Tag Archives: antique

How to Decorate a Chest of Drawers

Posted on by

Sometimes if you buy a piece of used furniture it can be in desperate need of a makeover. If this is true then paint, stencils and glue can be your best friend when it comes to fixing the piece up.
‘
The easiest way to freshen up an old piece is to paint it a solid color. There are no real rules here but sometimes a glossy paint looks better than a matte finish. You can also sand and restain the piece to make it look better.

Decoupage is a wonderful way to rehab an old piece that has a battered surface. You can paste any type of image on I that you want. However If you choose the right wall paper the results can be absolutely stunning.

Applying gilt to chests of drawers can also make a used piece look more glamorous. Simply apply tissue thin pieces of metal to the surface. It is quite a labor intensive technique but the results are very impressive. Be forewarned that this is one of the most expensive ways to decorate an antique chest.

Nowadays you can also add subtle architectural details like molding or wood appliqués in the same color as the chest. You can also make chess board like diamonds and patterns using contrasting woods.

Adding a French Polish can make the piece look more elegant. This can complete renew and shine the top of a chest of drawers that has a lovely wood grain. It involves building up several layers of polish to create a mirror like sheen.

Another way to make it look new is to buy new knobs and pulls for it. Nowadays there a tons of different styles of pulls including and plain and ornate, jeweled, metal, plastic and wood ones.
To decoupage you cut out pies of paper and adhere them to the surface and then paint it over with varnish so it looks even. The experts say that wallpaper works best as the pattern is already built in and it won’t rip.

If you are really ambition you can create a mosaic out of wood or tiles on the surface of the wood. Drawer fronts can also be decorated with plaster or cement and bits of chipped glass or mirror. Beach glass can transform a battered chest drawer front into an artful collector’s item.

Finally you can vamp up the drawers by adding a top mirror on a swivel. You can buy these in the same color of the wood to extend the piece and make it look more glamorous.

How to Decorate With Home Made Hummingbird Feeders

Posted on by

Making a home-made feeder can be as simple as pouring home-made nectar into a red colored or flower decorated cup, bowl, plate or saucer and setting it out on a table. However with these methods the birds may waste energy hovering mid-air to get to the nectar or splashing about in the nectar.

Here are a few simple ideas for making your own homemade feeder.

i) Frisbee TM Feeder

A very simple homemade feeder is simply a red Frisbee TM that is turned upside down so that the birds can use the curved edge of the Frisbee as a perch. You can drill holes in the Frisbee and hang it with brightly colored yarn from a tree and/or decorate the rim with dangling red ribbons, glitter and flowers. You can also sit this kind of feeder down on a table.

If you decide to use this kind of feeder remember to empty it every day and replace it with fresh homemade nectar. Exposure to the elements can make the nectar spoil faster than the contents of a bottled feeder.

ii) Milk Carton Feeder

Punch a hole about the size of a matchstick into the side of a very clean, used milk carton. Make sure the hole is near the bottom of the feeder.

Cover the carton with images of red or pink flowers cut out of a magazine. Tape long dangling red ribbons to the bottom of the feeder.

Fill the feeder part way full with homemade hummingbird nectar.

You can leave this feeder to be freestanding or you can punch holes near the top so that you can hang it from a perch or a tree with bright red ribbons or attach it securely with pipe cleaners.

iii) Plastic Bottle Feeder

Find a small plastic bottle that holds 8 oz or less. You can use old medicine bottles or bottles that used to contain vanilla or almond essence. Make sure these bottles are very clean first. Tie a long red ribbon or red pipe cleaner around the nape of the bottle, fill it with homemade nectar and hang it from a tree.

iv) Red Glass Jar Feeder

Find a small red or ruby colored glass jar. You can find these at antique markets or craft stores. Make sure the opening of the bottle is wide enough for the hummingbird to insert it’s beak. Wire this to a tree branch with pipe cleaners and fill it with homemade hummingbird solution.

v) Test Tube Feeder

Find a test tube with a bright red cap. Drill or poke a matchstick sized hole in the center of the cap. Wrap the test tubes tightly with red pipe cleaners and attach securely to a perch or a tree.