How to Make a Decorative Scarecrow

One of my favorite fall decorations is a scarecrow for my front porch. Now I know you can pick up really cute, inexpensive scarecrows at your craft shops. But nothing is more satisfying than using your creativity making a personal expression of your family, for almost no money, than making your own scarecrow! And it's not only easy, its a fun thing to do with the kids as well.

What you will need:

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One shirt
One pair of pants
Hat
Old white/ cream/ dark pillowcase for face, or scrap fabric
Plastic shopping bags or old newspapers
Safety Pins
String or narrow rope
Small amounts of straw, raffia, or dried grass
Permanent markers or felt scraps for facial features

How to Make a Decorative Scarecrow

Button, zip or close the shirt and pants where necessary, tie ends of shirt arms and pant legs closed with string or rope.

Stuff full with bags or newspaper.

Use safety pins to attach shirt to pants at waist.

Stuff pillowcase into size and shape of a face. Use a permanent marker for facial features or glue cut out pieces of felt for the eyes and mouth. Tuck into the neck opening of shirt, and secure with safety pins. Pin on hat.

Stuff a little straw or raffia into the neck opening edges, and the arm and leg openings. Glue in place if necessary.

Now that you have the basic scarecrow in place, consider the ways you can make it personal! For years my kids each made one of themselves, and we had a whole family of scarecrows (our family!) lining the fence. You can vary the type of clothes from an old fashioned farmer, to a clown, to a princess complete with tutu...what ever works for your family. Insert flexible wire into the arms and legs before you pin the body together for a pose able scarecrow. Make little kid scarecrows, or a scarecrow to remind you of a dear friend or family member.

Showcase your scarecrows on the front porch, sitting in a chair you can see from the back window, standing watch over your entryway, or perched in a windowbox, dangling his legs from the second story. Tip: Wire or tie your scarecrow down if you live in an area where it can be windy.

How to Make a Decorative Scarecrow

Want free home decorating ideas? Kathy Wilson is an author, home decorating columnist for LifetimeTv.com, and editor of several popular home and garden websites. For hundreds of free do it yourself home and garden ideas, please visit her websites now at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com and http://www.DecoratingYourSmallSpace.com

PVC Architectural Brackets and Decorative Corbels

Many styles of architecture have utilized the architectural bracket or corbel in its design. The colonial style of architecture is famous for dentil work and highly decorative corbels. The Victorian style made use of decorative brackets with lots of flair. The craftsman style of architecture popularized again architectural detail in its use of decorative supports in the eves and overhangs. More modern architecture, however, during the late 90s and early 21st century has take a more modest and economical approach to architecture, relying more heavily on functionality and efficiency.

Lately, however, with the downturn in the housing market, the buyers market has brought architectural detail back into architecture. Builders competing with one another for potential home buyers have had to enhance curb appeal to attract interest. With the advent of no rot materials such as AZEK and Versatex, PVC brackets have become popularized in the industry. Decorative PVC brackets, unlike wood, are designed to last a lifetime and never need replacement. They can be custom fabricated from manufacturers and are readily available with quick turnarounds.

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Architectural PVC Brackets are typically made using a laminating technique. Sometimes they are hollowed out to allow for dead wood installation from the sides. Other times they are made solid and can be mounted with a construction adhesive or with the use of lag screws. AZEK brackets are typically non-structural due to the thermal nature of the PVC and should not be used for structural overhangs without additional support.

PVC Architectural Brackets and Decorative Corbels

PVC brackets are more similar to foam, or urethane brackets, in the sense that they are designed to last forever, but act non-structurally. The advantage to PVC over foam is in customization. PVC brackets do not require expensive moulding techniques and can be hand crafted with relative ease.

PVC Architectural Brackets and Decorative Corbels

Matt Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a millworks company that specializes in affordable no rot exterior products made from cellular PVC. They manufacture custom PVC brackets and decorative architectural brackets for a variety of architectural applications and can custom make them in a wide range of sizes. Click the links for more details.

Bedroom Decorating - Using Decorative Bed Pillows For A Professional Look

One of the main focal points in any bedroom design is the bed and decorative bed pillows help add to the design. You've probably even seen design shows on TV or pictures in magazines with those inviting looking beds that have the plumped up pillows, haven't you?

You might have even looked at your own bed and thought how great it would look with some decorative pillows - maybe you even tried this yourself but couldn't quite achieve the look that you see in the designer rooms. Luckily, it isn't that hard to get this look -you've probably just been going about the wrong way.

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The first thing is you need to buy the right kinds of pillows. Chances are the regular bed pillows that you sleep on every night aren't going to do the trick. You want decorative pillows that have interesting fabrics and designs. Now that's not to say that a plain cotton pillow case with a nice stripe down by the end or a a layer of lace on the edge won't look fabulous because they will with the right design. The key is to pick pillows with fabrics and patterns that go with your overall look.

Bedroom Decorating - Using Decorative Bed Pillows For A Professional Look

You don't want to have too many different patterns in the pillows, maybe some with a pattern and some that are plain but have a color that pick up the pattern. You can use interesting fabrics like silks, brocades and velvets as well as interesting accents on the pillows such as tufting, fringe and embellishments. What you choose really depends on your bedroom design.

The key to the plumping is that you have to set up the pillows in layers. You can't lay them down flat like you do when you're sleeping or you'll just end up with a big pile of pillows! You have to arrange them standing up on their edges and in rows.

The back layer of pillows should be a bit larger than the rest. You want to have either three or five pillows for this back row depending on how large the bed is and the size of the pillows. Stand them up on the edges and lean them against the headboard.

The second layer of pillows should be a little smaller than the back layer because you want to be able to still see the decorative back pillows. You'll also want less of them as you want the pillow arrangement to extend out from the headboard in sort of a triangular shape. So if you used three pillows in the back row try two in the row in front of it. Set those on their edges and lean them against the back row pillows.

Now you could make more layers, but three layers is pretty standard you don't want to many pillows or your whole bed is just going to be layers of pillows. For the last layer I like to use a bolster pillow - one of those long rounded tubular pillows that has a fancy fringe or tassel on the end. If you don't want to do this just use some smaller pillows for the front. These probably wouldn't be bed pillows but little decorative pillows that are smaller than your second row pillows and simply place those leaning against the second row pillows on their edges.

Viola! Now you have perfectly plumped decorative bed pillows that will give your bedroom design a professional look.

Bedroom Decorating - Using Decorative Bed Pillows For A Professional Look

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can get more decorating ideas and see photos of how to arrange your decorative bed pillows.

How to Do Underpinning in Foundations

Underpinning is a method used to increase the foundation depth. This may be done in case a developer wants to add more stories to a building. Also, the foundation could be damaged by tree roots and this method used for correction.The adjacent construction may have foundations lower than the existing thus requiring to be lowered. If basements are constructed very near an existing building, the foundation may need to be changed. The reason is for stability of the existing house. Cracks may appear in a building up to the base thus needing a foundation remedy.

The underpinning in foundations may be undertaken and but supervised by an engineer. This works should follow instructions keenly for safety. Before any commencement, of work the area of operation should be hoarded. The works take from excavation to finishes approximately a month to complete. The area to work on is measured and mapped out. The work should commence from the corners working inwards. This is done on load bearing walls only. Foundations without any load bearing walls are exempted. The defects on these walls can be corrected using most simple methods.

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The underpinning in foundations starts with excavations. This should be done under a strip footing. A length of one meter, a width of half a meter and depth of half a meter pit is dug. This is done in stages of two meters. This is distance between the pits. After the excavations, mass concrete is added to the cavity. Mixes are one part cement, three parts sand and six parts aggregates. Concrete is made to a good consistence and is poured into the cavity. Use form work on the edges. Use a rod bar ensuring that the cavity under the existing foundation is filled up.

How to Do Underpinning in Foundations

After the underpinning concrete is placed in the cavity, its allowed to set for two days. The operation is repeated for the next bay. This continues until the required foundation is complete. Ensure that the concrete is cured thoroughly before loading it. The next thing is to break off the projecting foundation. Cut the concrete flush with the mass concrete surface. after this is completed for all the bays, soil is then back filled and compacted thoroughly. Watering with a hose is done for consolidation of the soil. This is done upon completion of the work.

How to Do Underpinning in Foundations

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, and Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

Best Concrete Sealers

Concrete sealers play a major role in strengthening and protecting concrete works. A number of concrete sealers are now available, including gum resins, linseed oil, silicon derivatives and film formers such as acrylics, urethanes and epoxies.

Film-former sealers containing solvent-based acrylics are the best choice for sealing surfaces in the case of outdoor applications, as these allow easy escape of moisture. If working with heavyweight concrete blocks, urethanes and epoxies are the most suitable.

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Epoxy sealers are ideal for industrial environments, concrete countertops, and food preparation areas since it can form a thicker and tougher film for chemical resistance. Significant types of epoxies are epoxy penetrating sealers and water-based epoxy sealers, which are used in marine applications. For maintaining concrete durability in highways, epoxy-based sealers coated with steel are used. In order to provide an abrasive-resistant finish to commercial areas, urethane sealers are the best. Urethanes can last five to eight years and epoxies up to 15 years.

Best Concrete Sealers

Concrete penetrating sealers such as silane, siloxane, and siliconate are the most excellent alternatives to treat concrete structures and parking garages affected by deterioration and acid rain. The main advantage of penetrating sealers is that they penetrate into the capillaries of the concrete surface and safeguard the concrete from stains, abrasions, and other harmful factors.

Best concrete sealers must be environmentally safe. They should also have the ability to form an impenetrable barrier to protect concrete surfaces from bacteria, fungus, and corrosive materials such as acids and salts. Further, these should not alter the surface appearance of concrete surfaces. The durability of a sealer depends on the wear and tear of the surface, the maintenance schedule, and the use of appropriate chemicals. It is best to avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners.

In the US, there are a number of local hardware and online stores to provide the latest as well as the best in concrete sealers.

Best Concrete Sealers

Concrete Sealer provides detailed information on Concrete Sealer, Concrete Floor Sealer, Concrete Driveway Sealer, Stamped Concrete Sealer and more. Concrete Sealer is affiliated with Concrete Sealers.

5 Decorating Ideas for Small Kitchens

Having a small kitchen can be painful. It seems difficult enough just to function in such a small space, and decorating it nicely can feel like an impossibility. Have hope though, there are several excellent ways to decorate tiny kitchens. Here are five ideas to get you started:

1. New cabinet knobs and handles - Changing your cabinet knobs or handles can make a world of difference in how your kitchen looks or feels. There are a variety of themed kitchen cabinet knobs such as those shown here: [http://www.stylishfinds.com/decor/5/cute-kitchen-cabinet-knobs/] - or you can go with traditional shapes, colors and styles instead.

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2. Throw rugs - Throw and area rugs don't have to be large. In fact you'll find many small ones designed specifically for use in the kitchen or bathroom. Put a nice weaved rug on the floor in front of your kitchen sink or stove for instance, and you'll create a cozy decorative touch to the kitchen without sacraficing limited space.

5 Decorating Ideas for Small Kitchens

3. Towels and hot pads - This may seem obvious to some of you, but many overlook this simple and easy decorative accent. Buy pretty towels with designs, patterns, or just colors to accent and compliment your kitchen decorating theme. Towels can easily hang on cabinet doors, stove or refrigerator handles. Round out the added decorative touch with hot pads, gloves, and divets that compliment or match the towels. Hot pads and divets can be easily hung on the wall, allowing for more decorative flair without getting in the way.

4. Stenciled designs on cabinets - This is a little used yet excellent decorating technique for tiny kitchens. Paint stenciled designs on the front of your cabinet doors. Stenciled designs can be simple little flourishes in the corners, or large budding flowers right in the middle of the cabinet door. They can also be general shapes or other objects that fit in with your personal decorating style.

5. Ceiling fan or small chandelier - A ceiling fan or small kitchen chandelier will do wonders to improve the decor of your kitchen without taking up much needed working space. Since the room is small to begin with though, be sure to go with small chandeliers or fans so the room won't be overwhelmed. You'll find hundreds of excellent chandeliers here:

http://lamps.diyhomedecorating.com/Chandeliers/

5 Decorating Ideas for Small Kitchens

©2006, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Kathy is a professional published freelance writer and commercial stock photographer living in Southeast New Mexico USA. Visit ElectronicPerceptions.com to see some of her latest photography, and to read more of her excellent content too.

Looking For Low Maintenance Garden Ideas? Look No Further Than Decorative Gravel

In springtime many of us look to the garden with the idea of sprucing it up a bit in preparation for the summer. We all love to have a beautiful garden that our neighbours can admire, but sometimes we don't always want to have to put in the considerable work that it usually entails.

You don't have to!

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Looking for low maintenance garden ideas? Look no further than decorative gravel. It won't actually make your flowers grow, it won't actually pull out the weeds for you, and it certainly won't do any digging for you, but there's a lot that it can do.

Looking For Low Maintenance Garden Ideas? Look No Further Than Decorative Gravel

Gravel is the secret weapon that thousands of gardeners quietly employ. They are the ones whose gardens are always admired. They are also the ones who do the minimum of work to achieve it, and even less work to maintain it. Others scratch their heads and wonder just how they do it. Gravel, or to be more precise, decorative gravel is the simple answer.

You can obtain gravel in a dizzying array of colours and shapes. It comes from all kinds of stone, both hard and soft varieties and it has all kinds of uses in the garden too. It has the wonderful ability to look expensive without being expensive, and it retains an elegance that only real stone can.

The obvious use of decorative gravel in the garden is in a path or driveway. There's nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of gravel underfoot, or under car tyres. It has a kind of quality sound, perhaps because all the country mansions featured in films usually have gravel driveways. There's a kind of nostalgic 1920s Jeeves and Wooster feel to gravel in the garden.

Gravel has more mundane, but useful application in the garden. Spread around a plant or flower bed over the soil it has the effect of preventing soil erosion from heavy rain and wind. Gravel can help to restrict the evaporation of moisture from the soil, helping plants and flowers to grow better. It also helps to restrict weed growth.

Your low maintenance garden comes from all the things you don't have to do as a result of using gravel. It can mean less watering, less soil management and less weeding for a start. If that was all, then it certainly would be worth it, but there's a lot more you can do.

If you have a large lawn area, consider breaking it up with areas of gravel. Using different colours and textures you can create a most pleasing effect. You will lower your maintenance level by not having to mow so much lawn. Now, surely that is an attractive proposition!

A large lawn can have paths meandering through it. It creates a lazy effect that breaks up the straight lines. It can also be used in this way for the principles of Feng Shui if you are in to that, but just because it looks great and gets you out of too much lawn mowing should be reason enough. It's true: If you're looking for low maintenance garden ideas, look no further than decorative gravel.

Looking For Low Maintenance Garden Ideas? Look No Further Than Decorative Gravel

David A Robinson
Help and information about using decorative gravel for driveways and gardens.