How to Polish a Stone Patio Table

Stone tables add a warm, natural touch to your patio decor. But they require careful maintenance to maintain their rustic beauty. The porous stones these tables are made from stain easily and can develop dull surfaces over time. Stone tables used for dining attract water and food stains. Occasional tables left uncovered become blemished from rain, snow and even wind. Commit to a regular cleaning routine and keep your stone patio table dazzling. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Inspect the table. For everyday dirt and residue, plan on using a mild soapy mixture. Heavy-duty dirt requires a chemical cleaner designed to remove caked-on debris without ruining the table's surface sealer. A dulled finish that forms after time requires a lacquer thinner.

2

Clean normal dirt. Mix the water and detergent. Apply the mixture to a cloth or sponge. Gently rub over the surface of the table, just to loosen and remove the dirt.

3

Tackle heavier dirt, like tree sap and bird droppings. Apply the chemical solvent directly to the stains.

4

Wait until the solvent takes effect. You should observe the stain loosening. Then use the cloth or sponge to wipe away the dirt.

5

Expect to apply a final solution of mild soap and warm water even after rubbing away the chemical solvent. This second cleaning removes any chemical residue from the table, which is especially important if you're using the table to dine.

6

Restore shine to a dulled finish by reapplying sealer two times per year. First use the cloth or sponge to clean the table with either warm water or a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Allow the stone to dry, then spray on the sealer and polish with a dry soft cloth.

7

Prevent stains from wet teabags or acidic ingredients, like wine, juices and vinegar. Treat the stone surface with a clear wax you can apply with a soft cloth or sponge.

About Shabby Chic Vanity Tables

Shabby chic is a design element invented by famed decorator Rachel Ashwell. Her method of decorating sense is to take antique or simple-styled furniture items and create a distressed look that appears in lighter pastel colors with small floral accents and oftentimes clear jeweled highlights. Shabby chic is a welcoming decor piece in any home but generally embodies a feminine flair, making it a perfect choice for any girl's room. Does this Spark an idea?

Significance

A shabby chic vanity table is a vanity piece that can be admired yet is useful in the boudoir as well as in a dressing room. The vanity adds a feminine presence to an area and serves as a practical way to get ready and be presentable to the public. The shabby chic vanity table is a great accent and addition to any decor that you may already have in your home.

Features

Shabby chic vanity tables have a spindle leg design along with a pastel floral pattern along the side edges of the table. The shabby chic design embodies the entire piece, allowing it to blend in perfectly with shabby chic decor as well as country and even French contemporary design. A mirror is optional but can be added to make the vanity functional as well as practical. A small drawer tucked underneath the piece makes for convenient storage for cosmetics and hair items.

Function

The shabby chic vanity table is a popular accent to a girl's bedroom. Girls can use the vanity table as a way to get ready for presentation, styling their hair and applying makeup. Decorative uses include using this vanity table as a small accent table in an entryway into a home that can be a resting place for mail, magazines, keys and purses.

Size

The shabby chic vanity table is typically designed to be compact, around 3 feet high and 1 to 2 1/2 feet wide. If the shabby chic table is custom-designed or re-created from another piece of furniture, it can be smaller than the standard vanity size or larger to meet room design requirements. The vanity table is usually compact enough to fit into tight spaces in rooms or large closets as well as large bathrooms or dressing rooms.

Effects

Most people who implement this type of decor into their homes have other pastel-colored, feminine and shabby chic furniture throughout. The shabby chic vanity is a great way to start off a shabby chic collection. Most vanities can be bought or made for under $150, making them affordable as well as practical.

About Glass Top Dining Tables

A glass top table makes an elegant addition to any dining room. Such tables have a versatile appearance; combine the glass top with a streamlined base for a modern look or with a decorated curved base for a more traditional look. When considering a glass top dining table, you'll need to consider several features. Also, weigh the benefits these beautiful fables offer against the drawbacks so you will be pleased with your selection. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Glass can be used as a dining table surface as either a large piece of glass set on top of legs or a pedestal, or it can be placed upon a solid dining table to protect the wood or other decorative finish while allowing the natural beauty to show through. It can be cut to any size to fit a specific table base or to be just the right size for a dining room.

Securing

Glass table tops can be very heavy, depending on the thickness and size, and can be dangerous if they slide. To keep the glass from sliding on the base, it needs to be secured with glue, bolts, or non-skid dots. Very large or heavy pieces of glass that are unlikely to shift can be placed on felt pieces to even out the surface.

Features

Glass table edges are often rounded, beveled or square; no matter which type of edge, the corners are smoothed so you won't have sharp edges against your arms when you're eating. Tables made of tempered glass are stronger and safer than normal glass. Even when a table made of tempered glass breaks, it will break into tiny round pieces without sharp edges. Look for glass that is 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick so it will be strong but not so heavy it is difficult to move.

Benefits

A glass table is ideal for small dining rooms, as the clear surface makes the space appear larger. Since you can see right through the table, place it over your favorite floor rug so you can see the pattern. If you no longer like the look of the base or it won't match your new decor, just replace it with a new base and use the same piece of glass. It doesn't take much to care for this style of table; simply spray it with a glass cleaner and wipe dry with a paper towel or clean soft cloth.

Drawbacks

The No. 1 drawback of a glass table is that fingerprints will inevitably appear on the surface. To remedy this, you will need to clean the table with a glass cleaner frequently; daily, if the table is used frequently. Very large glass table tops can be quite heavy and difficult to move or adjust. Glass is also susceptible to cracks, breakage and chips. If the table is rectangular, the corners may be sharp and can injure a child if he runs into it.

How to Place Lamps in a Living Room

Lighting plays an important role in decorating a room. Prior to placing lamps in your living room, consider the lifestyle of you and your family and the activities that take place in the room. Whether you need lighting for reading, sewing or card playing, or for entertaining guests, it matters what style of lamps you choose and where they are placed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place lamps on tables and shelves at the edges of the living room to radiate light inward.

2

Mount wall lamps on both sides of a fireplace to cast soft shadows.

3

Place a floor lamp to the left or right of the reading chair, with the bottom of the shade at eye level to reduce eye strain.

4

Accent house plants in the living room by placing can lamps aimed upward at the wall behind the plants.

5

Set a floor lamp behind the television screen--or next to it, in the case of the new wall-mounted screens--to reduce glare and soften the contrast.

6

Place low-height table lamps on either side of the sofa to emphasize a "sit-down" feel.

What Is Metric to SAE?

As anyone who has ever worked on a car or even just bought a set of wrenches knows, tools come in two different standards of measurement: metric and SAE. Metric measurements are in millimeters, centimeters and meters, whereas SAE measurements are in fractions of an inch. Because two different standards of measurement are used, it is sometimes necessary to know how to convert metric measurements into SAE measurements or vice versa.

Ancient Systems of Measurement

People have been measuring things for as long as history records. Originally there was no standard way of measuring things. Different people in different areas of the world used whatever methods seemed easiest to them. This created many different systems of measurement, often using standards coming from different jobs, such as agriculture and sailing. The grain, an old-fashioned unit of weight, was the weight of an average grain of wheat or barleycorn. The league was a measure of how far the average person could walk in an hour. The foot, widely used by many primitive societies, was simply the length of someone's foot. The fathom, a measurement of depth, comes from sailors measuring rope by stretching lengths of it between their hands.

The Imperial System

As trade between different parts of the world increased, the differences in local standards of measurement became an increasing problem. In England, metal weights and measures were made to solve this problem with a set of measurement standards that everyone could agree to use. This was the basis of the Imperial system of measurement, which uses feet as the standard unit of length and pounds as the standard unit of weight. It became the official system of measurement in England and later, in modified form, in the United States.

SAE

In the early part of the 20th century, the manufacture of automobiles started to become widespread. Dozens of different automotive manufacturers existed all across the United States, each with their own sets of standards. The need to all adopt the same units of measurement was quickly seen, and when these engineers and manufacturers banded together to form the Society of Automobile Engineers, they adopted the imperial system of measurement as their standard. Since then the imperial system has also been called the "SAE system."

The Metric System

In the 17th century, France was in much the same position that England had been. A patchwork of inconsistent standards of measurement impeded business and allowed rampant fraud. Every region was loyal to its own system of measurements and would accept the use of no other system. In 1670, it was suggested to create a new system of measurement based on the size of the earth, free of individual regional ties. Following the French Revolution, the French adopted this measurement system as their standard. Because it was based on the decimal system it was easier to use than the imperial system and eventually became the standard system of measurement for most of the world.

Conversion

Because the majority of the world uses the metric system and the United States does not, mechanics and engineers in the United States often need to convert between different systems of measurement, as most imports are in the metric system. This can lead to a host of difficulties, from the minor inconvenience of having to buy two different sets of tools to major disasters such as the loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999, which was due to its computers using unconverted units, according to Robert Nelson of New Mexico State University.

Uses for Swamp Wood

Swamp wood, also known as bald cypress or sinker cypress, is wood cut from swampy regions of the Deep South, primarily in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. The density of the wood makes it susceptible to sinking in the waters from which it is harvested, and because of its value, some wood cut down years ago is being reclaimed from the floor of the swamps. Its durability and beauty make it highly valued by woodworkers around the world.

Outdoor Buildings and Furniture

Swamp wood has exceptional natural resistance to rot and decay, understandable given its growing environment. For this reason, it is often used in the construction of outdoor buildings such as sheds, garages and gazebos. Furniture intended for outdoor use such as Adirondack chairs and garden benches are also constructed from swamp wood, which weathers to a nice grayish brown color when left unfinished.

Tanks, Vats and Casks

Tanks, vats, casks, crates and other containment vessels are often constructed of cypress because of its resistance to density and resistance to water rot. Unlike with more porous wood, there is little risk of leakage and its durability and nonreactivity make it an excellent choice for storing corrosive chemicals.

Boats

That same rot resistance makes swamp wood an excellent choice for boat building as well. The same people who have made the swamp their home for hundreds of years use the natural resources at their disposal to build boats that serve them in their careers. Fishermen, oyster men and hunters have used swamp wood to build their boats and continue to do so even as fiberglass and other synthetic materials have become available, offering even greater strength and durability.

Indoor Furniture

The deep, rich tones that can be coaxed from swamp wood by applying penetrating oil stains have made it a beautiful option for indoor furniture. The close grain with heavily contrasting ring patterns make attractive cabinetry, occasional tables and bedroom furniture, and its innate durability means that it is long lasting and stands up well to abuse.

Wedding Candy Table Decorations

Wedding candy table decorations add to the festivity of receptions, and they can give guests a sweet memento of the event. They can be personalized to fit any color scheme, and they can be arranged in centerpieces or in favor bags or boxes that are easy to take home.

Types

You can display wedding candy decorations on tables at a seated dinner or on accent tables at a buffet. For a light reception, you can put them out as individual servings on a dessert tray. Common types of wedding candy include chocolate pieces, jelly beans, truffles and candy bars.

Centerpiece Jars

You can make wedding candy table decorations by creating centerpiece jars. Fill clear glass or plastic vases with candy and tie coordinating ribbons around the jars.

Cake Substitutes

You can substitute an elaborate array of wedding candy for a traditional cake. You can also use candy to color-coordinate the decor on the cake.

Table Dishes

You can place small candy dishes on each table and fill them with sweets that match the wedding's color scheme. You can also set up jars on a buffet table to create a candy "bar" stocked with different candies.

Considerations

Avoid nuts in wedding candy table decorations if you know a guest is allergic to them. Consider offering sugar-free, gluten-free or vegan options as favors for guests with special dietary needs or preferences.

How to Decorate a Connecting Dining Room and Living Room

How to Set an Outdoor Country Wedding Table

If you're hosting a country chic wedding, you'll want to infuse this theme all the way through from your ceremony to your reception. Outdoor receptions, in particular, celebrate this country spirit with the use of centerpieces that feature the simple beauty and elegance of nature. You can literally "go green" with plants or trees you can plant in your garden once the reception is over, to keep a living memento of your special day. A country theme allows you to bring all that you love about the country to your reception, starting with your table settings.

Instructions

1

Include rustic country colors in your color scheme. These earthy colors include rich golds, greens and reds, which cover your tables with those hues found in nature. This is an ideal match for the flowers, fruits and plants that further celebrate your country theme.

2

Use plants as table centerpieces. Unlike fresh flowers, these are souvenirs that the bride and groom or the wedding party can keep for years after the wedding. Vibrant green plants with blooming flowers not only match your color scheme, but celebrate the outdoors at each and every table.

3

Use simple country flowers like daisies, mums and sunflowers in mismatched antique vases or pitchers for each of your tables. Garden flowers keep the centerpieces colorful, but simply chic.

4

Accent your table with fresh fruit. This gives a real "farmers market" feel to your reception. Pears, pumpkins, apples and figs accentuate natural garlands you can string across the table.

5

Use simple fabrics like burlap to cover your tables. This enhances your more rustic, country setting. Using white or neutral linens help the richer, earthy tones from your flowers, plants and fruit pop.

6

Mismatch your place settings to bring a homey, more intimate family dinner feel to your reception. Otherwise, simple white settings help keep the focus on your centerpieces and the hearty country menu full of colorful vegetables.

How to Make a Table Scarf

A table scarf is a simple but elegant way to accent a table without completely covering the table's surface. A table scarf--also known as a table runner--is a long, narrow strip of fabric that lays lengthwise down the middle of the table. Some table scarfs are pointed on the ends, with tassels at the tips of the points for added interest and detail.

Instructions

1

Measure the length of your table and add 20 inches. Cut a 16-inch strip of fabric to this length.

2

Fold under 1/2 inch of fabric on each long side and repeat with an additional 1/2-inch fold on both sides. Pin the folded fabric and press. Sew a straight line along the folded-over edges to make a hem for the table scarf.

3

Place a straight pin on each hemmed edge, 8 inches from the raw, unfinished short edges.

4

Fold the table scarf in half lengthwise so the right sides of the fabric are facing each other and one pin touches the pin directly opposite it.

5

Put a ruler at the point marked by pins on one end and lay it diagonally across to the fold and 1 inch from the end of the strip. Using tailor's chalk, draw a line along the edge of the ruler from the pins to the folded fabric edge. Repeat on the other end of the fabric.

6

Sew along the marked lines to create the points for each end of the table scarf. Trim away excess fabric. Turn the points right side out and press.

7

Use a hand sewing needle and thread to attach a tassel to the tip of each point.

How do I Draw on an Easel on a Picnic Table?

An artist easel is a three-sided tripod stand that supports a hard board or a canvas so that an artist can draw or paint with the surface upright. Often easels come with clamps (to hold paper or canvas), trays, containers and all manner of objects to assist the artist. When an artist chooses to work on-site or outside, she will often use existing furniture at the site to assist her. If an outdoor table is present, the artist may position her easel on the table so that it is stable and comfortable.

Instructions

1

Position the easel so that the paper or canvas supports on the two front legs are level. Many outdoor tables are not level. The legs on most easels are adjustable and the lower portions of the legs slide down to the length the artist requires. Unclamp the lower leg, slide it down and reclamp it. Leg adjustments will only be an inch or two when you are using the easel on a table surface.

2

Place the easel so that your elbows can rest comfortably on the table surface in front of the easel. When you are sitting at the table the easel should be within comfortable reach from the top of the sheet to the bottom.

3

Lift a view finder to determine the view you wish to draw. A viewfinder can be purchased or made out of cardboard. Cut a square out of cardboard. Move the viewfinder forward and backward until you determine the size of your view. Locate objects, lines or shapes that intersect or touch the edges of the viewfinder.

4

Determine where these lines, objects or shapes touch the edge of your paper and lightly sketch in these marks. These will begin to scale your drawing to what you see in your viewfinder. Check your angles by holding up your viewfinder. Hold up your pencil so that it matches a line in the view. Grip your viewfinder and pencil and compare the angle on your paper. This is an easy way to check angles.

5

Draw from the edge inward. Block in each object. Block in the negative space around each object. Look back and forth from your paper to the object frequently and erase any mistakes early. Once the main structures are blocked in, look at each structure as a miniature drawing and working from the edges of the object inward, blocking in its main interior shapes. Continue this until all of the details are worked out.

6

Finish your drawing by closely observing shadows and shading. Detail out textures working from dark to light tones. Take a break if you feel yourself becoming tight or tired. A few minutes away from the art will often provide a different view. Complete your drawing with any final details.

How to Keep Things From Rolling Off Drafting Table

Drafting tables are slanted, making it difficult to keep pens, pencils and other items from rolling off the table. Using a drafting table requires that you purchase a separate organizer and attachable devices designed to hold your supplies. Drafting tables are great for creating architectural plans, blueprints, artist sketches and even for composers who want a large space to work on a new composition. The slanted design of the table provides excellent support for your arms while reducing the strain associated with conventional flat tables.

Instructions

1

Attach the metal pencil ledge to the top of your drafting table. You can purchase a pencil ledge from any drafting store. The storage unit slips over the top of your drafting table and has a ledge to hold pencils, markers and other drawing tools.

2

Secure your drafting tool instrument tray to the bottom of the drafting table. The tray can be secured with anywhere from two to three screws at the bottom of the tray table. Create a pilot hole using a small 1/16-inch drill bit. Hold the tray in place and screw the tray onto the drafting table using a screwdriver. Most units will require the use of a Phillips screwdriver.

3

Apply two-sided tape to the table for a quick method of securing your items. The double-sided tape can be placed in a position where it is most convenient and will hold most items in place. To ensure that you don't damage the drafting table, cover the unit with a sheet of bulletin board paper. This way, you can throw away the paper when you are finished drafting and not have to worry about tape sticking to your table.

How to Make Decorative Balls for My Coffee Table

Whether you bundle them into a basket or urn or let them sit out on the table, using decorative spheres adds textural interest to any room. Choose a foam base for each ball and cover each with a different item to draw the eye. Different decorative coverings require different application techniques. Consider making a grouping of five or more coordinating balls to make an eye-catching accent for your coffee table. Use decorative items like faux flower petals, torn paper, fabric strips, jute twine, yarn, buttons or sequins to adorn the balls. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Decorating With Glue

1

Choose a glue that works well with foam; most craft adhesives labeled tacky glue will work. Plain white school glue will not.

2

Pour a puddle of glue onto the paper plate. Dab the foam brush into the glue, then brush a thick layer of glue onto a foam ball. Cover half of the ball with glue, and leave the other half plain.

3

Apply the decorative items to the glue, placing them close together so they overlap and cover the ball entirely. Items that work well with this approach are small and lightweight and include faux flower petals, torn scraps of paper, natural items like acorn caps and glitter.

4

Let the glue dry and repeat the process to cover the other side of the ball. Allow the ball to dry, then display on the coffee table as desired.

Decorating With Pins

5

Choose items that are small enough to pin on the ball and not distort the shape; good choices include sequins, small buttons and felt or fabric flowers. Foam is dense enough to hold pins securely in place, so no glue is required.

6

Slip a bead, sequin or button onto a pin. Stick the pointy end of the pin into the ball.

7

Continue adding pins, allowing each item to touch or overlap its neighbor so the foam is entirely hidden. Start at one end of the ball and repeat until the ball is covered.

How to Convert Tablespoons to the Metric System

A tablespoon is a measure of volume in the system commonly used in the United States, which is sometimes referred to as imperial measurement. If you are preparing a recipe and want to share it with someone who is more familiar with the metric system, you can convert the required amounts in your recipe from tablespoons to milliliters. A milliliter, one-thousandth of a liter, is the metric measuring unit commonly used for small volumes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Enter the number of tablespoons you want to convert in the calculator or write it down on a piece of paper. For example, if you wish to convert 3 tbsp., enter 3.

2

Multiply the figure by 14.78676, the number of milliliters per tbsp.

3

Check your result. For example, 3 tbsp multiplied by 14.78676 equals 44.36028 milliliters.

How Are Buffet Lamps Used?

Serving Tables

Buffet lamps are often used at parties to light the serving tables. They are recognizable by their long, narrow necks and small shades which are designed to focus the light down at the desired spot. These lamps are designed to take up very little room on the table while at the same time providing enough light that the people serving themselves can easily see what they are taking from the food dishes.

Low Level Lighting

Buffet lamps are also often used on small tables such as end tables and coffee tables. They provide low level lighting which is great for small rooms or small illumination areas, such as a secretary's desk, a china cabinet or a corner of the room that requires a bit more light. Buffet lamps, with their low level light, also make good bedside lamps for reading or other night-time illumination purposes.

Mood Lighting

Buffet lamps can be used for gentle mood lighting, such as in restaurants where the overhead lighting might be kept dim to add a romantic element to the ambiance. Buffet lamps are often quite elegantly designed, which also adds to the mood of this type of lighting. Colored light bulbs can be used with these lamps to also add ambiance to a party or event.

What Is the Best Drawing Tablet?

There are a variety of reasonably priced drawing tablets on the market. Drawing tablets are used to input hand-drawn images and writing into the computer. The drawing tablet has a flat surface that the user draws on with a stylus that is attached. The drawing is digitized and input into a graphics program, appearing on the computer screen. A drawing tablet can be an invaluable tool with image editing, drawing and animation software, for example Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Flash.

Drawing Tablet Price Vs. Performance

As with other peripheral computer devices, drawing tablets come in a wide range of price and quality. It is important to define your needs before buying. An occasional user will need a drawing tablet that can digitally reproduce hand-drawn images with accuracy and ease of operation. A professional illustrator or animator will need a durable, high-quality machine that will stand up to daily use and produce the highest-quality images.

Well-Priced Drawing Tablets

The Jam Studio drawing tablet from KB Gear Interactive is priced at just over $20, as of 2009. It is not professional grade but functions properly. The GT-504 graphic tablet is available for under $50 and may be used with MSN Natural Draw. The Wacom Bamboo is a small unit that retails for about $100, and is also available for lower prices as a refurbished machine. Wacom is the leading manufacturer of drawing tablets, over a range of prices.

Medium-Priced Drawing Tablets

One of Wacom's top-rated drawing tablets is the Wacom Intuos3, with a 4-by-5-inch drawing surface, at around $200, in 2009. The digital pen is very sensitive and able to reproduce subtle changes in pressure on the drawing tablet. For a slightly higher price, the Wacom Graphire Bluetooth tablet comes with a larger 6-by-8-inch drawing area. Wacom offers more selection at much higher prices. The Adesso Cyber Pad A4 is highly recommended by business users, and is described as a notepad and drawing tablet.

High-End Drawing Tablets

The Wacom Cintiq 12WX is a lightweight unit with a 12-inch screen, allowing the user to work directly onscreen with the stylus inside graphics applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Flash, Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. It retails for about $1,000. The ultimate drawing tablet from Wacom is the Cintiq 21UX, offering a 21-inch screen along with the ability to work directly in applications. At just under $2,000, it is a great investment for working professionals with high-end needs.

Styles of Dining Room Table and Chairs

When you move into your new home, you'll want your dining room space to reflect your decorative preferences in terms of color and design. Dining room tables and chairs can indicate your fresh, modern taste with understated colors -- or serve as an ode to your classic or antique style and showcase rich hues in the dining room space. Does this Spark an idea?

Modern Dining Room

In a modern dining room, only one or two colors are showcased, and the table and chairs are likely the only furniture pieces in the room (for example, no large lamps or vases for the corners of the room, or curio cabinets featuring figurines or formal dishes). Understated colors like gray and black are ideal for a living room with modern style, so it's best to choose a table constructed with clean lines that features one of these colors. The chairs don't have to be the same color as the table, but should be another modest hue like white or off-white. Futuristic-style chairs with angular backs or curvy legs are the perfect complement to a modern dining room table. One large mirror on the main wall trimmed in silver, or a large portrait featuring a few bright colors and a white or light gray table runner will complete the decor.

Country Dining Room

Chairs made of distressed wood with white, lavender, yellow, or light blue cushions are a pretty addition to a dining room with country style. A table made of light-colored wood, or wood painted white with rounded corners is appropriate for the space, adorned with a table runner or cloth with a gingham or large checkered pattern in white and a pastel shade. Decorative plates in white or cream on the side wall bring additional charm to the room, and it's also a good idea to switch out the head chairs for small armchairs covered in blue or white to make the dining space a little more formal.

Victorian Dining Room

Victorian-style dining rooms feature rich colors like burgundy, royal blue, bronze, charcoal gray and aubergine. The table is often large and made from dark wood, complete with ornate floral or vine-like carvings on the side and legs. It's also appropriate to have a large table painted off-white, or a metallic shade like gold or bronze for a dining room decorated with Victorian accents. The head chairs look like small thrones, and may have a seat cushion in burgundy or a deep shade of purple. Additional accents like velvet curtains in deep shades of red or blue will add to the authenticity of the decor scheme.

Antique Dining Room

A table made of distressed wood with a gold or silver table runner, along with wooden chairs with decorative floral carvings on the legs, will give the dining room attractive antique style. Antique tables are often oval and have a podium-like structure in the middle to support the table, instead of legs. The chairs can also have cushions in a light yellow or cream shade; some antique cushions are embroidered with small flower bouquets, or you can have your family monogram added to the seats. A floral area rug underneath the table and chairs will give the dining space a more authentic antique feel; you can add sepia or black and white photos of family and friends to a side wall to complete the decor.

How Does a Parallel Ruler Drafting Table Work?

The parallel ruler drafting table is an essential piece of equipment used by architects, designers and engineers. It allows architects to quickly draft floor plans and drawings that are clean and have crisp, easy to read lines. Does this Spark an idea?

Definition

A parallel ruler drafting table is a flat table that can tilt and has a parallel ruler attached. The parallel ruler is used to draft straight lines when drawing floor plans. The drafting table has adjustable legs so it can be raised or lowered and the table top angled.

Function

The parallel ruler lets the architect draft horizontal lines in parallel with each other. It allows architects to use triangles to draft vertical lines parallel with each other. When the parallel ruler is used on a drafting table, the architect has the ability to draw lines that can be reproduced.

Types

There are a few kinds of parallel rulers. The T-square is the most widely known. It is portable and not attached to the drafting table. The parallel straight edge ruler is typically attached to the drafting table and uses cables to allow it to roll up and down on the drafting table.

How to Add Accent Marks to Names in an Access Table

Windows users with Microsoft Access are able to create databases of information for both personal and business purposes. Each entry in the database can be labeled with a name, such as company or client names. When entering a name, you may need to include an accented letter. While other Microsoft Office products feature an "Insert" option on the tool bar, you will need to use a character map. This map gives you a sequence of keyboard strokes to enter in order to make the accented letter appear in your database.

Instructions

1

Launch your copy of Microsoft Access from your Windows-based PC, and either begin a new database or choose an existing one. As of February of 2010, Microsoft has not released a version of Access compatible with any Mac operating system.

2

Click on the empty cell you wish to name using an accented letter. You can click on any cell within the database.

3

Click the "Start" button located on the bottom left of your computer screen and then click on the search bar. Type in the word "charmap" and press enter. The Character Map will launch. XP users can enter "charmap" into the "Run" box.

4

Select the "Font" tab on the character map and choose the font that matches your database. You can confirm the font you are using by clicking "Home" from the top menu in Access. A list of tools will appear including a box marked "Font."

5

Click on the accented character you wish to add to your database label. Notice at the bottom of the Character Map the word "Keystroke" will appear.

6

Return to Microsoft Access and enter the keystroke series that corresponds with your symbol. For example, to bring up a "u" with the umlaut, hold down "Alt" and enter "0220." Upon entering the sequence, your accented letter will appear.

7

Mark down the keystroke sequences of frequently used accents to quickly enter them into your database in the future.

How to Refinish a Metal Table

If you have an old metal table in your home you love or a metal outdoor table that has become rusted and needs refinishing, then this guide will help you do just that. Metal tables can last much longer than wood if you keep them rust free and clean, but if you have a table that has gotten ahead of you in aging, then you need to take a few simple steps to restore and refinish it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Put on goggles and rubber gloves.

2

Brush the entire surface of the metal table with a wire brush.

3

Apply a coat of rust dissolver over the entire metal table surface with a sponge. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Rinse the dissolver off with a hose. Reapply the rust dissolver if there is any rust left on the metal table and rinse off the table again.

4

Wipe the table dry with a rag. Allow it to air dry for an hour.

5

Spray a thin coat of rust-resistant primer over the entire surface. Wait 45 minutes and apply another thin coat of rust-resistant primer to the metal table. Allow it to dry for two to three hours.

6

Spray a thin coat of rust-resistant paint over the entire surface. Wait 45 minutes and apply another thin coat of rust-resistant paint to the metal table. Allow it to dry for two to three hours. Apply any touch-up sprays where needed.

How to Compare the Metric System & the U.S. Customary System for Middle School Students

Your middle school students may be less than enthusiastic about an upcoming unit on the metric system. Use a hands-on, discovery approach to compare basic metric and U.S. units of measure.

Length

Students can measure many items to compare inches and centimeters.

Place several small objects that students can measure in both inches and centimeters around the classroom. Ask students to measure larger objects also using both yards and meters. Provide students with a worksheet instructing them to divide centimeters by inches and meters by yards so they can compare the U.S. and metric units of length.

Volume

Students can use beverage containers to compare gallons and liters.

Ask students to pour water from a 1-gallon milk container into a 1-liter beaker. Students can determine the number of liters in one gallon by counting the number of beakers that are filled. Commonly used quart, pint and cup containers can also be used to compare other U.S. liquid volume units to the metric liter.

Mass

Metric weight sets will help students compare pounds to kilograms.

Instruct students to measure milligram, centigram, gram and kilogram weights separately on a digital scale that reads both pounds and ounces. Students can compare the metric units of mass to the U.S. units of mass by dividing the metric units by the U.S. units.

How to Use a Wrought-Iron Patio Table Top

A wrought-iron patio table top can be a decorative and useful element for your home and your landscape. There are many ways to use the tabletop for privacy, recreation and art. Place the tabletop on the ground as a base for a bench or a fountain or hang it vertically on fences or walls to showcase the wrought-iron design. The size of the tabletop will help dictate optimum uses, but if you open your imagination, youll discover multiple ways to use large, medium and small wrought-iron patio table tops. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Prop a wrought-iron patio table top against a section of fence on your property as decoration. Depending on the size of the tabletop, it may also work to increase the privacy in your yard.

2

Attach metal wall brackets to the back side of the tabletop and to corresponding points on a garden wall or fence. Hang the tabletop as outdoor wall art.

3

Excavate a section of ground equal to the dimensions of the wrought-iron patio table top. Cover the cleared ground with landscape fabric topped with gravel. Place the table top on the layer of gravel. Place a decorative fountain in the center of this wrought-iron base.

4

Make a privacy screen with a wrought-iron patio table top to fit along one side of your patio or garden. Attach the sides of the table between two treated wood fence posts using nuts and bolts or metal brackets to make the screen. Anchor the posts at least 18 inches into the ground with cement to create a sturdy frame.

5

Create a decorative art piece with a smaller wrought-iron patio table top by attaching strands of beads, crystals and stained glass between the metal design cutouts on the table. Thread the beads and crystal prisms onto beading wire or fishing line before tying them to the tabletop. Wrap small pieces of stained glass with wire and dangle them between the cutouts. A mesh-style wrought-iron table also works; weave wire through the mesh, adding embellishments to the wire on the face of the tabletop.

6

Make a decorative back for a plain garden bench with a small, rectangular wrought-iron tabletop. Attach the top half of two wooden posts to the back of the tabletop, one on each side. Attach the bottom half of the posts to the bench seat.

7

Make a garden swing by suspending a small patio table top from a sturdy tree branch or swing frame with chain.

How to Convert Metric Threads to English Threads

Metric and English screw threads are two different systems of standardization for screws and bolts. Both systems characterize screws by two main numbers: the screw's major diameter and the frequency of the threads, or turns. The major difference, other than units, is that the metric system measures the distance or "pitch" in millimeters from thread to thread, or equivalently, how far the screw or bolt advances after one complete turn. The English system instead measures the number of threads per inch.

Instructions

1

Convert the diameter from millimeters to inches by dividing it by 25.4. For the example of a 2-millimeter diameter "M 2" screw, divide 2 by 25.4 to yield a 0.0787-inch diameter.

2

Convert pitch to threads per inch by dividing 25.4 by the pitch value. For a pitch of 0.5 mm, divide 25.4 by 0.5 to yield a threads-per-inch (tpi) count of 50.8.

3

Recognize that metric and English threads, however close sometimes, are not perfectly interchangeable. Still, in the field of screw-on photographic filters and lenses, these are some common substitutes: M-.5 for 48 tpi, M-.75 for 32 tpi, M-.9 for 30 tpi and M-1.0 for 24 tpi.

How to Store Patio Furniture for the Winter

During the fall, many people enjoy sitting outside in the cool air on their patio furniture. As the temperatures start to drop, it is time to store patio furniture for the winter. When you store your patio furniture, it will last much longer than subjecting the furniture to the harsh winter elements. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean off all of the dirt and grime built up over the last 6 months or more. Use a soft scrubbing cleaning solution and sponge to clean the furniture.

2

Inspect the patio furniture for any wet spots. Dry the furniture as needed.

3

Bring the pillows and umbrellas into the house for safe keeping.

4

Stack lightweight chairs on top of each other. Stacking the chairs will give you more storage space for other furniture. Also, stacking the chairs will give the chairs additional weight to stay on the patio during winter storms if indoor storage isn't available.

5

Carry the chairs to a garage or other indoor storage space. If you don't have indoor space available, place a large chair cover over all of the stacked chairs.

6

Carry lightweight tables to the storage area. Cover the tables and stack them on top of the chairs if there is room.

7

Stretch heavy-duty patio covers over the heavier pieces of furniture which will stay outside during the winter months.

8

Tie the covers onto the furniture so it doesn't blow away in harsh winds. Tying the covers down will also keep water and snow from blowing onto the surface of the furniture.

9

Brush off all of the snow collecting on the furniture throughout the winter months. As the snow melts, water has an uncanny knack of finding its way to the furniture, causing damage when it freezes again.