Final Kitchen Island Plans: solutions

Showing posts with label solutions. Show all posts

The Right Island Stool

OK, I lied. I said I wouldn’t be doing anymore posts about the island. But I’ve gotten so many questions about our stools and how I cut them down, I wanted to address it in a post. So this one is technically not about the island…just kinda sorta. I got these stools from HomeGoods – and I actually found a tag on them that gave me a bit more info, which is rare. I found two of these last summer and then months later found another one…score! I’ve seen that every so often at HomeGoods – I know it can be frustrating when you find out something you love is from there but I’ve found they carry similar items throughout the country and those items often come back. (I’ve seen one of our family room chairs there many times over the years.) Even though it happens occasionally, I thought it was pretty lucky I found a third! The tags describes them as the “sean barstool dark moon canvas” – if you Google that a bunch of options come up but I didn’t find many with pricing listed. I’m guessing the HomeGoods price was cheaper than what they are going for online, but I’m not sure. They have a canvas top that’s really easy to clean: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GymqG8-eBsuFH-KWPV-RXiYLM4TmC1ypmxP1NMIffAUR0pJEAfrCZ8WcY6MThmcUlB49BRahaJgBaBP6k-Y5qNyM6ZQG4sfNmB6e6hKxw8hwNMUFF1SfEn0dZvPp4kqRYE-t_gtOJho/s1600-h/IMG_1512%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="canvas stool with nailhead" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4LAYwlTo7ZHKt2zfZqcaGIKI0jOncgiBgMtFB75fCGMfV3MZoUGsQowaVTJjLUrlmOiDA6aiXCwIcxnJ5DO0fuVVrVl3BquzV_YHSMjOgo8QbYO-CePBYQe-V7pLZKOkDYQRYIkP828/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="canvas stool with nailhead" width="500" /></a> Although I’ll probably go ahead and spray some Scotchguard on them just to be safe. The canvas look wouldn’t be my first choice, but I loved the the color and the other pretty details like the nailheads: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem40JvPJmlT9hjirBayQYCOdAGUsq47JtJa_Lfb024335tvoRkH0Qms1gHLj6PqmSpEAVctFVsZJL5C3Q28fJ_Mm-FDc4SvzeoR42veUGk6Dzsz8CzGyVSvIpwmFuUgZzVPG17d5fFAk/s1600-h/IMG_1519%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="canvas bar stool " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_nL-JC6x4BqMI4I2ATgeX8kGgOdAe7a3EvLQxec6u6eskt04g2-4TBYsB5P0lcGcKvreS65b2NoUQ8Oxp7K3uQpXhiaofvYvxa-Mmd6YBJtHyf8bzoWWczVjwqE_vE5B6EmR88Ak6f4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="canvas bar stool " width="500" /></a> You’ll notice this guy in any photos of these chairs. HE LOVES THEM. Really, he loves everything and loves to be in photos too. But he’s especially obsessed with the chairs. I also love that they have a brass metal cover that goes over one foot support so it doesn’t get banged up. (It’s hard to tell but it’s in the front in that pic.) Many of you mentioned that the stools were too high when I first shared <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/final-kitchen-island-plans.html" target="_blank">my plan for the island</a> weeks back. For some reason it’s hard for me to find counter-height stools that I like. They’re always bar-height. I found this little graphic that shows you the difference: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyHoqbU5UbvO_Iz6UpeicjBjKlV4U5Qg_wvC0jFW20XCeaqWpT7RrQrM3rdqtyv58CjyHryh4E2_ax7xv5aRYA5a5GoIJex2BkFB9P9x6v_A9F-fcWquLHL2vJ7yEZYKG2ixL7CnA5M0/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.06.04%252520AM%25255B8%25255D.png"><img alt="stool height guide" border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpPdni3mOCI1U3JRVcmRZgbkGNoy7SIbRgE2hIXNsi9T_-JhliA_wCgHPqgPHQcI2JZHi0qscE1QMIHwrXz5Z8IeDCWlYTXAsKuwMy365sXPjK2CTQWM_cKuOZDrPKP4j1upp4K2IapE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="stool height guide" width="581" /></a> (<a href="http://www.hayneedle.com/bar-stool-buying-guide.cfm?source=pinterest&redirect=false&crlt.pid=camp.FYCjXEI1H31X" target="_blank">source</a>) I’ve always cut down my stools because of this and it’s an easy DIY project! I had already chopped mine so I recreated this for you. ;) First thing, wrap the leg with painter’s tape where you want to cut it. This will allow for a really clean cut: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_Ox0ha5knI0G1L2zKaIYsdr2SwWTM99W3ZzeUR5lUgJYJHNZSXtpoCR3pkZOMf_D9nKMrvzKgdrqgUQBKhGPPNn6xqcoyJa8Omxu9feZWLIg-FtuaMz0QxldEGZUI3uQOJnJ2Wp1x2o/s1600-h/IMG_1505%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting down stools" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyTxYlElwKS3PhPLv2GV9k5Vp94k9cONn9BeJjse4jYZVDVJFpo9rwtuIS7ymROEaROv8KodCYsa2laPThmG0J721ZAeSf2z1qg1FJQukO7198_A0Y40yJILgvvQhogyuOOwny8KX8WQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cutting down stools" width="500" /></a> If you don’t do this you’ll probably get jagged edges on the bottom side, so this is important. After that you can mark where it needs to be cut. I cut these down by 2.5 inches. I always mark it before I take the stool out to the saw, but then I find that I have to measure and mark again because I’m never quite sure how I’ll lay it on the saw: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3ROLv6k7ntN2AZCYNtSimjcg54clKBGPxBXP2ftgq_Jqek3-7PaGI-9jS7rycAfwkrvjZIBHsWWsPIaAjrnc1NlGqh0L_6yVWhasY2iQ2rEsROXpsuOiEEcLlG7MXd2Rl0A67lN7lOA/s1600-h/IMG_1508%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting down barstools" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg23f8YNluD95zs58KbeL4LA8dBjGSd8AvYTu5SGlBkB7gRwRLruiwXkfrsBUGIxv4du7o8JBqhY2oGfzN1TqfXXua7O5s72so-ENxHNcQGeKQaWjAP0Z7RukLjXCbnMA95wW_UN3S2I/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cutting down barstools" width="500" /></a> Just make sure the stool is up against the back to get a straight cut. You may need someone with you to get it tight. Also, on some cuts I have to lower the saw blade a bit to get the legs to fit in there. If you don’t have a compound saw, no worries. These <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PMXLEI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007PMXLEI&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=4L2UE6LMKTEMU5QR" target="_blank">miter boxes</a> work just as well: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE5vm7XUwYXMd08SUeCOMe51yULXHSbjZZh4-wPCq3F7VYfwpR1yM1i5AOlGI71Yx9i30_FsZLp8LikNJCnojo6wwrrMkZVx3_-wMgfMjeRaEQR4FZusZDqxbbi5QPjrxRz6nABsAb1g/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.14.41%252520AM%25255B6%25255D.png"><img alt="miter box and saw" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqRo0BVhu9t-jwl-wlyCcuSLRqeN1LlAGKhiJO93NNe69sL6LATSO1IpsIDMG-_3bwCNOLsxZAcsn9at5nmHpCHmjEPUEKES8fwib08y_mS98iD6YGnpaTVNZEtcPomU98lhBeGiMdbo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="miter box and saw" width="450" /></a> It will just take more time and muscle. :) Also, you’ll definitely want someone to help you hold the seat end up while you cut if you use the box, or just prop it up so it’s level. I used a simple miter box and saw just like this for YEARS and did a ton of wood and trim projects with it – and had some great biceps. You can do quite a lot with it! When you take the tape off you may need to touch up the bottom just a bit – if the chair legs are black or brown you can just use a Sharpie. Mine came out fine so I didn’t need any touch ups. I do always add some felt jobbies to the bottom to protect our floors: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYdnxVYsUB1RqTlwFbwzGhlmBnGzc5MnJfvxJQNi0KAGD19kRUUSFC5UY4nujPw9oBR0qykntkTEkYtULBtAp7zVPJBEP9baLPsZbTRRwS47KhqbDWmizCdUldJddRewHXgXRe9f9_cI/s1600-h/IMG_1511%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="felt protector pads" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVJNt0DifGJ976Y2558qBHLMbpHE8FYwl9MaAWzwg8WCThr3tsmDG4gPMgt3Qnet0125EFvLd-CJ8ncBhgCB_h7DGK8lMGepEVcTXqH7KD9bb0Nhdd6sZC8s-2vvrjCC25iAIzJrIGec/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="felt protector pads" width="500" /></a> The legs most likely will have something on them already so you can also pry those off and put them on again – these had plastic bottoms so I wanted something softer on the hardwoods. OH, I forgot to mention – after you cut down all four legs sit on it and see if it rocks. Three of my four did, so I just figured out what legs were just slightly longer and cut them down a bit. Just barely shave it off so you don’t have to keep cutting the rest to make it work! You’ll end up with miniature stools if you keep going. ;) They are now a much more comfortable height! Our guests still used them before I cut them down and didn’t care. But this allows a little more room for the legs. I told you he’s obsessed: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWuzmaVyZvWWSYMq0XvoIStCsR_9MrXWWvjmI_3rVqOMp62zuLNRUtoNX1dGn43HGveak-n6-YDcap1VlGS7BJxoVg3pEL0ioMcxwV1QqtJC6qjlV6AipvS8WkbTla6HfXAcNDINp7UA/s1600-h/IMG_1516%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutting down stools for island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mE_p5MCcoevSJJvyQmRNIzfy2LK7uX-iVEHXSns1nllPobeFQC5AWIso0tY6Z57UytsrBkeLr4mRF4Ubrg_h6IxDfge04Yj_ToX44DdjQxkLh2x29mPnm4hGoWUd4ZYllmyjDULF-6I/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cutting down stools for island" width="500" /></a>I found a couple options that are really similar to these in case you can’t find them for a decent price – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5TSUNQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J5TSUNQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=A7SSYZW3VVC4SH3X" target="_blank">these are leather</a> and would be GREAT for kids!: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s3V1u2smPho/VOYO81qVqoI/AAAAAAAAu6g/RchmRIY3IR0/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.11.18%252520AM%25255B6%25255D.png"><img alt="leather top bar stools" border="0" height="446" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eWZ3lhwXhro/VOYO94XxP-I/AAAAAAAAu6o/rVmn5lyhz1E/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-02-19%252520at%25252010.11.18%252520AM_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="leather top bar stools" width="450" /></a> That one only comes in the taller version, so if you have a regular island you’d need to cut those down. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F1FOV9A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F1FOV9A&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=VBZPTCLGULWPKNUO" target="_blank">this one</a> has a fabric top and comes in either the bar or counter height, so no cutting down needed: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eSgfUQrDHsA/VOYO-kKwylI/AAAAAAAAu6w/F46c-z-RSVU/s1600-h/71D0KBHHhtL._SY679_%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="nailhead counter stool" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QaMoGy4dICc/VOYO_ZKoMEI/AAAAAAAAu64/a-iAxxj5XuQ/71D0KBHHhtL._SY679__thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="nailhead counter stool" width="350" /></a>This is our second set of wood stools at this island that I’ve cut down – it’s super easy to do, especially if you have a saw! Hope that answers any questions, let me know if not! Affiliate links included for your convenience!

The Right Island Stool

OK, I lied. I said I wouldn’t be doing anymore posts about the island. But I’ve gotten so many questions about our stools and how I cut them...

8:27 AM

EASY image transfer method

Hello my friends! I’m back today with a REALLY simple way to transfer words or images onto basically anything! I was so excited to find this tutorial because I used to do this <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-i-stencil.html">by stenciling it</a> – so I would use an X acto knife to cut out each letter and then use it as a stencil and paint. This method is SO so so much easier, and much quicker. Whoot! I did a little holiday message on our chalkboard to show how this is done. I found this tutorial on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv7VNNoL8xo">this YouTube page</a> so if you want a visual be sure to check that out. I started by figuring out what font I wanted for my words. I just use Word – easy is my key word here. :) For <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/11/knock-off-pottery-barn-advent.html">the advent calendar</a> I showed you yesterday I used a sharpie for the letters, but I knew I was using chalk for this one so I wanted the letters nice and fat: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FkhC1H8Drq7PUXW-FnVHNZC9ny7SP2_72PoqchaN63h86enimKQVGQBz0wDqidhRbzinhho0x07PvmVjkSDXIaNQYJYDj5m3GCWN6rrX8kVOQRiek9YZKwUqarT6qiNWys5ESDE3eFc/s1600-h/IMG_0572%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring letters to wood " border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i_nwu60cZHHwJPzcl8j2SLEYmsK5uP6tClUAn3iM5D-hOeki_7niVHZJutuhr8tMJK8m4rLq987lP4zo3lEFucv60Wj2kjdBHBp0K8yDKM23v2LxX_DkjXk2g15vFimSWvBiFCv-VAg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring letters to wood " width="500" /></a> Obviously because they were so big the words were broken up on the page. You’ll want to cut them down so they’ll fit together on your surface. The only problem with that is matching them up when you tape them to the wall or whatever else you’re transferring to: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV-oNZOTAay26RLqB6rxJCUds2cmS1mh8hwYuti82xgvVuTllTkLETUqm4pVvqPOU6fI0gYJZwft80-3dUv16llfRgtc-c1CWYm75QBYV_jo4JXnhDM4flsqX9GSFYc2RzIrz6rJ2HLE/s1600-h/IMG_0575%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring image to chalkboard" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcPXT3P8-tVDIFjj6B3ltgkRDQxjd3JTzWnUI2GebpQU60wf24lcPBC3ev5w8FvCGVbQo2ltKndwsKsxcwlVdV5slI2GXdIrl1gReNbq8vxGfG2Q5_rF6ak1R06wg2PiXx22elswwAxg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> I just eyeball it. The lettering on my advent is not perfectly straight but it adds to the charm. Or something. :) So this where the easy comes in – grab some chalk. If you’re transferring to a light surface you can use colored chalk. For a darker surface white is perfect. Just flip up your image and “color” the back: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJya5GCprWV4j2qp73MiY_fAZr55cL0lvzAGQgdqc4n-XTFJ5YrMK-t6XLOksrLBOk2ectbseMwqnEYw8Bh_fbM5eDTcGsG-Q1LNLk9My8OOCoqgO6Uj0lp49AEeKm3VIvFqV0ZpcL4ok/s1600-h/IMG_0578%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring image to chalkboard" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_nJ6l4wiK5fucKltyiy5iW20f6WMeIK6XxMmss3AkPuauonphkhZZX9ED7dxSxk-Kmdv7rfgqtR4vk1KG4FMmwsIhtCiOTGcdHXYuEvze8ff03UoGF0E6nTHHzEdbMTpYdF88HCjT50/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> You don’t need to do the whole thing, just cover the letters. Here’s how it looks after you’re done coloring with the chalk: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVUZlmzlcfWjo63sFR6OpPPQ9WD_RUWjzurJiqhWvnTHaM91_TOhxt6zYevNVukgvfFi2CkMPyhjyGsmro5RREHC2IpczM2JcCdNa39kP_CDp_Gq6h8chqOgVcugO2rGabDrui67ZOPU/s1600-h/IMG_0588%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy way to transfer image to chalkboard" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgzhFM0wtFO-asE1d_Uci6y2ycpCpQf0-sIPwfpBw-Yoi4C9acS8eCBUpo8BDV6v1mvMp6AfdoJgJ-xHYAtLaIIhot1ci62wGesEFcRmK8HzKn906I7ekd4eXRrEyaxhPrCU-r3cWeXA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="easy way to transfer image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> You can blow the excess off – you’ll still have enough to transfer. Then flip it back down (I tape the other side so it stays put) and then just trace your letters or image with a ball point pen: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SdbrOOcJWyNhpG2G2gBMgo4eW19dTPWVEMuCOMCqbgSRMrLByU4XVKv2iz4d446E6GDuvKBDcdoTf7Jb3DtewUvb7iGmwcBQLNFh_p3Hk9zK5mmA2l9MHqe1qKDy0BvO4pK1TNv2OT4/s1600-h/IMG_0581%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring image to chalkboard" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAmlYKARnaGfYk-5KRvXspOeuTI9aWHuVVETIna6J2CoG-tUkmQZmcQybQBMQro-ynJrHvLYbivjxQgB2sGS4QCjHCtR2K7y9IUdGJ6phrohHwadIbJxlhjty01HUIy2rL9e2VISyC64/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> That’s IT! SO much easier! My surfaces were a little bumpy but the great thing is you don’t have to be exact. You can fix it later if you are tracing over it again. :) Here’s a better shot of how I traced: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv5F0Z6ZTho1wVeM4ymSh6EpiiFugpH8x2K4lxGp14tqaN3SCPJDItqaVhQPfCb8ZBDz4jO1WxeHY_Gs5QEZQt-lBVphgVLfWEHAPruxDStbJp_IbZGm-ABwUiSuYOGCYWXi5D_DKXpM/s1600-h/IMG_0595%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring image to chalkboard" border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXn9eKGh65bwI3_E4NjHmj3gxCcvvPJ1ywK5c4vwkKHAEgN-pSind3-a-kyYQIFH7aoCYQQBQ0AAeceWoAEm-l1MoC0TvOY7A3Xpeaa6PQLwylAQ8YaMLq8blvrkD-EKzjgVsFPgKqes/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> Again, if you mess up, not a big deal. When you pull up the paper you will have an outline: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbCpvul46AZjkB0lYb3Rx4YBE3UeEolcP7P2L1MciZpitC4UC8HvpgW1p0S4cVEaIWF-hOPcnqEL3EgaQ3ddbTF0uPdZ3MiAU7Aax4RrTAR7M2xaYv3bdAefW-ggQXojR6ImNyXZtgwc/s1600-h/IMG_0582%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY image to chalkboard" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZpmWmOA2oDFF6TTwRyS2YJXND0HTg4AxIkJz9guTM871VOGutN9VHqiDmAx95phx5bfEmv4QU3dJLgjgFDcEa7OWMjJGaF5TaWi6xThvwmak-rXF6STWwEzAHrA4eKMNlteRTAUnaI0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> Brilliant. I was afraid all that chalky dust would be all over but it doesn’t transfer – just where you trace. Awesome!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjA_yHhsPM1OBa_J8CJfIajCKdd1B8wgL5MQIEUGyA14yB_YBAlC69s_ZvHFQ9zKrnykLJ90SxSMzhNZMWw0vkZMj3EcQwJoP6y6SYFPxtBLaFlV3mbh_B2dUMy7xYKn02rMM27hDF08/s1600-h/IMG_0592%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring image to chalkboard" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpM2aeOkgOgCIxSUtKVKKqEc5IKSz3aiOht59SvtHMCo_cqKv9JE43uyFhQRZ9Ok1Ys0PVqB6MIGALdgTNyv74X3bGAx5UcGp5PypqEeiJ80KmPvFfOqX_Gu9PanAwqGE8e_amHVUqDQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> So you can leave it as is – I actually love that lighter look. I wanted something that would stand out a little more for our chalkboard so I traced with a chalk pen: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfJhqOzlJ-vW6OC3HWPyYEYCzj4DNknMQ_aZ63zIvDu5iD9IvI4_x7DZn1buBS-Ujo-fTttVNyB28C3thJC7JA2TUt2KImVtEIVROq4Fu43VamwiNoMLPj2FuXSpAJJWhdGhRTt61p28/s1600-h/IMG_0585%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring image to chalkboard" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN6FXCD-YlIZbdeNrixqbzSluSvMacE4pXFwjIkzAhylFxgeD__cpZmy8VVyLbYwo8VQmnXFZNYE7N9Km3qH5wOWCshLgW7fK9Cm0aiKwL6pkXjinjgiWyNCNO6_hxOD1Ms88lSnzZm0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring image to chalkboard" width="500" /></a> Then I filled it in with real chalk to get that look. I have a couple different types of these pens – the Chalk Ink are my favorite and I am pretty sure you can only get those online. Anyone know if they are in stores now? The Bistro version is at most craft stores and they are OK, I just don’t love them as much: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxUyvHrHlY8jOkU49zA2EjiQt1UG6Rf9DSxC0SdypgFBhg0V3E6Wt4XuIbM_74YD9SZq3Rxd1ArH-8aHy0J9AaPM0jfCFKFdiq6gHemGya7DdMWN2Ukhb6GuU6-Q4LMeVrPWOV0bAPbA/s1600-h/IMG_0593%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalk markers" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCOQfDX60-6g2X1yrzdiY-CIGaoIhyphenhyphenzMu1t1ZTVdMeqN6vAMRZU9um7kL0gmlZWyPiDOjh7Omrd8R_l7dJ0zTBSnS-NzvX86N9R3fPxsWOEWj0n5gDV166Pgl9Ycp-mOYFYxWwQs2W2c/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="chalk markers" width="500" /></a> It still takes some time but it’s nothing compared to cutting out the stencil like I used to do. It took me maybe 30 minutes to do this one? Now that I know how to do this I may actually put some cute stuff on my chalkboard from time to time!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBD7ySgd7BmPezC938DKtwDINeeqXCxjWo_epnmg8-_3-u45vkr58yH9Sj4tMausMaQeg_EKZHbXcor3repdI-WukZfV1ytdzzIm9ikVHzOLsjT8Ezc_Wdm1G99UsGnKZP64qSTmQ5BVI/s1600-h/IMG_0599%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="transferring letters or images onto chalkboard" border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasq7psfX1h4u1Oid0VdgAbzBX5yHCylGvuSft1-J_AYkNJzPEG5Gn09avkR3yl6vLu1-MwLNEeCt3WO30QCugkvXqcfzXrgZ4itwMxj1XsmNLfOqVbag-emobB7HAdpUd6jckll6ScxE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="transferring letters or images onto chalkboard" width="500" /></a>Side note – since that year I spelled Christmas as “Chirstmas” on our cards that went out to everyone we know I’m always looking at it 15 times to make sure it’s right. Haha!!  I love it! What a fun way to add some seasonal fun to your chalkboard! I’m not great at free handing that stuff so this is great to know. And of course the possibilities are endless with wood – you could go crazy with fonts and do fun signs or art. And it’s practically free! Here’s how the letters on the advent came out with the sharpie marker: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlMQd55NJFp2WKSK9AOE4wQSHOAEEdx5ekIHg2JbyH4nh1dCaZCXr_a_FBKTMqQG0TUz61k3pdQ0ZqFBlZEKAXXvcK7zy0P5RXJEP1Us-ABFei-raXc9aH9Me01JWK6dCwJkZQw-PkN8/s1600-h/IMG_0548%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy transferring of letters onto wood" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IEZbRfq3UtlZiO69fYAB0vPRvp6AqZMifRiO3YoI074y7c7v0te_U8OeSkd9YuC8KfTtef4nYlW7a9KZlen2Vdp0k-BT34gzbxO_AjXys0znWO1ccIvCEr6LfRA53s8ZM7IGMVttnu0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="easy transferring of letters onto wood" width="500" /></a> There you go! An easy and cheap way to transfer just about anything to just about anything. :) I hope this all made sense! Have you tried this method on anything? Have you done this any other way? Do tell!

EASY image transfer method

Hello my friends! I’m back today with a REALLY simple way to transfer words or images onto basically anything! I was so excited to find this...

8:07 AM

Simple fix: Filling holes

Hey heeeey. I’m back today with a quick DIY tip! This one will come in handy if you ever go to paint furniture or kitchen cabinets and want to change out the hardware while you’re at it. I’ve shared how to fill <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthriftydecorchick.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fgot-holes.html&ei=JfhaVKemFNOyyASUoILQCg&usg=AFQjCNExCAAYvbXliJ1d2H_RN1ojyO9S7w&sig2=w4RzJ-DurqqHOb8hy9uw8Q&bvm=bv.78677474,d.aWw">holes in the wall</a>, but this takes a little more finesse. Maybe because I’m pickier on furniture. :) I like this method because it gives you a finished look on both sides of the drawer or door. I shared <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-brass.html">this dresser</a> than I repainted a few weeks back: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkkcv7qpP1I_eaKRb2H-2WXs_vWfcrEJLH6ykr5TmWT1GzrFckadCPvlR3aN3CjE-5qhlm60C7WDask2b8TPNPGPxNM1hq_t6GA8SsNGZCQuzsEiNhOCxrMysW8GXjyc_8wDioqBlRQk/s1600-h/IMG_02462.jpg"><img alt="painting furniture the easy way" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq-mmrBB2Tx3Hx2Tj0WsN239GNjTwD81OybpGp-Jqu0uQ5NF4x67o4S-CFnd3tCNkF0koV7EpRWCpvBoWNatKxqtqsDIqdHS6YHF-os_jmbncXh42uP7bBZALBTb-8KEYKgYslKZQKiI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="painting furniture the easy way" width="500" /></a> If you remember I hated the hardware so it had to go: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOetB6TnzmY-bxQKcpMQ-zCzASypgoRdO0iXkuJ-GbzLUZ-CLlkfiZdWUzBuIDjgV_N8uSMc8biDf8O8o5rPdUinsp28y5LSIZug_jd3dhIfPWvyrrrDakPxX2wqhucRvM3PUav2hiS0/s1600-h/IMG_02472.jpg"><img alt="vintage brass hardware" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANWGT1LlJg-ql1rbpvhZO525PGv1ZJkUjQLyCRW_DEVYGYYrzuHPOUIjPg8st8Xf_9yH5OZkXpv1yjJktrTmppnnUiDRV1M4hjD09Mr1SEtt0ZTuoqIup5YZ5S3ok5D7389aIxNFIqdM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="vintage brass hardware" width="500" /></a> These handles left especially large holes that couldn’t be filled with just putty or wood filler. I mean, they could – but because the back was open it would be a pain to try to get enough in there and get it all smooth. It would take numerous fillings and sandings. Ain’t nobody got time for that. The hole on the top is the size I was dealing with – there’s an easy way to take care of these: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oa2K-mt6175FZ54zZaw8_SzMxIBQlGTeeywiYzikNoiSTjadVC7rH71dx_crVSn6GBOAacuaWQzkoITUNXR7hYTGWHhYuWnbigSZOhegqDD2zJQUEzkCdzCHyPfu6YG4I3evEO46gl0/s1600-h/IMG_02482.jpg"><img alt="filling holes in furniture" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3wnqUIXIf_LjHXVamT21UQgAw101ImvXf8krezJbMi0SJlzoX9FptfgLKjgwaX1mQ4vmdzQT7oqpys-sW2OuFXK5wv-2M1VbXKfERC3o2ufW0F6eucO0bcl8KxK2Zfv6UshuvoTw5QQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="filling holes in furniture" width="500" /></a> I’ve heard a few ways of filling bigger holes like this – toothpicks is one and wood plugs is another. Both work great, but I was going for the easiest, quickest and cheapest fix – the wood dowel: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnEpBAnniQj59QdAutOy4O3mmpJ-g8ISN25AWFiojPHXaCXBJQgUtGzr4nAFZJTg4kViLFwTagNOB3gf_gI11o-2lWXxMee0fRv7gwTIVXpPHaQ7a1CWx85AHR9f0mmN6ywobTb82n4U/s1600-h/ScreenShot20141105at10.31.26PM3.png"><img alt="wood dowels" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsVzyfGq42ASYnjjBTP27Ocu-gyWMXEd3-piYJaaHlmaUEHFias6E7MLlXGykev4YdUISwhTd1FhIdOf2vjkTBKhmXPdm0j8f5s_Lc52ipyktjI5YNt8AIe4Oj_QPdc_jII173iNtIGg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wood dowels" width="500" /></a> (<a href="http://thecakegirls.com/cake-support-pegs-wooden-dowl-rods.html">source</a>) I took the hardware to the store with me so I could figure out the perfect sized dowel. I actually got a couple to make sure I got the right fit. I pushed it through the hole in the drawer and marked where I needed to cut – this way the hole would be filled on both the inside and outside of the drawer. (Although I’m not picky enough to make the inside look perfect). I cut the small bit of dowel down and then covered it with wood glue: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmpfHOhsfKxw_Hae1n-0nCU_k8i9diJq2IGTKfTiKSIZC2snu01EN0rJ70cLPaMWPB6m-gN8PGFCJWAhvyQFYrS4qps1aQwhxDNxf_74-gobNyUchTkxW_TEFSkg3ZOXXGwPpatgpP_M/s1600-h/IMG_02512.jpg"><img alt="filling holes with dowels" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h7Mr36OQ2yqAskvmAchjyu-EHaIgby5S0g7vcNLupUk9CXMpU_StVI_s3KkxOTaNZAi-hbrsTZ0LUhDoTjlHxm70YF50g9z5iF-0-U0WbgnGfshns8R13X4dY2a2Vl_Imgr0Sn3bElM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="filling holes with dowels" width="500" /></a> Put the dowel in the empty spot (I’m tired of saying hole) and make sure it’s flush. You’ll want to let it sit for a bit to dry, but it was ready quicker than I thought it would be. When the wood glue is dry and the dowel is secure you can use some wood filler to even it out even more: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-d2UhUpVnhjkM7s-xwHruVhDktTEwF6jAdaSV0SJjd5DmXfhr6mUQFYgJxuovUG1WdDT2IZ7cVP-r3m3fIyZP3AIYGhLoont3KDHbw1Vw3X1IN-xWXdywCwaPKKxl8a6876APOx5OD8/s1600-h/IMG_02522.jpg"><img alt="how to fill holes in cabinets " border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0EtwDtG_nkP5qLrKE_mlNKK9oQ6DPkhomjKhuO4flBZf7yn9-KLrzMbL8W1R7FBDoPDRBwOdtHZ49KTsrb_SLZ1lhoW_Vb0bt90M3DFQIKwg0oouPiN-nsC9jIqb2_mxAYLMPvLkNB0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="how to fill holes in cabinets " width="500" /></a> You’ll want to sand it down (lightly) and you may need to reapply the filler two or three times (and sand between) to get it nice and flush with the surface. After paint you won’t even notice it was there!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5efR9q6N3pMncxVj0U6TCH498dTidlePtdPVVVhQur2VXAFID0paY2w9p2A0r6Pf0fETR6Pk6rdfRGQmmbtEuAWJVjp6LeK-FPBTYrMNx_sS-xn0fHODGXyV-SPjDb_LCr9ecJG-7gg/s1600-h/IMG_02572.jpg"><img alt="painting furniture" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDEHiYviUa0_c1IslLGpv4p-lIRbfMbtQP6Yz0OQgAhMnu0aQGLfcQcGNrD8UEFRilmSwgN75LSu1gGQ2bw2gD8wDBnFIM1E4REvXpdKgw23XCV-H0DnznmFXda2sj3Ojr_UYJ-KFP_Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="painting furniture" width="500" /></a> This is a GREAT tip for anyone painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets and wanting to change out the hardware at the same time. Dowels are usually about three feet long and are super cheap – mine was less than a dollar. One would probably get you through a whole kitchen. :) Of course if you read the post about our dresser you know I decided to keep the hardware (that I used to hate) at the last minute. It looked great with the new color and I fell in love with it!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bXOJ74tg0j1im71S1BAZI0Tzj9Dm8kXccclsIg-9kw54Kz32I6uYNkSuCEaCV1YEljAKHWzAc8TYgKFa1BKeD2PLTI1B0Jk2L4v5x-9kEHeEjAXHv9aomJZhfEi3bNE5a3Bd3xh-yac/s1600-h/IMG_04182.jpg"><img alt="graphite benjamin moore" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkDkVUMjBxmVqwdNNfpyJX3HTa5O56ag3ZibnJtr7e1S3sQC3Y95PU52NrYeH-8PrzjT_k17fx47L9FEb0mWGd_sBIEf9WXuJgP43uRvRKhzOVkjOm6LVpsKZjiNa2OrM7hfTYa6J6uE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="graphite benjamin moore" width="500" /></a> So I ended up just drilling the dowel rods out – gah. I had only filled the top two anyway so not a big deal. But this is a great little tip that should save you some time and some wood filler. :) I love easy and inexpensive fixes! Do you have a trick like this for holes in walls or furniture?

Simple fix: Filling holes

Hey heeeey. I’m back today with a quick DIY tip! This one will come in handy if you ever go to paint furniture or kitchen cabinets and want ...

7:17 AM

Simple fix: The disposal

Hello there! Thanks so much for all the love on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/13-planked-wall-finished-fireplace.html">finished fireplace</a>, I appreciate it more than you know! We’re so happy with how it turned out and I hope it inspires you someway in your home. As you know, I like to do things myself if I can. I have mixed emotions when I have to call someone to fix something for me – if it’s something stupid and little I’m annoyed. If it’s a biggie I’m totally cool with it. ;) This past weekend we had a stupid little something and I was determined to get it fixed myself. Long story short we got lots of little bits of stuff that shouldn’t be down a drain…down our drain. It involved an obnoxious cat. It always involves an obnoxious cat. Not knowing the little bits were down the drain, I turned on the disposal and the “rarrarrarrarrar” of death started up. Actually it’s more of a “grrrrrrr” when it’s not working. If you know what I mean by “long time listener first time caller” right now than you are my favorite person. If you don’t look up “Mr. Obvious, the critter” for a laugh. OK, back to the post. The little bits had gone down the disposal and it was stuck. There’s a few things you can do to fix this situation on your own. First things first, turn the disposal off at the breaker box. If something gets stuck in the actual sink part you can usually get it out of there on your own. I’ve used the handle of a wooden spoon and kind of swirled it around in there and then you can put on rubber gloves and reach in and grab it if you get it loose. Or if it’s tons of little things like glass you can put your wet vac hose down in the sink and try to pull them up that way. If it’s gone down into the disposal like ours did than you need to move to the next option. The bottom of your disposal will look like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXz7In176DLgkek6ZjKxEI5z_VlldzVXtGOMeCtTO7yihoa2mV4AmsF7CtgiV8KM1kSffpLntOWrXA7v1JIlnmEFNDlwMJ1Gr2TGwhMNK4UMl8bAap5Au3NGuGEhDIkYM2KWLiRscfqM/s1600-h/disposal%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to fix a disposal" border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBcC7h2nXI9x1XvtpYrPc3ZxvAv4nDI8e3deE6a1u7LPMrpZHQ0T1_cUhLYZk6vDh7qujtVvy8nr-BH12QlwY3JGtk_6Hz12Yv1wd3VssFWrhVrXwj18-avE8oieedOELoJKgNdq-6SY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to fix a disposal" width="500" /></a> There’s two areas that are important. The red button on the right is the reset button. Sometimes you can just push that in after clearing out the drain part and it may work. (The button will be out if it needs to be reset. If it’s already pushed in it doesn’t need reset.) The area in the middle is how you’ll fix most issues with disposal. You’ll need the key that came with it -- it’s just an allen wrench basically: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjjlXqJiJl6er-lKT9T6I2hvfXWdo5fZcCUeVZfv7Yx6Z4zeu5_QcE6k85KI6mgyi4KKnWQ70oCfx1Qc8IFLGai5kitnG_MtrvPOGEusRN2EGPfSfGmchYqw7XjmnwS6sYwvrg_sTOEI/s1600-h/disposalkey%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="disposal key" border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharggv72CR0uVd8HLm_FJGP2WzLJf0J7bA6TkUkU3jmNdoReXUrdWrBj86BbeXpsBdnLmYI11nOGuh8tCvqQEtxCqrjnHrsirWs9Dx4Ytk-pHNG4FWe-KUrvtUMgWFy-5JxZPbCMZiIxY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="disposal key" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSZY7SMapPms0HW74FtHK7K_81z2Qd530lfJC7G23BfkF-GHeoHB2-0v0xokB1N37VtKQ1mWzsVQQRP6lydzENdXXeZ8mmLMJ9H2M-BFfnfsILkcEUOLTt3CSuQH39I7uCs_cUyoiTRA/s1600-h/disposalkey2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy disposal fix" border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl3okgc_gaR_aGqjjCNQ4ntpNI_9LRtww2A3H99DCll2c9eCNbHhBZZ2S1Y3lx-Lu-lY-iuMbci7FFKaAgv719NayqWAkuxfNPVxcRiviqZTAN2e34ZSeWznRlzrYwmzRz3_3C00egbQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="easy disposal fix" width="290" /></a> If you don’t have the specific one that came with your disposal you can usually find one that works on an allen wrench set: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Sgt8s2pzhKz4xd_un4DnEzRy36Ht3_-oqqUhLKgIsx56glQQFk2oaZwjMj9awYaUpCvqkaKhKAYWxEcEecS8otn2r0DPEeElBSZ5rRzI5PfiGmi0EG0znbk1D1n81xdWzbUaobAcJ-c/s1600-h/allen%252520wrench%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="allen wrench" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB90Wq4szSRNjw5moUDzvY3YztcM07tXQ7OT56CEyld6vDbIHsE_z1Iii65pMXnGJBSwzuVHjjiGvEyNF4j6-8oApXf_ybOfn-kqNBdI72cjP60ofR5t1gGtL7VwiaRuzgRTVqdY-kWk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="allen wrench" width="500" /></a> Although when I fixed ours the set did not work – I had to use the disposal key to do it. The allen wrench wouldn’t grab enough. You stick the key inside and turn it – you may hear everything inside moving around. This is a good thing. I could hear ours grinding. Every few turns I would try the disposal again – if it doesn’t work on the first try or two keep turning. You’ll want to hit the reset button again if it’s sticking out and then things should be moving again. It took about three attempts to clear ours out but it worked! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4AMrl7R3CsMT0KCZetW175mYDVGJ2Dlvl_vDrOvgp9wgffRVglwcDGpAP5PHX5j0lNtaA2n7bjTRBboJqims9MpNHlmM7HumCkofKn2VibPUGYzSfoGdMXjG6nxhL3FeJN0HfyzQNuo/s1600-h/disposalheader%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fixing garbage disposal" border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN-yzPUGzJO0W8rIelDciM8vxa6KzRW8iwli5vaLjLaIMr9vkpaiztEQaXGm87IKFc0Uwkwst009769rYomtO8HlzVWpdaQw-nJqEpJTdY9418n9T0UklW6WHA5c-do9gaWTjM59FMvI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fixing garbage disposal" width="500" /></a> It just takes a few minutes and you’ll usually be able to fix yours on your own. Have you ever tried this? It’s a GREAT feeling to save hundreds of bucks! Or at least $75-$150 for a service call so the repairman can do the same thing.  Now go look up Mr. Obvious. :)

Simple fix: The disposal

Hello there! Thanks so much for all the love on the finished fireplace , I appreciate it more than you know! We’re so happy with how it turn...

8:39 AM

My problem areas

Hey hey!! How are you on this fine Thursday? I love Thursdays. :) I’m feeling GOOD because I’ve finally been tackling some my problems areas over the past couple of weeks. Not my hips and stomach – but the ones in the house. ;) I’ve let the house go just a little lately – I’ve been so focused on the reno that everything else kind of falls apart. Well, I mean, we aren’t living in filth or anything – but I don’t keep up with clutter well when I’m distracted by DIY projects. There comes a point when I’m done with it though. Like D.O.N.E. You know it’s serious when the caps come out. So I’ve been working on small projects here and there just to make me feel better. Our garage, along with my car and our kitchen island, are just spots I don’t keep up with. They are perpetual messes. I’ve tried to change my ways and have gotten a little better with age, but not much. The garage is worst of them all – after a summer of working on projects it is an absolute disaster. Thing is, we always park in there – so no matter how bad it is we make room for the cars, so that’s something. We may have to jump over things to get to them, but we can park inside! My work bench had become an absolute PIT: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvb5c3rygK59GUlxYQrPtdx7OQMd9WhdA9gRzjZClYsnpDujszo-X4XgYUeXVs8We3mgkU-43noTWcK4oD3Xu1CKeh7i__MacXT1GAOFT_NEr8FP8gr4WuMIPH1EAeXVyljfroh4SSNk/s1600-h/IMG_9901%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="disaster area" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqwFN_0-O4PvIDxEXa6AyEgZ-JSXUt466tMhUpZJbTQosxAShfxM3Yc2Ak2MFZwQcYpbO5p7n6Rzd5MgggRlyuZtqaX4oU6pgtL8HAsCRK_urKTIdlbvjj2seU8bBkcSiHrEzG98QAq8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="disaster area" width="500" /></a> I can’t believe I show you some of these pictures – but I always want to share the real stuff with the pretty. I’m normal. Well maybe not, but close. But I had that spot looking GREAT after about an hour of concentrated clean up: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap4I93FADKocniv1ar0Gnotki4Q2pRGDrhsrSxXE58BQ_JraaUod0ZK7vjHnuvuMFjHfy9c9bWCjHmsLVWoUnMa4T3kGBrkNOEc07gKSDZb4i8NNNyRDsGzZ17CrHr829AaqcNecRzVs/s1600-h/IMG_9943%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY work bench" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDrJVHu5vy4Gf4Xslb4RVahtkDC2ONWvubRHX5z8319axZ7oTEPF29GGD73H_m_3Oag6oWYSg4AxMyxxx7lTPr0ajKvIQWYA0E4xdJrUGs_xhUqOEzS303cIv5WFTdmi_Nh3lipG4sTU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY work bench" width="500" /></a> I’m gonna be honest here – a few of those things were chucked into the other side of the garage – that’s also a disaster. I really would have just put it away, but we can’t really walk through that part right now…cause it’s a disaster. Baby steps. (For the easy DIY instructions on how to make that work bench go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/diy-work-bench-yes.html">here</a>.) I have talked for YEARS about trying to get a better handle on the paper that comes into our house. I’m just a piler – it’s me and I refuse to fight it any longer. I pile it up for a <strike>couple</strike> few weeks and then tackle it all at once: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyfAEk7G4VBRIujllCSD7VXJJ30jXAr4jdRklzKmNE1jv8vnZPXPgfIkxS-MTrT3sn_TyLRJ8M1pyB3_mghjaHiLa3jzTUNtL-m86AsMw0qsJ3QNXTN4YNWnBzmol39SeIYzOxPbnxlA/s1600-h/IMG_9934%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrYryjT8-hQNbJyYo-KEHwFTYNtsgNTK8FvLxy6HR9e8dkgPPWdpAOD2iScj6_RoSTUoZBflSVcKMzHPXsOMlO7fB7kQhCoOZLHmWYBOzmqEE8OImJjZx-XHI5iXkvJh23DlQQkreJ44/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> The basket is now mostly empty again: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78-7S90mMPRdaUaCfh9l6TKShbjHWy20qP9bWoZ42fzzjhp1p_Zf7t8yAJ6loqnxuE43bJT-FbAYtpQ-TiI7OT_TFSs7cclagy19ToJix3NPqqkCx97ssErHxGrzhowHgKv5zquKtU9w/s1600-h/IMG_9962%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZGI0UaMfYlUJ7Jo2ynAWZacabLzqa0MvssS-98A-2wDw7P6XNPupg2dG2-IuZkLy3rzAq-wIx8fUYdvhKnEkdIe-k-SF91cih1_QaX9bgYCQQNhmXTMeGfbmuemFVUMBwZSs9vxpMq8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> My goal is to sit down once a week to address everything in the basket – we’ll see if that happens. Snort. My favorite organizational project of the past couple weeks is this one though. Listen carefully when you look at it – you’ll hear angels singing: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmyjk8e3r-ByJwU684g6x674yEL3oorYYARxhmv690eD58FNyM6W8IhDZCDb60K14M10zjKpIs6IacSQ7qsQQNkmxb0Y2pNeAv-xa6feIjA1AQLb1w8vcy75HtU4yhLX-5xna9LTm5r8/s1600-h/IMG_9945%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizing small tools " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEUMI_SMW9MCE37yVmMfNQWNjz49qtQ9yanrm0jFGeZYb5OPXwq6ryus117x9CF5KIT_cCloDwyqGD4ELTeFaOJliYl8hcxGjfAmVgY2bF5vWXkhAPuG43WlXUsb4sx_q-KdVhkOLYbA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="organizing small tools " width="500" /></a> Do you hear them?? I picked up this little organizer from the hardware store about, oh I don’t know – six months ago? Yeah.  My little bits of DIY things have been floating around everywhere up till now. I’ve kept some in tackle boxes: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27tO9o9-YdCjjHj_hSGwkNqK95lIR5q1tBtk8Pvyj9-YR_nrE0PX8d5CWqGdSX8axRdn_qfWigX50s_HbA_FQAus8pzh-uakA6NDmr6cP6BNdBm-MpOKd3RmNiL5gtXPTn81FRGd0QNM/s1600-h/IMG_9959%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tackle box for screws and nails" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9o4Sgl2l1FapnepHz6c9BRG0BVdKX3wTK1TkNliMKxCWFz5leNiVgRFM5s2BnTJv2IkKosBO_6E-XjoczmgJAJdZSFn6AGTY2_P8gnXIBu8UKdZcZSAVlfcoDSGHRTGRQhcXjqGgz36w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tackle box for screws and nails" width="500" /></a> Which is actually a great solution if you only need a nail or screw occasionally. They aren’t big enough to hold the number of pieces I have though. Mama needed something bigger and better. This thing is amaaaaazing: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60I7tVHKZhZC1w1rKy-o2j9bIBoNi5QoeVowZe74JFlzJ9rxUxz9yrOEw75UPrF5y5igKfoVUBpak6S_1k1G0i_jZUzv2ShdWLkLempSJ0zuq5FLE0fYgSW837TxCGvpKUWlI1OXxXV0/s1600-h/IMG_9947%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizing small things" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoQdM8Hz8s1oHE4v_swNh2dneCS3QGcMdnQdJNhqlcenGNS87CTaA01A-9oNhbLmDRvg7dr7Q2bCv8tsO7JRRMFYppf7cKudoOAC-G-gmvzMW6o05H4HQWMxQdHqUqT5ARRCrMamO30U/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="organizing small things" width="500" /></a> I sat down and sorted everything and was in absolute heaven. I’m not kidding, I kept saying “This is amazing” out loud every few minutes. I would worry I was running out of little drawers and then I’d realize I had a ton more and I’d say “This is amazing!” again. I’d find random little things that I just had a few of and there would be a spot just for them. It was a beautiful time. It was made even better by my BFF the label maker: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NC7_0ZB2cRgWbuufxF0SS4IIim2_MWayy6Vfc3mKXa6njDloC31THcr3HyssGgBcgovFEG4UOqCUj48adahhYa1Viaa3e0Q1sSVt3mn-oeNlBAOmQJQhaY1MGoMo0qW0fiMOV8fxZpA/s1600-h/hearts%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="label printer" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r7ouIQ6Rp6M6abaASHBu9ta7Q_33VLfWa8pmp-BJFFVNIl6dzFaEorBbKrY8xQ-TzmFK2_xzy36BBk4KElaqPZZfFnhFgTRksWe86iwYJv9rERhdSmITmXFoHLh5frERQ5FwZitq1hQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="label printer" width="500" /></a> I mean, this is a must. All that organization is worthless if you’re going to have to pull out eleventy billion drawers to find one little thing. I rediscovered all kinds of little doodads that I love. Tons of my favorite anchors that I didn’t realize I had: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk-kWW_kc6-6WXuCpM7r2deHTDn29YcvjnBGhC2U3B-xlY0PkfCTukUNJVGIvCdKtfmfP-aWXUWP4JwhAH-sjTLQ7rCSB30nxhs446OKbZ1NSOEKCqHxMIXvJWv0eJcBVG6XkN0wGPA0/s1600-h/IMG_9964%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="best anchors" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78eIvFDHzTSprLXRwVq_RrfgFyoISmY7Vr3S8o92845YHYppuPBqkwfeT8jKbdlVvmmkM1pbQ8Mc94hrZQlCKAs-vIzijbgMuYftsszjCkgai5oRCChS1Qsu2uf_Z4wKYOVk-UCOl5Gg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="best anchors" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC-lkKyzgViQWLQYp0q9oen-cD_C1t-H4MZwO_a-5nI8MswrC7yfZDb6WhcZAcZdSu-7FQnhTP9OFfWsrShD6eAE8-dcVBZQMGHKRgamTHXKXbS6wrNKcZ1vetkzTKic-hAivSz8w_Bo/s1600-h/IMG_8743%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wire holders " border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE92PsTatkNpm_zFBxbwkb2fu5V0qv57TRx6p_pvZl4cBtu4Fc_AUUUqAtcSxrYdlPZXeInzcidmeBMFvVJYIJa6JMGIgeC1-3Cqiucvo5khoWfhl6Xk-fpz2VDsGXtXYRX0b6czl8mAQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wire holders " width="290" /></a> You just screw them in instead of drilling a hole in the wall first – so easy! And those jobbies on the right are great for corralling cords behind furniture. Cause you know how much <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/09/hiding-cords-ick.html">I hate cords</a>. It was GLORIOUS! Whoo hoo! Now I just need to decide where I’m going to keep my little organizer – you can hang it so I’m thinking maybe in our utility closet. That way I don’t have to go out to the garage for every little thing. I tell you what – a little decluttering and organization makes a girl feel good! I say it all the time but even focusing on small areas will make you feel so accomplished. If the clutter is overwhelming in your house set your sights on one problem area at a time. Set the timer if you need to and just go after it in little bits so you don’t get frustrated. What’s your worst problem area? Areas? Overall our house stays clean and picked up…most of the time. But there are spots that I let get out of control way too often.

My problem areas

Hey hey!! How are you on this fine Thursday? I love Thursdays. :) I’m feeling GOOD because I’ve finally been tackling some my problems areas...

7:45 AM

High heat paint (and other tips)

Hey there! How are you on this lovely fall day? I’m back with a few more quick tips on sprucing up fireplaces – I shared how to open one up and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/cleaning-gas-fireplace-glass.html">clean the glass</a> last week and wanted to share this info with you as well. Are you tired of seeing our fireplace yet? :) I swear this is the last you’ll see it till I get it finished – I’m getting there! Follow along on <a href="http://instagram.com/thriftydecorchick">Instagram</a> for some more updates today and this week. Because our fireplace was in the corner before (shakes fists in air!!) the surround was very small just because we had limited wall space to work with: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTOAaS4ib7a0DRqN3WXMAGvD4dx8kYcsfO2koBTOxvpXIeFb3MwMo7A6II9G7UV6EQoHwXQnLwwV93O8llXFVMSGxktbSZmEoDnA1egZg3_dJdQ7BzFRTow7aLqnvUYGiptJv2XOpscU/s1600-h/8%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="corner fireplace" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsC97vU8C1JSFS-4cCRqq33S70-hUbwF6t8XTn0u50q1nmIjbbFhm28zwjUPAjwELrXiwa5PR1cSXzR1aoNmitMjv1TFG1pxOoT40WbV70zvXCdLM7FuEupizu1mG63OXEZ_2pJCTzNc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="corner fireplace" width="500" /></a> It was smaller than a standard sized one but way bigger than we had before so I was thrilled. So when I tiled the surround I kind of overlapped the firebox a bit. If I hadn’t then those skinny parts on the sides would have been super thin. The metal sides of the fireplace were a mess from that thinset and the construction and there was nothing I could to get it off: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOQUNWALR3hlrLPptk9dHnufLZvmQ1RdcHQudiujRFFIAtQkBBS_LtrwbgUtH1VUMrL0DowCYfDp-9pNInrEHAOScaZKeGcbGlC3cDmQ3Bb2lYqhtFAyDH69pXL4MXlmnvVI13KuzpRA/s1600-h/high%252520heat%252520fp%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="using high heat paint on fireplace" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdwsZw6v9M8LMhUJLWGq2ycFga7YtTk9Q3ZqhzlTPfzwfrCM_qc7Of9IrURPIVqG6smypr9dTXCw2RbZ6CB4Ohwxg9T9pO0oC4kIDO-HwlvjgwJCZrzUt6IYnb7QnshMpZjrk2YHASc0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="using high heat paint on fireplace" width="450" /></a> It was around the whole thing – it’s harder to see here but you can see the white around all the edges: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0byCmPveiUOGw5f_WZc_SqFLMHfVR8vh9a4mqn6MY8UwYjAhND9ciRTSc0sUKlhJbtxZjB0Fq-QVL-jtPcKTMn2RGPBC6lwfJ2E2WEGcc6jNE_qzHQgyp-TyZBXenNC0sR9RnKZc8S_o/s1600-h/6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUU-34QmME_GxWqEzBLkYEK4rPpLHTFKW8Jqn4WutPqrOs6jNqcOe889Ivb3iB-uVqSjFebVKXbzwhWvM_C5IK_pjk1Q2Hb5N1KUrAux29cWe3mfsuh_1pf-GKmsZdUZHO7q5sVD3AxE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> I tried scrubbing and scraping and nothing worked. I had a solution in mind but didn’t want do it until I was completely done with all the tiling and grouting. This high heat paint comes in a can and in a spray paint version: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QkJiHy4o-e6gC_m9eXRRtBwJ13brknXZQg_QYt1FyZ6L0FVZO20f1lYmSe1gjZlCjHtOezP9RcRd-mx2m4TtJvnsihQG1fGWACXoL8nEKOccGxPeZDCBbKPcJCGMrd1YSzble2Z3JFg/s1600-h/Rustoleum_7778-502_1_Quart_Black_High_Heat_Bar-B-Que_Oil-Based_Protective_Enamel_Paint%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="high heat black paint" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPzpboZEMJSi06eaP7o-x1_ahuO0cfRMjp7nVBHSwU_IsYBAPUPWg_CivEVaRx3I6b9TjDERAjm8tcBsZAMtws8DxLdXnJ9bTGRL57IOAmsBnOOC1K7AWLw3HAibVA7H6b_6I56w0Qyc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="high heat black paint" width="500" /></a> I went with a can because there was no way I was chancing getting any spray on the new tiles. If I had planned better I could have sprayed it outside before we even put it back in place. That would have been smart. :) But I would have had to be be really careful with it during the rest of the process so this was fine. This paint is oil-based so it is stinky and it is not easy to remove if you get it where you don’t want it. I taped off around the metal, careful to cover every bit of the grout. If it got on the grout it would have soaked right in. That part made me sweat a bit. A lot. I used a cheapy throw away brush to quickly paint over just the metal where all the residue was: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjFo2TEwVA85tk89dz1JRv7u44ZAAw5gtRouIn6n94_AaA__Cjan3lvzpoQN6bjzvewX-c703CGyb1nZbOMCmKrrkkPdYAG_lfOUWNXLzULwQBnlGRyUv9y9YYpyzsxfbPuuYs163vsM/s1600-h/IMG_9913%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painting a gas fireplace" border="0" height="657" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxCn2AbVsaM1Ly0QuukKA53Ld20v__-4MZSimO4sNNruB2JSbjIzek1UmHh-6lgUg3ZodSvD4BxhZudXMoLGZjCI9vwWXS7xaXFYLBEfWGtzYJgC3JS-d9_xiBk7TzrzJpnJ7RpjmgD0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="painting a gas fireplace" width="500" /></a> I didn’t take pics of that part because I was sweating. But you get the idea. Thankfully the painter’s tape did an excellent job and there was no bleed through at all. But can you believe how much better it looks? You can only tell there was anything there if you sit right in front of it and take a photo. ;) Here’s another tip – you know the long panels along the top and bottom of the glass? If yours gets scratched up you can just pull them right off: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaThaEa7J2ta7SNBsPDaHuGDePGZil1s6dPrDjoDZVNgTBRVnROjYDMdvSarzEn6r2AxuFw1zxVTxjAZLBeSdfa-E3s7Uyvc3-Mt4-igFj2wx-R4hV-oZ_wweVmm87H_gXANoEwVECPKM/s1600-h/IMG_9909%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="high heat paint on fireplace" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR5FXhQqyUj713CVXWWfYTnaNHBp28M627qoKvuV58KNJA9aZeVNnhT4pK86Houz4FTdedFFva2fVpb1qrFXYBsTpH7vszQARBxQAN4_EOmt0WWsnlWJhtDGGydDpO7zAJczivrbsWlw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="high heat paint on fireplace" width="500" /></a> They’re held on by magnets on most models I’ve seen: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2qPwES1ksps/VCGL1MLo65I/AAAAAAAArPQ/2ZXhRcPLXlk/s1600-h/IMG_9905%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painting a fireplace" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4SnkbVobVVC9XRdtkBOlRqAHfkzb6WQP48cOxrr9HANjGkyR4heqv6Jw_wPQIUTCQQNkV48RwwH6VMAsPLHzCxNEWpWCqUXKY-_ph1eKiN01hQ03N-DBhqBpGWH_wgvuWi6UvkZYf3Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="painting a fireplace" width="500" /></a> Years ago I spray painted mine with basic oil rubbed bronze spray paint – it wasn’t high heat and it’s held up just fine. Mine did have some scratches so I took them off to spray them again but then decided just to leave them off. I’m not sure why they are there anyway – you really can’t tell the difference if they’re there or not, at least with our fireplace. Oh, and one more quick little nugget. If you have a gas fireplace and have the gas main switch like we do, you can paint it to match your wall if you’d like. It’s just metal and a few coats of paint will cover it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgJpv5tmHwj7rBCeycfwIv7gzjW7DpG5teFqSjJjcdkOrSFXiR6RyiOwnmRoMmq5quAJII2H1ibRnI3hLt4aitW721j5ojdfVOS1J4t3rHhg7ES5rmpPpgQbGHhdJQYiB7nzwDkYlGYw/s1600-h/IMG_9915%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="marble herringbone tile" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa-CrLu0N0HCRU6pmuYn2RaGaqgpe5RRl4oVW4GjYkasUJoNxNT56p6dTxCwRWLjGV0ymN3423Ngd7SPtT1L5DwPTcoX0qHrjJT9r-38Z_xBH5NMt311RR02xU6p34U9pXlCRs_1rKjA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="marble herringbone tile" width="500" /></a> Or if you’d like to spray paint it’s easily removed – you just unscrew it. That was helpful when I was tiling too! I didn’t realize that you could take it off till someone showed me. This baby has gone through quite the transformation over the past few weeks! Here it is a couple months ago: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ftz7RG_P58rSyCT4Mrp724gIyEqtdDBbCe0Ys5ecRSOjM4b9JUyoMwB799enYCcc46fViPFzurZIpvMw8vTIzWhuN3IsXaRsIt41S45JFO1Q0YVTKtI28wY5VMNa6b3MNw8vXQgIMOs/s1600-h/IMG_9390%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YBeFXXca19cEjHZ6c2Hbm6AXdsmdrqmuiQXJweXnC995d8pbMnh1DXFK-3XJUsE9J0Wmx8dHYbz8c8LWaVPcM2-w7h3YFgxvnReOSERRZMaD_sM2ADvU7oieR385rVREhEooGlk36iE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> And here it is now: <img alt="herringbone tile fireplace surround" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3Hg3vdPMS7-atBpGv9AqasuUiFf3kTfb4l9asZ4eogZrQNex_mRjcKgKAagS90ugQYd85bWqP2bfrqflvd_mUYymJU_2rHZ01h6L8XNm4E1VV1Mg5a9YLkcRLSsA8QltNHb_5HHKokw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="herringbone tile fireplace surround" width="500" /> The big wall above the fireplace is what I’m working on now. In my head it’s going to look fantastic – here’s hoping. I can’t wait to get this all done! After that I just have some smaller projects to finish up and I’m DONE with this renovation. Have you used the high heat paint on anything? I’ve got a can of it if anyone needs some. ;) P.S. To see how I tiled the surround go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/tiling-fireplace-surround.html">here</a>. To see how I installed the metal sheeting on the doors go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/built-ins-for-electronics.html">here</a>.

High heat paint (and other tips)

Hey there! How are you on this lovely fall day? I’m back with a few more quick tips on sprucing up fireplaces – I shared how to open one up ...

8:04 AM

Final Kitchen Island Plans