tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20334512041774164632024-03-17T23:04:06.116-04:00Rhody LifeFavorite color=orange. Self-taught techie. Fabric hoarder. Pinterest addict. Newlywed. I enjoy: crafting, blog-stalking, planning/organizing, shopping for unnecessary things, being outside, and playing sports.
Making a house our home in Rhode Island.Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-89757661030360528492014-12-31T12:26:00.000-05:002014-12-31T12:26:14.681-05:00Happy New Year!It's been quiet here on Rhody Life, but it's been nothing but quiet in our real lives. Dylan and I have been much busier than it seems based on my blogging. We've been finishing and starting a bunch of new projects, which I am really looking forward to bringing to you this coming year.<br />
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One of our biggest projects is also probably our most exciting one. We will both be entering a new journey - parenthood! I'm sure that you may have guessed by now, judging by how absent I have been, but yes, I'm pregnant, and we will be welcoming our first child in June!<br />
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This exciting news brings a lot of new projects for us - the biggest being converting the guest bedroom into a baby's room, and in general, finishing up some long-ended projects. I'm excited to have a deadline to look forward to and reach for over the next few months.<br />
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I hope that you all have a great New Year, and keep your eyes open to Rhody Life over the next few weeks and months, as this is promised to be a great year!Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-2261699816396174892014-09-11T13:18:00.000-04:002014-09-11T13:18:08.506-04:00A World of OrangeBack when Dylan and I were living in apartments, I started getting the itch to decorate more and more. While we weren't able to paint walls, per our lease agreements, and we didn't have much money as college students for nice furniture, that didn't stop me from browser-shopping, or from sometimes biting the bullet and clicking that "Submit Order" button. Eeep!<br />
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One of the sites that I used to frequent was <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/index.jsp" target="_blank">Urban Outfitters</a> - their modern design and funky patterns really hit home for me, and I loved that they were affordable, too. When browsing their site once, I came across their <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24471682&parentid=A_BED_TAPESTRIES" target="_blank">Atlas Tapestry</a>, and knew at that moment that I would have this and would hang it in my house. I didn't know where, because we didn't have a house, but I had to have it and had to have it in Orange. The Turquoise color was also very eye catching, and bright, but since orange is my favorite color, it was perfect.<br />
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I ordered it, and was <i>so</i> excited when it arrived, that I didn't open it, and instead, kept it in it's box for two years. Yeah, I know that doesn't make it sound like I was excited about it, but I could see the tapestry through the clear cellophane bag that it was packaged in, and I knew that if I took it out and unfolded it, that I would never get it back to the way it was and it would never fit in the bag again. So there it sat for three years until I finally had a room for it in our house, or in other words, about two months ago.<br />
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Instead of just tacking the tapestry up on the wall, I wanted to mount it so that it looked a little better and it wouldn't stretch out over time. So, I grabbed some 1" x 2" x 4' boards from the hardware store to make a cleat so that I could hang the tapestry on the wall.<br />
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Problem was that I couldn't find the attachment for the table saw that allows you to make 45 degree cuts, like you normally would in making a cleat. Instead, I made a cleat with a notch in it so that the two pieces of wood would stay together when one was placed on top of the other. The piece on the left in the picture below is the one that I attached to the wall, with the cut out up against the wall, so when I added the top piece, they locked together.</div>
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The next step was to attach the two cleats to the wall. I measured the size of the tapestry, and gave myself a little buffer from the corner of the walls so that it didn't touch completely. I also wanted to make sure that the tapestry didn't hit the floor, because then it would just get covered in cat hair and thread and fabric scraps, which is not what I wanted. Once I had the height figured out, I marked the wall and then used my combination stud finder and laser level to mark both the studs and make a level line where the top of the cleat should be. I broke out my nail gun to attach the cleat to the wall, nailing it into the studs, which ended up being about every 18 inches. I left a two inch gap between the two cleats, that way I could get the length that I needed, since the tapestry was just over 8' wide, slightly longer than my two cleats. </div>
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With one part of the cleat attached to the wall, I then turned to attach the tapestry to the other half of the cleat. One suggestion before you start stapling your tapestry is to iron or steam it. I <i>totally</i> forgot to do this, and you'll notice in the pictures below. Way too many wrinkles, so get those out before you hang it, otherwise you'll feel like an idiot, like me!</div>
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I used a staple gun and put a few staples through the edging of my tapestry, attaching it to the side that would be facing the ceiling, that way the staples and the seam wouldn't show when it was hanging on the wall. If your tapestry has unfinished edges, you may want to fold the fabric down and iron it in place, that way you have more for the staples to grasp on to. I would hate if you went through one layer of the fabric and the threads ripped or pulled so much that it ended up not being secure over time. </div>
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Also, you don't need to be precise about where you are placing your staples, but just so you know, I placed a staple every ten inches, and then once they were all in, I used a hammer to just make them flat to the cleat. </div>
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With the tapestry attached to both pieces of the cleat, it was time to hang it up on the wall. Attach your cleat to the pieces that you have already attached to the wall, and then spread it out a little more to make sure that it is taut and not loose or baggy at the top. And the last step is to stand back and admire your work. </div>
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Don't worry, yours will look much better than mine if you remember to iron or steam it before you attach it to your cleat! But, I still kind of have an issue with the way this looks. I was really hoping that this wasn't going to look juvenile and college-y, but it turns out that it kind of does. </div>
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So, now I'm brainstorming on how I can make this look less young, and a little more "designer." I know that I definitely need to iron or steam it, and that that will help it look better right from the start, but I still feel like it's missing something. Do you think that fully framing it in would look better? Should I add a weight to the bottom to make it a little more flat? Any other suggestions?Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-43863916203397539662014-08-12T11:46:00.000-04:002014-08-12T11:46:29.223-04:00DIY: Yarn BoardOnce I had the <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2014/02/diy-wall-replacement-and-painting-reveal.html">Craft Room painted</a>, and the <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2014/04/unconventional-storage-solution.html">dining room hutch refinished for storage</a>, it was time to finally get all of my supplies set up. One of the things that I have a lot of is yarn. I'm not an expert at knitting, like my grandmother and great-aunts are, but I do know how to do a few basic stitches, and have knit some blankets, scarves, and I am currently working on another project that I hope to show you soon. With all of the skeins that I have, five of which are being used on my current project, I needed a place to store them where my adorable and not-so-little cats wouldn't be thieving them every day.<br />
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The craft room has a closet, and you've seen the hutch I repurposed for the space, but since this room is all about showing off colors and being fun, I wanted to be able to display the yarn in the space, and not hidden behind closed doors.<br />
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Enter the pegboard. I decided to use one of those traditional workshop pegboards on the wall and use the peg hooks that you can buy for them as ways to put up my yarn. But, this wasn't going to be just a boring brown pegboard, so I'll give you one guess as to what color it was destined to be.<br />
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If you guessed orange, you are correct! You didn't really think that I would venture away from the best color and my favorite color, did you? Since I was working in the basement, I laid the pegboard up against one of my painting sheets on a wall that I was protecting (not sure why, since those walls will eventually be taken out and replaced) and began painting with my fluorescent orange spray paint. Problem was, it wasn't taking the color. The orange barely showed up against the brown of the pegboard, and it's not just that I wasn't using enough. You can see how orange the sheeting on the sides of the pegboard is, yet that corner of the board was still so brown.<br />
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Since I figured that going from brown-->white-->orange would be a better transition than from brown-->orange, I pulled out some of my trusty Zinnser 1-2-3 Primer and put a coat of that on with a mini-roller first. After that dried, I tried the spray paint again and it was perfect!</div>
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While I was spray painting, I decided that in order to have the pegboard usable with the standard pegboard hooks that go through the holes and grab onto the back of the board, it needed to be mounted slightly off the wall in the craft room. I grabbed a 1/2" square dowel that I had laying around, and cut it into three 12" sections, then spray painted that the same orange color as the pegboard, that way it would blend in if seen behind or through the board. I only needed to paint three of the long sides, since one was going to be flush against the wall, which saved me some drying time and painting time.</div>
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Once all my pieces were dry, it was time to hang it all up in the craft room. If this spot looks familiar to you, don't worry - you're not losing your mind. I originally had planned to put this pegboard on the same wall as the tapestry, but when I was ready to hang it, the two different shades of orange were just enough off from each other that it looked terrible. So, I grabbed some scrap cardboard, put it under each leg of the hutch (to protect my hardwood floors and make pushing easier), and pushed that across the room next to the tapestry. It fit perfectly, so I decided that the pegboard would go where the hutch was, that way the two different shades wouldn't clash as much.</div>
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First things first, I had to attach the dowels onto the wall that way the pegboard would be slightly mounted. I did some measurements to get the width of the wall from the corner to the moulding of the closet doors, and then found the center. I marked that in a couple of places and lightly drew a vertical line in pencil onto the wall. I took the height of the pegboard and subtracted 4", 2" for the top clearance and 2" for the bottom. I made a horizontal line where the top and bottom dowels would be attached and then drew the line for the third dowel in the middle of the top and bottom ones. I then marked the center of my three dowels and placed them on the wall, lined up with the horizontal line and the vertical line I drew for centering. I grabbed my level to make sure it was straight, and then set in four nails using my nail gun.</div>
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Before you move on to attaching the pegboard, pull a little bit on your support dowels to make sure that they are secure to the wall. You don't want to add on your pegboard just to realize that something back there is loose. Add in a few more nails if you need to. </div>
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With the supports attached to the wall, it was time to mount the pegboard. This may require two people - one to hold and one to secure, it will really depend on how coordinated you are. Because the pegboard has holes in it, it was easy to see through to where my supports were. I was able to hold up the pegboard, place the top of my board 2" above the top support, level it, and then pop a few nails through the pegboard and into the supports. With the top attached, getting the rest of the pegboard secured was easy. You'll still want to make sure that you have your board level, but it's much easier to secure to the wall with two hands now that it will be partially hung. </div>
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Give your board a little tug when you're done, just to make sure that it's secured well to the wall, and add any additional nails if you need to. </div>
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And now for the fun part - adding yarn! I was able to find my pegboard hooks at Lowe's, and grabbed a few in different lengths, including a hook that seemed to be made for hanging screwdrivers, but it ended up being perfect for my extra wide knitting needles!</div>
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I know that the board looks sparse right now, but that's because I only had these skeins readily available. All of my other yarn is in the attic in a tote bin, so once I get that downstairs and into my craft room, this pegboard will be covered in color. </div>
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So, what do you think? Can you see a pegboard being used for yarn storage? What non-traditional uses do you have for a pegboard? </div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-38843563549338594872014-07-15T12:41:00.002-04:002014-07-15T12:42:12.312-04:00Table Day!A while back, I set up some alerts so that I would be notified on specific new posts on Craigslist. I used the <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> website, which I use for multiple other things, like posting to Twitter, and emailing my Blog Posts. There are so many different capabilities that you should check out and see if they would work for you! If you're looking for specifics, feel free to contact me, too, and I can let you know exactly how I'm using it.<br />
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Anyways, one of the alerts that I set up was for the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40184945/" target="_blank">IKEA Stornas Table</a>, and every now and then, I would get an email when one was posted on Craigslist. In the last seven or eight months, a few have shown up, but they always get snatched up quickly. The extendable table, which is the one that I was looking for, is very popular since it's a solid wood table with two leaves and extends to 115"! But, finally, I was able to get my hands on one. A woman in Cambridge, MA was selling one that she had no use for anymore, so I talked with her about picking it up and on a Tuesday after work, my mom and I braved rush-hour traffic from Providence to Cambridge in my sister's SUV - a day I declared as "Table Day," since I had been looking forward to getting this piece for about a week before we finally picked it up.<br />
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With only needing to remove the legs and the leaves, the table top fit in the vehicle with one end resting on the top of the driver and passenger seats and the other end resting on the floor of the cargo space. I had to slink down in my seat just a bit so that my head didn't hit the table, but it was worth it. My mom was a trooper though. She's so tiny, standing at just 5' tall, so her head was no where near the table top resting on the headrest of her seat, but she did help me carry the table into the house. When assembled, the table weighs about 170 pounds, according to the IKEA website, so even though the legs were off and the leaves were out, it still weighed a lot! I was so lucky to have her help, since I definitely wouldn't have been able to pick it up by myself.<br />
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I washed it down when I got it home and then attached the legs and added in both leaves. There are a few dings and scratches in it here and there, but that was both expected and fine with me since I was able to purchase the table for a significant discount. Plus, I picked up some of the stain that IKEA sells so that I can do some touch-ups on some of the more visible spots. The most important thing, though, is that the table fits really well in the room, although Dylan actually wishes it was longer! We still only have two chairs, and they are a different finish, because I purchased them back when I had plans to build our dining table and stain it a nice rich brown, so we will probably re-evaluate now and try to figure out what we want the chair style to be. Maybe we'll end up sticking with the IKEA Borje chairs but just go with the black-brown finish instead of the brown. <br />
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I can't wait to to style this table and the room, but as you can see in the background, I still need to add the chair rail molding and get the room painted, so that's next on the list for this space. What kind of styling do you think I should do for this table? Keep in mind that we have two cats, so tall or breakable items aren't really conducive to every-day decor. Also, with a table of 115", do I make a gigantic runner to put down the middle? Help please!Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-38906113565293647942014-07-10T14:31:00.002-04:002014-07-10T14:31:25.280-04:00I've Been Hiding - In The Container StoreUm, hi!<br />
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The last time I was around these parts, it was April. It's now July, and I guess all I have to say is SORRY!!! We have been so busy with house projects, landscape projects, family things, and I just haven't had any motivation to sit down and write, although I have <i>tons</i> of stuff to update you on.<br />
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I hope that you're still with me, and interested in how our house is being transformed into our home. I've got some great DIY projects to tell you about, and some other things too, like a BIG project that we have been keeping secret, and my recent obsession with HomeGoods!<br />
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For now, let me tell you about a great opportunity that presented itself to me just after I dropped off the radar. As a Rhody Blogger, I was invited to a preview of the new <a href="http://containerstore.com/" target="_blank">Container Store </a>that opened up in Cranston in May! It was amazing. This place is essentially made for OCD organizers like me, and the fact that it was full of so much color was enough to have me jumping at the gun for a chance to get in there!<br />
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The blogger preview was a luncheon, where we not only learned about the philosophy of The Container Store, but we were also able to speak with the marketing manager about the perks of working for the company, and some of her favorite products. After our chat, we were brought around the store for the grand tour of the 25,000 sq. ft. space! I have to say that not only was the store very organized, as expected, but it was colorful, and fun. I found things that I didn't even know that I needed, and it was so hard to not just take the items off the shelves and bring them home with me.<br />
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From colorful hangers to coordinate with the color of the shirt or pants you are hanging, to an amazing garage storage solution using The Container Store's most popular product - the Elfa Closet System - this store literally has everything you could need for organizing your home.<br />
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One of the most surprising things to see was their gift wrap area. I didn't even know that chevron wrapping paper and tissue paper even existed, but you know now that I won't go anywhere else when I want to wrap a gift as creatively and stylishly as possible! </div>
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And one of my most favorite things was this this area of storage boxes, and the ones in particular that I was obsessed with were the lacquer boxes available in all of the colors. I just wanted to buy one in every color even though I didn't have a place for them, or anything to put in them. </div>
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After the tour and the lunch, we left The Container Store, but were invited back for the Preview Party that night, with delicious catered food, served in all of the different containers that were on the shelves. I'm talking sandwiches laid out on paper trays, and Lo Mein served in Chinese Gift Box containers. It was creative and unique, and with drinks flowing and a band playing, it was a store opening that I would have never expected, but will also never forget. It was so fun to see people from across Rhode Island come together to celebrate a store opening, and I'm sure that while items could not be purchased during the party, that many of the guests returned that weekend to make purchases. </div>
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It was a blast. </div>
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And since then, I have been to the store three times. And I actually made a list online of all the items that I wanted and it totaled over $1000. And that was a generous list that I narrowed down after browsing their site for a few hours. If you haven't been already, you should definitely make it a point to go. They will have products that you didn't know existed, and then you will buy all the things. <br />
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So now, you must stop reading this blog post and make your way over to The Container Store today, or at least this weekend. Go! Now!<br />
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But please, don't forget to come back! :)Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-86234973343887640872014-04-24T15:15:00.000-04:002014-04-24T15:15:07.641-04:00Unconventional Storage Solution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know that I have teased you about my craft room and the progress, but today ends some of the teasing. I'm here to show you how the hutch turned out, and the process that it took to get there.</div>
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It wasn't as difficult as I thought it was going to be, but that's because of my palm sander and the new paint sprayer. First, the obligatory before pictures, and some background on the hutch itself. The hutch belonged to my grandmother, and she kept it in a storage space just behind the kitchen in her apartment. The bottom held all of her Corningware, and the top was for food storage. It was a two-piece hutch made of solid wood, never finished, and was slightly too large for the space she chose for it. </div>
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When it came time for her to move out of the apartment and into an assisted living facility, the hutch was stored in my parent's garage. It spent two years there, until Dylan and I moved into our second apartment, where we had space for it since my parents were moving to Georgia and weren't going to be taking it with them. At that point, the raw wood had aged a bit from being out in the garage for so long, and it had started turning to a darker color. I had already started disassembling the bottom part of the cabinet, so you'll notice that the hinges are already off, but that just shows you the difference in the color of the wood where it was protected by the hinges and the rest of the hutch that was out and exposed to the elements in the garage. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8ZsbMw99CFj7M0EHMQKGUFgGyROktciEDlo-7qfCpZvZzgO2hVndSNxo3FFisHVsSk_S-FBARw8UHlDSoOYQ9UGsHaU_FuJAkQBNVpmOgmcoqBTu-kWvTZVNF0pcd7IttK5N_iPoOZBT/s1600/IMAG1582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8ZsbMw99CFj7M0EHMQKGUFgGyROktciEDlo-7qfCpZvZzgO2hVndSNxo3FFisHVsSk_S-FBARw8UHlDSoOYQ9UGsHaU_FuJAkQBNVpmOgmcoqBTu-kWvTZVNF0pcd7IttK5N_iPoOZBT/s1600/IMAG1582.jpg" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4oSdUzPy2LuTNMgvJHlA4tHTwXLUOHAn8GHXHQ3c243lWf5BG25NOHWYhaaSiCS3K2i1l9K0HuKUrdb4y7GwOe6VVwN7GoNrTGHD0RYtzzh_Q8wt3yJav3V6VojKR55JYB8HenGWPgm5/s1600/IMAG1573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4oSdUzPy2LuTNMgvJHlA4tHTwXLUOHAn8GHXHQ3c243lWf5BG25NOHWYhaaSiCS3K2i1l9K0HuKUrdb4y7GwOe6VVwN7GoNrTGHD0RYtzzh_Q8wt3yJav3V6VojKR55JYB8HenGWPgm5/s1600/IMAG1573.jpg" height="369" width="500" /></a></div>
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The first step in refinishing it was to sand the wood down. I wanted to get the years of dirt off of the piece and by sanding it, I would be able to make sure that the paint would be absorbed into the wood properly, leaving me with a good finish. It took me just about an hour to sand all of the shelves, the doors, and both the inside and outside of the two large pieces. I had decided to paint the inside of the hutch as well, even though the bottom part would have it's doors put back on, painting the inside white was going to help make it brighter and easier to see the contents. Painting the inside of the top of the hutch white was going to be necessary because I had decided that I wasn't going to put the glass doors back on. They made the hutch look a little too traditional, and I wanted some easily accessible storage space with open shelves, which would work out perfectly without doors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoXOuvhurnSKLS9WNsnds3Pr3l0oqErumfzM7zAcE1YheLQdz7GytOwpgh05v9b2vGcWXYNH1fElDlwhnJIU_qBwSR8lYhltNHnEOHhPC1p4lPBABd0mJ75QmDRFfxifTGvvyiOlb8NbJ/s1600/IMAG1589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoXOuvhurnSKLS9WNsnds3Pr3l0oqErumfzM7zAcE1YheLQdz7GytOwpgh05v9b2vGcWXYNH1fElDlwhnJIU_qBwSR8lYhltNHnEOHhPC1p4lPBABd0mJ75QmDRFfxifTGvvyiOlb8NbJ/s1600/IMAG1589.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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I began the painting process with two coats of primer, both of which I painted by hand with my favorite brush and mini-roller, and it took me about two hours to do the bottom part of the hutch and all the shelves and doors. I took a break to eat dinner and then painted the top half of the hutch. And I repeated that the next day. And it was so boring, honestly. In fact, I was so bored with it, that I didn't start the actual painting until I was trying out the first paint sprayer I bought. When that one didn't work as expected, I tried out a different paint sprayer, and in all my excitement, I decided to just use it on the entire thing, not just the shelves and doors as originally planned. And it turns out that that was a genius idea, because the hutch only needed one coat of paint with the sprayer, and it was done in less time than it took me to hand prime just the bottom part of the hutch!</div>
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Have I mentioned how much I love this paint sprayer? Didn't think so. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikzGd03dxVOdIGodJMH5zthRAqiD4g66P3jhjsm1pgaEG5fuzhg9szPzFGypvg_vHoUgplQCdo4wDY-6mnSK2nF7ow0Dx5Lkhh9Xy5zeYtAXmqgRlAJgKXK-EYcYQrDHlWsRy26HXqKuV/s1600/IMG_6888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikzGd03dxVOdIGodJMH5zthRAqiD4g66P3jhjsm1pgaEG5fuzhg9szPzFGypvg_vHoUgplQCdo4wDY-6mnSK2nF7ow0Dx5Lkhh9Xy5zeYtAXmqgRlAJgKXK-EYcYQrDHlWsRy26HXqKuV/s1600/IMG_6888.JPG" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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Anyways, once it was finished, I had Dylan help me bring it back upstairs and into the craft room, where I pushed it into what I am hoping is it's final location in the room. I'm still not quite sure if I like it where it is, but if I need to move it around a little bit, it should be pretty easy to do so. In the meantime, however, I did populate it with some of the items from our wedding, the boxes from my favorite shoes, all of my fat-quarters, my sewing machine, the Cuttlebug, and in the closed part of the hutch are some fabric scraps and batting, and paper products. It probably won't stay that way, since I still have tons of stuff in boxes that needs unpacking, but for now, it's great! It's so funny that a dining room hutch would be the perfect solution to storage for a craft room - just shows how repurposing furniture can end up working out so well!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr3ycU3tzdolhbYUQ1whsCQOjxhNRpk4tzEvb0UiPJ2HAAT_3MVxvI0TX4523h6cdWfqocb7Kj7Aw5-6UcdiK5j2wsKmw_ERtidy5apwz6cr6sFgxFEHJDBLPm_AMUhez3cLPN3-Pp-hq/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr3ycU3tzdolhbYUQ1whsCQOjxhNRpk4tzEvb0UiPJ2HAAT_3MVxvI0TX4523h6cdWfqocb7Kj7Aw5-6UcdiK5j2wsKmw_ERtidy5apwz6cr6sFgxFEHJDBLPm_AMUhez3cLPN3-Pp-hq/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV6C4Pqc-LpPVfEowRjOyF2V8OfAcdnT43rOsPRob4gNybFD6KxSwQuGC7qDJnGmZyw2AkoSEGjCoCGvxMqV4-JghuWKVy8FqznPU4-P6mAxBRY4DTWQpfcLTyJZGeBz2mxoUFaf13C2l/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV6C4Pqc-LpPVfEowRjOyF2V8OfAcdnT43rOsPRob4gNybFD6KxSwQuGC7qDJnGmZyw2AkoSEGjCoCGvxMqV4-JghuWKVy8FqznPU4-P6mAxBRY4DTWQpfcLTyJZGeBz2mxoUFaf13C2l/s1600/IMG_6898.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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In terms of the hardware, I didn't change it out, as the holes were already there, and the hinges were in good condition, they just date the piece a little bit. But, instead of keeping them black, I decided to prime them and then spray paint them orange! A little more color in a room for crafting just makes it happier, plus, a little more orange is never a bad thing, especially since it's my favorite color!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDkxqaW-W7ahrJQelZLFSOaa6oAw34MnKYcA5pbJwd17UFdF8rFwrU3-RIdgcRjyWvVf-hc1cIPHlj9xNakTOLNBWVS7_FiQ9UkA55DY9xFJ-NZEjfjyssUl29C2yvbfYqahhHPiUOZ-v/s1600/IMG_6901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDkxqaW-W7ahrJQelZLFSOaa6oAw34MnKYcA5pbJwd17UFdF8rFwrU3-RIdgcRjyWvVf-hc1cIPHlj9xNakTOLNBWVS7_FiQ9UkA55DY9xFJ-NZEjfjyssUl29C2yvbfYqahhHPiUOZ-v/s1600/IMG_6901.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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The knobs were in good condition too, but they were just a little too small, in my opinion. I took a trip to Hobby Lobby to see if they had anything fun and playful, but I didn't realize how expensive knobs could be! So while I was there, I just went to the wood crafts aisle and grabbed a bag of 4 round knobs for less than it would have cost me for one knob! I put a few coats of high-gloss white paint on them, and then decided to pull out the paint rollers that I used for testing swatches on the interior walls of the house that I had been storing in plastic baggies since the Fall! Since they were stored in air-proof baggies, they still had a lot of paint on them, so I just took out all of the rolls and starting pressing them onto the knobs in different places. And when I had almost all of the white covered and all of the colors of the house, I left them to dry, and then put them up on the doors of the hutch and loved them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzI0CT9XLlWVcrnVPGDiyupjxc6wOTl_FeH0zKZFXxGbgeeebjryVtwpXjRYcvgmDz6OShPtejZRA_w2aHl0R6Y5lQrl5DffqAeXll3B7PXL6wISh_LHErEyMy1xcYBsRiDqRj8WIiDaD/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzI0CT9XLlWVcrnVPGDiyupjxc6wOTl_FeH0zKZFXxGbgeeebjryVtwpXjRYcvgmDz6OShPtejZRA_w2aHl0R6Y5lQrl5DffqAeXll3B7PXL6wISh_LHErEyMy1xcYBsRiDqRj8WIiDaD/s1600/IMG_6908.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLsHMNyUXXSKdPfqkjxNVoAiQv1sB-httZXp1uoYJIM6foxToZsxOYZcQA4DsahrQAXKCL1N49W56LhQsrPwa_buPubNfdJgxay4zg4EdwG_D6KsNakcetLPLTORmn35bzvnTIXH1bEpa/s1600/IMG_6918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLsHMNyUXXSKdPfqkjxNVoAiQv1sB-httZXp1uoYJIM6foxToZsxOYZcQA4DsahrQAXKCL1N49W56LhQsrPwa_buPubNfdJgxay4zg4EdwG_D6KsNakcetLPLTORmn35bzvnTIXH1bEpa/s1600/IMG_6918.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'm so glad that I have this room started and that I now have some great storage in the space. I'm really looking forward to getting things finished, and checking another room off the list. Just a few more things to hang, some tables to set up, and a chair to find, and then this room will be done until I decide to tackle the serious lack of organization in the closet. </div>
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Have you ever painted a piece of furniture with a spray gun? What about decorated your own furniture knobs?Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-28907796957465325862014-04-14T12:02:00.000-04:002020-04-28T22:17:33.641-04:00Birch Trees and a Decal Review<div class="MsoNormal">
This past weekend was a very busy one. We have been trying
to finish up some of the projects we have started over the last few months, but
like it seems to happen over here, things get partially finished and then other
things get started. I really should be more diligent about finishing one thing
before starting the next, as it would make my to-do list much shorter and my
stress levels much lower. But, getting back to this post, yesterday, while Dylan wasn’t feeling well, I took it upon myself to get some one-person work done - specifically, installing the vinyl decal in the guest bedroom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEMHyDaRkKSpdTvFG5iZ2AW-f7LMsvFJr_er9QWfG73OwMqe4aSA5WDO8SIoPWXsGM3TNlOya0n0nOVBSO14yKoIc5hN9CYaVlZjUhiZ2kb0L4Habre3Qg1_J8AiN0TLDJHeAkSR8J5we/s1600/decalbeforeafter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEMHyDaRkKSpdTvFG5iZ2AW-f7LMsvFJr_er9QWfG73OwMqe4aSA5WDO8SIoPWXsGM3TNlOya0n0nOVBSO14yKoIc5hN9CYaVlZjUhiZ2kb0L4Habre3Qg1_J8AiN0TLDJHeAkSR8J5we/s1600/decalbeforeafter.png" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you remember back to the <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/04/guest-bedroom-design-plan.html">design plan</a> that I showed you
just over a year ago, I had plans to install a vinyl decal on the wall that the
bed is going to be against. I had picked out the <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/birch-tree-vinyl-decal-forest-1109/" target="_blank">Birch Tree Vinyl Decal</a> from
<a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/" target="_blank">Innovative Stencils</a> and I finally got around to installing it yesterday. It had
been sitting in the closet for just about a month because I had to wait for the
best time to install it. That bedroom has no overhead lighting, and we haven’t
purchased any lamps for the space yet, so the only light available in the room
is from daylight through the windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately,
when I get home from work at night, there isn’t enough light to install the
decal, so I was lucky to be able to get it done this weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I finally opened the packaging, I read through the
directions that <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/" target="_blank">Innovative Stencils</a> included with my decal, and they seemed
really straightforward, so I started with their first step.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12pxWZJAtA7M9WgaOD19McueGcB2Q8_XSS2O6r6ytMaHJgkCKbeh_RLuQdpvQoaSlviVDAsMGsUhdJFUIAljetiC1MjohXEVDET50MZzmhr3tJeNhey0uL94h1KSdrVMckgmApBeky26Y/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12pxWZJAtA7M9WgaOD19McueGcB2Q8_XSS2O6r6ytMaHJgkCKbeh_RLuQdpvQoaSlviVDAsMGsUhdJFUIAljetiC1MjohXEVDET50MZzmhr3tJeNhey0uL94h1KSdrVMckgmApBeky26Y/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPlb8kmVH7sphwnzCzu1ljlOpkX1sqfULSFKOkAW5fzIoqERw37rUGOCBF1HkMTSD7Rfbp2tEgAqXq1aA8EH_5BDmLicgZJBFV5OPjrp1BQSL8v4qp8k0guyhtLFp48J8pg16cZz6yljQ/s1600/IMG_6830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPlb8kmVH7sphwnzCzu1ljlOpkX1sqfULSFKOkAW5fzIoqERw37rUGOCBF1HkMTSD7Rfbp2tEgAqXq1aA8EH_5BDmLicgZJBFV5OPjrp1BQSL8v4qp8k0guyhtLFp48J8pg16cZz6yljQ/s1600/IMG_6830.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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As suggested, I took the two sheets of decal that I was
shipped and began cutting them into separate sections. Since my <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/birch-tree-vinyl-decal-forest-1109/" target="_blank">Birch Tree Vinyl Decal</a> could be installed using any pattern I wanted, I cut each tree into it’s
own sheet and then I was able to arrange them against the wall so I could
figure out the order that I wanted. Cutting each tree into its own sheet also
made it very easy to install onto the wall later, since I could do smaller
areas at a time versus one large sheet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Once I had the order laid out on the floor next to my wall,
I used a few pieces of painter’s tape to hang them on the wall to figure out
the perfect spacing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sheets were
very light, so I only ended up needing two small pieces at the top of each tree
to hold them onto the wall. Thankfully, the painter’s tape came off easily too,
because I did have to change the spacing a few times before I got it to look
perfect on the wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82VF-4aTyHQyYSE-9w3Apder8sNgR4d_ebePdqqI-hHthXdE8Lk7ymQHyAR_So9ZgkbJEUVedd0vsh1H3ZFVTr-K0hOpP5J7RUeHnvPDpgakapSntEk3FWyZ6-Tiher38eL5-xhSMIsbP/s1600/IMG_6839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82VF-4aTyHQyYSE-9w3Apder8sNgR4d_ebePdqqI-hHthXdE8Lk7ymQHyAR_So9ZgkbJEUVedd0vsh1H3ZFVTr-K0hOpP5J7RUeHnvPDpgakapSntEk3FWyZ6-Tiher38eL5-xhSMIsbP/s1600/IMG_6839.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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With the trees in place, the next step was to actually
adhere the decal to the wall. Per the instructions from <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/" target="_blank">Innovative Stencils</a>, I
added a horizontal piece of painter’s tape to each tree to hold it in place so
I could work on one half of the stencil at a time. I worked from the top down
in adhering the decal to the wall because I wanted to make sure that I had a
perfect match at the seam of the wall and the ceiling and the leftovers would
be towards the bottom. You may decide to work from the bottom of your stencil
towards the top, depending on where most of the detail in the stencil lays. For
the <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/birch-tree-vinyl-decal-forest-1109/" target="_blank">Birch Tree Vinyl Decal</a>, most of the detail is at the top of each tree, so
that’s the part that I wanted to keep in tact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should also be aware that since my walls are divided by chair rail,
I ordered the 5’ version of this stencil, and it was just a little too long for
my space, but I would much rather have extra than not enough, wouldn’t you?
<a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/" target="_blank">Innovative Stencils</a> has many different sizes for their vinyl decals, so make
sure you measure your space and select the correct size decal when ordering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2ZykY8Mdy8pNWV97BrkvvcIbzRDmy-MIlnSn69rsFMV2R-t0H1mujXvlQSOA2A-TprGwEbkV4kIhEzB3z2XCn3O0B9_5Y5b2eENKAhAno8Fjw_WPQrbQowin74pIzlY7CGi4AoKSjByB/s1600/IMG_6841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2ZykY8Mdy8pNWV97BrkvvcIbzRDmy-MIlnSn69rsFMV2R-t0H1mujXvlQSOA2A-TprGwEbkV4kIhEzB3z2XCn3O0B9_5Y5b2eENKAhAno8Fjw_WPQrbQowin74pIzlY7CGi4AoKSjByB/s1600/IMG_6841.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Starting from the top, begin peeling the paper backing off
of the backside of the decal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
get to the point where your horizontal piece of tape is, carefully cut the
paper backing away from the rest of the decal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure not to cut the transfer paper or the decal itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_i_2yRh7Is24FxXdB9RPfwcXlBz_PN6JwvOKahYNMVV9U9kqBqw8q2WPPO4W1NqlphUryW4TWj8BmSpd93Id5iBAt1QCAJlck4Yk6qNsdUUfhF_NPSMvGXUNMTOxCHogsfKOnXx8INBO/s1600/IMG_6842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_i_2yRh7Is24FxXdB9RPfwcXlBz_PN6JwvOKahYNMVV9U9kqBqw8q2WPPO4W1NqlphUryW4TWj8BmSpd93Id5iBAt1QCAJlck4Yk6qNsdUUfhF_NPSMvGXUNMTOxCHogsfKOnXx8INBO/s1600/IMG_6842.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthyphenhyphenn8NEi4RFGp7qDpfHkkL5ZTyZCULQnGv6KPGV62XWWyZbYgqUrNc0jg_iWD9BVWauGcQb21M-fCAlREu9QqnLpx3i_8t7fq2IiOlRye-Zp9It-UQvcnbpl2cWmEMQPU0pwfHKOSspiv/s1600/IMG_6844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthyphenhyphenn8NEi4RFGp7qDpfHkkL5ZTyZCULQnGv6KPGV62XWWyZbYgqUrNc0jg_iWD9BVWauGcQb21M-fCAlREu9QqnLpx3i_8t7fq2IiOlRye-Zp9It-UQvcnbpl2cWmEMQPU0pwfHKOSspiv/s1600/IMG_6844.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Using a credit card, or in my case, a rewards card from a
store that is going out of business (grrrr), I flattened the decal onto the
wall, starting from the horizontal tape and working upwards towards the
ceiling, smoothing from the middle to the sides. Be sure to work with small
areas at a time, as you don’t want any air bubbles between the decal and the
wall. If you do end up with air bubbles, wait until after the decal is
completely up on the wall to try to fix them. Use the corner of your
application card to move the bubbles towards the edge of the decal, and once they
have been squeezed out, they will disappear for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Don’t try to peel the decal off of the wall
to fix the bubbles</u> – you will risk stretching and warping the decal and it
likely won’t stick to the wall again, as you will lose adhesive from pulling on
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxETWgBT2OZCIXdLmoAfYN9EyrwUFcRjkvCmJMMgJ2WtRueTSj5gDUG1krJs39xfsvXjN_4hClc5HW_WzmCU5rXtv4aFzIgiFT5hXaYqUBxHB9znC6Oupe0o-_1GIb-vSCylDfETDjDV2/s1600/IMG_6845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxETWgBT2OZCIXdLmoAfYN9EyrwUFcRjkvCmJMMgJ2WtRueTSj5gDUG1krJs39xfsvXjN_4hClc5HW_WzmCU5rXtv4aFzIgiFT5hXaYqUBxHB9znC6Oupe0o-_1GIb-vSCylDfETDjDV2/s1600/IMG_6845.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you reach the top of the decal, make sure that you have
pressed it up against and into the corner of your surface, be it the ceiling or
a piece of molding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you have the
top part adhered, it will be time to do the bottom. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkaYr6HgTQMxhDHOFFWG4YY1DLrOxENXwyHCmNXl-uZdx-KKxezkPUE4wpfs09sQAd7Kgfko-a9a5Nj-TCOZd2nlKlkEB60vdoaVM0w1wIWuf7_-wdMmWjSbWQYdY6a0dDFFtgwAGqLLQ/s1600/IMG_6846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkaYr6HgTQMxhDHOFFWG4YY1DLrOxENXwyHCmNXl-uZdx-KKxezkPUE4wpfs09sQAd7Kgfko-a9a5Nj-TCOZd2nlKlkEB60vdoaVM0w1wIWuf7_-wdMmWjSbWQYdY6a0dDFFtgwAGqLLQ/s1600/IMG_6846.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take off the horizontal piece of tape that was holding the
decal onto the wall, and peel off the paper backing from the bottom of the
decal. Repeat the process that you used for adhering the top part of the
decal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3DH-tsy6AFQp4cKSCk8hmHxSkd24xMeImpm_YSPdiRIa6W4Qer2yMN5uWT3n_-PtV7l9bUfy-KvHunYIQosXpOd74dfJssGqOjWIJuankKd_XjUsZcWe1nG9Mu0MyMOmj9ybp8LYGm7r/s1600/IMG_6848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3DH-tsy6AFQp4cKSCk8hmHxSkd24xMeImpm_YSPdiRIa6W4Qer2yMN5uWT3n_-PtV7l9bUfy-KvHunYIQosXpOd74dfJssGqOjWIJuankKd_XjUsZcWe1nG9Mu0MyMOmj9ybp8LYGm7r/s1600/IMG_6848.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgaaeccK_e46pCV3yhRIAc-mhejEhh91-f02qE3_vR7rEhm2_bjUgzlA1nvrk5S2ESTZNuedI5jkixI3-2MM-AFptucTT1LyAJayjgklSJLIG_pCm8-pvxupq_rxGYIMqNf1c11ikxwxd/s1600/IMG_6851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgaaeccK_e46pCV3yhRIAc-mhejEhh91-f02qE3_vR7rEhm2_bjUgzlA1nvrk5S2ESTZNuedI5jkixI3-2MM-AFptucTT1LyAJayjgklSJLIG_pCm8-pvxupq_rxGYIMqNf1c11ikxwxd/s1600/IMG_6851.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After you have pressed the decals firmly onto your wall
space, you are ready to remove the transfer paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ended up with any overhang on the
edges, like I did, you’ll want to cut that using something sharp, like a razor
blade, a box cutter, or an X-Acto Knife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZdtchmejfbJcY9GGZlPiuo7_6ZekaaFb7bpfFjBKzVnKu21sgw_tVTHfeBPg97JbQjTxsJpjQutjQm855bgfL-y1i0LnWd6B2QAuMbVlM-c2FeYXTk1rlO5iQatqke1H6f9LdxlRwzUL/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZdtchmejfbJcY9GGZlPiuo7_6ZekaaFb7bpfFjBKzVnKu21sgw_tVTHfeBPg97JbQjTxsJpjQutjQm855bgfL-y1i0LnWd6B2QAuMbVlM-c2FeYXTk1rlO5iQatqke1H6f9LdxlRwzUL/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you have the edges trimmed, remove those pieces, and then starting
from the top of your decal, gently peel back a corner of the transfer paper.
Peel the transfer paper across the top, and then work your way down the length
of the decal, folding the paper onto itself as you go. Remember to peel slowly
and make sure that your decal is staying on the wall as you peel away the
transfer paper. If it’s not sticking to the wall, use your application card to
press the transfer paper back onto the decal to get the decal to stick better onto
the surface of your wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDzMd6IUTOYUz0bCibMe-jtmUlhzwZS4YEUZMWfPt5-boy11t7YnVuznbuz11oUM4FS98bI53we5oYlEoHYdWmhLxI63CF-peg0Li4rObYhXDCfFtyNEywoUF_C3zhnJvQ58wsVn4mDdP/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDzMd6IUTOYUz0bCibMe-jtmUlhzwZS4YEUZMWfPt5-boy11t7YnVuznbuz11oUM4FS98bI53we5oYlEoHYdWmhLxI63CF-peg0Li4rObYhXDCfFtyNEywoUF_C3zhnJvQ58wsVn4mDdP/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have more than one decal or different sections of one
decal, repeat this step for the remaining pieces of transfer paper, and then
when you are finished, stand back and admire your work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQ-srB78zfW2V2i6ZzL1MiSsVjig6hZpaFQlp7chQn4beaduHAmDJffdw1OYEyZv8l1QZT4HWclQfw0NHCj1Jo85wqXbY2uDYcM-zjz_a9soo3KxDUP1-gH7ObskZKetrXdnkBRIf2rEr/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQ-srB78zfW2V2i6ZzL1MiSsVjig6hZpaFQlp7chQn4beaduHAmDJffdw1OYEyZv8l1QZT4HWclQfw0NHCj1Jo85wqXbY2uDYcM-zjz_a9soo3KxDUP1-gH7ObskZKetrXdnkBRIf2rEr/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all, the installation of this decal took me less than
an hour working by myself. It was pain-free and not agonizing at all. In fact, once I
had done a few of the sections of my decal, I had a routine set and I was able
to do the second half of the tree application in less time than the first half.
<a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/" target="_blank">Innovative Stencils</a> truly has created a great product, and I’m excited to see
what other decals and stencils I could use in my home where walls may be too big for other <a href="http://www.mcmodify.com/" target="_blank">art prints</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so happy to finally have this up on the wall, and
Dylan and I are going to start working on putting some additional furniture
into the room this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I can't wait to get this room put together and then be ready to have guests spend the night!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever used a vinyl decal in your home? Has this post
changed your mind about some of the options available?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<i>Please Note: In exchange for a review of their product, I
was able to purchase the <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/birch-tree-vinyl-decal-forest-1109/" target="_blank">Birch Tree Vinyl Decal</a> free of charge from <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/" target="_blank">Innovative Stencils</a>. All opinions are my own and are completely honest. I would recommend
this company to anyone looking for a vinyl decal or stencil. I would like to thank <a href="http://www.innovativestencils.com/" target="_blank">Innovative Stencils</a> for allowing me to review their product.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-27420149609476331212014-04-09T13:21:00.001-04:002014-04-09T13:21:16.454-04:00No More BrushesA few weeks ago, I bit the bullet and finally ordered a paint sprayer. I had been wanting one for a really long time, and honestly, it would have been great to have one when we were painting all of the doors on the first floor, but I was just not ready to purchase one yet.<br />
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I was caught up in reading every review I could possibly find on all of the different types of paint sprayers and all the different brands. And then I thought I had found it, so I ordered it. It's known as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Critter-Spray-Products-22032-Siphon/dp/B00006FRPJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397063197&sr=8-1&keywords=the+critter" target="_blank">The Critter</a>. Bloggers have praised it, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> had amazing reviews, and it's price was amazing at only $50! Plus, it was just an attachment for an air compressor, which I already had.<br />
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It arrived in two days, via my Amazon Prime subscription, and I immediately brought it downstairs into my basement workspace. Now, this little paint sprayer is quite creative - it uses mason jars as the paint containers, which means you could buy a pack of twelve at the store and have a container for every paint color you need! I filled up the jar with my white paint, thinned a little with water, as the paint manufacturer suggested, and hooked it up to my air compressor. I let the compressor fill and when it was ready, I pulled the trigger to start spraying.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UWIa8E6SzYknfkOeild5tUZZ0b1p0mUkcYOLZO2z6rFw2gyDF5wRAcTVcSk7GlaMEjB2nET-GAMvOPglytIlUvsSGcaoI7kL-_87mfZA2PBRpVJJLj_bheQXpzupKVtMydemcvSHX58h/s1600/IMG_6808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UWIa8E6SzYknfkOeild5tUZZ0b1p0mUkcYOLZO2z6rFw2gyDF5wRAcTVcSk7GlaMEjB2nET-GAMvOPglytIlUvsSGcaoI7kL-_87mfZA2PBRpVJJLj_bheQXpzupKVtMydemcvSHX58h/s1600/IMG_6808.JPG" height="375" title="The Critter Spray Gun via Amazon" width="500" /></a></div>
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Except, it didn't spray. I fiddled with the height of the nozzle and the opening in the straw, but it still wouldn't spray. I messed with it for an hour before I set it down for the night and gave it a rest. The next day, I started up with it again. I let the air compressor tank fill completely, and again, pulled the trigger. I messed with the nozzle, and finally got a little bit of paint to come out. I messed with the nozzle a bit more to see if I could get more to spray, but at that point, my air compressor ran out of air and needed time to refill.<br />
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I spent a total of three hours trying to get this thing to work, and the best point that I got to was being able to spray for about 30 seconds, at which point my air compressor ran out of air. Most of this was the fault of the air compressor, as I guess it wasn't strong enough to power The Critter, but I still didn't like the paint sprayer. When I did get it to spray, it was the smallest line of paint I have ever seen. In fact, you can actually see some of the test sprays on the sheet in the right side of the picture below - they were that small. I was painting the shelves in the hutch that I was refinishing, and I was maybe getting two inches of paint on every line. Overlapping was causing drips and minimal spacing was leaving visible lines when the paint dried, especially since I was using a semi-gloss paint over a flat primer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIM-LRsuaYH3r8z0P6p1ifkXxROO4hBOi2gLyDGGMxRuChW6DxAo_39-ExSqEpP8zVBH_YQRzSlEp7QNXwXJQFwwcsG6B_pZW4a9OXcIG4-PDzkcJE-7sNpvbtNyb4WjRH8AJqcKa5wSf/s1600/IMAG1747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIM-LRsuaYH3r8z0P6p1ifkXxROO4hBOi2gLyDGGMxRuChW6DxAo_39-ExSqEpP8zVBH_YQRzSlEp7QNXwXJQFwwcsG6B_pZW4a9OXcIG4-PDzkcJE-7sNpvbtNyb4WjRH8AJqcKa5wSf/s1600/IMAG1747.jpg" height="283" width="500" /></a></div>
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It just wasn't working for me. The spray area was too small, and the fact that it didn't work well with my air compressor was enough for me to send it back. I'm sure that with the right equipment, The Critter would work really well, but based on the results that I saw, I believe that this sprayer would be best for detail work and not something large scale, like painting shelves, doors, or furniture. <br />
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Back to researching. It didn't take me long to find a different paint sprayer, and although it was more than double the cost of The Critter, I decided to go with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PGQI48/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max</a>, which is actually a HVLP spray gun that has a built-in air compressor. Like The Critter, it was delivered in two days via Amazon Prime, and when it arrived, I couldn't get it out of the box fast enough. I was so excited to give it a shot. I pieced it together, filled up one of the paint containers with my semi-gloss thinned paint and tested the spray on the plastic protective sheeting I had hanging from the wall in the basement. <br />
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And it worked! Amazingly and perfectly! All I had to was adjust the pressure of the spray to make it a little less globby and it was good to go. Painting one side of the shelf took approximately 15 seconds and it looked perfect. There wasn't a single drip, there weren't blotchy areas, the overlap was perfect without being too heavy, and I could even tilt it to the side to get into difficult areas and the paint would still feed through the straw! Best of all, though, was that it dried without streaks and with a perfect semi-gloss finish, just like I asked it to!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8sZjHLHVE5N4kDVffSnrKTVnpQXCgo1aK-tNwuwm3qH_iQyhwEsmingoMcrvwvSr_JG5w-xb0WIPPVAVoQfsgxvg4NhEYbhOHKIR3pjHcgUCfHgD3FCwIJSPfho2VoYyzYoKL3nftFcy/s1600/IMAG1753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8sZjHLHVE5N4kDVffSnrKTVnpQXCgo1aK-tNwuwm3qH_iQyhwEsmingoMcrvwvSr_JG5w-xb0WIPPVAVoQfsgxvg4NhEYbhOHKIR3pjHcgUCfHgD3FCwIJSPfho2VoYyzYoKL3nftFcy/s1600/IMAG1753.jpg" height="885" title="The Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max Paint Gun via Amazon" width="500" /></a></div>
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I was in love, instantly, and actually, I still am. I have used this on shelves, doors, and actually full pieces of furniture and it has worked tremendously. And with the exception of it only coming with two containers, I am so happy with this spray gun that I couldn't recommend it more. I'm on the lookout for some additional containers that work with this model, and while I'm sure there are some available to purchase from Wagner, I'm wondering if there are any around-the-house items that may end up working, like perhaps an empty mayonnaise jar? Worth a shot, right?<br />
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I can't wait to use this more, and I already have a ton of projects in mind, because not only will this spray gun work for paint, but you can also use it with stains and finishes, which means refinishing the futon frame we have may end up taking way less time than anticipated. And, I can throw away all those brushes, and never have to clean one out again! Not really, but this spray gun will certainly cut back on the amount of brush cleaning I will have to do, which is always welcome.<br />
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Do you have a paint sprayer? What brand did you go with? Have you used it with products other than paint? Fill me in!Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-90145405966281437602014-04-01T15:08:00.001-04:002014-04-01T15:08:33.370-04:00A Tale of a BureauWhen I was growing up, I remember sharing a bedroom with my younger sister, Emily. At times, it was great, and then again, like all siblings sharing a bedroom, there were times that it was horrible. We argued like all siblings do, but when we got along, things were great. One of the coolest parts of sharing a bedroom was that our beds could be made into bunk beds, giving us <i>so much room for activities</i> (Can you name that movie? Don't worry, they were made to be bunk beds - we didn't have to nail them together!). The other thing that I remember about our bedroom growing up was a bureau, which I have recently learned was a part of the bunk bed set. When we moved when I was in middle school, the bureau moved with us to our new house, and I had it in my bedroom since we each had our own rooms at that point.<br />
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When I went to college, the bureau stayed in my old bedroom and I used it to store clothes I only wore during the summer and items I didn't bring to college. When Dylan and I moved in together my senior year, the bureau finally made it's way into our new apartment. It has since traveled with us to every place we have lived since then - Indiana included. And turns out, that's not the only traveling it has done. This bureau was in the house that my mom's side of the family owned in Newport, RI.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrzCvfsl9o1pxjWfJtDOGC4qusLEjjVEGOgVi0dfI2HQF30y4lqKsxKawDt7mOvkaH9nVRo_5BSsTEOeI3xKVj5NQkpovWUjBL44-L02OJ545zzQrBifc7L2BtjqULklVMdYJhtpnnQ5x/s1600/IMAG1604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrzCvfsl9o1pxjWfJtDOGC4qusLEjjVEGOgVi0dfI2HQF30y4lqKsxKawDt7mOvkaH9nVRo_5BSsTEOeI3xKVj5NQkpovWUjBL44-L02OJ545zzQrBifc7L2BtjqULklVMdYJhtpnnQ5x/s1600/IMAG1604.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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The family owned house in Newport was purchased in the late 1800s, and then during the 1920's, was used as a boarding house, run by a close friend of the family. This bedroom set was purchased for one of the bedrooms in the house. Once my grandmother was married in the 1950s, the house was returned to single-family home status, and my grandmother lived there with my grandfather, my uncle, and my mom. The bureau traveled with them when they moved from the house to New Jersey and Washington, D.C., and then back to the same house in Newport again. When my mom married, she took the bedroom set, and that is how I ended up with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKRdqvLEa1hsVkCvjW9WZPmB4-7OEWWm5kq8u3tWj1527AHclHoYZ6gQxwVy3OsXb9oC3_BlkHYbMbEM4B6lAdYHCkXcA2SKXKpt8X3SlCwMSIUw9FzCIpnIu54HJSfVyUVO56NITxUJU/s1600/ZOE_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKRdqvLEa1hsVkCvjW9WZPmB4-7OEWWm5kq8u3tWj1527AHclHoYZ6gQxwVy3OsXb9oC3_BlkHYbMbEM4B6lAdYHCkXcA2SKXKpt8X3SlCwMSIUw9FzCIpnIu54HJSfVyUVO56NITxUJU/s1600/ZOE_0001.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now, since the bureau was built sometime around the 1940's, it was scratched up and had a lot of marks on it from it's years of moving. With it being in my possession now, I wanted to refinish it. It was a reddish-brown color, and I wanted it darker, so using my random orbital sander, I took off all of the polyurethane and all the stain, bringing it down to it's beautiful maple hardwood. Because of the detail, I actually used my Dremel to sand some of the more difficult parts of the bureau. <br />
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Before staining the bureau, I actually contemplated making a slight modification to it. The detailed rounded pieces along the bottom of the bureau are not exactly the style that I am drawn to, and since they are just decorative pieces that frame out the bottom and hide the legs of the bureau, cutting away some of the wood wouldn't compromise the structure of the bureau. I measured out the squared shape that I wanted and had my Dremel saw ready to cut, but realized that not only was my blade not long enough to go through the wood, but I didn't really want to make it look different after hearing about it's history in the family. Even though it's not my style, I figured that keeping it's original skeleton was important in a piece with so much history.<br />
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Therefore, not making the cuts to the bureau led me straight into refinishing it. The raw wood was absolutely beautiful and in great shape, but to help it accept the new stain, I put on a coat of Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and let it sit for fifteen minutes. It's funny too, because the color of the wood with the conditioner on it was just slightly lighter than the original color. I wish I had a better before photo, but the one I took was super blurry and I don't have my picture backup drive unpacked yet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj_55dbbnUb1vJdct-SIFdeRrC18uH47AGRQowqyyUDpmOx_Brav7lcGU_HuxTInJbrPrLqxNpYysxclz5Nz6yr9ILP6DgmQZqy0v9pd6hjyn4OZljOiRNtaC0Xe80UkMXG2DLxT-3CU-/s1600/IMAG1690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj_55dbbnUb1vJdct-SIFdeRrC18uH47AGRQowqyyUDpmOx_Brav7lcGU_HuxTInJbrPrLqxNpYysxclz5Nz6yr9ILP6DgmQZqy0v9pd6hjyn4OZljOiRNtaC0Xe80UkMXG2DLxT-3CU-/s1600/IMAG1690.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wiped the excess off and then applied my first coat of Minwax Jacobean stain. You can see that the last coat of poly on the top was so shiny that it was reflecting the drop ceiling grid onto the surface! Aside from that though, this bureau looks absolutely beautiful now!</div>
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Two coats of stain, and three coats of polyurethane later, and the bureau was finished! Dylan helped me put it in the guest bedroom this morning, and it's the first piece of furniture in the room! I'm so excited to finally get the house put together, and I'm so excited that this piece of family history has a new place and a new look. I really love the dark tones of the wood and even though Dylan and I just spent hours painting the moulding in this room white, I think I like the way it stands out against the white beadboard and trim.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz0XWeQ4WYN22uzh4FkrexG4oLzd8cyCvkY0YNZO-kn5-H2tC1ooujMMRCXEtb_CyS8NWQvBnSHqcndOUCg3vmUMaePxzKCtwHTLc_mw0LHXWE67BHBzqJ2kXXdGpkT720NdH0wnz4-j0/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz0XWeQ4WYN22uzh4FkrexG4oLzd8cyCvkY0YNZO-kn5-H2tC1ooujMMRCXEtb_CyS8NWQvBnSHqcndOUCg3vmUMaePxzKCtwHTLc_mw0LHXWE67BHBzqJ2kXXdGpkT720NdH0wnz4-j0/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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I just need to find some cool hardware for the drawers and then it's all set. Oh, and it will need a lamp and some books too, just to finish it off. <br />
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I've got a few more pieces to refinish, which should take me a about a week each, since I don't have a lot of time after work to get these projects done, and then we'll be at the point where we can actually look like we live in this house!</div>
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Have you been refinishing furniture lately? What's your favorite stain color?</div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-78969149466682191632014-03-21T14:54:00.001-04:002014-03-21T14:54:02.263-04:00Flash Sale Friday: It's Spring OutsideIt's finally back...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOn0BW8GKGU2X_H3Ac1xnYX9uO_dV8dD7m6BXG1vmkhC_7obRxs7WriM1v0GPV82tp4JNZZeZ0NwMeiIk7YGFs43xsjFTnA_6fwf_NhXwhFF9UxZoy-RAuM8efE2lnysN7OlMsa0tiPU6/s1600/flashsalefridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOn0BW8GKGU2X_H3Ac1xnYX9uO_dV8dD7m6BXG1vmkhC_7obRxs7WriM1v0GPV82tp4JNZZeZ0NwMeiIk7YGFs43xsjFTnA_6fwf_NhXwhFF9UxZoy-RAuM8efE2lnysN7OlMsa0tiPU6/s400/flashsalefridaylogo.jpg" height="85" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each week, I will be featuring some of the week's best picks from my favorite Flash Sale sites and creating a room inspiration board for all of you to enjoy! If you have a room that needs decorating and you are looking for some inspiration, feel free to <a href="mailto:rhodylifeblog@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> what you are looking for, and I'll see what I can come up with for you, and you will be featured in a future Flash Sale Friday post!<br />
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If you would like to become a member to one of the sites featured in this Flash Sale Friday post, feel free to create an account from the links I have provided below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/" target="_blank">55 Downing Street</a><br />
<a href="http://vnlink.co/SbNbjty" target="_blank">Beyond the Rack</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/amanda-rhody-life" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Joss & Main</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hautelook.com/short/3NGfx" target="_blank">Hautelook</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Rue La La</a><br />
<a href="https://www.homesav.com/signup?urc=IVWcJ5taGwr" target="_blank">HomeSav</a><br />
<a href="http://myhabit.com/ref=qd_mr_per_l?refcust=XO2XZNRFELKBADOW4RLMGGWYH4" target="_blank">MyHabit</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wayfair.com/invite?rfr=51756974905" target="_blank">Wayfair</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ideeli.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Ideeli</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gilt.com/invite/138702636adynjqwtdh7" target="_blank">Gilt</a></div>
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<a href="http://fab.com/de2fxk" target="_blank">Fab</a><br />
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In honor of it finally being Spring around here, at least according to the calendar, I've compiled some bright, fun pieces for your outdoor space. If you're anything like me, you can't wait to have a nice cold drink outside, hearing the birds chirp and feeling the warm sun against your skin. So, while this may be just a bit of a tease since we still have a ways to go before that can happen without a winter jacket, I just couldn't stand the dreariness any longer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME7EKqBq4Wv0LC4POkq3ePGgtLV8CIkQpNynhwDUFSpI5p2N3MaOD84tjjAju9f46afDhj7hL5n-IoQB3vWQCStq8qZ7-99sHLT_FqI8An8cX1u2K1Yo5iUerpxVaI7PNW2J33PM-TQWK/s1600/flashsalefriday26.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME7EKqBq4Wv0LC4POkq3ePGgtLV8CIkQpNynhwDUFSpI5p2N3MaOD84tjjAju9f46afDhj7hL5n-IoQB3vWQCStq8qZ7-99sHLT_FqI8An8cX1u2K1Yo5iUerpxVaI7PNW2J33PM-TQWK/s1600/flashsalefriday26.gif" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/event/product/94228/3040318193/0/DEFAULT" target="_blank">Feizy Sargasso II Hand-Tufted Rug via Rue La La</a> 2. <a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/outdoor-decor/rachael-set-of-2-tall-orange-lantern-candleholders__2h225.htm" target="_blank">Rachael Set of Two Tall Orange Lantern Candleholders via 55 Downing Street</a> 3. <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/event/product/94222/3050322412/0/DEFAULT" target="_blank">Fortress Outdoor Table Lamp via Rue La La</a> 4. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/sale/home/outdoor-0319/product/1051875733-anywhere-fireplace-manhattan-tabletop-fireplace" target="_blank">Manhattan Tabletop Fireplace via Gilt</a> 5. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/sale/home/outdoor-0319/product/1051875731-anywhere-fireplace-sutton-tabletop-gel-can-fireplace" target="_blank">Sutton Tabletop Gel Can Fireplace via Gilt</a> 6. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/34990/1461375" target="_blank">Cantilever Umbrella in Yellow via One Kings Lane</a> 7. <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/event/product/94222/3050054169/0/DEFAULT" target="_blank">Gigante Family Size Hammock via Rue La La </a> 8. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/33789/1543627" target="_blank">Moss in Pot via One Kings Lane</a> 9. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/sale/home/outdoor-0319/product/176764117-fire-sense-mocha-finish-square-flame-heater" target="_blank">Mocha Finish Square Flame Heater via Gilt</a> 10. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/34990/1569920" target="_blank">Ojai Three-Piece Chaise in Espresso and White via One Kings Lane</a> 11. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/34990/1315229" target="_blank">Rio Love Seat via One Kings Lane</a> 12. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/33789/1406537" target="_blank">Succulent in Sugar Planter via One Kings Lane</a> 13. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/34504/1546620" target="_blank">Brooklyn Outdoor String Lights Kit via One Kings Lane</a> 14. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/34990/2141685" target="_blank">Brianna Sun Lounger with Arms via One Kings Lane</a> 15. <a href="http://www.myhabit.com/#page=d&dept=home&sale=A11GIT4YL0CBDJ&asin=B00FKWRCNQ&cAsin=B00FKWRCNQ&ref=qd_g_b_img_d_21" target="_blank">Set of Two Square Planters via MyHabit</a> 16. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/sale/home/outdoor-0319/product/1005665983-pearl-river-modern-ca-suze-sectional-set-8-pc" target="_blank">Suze Sectional Set via Gilt</a> </div>
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All the bright colors, and the wicker furniture - I love it all! Especially that hammock! Wouldn't it be awesome to be able to swing in that in your backyard?</div>
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What's your favorite piece? Do you have outdoor furniture you can't wait to put outside and enjoy?</div>
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Please Note: All of the images in this post have been used with permission. Images were not modified or altered to fit in this inspiration board. Flash Sale invitation links may provide me with rewards if items are purchased by a new member.</div>
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Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-70762332184010183582014-03-19T13:20:00.001-04:002014-03-19T13:20:35.308-04:00Sanding Indoors Makes a MessWhoa there, it's been a while, huh? I've kind of fallen off the wagon with blogging, and more specifically, <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/search/label/Flash%20Sale%20Friday">Flash Sale Friday</a>, because things have been so much busier than normal and I just haven't had the time! I'm really hoping to jump back on, so look for one at the end of the week!<br />
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In the meantime, I've been up to a lot. I have started to refinish some of the furniture for the house, and am still constantly looking for other pieces to add to our decor. I knew that I was taking a risk in sanding down the furniture in the basement, but it's just been too cold outside to do this in the garage or the driveway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6zHyKRjy9x4JDjp2KDeTTZaQQ8_o5BY_SjAnsb76IfqR_vTrNB4ymUAQE5RyAbvJP05SI-ow-11DHTeacAXaDDZPkgBZeymZmWyNpUzVgqYQaH5HQnpsXc21M1ITKzQxU3a0zp1YVvVR/s1600/IMAG1607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6zHyKRjy9x4JDjp2KDeTTZaQQ8_o5BY_SjAnsb76IfqR_vTrNB4ymUAQE5RyAbvJP05SI-ow-11DHTeacAXaDDZPkgBZeymZmWyNpUzVgqYQaH5HQnpsXc21M1ITKzQxU3a0zp1YVvVR/s1600/IMAG1607.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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What I didn't realize was that even though my random orbital sander has a dust bag attached that it wouldn't catch everything. So, my basement ended up covered in a sheet of sawdust. And I'm talking like 1/8" of sawdust, everywhere, including on the top of the laundry detergent bottles and covering the hot water tank. Everywhere. <br />
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Prior to this, I was using our house vacuum to clean things up because they weren't that messy, but I just didn't think that my house vacuum would like that dust all that much, so I bought a Wet/Dry Vacuum, and boy am I glad that I did. The basement was a mess, and this thing worked soooo well, thankfully. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwKFdicl31xUQFZb2F7YmfBD1W87pdTb75Da_rpp6PkwuSZchMDJd1teQ7njHQtut8TR2C8gwmBhFEqnLyuddE9SlZ5cSzyeWlvf4VFuO171uyDo_9_4KoVQfIm4dFcxJ8TQFySAq_SS-/s1600/IMAG1643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwKFdicl31xUQFZb2F7YmfBD1W87pdTb75Da_rpp6PkwuSZchMDJd1teQ7njHQtut8TR2C8gwmBhFEqnLyuddE9SlZ5cSzyeWlvf4VFuO171uyDo_9_4KoVQfIm4dFcxJ8TQFySAq_SS-/s1600/IMAG1643.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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And now that the basement is clean again, I've started to actually paint and stain the furniture. It's a lengthy process, especially when I only have time to work on the projects when I get home from work. <br />
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All set up for painting, this is the two-piece hutch that will be going in the craft room. Along the right side of the picture you can start to see the drawers of the bureau, which will be refinished for the guest bedroom. Once these two pieces are done, I'll start on my favorite item - the card catalog! One thing I have learned from this process is that I will be making a sanding station in the basement, cordoned off with some drop cloths, that way the entire basement doesn't end up in another layer of dust!</div>
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Live and learn, right?</div>
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What have you been up to recently? Any plans to refinish furniture?</div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-36068817886751343792014-03-10T12:45:00.000-04:002014-03-10T12:45:31.080-04:00Laundry ProcrastinationI've never been one to have a laundry routine. I don't do laundry every day, nor every week. I simply go without until I literally can't anymore. Dylan and I have the ability to literally go over two months without needing to do laundry. Does that happen regularly? No, but it did once, actually.<br />
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When my parents moved out, they took their washing machine and dryer with them, since the house we bought didn't have any. I made sure to take advantage of still having a washer and dryer before they moved out, and did a few loads of laundry just before their moving day. When they moved out in the beginning of December, though, we kicked ourselves into survival mode. With the purchase of furniture and a new TV on the horizon, we decided that we would try to wait as long as possible before making the big purchase of our first washer and dryer. And I'm happy to say that we made it until February. <br />
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On Saturday, February 1, Dylan and I took a little trip to Sears to finally bite the bullet and buy our first major appliances together - our new washer and dryer. Now, what you need to understand is that this wasn't a sporadic purchase. I had spent hours and hours of time researching what we wanted and what we didn't want in our new appliances.<br />
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Like the tech geek within me, I clearly wanted the new set from LG that has a smartphone app that tells you when your laundry is done, but the price tag on that was waaaay more than we wanted to spend. In fact, the price tag on just the washing machine was more than we spent for both the washer and the dryer together! Insane!<br />
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In terms of actual features though, here's what we were looking for:<br />
<ol>
<li>Top-Load Washing Machine</li>
<li>Electric Dryer</li>
<li>Spin-only cycle</li>
<li>Rinse & spin cycle</li>
<li>Timed Dry</li>
<li>Wrinkle Free cycle</li>
<li>At least 4.2 cu. ft. washer</li>
<li>High Efficiency</li>
<li>Energy Savings</li>
<li>Cold-water friendly</li>
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The first thing may come to you as a surprise, but yes, I actually wanted a top-loading washer. I have had nothing but bad experiences with front loaders. Yes, they are typically a lot larger than top-loaders, but the rubber barrel barriers constantly have mildew and mold issues, and I've had water draining issues along with clothing getting stuck in the rubber barriers before. And some of you may never have problems with your front-loaders, but considering that there is <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/24/usa-court-washers-idUSL1N0LT10F20140224" target="_blank">a pretty serious class action lawsuit</a> against one of the top manufacturers of this style machine, I knew I didn't want to take any chances with this type of washer. Top-loader it was.</div>
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So, after probably over 25 hours of research on sets that matched my criteria, I finally found a set. Surprisingly, they aren't making very many top-load washers with agitators now, as the new high-efficiency models use a different technology. The set we chose, made by LG, was one of those without an agitator. Despite some reviews of other models that clothes weren't getting as clean without an agitator, this set was available at a bunch of different stores, and all of the reviews were great across the board. So we went to our local <a href="http://www.sears.com/" target="_blank">Sears</a>, got the run down from the sales associate just to make sure we were going to be satisfied, and then made our purchase. And for an extra $10, we were able to have it delivered the next day, on a Sunday, meaning I didn't need to take any time off of work for the delivery, and I could get some laundry done that weekend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF6lYub4OH2ISW8KVvWuzJtOblM1W0Fjn6MU5YhdiUSqYlvr47wVu1hNGWqFjBlrzKQXiCwuzRFRnn3PLKyeE9AnPQ6hV2kD_oCZ01QF9gLMKt-kNgroqKVJY7celh_EQTmNW9-4Giq_r/s1600/LGWasherandDryer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LG Washer and Dryer from Sears" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF6lYub4OH2ISW8KVvWuzJtOblM1W0Fjn6MU5YhdiUSqYlvr47wVu1hNGWqFjBlrzKQXiCwuzRFRnn3PLKyeE9AnPQ6hV2kD_oCZ01QF9gLMKt-kNgroqKVJY7celh_EQTmNW9-4Giq_r/s1600/LGWasherandDryer.png" height="369" title="LG Washer and Dryer from Sears" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sears.com/lg-4.5-cu-ft-high-efficiency-top-load/p-026CO69562812B?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4" target="_blank">LG Washer and Dryer 1201 Series via Sears</a></div>
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The delivery guys arrived at 8:30am on Sunday, and had the <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02635532000P" target="_blank">washer</a> and <a href="http://www.sears.com/lg-7.3-cu-ft-electric-dryer-w-steamfresh-trade/p-02665532000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2" target="_blank">dryer</a> in their spots and hooked up in the basement laundry room within a half hour. Perfect! Because it was below freezing outside, they said to wait two hours until you start your first load, that way the machines could acclimate to the indoor temperature. After that, they were ready to go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J-u5BISflMoDQ4WzgAakComeFcyF7tOhiTkFK665-faF_msC1hnVByc3YQEz5IlbkCVAnNn-k8NDESR8i13oxp7Jng2sQLtHGscMHazOAE6r4rpBpSYNmNEKRRH0im9rgZW0vJkLyEGT/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LG Washer and Dryer from Sears" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J-u5BISflMoDQ4WzgAakComeFcyF7tOhiTkFK665-faF_msC1hnVByc3YQEz5IlbkCVAnNn-k8NDESR8i13oxp7Jng2sQLtHGscMHazOAE6r4rpBpSYNmNEKRRH0im9rgZW0vJkLyEGT/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG" height="667" title="LG 1201 Washing Machine" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFIo6vsGeYdA4VvJ3ctnm6CKr-Q8ySid0Bmi0hkOhlWavOksY9Z0KPivZpkA-b5THs63Mgphp2ogQeTs8LkfKgk58doxkn1RH7h1GyY7tfEb1Udm-RNiSjqf29mE5oV6Edw1vVLHYRYfC/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LG Washer and Dryer from Sears" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFIo6vsGeYdA4VvJ3ctnm6CKr-Q8ySid0Bmi0hkOhlWavOksY9Z0KPivZpkA-b5THs63Mgphp2ogQeTs8LkfKgk58doxkn1RH7h1GyY7tfEb1Udm-RNiSjqf29mE5oV6Edw1vVLHYRYfC/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" height="667" title="LG 1201 Electric Dryer" width="500" /></a></div>
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And the first day of laundry was a success, as have been all three following that! I am so pleased with our purchase and now I guess I am a little excited to do laundry. The machines play a little tune whenever you turn them on and off, and the buttons are in a perfect location. The washing machine barrel is deep, and gigantic, which means washing two sets of queen sheets and three weeks of towels at the same time isn't an issue at all. There are so many different cycle options, including the ones on my must-have list, that I don't know if I will ever even use all of them! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr6olO0brlevVxjZjhBgjEckIMw1LDYMx4IXVbzf2bf6EhlFzg0Q76hF4rCySPg9xMlG0-iQde4SaJh-W6wZO6j_syTswO9cCreonOjIPLyV_WnhYMRHa7fm3mAZgR9Htv54r9urY-oyK/s1600/IMG_6709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LG Washer and Dryer from Sears" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr6olO0brlevVxjZjhBgjEckIMw1LDYMx4IXVbzf2bf6EhlFzg0Q76hF4rCySPg9xMlG0-iQde4SaJh-W6wZO6j_syTswO9cCreonOjIPLyV_WnhYMRHa7fm3mAZgR9Htv54r9urY-oyK/s1600/IMG_6709.JPG" height="375" title="Washing Machine Controls" width="500" /></a></div>
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Washing machine controls</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE20V1x89_HStPrQHTnzymUS6svfJzLitVOx3YhKwyNXshCiDsh7te8PvngplOGNUjzUeyFTZ3nUM6Zy_kZU_TXyf71ojDLgCDjm87mGZJ3d_uVAvJIw2-DWRtgMdr6gWRzYrLiZniWpg/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LG Washer and Dryer from Sears" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE20V1x89_HStPrQHTnzymUS6svfJzLitVOx3YhKwyNXshCiDsh7te8PvngplOGNUjzUeyFTZ3nUM6Zy_kZU_TXyf71ojDLgCDjm87mGZJ3d_uVAvJIw2-DWRtgMdr6gWRzYrLiZniWpg/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG" height="375" title="Dryer Controls" width="500" /></a></div>
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But, who knows - maybe now that I have some beautiful new appliances, laundry will happen more often!</div>
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What was the first big appliance purchase you made for your house? What kind of washer and dryer do you have: top-loader or front-loader?</div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-433065151883842502014-03-03T13:43:00.000-05:002014-03-03T13:43:10.344-05:00DIY: Goodbye Brass!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the things I have hated the most about this house is all of the brass hardware. Ironically, there isn't any brass in the kitchen, but it's everywhere else. All of the door handles on all three floors of the house, the hinges, and even the outdoor light fixtures are brass. Since we're literally painting the entire house, I figured what's a little paint on the hardware in addition to the paint on the walls. Replacing door hardware for over 15 doors is quite costly, so as a placeholder, I decided to paint the hardware a brushed nickel color, <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/04/diy-brushed-nickel-hardware.html">just like I did to the front door hardware</a>. </div>
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Since I was already removing all of the hardware from the downstairs doors to put a fresh coat of white paint on them, I figured this would be the perfect time to refinish the hardware. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmOOqsfjNH4jVF3dba5_D80DdRWa1PaoI4KeOj19IcHFf2KQM6pF9vquns7zJCRsbbQ_DXjKPFGODlwz5CZ0eOzaB5dGU6XAYXqD_i35pW7i5uJ81CYyMzu-uPLBJIPLvNtstP711GfPG/s1600/IMG_6553.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmOOqsfjNH4jVF3dba5_D80DdRWa1PaoI4KeOj19IcHFf2KQM6pF9vquns7zJCRsbbQ_DXjKPFGODlwz5CZ0eOzaB5dGU6XAYXqD_i35pW7i5uJ81CYyMzu-uPLBJIPLvNtstP711GfPG/s1600/IMG_6553.png" height="667" title="Brass hardware waiting for paint" width="500" /></a></div>
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You'll notice in the picture above that the pieces have labels on them. Some of the doors were cut to fit in the frames, and the hinges were altered too, so I made sure to label the back sides of the hinges as to where they belonged. To distinguish between them, I made sure to mark top and bottoms, as well as frame and door, that way I knew exactly where each piece went and I could match everything back up perfectly later. Although you can't see them from the pictures, I labeled the insides of the door handles and the inside of the door latches too, that way I had the matching pieces and everything was working after I reassembled everything. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLMamdh3LlY3KZPo25kyGhLyGRkIFWSlBZfuG2TZqEYHesW0Akxyn_7XrYIcoAhDuJKcqIqRyiph2kqpkyy3nHax4OReQ5mFWKSNsEo3-H3tX3e_vXRJhb6XWzXioMZYw3y-0ow9Y5AxU/s1600/IMG_6562.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLMamdh3LlY3KZPo25kyGhLyGRkIFWSlBZfuG2TZqEYHesW0Akxyn_7XrYIcoAhDuJKcqIqRyiph2kqpkyy3nHax4OReQ5mFWKSNsEo3-H3tX3e_vXRJhb6XWzXioMZYw3y-0ow9Y5AxU/s1600/IMG_6562.jpeg" height="375" title="Label your brass hardware before painting" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty sure that the hardware hadn't been cleaned or even wiped down in years, so after I had everything taken off, I gave all the hinges, door pins, and door plates a much need bath to get all of the grease and paint off them. I ended up needing a razor blade to remove some of the paint, but I wasn't too worried about scratching the metal since I would be sanding them down before painting them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAneeqkBIZ6DFp885EZvuHYB9CtttFjHWX5pJX8Z6rUTvylZfeVVksdmvY_hrAtbDVMAyHc1rowrd8KUDksmp4nvBX2iHTdr5ofkfsjB5CNSVKGEhTIQfli_PL7t3_yxj1kCrLd7pQyq7t/s1600/IMG_6556.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAneeqkBIZ6DFp885EZvuHYB9CtttFjHWX5pJX8Z6rUTvylZfeVVksdmvY_hrAtbDVMAyHc1rowrd8KUDksmp4nvBX2iHTdr5ofkfsjB5CNSVKGEhTIQfli_PL7t3_yxj1kCrLd7pQyq7t/s1600/IMG_6556.jpeg" height="375" title="Wash your brass hardware before painting" width="500" /></a></div>
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I let them sit to dry for a while so I could make sure that there wasn't any water left in the hinge tracks. If you are pressed for time, you could tightly roll a sheet of paper towel and slide it inside to dry it out, but if you just leave them out to dry, evaporation will do the work for you!</div>
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I used medium-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surfaces. You will likely only need to sand one side and the hinge tracks, since the back side of your hinges will be flush against either your door or your frame. Don't forget to wipe down your pieces one last time before applying your spray paint, as you don't want any sandpaper particles or dust on the surface. Lay out your pieces in a well-vented area and begin spraying. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHh0HBKExr5JFiFG4U0ufYdrRNlmEkl0zcxrAW7QuVG0Z6C2-U8HWNG68xMYWSQjf_AuoPIReJPl9lMPvEV6LGy-V-B5iV5Qka9s3A87BWULf6xKK0XzF4pu2Fih24VCjAxs6dXzw6qo_Y/s1600/IMG_6566.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHh0HBKExr5JFiFG4U0ufYdrRNlmEkl0zcxrAW7QuVG0Z6C2-U8HWNG68xMYWSQjf_AuoPIReJPl9lMPvEV6LGy-V-B5iV5Qka9s3A87BWULf6xKK0XzF4pu2Fih24VCjAxs6dXzw6qo_Y/s1600/IMG_6566.jpeg" height="667" title="Sand your brass hardware before painting" width="500" /></a></div>
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Don't expect to get great coverage on the first spray. You'll need multiple coats to get an even coverage, but allow for some time between coats before applying the next. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvP3rQreE61D1j2B22MHzjDrPtnI4KowWtbftEGHUGoPFRy0avhyphenhyphenqYiShoHVDCMXDHe11ZdE0-V6IWx6rLUN9Xa2LOJBSeji00RNwRxY8KfIziW8MD_rNQ5POGK-fnNdYsF_EHKL0bo7c/s1600/IMG_6573.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvP3rQreE61D1j2B22MHzjDrPtnI4KowWtbftEGHUGoPFRy0avhyphenhyphenqYiShoHVDCMXDHe11ZdE0-V6IWx6rLUN9Xa2LOJBSeji00RNwRxY8KfIziW8MD_rNQ5POGK-fnNdYsF_EHKL0bo7c/s1600/IMG_6573.jpeg" height="375" title="Apply several coats of spray paint " width="500" /></a></div>
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You'll also want to flip over your pieces after the first side has dried to apply some additional coats to the backside. While you don't necessarily need to cover the part that you don't need painted, I decided to put a strip of painter's tape over the back of my hinges since I had my labels on there and didn't want to accidentally paint over them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WIe4peTERpjY72LuYGJ9mUE0Nmlldu2Kdw1tXZOoae47gciCzQZ5XAyaZ_1-gYLqXI4gsf5WmLfD7vtZpim0KU6lg5O8ZSEP4vzN8SI8dp2dfDKso2lAmfLBZxGuOOIHqbEc3B8zgKsW/s1600/IMG_6578.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WIe4peTERpjY72LuYGJ9mUE0Nmlldu2Kdw1tXZOoae47gciCzQZ5XAyaZ_1-gYLqXI4gsf5WmLfD7vtZpim0KU6lg5O8ZSEP4vzN8SI8dp2dfDKso2lAmfLBZxGuOOIHqbEc3B8zgKsW/s1600/IMG_6578.jpeg" height="375" title="Protect the labels on your brass hardware" width="500" /></a></div>
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Painting your door handles is almost exactly the same as the door hinges. You'll want to roughen up the surface with some sandpaper and then apply a bunch of different coats of spray paint. You may need to flip your handles onto the sides or even hold them at different angles when painting them, depending on the shape and size, and where you need coverage. You can also tell in one of the pictures below that I was able to get creative and used the side of a cardboard box to prop one side of the door handles up so they could dry without putting a mark in the spray paint.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xW3m3nEdXJPvd5vWzYJgHu4_J3Bte68XDyHlERIsU6K2jIinuGMo__yN8jUbkPzYaj05Bzs_2Z5rfr5plr4iGqS7DXfmnqQcRKeAHCmNOzTCuoUpk9536LLwr-YrDVNsuObUu_JjICfj/s1600/IMG_6583.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xW3m3nEdXJPvd5vWzYJgHu4_J3Bte68XDyHlERIsU6K2jIinuGMo__yN8jUbkPzYaj05Bzs_2Z5rfr5plr4iGqS7DXfmnqQcRKeAHCmNOzTCuoUpk9536LLwr-YrDVNsuObUu_JjICfj/s1600/IMG_6583.jpeg" height="375" title="Sand your brass door hardware before painting" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7dLndtS_vB59uIY-5hD7v4lGdt2IqCZhu1tKMqu7-dMAA9vcjEQaMhQU5ERFPyiKZ5q6pYUP07kAcALxarSQBPjjQ997iWFwkZFjrkilJpMqV5kp2WjKWFoCzOTtuaVjDTaCHCmsXTif/s1600/IMG_6591.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7dLndtS_vB59uIY-5hD7v4lGdt2IqCZhu1tKMqu7-dMAA9vcjEQaMhQU5ERFPyiKZ5q6pYUP07kAcALxarSQBPjjQ997iWFwkZFjrkilJpMqV5kp2WjKWFoCzOTtuaVjDTaCHCmsXTif/s1600/IMG_6591.jpeg" height="375" title="Prop up your brass door hardware using a cardboard box" width="500" /></a></div>
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The biggest difference in painting your handles versus painting the hinges and door plates is that the handles have moving mechanisms. To make sure that you don't paint your handles stuck, make sure to twist the knob or pull down the levers before you apply each coat of spray paint. If your door hardware has a locking mechanism, also make sure to twist the locking mechanism to make sure that doesn't get painted closed or open. And lastly, if you are painting the door latch (the part that keeps the door closed in the frame), don't forget to push down on that a few times before each coat too. After all, the point of having a door latch is so that it keeps the door closed, so if it can't be pushed in, it's kind of counter intuitive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnluOYDpXkc3Hv1DdQJubwvPQYPnsC38BcGrHHuqNwBu-7gU46oqW322gY2saF7DiapE69Q9dN3c76zHvuKh4gtCSLNMS1B_mzNO1rQHrXrSETqW_80qvbWPFTUPu7Em0uCB-9Fvs68-J/s1600/IMG_6624.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnluOYDpXkc3Hv1DdQJubwvPQYPnsC38BcGrHHuqNwBu-7gU46oqW322gY2saF7DiapE69Q9dN3c76zHvuKh4gtCSLNMS1B_mzNO1rQHrXrSETqW_80qvbWPFTUPu7Em0uCB-9Fvs68-J/s1600/IMG_6624.jpeg" height="375" title="Prop up your brass door latches when painting" width="500" /></a></div>
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Give your pieces at least 24 hours to dry after you have applied your last coat, and then you can attach everything back together. This was the most exciting part for me. After having had our doors off the hinges for almost two weeks, we finally put them back up, and not only did they have a beautiful coat of new white paint on them, but then they also got this hardware makeover!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTJUHEDJcfUXZ223ciCzqQbwDCIYUfkxb7dwhTL1697SeqnrompsgtUr68PkYa7Cx6-6WS7Hs4OVrw_0vJKQU4xPtT3cjMcccjs9m-hEWWEY2GFrpNMYLFzJ11vbgga7h84DtaO7pHYkr/s1600/IMG_6686.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painting Brass Hardware" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTJUHEDJcfUXZ223ciCzqQbwDCIYUfkxb7dwhTL1697SeqnrompsgtUr68PkYa7Cx6-6WS7Hs4OVrw_0vJKQU4xPtT3cjMcccjs9m-hEWWEY2GFrpNMYLFzJ11vbgga7h84DtaO7pHYkr/s1600/IMG_6686.jpeg" height="375" title="Brushed nickel spray painted brass door hardware" width="500" /></a></div>
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Once your hardware is attached, you can choose to go back and dab some spray paint on the screw heads and the door pins, since painting them before will just get them scratched up during installation. This solution isn't perfect, as you can tell in some spots, but I don't think that many people will notice unless I specifically tell them to look at the door hardware. This is really only a temporary fix, too. Down the line, we will replace the door hardware altogether, but for right now, we want our money to be spent on some other things, and this quick $5 fix is a perfect way to hide that brass and make this house look just a little more modern and contemporary!</div>
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The only brass left is on the outdoor light fixtures! So exciting! Have you spray painted your hardware? </div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-39776148174927145522014-02-26T11:04:00.001-05:002014-02-26T11:04:11.098-05:00How $45 Has Saved Me At Least 10 HoursOne piece of background information is needed for this post - I am a <a href="http://www.google.com/chrome" target="_blank">Google Chrome</a> user. I'm sure most of you can understand the use of this browser, but if you haven't already made the switch from Firefox or (gasp!) Internet Explorer, please do for these reasons: safety, ability to share bookmarks across devices, integration with Google Accounts (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Blogger, Analytics, AdSense, etc.), it's extensions (Pinterest, AnyDo, Evernote, etc.), and most importantly, it's tab-enabled. Now, what goes along with this post is the part about tabs - I am a tab hoarder. <br />
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Don't believe me? Well, I don't need to explain anything using words. I'll just show you a screenshot of my current browser. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbAtBjr8aigLo7f6vKSLSjR69R3TfrjQMxdPHlHPk48pQ89W9Sl4X4iTQBBP-4uOxgdbySLJi1DoWZeDlVvnjhaJXtcMZ4e3rR_2pq7t3qOsRF38LX7oALdcldE4crYwKRBwQx_5hjYR_/s1600/chrometabs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbAtBjr8aigLo7f6vKSLSjR69R3TfrjQMxdPHlHPk48pQ89W9Sl4X4iTQBBP-4uOxgdbySLJi1DoWZeDlVvnjhaJXtcMZ4e3rR_2pq7t3qOsRF38LX7oALdcldE4crYwKRBwQx_5hjYR_/s1600/chrometabs.png" height="394" width="500" /></a></div>
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I won't make you count, but as you can see, there are a lot of tabs open - 52 to be exact, but that's just on this one browser window, on this computer. I use almost all of these on a daily basis, and the others that I don't visit as frequently are there as a reminder that I need to check something.<br />
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Now, you're probably asking, "What does this have to do with this post?" Well, one of the tabs that I have open is above is the <a href="http://www.sears.com/" target="_blank">Sears</a> webpage. I refresh the page every morning to check what's been put on sale. One day a few weeks ago, I finally had hit the jackpot. The <a href="http://www.sears.com/dewalt-5-in-random-orbit-sander-kit-with/p-00926349000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1" target="_blank">DeWalt Random Orbital Sander</a> that I had been eyeing was marked down to just $45! I decided to save on shipping so I stopped by the store after work with the intention of purchasing it. Turns out, though, that the price was only valid for online purchases, and the in-store price was $60 - not outrageous, but still more than I wanted to spend. Bummer, right?!<br />
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I was disappointed, but then I figured out a secret! I decided to just bring up the Sears website on my phone, order the sander, and set the delivery option to In-Store Pickup! Since I was already at the store, I just had to walk over to the Merchandise Pickup Window, and grab the sander. And I did just that.<br />
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I was able to get the sander for the online-only price of $45 and had it within 5 minutes at the pickup window. So, there's a tip for when you are in store. Always check the online price before making your purchase, because that nifty little "In-Store Pickup" option can help you save a lot of money!<br />
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Now, as the title of this post suggests, this sander has saved me hours and hours of time. How?<br />
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Sanding doors. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PKo590YiUTqzTQ0L1jN7i7ak6Kh7c_cZZKyak6WxO1q-eTrjnz-vLgwUEHKmeBqj-cm4xPaRQZ5pbqJAJSlqbR7HQducOAQbTTmoAkb3bp4KoRVhxiJyvtwuxTLvPh0Qq7BdafXG4UjG/s1600/IMG_6645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sanding Doors with Power Sander" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PKo590YiUTqzTQ0L1jN7i7ak6Kh7c_cZZKyak6WxO1q-eTrjnz-vLgwUEHKmeBqj-cm4xPaRQZ5pbqJAJSlqbR7HQducOAQbTTmoAkb3bp4KoRVhxiJyvtwuxTLvPh0Qq7BdafXG4UjG/s1600/IMG_6645.JPG" height="375" title="DeWalt Random Orbital Sander" width="500" /></a></div>
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About two weeks ago, we removed all of the interior doors on the first floor to paint them. In addition to that, I also removed all of the hardware and gave it a good bath in some soapy water. They really needed some TLC, but that's for another post.<br />
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I wiped the doors down to get some of the grease and buildup off of them, and then sanded them down using my brand new random orbital sander! So, for a total of 10 doors (so far!), I was able to save myself at least 10 hours of sanding, since each door took me about 15 minutes with the sander rather than over an hour by hand. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGp7hMTXBz-8nAaxt2vTFt1KnlpezXQdHHebfu3HYz8iLcVt1QUPBnbIO-MxpSeQFRSn7YwaXFX1NtyVdro9QSvLTFnFbTtzPIa2P3p77vmQuO21TtpgJQ7cFBiXNs-BDbI77XKGjk5Dz/s1600/IMG_6647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sanding Doors with Power Sander" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGp7hMTXBz-8nAaxt2vTFt1KnlpezXQdHHebfu3HYz8iLcVt1QUPBnbIO-MxpSeQFRSn7YwaXFX1NtyVdro9QSvLTFnFbTtzPIa2P3p77vmQuO21TtpgJQ7cFBiXNs-BDbI77XKGjk5Dz/s1600/IMG_6647.JPG" height="375" title="DeWalt Random Orbital Sander" width="500" /></a></div>
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Please ignore the gross painting/cleaning/tool-using clothes again. It's also necessary to dress in layers for working in the basement. </div>
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Best investment ever. Seriously. I haven't even tackled the doors on the second floor yet, not to mention all of the furniture that I will be refinishing, so this is easily the best $45 I have spent so far in my home renovating and DIY-ing. And for the amount of doors I was sanding, I probably would have gone through that amount of money in sandpaper had I been sanding by hand!<br />
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We just put the last coat of paint on the doors and today is the end of the 24-hour curing process I like to let them sit through, so we will be putting them back on the frames tonight after work. I'm so excited to have doors back - the cats are messing with things in closets and it's just awkward because we can't have guests over when there's no bathroom door! <br />
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Have you purchased a tool using Sears' In-Store Pickup option? Were you able to catch a break in the price, making the purchase that much more justified?<br />
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<i>Please Note: I was not compensated for writing this post. I was not contacted by Google Chrome or Sears to provide this information and review. All opinions are my own. </i>Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-82757068642121885132014-02-24T12:50:00.000-05:002014-02-24T13:47:53.376-05:00The Power of PaintThis has to be one of the most exciting transformations that I have completed so far using just paint! Are you ready for it? Great, because I can't wait to show you!<br />
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Remember the corner bedroom that was the only room in the house that had natural wood-tone trim in it? Well, it's gone! Forever! The same weekend that we painted the small bedroom/craft room, we also tackled this room. With the help of a family friend (Thanks Again!!!) we were able to actually paint two rooms completely, one of which was <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2014/02/diy-wall-replacement-and-painting-reveal.html">the craft room</a> that I already showed you. The other, I haven't yet - I'm not quite finished with some non-paint things, so that's on hold for right now.<br />
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But, this room. The transformation is amazing, guys! So let's get to it, right?<br />
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Here's the before. Please ignore the large rolled-up rug and the box of crap in the middle of the room. The rug weighs over 100 pounds, and I just didn't feel like moving it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7WI762jEnUxx-qqUms97YWWt5pBIfaAjdY_FU93wSOTebhGaBKpl4GEv2qogR4zaUtKboHPAUdr8hikyjRDh4nN8NccoY4o7ZOzEh-LxwWvrJzlL97mmz8gy5tdS82ISOspeV2UmtGKS/s1600/IMG_6359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7WI762jEnUxx-qqUms97YWWt5pBIfaAjdY_FU93wSOTebhGaBKpl4GEv2qogR4zaUtKboHPAUdr8hikyjRDh4nN8NccoY4o7ZOzEh-LxwWvrJzlL97mmz8gy5tdS82ISOspeV2UmtGKS/s1600/IMG_6359.JPG" height="300" title="guest bedroom before " width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEP3njTHJ2FERXeg0L8Phg0saUL48jJJF0ysaHlvc_af4zVgnolfmiaXkbGkGWqIlfT7hniYMpij3WULZEOzCh2zwn7BpatmEskqVDwRprUCdadua0GUJZGiBILNYRF9ONvpKd9WoKwxf/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEP3njTHJ2FERXeg0L8Phg0saUL48jJJF0ysaHlvc_af4zVgnolfmiaXkbGkGWqIlfT7hniYMpij3WULZEOzCh2zwn7BpatmEskqVDwRprUCdadua0GUJZGiBILNYRF9ONvpKd9WoKwxf/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" height="300" title="guest bedroom before" width="400" /></a></div>
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Boring, right? I mean the wood is nice and all if you like stained wood, even though it's just bead-board, but it wasn't working for me. So, we changed it. And now? I think it looks fabulous!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC-rUNvysHDyNR0ZyTWamkoUAYAIY1V5Ce-KmLmAAxjKS8qn0knQagkJngrz2fS_fH-8ThRBkfwSlmka6hbAsEcg2riZFoaMSnqAVmx9HQzG0bEcN8ZyrEt9kz3bhvijroknAWfYLtXzF/s1600/IMG_6652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted wood moulding" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC-rUNvysHDyNR0ZyTWamkoUAYAIY1V5Ce-KmLmAAxjKS8qn0knQagkJngrz2fS_fH-8ThRBkfwSlmka6hbAsEcg2riZFoaMSnqAVmx9HQzG0bEcN8ZyrEt9kz3bhvijroknAWfYLtXzF/s1600/IMG_6652.JPG" height="300" title="guest bedroom after paint" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3yTh95epqbnenardtqeQSGMc8f-20FhpjPowjzGTlARjN2ml_U7FJ6DyKOK9bM0eSoDc2FUj-Jt0Sso_Rr6eZJ20FNfrSzUzgfOOWx9WDzBWMaeF2TPr2wwG0dneT517N-OmYMNNvNE_/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted wood moulding" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3yTh95epqbnenardtqeQSGMc8f-20FhpjPowjzGTlARjN2ml_U7FJ6DyKOK9bM0eSoDc2FUj-Jt0Sso_Rr6eZJ20FNfrSzUzgfOOWx9WDzBWMaeF2TPr2wwG0dneT517N-OmYMNNvNE_/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" height="300" title="guest bedroom after paint" width="400" /></a></div>
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Huge difference, right? The power of paint, right there folks. I am so in love with it and can't wait to start adding in the furniture I have planned for the space!</div>
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Now, while you may think that was just too easy, let me tell you that it wasn't as easy as it looked. It took two coats of green paint, two coats of primer on the wood, and then four coats of white paint in order to get the coverage we needed. And not only that, but I had to do a lot of caulking where the seams on the bead-board were showing and the nail holes were never sealed. </div>
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Also, you might not have noticed from the before pictures above, but the quarter round along the base of the moulding wasn't actually quarter round. It was concave, ugly, broken in some spots, and the worst thing I found was that whoever installed the moulding nailed it into the hardwood floors! I couldn't have been more furious when I found that out. But, that explains the giant gaps between the moulding and the bead-board - it wasn't even attached! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwOvpzsO6NiKVvSCP1h6HLMKN6kZiF56h_ZkpZyah_gIUU0hNVIRoHCHZWIjClVVm9582SeOdciav6l5K2cLi49UchuLyVRitjDzV8xr6TcrbnHi8QUvCMjH_fHSbU_3ep-V7_j0ZdTdE/s1600/IMG_6464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwOvpzsO6NiKVvSCP1h6HLMKN6kZiF56h_ZkpZyah_gIUU0hNVIRoHCHZWIjClVVm9582SeOdciav6l5K2cLi49UchuLyVRitjDzV8xr6TcrbnHi8QUvCMjH_fHSbU_3ep-V7_j0ZdTdE/s1600/IMG_6464.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Instead of just working with it, however, I decided to replace it. A few 8' sections of quarter round wasn't going to be too much for me to handle, especially when it makes such a big difference in the way the room looks. So, I kept the old molding in place so that I could protect the floors when we were painting, and since the new quarter round I was buying was going to be slightly taller, I didn't have to worry about being neat down there at the bottom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp4_acKZNFmmng-lrdcgqpWvT0gs8-BDarAg5lZAV5jlmQPvq03B73d8sHGHYloUzayPbTGYblNuB4kFsBeDpPrqecpcDMmQhueA3Yf9TOjx1ekKh68hh3q6ntgiKU9_hQZZ_egeZkLVN/s1600/IMG_6461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="quarter round" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp4_acKZNFmmng-lrdcgqpWvT0gs8-BDarAg5lZAV5jlmQPvq03B73d8sHGHYloUzayPbTGYblNuB4kFsBeDpPrqecpcDMmQhueA3Yf9TOjx1ekKh68hh3q6ntgiKU9_hQZZ_egeZkLVN/s1600/IMG_6461.JPG" height="400" title="removing shoe mouding" width="300" /></a></div>
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Once I had three coats of white paint on, I removed the existing foot moulding. And it was so easy. In fact, after I had done one wall, I had to video the removal of the moulding on one of the others, because despite it being nailed into the hardwood floors, it came up like it was just installed with double-sided tape!</div>
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<object height="360" width="480"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/dJzA7ZO-vKw?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
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Next, I figured out the measurements of the amount of quarter round I needed, and then began cutting, using my miter box. I ended up purchasing PVC quarter round because it was cheaper than wood and was already primed, so it made the project just a little easier for me. Using the existing pieces of moulding as a guide, I was able to figure out the cuts that I would need to join the pieces together. If you are not working with existing quarter round, figuring out the cuts is a lot easier than you would think. For a perfect 90 degree angle, which is what you will typically have in a room, you will need opposite 45 degree cuts on your two intersecting pieces. You want the cuts to be so that the back of the moulding is the longer side, which you can see in the picture below - that is a picture of the right side of a corner piece being cut. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZcJ9tD71g5-6cRaSe_-sF7OvqCCC_JluvhXQOj-GA_5ETe0svUrqlWJLZcrztj_ojpEsT7cPySgB88QmQGuSYAGbXY-RGEzNjfqzQ5EvBdWcqcrczvfjZds8eCkzY5QRpbqz34lAblHA/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mitering moulding corners" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZcJ9tD71g5-6cRaSe_-sF7OvqCCC_JluvhXQOj-GA_5ETe0svUrqlWJLZcrztj_ojpEsT7cPySgB88QmQGuSYAGbXY-RGEzNjfqzQ5EvBdWcqcrczvfjZds8eCkzY5QRpbqz34lAblHA/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" height="287" title="miter box and saw" width="400" /></a></div>
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For long walls that you need to add additional straight pieces to, think about the cuts like you accidentally cut a piece into two when you didn't mean to. Those two pieces will go back together perfectly, if you just put them back the same way you cut them. In other words, make sure that the pieces of moulding are facing the direction that you want them to, then do one of the cuts on one of the pieces, and then the same cut on the other. Don't over-think the cuts - they will work out!</div>
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Make sure to dry-fit all of your pieces first, that way you can make any changes that you need to with additional cuts or even sanding. You want the pieces to fit tightly, but not too tight, as you don't want them to warp or bend. </div>
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After you have your pieces cut perfectly, you are ready for install. I was so excited for this part, because I had just bought myself a pneumatic nail gun! I got it on sale at Sears, and after using some of my points from previous purchases, I only paid $60! Talk about a great deal, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sUjg_CNO6yURupZC8nONpedKhM2yA7k7XyjaLVnwj6ODCvjzoECLUSGCLqGUeid-ovo5iUIJSkAeGnaKcHwlqCCoDNnnxb2z3gWSuajTtH5Fu9R2XxGgnrYIoRXYNovhw4_NHAVi22e2/s1600/IMG_6522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="air compressor nail gun" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sUjg_CNO6yURupZC8nONpedKhM2yA7k7XyjaLVnwj6ODCvjzoECLUSGCLqGUeid-ovo5iUIJSkAeGnaKcHwlqCCoDNnnxb2z3gWSuajTtH5Fu9R2XxGgnrYIoRXYNovhw4_NHAVi22e2/s1600/IMG_6522.JPG" height="300" title="pneumatic nail gun" width="400" /></a></div>
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I already had my moulding pieces in place from the dry-fit, so I just moved around the room with my nail gun, putting one nail in the center of each piece, and then every 10 or so inches to each side, including one towards the end of each piece. After each piece was in, I tested to make sure that it was attached securely by gently pulling at it and then I added some extra nails when necessary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybWCRNQGTp2p4RiFHxDj_8Gdl2ayB9de51RC8wz6F-dJrs14840RsjhyphenhyphenqKncVtdziwB0zH4TUuYnoCazNPnbMgZQfCZ3MMvOjihnYhRvY7bKRRp_X5ShTRtVPF1rPFKUgyt4_PoHWFdva/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="using nail gun" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybWCRNQGTp2p4RiFHxDj_8Gdl2ayB9de51RC8wz6F-dJrs14840RsjhyphenhyphenqKncVtdziwB0zH4TUuYnoCazNPnbMgZQfCZ3MMvOjihnYhRvY7bKRRp_X5ShTRtVPF1rPFKUgyt4_PoHWFdva/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" height="300" title="installing quarter round" width="400" /></a></div>
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Please ignore the gross painting/cleaning/tool-using clothes. I was a stylish DIY'er until I ruined my favorite pair of jeans. </div>
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Once all the moulding was installed, I caulked the seam between it and the baseboard, and put a little dab on all of the nail holes, and then put one last coat of paint on everything to blend it all in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz4ln8scT16UEu8M719SUVhhwbZxyV4GwrNEbBjsM5jbeIIYZgHIlyr-ez7EmDsgHvRL0_nEWz7c3H1Mb5rYxJ62xlB2-z2Sr5MLYaIYOOtXo4sXjNp_7Hh_MQ0AHAM_s2mE99Q_ihuhV/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="finished install of quarter round" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz4ln8scT16UEu8M719SUVhhwbZxyV4GwrNEbBjsM5jbeIIYZgHIlyr-ez7EmDsgHvRL0_nEWz7c3H1Mb5rYxJ62xlB2-z2Sr5MLYaIYOOtXo4sXjNp_7Hh_MQ0AHAM_s2mE99Q_ihuhV/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" height="400" title="installed quarter round" width="300" /></a></div>
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After I was done, I was so proud and amazed at the way the room looked. It's such a dramatic difference in the look, and it is so much brighter with all of the white paint! Now to add some furniture! Woohoo!</div>
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Do you have a pneumatic nail gun? Ever installed moulding before? I can't wait to do more!</div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-37895308075051598512014-02-18T10:46:00.001-05:002014-02-18T10:46:22.719-05:00Windows Keep us WarmI just realized that I never told you guys that we had some windows replaced! This happened way back in December, so let's rewind a bit, shall we? <br />
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With a renovation having been completed in our house in what we believe was 1999, or in other words, way before we were even adults (I was in Middle School!), half of the house had new windows installed. The other half of the house still had its original windows, you know, the ones from 1955! We bought the house knowing that at some point we would need to replace the windows, and while it wasn't <i>necessary</i> that they be replaced now, we came across a great deal and decided to bite the bullet and replace half of the windows that we had on our list now and do the other half sometime in 2015. Funny enough, half of those windows are in one room alone, so it worked out really well! </div>
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We decided that right now, the front Living/Dining Room combination area was going to be used more by other people than the back bedrooms, so that was our priority in replacing that room. It's the room with the fireplace in it too, so having a non-drafty and pretty looking room was important in having people congregate to enjoy the fireplace and the dining area we will be adding in.<br />
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As a reminder, here are the windows in the Living/Dining Room before we had them replaced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkegBJEAW2CdqMcu_UrQi8YNBZ_hAPyPnZeh7yJ-lXX0kU9HsOoAhxGiQESCDKISEAHSk_dKTjpzxVH0B719hl2YXR-30ecm6O4RQMVXsTAKOQ0KUVKjQjRUc9gK5S9S1c4gkGKziCAdYz/s1600/IMAG1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkegBJEAW2CdqMcu_UrQi8YNBZ_hAPyPnZeh7yJ-lXX0kU9HsOoAhxGiQESCDKISEAHSk_dKTjpzxVH0B719hl2YXR-30ecm6O4RQMVXsTAKOQ0KUVKjQjRUc9gK5S9S1c4gkGKziCAdYz/s1600/IMAG1107.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7E0vCMlEjV0PcyJeb6HXlJCMga_J3PTyKN6NU_TzLLdvFgu0PHbqshcKvXzVEs94rfVE0n5j7UFi6gYHqSF9w88NHCpUTM93yGS60c9I_ZmwU_hYghQnmvR6OtE8VAHdOGo0XoCUP4Z3/s1600/IMAG1111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7E0vCMlEjV0PcyJeb6HXlJCMga_J3PTyKN6NU_TzLLdvFgu0PHbqshcKvXzVEs94rfVE0n5j7UFi6gYHqSF9w88NHCpUTM93yGS60c9I_ZmwU_hYghQnmvR6OtE8VAHdOGo0XoCUP4Z3/s1600/IMAG1111.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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From far away, they don't look too bad. But, once you get up close to them, you can tell they are old, made completely of wood, drafty, and coated (even the glass has paint on it!) in at least one chipping and cracking layer of lead paint - which we knew about when purchasing the house. In fact, in the second picture, you can see how the window doesn't even fit in the frame anymore and you can see the spring mechanism that moves the window up and down. That alone should be enough to show you how drafty the windows are. For the last few months, we've had a kitchen towel shoved into the space to keep some of the cold air from coming in the house. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OPhQ2EVHkAHvNuhs13hwUbjVekRZnP3hwymLqguPaJsUOZTmHKy0LK3_EOEfkW0TmqRGyYKJ5PFakM3p6aE0Xrc5FEVZK7K5fOKThCaC6RrqeOcULqX1s3xxK-ny7jEAjJMj0rNEDaHB/s1600/IMAG1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OPhQ2EVHkAHvNuhs13hwUbjVekRZnP3hwymLqguPaJsUOZTmHKy0LK3_EOEfkW0TmqRGyYKJ5PFakM3p6aE0Xrc5FEVZK7K5fOKThCaC6RrqeOcULqX1s3xxK-ny7jEAjJMj0rNEDaHB/s1600/IMAG1109.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXyoKRCzudLeuepGI4Q3TjN5nXMpaZK6b2ewZqG5FvjhyuIizrpQvhQcfLvHZuCPQ7erpX_ShebeXkIdYQMkULCboB5XjPTQZta1pmhT02tY0Yyf-Uj2_ee3rJ8I6AwD4Oanb6DfmwTHh/s1600/IMAG1110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXyoKRCzudLeuepGI4Q3TjN5nXMpaZK6b2ewZqG5FvjhyuIizrpQvhQcfLvHZuCPQ7erpX_ShebeXkIdYQMkULCboB5XjPTQZta1pmhT02tY0Yyf-Uj2_ee3rJ8I6AwD4Oanb6DfmwTHh/s1600/IMAG1110.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, the windows needed replacing. I don't know the entire process for removing the old windows and installing the new ones, but I do know that these guys were quick! They started the work around 10am and finished right around 5pm, and as far as what they did do, I know that they carefully removed the existing window trim to reuse it after the install was complete, they removed the old windows without breaking any glass, installed the new ones, again, with no broken glass, thankfully, cut and installed some new trim where the old trim wasn't the right size, caulked the trim and the outside of the window framing, sanded down the caulk and trim, cleaned their work areas with actual cleaner, and lastly, performed a lead test to make sure that all debris was removed according to State law. That's a lot of work for two people to do in just one work day! I was very impressed, since on top of all of that, it was also gross December weather with constant rain and temperatures in the high 40s!</div>
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I wasn't able to get too many pictures of the process, as the installation team had the room sheeted off to keep all of the heat in the rest of the house and the debris contained to that one room. I was able to snag two photos really quickly, both of which show some new windows installed and one missing. I asked them about the large picture window and they estimated that it weighed close to 300 pounds! It's crazy to think how heavy glass actually is! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPp2Rt30Wt-q8oe-PtbVooNQtx-kN5ONhwLWdpzCn56o39deAurIdb5MBk5N6RPG7PSh49KcZodt5L-vfflmHd-GyE75nc3pzi6vwgGvHZXLC3yklhq50VLm8WY7C1a9bn3Z4eFBHuCFRE/s1600/IMAG1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPp2Rt30Wt-q8oe-PtbVooNQtx-kN5ONhwLWdpzCn56o39deAurIdb5MBk5N6RPG7PSh49KcZodt5L-vfflmHd-GyE75nc3pzi6vwgGvHZXLC3yklhq50VLm8WY7C1a9bn3Z4eFBHuCFRE/s1600/IMAG1116.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFspc41W4LHI5I35MV050NQ8-C8OBVhY_eZ_ZtxC7EhZMU2adr3y5wdM0WQAj0aM6-HeVf1yu7hGDxBFoVf7nzOu2NolCmSue0IN57yHy-TDLg_hO7LjqWQZBqKtXgVjRfo7S7DJRqulV/s1600/IMAG1118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFspc41W4LHI5I35MV050NQ8-C8OBVhY_eZ_ZtxC7EhZMU2adr3y5wdM0WQAj0aM6-HeVf1yu7hGDxBFoVf7nzOu2NolCmSue0IN57yHy-TDLg_hO7LjqWQZBqKtXgVjRfo7S7DJRqulV/s1600/IMAG1118.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wish I could have seen more of the process, but it was actually kind of nice to just have seen the before and then see the after. Different than most projects around here since I am the one seeing them through. It kind of made me feel like one of those renovation home shows, where they ask you what you want then send you away (all the way to the Kitchen!) and don't bring you back in until the space is finished! I like it better when I can see the progress though. I'm just curious like that, I guess.</div>
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Anyways, after everything was installed and cleaned up, I was finally able to get back into the space to see the newly installed windows, and they looked great! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yMn4K4qAckdYImnTj8FMiHq-UR08826krajLbTC_2JNJxC2CqWn5u5EmMOuFRAE8Pw26In1vPteZRsH1-5EG63xWoDFVfF4EzKr41-l82qTyJk3I07kUZ05pEGO4qQHQ2PGrw-bTD7u8/s1600/IMAG1133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yMn4K4qAckdYImnTj8FMiHq-UR08826krajLbTC_2JNJxC2CqWn5u5EmMOuFRAE8Pw26In1vPteZRsH1-5EG63xWoDFVfF4EzKr41-l82qTyJk3I07kUZ05pEGO4qQHQ2PGrw-bTD7u8/s1600/IMAG1133.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTRICuKj4HI7B_poo5UbY4Aad7IeMOozWvnpJYRLsmXNKZYGxCf95X_3MHwfohkB3iy5llvtmCVegT8SNh_UC8aEWanlXpqlKTLW6MjfEYytVq2gAv_a7TolDxwiPLovS6wtxJAun6MtQ/s1600/IMAG1132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTRICuKj4HI7B_poo5UbY4Aad7IeMOozWvnpJYRLsmXNKZYGxCf95X_3MHwfohkB3iy5llvtmCVegT8SNh_UC8aEWanlXpqlKTLW6MjfEYytVq2gAv_a7TolDxwiPLovS6wtxJAun6MtQ/s1600/IMAG1132.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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Ah! So much better and so much more efficient!! We decided to go with a grille on each of the panes because we wanted the front of the house to match the windows in the Family Room/Kitchen addition and the Master Bedroom, all of which have those grilles as well. And in terms of screens, we went with a full window screen, much to my dismay, although the compromise on Dylan's behalf was allowing me to choose the HD screens, which allow in more than 30% more light to the room.<br />
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I can't wait to get this room painted and to start adding furniture! It's going to be so exciting to be able to use this space now that it will be nice and warm and bright!<br />
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Have you had your windows replaced recently? What was the process like for you?</div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-87266946666583791002014-02-14T13:48:00.000-05:002014-02-26T15:10:40.905-05:00Flash Sale Friday: Pink, Purple, and RedIt's time for another...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOn0BW8GKGU2X_H3Ac1xnYX9uO_dV8dD7m6BXG1vmkhC_7obRxs7WriM1v0GPV82tp4JNZZeZ0NwMeiIk7YGFs43xsjFTnA_6fwf_NhXwhFF9UxZoy-RAuM8efE2lnysN7OlMsa0tiPU6/s1600/flashsalefridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOn0BW8GKGU2X_H3Ac1xnYX9uO_dV8dD7m6BXG1vmkhC_7obRxs7WriM1v0GPV82tp4JNZZeZ0NwMeiIk7YGFs43xsjFTnA_6fwf_NhXwhFF9UxZoy-RAuM8efE2lnysN7OlMsa0tiPU6/s400/flashsalefridaylogo.jpg" height="85" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each week, I will be featuring some of the week's best picks from my favorite Flash Sale sites and creating a room inspiration board for all of you to enjoy! If you have a room that needs decorating and you are looking for some inspiration, feel free to <a href="mailto:rhodylifeblog@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> what you are looking for, and I'll see what I can come up with for you, and you will be featured in a future Flash Sale Friday post!<br />
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If you would like to become a member to one of the sites featured in this Flash Sale Friday post, feel free to create an account from the links I have provided below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/" target="_blank">55 Downing Street</a><br />
<a href="http://vnlink.co/SbNbjty" target="_blank">Beyond the Rack</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/amanda-rhody-life" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Joss & Main</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hautelook.com/short/3NGfx" target="_blank">Hautelook</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Rue La La</a><br />
<a href="https://www.homesav.com/signup?urc=IVWcJ5taGwr" target="_blank">HomeSav</a><br />
<a href="http://myhabit.com/ref=qd_mr_per_l?refcust=XO2XZNRFELKBADOW4RLMGGWYH4" target="_blank">MyHabit</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wayfair.com/invite?rfr=51756974905" target="_blank">Wayfair</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ideeli.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Ideeli</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gilt.com/invite/138702636adynjqwtdh7" target="_blank">Gilt</a></div>
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<a href="http://fab.com/de2fxk" target="_blank">Fab</a><br />
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Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that you are all dressed up in your pinks, purples, and reds, and that you enjoy eating candy, going out to dinner, and spending time with those you love. Even though it may be a little later to decorate for the holiday, I figured it was still perfect for me to find some great home decor items for your home that are inspired by Valentine's Day. And while altogether these items may seem very seasonal, individually, they could be used in your home year round!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZmly-EKoXcZr8bJCBDcSDjRAl1hBKghMGEKh9AYlM_8c4TeKeEub9wZj6LR2uRlVvjW-AxotHUHX5LAeMW6cV3Fj__5YTpLdhysR2FZanXvQaOMyktHD3kxMRSAa18HRp6jvEui9Mp2K/s1600/flashsalefriday25.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZmly-EKoXcZr8bJCBDcSDjRAl1hBKghMGEKh9AYlM_8c4TeKeEub9wZj6LR2uRlVvjW-AxotHUHX5LAeMW6cV3Fj__5YTpLdhysR2FZanXvQaOMyktHD3kxMRSAa18HRp6jvEui9Mp2K/s1600/flashsalefriday25.gif" /></a></div>
1. <a href="http://www.ideeli.com/events/173582/offers/10377250/latest_view/3448238?mi=pinterest&utm_source=pinterest" target="_blank">Damask Stripe Sheet Set via Ideeli</a> 2. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Think-Pink-Callas-Tray~GAHF1119~E8831.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Callas Tray via Joss & Main</a> 3. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/home/sale/home-design-2/product/1030057591-natural-torino-madrid-pillow?utm_source=pinterest.com&pil_guid=c1cfd7cb-07c5-454e-a620-30a9489b68aa" target="_blank">Torino Madrid Pillow in Fuschia via Gilt</a> 4. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/32497/1717473?or=1" target="_blank">Moroccan Pouf in Magenta via One Kings Lane</a> 5. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/home/sale/home-design-2/product/164691500-broksonic-broksonic-hybrid-ultrasonic-humidifier-and-diffuser?utm_source=pinterest.com&pil_guid=c1cfd7cb-07c5-454e-a620-30a9489b68aa" target="_blank">Broksonic Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier and Diffuser via Gilt</a> 6. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/32497/1007148?or=1" target="_blank">Marjorie Console in Red via One Kings Lane</a><u> </u>7. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Sweet-Treats-3-Piece-Vivianne-Canister-Set~CYPR2180~E9216.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Three-Piece Vivianne Canister Set via Joss & Main</a><u> </u>8. <a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/seating/avril-purple-storage-bench__w1749.htm#" target="_blank">Avril Purple Storage Bench via 55 Downing Street</a><u> </u>9. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/32815/1212340?or=1" target="_blank">Terraza Rug in Scarlet via One Kings Lane</a> 10. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/32608/346167?or=1" target="_blank">Herringbone Alpaca Throw in Hot Pink via One Kings Lane</a> 11. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Curl-Up-in-Color-Watercolor-Dots-Berry-Duvet-Cover~NDY11238~E9148.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Watercolor Dots Berry Duvet Cover via Joss & Main</a> 12. <a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/table-lamps/radiant-orchid-apothecary-table-lamp__y4194-3w265-1c576.htm" target="_blank">Radiant Orchid Apothecary Table Lamp via 55 Downing Street</a><br />
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Is Valentine's Day one of those holidays that you tend to skip over in your home decor? If not, how do you decorate for the holiday? Any favorite candies?</div>
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Please Note: All of the images in this post have been used with permission. Images were not modified or altered to fit in this inspiration board. Flash Sale invitation links may provide me with rewards if items are purchased by a new member.</div>
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Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-70082303380674489272014-02-12T09:48:00.002-05:002020-04-28T22:50:11.956-04:00DIY: Sunburst Mirror Clock<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's finally done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the weekend, I finished up a project that I was so excited to make - I was finally able to get our sunburst clock up on the wall! You may remember this clock from the <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/03/family-room-redesign.html">Family Room design plan</a>, and I believe that I told you that it was inspired by some mid-century style mirrors that I had come across. I have seen some people recreate the mirrors, but I wanted to take it one step further and make mine into a clock. We used to have a clock up on that wall, but the style matched my parents furniture more than it matches ours, so we took it down when we were <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/12/i-will-never-paint-this-kitchen-again.html">prepping the walls for painting</a>. Ever since then, you know, back in December, we have constantly been looking at that wall for the time, so we knew that we had to get a clock back up there soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, this project wasn't very difficult, but there were a lot of steps, so this post will almost be picture overload. Sorry, I'm not sorry! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing that I did was decide how large I wanted the clock to be. I wanted it to be a statement piece on that large purple wall, so I thought that three feet in diameter would be perfect. I bought a 12" craft mirror from Hobby Lobby, as I didn't want something expensive since I would be gluing things to it and drilling a hole in the center. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZRlYNVftUKbssKMS63cI4Ypg8mLz7FGnj0IyXEmn1OUpkJDEu3s0CauIdlP2SAS8NejJINrHrEmn-s0MhM8FqAr8mUd32n56D7sbJqbh9G8AhgVW772Gz8bGP_M6Ql4R1MXbL98YrFmN/s1600/IMG_6135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZRlYNVftUKbssKMS63cI4Ypg8mLz7FGnj0IyXEmn1OUpkJDEu3s0CauIdlP2SAS8NejJINrHrEmn-s0MhM8FqAr8mUd32n56D7sbJqbh9G8AhgVW772Gz8bGP_M6Ql4R1MXbL98YrFmN/s1600/IMG_6135.JPG" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also picked up some wooden dowels in two different diameters, so that the sunburst clock had some depth. I chose to go with 1/4" and 3/8" diameters, and bought the 4' dowels so I could get as many sticks out of each dowel as possible. Using just a wire cutter, although you could use a hack saw too, I cut the dowels into lengths of 13", 12", and 11" making sure I had the same amount of each length and width. I chose the lengths because I wanted the dowels to extend to a maximum of 12" from the side of the mirror, and I needed approximately 1" for securing the dowel to the backside of the mirror. Make sure that you take that into consideration when cutting your lengths, as you don't want to end up with a smaller size clock than you anticipated.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb__cj4UEhiw7laMTu5SapgubwoQ2M2yS9xDR8j2NAjEs4pd6-7NdN1u7iXD_jx0qLidubG2qAvJY9hZX4gi7XjsVPtO3kGrfWCOOVziqOiAI4tsT7T5mISLTw7hRCR9r92RH-uNkjFVc/s1600/IMG_6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb__cj4UEhiw7laMTu5SapgubwoQ2M2yS9xDR8j2NAjEs4pd6-7NdN1u7iXD_jx0qLidubG2qAvJY9hZX4gi7XjsVPtO3kGrfWCOOVziqOiAI4tsT7T5mISLTw7hRCR9r92RH-uNkjFVc/s1600/IMG_6144.JPG" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After cutting the dowels, lay out the dowels in a pattern of your choice, keeping in mind that you may have some that are both different sizes and thicknesses. I started with one of the dowels and placed each one of those in a space on the outside of the mirror. I then followed that by a different size dowel until I used all of the sticks in a consistent pattern around the mirror. I didn't follow any of the directions that others have online, and only did what I liked, so you should do what you feel looks good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once all of my dowels were in place, I did, however, do some simple calculations to figure out how much space I should have between each dowel. Using the diameter of the mirror, 12", I used a circumference calculator online to determine that I was working with 37.67" and then divided that by 30, which is the number of dowels I had, and got 1.25" between each one. If you want to be picky about placement, like me, you can do these same calculations, but if you don't want to, you can always just eye it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvZLpYXMTYDRZztSOnP0YNCMefsFup0qWbfhB5jO0VDNwaxAoaufkxb8pGmjrsohSXBoUpwE7wE557Er69f-Sxt27riNXPlWlEjWMm_9P3VGaK84Eu7i1EQR-Ven2bPaRZod1KvCM0HZO/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvZLpYXMTYDRZztSOnP0YNCMefsFup0qWbfhB5jO0VDNwaxAoaufkxb8pGmjrsohSXBoUpwE7wE557Er69f-Sxt27riNXPlWlEjWMm_9P3VGaK84Eu7i1EQR-Ven2bPaRZod1KvCM0HZO/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After being satisfied with how the clock looked, I wrote down the pattern of the dowels, then I took them down into the basement to my spray painting station and coated them with some silver metallic spray paint. Don't forget that the best method of spray painting is in light layers and not thick coats, so you may want to put three or more layers of spray paint on the dowels in order to get them evenly covered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I was waiting for the dowels to dry between layers of spray paint, I started to prep for drilling the hole in the center of my mirror for the clock mechanism. First, in order to protect the glass surface of your mirror, prop it up on a soft, but raised item. As you can see in the photos below, I used some cleaning cloths I had and supported the mirror on them, while at the same time, leaving the center unsupported, that way the drill bit wouldn't hit the towels or the work surface when it finally cut through the glass. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Without having the proper tools to find the center of my mirror, I used a technique I found online, where you draw three lines of equal length that intersect with two edges of the circle, then draw a line perpendicular to that first one at the center point of the original line. The perpendicular lines will intersect each other at the center spot of your circle, or in this case, your mirror. Make sure to do this on the back of the mirror, as you likely won't have much success drawing on the front side without using a pen or marker that would leave permanent marks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may remember that <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/06/diy-drilling-through-glass.html">I purchased a glass drill bit, and I showed you how to drill a hole in a wine bottle</a> for all of those neat projects you may have in mind. I used my 1/2" drill bit for this project since the post of my clock mechanism was slightly larger than the 1/4" bit that I also own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Applying a medium amount of pressure, I began drilling a hole in the center of the mirror. Make sure that your drill is is a level position and don't apply too much pressure, as you don't want your mirror to shatter. Once you have an indentation made in the back of the mirror, begin adding a few drops of water to the surface of the mirror where the drill bit is making the hole. This will help the glass drill smoothly instead of chipping or cracking when you are drilling. If the water begins to dry out, you should continue to add more, just a few drops at a time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Continue drilling into the back of the mirror, gradually adding pressure so you eventually get the size hole you need for the post of the clock mechanism. This may take up to a half hour, depending on how thick your mirror is, how sharp your glass bit is, and how much pressure you are applying when drilling. Once the hole fits the clock mechanism, you can drill slightly on the front side of the mirror just to make sure that the hole is smooth and free of sharp glass shards, but this step is optional, and slightly chancy since the clock mechanism will likely cover any areas in question. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you are done drilling, you are ready to attach the smaller mirrors to the spray painted dowels. I bought small mirrors that were 1/2", 3/4", and 1" in diameter just to add some depth to the dowels. I laid out the dowels in the pattern that I determined earlier, and then placed the small mirrors below the dowels in order to determine the pattern for those. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you have your layout finished, attach the small mirrors to the dowels. I used Gorilla Glue to do this, but I didn't realize how much the glue bubbles and expands, so if you use this, proceed with caution, because you might end up with some of the mirrors stuck to your work surface, or glue stuck to the front side of the mirrors. If you are looking for alternative adhesives, try silicone, and even though I haven't tried it, hot glue from a glue gun may also work. For actually attaching them I found it easiest to place the small mirror face down, put a small drop of glue on the back, and then place the dowel on top. This allowed me to move the dowels as the glue was drying, in case they began to slide off off center. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the glue dries, you are ready to attach the dowels to the back side of the large mirror. Since I struggled with the Gorilla Glue, I used silicone for this step. To make sure that I had the spacing of the dowels set correctly, I placed them all on the back of the mirror, leaving an inch on the back side of the mirror, and was able to move them around until I had an even placement of 1.25" between each one. Once they were in place, I then used the silicone tube in the caulk gun and placed a thick bead of silicone over the dowels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Using a small craft paint brush, I spread the silicone around each of the dowels so they would be secured onto the mirror. In the picture below, you can see how the top left corner has just the bead of silicone over the dowels, where the rest of the back of the mirror already shows the silicone spread around the base of each stick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let the silicone dry and once you are confident that the dowels are secure in place, you can attach the clock mechanism. Each mechanism will probably be slightly different than the other, but mine was very simple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slide the post through the hole you drilled in the mirror, then on the part that shows through the front side of the mirror attach the washer and the nut and twist it until it's tight. Don't over-tighten the nut, because you don't want to crack the mirror after you have gotten this far! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOpXiUX_HW7dp3QyHSaS54bK__VVeU8Ua1tDMwDnsS4FNr8-QVGLwq_7NG8_wL4aH0DJe9VP9J-nPakh5858toMUJlsfn7BDxjPvcafjaGszEN4HQPAH8mQ72dQ-g2Tg__XRE1ilG-XjI/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOpXiUX_HW7dp3QyHSaS54bK__VVeU8Ua1tDMwDnsS4FNr8-QVGLwq_7NG8_wL4aH0DJe9VP9J-nPakh5858toMUJlsfn7BDxjPvcafjaGszEN4HQPAH8mQ72dQ-g2Tg__XRE1ilG-XjI/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, attach the clock hands, and if your mechanism came with one, pop on the little cap that keeps the clock hands on the post. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNil5BDo8Rxxs8_o4w7nPhKZaFQzPKV7wolesXl3ycNZdPJgM7Ww82lNvCkHU_AjXQbz62RwBLd6g0NJ4AZNb47houZPoJf96N9NIx8RVRBaIhBrTJfVQlxJoDbF3XGvisoY2RhXvLadT/s1600/IMG_6506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNil5BDo8Rxxs8_o4w7nPhKZaFQzPKV7wolesXl3ycNZdPJgM7Ww82lNvCkHU_AjXQbz62RwBLd6g0NJ4AZNb47houZPoJf96N9NIx8RVRBaIhBrTJfVQlxJoDbF3XGvisoY2RhXvLadT/s1600/IMG_6506.JPG" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbrtNDg8ZHbVzK-MWYjVRCK5DgJo6jHEz9sCeF2XmM96war2i3KemZ2OwQNfvi8OM85GUTIRu8PTuBvPuPpZ6RqNUKSr6bVt-zo8U7Q7UIVcgsI65PnD_FzkeBMXO-r92xTqzr0iVHMBW/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbrtNDg8ZHbVzK-MWYjVRCK5DgJo6jHEz9sCeF2XmM96war2i3KemZ2OwQNfvi8OM85GUTIRu8PTuBvPuPpZ6RqNUKSr6bVt-zo8U7Q7UIVcgsI65PnD_FzkeBMXO-r92xTqzr0iVHMBW/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, clean off the front sides of all the mirrors with your favorite glass cleaner, and then hang your masterpiece up on the wall!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsqAAZP-mhvOklJztoC355iZCGyJlBp1tSzye886fHRB9NjzyEStaSZbKubg0wEs7Wo89T0glE9DW8y4cv9R6o-DIhjdQyKxLAM3_4KHbaAxx2pzTF24rn1kyGNj_X_bjXZGpzNCIXEaM/s1600/IMG_6516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsqAAZP-mhvOklJztoC355iZCGyJlBp1tSzye886fHRB9NjzyEStaSZbKubg0wEs7Wo89T0glE9DW8y4cv9R6o-DIhjdQyKxLAM3_4KHbaAxx2pzTF24rn1kyGNj_X_bjXZGpzNCIXEaM/s1600/IMG_6516.JPG" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ta-da! I am very happy with the way that this project came out, however there are a few things I think I would have liked to change. It turns out that these clock hands are just a little too small for the size of the clock face, so it does look a little strange. Maybe I will try to find some different ones, because changing out the clock mechanism should be easy as long as the post hole can remain the same size. The other thing that kind of irks me is how small the clock looks on the wall! I can't believe that a clock with a three foot diameter could look so small. I thought that would be plenty big enough, but it does look kind of lost up there. Maybe this is just an opportunity to put some picture frames with <a href="http://www.mcmodify.com/" target="_blank">my favorite digital art prints</a> in them on each side of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your thoughts? Do you love this clock? Does this make you want to create your own in your own style? Should I put pictures on either side to help the wall feel fuller?</span></div>
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Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-18424140097532139372014-02-07T13:06:00.001-05:002014-02-26T15:10:19.265-05:00Flash Sale Friday: Olympic Rings and Round ThingsIt's time for another...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOn0BW8GKGU2X_H3Ac1xnYX9uO_dV8dD7m6BXG1vmkhC_7obRxs7WriM1v0GPV82tp4JNZZeZ0NwMeiIk7YGFs43xsjFTnA_6fwf_NhXwhFF9UxZoy-RAuM8efE2lnysN7OlMsa0tiPU6/s1600/flashsalefridaylogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOn0BW8GKGU2X_H3Ac1xnYX9uO_dV8dD7m6BXG1vmkhC_7obRxs7WriM1v0GPV82tp4JNZZeZ0NwMeiIk7YGFs43xsjFTnA_6fwf_NhXwhFF9UxZoy-RAuM8efE2lnysN7OlMsa0tiPU6/s400/flashsalefridaylogo.jpg" height="85" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each week, I will be featuring some of the week's best picks from my favorite Flash Sale sites and creating a room inspiration board for all of you to enjoy! If you have a room that needs decorating and you are looking for some inspiration, feel free to <a href="mailto:rhodylifeblog@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> what you are looking for, and I'll see what I can come up with for you, and you will be featured in a future Flash Sale Friday post!<br />
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If you would like to become a member to one of the sites featured in this Flash Sale Friday post, feel free to create an account from the links I have provided below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/" target="_blank">55 Downing Street</a><br />
<a href="http://vnlink.co/SbNbjty" target="_blank">Beyond the Rack</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/amanda-rhody-life" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Joss & Main</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hautelook.com/short/3NGfx" target="_blank">Hautelook</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Rue La La</a><br />
<a href="https://www.homesav.com/signup?urc=IVWcJ5taGwr" target="_blank">HomeSav</a><br />
<a href="http://myhabit.com/ref=qd_mr_per_l?refcust=XO2XZNRFELKBADOW4RLMGGWYH4" target="_blank">MyHabit</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wayfair.com/invite?rfr=51756974905" target="_blank">Wayfair</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ideeli.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Ideeli</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gilt.com/invite/138702636adynjqwtdh7" target="_blank">Gilt</a></div>
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<a href="http://fab.com/de2fxk" target="_blank">Fab</a><br />
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If you couldn't already tell by the title of this week's Flash Sale Friday, Rhody Life is celebrating the Olympics! Dylan and I are so excited that the Winter Olympics have finally started, and we are really looking forward to watching tonight's Opening Ceremonies. Our favorite event to watch is Curling - not something that you see every day, or something that is readily available to play, but it's such an interesting sport to watch. </div>
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So, in honor of the Winter Olympics, this Flash Sale Friday is based loosely on the Olympic Rings - round things in the colors of the rings. Most of the logos of the Olympic rings are shown in Gold or White, but the actual colors of the rings are Yellow, Green, Blue, Red, and Black. So, without any more hesitation or rambling about Curling, here are this week's items!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOkI6utFnqd1zsN3WYx4NClFKWMdehP_si5GBjHPEaEDZuoPywb19GR9Lw5iFpqJ8s7HR_NY4dO03M5obbkrVUQ2gJlioJT4pK_XPRym58tO4tp8rhqC8b68zo6eHWtgh_8UUGFxuZcyb/s1600/flashsalefriday24.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOkI6utFnqd1zsN3WYx4NClFKWMdehP_si5GBjHPEaEDZuoPywb19GR9Lw5iFpqJ8s7HR_NY4dO03M5obbkrVUQ2gJlioJT4pK_XPRym58tO4tp8rhqC8b68zo6eHWtgh_8UUGFxuZcyb/s1600/flashsalefriday24.gif" /></a></div>
1. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/brand/qualitas-candles/product/1019231677-qualitas-candles-wild-honey-candle?pil_guid=c1cfd7cb-07c5-454e-a620-30a9489b68aa&utm_source=pinterest.com" target="_blank">Wild Honey Candle via Gilt</a> 2. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/home/sale/flea-market-chic-2664/product/1045619629-three-hands-metal-trays-set-of-3?utm_source=pinterest.com&pil_guid=c1cfd7cb-07c5-454e-a620-30a9489b68aa" target="_blank">Set of 3 Metal Trays via Gilt</a> 3. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/32726/1512666?or=1" target="_blank">Interlude Lapis Oval Platter via One Kings Lane</a> 4. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/home/sale/lighting-157/product/165956911-zuo-subatomic-ceiling-lamp?utm_source=pinterest.com&pil_guid=c1cfd7cb-07c5-454e-a620-30a9489b68aa" target="_blank">Subatomic Ceiling Lamp via Gilt</a> 5. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/home/sale/flea-market-chic-2664/product/1045136322-home-essentials-metal-baskets-set-of-3?utm_source=pinterest.com&pil_guid=c1cfd7cb-07c5-454e-a620-30a9489b68aa" target="_blank">Set of 3 Metal Baskets via Gilt</a><br />
6. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Shine-Bright-Sorano-Table-Lamp-in-Green~SM5495~E8998.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Sorano Table Lamp in Green via Joss & Main</a> 7. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/A-Lovely-Escape-Martine-Storage-Ottoman~EIXC1104~E8976.html?referrerid=4E99B0&refid=JSBP" target="_blank">Martine Storage Ottoman via Joss & Main</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/tables/louisa-sea-green-round-accent-table__4d633.htm" target="_blank">Louisa Sea Green Round Accent Table via 55 Downing Street</a> 9. <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/product/14781290?sid=98996" target="_blank">Lenox Kobenstyle Chili Red Casserole Dish via Hautelook</a> 10. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/32373/1946151?or=1" target="_blank">Murano Bowl in Blue via One Kings Lane</a> 11. <a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/tables/kraven-round-black-accent-table__2t799.htm" target="_blank">Kraven Round Black Accent Table via 55 Downing Street</a> 12. <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/product/14821962?sid=98996" target="_blank">Print Pouf in Brick Red via Hautelook</a> 13. <a href="http://www.myhabit.com/#page=d&sale=AMWF483GF73O7&asin=B00CAZ3J0G&cAsin=B00CAZ3HTO&fc=1&ref=qd_dp_r" target="_blank">Europe2You Green Mason Jar via MyHabit</a> 14. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/32916/2043335?or=1" target="_blank">Crimson Lacquer Mirror via One Kings Lane</a> 15. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/From-the-Ground-Up-Oxford-Rug-in-Navy~FV43082~E9016.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Oxford Rug in Navy via Joss & Main</a> 16. <a href="http://www.beyondtherack.com/event/sku/42941/POW256269?filter[size]=&sortBy=&category=4" target="_blank">Round Spindle Table in Muted Yellow via Beyond the Rack</a> 17. <a href="http://www.myhabit.com/homepage?#page=d&dept=home&sale=AC4JS1H000F5U&asin=B00G68KABO&cAsin=B007IU6DPQ&ref=qd_g_b_img_d_26" target="_blank">Leff Amsterdam Glass Arabic Clock via MyHabit</a><br />
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Yes, I do know that not all of these things are round, like the rug, for example, but the pattern on it is round, so it plays along with this week's theme. I know, it's kind of a stretch, but stay with me please! You know I'm not afraid of color, so this post really speaks to me. Plus, it can also inspire you to decorate your home a little bit for this once-every-four-year-event (or two if you count Summer Olympics!)! </div>
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Do you have any of the five colors of the Olympic Rings in your home? Which one is your favorite to decorate with? What is your favorite Winter Olympic Event?</div>
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Please Note: All of the images in this post have been used with permission. Images were not modified or altered to fit in this inspiration board. Flash Sale invitation links may provide me with rewards if items are purchased by a new member.</div>
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Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-69768615606434602272014-02-06T15:58:00.002-05:002014-02-24T13:50:38.510-05:00DIY: DAP Presto Patch[ed] My WallI've mentioned before that there were some shortcuts taken when our house was last renovated. One of them was in the bathroom on the first floor. While they did an excellent job with the remodeling in general, there were some things that just weren't done right. One of those things was the installation of the towel bar. <br />
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For one, they originally installed the towel bar so far behind the bathroom door that there is actually a dent in the back of the door where it has been swung open with such force that the towel bar has left an imprint in the wood. Also, they didn't install the towel bar into the studs behind the wall. Now, I know this isn't an absolutely necessary thing, but drywall was not meant to hold extremely heavy things, like wet bath towels, even if you use anchors with the hardware. <br />
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It doesn't seem like the bathroom was used much by the last homeowner, as it was just one person living in the house, but for the time that my family was living with us, they used the bathroom on a daily basis. And the towel bar didn't really last that long. By the time they were ready to move out, the bar was just barely hanging on, and the drywall that was holding it up was cracking and breaking apart.<br />
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I removed the towel bar to find multiple holes on each side, where it looks as though this problem has existed before and the bar was simply moved up an inch each time. Considering that the rest of the drywall was starting to break and it's strength was essentially non-existent, I moved it to the right a few inches to a part of the drywall that was in good shape. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8dmff-yklnH0YvDX4nO8SkEmNC8fBKUZ0kmzwrmF9fVhv3wZNbBil6TZ7-xZFn87kjvMeI72Aj8UNvj0-hmEh-BELaCgtWgmb9G1TRgWoD-RFaf-6RUkefH6n8u4U_D9AY3HJImZhqox/s1600/IMG_6174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8dmff-yklnH0YvDX4nO8SkEmNC8fBKUZ0kmzwrmF9fVhv3wZNbBil6TZ7-xZFn87kjvMeI72Aj8UNvj0-hmEh-BELaCgtWgmb9G1TRgWoD-RFaf-6RUkefH6n8u4U_D9AY3HJImZhqox/s1600/IMG_6174.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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The next step, however, was to patch those two spots, and I had just the thing to do it with. One of the last times I was at Lowe's getting paint for the trim in the house, I was waiting by the paint counter for the gallon to be mixed and happened to look down at all of the painting supplies they had right there and saw the coolest little thing. It was called the Presto Patch by DAP, and it's a 3" drywall circle that is made for small repairs in walls, just like the ones that I had. I picked two of them up, knowing that I had this project to complete and brought them home, excited to try them out in the bathroom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBybwgzPIwG29sL5-4fj4KkFAXJqICveOqj9cpQo96wuwf6aA8bySCzaeQweGLJ4JtcPhUVbIjC1GCK2X10p2dfv5ZohRjsQ-mcFRF1dz6WNpnFj8l_wojtPxK71w-ZbvbDterGD4NMFK/s1600/IMG_6181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBybwgzPIwG29sL5-4fj4KkFAXJqICveOqj9cpQo96wuwf6aA8bySCzaeQweGLJ4JtcPhUVbIjC1GCK2X10p2dfv5ZohRjsQ-mcFRF1dz6WNpnFj8l_wojtPxK71w-ZbvbDterGD4NMFK/s1600/IMG_6181.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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In addition to the Presto Patch, I used a few other tools and supplies for this project: Box Cutter, Drywall Saw, Putty Knife, Drywall Knife, and Joint Compound. All of these supplies can also be found at your hardware store, although some of you may already have them on hand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeM2iZ9uQy22RpMUp9nX_-54e7kBjrYJ8p13oLFz1Nw0JM_bGFAPWSedz5aH72bFCilTXSdogU4SuQOuQLwo-LkIwjxLRdYmwm20hRR4TM6Rgy3HkdX-SO7cu-645hM73cG5GIL0qsVBC/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeM2iZ9uQy22RpMUp9nX_-54e7kBjrYJ8p13oLFz1Nw0JM_bGFAPWSedz5aH72bFCilTXSdogU4SuQOuQLwo-LkIwjxLRdYmwm20hRR4TM6Rgy3HkdX-SO7cu-645hM73cG5GIL0qsVBC/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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To patch the wall, I first opened the Presto Patch package and removed the styrofoam protector they put around the drywall circle. Using the styrofoam circle as a template, I placed it up against the wall , making sure I had the spot centered in the middle, and then traced around the inside of the cutout with a pencil. Then, using my drywall saw, I started cutting out the broken drywall, inserting it into one of the holes that was made by the towel bar. You'll notice in the picture below that my drywall was so damaged that a larger piece chipped off on the left. Don't worry if this ends up happening to you, because the paper that is attached to the Presto Patch will likely cover it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK8yumm1p0FxGfubZDGhO8Pbmp-Od7ALqFL6bee1H1mJPg_0OiuHEwiOSQI2c-sPuh0HwzIzD7u6c5DUUxQFRUqkE4PtC-l-7iHfpfdSSdpTlwweiMOE8sXRFReFaZoRvmxxEoPCi91iZ/s1600/patch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK8yumm1p0FxGfubZDGhO8Pbmp-Od7ALqFL6bee1H1mJPg_0OiuHEwiOSQI2c-sPuh0HwzIzD7u6c5DUUxQFRUqkE4PtC-l-7iHfpfdSSdpTlwweiMOE8sXRFReFaZoRvmxxEoPCi91iZ/s1600/patch.png" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Once you have your hole cut, dry-fit the patch into the hole that you have just cut out. If it fits perfectly, you're ready for the next part, but if you can't fit it without forcing it, round out the hole just a little bit more with your drywall saw. You'll want a tight but not-too-tight fit for this hole, that way the joint compound can expand into the space and secure the patch in place. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJfR22R9RLb5ipZqxqW_fuSoN39t0d4j5zyHkyigZY3NIDlkX5eTa9I9FkFbgku09wGl7zMv0fUMTLg3reA_N2M3eWVHRYcerizbBfDJ0Q8BCAyCocQmcQL48Z7XCo6djWuR1bPOatnjd/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJfR22R9RLb5ipZqxqW_fuSoN39t0d4j5zyHkyigZY3NIDlkX5eTa9I9FkFbgku09wGl7zMv0fUMTLg3reA_N2M3eWVHRYcerizbBfDJ0Q8BCAyCocQmcQL48Z7XCo6djWuR1bPOatnjd/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Depending on the location of your hole, you may also need to trim some of the paper that is attached to the Presto Patch. In my case, I had some tile that started just below the patch, so I cut the bottom part of the paper off the patch, and left enough room that my joint compound layer wouldn't hit the line of grout attaching the tile to the wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrbeQmogrQGUK0RFNfhOHJCMdqcAc8njFshNDlN5HNKIuS8ycI2Ud5Ltm3mhzu_qBFCjxlg5WhSxq4NQOTHQC_I-_yCdIzMBQravt4-3-oOkItyaN3Wf4A6Q9EqYgrduFCH6L-DaBd-Wj/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrbeQmogrQGUK0RFNfhOHJCMdqcAc8njFshNDlN5HNKIuS8ycI2Ud5Ltm3mhzu_qBFCjxlg5WhSxq4NQOTHQC_I-_yCdIzMBQravt4-3-oOkItyaN3Wf4A6Q9EqYgrduFCH6L-DaBd-Wj/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Next, it's time for the joint compound. Using your small putty knife, mix up the joint compound to make sure it has a smooth and wet consistency, not a dryish crumbly one. Apply some joint compound to the putty knife and spread it around the outside of the drywall circle. Once you have the outside of the circle covered, spread more onto the paper, making sure you get it completely covered with the compound. When the paper backing begins getting floppy and damp from the joint compound, you are ready to put the patch in the wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE11S2V-wQ6YoZ55CsuJBifFpsW6_TxN4cQwBdgk9pIQLYEMVhP8nWGWv9HGnyGJi93T2ZYV311DYf5NGKXKKjz2m3BQnOLiFlaC9WHLUOsReK5fNLAjgM5X6fTwfeqMKozWDzCvil2uc/s1600/patch1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE11S2V-wQ6YoZ55CsuJBifFpsW6_TxN4cQwBdgk9pIQLYEMVhP8nWGWv9HGnyGJi93T2ZYV311DYf5NGKXKKjz2m3BQnOLiFlaC9WHLUOsReK5fNLAjgM5X6fTwfeqMKozWDzCvil2uc/s1600/patch1.png" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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I found it easiest to insert the patch from the bottom up, rolling it slightly to get it to fit. Once you have your patch in the wall, press lightly to make sure that it has gone into the hole enough. Using your small putty knife again, start from the center of the patch and work your way out towards the edges of the paper, gently squeezing the excess joint compound out from between the paper and the wall. When the excess compound is removed, switch to your larger putty knife, and begin applying a layer of joint compound to the outside of the paper. Continue to spread the compound until you have the paper backing completely covered and you have a level and smooth coating on your wall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9e0tOzJDcl-IpnZMOeOYtRsVd3Ga_RvjUQH7UJkGJg3I2Qs4RQXw-X0vRDHZuFMZ5V9r3hodQcRHzX2Q0QAE-XgO8sRNXBaUN9RwmSMlGdKLnosfbfag0-u6TKtF5dzdGgnHf_uXT8zJo/s1600/patch2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9e0tOzJDcl-IpnZMOeOYtRsVd3Ga_RvjUQH7UJkGJg3I2Qs4RQXw-X0vRDHZuFMZ5V9r3hodQcRHzX2Q0QAE-XgO8sRNXBaUN9RwmSMlGdKLnosfbfag0-u6TKtF5dzdGgnHf_uXT8zJo/s1600/patch2.png" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Once this layer dries, you can feel free to sand down the joint compound and add any additional layers if you feel you need more coverage. And with that, my wall was Presto Patch[ed]! </div>
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If you are looking for more information on how to get your joint compound layers to be level and even, check out this week's earlier post about patching a large part of a wall. Oh, and don't forget to prime these patch spots before painting over them. Joint compound if very absorbent, and will eat up your good paint, so treat it with primer first to help the color be even on your entire wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjxIyinC1bY2AS6Ju7c24KWV2m2ENbrw5DeJ3wMpvZMPATUEQmRWE4Dxt1m6ihBUn0jyZwgdaDwqnVvSfdD4nCV8Ht0TtUEAFtcgzFuvb2O5DoGaYXCgcdc5zvKrVvW744mR3z-uEtqDr/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjxIyinC1bY2AS6Ju7c24KWV2m2ENbrw5DeJ3wMpvZMPATUEQmRWE4Dxt1m6ihBUn0jyZwgdaDwqnVvSfdD4nCV8Ht0TtUEAFtcgzFuvb2O5DoGaYXCgcdc5zvKrVvW744mR3z-uEtqDr/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have to say that after having replaced a large portion and a small portion of drywall in the last few weeks, I am glad that DAP came up with this easy to use Presto Patch. The paper backing that they use means you don't need to attach the drywall to a stud, like you do when you replace a larger portion or an entire wall. It was quick and very easy to understand, and I believe that even if you had no experience with this before that you could easily accomplish this project. </div>
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Have you ever used the DAP Presto Patch? What was your experience with this product? What else have you used to patch a hole in your drywall?</div>
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PS - Sorry for all the wonky colors in these pictures. The lighting in this room is awful and I did this at sunset one night so the natural light coming from outside was literally changing every minute, and my camera did not like it. I tried to edit them as much as possible, but there's only so much color changing you can do before things start looking either neon or black and white.</div>
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<i>Please Note: I was not compensated for writing this post. I was not contacted by DAP or Lowe's to provide this review. </i><i>All opinions are my own. </i></div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-5140783282768412492014-02-03T10:57:00.001-05:002014-02-24T13:50:08.374-05:00DIY: Wall Replacement and Painting RevealI have a confession to make. Since the middle of June, we have had part of a wall in the smaller bedroom missing. Now, before you call me absolutely crazy, especially with the below freezing temperatures we've had so far this winter, you will be surprised to know that it actually wasn't drafty at all considering it was an exterior wall! I was shocked too.<br />
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So, since June, when we had the drywall and insulation on the exterior wall removed to have some issues repaired, the wall has had a very large part cut out. Don't believe me? Well, here's a picture of the bedroom when we first moved into the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2R7_jtOnpxje3dytUSBwmxHNXrZ_oOb_XrjlgbwB8eY3kN2gkfAvYvwxEbvH-p82h2F2XceiuVl_Sa-MBgeoBb54Ni-VmBlX20IG-qbO0GYOmTNOWWu7UeogF-AN4Bi5MbTmerguzlrQ/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2R7_jtOnpxje3dytUSBwmxHNXrZ_oOb_XrjlgbwB8eY3kN2gkfAvYvwxEbvH-p82h2F2XceiuVl_Sa-MBgeoBb54Ni-VmBlX20IG-qbO0GYOmTNOWWu7UeogF-AN4Bi5MbTmerguzlrQ/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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And here's a picture of the wall with the drywall and insulation removed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL3jYiRujy75uBn9W6BJnUQPxGplzih4zmOXzlaS2IEqTWnPkNsL2FjN_tSkFcvw_9s19uBYKZ_jTENZKcLEVmOSOg7dlbbVDN4NS1LTVjtMjkVBeXiA0TT6WVP-gmme1Pc4tRgc10KLF/s1600/IMAG0967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL3jYiRujy75uBn9W6BJnUQPxGplzih4zmOXzlaS2IEqTWnPkNsL2FjN_tSkFcvw_9s19uBYKZ_jTENZKcLEVmOSOg7dlbbVDN4NS1LTVjtMjkVBeXiA0TT6WVP-gmme1Pc4tRgc10KLF/s1600/IMAG0967.jpg" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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And the picture above is how the room sat for almost seven months. Last week, we finally tackled the wall. We had gotten an estimate from someone about doing the repairs, but after seeing the amount of money that he was asking, I was floored at the cost. I thought it was an astronomical amount to just repair a wall from waist-height down, so I talked with Dylan about it, and we agreed to try to repair it on our own. </div>
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Cue the excitement, folks, because I was actually so pumped to try to do this on our own. This is a skill that I have wanted to have for a while, and was so ready to try to do this. I did some research, including watching some videos on YouTube, and then made a list of supplies we would need and after work one day, we took a trip to the hardware store. </div>
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Here's what we purchased: </div>
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1 Drywall Saw (we purchased two of them, but you will probably only need one) - $11 each</div>
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1 Sheet of Drywall, (you may need more than one sheet depending on what you are patching) - $10.50</div>
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1 lb. Box of 1.5" Drywall Screws - $6.50</div>
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1 12 lb. bucket of Joint Compound - $6.75</div>
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1 10" Drywall Knife - $9</div>
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3 Small Packages of Fiberglass Insulation - $5 each </div>
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And here's what we had on hand already, that you may need to purchase:</div>
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Measuring Tape </div>
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Level</div>
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Box Cutter</div>
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3" Drywall Knife</div>
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Caulk</div>
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Sandpaper</div>
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Work Gloves</div>
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Respirator Masks</div>
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Eye Protection</div>
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Drill</div>
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Total amount of money on the items we purchased was $69.75 but if you need to purchase the items on the other list, the total amount of money you should expect to spend is about $120, not including the purchase of a drill. For this project, the drill was not necessary, but definitely preferred, but if you really wanted to try, you might be able to use a traditional screwdriver. </div>
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So, now onto the project. We ended up cutting more of the drywall out, since there was some small damage to the other areas, and it would end up looking nicer if we took more of it out. So, using the measuring tape and the level, I marked on the walls where we would cut out, and then working on opposite sides of the window Dylan and I got to work with removing more of the drywall. It was easiest to use a box cutter to score the drywall and the years of paint layers first, and then use the drywall saw to cut up and then over. The nice thing about drywall is that once you score the line you want cut, if you start applying pressure to it by bending it slightly, it will break right along the line that you made with the box cutter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbKaEqrdGRzqfFE3EbDp_l9T8ficOqumbHgKHlqdgTrt_EWqNWzHcPCxFWRXMftm8T-IucjrlcCs1ozDDTNBYSo8OMYNh2PVdtvEjLXacDz5mH-YcVbkIjZcE_jna3Dkw5pmF8bxkVhrA/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbKaEqrdGRzqfFE3EbDp_l9T8ficOqumbHgKHlqdgTrt_EWqNWzHcPCxFWRXMftm8T-IucjrlcCs1ozDDTNBYSo8OMYNh2PVdtvEjLXacDz5mH-YcVbkIjZcE_jna3Dkw5pmF8bxkVhrA/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Since we were removing the drywall all the way down to the radiator and all the way up to the bottom of the window moulding, it was important to use a box cutter to score the caulked seal between all of these items. If you are working with an area near moulding, chances are you will need to partially remove some of it, as those pieces are typically secured to the wall with nails. If you just score the areas with your box cutter, they should pry off with just a little force using the back side of a hammer, or a flathead screwdriver.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUWyfOOQ2FThEjN8Vn5xtAFcTWKId8FSkhJCAVNEgzv5T-_Drc4PeuT8Jk7sr2go-r31AIILRHAaVsWvZ3D9TiFaszDU2EAVdBwe5_J3onSTrmV1HqMQ73-gU9slrA0sLzY4Pdpyao_i9/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUWyfOOQ2FThEjN8Vn5xtAFcTWKId8FSkhJCAVNEgzv5T-_Drc4PeuT8Jk7sr2go-r31AIILRHAaVsWvZ3D9TiFaszDU2EAVdBwe5_J3onSTrmV1HqMQ73-gU9slrA0sLzY4Pdpyao_i9/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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It took us about 40 minutes to remove all of the drywall, and while that may seem like a long time, it was actually pretty quick considering we weren't removing the entire wall, and wanted to keep as much of the other drywall in tact. In other words, we were being really careful. When you rip out the drywall, chances are that the old drywall screws will just stay in the studs, so if you're putting new drywall up, take the time to remove the old screws so that you have a better fit and you don't accidentally try to screw into one of them when attaching your new wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaDqLz4QNyiP_lavuZ2yhrZd9MK2ZXxms-bhmkJN2Zw3k1onpQPeOR8E5L6DeszlDPms1-DP2jeA8nlLTF0dpruReaKqNmxcfKiTU_xJLo40hiBvxIsmmEKtskVGRmlLbxEKtSwW-nICW/s1600/IMG_6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaDqLz4QNyiP_lavuZ2yhrZd9MK2ZXxms-bhmkJN2Zw3k1onpQPeOR8E5L6DeszlDPms1-DP2jeA8nlLTF0dpruReaKqNmxcfKiTU_xJLo40hiBvxIsmmEKtskVGRmlLbxEKtSwW-nICW/s1600/IMG_6331.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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After your space is clear, take some careful measurements for the spots that you want to install your new insulation and drywall. We divided our space into three sections - one on each side of the window, and then a long piece underneath the window. Once we had our measurements, I penciled them onto the drywall sheet we purchased, and using just a box cutter, we scored the front side of the drywall, the bent it in half to make the break. This won't break the piece off completely, as the reverse side will still be attached the the paper backing, so once you have your drywall broken, use the box cutter again to cut through the paper. </div>
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For the insulation, the new stuff we bought was not wrapped in paper, so we only needed to use our hands to rip the fiberglass into pieces that would fit well between the studs of our walls. Also, I absolutely have to recommend wearing gloves, a respiratory mask, and eye protection for this part of the job. Fiberglass insulation is no fun when it's microscopic pieces are stuck in your hands, and inhaling the little particles aren't good either. I ended up with a migraine for a day and a half afterwards from inhaling so many of the fiberglass particles and joint compound dust. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_lcXVWdZpwp1v7L6R40gCvL7ZyXjcXeJtx0NgGfrniUtL1ol6ijnLUSlna3np5cCdP4sPpVcvoixyqwmLS4wHgv7oo92oKLbusaTVmRPrEDJAbO7047BqTvhtyRuSa2Ee-FqfxOwmMZX/s1600/IMG_6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_lcXVWdZpwp1v7L6R40gCvL7ZyXjcXeJtx0NgGfrniUtL1ol6ijnLUSlna3np5cCdP4sPpVcvoixyqwmLS4wHgv7oo92oKLbusaTVmRPrEDJAbO7047BqTvhtyRuSa2Ee-FqfxOwmMZX/s1600/IMG_6338.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here's a little tip for before you start installing the new drywall. Since the walls will be mudded (construction term for smothered with joint compound), use a marker to mark on the walls where the studs are. You will want your drywall screws to go through your drywall and secure into the studs, so making sure you know where they are after you have the drywall in place, is important. You can actually see the marks that I made in red Sharpie at the top of the picture below. I also ended up making marks on the radiator, since I knew I would be painting it white anyways. This was very helpful in making sure I was putting the screws in a straight line.</div>
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Always make sure to dry-fit your drywall first to make sure that you have the tightest fit possible in the space. Once you have the piece cut to the size you need, use your drill and the drywall screws to secure the piece in place. Make sure that you countersink the screws too, that way when you mud, the screw heads will not show through and you will end up with a smooth surface.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYUD_YfWQTD5uGJda-MMftmeVmx6i5WxE055E7p06pcqxmVfVQOlAXTdCK8RjvS7ydhyphenhyphen-U1tyKh_VTYAWSHWpFbJxNMl4Se4bgtSsNnZ8f-pj4458yMIQcR73ysvaJJIf1FpuwdXHUNkj/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYUD_YfWQTD5uGJda-MMftmeVmx6i5WxE055E7p06pcqxmVfVQOlAXTdCK8RjvS7ydhyphenhyphen-U1tyKh_VTYAWSHWpFbJxNMl4Se4bgtSsNnZ8f-pj4458yMIQcR73ysvaJJIf1FpuwdXHUNkj/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you are working on a wall that has an electric outlet, light switch, or an air vent, you will need to do some additional measuring to make the cutout for the item. Almost all of these items will be attached to a stud, which actually works in your favor. Since you have already marked your space as to where the studs are, you will only need to do some minimal measuring to mark the location of the hole. For us, we were working with an electrical outlet, which I measured was 9.5" below the bottom of the window frame, and the electrical outlet itself was 2.5" wide by 4.5" high. Using these numbers, we dry-fit the new piece of drywall, and marked where the stud was located, and then drew a box where we had measured the outlet to be. We punched a hole in the drywall and cut out a rectangle using the drywall saw, and realized it was a perfect fit after placing the board back up on the wall. </div>
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Repeat this for the rest of your space, making sure to dry-fit the drywall pieces first and then screw them into place. Before you call this part of the project done, go back and apply pressure to the boards to make sure that it's not flexible at all and that the boards are really in place. If you find that the wall gives at all, make sure to add a few extra drywall screws to secure it in place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArvH1Nse8LVeK9pszwjFXS4T2G_5fNiXlTByUcxto_qPyM9fkuaNnTWhi6Z_ZkZBryh98_JT-KAajbVXIA3PWUxlJNqawZhj45GULN-FtI8fnMZVwXEXNX6k2lkAIwnfJdnEh4kEapbsV/s1600/IMG_6345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArvH1Nse8LVeK9pszwjFXS4T2G_5fNiXlTByUcxto_qPyM9fkuaNnTWhi6Z_ZkZBryh98_JT-KAajbVXIA3PWUxlJNqawZhj45GULN-FtI8fnMZVwXEXNX6k2lkAIwnfJdnEh4kEapbsV/s1600/IMG_6345.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Your last set of steps will be to mud the new boards, or in non-construction terms, add all the joint compound to the cracks. This will be done in at least three phases, so don't worry about getting everything perfect on the first application. Your first step is to add the joint compound to the seams of the drywall. Using your small drywall knife, stir up your joint compound until it is creamy and soft. Grabbing a decent glob, press the joint compound into the cracks of the board seams, adding more until the surfaces are flush together. You will need to do this to all of the cracks. Using your larger drywall knife, go over the top at a 45 degree angle to the seams and smooth out the joint compound. You don't need this to be perfect, as it's just to remove the excess compound so that you don't have to sand an inch of plaster off the walls before your next application. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpYU9O6VIUMKoAUeZNkqOe3th-K-7IfnSV7QZynefiSiLDOZhwhj2hfXZ3UcfHMRE5g6gvZfxPV3sbq1-U5utwaOp0MgG4XAYLwSs2Xv92ioQyRQ0wxiikOL1quzn4mtvHsUP5Fn1KIwt/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpYU9O6VIUMKoAUeZNkqOe3th-K-7IfnSV7QZynefiSiLDOZhwhj2hfXZ3UcfHMRE5g6gvZfxPV3sbq1-U5utwaOp0MgG4XAYLwSs2Xv92ioQyRQ0wxiikOL1quzn4mtvHsUP5Fn1KIwt/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Once the joint compound has set for a few hours and is completely dry, put on your eye protection and your respiratory mask and use some medium-grit sandpaper and sand over the entire area until it is smooth and relatively flat. Be careful not to over-sand on the drywall that hasn't had joint compound applied, as you'll likely take the paper coating off of the board. If you're looking to make sure that you don't have any protruding areas, use a clean drywall knife or your level, and run it gently over the surface so you can see what areas need additional sanding. Vacuum up the area to get rid of all the plaster dust, and don't forget to vacuum the wall as well to get rid of the dust that hasn't fallen onto you or the floor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RybcCQt6Wkgit4vav3CHGo4NDe-f2tCQNl529FDOu4qBIi3HWlPl64NiRn9FGEkBR1AZ5xD9EWhKFO7UVFTKZUvKs04RWxY-TXSg8R13cCxn-UPxQMz5cCmkWtXnyMURAMSER6qsIroH/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RybcCQt6Wkgit4vav3CHGo4NDe-f2tCQNl529FDOu4qBIi3HWlPl64NiRn9FGEkBR1AZ5xD9EWhKFO7UVFTKZUvKs04RWxY-TXSg8R13cCxn-UPxQMz5cCmkWtXnyMURAMSER6qsIroH/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Repeat this process, only this time, apply a thin layer of joint compound to all the parts of the new board. This process is called skim-coating. You will want to try to get the most level layer on the wall, which by using your larger drywall knife, will help you maintain an even layer. Sand again after the area has dried, vacuum, and repeat at least one more time. Once you have at least three layers of joint compound on the wall, use your judgement to determine the coverage and whether or not you have the best finish on the wall. If you think that you need to add more joint compound, don't be afraid to do so.</div>
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Once your joint compound has dried and you are comfortable with the coverage and the look of the wall, add at least one coat of primer to the area. The joint compound is very absorbent, so if you are going for a darker color paint, I would add at least two coats of primer, but for a lighter color, you may be able to get away with just one.</div>
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At this point, you are ready to paint, so gather up those supplies and get that color on the wall!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTclIpM7vvpQxEI3b5pSfaeaipGl-2CxPeD-cLc41RNO5YqA8B7j0IJhgH14R8D115y2rC2VWmOIc6DmrMMr9uA-3-dpgnhdJugdQ7BvDhf-qil44SKlSfCJdjh64rAuZyBj4IyWNTzDR/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTclIpM7vvpQxEI3b5pSfaeaipGl-2CxPeD-cLc41RNO5YqA8B7j0IJhgH14R8D115y2rC2VWmOIc6DmrMMr9uA-3-dpgnhdJugdQ7BvDhf-qil44SKlSfCJdjh64rAuZyBj4IyWNTzDR/s1600/IMG_6397.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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And yes, while this was mostly a post about repairing a large portion of a wall, I guess it's also a reveal of the paint color we chose for this bedroom, which will eventually become the craft room. The color looks a little off since there is such a huge glare from the windows, but I have to tell you, I am so excited that this wall is finally repaired and that the room is painted. All in all, this project, minus the painting and waiting time between coats of joint compound, took only 4 hours, and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Plus, one of the best things was that we saved hundreds of dollars by doing this project ourselves.! I'm actually surprised and kind of proud that Dylan and I were able to do this on our own without ever having done it before! We still have a few touch ups to go as far as paint, like the crown moulding, baseboards, and window trim, but I'm calling this room mostly done since I can start putting in furniture and getting all my craft items out of the master bedroom closet! Also, this wasn't the only room that was painted this weekend! Yipee! I love progress!</div>
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Have you ever repaired or replaced a significant portion of a wall before? Was it easier or harder than you thought it would be?</div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-40174540259674556812014-01-30T15:25:00.001-05:002014-02-26T15:06:21.894-05:00Goodbye Useless Crooked Junk CollectorI'm not sure that you noticed in the last post about replacing the door moulding, but something was missing, wasn't it?<br />
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Here, take a look again. Do you see what it is, or was in this case?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XpyL3UAFObHz6INzG_4OGNOl09sg3lr1E4nvnNDEYGIbiGGTWybLrTDwhOEk6K2GriXal9gfjMeAnF3h5F8f6p7VYShbears4jkXesUBF3Q8efjVKULalyNVfkf5QyDHH-lopk7ZVTSt/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XpyL3UAFObHz6INzG_4OGNOl09sg3lr1E4nvnNDEYGIbiGGTWybLrTDwhOEk6K2GriXal9gfjMeAnF3h5F8f6p7VYShbears4jkXesUBF3Q8efjVKULalyNVfkf5QyDHH-lopk7ZVTSt/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was that silly piece of countertop! It's finally gone! I have been wanting to remove it for a while, but hadn't expressed that to Dylan before. Since it's kind of removed from the rest of the kitchen area, and it's right by the doorway to the rest of the house, it just becomes a junk collector. And I didn't want another one of those, because we already have one by the door to the garage, and it's hard enough to keep that one tidy, nevermind this one! Plus, the countertop was installed at an angle, meaning not at all level, and had a gigantic crack through the middle of it that seems as if it was repaired with construction adhesive. Weird, I know. So, when we were painting the kitchen, I figured that that would be the perfect time - we could take it off, patch the wall, and paint it and no one would ever know that there was countertop there. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJzBb9FMBuUk3ZVgAn7C4rGgqjNpjJvFwUKRDBRh6DVeJ5a4mWwCX5IDV-QzhOEf2wB6E4A-b3C5e4VbjTh97t1KNT5cC30ObonHZ6-92aL_avu_rm33BBFDsBMrt6rcOjYLuOLpDaKur/s1600/IMAG1083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJzBb9FMBuUk3ZVgAn7C4rGgqjNpjJvFwUKRDBRh6DVeJ5a4mWwCX5IDV-QzhOEf2wB6E4A-b3C5e4VbjTh97t1KNT5cC30ObonHZ6-92aL_avu_rm33BBFDsBMrt6rcOjYLuOLpDaKur/s1600/IMAG1083.jpg" height="885" width="500" /></a></div>
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But, as all projects tend to be, this wasn't as easy as it should have been. The picture above and the one below show the countertop, which is attached to both the refrigerator cabinet panel and the wall. But while you wouldn't think that should be a problem, what you couldn't see from above, you could see from below.<br />
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Since this was technically a floating countertop, meaning there aren't any cabinets underneath to hold it, it was braced and attached to the wall using a few pieces of wood. Makes sense, since that's an easy material to attach screws to. However, what isn't so nice is the amount of construction adhesive they also used. You can't really see it well in the picture below, but the countertop was attached to the wood pieces with about a gallon of construction adhesive, and then the edges of the counter AND the wood pieces were adhered to the wall and the cabinet panel with more construction adhesive. THEN, they used about 15 screws (not lying...) to attach the wood pieces to the wall and cabinet panel, you know, just for security. Oh, and don't let me forget to tell you that they decided that they needed to use more construction adhesive to go over the heads of the screws... Also, I feel like I need to say it again - construction adhesive. You're welcome.</div>
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So, here's how we got it off the wall. We scored the seams about ten thousand times with a box cutter, and then with the new drill that I bought myself, we removed the screws from the underside, after chiseling at the heads with the box cutter trying to get rid of all the junk. But, the counter was still really stuck on there. So we brought out the hammer, hit it a few times from both the top and the bottom, and that essentially did nothing. </div>
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Dylan was finally able to get some of it to move after trying to pull and push and twist it off, and at that point, all it took was some really significant weight to get the rest loose, so I sat on the counter, gradually applying more of my body weight until it detached enough that we could get the rest off by hand. And it finally came off, after trying to remove it for about 20 minutes. </div>
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So yeah, things never really go as easily as you plan them to. Especially since you see people ripping out countertops on TV all the time in about 3 seconds flat. Yeah, this little 2 sq. ft. countertop took 20 minutes. But, whatever, because it immediately looked better. I sanded down the area to remove the rest of the construction adhesive and even out the surface where it was painted around before we bought the house, and then slapped on some joint compound to patch the screw holes and some spots where the plaster had chipped accidentally. </div>
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Once that was dried and sanded, we primed and painted it when we did the rest of the kitchen, and then decided to tackle the cabinet panel. I tried to scrub off some of the markings as best as I could, but they really didn't want to come off, so in the meantime, I have filled the screw holes with some wood putty, since the material is particleboard that is just covered in a white laminate, and I'll leave it like that for a while, as we have been brainstorming another project that could potentially be gigantic, time consuming, yet awesome at the same time. </div>
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For now, though, the only evidence of there ever being a countertop there are the patched holes on the side of the cabinet panel. Looking at the wall, you would never know that there was once a useless, crooked, junk collector in that space. And I am so happy about it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XpyL3UAFObHz6INzG_4OGNOl09sg3lr1E4nvnNDEYGIbiGGTWybLrTDwhOEk6K2GriXal9gfjMeAnF3h5F8f6p7VYShbears4jkXesUBF3Q8efjVKULalyNVfkf5QyDHH-lopk7ZVTSt/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XpyL3UAFObHz6INzG_4OGNOl09sg3lr1E4nvnNDEYGIbiGGTWybLrTDwhOEk6K2GriXal9gfjMeAnF3h5F8f6p7VYShbears4jkXesUBF3Q8efjVKULalyNVfkf5QyDHH-lopk7ZVTSt/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" height="667" width="500" /></a><br />
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Have you ever removed your countertops before? Was it more difficult than you thought it would be too? Or am I just the lucky one with a house that was built with construction adhesive? </div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-47719809344675069922014-01-28T15:22:00.003-05:002014-02-26T15:12:32.659-05:00DIY: Door Moulding ReplacementIn order for this story to make any sense, I first need to give you just a little information. When my parents and my sister were living with us, their dogs were allowed only in the family room and the kitchen area, and very rarely ever were allowed in the other side of the house, which is where the first floor bedrooms and the large living room are. So, at night, the dogs would be all alone in that space until someone woke up to go let them out and feed them. Just before my parents moved out of our house, one of my sister's dogs decided that because my mom and my sister accidentally slept past 7:30am, which was normally breakfast time, that he was going to show us all how hungry he was. So, you ask - what did he eat? Well, he ate the door moulding. <br />
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Now, while this may seem like a strange thing to decide to eat, whereas most dogs would probably go for a pillow or a pair of sneakers, at least he ate the door frame that was by the door that leads to the bedrooms, so he was making a point.</div>
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Anyways, just before they moved out, my dad ordered a new piece of moulding to replace the one that was chewed, and repaired the part of the interior frame that was chewed as well. When all of the contractors were working at their new house, they asked to use the miter saw to make the cut, and my dad just used the old piece of moulding as a guide, so no measurements were needed.</div>
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They then returned the moulding to me and I put it in the spare bedroom until this past week, where I finally installed it. This was my first attempt at installing moulding, but I have to say, it was easier than I thought. Granted, I wasn't making the moulding from scratch or trying to put up all of the trim pieces, but it was still new to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky2lnZcgXcohLEZqACGowSeSJEYEXc9_NfzOkAkJpzqYllKlr7mmiqPCz_cNJuQ3IKWdiYs6SqPbiS78W9AsZbhyNgwH9QoWmch-WtIiG34HWg8ugQ_eKFaf3UNRWDenBn4uPSYpM9EWC/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky2lnZcgXcohLEZqACGowSeSJEYEXc9_NfzOkAkJpzqYllKlr7mmiqPCz_cNJuQ3IKWdiYs6SqPbiS78W9AsZbhyNgwH9QoWmch-WtIiG34HWg8ugQ_eKFaf3UNRWDenBn4uPSYpM9EWC/s1600/IMG_6251.JPG" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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Earlier last week, I bought some finishing nails at the hardware store to nail into place. This project would have been much easier to do with a nail gun, but I don't recommend buying one unless you will use it for a significant amount of trim work or other projects, because while it may have taken a bit of time without one, it wasn't enough to justify the purchase of it specifically for this project. I must say, however, that I am contemplating the purchase of one now for some of the other projects that I have planned for the house. :)</div>
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But enough with all the blabber, let's get to the steps I took, shall we?</div>
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First, you'll notice that the trim has been off for a while, so I ended up painting into the spot where the trim is, but that's really actually a good thing, because that means that I won't need to break out the gray paint again after the install. So, I made note of where some of the nail holes were that were used with the old trim, that way I wasn't nailing the trim into the existing holes and I was making new stronger holes. Also, since there is a pretty significant gap between the sheet of drywall and the rest of the door moulding, I wanted to make a mental note of that too so that I don't try to put a nail into the trim and then attach it to the space between. That wouldn't be too much help in securing the piece of trim to the wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh944dXodpWcSs-gPeDpgwl9yRNJhopSuZNEGSEphCCk03W6ZIsLtSnC2HtDI2J7dqT93TE20PgtwzESqTz76spjuWTDTJDYhoTeVhysDc-JZ2btF8bOl-yxW-JqAwDSIPxV0J7wRaHTaet/s1600/IMG_6253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh944dXodpWcSs-gPeDpgwl9yRNJhopSuZNEGSEphCCk03W6ZIsLtSnC2HtDI2J7dqT93TE20PgtwzESqTz76spjuWTDTJDYhoTeVhysDc-JZ2btF8bOl-yxW-JqAwDSIPxV0J7wRaHTaet/s1600/IMG_6253.JPG" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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The other thing that I needed to do before I put the trim up on the wall was to make sure that it would line up properly with the nail that will attach it to the top piece of moulding. Since the existing nail actually split the top moulding, I was stuck with using it's existing hole, so I needed to make sure that when I attached the new piece, that the nail wasn't going to go through the board, while at the same time, make sure that it would hold the two pieces together correctly, with as little gap as possible. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMDCIjtGcDZ-N4ULXVQA19VzYb8k-w9UqHtDmpHVuh8iDoDEz6V243Qq4Nxa_B_GoZI5d2PpR9FpfBGOG3sniv1WXAD1LLt0xOrlJludXP21vSbxMg56c3rljmreihXKjd9p_qfThk6fc/s1600/IMG_6254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMDCIjtGcDZ-N4ULXVQA19VzYb8k-w9UqHtDmpHVuh8iDoDEz6V243Qq4Nxa_B_GoZI5d2PpR9FpfBGOG3sniv1WXAD1LLt0xOrlJludXP21vSbxMg56c3rljmreihXKjd9p_qfThk6fc/s1600/IMG_6254.JPG" height="667" width="500" /></a></div>
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Finally, it was time to put a nail in the moulding. Using my foot to push the bottom towards the wall, and my hands to line up the top, I placed the board in place, and then hammered in the first nail, right in the middle of the board, but hugging the left side of the moulding so I could make sure it would go into the drywall and not into the empty space. I chose to put a nail in the middle first that way I could still twist the moulding if I needed it to match up a little bit more at the top. I tried to take a picture of this process, but as you know, my camera is having some issues, so I ended up looking like a giant blurry blob and the only thing in focus was the right side of the door. </div>
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Anyways, following that first nail, I then made sure the angle matched up with the angle of the top piece of moulding, and then hammered a nail into the top, making sure it wouldn't interfere with the nail that would attach the two pieces together. After that, it was just time to put in the rest of the nails, with the help from a handsome kitty cat, who was very interested at what was going on, but promptly ran away as soon as he heard the hammer banging on the wall. </div>
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Following an alternating pattern, I hammered in the rest of the nails, so one on the left, then one on the right about 10" higher or lower, depending on the direction you are going.</div>
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After putting in the nails, I realized that I didn't have a Nail Set tool, which is the tool that is typically used to countersink the heads of the nails. But, I got creative, and instead, I used a star-bit that was just smaller than the head of the nails so that I wouldn't mark up the moulding any more than the nails already had. So, don't feel the need to buy one of those tools if you don't have one, especially if you will only have one project to use it on. </div>
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And with just a few taps of this star-bit on the head of each nail, they were pushed just slightly further into the moulding so they could be caulked and painted over. </div>
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So with that, I pulled out my trim caulk, which actually dries clear, but shiny, and ran a bead along all the seams of the moulding. The caulk dries enough to paint within an hour, but I have yet to pull out my trim paint and get to work. But, for now, at least the trim is back up and we aren't staring at a rough looking door frame anymore. It's possible though, that I will break out the paint brush and trim paint tonight, since I'm tired of the nails showing through and the wood putty down at the bottom of the interior door frame from where the dog chewed it. </div>
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I am happy that I got to practice with this little project, and it was much easier than I anticipated. It was good to learn the steps, since I have plans to mimic the chair rail and wainscoting that is in the hallway for the living/dining room. </div>
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Have you had the need to replace your door moulding before? Have you ever installed an entirely new set of moulding? What problems did you end up with? </div>
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Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-55347960803488829062014-01-24T14:51:00.003-05:002014-01-24T14:51:34.788-05:00Flash Sale Friday: Work at Me<br />
It's time for another...<br />
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Each week, I will be featuring some of the week's best picks from my favorite Flash Sale sites and creating a room inspiration board for all of you to enjoy! If you have a room that needs decorating and you are looking for some inspiration, feel free to <a href="mailto:rhodylifeblog@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> what you are looking for, and I'll see what I can come up with for you, and you will be featured in a future Flash Sale Friday post!<br />
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If you would like to become a member to one of the sites featured in this Flash Sale Friday post, feel free to create an account from the links I have provided below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/" target="_blank">55 Downing Street</a><br />
<a href="http://vnlink.co/SbNbjty" target="_blank">Beyond the Rack</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/amanda-rhody-life" target="_blank">One Kings Lane</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jossandmain.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Joss & Main</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hautelook.com/short/3NGfx" target="_blank">Hautelook</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Rue La La</a><br />
<a href="https://www.homesav.com/signup?urc=IVWcJ5taGwr" target="_blank">HomeSav</a><br />
<a href="http://myhabit.com/ref=qd_mr_per_l?refcust=XO2XZNRFELKBADOW4RLMGGWYH4" target="_blank">MyHabit</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wayfair.com/invite?rfr=51756974905" target="_blank">Wayfair</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ideeli.com/invite/rhodylife" target="_blank">Ideeli</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gilt.com/invite/138702636adynjqwtdh7" target="_blank">Gilt</a></div>
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<a href="http://fab.com/de2fxk" target="_blank">Fab</a><br />
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This week's Flash Sale Friday has me inspired to finish painting the rest of my house. The green color is similar to the one I will be using in the guest bedroom, so I am looking forward to getting some color up on the walls! This room also has me wanting to get the craft room set up since that will end up being my primary work space! </div>
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Adding some modern pieces to some more traditional pieces helps to bring a little life into this work space while the gray and green colors work together well to provide a calming effect. I absolutely love that silver and charcoal gray rug - and it really makes me wonder if the silver really shines in person! Plus, how perfect are those curtains for this space? The dark to light coloring will really make the ceilings look tall and bring some boldness to the windows in the room!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwTXfikaYBNQCjDEEd7N7P_zomhWmiytmgtBOuz8_cwLh3ClqZYW3FHjE92ybPUcXjxJX9l4wBcHcG8mQATHcUroa5ytolFV1vS9sAnuhXPcvNRsXNH_lAbL3ZSR7cdbtlFIc5C9gaw_s/s1600/flashsalefriday23.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwTXfikaYBNQCjDEEd7N7P_zomhWmiytmgtBOuz8_cwLh3ClqZYW3FHjE92ybPUcXjxJX9l4wBcHcG8mQATHcUroa5ytolFV1vS9sAnuhXPcvNRsXNH_lAbL3ZSR7cdbtlFIc5C9gaw_s/s1600/flashsalefriday23.gif" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.55downingstreet.com/tables/laurence-white-leather-and-chrome-l-desk__m7879.htm" target="_blank">Laurence White Leather and Chrome L-Desk via 55 Downing Street</a> 2. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Westlake-Loft-Renton-Arm-Chair~QHC2610~E8857.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Renton Arm Chair via Joss & Main</a> 3. <a href="http://www.gilt.com/home/sale/rugs-72156/product/134642766-safavieh-24379701-miami-flower-shag-rug?utm_source=pinterest.com&pil_guid=c1cfd7cb-07c5-454e-a620-30a9489b68aa" target="_blank">Miami Flower Shag Rug via Gilt</a> 4. <a href="http://www.ruelala.com/event/product/90576/3040014300/0/DEFAULT" target="_blank">India House Brass Charu Grey Window Panels via Rue La La</a> 5. <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/product/31598/851132?or=1" target="_blank">Moretti Club Chair in Light Gray via One Kings Lane</a> 6. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Safavieh-Tribeca-Cocktail-Ottoman~FV26882~E8849.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Tribeca Cocktail Ottoman via Joss & Main</a> 7. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/The-Mod-Office-Beasley-File-Cabinet~EMW1119~E8249.html?referrerid=4E99B0" target="_blank">Beasley File Cabinet via Joss & Main</a> 8. <a href="http://www.myhabit.com/#page=d&sale=A34PFOZNY107AL&asin=B005TJZNL8&cAsin=B005TJZNL8&fc=1&ref=qd_dp_r" target="_blank">Cyber Table Lamp via MyHabit</a> 9. <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/The-Mod-Office-Flip-Table-Clock~KKL2134~E8249.html?referrerid=4E99B0&refid=JSBP" target="_blank">Flip Table Clock via Joss & Main</a></div>
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I would love to have a comfortable yet stylish office like this, wouldn't you? I also love the way that the two chairs match without being from the same set. It's really neat how you can find two separate pieces that go so well together in terms of shape, and the two different gray tones really help to bring in some dimension with the space. </div>
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What would your ideal office look like? What are your favorite pieces of furniture to have in your workspace?</div>
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Please Note: All of the images in this post have been used with permission. Images were not modified or altered to fit in this inspiration board. Flash Sale invitation links may provide me with rewards if items are purchased by a new member.</div>
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Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033451204177416463.post-73370595127025540362014-01-22T14:08:00.001-05:002014-01-24T14:57:47.508-05:00DIY: Scrapbook Paper Flower VaseOk, so this isn't the most mind-blowing DIY project ever, but it's a cute, quick, and very inexpensive way to add some color to your space, especially in the middle of winter.<br />
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I don't know how the weather is where you are, but here in Rhode Island, we've had some extreme cold, and last night we got hit with about 10" of snow. So, now that we are buried in a sea of white fluffy stuff that just makes the roads awful and ugly looking, all I want to see in my home are green plants and bright colors that remind me that Spring may be (or is hopefully) right around the corner. <br />
Luckily for me, <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/03/paint-planning.html">the paint colors that I have chosen for the house are all bright and cheery</a>, so as soon as I get back to painting, all should be looking good. But, for now, I wanted to bring in some of the primary yellow that I have chosen as an accent color in the family room. Right now, the only yellow in the space is the <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2014/01/cute-little-endtable.html">yellow end table</a> that I showed you last week. And the bookshelf that we have next to the TV is still empty.<br />
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Turns out that I have a ton of leftover vases from the centerpieces at our wedding. As you know, I put one to good use, and <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/05/diy-grow-avocado-tree.html">planted an avocado pit</a> in it, so now my <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2013/09/so-i-grew-tree.html">pretty little avocado tree</a> is growing quickly and happily. But, that still leaves me with 9 vases since we had bought enough for 12 tables and a couple ended up with chips along the rim. <br />
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I grabbed a vase out of the cabinet, wiped it out and then did something somewhat unexpected. Using my yard stick, I measured the inside depth of the vase, and then I measured the diameter. I took the diameter and an online calculator, and found the circumference of the vase and then added 1". Now, you may be wondering why I needed to take measurements, right? Well, since I was planning on using fake flowers to brighten up my space (cats are the reason why we can't have <strike>nice things</strike> real plants), I didn't want the fake stems showing through the glass vase. So, I grabbed a piece of scrapbook paper from my stash, making sure that the colors were going to match the space. I made small marks on the scrapbook paper that showed the depth and circumference of the vase, and cut the paper. If you don't have any scrapbook paper, I'm sure you have some wrapping paper laying around somewhere, so that could be a great alternative!<br />
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Once the paper was cut, I rolled it up and slipped it inside the vase, and the extra inch that I added to the circumference helped make sure that the paper overlapped just a little bit so that there wasn't a gap showing. Just like that, the once boring clear glass vase was transformed and looked really cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P4GmH80RLncugIV50u4C31S-H6EsTaiYDLF_o3y1kbaRqcyG9jyna6sAefJObHwziYJ6JU8egwBkOKpx5yrrFNe1qf7uij3w5JIdgmJER8HHAlHg4fz60R5NyH2xIwTPqsHQYNCNG4Kq/s1600/IMAG1340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P4GmH80RLncugIV50u4C31S-H6EsTaiYDLF_o3y1kbaRqcyG9jyna6sAefJObHwziYJ6JU8egwBkOKpx5yrrFNe1qf7uij3w5JIdgmJER8HHAlHg4fz60R5NyH2xIwTPqsHQYNCNG4Kq/s1600/IMAG1340.jpg" height="500" width="283" /></a></div>
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The next step was to cut the flowers. I had bought some fake flowers last Fall for the front door, and they were on sale so I got them at a really nice off-season discount. They are the kind of fake flowers that are all attached together on a giant stem, so I took my wire cutters and clipped them off the large stem, and then slipped off the fake leaves from the stems. You don't need to be too particular about the exact spot that you clip the stems, as it's probably better to have them different lengths, that way you can make your arrangement more dimensional with height. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAQuytL5qvUqwukLgoQT-wxjhyphenhyphenMwpZHvUwWvDxGkEYcIh1n0-5aJMsPDiXLeTpdlgkHfZ4_eTYGXxoO9yK334VcZXFP8WNljQZ27IqjI-RQYsFK7eLZqYXrRn6MeJ06JIBttj4Siqy7PH/s1600/IMAG1342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAQuytL5qvUqwukLgoQT-wxjhyphenhyphenMwpZHvUwWvDxGkEYcIh1n0-5aJMsPDiXLeTpdlgkHfZ4_eTYGXxoO9yK334VcZXFP8WNljQZ27IqjI-RQYsFK7eLZqYXrRn6MeJ06JIBttj4Siqy7PH/s1600/IMAG1342.jpg" height="500" width="283" /></a></div>
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The only thing left to do once you have the flowers cut is to arrange them in the vase. Since I was using both yellow and white flowers, I wanted to make sure that the colors were mixed in well, and because the flowers have wire stems, I was able to bend some of the stems so the flowers showed more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzHwgAd78TYTeeJcgeSK6L-nCmT4f_jPPr1YLX0HmqANmNQlrRVAsQsJApWB_ensCLavOpFUSbdu76J_bOlgwqoOvGzJiKEQEsQkT8PHsmqYA1Y44VNoUK_ANVNjQW1v0dg4ifYjzWk5C/s1600/IMAG1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzHwgAd78TYTeeJcgeSK6L-nCmT4f_jPPr1YLX0HmqANmNQlrRVAsQsJApWB_ensCLavOpFUSbdu76J_bOlgwqoOvGzJiKEQEsQkT8PHsmqYA1Y44VNoUK_ANVNjQW1v0dg4ifYjzWk5C/s1600/IMAG1355.jpg" height="500" width="283" /></a></div>
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Once I was satisfied with the way it looked, I placed it on the shelf by the <a href="http://www.rhodylife.com/2014/01/diy-expedit-hack-wide-cubby-and-legs.html">Expedit television stand</a> and I love the way that it looks now. It adds in that bright pop of color that I need right now. Plus, it makes it look just a little better now that there is something more than Cards Against Humanity on the shelving unit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqpnwZjU4l31cRMw-vxbseLQ7hR5G-ucquiL6T631ykuWu9pB0lgJfdbe98J6p69FRzf4lJwNpnZcRNTK1eS2p54bHCEJ6HUh65CehAQz8w5aRN6rF2iNUPFv-pcMUVA0LFkwc_rS4PW9/s1600/IMAG1353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqpnwZjU4l31cRMw-vxbseLQ7hR5G-ucquiL6T631ykuWu9pB0lgJfdbe98J6p69FRzf4lJwNpnZcRNTK1eS2p54bHCEJ6HUh65CehAQz8w5aRN6rF2iNUPFv-pcMUVA0LFkwc_rS4PW9/s1600/IMAG1353.jpg" height="500" width="283" /></a></div>
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And now it's time to get some other trinkets to put on the shelf, because this is still way too barren. Plus, sometimes, accessories can be so much more fun than the big furniture items, right?!</div>
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Do you have any suggestions on what I could put on this unit? I'm looking for pops of color - purple, yellow, silver, and white. Is it possible to go overboard with plants and flowers? I kind of have an obsession with plants right now. </div>
Mands @ Rhody Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02677694251693217076noreply@blogger.com1