Repair A Lamp Socket

Repair your lamp's socket and continue to enjoy it for years to come.

Many times a lamp will break at the switch. Turning the lamp off and on each evening can wear the switch out in the socket. Knowing repair a lamp socket can save your lamp and keep it from decorating a land fill. Repairing a lamp socket is a minor and inexpensive repair that you can do and salvage the lamp that you once thought might never light again. So fix it rather that toss it and enjoy many more years with your lamp. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unplug the lamp from the wall. Remove the lamp shade and light bulb and move the lamp to a level work surface that is large enough for you to work on your lamp comfortably.

2. Remove the lamp harp. The lamp harp holds the lamp shade onto the lamp. It is attached to the lamp harp base by tension placed on the harp base by the harp. Grasp both sides of the lamp harp and squeeze the sides toward each other to release the tension off of the harp base, allowing you to lift it up out of the harp base.

3. Remove the exterior socket off of the lamp. Grab the exterior socket and pull straight up and out of the lamp socket base to expose the interior socket. The interior socket is also the switch and the area the light bulb screws into the lamp.

4. Disconnect the interior socket from the lamp. Grab the interior socket and gently pull the socket up and away from the socket base to expose the wiring. Loosen the two screws on the interior socket and remove the wires from beneath the screws. Discard the interior socket.

5. Install a new interior socket. The lamp wires can only be told apart by the way they feel. The ribbed wire connects to the aluminum screw. The smooth wire connects to the copper screw. Tighten both screws to hold the wires securely in place.

6. Grab the lamp cord at the base of the lamp and pull it out and away from the lamp. This will remove any slack in the lamp wire and allow the interior socket to set against the socket base.

7. Slide the exterior lamp socket over the interior socket and push it firmly into the socket cap.

8. Replace the lamp harp, the light bulb and the lamp shade. Plug your lamp back into the wall.

Tags: interior socket, lamp harp, lamp socket, your lamp, harp base, lamp shade

Make Missionstyle Furniture

Mission oak dining set, Father Jose Mut's dining room at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Mission-style furniture came about when the American Arts & Crafts Movement met the American West. The name "Mission-style" refers to the Spanish missions that were common throughout the West. Mission-style furniture is recognized for its simple elegance, utility, sturdiness and quality of construction. The Arts & Crafts Movement was built upon the belief that a master craftsman was superior to the machines of the Industrial Revolution. Remaining true to that spirit is at the heart of making Mission-style furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Study Mission-style designs and designers. Although the basic design elements are fairly constant, there will be some style differences between the simple utilitarian mission pieces and the more popular pieces create by the Arts & Crafts designers. Gustav Stickley was one of the premier designers of Mission-style furniture during the Arts & Crafts period, and his designs are still commonly reproduced.

2. Choose a design or create your own using the Mission-style design elements. Plans are available for purchase or free download in many places throughout the Internet. You can also find specific plans in a variety of woodworking magazines.

3. Choose a wood and build your furniture piece according to the design plans. Oak is a common wood for Mission-style furniture and makes a sturdy piece, but most any wood will work. Take your time. Mission-style furniture was meant to be sturdy and to last. The designs tend to be simple, so it is easier to concentrate on making each cut and each joint precise.

4. Choose a finish and apply it to the piece. Natural finishes that highlight rather than cover the grain of the wood are most common in Mission-style furniture, especially designs with an Arts & Crafts influence. Take your time when applying your finish. Quality is one of the hallmarks of Mission-style furniture designs.

Tags: Mission-style furniture, Arts Crafts, Arts Crafts Movement, Crafts Movement, design elements, Take your

Weave Chair Bottoms

Woven chairs are durable and natural.

To make your own chair bottom, select a durable material that is recommended for weaving, such as cane, which comes from the outer bark of the rattan palm plant and gives a flat natural appearance. You can also use rattan, which is rounder like bamboo, but not hollow; it's solid and very strong. Traditional hand-caning creates a pattern of octagonal holes that forms a tight weave on the chair bottom when strung and secured properly. Little care is needed for a natural cane chair bottom other than an occasional misting of water to keep your cane from drying and cracking. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Weave Your Own Chair Bottoms

1. Softening the cane makes it easier to work with.

Cut the strands of cane or rattan into easy-to-work-with sections, about 20 feet long. Soak each section of cane or rattan in the pan of water for 10 minutes to soften the material and make it more flexible.

2. Wooden pegs will hold your strands in place.

Begin at the middle of the back of the chair and push the first strand down through the hole. Let 3 to 4 inches hang down under the chair. Cane has a glossy side and a flat side; make the glossy side face-up. Rattan looks the same all the way around. Push a wooden peg into the hole to hold the strand firmly in place; bring the strand across to the front and down through the middle hole. Pull snug and place a wooden peg in this hole. Run the strand under the chair to the hole directly beside the back middle hole where you started. Take it straight across to the front. Repeat this action, removing the wooden pegs to reuse, except for the first one.

3. When you have covered all the holes, cut the cane with your razor, leaving about 4 inches of length from the end. Wrap the end around an adjoining loop on the underside several times. Tie off the beginning strand as well in the same manner. Continue the same procedure with the sides of the seat and weave up and over the parallel strands until you have a checkerboard effect; tie those ends.

4. Begin the third layer at the left-hand corner and follow the cane or rattan from the first layer, weaving in and around the second layer until you reach the end at the opposite corner. Tie off the ends. Start the fourth layer at the top of the right side, weaving in the same holes as the second layer, over the third layer and under the first.

5. Weave in a diagonal pattern, beginning at the right back corner and string toward the opposite front corner. Weave over two vertical strands and under two horizontal strands until you reach the end. Continue weaving horizontally until the entire surface has been covered.

6. Reverse the diagonal weaving by weaving under two vertical strands and over two horizontal strands. With each completed layer, secure the ends.

7. Lay your binding flat around the edge and wrap the weaving cane through the holes in the chair and your pattern holes close to this edge and securely wrap underneath.

Tags: cane rattan, chair bottom, across front, Chair Bottoms, down through

Sunroom Window Treatments

Sunrooms are a wonderful place to enjoy nature without the hassle of little critters invading our space. Even if your sunroom is already furnished and you need window treatments to complement what is pre-existing; the choices for treatments will fit any budget or room décor. If you are starting with the windows and using them as your theme, you will still have plenty of options for furniture and accessories. Does this Spark an idea?

Window Film

Window film can be applied professionally or by the homeowner. Even when there is no other window treatment, film is always working to prevent harmful rays from causing fading to furniture and flooring. Windows that have a film adhesive will also not spray glass when they are shattered. Tinted windows will provide daytime privacy, although at night when there are lights on, they give no privacy from onlookers. Applying film to your windows as a home project will save you money, but it is important to know that even the tiniest speck of dirt will be amplified once the film is placed on the window.

Window Quilts

Window quilts are insulated window treatments that will keep the warm air from escaping during cool nights. Sunrooms are often used during cooler months as part of the homes living space. Quilted treatments allow the warm air to stay captive inside the room providing a cozy and functional room. These treatments need to fit snugly inside the window frame, which also helps keep outside air from entering due to drafty windows.

Bamboo Shades

Bamboo shades will bring the outside in with their natural color and fiber look. Bamboo is a light-weight material but is very durable and is easily cleaned with a weekly dusting. These shades can be purchased in the roll-up style or as a Roman shade. Even with the shade completely rolled down there will still be a nice amount of light that filters through. Some shades can be bought with a liner for even more privacy. Bamboo shades are pre-cut when purchased off the shelf but can also be custom ordered. These shades are an inexpensive way to add a functional and charming window treatment to a sunroom.

Café Curtains

Café curtains provide a country look to windows. These curtains have top and bottom panels. This design allows for the bottom panels to be pulled shut for privacy while the top panels can be drawn toward the window frame, allowing for light to enter.

Tags: Bamboo shades, bottom panels, These shades, when there, will still

Make A Camper Shell

A sleeping space and storage space is all that is required to camp in your truck.

Many truck campers bed down in the back of the vehicles they arrived in. It's not always easy finding a camping shell for the bed of the truck, especially if you are on a limited budget. You can avoid this problem by building a simple and primitive camper shell. A custom-made shell assures it meets your specifications.

Instructions

1. Measure your truck bed's length and width as well as the distance between the bed and top of your cab. Measure the distance between the front and the tailgate from the wheel wells if your truck has them. Measure the distance between the wells. Draw a blueprint on graph paper, using these dimensions. Sketch out the layout of the interior of your camper shell. If it's used for camping, you'll want a space for a bed area, and you'll want a storage area under the bed.

2. Cut the eight 2x4's to the length that matches the measurement from the truck bed to the top of the cab. Subtract one inch from the length to accommodate the plywood's thickness on both the top and bottom. The easiest camper assembly is a box shape that fits over the wheel wells, if applicable. The area between the wells can be used as storage space.

3. Cut four 2x6's the length of your truck bed, minus 4 inches. These will form the support for your roof. Screw the ends of the 2x6s to four of the 2x4s using 3-inch deck screws. Repeat with the remaining four 2x4s at the opposite ends. These will form the frame of your camper.

4. Cut the 1/2-inch plywood to fit the dimensions of your camper. Cut a hole in the 1/2-inch plywood roof and insert the vent. Fasten it using screws, then caulk around the vent. Screw it into place on the 2x6s using the 3-inch deck screws. Cut two additional 2x6s to run lengthwise on each wall. Screw them into place. Cut the 1/4-inch plywood to fit the side walls of your camper. If your truck has wheel wells, cut out the shape and location on the side walls. Screw the walls into place.

5. Form the door by cutting a hole from the end piece of plywood. Reattach the cutout using simple cabinet hinges and screws. Put a hook latch on either side of the door so that it can be secured both from the inside and the outside. If windows are desired, cut out holes on each side of the camper and staple the screen over the openings. Place the wood cutouts on hinges in the same manner as the door. Add hook locks for securing.

6. Caulk around the corners and around any gaps. Coat the roof with a roofing sealer to prevent it from leaking and weathering. Once the sealer is dry, paint the entire camper with an exterior latex paint. This will help prevent weathering. You will need to add a new coat every few years. Allow the paint to dry.

7. Back your truck into place near the front of the camper. Have someone help you lift your camper shell into place. Secure the camper to the truck by drilling through the plywood and into the top of the truck rails in several places. Add bolts and secure with nuts.

Tags: your truck, into place, your camper, distance between, wheel wells, 2-inch plywood, 3-inch deck

Mix Paint Colors Into Brown

Primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Every other paint color that we use is derived by mixing these three paint colors in some way or another. Brown is one color that you can create by mixing all three primary colors. However, there are many other ways to get brown, and there are tricks to get the best quality color of paint.

Instructions

1. Refer to the color wheel. The color wheel will help you determine primary colors as well as secondary and tertiary colors. The colors you choose to mix will make different tones of brown, and the color wheel will help you as you make your selection.

2. Mix one primary color with its complementary color. Red and green are complementary colors, so when you mix them together you get brown. Other complementary colors are orange and blue as well as purple and yellow.

3. Add one secondary color to two primary colors. Mix yellow and blue paints to make green. Add red paint to that green paint to make brown.

4. Find opposite colors on the color wheel. Mix the two opposites together to make brown paint.

5. Combine orange paint with red paint. Mix them thoroughly, and then add a touch of black paint. This makes a deep brown paint that's very versatile.

6. Darken your brown paint by adding a little bit of black paint to your mixture. You can also lighten your brown paint when you add white. This can make your brown paint the color of chocolate milk.

Tags: brown paint, color wheel, your brown, your brown paint, black paint, color that

Making Lantern Parade Floats

Paper lanterns can be made in some very intricate designs.

A floating lantern ceremony is a way to remember loved ones who've passed, reflect on memories and hope for a peaceful and harmonious future. An Asian tradition, lantern floating symbolizes the wish for all beings to live in peaceful coexistence. There are lantern floating ceremonies all around the globe bringing together all cultures, nations and faiths for a beautiful and memorable experience.

Instructions

1. The ridged side of the cardboard sheet will be the outside of the lantern.

Lay the sheet of corrugated cardboard flat side up on the cutting mat.

2. Use the width of the ruler as the measurement to create the vertical lines across the cardboard's length. Line up the ruler to the left edge and draw a line across the cardboard along the opposite edge of the ruler. Move the ruler over so the left edge is lined up with the line you just drew and draw another line to the right of the ruler. Continue across the entire sheet.

3. Line your ruler up with the top of the cardboard and starting at the second column in from the left cut slits across every other column across the entire sheet. Move the ruler down a width of the ruler and continue making slits until you are a ruler width from the bottom edge.

4. Line your ruler up halfway between the slits in the cut row and make slits in the uncut rows the same way. Continue making slits across and down the entire cardboard sheet so it looks like a brickwork pattern.

5. Turn the sheet of cardboard over exposing the corrugated side and weave the skewers from top to bottom in and out of the slits. There should be about 1-inch of skewers extending on either side of the cardboard. Do not weave through the first and last row of slits yet.

6. Roll the skewered cardboard into a tube overlapping the edges and join the lantern edges together by weaving the last skewer through the double thickness of cardboard.

7. Position the tea light or press light in the center of the Styrofoam base and secure with a piece of tape. Press the ends of the skewers into the base.

8. Do a practice float before lighting your candle. If you had a successful "maiden voyage" then you can gently remove the lantern from the base, light the candle, insert the skewers back into the holes on the base and float away.

Tags: across cardboard, across entire, across entire sheet, cardboard sheet, entire sheet, from bottom, lantern floating

Mix Joint Compound For An Orange Peel Texture

Orange peel texture can be sprayed on walls or ceilings.

Orange peel is a style of texture that is applied to a wall. Similar to knockdown texture, orange peel, as the name implies, leaves the wall or ceiling with a bumpy surface. Although orange peel texture is available in pre-mixed containers, it can also be made by mixing drywall joint compound with water. Both all-pourpose drywall joint compound and topping compound can be used. However, they have different consistencies, so the amount of water added will depend on the compound used.

Instructions

1. Fill half of a 5-gallon bucket with joint compound.

2. Attach the mixing paddle to the electric drill and plunge the paddle into the compound.

3. Pour 4 cups of water into the bucket and turn the drill on to start mixing. Use a slow speed to mix.

4. Work the paddle up and down and around the bucket. Ensure that all of the compound is thoroughly mixed.

5. Lift the paddle out of the bucket and look at the consistency of the mixture. It should be soupy and runny. If the compound is too thick, add 1 cup of water at a time and re-mix. If it is too watery, add some more joint compound and re-mix.

6. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then re-mix again. When all of the lumps are out and the mixture is of a smooth consistency, it is ready to pour into a spray hopper.

Tags: joint compound, compound used, drywall joint, drywall joint compound, peel texture

Spanish Style Home Decor

Spanish style home decor is at once simple and elegant, with an old world sophistication and a contemporary predilection for functionality. Although traditional Spanish style favors grand open spaces, it is easy to add a few Spanish elements to any home to give it some continental panache. Add some chunky metal accessories, ornate wall hangings or hand-painted tile and soon your home with be speaking with a Spanish accent. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

There are different types of Spanish style home decor, although most of their elements overlap or combine well. The colonial style favors bold wooden furniture, solid doors with ornamentation, window seats with bright cushions, chunky glassware and metal platters. Hacienda style features romantic lighting, vessel sinks, decorative niches, draped fabrics in bedrooms and tall arched mirrors. Rustic Spanish decor has earthenware vessels, mismatched vintage pieces, handmade cabinetry and rough, contrasting textures. The Mediterranean style is warm and inviting, with an earthy palette accented with seaside colors, romantic lighting and crisp white linens.

Features

The classic features of Spanish style home decor are ornate architectural elements. Columns, cornices, ceiling medallions, ornate window frames and moldings create a bold and stately look. Wooden furniture of solid construction is typical. Woven textiles adorn windows, tables and walls. Spanish style includes metal accents such as wrought iron planters, copper bowls, mirrors framed with scrolled iron, and chunky hardware on cabinets and drawers. Any elements that bring the outdoors to the inside of the home are welcome, such as plants, bowls of fruit and vases of flowers.

Artwork

Spanish style home decor is no place for minimalism, so walls, shelves, counter tops, gardens and niches should feature works of art. Spain's aesthetic preferences were deeply influenced by the Italian Renaissance, as well as the seventeenth century golden age of Spanish culture. Large scale paintings and antique gilded frames lend a home interior an old world charm.

Palette

The Spanish style palette tends toward dark wood accented with bright textiles. Curtains, pillows, blankets and rugs may have rich reds, earthy browns and indigo blue. Walls may be painted with faux distressed finishes in antique shades of cream, gold, yellow and beige. Kitchens and bathrooms often feature ceramic tile painted white and cobalt blue. Red and gold are common shades in the kitchen. The Mediterranean palette also features hues of green and blue reminiscent of the ocean and sky.

Function

A complete Spanish style home decor is a major economic undertaking. Fortunately, doing a couple rooms or a few accessories in Spanish style can work well in many types of interiors such as Tuscan, French Country or Mexican rustic. The recent trends in green design are ideal in a Spanish home decor, because both styles favor earth tones and natural materials such as wood, metal, glass, stone, ceramic and cotton.

Tags: Spanish style, home decor, style home, Spanish style home, style home decor, accented with

Mix Furniture Styles

Mixing furniture styles is tricky but worth the payoff.

Confining your decor to a particular period or style can feel restrictive and stuffy, but freely mixing styles poses a number of unique design problems. Putting together tables, chairs, cabinets, beds and other pieces from different cultures, times and places while still managing to make your design look unified and artistic takes patience and the willingness to experiment until you get things right. When you finally manage to make your antique items harmonize with your modernist additions, it will all be worth the effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unify furniture by theme. Often, different styles will have similar design characteristics which can make them fit together. For example, art nouveau furniture often features ornate designs taken from nature, something which it shares with a lot of classical Oriental furniture. Place an art deco coffee table near an Oriental cabinet, and put up ornate pencil drawings or paintings of birds or trees to help unify the nature theme.

2. Put furniture pieces with similar sizes or proportions in the same room. Low-slung chairs and tables from a variety of styles, combined with short, squat lamps will look good in a room together, since they will create a unified feeling. Similarly, tall, narrow chairs, high tables and cabinets and towering floor lamps will fit together in a high-ceiling room even if they are from a variety of different periods.

3. Combine pieces with the same or complementary colors, or reupholster some items to make them work with others. Combine Shaker, mission and other wooden furniture with similar wood tones. Use colorful throws and pillows with a backdrop of blankets and tapestries on the walls to unite couches and love seats from different styles.

4. Arrange your furniture in patterns to make it look intentional and not thrown together. For example, a mission table with one acrylic chair pulled up to it might look odd and sloppy. Put a number of acrylic chairs around it, however, and it will look like a bold and unconventional design.

Tags: different styles, from different, from variety, lamps will, make them, make your, pieces with

Make Fire Balloons

Make Fire Balloons

Fire balloons, also known as sky lanterns, are miniature hot air balloons. They have been used all over the world to celebrate certain cultural holidays.They originated in the East and are used by the Japanese for their annual Festival of Lights Celebration. Historically fire balloons consisted of paper bags filled with hot air. Today thin plastic bags are often used. Fire balloons spotted in the night sky have sometimes been mistakenly identified as UFOs.

Instructions

1. Take a thin, plastic produce bag commonly found in grocery store produce departments. Scrunch the bag up around its opening and blow into it to check that it's airtight.

2. Lay the mouth of the bag flat on a table and measure the diameter of the opening. A standard size produce bag will be about 15 inches across.

3. Cut two pieces of 1/8-inch wide balsa strips just long enough to span the diameter of the bag opening. Use scissors to cut the balsa wood.

4. Lay them on a flat surface making sure they're perpendicular to each other and tape them with clear plastic tape where they intersect in the middle. Pick them up and wrap the tape underneath the balsa wood.

5. Cut two small birthday candles in half with the scissors. On the two bottom halves, peel away the wax to reveal the wick.

6. Light a full-length birthday candle and drip hot wax on one strip of balsa wood about 1 inch from the point where the two strips of balsa intersect. Press the base of one of the cut candles into the hot wax. Make sure the candle is sitting vertical, straight up and down. Repeat for the remaining three candles and corresponding three strips of balsa.

7. Carefully pick up the balsa wood strips with the candles attached and carefully place the bag over candles. Tape the bottom edge of the bag at the end of each strip of balsa. Make sure the bag is stretched evenly over the four balsa end points.

8. Carry the fire balloon outdoors after dark. Hold the produce bag by its sealed end or have someone else hold it. Light a stick match and reach up under the bag to light the candles sealed with wax to the balsa wood strips.

9. Release the fire balloon once the lit candles inside of it have created enough hot air that it begins to rise.

Tags: balsa wood, balsa wood strips, diameter opening, fire balloon, Make Fire, Make Fire Balloons

Information For Asian Furniture

Traditional Asian furniture can provide inspiration for Western homes.

Asian furniture, including Chinese and Japanese furniture, is coveted by many Westerners. Understanding the history and variety of Chinese furniture and the traditional Japanese room decorating style is a good place to begin when considering decorating in this style. Does this Spark an idea?

Early Chinese Furniture

Cultural and economic changes in China influenced the development of Chinese furniture from the simple to the intricate, according to Antique Chinese Furnitures.com. The Chinese mostly sat on straw mats on the floor in early antiquity, but beds and couches came into widespread use after 221 A.D. Western-style chairs and other seating began to enter China during the Wei-Chin (220-420 A.D.) and Northern and Southern dynasties (420-589 A.D.), and straw mats came to be used as coverings for beds and couches.

Ming and Ch'ing Dynasties

Chinese furniture attained a high level of development in the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties, and consequently most Chinese furniture design today follows in the tradition of these periods. Ming furniture has simple, smooth, flowing lines and plain, elegant ornamentation. In contrast, Ch'ing dynasty furniture, influenced by burgeoning foreign trade and advances in craftsmanship techniques, features rich and intricate ornamentation and coordinated engraved designs.

Types of Chinese Wood Furniture

Wood is the principal material used in the creation of Chinese furniture, and lacquered furniture and hardwood furniture are the two main types of wood furniture. Lacquered furniture, used in palaces, temples and well-to-do homes, includes the types t'i-hung (carved lacquer style), t'ien-chi' (where carved lacquer is used to fill in an engraved design and then rubbed flat), miao-chi'i (outlined lacquer style) and luo-tien (furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl). More than one method can be combined in one piece. Hardwood furniture was associated with the homes of officials and nobles. Red sandalwood is the most valued hardwood used in Chinese furniture making.

Other Materials

Bamboo and rattan are other materials important to Chinese furniture. Bamboo is common in Asia and the bamboo industry is particularly developed in Taiwan. Bamboo can be used in common with other materials, including rattan, wood and ceramic material.

Japanese Furniture

The traditional Japanese home is based on the concept of Ma, the balance between space and objects, according to BBC Homes. The dimensions of traditional Japanese rooms are measured in tatami mats, made of woven rice straw and measuring about 180cm by 90cm. A doorway should equal the height of two mats and be one mat wide. Tatami mats are used for seating, flooring and sleeping. Remove your footwear (slippers, in Japanese tradition) when stepping on a tatami mat to avoid damaging it, advises Japan Guide.com. Tatami rooms have an alcove (tokonoma) where the occupant displays a hanging scroll (kakjiku) and a flower arrangement (ikebana) or a piece of pottery. Sliding paper doors (fusuma) and sliding paper screens (shoji) provide the entrances to the room. Shoji slide on wooden tracks and can be removed completely.

Tags: Chinese furniture, Chinese furniture, traditional Japanese, Asian furniture, beds couches, carved lacquer, lacquer style

Measure The Size Of A Speaker For Reconing

If your speaker needs reconing, you'll need to know the size of the cone.

A speaker consists of several different elements. What most people see when they look at a speaker is the cone. This is the round, cone-shaped structure that moves forward and back in the frame of the speaker to produce sound waves. The cone is suspended in position by a surround, made of foam or rubber, that allows it to move. If the cone of the speaker has become damaged, either by tearing, warping or other wear, it is often possible to replace it with a new cone. This process is called reconing, and one of the first steps in the process is to measure the old cone so a suitable replacement can be purchased.

Instructions

1. Loosen the screws on the perimeter of the speaker and remove the speaker from the cabinet. Unplug or pull off the wires connected to the rear of the speaker.

2. Remove the front gasket of the speaker. This is usually glued into position. Pry it or pull it off as necessary. Pull the speaker and the attached surround out of the speaker basket.

3. Pull the surround off of the speaker cone. This will be glued on. Use what force and tools are necessary to remove it.

4. Measure across the diameter of the speaker cone, from rim to rim. Don't follow the contour of the speaker cone, measure straight across to get the figure.

Tags: speaker cone, cone This, cone speaker, speaker cone This, surround speaker

Measure Furniture To Reupholster

If you can't afford to replace your outdated couch or no longer like the fabric on a favorite chair, don't despair:--reupholster! An affordable way to reupholster any piece of furniture is to measure the piece and buy the material you need. This way, you have numerous options and can take advantage of sales at a local fabric store instead of relying on an upholsterer, who will mark up fabric prices. Just be sure to measure correctly to avoid buying too much or too little fabric for the job. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Measuring Furniture for Reupholstering

1. Draw a large, rough sketch of the front and back views of the piece of furniture you want to reupholster.

2. Measure from the top center of the piece down to the bottom center, then measure the full width. Note these measurements on the sketch of the back view.

3. Take out any cushions and measure from the top center down to the seat. Note this measurement on the drawing of the front view.

4. Measure the width of the back of the piece and mark this on your drawing. Then measure any cushions and note these on your drawing separately. For example, three cushions at 2 feet by 2 feet by 8 inches tall.

5. Measure the length and width of the seat, and both inside and outside arms. Fill in these measurements on your drawing.

6. Take your drawing to a local fabric store and ask for assistance in choosing an upholstery fabric suitable to your needs. Based on your measurements, ask the sales person to help you determine the proper yardage needed. Ask for her advice on securing the fabric to the frame of the furniture piece.

Tags: your drawing, fabric store, from center, local fabric, local fabric store, piece furniture

Measure For Making Window Valances & Treatments

Measure for Making Window Valances & Treatments

Having valances and window treatments professionally made is very expensive. The valances and window treatments you can buy at stores often are of poor quality. Find a middle ground by sewing your own window valances and treatments. The first and most important step you need to take is measuring. By taking careful measurements you can almost ensure that you will get the look you desire for your valances and window treatments. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

For Valances

1. Measure across the window frame. Write this measurement as the "actual width" measurement.

2. Measure how far down the window you want your valance to hang, remembering that valances usually hang ¼ to 1/3 of the way down the window. Jot this down as the "actual length."

3. Figure out your necessary fabric measurements for the valance. Double the "actual width" measurement to figure the amount of fabric needed for the width of a basic valance. Triple the "actual width" measurement for a swag valance-style window treatment. Quadruple the "actual width" measurement for extra-large windows and extra swags.

4. Add 8 inches to the "actual length" measurement to account for the valance header (the portion of the fabric that will be above the curtain rod), the rod casing and the finished bottom hem.

For Basic Curtains

5. Place the measuring tape at the top of the window casing. Hold the end of the measuring tape there while you pull the other end down to where you want your window treatments to hang.

6. Add 8 inches to the length measurement to account for the rod casing and the bottom hem.

7. Measure across the width of the window. Make sure to measure from the outside edge of the window casing to the other outside edge of the window casing and not just the glass.

8. Use this measurement for each curtain panel or sheer you need, keeping in mind that most windows use two curtain panels per window treatment.

Tags: actual width, actual width measurement, width measurement, window treatments, valances window, valances window treatments

Measure For A Dining Room Table

Measure for a Dining Room Table

Your family is seated around a beautifully set dining room table. It sounds like an image from a Currier and Ives picture. However, if the table is too small, people can be squashed elbow to shoulder, making eating a nightmare. Or, if the table is too large, you have to squeeze around it. Finding the right size dining room table-whether new or antique-can be a daunting. Taking the proper measurements will make this task easier. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the dining room's width and length. This measurement will go from wall to wall, no matter what furniture is already in it. Mark these measurements on graph paper. For instance, if the room is 12 feet wide and 14 feet long, place a mark at one point on the graph paper, count 12 squares over and place another mark to represent the 12 feet wide and do the same in the opposite direction for the 14 feet long dimension. Then connect these marks to represent the perimeter of the dining room.

2. Measure the free space of the dining room. Include not only the width and length, but also any unusual items that take up space, such as large plants. Add these measurements to the dining room diagram.

3. Place two chairs--or items to represent the size of dining table chairs--opposite each other where they would be set if someone were sitting at a table. Adjust their position until they are comfortable for someone sitting in it as well as giving room to move past them. Measure from the back of one chair across to the back of the other.

4. Repeat the placement of the chair, or objects, in the other direction. Measure the distance for these two chairs. Add this and the previous dimensions to the diagram.

5. Cut out pieces of paper, using these dimensions, in a rectangle, oval or circle. These pieces of paper represent the different shapes of dining room tables. Place the cut papers on the diagram of the room's dimensions to determine which shape table will work best for the room. Remember, with someone sitting in the chairs, it will take up an additional 18 to 24 inches, depending upon the size of the person.

6. Cut a length of twine in the outer measurement of the table. Lay this twine on the floor in the dining room, adjusting it to fit the table size you decided upon earlier. Place chairs, or the objects you used to represent chairs, around the twine. Have someone sit on the chairs, to make sure there is enough room comfortable sitting. Measure the dimensions of the table and chairs one more time. Take these dimensions and the carpenter's measure with you when you shop for the dining room table.

Tags: dining room, feet long, feet wide, graph paper, Measure Dining Room, pieces paper, room table

Techniques For Job Applicants To Get A Job

Getting a job can prove challenging, and several qualified candidates may seek the same employment opportunities. This can result in months of submitting resumes and applications without a callback. But rather than get discouraged, consider tips to help you stand out in an employer's mind.

Speak Up

Finding a job quickly in a tough economy is often a matter of opening your mouth and talking about your employment needs. Think of people you know who work in fields that interest you. Perhaps you know someone who works in human resources or an owner of a company. Communicate with these individuals, and ask if there are openings at their job. This technique can help you get an interview and get your foot in the door.

Business Card Resume

Get creative with your resume. Instead of always carrying a folder filled with resumes, print business cards that highlight your areas of expertise on the back. The front of the business card should include your name and contact information. Provide a condensed version of your skills and employment objective on the back. Carry a stack of business cards with you, and leave these with professionals when the opportunity arises.

Hone Your Resume and Cover Letter

Business cards aren't a complete substitute for resumes and cover letters. Improve your resume to make yourself stand out. Rather than send "cookie cutter" resumes and cover letters to employers, customize each one and tailor the information specifically for each company and job. For example, if the employer desires someone who speaks multiple languages, include a section in your resume or a sentence in your cover letter that lists the different languages you speak, if applicable. Also, take additional business classes or workshops to learn the latest software programs or skills that can benefit you in the workforce.

Get Out the House

Some job applicants take the easy route and spend their days visiting online job boards and emailing their resumes to employers. These methods can help applicants secure jobs. However, many employers do not post jobs on these boards. And relying solely on this method can result in missing out on a good opportunity. With a few resumes and cover letters in hand, visit local companies and ask to leave your resume and complete a job application.

Ace Your Interview

Getting a call back from an employer is the first step. Getting a job offer requires making the best impression on your job interview. Arriving on time demonstrates punctuality and wearing appropriate attire points to professionalism (business suit, slacks, dress, blazer). Being enthusiastic and positive increases likability, and good eye contact can indicate confidence. Also, research the company before the interview. The interviewer may ask questions about the company, and a silent reply can leave a bad impression.

Tags: cover letters, resumes cover, resumes cover letters, your resume

Schools With Physical Therapy Degrees

Physical therapy was first documented in China around 3000 BC.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the goal of physical therapy is to improve mobility, restore function, reduce pain and prevent further injury by using a variety of physical therapy methods. Physical therapists work for sports teams, athletic organizations, military rehabilitation centers, senior citizen living communities, hospitals and clinics. All states require practicing physical therapists to graduate from an accredited physical therapy program and pass a licensing exam.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University offers a clinical doctorate in physical therapy program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. To be admitted, students must have a bachelor of science degree with a minimum 2.9 GPA. In addition to 50 hours of coursework, students must complete 80 hours of supervised volunteer or paid service in physical therapy. Upon graduation, students must have a C average in all classes.

Alabama State University

P.O. Box 271

Montgomery, AL 36101

334-229-4100

alasu.edu

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers a doctorate of physical therapy program. To be admitted, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Required courses include human anatomy, physiology, physics, statistics and medical terminology. In addition, students participate in six clinical rotations in a physical therapy setting.

Arkansas State has an early-start program for freshmen who score at least a 24 on the ACT, maintain a 3.25 GPA each semester, join the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) and apply for admission to graduate school. Arkansas State also offers an early-start program for seniors who have completed at least 90 hours of coursework, maintain a 3.50 GPA and join the PTSA.

Arkansas State University

Department of Physical Therapy

P.O. Box 910

Jonesboro, AR 72467

870-972-3591

astate.edu

Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University offers a 3+3 physical therapy program designed for students who wish to pursue both an undergraduate and graduate (doctorate) degree through the physical therapy program. The six-year program is available to students interested in undergraduate disciplines such as exercise science, psychology or biology. Sacred Heart University also offers a three-year doctorate program that includes eight to ten weeks of clinical rotations.

Sacred Heart University

5151 Park Ave.

Fairfield, CT 06825

203-371-7999

sacredheart.edu

Tags: State University, Arkansas State, physical therapy program, therapy program, Heart University, physical therapy

The Life Cycle Of A Sycamore Fig Tree

A giant tree and a tiny wasp collaborate for wonderful fruit.

It soars 55 feet into the air; the shade from its 20-foot canopy protects a teeming collection of insects, reptiles, and rodents. The sycamore fig tree is an ancient species and a prodigious bearer. But despite its lusty appearance and behavior, it is only through an odd relationship with a tiny insect that the sycamore fig tree thrives at all. Does this Spark an idea?

History

A member of the Mulberry family, the sycamore fig is native to southern Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. It was cultivated in Israel and Egypt where it is coveted for its shade, wood and fruit. One of the oldest known tree species, reference to the sycamore fig is made in the Bible, and specimen trees exist in the tropics that date into the thousands of years. According to the USDA plant guide, they are neither native to nor actively cultivated in the U.S.

Propagation

The life of a sycamore fig tree begins from a seed dropped in the nutrient-rich soil near water, or the mossy undergrowth in mixed woodlands, by one of the animals who eat the figs. A mature tree will produce up to a ton of figs four times per year, giving the sycamore fig the distinction of feeding more animal species in Africa than any other tree. They are evergreen with a fluted trunk and begin bearing fruit between the ages of five and six.

Pollination

The buds produced by the sycamore fig cannot become fruit and seed until they are fertilized by a fig wasp. The tiny female wasps enter the fig cavity to lay eggs and pollinate the bud. Once the wasps have left the tree, the figs begin to ripen, providing seed to perpetuate the species in fruit to assist with propagation. The tree will repeat the process up to four times a year over its entire lifetime, starting new buds within weeks of dropping fruit.

Threats

Man and drought are the only documented threats to the sycamore fig tree. They have a lifespan of 500 to 1,000 years. The fluted trunk helps them withstand assault by animals or severity of weather. An individual tree can live with or without bearing fruit, and the species is unaffected by bug or borer infestation.

Tags: sycamore tree, bearing fruit, fluted trunk, four times, four times year, times year, tree They

Match The Impedance On A Radio And Speaker

Connecting a radio to a speaker requires more thought than just connecting the wires. A radio has an output impedance just like a speaker that has an input impedance. To transfer maximum power from the radio to the speaker, the impedance of the radio and the impedance seen at the speaker must be equal or as close to equal as possible. It is very difficult to change the radio impedance, but the speaker impedance can be changed by adding or subtracting speakers in various configurations.

Instructions

1. Verify the impedances of the radio and speakers by checking the manufacturer's documentation. In this example, the radio has an output impedance of 8 ohms, and the speakers have an input impedance of 4 ohms.

2. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off of the ends of the speaker wire. Connect the positive terminal of one of the radio output terminals to the positive terminal of speaker #1. Connect the negative terminal of the radio output terminal to the negative terminal of speaker #2.

3. Take another speaker wire and connect the negative terminal of speaker #1 to the positive terminal of speaker #2. Since the radio has an impedance of 8 ohms, 8 ohms is the impedance needed at the speakers. In order to get 8 ohms at the speakers, they have to be wired in series so the impedances add together to produce an 8-ohm impedance.

Tags: radio output, terminal speaker, impedance ohms, negative terminal, positive terminal

The Best Summer Grass In Arizona

Bermudagrass is especially suited to tropical and desert climates.

Summer grass, also called warm-season grass, grows during the summer and is dormant during the winter. The University of Arizona's agricultural extension service recommends Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) as the best summer grass for the desert valleys of Yuma, Tuscon and Phoenix. Bermudagrass is also the most prominent and suitable grass for Arizona lawns at higher elevations. Does this Spark an idea?

Description

Bermudagrass has gray-green blades that grow from 1 to 6 inches high. Its roots can grow up to 6 feet deep, enabling the grass to survive drought conditions. It grows poorly in full shade. Common Bermudagrass has a medium texture and grows unsightly seed heads. Hybrid Bermudagrasses developed for lawns and turf grow more densely; they have finer blades with a richer color and produce fewer seedheads. Mow hybrid varieties close to the ground and fertilize and dethach them frequently.

Attributes

Bermudagrass is grown for lawns, playing fields and parks in hot, desert and subtropical areas of the U.S. It grows best in the summer when temperatures are above 80 degrees F, likes full sun and will tolerate salty soil and salty water. You can grow Bermudagrass on hard soil and in shallow soil, and it can withstand heavy use.

Growth

In Arizona, Bermudagrass begins to go dormant in September starts growing again in May. Overseed Bermudagrass with ryegrass in the late summer or early fall to provide year-round green grass. Bermudagrass spreads both by aboveground runners called stolons and underground shoots called rhizomes. You may have to build a concrete or brick border or other buffer zone to keep it from spreading into your flower beds or gardens. Hybrid varieties have seed heads that do not produce seeds; you have to plant them from sprigs or sod.

Hybrid Varieties

The Cooperative Extension at University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recommends six sterile, hybrid varieties of Bermudagrass for Arizona lawns. These are high-density varieties with fine grass blades, meaning they form attractive turf, but you have to mow them regularly. If you allow them to grow more than 2 inches high they will develop brown patches. "E-Z Turf Midiron" is a good general purpose Bermudagrass for Arizona lawns. "Tifway 419" and "Tifway II" are darker green and thicker varieties of Bermudagrass than E-Z Turf Midiron. You can mow them at a lower height than E-Z Turf Midiron. "Santa Ana," developed by the University of California, produces thick turf with slightly broader leaves than other Bermudagrass varieties. "Bob-Sod" or "Bank One Ballpark" sod, developed by Mississippi State University, is a dense Bermudagrass that can withstand high traffic when you mow it at low heights. Dark, blue-green "TifSport," developed by the Tifton Experiment Station in Georgia, also can tolerate close mowing with reel mowers.

Tags: Arizona lawns, Turf Midiron, Bermudagrass Arizona, Bermudagrass Arizona lawns, best summer, grow more, hybrid varieties

Room Styles & Furniture Styles

Granny style is high comfort, homey and homemade.

The furniture on-hand and the proportions of a room are not the final determinant of decorating style. Personal taste trumps externals, whether you are furnishing a converted barn or a city condo. But when the character of the room intersects with your personality, the furniture you select just seems to fit better. So pull out your powdered wig, your knitting needles or your vintage Tony Bennet albums, measure the room and start looking at paint chips. Does this Spark an idea?

Early 1960s Style

The 1960s weren't all psychedelic black light paint, Indian bedspreads and peace signs. They started out with rather plain and unpretentious mid-century modern, a post-war sensibility that traded overstuffed for understated. A living room in a suburban tract house would have a single layer of ceiling-to-floor drapes, made of a light color and material. Danish modern furniture mixed freely with squared, solid color upholstered sectionals and round or amoeba-shaped tables. Wood veneer floors were covered by bright tribal rugs or hidden under flat pile wall-to-wall carpet. Shelves were open, directly mounted on the wall and a few cosmopolitan touches personalized the space. A side table could be topped by a brass Indian tray. A large wicker storage trunk performed double duty as seating with a velvet cushion. A Japanese paper lantern was a clean, contemporary touch to light up a corner. Souvenirs from travels served as art and conversation pieces. Haunt secondhand stores and online sellers for mid-century pieces to restore your suburban ranch.

French Court Style

A high-ceiling dining room with a parquet floor turns into a glimpse of Versailles grandeur when it is furnished in Louis XV and Louis XVI style. At least one enormous gilded pier glass is mandatory and two would be better. Paneled walls with painted molding and inset, embroidered fabric or hand-colored wallpaper are the right scale for the high ceilings in this room. Heavy damask drapes pulled back from the windows frame daylight in gleaming pastel blue, rose or watery green. The fireplace surround and mantel are ornate, painted white or gilded. Over the mantel, a large oil painting or another pier glass in a heavy frame is illuminated by candelabra. The furniture is period reproduction with upholstered seats and backs. Groupings of four chairs around small round tables are more intimate than a long dining table. The mood of the room is light but rich and royal, and the actual light at night comes from a dimmable crystal chandelier.

Granny Style

For your country cottage, city bungalow, attic hideaway or tiny urban studio, a granny bedroom turns a diminutive space into a comfortable cocoon. Paint the trim white, wallpaper with something old fashioned and flowery and upholster the headboard in a 1940s flower and stripe. Repurpose a lace tablecloth as a bedcover over white linens, and top it off with Grandma's handcrocheted afghan. Hang a white paper lantern glued all over with fabric flowers over a dressing table with a gathered skirt. Stereo speakers big enough to be end tables get lace-covered front panels and tops protected by lacy doilies under pots of African violets. An old glass-front cabinet holds dried flowers, linens, extra blankets and favorite books, and a big squishy wing chair with a couple of small, down pillows has its own footstool covered with an embroidered sampler. The room is a throwback to a simpler time, but it is also the height of green chic with its blend of heirlooms and recycled finds.

Tags: paper lantern, pier glass

Make Music Notes Using Origami

Create an origami symbol of a music note.

Origami involves folding square pieces of paper into intricate shapes. Origami uses a series of folds known as valley and mountain folds. A valley fold brings the edges of the paper upwards while a mountain fold brings the edges of the paper downwards. To create the simplest origami music note, fold a square piece of origami paper into an eighth note. Add the eighth note to a set of origami music instruments such as an origami guitar.

Instructions

1. Place the paper with the white side up. Crease the paper at the vertical center. Crease the paper in fourths by creating a crease between the edge of the paper and the center line. Crease the paper in eights by creating a crease between each quarter-line and the line to its right.

2. Fold the paper along the creases so that the right and left edge face you. You should see the colored side of the paper. Grasp the right-edge of the bottom of paper and pull the edge towards the center of the paper to create a crease. This crease should take all of the layers of paper towards the center. Create a similar crease on the left side. Grasp the right and left edge of the bottom and create a valley fold. This folds center should sit at the place where the diagonal crease meets the edge of the paper.

3. Unfold the tab at the bottom of the paper. Grasp the right side of the paper, at the center. Create a fold on the top three layers. This fold should extend from the place where the first diagonal line hits the side of the paper. The new fold should be the same length and angle as the first crease. Fold the top two layers of the left side.

4. Bring the right and left edge of the paper together by creating a valley fold down the center of the paper. Grasp the paper and set it on its side so that it looks like a left-facing "L." Grasp the right edge of the paper and fold the bottom corner under the paper. This fold extends along the current crease.

5. Grasp the top of the paper. Fold the top of the paper towards the right. The center of the fold should rest at the mid-point of the rectangle and should be diagonal. Grasp the right edge and create a new fold. This fold brings the edge of the paper towards the bottom of the paper and creates a diagonal crease symmetrical to the current crease.

6. Fold the bottom edge of the paper to the right. Create a fold at the top edge of the paper. This fold should be parallel to the fold above it. After creating this fold, bring the right edge of the paper down, creating another parallel fold. Grasp the right edge of the paper and fold this edge vertically, bringing the edge of the paper behind the note.

Tags: edge paper, Grasp right, fold should, right edge, bottom paper, Crease paper

Southwest Bedroom Decorating With Whitewashed Furniture

Whitewashing enhances the natural grain of the wood but also provides a white hue.

Southwestern decor is usually characterized by earthy tones and a handful of bright colors, contrasting textures between rough and smooth and an array of handcrafted, woven and ceramic or clay elements. Furniture in Southwestern decor can range from wooden, to wicker, to woven cotton and leather, particularly in bedrooms. An easy way to upgrade your bedroom decor is with a technique called whitewashing, which is done to wooden furniture and helps create that texture contrast that Southwestern styles are all about. Whitewashing is simple to do and provides the furnishings with a distinctive, rough but cozy appearance. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Add pieces of whitewashed furniture to bring interest to a bedroom that is plain or boring. These could include a large mirror with a whitewashed frame (complete with inlaid turquoise for an even larger Southwestern kick), a bedside table, a vanity table or chair or a dresser. Adding one whitewashed furniture element can add some character as it contrasts with other textures in the bedroom, such as a cherry or oak wood bed or a rustic metal bookshelf.

2. Choose one large whitewashed furniture piece as the focal point in the bedroom instead of one or two smaller pieces. For example, make your bed frame the whitewashed element in the room, which will brighten up the room as well as give it a more Southwestern rustic appeal.

3. Incorporate your whitewashed pieces with Southwestern paint colors in the bedroom. Keep three of the walls neutral, such as a warm tan color, and paint one focal wall adobe red, cactus green or bright Indian turquoise to make the whitewash pop. You can also incorporate paint colors into the whitewashing process--add in shots of dusky orange, sunny yellow or a Southwestern pattern like Native American designs.

4. Add whitewashed furniture to a bedroom for someone who likes the Southwestern decorating style but also wants a more feminine look. Whitewashing provides the rustic element of seeing the natural wood grain, but also keeps the feminine touch of delicate and muted lines. It is the best of both worlds.

Tags: whitewashed furniture, paint colors, Southwestern decor

Office Den Design Ideas

A home office is becoming a must in today's computerized, tele-commuting world. The more time you spend there, the more important it is to make the office both functional and fun. It should reflect your style and be convenient, versatile and comfortable. Does this Spark an idea?

Office Den Essentials

Consider what work you'll be doing how you'll be doing it. Will you require a lot of desk space and storage or a compact secretary desk solely for writing and keeping up with email?

If you plan to use your computer simply to pay bills and plan your budget, you may just need workspace to lay out your books, pencils and calculator. If you'll be spreading out multiple documents, consider an L-shaped desk. Give yourself easy access to the files and documents you regularly use, as well as to stationery, a printer and telephone. Use desk grommets to conceal and organize cables and wires.

Keep ergonomics in mind if you plan to spend significant time in your office. Your computer monitor should sit 18 to 20 inches away from you, with the top third at eye level. The keyboard should rest one inch above your thighs and tilt slightly down away from you. Your elbows should rest at 90-degree angles. Aim to keep your knees comfortably positioned at a 90-degree angle, too.

Office Den Design

Add your personal touch to make your office den feel like home. Would you feel more comfortable in a formal den with warm mahogany wood and bookshelves lining the walls,or in a sun room-like environment with white-framed windows and sunshine yellow walls?

Warm up a formal den with wooden paneling or beams, but avoid making the room appear too dark. Create the library look with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and rich, leather chairs, but add a few lighter colors for contrast to enliven the room. A stone fireplace is the ultimate addition for an inviting atmosphere; as an inexpensive alternative, dress up a gas or electric fireplace with faux-stone paneling.

A must for a sun room-style office den is, of course, loads of sun. Enhance the natural light of your room by expanding the windows, if possible, and dressing them with sheer curtain panels, bright valances or roll-up blinds. Soften the room with window boxes and indoor plants and with colorful collages of family photos on the walls.

Tags: away from, formal with, Office Design, plan your, should rest, your office

Water A Fig Tree

Fig trees require adequate water to bear good figs

Like many fruit-bearing trees, fig trees have particular watering needs. These trees do not handle drought well, in large part due to their root system, which, according to Texas A&M University Extension, lies close to the soil's surface. Since the top layers of soil dry out faster than lower layers, this means the tree roots will not receive enough water if this upper layer is allowed to stay dry for long. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Water fig trees indoors or in greenhouses at least twice a week, as suggested by botanical-online.com. Unlike many other kinds of plants and trees, you should also spray down the leaves once a week to once every two weeks. To do this, use a garden hose and water the container until all the soil within it has been saturated.

2. Use a garden hose or a garden hose attached to a sprinkler to water fig trees outdoors. Make sure you water several feet between the trunk and the tips of the branches to get at the roots. During the dry summer months, water these trees at least once every 10 days, as suggested by plantanswers.com, and at least to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. Outdoor figs also benefit from occasional spraying of water if there has been no rainfall.

3. Place a thick layer (a foot or more deep) of straw mulch around the tree to hold in moisture. This mulch layer also helps protect the tree roots during cold weather.

4. Taper the frequency of watering as cold weather develops in the fall. Too much leafy growth at this time will make the tree susceptible to frost damage. In winter, when the tree has gone dormant, water it only occasionally (if there is no snowfall), such as once a month. If you have rain or snowfall during winter months, don't worry about watering outdoor figs.

Tags: garden hose, cold weather, once every, tree roots

Make Your Own Route 66 Sign

Constructing your own Route 66 sign is economical and rewarding.

Designing and creating your own classic Route 66 sign allows you to completely customize the style for your needs as well as offering a rewarding experience in the crafting process. Whether making a canvas print for a boy's bedroom or a metal sign for an auto garage, use classic black and white or update the look with colors that fit your decor. Consider coupling a rectangular sign with several square or round signs to make an installation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a material for the sign. For an outdoor sign, metal or plastic will endure the elements better than wood or canvas. Indoor use allows a wider range of materials, though metal remains the most authentic. Decide if you want the sign shaped like a classic Route 66 sign or if you want to paint the shape onto a rectangular sheet. Your available tools and skills with a saw will determine the best fit for your project.

2. Measure and cut the material for the sign. Trace the sign onto the material before making any cuts to ensure a proportional sign that is properly scaled. Use a saw on the wood, plastic and metal, and a craft knife on canvas.

3. Prime the material to ensure the paint adheres properly and to keep the paint colors from running. Crisp color lines are an important part of the classic black and white sign. Use painter's tape to keep the lines crisp and prevent bleeding through. You may need to retrace the sign on the material at this point.

4. Paint the sign, using a large brush to fill and for the first coat, while using smaller brushes for detail work and the second coat. Follow the directions on the paint to allow enough drying time between coats of primer and paint, the two or more coats of paint and the paint and sealant.

5. Seal the paint using shellac, fixative or another type of sealant. The type of sealant to use will depend on your base material. Drill holes in the sign and affix mounting hardware. You may need picture hook hardware instead of simple hammer and nails. Locate a stud in the wall you plan to use before determining the type and placement of mounting hardware.

Tags: Route sign, black white, classic black, classic black white, classic Route, classic Route sign

Things To Make A Baby Happy

A happy baby can make you feel like a successful parent.

Most parents would say they want nothing more than for their children to be happy. But with a young baby, it can be difficult to know achieve that. Although some babies are naturally content and seem happy most of the time, others are fussy and high-need. Since babies can't talk yet, it can be hard to know what to do to help. But with a little experimenting and patience, you can find ways to help your baby be happier.

Respond to Your Baby's Needs

Meeting your baby's needs is the first step toward keeping your baby happy. Although all babies share the same basic needs, every baby needs different care to be emotionally satisfied. Some babies are happy to lie on the floor playing with toys for most of the day, while others will cry if not held and rocked constantly. To meet your baby's individual needs, watch his reactions to different situations and respond accordingly. If he wants you to hold him all the time, get a comfortable baby carrier so you can keep him close throughout your daily life. If he loves the stimulation of different activities, then rotate his toys so he can always have something new to look at. Pay close attention so you can learn to read even subtle signals: a bored cry might sound similar to an overstimulated cry, and finding the right response will make all the difference in helping him be happy again.

Soothe a Fussy Baby

Your baby can be fussy for many different reasons. She could be tired, wet or hungry; she could be in pain or overstimulated or bored. If you've met all her physical needs and still don't know why she's fussy, you can try techniques for soothing a fussy or high-needs baby. Pediatrician Dr. Karp, author of "The Happiest Baby on the Block," recommends the five "S's" to soothe a newborn baby: swaddling; holding the baby on her side or stomach; making a shushing sound similar to white noise to replicate the sounds she heard within the womb; swinging or rocking gently; and letting her suck on a pacifier or breast. Pediatrician Dr. Sears offers similar techniques for an older baby such as wearing her in a carrier, putting her in a swing and using white noise.

Encourage a Baby's Emotional Health

When your baby is very young, a quick response to his cries helps him learn to be calm and happy. But as he grows older, he can begin to learn to soothe himself. Letting him struggle to learn new skills instead of immediately helping him accomplish a new task is important so he can develop his abilities. When he is angry or sad about something that you can't immediately fix, such as having to leave a play group, you can encourage emotional health by recognizing and validating his emotions. Express what he's feeling in words and allow him to experience sadness or disappointment. By teaching him that it's okay to have negative emotions and then helping him find ways to work through those emotions, you will help him develop long-term emotional health.

Be Happy Yourself

Babies are very sensitive to their caregiver's moods. If you are generally happy and calm, your baby will learn to imitate those attitudes. If you are depressed or stressed easily, then your baby will be more likely to overreact to difficult situations. Even if your baby is fussy and unhappy, don't let her mood shape yours. Stay calm and gentle, and give yourself a break when necessary so you can stay patient with your baby. Eventually, your calm, happy demeanor will start to influence her.

Tags: your baby, baby fussy, baby will, calm happy, emotional health, find ways

Make Your Own Photo Lighting Studio Cube

Light cubes are used to photograph small objects such as this tea kettle.

Professional photographers use light cubes when photographing small objects. They put the objects and the camera inside the cube in order to have better control over the lighting. You can buy a collapsible light cube, but it is easier and less expensive to make your own.

Instructions

1. On the front of the box, measure and mark a spot 2 inches from each of the corners. Use a ruler to draw a rectangle, using the marked spots as guides. Cut out the rectangle. Repeat on the back and sides of the box.

2. Cut off the top of the box.

3. On the Bristol board, measure and cut out 16 2-inch strips.

4. Glue the strips to the inside bottom of the box. Doing this creates a reflective surface on the bottom of the box for light to bounce off of when you are photographing small objects.

5. Cut another piece of Bristol board so it is as wide as the box and slightly longer. Put it lengthwise into the box so that it curves slightly and fits snugly against the back of the box. Trim the top of the piece of Bristol board so it fits inside the box.

6. Cut a piece of fabric long enough to cover the sides and back of the box. Tape the fabric in place. Cover the top with a second piece of fabric. Tape this piece as well.

7. Position the desk lamp or clamp-on lamp so that it is directly over the top of the box. When you are ready to shoot, turn the lamp on.

Tags: Bristol board, small objects, photographing small, photographing small objects, piece Bristol

What Is Normal Wear & Tear For Grout

Several types of grout wear and tear occur.

Spilling coffee while running late for work, family pets, rambunctious outdoors-loving children and the everyday hustle and bustle of normal life contribute to the grime, grease and overall grunginess that builds up on grout. All of these factors and more are considered normal wear and tear for your home's grout. Does this Spark an idea?

Tile Floors, Kitchen Area

Daily foot traffic and kitchen use take a toll on grout, which is a common problem due to various forms of grease and stains from cooking and/or eating and drinking in addition to simple dust and dirt brought inside on the bottom of shoes. Lighter colors of grout will turn darker from foot traffic; dark grays and browns tend to hold up better over longer periods. A good scrubbing with a mild grout cleaner followed by a penetrating tile sealant will return heavy-foot-traffic grout to its previous luster.

Tile Bathrooms

Continuous use of bathrooms, especially areas in showers and countertops that get wet daily, feature significant grout wear and tear. Called efflorescence, this process changes the appearance of grout into a dingy, light-gray appearance. Areas of the country that have "hard" water -- water high in chlorine, salts and minerals -- are more prone to this kind of grout staining. Mild tile and grout cleaners applied to both the tile and grout take care of this problem; applying a quality sealant protects grout from efflorescence.

Exterior Stone/Tile

Exterior stone or tile is prone to every wear-and-tear symptom possible. Weather, moisture, sun and simple time often fades grout. Dirt and rust stains from furniture and potted plants also occur. Applying a high-quality sealant periodically protects against exterior grout wear and tear; cleaning with a tile cleaner alleviates fading but will not solve it.

Swimming Pool Tile

Like bathroom areas but even more extreme, swimming pool tile is subjected to harsh chemicals that change the color of grout. Efflorescence is particularly extreme with pool tile and grout; stronger cleaners specialized for this kind of wear and tear can clean up the mess. Dark blue tile and corresponding dark grout selections in pools aren't chosen by accident; they both help in deterring normal wear and tear.

Tags: wear tear, grout wear, grout wear tear, tile grout, foot traffic, pool tile, stains from

Replace Sofa Cushion Buttons

A popped button on a cushion can ruin the look of your sofa.

Upholstery buttons often pop off sofa cushions with regular use. While this is frustrating, it does not mark the end of your sofa. With a couple of tools and half an hour, you can replace a sofa cushion button. According to Mikayel Aslanyan, operating manager of All Furniture Services, LLC, the most common type of sofa cushion button is one that attaches to a matching button on the opposite side of a detached cushion. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove both buttons and any remaining thread from the cushion.

2. Thread a long upholstery needle with 24 inches of nylon upholstery thread, and tie a knot in the ends of the thread.

3. Run the needle through the holes at the back of one button and back through the original button location, pushing it through the cushion, out of the original location of the second button, and through both holes at the back of the second button.

4. Insert the needle back through the preferred location, through the cushion and out to the holes in the back of the button on the opposite side.

5. Repeat the sewing process five times, pulling the thread tight as you work to achieve the desired look.

Tags: holes back, back button, back through, button opposite, button opposite side

Make Your Own Light Saber Toy

Make your own light saber toy.

Many children are enthralled with the "Star Wars" series. Here is a way to make a light saber toy out of materials that you have hanging around the house, or that you can buy inexpensively. This is an excellent homemade toy for a younger child, and should keep him or her entertained for several hours.

Instructions

1. Slide the wrapping paper or paper towel tube over the handle of the flashlight. Cut the tube to size, also cutting a hole for the light switch. Cover the tube with aluminum foil, cutting away the foil over the hole for the light switch. If desired, decorate the tube with small objects such as buttons, bolts and washers. Place the tube over the flashlight and secure with duct or electrical tape.

2. Roll the posterboard into a gradual taper, being sure that the wide end will snugly fit over the edge of the flashlight. Cut away the excess posterboard. Flatten the section that you are using, and cut out designs with an Xacto knife. Cut away as much as desired. The light will shine through these holes. When you are finished cutting, re-roll the posterboard and tape with clear tape.

3. Slip the wide end of the posterboard cone over the flashlight, and tape into place with the electrical or duct tape. If desired, glue buttons and gadgets over the tape to decorate.

4. Turn the flashlight on to activate the toy light saber. This toy works best in a dimly lit room.

Tags: light saber, hole light, hole light switch, light switch, over flashlight

Stain Wood With Steel Wool And Vinegar

Stained wood furniture has an appealing look and is easier to maintain than painted wood. However, some people don't like to use store-bought chemicals to stain and refinish their furniture. Using steel wool and vinegar is an inexpensive alternative. The acid in the vinegar and the iron in the steel wool react to deliver a beautiful finish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the wood for staining. If it has a finish on it already, strip and remove all traces of the finish. If it is unfinished, make sure it's clean by wiping the entire surface with a damp cloth. Allow all wood to dry completely before applying the stain.

2. Experiment with different vinegars since different vinegars produce different stains. Apple cider vinegar makes a slate gray stain and balsamic vinegar makes a brownish green color.

3. Make a solution of half vinegar and half water. Soak the steel wool in the vinegar solution overnight. Test your stain on a scrap piece of wood. Make sure the scrap wood is the same type of wood that you are staining since different woods take the stain differently. Let the steel wool soak in the stain a little longer to darken the color if desired.

4. Brush the stain onto the wood in long, even strokes.

5. Wipe off the excess stain with a rag and allow the wood to dry completely.

6. Sand the wood lightly with 220-grit sandpaper and seal with an oil or natural wax finish to protect the wood.

Tags: different vinegars, since different, steel wool, steel wool, vinegar makes, wood completely, wool vinegar

Make Your Own Doll House Furniture

Make Your Own Doll House Furniture

Dolls are a major part of most young girls' playtime, and a doll house with doll furniture provides a perfect fit to any setup. Buying each piece can get expensive, because the prices range from a dollar to several dollars per piece, but if you make them yourself, you not only save money but can also have fun with your child creating the pieces.

Instructions

1. Lay out the designs and types of furniture for the doll house. Measure the size of the dolls so that the furniture will fit the dolls' dimensions.

2. Look at the general construction of typical furniture in your home. Most furniture pieces for a doll house will be simple boxes or rectangles glued up with a few extra pieces added for details. Sketch out a general design and dimensions you would like to use for the pieces.

3. Cut the balsa wood. Place the balsa wood on the cutting mat and line up the metal ruler against the place that will be cut. Take the exacta knife, place it against the metal ruler, and press the knife firmly down through the balsa wood until it cuts all the way through. Several strokes may be needed to cut it completely. Repeat this for each piece.

4. Use the wood glue and place a small amount of glue down the edge of the side pieces for the furniture. Then place a small line of glue down the edge of the adjoining piece. Line the two pieces together and hold down for a couple minutes to allow it to dry. Repeat this for each piece of the furniture.

5. Paint the pieces of the dollhouse furniture and allow them to dry. Additional designs and adornments can be painted if wanted.

Tags: balsa wood, doll house, each piece, Doll House, Doll House Furniture

Virtual 3d Games

While most modern games make use of 3D to display their graphics there is a genre that aims to recreate "real-life" in a virtual space. Pioneered by titles like "Second Life" these games are usually more about social interaction in a virtual environment instead of quests and goals. Players create their own virtual personas or "Avatars" to represent themselves in the virtual world and can often influence the gameworld by creating their own items and locations.

Second Life (PC Launched 2003)

Second Life is a very customizable virtual 3D game that allows you to create a online avatar and explore a surrealistic world. There is a bit of a learning curve to the experience as players use a scripting language in order to create their own interactive objects in-game that can be donated or sold. Second Life is a very artistic experience and might not appeal to everybody but if you want to see some truly unique imagery and unleash your creative side then Second Life is the place to be. As the name suggest this game isn't for the casual crowd and if you get sucked into the experience it might literally become a second life for you. The game is free as long as you only have one account with a price for additional accounts as well as paid membership options that will allow you special privileges like buying land.

Moove Online (PC Launched 1997)

Moove Online gives players a selection of avatars to choose from that range from humans to robots and even animals. The main emphasis of Moove is "room-building" and romance so new players are given a few rooms when they join Moove and are encouraged to furnish it. Players are also able to customize their avatar with a range of clothing articles and together with the personalized rooms are able to establish their own identity in this 3D virtual world. Membership is free but there are paid subscription options that give users a greater amount of freedom like post announcements and marry "virtually!" If you are looking for a virtual 3D game that allows you to own and customize your own house while making and chatting to new friends then Moove Online is a good option.

IMVU (PC Launched 2004)

IMVU is a virtual world presented in full 3D that allows users to create their own avatars and customize them before socializing with other members. Membership is free and you get your own 3D space that can be decorated with objects. Once you are happy with the look of things you can invite other members over for a visit and chat with them. If you are good at designing things you can sell your creations in IMVU's catalogue or else just hang out in one of the themed IMVU "Neighbourhoods" like Goth, romance, sci-fi or fantasy.

Smallworlds (PC Launched 2005)

Smallworlds is another virtual 3D game that gives members the ability to engage in a wide variety of activities while online. Like many other virtual 3D games users are given their own personal 3D space that can be decorated to their liking as well as a avatar that can be customized with clothing and accessories. While socializing with other members Smallworlds players can also engage in online games like pool, miniature golf and more. Other interesting features is the ability to grow plants, go shopping and own virtual pets. The game is browser based and doesn't require any additional downloads and is free to play.

Tags: Second Life, create their, game that, Moove Online, other members, that allows, virtual game

Make Wood Toys For Free

Wood blocks can become expensive. Make your own wood toys for free.

Building blocks provide a source of entertainment for children, but buying them from the store nowadays can become costly. Wood blocks are easy to make at home and cost absolutely nothing if you have a few scraps of wood and some basic woodworking tools. You can paint cut blocks or simply finish them with some scrap sandpaper. Any way you finish them, you can have these free wood toys ready for use within a few hours of starting the project.

Instructions

1. Trace outlines on stiff paper to make patterns for your blocks.

Create a pattern for your blocks. Use the card stock or thick paper to trace and cut out your pattern using the scissors. Use multiple patterns for different shapes.

Common children's block shapes include squares, rectangles, triangles and circles. More complicated shapes include octagons, hexagons, trapezoids and ovals.

2. Trace your patterns onto the 2-by-4-inch boards. Make several copies of each shape on the wood. Place the patterns close together, but allow enough space for the saw blade to cut through the wood.

3. Cut out the shapes with your saw of choice. Follow the pattern you traced on the wood. Follow all safety precautions of your woodworking tools.

4. Soften the edges of the cut blocks using a router, if you have one, or by simply rubbing with sandpaper. Using a router on the edges adds a professional look but is not necessary. Use leftover sandpaper from another project and a few minutes of elbow grease to soften the rough edges of the newly cut blocks.

5. Paint or no paint, these free wood toys will provide free entertainment for kids.

Clean up your new blocks before use. Young children will put just about anything in their mouths, so remove any toxic residue, sawdust or splintered edges. If you have nontoxic, lead-free paint available and want to jazz up your blocks even more, brush on a coat or two and let dry.

Tags: your blocks, finish them, free wood, free wood toys, shapes include, these free

Make Woodworking Patterns From Pictures

Use a picture or photograph to create a woodworking pattern.

If you can see the image in your mind, you can carve or burn the image into wood if you have some basic skills. Woodworking patterns, drawings, sketches and directions can take you from an image or drawing to the final carving or burning in wood. Pictures and photographs lend themselves well for creating one-of-a kind woodworking patterns. For relief carving woodworking projects, paint can be added to enhance the carving, giving it an almost three-dimensional look and feel.

Instructions

1. Select a photograph or picture to create your woodworking pattern for your project.

2. Scan or download the photograph or picture into a computer and upload it into a photo editing program.

3. Crop the element, such as an animal, person or pattern, that will be the subject for your woodworking pattern. Create two files with the cropped element from the picture: image_actual and image_enlarged.

4. Adjust the size of the image to the actual size of the woodworking project in image_actual. If you are carving a 4-inch tall animal or animal bust, adjust the size of the image maintaining the correct proportion to the finished height and length. Print this image to be used to create the general outline in the correct realistic proportion for the woodworking pattern.

5. Enlarge the size of the image to a sheet of paper or a large enough image to see details and shading clearly for the woodworking pattern in image_enlarge. If you are carving a 4-inch tall animal or animal bust, adjust the size of the image maintaining the correct proportion to eight inches tall. Print this image to be used to see the detail needed to make the woodworking pattern details.

6. Sketch a woodworking pattern using a pencil on a sketch pad, while looking at the two images. Paper without lines or grid paper lends itself better than lined paper. Use the image_actual to create an outline for the woodworking pattern shape because it will yield the exact size and proportion needed for a proportional pattern from the picture.

7. Look at the image_enlarged print and determine which details and shadings you desire to include on your woodworking pattern. For example, a print of a dog might have a collar, decide if you want to include the lines on the woodworking pattern for a collar or not. More experienced wordwork artists will be able to accurately carve and burn more detailed images.

8. Add ordered steps and symbols necessary for more complicated woodworking patterns; simple patterns might only need one sketched image outline with little detail (for instance a simple fish outline for children or cat or dog outline for adults). Trace over the final woodworking pattern pencil lines using a medium tip marker or felt tipped black pen. Scan a copy into a computer or make a few copies on a printer for sharing and safe keeeping for the original woodworking pattern.

Tags: woodworking pattern, size image, your woodworking pattern, your woodworking, 4-inch tall, 4-inch tall animal, adjust size

The History Of Cane Furniture

The History of Cane Furniture

Cane furniture is an American success story that began in the 19th century, although rattan production is thought to date back to around 2000 B.C., when rattan was used to weave items like chests. Woven cane seating was initially popular in England around the 17th century, and eventually enjoyed a 20th-century revival when it was favored for use in conservatories and dining rooms. However, it was in the United States that cane furniture manufacturing had great success. Does this Spark an idea?

Entrepreneur

The history of cane furniture in the United States grew from the entrepreneurial skills of a 33-year-old grocer named Cyrus Wakefield, who saw the potential of discarded rattan that he found at Constitution Wharf in Boston in the 1840s. The rattan was used to secure cargo aboard the clippers that made regular voyages from China after the opening there of treaty ports for exports of merchandise to the world.

Wakefield Rattan

Wakefield established the Wakefield Rattan Company in South Reading, quitting his job as a grocer to devote his full attention to the business of cane. Wakefield worked with furniture made of oak and hickory, filling the frames with fancy rattan patterns. He also traded in raw rattan to basket makers and furniture makers, importing shiploads of raw materials to keep up with strong demand. This popularity led to the renaming of "South Reading" in Massachusetts to "Wakefield," in honor of the originator of the cane furniture industry.

Heywood Brothers

Between about 1865 and 1880, Wakefield manufactured mainly indoor wicker furniture. Wakefield's chief competitor was the Heywood Brothers Company of Gardner, Massachusetts, who were wood chair manufacturers. Their rivalry was strongest during the period from the 1870s to the 1890s, when cane furniture was at the height of its popularity.

Partnership

In 1897, the rivals became partners, forming Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company. The timing of this merger was important, because it coincided with a public shift to more modern designs, departing from the ornate Victorian styles of the past. By 1905, the new company had adjusted to changing public tastes, and was producing more modern furniture, in the Mission style.

Lloyd Loom

Around 1917, Marshall Burns Lloyd invented the Lloyd Loom manufacturing process, which facilitated weaving of man-made materials, cutting production costs significantly. Around this period, increases in tariffs on imported rattan and higher labor costs impacted the cane furniture industry. In a strategic move in 1921, the Heywood-Wakefield Company (going by its new name) bought the Lloyd Manufacturing Company.

End of the Line

By the 1920s, Heywood-Wakefield was producing an extensive range of furniture with cane, from settees and rockers to dining sets, occasional tables, tea carts, china cabinets, desks and sewing cabinets. But by the 1930s, public tastes had once again shifted, and the company concentrated on wood and metal furniture. Despite a return to popularity of cane furniture during the 1960s and 1970s, the company eventually ceased furniture production in 1979.

Tags: cane furniture, Heywood Brothers, cane furniture industry, furniture industry, History Cane, History Cane Furniture

Make Wooden Dowel Rods

Make as many dowel rods as it takes.

Making wooden dowel rods has the advantage of forming dowels in any diameter or length that is needed for a project, from a 1/4 inch up to 5 inches in width. Dowel rods get progressively stronger as they thicken. Rods over 1 inch in diameter are perfect for hanging clothing, curtain rods, spindles in railings, poles and other heavy projects. Smaller-diameter dowels are used in toys, crafts and any light-weight project under 4 feet.

A router table and round-over bits turn square lengths of wood into dowels of all sizes. Some woodworking skills and proper tools are required.

Instructions

1. Cut a length of wood so it is a square board with each side equal to the diameter of the finished dowel. Cut the board 4 inches longer than the dowel length you want to make.

2. Select a round over bit that is one quarter of the size of the dowel. For example, use a 1/2-inch bit for a 2-inch dowel.

3. Put the bit into the router. Use a straight edge to adjust the fence on the router table, so it is flush with the front edge of the bearing that is on the top of the bit. Use the straight edge to adjust the height of the router bit so the bottom point of the cutting curve is flush with the table top.

4. Mark the board 1 1/2 inches from one end for a start point. Measure the length of the board from that mark 1 inch longer than the finished dowel length and mark as the finish point.

5. Turn the router on. Lay the board on the router table with the right end against the fence and slowly pivot the board in toward the router bit, so it contacts it at the start mark. Push the board along the fence until the bit is at the finish mark. Pivot the board away from the bit.

6. Turn the board a quarter turn lengthwise and repeat the step above. Do this for all four sides.

7. Cut the dowel to length with a hand saw starting just inside the start point where the actual dowel begins. Measure along the length and cut the desired length.

8. Sand lightly to finish the dowel.

Tags: dowel length, router table, board inches, dowel rods, edge adjust, finished dowel, flush with