Home-DzineIDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME

August 2011

online

In this issue ...• Decorate an entrance • DIY riempie bench • Real life kitchen makeover • Industrial living• Royal headboard • Fold-down table and more...

make, cut, paint

Home-Dzine Online is written and compiled by Janice Anderssen. All projects in this issue, or any other issue, remain the property of Home-Dzine and Janice Anderssen, or the respective copyright holders, and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

My 15 minutes of fame!

I’m on TV and Radio at the moment. SABC 3 on Saturday mornings at 09:30 (The Power Within) and Radio 702 at 08:00, with a guest appearance on ChaiFM 101.9 on Thursday mornings. Loving every minute of it. Tune in or watch if you get the chance.

Don’t forget to drop us a line at any time (home-dzine@iburst.co.za) if there is a particular project you would like to tackle.

Enjoy!

Janice

a word or two

DIY Divas and Guys at the recent plastering workshop in Strubens Valley. Stunning fire pit!

4DECORATE

ANENTRANCE

15REAL LIFE KITCHEN MAKEOVER

24INDUSTRIAL

LIVING

18KIDS WALLGALLERY

10DIYRIEMPIEBENCH

CLICK HERE FORAUGUST 2011 WORKSHOPS

DIY DIVAS WORKSHOPSLAUNCHING AT

PORT ELIZABETH

26ROYAL

HEADBOARD

28 SHABBY WONDERFUL

41FOLD-DOWN

LAUNDRYTABLE

36CARVEDSIGN

37TOOLHANDY

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BUY THE BOOK AND ATTEND THE FULL DAY WORKSHOP ON

Saturday 15 October 2011Black Eagle Guest House,

Strubens Valley at only R550.00 per person including breakfast

and lunch

The workshop offers Beginners - Power Tools & Woodwork,

Advanced - Power Tools, Basic Electrical & Plumbing all in one

day, plus free goodies and giveaways for all

CLICK HERE TO BOOK for the full day workshop

Buy online at www.lapa.co.za, Exclusive Books and Kalahari.net

With 128-pages of tips, tricks, techniques and projects for the beginner DIY enthusiast,there’s something for everyone in the new

English and Afrikaans books.

Full colour and detailed step-by-step instructions guide you through each and

every project,with tips and techniques on using the various

tools, accessories and attachments.

AUGUST IS WOMEN’S MONTH

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Decorex Joburg’s five-daydecor extravaganza in a nutshell Know your sofa from your chaise-longue? Ignite your inner-decorator at Decorex Joburg, on at Gallagher Convention Centre from 5 to 9 August. Southern Africa’s largest exhibition focuses on interior design, décor, fine finishes, eco-friendly products and gardening, marking its 18th year.

“This year we celebrate the extraordinary creative energy of our local talent,” says Melanie Robinson, portfolio director of Decorex SA. “Look out for the fantastic new Decorex Designer Collection of must-have decor pieces designed exclusively for the show’s range of home objet,” she recommends.

“The installation ‘New Look Africa’ curated by LBCD, is a cutting-edge look at a contemporary no-inhibitions African style – from hip downtown chic to sophisticated glamour. At the SA Handmade Collection the new Gabi Gabi 2011 showcase puts the spotlight on the Shwe Shwe textiles in a contemporary setting.“

The new gardening pavilion with its themed landscapes and Garden Theatre answers all gardening dilemmas. Get the know-how at the DStv Theatre of Ideas as the famous event-planner Otto de Jager shares tips on the art of the ultimate affair and experts in home organizing turn chaos into breathing space.

The ‘Sealy Beautiful and Basic Boudoirs’, in association with the IID and Bedroom Basics, challenge decor luminaries Janet Welthagen, Susan Hughes, Tanja Beyers, Leigh-Anne Shillaw, Bernard Baxburg and John Crawley to interpret the hottest trends in fabrics, textures and comfort in six unique bedroom-settings.

District Delicious is a food haven with its blend of gourmet food, wine, kitchen gadgets and home entertaining have-to-haves. Enjoy the culinary antics and inspired food demos at the ‘Cooking with Kaya Fm Theatre’ which is kitted out with the latest Whirlpool appliances.

Decorex Joburg, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand 5-9 August 2011 - Time: 09:00 - 17:00 daily

Entrance: R 70 adults / R60 pensioners and scholars / R5 Children under 12.

www.decorex.co.za

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“The entrance into a house is like the preface to abook; it should give you a sense of what you are entering, but not tell the whole story....Whether it is a small foyer or a proper entrance hall, it has to have character and poise, and set a tone.”

-Libby Cameron

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While many homes have little more than a small landing strip as an entrance, this is an opportunity to make a lasting firstimpression on your guests.

But more than that, for me the entrance is the firstplace I see when I walk into my home. It uplifts me and welcomes me every evening.

Designer Linda Woodrum

“An entrance has the power to influence theflow of energy through

an entire home”Feng Shui expert

No matter how small the space, in order to make it feel like a true entry you need to define the space.

There are several ways to define aspace, the most obvious being to paint the walls - or one wall - in such a way as to make a strong contrast. In a home with cream or taupe walls, for instance, consider a deep brown colour in the entrance. Designer Heather Clawson

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Reproduction wallpaper, decorative panel mirrors and colourful cushions draw attention to this entryway seating area by Erinn Valencich.

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Designer Shelly Riehl David

Wallpaper allows you to be a bit more creative than paint, and being a small space you can afford to splurge on an upmarket design that really makes a dramatic first impression.

Another way to definethe space is with furniture and accessories. For example: A small console table, a decorative table lamp, a mirror or work of art, a potted plant, and perhaps even a chair if there is space.

Art and mirrors are wonderful decor accessories for introducing colour and light in a dull entrance. Look for art that contains

Consider hard flooring for an entrance.Laminate, bamboo and tiles are practical for an area that has a lot of foot traffic and needregular cleaning. It’s easy to add a decorative rug as a finishing touch.

one or two colours from the decor of a home for balanced flow from one spaceto another.

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Hanging artwork in a row or grid is especially great when your collection has similarly sized or themed works, and it makes for a clean, classic presentation. But salon hanging is excellent for displaying works of different sizes, media and themes.

Salon style hanging originated in the 17th century, in what would eventually become the Paris Salon we’re familiar with. The Salon and its presentation of artwork - wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling,to maximize exhibited artists - were instrumental in bringing art to a larger audience, especially once the Salon was opened to the public in 1737.

“Showcasing a collection and a variety of pieces makes a statement about that person,” Jeffrey Teuton says about exhibiting your artwork, then adds, “It’s a portrait of that collector.” Jeffrey also points out that you should be looking for an organic flow to emerge among theJeffrey Teuton, Director of Jen Bekman Gallery

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home gallery

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works. And it is perfectly acceptable, if not encouraged, to mix painting and photography, black and white and colour, he notes. But, balance and flow are key.

Jeffrey’s Steps on Salon Hanging:

1. Measure out the wall you’re trying to fill. You have to know the space you’reworking with.

2. Lay the artworks on the floor beforehanging them directly to the wall. If you start hammering away willy-nilly, you’ll end up with one too many holes on the wall and likely an imbalanced and uneven display.

3. Remember: It’s not just about the size of the artworks, but about a balance.

4. You’ll want to start with an anchor, a focal point. This could be the biggest piece, or your favourite piece.

5. Arrange artworks around your focal point in a pattern of your choosing. You’ll start to notice that the work interacts with other works, that it is having a dialogue and engaging with the other pieces around it.

6. Once your pieces are in the desired layout, it’s time to move them to the wall. You’ll want to either use two nails (instead of just one) or hanging wire to ensure the pieces stay put and don’t shift.

7. In general, you’ll want to hang your anchor at eye level, or around 150cm from the floor to the centre of theartwork. Other pieces will hang lower, higher or level, depending on your selected flow and balance. Also, wheninstalling artwork over furniture, leave at least 20cm between the base of the frame and the top of the furniture. And remember, avoid hanging your artwork in direct sunlight!

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Riempie furniture was introduced to South Africa by Dutch settlers, who used leather weaving to create comfortable and lasting furniture. Our modern riempie bench gives a contemporary twist to this traditional craft.

modern riempie bench

You will need:4 of 20 x 40 x 1400mm pine - rails6 of 20 x 40 x 406mm pine - rails6 of 44 x 44 x 445mm pine - legs2 of 20 x 90 x 1450mm pine - top frame3 of 20 x 90 x 330mm pine - top frameLeather strap or nylon cord40 and 45mm wood screwsWood glueWood filler8mm dowels and dowel centres

Tape measure or steel rulerPencilUpholstery tacks

TOOLSClampsDrill/Driver + assorted drill and screw bitsCountersinkOrbital sander + 180-grit sanding padsHammer

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Step 1: Assemble the framePosition the side rails between the front and back rails, check for square, then apply a bead of wood glue and secure with 40mm wood screws.

From the ends of the front and back rails, measure 660mm to position the centre rails. Use a leg blank to space the centre rails and secure with adhesive and screws.

Step 2: Secure the legsPosition the legs in the corners of the frame and between the centre rails, checking for square and securing with adhesive and offset screws.

Mark down 120mm from the bottom edge of the frame for the lower rails. Use adhesive and screws to secure the lower rails.

Step 3: Drill the dowel holes

Along the front and back top rails mark a centre line and holes for dowels 20mm, 70mm, and 700mm from the ends.

Use an 8mm wood bit to drill the holes then use dowel centres to transfer the positions to the side and centre top rails; drill 8mm holes in the side and centre top rails.

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Step 4: Assemble the topApply a small blob of adhesive to the holes, insert dowels and fitthe section together. Check for square, clamp and leave to dry.

Apply a bead of adhesive to the top edge of the bottom frame, position it on the top then drill and countersink 2mm pilot holes, securing with 45mm screws spaced 200mm apart.

Step 5: Drill holes for the riempies

Mark 30mm from the inside edges, and 120mm from the ends of the front and back top rails, and 30mm from the ends of the side and centre top rails. Mark the holes 30mm apart on the long and short rails, then drill 8mm holes.

Step 6: Finish the bench

Use a router or Dremel Trio fittedwith a 3mm roundover bit to round the edges of the top.

Patch any gaps or blemishes with wood filler then smooth with180-grit sandpaper, prime and apply two coats of water-based gloss enamel paint.

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Step 7: Cut the straps

For a modern look that costs less, white nylon rope can be used instead of the leather, although it’s not as comfortable to sit on because it lacks the natural stretchiness of leather.

If you are using leather straps, cut them at an angle for threading, then soak in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.

On the side and back rails, thread a strap through the firsthole, leaving an end of 12mm to secure with two upholstery tacks.

Step 8: Stretch the strapsStretch a strap to the opposite rail to thread through the firsthole and tap in a tapered 8mm dowel offcut to keep it taut.

Thread the strap back up through the next hole, stretch it to the opposite rail and repeat.

Take care not to twist the leather while weaving so the smooth right side is always facing up. Use a cloth to clean the white residue from the timber while weaving as it’s much harder to clean off when dry.

Step 9: Complete the weavingTo finish, pull the end of eachstrap tight and tap in the tapered dowel to keep it taut. Secure to the rail with two tacks, then trim the excess.

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REAL LIFEkitchen makeoverIf your kitchen is the last place that you want to spend time, perhaps you should

consider giving it a mini-makeover - with paint. It only takes a couple of tins of paint and a weekend to transform a dull, dated

kitchen into a space you love!

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Preparation 1. Before you paint remove all the

hardware from the doors and drawers. Keep everything safe in a plastic bag if you intend to use again.

2. Give the doors and frames a good scrubbing with a scouring sponge. An old toothbrush will help to clean out any grooves or around framed panels.

3. This step is important, whether you cabinets are foil wrap, melamine or varnished wood. Use 180-grit sandpaper to de-gloss the finish. If youskip this step the paint will not properly adhere to the surface and will scratch off. Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth to remove all traces of dust.

You will need:Rubber glovesScouring spongesOld toothbrushClean cloths180-grit sandpaperOil, acrylic or spray paintPrimer Foam roller and tray

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PrimeIf you performed the last step properly, priming isn’t absolutely essential. However, if you want peace of mind you can apply a primer before painting. The type of primer you need depends on the paint you use.

Enamel oil-based primerAcrylic water-based primerSpray paint spray primer

PaintSet up a work area or space where you can easily apply paint and let it dry, preferably a space where it will be off limits to the kids and their sticky fingers, and petshair - both of which will spoil your paint job.

Bear in mind that both enamel and spray paint must be used in a well-ventilated area. Acrylic paint has low VOC’s but has the disadvantage of requiring an additional sealer coat applied once painted.

DIY Tip

Wait for each coat of paint to dry completely before turning the doors over to paint the other side. To prevent any damage to the painted surface, have some soft pieces of cloth or foam handy on which to rest the doors.

FinishingWith the paint one hundred percent dry you can start putting everything back together again.

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Use pine moulding to create a mini gallery for your pint-sized Picasso.

Trust us, your refrigerator will thank you. That’s because this sole purpose of this picture rail is to display photos, drawings, artwork and any other kiddie creations your budding artist can dream up.

Create a Mini Picture Gallery

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Step 1: Cut the Rails

Measure your available horizontal wall space, then double that measurement and add a couple of extra centimetres.

Saw picture frame or panel moulding to length using a mitre box and backsaw or mitre saw. Mitre the corners to create 45° cuts where the two picture rails meet in a corner of a room and 90° cuts where the ends butt into adjacent walls.

Step 2: Assemble the Rails

Cut your backing board from supawood using a jigsaw or circular saw. You can also have the wood cut to size at your local Builders Warehouse - so take along the measurements and let them cut for you.

If your cuts aren’t perfectly straight, don’t worry; the moulding will cover the edges.

Apply wood glue to the edges of the backing material, then use small panel pins or clamps to secure the rails to the backing material.

You will need:Pine moulding6mm PG Bison supawoodPanel pins or clampsNo More Nails adhesiveWood glueWood fillerPrimer for wood180-grit sandpaperProminent Paints non-drip enamel paintTape measureSpirit level

TOOLSMitre box and saw or mitre sawJigsaw or circular saw

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Step 3: Paint it

Fill nail holes, dips and gouges with wood filler and then sand everything using 180-gritsandpaper.

Apply one coat of primer and two coats of gloss enamel paint.

Step 4: Mount to wall

Have your spirit level on hand to check the level.

Apply No More Nails to the backing material. Press into place to create suction and the adhesive should hold in place.

DIY TIPYour picture rail will look best when mounted 80cm to 90cm off the floor, a

convenient height for children. the rail.

Personal TouchesWith a few extra add-ons, a picture rail can become an interactive play place. Try these special additions to make it yours.

Chalkboards: Cut pieces of 6mm supawood to fit between the rails, paintthem with three coats of chalkboard paint, then secure them to the picture rail with construction adhesive.

Magnetic boards: Use tin snips to cut strips of steel flashing to fit between the rails.Bend over or cover all edges to prevent cuts to fingers.

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Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint is a tough, scratch resistant finish thatallows you to create a writeable / wipeable chalkboard surface on a wide range of substrates including wood, metal and glass.

• Apply to metal, wood, masonry, drywall, plaster, glass, concrete, unglazed ceramics and hardboard. Erases cleanly.

• Chose from up to 12 colours for your Chalkboard paint!

• Allow paint to dry for 3 days. Once cured, prepare surface for chalk by rubbing side of chalk over entire surface and erasing.

• Cleans with soap and water.

Rust-Oleum Specialty Magnetic primer is a base coat that allows you to create a surface that attracts magnets almost anywhere. Can be applied to wood, metal, masonry, drywall, and plaster.

• Create a fun and unexpected way to hang notes, photos and more. Now the Specialty Magnetic primer is 3x stronger!

• Top coat with any latex paint or even Chalkboard paint.

• Stir paint for at least 10 minutes until the

paint is a consistent dark grey colour.

• Apply 2-3 thin coats of primer and 2 coats of top coat for maximum attraction.

• Flat or strong magnets with minimal weight adhere best to treated surface.

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2x delivers twice the coverage and the best formula for ultimate hiding power, which allows

projects to be completed faster and easier. Apply to wood, wicker, metal, plaster or

unglazed ceramic. Fast-dry formula resists chipping and fading.

FIND THE RUST-OLEUM RANGE AT YOUR LOCAL BUILDERS WAREHOUSE

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The best spray paintin the universe

Rust-Oleum Universal is the world’s first all surfacespray paint. We discover its amazing applications.

Rust-Oleum Universal has an ergonomiccomfort grip and unique trigger mechanism that dispenses paint at any angle - even upside down!

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Rust-Oleum Universal has an ergonomiccomfort grip and unique trigger mechanism that dispenses paint at any angle - even upside down!

An all-surface spray paint that paints wood, metal, plastic, masonry, concrete, fibreglass, aluminium,plaster, glass, laminate and vinyl - nearly any interior or exterior surface?

It sounds too good to be true! Universal spray paint is Rust-Oleum’s wonder product - and redefines the spray paintingexperience.

Its comfort grip eliminates finger fatigueand provides precision control, while the fine mist spray with drip guard reducesthe likelihood of dripping or sagging preventing messy fingers.

The advanced delivery system allows for fast and easy coverage and the unique

360˚ trigger allows you to spray hard to reach places like the bottom of tables, chair legs, bikes and more with no loss of pressure ensuring even coverage at any angle.

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2x delivers twice the coverage and the best formula for ultimate hiding power, which allows

projects to be completed faster and easier. Apply to wood, wicker, metal, plaster or

unglazed ceramic. Fast-dry formula resists chipping and fading.

FIND THE RUST-OLEUM RANGE AT YOUR LOCAL BUILDERS WAREHOUSE

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Industrial shelving and chains become a feature in the home.

You can easily knock up a couple of coffee tables, or hang some industrial-style shelves in a weekend!

INDUSTRIAL

living

OPPOSITE PAGE and ABOVE:Pine plywood cut to size provides for shelving and

table tops when used in conjunction with steel shelving components and chains.

Pick up industrial shelves at a second hand store, online, auction sale, or buy them at your local Builders Warehouse, and you can easily use some pieces of plywood and a few screws and nuts to assemble your own tables and storage racks. Finish off the plywood tops or shelves with Woodoc 10 interior sealer for a water-resistant finish inmatt or gloss.

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fit for aprincess

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You will need:16mm PG Bison SupaWoodCurtain rod finialsWood glueProminent Sheen - whiteFoam roller and paint trayTape measurePencil

TOOLSDremel Trio orBosch JigsawWorkbenchClamps

Practise your cutting or routing skills and make this royal headboard in a day. A piece of supawood - cut

slightly wider than your bed and to a height of 120cm - is perfect for making our designer headboard.

Use a Dremel Trio or Bosch Jigsaw to cut

out the detailing, pop on a curtain finialor two and then paint in your choice of colour. As easy as that!

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Shabby WonderfulMix up a batch of our Milk Paint and transform old fashioned pieces

into Shabby Chic treasures for your home!

OPPOSITE PAGE: Who would have thought that dated furniture could be given a beautiful new look

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Here’s how:

1. Mix the milk and vinegar together in a saucepan and leave to stand in a warm spot for a couple of hours.

The vinegar causes the milk to curdle and separate, creating ‘quark’.

2. Strain the mixture, letting it drain into a jug. Rinse the quark with tepid water to neutralise the vinegar. Repeat this process three times.

You will need:4 litres Skim milk (or milk with no cream fat) - at room temperature2 cups white vinegar3/4 cup hydrated lime powder (112 g)Cheese cloth or muslin

This mixture will make enough paint for 2 to 3 coats on a small piece of furniture.

3. Strain the mixture again, letting it drain until there is no water dripping through the cloth. You now have a nice thick amount of quark [see below], which is the base of our milk paint.

4. Place your lime in a plastic or glass [not metal] container large enough to hold two to three cups.

Do not stir the mixture while it stands, as this will disturb the

process.

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SAFETY FIRSTBe careful not to inhale dust or allow dust to get on hands or in eyes.

Slowly pour 1½ cups of water into the lime and stir into a creamy paste making sure all the lime has been wetted

5. Pour the lime mixture over the quark and gently stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture in nice and creamy.

If some curds do not dissolve readily, the mixture can sit for 15 to 30 minutes to help break them down.

6. If you need to add colour to your milk paint you can use natural powder pigments, powdered craft paint, or food colouring.

Mix the powered colourants into water to make a smooth paste and then add to the paint mixture.

You can buy pigments at your local Builders Warehouse and art stores.

NOTE: Don’t worry about any undissolved matter in the mix as you need to strain again before use.

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Sinqobile Day Care gets a JAM makeover

Responsible for the day-to-day care of 72 children, a little run down shack does little to stimulate the growing imaginations of the children.

Thanks to JAM, four new sensible huts, playground equipment, some furniture, and a coat or two of Prominent Paint in bright colours, the children are happy and the teachers even happier in their new environment and the project has changed the face of the community.

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For thousands of children in South

Africa, a special giftof R360, or R30 per month, provides a

child with nutritious food for a year.

Visit www.JAMINT.com or

call Rose on 011 548 3966 to

pledge a donation and Give a Hand.

HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

One of JAM’s objectives in South Africa is the upgrading and improvement of child care facilities in disadvantaged areas where JAM currently conducts nutritional feeding and other relief and development programmes.

JAM is currently feeding more than 300 child care facilities, reaching over 20,000 children each school day. JAM’s goal is to expand their programmes as funding permits.

Most of these child care facilities are nothing more than a corrugated tin shack, with holes in the walls, leaking roofs and unfinished floors. This leaves the children vulnerable to the elements. There is seldom running water and they use anassortment of buckets and old tins for a toilet. These facilitiesalso lack educational toys and materials needed to stimulate the children’s learning ability.

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Update your bathroom in 3 days!

Get the August issue of Easy DIY magazine for details. On sale at your local Builders Warehouse, Builders Express or Builders Trade Depot.

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Don’t miss out on the August issue of Easy DIY where we take you step-by-step through our bathroom makeover.

The project includes ripping out and replacing the dated pedestal sink and toilet, turning the bath into a bath and shower combination, and the installation of gorgeous bamboo flooring.

ABOVE: Practical but boring, the bathroom feels cold and dated with its grey suite.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The new bathroom features a modern, white suite, bathroom vanity and storage cabinet, and my absolute favourite, the bamboo floor (www.Oriental-Bamboo.co.za) that was installed over the old tiles.

Also in the August issue of Easy DIY

• Build an elegant Secretary• Add to your outdoors with a Fire Pit• Make Bedroom Storage Bench

Also in the August issue of Easy DIY

• Build an elegant Secretary• Add to your outdoors with a Fire Pit• Make Bedroom Storage Bench

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1. Use carbon paper to trace the letters onto the plaque, or cut out each letter and trace around it. Add a design - we chose fish.

2. Use a V-shaped wood chisel to create the letters, cutting down the centre of

each letter in gradually deeper passes.

3. Use a straight chisel to refine thedetails, working from the outer perimeter towards the centre. For best results, work with the bevelled edge of the chisel facing upward.

Before you startUse your PC and printer to print out a full-size version using your printer. We used a 300 point-size Times New Roman.

DIY TipIf you own a Dremel MultiTool, have this on hand so that you can keep your wood chisels sharp. Alternative, a sharpening stone will work.

Carve a House Sign

Years ago, many homes were christened by their architect, builder or first ownerwith a name that had its roots in someone’s name or a nearby historic event. Now, you can continue this tradition.

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Organize and store all those small shop tools and accessories that clutter your workbench in a chunk of polystyrene.

It’ll hold drill bits, router bits, screwdriver bits and a host of other little things and keep them close at hand.

To make this pointy-tool pincushion, just glue the a piece of polystyrene to 6mm piece of board that is slightly larger than the polystyrene.

Be sure to use polystyrene-compatible adhesive (ask at your local Builders Warehouse). Then press the foam into place and let it dry for a few hours.

Punch holes for the accessories by rotating a small-diameter Phillips screwdriver or an awl at a slight angle into the foam.

The tools will widen the holes to fit as youpush them in. Screw the board to a wall over your workbench and load it up!

handytool

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? Inferior grade chipboard is not as densely packed, which results in the increased possibility of screws coming loose and projects falling apart.

Local manufacturers, PG Bison, produce BisonBord, which is a quality, interior grade chipboard that differs substantially from cheaper alternatives, and when buying board - make a point of specifying BisonBord.

BisonBord, the premium quality, interior grade particleboard, is manufactured by grinding wood chips into coarse and finewood particles which are then coated in synthetic resin and formed into panels under high heat and pressure.

BisonBord offers excellent structural strength with superior screw-holding abilities, making it the material of choice.

Used either in its raw state or as a substrate (base) for decorative surfaces, it is used extensively in shopfitting, kitchenmanufacturing and the domestic and office furniture industries, amongst others.

As one of the most affordable board products available for DIY projects, chipboard, like any other product, has its advantages and disadvantages.

First and foremost is the quality of the product. Here in South Africa we are at the mercy of timber and board suppliers when it comes to what’s available. If you don’t specify a particular product then the chances are you’re going to get the cheap stuff - Chinese chipboard.

Confucius say...Man who build bed with chipboard sleep on floor!

! Don’t say chipboard...

Say BisonBord

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One of the main problems that we chicks face is the fact that we want to make something but we have no idea what to make it with!

We’ve overcome the fear, acquired some knowledge and bought the tools... now what?

While we use PG Bison Supawood for projects that are to be painted, what if you want to make a bookshelf or TV cabinet with a wood-grain finish?Real wood is out of the question un-less you have a real big budget, so we need to consider a board that looks as much as possible like the real thing - MelaWood.

PG Bison’s Melawood is the leading brand in decorative MFB. Using either BisonBord or SupaWood as a substrate, a single sheet of melamine-impregnated, decor paper is bonded to both the board’s surfaces under heat and pressure. This provides a durable, scratch and moisture resistant surface.

The exposed edges still need treatment to protect them against moisture ingress and to provide a professional finish, so stockup on edging (or have it done instore) for your project.

Girl TalkYou’ve

acquired some knowledge and

got the tools - now what?

MelaWood is ideal for shelving, decorative furniture such as cabinets

and cupboards, and is the perfect material for kitchen and built-in-

cupboard. MelaWood is available in three surface finishes, Peen (a

textured, stippled finish), Executive (asmooth, matt finish) and Ashwood (an

embossed, wood grain finish).

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Your local Builders Warehouse offers a wide range of MelaWood boards and you can have these cut to size instore.

However, if you need to do your own cutting, perhaps for difficult sizes, cutouts, or to fit a hob or sink, here aresome tips to guide you:

1. Measure and mark where to cut and then place a strip of masking tape on the line where your cut will be to protect the laminate from chipping.

2. Once again, Bosch have come to the rescue when it comes to cutting laminate. The Laminate jigsaw blade has teeth that are aligned to reduce chipping and tearing when cutting through the surface of laminate or melamine.

3. After making the cut, sand the edge even with your mark and remove the masking tape. When sanding be sure to use down strokes only so you are not pulling the laminate away from its base.

Don’t forget that you will find plentyof projects on the Home-Dzine.co.za website.

If you are attaching your own edging, bear in mind that there are two types: iron on and glue on. Iron on strips already have an adhesive applied and use heat - such as a warm iron - to warm up the adhesive.

I prefer to use strips that are glued on with Contact Adhesive. They seem to be less prone to peeling off and chipping.

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This fold-down table is a handy option for any laundry room. Located right across from the washer and dryer, it’s the perfect place for sorting colours before washing and folding the clothes as soon as they’re dry.

You can get the countertop (and end cap) at your local Builders Warehouse.

fold downcountertop

You will needMelaWood - cut to sizeEdging strip2 fold-down brackets20 x 50mm pine20 x 100mm pineWood glueSpirit levelWall plugs and screws

TOOLSDrill/Driver and assorted drill and screw bitsTin snips or edge trimmer

1. Glue and screw pine supports to the underside of the countertop. Use a 20 x 100mm along the back and 20 x 50mm at your bracket locations. The supports will stiffen the countertop and provide better backing for the bracket screws.

2. Draw a level line 40mm below the finished height ofyour table. Ours is 800mm high including the thickness of the top. Screw 20 x 100mm pine strips to the wall; predrill holes for anchors and then screw the steel brackets to the strips and wall.

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3. Set the top onto the brackets and screw them into the pine cleats under the table using 30mm cut screws.

4. Allow a 5mm clearance between the wall and the end for wiggle room as you lift and close the table. This will keep your wall from scarring each time you lift and close the tabletop.

5. Glue and screw 20mm thick filler strips tothe exposed bottom edge of the counter. Align the filler strip so it’s flush with the edgeof the top.

6. Trim the laminate end cap with tin snips to fit the size of the end panel. Set your iron onmedium heat and slide it across the whole end panel until the glue bonds. Ease any sharp edges with a smooth-cutting metal fileor edge trimmer.

Builders Warehouse stocks a selection of MelaWood boards,

as well as BisonBord, Supawood, laminated pine shelving and

BisonLam

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We are often requested to run a full day workshop, where ladies can get together and cover a wide range of topics at one workshop. Our new full day workshops do exactly that. Starting at 09:00 and finishing at 16:00 - each workshop will offer as much information as possible on thevarious subjects.

Have a day out with the girls at the tranquil Black Eagle Guest House, just off Hendrik Potgieter Road in Strubens Valley. Enjoy a light breakfast and buffet lunch while honing up your DIY skills. The emphasis is on a casual and relaxed atmosphere, where previous power tool knowledge is not necessary. And our experience is second to none... with such projects as Decorex, Homemakers Expo, Gardenex, and more under our belt.

Interior Decorating

Full day covers:* Elements of design* Basic upholstery techniques* Paint and paint techniquesDesign, plan & make an ottoman to take home with you. Certificate on completion.

Do-It-Yourself Home Repairs

Full day covers theory/practical:* Beginner - Advanced DIY* Basic Electrical* Basic Plumbing You will make small projects to take home with you.Certificate on completion.

Woodwork & Furniture Making

Full day workshop covers:* Joining and fastening * Hardware* Timber and board* Design and planning - bookcase, coffee table, TV unit & make a small cabinet to take home. Certificate on completion.

Cost R1250 pp includes light breakfast, tea/coffee & snacks and buffet lunch. All materials and use of tools included.CLICK ON THIS PAGE TO BOOK