How to Wash Vintage Tablecloths

Vintage tablecloths are heirloom textiles that have been used at family tables for years, passed down from generation to generation or found as treasures in thrift shops or antique stores. Vintage tablecloths are often fragile from years of use, cleaning or storage, but with proper care, vintage tablecloths can continue to grace your table for many more years. Don't worry if your vintage tablecloth isn't pristine and perfect, as too much scrubbing can destroy the fibers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Check the condition of the tablecloth. Repair any large holes or frayed areas, as washing may cause further damage.

2

Test your vintage tablecloth for colorfastness before attempting to wash the tablecloth. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into the detergent or cleaning solution you intend to use, then dab the cotton ball on a small, hidden area. Allow the solution to remain on the fabric for five minutes, then blot the area with white tissue paper. If the color of the tablecloth is visible on the paper, take your vintage tablecloth to a dry cleaner or an expert who deals with antique textiles.

3

Treat badly stained tablecloths in an oxygen bleach solution. Mix the solution in a sink or basin, according to the directions on the label. Use oxygen bleach with care, and only after testing the fabric, as oxygen bleach products can cause colors to run. Skip the oxygen bleach if you're concerned about the effect of the bleach on the tablecloth, or if your tablecloth isn't badly stained. Remove the tablecloth from the solution as soon as possible. Rinse the solution thoroughly before proceeding.

4

Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can damage old fabric. Add a small amount of a gentle liquid soap made especially for hand washables. Refer to the container for specific proportions.

5

Place the tablecloth in the sudsy water, then swish the tablecloth gently. Rinse the tablecloth thoroughly, then squeeze the tablecloth gently to remove excess water. Lift the tablecloth carefully onto a thick layer of bath towels.

6

Spread the tablecloth on a flat area and allow it to finish drying. Alternatively, hang the tablecloth on a clothesline or over two chairs. Never hang the tablecloth when it's still very wet, as the weight can stretch the fibers and damage the tablecloth. If desired, speed the drying process by using a hair dryer set on low.

7

Wrap your vintage tablecloth in acid-free tissue paper, then store the vintage tablecloth in an acid-free box or bag. Acid-free materials will prevent yellowing of the fabric during storage.

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Ping-Pong Balls

LED ping-pong tables are popping up in homes, arcades and indoor amusement parks around the country, offering players an intense, fast-paced version of the game played in the dark. But even if you still have a standard, old-fashioned ping-pong table, you can transform this favorite recreational pastime into an extreme, play-in-the-dark game with a black light and a little glow-in-the-dark paint. Learn how to make ping-pong balls glow in the dark with easy-to-use, lightweight spray paint, and give your old ping-pong table a nighttime makeover with colorless paint that glows in the dark or under black light while youre at it.

Instructions

1

Push a straight pin one-third of the way through a plain ping pong ball.

2

Hold the ping-pong ball by the pin you inserted with one hand, and spray a light coat of the paint onto the ball with the other.

3

Tie a piece of thin string around the base of the pin. Tie the other end of the string from a show curtain rod, overhead pipe or other area where the ball can hang to air dry.

4

Remove the string and the pin once the ball is dry. Your ping-pong ball will now glow in the dark or underneath a black light.

How to Fold a Round Table Cloth

Tablecloths are a useful and decorative addition to any table. Not only do they protect the surface of the table from spills, stains and scratches, they also improve the overall decor of the room. Tablecloths are generally either square, rectangular or round. Round tablecloths provide an added difficulty in that the shape makes storing them a bit trickier. Folding a round tablecloth requires a different process than folding more common straight-edged items. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay the tablecloth on a flat surface and smooth out the wrinkles. Fold the cloth in half in the center, making a half-moon shape with the flat edge at the top. The curved edges of the cloth should line up exactly.

2

Fold the curved edge of the tablecloth upward. The middle of the curve, where it is widest, should just meet the flat edge of the cloth. You now have two flat edges with the top only slightly longer than the bottom.

3

Fold the tablecloth in half lengthwise, so that the short, slightly curved ends are laying on top of one another.

4

Fold the tablecloth in thirds, folding the curved edges inward first, followed by the straight folded edge. The tablecloth should now be in a rectangular shape with straight edges on all sides. Fold in thirds again, if needed, to achieve the desired size for storage.

How to Create Coffee Table Blueprints Online

Computer drawing software can enable you to design your own furniture to fit any style you desire. A variety of computer-aided design (CAD) software is available on the market today to allow for designing just about anything. Most CAD software is very easy to use. The drawing commands allow the user to transfer the dimensions of their design while the program translates these into a scaled blueprint. Many software programs offer free trials online. Research CAD software before purchasing to find the right software for creating a coffee table blueprint. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Sketch the basic measurements of the coffee table. Length, width and height measurements will be necessary to transfer the sketch into a CAD software program. Add any special features you would like the coffee table to have. If you would like the coffee table to function as a footstool as well, think about adding a cushioned area to the table. Measurements for special features will be needed as well. Note all these dimensions on the sketch for reference.

2

Perform an Internet search for "AutoCAD and design software." Make a list of the software that can perform the basic functions you will need and that are compatible with your computer. Some software programs are available online as a free download. SmartDraw is one of these programs. These free downloads tend to be only temporary versions. You could also look for design software programs that offer a free trial. This will allow you to try the software before you purchase it. Sign up for a free design software trial or purchase a design software. Install any software or hardware required to run the program.

3

Open the program and start a new drawing. Most computer-aided drafting software is extremely simple and self-explanatory to use. There will be a draw toolbar or drop down menu that will enable you to draw lines, boxes, circles and other common functions.

4

Use the drawing commands to transfer the measurements from your coffee table sketch into the design program. Read the command prompts at the bottom of the screen to enter the information the program requires to draw the table to the correct scale.

5

Label all the dimensions of the table once the drawing has been completed and the table looks as you desire. These dimensions will be needed for building the table or for space planning.

6

Save the blueprint. Go to the "File" drop-down menu and choose "Save as". This will allow you to name and save your blueprint. Drawings are saved as .dwg files.

7

Go to the "File" drop-down menu again. Choose "Plot." In drawing software, plot means the same as print. Print the blueprint.

How to Use a Notebook Lock

A notebook lock allows you to secure your notebook computer to nearly any table, desk or cabinet in the same way that a bike lock works. Notebook locks are useful when you are working outside of your home at a library, cafe or other public area because you can leave your computer if you need to use the restroom or step away from your workspace without fear of it being stolen.

Instructions

1

Wrap the notebook lock cable around a table leg or drawer pull and thread the lock part of the cable through the loop in the end of the cable. Pull the cable tight to secure it to the table, desk or filing cabinet.

2

Set the number dials on the notebook lock to "0000". This is the standard preset combination for most locks before you set your own combination.

3

Press and hold down the locking button on the notebook lock. The locking button will either be located on the front or side of the lock and can only be depressed when the number dials are set to the current combination.

4

Turn the number dials to your desired lock combination. Make a note of these numbers as you will need them to open the lock or change the combination.

5

Release the locking button. The notebook lock is now set to your chosen combination.

6

Locate the security slot on your notebook. The security slot is usually on the side of your notebook and may be a vertical or horizontal rectangular opening with rounded edges.

7

Hold down the notebook locking button and insert the lock your notebook's security slot.

8

Release the locking button. This will secure the lock to your notebook.

9

Turn the number dials to hide your combination.

10

Set the number dials to your combination and press the locking button to remove the lock from your notebook.

How to Open a Dessert Bar

As a food service provider, you want only the best for your patrons. Nothing says "I care" more robustly than a well thought-out and established dessert bar from which your customers may pick and choose a variety of post-meal morsels of sweetness. Before setting up such a bar, you will want to determine if you wish to offer both hot and cold dessert items, or just one or the other. If both, you will need to acquire a dessert table with cooler in one end and heater in the other. Once you have the equipment, the remainder of the task at hand can be competently performed with ease.

Instructions

1

Set up your dessert bar table near a wall with an outlet and plug in the power cord so that it is behind the unit and out of the way of your customers so they don't inadvertently unplug or trip over it. The power cord(s) must be supplied with power to operate the internal cooler, lights, and/or internal warmer systems. If your bar table has both a heater in one side and a cooler in the other, you will need an outlet with two sockets. In this type of model, the canopy light is generally powered from either of the power cords running the temperature controls, so a third outlet shouldn't be necessary.

2

Turn on your table's heater and/or cooler a couple of hours before your patrons begin arriving so that the pans may arrive at their stable temperatures.

3

Mix up and/or chill your cold items and cook or bake your warm items and have them in your kitchen ready for transfer to the dessert bar's square and rectangular-shaped pans when your customers begin to arrive. Place the warm dessert items into clean bar pans and set them into the hot side of your dessert bar table and place the cold dessert items into clean bar pans and set them into the cold side of your dessert bar table. Use a clean bar pan every time a refill is necessary for any given dessert item or condiment.

4

Place all dry toppings to the far end of the cold side of your dessert bar table. Of all dry toppings, place the heavier items (sugar crumbs, peanuts, etc.) closer to the main desserts and place the lighter items (lightweight candy toppings etc.) toward the furthest end of the cold side. This will prevent the lighter toppings from falling off of the spoons and then mixing with the heavier items (lighter items fall from spoons easier than heavier items) which will keep your dessert bar table organized, neat and convenient.

5

Follow your health inspector's instructions to prevent citations or fines from being assessed against you for failure to comply.

How to Make a Dresser From a Built-in Desk

Moving into a new home always presents a challenge when it comes to fitting your old furniture into the new space. The challenge is amplified if the home has built-in furniture -- particularly furniture that mirrors a piece you already have, such as a desk. The beauty of a lot of furniture is that it is actually simple to use as another piece with just a few adjustments. A built-in desk, for example, can quickly double as a dresser and dressing table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean out the drawers. Ensure there are no leaky pens or old pushpins stuck in the farthest corners. To be safe, wear thick work gloves when doing this and go slowly. Look in dark areas with a flashlight.

2

Line the insides of the drawers with shelf or contact paper to keep splinters away from your clothes. If the wood is in really bad shape, sand it down and keep your clothes in plastic storage bags inside the drawer.

3

Place smaller items like socks in the smaller drawers only. If you place them in the larger, deeper drawers, you can end up with a pile of clothes that is difficult to sort through.

4

Roll shirts and pants when folding. Fold them as you normally would, then roll or fold them into an approximate cylindrical shape and store them on their ends. This gives you a better view of what you have in larger drawers while making the clothing bundles as small as possible.

5

Place larger items you cant roll on shelves inside cabinets, if the desk has those features.

6

Put a shoebox or rack in the leg portion of the desk, where you would normally sit. Another option is to use that area as a dressing table/preparation area; place a mirror along the wall above the center of the desk, or if there is a built-in hutch, add a stand-alone mirror to the accessories on top of the desk. If you use the seating area as a dressing table and can fit large items of clothing into the drawers, place shoes on the shelves in the cabinets.

How to Decorate Tablecloths

Tablecloths are used to protect tables and add a decorative touch during the holidays, birthday dinners and Sunday brunches. A good quality tablecloth is an investment that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Give your tablecloth new life by painting decorative touches on your future family heirloom.

Instructions

1

Cut a potato in half. Keep both halves in case you do not like the first design you create.

2

Draw a design onto a piece of tracing paper. This design could be anything from a tree for Christmas to a cake for a child's birthday.

3

Place the tracing paper onto the flesh of the potato, making sure to center the design on the middle of the potato. Attach the paper with a piece of tape.

4

Cut the design you traced into the potato by carefully carving it with a utility knife approximately 1/2-inch deep. Cut away the sides of the potato about 1/2 inch around the design.

5

Pour a few ounces of paint into a shallow bowl or the lid of an ice cream pail.

6

Pull off the tracing paper and rinse the potato with cold water. Dry the potato with a paper towel. Rinsing the potato will ensure that the natural brown dye found in the skin of the potato does not run into your paint.

7

Dip the potato into the paint and place it firmly onto a piece of white paper. This will act as a test before you try your pattern on the tablecloth.

8

Lay the tablecloth onto the floor. This will allow you to make prints on the entire cloth.

9

Dip the potato into the paint and place it firmly onto the tablecloth. Continue to stamp the tablecloth with the potato until the desired effect has been reached.

How to Make a Dollhouse Table

Whether the table holds a Thanksgiving feast or the afternoon mail, a table is at the center of a room. From an elaborately carved dining room heirloom piece to a simple side table, the types of tables are as varied as their functions. You can purchase beautifully crafted centerpiece tables or you can create your own, throwing a simple table cloth over the top to hide any flaws.

Instructions

Wooden table

1

Cut a piece of wood to 2 by 6 inches. Cut four legs to 3 inches high, two table supports measuring 1-1/2 inches and two more table supports measuring 5 inches. Sand until smooth, especially the table top.

2

Glue the two 1-1/2 inch supports to the two 5 inch support pieces into a rectangle. Let dry completely.

3

Center the support to the bottom of the table top, glue securely and let dry completely.

4

Attach the legs by gluing each of the four legs to the inside of the corner supports. Let dry.

5

Stain your table, allowing it to dry between coats. Add a layer of sealer.

6

Add a flower arrangement, table runner, plates, silverware and glasses to the table.

Side Tables

7

Use a pizza support (that comes on top of your delivery pizza to prevent the lid from touching the pizza) as a small table. Cover the support with a small piece of fabric to be used as a tablecloth.

8

Utilize a spool of thread as a side table, covering with a piece of fabric to mimic as a decorator table.

9

Cut down the legs of a regular size dollhouse table in order to create a low coffee table. If a table is damaged, this is a great way to reuse it.

10

Stack three matchboxes together, gluing them together. Wrap a piece of wood grained paper around the stack. Paper the front of the drawers as well, adding a tiny brad as a pull to each drawer. This makes a great side table with drawers to be used as a bedside table.

How to Make a Farmhouse Table

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

Instructions

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

How to Set Up Linens for a Buffet

Table linens can be placed on a buffet to cover up an unsightly table or just enhance the overall food presentation. Typically, a normal table cloth is considered a little skimpy when it comes to buffet linens. Unless the buffet table has a beautiful frame and legs, you will probably want to cover them up with a buffet skirt. Once you have all the correct linen pieces, setting them up on a buffet table is a snap. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the table topper on the buffet and smooth out any wrinkles. Table toppers are similar to tablecloths, except that they tend to have a shorter drape. When arranging the table topper, ensure that the edges hang evenly on all sides. Ideally, you want your topper to be at least 5 or 6 inches longer and wider than the table. This will allow you to tuck it into the table skirt without extra hassle.

2

Place the table skirt around the buffet table's frame, tucking in the edges of the topper as you go. The table skirt should hang all the way to the ground, covering up the legs of the table.

3

Place the runner on the center of the table, allowing the edges to hang over the table skirt. If your table is long and narrow, the runner should lie so that the edges hang off the narrow ends of the table. With square tables, the runner is traditionally long and narrow. Place it in the center of the table. With round tables, square runners are traditional. Just place it in the middle of the table, allowing the corners to hang off the edge. Runners are purely decorative and are meant to stand out from the rest of the linens. For this reason, they are usually a different color than the table topper or skirt.

4

Examine your linen arrangement. If your linens are either to small or too large, they will become a nuisance when people are getting food. If they are too large, you might be able to fix the problem with a few safety pins and some duct tape. If they are too small, you will either need to find a different table or purchase larger linens.

5

Arrange the napkins at the head of the buffet table. There are several different ways to place them. If you are using disposable napkins, stack them neatly into a pile. If you have a lot of them, make several stacks. With cloth napkins, you should wrap the silverware into them and place the bundles in a basket or other container.

Styles of Bedroom Light Fixtures

When selecting lighting for your bedroom, you needn't restrict yourself to the standard, squat table lamps, one placed on each side of the bed. Instead, explore the many lighting options that will simultaneously illuminate the room and expand or heighten its style. As you consider light fixtures, also keep in mind practical function; you may prefer a smaller lamp with a bedside switch and a larger one for full-room lighting. Does this Spark an idea?

Hanging Lamps

Hanging or pendant lamps are somewhat less common in bedrooms than in dining rooms or kitchens. However, the right hanging light fixture can draw the eye upward, adding a new dimension to your bedroom's style. A chandelier in the bedroom adds a touch of sophistication or glitz. By contrasting the opulence of a vintage chandelier with more contemporary furnishings, you can create a funky, artfully mismatched look. For a simple and restful bedroom, employ a limited color palette. For example, all-white linens and furnishings give an incredibly soothing feel. Add a colored-glass chandelier as a focal point. For a more modern approach, a hanging paper lantern provides a soft and simple overhead light source.

Bedside Table Lamps

There's some practical reasoning behind the traditional bedroom lighting arrangement; placing a table lamp on each bedside table gives ample light for reading and attractively frames the bed. However, if you want to give your bedroom a well-integrated, harmonious look, make sure that your bedside lamps play off the other furnishings. If your bed has minimalist lines, look for lamp bases that extend the clean or sinuous contours. If your bedroom has a boxy, contemporary feel, use square or rectangular lampshades instead of drum-shaped shades. A pair of lamps is an excellent opportunity to add small touches of color. If your color palette uses one or two main tones with a third accent, use the lamp shades to enliven the third accent. If you're building up a color palette for the room, try pulling a color from any patterned bed linens.

Floor Lamps

Generally, floor lamps work best as a secondary light fixture in the bedroom. You'll probably want at least one other lamp, bedside, for reading. If you don't want to install an overhead lamp, the floor lamp can serve as your general light source. In a large bedroom, you can position a floor lamp next to an easy chair, chaise or divan for a secondary space. A floor lamp that casts a smaller arc of light will help to divide up the room into smaller spaces. As a third option, if you're trying to break up the symmetry of two bedside tables and two table lamps, replace one of them with a floor lamp. Just make sure you use other design elements to balance out the look.

How to Care for a Vinyl Tablecloth

Vinyl tablecloths can be used every day, and many are suited for both indoor and outdoor use. They last a long time, protecting kitchen and dining tables from spills. Some vinyl tablecloths also have a flannel backing to keep them from sliding back and forth when in use. They are often cheap enough to have one for every season and holiday, if desired. Fortunately, vinyl tablecloths require little care to keep them clean and in good shape. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Wipe the vinyl side clean with a soapy, damp rag or sponge, the same as you would your countertop. If both sides are vinyl and the other side is dirty, flip it over after the top side dries and clean the underside in a similar manner. Flip it back over once the underside dries.

2

Clean a vinyl tablecloth with kitchen cleaner -- such as one labeled as anti-bacterial -- after exposure to raw meat or to remove stubborn stains. And, if the cleaner directions call for it, wipe it with a wet rag or sponge afterward to rinse, often suggested for eating surfaces. Again, if both sides are vinyl and need cleaning, clean the underside in a similar manner, but only after the top side dries.

3

Wash a vinyl tablecloth with a flannel backing with laundry detergent or non-chlorine bleach in your washing machine's gentle cycle. Use cold water and the recommended detergent amount. You can also wash it by hand if you're worried it may become damaged in the washer. Tumble dry low, removing it right afterward to help prevent wrinkling.

4

Iron wrinkled vinyl tablecloths on the coolest setting. Iron the flannel backing, if applicable. If you iron the vinyl side, place a pillowcase in between the iron and tablecloth to prevent scorching. Iron in short, quick motions, lifting up frequently to also prevent scorching.

5

Roll up your tablecloth to store it rather than folding, especially if it is prone to wrinkles. Store it in an area away from high humidity where mold could become an issue.

How to Make a Cafe & Bar Room Out of a Family Room

The casual feeling of many family rooms makes them ideal spaces for cafe or bar furniture and accessories. Spend the weekend transforming a forgotten corner into a small bistro or invest more time and money into a full family room conversion. Either way, you should personalize your family room cafe or bar by displaying a collection of glassware or teapots and hanging favorite artwork. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint the family room a bright, refreshing color. A cheerful yellow or pale cornflower blue evokes a sidewalk cafe in a small French town. Devote an accent wall to chalkboard paint so people can doodle as they drink or you can write a bar or cafe menu on the wall.

2

Invest in comfortable, flexible seating arrangements. Bars and cafes have furnishings conducive to conversations and games. Scatter wooden folding chairs around a metal bistro-style table. A few floor cushions around a circular upholstered ottoman offers the look of a hip hookah lounge. Set up a bar with stools along one side, or improvise with a set of tall chairs beside a long, tall table or sideboard.

3

Soften surfaces with textiles. Cushions on folding chairs and bar stools increase your guests' comfort. A small runner or bright swatch of fabric on a table offers the look of an eclectic cafe. Add coasters to polished wooden or metal tabletops for a classic pub aesthetic.

4

Outfit your cafe or bar with appropriate dishware. For the frilly, feminine look of an English Victorian cafe, flowered teapots and mismatched teacups fit the bill. For a sophisticated, urban cafe, go for small espresso cups in sleek shapes. A bar area may feature cocktail shakers, shot glasses, wine glasses, swizzle sticks and an ice bucket and tongs.

5

Illuminate your family room conversion with club style. Pendant lamps with red glass shades evoke a bar. Small table lamps and floor lamps provide light for reading at cafe-style tables. Bring in ambient light with tea lights in glass cups.

6

Hang art and accessories in your bar or cafe decor. A large formal painting in a rococo frame creates a focal point and sparks conversation. For a sleeker look, use large mirrors in wood or metal frames. Use a floating shelf to display a collection or souvenirs.

How to Make a Skirt With a Tablecloth

Recycle and repurpose linens into fashionable attire. Dig through your linen closet or shop at your local secondhand stores for vintage tablecloths with bold floral or striped borders. Make an elastic-waist skirt with a tablecloth and incorporate the decorative border into the hem of the skirt. This quick sewing project can be completed in less than an hour with enough of the tablecloth fabric left over to make a matching skirt for your daughter.

Instructions

1

Measure around your hips. Divide the measurement in half and add 1 inch. This is the width measurement of your elastic-waist skirt pattern. Measure from your waist to the desired length of your skirt and add 1 1/2 inches. This is the length of your skirt pattern.

2

Fold your square or rectangular tablecloth in half with the right sides facing and the edges aligned. You will be able to see the pattern on the fabric through the tablecloth.

3

Choose the area of the tablecloth with the desired fabric print for your skirt. The finished edges of the tablecloth will be the bottom edge of your skirt, so hemming is not required. Cutting through both layers, cut the width and length of your skirt pattern.

4

The right sides of your skirt should be facing each other. Pin the long side edges of the skirt pieces together. Sew the pinned edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew a zigzag stitch over the raw edges of the sewn seam to prevent fraying.

5

Turn the top raw edges of the skirt 1/4 inch to the wrong side and press. Turn the edge another 1 1/4 inches, press and pin. Sew the pinned edge to create a casing for the elastic. Leave a 2-inch opening. Sew around the top edge of the casing as close to the edge as possible.

6

Measure around your waist. Using this measurement, cut a length of 1-inch wide elastic. Attach a large safety pin to one end of the elastic. Insert the safety pin in the 2-inch opening of the casing. Guide the safety pin through the casing and out the same opening.

7

Remove the safety pin. Overlap the ends of the elastic 1/2 inch and pin. Sew across the pinned ends to secure. Push the elastic ends back into the casing. Sew the casing closed. Sew a vertical line across the elastic casing at each side seam. This will prevent the elastic from rolling.

8

Turn the skirt right side out. The decorative border on the tablecloth is now the bottom border of your skirt.

Games to Play in Bars

Bars are much more than a place to get a pint of brew or a shot of whiskey. Most watering holes offer plenty of games to complement the good times you can have with friends there. Pool and darts are barroom staples, and there are several more options that can be found in many bars.

Pool

Any bar worth its weight in Budweiser has at least one pool table. Most are coin-operated, and you will pay 50 cents to $1 for a game. Some bars rent you the tables by the hour. The most popular pool games are 8-Ball and 9-Ball. A tip is to check for a warped stick before you begin playing. Roll a cue stick across the table and see if it wobbles.

Darts

Some bars have regular dartboards while others have the electronic kind with soft tips (the better to prevent any drunken dart-throwing incidents). The most popular forms of darts are 401 and cricket. In 401, you must lower your starting score of 401 to 0 first by hitting numbers on the board. In cricket, you try to hit each of the numbers 15 to 20 and the bull's-eye three times each before your opponent does.

Tabletop shuffleboard

This is a more recent phenomenon in pubs. The layout is similar to the shuffleboard you would play on pavement, but in this form of the game you slide pucks across a shuffleboard layout on a long table. The object of the game is to slide your puck into and knock your opponents' pucks out of the point-scoring spots on the opposite end of the board.

Card games

While you don't want to sit around a bar table with wads of cash in a high-stakes poker game, you can bring poker chips and cards and play a poker tournament for fun. Many bars offer their own poker tournaments where they give away cash or prizes to the winners as a way to get patrons in the doors. You can also play hearts, spades or any card game you enjoy.

Board games

Some bars have shelves of board games, or you can bring your own and play around a table. Top choices include Clue, Risk, Trivial Pursuit, Outburst and more. Play in teams if you have more people present than the game allows.

How to Organize a Studio Apartment

Studio apartments present a unique organizing challenge. With little square footage and no separate bedroom, there are few options for storage and privacy. Get creative with your decor, choosing items with both form and function to make your studio apartment a practical and comfortable place to live. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Maximize floor space by lofting your bed, so you may free up room underneath for storage or even a work area. Add vertical storage with tall bookcases that use empty wall space that would otherwise be wasted. Mount sconces on the wall instead of using table or floor lamps.

2

Use portable screens as temporary room dividers as well as decor enhancements. A folding screen adds privacy to the sleeping area and it is easily removed to open up the space for guests.

3

Choose multipurpose or convertible furniture. A sofa or futon that converts to a bed, a gate-leg or drop-leaf table and an ottoman that serves as a coffee table all save space by performing multiple functions. Add hidden storage with a cedar chest with a padded top to double as a seat or a storage ottoman to hold blankets.

4

Get rid of unnecessary clutter in the apartment. Use bins, baskets and filing systems to organize things you must keep, and throw out or give away the rest. Use wall space to your advantage with a cork board, hanging organizer or magnet board that allows you to minimize boxes and files taking up precious floor space.

5

Create storage in unconventional places. Hang a shoe holder on the back of a door. Store rolls of gift wrap in a roll-away bin under the bed or sofa. Stack two boxes of canned goods and cover them with a small tablecloth to form an end table.

How to Set Up Your Studio Apartment

The trick to living in a studio apartment is knowing how to maximize space to accommodate your lifestyle. Studios may be small but any apartment can be made functional and efficient. Since space is limited, taking a strategic approach to furniture arrangement is key. You don't have to be surrounded by clutter or feel claustrophobic. There are ways to make a small living space comfortable rather than crowded. With careful planning, resourcefulness and space-saving ideas, your studio can become a satisfying home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut back to the necessities. The easiest way to make your studio more spacious and accommodating is by keeping those things that are absolutely necessary and cutting out the nonessentials. Without the luxury of extra space, things you don't regularly use become a waste of space. With space being so limited, utility has to be your priority.

2

Buy multipurpose furniture. One of the best ways to save space while maximizing function is to invest in furniture and accessories that serve dual purposes. For example, use storage ottomans as extra seating and for storage. A drop-leaf table will accommodate dinner guests but can be collapsed when eating alone; it can also serve as a desk.

3

Purchase a bed that works best in small spaces. Consider a sofa that converts into a bed, futons, lofts or daybeds that have storage drawers underneath.

4

Define spaces with dividers. Separate your sleeping area with freestanding screens or bookcases. This allows you to better manage the space and establish separate living areas. For a creative touch, the back of a bookcase can serve as a headboard for your bed. To achieve this, you can paint it or cover it with fabric.

5

Invest in office furniture that can fold up and roll away when not in use. Or, if you already have a favorite desk, consider installing easy-rolling wheels. This will allow for you to better accommodate guests by adding extra space when needed.

6

Think vertical. Instead of taking up valuable floor space, store items on shelves and bookcases. Specifically, look for narrow but high shelving units that provide ample storage without making a big footprint. More floor space will make your studio appear larger.

How to Build a Desk for a Kitchen

A very simple and elegant desk with a few shelves can be built to make your kitchen area even more versatile than it already is. Once you have built your desk, then all you need to do is add a chair and the kitchen space now has a functional work space that can be used for doing bookwork or for just reading. If you like, you can even fill the shelves with your favorite cookbooks. Follow these guidelines for a sturdy, efficient and functional kitchen desk. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Start with the frame for the table top. A good overall size for a spacious table top is 24 x 40 inches. However, the frame for the top piece is usually slightly smaller than the actual top. In this case we will make the frame to be inch shorter on each side. This means that the actual size of the frame will be 23 x 39 inches. Start with cutting the front and back pieces. Cut these two pieces at 37 inches. Side pieces will be added shortly. Cut the front and back pieces with a miter saw and make sure that both ends are square.

2

Cut the horizontal side pieces in the same manner, except these two boards will fit inside the front and back piece, so their length will be 21 inches.

3

Place all four boards together with 1 inch flathead wood screws (8 or 10 gage). Be sure to drill pilot holes and a countersink depression first. Don't worry about the overall size for there will be two 1 x 6 boards added to the outside edges to give us the dimensions that we need. These boards will stretch all the way from the floor to the table top and function as table legs.

4

Cut four 1 x 6 pieces at 33 inches. With a tabletop that is -inch thick this will result in a desk that is 34 inches high (if you want a smaller desk, then cut slightly shorter pieces). Once each piece is cut to length a decorative slot can be cut in the bottom. The slot should be 2 inches wide and 8 inches high. It can begin at the bottom and run towards the top. The slot should be curved and rounded at the highest point. These cuts can be made with a scroll saw and the opening should be placed equidistant from the outside edges.

5

Attach the four legs to the outside edges of the frame. Each piece will be attached with four 1 inch (10 gage) screws. All screws will need pilot holes and countersinks. The legs will be flush with the top of the frame and they will be attached to the side pieces. They should be flush with the outside corner of the frame.

6

Begin building the shelves on the left side of the desk by adding another piece of 1-by-4 inch lumber to the frame for the table top. Cut this piece to a length of 21 inches and attach it across the center of the frame. Leave a 16-inch gap between this board and the left side of the table. Attach the board in the same manner as was done in Step 3.

7

Cut two more table legs from a 1 x 6 stock and then cut a slot in the bottom following the instructions in Step 4. Attach these two boards on the inside of the crosspiece that you just added in the last step. These legs will require four 1 -inch flathead screws that are countersunk and guided with pilot holes.

8

Rip a 1 x 4 inch board that is at least 4 feet long. Do this on a table saw and make sure each piece is of equal width.

9

From the stock that you just ripped in half on the table saw, cut four pieces with each one being 21 inches long. These will be the support shelves.

10

Attach two pieces to the sides of the table legs at the height of 10 inches and two pieces at 20 inches. Use the 1 -inch wood screws for this. Make each pair of shelf braces are level and at the same height from the floor.

11

Cut two shelves from a high-quality -inch sheet of plywood. Birch veneer is recommended, but rather expensive. These shelves should be 21 inches in length and 17 inches in width.

12

Install the shelves with 1 -inch screws. Four screws per shelf should be enough.

13

Prepare for making the table top by cutting two more 1 x 4's to the length of 21 inches. Turn these face up and place these in the frame at a 10-inch distance in from the outside edge. The boards should be attached with the same 1 screws that were used in Step 3. These screws also need to be countersunk and begin each screw with a pilot hole.

14

Cut a piece of -inch birch veneer plywood to size (24 x 40 inches) and attach it to the two cross-pieces with 1 -inch screws. Carpenter's glue can be used in addition to the wood screws. As an alternative you can purchase a pre-made maple butcher block and attach it to the flat cross pieces with 2-inch screws.

15

Cut and glue strips of birch veneer to the four sides of the table top and the front edge of the two shelves. Then add a finish to the entire table.

How to Make a Bed Bench Using a Coffee Table

A bed bench makes a convenient addition to any bedroom, providing a place for sitting, storage, and stacking things. It is not difficult to create such a bench from an old coffee table, which can be inexpensive and easy to find at a thrift store or garage sale. Repurposing a coffee table which has seen better days into a bed bench makes an easy and productive project, as well as a useful addition to your bedroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Find an old wooden coffee table--whether online, at a garage sale, in a thrift store or your attic--built to the dimensions you need. Dimensions will vary based on the size of your bed and how much flat surface you would like your bench to have. The coffee table should be shorter than the bed, and, if you want to be able to sit on the bench, not so deep that it's uncomfortable to sit upon. The coffee table should also be sturdy.

2

Refinish the coffee table. First, remove the legs if you can, then sand the entire coffee table. If you would like to keep the wood look of the coffee table, you may stain and varnish it. Or, you may choose to paint it a color to coordinate with the fabric you are going to use to cover the bench.

3

Place the foam pad on top of the coffee table top, making sure the dimensions are the same. Attach it using glue or hook and loop strips.

4

Wrap the foam pad and table top with the fabric. Roll the edges of the fabric under, creating a clean edge. Attach the fabric to the bottom of the coffee table, using the staple gun. Complete opposite sides of the table to make sure the fabric attaches evenly and smoothly; then staple the two other sides.

5

Replace the legs on the coffee table, making sure you attach them securely.

6

Attach any desired decorative items--braid, ric-rac, buttons, trim--to your new bed bench.

An Easy Way to Make Farm Tables

The farm table is a classic piece of American furniture. Developed from more classic European designs, the farm table was first simplified by American craftsmen, then turned into a true form of folk art by the relatively unskilled farmers who built their own. While there are many ornate farm tables in existence, it is these unadorned versions that have become synonymous with the word "country." Because of this, almost anyone can build an acceptable farm table. Does this Spark an idea?

Legs

While the legs of a farm table can be round or even elaborately turned on a lathe, it is quite common to see simple square legs. The legs may have a slight taper on the two inside surfaces, leaving the outsides of the legs untouched. This effect is easily achieved with a table saw and a simple jig that holds the leg at an angle.
Some legs, whether square or round, are made larger at the top where they connect to the farm table's frame. This is merely a form of ornamentation, but it can add quite a bit to an otherwise plain table.
Although it is not traditional, levelers or pads may be put on the bottoms of the legs to prevent the table from sliding on or scarring delicate floor finishes.

Frame

A frame is typically an open box made of two end pieces and two long side pieces. A fifth member is a crosspiece placed across the center; this is a support for the boards that make up the farm table's top.
The legs of the simplest tables are connected to the inside of the frame with nails. Farm tables built by craftsmen sometimes incorporate the legs into the frames, using them as the corners and attaching the frame members directly into the sides of the legs using mortise-and-tenon joints. This can result in beautiful tables, but requires considerable time and skill to create sturdy joints.

Top

Traditional farm tables are made from standard lumber. Sometimes these boards are of uniform width; at other times, different widths are used and randomly mixed to give the table a scavenged look--that is, that the builder used whatever boards were available. The most commonly used thickness is 3/4-inch.
The boards are held together by nails driven into the top edges of the frame. The boards are not glued to the frame or to each other, as they tend to swell and contract with changes in the weather.

Nails

While screws can be used to build a farm table, nails have performed the job admirably for many years. Why break tradition? Nail heads do not need to be hidden; exposed nails are part of the charm of a farm table.
There are also decorative nails available. You may wish to try them to give your table a more distinctive look.

Finish

Because of their simplicity, farm tables fit well into many decorating styles. This means they can be finished satisfactorily in many ways. The most common are clear finishes, stain and even paint. White, for example, is a popular color for French Country settings, while reddish-brown is common in many American Colonial rooms--perhaps reminiscent of a poor man's attempt to mimic more expensive cherry tables.

How to Fix a Partition Table for NTFS XP

A partition table is a table of instructions created when first partitioning a hard drive. This information helps the computer to optimally access the drive, allowing it to understand the basic layout of the hardware and giving it instructions on the proper method to interface with the drive itself. When the partition table becomes corrupted in a NTFS system running Windows XP, you must use the built-in drive-checking tool CheckDisk to fix it.

Instructions

1

Open the "Start" menu and click on the "Run" button.

2

Type in "cmd" and press "Enter." This will bring up a DOS prompt.

3

Type in "x: chkdsk /f" (where "x" is the drive letter of your hard drive with the faulty partition table) and press "Enter." This will automatically scan and fix your NTFS partition.

How to Build Rustic Tables From Oak

A rustic oak dining room table in either a rugged farmhouse style or with a clean, sleek finish will encourage your guests to linger over dinner. Trestle tables date back to the Middle Ages when they became popular because they could be easily dismantled and stored out of the way during battles at the castle. Today's trestle combines form with function, and making one by hand can aid in making today's home truly your own castle. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Make the Tabletop

1

Carve a slab of oak to make it 36-inches by 72-inches. If you can't find a slab, glue together pieces of 3/4-inch oak, alternating the direction of the rings with each piece. Clamp the wood together, or use biscuit joints to join the pieces.

2

Finish the edges by either using a drawknife or a hand planer for a rugged look, or use the table saw for a sharp edged finish.

3

Sand the top carefully.

Make the Legs

4

Cut the newel posts to the desired height.

5

Attach a corbel on each side, angling an 8-inch lag screw into each. Make certain the corbels and the end of the newel are level. Use a corbel that is at least 10-1/2 inches long to make the table stable.

6

Cut the stretcher bar to length and attach it between the newel posts by screwing a lag screw through the post and into the stretcher bar. Plug the hole with a dowel rod, leaving the dowel exposed 1/2 inch.

7

Cut two 12-inch square leg plates out of 3/4-inch wood.

8

Attach the leg plates on top of the newel post using 3-inch deck screws.

Assemble the Table

9

Turn the table top over and draw a line around the perimeter, 3 inches from the edge.

10

Cut twelve 1-by-2-by-8 inch pieces. Attach them on their flat side to the underside of the table using 1-1/4-inch deck screws. Space these cleats along the inside edge between the spots where the legs will attach.

11

Miter the edges of the 1-by-4-inch pieces, which will form the apron around the perimeter of the underside of the table. Set these pieces in place outside the cleats and secure in place with screws.

12

Set two 2-by-4-inch stringers on edge between the apron pieces where the legs will be installed. The ends of these stringers should butt up on the long sides of the apron. Secure in place with 3-inch screws.

13

Center the legs and affix with 1-1/4 inch deck screws.

14

Turn the table upright. Fill any holes with wood putty. Sand the table completely. Stain and seal.

How to Make a Tiki Hut for a Luau

Building a tiki hut or tiki bar is not very difficult if you have some tools and an imagination! With some very basic carpentry skills you can make a pretty convincing tiki structure for your outdoor party! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




The first thing you'll need to do is build the structure. I'm going to say that this will probably be a bar so you'll want a nice size rectangle. There are a couple of ways to go about this. Then you will want the roof and decorations. This whole project shouldn't take you more than an hour or two once you have your materials gathered together!

2

HOMEMADE BAR: To start from scratch you should have plywood cut into about 5 pieces. The two sides will be around 36" long x 48" tall. The front will be around 60" long x 48" tall. The top and the shelf will be around 60" long x 36" wide. You can use wood glue and nails to assemble the casing (top, front, and sides) and then buy four L-shaped brackets to insert the shelf. Just attach the brackets to the sides and then put the shelf onto them. If you want it extra secure, attach four more brackets to the inside of the bar where the top and sides meet. Once you have the base done, you can add the top. For the roof, Just get light plywood and cut it so it is large enough to cover the bar. You can nail them together to make a "v" shape by putting the edge of one piece to the bottom of the other piece and nailing them. You could also use a piano hinge (very long) so this is collapsable and easy to store! Just attach two wooden beams, almost any will do, to the bar and then to the roof with wood screws. Decorate the top with straw, straw mats, vines or bamboo. Almost anything will do.

3

PREMADE BAR: If you can't build it all from scratch, you can use a cheap bar or table. If you use an old table just nail some plywood to the front of it and decorate it with ivory or sage green paint and use gorrilla glue or fast drying glue to apply grass mats (place mats) or fake or real palms to it. Most fabric stores have cool fabric or fake plants that will work great!

Furniture Table Styles

Furniture styles are generally chosen to match the personality of the owner and express creativity in choosing specific designs. This may not always be true, because sometimes furniture styles are based more along practical lines that have much to do with space and budget constraints. There are numerous furniture styles dating back to prehistoric times and the Stone Age farmers. Some of the furniture styles include Regency, Renaissance, Gothic Revival, Baroque, Louis Phillipe and modern contemporary. Does this Spark an idea?

Modern Contemporary Style

The dawn of the 20th century brought with it a whole new concept of furniture design based on innovative and futuristic thinking. New materials like PVC, plastic, chrome and the exploration of new ways of using existing materials led to a new range of tables, chairs, beds, couches and dining sets. Modern contemporary furniture serves two main purposes: it is functional and it is artistic enough for public display. This type of furniture is designed to reduce clutter and make a room look more spacious. Modern furniture styles offer a wide range of coffee tables, end tables, bar tables, bedside tables, dining tables, occasional tables and gaming tables.

Queen Anne Furniture Style

The Queen Anne furniture style was the last furniture to be named after a monarch from Europe. This style is now considered antique furniture, and period pieces from that era come at a high price. Queen Anne furniture is light and elegant, and is characterized by cabriole legs; delicate, padded pedestal feet; elegant woods; and backs shaped like fiddle necks. Queen Anne tables include drop-leafs of either oval, round or rectangular shape that made great space savers. Card and gaming tables were a Queen Anne innovation. Other table styles included coffee tables, end tables and occasional tables.

Rustic Furniture Style

Rustic furniture is made from branches, roots, logs, burls and bark. The furniture is simple in design, with an accent on contrasting textures, whimsical shapes and sculptural beauty. In the second half of the 19th century, the rustic tradition began in North America. Rustic style tables include dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, gaming tables, bedside tables and living room center tables. In modern times, rustic furniture is stained with a protective coating to give it a more professional finish.

Chippendale Furniture Style

Chippendale is considered the royalty of antique furniture and is one of the most well-known furniture styles. It dominated the American furniture scene until the 1770s and was known for its exquisite carving. The furniture reflects a variety of English tastes that were popular during the period, including Gothic and Chinese motifs. Chippendale tables and chairs made use of the Queen Anne cabriole leg style extensively. The tables feature Chippendale styles that include the lion's paw, late Chippendale, ball and claw, the club and the spade. The tea tables, for example, had Chinese-influenced fretted galleries (raised wood carving enclosing the top of the table) and cluster-column legs (carved legs resembling an animal's foot) inspired by Gothic styles.

How to Build an Outdoor Table

Home life takes place outdoors as well as indoors. This means you should have products strictly made for outdoor life. Furniture is one area of products that you can build yourself. An outdoor table is ideal for eating on the patio or working on a science project with your children. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




Place the blocks on a worktable. Cut a "V" in the center of each with the band saw (or jig saw). Place the blocks on the table so the "V" is facing up. Use two blocks for every bar clamp.

2




Apply glue to the edges of the 2-by-6-by-96-inch lumber. Move them together so an edge with glue on it is adjacent to an edge with no glue. Tighten the bar clamps and clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. For accurate drying time, refer to the label on the glue container. This is the outdoor table's top.

3




Measure and cut four 2-by-4s to 33 inches in length. Place them on their 1 -inch edge. Drill four countersink holes halfway through so the 3-inch deck screws will penetrate the bottom side of the top.

4

Remove the bar clamps from the lumber you glued in Step 2. Scrape off excess glue that has dried with a putty knife. Sand the outdoor table top with a belt sander if necessary. Be careful not to sand across the grain.

5




Place the table top on the worktable upside down. Apply glue to the bottom edge of the four 2-by-4s from Step 3. Place two of them 2 inches from the ends of the outdoor table top and space the remaining pieces evenly. Secure them with the 3-inch deck screws. Be careful to not allow the screw to puncture the top side of the outdoor table.

6




Set the electric miter saw on a 45-degree angle. Cut four 2-by-4s on this angle with a finished measurement of 48 inches. Mark the center of each and drill a hole with 3/16-inch drill bit. Insert a lag bolt through two of the 2-by-4s and tighten them until they are snug. Repeat this for the remaining two.

7




Place the assembly from the previous step on either end of the outdoor table top. Secure them to the inside of the 2-by-4 on the ends of the table with the deck screws. Be certain that they are the same distance from the long edge of the outdoor table top.