How to Decorate a Dance Hall

Decorating a dance hall can present some unique challenges. The key is to be organized. Plan in advance and delegate the duties and tasks, so that you will have enough help to make sure all of the decorations are in place in a timely fashion and to your liking. This includes even soliciting help, when needed, in regards to picking up decorations from vendors. Keeping these suggestions in mind will help the decorating go that much more smoothly. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a theme. This helps set the tone for the entire event and is necessary for deciding what kind of decorations to have. For example, if your theme is the '70s, hang a disco ball from the ceiling. Post oversize copies of albums from the '70s on the walls, and decorate each table with a lava lamp as a centerpiece. If the occasion is Valentine's Day use pink and red hearts to decorate the room, place flowers on each table surrounded by candles to give it a romantic effect.

2

Predetermine the seating arrangements. This includes renting tables, chairs, and table linens if the space does not already provide them. If the event is a dance, you do not need as many chairs and tables as you would for a sit-down dinner.

3

Blowing up balloons and placing candles or flowers on each table works well regardless of the theme. Give each guest a personalized wristband in the colors that you have chosen for your party or party favors to take home that could be as simple as a floral centerpiece from their table.

How to Build a Pub Table

The next time you have friends or family over for a party, you want to have enough table space to accommodate them. Building your own pub tables does not have to be beyond your reach. They are versatile enough for just about anything and small enough to store in a closet or other storage areas available. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Parts

1

Place one of the 2-x-12-x-24-inch pieces of lumber on a table. Mark the center of it and drill a hole halfway through with the 1-inch butterfly bit and then drill the rest of the way through with the 3/8-inch drill bit. Place the other 24-inch piece of lumber on the table and drill a pilot hole through it with the 3/8-inch drill bit.

2

Next, measure 6 3/8-inches from one end one of the pieces and make a mark. Repeat this from the other end of the same piece of lumber and then repeat for the other piece. Place your carpenter's square on the marks of and draw a line across the lumber. Drill several pilot holes inside these two lines with the countersink drill bit.

3

Place the two pieces of 2-x-12-x-6 3/8-inch pieces of lumber on a table. Drill several pilot holes with the countersink drill bit. Next, apply glue inside the lines drawn on the 2-by-12-by-24-inch piece of lumber without the pilot holes. Place the piece of 2-x-12-x-24-inch lumber with the pilot holes on top of the other one and secure it with the deck screws. Apply glue in the spaces to the left in the right of the 24-inch lumber, set the two 2-x-12-x-6 3/8-inch pieces of lumber in place, and secure them with the deck screws. This is the base. Set this aside.

4

Place the 6-x-6-inch post on the table. Mark the exact center on each end of the post by drawing two lines from corner to corner making a crisscross. Drill a 3-inch-deep pilot hole into the center of the post on both ends with the 3/8-inch drill bit. Set this aside.

Assembly

5

Place one of the pieces of MDF on the table. Measure in from one edge 12 inches and make a mark, slide your tape over 2 inches and make another mark. Repeat this for the other three sides. Place the framing square on these lines and draw a 6-inch box in the center of the table, then mark the exact center of it. Drill a hole with the butterfly bit 3/8-inch deep. Next, drill a hole the rest of the way through with the 3/8-inch drill bit and then turn the piece over. Drill countersink holes 8-inches apart within 1 inch from the edge of the table. Do this around the entire perimeter. Next, repeat this again only this time do it at 8 inches from the edge of the table and around the entire perimeter. Measure in eight more inches and repeat this. You should have three lines of countersink holes 8 inches apart.

6

Apply glue to one end of the 6-by-6-inch post and set the MDF from Step 1 on the post so that the countersink hole made with the butterfly bit is facing up. Be certain to line the post up with the 6-inch box you drew on the other side of the MDF. Secure the MDF to the post with the 4-inch lag screw.

7

Place the other piece of the MDF on the table. Apply glue to this piece being careful to get as much coverage as possible, especially around the edges. Next, place the piece of MDF with the post attached on top of this one and secure them with the drywall screws. Be certain to line up the edges around the perimeter of the table.

8

Apply some glue to the exposed end of the post. Place the base (the piece created in Steps 1-3 of the previous section) on the end of the post. Secure it to the post with the 6-inch lag screw. Let the pub table sit upside down like this overnight.

9

Turn the tablet upright and inspect the edges to be certain they are smooth and even. If they are not, use a sander or a router to make the edges less noticeable.

How to Set a Banquet Table

Properly setting a banquet table will depend on the menu and the courses being served. More courses will typically mean additional silverware. The silverware will be organized so that the pieces used first will be the farthest from the plate. If soup is being served, the soup bowl will normally be placed on a dinner plate. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cover the table with a cloth tablecloth.

2

Place charger plates on the table, one where each person will sit. A charger plate is larger than a dinner plate, and it is basically a "place holder." If a butler or waiter was serving the dinner, he would typically remove the charger plate and replace it with the dinner plate. If it is a buffet, the dinner plate will sit on top of the charger plate. Charger plates are often gold, silver or glass.

3

Organize the silverware in the order of how it will be used, with the last piece closest to the plate. Place the soup spoon or teaspoon the right side of the charger plate, with the knife between the edge of the plate and the spoon. If fish is being served as an appetizer, place the fish knife between the knife and spoon. All knife blades should be facing the plate.

4

Place the dinner fork next to the left side of the edge of the plate. Place the salad fork next to the dinner fork . If an appetizer is being served, place it between the salad and dinner fork.

5

Set the salad plate above the forks. The bread plate will be to the right of the salad plate, to the upper left of the dinner plate or charger. Lay a butter knife over the bread plate.

6

Set the water glass above the knives. To the left of the water glass, set the wine glass.

7

Arrange a cloth napkin at each place setting. The napkin can be folded artfully and placed over the plate, to the left of the forks or under them.

8

Place a dessert spoon and fork above the plate, perpendicular to the other silverware.

9

Place bread baskets, butter dishes and salt and pepper shakers along the center of the table. If coffee or tea is being served, include sugar and creamer bowls and arrange the coffee cup to the right of the spoon, near the glasses.

How to Repurpose an Ottoman

The Victorian era ottoman was often a large piece of furniture and was called a Turkey sofa, after the country of its origin. The ottoman was also called a hassock, pouf and tuffet. Whatever the name, the ottoman is a heavily padded, upholstered seat without a back or arms. The smaller ottoman was intended for use as a seat or footstool. Todays ottoman might be round or square, small or large, hiding a bed or storage space or used as a seat or footstool. The simple ottoman is easy to imagine as a repurposed object and ideal for a conversion project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Convert the ottoman into a storage cube by removing the covering, attaching hinges to the top so it serves as a lid, and reupholstering the ottoman. Attach wheels so the handy storage cube is easy to move.

2

Use an ottoman as a seat for a childs play area, or turn it into an upholstered toy box for older children. Cover the ottoman in a fabric of your childs favorite character, add wheels or legs, and line the inside with vinyl or adhesive paper.

3

Create a hidden snack tray with the removable top of the ottoman. The removable top should not have hinges, and the tray side of the top should have raised edges. Paint the inside of the tray with shiny acrylic paint. In addition, the hollow ottoman can be used to store books or magazines.

4

Turn the removable ottoman lid into a game board, and store games in the ottoman bottom. When flipped, the rimless and flat underside of the ottoman top should be painted with black and white squares to play chess and checkers.

5

Design a planter by removing the padding and fabric from the ottoman, removing the top, and applying a decorative covering to the four sides. Wood panels, glass tiles or a natural material such as bamboo will make a beautiful accent piece for inside or outdoors.

6

Place a small round glass on top of the ottoman, and use it as an end or accent table. Attach long legs to the ottoman to raise the height.

How to Start a Pool Hall

Perhaps one day while shooting pool you thought you could do a better job of running a pool hall than most other people. Now that you have decided you want to open a pool hall, you still may have no idea where it's going to be located or what you're going to do with it. Not a problem. The following steps will put you well on your way to getting your own pool hall up and running.

Instructions

1

Find a good location. Like with any type of real estate property, the first thing you need to look for is the right place. If the city you live in already has four or five pool halls, you might want to consider a less saturated market or try purchasing an existing hall. If you decide to do the latter, don't forget--it's your hall now. Refer to your business plan and ask yourself: What is your clientele? Are you catering to college students, families, devout billiard experts?

2

Decide on table size. If opening a new hall, one thing you have to consider is how big your tables are going to be. Pool tables come in a variety of sizes: Most are 6 to 9 feet long and half that distance wide; standard pool tables typically are 8 feet in length. Many, however, are 7-foot "bar tables" that are often coin-operated. Most people prefer the challenge of an 8-foot table, whereas 9-foot tables can be used in tournaments.

3

Purchase the right cue sticks for your tables. A pool cue must be at least 40 inches long and weigh no more than 25 ounces; also the tip must be between 9 and 14mm wide. But cues come in a variety of sizes--48, 52, 57 or even 60 inches long. A 57-inch cue is considered the standard. Smaller cue sticks are good for smaller players or for making trickier shots, while larger cues are often used for breaks or by larger people. Determine the right array of cues for your hall.

4

Calculate the space needed. It would be ideal to allow enough space for the larger 57-inch sticks where people using them won't bump into the next table. It's O.K. to have the tables about 5 feet (60 inches) apart--a player will wait for another to make a shot as is typical courtesy.

Also, you will want a cue-stick-length space between tables and walls so that customers don't bump into walls or windows when taking shots. Remember, though, that the size of the tables is slightly misleading: The size of the playable field is slightly smaller than the size of the table suggests; for example a 4' x 8' table actually has a playable area of 44" by 88". Therefore, the absolute minimum space you would need would be the size of the playable field, plus the length of the cue stick on each side. For example, a 4' by 8' table is actually 44 inches (table) + 57 inches (cue), or 101 inches for each table. Be sure to add another 57 inches for the last table in a row to allow players to take a shot near the wall. Do the same for the length of the tables; 57 inches + 88 inches = 145 inches, plus another 57 inches for the opposite end.

Here are some handy required room-calculation formulas:

For 7-foot tables:
Length: 135 (78 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
Width: 96 (39 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

For 8 1/2-foot tables:
Length: 149 (92 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
Width: 103 (46 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

For 9-foot tables:
Length: 157 (100 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall
Width: 107 (50 + 57) in. for each table + 57 in. between the last table and the wall

5

Purchase the additional accessories. It's not a pool hall without the right equipment. You need balls, racks, and knowledge of different types of billiard games. For example, some people prefer the structured challenge of a game of nine-ball, and having a diamond-shaped rack would be much appreciated.

Make sure you have enough balls and racks on hand to accommodate all of your tables being used at once. American Recreation is one company that sells complete kits--two-piece cues, balls and racks--for one low price.

How to Build a Craft Table with Storage

For craftspeople and artists of all kinds, a dedicated work station makes projects go smoothly and reduces the time involved in creating finished work, whether the project is jewelry, sewing, toy making, quilting or any other project requiring assemblage. With freedom from having to put everything away in the middle of the work and having room to spread out comes greater pleasure in the projects themselves. That old adage, "A place for everything and everything in its place," comes true with your own inexpensive and quick-to-make storage craft table.

Instructions

1

Assess your work station needs. CraftGuidance.com recommends considering the size you need for the table, how it will look with your other furniture, whether you sit or stand at it, and the types and amounts of supplies you need to store at it.

2

Take measurements to determine how large to make the table. For example, if the table needs to fit between two cabinets, measure the distance between the cabinets.

3

Obtain materials for the craft table. Ron Hazelton's Housecalls website advises using medium density fiberboard (MDF) and four kitchen base cabinets. This works for a work station where there is room to walk around all four sides. For a craft table to place against a wall, get two cabinets. Get fiberboard or plywood cut to order, or shop for a used tabletop in a size that will work.

4

Prepare the tabletop for your crafts table. Place it top side down on a table. Roll some of the shelf paper out lengthwise and cut 1 1/2 inches longer than the length of the tabletop. Cut enough strips to cover the entire tabletop and all the edges. Peel the backing off the shelf paper. Center it, so the extra length will fold under the edges. Press it down against the tabletop in a smooth motion from one end to the other. Work from the center of the shelf paper outward. Apply each strip of shelf paper right next to the previous one for complete coverage.

5

Place the four cabinets where you want the craft station. Set up two at each end, back to back, so the cabinet openings remain accessible on each side of the table. (Or place two cabinets facing outward, if the craft table has to be against the wall). Set the tabletop on the cabinets and straighten it. Add supplies to the storage cabinets and set up the craft station for your next project.

Tips on Hanging a Mirror Over Furniture

A well-placed mirror can enhance a view, add light and reflect a perfect scene. A poorly placed mirror can irritate the looker, add to the visual clutter, startle someone walking into a room, or completely overpower a space. Antique or new, large or small, mirrors will give you an opportunity to design your own artwork by reflecting a great view or feature in the room. Does this Spark an idea?

Make a Template

Eliminate extra holes in the walls. Hanging a mirror is best done with a template first. Make a paper template of the entire mirror including the frame. Hang the paper template on the wall with blue masking tape. Mirrors need to reflect a good view and should always be hung to allow anyone looking into it to see their entire face. Stand in front of the template and look at the opposite view. That is what you will see in the mirror. Adjust the placement with the template.

Find the Top Line

Custom decor requires some symmetry. Give your room a custom look by using the top of the door frame as your measurement for the top of a large framed mirror. Use a metal tape measure from the floor to the top of the door molding to get the top-line measurement.

Living and Dining Rooms

Hang mirrors over sofas so that the bottom of the frame is higher than the back of the sofa. Place mirrors behind or beside an overstuffed chair so that the entire frame will show when seated and when standing. Use smaller mirrors behind lamps to increase the light's efficiency and add atmosphere.

Fireplace mantels are great opportunities to design your own artwork with mirrors. Never let the mirror reflect only the ceiling. Tip the mirror down to reflect a person standing near the fireplace. Center the mirror to the firebox or have an asymmetrical arrangement by placing the mirror to one side.

Mirrors in both formal and informal dining rooms will enhance the atmosphere. Hang mirrors so that the bottom of the frame is higher than the backs of the tallest chair. Align the tops of the mirror with the top of the doors. Views should include the table and the chandelier. Avoid hanging mirrors that face a closed door, a dark hallway or the kitchen.

Entry Doors and Hallways

Hallway and entry mirrors should be hung on side walls over a table or as part of an entry bench. Light from your lamps will double with mirrors hung nearby.
Never hang a mirror on the top or at the bottom of a stairwell. It can be disorienting and dangerous. Avoid hanging mirrors directly in front of an entry door; they can startle people coming in the door.

Bedrooms

Hang mirrors over the bed's headboard to maximize a view. A painting, mirror and lighting combination over the bed will enhance the room without distracting from the bed decor. Hang a mirror or two near a reading chair in the bedroom to increase the light from the reading lamp and add a cozy feel to the reading area.
Mirrors attached to bedroom dressers or bureaus should be high enough to reflect an entire standing person. Tip the mirror slightly up or down and add a wooden shim to keep it in place, if necessary. Do not hang mirrors opposite the bed; it is disorienting to the sleeper. Full-length mirrors need to be hung where the looker can step back far enough to see themselves fully.

How to Remove White Cat Scratches From a Wood Table

Solid wood tables are valuable investments that provide years of function and aesthetic appeal. A playful or curious cat, however, can instantly ruin a wood table with unsightly white scratches. Cats generally scratch surfaces to portray confidence and mark their territory, which are innate behaviors of normal cats. Nonetheless, cat claws are sharp enough to penetrate wood's surface and generate thin, white scratch marks that can decrease the table's value if left untreated. Promptly remove white cat scratches from a wood table using basic supplies.

Instructions

1

Wipe the scratched wood table with a water-dampened clean rag to remove any abrasive grime particles that could possibly hinder the repair procedure.

2

Dry the damp wood surface with a towel. Absorb all moisture from the damaged area.

3

Rub a pre-colored wax putty stick over the white scratches, thoroughly filling the gouged wood. Slightly overfill the scratches with excess wax putty. Apply a color of wax putty that matches the wood's color.

4

Scrape off excess wax putty from the table using a rubber spatula. Level the repair with the table's surface.

5

Buff the repaired wood with a microfiber cloth to clean off any additional excess wax putty.

Table Bases That Will Hold Granite

The heavy weight of granite tabletops require adequate support underneath to prevent the table from toppling over. Not only requiring a sturdy base, its appearance must match the beauty of its top in a stately way. Beyond securing the granite to a base that endures, selecting the right table base then becomes a matter of preference, and you have several choices to choose from. Does this Spark an idea?

Cast-Iron Column

A table base with one to a few cast iron columns makes a stable table base for a granite top. The cast iron columns will not bend or warp under the pressure of weight and with several of them, the weight of the granite can be evenly distributed across them. This lessens the burden on the columns and the stress on the inflexible granite top. A cast-iron-column base adds a touch of vintage flair to a granite top. Its heavy weight stabilizes the table, so one column might be enough of a support, depending on how wide the diameter of the table is.

Wrought Iron

Bringing back the decorative, sometimes ornate, styles of wrought iron tables, one outfitted with a granite top would complete its look of elegance. Wrought iron can be custom-fabricated to the design taste. And this can span practically all design styles. The engineering if this table is integral to its support capabilities. Its top must be level, and the entire unit must be perfectly balanced, with and without the weight of the granite, because that would be a sure sign of its durability as a supportive table base.

Steel

A steel-, or stainless steel-, columned stable base makes for a contemporary version of the cast-iron-column model. While steel is slightly lighter than cast iron, when designed for a granite table, it does bear its own weight and provides adequate support for a table top. A steel model, though, would be more suited for a multiple-columned base. The extra columns simply reinforce the design and weight of the table, distributing the granite's weight and supporting all of the weight, even when leaned on or moved.

Wood

The play of wood against a granite tabletop should mimic the play of a granite countertop against cabinetry. The best wooden base for a granite tabletop uses 4-by-4 inch wood posts built into a strong frame whose leg are supported with horizontal reinforcement bars. Wood also offers some options in its design, such as working with commercial lumber pieces or using a large tree log, or logs to form the base of the table.

The Sub-Top

With all of the table models, the addition of a sub-top -- a supportive base for the table top, usually made of wood -- plays an important function in the longevity of the granite table. Stress can be applied to any section of the table's area and the contact points of the table base below can add even more stress to the solid granite top. The sub-top then acts as a bridge that evenly distributes the stress of the contact points from the base, creating a durable, less expensive connection point for the bolts and a shock-absorbing surface to support the granite from underneath.

How to Make a Farmhouse Table

A nice looking table can brighten up any room. A farmhouse table is a sturdy table that can go in almost any kitchen. A farmhouse table can either have four legs or a pedestal base. This version uses the pedestal base because it is sturdy and easier to build. Once the project is complete, you will find great satisfaction in having friends over to show off your new farmhouse table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use the table saw to cut eight slats of wood that are about 2 to 3 inches wide. Sand the wood until smooth. Line all of the pieces up in a row. Glue all of the pieces together. Tape the whole line together. Stand it up right, and bend the pieces until it makes one large circle. Glue the first and last piece together. Use band clamps to hold in place until dry. Drips of glue can be removed with a chisel.

2

Make a leg pattern from balsa wood. The two ends should be able to rest flat against the table base and the floor. Make sure the pattern you make does this. Trace the pattern onto the 2-inch thick wood stock. Use a band saw to cut three legs from the wood stock. Sand all three legs. Drill two hanger pilot holes into each leg. Use locking pliers to attach the hanger bolts and legs to the table base. Mark the location of each leg on the base, and drill holes to bolt the legs to the table.

3

Cut a 5 foot square from the plywood for the surface of the table. Sand the plywood. Attach to the table using screws, brackets and glue.

4

Cut four pieces of 1-inch thick wood about 2 inches wide. These should match the length of the table, so they should be slightly less than 5 feet. Sand them well. Screw each piece beneath the table top at the edge of the table. Each piece should be flush with the other pieces.

5

Use a wood stain to stain the whole table. Once dry, apply wood varnish to keep the wood in good condition. Use the color of your choice. Let dry completely before use.

Plans on How to Build a Farm Table Bench

Farm tables are typically rustic and worn with use from family gatherings. Build a bench for additional seating for your farm table. A farm table bench should be simple in construction and made from thick, warm-toned wood such as cedar or walnut. The bench consists of a seat, legs and center support. Give the bench a clear finish to allow the warmth of the wood and simple design to come through. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Stand the two 2-by-12-by-16-inch boards upright on a work surface, parallel to each other and 56 inches apart. These are the legs.

2

Lay the 2-by-12-by-60-inch board on top of the legs, with its ends flush with the top of the leg boards. This is the seat.

3

Drive four evenly spaced flush-trim wood screws through the top of the seat into the end of each of the legs using a screw gun.

4

Turn the bench over so the legs stick up, and center the 2-by-4-by-56-inch board between the legs with the 2-inch side against the underside of the seat. This is the center support.

5

Drive two evenly spaced flush trim wood screws through the outside of the legs into each end of the center support.

6

Apply wood glue to one end of enough wood plugs to fill each screw hole. Insert a plug into each screw hole with the glue end in. Allow the glue to dry.

7

Sand the wood plugs flush with the surface of the wood using a fine-grit sanding block.

8

Apply a clear coat finish to the bench. Allow the finish to dry.

How to Build a Farmhouse Table

A classic farmhouse table has a rustic, almost unfinished feel that shows the wear and tear of frequent use. To get that old farmhouse feeling you will want to build a farmhouse table from basic materials and resist the urge to give the wood an overly smooth or polished look. By allowing the table to remain simplistic and rough, your weekend project farmhouse table can look like it has been around for centuries.

Instructions

1

Layout your 1-inch by 6-inch boards on the floor in a square shape with each board resting on its 1-inch side. Nail two nails at each corner to secure the joint and hold the square together. Put wood glue between the boards at each joint, if desired.

2

Stand each 3-inch by 3-inch post upright in the square frame. Position a post along the inside of each corner. Nail through the boards of the square and into the posts using two nails on each of the two sides of the corner. Apply wood glue, if desired.

3

Allow any glue to dry for an hour. Turn the table upside down so the frame is facing up and the legs pointing down.

4

Lay the 10-inch wide boards over the frame and adjust them to be 1/4-inch apart. Adjust the boards so they overhang the frame evenly by a foot at the heads of the table and by only a few inches on each side.

5

Nail two evenly spaced nails through each board and into the frame where they come into contact across the width of the farmhouse table.

6

Rub sandpaper over the entire table, frame, and legs to smooth the surface enough to prevent splinters. Stain or apply sealant to the table as desired to protect the wood.

How to Fix a Loose Lag Bolt

Time, weather, movement and gravity can all work together to loosen a lag bolt. It's easy to fix a loose lag bolt; it can be as easy as adding another component to the fastening nut. If the bolt's movement has enlarged the hole in which the bolt is installed, it can still be fixed using one of these options. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove the nut, add a locking washer and replace the nut. A locking washer is a metal washer that looks like a doughnut with a tiny slice removed. The cut ends are then bent slightly away from each other. When the nut is tightened over the locking washer, these features grab it and hold firmly onto the bolt. Locking washers are useful for lag bolts used in situations where there is independent and unpredictable movement, such as fastening the legs to a kitchen table.

2

Remove the lag bolt and replace it with one that is only slightly larger. Go up the smallest bolt size possible. For example, if the existing bolt is 3/8 inch, try inserting a 7/16-inch bolt, which is 1/16 of an inch larger than the existing bolt. If the next bolt size is still too small, continue trying increasingly larger bolts, going up by the smallest bolt size or measurement possible.

3

Fill in the lag bolt's hole and drill a new one. This option only works if the object being secured can either be shifted slightly, or if it can have fastening holes drilled in a new location. Use aerosol foam insulation, silicon caulk or even Bondo to fill the old hole, depending on the material in which the hole is drilled. Drill the new hole at least inch away from the previous hole, insert the lag bolt and secure it with a lag nut.

Decorating Entrances With Mirrors

Styles

Traditional and country decorating styles often include a large mirror in the front entrance way. Typically, the ornately framed mirror is hanging over an entry table, just inside the door if the entrance is large enough, or directly across from the door opening in a smaller entrance area. The mirror may be flanked by sconces, or other lighting, on either side.

Modern or contemporary design styles also incorporate mirrors as decoration for entrances. The frame has cleaner lines and a simpler overall look than the other more decorated ones in country and traditional. Art Deco style entrance mirror shapes are very different from other decorating styles and include designs like the triple crown, triple triangle, future and classic fan. Walking into an art deco decorated entrance is immediately apparent, based on the shape of the entrance mirror.

Effects

Decorating your home entrances with mirrors reflects light and adds brightness to the space. Natural light coming through the windows in the daytime will expand and the reflection of candles or from lamps enhances the appeal of the entrance way. Place your mirror so as to take full advantage of your chandelier or other entrance lighting. If your entrance is large enough, hang two mirrors opposite each other and a bit offset for even greater light reflection. Mirrors help to make a space look larger and covering an entire wall with mirrors or mirrored tiles will significantly increase the apparent size of your entrance way.

Mirrors in the entrance way also serve as a vanity. A quick check before leaving the house or greeting a guest is a good habit to acquire.

Business

Large corporations often cover the entrance way with mirrors to expand the size of the entrance or as a decorating feature. Plants and lighting often accompany the mirrors as they do in home interiors, but a business may have seating areas placed in a mirrored corner or a display table opposite from a mirrored wall. Mirrors are excellent backgrounds for logos and other types of advertising, so you will also see large mirrors proclaiming the name of the business behind the reception desk in many business entrances. Mirrors in an entrance way that doubles as a waiting room help the receptionist have a more encompassing view of the room and its occupants. Two way mirrors may be used in certain businesses, providing a full, unobserved view of the entrance way.

How to Build a 12-Foot Farmhouse Table

Farmhouse tables are rustic, hold simplistic elegance and are large enough for a big family. Add to the primitive charm of the farmhouse table by making it yourself. The building project isn't difficult and can be accomplished in less than a weekend. Some basic carpentry skills are all you need, and if you have aged wood to add to the character of your table, all the better. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the two 1-by-4 boards down to 40 inches each. Cut two of the 1-by-6-by-12-foot boards to a length of 136 inches.

2

Lay the four cut boards out to create the frame for the base of the tabletop. Put the two 40-inch boards to the inside of the two longer boards for the side of the frame. Stand them up on edge. Use the carpenter's square to make sure the joints are even at the corners. Screw in through the outer side boards and into the ends of the cross pieces using two wood screws per corner.

3

Cut 11 pieces of 2-by-2 to a length of 40 inches each. Set these inside the frame between the longer side pieces at 12-inch intervals. The last one will have a slightly shorter distance between the support and the end of the table frame. Screw in place by screwing from the outside through the side boards and into the end of each support. Use two screws for each end of each cross support.

4

Mark the point on both ends of the short sides of the frame that is the exact center. Place the first two tabletop boards alongside this center point, one to each side of the mark. The top boards are the remaining eight 12-foot boards. Align the boards so there is a 4-inch overhang on each end. Screw in place by placing three screws down through each board and into the end board of the frame. Set the screws about two inches apart across the boards. Sink the screws to the level of the wood surface or below; do not let them protrude above the wood.

5

Place the remaining boards by adding a board alongside each of the first two, and so on, until all eight of the tabletop boards have been put in place. Screw them in place the same as the first two, adding three wood screws down through the board at each end and into the end pieces of the frame.

6

Turn the tabletop over. Secure the tabletop boards to the cross supports by screwing through the supports and into the tabletop boards from the bottom. This secures the boards to the supports from the bottom and eliminates a tabletop full of screw heads to putty over.

7

Secure the leg posts while the table is still upside-down. You can use table legs with a shaped design that can be purchased at a home supply store or just plain wood posts. Set the posts into the corners of the frame. Secure by screwing through the outer boards of the frame and into the posts. Use two screws to each side of the post or leg (four per leg).

8

Turn the table upright. Fill the screw head holes with wood putty, then sand. Seal the table with a good finishing oil such as tung oil or linseed oil.

How to Build a Backyard Picnic Table

Nothing says summer more than a barbecue in the backyard. Friends and family gather around picnic tables to share, eat and celebrate warm days and refreshing breezes. Picnic tables come in many shapes and sizes and can carry a hefty price tag. A comfortable, sturdy backyard picnic table can be constructed by anyone wishing to add some extra outdoor seating to their yard. This table, with separate benches, offers flexibility without considerable expense. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Picnic Table

1

Cut four pieces of of 2-by-4 inch pine 37 inches long. These pieces will be the legs. Trim each of the ends of the legs on a 10-degree angle. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the middle of each of the legs. Position two of the leg pieces to form an "X" with the 1/2-inch holes lined up. Adjust the upper and lower edges so they are 22 1/2 inches apart. Using the pre-drilled hole, bolt the two boards together with carriage bolts. Repeat this with the other legs.

2

Cut two boards from 2-by-4 inch pine measuring 17 1/2 inches long. These boards will be leg supports. Cut each end of the boards at an angle to match the legs. Place a support board over one end of the "X." It should butt against one leg and overlap the other. Screw the support board into place in the side of each board. Repeat on the other "X."

3

Cut five pieces from 1-by-6 inch pine, measuring 60 inches long. These pieces will be the top of the picnic table. Lay all the top pieces out together on a flat surface.

4

Cut three top supports from 2-by-4 inch pine, measuring 60 inches long. Place them on top of the top boards parallel to each other, 22 1/4 inches apart and 5 1/2 inches from the ends. The boards will be perpendicular to the top planks. The boards need to be laying on their sides. Using 1-inch wood screws, screw the top of the table to the supports. Flip the table top over. Screw the "X" shaped legs to the side of the support boards , using 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Sand all rough edges of the table.

The Benches

5

Cut four pieces of 2-by-10 inch pine, each with a length of 16 inches. These will be the legs of the two benches.

6

Cut two bench tops from 2-by-10 inch pine. Arrange two of the bench legs parallel to each other, and 45 inches apart. Place a bench top over the two legs. The top will over hang the benches by 6 inches. Using 2 1/2-inch wood screws, screw the top of the bench to the legs. Have an assistant help to hold the leg steady as you screw it into place. Repeat for the other bench.

7

Cut four bench supports out of 2-by-10 inch pine. Cut a 30-degree angle on each end of the supports. Fit the supports on each bench between a leg and the seat. Screw them into place with 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Sand all rough edges of the benches. Paint or stain the bench in a desired color.

How to Make Your Own Decorative Orbs

If you're flipping through your home decorating catalogues, you might see collections of decorative orbs sitting in baskets or small cages out on coffee tables. If you don't want to pay the prices you see in those catalogues, you can make similar orbs for your home while spending less than what it would cost you to ship your catalogue order. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Wooden Disc

1

Cut your wooden branches into slices no thicker than a nickel.

2

Paint your Styrofoam balls a dark brown using acrylic paint.

3

Use your hot glue gun to affix each disc into place. You'll want to do one half of the ball and allow it to dry before turning it over to do the other half.

Miniature Disco Ball

4

Put a ring of metal thumbtacks around the middle of your Styrofoam ball. These thumbtacks should have a shiny, flat metal top. Your ring should look like the equator on a planet.

5

Add rings of metal thumbtacks, going up toward the top and bottom.

6

Put your last two thumbtacks in at the "north" and "south poles" of your ball.

Seashell Orb

7

Paint the Styrofoam ball with acrylic paint, in a color to match your theme. If you're looking for a beach theme, a tan, sandy color should work. For a more exotic look, try black or purple.

8

Use the hot glue gun to attach seashells on half of the ball, once the paint has dried. Check out the manufacturer's instructions to gauge the ideal waiting time.

9

Put the rest of the seashells on the other half of the orb. Then, apply a coat of clear lacquer over the entire orb, shells and all. Set aside to dry.

How to Make a Fingerboard Picnic Table

Having a picnic table for your fingerboard can give you multiple options for performing various tricks. You can grind on the edges of the seats or table-top with your trucks, or you can slide on them with different parts of your deck. A fingerboard picnic table could also be used as something to do tricks over, or even onto the seats or table-top. You can add a picnic table to your fingerboard skate park and customize it the way you want with just some cardboard and a hot glue gun.

Instructions

Making the Pieces

1

Sketch a 3-inch by 6-inch rectangle on a piece of paper. Measure 2 inches in from each of the bottom corners of the 6-inch side and make a mark. Draw a 5-inch by 4-inch rectangle going upwards using the space in between your two marks as the base. Cut along the outside edges of your outline to use as a template.

2

Trace your template onto a thick piece of cardboard two times and cut each of them out to use as the picnic table frames.

3

Draw a 2-inch by 6-inch and a 4-inch by 6-inch rectangle onto a piece of paper and cut each of them out.

4

Trace the 2-inch by 6-inch rectangle onto a thick piece of cardboard two times and cut each one out to use as the seats for the picnic table. Trace the 4-inch by 6-inch rectangle and cut it out as well to use as the table-top.

Putting Everything Together

5

Measure in a half-inch from both ends of your 2-inch by 6-inch rectangles, longways, and make a mark.

6

Apply a line of hot glue to one side where you made your mark and stick the picnic table seat on one of the 2-inch edges of one of your frames, holding it firmly in place until the glue dries. Repeat this step again for the other side of the seat and attach it to the other picnic table frame. Use this same procedure for the other seat as well.

7

Measure in a half-inch from both ends of your 4-inc by 6-inch rectangle, longways, and make a mark. Apply a line of hot glue across the table-top where you made your marks and stick it on top of the picnic table frame. Hold it firmly in place, keeping it straight, until the glue dries.

Decorating Wedding Reception Halls

Part of the wedding day for couples is celebrating with family and friends after the ceremony at the reception hall. Couples often decorate the reception hall to complement the color theme used with the bridesmaid dresses or flowers in the wedding ceremony. Depending on your budget, decorations can be as minimal or extravagant you desire.

Centerpieces

The centerpieces on the head and guest tables are often the accent piece that pulls together the rest of the reception hall decorations. Floral arrangements on each guest table can mirror a similar larger arrangement at the head table. Think about using the same type of flowers used in the ceremony as centerpieces or pick a different floral arrangement using your accent colors. Candles are an inexpensive decorating idea, from pillar candles to floating votive candles, and create a romantic atmosphere.

Lighting

The lighting at the wedding reception hall helps to set the mood for the event. Instead of settling for the lighting offered at the venue, consider bringing in your own lighting elements for the wedding reception. Use tube lighting around the doorway to highlight the entrance, or hang small strings of white or colored lights from the ceiling to create an intimate setting. Make sure adequate outlets are available and unobtrusive to guests.

Tables

Since guests will likely be spending the majority of the wedding reception at their table, do not overlook decorating the tables at the reception hall. White plastic or fabric tablecloths make a simple statement and typically complement most centerpieces. Colored tablecloths are also acceptable. If you are concerned about cleanup, plastic tablecloths will make it easier to clean up after the reception. Use matching napkins to pull together the look of the table.

Cake Table

The wedding cake is typically set up on a special table at the reception hall and should look different from the guest and head table. Consider picking a different-colored tablecloth to cover the table and use small accents to decorate the table, such as flower petals scattered on the tabletop. Since the highlight should be the wedding cake, think about having an extravagant cake topper or using tube lights on the table to draw attention to the cake table.

Decorating a Farmhouse Breakfast Table

The farmhouse table tends to be the spot where people gather. With its worn finish and rustic charm, it lends itself to casual morning dining. If youre having a morning breakfast get-together, this friendly kitchen item is up for the task. You need only to look for accessories that you likely already have. The key difference will be in how you arrange them together. The results of this early-morning decorating adventure will be well worth it. Itll let guests know that you thought enough of them to decorate, but without going against the casual character of the farmhouse breakfast table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Put down a country-themed table runner. Many farmhouse tables have a well-worn look. This adds to the charm. A table runner will give the table a splash of color without completely covering the table. Look for runners made from antique linen, gingham or calico.

2

Place a small, multi-tiered metal plant stand in the middle of the table. A three-tiered stand is ideal. Look for one that features a country motif like chickens. This will give you more room on the table and provide one of the key decorative elements of this arrangement.

3

Gather a set of antique blue granite dishes, including the coffee service.

4

Put together a country floral arrangement. Use flowers from your garden and wildflowers from the area. Arrange the flowers in an antique crock. Place the flower arrangement on the top tier of your stand.

5

Put a hot pad down on the middle tier of the stand. Save this spot for the coffee pot. Granite coffee pots come off the stove hot, so wrap some linen napkins around the handle so that you and your guests can lift it.

6

Fill a wire egg basket with linen napkins. Select napkins with a country-style motif like gingham or that feature hand-embroidered flowers. Set the egg basket on the bottom tier of the plant stand. This provides guests with extra napkins.

7

Lay down country-style place mats. Possible options might be thatched mats as well as cloth ones with calico or gingham patterns. Put the granite plates on the place mats.

8

Make breakfast part of the decor. Bake mini loaves of bread. Place a miniature plate easel in front of each place mat. Put a small bread plate on it from your granite ware collection. Put a mini loaf in front of the plate and place ramekins of whipped butter beside them.

9

Fill a ceramic chicken cookie jar or bowl with hard-boiled eggs. You can pass these around at breakfast time.

10

Make a breakfast pie filled with eggs, farm veggies and meats. Place a cute pie bird on top for an extra country touch.

How to Set a Kids Table

Kids' tables are most commonly used on holidays, special occasions or whenever kids need a space of their own. Laughter and joy tend to surround a kids' table. It's a lot of fun for the kids to have a separate place to sit and devour their food, sharing jokes and conversations appropriate to their age group while the adults can have a quiet place to converse and eat. There are steps a host might take to set the kids' table in an inviting and fuss-free manner. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use durable plates and glasses on your table for kids since young children have a tendency to knock things over when they're having fun. Setting out nonbreakable items will keep children from getting hurt and keep good plates and cups out of harm's way. Some stores offer special-occasion-themed children's utensils, or you could use plastic-ware.

2

Consider using a variety of crafts to keep the children occupied between courses or before a meal starts. One idea is to use blank paper as place mats or butcher paper as a tablecloth--just make sure that there are plenty of different colors of crayons. Another simple entertainment idea is supplying the children with brightly colored pipe cleaners they can use to create animals or other objects between courses.

3

Pick a theme and decorate accordingly. When you do this, select a theme that is fun and appropriate for the age groups that are present. Depending on the occasion, you might decorate the kids' table with accessories ranging from cornucopias to clown napkins.

4

Create fun items for decorating the table according to your theme. For example, purchase Christmas-tree-shaped plates for Christmas or make a paper boat (the Mayflower) and line it with plastic wrap, then use it to hold assorted nuts for Thanksgiving.

5

Have paper towels or other cleaning materials on hand in an easy-to-reach spot, perhaps in a basket right next to the table. This ensures that any messes or spills that happen are easily remedied. Your cleaning supply list should include paper towels, rags and a stain remover.

6

Set a specific spot in a strategic location for a responsible older person, like a teen, so they can sit at the kids' table as a monitor. This will give the kids someone to converse with and the older person can assist them with whatever they need such as cutting or passing heavy platters. When choosing the older person to sit at the children's table, pick a person who is good with kids and knows the children well.

Do it Yourself: Picnic Table Plans

Picnic tables are a necessary addition to families with large homes. They provide an area for outdoor potlucks and other family events. Picnic tables need to be built strong enough to withstand many people sitting on them over the years. That is why the hardware and wood material chosen is so important. Treated pine construction lumber works good for picnic tables, especially when it is combined with bolts and 3-inch screws to hold it together. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use your protractor and pencil to mark a 23-degree line at the end of each 34-inch board. Cut the boards with your circular saw at these angles without affecting the original length and so each board has a parallelogram shape. This are the legs to the picnic table. The angles that are cut will be parallel with the ground, and the boards will be angled toward each other at a 23-degree angle.

2

Lay two 34-inch boards on your work area so they are leaning toward each other at a 23-degree angle from what would be vertical. The top ends of the boards should be 28 inches apart, and the angled ends should all be horizontal. Lay a 36-inch board horizontally across the top ends of the board. Bolt the boards together by drilling two 3/8-inch holes at both ends of the 36-inch board and through the legs. Be sure there is a washer on both sides of the wood. Bolt a 60-inch board to the legs in the same manner so it is parallel with the 36-inch board, 16-inches below it, and so the board's center lines up with the center of the 36-inch board. This is one of the ends to your picnic table. Repeat this process to complete the opposite end.

3

Position the ends of your table so the 60-inch boards are parallel, on the outside of the legs, and 53 inches apart. Screw through the 30-inch center of both boards and into the 53-inch board. The 53-inch board should be perpendicular to the 60-inch boards and holding them together.

4

Lay two 84-inch boards perpendicularly across the 60-inch boards on each side of the table. There should be a 12-inch overhang at both ends of the 84-inch boards from the 60-inch boards. Screw the last 84-inch boards to the top of the table, allowing a 12-inch overhang at both ends of the table.

How to Decorate Your Patio Cottage Style

With the growing popularity of outdoor rooms, more people are paying attention to their patios. You can convert your patio to an enclosed outdoor room or leave it open. Either way, your options for decorating this great outdoor space in a cottage style are many. The openness of a patio makes it ideal for cottage-style decorating, because the style itself favors a space filled with open windows and doors that let the outside in. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pick a color scheme. Your decor could include the light colors often associated with a beachside cottage, such as light blue, green, and tan. Or, you could go in the opposite direction and use the dark, woodsy colors often found in mountain cottages.

2

Select the appropriate scale and color of furniture that goes with your design. White wicker or teak furniture would work well with a beach-themed cottage, while darker, heavy furniture would work well with a mountainside cottage look.

3

Look for indoor/ outdoor upholstery for your furniture. All-season choices include weather-treated canvas, linen and thick cotton. These fabrics work well because they tend to be sturdier than many other textiles.

4

Throw in decorative accessories including striped cushions and throw pillows in various designs. Use similar colors to help pull together accessories with different patterns and textures.

5

Create an enclosed space by hanging curtains at the patio's opening (if you do not have an enclosed patio). Cottage-style dcor often features sheer, white curtains. Tie the curtains open using tie-backs wrapped around the poles that hold up your patio's roof.

6

Hang art on the exterior walls of your house. Many masterpieces have been made into art suitable for the elements. These pieces will help your patio take on the look of a room. Suitable "walls" also include a backyard fence.

7

Seek out cottage-style decorating accessories to place on end and coffee tables. A common decorating theme in the cottage style includes nautical accessories such as shells, antique glass, sea floats and fishing nets.

8

Choose shabby chic accessories such as old, white-washed coffee or end tables. Cottage style is casual and often looks weather worn. Don't be afraid, for example, to select a table that's painted white, but has the wood of the table underneath showing through.

9

Purchase a portable terra cotta fireplace for cool evenings. Some versions can be painted. Position the fireplace on the edge of the patio where you can still feel its warmth while decreasing the risk of fire from flying sparks.

How to Build a Basic Wood Table

A basic wood table is an easy project for any do-it-yourselfer. Instead of paying for expensive furniture, you can make your own custom-designed wooden table for only the price of some lumber. To save even more money, an old door or desk can be reused as the top of a new table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decide how big you want your wood table to be. Measure the available space to be sure the table will fit.

2

Mark off the dimensions of your tabletop on a 1 1/2-inch thick plank of wood. Use an electric saw to cut along the markings. Cut four smaller pieces of wood to be the table's legs. If you are making a large table, cut the legs at least 2 inches wide to give the table added stability.

3

Sand down all of the wood pieces with a belt sander. This will create a smooth surface for painting or staining.

4

Set an L bracket on edge of one of the leg pieces and use a pencil to mark where the screw holes line up. Repeat this for each of the four legs. Use an electric drill to make holes where you have made your marks. Attach the legs to the bracket with wood screws. Drill holes in the tabletop and affix the open end of the L brackets to the bottom of the table.

5

Use a soft, damp cloth to apply a coating of stain to the entire surface of your wood table. Apply the stain in a circular motion, going along with the grain of the wood. Let the table dry overnight.

6

Apply a layer of wood varnish with a sponge or paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry for 24 hours, then apply a second coat. Let the table dry completely for 48 hours before moving it or putting anything on top of it.

Ideas for Decorating Farmhouse Kitchen Tables

How to Get White Circles Out of Wooden Furniture

In a perfect world, everyone would use coasters, and ugly white rings on furniture would never be a problem. Unfortunately that's not reality. Almost everyone has discovered a white ring under a glass left too long with no coaster. Whether it's Grandma's heirloom sideboard or your brand new coffee table, don't panic. Refinishing the piece is an option of last resort. First try a simple home remedy recommended in The New York Tmes by Bruce Johnson, national spokesman for Minwax and home-repair book author. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting. Turn the dryer on, and move it back and forth above the white ring, being careful not to let the area overheat. Johnson said this will remove the moisture trapped in the furniture's finish. It works best for marks that are only a day or so old. If the dryer doesn't remove the ring, proceed to step two.

2

Place a small amount of mayonnaise on a soft cloth, and massage it into the white ring. The mayonnaise can be left on the spot for several hours if the ring doesn't disappear right away. Apply more mayonnaise if the initial application dries out.

3

Pour lemon oil on the white ring, and rub lightly with super-fine steel wool if the first two options don't yield results. Don't apply a lot of pressure with the steel wool, and be aware that this method could alter the furniture's finish in that spot.

Local Food Movement Spreading to Chains, Taverns

How to Paint Over a Table That Has Been Stained & Sealed

Refinishing your furniture can give your decor a whole new look. You may have an old wood table that is still serviceable, but the stained finish is old and damaged. Or maybe you have found a table at a garage sale or second-hand store that needs only a new finish. Stripping and restaining the table is time-consuming and expensive, but another idea is to simply add a coat of paint and put the table to immediate use. Evaluate the stained and sealed table finish to see how much preparation you need to do before you paint. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor while you work on the table.

2

Inspect the table. Look for any areas that are flaking or chipped. Make note of areas where the stain has been worn to bare wood.

3

Fill in cracks and gouges with wood filler, applying the filler with a small scraper. Skim the edge of the scraper across the filled area, making it level with the surface, and remove the excess filler. Allow the filler to dry overnight.

4

Sand the table with sandpaper or electric sander. The surface must be smooth and level before you paint, or the finish will look amateurish.

5

Dust off the sandpaper grit with a clean tack cloth.

6

Wash the table with a solution of 1 tsp. dish detergent and 1 gallon water to remove remaining grit and dirt. Allow the table to dry for two hours.

7

Spray a coat of alkyd primer evenly on all surfaces of the table. Allow the primer to dry for at least four hours. Sand the primer coat lightly, and wipe with a tack cloth before you apply the topcoat finish.

8

Spray on the enamel paint color of your choice. Start with a thin, even layer, and add additional layers, as needed. Allow the paint to dry to the touch between coats.

9

Apply a polyurethane spray coat to protect the paint. Spray in thin layers, going back and forth across the surface. Allow each coat to dry before adding another, following the manufacturer's directions.

How to Create an Indoor Picnic For Kids

An indoor family picnic and be a special lunch together with your family or even a dinner event. Make it a tradition or just enjoy this time together as the weather gets colder. It is a great way to remember summer, without worrying about snow or driving anywhere.

Instructions

1

Pack a basket with finger foods. Many foods kids already enjoy are (or can be turned into) finger foods. Crackers, cheese and chunks of fruit are a great blend of foods for a picnic. Add sandwiches cut into strips of four, making them finger sandwiches. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches or club sandwiches work well for an indoor picnic. Add juice boxes, small plates and napkins to the basket.

2

Carry the blanket and the basket and travel all around the house, with your family following you. This is entertaining for kids. Search out the best place in the house to have an indoor picnic. The living room is a great option but your kids may choose the bedroom floor. Go with what feels right.

3

Start your picnic. Have everyone grab a piece of the blanket to lay it out on the floor flat. Share in the work. Set up the basket in the center of the blanket and have everyone take a seat on the blanket.

4

Hand everyone a plate. Dish out your picnic items. While you are eating, enjoy each other's company. An indoor picnic is a great way for a family to reconnect. Talk to each other about the day, wishes, hopes and dreams. Make up stories or do other picnic-like activities that can be done inside. This is the fun of an indoor picnic.

5

Clean up when everything is gone and the picnic is over. Have everyone help out. Thank your family members for coming and invite them to come again. They may want to enjoy this family gathering indoors more often than you expect.

How to Build a Bird Feeder Without a Table Saw

Adding a bird feeder to your yard is a surefire way to entice wild birds. Once they begin feeding, you can observe the different birds, take their pictures or discuss them with your children. Store-bought feeders are effective, but they can be expensive. Making a wooden feeder is inexpensive, but generally requires a table saw. Instead, make your own bird feeder using items from your kitchen or around your yard, without the use of a saw. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Coffee Can

1

Clean the inside of a coffee can using soap and water. Turn the can upside down and let it dry overnight.

2

Drill two 1/8-inch holes into the side of the coffee can. Place the first hole 1 inch from the bottom edge of the can and the second, parallel from the first, 1 inch from the top of the can. Twist an eye hook into each of the holes.

3

Feed a 12-inch piece of twine through each of the eye hooks. Use the twine to hang the feeder from a tree branch.

4

Use a utility knife to cut a 2-inch hole into the lid for the coffee can. Place the hole 2 inches from the edge of the lid. Punch a hole underneath the 2-inch hole using a hole puncher.

5

Insert a 1/4-by-3 inch dowel rod through the punched hole. Place 1 inch of the dowel rod inside the lid and the other 2 inches outside to create a perch for the feeder.

6

Fill the can with birdseed and place the lid on the coffee can with the hole and perch on the opposite side of the can from the eye hook.

Pine Cones

7

Tie a 12-inch piece of string around a pine cone, positioning the string 1 inch from the bottom.

8

Cover the pine cone in peanut butter.

9

Roll the peanut butter covered pine cone in birdseed.

10

Hang the pine cone from a tree using the string.

Milk Jug

11

Clean an empty plastic milk jug using soap and water. Let the jug dry overnight. Once dry, place the lid back on the jug.

12

Cut a 3-inch hole in the side of the milk jug using a utility knife, positioning it 2 inches up from the bottom of the jug.

13

Fill the bottom of the jug with birdseed and place the completed feeder on a fence post or outside deck from which the birds can feed.

How to Sell a Rustic Farm Table

If you have inherited a large rustic farm table, chances are you are either extremely happy or you have no idea where you are going to put it. If you fall into the second category, you should be able to sell your farm table to an antique store or other buyer or directly to a client. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Find and schedule an appointment with an appraiser in your area by looking through the International Society of Appraisers registry or a similar directory.

2

Discuss the appraised value of your farm table with the appraiser. Your appraiser will likely have suggestions based on the value of your table. You may find a buyer by listening to the appraiser's suggestion.

3

Call places your appraiser suggests and ask if they might be interested in the table. Arrange viewing appointments or send them pictures of the table.

4

Research antique dealers, design stores and interior designers in your area. These people will likely be interested in the table or have a client in mind. Provide pictures or schedule appointments. An antique dealer or design store may wish to sell the table on commission. Decide if this is acceptable to you.

5

Place an ad in online marketplaces. List the dimensions of the table and any other relevant information, such as material, age and background. Provide clear photographs. You might wish to obtain a shipping quote from a ground shipper to provide potential buyers with a shipping estimate.

6

Continue to investigate additional online marketplaces if you are having trouble selling the table. You may wish to place an ad in local newspapers or expand the range of antique shops.

How to Refinish Dining Room Tables

You can rejuvenate the appearance of your dining room table by refinishing it with the appropriate coatings. Unfortunately, if you dive into the project without the proper know-how, you could end up damaging the very surface you are attempting to restore. Dining room tables are coated with a protective, high-gloss varnish or polyurethane wood sealer coating, meant to enhance the table's appearance and protect the surface from scratches. You must eliminate this coating by sanding it a particular way, or you will end up marring the table with scratches.

Instructions

1

Move the dining room table outdoors or to an open garage.

2

Clean the dining room table with dish soap, using wet rags. Dry the table with towels.

3

Remove the polyurethane or varnish finish from the dining room table by sanding with a palm sander, stocked with 220-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand along with the wood grain. Stop when the finish appears dull.

4

Eliminate sawdust by wiping the table down with tack cloths.

5

Cover areas you don't want stained with painter's tape and drop cloths.

6

Coat the dining room table with an oil-based stain, using a paintbrush for oil paint. Use clean rags to wipe excess stain from the table. Wait no less than six hours for the stain to dry.

7

Wash the paintbrush with mineral spirits.

8

Coat the stained dining room table with varnish or polyurethane wood sealer, using the clean brush. Wait six hours before setting anything on the table.

How to Build a Kids Table & Chairs

You are decorating a room for a special child in your life, and you want to add a personal touch by making a table and chair that's perfect for their height. With some simple materials and some measuring tape, you are ready to go. Making your own table and chairs for children saves money and gives you the freedom to design your own furniture according to your environment and specifications. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Table

1

Look around to determine what size your children's table should be. The top of the table should be as large as possible and should allow room for kids to grow.

2

Write down measurements for the length and width of the children's table top, according to your specifications. Also write down the measurements for the table's height.

3

Take a trip to your local home improvement store. This type of store will cut your wood and trim to your specific order size. Order four pieces of trim, two for the length and two for the width. Get some plywood that meets your tabletop measurements, and buy a set of pre-cut table legs according to your required dimensions.

4

Go back home and place the plywood upside-down on a flat surface. Mark the spots where you want the legs to attach, then drill pilot holes for the screws that attach the legs.

5

Attach each leg and insert a screw on each side of the table leg through the top of the leg, at an angle, into the tabletop.

6

Tape your trim around the outside of the table. Drill some pilot holes at both ends of the trim on all table sides. Insert the end screws, then add the rest of the screws to each side at point equidistant from each other. It generally takes three to five screws to attach your trim. Remove the tape when this step is complete.

7

Remove all the splinters on the wood by using medium-grade sandpaper. Add fine detail to your sanding job by using a lightweight sandpaper to take away any scratches left by the medium-grade sandpaper.

8

Prime your table so you can paint it. A primer protects both the wood and the paint that goes on top of it. Paint the table once the primer dries.

Children's Chair

9

Cut some rounded 2 by 4 pieces of lumber into four pieces that meet your personal height requirements for chair legs. The height of the chair legs will vary according to the height of the children at your table and the table height.

10

Use a flatter type of wood and cut a square large enough for your child's seat cover. Cut a "slope" into this seat back with your planing tool. You want the chair seat to have a 3/4- to 1-inch "drop."

11

Decide how thick you want the back of your child's seat to be. Choose wood accordingly, and cut a piece of this wood into a square to meet your own unique specifications.

12

Sand all the wood thoroughly, starting with a rough sandpaper and completing the sanding by using a fine grit. Your goal is to remove all possible splinters in your sanding.

13

Prime the wood and paint it. Be sure it dries thoroughly before completing the next few steps.

14

Notch the tops of each of your chair legs and the back part of the child's chair seat with a saw, chisel or hammer. You want the back piece of the chair to fit securely into the seat.

15

Attach the chair legs to the chair seat using screws or nails and your hammer or screwdriver or nail gun. Secure it tightly so it doesn't move around or wiggle.

16

Cut pieces of felt so they fit on the base of the chair legs. Glue them onto the wood with some wood glue.

How to Build Plans for a Picnic Table

Building picnic tables can be an arduous task for the amateur carpenter. Most experienced wood workers can complete the project with ease, but the inexperienced will likely need clear instructions to reference as they proceed to build. The materials required for a strong and durable picnic table are not expensive, and they do not require much hardware. Construction lumber is an adequate choice of wood because when it is sealed with a wood sealant, it holds up to the elements. Building your own picnic table can be a fun weekend project for any homeowner. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay a 32-inch board flat, and use the protractor and pencil to mark a 22-degree angle at the ends of the board. Cut the ends of the board at this angle so that the boards original length is not affected, and so that it looks like a parallelogram. Repeat this process with the other three 32-inch boards. These are the legs to the picnic table. The angles are cut so all the legs can lean toward each other and support the benches, and table top.

2

Lay two of the table legs flat on your work space so the ends are horizontal, and so they are leaning at a 22-degree angle toward each other. The top ends, or the ends leaning toward each other, should be 22 inches apart. Lay a 33-inch board flat and horizontally across the top ends of the legs so it is flush with horizontal ends of the legs. Bolt the 33-inch board to the two legs by drilling two 3/8-inch holes through both ends of the 33-inch board and through the legs. Be sure there is a washer on both sides of the wood.

3

Bolt a 52-inch board to the legs in the same manner so it is parallel with the 33-inch board, but 16 inches below it. This board will hold the bench boards to the picnic table. There should be 12 inches of clearance from the ends of this board to the table legs. The four boards that are bolted together is one of the ends to your table. Repeat these steps to build the opposite end of the table. The bench boards, and the table top boards will be perpendicular to these ends.

4

Position the table ends so the 33-inch boards are on top, parallel and 57 inches apart. Screw through the 26-inch centers of the 52-inch boards and into the 57-inch board. The 57-inch board must be perpendicular to the 52-inch board, and the 6-inch-by-57-inch sides of the board should be vertical. This board will provide support to the picnic table.

5

Screw the 1-inch-by-6-inch boards perpendicularly to the 33-inch boards. There should be a 6-inch over hang with both ends of these boards from the 33-inch boards, and the two outside boards should be flush with the ends of the 33-inch boards. This will be your table top.

6

Screw two 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-72-inch boards to each side of the picnic table so that they are parallel with the table top boards, and so that there is the same 6-inch overhang at both ends of the table. Apply your wood sealant and let dry.

7

Apply the wood sealant and allow it to dry.