Southwest Furniture On A Budget

Southwest-style furniture is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners from all walks of life. This unique style of furniture can look great in a modest cabin or in the most handsome dream home. No matter what your style, chances are Southwest furniture can fit into your home and your budget. With a few shopping tips and some careful planning, you can have a houseful of beautiful Southwest furniture without breaking the bank. Does this Spark an idea?

Check Your Local Consignment Store

Furniture is designed to be sturdy and durable, and a well-made living room, dining room or bedroom set can look great for decades. The problem is that many people change the decor of their homes and their furniture long before the old set has lost its luster. When this happens, those homeowners often send the old furniture to a consignment store.

Furniture consignment stores have been popping up all over the place, many of them in wealthy, upscale neighborhoods. These consignment stores are able to sell top-quality furniture, including wonderful Southwest designs, at highly competitive prices. Homeowners can save thousands of dollars compared to the price of buying new furniture.

Refinish Your Own Furniture and Save

If you have some woodworking tools available and a modicum of talent, you may want to create your own masterpiece by stripping and refinishing Southwest-style dining room, living room and bedroom furniture. A quick trip to your local yard sales or thrift stores should give you a good idea of what is available. Chances are there are plenty of Southwest furniture pieces out there in need of a little TLC, and the good news is that you should be able to pick them up for a song.

With a little bit of elbow grease, you can transform those ugly pieces of furniture into the dream dining room, living room or bedroom you have always wanted. This strategy can save you thousands of dollars while giving you the satisfaction of a job well done.

Shop Around

Southwestern furniture is one of the most beautiful and versatile styles of furniture on the market. Its bright, vibrant colors work in virtually any room, and its unique style fits in any type of house. Many homeowners worry that they will not be able to afford new furniture for their entire house, but with some smart shopping, they may find that they can outfit their homes with beautiful Southwest furniture at a price they can afford.

When shopping for Southwest furniture, it is a good idea to cast your net as widely as possible. You will of course want to shop at traditional furniture stores, but you should also look at discount furniture and consignment stores as well. By shopping around as much as possible, you can get a good idea of the price you will be paying and compare prices and quality across a wide variety of brands and styles.

Tags: Southwest furniture, consignment stores, dining room, good idea, living room, room bedroom, beautiful Southwest

Identify Black Swarming Ants

Ants will swarm from their nests when reproducing, as will termites. A swarm of ants is bad enough, indicating the presence of a nest in your home, and the soon-to-come addition of a new nest. A swarm of termites, however, means a nest of pests eating away at the wooden beams in your house. The question then is, which one is already in your home? Follow a few simple steps to pinpoint which pest is plaguing your place! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Using the glass, capture a few specimens and observe their anatomy. Check for the segmented body of an ant, as opposed to the single, unbroken body of a termite.

2. Check the wingspans. If the pests have two pairs of wings of equal length, then they are termites. If, on the other hand, they have two pairs of unequal length, then you are dealing with a swarm of ants.

3. Check the color of the insects. Ants come in a variety of colors (red, black, yellow), whereas termites are always shiny and black.

4. Check the antennae of the insects. Ant antennae are curved, with a little knob at the end. Termite antennae are smooth to the end.

5. Consider the location of the swarm. Ants will be found near your food, such as in a kitchen or in a pantry, whereas termites will be located near sources of wood, such as a garage or near wooden furniture.

Tags: Ants will, have pairs, length then, swarm ants, whereas termites

Sell Used Office Furniture

Sometimes that desk or chair just isn't cutting it anymore and it needs to go. But business owners and home office workers alike might be hesitant to give away furniture that is still usable. Finding the right place at which to sell used office furniture isn't easy, though. Much depends on how much work you're willing to put into getting rid of your furniture. You can do a little or a lot, but the end result can still be a sale. There are many options for selling used office furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Consider your local market. If you are living in a depressed area and people are more likely to be getting rid of their own stuff rather than buying yours, selling locally might not be the best option. If, on the other hand, you are in an area filled with expanding business, you might have a built-in market without having to do much else. This isn't a question of right or wrong, but it is important to consider your market before making an attempt to sell.

2. List on Craigslist. One of the best options for getting rid of furniture is your local Craigslist, if you have one. One of the most compelling reasons to use Craigslist is that it's free. There is no listing charge and no commission when you sell. You can also email, phone and text with interested buyers, rather than deal with a stream of lookers. Just be careful to avoid the many Craigslist scams that are out there.

3. Place an ad in the local newspaper. If you don't have a local Craigslist, have no luck with it, or prefer not to use it, you can place an ad in the local newspaper. There's a fee to do this, of course, but the advantage is that you will likely only hear from serious buyers, or those that are at least mostly interested in purchasing what you are selling. You can quickly narrow down your market to just those who will purchase your items. Ask the classified ad salespeople for a suggestions as to the best day to list your office furniture (weekends won't necessarily be best if you are targeting a business crowd).

4. If you have a lot of used office furniture to sell, consider using a liquidator to handle the sale for you. These companies exist in most communities and can handle both the sale and all the advertising and money collection for you. You simply pay a commission to the liquidator and get the rest in profit.

Tags: office furniture, used office furniture, Craigslist have, local Craigslist, local Craigslist have

North Carolina Art Funding Grants

North Carolina grants support all manner of arts.

Funding for individual artists and arts projects in North Carolina is often available through the many grant programs at the state and regional levels. Grants may be used for a variety of individual projects in the visual, performing and literary arts, and organizations can find numerous resources for community-based art projects, arts education and cultural awareness projects.

North Carolina Arts Council Art Grants

The North Carolina Arts Council offers art grants to both organizations and individual artists. Organizational grants are available to fund projects in arts education, art outreach programs, community art projects and funding for regional arts councils. Individual artists working in the performing, visual and literary arts are eligible to receive $10,000 artist fellowships to help further their artistic endeavors. Funds may not be used to pay for an academic degree. Grants are also available to individual artists in the form of a paid residency at either the Headlands Center for the Arts or the Vermont Studio Center.

North Carolina Arts Council

MSC #4632

Department of Cultural Resources

Raleigh, NC 27699-4632

(919) 807-6500

ncarts.org/grants_category.cfm?ID=35

Durham Arts Council Emerging Artist Grant Program

The Durham Arts Council Emerging Artist Grant program is open to up-and-coming artists living in Granville, Chatham, Durham, Orange and Person counties. The program is open to artists aged 18 or older who have demonstrated artistic achievement but have not yet had the opportunity to launch a professional career. Artists may receive up to $1,500 to be used toward training, materials, travel or other expenses related to an creative project or professional development.

Durham Arts Council, Inc.

120 Morris Street

Durham, NC 27701

(919) 560-2787

durhamarts.org/artistinfo_emergingartists.html

Charlotte Arts and Science Council Arts Grants

The Arts and Science Council awards grants to individual artists and organizations in Charlotte and surrounding counties. Individual grant awards range from $3,000 to $5,000 and may be used to fund projects in the visual or performing arts, literary arts, history or science. Non-profit organizations may apply for grants of up to $7,500, which may be used to further cultural awareness of the arts through arts education and community art projects.

Arts & Science Council

227 W. Trade Street

Suite 250

Charlotte, NC 28202

(704) 333-2272

artsandscience.org/

United Arts Council Artist Grants

The United Arts Council serves individual artists and arts organizations through their arts grant program. Individual artists in the Wake, Franklin, Johnston, Warren and Vance county areas are eligible to receive grants of up to $1,500 for projects in the visual, literary and performing arts. Nonprofit organizations in Wake County may submit grant proposals for arts education and community art projects. Proposals with a budget of less than $1,000 will not be considered.

United Arts Council

110 S. Blount Street

Raleigh NC 27601

(919) 839-1498

unitedarts.org/grants/individuals/index.shtml

Asheville Arts Council Arts Grants

The Asheville Arts Council provides grant awards to individual artists and arts organizations in the Asheville area. Individual artists living in Buncombe, Avery, Madison, Mitchell or Yancey counties may apply for grants to fund individual art projects, professional study or training, supplies, travel or other costs related to their artistic development, excluding an academic degree. Nonprofit organizations in the Buncombe County area may apply for grants to fund arts projects in the local community. The amount of the grants for individuals and organizations varies based on the project's proposed budget, financial need and the availability of funds.

Asheville Arts Council

11 Biltmore Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 258-0710

ashevillearts.com/grantsresources.html

Tags: Arts Council, North Carolina, arts education, apply grants, artists arts, arts organizations, Arts Science

Southern Rustic Decor

Rustic wooden pieces of furniture complement the southern rustic style

The southern rustic decorating style is about connecting with the outdoors and southern living. Think mountain cabins with earth-tone colors, timber beams across the ceiling and a dining room table of wooden planks with accompanying benches. Use lots of textured items such as rag area rugs, patchwork quilts and animal hides. Does this Spark an idea?

Southern Rustic Furniture

Southern rustic furniture pieces may or not be hand-made and typically reflect Mission or Adirondack styles. Types of woods used for this style of furniture include Eastern red cedar and cypress, oak and Georgia pine. Typical pieces include beds, dressers, tables, chests, rocking chairs, patio furniture and shelving units. Antique barn wood is sometime used for furniture. Rustic furniture is often primitive and unupholstered with rough finishes.

Colors

Colors such as terracotta, browns, yellows and darker reds are typical of the southern rustic style for wall color choices. Wood stains may include whitewash, natural, golden oak or antique cherry for furniture pieces or flooring. The "distressed" look is popular on indoor or outdoor furniture and accessories to create an aged look with layers of various paint colors.

Window Treatments

Complete your southern rustic look in any room using rustic curtains or valances. Consider window treatments with pictures of bears, bison, bronco riders, horses, deer, log cabins or deer/elk. Alternatively, use solid colors and materials for drapes such as black suede, a Cheyenne valance, a Laredo valance with Texas stars on it or faux leather curtains.

Accents

Accents to complement the southern rustic decor style in your home may include a horseshoe mirror, a cowboy cactus wall hanger or an end table consisting of a stallion raised up on its hind legs with a round, glass top. Other options to complete your look include a western boot planter, plates with wild horses, eagle decor and wildlife or desert scenes. Alternatively, you may wish to feature country accents such as barn stars, Americana pieces and folk art.

Tags: southern rustic, complement southern, complement southern rustic, furniture pieces, rustic style, southern rustic, southern rustic style

Soil Types In California

Perform a soil test before you plant.

There are various soil types found all over California. American Organics explains the process of soil development as a combination of environmental factors: weathered rock, volcanic ash and plant residues all combine to develop a particular soil type. Unless your soil already contains lots of organic matter, chances are you will have to amend it prior to beginning a garden. Contact your local county extension office for information on soil testing services. Does this Spark an idea?

Sandy Soils

Sandy soil requires the addition of organic matter.

Sandy soils are found near and around the mountain foothills, along rivers and streams, and in certain coastal areas. Sand is light and free draining, but has very little organic content and holds water poorly. Sandy soils will have to be amended with organic material, like compost. Its composition is 80 percent to 100 percent sand, 0 percent to 10 percent silt and 0 percent to 10 percent clay.

Loam Soils

Loam can be found in valleys and flat areas, such as flood plains surrounding rivers and streams. The term loam refers to soil with a favorable mix of sand and clay. It is relatively fertile and holds moisture well, but loam soils may require the addition of organic matter. Loam's composition is 25 percent to 50 percent sand, 30 percent to 50 percent silt and 10 percent to 30 percent clay by volume.

Clay Soils

Clay soil does not hold water well.

Clay soils are commonly found in urban areas where soil fills have been used "to establish grade in subdivisions and developments," according to Rain.org. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that because of its low mineral content, shifty clay soils contribute to high levels of shaking during earthquakes. Clay is not free draining and allows large amounts of runoff. It is also heavy and difficult to work when dry.

Tags: percent percent, organic matter, addition organic, addition organic matter, composition percent, composition percent percent

Increase Your Charm In Stick Rpg 2

Stick RPG 2 is a free Internet role playing game.

Stick RPG 2 is the sequel to the popular 2003 Internet role-playing game Stick RPG. Players first create a customized stick-man character and then complete missions and make money as they progress through the non-linear game world. A major component of the game is character stats, which include strength, intelligence and charisma -- or charm. To raise these stats players must spend their time doing specific activities that level up each individual attribute.

Instructions

1. Go to the Stick RPG 2 webpage (xgenstudios.com/game.php?keyword=stick-rpg-2) on the Xgen Studios website. The game will load in your Web browser.

2. Click "New Game" and customize your stick-man character. Then click "Go" in the bottom right corner to begin the game.

3. Walk to the bar -- identified by the building with the orange stick-man laying against it -- and drink a beer. This will increase your charm by one point. You can also smoke a cigarette to increase your charm one point, however this will lower your health as well.

4. Get a job or complete a mission if you're eager to increase your charm faster. Jobs and missions get you money, which can be used to drink or smoke large amounts.

5. Invest in real estate. Once you have some cash flow and are able to buy houses and furniture you'll be able to increase your charm much faster. Many types of furniture and home accessories increase your stats with use. Go to the furniture store and read the descriptions on the items to find out which best increases your charm.

Tags: increase your, increase your charm, your charm, charm point, game Stick, stick-man character

Paint Southwest Furniture

In Soputhwestern painting, the blue of the turquoise stone is often contrasted with the desert earth colors.

The colors of the Southwest reflect the colors of the dry earth and the deep clear blue sky that is so prevalent most of the time in the area. This palette has become highly developed in such style-conscious towns as Santa Fe and Sedona, where anything from tennis shoes to beach towels can reflect the popular array of colors. Manufacturers of house paint are also aware of the stylish colors and so nowadays someone painting a piece of furniture in New England, can emulate the desert hues of Arizona. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

The Prep

1. Prepare the wood for the primer coat of paint. Wash, sand and scrub as needed until the wood surface is clean and smooth.

2. Paint the wood with a good-quality acrylic-latex sealer-primer paint. Apply the paint with a 3-inch polyester brush and make sure the paint covers the wood with one evenly applied coat.

3. Let the primer dry for at least 24 hours before beginning with the top coat.

Painting the Furniture

4. Choose a turquoise blue and several earth colors as your basic paint colors.

5. Choose one of the earth colors to completely cover the piece of furniture. The wood should be painted evenly with smooth and steady brush strokes.

6. Choose a second earth color, close in tone to the first. Use the second color to create a striped pattern to the painted surface. Often the most successful looking designs occur when these colors are close together on the color wheel. If desired, a third color can be chosen to add to the effect. It too should be like the first two colors.

7. Take the deep blue turquoise ( a forest green can also work) and use this color to create a decorative pattern to accent the paint job. Simple geometric shapes such as squares or triangles work fine or you can use icons of the region. This might include arrowheads, wagon wheels or maybe a Navajo zigzag pattern. You can apply the paint freehand or cut the pattern into a small sheet of acetate and then move the design around the furniture.

Tags: earth colors, blue turquoise, color create, piece furniture, wood with

Top Ten Luxury Hotels In San Francisco

San Francisco is California's most cosmopolitan city.

Founded in 1774 by a decree from Viceroy Bucareli in Mexico City, San Francisco would see very little growth until gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in 1848. San Francisco's population exploded with the news of the discovery at Sutter's Mill. Hotels, saloons, mercantile and banks appeared overnight. From this Wild West beginning, San Francisco has grown to become California's most cosmopolitan city. Luxury hotels abound in The City yet some consistently outshine the others. Gayot and Condè Nast Traveler have selected these hotels as the city's best. All of these hotels are family- and physically challenged individual-friendly. Please confirm pet accommodations prior to booking.

Campton Place

Campton Place is one of San Francisco's best known luxury hotels. Recent renovations include soaking tubs, Bose sound system/clocks sport surround sound, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. The on-site fitness terrace and full-service spa feature state-of-the-art equipment and personalize service. Campton Place restaurant offers Eastern Indian fusion cuisine along with an extensive wine list.

Campton Place

340 Stockton St.

San Francisco, CA 94108

415-781-5555

866-332-1670

tajhotels.com

The Fairmont San Francisco

One of the few buildings that survived the 1906 earthquake and the site of the international conference that led to the birth of the United Nations, the Fairmont is a true San Francisco landmark. Guest rooms in the older section are a bit more spacious. Each of its 591 rooms offers Frette linens, flat-screen TVs and iHome alarm clocks. The hotel has two restaurants and a full service spa.

The Fairmont San Francisco

950 Mason St.

San Francisco, CA 94108

415-772-5000

800-257-7544

fairmont.com

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

A modern Yerba Buena tower, the Four Seasons has an extensive collection of works from local artists that compliments its contemporary décor. Diners enjoy California-style cuisine with a French flair at the season restaurant. The Spa, located at the on-site Sports Club/LA, offers an array of full-service options. Guest room amenities include flat-screen TVs, CD player, iHome alarm clocks, soaking tub and separate shower.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

57 Market St.

San Francisco, CA 94103

800-332-3442

415-633-3000

fourseasons.com

The Huntington Hotel & Nob Hill Spa

Designed by Charles Gruwell and Anne Marie Delgado, the décor is elegantly contemporary with the 136 guest rooms furnished with antiques, objets d'art and original paintings. Amenities include deep soaking tubs and separate shower, flat-screen TVs, and iPod digital clock stereo system with AM-FM radio.

The Huntington Hotel & Nob Hill Spa

1075 California St.

San Francisco, CA 94108

415-474-5400

800-227-4683

huntingtonhotel.com

InterContinental San Francisco

Adjacent to the Moscone Center you'll find the recently opened InterContinental San Francisco. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are decorated in wood and marble and have large working areas, flat screen TVs, Wi-Fi and floor to ceiling windows with views of the San Francisco skyline. The 24-hour health-club has an indoor lap pool along with state-of-the-art equipment.

InterContinental San Francisco

888 Howard St.

San Francisco, CA 94103

415-616-6500

888-811-4273

intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com

JW Marriott Hotel San Francisco

Designed and built by John Portman, the JW Marriott Hotel has contemporary-classical architectural details with arches, recesses and expanses of marble. Guest rooms feature custom-designed furniture, Bose radios, WiFi, LCD flat-screen TVs, extra-large bathrooms with all-marble surfaces and a separate tub-shower. The recently opened Level III restaurant features contemporary Californian cuisine.

JW Marriott Hotel San Francisco

500 Post St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

415-771-8600

800-327-8585

jwmarriottunionsquare.com

Mandarin Oriental San Francisco

Occupying the top 11 floors of a commercial building, the 161 guest rooms have an unobstructed view of the city and portions of San Francisco Bay. Rooms are decorated in sage and crimson to gold and cream, and include artworks, fabrics and silk-covered headboards. Amenities include CD player, Wi-Fi, large soaking bath with separate shower and 24-hour room service.

Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco

222 Sansome St.

San Francisco,CA 94102

800-622-0404

415-276-9600

mandarinoriental.com

Omni San Francisco Hotel

This 1926 Florentine Renaissance-style hotel features classic décor, ornate crown moldings and public areas with city views. The guest rooms feature high ceilings, classic '20s décor and marble bathrooms along with LCD TVs and luxury bedding. There is a fitness center as well as Get Fit Kits for guests who prefer to workout in the privacy of their own rooms.

Omni San Francisco Hotel

500 California St

San Francisco, CA 94104

415-677-9494

omnihotels.com

Ritz-Carlton San Francisco

Traditional mahogany, walnut and rosewood décor compliments the collection of original works by local artists. Guest rooms feature LCD flat-panel TVs with dual speakers, DVD/CD player, iPod docking station, Italian marble bathrooms, Frette linens and in-room gourmet coffee and tea.

Ritz-Carlton San Francisco

600 Stockton St.

San Francisco, CA 94104

415-296-7465

ritzcarlton.com

The St. Regis San Francisco

Housed in the historic, early 20th century Williams building and a new 40-story tower, the St. Regis features two restaurants, a full-service spa, a fitness center and a lap pool. Guest room amenities include 42-inch recessed plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, soaking baths and views of San Francisco Bay.

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The St. Regis San Francisco

125 Third St.

San Francisco, CA 94103

415-284-4000

starwoodhotels.com

Tags: Campton Place, Hotel Francisco, along with, Four Seasons, Francisco 94103

Diy Miniature Furniture

Miniature chair typical of dollhouse furniture.

Miniature furniture, typically intended for a dollhouse, can range from simple cardboard to intricately crafted mahogany wood. For a child, almost anything can represent something else, so even common materials can become pieces of furniture. Try a few tips and ideas to make crafting doll furniture easier.

Instructions

1. Remove the lid of a jewelry box that is large enough for a doll bed. Cut foam or quilt batting to make a mattress to fit inside the box. Cover the mattress with fabric scraps. Make little pillows by sewing small rectangles together, stuffing them with batting and sewing along the edges with a needle and thread.

2. Paint a wire spool to create a pedestal table. Select smaller thread spools as stools. Use a child safe acrylic paint so that they coordinate. Make small stool pillows out of cosmetic puffs. Glue the pillows to the top of the stools.

3. Bend thick wire in a spiral to make a chair seat. Add curved legs by shaping the front legs on one piece of wire that you bend in half and twist for strength. Twist and glue the wire to the front of the spiral seat. Make the back legs and seat back frame from one larger piece of wire that you bend in half and twist. Attach it by twisting and gluing. Add pieces of wire for the seat back design.

4. Download plans for simple wood and cardboard furniture. Cut out the pieces as directed in the plans and glue the ends together. There are plans for cardboard living room furniture, outdoor beach furniture in wood, mission style furniture and modern pieces. Decorate your furniture with paint, glued fabrics, contact paper that looks like wood, beads and other trims.

Tags: bend half, bend half twist, half twist, piece wire, piece wire that, seat back

Different Ideas For Decorating Your House In A Western Theme

Western decor blends form and function.

A Western-themed home can be warm and inviting, with a rustic charm. But many homeowners haphazardly acquire items without creating a design plan, which can easily overwhelm the space. Choose a focal point for each room and limit additional items to those that blend harmoniously with that focal point. Whenever possible, purchase vintage or thrift store items rather than new replica pieces. If you are reasonably crafty, consider making some simple pieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Living Areas

A wide-open living room, den, family room or other living space can accommodate multiple Western-themed items. Choose a rustic paint scheme in Southwestern colors such as terra cotta or sky blue. Select simple, functional items such as a simple wood-frame sofa, wagon wheel table and distressed wooden chairs. Accent pieces run the gamut from Native American pottery to lariats and antique firearms.

Bedrooms

Authentic Old West beds are extremely uncomfortable by modern standards, consisting of straw-stuffed mattresses on top of rough rope frames. Simulate the look by hiding a new mattress and box spring in a rustic, hand-carved bed frame. A country quilt completes the look. Choose simple wooden dressers, book cases and other furnishings. A pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat artfully placed in the corner adds authenticity. Consider hanging a Native American dream catcher over or near the bed.

Kitchen

Western kitchens typically blend form and function. Choose a mission-style or butcher block table with bench seating or rustic high-back chairs. Hide your modern appliances in custom cabinets. Choose pine or another inexpensive wood for cabinetry, and consider using wood stain rather than paint. Hang copper pots on an open rack if you have enough room.

Exterior

Create a Western backyard garden with plants native to the Southwest. Cacti create an immediate focal point, but be careful not to overwhelm the garden. Yucca, autumn sage and red hyssop are tough plants that can survive in a variety of climates. Simple log benches, a tire swing and a campfire pit complete the look of a Western garden.

Tags: focal point, form function, Native American, rather than

Amish Cabins In West Virginia

Cabin living appeals to those who desire a relaxing environment.

The Amish lifestyle has its appealing attributes, as it is slower, less stressful and more peaceful than city life. In West Virginia, you can get a taste of the Amish experience by staying in an Amish cabin. There are a few vacation spots that specifically offer Amish cabins for lodging, but other cabin rental services can also provide an Amish cabin experience.

Cantrell's Amish Cabins

If you choose to vacation with Cantrell's Ultimate Rafting, you have the option of lodging within either the standard or deluxe Amish cabin. The deluxe cabin sleeps seven, with a loft sleeping five in twin and full beds. Linens, pillows and towels are not provided, and there is no phone or television available. The cabin does have air conditioning and comes furnished. As of 2010, the price for this cabin was $120 per night.

The basic Amish cabin sleeps up to eight people. Each cabin sleeps six on the main floor with a loft for two. These cabins are equipped with electricity, but there is no running water or air conditioning. There are bath facilities available within a short walk from the cabin. Again, linens, pillows or towels are not provided. Both cabins are pet friendly for an additional fee. As of 2010, these cabins cost $15 per person.

Cantrell's Ultimate Rafting

Gatewood Road

Fayetteville, WV 25840

304-574-2500

ultimaterafting.com

Big Earl's Campground

For another vacation spot, the Amish cabins available at Big Earl's Campground sleep four people and have a full porch. There is heat and air conditioning, as well as a refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot. In addition, there is a kitchen sink, commode and lavatory within each cabin. Each cabin is fully furnished with Amish-built furniture, hardwood floors and ceiling fans. Sheets and pillows are available. As of 2010, the rate for an Amish cabin was $100 for the first night, and $75 for each additional night. Also, a $100 deposit was required per cabin.

Big Earl's Campground

182 Adams Road

Julian, WV 25529

304-369-1290

bigearlscampground.com

Hemlock Cabins New River Gorge

The basic cabins provided by Hemlock Cabins are similar to the Amish experience. In a 20-by-16 cabin with a 4-foot covered porch, you can choose from either four twin or twin bunk beds or two double beds and two twin bunk beds. Linens and blankets are not included. There is a central, shared bath house, so there is no running water within your cabin; however, electricity is included. These cabins sleep eight people, and as of 2010 cost $109 for four people, with an added $20 per night for each additional guest.

Hemlock Cabins New River Gorge

Ames Heights Road

Lansing, WV 25862-0078

adventurewestvirginia.com

800-252-7784

Tags: Amish cabin, cabin sleeps, Earl Campground, Hemlock Cabins, Amish cabins, Amish experience, beds Linens

Shopmade Woodworking Tools

Use dense hard woods for parts of tools that receive a lot of wear, like the bottom of hand planes.

There is nearly no limit to the types of woodworking tools you can make in your own shop, depending on your skills and the tools you already have. Projects for beginners can include push sticks for table saws, wooden mallets, and sawhorses. Many tools requiring motors and metal components can be made in your own shop by buying the parts you cannot make yourself and building your own tools from these parts.

Push Stick

A push stick is used to keep fingers clear of a moving table saw blade. To make a push stick, cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to a size of 12 inches by 6 inches using a jig saw. Make a handle by cutting a curve in the top front of the stick, arching up towards the back, so it resembles a shoe. Then cut 1/2 inch from the bottom, leaving a 2-inch-wide lip at the back. To use it, put the stick flat on the wood being cut, with the lip over the corner, and push.

Wooden Mallets

Wooden mallets can be made by using 3/4-inch pieces of wood. Cut a handle to a length of 11 inches and a width of 1 inch. Assemble a head by gluing and clamping two short pieces, 2 1/4 by 1 1/4 inches each, to opposite sides on one end of the handle. When the glue is dry, glue two larger pieces, 2 1/4 by 3 1/2 inches, over the sides of the head to complete a square head. Use a metal file or sandpaper to round off the corners of the handle.

Hand Planes

Many woodworkers enjoy building their own hand planes from kits. These come with the required metal pieces, like the iron (cutting blade) and screws, as well as the design plans to make the wood body yourself. For beginners, other kits come with the wood already cut and drilled, so you only need to assemble, sand and finish it. As with the woods for any of your tools, select dense, hard woods for the parts that will receive a lot of wear, like the sole, or bottom, of the plane.

Pipe Clamps

Not all shop-made woodworking tools are made from wood. Pipe clamps are a useful tool for clamping large sections of glued wood together, like table tops. They cannot be purchased pre-made, but the components can be found at most building supply stores, then assembled in your shop. You will need two clamp heads and one length of threaded steel pipe for each clamp. Simply screw one clamp head to each end of the pipe. Pipes 6 feet in length are usually long enough for most projects. The clamps can be removed and placed on longer or shorter pipes as needed.

Tags: your shop, come with, dense hard, dense hard woods, hard woods, hard woods parts, pieces inches

Mission Style Exterior Colors

Natural colors make Mission-style architecture harmonize with nature.

Mission style became popular in the early part of the 20th century in the warmer climates of the southwest, the California coast and Florida. It drew its characteristics from the Franciscan Spanish missions that dotted the regions. The Santa Fe and Southern Pacific railroads adopted the style for their train stations. The 1893 Chicago World's Fair, which encouraged historical interpretations, boosted its growing popularity in the region. As part of the Arts and Crafts movement, Mission style valued simple lines, natural materials and fine craftsmanship with many built-ins. Clay tile floors offered cooling relief from summer heat. Smooth stucco walls and low pitched or flat tile roofs, half-round windows, doorways and arches, occasional towers and roof parapets are architectural features that became fashionable across the country, from West to East, and remain well liked. Does this Spark an idea?

Walls

Medium-toned smooth stucco walls are colored in medium terra-cotta pink.

Classic Mission-style smooth stucco wall colors are various natural warm-toned tints, ranging from deep terra-cotta red, to medium coral, to pale orange sherbet to vanilla cream white. Occasionally, stone-colored grays and true white appear. Textured treatments of the stucco emerge in later modifications of the classic style.

Trim

Azure blue window panes accent a pale pink stucco wall.

Mission-style trim colors are frequently a lighter tint of a dark wall color or a deeper tone of a light wall color. These colors accent window arches and window recesses. Sometimes contrasting colors are introduced, especially on windowpanes, in tones like azure blue, sage green or stone gray.

Roofs

Tile roofs add rich color and finely crafted detail to the Mission style.

Mission-style exterior roofs are composed of ceramic tiles nearly always glazed in a terra-cotta red, or some tint of that color. These color tones are consistent with Mission style's preference for simple colors drawn from natural materials, in this case, red earth. The intricacies of the applied tiles also reflect Mission-style respect for fine craftsmanship.

Wood, Tile and Iron Accents

A heavy arched wooden door in a pale pink stucco wall demonstrates a classic Mission-style color palette.

Exposed rafters, and heavy wood doors add the darkest tones to the Mission-style palette. Brick accents and tile mosaic accents in the walls bejewel the understated simplicity of the style. Ceramic tile floors sometimes add color accents, but may also be neutrally toned. Ornate ironwork accents on balconies and windows in pure black or deep tones of green or gray add decorative interest on some buildings.

Tags: stucco wall, color These, fine craftsmanship, Mission style, Mission style

Mix Furniture Styles

Mixing furniture styles is tricky but worth the payoff.

Confining your decor to a particular period or style can feel restrictive and stuffy, but freely mixing styles poses a number of unique design problems. Putting together tables, chairs, cabinets, beds and other pieces from different cultures, times and places while still managing to make your design look unified and artistic takes patience and the willingness to experiment until you get things right. When you finally manage to make your antique items harmonize with your modernist additions, it will all be worth the effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unify furniture by theme. Often, different styles will have similar design characteristics which can make them fit together. For example, art nouveau furniture often features ornate designs taken from nature, something which it shares with a lot of classical Oriental furniture. Place an art deco coffee table near an Oriental cabinet, and put up ornate pencil drawings or paintings of birds or trees to help unify the nature theme.

2. Put furniture pieces with similar sizes or proportions in the same room. Low-slung chairs and tables from a variety of styles, combined with short, squat lamps will look good in a room together, since they will create a unified feeling. Similarly, tall, narrow chairs, high tables and cabinets and towering floor lamps will fit together in a high-ceiling room even if they are from a variety of different periods.

3. Combine pieces with the same or complementary colors, or reupholster some items to make them work with others. Combine Shaker, mission and other wooden furniture with similar wood tones. Use colorful throws and pillows with a backdrop of blankets and tapestries on the walls to unite couches and love seats from different styles.

4. Arrange your furniture in patterns to make it look intentional and not thrown together. For example, a mission table with one acrylic chair pulled up to it might look odd and sloppy. Put a number of acrylic chairs around it, however, and it will look like a bold and unconventional design.

Tags: different styles, from different, from variety, lamps will, make them, make your, pieces with

What Is A Craftsman Chair

A Craftsman chair is simple yet sturdy and made for relaxing. The chairs, along with other similarly styled furnishings, were made to complement the popular Craftsman-style homes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The style of the chairs is not outdated, as they fit into modern settings quite well. Their simple structure and comfortable cushions are still appreciated today. Does this Spark an idea?

History of the Craftsman Chair

During the Arts and Crafts movement of 1875 to 1920, Craftsman-style furniture emerged. Gustav Stickley designed much of the furnishings to complement Craftsman homes. His Craftsman chairs became quite popular, and many furniture producers began imitating the style. Mass production allowed for the production of numerous craftsman chairs. Mass production allowed for chairs that were simple and affordable. The movement emphasized artistic ventures, so many furniture designers attempted to create the chairs according to their own artistic desires. Although the Arts and Crafts movement emphasized hand-made over machine made, many of the craftsman chairs were created with the help of machines anyway.

Stickley and the Craftsman Name

Gustav Stickley chose the name "Craftsman" for his Arts-and-Crafts-style furniture. He began forming the Craftsman chair in 1909, but he created its final form and completed it in 1910.

Craftsman Chair Characteristics

The wooden Craftsman chair is stripped down to a basic cubic structure. Excessive curvature or designs are deemed unnecessary. The chair is characterized by straight lines, flat planes and a sturdy build. Wide slats make up the sides and back of the chair. The back is gently reclined and the arms slightly slope. Craftsman chairs are either upholstered or include chair cushions, often in a soft leather or sheepskin fabric.

Modern Settings

Although Craftsman chairs were created for homes in the early 20th century, the style is fitting for many d cor styles today. The basic form complements minimalist design and modern settings. Place the chairs in a living room or sun room and upholster them in a fabric that complements your d cor.

Tags: Arts Crafts, Arts Crafts movement, chairs were, chairs were created, Crafts movement, Craftsman Chair

Donate Office Furniture & Appliances

Used appliances and furniture are great items to donate and are much needed by some organizations.

Donating your used furniture and appliances is not only the environmentally responsible thing to do, it also keeps the unwanted clutter in your house at bay. Organizations that take the unwanted items that you have lying around will sell them at a discounted price to people who cannot buy them new. Sometimes these places donate the items again to organizations that need them badly for the unfortunate. Whether you are remodeling the kitchen or simply updating a room in your house, think about donating the appliances and furniture before they end up in a landfill. Places and ways to donate your used items are numerous and the value of the donated items can be taken as a tax deduction with the proper paperwork.

Instructions

1. Do your research. Get out the phone book and find the numbers of thrift stores, such as Goodwill Industries, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity Restores or Turning Point for Women. If you have access to the Internet, type " donation sites" and your city or county into a search engine. Schools, churches, homeless facilities or orphanages may be in great need of any donated appliances or furniture. Look for charities that you would like to contribute to. Some may be looking for the things that you have to donate. Spend time looking through the options and making a list of places that interest you and support your worldviews.

2. Check requirements. For instance, some places require that the furniture and appliances be clean and in working order. Others will take whatever is donated. Some places need the items to come from a nonsmoking household, and some prefer things that come from a pet-free environment. Larger commercialized organizations such as Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity have trucks and pickup staff who will gladly come to your house or specified site to load and carry away the items. Smaller organizations, such as orphanages or women's centers, may need the items dropped off at their locations. Research these requirements as well. If you do not have a way to transport your items, evaluate your situation before promising to donate them.

3. Call the places on your list and discuss options. Ask questions like," What will the items that I am donating be used for?" or " If you sell these items, how will the profits be used?" See if the place or organization has a pickup staff or if you are responsible for dropping off your items. Schedule a time for pickup or drop-off according to your findings.

4. Get a receipt. Many charitable donations are tax-deductible. If you have a signed receipt for the items that you have donated, the discounted value can be taken off as a deduction when tax time rolls around. Place the receipt in a labeled envelope for use at tax time. In some instances, the deduction is greater than what a personal auction or yard sale would have fetched. The results of donating your unwanted appliances and furniture are heartwarming as well as environmentally responsible. You can rest easy knowing that your items are being used and have been given a new life and purpose by people who really need them, instead of rotting in a landfill or junkyard.

Tags: appliances furniture, items that, that have, your house, your items

Segway Tours In San Antonio Texas

The six flags over Texas are displayed in San Antonio.

Segway tours are a safe, feet-friendly way to tour San Antonio, Texas. Participants can explore the Alamo, the River Walk, Hemisphere Park, the King William Historic District and La Villita Historic Arts Village from the comfort and style of a two-wheeled motorized Segway--without the worry of parking. Does this Spark an idea?

SegCity Segway Tours

SegCity is the largest Segway tour provider in San Antonio and features five levels of tours, ranging from one to 2 1/2 hours. Early morning breakfast tours and night tours are also available.

SegCity

124 Losoya St.

San Antonio, TX 78205

210-224-0773

segcity.com/sanantonio

Mission City Segways

Mission City Segway Tours offer three levels of tours, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. Visits to popular attractions and historic districts are included. Tours are run by San Antonio guides and the business is locally owned and operated.

Mission City Segways

207 Alamo Plaza

San Antonio, TX 78205

210-384-2928

missioncitysegways.com

Rivercity Segway Tours

Rivercity Segway Tours offer two levels of tours, ranging from 30 minutes to one hour and features smaller, more intimate groups of five. The company emails pictures of the experience to participants.

Rivercity Segway Tours

210-260-4513

rivercitysegwaytours.com

Tags: Segway Tours, levels tours, levels tours ranging, Mission City, ranging from, Rivercity Segway

Reupholster A Mission Chair Seat

Reupholster your mission chair seat

It's easy to reupholster a mission style chair seat. A mission style chair has basic square corners with drop-in seats. The straightforward box style design hides the tuck and folds of the material. Mission style chair seats often have Naugahyde upholstery, which is vinyl with a simulated leather look. Naugahyde is easy to work with as it holds and grips when stretched without any loose threads. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay the chair upside down and find the seat mounting screws; there should be approximately 2 screws on each side of the bottom, going through braces and into the 3/4-inch plywood seat. Remove all the screws and drop the seat out through the arms of the chair.

2. Lay the seat upside down, and, using the staple puller, remove all the staples holding the old Naugahyde to the plywood. Remove any decorative brads from the front of the seat. Pull the Naugahyde from the seat, but don't remove the foam or deck pad.

3. Lay the old piece of Naugahyde on top the new 24 by 24-inch piece. Cut the new Naugahyde to the same size as the old piece with the scissors. Lay the seat foam side down on top the new piece of Naugahyde.

4. Apply as much downward pressure to the seat bottom as possible using the palm of one hand. With the other hand, stretch up one side of the Naugahyde and bend it over the plywood, pulling it toward the center. Pick up the stapler with the hand you used for pressure, and staple the Naugahyde where you stretched it. Move to the opposite side of the seat, pull up the Naugahyde, bend it over toward the first piece as far as it will go and staple it. Work your way all around the seat with both hands stretching and applying pressure on all four sides.

5. Pull the Naugahyde from each corner diagonally across as far as it will go, pulling out all the slack. Staple the corner. Pull on the opposite corner diagonally, staple it. Do all four corners. All four corners should be pointing across to the opposite corner.

6. Tuck, fold and staple all the loose edges and corners of the Naugahyde on the bottom of the seat, until it is relatively flush across the bottom.

7. Drop the seat back in the chair and screw it back on using the same screw holes and screws. Nail the decorative brass brads back along the front of the seat between the legs.

Tags: chair seat, piece Naugahyde, style chair, bend over, corner diagonally, four corners

Start A Clothing Line The Complete Guide

Creating your own clothing line will allow you to express your love for fashion on a grander scale.

Starting a clothing line from home or partnering with an existing company is challenging but can also be extremely creatively rewarding. Creating a clothing line does not only consist of thinking of designs and slogans for clothes but also requires extensive knowledge about the inventory you plan to use along with the overall financial information and planning for the clothing line.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm ideas for your own clothing line. Include information on the type of clothing you would like to produce, your target age group and demographic as well as the pricing you plan to sell your clothes for.

2. Gather your clothing designs, sketches or create your own using proper measurements and notes for fabric, sizes of accessories (such as buttons or zippers) as well as specific colors for the garments you would like produced.

3. Create a logo, slogan and overall mission and objective for your clothing company. If your clothing line is to promote peace or happiness in the community, its mission statement should also correspond.

4. Determine your clothing line's start up budget as well as the total costs you plan to spend on material versus the profit you expect to gain. Although this will be an estimate in the beginning, it will help when purchasing clothing, materials and services to help promote and market your line.

5. Register your clothing line as a business (to easily manage your business earnings as opposed to your personal earnings), whether you are a sole-proprietor or wishing to operate as a corporation, s-corp or LLC. Each type of business varies with the responsibilities financially and legally--consulting a lawyer or business consultant will help to guide you with choosing the proper formation of business for your line.

6. Browse and locate the wholesaler or clothing designer you would like to have produce and create your clothing line. Various online websites such as Wholesale Fashion Square (wholesalefashionsquare.com), Prime Time Clothing (primetimeclothing.com), Apparel Showroom (apparelshowroom.com) or Off Price Fashion (offpricefashion.com) give users the ability to purchase blank or basic clothing in bulk--as well as fully printed and ready for sale clothing. Visit local clothing and fashion outlets as well as print and design shops to inquire about custom clothing and ordering prices. Compare prices by checking different resources before purchasing the clothing you would like to sell.

7. Purchase the clothing and accessories you would like for your clothing line and create an inventory list to help manage your stock, sales and profits. Keeping track of your financial progress will determine your overall success and future business plan.

8. Sell your clothing line's items using local craft fairs or consigning locally with a resale or craft shop (each store's policy varies--it is best to call ahead of time). Alternatively, use social media to help promote your clothing by updating messages, creating an online store and sharing media and information on your clothing line and its pricing.

Tags: your clothing, your clothing line, clothing line, would like, clothing line, clothing would, clothing would like

Diy Build Your Own Living Room Furniture

Build your own living room furniture for the fun of it.

You can build your own living room furniture that is functional, playful and hip, using the method that's best for your skill level and the time and money you want to invest. Choose an upholstery-heavy project like a footstool to show off your fine embroidery skills, a happening side table made of repurposed orange crates if you like the idea of free materials, or modernist chairs made by tweaking free woodworking patterns you can find online if you are a woodworker -- or want to learn be one. Consider DIY ideas for building your own living room furniture, pick one to cut your teeth on and get cracking to create a room of handcrafted seats and tables your guests may never want to leave. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make living room furniture from cardboard boxes. Artist collectives like the Paris-based Cartonnistes offer classes and videos with instructions for crafting dressers, chairs, tables and shelving from old boxes. It is a step above using your moving box as a coffee table -- these pieces require the use of a utility knife, craft glue and paint -- but the results can be as playful as you imagine. And experimenting with cardboard is much less time-consuming, expensive and forgiving than designing with wood.

2. Find free living room furniture woodworking patterns online. Peruse options ranging from modernist chairs to open shelving, and select one that appeals to you. Choose a project that is just beyond your existing skill level if you want to learn something new, or something you can knock out in a few hours if you want to focus on finishing touches, like a detailed paint job and hand-carved drawer pulls. Free patterns for footstools and foam cube chairs are also floating around out there; seamstresses can create a whole living room filled with cushy furniture without lifting a hammer.

3. If you see a piece of furniture you like, but you can't afford it or it isn't for sale, keep an eye out for pieces with similar bones -- that is, furniture of a similar shape and style -- that you can modify to make your own. For instance, that wooden side table heavily embellished with mosaic and gold claw feet you glimpsed in the Barcelona youth hostel might not be in every furniture store, but you can probably find a table of the right size at a thrift shop near you. Take it home, artfully paint its feet with cartoon-y claws, and cover it in a stained glass mosaic worthy of Gaudi. This might not be building your design from the ground up, but after all, it's the personal details that make your living room furniture your own.

Tags: living room, living room furniture, room furniture, your living, building your

Arrange Furniture In A Rectangular Home

The fireplace is often a focal point in a room.

Rectangular homes are often filled with rooms that have long, narrow spaces. Arranging your furniture so that it is both aesthetically pleasing and functional is not a complicated process. You must first consider how the room will be used. For instance, if a dining room serves as an office space most of the time and you only clear it out for dinner parties, then functionality is a must in this room. Other guidelines include how many people will use the room at one time and what you like and dislike about the furniture placement now. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look at the entire room and decide what the focal point is -- the area where you want eyes to flow to when a person enters the room. Often, the focal point of a living room area is a fireplace, entertainment center that holds a TV or a window with a view. In bedrooms, the focal point is typically the bed or an ornate headboard.

2. Position the focal point along a short wall of the long, narrow room. If the fireplace is built-in on a long wall and it is your focal point, place the furniture so that it creates an attractive U-shape around the fireplace. This creates the look of a separate seating area.

3. Place the largest piece of furniture along the short wall of the space opposite the focal point. Remember that you do not have to position furniture within a few inches of the wall, especially if the focal point is many feet away from the opposite wall. If this is the case, leave 3 or 4 feet behind the sofa to create another walkway. For bedrooms, place the bed along the short wall opposite attractive artwork or a tall piece of furniture.

4. Set other furnishings around the focal point in a U-shape. You can choose to have them directly facing the focal point or angled toward it.

5. Create separate sitting areas if the room is very long or is a rectangle shape. For instance, an upholstered chair with a small, round table beside it creates a reading area or a place to enjoy your morning coffee in a bedroom. In a long, narrow living room area, you can set up a small table and chairs for family members to play games or work on puzzles together. Another idea is to place occasional chairs opposite each other with a coffee table in between. This creates a space for children or teen's to entertain their friends, yet gives a feeling of intimacy and privacy to the area.

6. Anchor each separate sitting area with a rug to make it seem more like a separate space.

7. Place table or floor lamps in each furniture grouping in a triangular or three-point shape. This allows the light to filter throughout the entire space.

Tags: focal point, along short, along short wall, long narrow, short wall, furniture that

Get A Green Couch In Club Penguin

Get a green couch for your igloo in Club Penguin.

Club Penguin is a virtual online community designed to be a safe entertainment place for children. There are two membership options: free and paid. Penguins with a paid membership are able to make purchases from the Club Penguin catalog. Items available for purchase include a variety of clothing and igloo furniture and décor. One furniture item available for purchase is the Club Penguin green couch, which is a popular item with many penguins.

Instructions

1. Visit clubpenguin.com (see Resources). Click "Create a New Penguin" if this is your first visit. Proceed through the website instructions for choosing a penguin name and then purchase the membership you desire, choosing between a monthly, biannual or annual membership. Log in to your account after purchasing your membership.

Click "Start" to log in to your account if you already have a paid membership.

2. Click "Play Now" and choose a server from the list of available servers. Look for a server with fewer penguins playing to make your playing experience faster.

3. Select the "Mine Shaft" icon from the map by clicking it. Enter the mine shaft by clicking the entrance. Click on the shaft carts to make your penguin play the cart surfing game. Click the "Play" button to begin. Use the space bar and the arrow buttons to make your penguin do tricks and flips while the mine cart is traveling through the shaft. Earn coins for making purchases with every trick. When the game is finished, a window will appear to tell you how many coins you earned. Try to earn at least 300 coins to have enough money to purchase your green couch.

4. Click on the "house" icon at the bottom of the screen to visit your penguin's igloo.

5. Find the tape measure at the bottom right corner of the screen and click on it to "Edit Igloo." Click on the "Better Igloos" catalog on the right side of the screen. Click the bottom corner of the front page of the catalog to open it. Click on additional page corners to turn the pages to browse through the catalog. Continue turning pages until you find the green couch.

6. Click on the yellow "Buy" button to purchase the couch. A window will appear to confirm your purchase desire. Select the "Yes" button to confirm.

7. Find the couch in your igloo inventory by clicking the brown cardboard box on the right side of the screen. Click on the chair icon to view the furniture. Find the green couch in the inventory of furniture you have in your igloo and click on it. The couch will arrive in a box in the middle of your igloo. Drag the couch to wherever you want it in your igloo.

8. Save your igloo by clicking the "Save Igloo" icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Tags: your igloo, Club Penguin, green couch, make your, your penguin, available purchase

San Diego Hotels With Jacuzzi

San Diego, California, is in the southern region of the state, and it offers chances for sailing and beach activities in the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. This city also features attractions, such as marine wildlife exhibits at Sea World and the Museum of Man in Balboa Park. Many of the San Diego's hotel have whirlpool tubs, which offers relaxation after a day of recreation and sightseeing.

Bahia Resort Hotel

The Bahia Resort Hotel is at the southern end of Mission Bay, and it is only a 10-minute drive from sailboat facilities at the Mission Bay Yacht Club. The hotel provides amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and hydro-therapy whirlpool tub, fitness room, tennis courts and an on-site restaurant, Cafe Bahia, that serves Mediterranean-style cuisine. The whirlpool tub accommodates up to 30 people. Cafe Bahia offers room service. The guest rooms have coffee makers, refrigerators, cable televisions and access to Wi-Fi Internet. Some of the suites have kitchenettes.

Bahia Resort Hotel

998 W. Mission Bay Dr.

San Diego, CA 92109

800-576-4229

bahiahotel.com

Best Western Blue Sea Lodge

Situated on the Pacific Coast, this Best Western is within walking distance of beach and surfing activities. The hotel is also 10-minute drive from the Sea World amusement park. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool tub overlooking the ocean, bicycle rentals, laundromat and business center with fax services. Complimentary access to Wi-Fi Internet is available throughout the hotel. Each guest room offers a refrigerator, coffee maker, satellite television and free bathrobes. Some of the rooms have views of the ocean.

Best Western Blue Sea Lodge

707 Pacific Beach Drive

San Diego, CA 92109

800-258-3732

bestwestern-bluesea.com

King's Inn

The King's Inn, located in San Diego's Mission Valley, offers amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool tub, laundromat, concierge desk and two on-site restaurants, Waffle Spot and Amigo Spot, that serve lunch and dinner. Waffle Spot also serves breakfast. The hotel's three meeting rooms accommodate up to 125 people for banquets and seminars. The guest rooms have satellite televisions, refrigerators, complimentary access to Wi-Fi Internet and private bathrooms. The hotel is only a 10-minute drive from Balboa Park, home of the Museum of Man and San Diego Zoo.

King's Inn

1333 Hotel Circle S.

San Diego, CA 92108

800-785-4647

kingsinnsandiego.com

San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

The Marriott in San Diego's Mission Valley is right off the Mission Valley Freeway, and it is less than 15 minutes from Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers football team. The hotel's amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool tub, fitness room, concierge desk, laundromat and an on-site restaurant, DEN, that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pets may stay for an extra fee. Each guest room has a cable television and private balcony, while some of the rooms have king-sized beds and living room areas.

San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

8757 Rio San Diego Dr.

San Diego, CA 92108

800-842-5329

marriott.com

Tags: Mission Valley, outdoor swimming, outdoor swimming pool, rooms have, swimming pool, 10-minute drive, 10-minute drive from

Set Up A Youth Group

A youth group helps foster a healthy, constructive atmosphere for young people who are 10 to 18 years of age. Youth groups are usually in impoverished areas and inner cities where the need is more acute. Youth groups provide counseling services and constructive activities. Here is how you can start a youth group in your neighborhood.

Instructions

1. Find somewhere to hold your youth meetings. If you can't afford to rent a building, try going to local churches with basements. Churches often loan out space for youth-related community projects, and some will even offer financial or other type of aid for your program.

2. Outline a set of goals and draft a mission statement for your organization that you will be able to use as you approach vendors and others for donated time and money to help fund your organization. The mission statement should be about a page in length and summarize the purpose of establishing a safe environment for youth to gather, learn and have fun.

3. Establish your youth group as a not-for-profit organization. This will give you tax breaks and allow you to write tax deduction receipts to anyone who donates money or items to your youth group. You can do this by applying with for a business license and tax ID number in your state (see resources).

4. Contact a youth counselor or your state's mental health department. They can provide a list of potential funding to help establish your youth group. Include a good balance of counseling and constructive activities for any troubled youth in your group. The mental health department can also direct you to local agencies where you may find volunteer counselors for your organization.

5. Look for donations at churches, fire and police departments, and for people in the community willing to help your youth organization. Involve the youth in your group in holding craft fairs, barbecues, and car washes to help raise donations.

6. Establish relationships with local pizza parlors, museums, and other entertainment spots. You can often get discounts on products and services for your group's activities.

Tags: your youth, your group, your organization, your youth group, youth group, constructive activities

San Diego Cottages Near The Beach

Stay near the shore in San Diego.

Recreational activities, cultural events and historical sites abound in the city of San Diego. View wildlife at the San Diego Zoo, enjoy the amusements at Legoland, visit one of the 30 local museums or root on the Padres at a baseball game. With the waters of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay so close to the city, going to the beach is perhaps one of the most beloved activities in the area. If you're visiting the area, stay in a rental along the shore.

The Perfect Beach House

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom Nantucket-style home is on Mission Beach. It boasts a fully equipped kitchen; a deck off the first floor with a picnic table, Adirondack chairs and a grill; a small deck off the master bedroom, two televisions, two DVD players and high speed Internet access. Other amenities include spa services, golf, tennis and a fitness center. You'll enjoy views of the water from the decks, master bedroom, living room and dining area.

The Perfect Beach House

Mission Bay

San Diego, CA

415-412-6226

goin2travel.com

Pacific Hideaway

Situated one block from Pacific Beach, this house features two bedrooms and one bathroom. One of the bedrooms has a queen-sized bed and the other has two twin-sized beds. There is also a sleeper sofa for an additional sleeping option. Other features of the home include a full kitchen, a fireplace, cable television, a VCR and a DVD player, a stereo, a washer and dryer, and a barbecue grill.

Pacific Hideaway

4879 Dixie Drive

San Diego, CA 92109

619-741-1158

sandiegobeachrentals.com

Holiday Retreat

This two-bedroom, one-bathroom property is within walking distance of Mission Bay. Each of the bedrooms has a queen-sized bed and there is also a sleeper sofa to accommodate more guests. The house contains a full-sized kitchen, complete with a refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, blender and coffeemaker, as well as two cable televisions with VCRs and DVD players, a stereo and wireless Internet access. Outside is a large private deck with a barbecue grill, table and chairs.

Holiday Retreat

821 Salem Court

San Diego, CA 92109

619-741-1158

sandiegovacationrentals.com

Tags: 92109 619-741-1158, also sleeper, also sleeper sofa, barbecue grill, Beach House, bedrooms queen-sized, Diego 92109

Determine The Value Of An Antique Book

Evaluating the price of an antique book can be an intimidating process because there are so many variables involved. The condition of a book, its binding style and what print edition it is are three factors that determine the value of an antique book. How common the book is and how popular the author is will also affect the price.

The Edition

A first edition, limited edition or a print run with an error can add value to a book. However, a book in its first edition does not always mean it is worth more money. First editions are difficult to identify, because not all publishing houses identify their first editions. There is no standard method for publishing houses to indicate a first edition. Typical wording to annotate a first printing will be on the copyright page of the book and read "first edition," " first printing," or "first published." Number lines became common in the 1940's. This is a series of numbers that start with 9 and run lower. The last number indicates the edition. A series that reads '9 8 7 6 5 4 3' is a third edition. In the general terms, if the number '1' is present, then the book is a first edition.

Condition of the Book

There are standards that describe the condition of the book. "Very fine" means the copy has no flaws. It is in perfect condition and has never been read. "Fine" indicates a book without defects, but not in pristine condition. It was probably read and may have minute damage from use, such as a nicked corner or a rubbed spine. A "very good" copy has more than one defect, such as a small tear in the paper or a corner that is bent. A book in good condition will have obvious damage. It will still read well, but the spine might have creases and other damage from use. "Poor" or "fair" condition indicates serious damage. The book may be soiled, have loose pages, a broken spine or markings.

If the book is missing its dust jacket or the dust jacket is damaged, its value is reduced. A set of books must have all the volumes. Missing volumes will lower the worth of the set. Books published for a book club use a lower grade of paper and a cheaper binding method, lowering their value. Former library use, or 'exlibris,' will lower the worth of a book. Exlibris books will have binding covers, ownership markings and security tags that permanently mark the book. Books that have the original archival papers interleaved increase in value. Archival papers were used in older books to protect the color plates. Books that are signed by the author have a higher value.

The Binding Artifacts

How the book is put together and presented can change the value of a book. Raised lettering, artwork, leather bindings and fore edge paintings can increase the value of the book. Some books have value because they contain original photographs or handwritten notes in the margins by the author.

Tags: first edition, value book, book first, book first edition, Books that, condition book, damage from

San Diego Breakfast Pancake Restaurants

Pancakes

San Diego, the second largest city in California, offers sandy beaches, gorgeous coastline and a laid-back way of life. Some San Diego residents start their days at popular pancake houses, and as locals will attest, you can expect to wait for a table on weekend mornings.

Richard Walker's Pancake House

Located near the Martin Luther King Promenade, Richard Walker's Pancake House has a warm, bustling atmosphere, with patio seating and a cozy, dark-wood interior. It features a variety of griddle cakes, including buckwheat and wheat germ, as well as baked apple and Dutch baby-style cakes. Other popular choices are the crepes topped with gourmet glazes, such as mandarin orange or spiced cherry.

Richard Walker's Pancake House

520 Front St.

San Diego, CA 92101

619-231-7777

richardwalkers.com

Aunt Emma's Pancake Restaurant

Aunt Emma's Pancake Restaurant, located in Chula Vista, is almost always packed. Don't be fooled by the "greasy spoon" atmosphere; the menu has a number of unusual pancake toppings, including tropical fruits, peanut butter and Nutella, a hazelnut-chocolate spread. Cottage cheese pancakes are available for those with lighter appetites.

Aunt Emma's Pancake Restaurant

700 E St.

Chula Vista, CA 91910

619-427-2722

auntemmaspancakes.com

Family House of Pancakes

Located in the National City area, the Family House of Pancakes attracts loyal customers with its low-key atmosphere and large portions. Favorite menu items include Grandma's buckwheat pancakes and the stuffed, rolled pancakes, which are served crepe-style. The banana-pecan pancakes are another popular choice.

Family House of Pancakes

1900 E. Plaza Blvd.

National City, CA 91950

619-477-3197

Original Pancake House

Located in the Kearny-Mesa area, the Original Pancake House is a popular spot among those seeking a filling breakfast or brunch. Signature items include the apple pancake, a huge concoction baked with sauteed apples and cinnamon sugar. Other favorites include the fluffy Dutch baby, made with lemon and confectioners' sugar, tangy sourdough flapjacks and bacon stack, made with real bacon bits in the pancake batter.

Original Pancake House

3906 Convoy St.

San Diego, CA 92111

858-565-1740

originalpancakehouse.com

Tags: Pancake House, Aunt Emma, Aunt Emma Pancake, Emma Pancake, Emma Pancake Restaurant, Family House, Family House Pancakes

English Literature Masters Programs In Britain

Students can delve deeper with an English literature master's degree.

Having finished a bachelor of arts degree in English literature, some students may want to pursue their study of the field further. A master's course offers plenty of options for doing so, typically focusing a student's attention on a very specific area, type or time period of English literature. Often the specific modules and courses available at each university depend upon the staff in residence; each staff member's interests may be a factor in determining the options available to master's students.

Durham University

Durham offers a master of arts degree entitled English literary studies. Within the course, students form pathways consisting of modules, with the emphasis on flexibility as students are able to construct the contents of their course in a somewhat informal manner. Modules offered include middle English transcripts, old Norse, the literatures of slavery and modern poetry. Four set pathways are also available, which include 20th Century literary studies and Romantic and Victorian literary studies.

Durham University

University Office

Old Elvet

Durham DH1 3HP

UK

44-0191-334-2576

dur.ac.uk

Oxford University

Oxford University's master's programs include courses divided between time periods; for example, between 1660 and 1830 and between 650 to 1550. However, the university allows students to work outside of these time boundaries as part of their studies; the time periods set simply determine the core modules taken by students.

Some module choices available as part of these courses include literature and psychoanalysis, Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot, literature and religion and imagining early modern london. All of Oxford University's master's courses are one year programs with the exception of their master of philosophy degree in Medieval studies.

Oxford University

Faculty of English Language and Literature

St Cross Building

Manor Road

Oxford

OX1 3UL

44-1865-271-055

english.ox.ac.uk

University College London

This university teaches a selection of set master's courses, ranging from a master of arts in Shakespeare in history to a master of arts in Medieval literature. These courses go into considerable depth with regard to their specific subject area; for example, the master of arts in issues in modern culture sees students looking at modernism and postmodernism amongst British, French and American authors, before examining the contexts in which modern literature is written, such as modern technologies and media and its implications for literature.

Department of English

University College London

Gower Street

London

WC1E 6BT

44-020-7679-3134

ucl.ac.uk/English

Edinburgh University

Edinburgh University boasts a larger postgraduate section than most other British universities, with master's degrees at Edinburgh being master of science degrees as opposed to master of arts degrees. Options for study here include Renaissance to Enlightenment studies and a master of science degree in U.S. literature. Within these courses, there is a core area of study that teaches research skills, as well as a chance to identify specific areas of interest. Students may focus upon these interests via two specialist modules.

The university is proud of its wide selection of resources, with postgraduate students benefiting from access to the university's Main Library, which contains over two million printed volumes.

The University of Edinburgh

Old College

South Bridge

Edinburgh

EH8 9YL

44-0131-650-1000

englit.ed.ac.uk

Tags: master arts, Oxford University, English literature, literary studies, arts degree

Boutique Hotels Near Cardiffbythesea California

The small town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, just 30 minutes north of San Diego, was founded in 1911 and named after the city in Wales where the developer's wife was from. Cardiff-by-the-Sea prides itself on being a walkable community, with shops, restaurants and the beach all within close proximity of each other. Accommodations are limited in this tiny beach enclave, but visitors will find boutique lodgings nearby.

Cardiff by the Sea Lodge

Literally steps away from the ocean, Cardiff by the Sea Lodge is a bed and breakfast accommodation and the only boutique lodging located in this small community. The wood-shingled lodge features 17 rooms, each with a different theme; one bedroom has a Mediterranean theme with stone columns and another a French garden theme with wicker furniture and a garden view. Continental breakfast is served on the rooftop garden. The beach is across the street from the lodge. The San Diego Botanic Gardens are less than four miles away. Dining options within walking distance of the lodge include Zenbu, a Japanese sushi restaurant and East Coast Pizza.

Black Orchid Bed & Breakfast

The Black Orchid Bed and Breakfast in Encinitas is a converted ranch-style home that features three elegantly appointed guest rooms. Two of the rooms feature four-poster beds and one includes an in-room jetted tub. A full, hot breakfast is provided each morning. The Black Orchid is just seven minutes from Cardiff-by-the-Sea and not far from San Diego so guests have easy access to attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. Nearby dining options include Chin's Szechan Restaurant for Chinese food and Gusto Trattoria, an Italian restaurant. The beach is about five minutes away for swimming, surfing or sunbathing.

Inn at Moonlight Beach

The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a five-minute drive from Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Overlooking Moonlight Beach, the inn is a spacious cottage surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. Four suites are available, including a penthouse suite which has its own deck and hot tub. A full breakfast is served daily and feature freshly baked pastries, yogurt with homemade granola and hard boiled eggs. Take the family to Sea World and the Del Mar Racetrack for fun and excitement. Nearby dining includes Leucadia Pizzeria and the Jamroc 101 Caribbean Grill, which serves Jamaican food.

Leucadia Beach Inn

The Leucadia Beach Inn is located 10 minutes up the road from Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Originally opened in the 1920s to serve travelers on highway 101, this hacienda-style hotel has a nostalgic feel to it. Its 21 rooms are brightly painted with different colors, but all have the same simple accommodations with single or double beds and tiny kitchenettes. Guests are just 10 minutes from Legoland, and golfers will appreciate the La Costa golf course three miles from the inn. Dining options nearby include Jawz Fish Tacos and Le Papagayo, a Latin restaurant.

Tags: from Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Black Orchid, Moonlight Beach, Black Orchid Breakfast, breakfast served, Cardiff Lodge, full breakfast

San Diego California Marina Hotels

San Diego Bay extends from the Point Loma area down to Chula Vista.

San Diego Bay is the largest bay in San Diego and affords 34 miles of beachfront. Visitors can enjoy boating, jet skiing and fishing in the waters of the bay. The shores of the San Diego Bay are littered with shops, hotels and restaurants--the Embarcadero area also has a concert venue right on the water.

San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina

San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina is located in downtown San Diego and offers more than 1,300 guest rooms and suites outfitted in coastal decor. The hotel also is home to a 446-slip marina and is accessible to opportunities for boating and jet skiing. Guest accommodations feature contemporary style and many afford private balconies with a view of downtown San Diego or the San Diego Bay. The hotel has two outdoor heated swimming pools and a fitness center. Guests can use the spa services at the Coronado Marriott Resort, which is four miles away.

San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina

333 W. Harbor Drive

San Diego, CA 92101

619-234-1500

marriott.com‎

Bay Club Hotel & Marina

Bay Club Hotel & Marina sits on Shelter Island, overlooking the San Diego Bay. The hotel is conveniently located next door to an outdoor concert venue and offers free shuttle service to the local airport and Amtrak station. Other hotel amenities include a heated swimming pool and hot tub, as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet. Most guest accommodations feature either full or partial water views, and many rooms also have a private balcony. An on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner menus and offers waterfront dining.

Bay Club Hotel & Marina

2131 Shelter Island Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

619-224-8888

bayclubhotel.com‎

Sheraton Hotel & Marina

Sheraton Hotel & Marina has more than 1,000 guest rooms and suites in two towers that sit on San Diego Bay. Modern guest rooms are outfitted in mahogany wood furniture, flat-panel televisions and automatic beverage bars. Rooms also have a private balcony or patio, many of which afford bay views. The Link@Sheraton area of the lobby features free wireless Internet, PC work stations and printing. Other hotel amenities include a spa with beauty and skin treatments and lounge area serving free breakfast and afternoon hor d'oeuvres.

Sheraton Hotel & Marina

1380 Harbor Island Drive

San Diego, CA 92101

619-291-2900

starwoodhotels.com

Tags: Hotel Marina, Club Hotel, Club Hotel Marina, Diego Marriott, Diego Marriott Hotel

Retro Furniture Styles

Futuristic furniture became common in the 1960s.

Trends in décor, much as in fashion, often come back around as often as they go out of style. This is helpful to think about when looking for inspiration for your own décor. Retro styles typically cover the 1940s to the 1980s, with earlier decades considered antique. Does this Spark an idea?

1950's Diner

This style is common for kitchens as it was inspired by burger and shake restaurants. Colors of the furniture are usually solid red or teal so as not to overwhelm the pattern of the conventional black-and-white checkered flooring. Chairs are typically covered in slick vinyl, sometimes with a subtle sparkle to them. The tables are made of Formica, with clean lines and metal legs. You can recreate this look with a dinette set, a booth or a counter and bar stools. It's often accompanied by a jukebox and fluorescent or tin signs.

1960's Space Age

Possibly inspired by the space race or fascination with UFOs, as well as pop art and the fashion at the time, this style has furniture that looks like it could have been found inside a flying saucer. Furniture was often made from plastic and came in neon colors, which contrasted from stark white walls and flooring. Though the look was minimalist, it seldom contained perpendicular lines, but rather presented curves or angles that were less than 90 degrees. Even windows were often in a rounded style that evoked thoughts of a space ship. Examples of sleek, funky and modular furniture include ball chairs and egg chairs.

1970's Hippie Chic

Nestled in the shag carpets and wood-paneled walls were bean bag chairs and couches upholstered in paisley and plaid fabrics or dark leather. The palette was much darker and muted than the previous decade's dabble with fluorescent colors and psychedelic patterns and included olive green, burnt orange, mustard yellow and dark browns. Mission oak furniture, previous common in the early 1900s, also made a comeback. Accessories from the 60s, such as lava lamps and beaded doorways, continued in popularity.

1980's Opulence

Décor took a nouveau-riche turn with overstuffed chairs and couches, glass-top tables and mirrored walls, possibly partially inspired by the soap opera Dynasty. Hues turned lighter with pastel and cream-colored upholstery, camouflaging into similarly-colored wall-to-wall carpet. Rattan and brass hardware became favorites again. One of the longest-lasting trends from the 80s was convertible furniture, such as sofa beds, reclining chairs and storage benches.

Tags: chairs couches

Paint Colors For Early 20th Century Homes

Victorian architecture was common at the beginning of the 20th century.

If you own a home built in the early 20th century, you own a piece of history. Over the years, many of these homes have been painted a number of colors, but the true beauty of your home will shine when it is painted the authentic, historical color it was originally meant to be. Several architectural styles of homes were built in the early 20th century, and each has its own historical color palette. Does this Spark an idea?

Victorian

The influence of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where the exhibition buildings were painted pristine white, saw many Victorian style homes at the beginning of the 20th century painted white with white, brown, black or green trim. Victorian house colors of the late 19th century had been rich and dark, but as the new century arrived, these colors began to become much brighter and paler. Cream, yellow, gray and blue paint hues were used. Trims and accents began to include multiple colors, as many as five or more, in deeper, rich, and vivid complementary colors to the main house color.

Arts & Crafts

In the early teens of the 20th century through the 1930s, the Arts and Crafts movement appeared as an architectural style. Nature was a primary influence to anything Arts and Crafts, including home colors. Many houses built in this style had wood shingle siding that was oil stained in subtle shades of green, rust, brown and yellow. These same muted, earthy colors in greens, blues, yellows, browns, and reds were used on Arts and Crafts homes that did not have shingle siding but had more traditional wood or stucco exterior walls.

Bungalow

The bungalow architectural style of homes became common in the 1920s and 1930s. Not only are Craftsman and Arts and Crafts styled homes often considered bungalows, but Cape Cod, Georgian, Dutch Colonial and Williamsburg style homes as well. Bungalow homes are usually painted less ornate than Victorian, with a light colored body and dark, contrasting trim of two or three colors. Grays, greens, blues or combinations are predominate for historically correct bungalow homes. Often the front door is painted an entirely different color than anything else on the house, such as rich shades of red or blue.

Tags: Arts Crafts, 20th century, style homes, architectural style, beginning 20th, beginning 20th century, built early

Refinish Oak Furniture

Whether your oak furniture has seen better days or you're simply itching to give it a new look, it can be done. If your furniture is structurally sound and tastefully designed, a refinishing job may be all it needs. For first-timers this may be a challenge, but no matter how much experience you may have, this process takes time and technique. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain a chemical stripper labeled as requiring "no cleanup," or that will be easily washed away with water. While some strippers come in liquid form, others can be found as gels or pastes. For items with both horizontal and vertical surfaces, such as chairs, bookshelves and dressers, it is best to avoid liquid forms that will run off the sides, although these work fine with tabletops. Be sure to read the instructions that come from the manufacturer of the chemical stripper.

2. If possible, unassemble the piece of furniture you are working with. For example, take the drawers out of a dresser, or remove the leaves of a table.

3. Spread a coat of stripper to a small area of your wood surface. Wait for the time advised in the manufacturer's instructions while the stripper does its work.

4. Using a round-edged scraper or putty knife, remove the old finish. In places where the finish refuses to come off, use steel wool soaked in the stripper. In certain areas, multiple applications of stripper may be required. Repeat this process until you have covered all surfaces. Avoid coating large areas at once, as this may result in your stripper drying onto the wood surface.

5. According to your manufacturer's directions, clean the remaining stripper from the wood surface with water or turpentine and wait for the wood to dry.

6. Lightly sand the dresser's surfaces where needed. The appearance of your new finish will largely rely on how well you sand. Be sure not to leave any rough patches or defects, and sand in the direction of the wood grain.

7. Since your furniture is oak, you will need to work grain filler into the grain. Since grain filler is a pigmented paste, be sure to choose a color that goes along with your planned design. This will depend on the color of the wood, the color you wish to stain it, and the degree to which you'd like the wood grain emphasized. Apply the paste filler and press it into the grain along the surfaces as desired. Allow the filler to dry before using a putty knife to remove the excess, then lightly sand once again along the grain line.

8. Apply a sanding sealer to all surfaces and allow it to dry before lightly sanding once again. This will act as a primer for the wood, preventing it from absorbing too much of your stain.

9. Apply your chosen stain evenly to the wood with a brush or rag, and allow it to penetrate the wood as long as desired: the longer you leave it, the darker the color. Wipe off excess stain with a rag and leave the wood to dry. Repeat this step if you would like your wood darker.

10. Using either polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, or lacquer, apply your finish with a brush. You may need to apply several coats and even lightly sand between applications.

11. Allow your oak dresser to dry.

Tags: wood surface, your furniture, chemical stripper, grain filler, grain Since, into grain