Inspired DIY

Free Samples are Cool!

OK. I use a lot of products and this is one that seems to be high on the IDIY list as of late. I found the free sample link and am very happy with this new caulk- No gun! No mess! GE Caulk Singles is like the rock star of the caulk world to me. Go here now and request a free sample!

DIY Light Fixture Swicharoo

So,I have had this rather ugly small chandelier hanging in our entryway since last summer when we moved into the home. I have glared at the mini brass chandy for nearly a year, but have been too lazy to change it. I wanted in the name of all that is green,  to find a way to salvage it and make it look more modern. I requested advice from the cool folks at houseblogs.net and they all suggested painting it a fresh color! I decided on red and the hubby and I got to work on some minor electrics.
Now, if you call an electrician to change light fixtures you are going to spend quite a lot of money for a job that can be completed easily in under an hour. Electricians will normally charge a "call-out" service charge of two hours and rates in my neighborhood are about 55.00-65.00 per hour. If you are on a budget it can be hard to spend more for the installation that the fixture!
So- Follow these steps and do it yourself!

*This is for a single pole light switch/NOT for a three way switch!
1.Head to your basement and turn off the electric to the source!
(If you are alone and it is unmarked this can take a bit longer with the running up and down the stairs! Ask a pal for help!)
2.Unscrew the fixture and pull down.
3.Untie all the electric nuts and remove old fixture.
4.Replace new or refurbished fixture by reversing the steps.
*If your electric wires are not color coded you need an electrical tester!
Ground to Ground
Live to live
Neutral to Neutral
(look for colors to match)

Electrical work around your home is serious stuff. We use a licensed electrician for big jobs and never pretend that we can do it all! So, if you are uncomfortable with electrical work it is better to use an expert. But, I promise that projects like this are simple and leave you with a big sense of accomplishment. I took size 0000 fine steel wool to the brass chandelier and then used a red spray paint to bring my old fixture back to life. I think it looks like something would see on the decor8 blog!  I think it is going to be a focal point of the entryway now instead of an eyesore! I spent 4.87 on the materials! The IDIY house is much happier now!

Making it Lovely

Wonderful post from delightful "Making it Lovely" blog. She breaks it down and tells readers what tools are essential in the DIY life. It is like manna from heaven right now!

Have a Home Spring Fling

So I keep reading Martha Stewart and all the things I am supposed to be doing as a homeowner. It is a bit overwhelming looking at the lists she creates! Even the Spring Cleaning List here makes me shudder. I know that I must keep some organized seasonal chore list, but it is a bit overwhelming. Are there any sites that you go to for information? Do you have any seasonal secrets? Please share. I have compiled a small list of Spring Home work that might be useful.
Clean windows/repair any screens
Change furnace/AC filters
Check downspouts
Change batteries in Smoke alarms/detectors
Yard work!!!
I would love to hear about any other steps to complete a Spring maintenance program. I am planning on compiling a seasonal notebook.

* Oh yeah and for the cleaning that simply must be done... I think I am going to try these cleaning products!

Red Door Reflections

 

The red door is coming along. One coat down and I am liking the bold choice. I think when it is surrounded by the beige walls and my art on the walls upstairs that it will be super modern and cool looking. Thinking about the upstairs landing makes me go crazy over this idea from Domino magazine.

Hunting and Gathering

OK. Shopping is fun, even at Home Depot.
One of the first steps to actually working on my house must be to create a working tool kit that will hold all of the hand tools, small electrics, and materials for the IDIY house. I am trying rather hard to stay organized and keep inventory of what I have so that when I want to work on the house I know what projects I can start immediately. Martha Stewart, the domestic goddess has some great lists for basic tools. ( here and here)
I am making a list for the IDIY house and will share with you after I shop and explore all the products out there. I will share some thumbs up/thumbs down reviews with you all next week.
Watch out giant home improvement stores- here I come!


Happy Earth Day! Here is a great article on "greening up your home".

Before and After Shots are my vice

A Primer for you

 

Most people decide to paint spontaneously. They might think about painting, color samples,  and choices for months, but on one random Saturday morning they will be propelled with a force stronger than reason to a giant home improvement store. The tricky part is if you have not prepped your room or project prior to this paint wanderlust then you might not want to lift the can upon returning home.

(You know that amazing moment in DIY television shows when they lift the lid? Ah... a favorite small pleasure in life is lifting that paint can lid)

1. Clean out the room! It is difficult to work around things!
2. Find some drop clothes and cover your surfaces.
3. Prepare the surfaces. Sanding and caulking are not difficult but do require some education. Most large home improvement stores should have workers that are trained to assist you in simple tutorials and tips.  If you want a truly finished looking product you will need to repair and caulk.
4. That Blue Tape! Use it and be precise! It is a helper tool for you, but don't be lazy and leave it on for weeks. It will turn on you and stick!!!! Only tape what you are planning on finishing in a day or two and remove promptly when dry.
5. Buy the best quality paint and tools you can afford. Buy a cut- in brush it has saved my life!
6. Top to bottom painting!
7. Expect that there will be missed spots and touch ups. Bring in a family member or friend with fresh eyes to take a look.

I hope these tips help you when mentally preparing yourself to paint. I always dread the process but am slap happy with the finished product. Paint can really change a whole room and inspire!

Peek at this little gem- On Painting

A mini painting guide by Domino
Domino Magazine is a great resource for those who love home improvement inspiration!

A lick of paint

  Red door 
  Originally uploaded by karoligoestohollywood

I love a red door. My eyes catch any I ever see. I find red a thrilling and charming color to work with in my home. I have fallen in love with Sherman Williams Killem Beige for my upstairs landing and am about to tackle a rather wretched looking linen closet door with a fresh coat of red paint. I think the combo of beige and red will be a stunner.
My mantra is going to be, "I am not afraid of the bold".
I will post some after shots soon.