Wicker Picker Uppers

26 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by in Homeowners, Redecorating

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WickerDear Homeowner,

Once relegated to the porch, wicker is now a permanent fixture inside. Wicker mixes easily with other styles of furniture and readily assumes a new personality with a coat of paint or other embellishments.

On the fringe

Embellishing any wicker chair with a little frill is easy. All you need is a hot-glue gun and fringe hefty enough to be seen against the textural wicker.

  • Measure your chair from the end of one arm to the end of the other; add 2 inches. Measure around the bottom of the chair; add 2 inches. Purchase 5-inch-long fringe in these amounts.
  • Seal the fringe’s cut ends with hot glue. Starting at one end of the chair and using a hot-glue gun, glue the fringe along the chair’s arms and back. Glue the fringe along the bottom the same way.
  • Don’t use a low temperature glue for this project. If the chair will be subjected to high heat or intense sun, use upholstery tacks or white glue instead of a glue gun.

Aged to perfection

To give a new wicker rocker an old look, create layers of colors that mock how coats of paint would be worn away.

  • Paint the chair with a dark base coat. When the paint is almost dry and slightly tacky, use rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth or steel wool to remove the paint and expose the wicker in areas of high wear (seat, back, arms and skirt). These areas should be uneven to appear naturally worn.
  • After this coat dries, add a lighter coat and remove some of it the same way. Dark paint and wicker should now show through.

 

For more home decorating tips, call Val Ogletree Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 559-5725

SCENTsational Herbs

08 Monday Aug 2016

Posted by in Gardening

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

HerbsDear Homeowner,

Add spice to your garden’s scenery. With a myriad of colors and textures, herbs are always good ornamental company for flowers and vegetables.

Among the most care-free plants, herbs just need a little attention to keep them growing vigorously and looking their best.

  • Give herbs a soil customized to their needs. Condition the soil with compost and manure before planting to give a solid foundation. A non-acidic soil rich in lime grows the best herbs. You can add lime or crushed shells as well as wood ash or small doses of bone meal to boost alkalinity. For thin or poorly drained soils, use raised beds.
  • Herbs for shady northern exposures with moist soil and strong indirect light include cilantro, dill, fennel, mint and parsley. Shrubby aromatic perennial herbs like sage, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, winter savory and thyme demand sunlight. Basil, chives, horseradish, tarragon, sorrel and lovage need only a few hours of sun.
  • Decorative herbs mingle well in the moderately rich soil of a flower garden. Plant purple leaf basil, sages, chives, tarragon, lemon balm and mints to fill in the foreground. Invite tall, statuesque fennel and lovage to dance in the breeze alongside delphiniums, peonies, poppies and roses.
  • Herbs such as cilantro and sweet marjoram rely on rich, organic soil and plenty of moisture — conditions compatible with vegetable gardening. The right herb paired with vegetables can ward off pests or provide soil nutrients. Perfect partners include basil and tomatoes; summer savory and beans; garlic, leeks or onions and dill.

For more gardening tips, call Val Ogletree Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 559-5725