Gold Leaf

This past week I spent some time in NYC and had the opportunity to peruse the 7th floor of Bergdorf Goodman.  Holy Macaroni did I see some amazing things.  I was especially drawn to designer Eduardo Garza and his beautiful gold leaf pieces like these coasters and bookends.  Of course, it reminded me of the Design on a Dime days of using the gold leaf that we found at our local craft store.  While searching online I found some instructions on how to create this look at home on RealSimple.com.  They give instructions on how to create gold leaf bud vases, but I say use it on whatever your little heart desires.  Go ahead…get your craft on!

Gold-Leaf Bud-Vase Trio

Makes: 1 gift 
Total time: 15 minutes (plus 1½ hours drying time)

What You Need

• 3 glass bud vases of different shapes
• gold-leaf kit
• scissors
• 2 small, soft paintbrushes

What to Do

1. Dip a paintbrush in the adhesive (from the gold-leaf kit) and paint loose, slightly irregular upward strokes to cover the outer rims of the vases. Set aside for an hour while the adhesive becomes tacky (it will turn clear).
2. Cut sheets of gold leaf into 1- to 2-inch strips. Press the gold leaf onto the adhesive. Peel off the paper backing. Dust away any excess gold leaf with the clean paintbrush.
3. Apply the sealer and let dry for 30 minutes.

Home Decor and Handyman Tips for the Fall

Goodbye summer, Hello fall!  It’s finally time to get our home into fall and winter mode.  Grab your buckets, your batteries and your broom…here are some handyman tips and home decor tips for your home this fall.

1.  Clean your gutters.  To do this easily, cut a half gallon milk jug and use it to scrape the inside of the gutters.  You can hang a bucket from your latter and fill it with the leaves that you gather to avoid getting them all over the ground.   You also want to make sure that the water is flowing properly through your gutters and that you don’t have any blockages. Turn your hose pressure up and run the water straight down your gutters.  If the gutters are clogged the water wont come shooting out the bottom.  To clean them, remove the elbow from the bottom and unclog.

2.  Fertilize your lawn.  The fall is the most important time to fertilize because it will keep your grass healthy through the winter months.  Plant any spring bulbs now and move any plants indoors that can’t take the brisk fall air.   If you have an abundance of leaves invest in a leaf mulcher and place in your flowerbeds to protect the plants.

3.  Hose down and clean any outdoor furniture and store for the winter if necessary. This includes your tables, chairs, grills, etc.

4.  Clean humidifiers and vents.  If possible, have your air ducts cleaned out by a professional.

5.  Have your furnace inspected and replace your furnace filter. By replacing your filter you maximize your furnace’s efficiency and minimize your energy bills.

6.  Coat closets, shoe racks and entryway pieces are a must.  During the fall and winter months you come in with your umbrellas, jackets and boots.  Have a place to put all this stuff and you’ll have an organized entryway.

7.  Paint any last minute things in the house.  Once the winter months come, you won’t want to be filling your home with paint fumes and opening the window will just increase your energy costs.  Try to do all your painting while you still have the opportunity to have the windows open.

8.  Organize and Replace.  Put all your summer stuff away and replace with your winter stuff.  This includes clothes in the closet, as well as stuff in the garage and shed. Put all your summer gardening tools to the back, while bringing forth the leaf and snow blower.

9.  Change into your fall décor by adding your fall throw pillows, candles, rugs etc.

10.  Yearly maintenance on your home safety devices is always important.  Replace the batteries in flashlights, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

11.  Install storm windows and doors and look for any windows that need to be re-caulked or replace weather-stripping to avoid drafts.  Another solution is to invest in heavier curtains around the windows.  This will also minimize any draft.

12.  Have your chimney cleaned and examined for any damage.

13.  In the bedroom, flip your mattress, wash your bedding and bring out the comforters and blankets.

14.  Cover up your air conditioning unit. You can buy an air conditioner cover or you can use a tarp.  It will keep the falling leaves, twigs, and snow out.

15.  Check the dryer exhaust tube.  Sometimes this can get clogged with lint and cause a fire.  To clean it, unplug your dryer and use your vacuum cleaner attachment to clean out your duct.

16.  Install ceiling fans and programmable thermostats.

17.  Make a compose bin with the leaves from the yard.  I found these directions in REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE. To do this, use a container that is made of wood bigger than three feet by three feet.  Add waste in the ratio of three browns to one green.  Browns include wood chips, straw, branches and leaves.  Greens are grass, kitchen scraps like eggshells and carrot tops.  If the stench is offensive after a while, add more brown.  It’s common to have a smell, but not one that is awful.  It should also have a moisture level that is about 50%.  When its ready, which should be about a few months to a year it should look and smell like very dark soil.  To test it, place a small amount in a plastic bag and take a whiff before sealing.  Then place the bag in a drawer for a few days.  When you open the bag, the sample should smell the same as it did before.  If it smells worse, your compost needs more time in the pile.

18.  Service your snow blower if needed.