Summer Craft: DIY Outdoor Tic Tac Toe Game (Video)

Image via: Me and My Guyz (Etsyshop)

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Summer Craft: DIY Outdoor Tic Tac Toe Game (Video)

Supplies:

8 pebbles

Acrylic paints (colors black, yellow, red and white)

Black permanent marker (optional)

Pencil

Ruler

Square or round wooden base

Paintbrushes

Watch the video on how to make this fun tic tac toe game

You can find the link to the video here.

Directions

1. Wash the pebbles to remove any dirt and dust. Dry them thoroughly.
2. Paint four pebbles red and the other four yellow. Let the paint dry.
3. Paint one corner of the red pebbles black and continue by painting on the details, like the dots.
4. Paint one corner of the yellow pebbles black and paint on the details, like black lines.
5. When the black paint dries, you can continue by painting on the eyes. Let them dry and your pebble bugs are ready.
6. Now move on to make the game’s base. To do that, use the pencil and ruler to draw a tic tac toe’s grid on the base. Next, use the marker or black paint to paint over the lines that you have previously drawn. Let your base dry.

Image via: Pinterest

You can even use a tree stump with an even surface as your wooden game base, if you don’t plan to take the tic tac toe game with you sometimes. This Summer Craft is perfect to make with the children and it will provide hours of fun with this classic game. And if you like the idea, you even could take it one step further, by making more pebbles and paint a checker’s game grid on the wooden base. That way you will have another entertaining classic game to play with and which you will have made completely by yourself. Let your imagination be your guide in choosing other nature’s themes for your pebbles or base, like trying to paint your rocks to look like frogs and your base to look like a small pond. Everything is possible. This Summer Craft would be perfect to bring to a garden party as well and you could even offer it as a gift for your host, especially if there are small kids in the host’s family.

For more summer DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Do you live in an older home that has a popcorn ceiling? For many of you (including me) may live in a 1970’s – early 1990’s home in which the spray on gypsum pebbles or “popcorn” ceiling is an applied finish to the gypsum board. For many of you – it may have glitter in it! Today you will learn how to get rid of the popcorn for a clean surface or to apply a new ceiling finish.

Image via: Design West

Many homeowners would prefer to get rid of a popcorn ceiling to reveal a smooth finished ceiling. Many homes now have a smoother finish, referred to as “knock down” finish that is smoother and more contemporary. Today watch a video to help you easily remove the popcorn finish. Then see a step by step guide to help you get a smooth finish gypsum (drywall) ceiling.

Video: How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

Link to Video: How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

Steps to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

When you try to consider a home makeover, one of the least considered is the ceiling. It’s not that the ceiling is the least important. But the ceiling is often attributed to lighting fixtures more than as decorative area. However, you will definitely appreciate what your ceiling can do to enhance your home interior once you make the most out of it.

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One of the common problems for ceiling is the popcorn looks. It’s been primarily brought about by the inappropriate painting procedure. This kind of unpleasant view can be prevented by making the right move from start to finish.

Image via: Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes

To prevent this from happening, here’s how to easily remove a popcorn ceiling:

Prepare the room

This step is sometimes taken for granted. Preparing the room before working is very important, not only when you need to remove popcorn ceiling. To do this, you need to clear everything that may obstruct your movements. Also, remove the furniture and decorative items on the wall. You can seal off the entire room to protect them from getting dirt, paint and scratch. Another important step in the preparation is to provide proper ventilation. Also, don’t forget to place a drop cloth to secure the floor.

Spray the Ceiling

You can do this by simply using a garden spray to wet the ceiling. The water will soften the texture and the adhesive bond. It doesn’t have to be very wet. A nice sprinkle will be enough to scrape the ceiling easily. Too much water will cause damage to the surface. Also, concentrate on a single area at a time. This will ensure that you don’t skip a spot ready for scraping.

Image via: Highland Homes

Scrape the Ceiling

Before you actually start scraping, you have to wait for at least 10-15 minutes. The main reason for this is for the water to soak in. This is a very important process that will make scraping easier and effective. A decent putty knife is very effective in scraping the corners of your ceiling. It can also be used for crown molding.

By following these steps, you can be sure that popcorn looks don’t have a space in your ceiling. Take these steps seriously so you can prevent future problem like popcorn looks at your ceiling.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Guest Blogger #967, Entry #2455, May 24, 2013

Each person’s home has a unique environment.  Depending on the style and design of the interior of a house, a person can be made to feel welcomed, comforted, and at home. If it’s poorly designed, cluttered, or lacks tasteful design, you may not get that sense of coziness or comfort.  So, when it comes to decorating your house, the lights and furniture really do matter.  Oak furniture can help create an ambiance – a homely atmosphere – that helps turn a house into a home.  And when we’re talking about your bedroom – your sanctuary of relaxation – using oak furniture in your design is a must.  Why?

Image via: Urrutia Design

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1. Durability:

Oak furniture is one of the most durable, well-made types of furniture you can buy. Nowadays, many furniture pieces are made from cheap, soft woods that don’t hold up and simply wear out after a year or two of use.  Poorly made furniture can stain, chip, or break easily, but with oak, you don’t have to worry about these problems.  Oak is incredibly durable and can last generations if taken care of properly.  And if you have a piece that is starting to look a little worn, oak can effortlessly be refurbished into its original glory.

2. Availability:

When you’re decorating your bedroom, finding pieces that will fit the space and your sense of style is important.  Oak is one of the most popular types of wood for furniture, so it is found in furniture stores all over. No matter what you’re looking for – a bed frame, headboard, dresser, nightstand, or rocking chair – oak furniture is readily available almost everywhere you look.

3. Affordability

Whether your budget is small or large, there are oak furniture pieces available in all price ranges. In general, oak can be a bit more of an investment, simply due to the quality and durability you get.  However, before going straight to a retail store to find what you’re looking for (and probably drop a large chunk of cash), look for used pieces that might be found at garage sales, resale shops, or online sources such as Craigslist.  You might be able to find exactly what you’re looking for and save a lot of money in the process!

Image via: Whitten Architects

4. Exclusivity

There are no two pieces of oak furniture that are exactly the same. If you want a bedroom that is truly one of a kind, having oak furniture throughout is the way to go.  Many oak carving companies specialize in carving customized pieces of bedroom furniture, which means you can have a piece that has been designed just for you, just the way you want it.  What a unique way to put a personal touch on your bedroom!

5. Versatility

Whether it’s Spanish, Colonial, Modern, Italian, or a Contemporary that you’re looking for, oak furniture comes in virtually any style.  It comes in a variety of shades varying from very light to very dark, and it can also be painted other colors. Oak also comes in a variety of finishes.  You could have a sophisticated oiled finish, a lacquered finish, or an unfinished rustic look.

Oak furniture will give your bedroom a warm and inviting atmosphere that beckons you to come and relax. Oak can magically beautify your home, transforming it into the escape that you need at the end of a long, draining day.

Author bio:

Tom Channell works for online furniture retailer Lights and Furniture and blogs about DIY and home improvement ideas.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Winter is finally coming to an end and you may be dreaming of backyard BBQ’s and summer activities. You are so ready for summer but is your outdoor furniture ready too? To answer that question you will need to consider the materials your furniture is made of. Different materials have different cleaning preparations needed to get them ready for use in the summer season. Follow these tips for what you need to do for each kind.

Image via: Rachel Mast Design

How to Take Care of Wood Outdoor Furniture

Link to You Tube video –> How to Care for Outdoor Wood Furniture

Aluminum

Aluminum furniture can come painted or unpainted. The paint seals out moisture. First wash your piece with soapy water then rinse it and dry it completely. If your furniture is painted aluminum look it over for any chipped or worn spots in the paint. These spots are allowing water to get in which will weaken the metal and cause breakage when you sit in it. If you find worn spots, touch up the paint thus resealing it. If your furniture has been stored it may have scuff marks. Use a soft non-abrasive cleaner to rub them out. Using anything harsher can ruin your item. To shine up the furniture wipe down with a touch of baby oil. Do this every few weeks throughout the summer.

Image via: Jeri Koegel

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Wicker

Wicker is a beautiful type of outdoor furniture that doesn’t cost a lot. But it can become dry and brittle especially after storage. Use a very mild oil based liquid cleaner and water with a soft bristled brush. First vacuum any loose dirt gently from the furniture then apply the cleaning oil in small amounts gently using the brush in small patches. Once that is completed over the entire piece, use light water pressure from a hose to rinse it off. Once a month repeat the process to keep wicker supple.

Wood

If your wooden furniture is an average type of non-expensive wood then washing it with       soapy water, then rinsing is enough. That is if it already has an exterior grade varnish applied. This varnish protects the material through summer months. If not apply the varnish to the wood. Once dry, wash it with the soapy water and rinse. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid the soap leeching into the wood.  Another type of wood called Teak is a more expensive honey colored wood. Untreated teak wood turns gray. Apply a protectant made for teak wood after washing with mild soapy water. This will keep the honey coloring intact though the years. Teak wood can last for generations.

Wrought Iron

Ornate wrought iron is a classic beautiful style of outdoor furniture. The bad news is it rusts easily. Usually the iron has been treated before you buy it to prevent rust, But even so over time small patches can rust. If your furniture has rusty patches sand it off gently with light sandpaper. Use mild soapy water and a damp cloth to clean the entire piece.  Repeat the process with a damp cloth with only water to rinse. Repaint the areas you have sanded with a rust resistant matching paint.

Image via: Drew Callaghan

Plastic

Plastic the most common form of casual outdoor furniture is the easiest to care for. Simply wash it with soapy water and hose it down. Take care of any worn or rubbed bare areas with paint made specifically for plastic

Fabric

Most fabric based outdoor furniture has removable covers and pieces. These include couches, chairs and hammocks. Just remove the fabric and throw in the washing machine. Dry on a low temperature or hang to air dry. Wash the frames of the furniture according to if it is word, plastic or iron etc. Rinse and dry the frames. Once all is dried reassemble the fabric components on the frames. If you have a fabric umbrella that goes to your outdoor table, it is cleaned differently, For these large pieces of fabric wash it down with a damp cloth and soapy water. Use oil on the umbrella’s joints for ease in opening and closing it.

Now you are ready to relax in your yard or on your deck in clean comfortable outdoor furniture. Don’t forget the lemonade!

About the author: This is a guest post by freelance writer, DIY and home improvement enthusiast Charlie O. for Worldmarket.com, a great supplier of outdoor furniture. Check out their stock if you are also preparing for the summer.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Capturing the Quality: The Re-purposing Trend in Decorating

One of the biggest movements in decorating over the past several years, the re-purposing phenomenon- may have started out as a trend, but is finally making its mark as a bona-fide staple of decorating. It started out as a way to transform common unwanted items into quirky novelties-a scratched up vinyl record softened in the oven and sculpted into a bowl, for instance- and it sparked a big effort to keep lots of stuff out of landfills as we began to put ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ into practice more and more often.

A quick internet search turns up hundreds of suggestions for do-it-yourselfers on re-purposing, with projects that range from small and simple (turn a colander into a hanging plant holder) to more labor intensive (transform a church pew into a headboard). There are now plenty of retailers who offer a vast array of handcrafted re-purposed items, too. Either way, ‘new-old’ items are all over the place. As the concept matures, the focus is now less on novelty, but more on high quality craftsmanship and enduring style. The highest quality items, the aforementioned church pew, for example, are the best subjects for re-purposing. But sometimes only new will do.

Image via: Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

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How do you decide what to re-purpose? 

A good rule of thumb is to never sacrifice quality for style, because it is almost always possible to have both. Sometimes the lure of the re-purposed item is more about the wow factor, that ‘what a cool idea!’ feeling, than it is about how the item will actually work in your decor. Turning an  old dresser into shelving by removing the drawer fronts could work, but will it look as good or last as long as the artisan crafted high quality bookshelves found here?

Probably not. And it’s just a bonus that the highest quality items made of the finest materials are the ones that will end up being the best suited for re-purposing later on.

So when to buy new and when to re-purpose?  Here are three steps to help lead you to the right decision.

 1. Think it through.

Don’t change an unwanted item into a DIFFERENT unwanted item. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of what the item will morph into without considering if you’ll really want it in your home. Just because you CAN turn an old table into a ring-toss game doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

Image via: Adrienne DeRosa

2. Take into account your budget.

Consider your budget, but don’t sacrifice quality. Often a re-purposed item will be a bargain, but not always. And if you’re doing it yourself, remember to factor in the cost of supplies and the time spent on the project.

3. Get feedback

Get a second opinion. When it comes to decorating, it’s always a good idea to get feedback from someone whose taste you admire. Try to find a picture of a re-purposed item that is similar to the one you are considering, but don’t mention it is re-purposed, that way you’ll be getting a true reaction to the way it looks, not just to the item’s history.

In the end it’s really about style, and style endures. It may change form, but high quality will  always stand the test of time.

For more furniture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

When you’re refurnishing your home there are several options available and many people choose to buy cheap composite furniture from home superstores – mainly because of the attractive price tag. However, buying cheap furniture is a false economy as it simply means you’ll have to replace it much more quickly than solid wood, which could last for generations.

Image via: Jill Greer

Why choose Hardwood Furniture?

In these cash strapped times it is tempting to purchase furniture made from cheap and inferior materials such as veneer, plastic or wood composite. But anyone who has bought cheap flatpack furniture before will know that it simply doesn’t last as well as solid wood furniture or look nearly as attractive. Take a look below to discover more about the benefits of choosing hardwood.

Natural Beauty

Hardwood furniture utilises the strongest, most durable and most attractive woods, such as mahogany, oak and mango. Beautiful woods like these can bring warmth to a home and rather than simply being functional, they can also add character to your space. There are tons of different types of hardwood furniture to choose from so you can pick pieces that will sit perfectly within your interiors and become a feature within themselves.

Exceptional Interiors

If you want your home to be full of quality items that give it a unique flavour then solid wood furniture is a great investment. There are all sorts of hardwood items to choose from including coffee tables, dining tables, cabinets and chests of drawers, so whatever type of furniture you need you’ll find plenty of hardwood versions. Stunning hardwood is a great way to make your home stand out from the crowd and give your interiors that all important warm and welcoming feel.

Durability

When home superstores first appeared in the UK millions of people bought into the idea of cheap but practical furniture, but today a large proportion of that furniture s sitting in landfill rather than in people’s homes and when you take into account the chemical and industrial processes that engineered wood or composite has to go through, it becomes clear that it’s not the most eco-friendly of choices. Hardwood on the other hand is cut from sustainable forests and goes through very few processes before it arrives in stores. In addition it’s strong, durable and will literally last a lifetime.

Image via: Amber Ranzau Interior Designers & Decorators

Easy Upkeep

Hardwood furniture is incredibly easy to look after and in most cases will simply need the occasional dust, polish or wax to keep it in tip top shape. Whereas a scratch or chip would completely ruin most composite or veneered furniture, scratches and other minor flaws can be easily repaired on hardwood furniture. Some people choose cheaper furniture because they’re worried about it being damaged, especially in busy family environments, but solid wood is one of the toughest materials known to man and will stand up better to bangs, scrapes and knocks than cheap furniture.

So if you’re sick to death of the flatpack throwaway attitude then invest in hardwood splendour instead and fill your home with incredible art that also happens to be practical furniture.

John Hinds writes for Lojix and his interests include playing tennis, reading, writing and painting.

For more furniture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The “X” house is built on the Hillside in Barcelona. It offers a scenic view of the city at any time of the day. The two-story “X” house offers a distinctive shape in the exterior and a magnificent interior. It’s an ideal place for people who want to enjoy the picturesque view of Barcelona.

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Here are some notable features of the “X” house:

Four Glassed-In Triangular Recesses

This is a genius idea! The triangular recesses create a unique shape and allow a wider view of the city center. With the house situated on top of the hill, this makes it a perfect angle. The mounted glasses maximize the daylight for the interior. An energy-efficient design that modern architecture is recognized. The triangular recesses design hides your presence from adjacent neighborhoods.

Flat Roof Amenity

The flat roof is designed as a recreation area. The vantage point of the place is very ideal for this setting. You can just imagine standing on the roof overlooking the beauty of the city lights. It’s a perfect area for events that require fresh air and scenic view. This is a feature that is very hard to match by any modern design houses.

Trapezoidal Swimming Pool

This is located in a sloping yard. It is an attractive piece of art that can be seen on roof top and even inside the “X” house’s front window. The trapezoidal shape complements the front recess of the house. This trapezoidal swimming pool adds an exceptional design to the whole blueprint.

The “X” house opens new ideas and widens the perspectives of modern housing designs. It is a good example of modern architecture, at its best!

For more architectural ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

A recent study discovered 70 percent of homeowners are planning a remodeling or renovation project and expect to spend upwards of $3,500 to finish the job. Chances are that a large chunk of money is set aside for flooring. No matter what flooring you want, the cost of replacement it can be staggering. If your budget is tight, but you don’t want to skimp on style or quality, there are many clever and unexpected ways to save on several flooring varieties.

 Image via: Two Column Marketing

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Be Realistic

You may dream of installing travertine, marble or an exotic hardwood throughout your home. Unfortunately, your budget is only enough for laminate and linoleum. When it comes to installing flooring, it’s important to create a budget and stick with it. Also, keep in mind the specific room and its function. For instance, you probably want to keep carpeting in your bedroom.

Surf the Internet

You’ve wandered the aisles of every flooring provider in your area but cannot find what you’re looking for, or more importantly, an amazing deal. The Internet might not seem like the obvious choice when it comes to flooring, but there are many amazing deals there. Purchasing flooring direct from the manufacturer is another option. In many instances, you can save 50, 60 or 70 percent because you’ve cut out the middle man.

Look for Discounts and Remnants

If you’re covering a small area, inquire about any laminate, hardwood or carpeting remnants at your local home improvement store or floor covering dealer. Remnants are the leftover chunks of flooring, such as the end of a carpet or linoleum roll. In many cases, the seller is so motivated to make room for new inventory that he just might discount the remnant as much as 80 percent. However, don’t expect to recarpet your entire home on remnants. Most of the time, the pieces are large enough to cover a small bedroom, foyer or bathroom.

Image via: Teres 58 Domus

Skip Professional Installation

Many flooring retailers offer free installation if you purchase a set amount of product. However, in most instances, you’ll be expected to pay out of pocket to have it installed. There is another cost-saving installation option: perform the work yourself. If you don’t have the basic tools or expertise to perform the job, ask someone like a friend or family member for help. Laminate and hardwood aren’t difficult to install and require only basic tools. All you need for carpeting is a knife and a knee kicker, which can be rented from many hardware stores. However, if you’re installing expensive, natural flooring, it’s best to leave this delicate procedure to the professionals.

It Never Hurts to Ask

Your locally owned carpet or flooring showroom might not offer the best prices in town. However, aside from service, these institutions can offer you something the big-box retailers never can: a chance to negotiate the price. Once you locate the ideal flooring choice, don’t be afraid to ask if it is the best price. Even if the seller refuses to discount the sticker price, you can still offer to pay cash for a two- to three-percent discount. This will often cover the potential fees charged to the seller by his merchant service for using your credit card.

You might get discouraged by the search for inexpensive and quality flooring, but don’t give up until you find the ideal product for your home and lifestyle. If you continue to struggle, remember to ask for a discount, look for remnants and hit the clearance aisles to find an amazing deal.

Rose Jefferies is a guest blogger and contractor who recommends COIT to her clients. Whenever Rose is ready to spruce up her home’s appearance, she also looks to COIT Carpet Cleaning.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

One of the primary concerns that this cold season brings is to have adequate warmth inside the home. It may be realized through appliances that can manipulate the temperature, fireplace or any other source that provides the appropriate amount of heat. The warmth inside the home is essential to maintain the comfort and convenience of people living inside.

However, your outdoor surroundings can also have the warm feeling you desire as well. Although it’s not the same temperature as you have inside but then the outdoor landscape and design can do the trick. Your outdoor designs can influence the ambiance and feelings you have even when you are outside. One of the most effective ways to have a warm feeling outdoor is by having wood accents in your design or landscape.

Image via: Sterling Huddleson

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Here are some beautiful and impressive ideas of using wood accents to warm up your outdoor environment:

Have a wooden deck

The wooden deck will help you feel that you are still inside your home. The wooden color and natural texture provide the warm feeling even if you are outside. With wooden deck, the moisture from the air and soil is neutralized. It is a unique characteristic of wood to give a warm feeling to the surroundings.

Place wooden lounge chairs

This type of chair will definitely provide the warm ambiance you wanted outdoor. It will let you feel that the area is an extended space of your living room. You can also feel the warmth of the wood when you sit down and relax outside your home.

Plant trees in your surroundings

You can plant trees like palm, pine and other tropical or fruit-bearing trees. These trees will not only obstruct the tempo of the wind but also absorb the cold moisture of the air. This idea will also give additional color and style in your outdoor surroundings.

Image via: Zak Architecture

These are just some of the features that wood accents can provide. You can have all these done in your outdoor settings or just choose the best ideas that fit your landscape.

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

What is on your holiday gift list this year? Maybe a fun gadget or tech gift to give to a friend? Gadgets are now part of everyday life. These technologies come in different styles to fit every need. They are used for entertainment, communication, productivity and many other usage. With all these features that gadgets provide, these technologies are not just a “want” but a “need”. Whether you are considering the latest 3DGB television or you are looking for home office gadgets, these ideas will be perfect for anyone on your wish list.

All images via

Given all the features of a gadget, the appearance is never left out of considerations. A lot of manufacturers invest a great deal with the outer shell or exterior design. Just like these natural wood grain gadgets that look so pretty and natural. These gadgets are perfect for people who wanted to incorporate the elements of nature in their devices.

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Branch USB

This is a cute gadget that you can use not just as storage but also as a personal nature-inspired decor. As the name indicates, it looks like a branch as it is covered with a wooden outer shell. The brand is artistically engraved and the wood grain color reflects beautifully all throughout.

Vers Earbuds

Another great option for the music lover is the VersEarbuds. The design fits perfectly in your ears and so smooth to your skin. It allows you to listen to your favorite songs comfortably and in high quality. The earbuds have a wooden design that you can choose between light or dark grains.

AlestRukov Computer Mouse

Ever wanted to have a unique and stylish computer mouse? Well, your search is over. Get hold of this AlestRukov computer mouse to enhance your computer set. The wooden style of this computer mouse is polished excellently. This makes it very elegant and sophisticated.

More than the looks are the features that these gadgets provide to the users. But with a well-designed gadget, you will have an extra satisfaction and remarkable experience whenever you use it or not. The natural wood grain gadgets will surely win the hearts of people who love the natural and wonderful looks of wooden exterior.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.