Barb's Knot So Perfect Design - Blog

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Kitchen Makeover - tile back splash

Knot Sew Perfect Designs – BLOG

So this is the area I wanted to cover...under the cabinets and behind the stove. Okay - not a big area. I can do this. I bought a couple different single squares of tile patterns to see which one I liked best and luckily that one was on sale. How I do like saving money.

My bursitis in my shoulder was really acting up after doing all the cabinet work and hurt like hell if you must know. So - just for the heck of it I asked (through CraigsList) a couple tile contractors for a very rough estimate on how much it would cost for THEM to do. I gave them the dimensions and both came back with: Minimum charge of $250.00 and up to $500.00. ARE YOU KIDDING? Bursitis or not, I am NOT paying that much and get this - this ol' gal put the tile up with cutouts for the outlets and light switch in just under 6 hours. That also included time out for lunch (actually sitting down to eat) and visiting with the neighbor who was painting something that day. So let's say about 5 hours. YES, I did use a level and it didn't come out too bad. No, it is KNOT PERFECT but it still looks good I think. Would I charge someone to do this? Probably not. It's my first time and I look at it every day so I do see some flaws. (surprise) The "stuff" has been put back on the counter to help with distraction!!

OH - and look at the hardware I used...isn't that gorgeous? Brushed copper knobs and half cup pulls. Remember I got them off Amazon for HALF the price of Home Depot or Lowes. Against the white cabinet they really POP.

So even though I had never done tile work I wasn't going to to let that stop me or, pay THAT kind of money for someone else to do. See - I still haven't won the lottery - not even a dollar!! So CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Like I said - the first time may Knot be Perfect but should I do more tiling then I know it would come out better.

Because I didn't really know what I was doing it probably took me a little longer than a professional but I TRIED & I DID IT. You never know until you try. AND YOU CAN TOO....give IT a try and see what happens. Start small and go from there.

The only thing left to do is clean the kitchen - again. What's with that? I cleaned it last week!!

CHALLENGE YOURSELF. I hope I have given you some ENCOURAGEMENT and IDEAS so you can have and do what you'd like in your kitchen - or any room. It's amazing what a can of paint can do.

IF YOU DON'T TRY you'll never know. You may be the next expert in the making. Doing things yourself gives you a lot of pride. You can say, "Oh, I did that!" The praise that follows is certainly good for the ego.

***FIRE ANTS - 'tis that time of year - they are everywhere. I stepped in a mound last week - Dag-nabbit. Ow. Wash area with soap and water. To help with burning feeling, make a paste of vinegar and baking soda then apply to area. This really helps. Keep the little blisters popped and apply ammonia or alcohol to help dry out. Yes, it will burn/sting for a moment but it will help. WATCH WHERE YOU STEP.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Kitchen Makeover - pantry cabinet

Knot Sew Perfect Designs – BLOG3

Explanation: Knot = wood knot, crochet knot etc. Sew = I sew just enough to get by; sow- seeds for gardening either flower or veggie. Perfect = absolutely exquisitely done but KNOT by me (sometimes). What I do sometimes I have never done before so the results are Knot Perfect! Design = Could be most anything. A crocheted rug, a kitchen makeover, a patio, garden, a new recipe, decorating something or something basic.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER – phase one

I moved into my house 5 years ago. At that time we (daughter and son) went through it completely with new paint which I researched colors for some time. Now, I don't like the color in the kitchen and even though I have tons of cabinets I hated bending over or “crawling on the floor” to see what was on the bottom shelf in the back. Call me lazy but if I had MY WAY, cabinets would be from the waist up.! (I'm 6 ft tall) so I have the reach!!

Let me say one thing - this is NOT JUST FOR WOMEN. Guys, this applies to you as well. Need some simple encouragement?
YOU CAN DO THIS TOO. You can do anything if you TRY. So you have to ask for help - how else will you (we) learn? So let's get at it. Who will be the HERO when you create something awesome for your wife or partner? HERO STATUS? Think about it - yeah, you got this.

So this is what happened: Turned a large cabinet with microwave area into an all cabinet with SLIDING SHELVES...a pantry. How exciting is that? I had a huge pantry in my old house and really do miss having one even tho' I'd forget sometimes WHY I went in there...but hey, that happens to all of us right? I am so excited about this. I did however have to enlist my brother for his knowledge and skills.(I ASKED FOR HELP) Didn't hurt a bit!! Thank goodness for big brothers.We all, my brother, sister-in-law and myself transformed this awesome cabinet. I KNOW now HOW to MAKE SLIDING SHELVES. Ta-DA

Pic #1 is before and actually had doors on upper and lower areas. Pic #2 is shelving completely done (isn't my brother handsome? Sorry ladies, he already has a wonderful wife!) Isn't the little rounded cutout just the cutest thing you ever saw? Designed by using a bowl. Hey - use what you got.

I don't even know if I could explain what we did to make these shelves (sorry no pics, too busy cutting) other than buy drawer slides the depth you need.(follow instructions) Buy 1”x 3” lumber to complete the number of shelves you need & buy plywood for the base of the shelf. You can even ask Home Depot or Lowes to cut for you if you have the dimensions you need - but be sure on measurements. Nice huh? That way you do not have to go out and by all the power tools unless you get "high" by using them or just need an excuse to get them and justify the purchase to your wife!!

Now that I have seen (and helped) make these, they don't seem so difficult. My BFF in VT wants me to come help her turn a small closet off her kitchen into a pantry with the sliding shelves. We did have to use the neighbor's table saw to cut the plywood into our needed size but other than that a skill saw or chop saw, and drill are pretty much all we used. See, told you I wanted a table saw. We also had to make new doors as the microwave area did not have a door. Isn't this elegant looking? It really does make the kitchen look awesome. Good job everyone. And just so you know, this did not get completed in one day. Between the rain and going to the beach, it was completed over a few days.

Sliding shelves are awesome. The drawer slides are rated to 50 lbs. I have so much room in my other cabinets. My daughter was gracious enough to come and help (do) organize all this new area. I used that dreaded bottom shelf for small appliances I use once in a while...or not at all! Probably should sell them on Craigslist!! Make $$ for yet another project!

Even if you have the idea of what you want you still may have to ask for help. Luckily my brother was in the area AND had the skills to help. That's what family and friends are for.

So don't be afraid to try something new. I feel confident enough I could actually build sliding shelves for my BFF in Vermont and I think my son would have the tools I need and could borrow.

Trying something new does not have to be in construction; it could be as simple as trying a new recipe or taking a different route to work. Everyone needs a little change once in awhile.

***Tis' the season for ticks...mix 1 part tea tree oil and 2 parts water; put in a spray bottle and spray your skin, shoes, socks, etc before you go outside.

Monday, June 16, 2014

BEACH CHAIR HEAD REST

Knot Sew Perfect Designs – BLOG-4

Explanation: Knot = wood knot, crochet knot etc. Sew = I sew just enough to get by; Sow- seeds for gardening either flower or veggie.Perfect = absolutely exquisitely done but KNOT by me (sometimes). What I do sometimes I have never done before so the results are Knot Perfect! Design = Could be most anything. A crocheted rug, a kitchen makeover, a patio, garden, a new recipe , decorating something or something basic.

BEACH CHAIR HEAD REST

Do you have a cheap beach chair and when you sit in it your head is on the METAL BAR? Well so do I. Whether you have a lounge chair or a regular chair your head always hits the top bar and after awhile it hurts. If you are short you may not have this problem but I certainly do topping out at 6 foot tall...well, maybe a little shorter now that I'm older - settling as I mature. Is that what it is? Mature? HA!

I simply amaze myself sometimes at the stuff I come up with that is so simple you just can't imagine. Guess that's part of being an Aries!! Toot, toot, toot ! LOL I've always been an "idea" person and I think I should be insanely RICH by now but - nope, hasn't happened yet. I'll keep trying.

Okay - so this is what you need. Buy a "noodle", you know, the ones you use in the pool and get a sharp knife. BINGO - that's all you need. The noodle costs $1.87 from Walmart and the knife, you should have in your kitchen already.

I measured 1 foot = 12 inches and got 4 pieces plus a little smaller 7 inch piece. Slice this in half ONLY TO THE HOLE in the noodle.
Repeat. There, you're almost done. Wasn't that simple?

Pull apart and put over top bar of your chair and now you have a head rest. Go ahead, try it out. It's not all that bad and certainly better than the bar.

Okay - now this also will work for your patio set. You say what? The cushions come up above the top bar but check it out - just as soon as you sit down - where does the cushion go? Yup, below that bar and if you're sitting there reading or whatever and want to relax for a few minutes - BAM, your head hits that bar. #@$%**$%#.

Okay, so let's do the same thing again. Take the 4 pieces and put on back of your patio chairs. Nice. Sit there in the summer breeze; maybe a cocktail in hand letting your head fall back to relax a little...YUP, YOU GOT THIS NOW.

Enjoy...........................and be sure to share with all your friends. They need a head rest too.

*** Dryer taking longer to dry your clothes? Possibly a sneaky accumulation of fabric softener. First, make sure your lint screen is free from lint. Second, mix 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap, remove lint trap and scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse well in warm water and replace. This can certainly help but if it doesn't, you may have mechanical issues with your dryer. Try this first and it might be all you need..

Sunday, June 15, 2014

TODAY - IT'S ALL ABOUT OUR DADs

Knot Sew Perfect Designs – BLOG

Design = Could be most anything. A crocheted rug, a kitchen makeover, a patio, garden, a new recipe , decorating something or something basic.

DAD'S - I know this has nothing to do with design but hey - it's about our Dad's and how wonderful they are. But, without my Dad I wouldn't know how to do what I know now - creating, fixing, doing. They were (are) the rock in the family. The mediators, the force, the hero and so on and so on.

These pics were at his 92nd birthday surrounded by family but here, with most of his grandchildren. Two of my sister's sons were unavailable to make the trip to VT but they were there in spirit.

He was always an inspiration because he "could do anything" and of course, I wanted to be JUST LIKE DAD. He was a master cabinet maker. He built many pieces of furniture for me and the rest of the family....and like I mention in a previous blog, simply from looking at a picture. He was amazing. I spent many hours in his shop with him. I got to use the jigsaw and who knows how many blades I broke in ONE day from being too anxious to get done whatever I was making. He could fix cars although I didn't like that much. He built our house with my grandfather from the basement up. It was solid as a rock. He also tackled plumbing, electrical and everything else. He was simply amazing.

I won't go on and on about him although I could. I still miss my Dad every day but I believe I am honoring his "fatherhood" by being creative and making things just like he use to. I wish I could have learned more from him.

You have your memories of your own fathers whether they are still living or not. They always seem to end up being our hero's.

Here' to ALL DADs out there. Happy Father's DAY.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

You CAN do something NEW.

– Knot Sew Perfect Designs – BLOG

Design = Could be most anything. A crocheted rug, a kitchen makeover, a patio, garden, a new recipe or decorating something - maybe even some awesome pictures.

So – you are likely to see and read about most anything here. Dreams, schemes and basic things.

A little background...I grew up around people that did it themselves and being able to do most anything. My father was a cabinet maker, carpenter, fixer of anything that needed fixing. I was always in his shop “building” something out of the scraps he left behind. So, I learned a lot.

My mother could make a meal for 5 out of nothing...I learned a lot here as well.

Then, when I got married, my husband was a contractor and in the beginning, I helped whenever there was a need. Our house seemed to have some sort of construction project going on all the time.

After divorce, I kept doing things myself, mainly because I couldn't afford to hire someone or buy it already made. No one ever offered to pay my bills and even today – I have not been able to win the lottery. So - Lots of trial and error but things got better. I got better. I was not afraid to tackle a new project, even hanging a ceiling fan involving electricity (now I hire an electrician – or date one – ha ha). I do not do plumbing – at all. I know how to turn the water on and off...that is the extent of my plumbing skills!

Keep in mind that I do not claim to know how to do everything or a master of any of it but I do have a creative side and a very big imagination which sometimes gets me in trouble!!

I now have a shop most men would die for. I do lack some of the bigger power tools, table saws (which I want) lathe, etc. but I get by with what I have.

I wanted to be a physical education teacher or a CPA but my career ended me in the trucking industry; starting as a clerk and working my way to a management position of an 89 door terminal and 50 drivers/dockworkers. I had a good mentor in the beginning that set much of everything else I did. I studied logistics to better my career which I also applied to my everyday life. At times this was difficult as I am a true to form Aries. Act first, read directions later.

Over the years I learned to LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE and this applies to whatever you do; baking a cake, doing a kitchen makeover or even planting a garden. Take a minute to plan, look at what you are trying to create and what you want the end result to be. You can accomplish this end result even if the project is beyond your ability or knowledge. There are many people with this knowledge. Home Depot, Lowes and Ace Hardware employees have a wealth of information and will help you just so you buy your materials at their store. Or, check out the internet. There is always someone that has made a “how to” video on just about anything you want to do. You will delvelop your own process but as long as you get to your end result, that's good.

So do not be afraid to try something new, no matter what it is. You might fail at perfection – this time, so what. Next time you WILL do better. At least you tried and for that: GOOD FOR YOU. You should be proud of yourself. YOU did it even if it looks hideous. And, you can ask for help, ask for advice, ask for opinions so you will get better. Like I said, I have a big imagination that gets me in trouble and I think I can do something which ends up being way over my ability – so YES, I DO ask for help sometimes.

I have had so many “OMG what the heck is that” projects you just can't imagine. Lots of laughing and embarrassment when I showed others, but that did not bother me enough Knot to try again at some other idea/project I wanted. You all know the saying - “You'll never know if you don't try”...or something like that. Or, “the more you do it the better you get”. I have gotten better at doing things but I've had lots of practice. I think most has been total determination because I WANT THAT!!! I have always told my kids, “You can have (or be) whatever you want as long as you are willing to work for it.”

As with my father, I am a person that can look at something and pretty much make it...sometimes with a pattern but mostly without an actual pattern. Like below – a crocheted halter top (a skirt too) and a beach cover up all done for my daughter without a pattern. I also crocheted my daughter-in-laws wedding dress (for an outside wedding). No pattern so thanks Dad for that ability to see things and make it from there.

I did that often to my Dad. I'd see a piece of furniture I liked (any catalog or store flyer) and say, “Dad, would you make this for me?” And he would!

This is the first piece of furniture my Dad made ME...a corner cabinet...1973. Lots of history here. First – no pattern, just a picture. Second, the wood is an old wooden pipe organ from the First Baptist Church, Bennington, VT (1906) which was replaced in 1972 I think. He planed the wood to remove the color then built the cabinet. I love it still. Even “way back then” we re-cycled, re-purposed and re-used many items.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS.

RE-CYCLE, RE-USE, RE-PURPOSE.

TRY AGAIN – YOU WILL GET BETTER..

***Don't have a cheese slicer? Use a vegetable or potato peeler. Works great and gives consistent pieces of cheese for your crackers or apples.

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