Creative Problem Solving

Looking for a decorating ideas? Budget so small it does not exist?  Try placing bright, colorful fruit in a large vase and sit it on a stack of magazines. Works well on coffee tables, sofa tables, and dressers.  I chose lemons for this cool vase.

Lower Cost

A rain barrel will provide a simple, inexpensive way to water the garden during a drought.  The basic supply list:

- Large plastic trash can

- 6" plastic flower pot

- 2 water valves

- 4" solid corrugated pipe

- 16" concrete slab

- 3' 5/8" water hose

A drill, saw, and water proof sealant will be beneficial too. 

Begin by removing the saucer from the 6" flower pot.

Next, place the flower pot upside down on the trash can lid and trace the circumference with a sharpie.   

Draw a second circle a quarter to half inch inside the first.

Drill a small hole on the inner circle line.

Cut out the inner circle.

Situate flower pot inside the hole.

Sit trash can lid off to the side.  

Now, cut a hole slightly smaller than your water valve at the top and bottom of your trash can.  An electric drill with a large bit makes this step much easier.

Check for a snug fit before placing a bead of sealant along the back edge of each valve and insert into the trash can.

If possible, attach valves to trash can with screws for a stronger fit.

Dump gravel or river rocks in the flower pot and place lid on the trash can.  Two thirds of the project is complete.

Place the 16" concrete stone in the desired location of rain barrel placement to create a solid, level base.

A raised platform will elevate the barrel enough to provide sufficient gravity fed pressure.  Hint: old bricks work great!

Place barrel on the platform, checking for correct height.

Cut off the bottom two thirds of existing gutter.

Attach collar and corrugated pipe.

Attach 3' hose to top water valve.  Leave this valve open at all times allowing overflow water to exit the barrel in a controlled manner. 

Pray for rain.

The more barrels, the more free water. 

Happy rain dancing!

DIY: Deck the Walls

Many possess a desire for unique artwork to decorate their homes, but lack the financial resources to acquire such treasures.  There are several solutions available for this common problem.

Here is one:

Tools:

- 8X10 picture frame with matte

- Decorative folder

- Scissors

- Tape

Instructions:

1. Cut folder in half

2. Tape one halve to matte

3. Place in frame

4. Hang art

Tip:

Hang three, five, or seven framed folders together for a dynamic grouping.

Extreme Makeover: Crabtree Edition

The first two months we owned our house we worked non stop revamping the main floor. We then enjoyed the next year relaxing in our dream home.

Once the honeymoon phase ended we began working downstairs in our family room. We laid new floors, painted the walls, and bought a couple pieces of furniture.

For two years nothing else was accomplished.

Before Christmas we discovered our friends nominated us to host a New Years Eve gathering. Amy and I love hosting social gatherings, however, we did not feel our upstairs alone could accommodate everyone comfortably and the basement was not ready for guest.

We said yes.

After a whirlwind tour visiting family during the holidays we had to get ready for the ball.

Our to do list:

1. Spray paint coffee table

2. Spray paint book ends

3. Buy an area rug

4. Clean, restructure, organize

5. Make art

6. Hang art

7. Decorate

8. Slipcover chairs

How do you feel about our work (feel free to leave a comment)?

Our friends at the New Years Eve gathering