Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
What to Line Dresser or Bureau Drawers With
Dresser or bureau drawers are often those long forgotten spaces in decorating, left to vanquish under piles of rumpled clothing. The bottom and even sides of dresser or bureau drawers can be made to look beautiful and can even complement the design theme of your bedroom. Not only does lining dresser drawers beautify them, the lining helps to prevent damage to your clothing such as snagging, discoloration and even nasty smells. Consider the following options when it comes time to line your dresser or bureau drawers.
Line them with fabric. Fabric is an easy option for lining dresser drawers. Use fabric that already has a place in your bedroom such as pillows or the bedspread or curtains. Take any excess fabric or remnants you may have and cut to fit the bottom portion of your dresser drawer. Apply some fabric glue to the bottom of the drawer and smooth the fabric to the bottom, smoothing away any wrinkles you encounter. Allow to dry before placing clothing back in the drawer. You may also line the sides of the drawer if you like by cutting out smaller sections of fabric.
Wallpaper makes an ideal dresser drawer liner. Many times, wallpaper is pre-pasted with wallpaper paste. Just wet the back of the wallpaper with a small amount of water on a sponge and apply the paper to the bottom and sides of the drawer if desired. This is a great way to use up any leftover wallpaper you may have. Do each drawer with different wallpaper for a unique look. If you don't have any leftover wallpaper, check with decorating studios or home stores, and ask if you can purchase old wallpaper sample books; the sample pages in the book are the perfect size for all different kinds of craft projects.
Old maps or pages from an old atlas make great dresser drawer liners. Cut to size and apply a good quality glue to the back of the map, and adhere to the bottom of the drawer. Smooth away any wrinkles, and allow to dry completely before placing clothing back in the drawer.
Good old contact paper has come a long way from it's origins. Today, contact paper comes in a variety of designs that blend in well with contemporary living. Most contact paper has a built in adhesive, and a paper backing that pulls away. Measure and cut the contact paper to suit your needs, peel off the paper backing and apply to the drawer. The advantage to contact paper is that you don't have to wait for the adhesive to dry, once you apply it, your are ready to go.
Line them with fabric. Fabric is an easy option for lining dresser drawers. Use fabric that already has a place in your bedroom such as pillows or the bedspread or curtains. Take any excess fabric or remnants you may have and cut to fit the bottom portion of your dresser drawer. Apply some fabric glue to the bottom of the drawer and smooth the fabric to the bottom, smoothing away any wrinkles you encounter. Allow to dry before placing clothing back in the drawer. You may also line the sides of the drawer if you like by cutting out smaller sections of fabric.
Wallpaper makes an ideal dresser drawer liner. Many times, wallpaper is pre-pasted with wallpaper paste. Just wet the back of the wallpaper with a small amount of water on a sponge and apply the paper to the bottom and sides of the drawer if desired. This is a great way to use up any leftover wallpaper you may have. Do each drawer with different wallpaper for a unique look. If you don't have any leftover wallpaper, check with decorating studios or home stores, and ask if you can purchase old wallpaper sample books; the sample pages in the book are the perfect size for all different kinds of craft projects.
Old maps or pages from an old atlas make great dresser drawer liners. Cut to size and apply a good quality glue to the back of the map, and adhere to the bottom of the drawer. Smooth away any wrinkles, and allow to dry completely before placing clothing back in the drawer.
Good old contact paper has come a long way from it's origins. Today, contact paper comes in a variety of designs that blend in well with contemporary living. Most contact paper has a built in adhesive, and a paper backing that pulls away. Measure and cut the contact paper to suit your needs, peel off the paper backing and apply to the drawer. The advantage to contact paper is that you don't have to wait for the adhesive to dry, once you apply it, your are ready to go.
Artwork for Small Spaces
While your wall space may be limited, a little creativity can go a long way to creating walls that are colorful and visually exciting. Proportion and balance are key when it comes to decorating a small space with artwork.
Take into consideration who will be using and viewing the space. Will your guests or yourself be seated when viewing a particular work of art? Placement of art on a wall should take this into account, especially in a small space where there is less room to maneuver.
Small spaces generally require small artwork. Large paintings can sometimes overwhelm a small space and back people into a corner. However, a large painting can make a significant visual impact and may be all that is needed in a small space to add color and depth. One, single large painting often looks visually more appealing than many small paintings in a jumble. Experiment to see which looks best in your small space.
If you are hanging an assortment of images, start with the smaller pieces on the lower portion of the wall and work your way up to the larger pieces. This will draw the eye upward and create the illusion of space.
For a small room with a low ceiling, stack pictures in vertical arrangements that add height to a room. Avoid completely covering a wall with paintings however, balance is key.
A pair or trio of smaller pictures have more visual impact when hung over a doorframe or small window, rather than left to float aimlessly on a large wall.
Artful arrangements of beautiful framed pictures add warmth and personality to a room, especially a small space.
Take into consideration who will be using and viewing the space. Will your guests or yourself be seated when viewing a particular work of art? Placement of art on a wall should take this into account, especially in a small space where there is less room to maneuver.
Small spaces generally require small artwork. Large paintings can sometimes overwhelm a small space and back people into a corner. However, a large painting can make a significant visual impact and may be all that is needed in a small space to add color and depth. One, single large painting often looks visually more appealing than many small paintings in a jumble. Experiment to see which looks best in your small space.
If you are hanging an assortment of images, start with the smaller pieces on the lower portion of the wall and work your way up to the larger pieces. This will draw the eye upward and create the illusion of space.
For a small room with a low ceiling, stack pictures in vertical arrangements that add height to a room. Avoid completely covering a wall with paintings however, balance is key.
A pair or trio of smaller pictures have more visual impact when hung over a doorframe or small window, rather than left to float aimlessly on a large wall.
Artful arrangements of beautiful framed pictures add warmth and personality to a room, especially a small space.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Simple Solutions for Tough Pet Odor
Here are some easy and simple solutions for clearing up pet odor.
Fabrics
- Step 1:Urine odors are certainly the most prevalent and some of the most difficult odors to remove from the home. Even after you think you have removed the odor, it often reappears to offend you and guests as well. For offensive urine odors on fabrics, such as pillows or clothing, try pre-treating the item with an enzyme laundry product. Soak in some water water, and add in the enzymes. These are widely available in pet supply stores. After soaking the item, launder using bleach or color safe bleach as needed.
Upholstery
- Step 1:Treating urine odors in upholstery can be particularly challenging. Attempt to blot up as much of the urine as possible. Place some old towels between the upholstery and the cushion if possible. Press down on these towels with a heavy weighted object to help with absorption. Once you have removed the bulk of the urine stain and wetness, tackle the odor. Use a small amount of liquid hand dishwashing liquid with two cups of cold water. Sponge the stain with this mixture, then blot until all of the liquid is completely absorbed. Repeat as necessary to remove the odor. Use some cool water on a sponge, apply to the area and blot dry.
Carpet
- Step 1:Carpet is another challenge when it comes to removing the smell of urine. Often the urine penetrates the backing on the carpet, and may even get to the carpet padding, causing an almost impossible situation. Blot up the moisture as well as you can with a clean cloth, repeating until the area is as dry as possible. Again, you will want to mix some dishwashing liquid with water, but this time add in one tablespoon of white vinegar. This helps to neutralize the urine smell. Apply generously to the urine area and blot until absorbed. Repeat as needed, until the odor is eliminated. Sponge with some cold water and blot dry.
Resources
How to Use Garlic to Control Fleas on Cats
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
- Chopped garlic cloves
- Cat food
- Garlic powder
- Garlic salt
- Garlic juice
- Water
- Spray bottle
Process
- Step 1:Chop up a clove of garlic and put about 1/4 of the chopped clove into your cat's food.
- Step 2:Dust your cat with garlic powder. Avoid getting the powder near the cat's eyes, nose or mouth. Use the smallest amount of powder necessary to cover the cat.
- Step 3:Wash your cat as your normally would in warm soapy water, but add a couple drops of garlic juice to the water first.
- Step 4:Massage your cat with some garlic salt. The salt along with the smell of garlic helps to repel fleas.
Tips & Warnings
- Brewer's yeast is often combined with garlic in commercial flea prevention products. This mixture can be added to the cat's food or given as a treat for flea prevention. You can also rub brewers yeast and garlic directly on your cat's fur. Look for various preparations of this type at most pet supply stores.
- Consult your cat's veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about giving garlic to your cat in any form.
- Do not rub garlic powder, salt, or juice onto your cat if there are any open sores as this could irritate the wound further.
Aromatherapy Flea Treatment for Dogs
You can make simple aromatherapy sprays and rinses for your dog using essential oils. Simply spray the formula on your pet, dip or use as a rinse.
Yellow dock is an herb that provides itch relief for dogs. Simply add 1 tablespoon of dried yellow dock to 2 cups of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes, then cool completely. Strain, and rinse your dog with this mixture to provide cooling itch relief. This rinse can be used after a bath or without a bath.
Green tea makes an effective treatment for your dog's itchy skin. Steep a couple of green tea bags in 2 to 3 cups of water, depending on the size of your dog, for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, and let the tea cool off. Once cool, pour the mixture over your pet for relief. Let your pet drip-dry.
If your dog is experiencing itchy, red skin, use a rinse of chamomile or calendula tea. The same procedure as above applies: Steep a couple of teabags or 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water, cool, then pour the rinse on your dog. These herbs help to cool off hot, irritated areas of the dog's skin. Let the rinse dry on your pet.
To make an itch-relief spray, combine 10 to 15 drops of calendula tincture with 4 ounces of distilled water in a small spray bottle. Shake the mixture well, and spray on your dog's skin as often as needed.
Yellow dock is an herb that provides itch relief for dogs. Simply add 1 tablespoon of dried yellow dock to 2 cups of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes, then cool completely. Strain, and rinse your dog with this mixture to provide cooling itch relief. This rinse can be used after a bath or without a bath.
Green tea makes an effective treatment for your dog's itchy skin. Steep a couple of green tea bags in 2 to 3 cups of water, depending on the size of your dog, for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, and let the tea cool off. Once cool, pour the mixture over your pet for relief. Let your pet drip-dry.
If your dog is experiencing itchy, red skin, use a rinse of chamomile or calendula tea. The same procedure as above applies: Steep a couple of teabags or 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water, cool, then pour the rinse on your dog. These herbs help to cool off hot, irritated areas of the dog's skin. Let the rinse dry on your pet.
To make an itch-relief spray, combine 10 to 15 drops of calendula tincture with 4 ounces of distilled water in a small spray bottle. Shake the mixture well, and spray on your dog's skin as often as needed.
Doggy Shampoo for Itchy Skin
- Step 1:You can easily make a custom aromatherapy shampoo for your dog using a pre-made shampoo base that is organic, with no added dyes or perfumes. These are available at most health food stores or pet supply stores. To a standard 16-ounce bottle of shampoo base, add 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 6 drops of rosewood essential oil, 6 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 drop of Roman chamomile, 2 drops of carrot seed oil and 1 tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal. Shake ingredients together well. Bathe your dog as you normally would, rinse and dry.
Flea and Tick Relief
- Step 1:Another way to relieve itchy skin on your dog is to prevent infestations of fleas and ticks. Make a flea and insect repellent shampoo by adding the following to a standard 16-ounce bottle of dog shampoo base: 4 drops of clary sage essential oil, 2 drops of citronella oil, 8 drops of peppermint essential oil and 4 drops of lemon essential oil. Combine ingredients well in the bottle, and shampoo your dog as you normally would.
Make an aromatherapy shampoo that specifically targets ticks. Combine the following with 16 ounces of dog shampoo base: 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 2 drops of rosewood essential oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of myrrh essential oil and 1 drop of bay leaf essential oil. Mix together well in shampoo base, and apply to your dog as you normally would.
Resources
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Another Spoonerism for Ya
When referencing a new Bob Dylan book that is soon to be released: Blowin in the Wind, my husband said that Dylan is a great "songer singwriter". Oh my, heavy sigh. Seriously.
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