What Kind of Material Is for a Tablecloth?

Tablecloths have long been used as decorative and functional elements in kitchens and dining rooms. Once made primarily of white lace or damask, tablecloths lent an air of elegance and refinement to a home, and were often displayed during holidays or special celebrations. Today, tablecloth designs range from formal to fun and casual to contemporary. Available in a wide range of colors, prints and materials, tablecloths can be used to enhance a decor or protect a tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Cotton

Tablecloths are often made of cotton, a natural material, because it offers strength, absorbency and beauty. Because cotton is long-lasting, a tablecloth made from this material can stand up to repeated use and washing. In addition, the luxurious appearance and feel of cotton can dress up a table and is suitable for special occasions. Cotton fabric drawbacks include a tendency to wrinkle, which necessitates ironing. If washed in hot water and machine-dried, cotton can also shrink.

Linen

Linen comes from the flax plant, and like cotton, linen is absorbent and durable. A light and crisp fabric, linen shrinks less than cotton and is lint-free; linen does, however, wrinkle easily and requires frequent ironing to retain its smooth appearance. Linen tablecloths have long been considered one of the best choices for a formal occasion or elegant table setting suitable for a wedding or holiday celebration.

Irish Linen

Regarded as some of the finest linen in the world, Irish linen tablecloths are renowned for their intricate and traditional designs, according to the Gracious Style online boutique. The combination of exceptionally fine Irish yarns and the expertise of Irish weavers results in table linens highly valued for their delicate beauty. Irish linens are also unusually soft to the touch due to the softness of the Northern Ireland waters used in the finishing process.

Synthetic Materials

Because they are easy to care for and strong enough to withstand frequent use, synthetic tablecloths are ideal for everyday use. Available in a wide range of colors, patterns and prints, synthetic tablecloths are appropriate for casual table settings and are not usually preferred for formal dining. Synthetic materials include PVC-coated tablecloths and vinyl tablecloths. Benefits of synthetic tablecloths include water repellance, easy cleaning, durability, versatility and resistance to rips and tears.

How to Build a Cheap Sewing Table

If you only use your sewing machine for simple mending jobs now and then, it isn't a big deal to set it up on the kitchen table and put it away again when you're done. But if you sew more than a couple of times a month it's nice to have it already set up on a table in its own little corner. You can buy a table already assembled that is made specifically to be a sewing table, but why spend hundreds when you can put together a functional table with some simple materials from a home improvement store?

Instructions

1

Lay the table top on the floor, upside down.

2

Turn the sawhorses upside down and position them on the underside of the table top. Use the tape measure to make sure they are equal distances from the outer edges of the tabletop, at least 1 foot in from each side.

3

Attach the sawhorses to the tabletop with the screws, screwing through the underside of the sawhorse and securing it to the bottom of the tabletop. Use three screws for each sawhorse, place one at each end and one in the middle of each sawhorse.

4

Turn the table right-side up and it is ready to use.

How to Clip a Tablecloth

Eating and socializing outdoors are important components of barbecuing and picnicking, popular summertime traditions. However, strong winds can blow tablecloths away, creating both a mess and wasted food; young children and pets may pull tablecloths off. Securing your tablecloth to the table using clips is a simple way to prevent this from happening at your next outdoor event. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use a measuring tape to measure the thickness of your table. Many companies sell different sizes of tablecloth clips, such as 3/4-inch and 2-inch, designed to fit tables of different sizes.

2

Purchase a set of tablecloth clips to fit your table. Many home and garden stores carry these products.

3

Spread a tablecloth out evenly on your table.

4

Attach a tablecloth clip to the center of each side of your table. If your table is circular, spread out a number of tablecloth clips evenly.

How to Make Fitted Table Covers

A fitted table cover is a cover that fits snugly over the top of the table. This allows the cover to stay in place and maintain the shape of the table. A fitted table cover can be placed over a loose table cloth to hold the loose cover in place. This is commonly done for buffets where the legs of the table look better hidden such as when the table is a fold out or is unattractive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place fabric face down on the table top. Add twice the fall on each side. The fall is the distance from the top of the table to the bottom edge of the table top. Cut out the table cloth.

2

Pin the fabric corners to fit the corners of the table (the fabric should be face down on the table). Sew seams along your pin lines at each corner. Trim away excess fabric at the corners.

3

Turn the raw edge under 3/8 inch and then turn the fold under 3/8 inch and sew all around. Cut four pieces of 1/4-inch elastic 6 inches shorter than each side.

4

Fold the elastic in half to find the center. Tack the center of the elastic on the inside of the double hem half way along the side. Stretch the elastic toward the corner and sew the stretched elastic from the center to the corner. Repeat for the other side of the elastic. Repeat for each side of the table cover.

DIY Farmhouse Table

Farmhouse tables are a basic part of American furniture. Farmers rarely had the money to buy expensive furniture; a farmhouse table was built very simply, using the common tools and materials they had handy. Almost anybody can build a sturdy farmhouse table.

You can build a similar table using standard pine lumber from your local home center. Simple butt joints, assembled using box nails, are all that is needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay two of the 4x4s (legs) on the ground, about five feet apart and parallel to each other. Lay one of the 1x4s on top of them, overlapping the edges so they form a U-shape of two legs joined by a long side rail to support the top. Spread some glue between the joints where they overlap, and drive three box nails through each end of the rail into the legs (six nails total). Do not position the three nails in a straight line. Stagger them, so you are less likely to split the wood. Wipe off any excess glue with the damp cloth.

2

Repeat step 1 with the other 1x4 and the other two 4x4s, and let the glue dry. You now have two leg assemblies, one for each side of the table.

3

Set one of the leg assemblies on the floor so the bottoms of the legs point straight up in the air. Attach one of the longer 2x4s to the end of this leg assembly. The cut edge of the 2x4 should align with the outside edge of the 1x4 side rail, so the leg appears to be inside the frame formed by the 1x4 and the 2x4. Apply some glue to the area where the 2x4 and the leg assembly overlap, then drive three nails through the 2x4 into the leg assembly; stagger them as you did before. Use the damp cloth to wipe off any excess glue. This is one of the short end rails of the table.

4

Attach the other long 2x4 to the other end of the leg assembly, following the instructions in Step 3. This 2x4 is the short end rail for the other end of the table.

5

Put some glue on one cut end of the short 2x4 and position it halfway between the two short end rails, then drive three nails through the 1x4 into the end of this 2x4. Wipe off any excess glue. This is a center support for the top of the farmtable.

6

Attach the remaining leg assembly to the three 2x4s, using glue and nails as in the previous three steps. When finished, you will have completed the farmtable base. Once the glue has dried, turn the table base over so it sits on the legs.

7

Use the measuring tape to mark the center point on each of the short end rails with the pencil. Position two of the 1x8s on top of the frame, with their joint placed over the pencil marks. Drive three box nails through each one into both of the end rails and the center support; you will need nine nails per board. Do not use glue. Add boards, nailing them to the frame until the top is completed.

8

Stain the table with the finish of your choice, following the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Build Farm Table Benches

Simple, rustic and easy to build, farm tables are an extremely popular part of many decorating styles. But a table is only half the formula; you also need seating for it. Farm table benches are one popular option. Simple, strong and capable of seating many more people than a few chairs can, they also complete the look for a fraction of the cost and can easily be placed along the wall when extra space is needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine the length of your bench, and cut the 2 x 12 and 1 x 4s to this length. For the purposes of this article, we will make the bench 6 feet long.

2

Make a mark on the bottom edge of one 1 x 4 four inches from one end. Use the square to draw a 45-degree angle from this mark to the corner, then cut off this triangular piece. Repeat on the other end of the 1 x 4. You will now have a brace with one full-length edge and one that tapers to a shorter edge. Repeat with the other 1 x 4.

3

Cut a notch four inches wide in one end of each 2 x 10 leg. This will make it easier for the legs to sit level on the floor.

4

Assemble the two braces and legs. Using the square, draw a line perpendicular to the top of the brace that extends to the bottommost point of the taper. Use this line to ensure that one of the legs can be attached perpendicular to the brace. Apply a layer of glue to the top 3 inches of one leg, then align this leg to the line, make sure the top of the leg is level with the top of the brace. Attach the brace to the leg by driving two or three nails through the brace into the leg. Use the damp cloth to wipe off any glue that oozes out of the joint.

5

Repeat this procedure three more times, first attaching the second leg to this brace, then attaching the remaining brace to the assembly. When all four pieces are attached, it should appear as though the bench legs extend down from the bottom of the tapers on the braces. The structure will be very steady.

6

Apply a bead of glue along the top edges of the braces and the ends of the legs. Center the bench seat on top of the base unit, then drive nails through the top and into both braces and legs. Wipe off any glue that oozes out, and allow the bench to dry.

7

Sand the bench lightly, then apply finish with the applicator, following the manufacturer's instructions. Let it dry, and your bench is ready for use.

How to Select Square Cloths for Round Tables

Tablecloths add grace and interest to any table and are available in many shapes, including round, square and oval. Although round tablecloths are the most common choice for round tables, square tablecloths are another option. Square tablecloths give a feeling of elegance to a round table, and when draped correctly, they can even hide table legs. With some simple measurements and calculations, you can be sure you are selecting the proper size square tablecloth for your round table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the diameter of your round table.

2

Measure the distance from your tabletop to the floor. Most tabletops sit at a height of 30 inches.

3

Determine the length of the drop you desire your tablecloth to have. Tablecloths at formal occasions usually have a 30-inch drop and touch the floor, while most informal occasions call for the tablecloth to drop 15 inches from the edge, or halfway to the floor.

4

Multiply the length of your desired drop by two. Add the resulting number to the width of your table. For example, if the width of your table is 60 inches and you want a 15-inch drop, multiply 15 inches by two, which is 30 inches. Add 30 inches to 60 inches to come up with 90 inches. So the proper size square tablecloth for your table would be 90 inches.

How to Make Farmhouse Kitchen Tables

Whether youre going for the look of a country cottage or a rustic cabin, a farmhouse table adds charm and simplicity to any kitchen or dining room. Because of the straightforward design of a farmhouse kitchen table, virtually anyone with a little building know-how can make one in an afternoon. Once the table is constructed, you can leave it unfinished, apply a stain or just cover it with a clear sealant. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange two of the 2-by-6-foot boards to run parallel to one another set 3 feet apart resting on their 2-inch width. Place the other two boards of the same size perpendicularly also on their 2-inch width at each end to cap the first two boards and form a square.

2

Make the boards flush at each corner. Insert two screws through each corner to connect the square frame unit together. Run a bead of wood glue down the inside seam of the corners for added strength.

3

Hold one 3-by-3-inch post upright and press it into one inside corner of the frame with the frame resting on a flat surface. Screw two screws through both corner boards and into the sides of the post to secure the post. Run glue along both seams on the side of the post where it touches the boards. Repeat this step with the three other posts so they are pointing up in the air at the remaining corners. Leave the frame for one hour so the glue can dry.

4

Rotate the frame and table legs so it sits upright with the frame suspended off the ground and the legs supporting the structure. Place all four of the 10-inch boards across the length of the frame so they run parallel to the first two original boards. Adjust the boards until they run flush to one another at each end, are set -inch apart, and have an even overhang off the frame on both sides of the table and at each end of the table.

5

Insert screws through the 10-inch boards and into the square frame underneath to secure the table top boards to the frame. Space the screws every 5 inches. Make sure you are driving the screws into the frame below as you work.

6

Sand over the entire surface and frame of the table to smooth the wood. If desired, apply a wood stain and let it dry, and/or use a clear sealant and allow the sealant to dry thoroughly.

How to Choose a Tablecloth

A tablecloth can transform a plain and boring table into whatever you want it to look like. You can find one for every holiday and every special occasion and they can quickly be interchanged. Tablecloths are also fabulous for covering up a table that has surface damage but is in great physical condition. Here are some things to consider next time you are buying your next tablecloth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decide what size you need. Measure the length and width of the table, then add a few inches. You don't want the tablecloth to reach the end and not hang down over the edges. Before you buy the tablecloth, make sure to read the packaging and make sure you are buying the correct size for your table.

2

Buy the tablecloth that works with the shape of your table. Tablecloths are made in specific shapes, depending on the form of the table. Whether your table is square, rectangle, circle or odd-shaped, only get the tablecloth that matches the shape of your table. If you mix and match shapes, it will look odd and messy.

3

Pick the color or pattern that you want. If you leave a tablecloth on your table year round, make sure that it matches the colors in the rest of the room. For holidays or special occasions, it doesn't have to match, but it does at least have to compliment the room. You can find tablecloths with patterns of Christmas trees, stripes, birthday cakes, flowers or any other pattern that you would like. Tablecloths also come in every solid color that you can think of.

4

Decide on the fabric that you want. Most tablecloths are made from cloth, lace or vinyl. Cloth tablecloths are great for any occasion and for whatever the look of your room is. Lace tablecloths look beautiful, but are very delicate. People may accidentally pull on them and might end up ruining them. Vinyl tablecloths a great for picnics and for children's parties. They can be wiped down in minutes. Just choose the fabric based on what your use for the tablecloth will be.

How to Clean an Antique Coffee Table With a Leather Inlay

An antique wood and leather coffee table is an elegant piece of furniture, but over time, it can take on a dull, soiled appearance. In most cases, you can clean the table yourself, but you must clean the wood and the leather inlay separately. Work carefully and don't be too concerned with the scratches and water marks that give a table character and contribute to its historic value. Clean only surfaces that are solid and stable. If the wood or leather appears fragile, or if you have doubts, consult a professional before cleaning the antique table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove dust and loose dirt with a soft cotton cloth, soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a dusting attachment.

2

Wipe the wood with a clean cotton cloth and oil soap. Alternatively, wipe the wood with a weak solution of two or three drops of liquid dish detergent in a cup of warm water. Never use dishwasher or laundry detergent.

3

Rub gently to remove dirt, oil and grime. Use a cotton cloth to dry the surface of the wood.

4

Clean the leather inlay by wiping it gently with a cloth dipped in a solution of 1 cup of warm water and 2 to 3 drops of liquid dish detergent or castile soap. Wring the cloth so it's barely damp.

5

Remove the detergent by wiping the leather with a clean cloth dipped in warm water.

6

Buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth. If the leather still appears soiled, wipe it with a damp sponge dipped in saddle soap, then buff with a dry cloth again.

7

Dry the leather thoroughly and then apply a leather conditioner. A high-quality leather conditioner softens, conditions and preserves antique leather. Apply the conditioner according to the recommendations on the container.

How to Organize a Ping-Pong Tournament

Made famous by the likes of Forrest Gump and Ming Soy Ling, Ping-Pong is a fantastic, fast-paced game that can be played one-on-one or in teams of two. With a silly looking paddle and a little plastic ball, this is a game that gets you moving and laughing. Spread your love of table tennis, and organize a Ping-Pong tournament today.

Instructions

1

Choose whether you will have a singles or doubles tournament and how many players or teams should participate. Create a tournament bracket with a match schedule and use it as your player sign-up sheet. Players can sign up by fitting a match into their schedule.

2

Decide whether you will charge an entry fee or not. Entry fees can boost incentive to participate, as the winning team wins all or part of the pot. You may also use all or part the entry fees to purchase prizes for first, second and third place.

3

Ask for prize donations from local sport supply stores. If you are holding the tournament at a school or club you might ask the board of directors to help support the event with a gift certificate, cash donation or the purchase of paddles and balls.

4

Modify the game a bit to accommodate multiple matches. The traditional Ping-Pong match is a 21-point game, but depending on the level of the players, these matches can last a long time. To speed up the game and keep the tournament on schedule, organize 12-minute games where teams or players play 2 out of 3 to win.

5

Organize multiple matches occurring at the same time if you have more than one Ping-Pong table. This not only helps to hold the interest of the spectators, but can speed up the tournament and keep teams from waiting long periods of time between matches.

6

Have fun, and remember to keep plenty of paddles and balls available for players.

How to Remove Creases in a Plastic Table Cloth

Plastic tablecloths are an inexpensive decorating option for parties or outdoor tables. But when the plastic tablecloth is removed from the package, it will have unsightly creases and wrinkles as a result of the time spent folded inside the package. Creases and wrinkles also occur when a reusable fabric-backed plastic tablecloth is washed or folded for a long period of time. With a fabric tablecloth, you would simply use an iron to remove the wrinkles and creases, but this would melt a plastic tablecloth. Fortunately there are several easy methods for removing wrinkles and creases from a plastic tablecloth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Removing Creases from a Fabric-Backed Plastic Tablecloth

1

Check the back of the plastic tablecloth to verify that the back is covered with fabric.

2

Place the tablecloth in the clothes dryer with two large towels (dampened), and run it on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes to remove a majority of the wrinkles and creases.

3

Place the plastic tablecloth on an ironing board with the fabric-covered side facing the ceiling.

4

Spray the tablecloth's fabric backing with water using a spray bottle on a "mist" setting.

5

Place a large bath towel (dry) or beach towel over the portion of tablecloth that's lying on the ironing board surface.

6

Plug in the iron, and turn the dial to the low-heat, no-steam setting for delicate fabrics.

7

Wait for approximately five minutes to allow the iron to heat. It must remain in an upright position while heating.

8

Run the iron over the towel (with the tablecloth underneath) using a circular motion to remove the remaining wrinkles.

9

Remove the towel, and slide the tablecloth over the ironing board so you can iron a different area.

10

Place the towel over the portion of tablecloth that's positioned on the ironing board, and repeat steps 4, 5, 8 and 9 until you've removed wrinkles and creases from the entire tablecloth.

Removing Creases from an All-Plastic Tablecloth

11

Place the plastic tablecloth inside a clothes dryer with two large towels (damp), and run the dryer on a low heat setting for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

12

Remove the plastic tablecloth from the dryer, place it on the table and look for any remaining creases.

13

Ask a second person to hold the tablecloth taught with their hands positioned on either side of the remaining crease.

14

Apply hot air to the tablecloth crease using the hot setting on a blow dryer until the remaining crease disappears.

15

Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all remaining tablecloth creases.

How to Make a Tablecloth for an Octagon Dining Table

Commercial tablecloths are available in a few sizes and shapes and usually in white, off-white and a few seasonal colors or patterns. To find a tablecloth for an unusual shaped table, such as an octagon, may be difficult. So make a custom tablecloth in the fabric, color and size that your table needs. Once you have the pattern for an octagonal table, you can make tablecloths for special occasions, events and holidays. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the width of the octagon table. Add this width to twice the drop length that you want. The drop is the amount of fabric that falls from the table edge toward the floor. Once you have this measurement, add 3 inches for seams and hem to the width and to the length.

2

Purchase twice the fabric length plus a few extra inches for shrinkage.

3

Wash and dry the fabric. Iron it to remove wrinkles. Sew the two fabric pieces together lengthwise with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Iron the seam flat.

4

Tape kraft paper together so it creates one piece the same size as the fabric square. Center the paper over the table, and draw the exact outline of the table top on the paper with a marker.

5

Place the paper on the floor. Measure the fall length plus 1 inch (for the hem) and mark this new measurement from each edge of the octagon. With a yardstick, connect the new measurements to draw a new octagon outline around the perimeter of the first octagon.

6

Cut out the larger octagon. Pin the pattern to the fabric, and cut out the tablecloth along the edges of the octagon pattern.

7

Fold the edge of the fabric under 1/4 inch and iron. Fold over another 1/4 inch, and sew a hem along the edge of the entire tablecloth.

How High Should a Living Room End Table Be?

End tables come in a variety of heights.

End Table Height

The height of an end table in your living room depends on the height of the couch or chair it sits beside. According to the website Wood Bin, end tables should be the same height or a few inches shorter than the armrest of the sofa or chair. This makes for a comfortable height for the placement of drinks, books and other items.

Furniture Height

You should not buy an end table without first knowing how high your furniture is. If you buy a standard end table but your couch is very high, the table will be too short (and vice versa). First measure the height of the couch or chair the table will be placed next to and then determine your table height by subtracting a few inches off that.

Bottom Line

End tables come in a variety of sizes to accompany the variety of sizes in furniture. There is no "standard" end table height. That is based on personal preference, but sticking to a table that is the same height as the arm of your couch or chair or a few inches shorter is a good rule of thumb.

Homemade Beer Pong Table

Beer pong is a drinking game where 10 cups are placed in a triangle on each end of an 8-foot long table. The first six cups are filled with beer and the four cups on the back row are filled with water. The object is to bounce ping pong balls into your opponents cups so they have to drink the contents of that cup. Many places offer beer pong tournaments, and there's even an annual World Series of Beer Pong Tournament played by the winners of regional tournaments. Whether you want to play with some friends, or practice your skills for a tournament, you can build a quick and inexpensive beer pong table at home.

Instructions

Basic Beer Pong Table

1

Place the sawhorses parallel to each other four feet apart, then place the plywood on top. Each sawhorse should be approximately two feet from the edge of the table. The advantage of sawhorses is that you can break down and store your table when not using it.

2

Paint a triangle at each end of the table, starting at the corners and moving up to a point in the center. Each side of the triangle should be about 1 1/2 feet long.

3

Paint the top of the plywood with lacquer and let it dry. Then add a second coat of lacquer for a smooth playing surface.

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 an eMachine PC That Has a Black Screen & Only Says Invalid Partition Table

Most eMachines computers that ship with Windows 7 have few operating system-related errors when compared to older units with Windows XP or Windows Vista. However, even eMachines systems with Windows 7 are susceptible to damage from viruses or malware that affects the boot sector on the hard drive. If your eMachines system is not booting and simply displaying a black screen with the infamous "Invalid Partition" error, use the Windows installation disc and the Recovery Console to repair the damaged partition and regain access to your operating system.

Instructions

1

Insert the Windows 7 installation disc or eMachines system restore disc into the optical drive of the computer. Shut down the PC.

2

Restart the computer. As soon as you see the eMachines logo, press the "F12" key repeatedly until you see the "Boot Menu." Use the down-arrow key to position the cursor over the CD-ROM option, then press the "Enter" key. Press a key on the keyboard when you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message.

3

Click the drop-down list on the Windows Setup screen and select your preferred language. Review the time and date settings, and use the on-screen controls to change them if they are not correct. Click the "Next" button.

4

Click the "Repair your computer" option. Click and select the "C:\Windows" option in the list, then "Next."

5

Click the "Command Prompt" option in the "System Recovery Options" dialog box. Wait a few minutes for Windows to load recovery utility files from the installation or recovery disc, and to display the Command Prompt. The Command Prompt is similar to the DOS prompt in older computers, and does not have a graphical interface -- just a black screen with white type.

6

Type "Bootrec.exe /FixMbr" at the Command Prompt and press "Enter." Windows repairs the partition table and reboots the computer. If the "Cannot rebuild Master Boot Record" error appears, type "Bootrec.exe /FixBoot" at the Command Prompt and press "Enter." If you still receive a Master Boot Record errors -- error codes and messages may vary -- type "Bootrec.exe /RebuildBcd" at the Command Prompt and press "Enter."

Bell Pepper Plants Are Dropping Leaves

Grown for their mild, fleshy fruit, bell peppers are a favorite summertime crop in gardens across the United States. Most bell pepper plants experience pest infestations at one point or another, however they are seldom life-threatening. Dropped leaves can signal a variety of possible problems, but in most instances the problems are easy to correct and will not permanently damage the plant. Although prevention is the best course in maintaining healthy bell pepper plants, monitoring them for the first sign of dropped leaves increases the likelihood that they will survive any illness or infestation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut away any dead, brown or wilted leaves. Rake the area beneath the bell pepper plants to remove affected leaves and any vegetable matter that may have accumulated.

2

Observe the area surrounding the pepper plants. Remove any encroaching bushes, weeds or dead foliage. Large, unkempt shrubs or weedy patches of ground harbor a variety of pests that will infest bell pepper plants and cause dropped leaves. Hornworms, flea beetles and especially whiteflies thrive in overgrown conditions near bell pepper plants, as do certain varieties of bacteria that cause bacterial leaf spot, one of the most common causes of dropped leaves in bell pepper plants.

3

Brush the undersides of the remaining leaves with a paintbrush or any other narrow, stiff-bristled brush. Brushing them removes insect pests and their eggs.

4

Examine the leaves for holes, unusual wrinkles or bright yellow spots since these offer clues to the source of the problem. Dropped leaves with small pinpricks indicate that flea beetles are present, whereas larger holes point toward hornworms. If the dropped leaves are yellow and wilted when they drop, aphids or whiteflies are the likely culprit. Dropped leaves that appear brown and dry with small yellow speckles are most likely infected with bacterial leaf spot.

5

Treat the insect infestations with insecticidal soap or a mild solution of 1 part dishwashing liquid to 10 parts water. Mix the solution in a spray bottle and mist the affected plants, making sure you spray the undersides of the leaves. Soap solution can also be applied as a preventive measure against future infestations. In addition, sprinkle a layer of diatomaceous earth beneath the plants.

6

Treat bacterial infections with a solution of 1 part neem oil to 5 parts water. Mix it in a spray bottle and apply it liberally to the plant, including the soil surrounding the base of the plant. To prevent future infections, supply the plants with adequately draining soil, proper spacing to encourage good air circulation and the minimal amount of water needed. Keep the area surrounding the plants free from leaf litter.

How to Maintain Dining Table Slides

In an effort to keep the fine furniture that we buy in top condition, we must learn how to maintain them. For furniture with moving parts, such as dining room tables, maintaining them will help keep them in top form. The metal slides of a dining room table should be cleaned and oiled on a regular basis. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pull on opposite ends of the dining table to extend the slides and remove the table leafs. Place a protective covering on the floor and turn the table over on the protective covering.

2

Clean the slides with a wire brush if there is rust present. Be careful not to scratch the slides as you clean them.

3

Clean the rust you broke free from the slides with an old paint brush. Apply oil onto a clean cloth and wipe the slides to remove the rust the paint brush left behind.

4

Apply a liberal amount of oil directly to the slides. Turn the table upright keeping it on the protective cover and work the slides by pushing the table together and pulling it apart.

5

Work the slides as indicated in Step 4 until they are moving freely. Allow the table to stay on the protective covering until excess oil has finished dripping.

How to Make an Antique Farm Table

You can build your own antique-style farm table with hand tools and basic woodworking skills. The classic design uses traditional cabinetmaking skills, while the table itself is a popular style in country decor. Drawing the plans from scratch will give you practice for designing more complicated furniture.

At a minimum, you'll need to be able to cut a mortise, and tenon and peg joint. If you have the tools to join boards with splines, turn wood on a lathe or make a tongue-and-groove beadboard top, you can add a few fancier touches. A final coat of milk paint will turn your handmade table into a brand-new old-fashioned family heirloom.

Instructions

1

Visit a few antique shops or look at images online of farm tables to get a general idea of the style and the construction. Pay special attention to the way the aprons (side rails) are joined to the legs and how the top is joined to the aprons. Each craftsman created his tables slightly differently, so you may want to copy one original exactly or incorporate elements of several tables in yours.

2

Calculate the dimensions of your table, using an original table or one that's a convenient size as a guideline. Measure the length of the legs, the length of the aprons including their tenons that fit into the legs, and the width and length of the top. A typical length for dining table legs might be 28 inches long, cut in a tapered shape from a 2-by-4.

3

Build a small tabletop that's 36 inches long and 28 inches wide using three 1-by-10 boards joined edge to edge. Your four aprons should be 6 to 12 inches shorter than the length and width of the tabletop. For a 36-by-28 tabletop, you might have two aprons that are 30 inches long and two that are 22 inches long. You'll also need a few smaller pieces of wood for cleats, buttoning or beadboard ends. Sketch out the plans, and purchase the necessary wood.

4

Cut the legs to length with a hand-saw. Create simple tapered legs from 2-by-4 boards by sawing down their length, beginning at full width and ending 1 1/2 inches wide at the bottom. If you want fancier turned legs but don't have a lathe, purchase them ready-made from an antique furniture restoration catalog or look for legs to recycle from old furniture at an antique or junk shop.

5

Cut two mortises in the top of each leg by drilling auger holes and chiseling out the remaining wood to make a square mortise. Cut corresponding tenons in the end of each apron. Insert the tenons into the mortises, drill holes for pegs, and assemble them with hide glue.

6

If the table legs are slightly uneven despite careful measurement, adjust them now. Set the table level on a smooth floor, measure how high off the floor the shortest leg is and mark a line that height on the other legs. Cut on the lines, and the table will sit level.

7

Saw three 1-by-10 boards 36 inches long, and glue them edge to edge to form a tabletop that's 36-by-28. Cut two 19-inch-long cleats out of 1-by-2 boards. Reinforce the tabletop by pegging or screwing the two cleats to the underside. If you have the tools and skill, join the boards with splines in the edges instead. You can also make a beadboard-style top by adding narrow boards along the ends of the 1-by-10 boards, to help prevent them from warping or cupping when the humidity changes.

8

Chisel several short slots into the inside of the aprons, fit small pieces of wood with tongues into them, and screw the pieces to the underside of the top. Since the top may expand or contract depending on the humidity, farm tabletops are generally attached by these tongues and slots, which is called "buttoning." The tongues can move within the slots as the tabletop expands or shrinks.

9

Finish with a coat of traditional milk paint or oil paint. You can purchase milk paint in easy-to-mix form, with powdered milk, lime and pigments pre-measured.

How to Build a Bathroom Vanity with a Dressing Table

With todays wide selection of vessel sinks, its a simple project to convert a dressing table into a bathroom vanity. Whether you select a new dressing table or repurpose an antique one is entirely up to you. In either case, the installation process is the same. In order to meet local building codes, have a licensed plumber install water lines and drain pipes for the vanity. If the water and drain lines are already in place, youre ready to start your project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Sand the surface of the dressing table with fine-grit sandpaper. Remove any dust with a tack cloth.

2

Mix one part mineral spirits with two parts polyurethane to make a sealer. Use a natural bristle paintbrush to apply the sealer to the top of the dressing table to seal the wood. Allow the surface to dry for 24 hours.

3

Coat the surface of the dressing table with polyurethane or other waterproof coating of your choice. Apply the polyurethane with the grain of the wood using long strokes. Allow this coat to dry for 24 hours, and then apply a second coat. Let it dry for 24 hours or longer before proceeding.

4

Set the dressing table in the location where you intend to place the sink. Remove any back paneling on the table to provide for easy access to the wall and plumbing fixtures.

5

Remove the drawers from the dressing table to give you additional access to the back of the table. Locate the studs in the wall with a stud finder. Attach the back of the dressing table to the wall studs using screws long enough to go through the back of the table, the wall, and at least 1 inch into the stud. At a minimum, use 4 screws to secure the dressing table to the wall. Replace the drawers.

6

Place the template for the vessel sinks hole on top of the dressing table. Mark the location of the hole on the table top. Set the template for the faucets holes on the table top and trace around it. Cut the holes in the dressing table top using appropriately sized hole saws attached to a drill.

7

Set the faucets gasket in place on top of the dressing table. Place the faucet through the holes, and make sure to tuck the gasket under the faucet. Attach the nuts that come with the faucet to the threads underneath the table top, and tighten them with an adjustable wrench.

8

Attach the cold water supply line to the cold water faucet. Do the same for the hot water line. Tighten the connectors by hand, then turn one quarter turn with the adjustable wrench. Attach the opposite ends of the supply line to the wall connectors, tightening the same way you did the faucet connectors.

9

Roll a pencil-sized piece of plumbers putty between your hands to soften it. Wrap the piece of putty around the top of the drain opening in the vessel sink. Slide the drain assembly into the drain hole and set it on the putty. Secure the drain assembly with the nut in the assembly kit, tightening it with an adjustable wrench.

10

Run a bead of silicone caulking around the opening you cut in the dressing table for the vessel sink. Set the sink into the caulking. Hold a carpenters level on the vessel sink to help you level it from side to side and front to back.

11

Dry-fit the P-trap to ensure it's going to fit properly. If necessary, cut excess pipe with a hacksaw.

12

Wipe pipe cement around the inside and outside of the P-trap fitting for your sink using the applicator in the pipe cement container. Attach the P-trap to the wall drain by tightening the attached lock nut by hand. Wipe pipe cement around the top fitting on the P-trap and the sinks drain pipe. Fit the sinks drain pipe in the top opening of the P-trap. Tighten this lock nut by hand.

13

Turn the water on to the bathroom sink. Look for leaks. If you see leaks, tighten fittings no more than one quarter turn.

How to Recover Pool Table Felt & Rail Cushions

The felt on your pool table, which is actually a woven cloth in most cases, can tear accidentally, or it can wear down over time. If this is the case, you need to recover the felt on the table. Most pool tables have felt not only on the table bed but also on the rail cushions that border the table. If you need to replace worn felt, you will likely need to replace the rubber cushions on the rails.

Instructions

Replacing the Rail Cushions

1

Unscrew the bolts for the pool table's rails using a wrench; the bolts are accessible from the underside of the table. Remove the rails from the table.

2

Pry off the staples holding the rail cushion felt in place using a staple remover and pull the felt off the rails.

3

Mark the very middle of the metal featherstrip between the wood rail and rubber cushion. Pry and pull the featherstrip off the rail, then pry off the cushion using a flat screwdriver.

4

Lay the new rubber cushion on the rail and mark the spots on the cushion, where you'll cut it using a pen. Cut the ends of the cushion with a utility knife until it is the correct shape for the rail.

5

Apply contact cement to the edges of the cushion and the rail using a brush. Wait for the cement to set (it will turn slightly white) and then press the cushion onto the rail, making sure it is correctly lined up and even.

Recovering the Rails

6

Cut the sheet of new felt so it is a foot longer and wider than your table's surface, cutting small notches at the edges with scissors and then tearing the excess felt off the rest of the way.

7

Cut and tear two more strips off long side of the fabric; these strips should each be six inches wide. Fold these two strips in half and cut them along the fold with the scissors.

8

Lay a strip of felt along the cushion and place the metal featherstrip back in place between the rail and cushion. Lightly tap the strip into the groove with a hammer; do not hammer it all the way in place yet.

9

Cut a small notch in the felt along the end of the rail using the utility knife so the felt will drape down across the edge in a straight line. Trim off the excess felt where it comes out of the featherstrip and over the rail.

10

Hammer the featherstrip the rest of the way into the rail, placing a small wood block in between the rail and your hammer and driving the strip down by hammering onto the block.

11

Wrap the felt around the cushion and staple it in place on the cushion's other side. Place the first staple in the center with your staple gun and add the other staples a few inches apart from one another.

12

Trim away all excess felt from the sides and edges with your knife.

Recovering the Table

13

Pry off the staples holding the old felt to the table bed and pull the felt off. The felt may also be glued to the bed.

14

Apply an adhesive spray to the slate bed underneath the felt, spraying it evenly onto the surface and waiting until the adhesive becomes tacky.

15

Lay the cloth across the table and stretch it out across the bed by hand one corner at a time, making sure it is tight across the bed with no bumps or creases.

16

Staple the felt to the table, applying the staples with your gun on the wooden edge of the table outside the slate bed. Apply the first staple on each side in the middle and spread out the remaining staples two to three inches apart.

17

Trim the ends of the felt where they overlap the holes with the knife so you can fold the felt down into the pockets and staple the felt to the pockets' inner edges.

18

Connect the rails back onto the table using their bolts.

How to Design Table Legs

Table legs come in many styles, from ornate and intricate to sleek and simplified. They're made from countless types of material and in a variety of textures. But their functions are always the same. Table legs bear weight and give stability to a table. They may also enhance a room's decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Create a sketch of the table surface. Use colored pencils or artist's chalk to add the correct color and shade.

2

Add background elements to the sketch, such as flooring, curtains, statues and picture frames.

3

Scan the scene into a computer scanner at 300 dpi. Print out five copies to test different table leg styles.

4

Narrow your options down to the five best, whether treadle, column, Queen Anne, or round, metal legs. Draw each style into the room scenes.

5

Select the set of legs that best fits the table and the decor of the room.

About Skirted Vanity Tables

Most women love the idea of having a makeup area all of their own. It's a place where they can put all their cosmetics, hair products and perfumes on. You do not need to buy a special piece of furniture to achieve this--all you need is a table large enough to slide a chair under, some fabric and few organizational items you probably already have around the house. Does this Spark an idea?

Finding the Space

Everything about skirted vanity tables depends on the place you are going to set one up in your home. Corners work well if you can find an old computer desk to fit (or build a large corner table yourself if you're handy). You might have an unused closet that's just big enough to fit a table in. If you think creatively, you should be able to find a small amount of space to create out a personal makeup area.

Creating the Space

After you have found the perfect cosmetic area, it's time to make it your own. For extra storage space, you can hang shelves or baskets on the wall. Attach your fabric to create a skirt and hide whatever table you are using. You can hang a mirror or buy a nice pedestal one to put in the area. Think about adding any extra lighting.

Organizing the Space

Make sure to have jars for your cotton balls and swabs, a small pretty vase for your cosmetic brushes and other attractive containers for the rest of your makeup. A mirrored tray looks beautiful when used for perfume and lotion bottles. Small stacked trinket boxes can hold your sets of jewelry. You could also hang a few decorative hooks on the wall to hang your necklaces, bracelets and rings, so you never have to dig for a specific piece you want to wear.

Finishing the Space

If you are a good seamstress, you can always finish off the fabric skirt with tassels or some other kind of decorative trim. Hang a few favorite photos. Stack a few of your favorite makeup tip books or put a magazine rack underneath to hold your beauty and fashion magazines.

Enjoying the Space

Not only does your finished space provide you with an area to take care of all of your beauty needs in one place; it also offers you an escape. No matter how small it is, when talking about skirted vanity tables, it is truly about carving out a niche that is just your own in your home.

How to Fix Touch Lamps

Touch dimmers are operated by your body. Your body acts as an antenna, or conductor, and touching any part of the metal on the lamp---coupled with the 60 Hz circuit---causes the lamp to turn on, off or dim. A touch lamp's convenience of operation makes it a good choice as a bedside reading lamp---easy off, easy on. Try fixing your touch lamp if it quits working rather than trashing it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Unplug the lamp from the electrical wall outlet.

2

Remove the bottom of your lamp. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the bottom of the lamp, exposing the wiring and touch dimmer control.

3

Remove the touch dimmer control from your lamp. Remove the wire nuts that connect the touch dimmer control to your lamp by untwisting them. Should your touch dimmer control be hard-wired---connected without wire nuts---to the lamp, use wire cutter or strippers to cut the wires as close as you can to the touch dimmer control. If you have to cut the wires, you will need to strip 1/2 inch of insulation off of each wire.

4

Put the yellow wire from the new touch dimmer control onto the lamp. The yellow wire has a ring attached to the end and slides over the threaded nipple at the lamp base. Locate the nipple by locating where the lamp wire threads up the body of the lamp. The old yellow wire from the old dimmer control will be connected here. Use pliers to loosen the nut on the threaded nipple; remove the nut and the old yellow wire. Thread the lamp wire through the loop on the new touch dimmer control's yellow wire and place the loop over the threaded nipple. Replace the nut on the threaded nipple and tighten it securely.

5

Connect the black wire from the dimmer control to the lamp cord hot wire. Your dimmer control will have four wires: black, white, yellow with a brass ring on the end and an additional wire that will be either gray or red. Lamp wire is not color-coded and is usually colored to match the lamp or to be as unobtrusive as possible. The hot wire of your lamp will be smooth, while the neutral wire will be ribbed. Wire the smooth---or hot---wire that connects to the plug by twisting an orange wire nut onto it and the black wire from the dimmer control.

6

Connect the white neutral wires together. Connect the ribbed neutral wire that connects to the plug, the ribbed neutral wire that connects to the lamp socket and the white wire from the dimmer control together by twisting an orange wire nut onto them.

7

Connect the red or gray wire to the lamp socket hot wire. Locate the smooth hot wire that connects to the lamp socket and wire it to the red or gray wire from the dimmer control by twisting them together with an orange wire nut.

8

Replace the lamp bottom on the lamp base and plug your lamp into the electrical wall outlet.