Learning The Basics of Bathtub Refinishing

Bathing is a very pleasurable experience that relaxes the whole body giving a person a chance to rest and cleanse him or herself at the same time. Slipping into a hot bath (bubbles optional) for a period of time allows one to just close their eyes, relax, and just have a quiet time by himself or herself (bathing partner optional again). However, the way your bathtub looks can add to the enjoyment and fun in your bathing experience.

Giving your bathtub a different look doesn?t mean that you should buy a brand new one. Buying a new one can be very expensive. So, with a little imagination and by following these simple steps, you can refinish your bathtub, give it that brand new look and have a more pleasurable experience bathing in your new bathtub.

When refinishing your bathtub, you may want to consider your safety first before any other thing. Firstly, you need to make sure that your work area is well ventilated because refinishing your bathtub will involve the use of several kinds of chemicals. Make a checklist of safety materials you need before you go on and start refinishing your bathtub.

Protect yourself from chemicals that can be harmful to you by wearing safety goggles and gloves and also protect yourself from fumes by using a ventilator. Once you have all the necessary safety equipments, get all your supplies and start refinishing your bathtub.

The first thing you have to do in refinishing your bathtub once you have all safety equipments on is giving your bathtub a cursory cleaning and removing of any loose caulking or gaskets.

You can buy bathtub refinishing kits in your local hardware store which will usually include several chemicals. You will notice that at least one or two of the chemicals are cleaning solutions that will relatively prepare your bathtub for refinishing. These chemicals will remove soaps and oils from the surface of the bathtub. It will also require you to scrub your bathtub with sandpaper, usually with a 220 or 240 grit. The next step is to rinse away any residue caused by sandpaper scrubbing.

Once you have cleaned the bathtub, the next step is to apply the primer. However, before you apply the primer, you should first mask the areas you don?t want to refinish. You can do this with a masking tape and paper. Make sure you cover the areas you don?t want to refinish.

Applying the base coat for your bathtub is the next step for refinishing your bathtub. Always remember to wear safety gears, like a respirator, a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure no harm comes to your body. After you applied the base coat, let it thoroughly dry first before applying the topcoat.

The top coat is the color you want your bathtub to have. It can be anything you want. When mixing the top coat for your bathtub, follow the manufacturer?s instruction for maximum quality. Apply the paint or the top coat with a spray gun in a smooth and even motion. It will take about 48 to 72 hours to cure, depending on the weather.

Refinishing your bathtub can be one of the best and cost-effective ways to give your bathroom a new look. Besides, if you can do it yourself, why hire someone else to do the job for you?

These are the basic process on how to refinish your bathtub by yourself. Always remember that your main priority when doing this kind of project is your safety. So, don?t forget to wear safety gears when you refinish.

Giving your bathtub a different look doesn?t mean that you should buy a brand new one. You know that buying a new one can be very expensive. So, with a little imagination and by following these simple steps, you can refinish your bathtub, give it that brand new look and have a more pleasurable experience bathing in your new bathtub.

When refinishing your bathtub, you may want to consider your safety first before any other thing. Firstly, you need to make sure that your work area is well ventilated because refinishing your bathtub will involve the use of several kinds of chemicals. Make a checklist of safety materials you need before you go on and start refinishing your bathtub.

Protect yourself from chemicals that can be harmful to you by wearing safety goggles and gloves and also protect yourself from fumes by using a ventilator. Once you have all the necessary safety equipments, get all your supplies and start refinishing your bathtub.

The first thing you have to do in refinishing your bathtub once you have all safety equipments on is giving your bathtub a cursory cleaning and removing of any loose caulking or gaskets.

You can buy bathtub refinishing kits in your local hardware store which will usually include several chemicals. You will notice that at least one or two of the chemicals are cleaning solutions that will relatively prepare your bathtub for refinishing. These chemicals will remove soaps and oils from the surface of the bathtub. It will also require you to scrub your bathtub with sandpaper, usually 220 or 240 grit. The next step is to rinse away any residue caused by sandpaper scrubbing.

Once you have cleaned the bathtub, the next step is to apply the primer. However, before you apply the primer, you should first mask the areas you don?t want to refinish. You can do this with a masking tape and paper. Make sure you cover the areas you don?t want to refinish thoroughly.

Applying the base coat for your bathtub is the next step for refinishing your bathtub. Always remember to wear safety gears, like a respirator, a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure no harm comes to your body. After you applied the base coat, let it thoroughly dry first before applying the top coat.

The top coat is the color you want your bathtub to have. It can be anything you want. When mixing the top coat for your bathtub, follow the manufacturer?s instruction for maximum quality. Apply the paint or the top coat with a spray gun in a smooth and even motion. It will take about 48 to 72 hours to cure, depending on the weather.

Refinishing your bathtub can be one of the best and cost-effective ways to give your bathroom a new look. Besides, if you can do it yourself, why hire someone else to do the job for you?

These are the basic process on how to refinish your bathtub by yourself. Always remember that your main priority when doing this kind of project is your safety. So, don?t forget to wear safety gears when you refinish.

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of Bathtub Refinishing and Designs where you will find further tips to spruce up your bathtub.

Kitchen Quick Fixes and Fresheners

Kitchens often take the most abuse and wear of any room in our homes. They are also often the last room we think about redecorating because it's only seen by you. Your kitchen should be as fabulous as you are and encourage culinary creativity, great conversation and express your personality. Here are a few of my tips for quick and easy fresheners that will transform your kitchen from blah to hurrah for under $100. Paint ?the essential ingredient in a clean and fresh kitchen.

If your walls are dingy and stained you're not going to feel fabulous cooking or conversing in the kitchen. Plainly speaking, paint is the most versatile decorating tool available that can so easily transform a space while being so affordable. Paint your walls in an exquisite new colour; my favorites right now are saffron yellows, celery greens and rich warm egg creams for the kitchen. A new colour will do a lot to lighten and brighten your kitchen. When you're finished the walls, ceilings and trim, don't forget about your cabinets. Give them a completely new look. Try painting your island or peninsula one colour (maybe a rich chocolate) and your wall cabinetry another colour (a warm cream). Melamine paint is best for kitchen cabinets, since it's so durable and easy to clean. Don't feel limited; nearly everything can be painted with the right primer and some prep work. Backsplash.

Think of your backsplash like the finishing touch to a really great outfit. It needs to be sexy and stylish, yet functional and easy to maintain. By changing or upgrading your backsplash you will completely elevate the look and feel of your kitchen. For a fresh and retro look try using white ceramic subway tiles, they are readily available, very inexpensive and easy to install. Another of my favorites (albeit a bit more expensive) is to use stone tile with a pillow edge. This will give your kitchen a grand and stately feeling. Or if you're feeling sexy and sleek pop out to a metal wholesaler (with your exact measurements) and try using some brushed stainless steel panels, you will be the talk of your neighbourhood. Cabinet Hardware.

By changing your hardware you can transform a dull kitchen into something sexy and eye catching. I recommend making a statement?try using oversized (12 or 16) stainless steel rod pulls on all your cabinetry to give you a sleek and sexy designer look. Other options might be to go to a salvage shop and find authentic retro glass knobs or bone pulls. You can literally get hundreds of great designs, just go on the prowl and find something that captures your imagination. Accessories and Furnishings.

The biggest culprit in thwarting a fresh kitchen makeover is clutter, or as I so very often say, edit-edit-edit. Chances are if you haven't touched the bread machine in three years, you don't need it! Put away all the junky clutter, bad gifts and design mish-mash. Take everything off your counters and then only put back the things you most often use and find a home for the rest. Then add just a few design elements to the space such as an oversized glass lid jar filled with fresh ingredients and where possible upgrade a few of your counter appliances to sleek new stainless steel models.

Window Treatments.

With the incredible variety and availability of sexy new window treatments you can find the perfect accompaniment to any d?cor. Try Zen-feeling burnt matchstick to classic wood shutters, or my favourite, clean and crisp Roman blinds. Spend a weekend and clean, prep, paint and style your fresh new kitchen. You will be amazed at the difference it makes not only to your enjoyment of your home but in how it makes you feel ? Isn't time to feel sexy, fresh and new?

Great Design in essence is about the creation of an exquisite stage for the beauty and quality of life we all desire. From ultra urban to ornate opulence, Robin and his team have passionately and successfully designed it all. Robin?s interiors have graced the pages of magazines Worldwide. Robin has designed interiors for feature films, major retailers such as Home Depot (Style Ideas Magazine) and the Designer Showhouse. From smaller scale interior projects to full scale restorations and developments, Robin?s passionate and creative eye overseas all aspects. While fluent in all design trends and philosophies, Robin is most passionate about historic preservation and the creation of elegant, functional and memorable spaces that convey the best attributes of each owner while respecting and celebrating the architecture that encompasses them. Visit http://www.robindegroot.ca

Inspiring Home Designs

So when you redesign your home, what exactly should you do to it? If you?re short on inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you started.

The place where many people like to really go to town with their design ideas is in babies? and children?s rooms ? you can paint them bright colours, do imaginative pictures of fantasy environments, draw pictures of the child?s favourite characters from books and TV, and so much more besides. If you do this, why not let the child join in with the painting and show you what they want, with you just being there to help make their decoration dreams come true. However, one thing to be careful of is to keep redecorating their room as they get older ? you don?t want them to be embarrassed to bring around friends when they?re a teenager because of their babyishly coloured room.

Another idea could be to make an ?outdoors? house, taking inspiration from your garden in how to design your home. This means lots of greens and blues, lots of plants, outdoor fragrances, lots of windows ? a real outdoor feel indoors.

Indeed, the best way to design a home yourself is often to just pick a theme and take it as far as it will go. I know a couple with a ?space house?, complete with portraits of rockets and black ceilings with painted stars ? it sounds silly, but it?s really interesting to look at. Whatever you?re passionate about, make your house show it.

Don?t forget, though, that redecorating doesn?t have to be all about tearing things down and buying new stuff. You can get a long way with a few posters, ornaments, or just reorganising or repainting your furniture. You really don?t need to break the bank and hire a handyman to get your ideal home, as a little work can go a long way.

John Gibb is the owner of Home-Design-guides For more information on home design check out http://www.Home-Design-guides.Info

Bedroom Accessories What and How to Choose

'Bedroom accessories' has become a catchall title for all items, furnishings, shelving systems, bedding, and linens found in a bedroom. Your bedroom is typically a room in whish you wish to shut the world out, take a break from the day, and relax. When buying bedroom accessories, make sure you are buying something that will enhance your bedrooms value to you.

Shelves are very useful bedroom accessories. These handy furnishings allow you to organize your belongings much more efficiently. Organization is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your bedroom. Shelves come in many shapes and sizes, the shelves that will work best for your bedroom, depend largely on the types of things you wish to display within your room. If you have fewer display items and/or books, you may prefer smaller shelves that take up less visual space. If your bedroom is small, painting your shelves, the same color, as your wall will give the appearance of a larger room and call less attention to the shelves themselves.

Other bedroom accessories include beds, which are quite useful when you think about it. Beds have rather self-explanatory functions, but there are different types of beds to consider in order to find the one that will work best for your room. You can choose between traditional beds in twin, full, queen, king, or California king sizes. In addition to traditional beds there are daybeds, futons, sofa beds, waterbeds, and airbeds. Finding the bed that will work best for the space you have available and the overall tone you are trying to achieve in your bedroom.

In addition to the above mentioned bedroom accessories drawers come in many shapes and sizes and offer both function and visual appeal in your bedroom. Whether you have an eclectically furnished room or a suite of matching furniture, there are many different styles and sizes of bedroom drawers that are available. Some of the more popular types of drawers that can be found in traditional bedrooms are: Dressers, lingerie chests, nightstands, chests of drawers, and bachelor chests. Any one or several of these will function to help you store clothing and other items and are great accessories for the bedroom. When shopping for bedroom accessories, be sure to compare prices not only among stores, but different items within a particular family. You may be surprised to find that more storage space occasionally costs less money.

If you lack space for hanging clothes, you may wish to purchase bedroom accessories that double as a space in which to store hanging clothes. Some excellent examples of this particular type of furniture are: chifferobes, armoires, and wardrobes. Both chifferobes and armoires offer both space for hanging clothes and drawer space as well. If you have a need for both and limited space in your bedroom, you may wish to give serious consideration to one of these versatile pieces.

Bedroom accessories come in all shapes and sizes and ultimately are a matter of choice for your tastes, needs, and available space. Find the accessories that work best for you and enjoy them!

Allen Maccey is an author, writing for House Hobby DIY web site at the Bedroom section

Taking The Mystery Out Of Nails

Nails can only be used in fibrous material hence you cannot use a nail to hold anything to metal or plastic. The reason a nail works is that when it penetrates the fibrous material, the fibers bend in the direction of the penetration and literally grip the nail. It takes more force to remove a nail then it does to drive a nail.

Although nails come in hundreds of shapes, in this article we will discuss the two most popular; common and finishing nails.

Common nail, used for rough carpentry as the head always shows. Common nails come in sizes from 1 to 4 inches have a smooth shank and a diamond shaped tip. The longer the nail, the thicker it is and the bigger the head. The rule of thumb is that a nail should be three times longer than the thickness of the item that you are attaching. For general 2 x X lumber use a 3.5 or 4 inch nail. 3.5 inch when nailing side-to-side, 4 inch when nailing to an end grain. When nailing two 2 x X pieces of lumber together use a 3.5 inch nail and angle it so that it does not penetrate the second piece of lumber. Nails that penetrate all the way through a board provide less grip than a nail that is buried within the lumber. If a nail penetrates, the penetrating end should be bent over for two reasons, increase the strength of the joint and safety. An improved rough carpentry spiral nail is now being manufactured which provides greater holding power. The spiral nail is twisted and turns as it penetrates the lumber (similar to a screw). Do not use spiral nails for temporary nailing as they are much more difficult to remove than a smooth shank common nail.

Finishing nail, used for finished carpentry as the head can be conveniently recessed and the material filled so that the head does not show. Finishing nails come in sizes from ? inch to 3? (the smaller ? inch to 1? are know as brads). The length rule does not apply to finishing nails, as it is usually necessary to use a nail that is much longer than three times the thickness of the item you are attaching. When using finishing nails in hardwood or near the end of a piece of lumber, such as a trim or molding, it is always wise to drill a hole in the material being attached, as this will avoid splitting the lumber. The hole should be slightly less than the diameter of the nail. The best way to determine the size is to use your drill box. Remove the drills and try to place the nail in the hole that the drill came out of. Use the next size down from the last hole that the nail would slide into. Remember that it is not necessary to grip the material being attached, as the head, even a finishing nail head, will hold the material in place.

For additional information on fasteners or general information on other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Buying Woodworking Tools for your Workshop

Anyone that has their own workshop will know the importance of having the right tools and equipment, and this includes having the right woodworking tools. Whether you are simply a DIY enthusiast or whether you do woodwork and carpentry as a profession, the right tools can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the job as well as to the finished result. The quality and choice when it comes to this type of equipment has soared over recent years, and you can now kit out your workshop with a range of excellent products at affordable prices. You can get top manufacturers such as Rockwell tools, Sears tools, Hitachi tools, and Rigid tools, all of which offer great quality and fine craftsmanship, enabling you to enjoy your woodworking hobby or profession with complete peace of mind.

Where to get your tools at great prices

There are a number of places you can go to get tools for your workshop, and obviously you want to find the place that offers the best choice as well as the best value for money, which hasn?t always been easy. The local DIY stores will sell a range of tools, but the choice isn?t always great and you could find that they are expensive because they have to cover the overheads of running the store, which if often done through price inflation on goods sold. You may get a better deal at woodworking shows, where you can usually get some good deals on equipment for your workshop but you may again find that the choice can be quite limited. It can be difficult finding the right combination of low prices, good quality, and excellent choice when it comes to buying your workshop equipment, but it is possible to get all this as well as ease, convenience, and overall value for money.

Enjoy the convenience and affordability of getting your equipment online, and kit out your workshop without breaking the bank

If you want to get the best deal on your equipment for your workshop the Internet is the best place to look. These days you can get some excellent value on your woodworking equipment from places such as Rockler Woodworking. You will enjoy great reputation, excellent quality, unrivalled choice, and low prices. On top of all this you can browse the equipment and compare prices from the comfort of your own home, place your order electronically, make your payment safely and securely via the Internet, and enjoy fast and efficient delivery of your goods, which will be delivered right to your door with speed. Ordering online will not only save you time and hassle, but will save you the inconvenience of having to go out and buy your equipment or waiting long periods for your order to be processed and your goods delivered.

The copywriter Jerry Blackburn is really interested in news about discount woodworking tools and woodworking shows. Recording his experience in writings on woodworking tools the author showed his know-how in the area.

Laying Vinyl Tile the Right Way

Vinyl Tile is still one of the best floor coverings to choose for kitchens and bathrooms. Ceramic tile is great, but the cost to have a professional install it can be prohibitive. The answer, vinyl tiles installed by you. You will save a lot of money you can use toward other home improvements you want to do.

Vinyl tile is also a great choice for other reasons. There are some beautiful choices of both style and color. There are so many different patterns and colors to choose from that you will want to take your time in choosing something that will enhance the beauty of your kitchen or bathroom.

In addition to that, vinyl tile is much better than linoleum for practical reasons. With a linoleum floor, one accident and the whole floor is ruined basically, because it is all one piece. When you buy vinyl tile, you buy extra squares. If an accident ruins one or two tiles, you replace them.

In this article I will help you learn how to install your own vinyl tile floor with confidence. I?m going to teach you the old school way of laying this beautiful floor covering. I call it old school, because I learned from tile layers that had been doing it for years before I started.

First, we need to start with the basics. I don?t know what is on the floor where you plan to put down vinyl tile, so I?m going to show you what our preparation goals are. We want a nice smooth surface to lay our vinyl tile on.

Some people will tile over existing tile. This can be okay, but it is not the preferred choice. To do this right, you need to remove whatever flooring is there now, until you are down to either a smooth cement or wooden surface.

If there are cracks and valleys or unleveled surfaces, they need to be filled and smoothed out before we can start laying your vinyl tile. On cement or wooden surfaces, you can use cement to fill in and smooth the surface. You can also install plywood over the existing floor to achieve the surface your vinyl tile needs. You caulk in all the joints after installing the plywood. You can use Durok as well.

The goal, as I said before, is to have a smooth surface before you begin to lay vinyl tile. Otherwise, your tile will crack wherever pressure is placed on the tile over existing rough areas.

Now, buying the vinyl tile you want is next. There is self-adhesive vinyl tile that is very inexpensive. However, remember you get what you pay for. The adhesive on these tiles is not of great quality and you will be replacing them often. They are usually very thin as well, so they are easily damaged.

The thicker the vinyl tile, the more expensive and durable it is. That is the rule of thumb. Choose vinyl tile that has about 1/8? thickness or above and you will have a floor that will last a long time. So choose your style and color wisely. It will be with you awhile.

Now, the tools you will need are next. You will not need a tile cutter. That isn?t the old school method. Using a tile cutter is tedious and slow, and your edges will never be tight. You will need a good razor knife, a small butane torch, a trowel with teeth along one edge for applying the adhesive, some old rags, and some mineral spirits.

A lot of experts will tell you to always begin in the center of the room when laying any kind of tile. However with kitchens and bathrooms, this is not always or even often the best method. Starting at one wall and working toward your cabinets is much better, because most of your tiles that need to be cut will be under the edge of the cabinets and not seen.

Starting along one wall, trowel on your adhesive, making sure there are ridges by using the toothed edge of your trowel. Do not go too far away from the wall as you will be laying tile there and don?t want to have to reach while doing so.

Let the adhesive dry for about 15 minutes so it?s very sticky. Lay your first tile at the corner and continue to lay a row, making sure you keep your tiles aligned. As you get to the end of your row, do not worry about the area that is left over where a whole tile will not fit in. We will take care of that last. However, remove the adhesive from that area so it won?t dry before we get back to it.

The adhesive you applied should have gone just a little further out than the row of tile itself, so now you have a row, with a little adhesive area waiting for the next row.

Now start back at the beginning. Apply a little more than a row?s width of adhesive, let it dry, then lay another row of tile, again making sure you align the tiles with each other so your lines are straight..

Once you have done the entire floor except those areas where a whole tile would not fit in, let the floor dry until tomorrow. Do not allow anyone to walk on the floor. The adhesive takes time to dry.

Now, once the adhesive is dry, we are ready to do the cutting in portion of your vinyl tile job. You should be able to walk carefully on the tiles without moving them by now. If not, you may have used too much adhesive and will have to wait longer, until you are sure it is dry.

Now, let?s cut it in. Go to where your first row that ended with a little space left over. Apply some adhesive to that area, plus on the floor, along the wall where you are going to put in your cut pieces of vinyl tile. Let that dry, just as you did before for 15 minutes.

Now, take a full vinyl tile, matching it up with your tiles already on the floor at the bottom, lean it at an angle to the wall. Let me explain so you are sure to understand. You place the tile against the edge of the last tile in the row as if you were about to lay it down, but just let it lean against the wall at whatever angle it has to.

Now, you will need your razor knife and your small butane torch. Be careful with the little torch that you don?t burn anything, please. If you are not comfortable with handling a small torch, this method is not for you.

Place the fingers of one hand on the top of the tile along the wall with very slight downward pressure. Wave the flame of the torch back and forth across the center of the tile about where you would like it to bend. Don?t let the flame linger on the tile to melt it. Keep a distance so it only gets heated up.

As it gets hot, the pressure from your fingers will begin to push the vinyl tile downward, bending it into place. As soon as the tile is bent to the point where it is flat against the floor and the rest against the wall, set down your torch, pointing it carefully away from anything or anyone, and take your razor knife and cut along the bend right at the wall. It will cut like butter.

Now that tile fits perfectly to the contour of the wall. It also, because of the light pressure you applied as you pressed it down, has tightened up that entire row, so the vinyl tiles will not separate later. This is a floor that will last a long time and answers the problem of the tiles separating later.

Continue that same process for each row and everywhere the tiles need to be cut in. Then clean up. You are now an old school master at laying vinyl tile!

One last warning, as I said before, if you are not comfortable using flame, you should go ahead and use a tile cutter. It may not be as tight, but you can still do a good job with it without endangering yourself. This article was intended to pass on an old school method I learned and have used to lay many beautiful tile floors that lasted for years. I hope that by passing it onto you, the old way will not be lost.

D. David Dugan has a website, http://homeimprovement.divinfo.com to help homeowners find all the information they need about remodeling, home repair, building decks and carports, room additions, and more. He also actively participates in an article directory at http://www.articlemotron.com that has current and up to date information on many topics.

Painting the Woodwork

Painting the woodwork. Ho hum. By woodwork I am referring to the skirting, the window and door frames (inside) and the doors.

All of these areas will probaly need preparation. By preparation I mean the following:

Remove nails and bits sticking out, whatever they are. Fill in any holes or cracks with a good quality filler, let it dry and sand it smooth. Rub down doors with a solution of sugar soap and water, or hot water and washing up liquid if you don't have sugar soap. Make 'em clean basically.

Vacumm. Yes vacuum all your dust and bits so they are totally gone. There is NOTHING in the world of decorating more infuriating than seeing bits of stuff all over your newly-glossed woodwork. o vacuum. If you can't use a vacuum cleaner, ask your other half. She'll know. If she doesn't, you probably won't be civilised enough to do painting. Watch telly instead.

Using a one-inch, a one-and-a-half-inch or even (max) a two-inch paintbrush, apply a good, full coating of acrylic primer undercoat (dries fast) to all woodwork, using smooth, even strokes. Do all the woodwork except the actual door. We'll come to this in a minute.

When it's dry (one hour on a warm day) do exactly the same with your top coat, which will probably be a white gloss. Smooth even strokes remember. Use enough paint to put a good coat on, but if it's running after a few seconds, you're using too much. In fact, why not use something like Crown Non-Drip-one-coat? A fantastic product. Can't go wrong with it.

When it's done. Leave it alone, don't mess with it. any touching up can be done when it's dry (about five hours in a warm room or whatever it says on the can).

The door is another matter. I prefer to use a mini foam roller and a mini roller tray and put several coats on. That applies to primer/undercoat and the gloss. Use a different roller for different paints of course. Throw the rollers away when you're done. Wrap the gloss roller up in a plastic bag between coats. You'll probaly need three coats of gloss because it doesn't go on too thick, but does give a nice finish.

That's it!

Keep the kids and the cat and the dog away until it's dry.

Stephen Kaye is an Author and Businessman living in Devon, UK. He is a professional Decorator and offers for sale his manual 'How To Set Up And Run Your Own Painting And Decorating Business' for ?29.50. It is available in .pdf, on CD, or in hard copy. contact him at kaye.steve@gmail.com for more info or visit http://www.tradeworldhq.com/decorating

Sauna Rooms For Greater Health Homes and Happiness

Adding a sauna room to your home can help your health and personal finances.

Indeed, many health benefits have been attributed to regular sauna bathing, including improved blood circulation, improved lung function, and strengthened immunity to illness. A study by the British Medical Association found that people who take sauna baths two or three times a week reduce their incidence of colds and flu by more than 65 percent. Imagine the impact that could have on your own life: fewer visits to the doctor and pharmacy, and fewer days away from work spent feeling worried, run down, and just plain miserable.

Even if a health insurance plan covers your medical expenses, a sauna room in your home can still save and even earn you a considerable amount of money. If you already enjoy the benefits of sauna bathing at a local health club, gym or spa, calculate what you would save in usage fees and gas expenses if you stayed at home to sauna.

Also worthy of consideration is the extra money a sauna room could provide you if and when you decide to sell your home. Often perceived as luxury items by real estate agents, special features such as indoor saunas typically help to increase the resale values of homes. Yes, there will always be an initial investment attached to the addition of a sauna room, but the potential payoffs will more than make up for it.

Remember that an indoor sauna room doesn?t have to be the same size as your living room or family room. Many people choose to transform just a portion of their bedroom, bathroom or basement into a sauna room. After all, the smaller your sauna room is, the more efficiently you will be able to heat it.

For practical purposes, however, you don?t want your indoor sauna room to be too small. You?ll need to have enough space in your sauna room to be able to move around freely, lie down on the sauna benches, and share your sauna comfortably with family and friends. Ultimately, the decisions on size and other aspects of design are yours to make, as your indoor sauna room can be fully customized to reflect your unique personality and preferences.

And with the popular option of do-it-yourself sauna kits, you can be as involved in the sauna building process as you choose to be. Once you decide on the size and features of your sauna room, finding and assembling a DIY sauna kit should be relatively easy. Don?t be intimidated if you don?t possess any previous sauna building experience; the do-it-yourself sauna kits contain the pre-cut materials and detailed instructions needed to assist even the most apprehensive first-timer.

Whatever steps you take to add a sauna room to your home, do not ignore the importance of home sauna accessories. Sauna accessories like cedar headrests and backrests, loofah sponges and sauna fragrances can constitute the difference between a sauna bath experience that true sauna enthusiasts would judge as being mediocre and one that is superbly relaxing, refreshing and remarkable.

For its proven positive impact on human health and happiness, an indoor sauna room should be regarded as a necessity for anyone who owns a home.

Pertti Olavi Jalasjaa is the Finnish-born author of ?The Art of Sauna Building,? an acclaimed reference book on sauna construction. He is also the general manager of Great Saunas, which has been manufacturing and selling high-quality saunas and sauna kits to sauna enthusiasts around the world since 1974. Visit Great Saunas online at http://www.greatsaunas.com.

Do It Yourself Home Security

Proper and safe home security doesn't have to involve hiring a professional to install the most up-to-date security system on the market. There are numerous DIY home security options out there; you just need to be familiar with them and choose what precautions you should take to keep you, your home, and your family safe. DIY home security involves everything from teaching your children what to do when at home alone to installing a state-of-the-art, DIY home security alarm that allows the homeowner to perform the installation and set up.

DIY Home Security Basics
Homeowners often overlook simple, yet effective, DIY home security projects. If a home looks difficult to break into or a burglar believes there is a good chance of getting caught, he will usually bypass that home and move on to another. The most important aspect of home security is creating an atmosphere that isn't conducive to a burglar being able to enter your home. The following DIY home security projects create this type of environment. Install exterior lights and include either a timer or a motion detector, Secure all exterior doors and windows with well-built, steadfast locks and Trim back trees and shrubs in your yard, especially around windows and doors. These do it yourself home security tasks are easy and fast projects, yet they offer you and your family paramount security.

DIY Home Security Systems
Installing a DIY home security system is a bit more difficult and time-consuming than replacing locks and adding a few lights. Before taking on this task, you need to be prepared to spend some time and money, but the advantages are well worth the costs. DIY home security systems are usually wireless and can cost as little as $100 or as much as several thousand dollars. Installing a DIY home security system in your home offers a wide range of benefits. DIY Upgrades, Mobility, Ease of Use and No-Cost Installation. Just as hardwired, professionally installed home security systems can be fit with many different accessories to meet your individual security needs, so can DIY home security systems. The majority of DIY home security systems come with a basic keypad, control panel, and window/door contacts, but the list of accessories available for purchase is virtually endless. Some of the most commonly purchased.

Additions are: Sirens, Strobe Lights, Motion Detectors, Surveillance Cameras, Smoke Detectors and Glass Break Detectors.

Integrating these accessories into your DIY home security system is an easy process, and tailoring your system to fit your needs is extremely important. DIY home security systems also allow you to upgrade your system as needed; as technology advances and the needs of your family change, you can easily install the additional security accessories you feel necessary. From the most menial tasks such as trimming trees to the more advanced job of installing an entire home security system, Do it yourself home security is a great way to ensure your safety.

Ralph Winn writes about Home Security and other related topics. For more information visit http://www.home-security-systems.net

Standby Generators Security & Comfort

With the hurricane season upon us, coupled with the increased abundance of tornadoes that have spawned over the last few years and the general shortage of electrical power on the grid, more and more home owners are considering the installation of a stand-by electrical generator to provide emergency power in the event of an electrical power outage.

Stand-by generators provide security and a level of comfort in the event of a utility power failure. They can maintain indoor climate, provide lighting, keep food from spoiling and allow a family to function.

Stand-by generators differ from portable generators in that they are permanently installed and have a permanent connection to a fuel source, either propane or natural gas. Diesel powered stand-by generators are available, but as a general statement they are designed for commercial installations and provide more power than a typical home would require.

I generally recommend the use of propane over natural gas to power stand-by generators. The reason that I recommend propane is that the fuel storage is self contained on the home owner?s property. Although this is more expensive (the cost of the tank and its installation), than connecting directly to a natural gas pipeline, it provides much better electric power security. In many cases, especially disasters caused by hurricanes and tornadoes, natural gas pipelines are shut down to avoid fires and explosions in the damaged areas. Having a stand-by generator without a fuel source, doesn?t accomplish anything.

The majority of stand-by generators are installed so that when a utility power failure occurs, the stand-by generator will start automatically, switch all or a portion of the home load to the generator circuits and when utility power is restored the generator will turn-off and restore the load to its normal position.

For additional information on stand-by generators for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Holiday Pretty Packages With All The Trimmings

Pretty Packages with all the trimmings; Gifts trimmed with flair

Skill: Easy. Materials & tools:

Assorted paper remnants, rice paper, plain coloured papers Scissors Glue gun and sticks Double-face tape and regular adhesive tape Ribbons in assorted colours, widths and styles Assorted findings: custom jewellery, belt buckles, quilling paper strips, feathers, sequins, tinsel garland, wire, beads etc. Fabric remnants, fun fur, taffeta, fuzzy wool, scrapbooking tools, snowflake punch, decorative edge scissors, hang tags, rub-on lettering Also see each gift wrapping description. (Materials for this project are available at arts and craft stores.)

My favourite part of the holidays is wrapping the gifts. It is the perfect occasion to use up many remnants from various projects and to let my creativity run loose, just for fun. Since my wrapping room is shared with the laundry room, it is a sure place to find some peace of mind during all the craziness of the holidays.

Minimalist with a touch of Ritz, great gift wrapping ideas start with cool findings. The secret to achieve the look of these French bonbon gift wrappings is all in the trimmings. Personalized to make an impact, even simple gifts can look elegant with a little accent. Don?t be afraid to extend the colour palette beyond the traditional; it?s all good because, really, anything goes. Even though I used assorted colour combinations of bright turquoise, greens and blues with soft pastels amidst accents of silver, angelic whites and chocolate brown, the theme is what brings everything together.

Fuzzy wool for a cozy warm feeling: Super easy yet stylish. Once a gift is wrapped, affix one or two ribbons around the box and then wrap a few lengths of fuzzy wool as decorative trim around the package. Assorted fancy yarns provide an inexpensive and chic way to dress up bonbon or cracker-shaped gifts.

Rows of ribbons: Create basic plaid patterns using satin, grosgrain and velvet types of ribbons in assorted colours and widths over a tissue-paper wrapped gift. Garnish with dash of white tinsel garland. A length of wide satin ribbon looks stunning when applied over the centre of larger gifts and plain paper bags. Secure the ribbons at the back of a package using hot glue. Wide ribbons can also be adorned with lengths of fuzzy wool.

Bejewel using recycled jewellery and belt buckles: Recycle odds and ends jewellery pieces, earrings, and charms. Glue these onto a ribbon to create an elegant centre ornament. Paint plain or wooden buckles silver or gold (or any colour) and fasten a length of ribbon around a fabric-wrapped gift. Top it all off with a single feather.

Dazzling with sequins: Make your gifts sparkle and dazzle with sequins. Use by-the-yard sequins as you would ribbons. Double rows of brightly coloured sequins look spectacular onto plain silver-wrapped gifts. Further embellish by randomly gluing individual sequins on wrapped presents.

Quilling for snowman: Quilling, also known as paper filigree, is the art of rolling thin strips of paper into different shapes and using the shapes to form designs. Quilling papers comes in packages of assorted colours. Creative accents, such as plain snowman shapes or monograms, can be crafted to garnish plainly wrapped boxes. Affix designs to gifts using double-face tape. You can even apply the papers in flat strips or fashion a checked pattern. Simple swirls make wonderful gift garnishes. Cut-it-out with paper snowflakes: So easy to make and yet so enchanting. They make magical trimmings onto gifts, in assorted sizes. Just cut snowflake shapes using scissors with folded plain or assorted types of recycled papers. You can even have the kids help you out with this one. Paper garlands can be quite stunning too.

Punched snowflakes: Paper punches with holiday designs are wonderful to use and incorporate into gift trimming. Using a snowflake design punch and assorted papers, from velum to silver, punch out snowflake shapes and glue them onto gifts, ribbons and cards, in a row or randomly. I even used the punched out negative to make decorative bands around gift boxes, and trimmed the edges with decorative scissors.

Monograms letters: Letters, initials make delightful gift topping accents and can be shaped with wire of various colours or beaded wires.

Fabric remnants: Excellent for wrapping larger gifts, and to use up fabrics that you know you won?t use within the next year or so. I utilized fun-fur remnants to make a snowman decoration onto a larger gift box. Hang-tags embellished with rub-on decal lettering, clip art, micro beads and photos of the gift recipient also make fantastic gift trimmings.

Get wrapping and happy trimmings!

Tips: For all gifts wrapped using fabrics, make sure to iron out any creases out first and wrap the gifts as you would with paper wrapping. Use hot glue to secure the folds instead of tape.

Variations: Other creative gift wrappings include holiday dishtowels, table cloths, fabrics, and wallpaper. Or, you can opt to make the wrapping part of the gifts using a variety of household and clothing items.

Older Christmas tree ornaments that you are no longer using also make fun gift toppings.

Don?t be bashful to use colours such as lime green, hot pink, bright orange, mauves, vibrant turquoise and blue; They are very ?in? and trendy colours this season.

Pretty packages can be integrated into your table decorations, to grace a mantel, or even used outdoors. Double them up and use as name card holders.

Copyright MaddyLane Designs ? 2006 maddy@maddylane.com

Madeleine better known as Maddy is an artist and freelance d?cor designer/stylist with 25 years designing experience and many creative ventures to her credit. Maddy is the force and soul of MaddyLane Designs. From her Hudson home studio workshop, she creates innovative, savvy yet accessible DIY home decorative projects for her trade clientele and her syndicated column.

Her DIY d?cor projects are published weekly in the Wednesday edition of the Montreal Gazette in the Art & Life section. Her work is also featured in Canadian magazines. Her various projects advocate the latest in home decorating trends. Her innovative contributions also extend to demonstrations and lectures at trade shows and special events. Maddy?s creativity goes beyond current lifestyle trends, inspiring people to transform ordinary every-day objects into trendy decorative accents for the home. Her inventive passion started at an early age, and when on to work as a fashion designer and illustrator for many years. Her artistic touch has also graced children?s books, unique giftware products, Christmas decorations

Consider Geothermal For Your New Home Heating System!

One thing is for sure energy prices are going to continue to rise. If you are considering replacing your heating and cooling systems or if you are building a new home then you should consider the advantages of using geothermal! One of the most energy efficient methods of heating and cooling your home is to use a geothermal heat exchanger.

Some geothermal systems even provide hot water for your home.

Geothermal heating and cooling is not science fiction, it is a proven method of supplying heating and cooling and its acceptance, and installation is growing daily. Savings on yearly energy bills can be as much as 60 percent. In the US, the federal government and many states are providing tax incentives and credits if you install a geothermal HVAC system. Other countries including Canada also have incentive programs. Check out your local electrical utility or government website.

How does it work?

It uses technologies that have been around for many years - pumps and heat exchangers. A well is drilled on your property. The water from the well is pumped through a heat exchanger in your home where a portion of the latent heat in that water is removed and used to heat your home. In the summer, as the water temperature is cooler than the outside air the system provides air conditioning to your home. In climates where temperatures fall below 0 degrees, supplemental heating using gas, electricity, or fuel oil may be incorporated into the system.

Electricity is used to power the pump and the circulation fans. There is no cost to the homeowner for the actual heat. No gas or fuel oil is consumed.

A geothermal system is not only cost beneficial, it is very environmentally friendly and it conserves our precious fossil fuels.

Interested?

For additional information on geothermal heating and cooling systems, follow the link.

For additional information on geothermal HVAC systems for your home or for information on other home renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Incorporate A Water Feature In Your Landscaping

A water feature placed strategically in a landscape or garden provides a dynamic element to what is usually a static design. Water elements provide tranquility and a sense of calm. The sound and visual effects provided by flowing water are known for their soothing and stress relieving qualities. As a side benefit water features have been known to increase property values by as much as 10%.

Water features can be as simplistic as a statue acting as a fountain to highly complex designs that mimic natural features with multiple terraces and water cascading over a rock bed. Water flow can be slow or swift, with the feature used as a background or as the predominant design element. Only your imagination and budget control the final appearance.

Attract wildlife, from an abundance of birds to squirrels and chipmunks and depending on the location of your property larger animals such as deer. Depending on your climate adding fish to ponds and streams enhances the overall water feature.

The addition of a water feature allows you to dramatically expand the types of plants and flora that can be incorporated into your landscaping.

Many individuals hesitate when considering adding a water feature because of they feel that they are complex to install and require a great deal of maintenance. The complexity of the installation is relative to how dramatic the water feature is and the level of maintenance is relative to the initial investment in the quality of the pumping, aeration and filtration equipment installed.

In the past it was necessary to buy numerous components for your water feature and hope that all the different pieces of equipment were compatible with one another. Now many manufactures are supplying complete kits that contain all of the necessary pumps, filters, aerators, piping and connectors to ensure that all of the pieces of hardware work in conjunction with one another.

Once you have determined that you are going to install a water feature within your landscaping check with your municipal building department for any special requirements and if a permit is required. Remember that water features are difficult to relocate and usually expensive to modify. Planning is the key to success.

For additional information on landscaping your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Create Canvas Art Works from Your Kids Paintings Drawings! Under $20

Do you have boxes and boxes of your kid?s paintings, drawings, scribbles etc, stored away because you just can?t part with them and don?t know what to do with them? Well here is your solution - Create a canvas wall art collage that?s original, creative, cheap to make, and a fun activity that you and the kids can enjoy together. They also make great Christmas presents from the kids to the Grandparents ? A guaranteed winner your kids will be proud of.

The basic idea is to glue your kid?s art directly onto the framed canvas in an overlapping collage style, similar to the method you use for decoupage or making paper mache items. All items you?ll need can be found at any $2 bargain store. This is the best way to keep the costs low; however you?ll also get all you need from an art supply store. Canvas sizes vary so just get one that will suit the wall you want to hang it on, and some smaller ones to keep as future presents.

What you need ?

• A large ready framed canvas and some spare smaller ones for leftover art (available from any $2 bargain store or art supply store).
• A bottle of white PVA or woodwork glue.
• A packet of mixed size foam brushes (bristle brushes are fine if you already have them).
• A pair of scissors.
• A collection of your kids? paper artwork.
• An old bed sheet or plastic sheet (do not use newspaper as this will stick to the canvas).

Let?s Start ?

Get a large plastic bowl and squeeze into it approximately one cup of glue and half a cup of water, mix thoroughly.

If necessary cut off the excess blank areas of paper on each of your child?s artwork, this will reduce bulk.

Lay the canvas onto your sheet or plastic. Using a large brush apply a thick layer of the glue mix all over the canvas, including the sides.

Begin laying the sheets of artwork randomly or orderly if you prefer, onto the canvas.

Make sure to overlap each layer as you go, and brush each piece down with the brush so it sticks. Continue this until the canvas is completely covered with your child?s art.

Apply another layer of glue all over the canvas and allow to dry for one hour in the sun, or two hours indoors.

When the canvas is dry check to make sure all the layers of artwork are glued down and edges are lifting up. If they are then apply more glue under the lift piece and again over the top.

Apply a final coat of glue all over the canvas, remembering to paint the sides as well. Allow to dry completely again, but this time indoors or in the shade outside.

When the canvas is dry it?s ready to hang in your kids? room, or anywhere in the house. A great idea is to hang it somewhere at work where you can be reminded all day long of just how wonderful and clever your kids are!

If you have any artwork left over, make another one with smaller canvas? you bought and give them away to family as presents ? they?ll love it!

To see a finished example of the artwork click here http://makinartworx.com/ezinearticlesimages.html

Monique Arrighi is an Australian artist, photographer and the proprietor of MakinArtworx.com. At Makin Artworx they digitally create contemporary & original WINDOW ART BLINDS and CANVAS ART from your photos and theirs. Window Art Blinds are pull down blinds with their artwork or your photos printed on them. All blinds are custom made to your window size and are available in a see through mesh or block-out style fabric.

Please visit the website to view the Window Art Blinds & Canvas Art, or to subscribe to their Art & Decorating Ezine ?

http://www.makinartworx.com

Pedestal Sink Installation Made Easy

TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Level
Drill with assorted bits
9/16 wrench
Tape measure
Framing square
Channel lock pliers

Some notes before you begin:

1) Observe all local plumbing and building codes.
2) Prior to installation, unpack the new lavatory and inspect it for damage. Return the lavatory to its protective carton until you are ready to install it.
3) These instructions are for installing the lavatory to wood frame construction. For other installations, supply suitable bracing and fastening devices of sufficient size and strength.
4) The walls and floor must be square, plumb, and level.

Pedestal Sink Installation Instructions

Step One:

1) Rough-in the supplies and drain piping Note: The supply stop handles cannot extend more than 3? from the finish wall when in the open position.
2) Install sufficient backing behind the finish wall to provide a secure material for the anchoring devices.
3) Apply two self-adhesive gaskets (provided) to each of the three ridges in the bottom recess of the lavatory.

Tips to Remember

1) Lavatory selection: When replacing a pedestal lavatory, keep in mind, beyond color and style, additional criteria in selecting the piece for your bathroom or powder room.
2) The unit may expose wall and floor imperfections, which may complicate the installation.
3) If you do not want anything touching the floor or an easier to clean system, try a shrouded lav, they are as sturdy as the pedestal lav and give a nice open look to the room.

Step Two:

1) Mark the centerline on the floor.
2) Position the pedestal on the floor centerline.
3) Carefully set the lavatory on the pedestal.
4) Move the pedestal as required to ensure proper fit in the desired location.
5) Level the lavatory. Add more self-adhesive gaskets as needed to level the lavatory. Note: The lavatory must be supported by the pedestal.
6) Check the lavatory placement.
7) Mark the center of each anchoring hole on the wall, and mark the floor through the hole in the pedestal bottom.
8) Carefully remove the lavatory from the pedestal. Then move the pedestal from the area.

Faucet selection: The faucet will require proper clearance between the stopper level and the wall.

Step Three:

1) Drill a ?? mounting hole at the mark on the floor, then drill two ?? hanger bolt holes at the marks on the wall.
2) Mount hanger bolts to the wall so approximately 1-1/4? of each bolt remains exposed. Note: other fastening devices of sufficient size and strength may also be used.
3) Install the faucet and drain to the lavatory according to the manufacturer?s instructions. Note: Do not fully tighten slip-joint drain connections at this time.

Existing hardware: With pedestal sink lavatories, wall mounted, or shrouded lavatories, you will have a substantial amount of supply and drainage hardware exposed to sight. Make sure your P-trap, supply lines, and valves are acceptable for the appearance. This is a perfect time to change and upgrade.

Before installation: When you open the box(es), you will want to do a quick check to make sure all the parts are included. There will be a parts check list in your instruction booklet.

You will want to install the faucet and drain onto the lavatory top before you install the top. It is easier to work with at this point and the two pieces don?t add too much weight.

Step Four:

1) Position the pedestal mounting hole over the hole in the floor.
2) Secure the pedestal to the floor with the wood screw and washer. Tighten the wood screw until it is snug.
Caution! Risk of product damage: Do not overtighten. Overtightening the wood screw may cause damage to the product.

Step 5:

1) Set the lavatory on the pedestal so the hanger bolts extend through the lavatory holes.
2) Level the lavatory.
3) Install the cap nuts and washers, and tighten until snug. Caution! Risk of product damage: Do not overtighten the cap nuts. Overtightening may cause damage to the product.
4) Connect and tighten the trap. Connect the hot and cold water supplies to the faucet.

Installation tips: If available, the installation is much easier with two people. Some of these lavatories are very heavy and can be cumbersome to move around. The most important time for help is when you are putting the lavatory onto the mounting hardware and lining up the P-trap at the same time. It is great to have someone lifting and placing while the other is lining up the pipes.

Installing the legs into the wall is a relatively simple job. However, when screwing in from the threaded side, put a threaded rod connector over the threads to protect them (another option is to use multiple nuts). This will make a much easier time of tightening the nuts while holding up the lav top.

Kevin Campbell is the owner of Employee Wholesale Direct. Employee Wholesale Direct is where you receive the full advantage of purchasing thousands of home remodeling products at true wholesale prices. Buy brand name discount faucets, discount sinks, discount toilets, tankless toilets, pedestal sinks, and much more. EWDIR can be found online at http://www.ewdir.com