Woodworking Projects With a Hidden Compartment

Woodworking projects that feature a hidden compartment can make excellent gifts or keepsakes. They can also reinforce the idea of security in your home, as these compartments can hold valuable items hidden from sight. These projects vary in difficulty, but their value is also great as they have dual or even triple functions.

False Bottom Boxes

A simple woodworking project that can hold a secret compartment is a false bottom box. A box has only four sides, a bottom and a top. However, a false bottom can be installed that will not be visible from the exterior of the box. This can be done with jewelry, planter, bread and toy boxes, among many others. The exterior box appears inconspicuous and yet any number of valuables can be hidden away in these vessels.

Bookcase Treasures

The toe kick area of a bookcase can be designed to pull out for storing documents. "Fine Woodworking" suggests that this is hiding in plain sight, as the toe kick area at the base of a bookcase is assumed to be for support, when it is not actually a pressurized point on the bookcase as there are no loads upon it. Therefore, the flat piece can be the front of a shallow drawer. Another way to hide important valuables or documents in plain sight is in a hollow book. These can be constructed from wood, covered in leather or even painted and stored on the bookcase.

Desks

A secretary's desk with all of its files, drawers and compartments offers ample opportunities for a secret trap door. It would be difficult to spot the secret compartment among all the other openings. One drawer could open horizontally by pulling forward, then it could have a false bottom to open vertically. This would be invisible from the exterior. This type of desk is not streamlined, as its purpose is to mimic the concept of multitasking. Any valuable could easily be hidden this way.

Tables

The average household has a variety of tables including dining, occasional, end and bedside tables. Any of these could be produced in a wood shop. All lend themselves to the installation of a secret drawer or compartment below the table surface. This would be especially useful for bedside tables, as they often feature drawers. The drawers could be deepened with false bottoms, or a drawer could be placed at the back if the table is up against a wall.

Small Corner Kitchen Table Ideas

Creative use of space becomes a challenge when working in a small area. Kitchens today are used as more than food preparation and eating rooms. Watching television, working on a laptop computer, writing and children doing homework have invaded the kitchen space, and the tables available for small corners accommodate these traditional and extended uses. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall-Mounted

A wall-mounted table that folds away is perfect for those who use a kitchen table occasionally. Put two or four decoratively cushioned stools against the walls in the corner, and when it's time for the table, pull it down and place the stools around it. Wall-mounted tables come in several shapes, with rectangular being the most common.

High Top

The high-top or pub table is an ideal choice for small kitchen corners. Tuck two sides of a square high-top table against the corner walls and store the stools underneath. High tops are available in a wide variety of fabrications, including laminated woods and granite. Be aware that the heavier the materials used, the more difficult it will be to move the table away from the walls. Select a table that coordinates with your kitchen cabinetry and countertops.

Bistro Table

A small, circular bistro table fits neatly into a kitchen corner. Two chairs are customarily placed around the table, and they can be decoratively cushioned to match your decor. Another plus of a bistro table is that it is usually made of metal and can be easily spray-painted in a color of your choice.

Drop Leaf Table

Drop leaf tables come in all sizes and shapes to fit any kitchen corner. Consider a narrow, rectangular table with either one or two dropped leaves for your kitchen area. A gateleg table is a type of drop leaf that folds away. When not in use, the table is pushed against one of the corner walls and minimally protrudes into the kitchen. Open up one or both leaves for expanded use. A square drop leaf with shelves underneath provides additional storage in a small kitchen.

Triangular Table

A small, triangular table nestled into a corner allows one chair or a stool hidden underneath. For additional seating, pull the table away from the corner and add two more chairs.

Stain Remover Remedies for a Table Cloth With Salad Dressing on It

Serving a salad as either an appetizer or a main course is a healthy option for you and your guests. But it can be upsetting to discover a salad dressing stain on your tablecloth, especially if it is a fancy, thin tablecloth. Yet some tried-and-true methods can save the day and your tablecloth. Does this Spark an idea?

Pre-treatment

The quicker you catch the stain, the more likely that a pre-treatment will save your tablecloth. If any salad dressing is still on the tablecloth, scrape it off immediately. Since salad dressings are oil based, soak the tablecloth in warm water in either the sink or bathtub for 30 minutes.

If you still see the stain after 30 minutes, put a store bought stain remover on the stain. Allow it soak according to package directions. Launder according to the directions on the table cloth. Allow the table cloth to air dry.

Degreaser

If the pre-treatment didn't work or if the stain has been sitting for more than a few hours, you will need to use a degreaser to remove the salad dressing. Dish washing liquid, which you use to hand-wash dishes, works quite well and is available at your local store. If your tablecloth is older, thin or delicate, you will want to dilute the dish washing liquid with water, to at least 50 percent dish washing liquid or possibly down to 25 percent dish washing liquid.

Put the dish washing liquid directly onto the table cloth and agitate it slightly using a toothbrush or something similar. Allow the dish washing liquid to sit on the stain for a few minutes. Wash the dish washing liquid off with fresh water. Launder according to directions on the tablecloth and air dry it.

Dry Cleaning solution

If neither of the above methods has removed the stain, you can try to use a dry cleaning solution. Several are available in your local store or online. This method is not recommended for older, thin or delicate tablecloths. Place the tablecloth on a table with paper towels covering the area. Follow the directions on the dry cleaning solution. Make sure to replace the paper towels as they soak up the excess dry cleaning solution. Thoroughly rinse off the dry cleaning solution before washing the table cloth. Launder the tablecloth according to its directions and allow to air dry.

Other Notes

If none of the above methods has worked, you will need to take your tablecloth to a professional dry cleaner. They have some methods available that you do not have and are prepared to deal with older, thin and delicate items.

Never dry your tablecloth in the dryer until you are sure the stain has been removed. The heat from the dryer can cause the stain to set permanently. With any of these methods, air dry the tablecloth to make sure the stain has been removed.

How to Dress a Table Loom

Dressing a loom is also called warping a loom. It refers to threading a loom with lengthwise threads, called the warp, so you can weave across them to make a fabric. Table looms are smaller than floor looms and easier to manage. There are several kinds of table looms, including the rigid heddle loom, which is the simplest, but they all warp similarly. The heddle is the center part that has alternating slots and holes for the thread. You raise or lower the heddle to lift or lower half the threads so you can weave the crosswise thread through all at once.

Instructions

1

Decide how wide and long you want your fabric to be. Add 20 to 25 percent to the length for waste yarn. For instance, if you want to weave two yards of fabric, you'll need the warp to be 72 inches long plus 25 percent, or a total of 90 inches long.

2

Clamp your loom to the tabletop close to the edge where you plan to sit and weave. Fasten a dowel on the back beam with rubber bands.

3

Fix an anchor for measuring the yarn some distance in front your loom. For instance, if the warp needs to be 90 inches long, measure from the back of your loom, across the front of the loom and beyond to a point 90 inches from the back of the loom. You'll need an anchor that doesn't move, such as a door knob, a hook screwed into the wall or whatever your ingenuity can devise. Tie the end of your yarn or thread to the anchor.

4

Bring the yarn over the front beam of the loom. Make a loop and pull the loop through the first slot in the heddle. Loop it over the dowel fastened to the back beam. Walk back to the anchor with the loose end of the yarn. Wrap it around the anchor, snugly but not so tightly it moves the anchor or the loom.

5

Walk back to the loom with the yarn again. Pull a loop through the next slot in the heddle and loop it around the dowel. You'll have to remove the rubber band on the end of the dowel each time and replace it after you slide the loop of yarn over the dowel. Ignore the holes in the heddle for now.

6

Keep walking back and forth with the yarn, feeding it through slots, attaching it to the dowel and walking back to loop it around the anchor again, until all the slots are filled. Cut the end of the yarn back at the anchor. Remove the yarn from the anchor, keeping it taut. Cut the loops at the anchor end. Tie the warp with a loose overhand knot near the anchor end.

7

Drape the loose end of the warp over a chair back to keep it from tangling. You may need a helper for the next part. Divide the yarns into smaller groups of 10 to 12 threads. Comb the threads with your fingers to keep them even and smooth. Tie them to a weight and let it hang down below the edge of the table. What you use for weights doesn't matter. Use kitchen utensils, bunches of keys, small coffee cups or whatever you have on hand. Tie the weight for each bundle of threads so it hangs over the chair back and dangles above the floor.

8

Place a large sheet of paper over the yarn at the back beam once you have combed, tightened and weighted all the yarn or thread. Begin to wind the yarn onto the back beam. Keep the edges very even, keep the tension even and use the paper to keep the yarn from bunching up and ruining the tension. You might find it better to do this part with a friend to help keep the yarn smooth and tight. One of you can pull lightly on the thread to keep it straight and smooth and the other can turn the beam. Keep winding until almost all the yarn is rolled up on the back beam and only a few inches are hanging over the front.

9

Untie one section of yarn at a time. Pull one thread out of the first slot in the heddle, and thread it into the hole next to the slot. Repeat with the next slot and hole, and continue until the entire bundle of 10 to 12 threads is done. Divide the threads into two groups, one group passing through the slots and the other group through the holes. Drop the group that passes through the slots under the front beam. Bring the other half of the threads over the front beam. Tie the two groups together, pulling them tightly to keep the tension smooth.

10

Repeat with the remaining groups of threads, until all the holes in the heddle have been threaded and all the yarns or threads are tied around the front beam.

11

Now start weaving, in front of the heddle. When necessary, wind the woven fabric on to the front beam, unwinding enough at the back beam to keep the tension tight.

Keyboard Tray Ideas

A work desk may be at the correct height for a monitor, but it may not be correct or comfortable for keyboard use. Ergonomics in the workplace (proper placement of monitor, keyboard and seating to prevent injury or discomfort) is addressed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency created by Congress in 1970 to help prevent work-related injuries. Keeping OSHA recommendations in mind when adding a keyboard tray to a home office can help keep discomfort in check.

Keep It Separate

Desks with a narrow depth may leave little room for proper placement of both a keyboard and a monitor. Create a keyboard tray or holder by locating a separate table in front of the desk or work surface. Place the keyboard on the table and type from there. This allows plenty of room to place the monitor and the keyboard for ergonomic success. Look for a table that has height adjustment (crank or electrical) so the keyboard can be properly situated for each person using the computer. According to OSHA, elbows should be close to the body and wrists and hands should line up with the forearms. Wrists and hands should not rest on sharp edges.

Attach A Tray

Attach a keyboard drawer or tray to the underside of the desk and have the ability to push the keyboard out of the way when not in use. Trays and drawers come in a variety of styles which may include an attached mouse platform, a wrist rest or a combination tray that includes keyboard, mouse platform and wrist rest. Keyboard trays can be found at office supply stores, some office furniture retailers and through office hardware suppliers. Items will require some basic installation skills like the use of an electric screwdriver and a tape measure. Consider the use of an adjustable desk chair to work properly with keyboard tray height.

Mount To Wall

Investigate the use of a wall-mounted keyboard tray. Combination monitor and keyboard tray wall-mount units are also available for purchase. Wall-mounted trays work well in constrained or small work spaces. They generally swing either direction (left to right) as needed and fold up against the wall. Look for a product that uses an internal cable management trough to keep cords hidden and out of the way of feet.

How to Remove Veneer From a Dressing Table

Removing the veneer from wood furniture can be relatively quick and easy, or a drawn out and labor-intensive project. The crucial factor is whether the veneer was attached using an organic hide glue or a synthetic resin-based glue. Hide glue is extremely common in furniture built before the 1960s and quite rare in furniture built since then. Applying heat and moisture to hide glue will soften it and greatly reduce its adhesive strength, making the removal of the veneer much easier. Heat will also weaken the adhesive strength of resin-based glue, but to a lesser degree. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Locate the edge of the veneer sheet, preferably at a corner that is already peeling or curling. Use an iron or a heat gun to evenly apply heat to a small area of the veneer. If using an iron, the steam setting can help to further soften hide glue. If using a heat gun, hold it at least eight inches from the surface of the table and keep the nozzle in constant motion to prevent scorching the underlying wood.

2

Insert the scraper between the veneer and the underlying surface and pry it up. Working in shallow stages along an entire open edge of the sheet, rather than prying deeply in a straight line, can help minimize fracturing and make the overall project faster and easier. Use needle-nose pliers to lift and peel loose sections of veneer.

3

Reapply heat often to keep the glue soft. Pry up each sheet, working from one edge to the other. Keep the scraper as level as possible relative to the table's surface to avoid gouging the underlying wood. Once the veneer has been removed, scrape and sand to remove any remaining adhesive or leftover fragments of veneer.

What Is a SLIC BIOS Entry?

Most new PCs come with a version of the Windows operating system on the hard drive. Although all files that you need in order to run the operating system are already present, you must activate the operating system's product license before it becomes functional. The information that your computer needs to activate a preinstalled Windows operating system is contained within system BIOS in a SLIC entry.

Definition

The term "SLIC" is short for software licensing description table. The SLIC table is a portion of system BIOS that is dedicated to containing operating system license activation information. SLIC tables are added to BIOS by large computer manufacturers to expedite the process of licensing operating system software on new computers. The process of activating an operating system with information preloaded into SLIC is called OEM activation.

Contents

Prior to activation, a BIOS SLIC table contains information that is referred to by Microsoft as the OEMTableID. The data includes a string of characters called a SLIC key that identifies the computer as eligible for OEM activation. Microsoft licenses a different public SLIC key to each computer manufacturer. A single computer manufacturer's SLIC key may vary based on the version of the operating system preloaded on the computer. Providing different SLIC keys for different manufacturers and different operating system versions ensures that a given Windows operating system product key can only unlock a single model of computer.

License Activation

When you first activate your operating system on a new computer with SLIC BIOS, you must type in a Microsoft Windows product key. Once you input the characters, your computer compares the specified product key with the SLIC public key that is contained in the SLIC table. If the two keys match, then your operating system license is activated and you can use your computer. If the product key does not match the key in the SLIC table, then activation fails.

Issues

There are a few reasons that SLIC activation may fail. The simplest fix if you encounter failure is to try typing in your product key again; the key is a long, arbitrary string of characters and just a single typo will prevent activation. If you're sure that you typed the product key correctly, then it is likely that your computer manufacturer loaded the wrong SLIC key into your computer's BIOS. You should contact the manufacturer and request updated BIOS service to fix the problem. Alternately, if you purchased a new computer from a third party source, then it is possible that you bought a counterfeit system. If this is the case, you can still activate Windows and use the computer by contacting Microsoft support and purchasing a license for the version of Windows that is loaded on the computer.

Makeover Ideas for a Foyer Sunroom

A foyer sunroom is a charming architectural feature often found in older homes. It is an entry designed with numerous large windows providing an airy feel and a gradual transition from outdoors to indoors. It is the first room that welcomes your guests, and the impression it makes should be positive. Invest the time and creativity to decorate your space so that it is a beautiful and functional room to be enjoyed throughout the year. Does this Spark an idea?

Walls

Reflect the palette you have used for the interior of your home. If the main living area features warm colors, extend the warmth to your sunroom. Do the same if your color choices are primarily cool. Paint the sunroom walls a soft and subdued shade. Oyster would complement khaki, ocher or earth tones used on interior walls. Champagne, a blush of peach or a hint of salmon would work well for a home that has interior accents of oranges or reds. A cool palette could include soft gray or muted shades of blue or sage. White paint is an option that will complement all palettes. It will provide your walls with a fresh clean look that has universal appeal.

Reading Area

Arrange a comfortable reading area that includes a couple of wooden rocking chairs or larger chairs with ottomans. Wicker furniture is always an attractive choice for a sunroom. Adirondack style wooden furniture is also decorative. Upholster your chairs with overstuffed pillows made from a cheerful printed fabric that will resist fading. Paint a small table with an accent color to coordinate with your upholstered chairs and set it between your chairs. Place an indoor-outdoor area rug in front of the chairs or under them to define this area.

Eating Space

A sunroom is a delightful place to enjoy a meal. Paint a wooden table and two chairs an accent color that will coordinate with your decor. A vintage drop leaf table is ideal for small spaces. Position the furniture on an area rug toward one end of the room near the windows. Decorate the table with linens that coordinate with your upholstery and add matching pillows to the seats of the chairs. Set a small potted plant in the center of the table to complete this setting.

Windows

Windows in a sunroom need a covering to protect the area from excessive summer sun and cold air during the winter months. Cellular or accordion shades are a functional and stylish solution. They can be lowered to provide insulation or raised out of view. Suspend breezy linen or cotton curtains over the shades to add a soft finished look to your room. Window boxes installed to the exterior of your windows will add to the curb appeal.

Accessories

Group potted plants beside the entry door and in the corners of your sunroom. Place natural woven baskets beside chairs to hold books or magazines. Install a ceiling fan to provide ventilation and added style to your decor. Decorate the door with a wreath or hang an embellished swag above it. A vintage milk can or a large ceramic crock placed near the door can hold umbrellas. Arrange candles on tables and secure a painted shelf to the interior wall to display your favorite mementos.

Directions for Round Tablecloths

Round table cloths are often referred to as decorator cloths and are most often found covering small round tables, called decorator tables, used as side tables or as corner fillers. Usually the cloth reaches the floor, covering the legs of the table and is often seen layered, with the under layer being full length, and the shorter top layer being a contrasting fabric or lace. These cloths are not difficult to construct, the most challenging task will be finding fabric that is wide enough to create a seamless table covering. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure your table to determine the finished size of your cloth. Measure across the top of the table. Note this number. Measure from the edge of the table to the length you wish the cloth to be -- this is called the "drop." Note this number.

Add measurements together: the drop on one side plus the width of the table plus the drop on the other side. For example: 20-inch drop on the left, plus 24-inch table width, plus 20-inch drop on the right equals 64 inches. Your finished cloth will need to be a circle 64 inches in diameter.

2

Add 1 inch for hem allowances -- this allows for a 1/2-inch hem all around. The diameter of the fabric circle to be cut will be 65 inches. If the fabric you purchase is not at least this wide, you will have to sew lengths of fabric together to create a piece of fabric in the required width. To locate wide width fabrics suitable for tablecloths, check your local fabric stores, or consider using king or queen flat sheets.

3

Fold your fabric lengthwise, with the folded edge toward you. You will have a cut edge to your right and to your left. Measure along the folded edge and mark the fabric width at the halfway point. If the cut measurement of the fabric circle is to be 65 inches, your half measurement will be 32-1/2 inches.

4

Fasten the fabric tape measure with a safety pin at the center mark on the folded edge, making sure the tape is secure on the center mark but will still allow you to move the tape in the arc as described next. An assistant will be helpful. You are going to hold the tape measure in your left hand and walk around your fabric counterclockwise, marking 32-1/2" every few inches along the arc that you are creating. You will see that you are drawing a half circle which will be the cutting line for your tablecloth. Cut the fabric, leaving the fold intact, to create a circular cloth that is 65 inches in diameter.

5

Hem your cloth with either a serger regular stitch or use the rolled hem setting on your serger if you have that -- trimming the 1/2-inch hem allowance as you go. For a double folded hem, press the hem up 1/2 inch all around and then fold again, pressing in the excess before you sew. With a sewing machine, stitch the hem in place with a straight or zig-zag stitch.

Good Chairs for a Farmhouse Table

A farmhouse table is usually a sturdy table with simple lines made of a good wood. This type of table is not pretentious but often looks welcoming and friendly. Usually there are signs of wear and age that add to the table's ambiance. Farmhouse tables are common to country, lodge and rustic decor styles. Does this Spark an idea?

Rustic Wooden Chair

Antique wooden chairs work very well with farmhouse tables.

Visit antique stores, flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores looking for unusual rustic wooden chairs. Most wood chairs can be repaired easily if they feel a little unsteady. Look for broken wood or rot. If the chair's wood is solid, you can often find cool chairs at inexpensive prices. Worn edges, patina and old paint can all look really good when paired with a farmhouse table. The objective is not to match chairs but to match the feeling the chair evokes of comfort and a welcoming feeling.

Upright Wooden Chairs

Upright wooden chairs with tall backs are easy to find.

Look for upright wooden chairs with taller backs. These come in a variety of designs, but they were common to the early part of the last century and there are a lot of them around in barns and attics. Peeling paint can be sanded and a clear coat sprayed to give a chair enough of a finish to make it easy to wipe down after a spaghetti meal shared with children.

Benches and School Chairs

A schoolhouse chair may have unusual storage behind and below the chair for an added detail.

For smaller rooms, use an upright wooden bench along the wall on one side of the table and schoolhouse chairs mixed with other wooden chairs along the open side. The bench will anchor the table and allow a larger table to be used in a smaller room. The scale of older chairs is usually smaller than newer chairs so you can fit more chairs at the table and seat more guests.

Upholstered Chairs

Vintage upholstered chairs add comfort and whimsey to a seating arrangement around old tables.

Locate older style upholstered armchairs that have tapestry or vintage fabric. The arms of the chair should fit under the tabletop when possible. Look for simple shapes and interesting colors and fabrics. Position one upholstered chair at each end of the farmhouse table. If the fabric isn't in the best shape, throw a small quilt over the back or seat of the chair. Small quilt samplers can also be turned into cushions for the wooden chairs to maintain the look.

How to Fix Cracks in a Wooden Table Top

Sometimes boards that make up a tabletop separate because of shrinkage. When this happens cracks develop as the boards draw apart. If the cracks are not too wide, they can be fixed rather simply. If the cracks are very wide, it will be necessary to make a spline to fill the area. Here's some instructions for repairing a simple crack in a wooden tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean the crack thoroughly using a thin blade to remove any build up of grime or dirt that may have accumulated.

2

Force wood glue into the crack using a syringe-type glue injector.

3

Attach clamps perpendicular to the break on both sides of the table and tighten the clamps until the crack in the tabletop is drawn closed.

4

Allow the glue to dry completely before removing the clamps.

5

Remove any excess glue that may have seeped onto the tabletop through the newly closed wood seam with glue remover. Be very careful not to allow any glue remover to get into the newly repaired area of the table.

Homemade Wood Tables

Choosing a table to fit your home and style can be overwhelming, whether you are looking for the perfect kitchen table or an accent table for your living room. Even if you find your ideal wooden table, it may be too expensive. Consider building your own table. Depending on the style and components you choose, the project can be as easy or difficult as you are comfortable tackling. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Browse catalogs, stores and websites to get a sense of the table style you prefer most. Consider aspects such as wood variety, height, width and stain color. Look closely at the complexity of your favorite tables and any detailing such as inlaid wood or carving.

2




An existing tabletop can be removed from its base, refinished and attached to new legs to create a new table.

Choose a tabletop style. Consider solid blocks of one type of wood for an easier-to-make table. Other options include using a variety of wood planks, piecing together wood tiles or creating inlaid borders. Consider purchasing a pre-made tabletop or refinishing the top of an old table and pairing it with new legs.

3




Straight, square legs offer a simple but functional option.

Decide on the style of table legs you prefer. Legs can be made in a variety of styles such as tapered, straight, ornately carved or plain. Purchase the wood for the legs and cut and shape them yourself, buy unfinished table legs from a mill store or refinish legs from an old table.

4




Spruce up old wood with new paint or stains for a table made of reclaimed lumber.

Use reclaimed wood for your table if recycling and eco-friendly materials are important to you. Purchase the wood from a reclaimed-lumber yard or use wood from old doors or other furniture. Base your material choices on the specific design for your table.

5

Create a simple table from a single piece of wood for the top and pre-purchased legs. More detailed tables can be made by combining planks or wood tiles. Choose a plan from woodworking magazines, websites or books that fits your skill level, or design your own plan if you have experience building furniture.

How to Build a Folding Hobby Table

If you have a hobby like quilt making or gaming, you might have been forced to carry it out in any space you can find, from kitchen tables to floors. But to get the most out of your hobby, you need to have workspace and specifically, a hobby table. You might think that you don't have the room fro a table, but the easy solution is to build a folding hobby table that can serve your particular needs. When you are not using it, the table can easily be folded and stored out of the way. Constructing this table is a fairly simple project.

Instructions

1

Gather your materials. Have the supply store cut a sheet of plywood and four lengths of wood for the legs to the size you want for your table. Use your rotary sander to smooth down the surfaces.

2

Screw the brackets onto the ends of the table's legs. Then mark equidistant positions in the corners for the legs.

3

Place the leg ends one by one in the corners and screw the brackets into place. Make sure you place them so the legs fold inward.

4

Turn the table over. Cut two lengths of molding one inch less that the length of the table, and two that are one inch less than the width of the table.

5

Use a hammer and nails to hammer the molding on the top of the table to from a barrier to keep small items from rolling off.

6

Use a brush to paint your table. Let it dry.

How to Decorate a Saltbox Home

Saltbox homes have their roots in the Colonial and Cape Cod-style dwellings built by the early American colonists. With their easily identifiable roof lines that slope toward the back, these houses are identified with the Colonial way of life and were decorated according to the family's income. Some designs were utilitarian while others featured finer furniture and accessories. Before decorating your saltbox home, decide on the style that best fits your taste while complementing your home's architectural history. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Primitive

1

Lay wood plank floors. Choose wide boards and fasten them to the subfloor with square-headed nails. Leave them unfinished to age naturally.

2

Dress the windows with muslin or burlap curtains pinned to the window trim with small nails. Tie them back with twine.

3

Plaster the walls or paint them with textured paint for a rough finish. Paint them Colonial colors like brick red, grey blue or buttermilk. Stencil a primitive border around the ceiling or halfway up the walls. Choose patterns like those featuring hearts, stars and barnyard motifs.

4

Make a large brick or stone fireplace or cast iron wood stove the centerpiece of the room. If these are not options, secure a vintage fireplace surround with mantel to the wall. Fill the opening with logs, dried flowers or candles. Use the mantel for display.

5

Choose vintage or reproduction furniture. Opt for simple, handcrafted and painted pieces worn around the spots that get the most wear, like knobs, pulls, handles, chair seats and corners. Mix in upholstered furniture like a well-worn armchair and overstuffed sofa covered in nubby linen and accessorized with throw pillows made from feed sacks.

6

Accessorize with framed samplers, grapevine wreaths and slightly tattered quilts. Display collections of things like vintage rag dolls or Shaker boxes that stack from large to small.

Hang baskets and dried herbs and flowers from exposed ceiling beams.

Colonial

7

Stencil a favorite scene or checkerboard pattern on your wood floor. Outline your windows and doors with a traditional stencil. Choose motifs featuring pineapples and willow trees or opt for a patriotic theme in red, white and blue. Warm the floor with oval braided or Oriental rugs.

8

Hang white tieback curtains at your windows. Choose those with ball fringe or tab tops. Install wooden shutters halfway up the windows for privacy.

9

Center your dining room with a highly polished oak or mahogany drop-leaf table. Surround it with matching Windsor-back chairs. Hang a brass or pewter chandelier above it.

10

Form a conversation area in front of your fireplace with a camel-back sofa and wing chairs upholstered in checked, plaid and muted floral fabric. Add a candlestick-style lamp and give the area a British Colonial touch with a coffee table fashioned from teak or mahogany and trimmed in copper or brass. Display a spinning wheel in a nearby corner.

11

Add wall art featuring hunting scenes, vintage portraits or scenes from nature.

How to Convert a Room Into a Closet

Using a room as a closet has regained favor in many large households. Converting a bedroom to a closet reduces the amount of time needed to complete a family's laundry because all the laundry is put away in the same space. Include a folding table in your clothing storage space to cut time and effort even more as whoever is responsible for folding the clothing no longer has to haul the folded clothing to the closet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Locate wall studs with a stud finder. Determine placement for your closet shelf system, level and mark placement with a pencil. Closet organization kits that fill a whole wall are available and include efficient layouts. Otherwise, consider two rows of shelves -- one set high and the other at waist height -- with the top shelf offset to allow dresses and long coats to hang properly.

2

Drill holes where needed to install wire closet shelving with hanging rods on one wall of the room, or more as needed. Use appropriate wall anchors (these usually come with the shelving) if studs are not located where the shelves need to be mounted. Install the closet shelves according to the manufacturer's directions.

3

Arrange stacking plastic drawers around the room. You need at least four drawers per person and more if each person has a large amount of clothing.

4

Place a laundry hamper that is divided into sections for each type of laundry near the door of the room. You may consider purchasing a second divided hamper if your family produces a large amount of laundry between wash days.

5

Set a table in the center of the room as a folding station. A drop leaf table works well here as you can set the leaves of the table up when working and fold them down to allow for ample walking space.

6

Put a small trashcan underneath the table for trash found in pockets or dryer sheets. A laundry basket should remain underneath the table to provide a home for unmatched socks until the other sock is found.

7

Hang clothing by size and type. Hang shirts and dresses on the top rod while pants and skirts should hang on the bottom rod.

8

Fold socks, underwear, pajamas, shorts and T-shirts and place in the stacking plastic drawers. Label each set of drawers with the name of the clothing's owner. If space is at a premium, stack older children and adult drawers on top of younger children's drawers.

How to Build a Wooden End Table

You can build a simple end table for your living room or rec room using a few pieces of wood that have been measured and cut to the appropriate size. To do this you will have to determine how big you want the end table to be. The finished end table should fit nicely at the side of your couch and measure about 18 inches wide by 24 inches deep. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure a -inch piece of birch plywood to 18-by-24 inches with the tape measure. Make a cut mark with the pencil and cut the plywood to this length with the table saw. This will be the top of the table.

2

Measure a -inch piece of birch plywood to 14 -by-24 inches. Make a cut mark with the pencil and cut the plywood to this length with the table saw. This will be the bottom shelf of the table.

3

Measure a 4-by-4 board to 21 inches. Make a cut mark with the pencil and cut the board using the circular saw. Repeat this step to cut three more lengths. These will be the legs of the table.

4

Measure up 3 inches on each of the cut 4-by-4 boards and make a mark with the pencil. Make a -inch cut that is 2 inches deep into each board with the table saw.

5

Place a bead of wood glue into the -inch groove in the 4-by-4 board. Place the groove of the 4-by-4 over the corner edges of the 14-by-24-inch piece of birch plywood. Make sure that the edge of the birch plywood and 4-by-4 boards are flush. Allow at least 6 hours for the wood glue to dry.

6

Set the 18-by-24-inch piece of birch plywood on top of the 4-by-4 boards. Drill a pilot hole for a screw through the plywood and 1 inches into the 4-by-4 with the power drill.

7

Apply a small amount of wood glue to the top of the 4-by-4 legs. Drive a screw through the top of the plywood and into the 4-by-4 boards.

8

Cover the top of the screws with wood filler. Sand the wood filler and any rough edges that you find on the table with the sandpaper.

How to Build a Kitchen Island Table

Most people could use a little more counter top space in their kitchen. Islands are a great way to go, but custom can be extremely expensive and kits don't always look so good. Here's an alternative that's equally functional and great looking. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

The Plan

1

Measure your kitchen. Translate the layout of your kitchen to graph paper, using the biggest scale possible that still fits on one page.

2

You must have enough room between your cabinets and the table to work. Thirty-six inches is nice, and anything less than 30 is too cramped. Also make sure you have enough room to open any appliances (e.g., refrigerator or dishwasher) and any doors.

3

Try it out on the graph paper. Think like the chef. If you're not the primary cook in your home, bring that person in on the process. It will save you grief later. Also remember, the kitchen island table should be at least 24 inches wide.

4

Now that you've agreed upon size and positioning, move on to section 2.

Building your Kitchen Island Table

5

Cut 5 3/4-inch lumber to length for top. For example: if your kitchen island table is 60 inches long and 35 1/2 inches wide, you would cut 6 planks to 60 inchs long.

6

Sand the long 1 3/4 edges of the planks you just cut.

7

Attach the planks together using either pocket screws or biscuits and clamp making sure all edges and both top and bottom are flush. If you are pocket screwing, clamp before screwing together. If you are using biscuits, clamp after. Set the top aside to dry/set.

8

Make cuts for the frame:
- cut (4) legs to 34 1/4 inches high
- cut (4) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch planks to length (if your top is 60 inches x 35 1/2 inches and your legs are 3 inches x 3 inches make this cut 50 inches long).
- cut (4) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch planks to length (using the above example these will be 25 1/2 inches).
- cut (1) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch plank to length (using the same example this will be 30 inches).

9

Sand all surfaces. If the top is ready, remove the clamps and sand the top and all edges.

10

Turn the legs upside down and attach (2) longer and (2) shorter 2 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch planks flush with the top. Using the above example you will now have a 56 inch x 31 1/2 inch box with the legs at the corners. Make sure you are square.

11

Attach the 30 inch-long 2 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch plank across the center of the frame (3/4-inch side up and down) using pocket screws. Make sure it is flush with the top.

12

Attach the other (2) longer and (2) shorter planks to the legs with the top the planks 9 1/4 inches from the bottom of the legs. Make sure you are level and square.

13

Cut the 5 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch planks to length for the shelf. Use the jigsaw to cut in around the legs. Make the shelf equal to the dimension of the frame. Sand the shelf planks. Attach using pocket screws.

14

If you are painting or staining the Kitchen Island Table one color, skip to Step 11. If the top and the frame are to be separate colors, stain or paint now. Let dry.

15

Set the top face down on the floor. Use cardboard or a sheet to prevent scratching the surface. Set the frame upside down on the top. Make sure you are centered and square. The top will be 2 inches longer and wider on each side. Attach using pocket screws. If you haven't painted or stained the table, do it now.

16

Flip the kitchen island table over and set in place.

17

Invite some people over so you can show it off.

Wedding Tablecloth Ideas

Planning a wedding is a multi-faceted project that requires good organizational skills and attention to detail. The reception is a big project that consists of many small parts such as location, theme, menu, favors, tables, tablecloths, table arrangements and much more. When planning the wedding tablecloths, considerations include the number, size and shape of tables. Once these details are identified, it is time to plan tablecloth ideas.

Formal Tablecloth Idea

A formal wedding typically requires linen tablecloths. White linen tablecloths are always formal and send the statement of sophistication and elegance. Linen tablecloths come in a variety of colors, so don't limit your thinking to just white. There are several ways to personalize linen tablecloths so they represent the formal nature of the wedding and the individual personality of the wedding couple. One idea is to purchase enough nylon netting fabric at a craft of fabric store to cover each of the linen tablecloths. A very formal look is to use white nylon netting on white linen tablecloths. Another idea is to cover the linen tablecloth with nylon netting in the wedding color or colors.

Victorian Tablecloth Idea

A popular wedding theme idea is to revisit the Victorian era. The Victorian period was marked by rooms festooned with crystals, fringe and ferns. Decorating wedding tablecloths to enhance a Victorian wedding theme can be done fairly easily by buying wide decorative fringe from a craft or fabric store or on line. The fringe can be made of glass beads, cotton or feathers. Think about selecting the fringe to coordinate with the wedding colors. If the wedding budget is tight, consider using the fringe only on the tablecloths at the head and cake tables. Pin or hot glue the fringe to the tablecloths so it hangs in deep scallops or swoops all around the table.

Printed Tablecloth Idea

Wedding tablecloths do not have to be a solid color. Many bridal couples are breaking out of the traditional mold of linen tablecloths and making their personal statement through using printed tablecloths. Buy or make wedding tablecloths that coordinate with the wedding flowers. Matching the bridal bouquet or bridesmaid flowers to the tablecloths is a striking approach to tablecloths. Think about putting the bridesmaid bouquets into vases on the tables for centerpieces after the wedding ceremony.

Ideas for Extending Countertops

Ask a home chef what changes she'd make to her kitchen and chances are that "more counter space" ranks high on her list. Countertop space is prime kitchen real estate, as evidenced by the plethora of appliances that mount under the cabinet to free up counters for prep work. Whether you're in the market for an entire kitchen remodel or just doing some minor updating, there are a number of ways to extend your countertops for additional work or seating space in your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Increase the Countertop Overhang

Countertops often extend 1 to 2 inches beyond the edge of the cabinets they top. One of the easier ways to increase the counter space in your kitchen is to replace your standard counter top with one that extends an additional 8 to 12 inches along one or more sides of the cabinets. If you decide to increase the overhang by more than 12 inches, though, your counter will need bracing for additional support.

Don't Be Square

Peninsulas are a popular way to add counter and storage space to kitchens, but they can overwhelm smaller rooms. Lighten their footprint and lessen the impact with a few designer tricks for small spaces. Opt for open shelves beneath the countertop instead of a cabinet base to make the peninsula less intrusive. Round the corners of the top, or choose a kidney shape to maximize the usable counter space while preserving floor space.

Fold-Away Countertop Extension

If your kitchen is small or if you only need extra counter space occasionally, a fold-away counter extension may be your ideal solution. Fold-down countertops, most often used in RVs, work well in the typical small galley kitchens found in many modern apartments and condominiums. Add a hinged, gateleg countertop at the end of an existing counter and cabinet unit to extend the counter space, or hang a fold-up countertop on a wall, supporting it with chains or a drop-down leg.

Bathroom Counter Extensions

The kitchen isn't the only room in the house where extra counter space comes in handy. If your bathroom doubles as your vanity or dressing room, even a few extra inches of countertop can make your life much easier. Get creative in a small bathroom. Instead of choosing a countertop that fits your bathroom cabinet exactly, have it cut in an L shape that extends beyond the cabinet on one side. Add legs to the end and build a set of shelves beneath the counter for additional storage.

How to Make a Table Side Caesar Salad

This popular salad even today was created in 1924 by Chef Caesar Cardani. It was prepared and served right at the table in his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. The original recipe did not use anchovies and in the recipe here we will used coddled eggs, not raw. A coddled egg is cooked for about 45 seconds to 1 minute in boiling water. It gives the dressing a smoother, creamier consistency. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Wash and dry the Romaine lettuce. Tear the leaves into pieces and add them to a large wooden or metal bowl. Refrigerate it for at least an hour. Then after the hour prepare the salad dressing. Chill some flat salad plates in the refrigerator to serve the salad on later. It tastes better when it is served on cold plates.

2

On the stove, boil water in a small pan. When it is boiling, drop the egg into it for 45 seconds to 1 minute and remove. Let it cool.

3

Mix 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 medium clove of garlic processed through a garlic press, salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon of capers and 1 of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley chopped fine and mix in small metal bowl.

4

Crack the egg and add it to these ingredients. Whisk the ingredients with a metal hand held whisk until it is smooth.

5

Now add half of the 1/3 cup of olive oil to this mixture. Continue to whisk while you add the oil in a steady stream. Get the wooden bowl out of the refrigerator add about half a bag of the prepared crotons and the 1/3 of a cup of Parmesan cheese and half of the dressing toss well. Add the rest of the salad dressing and toss all ingredients well using salad tongs.

6

Serve the salad on the chilled plates that you put in the refrigerator. Don' t forget to give everyone a fork to eat it. This recipe does not include anchovies like the original.

7

You can use a blender to make the dressing. Add all ingredients except the olive oil to the blender bowl. Process the ingredients for one minute then with the blender still running add the olive oil in a thin steady stream blending until it reaches the consistency you desire for the salad dressing. Toss with the ingredients in a salad bowl and serve.

How to Buy a Bedside Sleeper

A bedside sleeper is a parenting tool that can be used if you plan to have your baby sleep in the same room as you. Bedside sleepers are a safer option than having the infant share the bed with you. The way that it works is that the infant bed rolls up to your bed and attaches to the mattress to keep the child secure and close by.

Instructions

1

Search around for different prices on bedside sleepers. Check out baby gear retailers, such as Babies "R" Us and Target, as well as the online stores Babystyle and Baby Direct.

2

Consider a used bedside sleeper. Manufacturers recommend that once the child can roll over, the bedside sleeper should not be used anymore. Therefore, many bedside sleepers are gently used. Find a used version at a yard sale or on eBay.

3

Get a bedside sleeper that can double as a bassinet. Arm's Reach has a bedside sleeper that can be converted to a bassinet. One side is detachable and can be secured in place when away from the parent's bed.

4

Read the measurements of the bedside sleeper. The bedside sleeper needs to accommodate the height of your bed. Measure your bed's height and compare it to the bedside sleeper that you have in mind.

5

Check the weight and height restrictions. Bigger babies are usually not able to use a bedside sleeper. Babies over 25 pounds should not sleep in a bedside sleeper.