:Heart
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Creating A Designer Lampshade 2008-02-10 22:03:00 Level: EasyWhen I recently redecorated a guest bedroom I realized how difficult it sometimes is to find all the accessory items to finish the job. In the case of the bedroom I needed two wall lamps above the bed to serve as reading lamps and general lighting.I didn't want swing arm lamps that would hang out over the bed and be in the way. It seemed to be all that I could find. The other problem wa Read more:Creating
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Add Variety With Accent Pillows 2008-02-10 22:00:00 Level: EasyDecorative or accent pillows have always been used to spark up almost any decor, whether it be on a sofa or a bed. When you want a quick spruce up on top of a bedspread or a well-worn sofa consider making new toss pillows in bright colors or bold patterns. It will appear as though you have re-decorated the whole room. Shop for remnants or mill ends in a drapery department and look for p Read more:Pillows
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Grand Garlands 2008-02-09 22:27:00 Deck your halls with fragrant and fanciful festoons.Gardener's Delight GarlandSupplies and Tools 1 package of eucalyptus 1 package of dried hydrangea blossoms 1 package of raffia 1" clay pots Paperwhite and crocus bulbs 6"-wide woven ribbon or netting Variety of seeds (e.g., peas, corn, etc.) Floral wire Wire cutters Hot glue gun, glue sticks 1. Braid several strands of raffia to create a garland Read more:Grand
Make a Grapevine Basket 2008-02-09 22:17:00 Several years ago I took a class to learn how to make a vine basket that I've since used for just about everything. In the fall I fill it with pinecones and ghords, in the spring and summer it goes outside with pansies or petunias and come Christmas it collects our Christmas cards.This is sometimes called a random-weave basket because there's no two alike. Making this type of basket is suprisingly Read more:Basket
Decorative Paint Techniques: Stencil a Wall or Border 2008-02-09 22:01:00 Skill Level: BeginnerStenciling is perhaps the most widely used decorative painting technique. In part, the reason must be its aesthetic appeal and that it takes no particular skill or talent. Anyone can stencil anything. Stenciling also can be an inexpensive fix for decorating and architectural problems. Border
a too-small window to make it appear larger. Use a border on a wall just below the cei Read more:Decorative
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Create An Alphabet Quilt 2008-02-09 21:11:00 Difficulty: ModerateIf you have ever given a baby shower and wondered how to get your guests acquainted and relaxed but entertain them at the same time, here is an idea for you. This baby quilt is definitely a group activity. Everyone attending the shower can help as well as those who are far away.Instead of playing traditional baby shower games, let the guests help design and make the blocks for Read more:Alphabet
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Affordable Decorating: Fabric Boxes 2008-02-09 20:59:00 Level: EasyI imagine that boxes have always been used to store things, but boxes are now used as a decorative accent in many room decors. That doesn't mean they can't still be used to store things though.Think of all the little worldly possessions that you can stash away in these wonderful covered boxes. I think you'll find that this is a fun project for all ages.Supplies:BoxFabric
Heavy weight whi Read more:Boxes
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A 'Log Cabin' Trivet 2008-02-09 20:53:00 Level: ModerateThis colorful block of fabrics can be made in many colors and used for many things - a quilt block, a pot holder, table decoration, a pad for a flower pot, or a trivet. And when the holidays approach, I like to have an extra gift on hand just in case. I prefer to give a home-made gift so I try to have many small things on hand to wrap for the season.These log cabin blocks can be mad Read more:Cabin
A Fanciful Ruffled Pillow 2008-02-09 20:42:00 Level: ModerateHow would you like to make a colorful toss pillow with a 3-inch ruffled edge? Make it festive for the holidays with appropriate fabric and easy quilting techniques as shown in the photograph. If you're interested in making this log cabin pillow, follow these instructions. When the piecing aspect of this is complete, follow the directions below for the final touches for a ruffled pil Read more:Ruffled
Ribbons, Bows and Baskets 2008-02-09 20:31:00 Level: EasyBaskets
have been used decoratively for years but they are also great containers for organizing and keeping things in place. Baskets in the kitchen, bath, or the bedroom add a new dimension to storage. We all seem to need more storage, whether it's for kitchen tools, bath towels, or hats and gloves.The use of decorator fabric makes an ordinary basket into something extraordinary. Use a
Furniture: Achieve the Look You Want 2008-02-09 20:25:00 Ready-to-finish furniture is quite affordable and it's easy to decorate with paint, stain, faux finishing techniques, and other quick and easy crafting tricks.Multi-Colored High ChairGive a high chair a spirited look by painting each of the rungs and spokes a different color. Use shades of pastels for a soft look, or combine primary colors for a bright chair. First apply a primer coat of white. Th Read more:Furniture
Special Accent: Padded Hangers 2008-02-09 20:19:00 Level: EasyAfter all the sewing projects for decorating your home are finished and you think there are no more new ways to use that beautiful fabric you have left over, then one more idea comes to your imagination. How about making covered and padded hangers for that special occasion dress? And they make great gifts, too. Padded hangers are especially nice covered in satin for a wedding gift or fr Read more:Special
A Snuggly Baby Blanket 2008-02-09 20:14:00 Level: Easy (if you crochet)Moderate (if you must learn crocheting)If you want to pamper a new mother and baby with a beautiful, hand made gift that becomes the most treasured gift of all, make a very special receiving blanket. This blanket is so much more than just a receiving blanket. Every mother melts when she opens this gift.What makes it even more special is a customized crocheted edging. It Read more:Blanket
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