Looking to Fill Your Tool Shed? Here Are Some To Consider

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It is great to have extra space for doing your crafts and DIY projects and having all of your tools in one place. Whether it will be your garage or an extra building, it is a nice place for you to either repair something that is broken or build something like a table or cabinet. It is a great way to spend some time for yourself. It is not only therapeutic, but it is also productive. 

Of course, having a shed is not only about being productive but also about being organized, which is a quality that is important for this. Why? So that it will be easier for you to navigate your tools and therefore faster to get things done. Beyond making sure your shed is properly heated for the winter, it will also be handy if you need to find the tools to fix something in your home. But before organizing your tools, you’re going to have to make sure you have the tools you need in your shed in your shed. 

Hand Tools

These are the tools that will be used without any electricity or other source of power. These tools are usually needed for simple repairs around the home. There are a number of them that are essential to have on hand and they are:

  1. Hammer – One of the most well-known tools. It drives and removes nails and is very useful for DIY furniture. In addition, it also practical for home needs like driving nails for frames or repairing a broken door or cabinet.
  2. Screwdrivers – They are also one of the well-known tools and frequently used for home repairs. There are many kinds of them, but the two most basic are the flat-head, the one with a single slot on top, and the Philips, the one with a small cross in the middle. Having multiple sets of screwdrivers will be convenient for different kinds of home repairs.
  3. Pliers – A tool used for holding objects. There are different types of pliers and are used for different purposes but mostly for electronics and bending. The most common types are the long nose, needle nose, slip-joint, channel lock, and a vice grip.
  4. Wrench – A tool used for tightening bolts and nuts. It is a well-known tool for plumbing but can also be for mechanical uses such as cars.
  5. Measuring Tools – Tools such as measuring tapes, rulers, and levels are helpful so that you know your components or appliances are going to be in the right size.

Power Tools

As the name suggests, these are the tools that are used with power or electricity. There are a lot of them, but there are just a few that you might really need.

  1. Drill – Drills are said to be the most useful tool. They are a very handy and can be used for plotting holes for nails and screws. It is also used for driving screws.
  2. Saw – The most basic is the handsaw , which is not a power tool and is great for small cutting jobs. But if you are looking for something that will be used for cutting larger pieces of wood, a power saw will be great for that. The most basic of them is the circular saw and is known to be really versatile.
  3. Air Compressor– An air compressor is very useful for powering up your power tools and is also great for providing a compresser air supply. In addition to that, it can also be used for other things like inflating the tire of your car or ball or pool floaters.

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How To Install An Electric Fireplace In Your Wall

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A house will be called a home if it is a place where you will feel warm, cozy, and relaxed. Surely, it will be your company. But it is not only that, but it is also how you will make it. One of the elements for that to be done is how you will decorate your house. You can decorate it according to your personality and what you feel is right for you. 

This also includes what you will add to your home. For example, if you love music, you will have a lot of musical instruments for sure. If you are into movies or would love to watch shows with the full experience, you might invest in a big-screen TV and sound system. Then if you are into reading, you might have a library full of books. It is all about your interest and things that you find joy with.

A fireplace is also a great addition for your house to be cozier not only for you but also for your guests. What is great is that you will not need to have a gas line to have one. Now, you can have an electrical one and an added bonus is that it is cheaper and also easy to install.

So, what does it take to have and install an electric fireplace?

1. Find the Ideal One

It is not only according to your likes but also considers what will be compatible in your house. You can ask for help or suggestions with this. You can also look for reviews and see if they are good at your home.

2. Choose the Space

After choosing the right one, you will need to have space. It will be really handy if you have it near a power outlet, so you will not need an extension or installing a new one. Make sure that space is also not a fire hazard and also away from direct sunlight and overhead lighting.

3. Prepare the Tools

You will need to have the right tools for this. They are mostly basic tools such as a Phillips screwdriver, hammer, drill, and pliers. You will also need level and measuring tape for accuracy. You might also need a ladder so that your arms will not strain if it gets quite high.

4. Install the Bracket

The first you will install is the bracket. It is the one that will hold the fireplace, so make sure that it will be really secure and stable and make sure that it is not loose.

5. Attach the Fireplace

After installing the bracket, attach the fireplace into it. Make sure that it is secure. Check if it is stable enough to be not pulled away from the wall or will not fall down.

6. Test and Enjoy

Then it is time to use your fireplace. Have its test run and know that it really works and if it does heat your room well. If it has other features, know about them, so you will have the full experience of your fireplace.

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How To Stop Furniture From Sliding on Wood Floors

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One of the most infuriating things to do in your home is keeping them in place. It could be either be maintenance or just keeping them in order.

Furniture sliding is one of those things. Not only it kept things out of order, and you will need to arrange it every time. It also gives your floor some scratches. Because of that, it will be a hassle to remove those scratches every time, and there will be an eventual time that it will be permanently damaged which is more expensive to fix.

There is a simple solution for this though, and the great news is that it is not costly and can easily be done.

1. Area Rug

This will be the easiest solution. You will just need to place them underneath a table or seats. The great thing about this also serves as decor for your room. Have something that is large enough to accommodate the whole room or it might look awkward when some of the furniture is not covered. 

2. Rubber Pad

If you are into DIY, you can definitely do one yourself. It is easy and also cheap. All you will need is a rubber pad. You can but this in hardware. It is even a variety available online. After you have it, cut it in a circle or square and make sure that it is a bit larger than the legs. You can adhere to it by putting a double-sided tape for each. The problem with this though is that they are visible from afar, so you might need to make it work for your decor aesthetic.

3. Furniture Gripper

These are the ready-made grippers you can purchase. Just like the rubber pads, you will need to resize them to fit. These grippers already have adhesive and after you put them, you will need to apply some pressure for it to be firmly secured. It is said to be not a nice choice for dining chairs because it does not attach permanently and would be a hassle to put it every time.

4. Stop Blocks

These are more expensive than rubber pads or even furniture grippers, but it is also a good alternative. This is especially effective for those large pieces of furniture.

5. Felt Pads

Felt pads are also a great alternative. They are also quite similar to the furniture gripper and even the rubber pads. They are not that effective when it comes to stopping the sliding though but can definitely protect your flooring, so this will be a better use for corner tables or any other furniture that is not used much.

6. Rubber Drawer Liner

This is another alternative you can have. You can also definitely cut them in a small size. They are more effective than felt pads but the problem is that it does not last for a long while. So just like felt pads, they would have better opted for pieces of furniture that are not used much.

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How To Clean Suede Furniture

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Nothing is more satisfying than having a piece of furniture that is not only good to look at but is also comfortable and gives you a great feeling. You would want to stay there forever especially after a busy and long day. 

One of the hassles is cleaning it up. Surely, it has to be dusted and cleaned regularly. But there are also things that are unexpected such as food spillage. Then it is also a different story if you have pets or kids.

Suede is a material that is pleasing for the eye and also feels good to be rested on. But as said before, cleaning will be a hassle, and the suede is one of the more challenging ones. It is very important to maintain a suede not only to make it look good but also to lengthen its manner. 

Depending on your furniture’s situation, you will clean your suede furniture in different ways.

1. Vacuum

This is one of the ways to maintain your furniture. If there are some movie nights or some guests over, there will surely be crumbs that will be left. Even if that is not the case, everyday dust and dirt will be stuck. This is most relevant if you have pets. It is a big part of them to shed and their fur will surely be caught up with the suede. For this reason, it is important to vacuum your suede furniture regularly. It will be handy if your vacuum has an upholstery attachment because it will be a lot easier.

2. Use a Solution

It will be different if your furniture managed to have stains. One of the ways to easily remove it is if it is still fresh and wet. So if something spilled, you will have to take action right away. You will not really need any solution to this. You will just need something to absorb it like a cloth then wipe the remaining with a damp cloth. But if it does not go away, you can apply a solution to it. You could either use something bought but you could just simply use rubbing alcohol.

If you are dealing with old stains though, it will be trickier. One of the solutions is using an eraser. There are available special erasers for suede, but an ordinary office or school eraser works out just fine.

3. Brush

Another factor for the maintenance of suede is brushing it. This will be done regularly and also right after cleaning a stain. The reason for this is to remove more dirt and also for restoration. The kind of brush you will use is not the same as you use for your hair. Instead, you will use something that is made with soft bristles. To brush it, you will need to do it in circular motions and gently. This will soften the material. The pressure is needed more for the part that recently has the stain removed. This will especially be needed if you have a pet in your home to remove their fur.

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How to Tear Down A Wall In Your House

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There are times that you would just like to have something new so that things will be not boring or repetitive. That includes your home. You would like to change things up like redecorating or clearing rooms for purposes or just simply adding up some things.

Then there will be times that you would want to add more space to a room. The question would be how to that on a budget? It will surely be expensive to call a contractor to build one. A great solution would be tearing down the wall which is a bit less than building another one.

Demolishing a wall sounds like it is a hard task to do, and it will indeed need some planning to do. Here are the factors you will need to do:

1. Inspect the Wall

You would need to inspect the wall first if it is good for demolition. The first thing you will need to inspect is if it is load-bearing which means a wall that holds up the structure of your home. It will surely affect the foundation of your home if it will be torn down. You can ask for some help with this via an engineer or an architect. If it does, it does not mean you cannot proceed, but it might cost you because there might be a need for some working in it. 

Another thing to check if there is an electrical outlet that you will need to have an electrician’s help.

2. Gather the Tools

Then before doing the demolition, you should make sure that you have the right tools on hand or else it might be more challenging as it will be. There are various tools you will need to have for this.

3. Prepare for Demolition

Before anything, you will need to prepare first. That includes protecting the surroundings. You will need to cover up the floors, vents, and windows. This is for easier cleanup and also to protect them from debris.

Clothing is also important for your protection. You will need to wear pants and sturdy shoes. You will also need goggles, mask, and gloves. It will also be easier if you will have someone to help you.

4. Do the Demolition

Once all the preparation is done, it is time to tear down the wall. The first thing to do is to outline what you will be removed then cut it. After that, use your sledgehammer to start a hole then remove the studs. If there is insulation, remove it and then, repeat the process. 

5. Take Out Plates and Studs

After the drywall is gone, you will need to remove the studs. You can cut it with a reciprocating saw then pull it out. After removing the studs, it is time to remove the plates.

6. Fix the Floor and Ceiling

Because the wall has been removed, there will surely be holes in the floor and ceiling. Patch the ceiling with wood strips then apply some sealer. As for the floor, that will depend. If it is carpeted or with linoleum, you will need to have the match and patch it. It will be harder if it is hardwood, so you might consider calling a professional for that.

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Furniture That Works Well In Small Spaces

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Are you living in a small apartment or house that has little space? No need to worry about it. After all, living in small spaces seems to be a growing trend. There are also certain situations that call us to be minimalistic, and it’s good to make the best of what you have. It’s not something to be anxious about though, as there are now so many solutions for creatively maximizing the space that you have to work with. Let’s discuss some of the pieces of furniture that will work very well in small spaces.

1. Ottoman with Storage

Do you need an extra seat? How about a little bit of extra storage? An ottoman with a built-in drawer is truly the best of both worlds when comes to satisfying these needs. It could be a place where you can store your magazines and your children’s toys, or perhaps even some of your clothes. The good thing about an ottoman is that the storage space it provides doesn’t have to be obvious. A nice design will just look like an ordinary seat. You’re also not limited to using it as a seat, it can also serve as a footstool, a table, or even as an extension of a couch for a makeshift bed. 

2. Futon

Another type of furniture that is both functional and conducive to small living spaces the futon. At first glance it is a couch, but it can also be turned into a bed, much like a sofa bed. The difference is that a futon is usually cheaper and easier to convert back and forth. This versatile piece of furniture can be your bed if your bedroom is small and you need to make most of the space. It could also be in other places in your home instead of a couch. It could go great in your living room so that if you have your family or friends over, you will not have a problem with extra mattresses and lack of space.

3. Storage Coffee Table

It is good to know that there are many pieces of furniture that are not only used for the room to look good but also functional. Having a coffee table with extra storage can be a good addition for making your home less cluttered. The best part is that it can be really convenient for keeping commonly-used items, like TV remotes, reference books, blankets, you name it.

4. Folding Table

Tables are one of the types of furniture that are often used, whether it’s for eating or working. A folding table is handy for entertaining guests. It can also be used as a working area then folded and tucked away when not in use. 

5. Folding Chair 

Having extra chairs that are foldable is another great addition for homes with small spaces. They can either be used as an extra seat for visitors or folded and stowed away when the room gets too crowded. Folding chairs can be used in conjunction with the folding table, or simply stand alone as an extra chair in the dining area.

6. Floor Pillow

As the inhabitant of a small space you know it can be hard for accommodating many guests as you can quickly run out of seating options to offer them. Having a floor pillow can be a great solution and it will definitely help alleviate the lack of space for chairs. It is also a good way for the guests to feel be comfortable and at home.

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Best Practices For Power Washing Your Home’s Exterior

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Most people can recognize when their vinyl siding needs to be cleaned, but few people know exactly when and how to clean vinyl siding properly. Unless you live in an area with poor air quality or that has an abundance of dirt roads, you should clean your vinyl siding once every other year. If you live where the siding is prone to get dirtier, it’s best to do the pressure washing annually. With modern electric and gas-fueled pressure washers, it is possible to clean an entire house in one day. With sufficient planning and supplies, you can have your whole house sparkling clean for less than $300. 

Safety is the most important consideration when cleaning your vinyl siding yourself. Wear protective gear such as goggles to protect your eyes, use earplugs especially if you use a gas-powered pressure washer. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning solution you’ll use. Make sure your ladder is sturdy. 

Your safety concerns extend also to the condition of your home exterior before washing as well. Before washing the house, inspect the siding. Check for cracks and loose patches. Unplug any electrical components and cover the outlets with plastic that’s been secured with waterproof tape. Make sure all windows are closed. To ensure the health of any plants growing around the house, trim away parts of the plant that touch the house and water them before you cover with a tarp. Soaking the soil will dilute chemicals that may be absorbed. Covering them with a tarp will prevent soap splatter on your plants. 

Next, make sure that your outdoor furniture, lawn decorations, and grill are out of the way. If you can store them somewhere else on cleaning day, that would be best. Otherwise be sure to cover them with a tarp to prevent damage. 

Before you begin the pressure wash, you’ll want to remove the mold by hand using a bleach solution made up of one part bleach to ten parts water. Put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray where the mold and other dirt buildup is heaviest. Allow this to sit for a minute or two before wiping with a soft cloth or sponge. 

Now it’s time to put the cleansing solution into the pressure washer according to manufacturer’s instructions, attach to your garden hose and powerwash your home exterior. Start off on the lowest pressure settings and increase pressure gradually. Always keep the nozzle pointing straight ahead or slightly downward. Avoid high pressure on windows or exterior vents. If using an electric pressure washer, make sure the cord remains dry and out of the way. If using a gas pressure washer, point exhaust away from vents. 

Wash your vinyl siding in sections. Let the soap sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with your brush. Do not let the soap dry as it will leave streaks. You can use brushes with extendable handles for two-story houses. You can always rewet a surface if you let the soap sit too long. After you have cleaned a section, empty the pressure washer. Be sure to rinse any leftover soap residue out of the pressure washer. Fill with clean clear water and rinse the section off. Dry with towels before moving on to the next section until the entire house is finished. 
Pressure washing your vinyl siding is best done when the weather turns warm. It is best to do it on a dry day. Pressure washers can be rented from home and garden stores or make a great investment for any homeowner. Cleaning your vinyl siding is a home maintenance chore that can be done yourself. With the right preparation, it can also be a pleasant experience as well.

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5 Ways To Make Your Creative Space More Conducive to Writing

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Some may call it a studio, others may call it an office, and still others may simply call it their kitchen table. Regardless of where you go to write at home, you want to have a place that encourages you to write at your best. In general, writers perform best when they are in a calm, reasonably lit environment where they can be full of energy and produce their best works without distraction. Here are five tips you can use to make sure your personal writing space is giving you everything you need to finish your next piece of art.

Location

First and foremost, you want to have a place that you can dependably retire to in order to get the creative juices flowing. Many writers enjoy going to cafes or outdoor locations such as parks, beaches, etc., but there is something to be said for having your own oasis right in the comfort of your own home. The physical location within your home might be a spare bedroom where guests rarely visit, or perhaps a loft or a section of a finished basement.

There are obviously no strict rules when selecting the location of your creative space, but you want to make sure that you can have easy access with everything in order. When inspiration strikes, you want to have everything ready to go so that you can get in the flow as fast as possible. This brings us to the next point.

Setup

Not dissimilar from a cook’s often-discussed mise en place, there is a load of benefit for having everything ready to go for writing at any time of the day. If you write on a computer, this means having a keyboard and word processor ready to go at a moment’s notice. If your computer takes seemingly forever to boot up, you might have lost your train of thought by the time you actually get to writing. Consider decluttering your computer or upgrading to a more dependable model if necessary.

If you’re a bit more old-fashioned, or you just like the feel of some good-old pen and paper, this would mean having a notepad and your favorite pen ready to go at a moment’s notice. Make sure you have plenty of lighting, a comfortable seat, and anything else you might need to be comfortable, productive, and ultimately to get the job done.

Ambience

Once you have your location picked out and your setup in place, the final touches should focus on creating an ambience that will really help you keep your peace of mind. Visually calming aesthetic touches can be incredibly soothing, and can give your eyes something to focus on while your mind wanders into the depths of creativity. If your home has a fireplace, for example, this can be a great focal point for a writing room. These days, electric fireplaces can be a fantastic alternative without breaking the bank or remodeling your home. If this sounds like a good solution, you can check out Tim Arnolds’ detailed guide to find the best electric fireplace for your creative space. Other alternatives can include dancing lights, candles, small waterfalls, etc. Paintings can be a great way to improve the visual ambience, provided they are not too distracting to keep you from working.

In addition to visual ambience, you can also experiment with audible ambience. Plenty of writers love writing to music, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be music in the traditional sense. You can also try soundtracks or field recordings such as rain forests, ocean waves, or city sounds.

One final type of ambience that may be worth looking into is sensory ambience in the forms of aromas. This can be accomplished with essential oil diffusers, burning incense, aromatic candles, or even something as basic as fresh flowers. Giving yourself something beautiful to smell can certainly help you get in touch with all that is good in life, and give you everything you need to keep the creativity at maximum output.

So what do you think, do you find these tips for designing your creative space helpful? What are your favorite tips for making your creative space your true space of productivity? Let us know in the comments, we’d be very happy to hear from you.

Thanks for reading and happy writing!

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Creative Ways To Get Your Kids Writing Creatively

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Creative writing is a great skill for children to obtain and carries over into adulthood. Learning how to write creatively is beneficial for kids who have an interest in working in a creative field or for those who simply enjoy expressing their thoughts, feelings, and ideas using writing as their vehicle of choice. In order to get your kids to begin writing creatively, getting creative yourself is essential.

Provide Idea Journals

Give each of your children an idea journal to carry with them when attending school, visiting friends, or taking time away from tech and traditional activities. In order to encourage more involvement with the idea journal you provide, allow your children to decorate, color, and create covers for their journals in a unique and individual way.

Set a time aside each day for your kids to jot down ideas, inspirational thoughts, or doodles that they want to share with the entire family. Openly share and discuss idea journal entries (unless your child prefers to keep them private) to promote conversation and discussion. Offer magazines and print images of relevant items your child wishes to include in their idea journal to create a full and lively book for them to read and reflect on in the future.

Join a Reading Program

Enroll your kids in a summer reading program when they are out of school or in need of additional extracurricular activities. Reading programs provide children with access to thousands of books while also encouraging them to complete the books they have chosen with rewards and incentives. Keep track of the books your children read each week and ask questions about the plot, characters, and story arcs involved. Create a dialogue with your kids surrounding the books they read to get their imagination going while encouraging new creative ideas, thoughts, and opinions. Offer rewards such as prizes or additional in-house incentives to keep your children reading throughout the year.

Watch Inspirational Videos

Watch inspirational videos that pertain to creative writing and storytelling with your children. Discuss the content of the videos you watch together and ask your children their favorite methods of writing and why. Show videos of top authors your kids enjoy reading to spark inspiration and to keep them interested in the world of reading and writing.

Tell Stories

Storytelling is one of the best ways to get the creative juices flowing in both children and adults. Learning how to tell stories is essential for children who are interested in writing creatively. Create a time each week to share stories whether they are scary, silly, or dramatic. Ask questions about the characters in the stories your children tell and what lessons there are to learn from each individual story. Offer praise to your child when they complete a story from start to finish and provide encouragement to your child if they are struggling with a plot point. Share different paths and ideas for each story arc or plot point to stir up creativity and ideas in your child’s mind.

Brainstorm Together

Spend time with your children brainstorming ideas, thoughts, and new storylines. Allow each of your children to provide input when telling stories or sharing ideas of your own. Share in the excitement your children have when telling you new ideas or thoughts on projects they plan to write. Create lists of ideas, plots, and characters together with idea journals you have already provided. Bouncing ideas off of one another encourages out of the box thinking and more creativity when writing or developing stories in the mind.

Read Stories Aloud

Reading stories aloud with your children is another way to encourage creative reading and writing simultaneously. Ask your kids to participate in reading their own creative stories to help with improving their abilities to tell stories and share dialogue. Read your children’s favorite books and expand with new authors each week to broaden their horizons when thinking creatively or coming up with exciting, unique, and relevant stories that are interesting to them.

Artistic Hobbies and Activities

Discovering creative ideas is not limited to simply writing or reading. Get creative with your children by painting, working with clay, or indulging in another hobby that requires abstract thinking and the process of discovery. Creative hobbies and activities help to keep the minds of children active while providing them with more opportunities once they begin writing on their own.

With the right creative methods, provide your children with the ability to discover an entirely new world when putting their thoughts on paper.

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