Craft Projects
Companies like Spoonflower, Design Your Wall and TotallyCustomWallpaper.com allow consumers to create wall coverings in an unlimited array of patterns and colors. These companies can even match the colors in popular paint lines (although they can’t assure 100 percent accuracy). Custom wallpaper is especially handy for people who are restoring old houses and want to match a vintage wallpaper scrap. It’s also useful for homeowners who need to cover only a small area and don’t want to pay for a full roll of wallpaper. (Check with the company you’re working with to see if there’s a minimum order.)
How-to: Rough up the wood with a copper or brass brush to allow the whitewash to adhere better. Sandpaper and then vacuum the surface or wipe the dust away. To lighten the wood, you can use liming wax, liming wash or a solution of primer and water, working it in with a rag. If you're using wax, remove excess wax with fine steel wool and seal the surface with clear wax. If you're using primer or liming solution, wipe off the excess with a rag. Once the piece is dry, seal it with a coat of polyurethane.
4. Whitewashing, liming and pickling. You can achieve a faded, whitewashed look using a number of methods. What they all have in common is that they lighten wood while still allowing the grain to show through. Tools of the trade: Brass or copper brush or wool, sandpaper, liming wax, liming solution or primer, soft rags and clear wax or clear polyurethane.
Dried citrus ornament. Looking for a fresher way to decorate the tree? Mandi Johnson of A Beautiful Mess shows us that food ornaments don’t have to include cranberries and popcorn. These baked citrus slices look good and smell great. Dried Citrus Ornaments Dried Citrus Ornaments Courtesy of A Beautiful Mess blog
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