January 8Just because there's snow outside, doesn't mean we can't brighten our homes with a hint of spring. In fact, winter's beauty can be complemented with a bouquet of white flowers. The following arrangement was inspired by a bouquet featured a couple of years ago in "Cottage Living" magazine. Enjoy it on the table during a birthday dinner or some other celebration, then send it home with your guest of honor. Or, create it for yourself as a reminder of the cold season's crisp beauty and as a tease of what's to come. Paul Shields' eye for home design brings the great outdoors inside. Whether he designs a multitiered antler chandelier or an executive chair with African influences, this Liberty Lake resident uses his talents to create exotic furniture and dιcor. An elegant balance of form and function, Craftsman-style furniture possesses a refined simplicity that blends well with almost any decor. That simple elegance is what gives this Craftsman-style curio cabinet project its classic appeal. Equally at home in the dining room or the den, the cabinet is perfect for displaying collections ranging from fine china and crystal to antique fishing reels and wooden decoys. January 1Dear Tim: My home heating bills are going up faster than a jet at an air show. Settle a debate among my fellow employees. Some say it is better just to leave the thermostat at the same temperature all the time, as it costs so much to bring a cold house up to temperature. Others say to use a programmable thermostat. Still others feel you should set the thermostat down to 50 degrees at night and while at work. What is the best way to save money on home heating? –Marylyn O., Victoria, British Columbia Now that TVs come with bigger screens and smaller price tags, more people than ever are enjoying their favorite movies and programs in a large format. Unfortunately, that same big screen makes it difficult to hide the TV when it's not in use. Now, however, there's a do-it-yourself solution for woodworkers who don't want to look at the TV when it's turned off. For Tuesday, January 01, 2008. December 11Raising kids is the ultimate dιjΐ vu experience. When my 2-year-old daughter prances around the kitchen to the music of "John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together," I swear it feels like yesterday that my sister and I sprawled out on our family's brown and orange carpet watching that 1979 television special. During this time of year, television ads prey upon our desire to make loved ones happy. Give your husband the keys to a new Lexus, and watch his face light up. Everyone needs a place to take care of household business – a spot to write letters, pay bills, plan a menu or do homework. November 20No matter how large the home or the number of closets, one room always seems to pose a chronic storage challenge: the bathroom. A popular and attractive solution is to add free-standing storage that echoes the look of an old-fashioned doctor's cabinet. But with a price tag of several hundred dollars, it's also an expensive solution. November 13You wouldn't know that what Dennis and Claudia Redford call "a little square block of a home" contains a most interesting and private getaway: a sunroom filled with pieces from family, friends and their travels. As a botanical collage artist, Judy Meddaugh creates dry pressed flower collages. Using a variety of flora, Meddaugh fashions intricate, artful pieces featuring animals and floral quilt patterns. Perfect for reading, watching a movie or even the occasional "time out," this heirloom-quality child's rocking chair project is just right for the little ones on any do-it-yourselfer's holiday gift list. As sturdy and well-proportioned as its full-size cousins, the chair is certain to see generations of use. November 6Nicknamed "Slivers," this little rocking horse was one of the original do-it-yourself "trace, cut and assemble" designs created by U-Bild founder Steve Ellingson in the late 1940s. Made up of just 17 pieces, all traced from full-size patterns, the design enabled all woodworkers to get great results. Over the years, "Slivers" has become an heirloom in countless families. October 30Curtis Wilkes has been carving pumpkins since he was a kid.Sure, so have lots of people. From cattails and bulrushes, Jan Moulder has created paper for over 25 years. "I've always made things and enjoyed making things," says Moulder. "Then one Sunday afternoon a friend said, 'You know, I'd like to try make paper sometime.' " October 23What is going on with Halloween these days? Various sources say Americans spend up to $8 billion on the holiday each year and that it's second only to Christmas in terms of commercialization. October 16Amy Shook and Steve Korn have learned a lot about the Craftsman style since moving into their 1912 Cannon Hill residence four years ago. Whether you're a Cougar, an Eagle, a Vandal, a Pirate, or you cheer for some other team, fall is a great time to show your school spirit. October 9Connie Trowbridge has always sewn. Wedding dresses and prom dresses for her daughters. Nothing real serious, she said. Just whatever needed to be done. Connie Trowbridge has always sewn. Wedding dresses and prom dresses for her daughters. Nothing real serious, she said. Just whatever needed to be done. Early Saturday morning, a time normally reserved for cartoons and cold cereal, 11-year-old Kienan Scott goes to the Plantes Ferry soccer complex in the Spokane Valley. Early Saturday morning, a time normally reserved for cartoons and cold cereal, 11-year-old Kienan Scott goes to the Plantes Ferry soccer complex in the Spokane Valley. Last week, in the syndicated Ask the Builder column, columnist Tim Carter raved about a gutter guard product that really works well to keep gutters clean and clear. Unfortunately, Carter didn't name the product. Last week, in the syndicated Ask the Builder column, columnist Tim Carter raved about a gutter guard product that really works well to keep gutters clean and clear. Unfortunately, Carter didn't name the product. October 2From automobiles to alarm clocks, a classic design might be defined as the ideal marriage of function and form. A hall tree with its practical, attractive combination of storage and seating within a small footprint is a great example of classic American furniture design. September 18Kids these days. They've got the weight of the world and the atmosphere on their shoulders. Traditionally, a cedar chest (or "hope chest") was used to store linens that made up part of a bride's dowry, because the fragrance of cedar discouraged moths. August 28Judy Gilmartin began beadwork 18 years ago after retiring as a research chemist. Little did she know her hobby would develop into a new career. Sturdy, good looking and rustproof, this do-it-yourself backyard barn project is worthy of Old McDonald himself. As versatile as its big brother down on the farm, the project not only creates storage space, but can serve as a workshop, a potting shed or even a playhouse. Unlike the full-size version, however, this barn can be raised on a budget by one or two people in a couple of weekends. August 21One rainy afternoon a little more than a year ago, Paula Richards spotted a small derelict trailer while driving through north Spokane. It's pretty easy to see what makes a traditional Adirondack chair so appealing. The combination of comfortable functionality and timeless style equals a classic design. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, now you can add "convenience" to the formula, because this clever classic folds up for easy storage. Dear Tim: I am having trouble cleaning paintbrushes. My high-quality brushes are stiff halfway up from the tips, even though I have been using latex paint and washing them with warm water immediately after each use. I have tried using products that claim they will restore paintbrushes, but none have worked. In fact, they seem to harm the brushes. How do you clean paintbrushes so they last for years? Is it possible, or should I just buy disposable paintbrushes and throw them away after each job? August 14The varicolored greens of a tropical sea teeming with aquatic life make a brilliant backsplash to Jan and Tim Taylor's backyard pool. Art form: Handcrafted studio jewelry. Best known for: Silver and tinted resin metalsmith work. When it's warm outside, there's nothing better than sharing an al fresco meal on the patio or deck. Especially during the summer, it's easy to see that the great outdoors is incomplete without a place to enjoy a barbecue, play cards or just sit around and chat. August 7PVC Project is Popular for PatioAlmost every home includes some kind of outdoor living space, and to get the most out of any patio, deck or balcony, it needs furniture like any other room. The best choices for outdoor furniture are attractive, weatherproof, lightweight, durable and easy to clean. If you're a do-it-yourselfer who can spare a couple of Saturdays for a project, now you can add "easy to build" and "inexpensive" to the list. Dear Tim: I'm moving into a rental house and need a temporary wall to partition off a portion of the living room to create an office. My idea is to put in an L-shaped wall in the corner to create a 6- by 9-foot office. Is it possible to put in a temporary partition wall that I can take down without any damage when I move out? Ideally, I'd like the small office to be as noise proof as possible, since I have small children. I plan to work from home. July 31A pair of Spokane doctors seems an unlikely development team for an edgy, industrial condo project under way in the city's up-and-coming U-District. Patience, order and beauty are all qualities that illuminate the lives of John Briggs and Lori Kinnear literally, in the form of exquisite Tiffany-style stained glass lamps that Briggs has been handcrafting for the past 15 years. The scent is heavenly in the Greenacres home of Vance and Debbie Barowsky. Like woodworkers and cooks, gardeners know that a well-organized, dedicated workspace is as important as tools and raw materials. After all, if a good workbench is key to the success of a woodworking project, and a great meal starts with a clean, well-appointed kitchen, why wouldn't the same principle apply to gardening? July 24In the home of Donna Kulibert, mischievous cats peek from every corner. Kulibert, a potter, has specialized in creating ceramic felines for the last 18 years. Pam Deutschman puts her art in the garden."I don't know how I came up with this idea," says Deutschman. "I kept seeing beautiful glass all around me, and I thought, 'What can you do with these things?' " Back in the good old days, when "air conditioning" meant a rare afternoon breeze or a paper fan, almost every house had a deep, shady porch to escape the summer heat. This seasonal living space was filled with its own special furniture comfortable, durable outdoor pieces like swings, settees and rocking chairs. June 26Milissa Looker, a 61-year-old cosmetologist, is working two jobs and cutting hair on the side. But she still found the time to volunteer more than 20 hours during the recent Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build, a two-week intensive effort to provide housing for nine low-income Spokane families. June 12The words "luxury" and "green" aren't often uttered in the same breath when describing a construction project, though George Doran deftly alternates the two as he strolls through the Lina Marta, his new condo development near downtown Spokane. Were my parents still alive, I am fairly certain they would not totally approve of the way I am. They did, after all, spend a collective 100 years of their lives showing me how to maintain a yard and garden, and so far this summer, I have done neither. As a matter of fact, for the past five years, my green thumb has become somewhat yellowish around the edges and if I don't mend my ways, I'm likely to lose the nail. June 5This trio of deer planters is a great way for do-it-yourselfers (and animal lovers) to add a little wildlife to the yard this summer. Perfect for plants and flowers on the porch or patio or even indoors, they're guaranteed not to eat the greenery. May 29A perennial favorite from coast to coast (and everywhere in-between), Adirondack chairs are as American as apple pie. Characterized by distinctive good looks, built-in comfort and solid durability, the design is named for the region in upstate New York where it originated. May 22Third-generation woodcarver Petr Shiva creates magic in his home studio in south Spokane. From restoring antique furniture for private residents to carving safari friezes for the Davenport Tower, Shiva fashions hardwood into beautiful objects of art. <> Sure to capture the heart (and imagination) of any child who sees it, this cottage-style playhouse project will become a place where memories are made. It features an inviting porch, a Dutch door, flower boxes and decorative architectural details that make it irresistible to kids of all ages. <May 15There's something about big, noisy construction equipment that's irresistible to kids. If you have a child (or grandchild) who loves big machines, then this dump truck pedal car project is the perfect way to deliver an oversize load of fun with your next do-it-yourself project. Quilting for charity is nothing new. American women have been doing it since the founding of the republic, giving away the artistry of their hands to benefit needy recipients or donating or selling it to benefit some worthy cause. May 8Judy Klier was always interested in art. In high school she learned to etch designs into glass using acid, and in college she took a few art classes. She even did a stint working for a company that made stained glass. ■ But it wasn't until Judy became a mother that her creative juices really began to flow. ■ "Your kids kind of bring you back to it," says Judy, who lives with her husband, three kids and a Czech foreign exchange student in rural Colbert. "They start doing art, and so you do it with them." Q: The blades on my ceiling fan are very dusty. Does dust buildup affect the fan's performance? It's not every day that a young married couple purchases a new home and has to scale back their lifestyle to accommodate smaller digs. But this summer Sara Hornor and husband Steve Strange will face the daunting task of downsizing from a 1,300-square-foot rental apartment in downtown's east end to a 722-square-foot loft in Spokane's new Railside Center. A warm summer evening, a cool drink and the gentle rocking motion of a rocking chair on the porch is one of life's great combinations. The only way to make it better is to share the moment with someone special. Art form: Quilting.Best known for: "Rescued Denim Quilts" made from recycled jeans. May 1Q. I know you've talked about this many times, but painting season is upon us, and I want your take on surface preparation. I know you always say that preparing the surface will make any paint job hold up longer. If you've always thought that a cupola was just a quaint architectural detail, you may be surprised to learn that there's more to this simple structure than meets the eye. Originally designed to provide ventilation, a functional cupola allows hot air to escape from the attic, lowering inside temperatures (not to mention cooling costs) all summer long. Here are some of the newest trends in tile:Metal: Metal leaf in gold, silver and copper, etched into stone and under glass, gives tiles depth and dimension and is "one of the most evolving tile trends coinciding with the luxury tile market," said Nancy Epstein. Her company, Artistic Tile, introduced a new 12-inch gold-stone tile in various patterns at the recent Coverings trade show in Chicago. They haven't yet priced it, but consumers may call (212) 727-9331 for more information. Other Artistic Tile products begin at $5 per square foot and go up to $125 per square foot. Though I appreciate a vacuumed carpet, sparkling windows and bathtub caulking that doesn't grow its own food, I must admit I have never done much about these things but stand in the back row and applaud a job well done. Home
Five Mile Watershed Public Workshop - Held by the Spokane County Stormwater Utility team at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the workshop, a tour of the watershed area that drains to the Price and Wall Stormwater Infiltration Facility site will be held. Wednesday, North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 477-7195. April 24Charlotte Mace had a problem. The newly appointed youth director at Heritage Congregational Church was eager to launch her program, but the basement area set aside for youth meetings was filled with discarded items. A striking focal point for even the most landlocked yard or garden, this do-it-yourself lighthouse project features a working light, just like the real thing. With its dramatic paint scheme and cheerful glow, the project creates a welcoming beacon for any home port. For Tuesday, April 24, 2007. April 17A water wheel is one of those rustic structures — like an old barn or a gently turning windmill — that most people find peaceful, even relaxing. There's just something soothing about the sight and sound of the wheel turning under the gentle pressure of a running stream. A fellow outdoorsman who is also a Spokane psychologist stepped into my home office the other day. "Man!" he said looking around. "I need to spend some time in here. This is not the workplace of a normal man." April 10It seems like every spring, I take on what should be a completely innocuous home project. Usually, this is far enough removed from my last innocuous home project that I have forgotten how badly it went. So it was recently, when I decided to convert a small bedroom into a TV room. An annual favorite for warm-weather relaxation, this two-bench lawn glider swing is a do-it-yourself classic. The project instantly transforms any shady spot into a summertime oasis perfect for swinging, chatting or just catching the breeze. For Tuesday, April 10, 2007. April 3Every writer needs an editor. Someone to look at things with a fresh eye. Someone to help us clear away unnecessary words. Dear Tim: My bathroom remodeling project is about to happen. I am in desperate need of some bathroom remodeling ideas. Since I only have one bathroom in my home, I am at a loss as to how I will survive without a bathroom during the job. Moving out of my home to stay with friends is not an option. Surely I am not the first person to have this dilemma. Julie P., Punxsutawney, Pa. Scientists tend to be a curious lot, and South Hill resident Eileen Starr is no exception. The retired earth scientist started experimenting with natural dyes a few years ago. This do-it-yourself wishing well can make your wish for a refreshing backyard retreat come true. Even though it doesn't hold water, the project creates an instant sanctuary perfect for relaxing. Just set it up in a shady spot, fill it with plants and flowers and add a couple of comfortable seats. For Tuesday, April 03, 2007. March 27Travertine, a natural limestone which is marbled with impurities such as iron, is a natural choice for tiling bathrooms, floors and even kitchen countertops. If you're like most do-it-yourselfers, you probably think of the garage as a workshop. The problem is everyone else thinks of it as a parking space. This full-size workbench project provides a neat compromise: It folds up into a tidy, wall-mounted package just 13 inches deep, and even includes integral storage shelves and space for a built-in light. March 20We all make memories. But Stacy Julian preserves them. Julian is a professional scrapbooker. She's written books, served as the first editor of Simply Scrapbooks magazine, and founded the online scrapbooking resource site, Big Picture Scrapbooks. Birthdays are important milestones, and an 18th birthday is especially significant. It marks the time when a teen officially transitions from childhood to adulthood. When Melissa Pittz, a social worker at Colbert Elementary School, thought about her son, Andy's, 18th birthday, she knew she wanted to give him a memorable gift. Keresha Riley was a caterer. While carrying a tray of full champagne glasses, her arm went numb, and the tray crashed to the floor. Perfect for a den or bedroom, this computer secretary project keeps your computer hidden and protected while adding office and study space to your home – all without major construction. The project allows do-it-yourselfers to use a small area for big jobs, then close everything up in a neat and attractive cabinet. FRESNO, Calif. — Whether you're planning to plant a new tree or work on your backyard irrigation this spring, a useful tool to have is a shovel. But certain shovels are better for some projects than others. Picking the right one to use for your particular job can make the project go more smoothly. Dear Tim: I have several bathroom exhaust fans in my home, and all of them are inexpensive, builder-grade exhaust fans. They are noisy, and I don't feel they do a good job of getting rid of the moist air produced by the shower. Is it possible to get high-performance ventilation with little or no noise? I would like a bathroom exhaust fan with a light. Can you tell me how to install a bathroom fan so I do not cause any damage to my home? – Faith F., Mt. Crawford, Va. March 13Whatever the occasion, flowers can be an important part of any celebration. Novelty floral designs are unique arrangements that are often made entire out of flower heads and blooms. They are usually inexpensive, easy to make and can be a whimsical way to express a theme or message. With St. Patrick's Day on the way, this month's featured arrangement is called "Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow." No matter how much storage space a home has, it seems like there's always a need for more. When you consider that most rooms in a typical house contain four empty corners, however, the solution to the storage problem becomes obvious. A corner cabinet is an attractive and efficient way to put some of that space to good use. March 6Each Thursday afternoon at the Waterford Retirement Community on the South Hill, a small group of women meet together in an upstairs craft room. They bring pieces of the past with them and create works of art for future generations. They are the Waterford Quilters. Small, light and sturdy, this do-it-yourself cradle project features rounded edges and corners, handholds that make it easy to move around, and a hood to keep drafts and glare out. Based on a design popular since the 19th century, the cradle rocks freely with the touch of a toe, but recurved rockers make it almost impossible to tip. Although pruning can't help but wound a plant, that wound needn't compromise the plant's health. February 27Ideal for do-it-yourselfers with lots of visitors but limited space, this futon sofabed project is a stylish way to keep overnight guests off the floor. The project converts from a handsome California Mission-style sofa during the day to a firm, comfortable bed at night (without the springs and lumps of most sofabeds). February 20A soaring pterodactyl with a 30-foot wingspan hangs suspended in midflight over the lobby of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. A menacing stegosaurus stalks nearby. Insulation, energy- efficient windows, weather stripping and caulking, and high-efficiency heating equipment are obvious and effective means of saving energy, improving comfort and lowering your utility bill. Based on a classic design, this elegant jewelry and lingerie chest project is as practical as it is pretty. We often rush into replacing windows when the ones we have can be made more energy-efficient through proper maintenance. February 13What most furniture builders hide, Timothy Biggs puts on display. Chunky hinges. Industrial-worthy rivets. Salvaged metal. It's his trademark style of blending modern edginess with an antique flair, and it's rapidly growing in popularity among Spokane businesses and homes. One of Loretta Morely Etchison's prized possessions is a shadow box containing an exquisite pressed flower that once belonged to her great-aunt. Although it may be difficult to see at first, sewing is a lot like woodworking. Both combine time, patience, tools and skill to transform raw material into something beautiful and useful. A big difference, however, is that many woodworkers have a shop dedicated to tools and projects, while a space just for sewing is often considered a luxury. February 6Halfway up Mount Kit Carson in Chattaroy, tucked into a secluded wooded setting, the Phillips family is enjoying unique living quarters while waiting for the spring. If you own an older house in the Spokane area, chances are that house has a story to tell. But while many resources are available to help uncover the history behind your home, the process can be daunting. Popular from Canada to the Caribbean (and everywhere in between), this strong and economical cabin project is a fun and affordable way for do-it-yourselfers to acquire a vacation home. The secret to the cabin's strength and comfort lies in its archlike "rigid frames," which provide a wide, clear living space without interior load-bearing posts or walls. January 30Unlike most household appliances, a television set needs to be hidden in plain sight. That's because when it's idle, no one wants to see it; but when it's on, everyone wants a clear view. Designed to fit snugly in a corner, this TV cabinet project is the natural solution – it keeps the TV out of sight when not in use and it occupies space that's normally wasted. January 23If you're like most people, chances are you did some entertaining during the holiday season. Though the Christmas decorations are down and the candy, cookies and treats devoured, there probably are telltale signs that have left your home looking a little worse for the wear. Few people look forward to subfreezing temperatures this time of year, but Rebecca Mack is one of them. While the rest of us are trying to escape the cold, Mack is using it to create elegant sculptures of fire and ice. For Tuesday, January 23, 2007. When it's too wet to go outside, this animal ark project will keep little hands and big imaginations busy all afternoon. A natural for rainy days, the project features eight pairs of animals – bears, camels, cows, elephants, giraffes, horses, lions and pigs – that all fit on a sturdy ark. January 16We thought we'd share some of our best tips to help ring in your new year, home improvement-wise. We hope you find these tidbits as useful as we do. Back when baking meant chopping wood for the stove and an "ice box" was literally that, almost every kitchen had a pie safe. A simple, free-standing cabinet, a pie safe held baked goods behind punched-tin panels that allowed air to circulate while keeping pests at bay. January 9If you're mounting a remodeling project in the new year, here's a checklist of nine things you can do to curb homeowner angst and avoid the pitfalls of home-improvement makeovers gone awry. The days of hope, hammer and a nail are long gone. Today's line of wall-mounting hardware means frames, mirrors and artwork hang straighter and more securely than ever. Characterized by its use of common materials, forthright construction and functionality, Craftsman-style furniture first became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, original pieces of Craftsman furniture have become valuable antiques, and reproductions are featured in a variety of catalogs, magazines and furniture stores. January 2COLORADO SPRINGS — It's like watching a sow's ear transform itself into a silk purse before your very eyes. In the eyes of furniture restorer Denise Karger, no vintage flea market find is too far gone for a 21st-century revival. Her advice for that Alvar Aalto armchair you scored? "Refurbish it the right way," says Karger, who has run Lleonarts, a custom upholstery business in Los Angeles, for 15 years. Quality restoration involving eight-way hand-tied springs and industrial over-locked seams can be expensive. "You have to make a commitment to the piece," she says. It's tempting to think of a fireplace as just another way to create ambience, like putting on music. But don't be fooled. Users need to know how to operate and maintain a fireplace, like any appliance, for best results and safety's sake. With wintry weather and low mortgage interest rates, this is a great time to upgrade the interior of your home. A favorite design for both home and workplace for more than 200 years, the roll-top desk first became popular in the late 18th century. It's hardly surprising, considering its classic marriage of attractive design and practical functionality. December 26One important new developments for home remodeling is in-home computer-assisted design programs that help visualize what a finished project will look like. If you have out-of-town family and friends but space is limited, you know how challenging it can be to comfortably accommodate overnight guests. December 19During a recent repair to our potting shed, we decided to organize our garden tools. We'd been storing the shovels, rakes, brooms, etc. in a plastic garbage barrel, and from a distance the conglomeration resembled a large, ugly floral arrangement. The handles would get tangled up, and it was hard to get what you needed when you needed it. Since mealtime is family time, it's important for the whole family to sit together. That's why this do-it-yourself high chair project was designed without a tray. December 12There was a time when an oak ice box like this one could be found in almost every kitchen. Although modern refrigerators made them obsolete years ago, antique ice boxes still remain popular this time with collectors rather than homemakers. December 5This time of year you're sure to see your neighbors dragging plastic Santas out of the garage, cramming Christmas trees through the doorways and unsnarling strings of holiday lights. Almost everyone can remember a special place they had as a kid – a place away from the grownup world, perfect for secret meetings, playing games or hosting tea parties. November 28When Alex Shaffer, owner of Hayden Lake Crown and Bridgeworks, heads off to work each day, he doesn't go far. Whether it's your "lucky" deer rifle, the single-shot .22 that your dad gave you as a kid, or Grandpa's old double-barrel shotgun, every gun collection has something special that's fun to display. November 21Any chore is easier if you know how to do it correctly. Before the era of mass production, every professional woodworker stored and carried his tools in a sturdy, handsome tool chest. Dropping temperatures usually mean more than snow on the horizon. November 14Not everyone believes in love at first sight, but Betty Purkett does. While shopping with her daughter-in-law she fell in love with a Thimbleberries quilt she saw hanging in a quilt store in Longmont, Colo. November 7When the weather outside gets frightful, why not clean the dreaded basement? After stashing stuff there for months or, let's be honest, decades basements often present an overwhelming challenge. A great project for the whole family, this do-it-yourself pull-apart reindeer is so easy (and cute) you'll want to make an entire herd for the holidays. You're ready to fix that loose towel bar, coat hook or other loose wall-mount apparatus. Unfortunately, there is no stud behind the wallboard and you aren't sure which type of hollow wall anchor to use to properly secure things. October 31We recently came across a newspaper advertisement inviting readers to take advantage of an "unbelievable" kitchen remodeling "package" for just under $10,000! The display showed a photo of a lovely kitchen and even offered to throw in a free sink with presentation of the ad. October 24Christmas carols from "Angels We Have Heard on High" to "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" remind us that the holiday message of peace and joy is traditionally spread by angels. You're ready to take a shower. You reach for the valve that turns cold to hot, and the lever you use every single day wobbles. October 17What do you do with surplus zucchini? Most folks bake bread, but a couple of Spokane Valley neighbors have found that their zucchini is the gift that keeps on giving. October 10The ultimate way for gardeners to extend the growing season, a greenhouse is perfect for young, delicate or out-of-season plants and seedlings. With the proper climate-control equipment, an indoor garden will thrive year-round, even in cold weather. October 3Featuring elegant glass doors, height-adjustable shelves and an option for an interior light fixture, this do-it-yourself curio cabinet creates a dramatic focal point for the living room, dining room or entryway. This article is not about workers' compensation insurance. But it's a good jumping-off point for our opinions on electrical work. Workers' comp is based on the danger level of a given job: The more dangerous the job, the more expensive the insurance premium. September 26Like penguins and zebras and panda bears, the distinctive black-and-white markings that characterize orcas (or "killer whales") make them instantly recognizable. That's probably why kids love them. For many homeowners, a new roof can be the single most expensive nonelective home improvement. So before deciding to buy a new roof, you may want to take steps to prolong the life of the one you've got. September 19NEW MARKET, Va. It isn't easy to improve upon nature, but then there's nothing in the landscaping rulebook banning imitation. Take recreational trail building, for instance. Every time we do a home improvement project we learn something new and interesting. Recently, we found ourselves forced to rebuild a 35-year-old section of fence that was literally rotten to the core. As common in law offices today as they were a century ago, traditional lawyer's bookcases are designed for storing expensive law books. Characterized by individual stacking compartments (or cases) fronted by glass doors, the style is also perfect for displaying almost anything else. September 12How many screwdrivers does the average homeowner really need? Dan McLoughlin, a sales representative, has a dozen; just don't ask him to find them. Mark Vandine, a teacher at Lewis and Clark High School, has 15. Experienced woodworkers know that the most satisfying projects are the ones that serve a practical purpose and look great doing it. This handsome do-it-yourself blanket chest falls squarely into that category. Grandma's kitchen was nothing like yours. She didn't have an automatic dishwasher, a compactor, a disposal, a blender, an electric mixer, under-counter and in-cabinet lighting, or a juicer. September and October tend to be perfect for painting, especially the outside of a house. Lower humidity makes painting window and door frames easier. Summer is high season for home improvement projects, so there are likely to be pyramids of leftover paint cans sitting in basements and garages. Paint that is not properly stored or disposed of can be a household and environmental hazard, so here are tips on reusing, recycling and removing leftover paint. September 5Based on an early American design, this clever do-it-yourself rocker cradle project combines a cozy cradle for baby with a comfortable rocking chair for mom or dad. August 29Kitchen appliances offered by most major manufacturers come in sizes that can be considered reasonably standard. But be warned: Standard size or not, they may not fit your existing opening, gas line or the available electric outlet. August 22If you're about to become a parent (or grandparent), then you probably know that baby furniture is expensive, and little ones will outgrow it almost before it's paid for. An average leaking toilet will waste up to 78,000 gallons of water per year. Think about it that's enough water to fill two average-size backyard swimming pools. Wendy Kuncken is crazy for castoffs. Bits of crockery, vintage photos she buys them with abandon at flea markets, tag sales and on eBay. August 15Q: My husband likes to cook on his grill out on the back porch instead of the patio. There are now oil stains out there from a large container of peanut oil that leaked, and from splattering when he actually cooks. August 8Shirley Orefice moved more than 4,000 miles this summer; Wanda Johnson moved about 400 feet. Johnson and her husband, Paul, moved two doors down from their current home. August 1Remember the playhouse you built when you were a kid? The plan came from your imagination, the tools came from your dad and the lumber came from wherever you could scrounge it. We were pleased when we opened the mail recently and discovered that someone had sent us a sample of a new ratchet-style box-wrench. We were a little disappointed, though, when we thought that the package only contained two wrenches, not a complete set. Some of you may have heard that the Irish saved civilization once. You know, centuries ago, when Irish monks and scribes protected the West's great literary achievements? Q: I have a concrete driveway, and this spring I started noticing that the surface of it is getting cracks and flaking in some areas. July 25Like an Adirondack chair or a lawn glider swing, a tree seat is an American classic that makes a charming (and useful) addition to any yard or garden. Remodeling is a wonderful way to make a tired home look like new. But not every budget or schedule allows for tackling a major project even when it is needed. July 18Building a wall is but one of many tasks involved with the construction of a room addition or an extensive remodel. Knowing a few "whys" and "hows" about the assembly can simplify the process and eliminate a lot of heartache. July 4Because landscaping should be enjoyed (as well as admired), every outdoor space needs a shady place to "stop and smell the roses. " That's what makes this handsome do-it-yourself trellis bench such a great summer project. June 27Last week's column about concrete discussed grading, forms and form oil, and preparing the soil. This column describes other important steps that contribute to a successful concrete pour:SteelConcrete alone isn't much stronger than plain old dirt. June 20Is there life without air conditioning? The longest day of the year is fast upon us and once the rain stops the hottest will surely soon follow. It can be a patio, a walkway, a porch, a retaining wall or even a set of steps. Regardless of the project, when it comes to pouring concrete, there are some simple and basic rules that apply to every pour. June 13During the spring and summer, windows frame a picture-perfect world filled with brilliantly blooming flowers and trees, children riding bikes and dogs running in the yard. Just in time for warm-weather entertaining, this octagonal picnic set project is ideal for outdoor dining. The design seats eight adults comfortably in a minimum amount of space, making it perfect for any patio or deck. June 6There's nothing quite as relaxing as a warm evening spent on a gently swaying porch swing listening to the crickets chirp in the yard. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, it's easy to recreate this relaxing scene with our classic porch swing project. May 30Remodeling makes a mess. And when your contractor is done, your entire house will need a major cleaning. Dust will be everywhere. Carpets will be dirty. May 23We recently attended the 61st annual National Hardware Show and Convention in Las Vegas, where hardware manufacturers from all over the world come to show off their wares to retailers. April 18Myths, folk tales and fairy tales are amusing when it comes to literature. However, when the subject is home maintenance, myths can be dangerous and costly. If you're a do-it-yourselfer trying to dream up a fresh way to make the garden blossom this spring, this pretty little wishing well is the perfect project. April 11The allowance you got when you were a kid is nothing like an allowance in a construction contract. Unlike your parents, your contractor is not giving you anything when an allowance is included in the deal. Draped over the back of a chair or across the foot of a bed, there's nothing like an elegant hand-knitted throw to add a little luxury to any room. Question: How do I ensure that the contractor I hire will complete the job, and how much more will it cost me? March 28What is the single most damaging element in the home today? Here are some clues: It causes cracks in plaster and wallboard especially over windows and doors. March 21Like carbon monoxide, you can't see, smell or taste radon, but the gas may be a problem in your home. It results from disintegrating uranium in the earth soil, rock and water. For Tuesday, March 21, 2006. March 14Q: Is it necessary to finish drywall before applying anything decorative to it? Also, what causes mirrors to turn dark around the edges after a while? February 28Every woodworker looks forward to that special project that has the potential to become a family heirloom. This grandfather clock project, with its traditional good looks and sturdy design, just might be the one. If you enjoy decorative painting, you know there's nothing more enjoyable than taking a familiar object and turning it into something lovely, unique and useful. Q: We own a 90-plus-year-old house. In the last nine months our hot water pressure has dropped to half of our cold water pressure. February 21A practical, convenient and attractive way to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and dry, this build-it-yourself storage bin unit is a true country classic. The secret is the wire mesh on the front of each bin that allows air to circulate freely around the produce. February 14If you've ever struggled with a lack of storage space, now there's an easy do-it-yourself solution. This free-standing linen closet project makes it simple to add storage space wherever it works best in the hallway, in the bathroom or in a bedroom without a major remodel. February 9When it comes to decorative painting, everyone loves birdhouses. Perhaps it's the idea of creating a whimsical retreat for our fine feathered friends, or maybe it's the fact that a painted birdhouse is literally a "dream house," limited only by imagination. Some of the new products at the recent International Builders Show were real attention-getters, and any one of them could be a "must have" for your next project. Chances are you created a project budget for your remodeling or construction project. But chances are just as good that you neglected to tack on an extra line item for added insurance. February 2Anyone with a new baby in the family from new parents to great-grandparents will enjoy the soothing to-and-fro motion of this glider rocker project. January 26A striking combination of beauty and practicality, this elegant lingerie chest project is a natural for any decor. Its clean lines, maple finish, sturdy construction and simplicity of design make it an instant classic that will become an heirloom for generations to come. Using patches of one or several fabrics applied to a background fabric, applique quilt designs allow the quilter to include natural, flowing curves something impossible using ordinary patchwork. For Thursday, January 26, 2006. January 19It's no surprise that the classic A-frame cabin design is one of the most popular for second homes. An A-frame combines the features most often desired in a vacation home- openness, ample sleeping and storage space and spacious decks - in an attractive, affordable, simple and strong package. January 12It's that time of year again, and while we may be warm and comfortable inside, the condition of the roof outside may not be sufficient to hold back Mother Nature's angry storms and rainy weather. Distinctive for its emphasis on functionality and forthright design, Craftsman-style furniture embodies an elegant simplicity that's at home in any decor. That's what gives this Craftsman-style curio cabinet project its classic appeal. There's nothing like a hand-embroidered monogram to transform ordinary linens or an article of clothing into something special. That's what makes a monogrammed item a truly exceptional (and personal) gift. For Thursday, January 12, 2006. January 5Combining simple country styling with plenty of storage under a hinged bench seat, this handsome blanket chest and seat project is practical for almost any room in the house. December 29So here we are, huh? Just a couple of short days from New Years Eve, and what have YOU accomplished this year? Did you keep any of those resolutions, huh? More like a fine tool than a simple work surface, a well-made workbench is key to the success of any woodworking project. The foundation piece of any well-equipped shop, a finely crafted woodworking bench incorporates precise angles and a level top that serve as gauges for other projects. After many months of work and many thousands of dollars spent, Misti McFarland and family were ready to move into their newly-remodeled North Side home. We're looking for your photographs from your home, recent projects or remodels. Each week, we'll publish photos in Home and post additional pictures on our Web site. Homeowners looking for a more efficient way to heat portions of their home may find the answer resting at their feet. Radiant floor heating warms a space from the ground up. Bigger houses with large spaces mean hiring professional paintersFor some people, doing their own painting is a no-brainer. For others, just thinking about doing it makes their head hurt. December 22December 15No matter how large your home is or how many closets you have, when it comes to storage, bathrooms always seem to pose a challenge. Just because a book's cover says it is crammed with helpful hints and useful tips, doesn't mean the book will deliver the goods, "Real Simple Solutions: Tricks, Wisdom and Easy Ideas to Simplify Every Day," however, is the real thing. For Thursday, December 15, 2005. The next time you're in the market for a hardwood floor, butcher block table or cutting board, keep the Janka scale in mind. The Janka scale is the hardwood industry's test to measure the pressure required to embed a .444-inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood. December 8A favorite of needlecrafters who enjoy thread crochet, filet crochet is a combination of chains, slip stitches, single crochets, double crochets, triple crochets and double triple crochet stitches. If you have children (or grandchildren), you know that the holidays always bring a flood of new toys. This do-it-yourself toy chest and bench is a fun and simple way to help contain the rising tide. December 1Every home needs a place to write letters, pay bills or do homework. Unfortunately, sometimes there just isn't room for dedicated home office space (or even a full-size desk). MELVILLE, N. Y. Who doesn't have junk? It lurks in attics, basements or garages, big headaches for so many homeowners. The problem with junk, of course, is getting rid of it. November 23Perfect for the little ones on your holiday gift list, this handsome child-size rocking chair is just right for reading, playing quietly or even the occasional "time out. Every month, especially during the heating season, I spend a few dollars on new air filters for my forced-air furnaces. We have two heating zones, so one filter for each zone. November 17For speed skaters, track sprinters, downhill skiers, and Olympic swimmers, results are measured in seconds with the margin of victory often being a split second. This simple rocking horse project is sure to become a childhood favorite and maybe even a family heirloom. From its happy smile to its padded "saddle" and rope tail, no one can resist the universal appeal of this classic toy. Question: As the "fix-it" person of my family, I appreciate your good, and thorough, explanations, and I have learned a lot from your column. We would like to add central air conditioning to our 25-year-old split-level home but don't know if it is feasible. How do I love to decorate? Let me count the ways
Wait, I don't have to count. Country Living did it for me in "750 Great Ideas for Decorating on a Budget: Transform Your Home, Inside & Out. November 10Wouldn't it be nice to replace some of those tired old sweaters in your wardrobe this winter? It might be nice, but it would also be expensive until now. Like automobiles and architecture, a classic furniture design might be described as the ideal marriage of form and function. Combining seating and storage in an attractive package with a small footprint, a hall tree is a good example of an American classic. What product, over time, gets high marks for wise use of materials, longevity, utility, beauty and negligible drain on environmental resources? Dave Larsen, Larsen's Clock Center, and Walter Zimke, The Clock House, make the case for. November 3Traditionally used to store linens and clothingbecause the fragrance of cedar helps to discourage mothsa cedar chest is more than just a handsome piece of furniture to put at the foot of the bed. October 27WASHINGTON In the era of instant messaging, overnight delivery and 5-hour transcontinental flights, it can be difficult to accept that home improvement takes time. We're looking for your photographs from your home, recent projects or remodels. Each week, we'll publish photos in Home and post additional pictures on our Web site. With a copy of this book within arm's reach, women can go beyond just writing the honey-do list that stays on the refrigerator until the edges curl, and, instead, stride boldly into the and into the world of "Honey, look what I did." October 20It's the time of year again when days grow shorter and nights longer and, for most of the U. S. , clocks "fall back" an hour. Home and Garden Television was in Spokane recently shooting episodes for the new show titled "Look What I Did. "The show features home improvement projects and renovations done by homeowners without the help of professionals. October 13For Thursday, October 13, 2005. Consignment shops and thrift stores provide a second home for clothes and accessories that no longer fit or aren't quite your style anymore. But what about those odd items in closets and dressers that seem destined for the garbage can? October 6I can't sew. It's a lifelong thing and there is no improvement. In sixth grade we had to make a pillow in the craft class. Time to put away the hammock and start thinking about those fall home improvement projects. This weekend anyone interested in home interiors, remodeling, landscaping and both indoor and outdoor entertaining can browse displays and attend seminars with the professionals at the Spokane Fall Home and Idea Show. Can you make a pile of old clothes and a few handfuls of hay look like your favorite pop star or historical figure? Or are you the creative type who likes to scare the crows away with something a little more avant-garde? If you're building a new home and thinking of acting as your own contractor, "Build Your Own Home on a Shoestring," by Henry Nonnenberg, Gwen Moran and Chris Bradley could be a handy tool. September 8We're looking for your photographs from your home, recent projects or remodels. Each week, we'll publish photos in Home and post additional pictures on our Web site. September 1A new school year comes with its own special organizational problems. Who has car pool duty this week? What days will the kids eat at school and when will they bring something from home? September is the month for moving indoors, saying goodbye to long evenings on the patio, hot, sunny afternoons in the pool and a leisurely summer schedule. August 18Cooks read cookbooks, so why shouldn't Do-it-yourselfers peruse a book about tools? In "Tools: A Tool by Tool Guide to Choosing and Using 150 Home Essentials," author Steve Dodds shows you the tools, tells you what they are used for and how to use them safely, and even lets you know where you can find them. August 11If you're scared of color, or scared of choosing colors for the interior of your home, the 200 sample palettes contained in "The Color Scheme Bible" by Anna Starmer could allay your fears. August 4As many children did in 1990, Joe Eliasson received a train set for Christmas. He wasn't expecting it. Hadn't asked for it. He was 60 years old. July 28We're looking for your photographs from your home, recent projects or remodels. Each week, we'll publish photos in Home and post additional pictures on our Web site. Most of us can remember at least one childhood summer when, armed with little more than a refrigerator box, Dad's sawhorses and a sheet of plywood, we built a playhouse or club house. If you choose to have a contractor install your sprinkler system, be warned: There are more than a few fly-by-night outfits out there that will promise you everything and deliver nothing. July 21I feel like I should explain myself: Why did I spend so much time over the past weeks talking to people about tools? Upon several occasions I got funny looks when I explained what I was working on. What do a two-handed hay knife, a pickle fork and a hand corn planter have in common? These days the items are more likely to end up hanging on a wall as part of a home's interior design than be used for the job in which they were intended. Steve Martin, of Steve Martin Construction, and David McCoury, a shade tree mechanic, have this in common: when they were boys, they took things apart just to put them together again. We're looking for your photographs from your home, recent projects or remodels. Each week, we'll publish photos in Home and post additional pictures on our Web site. Lead was a common ingredient in both interior and exterior paints in homes built before 1960. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a ban against lead-based paint in 1978 so homes built between 1960 and 1978 also may contain lead paint. The necessityCommentTool box"First, you have to have a place to put all your tools," said Jim Pernsteiner of Miller's Hardware. "Probably a tool box at least 13 inches long. July 7Home Depot July Free Clinics At Home Deport stores through July. 1. Breathe new life into a room by installing a ceiling fan. Supplies: Ceiling fan, electrical tester and wire nuts. Cost: $40-$400. Time: Three hours. June 30We're looking for your photographs from your home, recent projects or remodels. Each week, we'll publish photos in Home and post additional pictures on our Web site. June 21. Weatherproof doors to reduce heating and cooling costs. Supplies: Weatherstripping, nails, hammer, pry bar, wood chisel, bristle sweep and wood filler or caulk. May 261. Give your den a traditional look with tongue-and-groove wainscoting. Supplies: Wainscoting, construction adhesive, circular saw, nails, hammer, level, cap rail, paint, miter box and paintable caulk. "Maintenance" is a word that gets a lot of play in homeowner circles. Most of us long for things that are low maintenance, even no maintenance. May 19We're looking for your photographs from recent projects or remodels. Each week, we'll publish photos in Home and post additional pictures on our Web site. Turn your child's room into an imagination haven with wallpaper, paint and border. Paint the bottom third of the walls, wallpaper the top two-thirds. May 12Garbage disposals typically have a life expectancy of about 10 years, although they may last longer. You can help extend your disposal's life by running it every time food is placed in it. 1. Start with a new welcome mat for each door. Supplies: Durable welcome mats in colors to match your house and in whimsical or traditional designs.
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