How to Make Inexpensive Cat Furniture

Providing special furniture for a cat can be a big help to owners. It keeps the cat from clawing or leaving hair on the real furniture. Making homemade furniture for your cat will provide you with an opportunity to match your current decor, not only in size and style, but color as well. Keep yourself and your cat happy by making one piece of inexpensive furniture that will meet both your needs.

Instructions

1

Place the plastic sheet down to protect your work area. Place the table on the plastic sheet. Put on the rubber gloves.

2

Dip a rag into wood stain and wipe the table until it is covered with stain. Take a clean rag and wipe away any excess stain. Remove rubber gloves. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

3

Turn the table upside down on your work area. Tack one end of the sisal rope to the tip of one of the table legs by using a hammer to drive a nail through the rope into the wood of the table leg.

4

Apply a line of glue to the length of the table leg. Put on the work gloves. Wind the rope tightly around the table leg, placing the coils as tightly together as possible, even pounding them tighter with the hammer if necessary, until the entire leg is covered with rope.

5

Cut the rope with the utility knife when you come to the end of the table leg. Apply more glue to the ends to secure them. Wrap the rope with duct tape, if necessary, until the glue has dried. Repeat with the other two table legs. Remove gloves.

6

Place the table, top down, on the piece of carpet remnant. Trace around the edge of the table with a marker. Cut out the piece of carpet using a utility knife. Repeat to make another piece; set the second piece aside.

7

Use the paintbrush to apply a layer of glue to the table top. Glue the carpet, right-side up, onto the table top. Place books on the table top to hold the carpet down until the glue dries.

8

Trim the extra piece of carpet remnant to fit on the lower tier of the table, using the utility knife. Apply glue to the top of that tier and place the remnant, right-side up, on the top of the tier. Place books on top of the carpet until the glue dries.

9

Apply a line of glue around the edge of the top tier. Glue the top edge of the valance around the edge of the table to create a hiding space for the cat on the lower tier, leaving a space between the ends of the valance for the cat to go through.

10

Tack the wicker basket firmly to the top of the table, driving the nails through the basket and carpet remnant into the wood of the table with the hammer.

11

Place the pillow in the pillow case and fold the ends under the pillow. Place the pillow in the wicker basket.

12

Remove the duct tape from the coiled rope when the glue has dried completely.

How to Design a Table Skirt

In Victorian times, tables and even pianos had draped fabric covers; it was thought socially unacceptable to reveal their legs. Today, a table skirt conveys a sense of gracious elegance rather than misplaced prudery. Table skirts are particularly charming when coordinated with a unique print used elsewhere in the room or made from festive holiday fabrics. Follow the simple steps below to make a table skirt that especially suits your decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the diameter of your round table. Measure the height of your table. To determine how much fabric you will need to make your table skirt is easy. Add twice the height to the diameter. For example, your table is 36 inches in diameter and stands 27 inches high. Add 27 + 27 + 36 = 90 inches. To make a skirt for this round table, you will need fabric 90 inches wide and 90 inches long. Since no sewing fabric comes 90 inches wide, buy 2 lengths of 45- or 54-inch fabric and join them with a narrow (1/4-inch) seam. For a square or rectangular table, measure width and length of table top; to each add twice the height to determine the full amount of fabric you will need.

2

Center your fabric on the table once you have seamed the lengths together. With an extra pair of hands or a heavy book to keep the fabric from shifting, smooth the fabric and secure it with a line of masking tape that presses the fabric against the edge of the table, all the way around the edge.

3

Cut the bottom edge of the skirt by lining up the secured fabric with the floor. Decide how you would like to finish your skirt. If fabric lies on the floor, trim 2 to 4 inches of excess and pin a hem. If you prefer, trim fabric so that it just meets the floor and finish the hem with binding tape or fringe.

How to Set a Buffet Table Outdoors

Buffets are one of the easiest ways to serve a large number of guests. Outdoor buffets are possible, but you need to take some precautions to ensure the food doesn't spoil. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions that both hot and cold foods should never be left outdoors for more than two hours, or more than one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees. Help protect your food from spoiling early by setting up the buffet in a shaded area. Check on the buffet periodically to ensure that nothing is blowing away or spoiling too quickly. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set up a sturdy table in a shaded part of the yard, preferably in shadows cast by buildings instead of trees, which can drop fruit or leaves on the buffet. Use paving stones or sink the table legs into the ground to ensure the table sits flat. Cover the table with a tablecloth.

2

Set up the napkins, flatware, plates and cups at one end of the table. Put the silverware in a holder and weigh down the napkins and plates to keep the items from blowing away in the wind.

3

Fill large bowls or containers with ice and rest chilled dishes in the bowls to keep the food cold. Replenish the ice throughout the event as it melts to keep the food fresh.

4

Avoid open flames, such as Sterno cans, to keep hot food warm. Use insulated pans or use an electric warmer or crock pot instead. Check if the manufacturer cautions against using the electric items outdoors before doing so. Set up close to an electricity source if you use electric warming means, and never allow the wire to rest on a wet ground.

5

Group foods together by dish type. Place the entrees next to each other and the salads together, for example. This lets your guests see the variety of options for each course. Put foods that go together next to each other. Place, for instance, sliced meats next to the rolls for sandwiches.

6

Use domed food covers made of mesh over the dishes. This keeps insects off of the food and also provides extra shade from the sun.

7

Place saucers in front of each dish and rest the serving utensils on the saucers. This should encourage guests to replace the food covers rather than leave the serving utensils in the dishes.

8

Place condiments and spices at the end of the buffet.

9

Set up a separate table for drinks, ice and cups, or set up the beverages at the opposite end of the table from the cutlery and dishes.

10

Walk down the buffet once before your guests arrive, mimicking filling your plate. Ensure that the configuration of food makes sense and provides easy service. If not, rearrange and test the buffet once more.

Color Suggestions for Metal Lawn & Outdoor Furniture

When looking to buy metal lawn and outdoor furniture, there are a few things to take into consideration before you make your decision. Your color choice can say a lot about your tastes, can showcase your backyard and can be a nice complement to your house. To find your own style and express it in the color, let's look at some suggestions based on the style of furniture you want. Does this Spark an idea?

Wicker Outdoor Furniture

If you want something simple that will blend in with the nature of your yard and entice people to sit and relax, then wicker outdoor furniture is a good choice. Wicker is great in open spaces and in hidden spots around your garden. Wicker outdoor furniture comes with tables, chairs, rocking chairs foot rests and more. A good suggestion for wicker furniture is to choose a color that will blend in with your backyard. Any color found in nature, such as shades of brown or greens, will blend in with your backyard rather than taking the attention away from it.

Metal Outdoor Furniture

There is a lot of outdoor lawn furniture sold today that is constructed out of metal either in the form of wrought iron or aluminum. Wrought-iron furniture tends to be more elegant and creates a type of luxurious mood. Often, wrought-iron outdoor furniture incorporates cushions for chairs and tiles or glass for tables. You can get many pieces of wrought-iron furniture such as dining tables, chairs, gliders, foot rests, side tables, umbrellas and more. When choosing this more elegant type of outdoor furniture, you want to think about your yard, your house and the mood you are trying to create. For this type of furniture you want it to be noticed and admired. Some good color choices for this metal outdoor furniture would be a combination of dark brown and tans, black and grays, white and reds, or green and tans.

Aluminum outdoor furniture is great to place randomly throughout your garden or in your yard. This can include pieces like gliders, chairs and little tables. This furniture, like wicker furniture, should not draw attention, but rather blend in. Try to keep aluminum furniture in dark and neutral colors. Dark green and black are good color choices.

Wooden Outdoor Furniture

For a rustic setting, select solid wood pieces for your outdoor furniture. Pine and cedar are great selections of color as they will stand out and create the perfect mood for an outdoor gathering. Sometimes wooden chairs will come with cushions. Select fabric for these that are striped, or flowered with little bursts of color to add more of that homey rustic feel.

How to Convert Grams to Metric

When measuring mass in the metric system, the standard unit of measurement is the gram. The other measures of mass in the metric system are milligram, centigram, decigram and kilogram. All of these measurement types can be converted into the gram measurement with some basic math. When attempting to convert a unit of measurement, a calculator can prove a valuable tool in that it can simplify and speed up the process of working the math behind the conversion.

Instructions

1

Multiply the amount of grams you want to convert to milligrams by 1,000. The solution is the conversion amount.

2

Multiply the amount of grams you want to convert to centigrams by 100. This will complete the conversion.

3

Multiply the amount of grams you want converted to decigrams by 10. The result is the final conversion.

4

Multiply the amount of grams you want to convert to kilograms by .0001 to obtain the correct conversion amount.

5

Multiply the amount of grams by .03527 to convert to ounces, the unit of mass in the US customary system.

Brown Interior Color Design Ideas for a Living Room

Brown is a warm, nurturing color that is used to create a variety of color schemes for the living room. Shades of brown suggest an air of refinement and impart a cozy ambiance. Brown is the color of tree trunks, rich furniture and wood flooring. When brown is paired with additional colors, assorted color palettes begin to materialize. Living room color schemes are implemented through the furniture, fabrics, textures, paint and accessories that impact the interior design style of a room. Does this Spark an idea?

Neutral

Accent a neutral color scheme with brown to convey a calming atmosphere. Beige-toned living room walls trimmed with snowy-white baseboards and door frames look clean and fresh. White upholstered sofas and chairs topped with brown toss pillows and a furniture throw are ideal for the neutral color palette. Dark-wood end tables paired with an oversize leather ottoman contrast nicely against white upholstery. A cozy, white area rug and cascading brown draperies provide warmth and texture. Neutral-colored artwork and a vase of flowering, white hydrangeas complete the look.

Nature

Create a nature-inspired living room with greens and browns. Sage green is a restful color to the eye and pairs wonderfully with shades of warm browns. One or two accent walls painted in a sage green provide a striking contrast against dark wood, rattan and bamboo furniture. Upholstery fabrics in soothing nature patterns, such as leaves, twigs or plants enhance the serene ambiance. Adding natural elements: a sisal area rug, babbling fountain, potted plants, glass jars filled with pebbles and an arrangement of black-and-white nature photographs create aesthetic interest. Woven grass or wooden matchstick blinds provide warm texture.

Earthy

An earthy color palette is harmonious with the elements found in nature. Deep brown, terracotta, umber and brick tones provide depth and rich color to a living room. This earthy palette can create a feeling of solidity and permanence. Create an aged, textured look by applying a faux painting technique to the wall and ceiling areas. You can add a brown leather sofa, chairs and ottoman to the living room as well as accent tables crafted from glass and iron. Hanging patterned draperies in earth-tone colors over windows and displaying serene landscape paintings on the walls will add to the decor.

Modern

White living room walls are the ideal blank canvas for a purple and brown color scheme. An accent wall painted in deep purple creates a bold, modern look. Purple upholstered furniture mixed with dark brown tables -- accent, sofa, coffee -- spark a contemporary feel. White-and-brown patterned toss pillows add visual interest. A brown and purple striped area rug makes a dramatic statement. Brown Roman window shades and contemporary abstract wall art provide the finishing touches.

How to Weatherproof Wooden Furniture

Outdoor furniture has come a long way since the days of plastic bands stretched across a metal frame. Much of today's outdoor furniture could easily be at home in most living rooms. While styles and materials vary, a popular choice is hardwood furniture. This makes for a beautiful and rugged chair, table or bench. However, because wood is porous, outdoor furniture made of wood requires some kind of weatherproofing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean wooden furniture before treating. In most cases simply brushing them off with a stiff-bristled brush is sufficient. However, a chair or table that's already been weathered to some degree may require a pressure washer. Be sure to let pressure-washed furniture dry fully before staining, about two hours.

2

Put on a pair of gloves and safety goggles then fill the spray canister with weatherproofing sealer. First, shake the stain thoroughly to mix. Then, place a funnel in the mouth of the spray canister and pour the stain/sealer into the spray canister. Be sure to screw in the top of the spray canister tight as it works on a vacuum principle. Once it is sealed, prime the pump by pulling up and down on the central lever. Stop once it becomes difficult to depress, indicating that enough air is in the canister for spraying.

3

Prep the area. Lay a large drop cloth on the ground outside. Place the wooden furniture to be sealed in the center of the drop cloth with enough room around it so that you can easily walk all the way around it to apply the sealer. Be sure to set up your work space away from any other furniture or structures.

4

Hold the nozzle of the spray canister about 6 inches from the surface of the wood and depress the handle to start spraying the sealer. Move from side to side to apply an even coat. Don't be afraid to apply the sealer heavily as most of it will be absorbed right into the wood. Let the furniture dry for one hour. Flip the furniture over and seal the remaining side. Let the entire piece dry for two hours before using.

How to Paint Oriental Furniture

Furniture that is painted to mimic Oriental style is usually painted with lacquer paint. Lacquer paint is a durable and very glossy paint that gives the effect that the furniture has been dipped in enamel. You can create a piece of furniture that looks like it is from the Orient by using lacquer paint. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean the furniture thoroughly using mild soap and water. Be sure to get the furniture really clean. Once applied, lacquer paints will show any particles that are trapped underneath the surface.

2

Lightly sand the furniture to remove the glossy top layer. Sanding will create some texture, allowing the paint to adhere to the furniture. Wipe away all sanding dust with damp rags.

3

Paint on the base coat of lacquer paint. Use a good quality trim brush for crevices and other places that the foam roller can't reach. Follow with a foam roller for the flatter, larger areas. Coat the furniture completely with a dark base color, typically black or dark blue. You may need multiple coats of paint to completely cover the original finish. Allow each coat to dry before applying another.

4

Thin the accent color with a small amount of water. Add 2 tbsp. at a time until you get a consistency that you like. Rub on the accent color with a brush or sponge, wiping off the excess with clean rags as you go. Keep adding and removing the accent color until you get a look that you like. Allow the accent color to dry completely.

5

Paint gold trim onto the edges of the furniture and on the edges of key spots such as doors and other trim work. Gold trim will help make the piece look authentic. Use an artist's brush with a fine tip for this detail work.

How to Set a Table for Easter

Easter is a fun occasion for families to celebrate spring and the new life that comes with it. For Christians, Easter is also a time to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many great Easter decorations can incorporate this theme as well. The key to any Easter table is color. Remember that during springtime, flowers are blooming all around you. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place a tablecloth on the table, perhaps with a table runner. The tablecloth could simply be white to accent the table runner or any pastel color such as pastel blue, pastel pink or yellow. Choose a table runner with bright spring flowers, Easter eggs or baby animals. A religious table runner could say something like, "He is Risen!", with the words surrounded by flowers.

2

Compose a centerpiece. A secular centerpiece could be a basket full of spring flowers or a vase filled with spring flowers with decorated plastic Easter eggs hanging from the flowers. A religious centerpiece could be a cross surrounded by a floral wreath with a white piece of fabric hanging from the cross or a resurrection garden complete with a little empty tomb and some spring flowers. When decorating a religious centerpiece, use lilies, as they are the established Christian flower of Easter.

3

Set the table with your fine dishes and cloth napkins. For an added touch of spring, place a flower such as a tulip on each napkin.

4

Tie pastel bows or hang pew flower pots from the chairs at the table to add one final spring accent.

Outdoor Patio Design Ideas

Your outdoor patio is an entrance to your space; the place where friends and family gather to enjoy community, conversation and a way to step away from our hurried lives. Your patio is a reflection of your style and personal flair and can be designed in a variety of manners--one that speaks to your own personal panache. When choosing the design, consider the climate, your favorite colors and how your patio is an extension of your house. It's a way to add square footage by building a livable space that extends the indoors to the outdoors. Does this Spark an idea?

Tuscan Decor

Tuscan style continues to be a popular design choice. The colors are warm and inviting and the plants you choose to enhance your patio are subtle Mediterranean plantings that require little water and low maintenance. Begin with warm terra cotta tiles for an inviting patio surface. These generally run in the red tones however, they can also go towards butter yellows and are generally in soft matte finishes. Once your surface is complete, consider adding large earthen vessels in bright blue ceramic that reflect the colors of the Mediterranean or perhaps the Adriatic. The cool tones of blue are a perfect complement to the rich earthy tones of the tile. Complete the patio with wrought iron furnishing. A table that seats at least six is a good start for al fresco dining. Add a small caf table in a corner for an intimate dining or reading area. Remember to add outdoor lighting and take your gatherings long into the night.

Spanish Influence

Spanish dcor is similar to Tuscan but is bolder in the use of color. Tile the patio in warm earth tones, but accent in between large tiles with small four inch square decorative tile in shades of blues and oranges. Add groups of planters in bright yellows and oranges and fill them with large flowering plants and colorful annuals. Choose furnishings in wrought iron and use seat cushions upholstered in bright outdoor fabric. Add outdoor wall hangings made with glazed ceramic that reflect a Spanish influence. Often these can be religious symbols or bold patterns. Spanish style is inviting and energetic; decorate the table with fiery red stoneware to complete your design.

Napa Style

The Napa Valley region of California has its own distinctive sense of design. It's a mix of rustic wood balanced with high level of sophistication in food and dcor. Tile the surface of your patio in slate that has shades of blue, green and gray worked into the natural stone surface. Add a long wooden table that seats at least six but consider a longer table for large groups and have an electrician add string lights above your dining area. Use benches for seating and rustic wooden chairs at either end. Napa style is about low maintenance and a natural look. Add native plants in rustic pots that offer subtle hints of color in light yellows and soft lavender. Small pots with white flowering annuals are a perfect accent color. Fill vases with sunflowers and place on the table or in large pots around your patio. Artistic renderings of metal grapevines are a nice final touch to your vineyard inspired space.

Metric Vs. Decimal System

The metric system is a common nickname for the International System of Units, usually shortened to its French abbreviation, SI. SI is a kind of decimal system, meaning that the units increase and decrease by orders of ten. An example of a non-decimal system is a clock.

Basic SI Units

The entire SI system is based on seven units from which all others can be derived. These are temperature in Kelvin (K), time in seconds (s), distance in meters (m), mass in kilograms (kg), luminous intensity in candelas (cd), current in amperes (A) and amounts in moles (mol).

Increasing Orders of Magnitude

Being a decimal system, SI changes units by tens or thousands and indicates each change with a prefix. These are, from large to small: yotta (10^24), zetta (10^21), exa (10^18), peta (10^15), tera (10^12), giga (10^9), mega (10^6), kilo (10^3), hecto (10^2) and deca (10).

Note one of the seven basic SI units is a kilogram, which is 10^3 or 1,000 grams.

Decreasing Orders of Magnitude

Similarly, SI units also shrink by tens or thousands. These prefixes, from small to large, are: yocto (10^-24), zepto (10^-21), atto (10^-18), femto (10^-15), pico (10^-12), nano (10^-9), micro (10^-6), milli (10^-3), centi (10^2) and deci (10^-1).

How to Make Furniture From Barnwood

Barnwood is a lovely option for rustic furniture. Because it's reclaimed from old barns, the wood doesn't have an environmental impact. Wood from old barns is already weathered and has swollen or shrunk as much as the wood is capable. When choosing barn wood, look for wood that is solid. Discard wood that has open knot holes or cracks through the plank. These can be repaired, but they leave the wood weaker in that section. Both beams and planking are used for furniture.

Instructions

Barnwood Frame

1

Choose a single 12 ft plank. The width of the plank will be the width of the frame. Choose a width that works for the picture to be framed. If the perfect board is a little too wide, rip the board to the desired width. Keep the raw edge next to the painting and the weathered edge displayed.

2

Measure the painting. Mark the board to fit.

3

Cut the board at a 45 degree angle using the marks as the shortest point of the angle.

4

Choose a side of each wooden piece for display. Because this is barnwood, choose the most scarred side. This will have the most character.

5

Lay the boards face down in a rectangle. Make sure the corners meet each other at right angles.

6

Lay the joint fastener across the diagonal seam on each corner. Nail the fastener across the seam. If the fastener goes all the way through the wood, don't worry. It will add to the rustic feel of the frame.

Barnwood Coffee Table

7

Choose 17 ft of barnwood beams. The beams should be 12 in by 12 in. If your beams are narrower, you may need to choose a shorter carriage bolt.

8

Cut three 3 ft sections of beam. Cut four 2 ft sections of beam.

9

Stack two of the 2 ft sections of beam. Measure 4 in from either end of the stack. Drill a hole through both pieces with the installer bit. Cut counter sink holes with the auger bit.

10

Thread a carriage bolt through each hole and tighten the bolt with the socket wrench. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the other pair of 2 ft pieces. These are the legs of the table.

11

Choose a side of each 3 ft beam to be the top of the coffee table. Lay each length face down. Measure inward 6 in from the end of each beam.

12

Line up the legs on the lines drown on either side of the beams. Attach each 3 ft beam to a leg with an L bracket. Fasten the top on both sides of the legs.

13

Turn the table over and coat with a polyurethane gloss. This can be natural, or have a light stain.

About Manual Drafting Tools

Manual drafting is also sometimes referred to as manual drawing or freehand drawing. Unlike using a computer for drawing, known as computer aided design, manual drafting is done by hand and uses a variety of tools. Professional drafting supplies are used by architects, interior designers and other professionals who need to create technical drawings. Does this Spark an idea?

Table

Drafting tables can be adjusted at different heights and angles. Some are equipped with a ledge so that your pencils and pens don't roll off of the table. A drafting board is similar to a drafting table in that it's angled. However, it's not adjustable and it's meant to be used on top of a table. A drafting board is portable, so it usually has a handle. Both drafting boards and drafting tables have a smooth drawing surface.

Paper

Tracing paper, also referred to as drafting paper, is used for manual drafting. Tracing paper comes in different sizes and calipers, or thickness. Tracing for manual drafting is available in rolls and can be used with pencil, ink and felt-tip markers. Tracing paper doesn't break as easily as regular paper, especially when erasing, and when ink and markers are used, the ink doesn't bleed through the paper. Additionally, the smoothness of the tracing paper allows pens and pencils to glide easily across the paper.

Pens and Pencils

The different pencils and pens used in manual drafting allow you to control the lines that you draw. Drafting pens are used to draw permanent lines of constant width. Unlike pencils, they're marked depending on the width of the tip. The widths vary from 0.13 mm to 2.0 mm. Mechanical pencils are used for manual drawing because the lead stays consistently sharp. Lead grades, or hardness, range from 9B to 9H, with 9B being the darkest grade and 9H the lightest grade.

Rulers, Triangles and Curves

A T-square, or parallel bar, is a kind of ruler used horizontally on a drafting table or board. It can slide up and down and is used to draw straight horizontal lines. Furthermore, a T-square is also used with triangles to allow you to created straight vertical and angled lines.

Another kinds of ruler used in mechanical drafting is a scaled ruler. A triangular ruler is a three-sided ruler, triangular in shape, marked with a range of ratios. It allows you to draw actual dimensions in a much smaller scale to fit on paper.

The two standard triangles are 30- to 60-degree and 45-degree triangles. Triangles are used to connect points, such as when creating a perspective drawing, and to draw angles of any degree.

A curved ruler, or flexible curves, can be contorted to draw almost any curve. Irregular curves, or French curves, have no constant radii and are used to draw curves but are not flexible.

Templates

Templates are plastic sheets used to create different kinds of drawings. They can be found in different scales to be used with the size of the drawing that you create. A lettering and numbering template are used to draw letters and numbers. Symbol templates are used to draw architectural symbols such as wall lights, ceiling lights, outlets and switches. Furniture templates are used to draw furniture, fixtures and accessories such as doors, sinks, tables, chairs, beds, toilets, showers and tubs. A combination of furniture, fixtures and architectural symbols is sometimes available on a single template.

Floralytes Decorative Accent Lighting

Back in Grandma's day, party tables were lavished with baskets and jars filled with freshly cut flowers. These days, your choice of party decoration materials is limitless, particularly now that inexpensive LED lights operating for long periods of time on individual batteries are readily available. The Floralytes brand has a reputation for being reliable and affordable, so when you're ready to light up the night at your next party, look for their name on the package.

Floralytes 101

Floralytes are small but mighty LED color bulbs engineered to make decorative lighting magic on a shoestring budget. Every Floralyte has an on/off switch so you can control the number of lights you want lit in your centerpieces any time you like. Replaceable batteries in each Floralyte last from 48 to 50 hours and color is never a problem, since Floralytes come in amber, orange, red, blue, green, teal, white, pink and violet. Need extra drama? The RGB Floralyte flashes red, green and blue in sequence.

Clean the Glass Centerpiece Vessel First

Whether you fill tall glass vases with white Floralytes to create the illusion of jars of fireflies, or you plan to mix and match the decorative LED lights with flowers, food or other fanciful elements, it's important to begin your centerpiece project with a sparkling clean receptacle, as light emanating from the LED bulbs will call attention to everything from fingerprints to dirt on the glass. A microfiber cleaning cloth and window spray will tackle dust inside and out. Dry the vase thoroughly, especially if you plan to add confetti or glitter, so nothing sticks to the glass.

Floralyte Flower Arrangement

Floralytes require no wiring, so you have complete freedom to create an exotic, lit floral arrangement. Fill a vase with glass marbles and lit Floralytes so the "soil" into which the flowers will be placed reflects the light of the glass. Next, arrange silk flowers in the vase and pop a Floralyte into the center of each so the flowers light up too. Place the vase on a mirrored pedestal. Mirrored reflections of the LED lights in the vessel and blossoms create a dazzling display.

Fruit or Vegetable Floralyte Display

You've seen them on cruise ships. Create lavish displays of fruits and vegetables that emulate fine art, using a little imagination. Start with a focal point. Place a pineapple, upside-down spray of bananas, tall pumpkin or another natural food in the center of a large, round, footed glass pedestal. Fill in the remaining space with juicy grapes and strawberries or rows of cut veggies. Tuck Floralytes in coordinating colors into the display and watch guests' eyes light up when they spot your delicious arrangement.

Float Your Floralytes

Since Floralytes are waterproof, surprise your children with kid-pleasing centerpieces at their next party. Drop weighted plastic pirate ships into fish bowls, fill with water and add RGB Floralytes. Your pirate-themed centerpieces will flash red, green and blue throughout the party. As guests leave, have each child pluck a light from a bowl as an extra favor. Little things really do mean a lot when you're a kid!

How to Draw a Pool Table

If you own a pool hall or sell pool tables and related equipment, being able to create good quality graphics, icons and logos for advertisements, fliers, brochures or other documents is a handy ability to have, since it will save you the cost of hiring a professional graphics artist. You might think you need great artistic skill to do this, but if you have access to Photoshop, you can quickly draw your own pool table.

Instructions

1

Open Photoshop. Select "File" and click "New." In the dialog that now opens make the size of the document whatever you want for your project. Since you will probably be printing it, make the resolution 300 pixels per inch. Set the background to "Transparent" and click "OK."

2

Click on the "New Layer" icon at the bottom of the "Layers" panel. Change the "Foreground" color in the toolbar to a dark green.

3

Select the "Rectangular Marquee" tool and use it to draw out a rectangle for the pool table's green surface. Use the Paint Bucket to fill the selection with green. Now select "Edit," then "Transform" and click "Skew." Use the handles at the corners of the selection to move and distort the surface so that it looks like you are looking at it from an angle, rather than from directly above.

4

Go to the "Layers" panel, right-click on the layer and select "Duplicate." Now hold down the "ALT" key and use the "Scale" function under "Transform" to increase the size of the surface in the duplicate layer slightly.

5

Go back to the original copy and use the "Magic Wand" selection tool to select the surface. Go back to the duplicate layer and click "Delete." Select "Image," then "Adjustments" and click "Hue/Saturation." Change the "Hue" setting so that the surface becomes brown.

6

Create a new layer between the other two. Use the same technique used in steps 2-3 to create inner railings for the pool table, except that you should fill them with a dark brown.

7

Create a new layer under the railings layer. Select the "Elliptical Marquee" tool and use the same technique used in step 2-3 to create pockets for the pool tables, except that you should change the color to black.

8

Create a new layer at the top of the layers. Use the same technique used in steps 2-3 to create sides and legs on separate layers for the pool table, except you should use the "Paint Bucket" eyedropper tool to select the same brown you have in the duplicate layer. Save your work as a high resolution JPEG.

How Does an Exotic Centerpiece Accent a Wedding Theme?

Exotic Centerpieces Help a Wedding Theme

Now that the excitement of your engagement is consuming every thought, it is time to start planning the wedding. The first thing you need to do is determine a theme and colors. Every other item associated with the wedding will revolve around these two things. You may think the reception centerpiece is the final touch, but the wrong centerpiece could hurt or help your overall theme. Early planning will help you make all the right decisions.

The centerpiece should tie together the look of your wedding and reception. If your theme is simple and low-key, choose color coordinated votive candles floating in a glass bowl of water. Bouquets of exotic flowers set for each guest at a table create a beautiful accent to complement your wedding theme.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box. If you and your new spouse are ocean-lovers, a simple and special centerpiece may include goldfish swimming in small glass bowls of water. Guests will love it. The theme should match the personalities of the bride and groom.

For a country wedding, don't be afraid to use cowboy boots or a cowboy hat for the centerpiece and include some seasonal accents. For a fall wedding, throw a quaint country wedding accented by a cowboy hat centerpiece containing pumpkins and orange, red and brown leaves.

Exotic Centerpieces Hurt a Wedding Theme

Exotic centerpieces bring something very special to your wedding. However, if the centerpiece is too small it may go unnoticed, and if it is too large, it will overwhelm guests and the surroundings.

If your wedding is a traditional theme, an exotic centerpiece may hurt the overall feel of the wedding. You want the wedding theme to flow throughout the entire service and reception. If you hold a traditional wedding service with colors like pastel pinks and lavender, try to avoid a centerpiece of red and black roses that are so high, guests cannot converse across the table.

Lanterns provide a Moroccan theme, or simply a romantic ambiance to your reception. If you use lights or lanterns as your centerpiece, think ahead and include low-wattage light bulbs. You do not want the light to be so harsh it strains the eyes of your guests.

Exotic Centerpiece Options

Exotic center pieces can include flower arrangements, live sea life, fruit slice arrangements, potted plants guests can take home, and even cameras for your guests to capture every moment.

Milimetric Tools Vs. SAE

The Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) develops the standards used for tools in the aerospace, automotive and commercial vehicle industries. Some standards use the traditional English system and others, the metric system. In some cases, tools such as socket sets are available in both sets of units. While converting between units is possible, it is best to have tools marked with the measurement system required for the specific job. Does this Spark an idea?

Traditional

The three common units for measuring distance in the traditional English system are the inch, foot and yard, where one yard equals three feet and one foot equals 12 inches. Automotive tools such as socket wrenches that use the traditional English system are known as standard sets and are marked in increments of inches such as one quarter, three-eighths or one-half inch.

Metric

The units of the metric system are established by the International System of Units (SI). The SI unit for distance is the meter, where prefixes denote multiples or fractions of a meter. For instance, a millimeter is one one-thousandth of a meter and a centimeter is one one-hundredth of a meter. Metric sets of automotive tools such as socket wrenches are marked in millimeters.

Conversion

Conversion between the standard and metric systems is straightforward. To convert from inches to millimeters multiply the number in inches by 25.4. To convert from millimeters, multiply the number in millimeters by 0.0394. However, while it is possible to convert between standard and metric units, tools matching the converted size may not exist.

Unique Styles of Metal Outdoor Furniture

When choosing patio furniture to beautify your backyard or garden, there are a few things to consider. You may want to furnish your yard for comfortable entertaining with tables, chairs, or lounge chairs, or simply add decorative items that enhance your landscaping. In either case, easy maintenance and durability are key. Medal is a popular choice due to its durability and range of styles and functions. Does this Spark an idea?

Bronze Bench with Sculptures

Metal benches offer decorative outdoor seating.

Though it won't offer much seating space, an unusual and decorative style of outdoor metal furniture is a bench with a life-size sculpture of a child or children. The benches are available in a range of sizes and prices.

Metal Retro Style

Outdoor metal furniture is durable and water resistant

Adirondack-style chairs made of metal, rather than in the traditional wood design, offer a fun and sturdy seating option. The chairs come in single- and double-seating options.
Many colors and finishes are available. Prices vary according to style.

Animal Bench

Metal benches embellished with animals, and benches in animal shapes, provide functional conversation pieces that are particularly popular with children. Fun shapes are horses, tigers and birds.

How to Make Bedside Tables

Bedside tables are one of the greatest inventions around. They vary in shape and size and can be found to fit anyones pocketbook. The most elaborate bedside tables are handcrafted and display rich exotic woods with carvings and colors that are difficult to describe. Depending on your taste, you can build a set of bedside tables that match your personality or they can be simple flat surfaces on which to place a lamp and a glass of water for bedtime. The most difficult part of building a table is the legs. It is recommended that these be purchased. Legs that vary only slightly will cause a table to wobble. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Label the 1 piece of oak plywood 18-inches x 24-inches as the top. Drill holes in the edges of the 1 x 2 inch oak, 3 inches from the ends, with the 1/8-inch drill bit. Then, drill the countersink holes with the 3/8-inch drill bit. Do not drill more than halfway through. Do this on all four 1 x 2-inch oak pieces.

2

Turn the top so that the bottom side is up. Draw a line 1-inch from the edge around the perimeter of the top.

3

Run a bead of wood glue to the long edge of the 1 x 2-inch oak and secure it to the bottom side of the top. Be certain to line it up with the 1-inch mark around the perimeter of the top. Repeat this until all four pieces of the 1 x 2-inch oak has been installed.

4

Measure and cut the flat mold to make a picture frame that will cover the plywood edge of the top. Secure these pieces with the brads and set the nail heads with the nail set.

5

Apply glue to the end of the leg that secures to the bottom side of the top. Place it in the corners created by the 1 x 2-inch oak. Secure the leg by driving 1 -inch drywall screws through the 1 x 2-mch oak and into the leg. Repeat this until all four legs are installed. Turn table upright, sand lightly, and finish as desired.

Enviro Wood Furniture Vs. Polywood

Given the vulnerability of wood to the elements, wood alternatives may be more suitable for the construction of outdoor furniture, especially where weather conditions are variable and frequently wet. Both Envirowood and Poly-Wood are brands of recycled plastic lumber designed to resemble the look of wood with the durability of plastic. Envirowood and Poly-Wood outdoor furniture can be dyed in different colors to suit your decorative preferences. Both brands are environmentally sensitive and include recycled materials. Does this Spark an idea?

Construction Materials

Both Envirowood and Poly-Wood brands of outdoor furniture are made from recycled plastic. Poly-Wood specifically is made from HDPE plastics, which stands for high-density polyethylene, the type of plastic used to make milk jugs, detergent bottles and similar consumer products that can be rinsed and recycled. Contaminants are removed from the raw materials, which are pressed into rigid board stock. The pressed recycled plastic "fiber" used as the basic construction material in Envirowood and Poly-Wood furniture is resistant to corrosion, oil, fuel, insect damage, fungi and sea spray. The material will not crack in freezing temperatures or expand in the heat. Because the pressed plastic boards do not absorb moisture, they will resist cracking and splitting.

Colorfastness

The pressed plastic used to build Poly-Wood and Envirowood furniture can be dyed many different colors. The dyeing process uses ultraviolet light stabilizers that make the color resistant to fading. Instead of painting or dyeing just the surface of the boards, the dye process is completed before construction to ensure the color runs all the way through the boards and cannot be simply scratched away. As with all polyolefins (the family of plastics that includes polyethylene), some fading can be expected over time. Poly-Wood furniture offers a full spectrum of bright and neon colors in its furniture lines, whereas Envirowood uses a more nature-based color palette, including warm greens, grays and browns.

Available Furniture Styles

Furniture made from Envirowood and Poly-Wood is available in types, from the classic Adirondack chair to more sophisticated styles to suit outdoor seating and serving needs. Both the Poly-Wood and Envirowood lines of furniture include stackable chairs, folding chairs, dining chairs, counter and bar chairs, picnic tables, side tables, end tables, coffee tables, counter tables, bar tables, chaises lounges, rocking chairs, ottomans, benches and swings. Several models are available with weather-resistant cushions, which are made from Sunbrella fabrics--in the case of Poly-Wood.

Maintenance

Because Poly-Wood and Envirowood furniture does not behave like wood, the surface can be washed thoroughly simply with soap and water without risk of expansion or rotting. A dilute bleach solution can be applied for more hard-to-clean stains and mold or fungi. The material also is responsive to anti-fungal agents, which will not cause damage to the furniture. Light sanding will get rid of most scratches and abrasions. Sanding the surface will reveal the layers of dyed polyethylene board beneath, revealing a new layer of color instead of sanding the color away.

Different Drafting Tools & Equipment

In order for an architect or designer of any kind to successfully complete a drawing of a building or other type of structure, it is essential that he have various types of drafting tools and equipment at his fingertips. Tools like the T-square allow the drafter to draw a straight line with ease while using a flat drafting table to design his next architectural project.

Drafting Compass

Designed for drafters and architects to inscribe arcs and circles while drawing up schematic designs for future projects, a drafting compass can also be used to help the drafter measure distances. This instrument features two metal rods joined at the top and includes two points at the end that allow the user to draw thin lines using various colors of ink. The drafting compass also allows the user to create perfectly round circles.

Drafting Tape

When a drafter wants to equip her drafting paper with a smoother surface in order to avoid any hang-ups while moving drafting instruments around, she will use drafting tape. The drafter will cut off a section of this sticky tape and affix the tape onto the drafting paper to frame the overall design section of the project and will also use this tape to secure the paper onto the drafting table.

Drafting Table

Usually consisting of a lightly tilted, large tabletop surface and outfitted with sturdy legs to prevent the table from moving while being used, the drafting table is an essential drafting tool. While sitting at this table, a drafter will secure a large section of drafting paper onto the table's surface with tape. The drafter will then begin drawing up a project design's schematic using drafting pens and other instruments.

Parallel Glider

Designed to combine the functions of a T-square drafting tool with the functions of a straight-edge ruler, the parallel glider is a tool often used in drafting. Averaging a total length of seven or more inches, the parallel glider resembles a transparent ruler but contains three separate edges so that the drafter can measure out precise drawing lines as well as draw out triangular shapes with precision. The top edge of this drafting tool allows the user to draw longer straight lines of more than one inch while the two shorter edges are used for measuring short drawing lines.

T-square

Used by a draftsman to draw long drawing lines while creating a schematic drawing, the T-square drafting tool is usually made out of a clear plastic and is extremely thin as well. Varying in length from 12 inches all the way up to 72 inches, the T-square is equipped with a long horizontal strip at its top called the blade, giving this drafting tool its name. The drafter will place the blade section of the T-square at the horizontal edge of the drafting paper in order to draw a straight parallel line.

DIY Concrete Patio Furniture

On a budget? That doesn't mean that your patio has to sit empty or look shabby. Decorating a backyard can get expensive---but only if you let it. There are plenty of options other than purchasing all new dcor. Employ a few creative techniques to stretch your dollars, and an attractively furnished, well-decorated patio is within your grasp. Does this Spark an idea?

Handiwork

If you're carpentry-inclined, build your own furniture. Look online and in books for instructional guides, which are readily available for practically every piece of patio furniture you could want: tables, coffee tables, chairs, benches and hammocks. Building the furniture allows you the freedom to customize it: for a concrete patio, you could incorporate soft textiles into the furniture for balance, such as tablecloths, table runners, seat cushions and accent pillows. Be sure to purchase material suitable for outdoor use. Another bonus is that furniture made by you has sentimental value.

Recycling

Check with friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members for any outdoor furniture you could have. Secondhand furniture may be marred by minor damage here and there, and if you get pieces from several sources, they may be mismatched; but there are ways around these problems. Sand out scratches, then redo finishes to hide cosmetic flaws. Cover a stained or discolored tabletop with a tablecloth. Reinforce rickety chair and table legs by installing braces. To make mismatched pieces uniform, spray paint all wooden or plastic furniture with the same color and buy complementary slipcovers and re-cover every seat cushion with the same fabric.

Balance

Concrete patios may sometimes be missing natural elements, so consider this in your decorating plans. If greenery is lacking, bring in potted trees, plants in pots and planter box/benches, even whole container gardens. Add decorative stones or large boulders that could provide seating. A water fountain adds the restful sound of splashing water. Use a fire pit or a chimenea, a portable, freestanding fireplace, to add the drama and ambience of fire.

How to Teach the Metric System to Children

The metric system is used around the world. For students to compete in a global society, it is importantthat they understand and are comfortable using the metric systems of measurement. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics takes the position that schools should provide students with rich experiences in working with both the metric and the customary systems of measurement while developing their ability to solve problems in either system. Create a wide variety of lessons that expose students to the metric system.

Instructions

1

Instruct students on the basic vocabulary and prefixes of the metric system. Create a chart for them to tape to their desks or place in folders for assistance. Create a song or use an available one to make students knowledgeable about the prefixes.

2

Measure items using metric lengths. Create a lab where students have to measure various items using millimeters, centimeters and meters.

3

Take a kilometer walk, so students can physically understand what a kilometer is. If possible, create an interdisciplinary unit with the physical education teacher where students walk/run a kilometer.

4

Provide students with scenarios, and have them tell you how the item would be measuredin millimeters, centimeters, meters or kilometers. For example, how would the length of a book, the classroom, a small eraser, the cabinet, the road and the schools property each be measured. Then have students estimate the lengths of each using a metric measurement. Compare and take actual measurements.

5

Complete the same process with units of weightmilligrams, grams and kilograms. Use a triple beam balance and a metric scale to have students weigh a variety of objects using the metric system. Create scenarios to practice identifying the correct weight measurement to be used and estimation of metric weights.

6

Practice using metric volume measurements of milliliters and liters. Use graduated cylinders to measure various liquids. Have students practice predication and estimation skills with metric volumes.

7

Make a no-bake recipe using metric measurements of mass and volume.

8

Convert measurements between the U.S. system and the metric system. Provide students with estimated conversions and exact conversions using a provided chart. Practice using various worksheets and scenarios. Also include temperature measurements.

9

Complete a conversion scavenger hunt as done by teacher Tracy Timpe, creator of TheScienceSpot.net. Teams of students search for cards hidden around the classroom that have conversion problems on them and must answer the question before searching for a new card. A prize is given to the team with the most correct answers.

The Metric System of Measurements

The metric system of measurements is a decimalized system--meaning the units are related by powers of ten--for measuring various physical quantities, including length, mass and temperature. Most European countries use this system of measurement, while the United States uses a system based on older units. Fortunately, it is easy to convert measurements from one system to the other.

Common Metric Units

The metric system measures lengths and distances in terms of meters. Common units of length are meters, centimeters and millimeters, with a meter being equivalent to 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters. Distances are measured in terms of kilometers, which are equivalent to 1,000 meters.

Comparison to U.S. Measurements

A meter is slightly longer than a yard, which is equivalent to three feet in the U.S. system. A mile, which is 5,280 feet, is equivalent to approximately 1.6 kilometers.

Volume, Mass and Temperature

Volumes are measured in terms of liters; this unit is based upon cubic centimeters. A liter is slightly more than a quart in U.S. volume measurements. Mass is based upon the gram, which is equivalent to the mass of one milliliter of water.

Temperatures are generally measured using the Celsius scale (although the Kelvin scale is often used in scientific measurements), which sets the freezing point of water at zero degrees.

Use of the Metric System in the United States

The metric system is commonly used in chemistry classrooms, where students are required to measure volumes of liquids in liters or milliliters and weigh objects in grams or kilograms. Many beverage companies, particularly soda companies, print volume in liters on bottles and cans. Rulers also include centimeters, although this measurement is not commonly used in the U.S.

Conversion of Length and Mass from U.S. System to Metric System

To convert units from inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.5 centimeters/inch. Centimeters can then be converted to meters by multiplying the result by 100 centimeters/meter. Alternatively, you can multiply feet by .3 meter/foot to convert feet directly into meters.

Mass can be converted by multiplying pounds by 2.2 kilograms/pound; ounces can be multiplied by 28 grams/oz.

Metric System Abbreviations

The metric system is the standard system of measurement in most of the world. It is used in the United States, but it is not the standard system of measurement there. The metric system uses a series of base units for measurements of length, area, volume, capacity and mass and weight, using prefixes to indicate measurements larger or smaller than the base unit.

Length

The metric system units of measurement for length are based on the meter measurement, which is nearly 40 inches in the American system. The abbreviation for meter is "m." The kilometer is expressed as "km," the hectometer as "hm," the dekameter as "dam," the decimeter as "dm," the centimeter as "cm," the millimeter as "mm" and the micrometer as "m."

Mass and Weight

The metric measurements for mass and weight are based on the gram, which is about 0.035 of an ounce in the American system. The gram's abbreviation is "g."

The metric ton is expressed as "t," the kilogram as "kg," the hectogram as "hg," the dekagram as "dag," the decigram as "dg," the centigram as "cg," the milligram as "mg" and the microgram as "g."

Capacity

The base measurement in the metric system for capacity is the liter, which is equal to 61.02 cubic inches, or 0.908 quart for dry material and 1.057 quarts for a wet material in the American system. The liter's abbreviation is "l." The kiloliter is expressed as "kl," the hectoliter as "hl," the dekaliter as "dal," the cubic decimeter as "dm3," the deciliter as "dl," the centiliter as "cl" and the milliliter as "ml."

Area and Volume

Area and volume do not have as many units of measurements as length, capacity and mass and weight. For area, the square kilometer is abbreviated "sq km" or "km2" and totals 1,000,000 square meters, which is 0.3861 miles in the American system. Also, for area, the hectare is expressed as "ha" and the square centimeter as "sq cm" or "cm2." For volume, the cubic meter, which is equal to 1 cubic meter or 1.307 cubic yards, is expressed as "m3," the cubic decimeter as "dm3" and the cubic centimeter as "cm3," "cu," "cm" or "cc."

How to Decorate Shore Cottage Style

The shore cottage style of interior decor takes its cues, not only from the sights and sounds of the sea, but also from the colors found along its edges. From the vast array of shoreland motifs that includes lighthouses, seagulls, and seaglass to the restful colors of the sand, the waves and the wood that drifts up from their depths, decorating a room in shore cottage style using nautically-inspired materials and accent pieces brings the sea home in a colorful and restful way, just like a walk on the beach. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Display a favorite seascape painting as the focal point and the source of inspiration for the paint colors you will use to offset your predominant background shade. Paint walls in restful ocean colors such as pale blue, green, or gray.

2

Paint the ceiling and any trim and windowsills in a bright white, or take a complementary color from the seascape to use on the trim and windowsills. Hang curtains or draperies that are light and airy and allow lots of light into the room, or buy wooden blinds painted white to create the illusion of brightness.

3

Furnish room with white wicker or rattan furniture pieces, including chairs, divans, and tables. Use slipcovers on heavier upholstered furniture that incorporates a color from your focal piece or from your trim paint color. Cover seat cushions on wicker furniture in material to match the slipcovers. Incorporate simple furniture that has a lived-in look in keeping with the getting-away-from-it-all seashore philosophy.

4

Add wicker or rattan baskets as magazine holders or to hold seaside collectibles. Lay a few small rugs on the floor in open doorways or under small tables in colors that complement your wall background color.

5

Place accent pieces on tables, shelves and windowsills that continue the shore motif, such as clear glass vases filled with sea glass or shells and interesting pieces of driftwood. Group nautical items, such as a miniature lighthouse collection, on an accent table, or place ocean-scented votive candles in a group of individual seashells.

How to Arrange Accessories for a Square Coffee Table

While coffee tables are one of the most common types of furniture found in a typical home, they may be one of the most overlooked in terms of decorating. Square coffee tables are popular because they fit well between furniture pieces and lend a symmetrical anchor for the room. Coffee tables can serve as a place to put books, magazines, drinks and snacks, but they also tend to become cluttered. Accessories for a coffee table should help keep the coffee table clutter free, accent the table and tie into your overall room decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Keep your accessories toward the middle of the table to put function and convenience first. A coffee table serves a functional purpose, and if your decor interferes with that purpose, you will soon grow tired of it. Leave plenty of space around the edges of the square to set down coasters, glasses, mugs and small dishes if you plan to entertain guests.

2

Use odd -numbered groupings. Groups of three and five are most appealing to the eye and will offer a contrast to a square table with its four even sides. When choosing any accessory, such as candles, baskets, tins, bowls or vases, consider placing it in multiples.

3

Vary heights to break up the symmetrical square appearance. Create visual interest by combining different heights, shapes and textures. Try placing something decorative on a stack of leather-bound books or under a glass bell jar. Combine a low tray with a tall vase, or put your favorite accessory on a pedestal cake stand.

4

Double up fashion and function by using accessories that also serve as storage. Look for decorative boxes and containers, glass jars or baskets. This keeps clutter contained while accessorizing.

5

Don't crowd the table. Less is more when it comes to accessorizing a coffee table. Too many things just make it look cluttered, so stick to only a few pieces that somehow coordinate by color, style or theme.

How to Decorate a Food Table for a Fall Outdoor Wedding

Celebrating your wedding in the crisp fall air can be romantic, but an outdoor wedding brings with it some additional concerns. Make a clear plan with the catering staff about when they'll bring out the food, since hot dishes will get cold faster when they're outside. Avoid rickety card tables. Ask your reception venue if you can move some solid wooden tables outside. Explain your decorating plan to your wedding planner or bridal party. Decorating should be done just before the reception so items don't blow away, but you'll be too busy with touch-ups or photos to supervise.

Instructions

1

Cover the tables with cloths in warm colors such as orange, red or deep brown. Choose silky or satiny cloths, since these look rich and decadent. Arrange a wide table runner or napkins on top of the cloth for extra decoration and to protect the tablecloth from food stains. If you're using napkins, spread them out on the table with the edges overlapping.

2

Set up serving plates or the bases to your chafing dishes. You'll need to settle on an arrangement for the food before finalizing decorations. Set up small plates in front of the dishes to rest serving spoons on as well.

3

Arrange accents around the plates. Buy cloth fall leaves from a craft store to scatter around the edges of the table. Add pine cones and small bud vases with flowers around the table. Guests reaching for food could tip over any open flames, but if your table needs additional light you can place votive candles inside glass lanterns or hurricane vases. Pretend that you're reaching over the table to serve yourself from each dish to ensure that guests can't knock over any decor or candles.

4

Place buckets of flowers or branches on the ground around the tables. Since the tables are filled with food, placing larger decorations on the ground will create more visual impact without distracting from the food. Buy two metal buckets or straw baskets for each table. For a rustic look, place tall twigs in the buckets. You might also buy some fake branches with fall leaves attached from a craft store. You can also fill buckets with shafts of wheat or potted flowers. Choose flowers in yellows or oranges, such as marigolds. Place one bucket on either side of the table, out of the way or where guests will walk.

5

Cover the dessert tables until it's time to eat. You may want to arrange the cake or cookies before the reception begins, but you don't want guests digging in early or insects landing on the food. Buy white or gold netting to cover the table. Place some candlesticks or other sturdy metal objects on the table that are taller than the food. Drape the netting over the table. It should rest on the taller objects without touching any food.

Church Pew Ideas for Home

A church pew offers a rustic and functional piece of furniture to utilize throughout the home. Made in a wide range of sizes, church pews have a linear, sleek line that looks stunning tucked along walls or used for extra seating in spaces like kitchens, dining rooms and living spaces. Adding decorative touches like a fresh coat of paint or set of comfortable pillows accents the pew to create an updated look. Does this Spark an idea?

Entryway

Provide a resting spot in the entryway of the home by installing a church pew. Rest the pew against one wall to provide an area for tying shoes and getting ready in the morning. To create an organizational center, install a corkboard or wall-mounted shelving above the pew to post messages and sort mail. Flank the pew with a coat rack and baskets to keep the space organized. Add color over the pew by installing family photographs. Use a wide range of frame sizes to create a mosaic design that provides a focal point to the room.

Dining Table

Create an unexpected seating option for the dining table with a church pew. Placed along one or either side of a rectangular table, the pew provides plenty of seating for large or small families. Using a pew is cost-effective, as it replaces three to four chairs, depending on the length of the pew, and it gives a rustic feel to the room. For an updated display, paint the pew in a neutral color like white or cream. The neutral palette will complement a wide range of dining table materials, including wood and metal, and lighten up a small space. Add a long cushion to help pad the pew and provide comfort to the space.

Bedroom Accent

Add a church pew to the bedroom to provide a space for folding clothes or relaxing after a long day. Church pews nestled at the end of the bed provide a focal point to the room. To create a lounging area in the bedroom, tuck the church pew along one wall, and accent it with comfortable pillows. Add an accent table nearby for resting books or decorative items like a collection of vases. Hang an oversized mirror on the wall above the pew to create a vignette.

Living Space

Try replacing a bulky sofa with a church pew. Church pews provide adequate seating and a dramatic touch to the living room. They are ideal in small spaces where you want to lighten and brighten a room. For more than one church pew, house them in the living room, face-to-face, with a coffee table between them. Throw a favorite quilt or afghan over the pews to soften the space.

DIY End Tables

Learn how to make DIY end tables if you are lacking a few pieces of furniture or you need an inexpensive way to replace your old tables. Every living room should have a place to sit a lamp as well as your drink and remote, do-it-yourself end tables are the perfect solution. Does this Spark an idea?

The Faux Effect

Gather up a stack of books, sturdy boxes or old magazines. Stack these items to the desired height, around two feet. Make sure the stack is stable; you may need to tie or glue the items together. Drape a table skirt over the pile or use a decorative scarf or blanket. If the cover is too long, tuck and pin the ends for a more tailored look. Another option is to use an old tree trunk. Clean it up and use a clear sealant to add a rustic touch to your living space.

Get Creative

Keep a look out for a table that has been discarded to the curb or go to a thrift store and purchase a used table that has seen better days. Sand the table down and repaint it black or a bold color to disguise any dents or dings. You can further embellish your "new" end table by painting a decorative design on top or replacing the legs with stainless steel legs. Borrow Re-Nest.com's idea of creating an end table from old magazines by folding them to create sculptural round tables. Simply bend and tuck chunks of pages throughout the magazine and place two facing back to back.

Build Your Own End Table

If you are have access to a wood shop construct and end table from scratch. Select a table pattern and purchase the required amount of wood. Carefully measure and cut out the legs and table top, adding any fancy wood-working embellishments that you choose. Attach the pieces with nails, glue or specially designed joints and then sand the piece. Seal your do-it-yourself end table with a clear primer or stain.

How to Create a Romantic Room With a Fireplace

The first room that springs to mind when considering romantic decor is, of course, the bedroom. However, romantic decor in a living room or den with a fireplace creates a cozy, intimate space, ideal for snuggling with a loved one or simply enjoying a relaxed and comforting environment. Stimulate the senses with plush fabrics, romantic images, soft colors, pleasant smells and gentle music. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use a color palette of soft, dreamy colors. Paint the walls with warm, neutral shades such as rich cream and caramels, or light mocha with feminine dusty pink or delicate lavender undertones. Avoid gloss or satin paint finishes, as these reflect too much light and reduce the feeling of warmth.

2

Lay a luxurious shaggy pile rug in front of the fireplace. This offers a cozy place where you can sit in front of the fire with a glass of wine or stretch out and enjoy the warmth.

3

Position a love seat in front of the fire, leaving plenty of space for the rug. For extra seating, use giant beanbags or a chaise lounge placed at right angles to the love seat. This creates an intimate and cozy space, offering plenty of seating choices and different textures. Avoid single armchairs, unless they are big enough for two.

4

Pile cushions onto the seating. Combine different textures, such as velvet, suede, faux fur and corduroy, for a luxurious, tactile effect. This is also a chance to add deep, bold splashes of colors such as rich purples or reds. Use one or two black cushions to help ground the color scheme.

5

Place a small accent table at either end of the love seat where you could place drinks, a box of chocolates or lit candles.

6

Mount a piece of artwork depicting a romantic image above the fireplace. Choose something that complements your own personal idea of romance, be it an embracing couple, a beautiful flower or a sunset.

7

Display table-top accessories, such as scented candles, incense holders, and fresh-cut flowers, to appeal to the sense of smell. Hunt flea markets and antique shops for vintage-style photo frames to display pictures of you and your partner. Hang more romantic artwork around the room, but ensure the largest piece is the one above the fireplace.

8

Avoid overhead lighting. Instead, use table-top lamps to create a soft, warm glow. Ensure there are plenty of candles in the room, as the ultimate romantic lighting is achieved with a roaring open fire and candles covering every surface.

9

Add a small CD player positioned in an unobtrusive place to allow soft music to create the perfect atmosphere.

How to Decorate Tables With Pictures

A beautifully composed photograph or painting tends to capture the imagination. The mind wanders back to times past or creates an imagined future based on the pictures in front of the eyes. Times of celebration offer an opportunity for people to take a look back and celebrate the pictures that represent life's milestones. Pictures and photographs offer solid choices for many different kinds of decorative table displays, whether the picture is taken in brilliant color or the subtlest black and white. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Create a picture and fruit centerpiece for a holiday celebration. For example, stack some seasonal fruits like pumpkins and gourds in the center of your table, making sure that they are of varying sizes and heights. Insert pictures in between the spaces in the fruit or fasten them to long, fancy toothpicks and stick them into the fruit pieces themselves. Use decorative vines, like silk grape leaf vines, to wrap around the bottom of the display.

2

Bring a futuristic element to your photo or picture display. Look for straight cylinder glasses of different sizes. Fill the bottom with clear marbles. Roll up your photo and insert it into the glass so that the photo or picture is facing outward. Drop a few more marbles in to hold the picture in place. Arrange the cylinders on your table so that the pictures face outward.

3

Create a dramatic look by getting a variety of picture frames in black or white and filling them with black and white photos. Position the pictures in groups of threes or fives with the tallest frame in the back with the shorter ones in front. Add some interesting accent pieces, like a vase full of red roses with a few stray roses laying on the table in front of the pictures. Use a centerpiece like this for an occasion like a black-tie gala.

4

Lay down a variety of pictures on the table and get a piece of acrylic glass large enough to cover a good portion of the table. Create a picture montage under the glass. You might do themes with this sort of decorative element. For example, if you're celebrating your trip to Europe, include pictures and postcards from your trip. Place this arrangement in the center of the table and flank it with the dinner place mats, plates and other items, but keep the center free so people can browse by, circling the table.

5

Celebrate a family reunion with a photo tree table arrangement. This display is similar in idea to a money tree that you'd give a teen on graduation night. However, instead of tying dollar bills to the tree branches, add family photos instead. Make one tree for each family. Scan your old photos and print them out on card stock or photo paper. Punch a hole at the top of the photo and tie to the tree using decorative ribbon. To make the tree itself, fill some terracotta pots with rocks or marbles and find some interestingly shaped branches. Stick them into the pot and decorate.