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FALL 2014 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

EASY ECO-FRIENDLY home projects Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun End of Summer checklist

Outdoor living, indoor comfort

Enclosed porches allow for extended time outdoors

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Outdoor living, indoor comfort Enclosed porches allow for extended time outdoors

Contents

6 Texas Reds Festival Sept. 27 – 28 8 Turning art: Brazos Valley group makes art out of wood, other materials

16 PREP THE YARD for Winter Weather 18 PAINT-FREE WAYS to brighten your home

20 Candy Corn Bottles

22 Fall is time to plant trees – choose wisely

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Texas Reds Festival Sept. 27 – 28

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Ted Armulowicz 8/14/14 10:09:25 AM

By Katie Mitchell

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Special to The Eagle

exas Reds is one of the most exciting festivals in the Brazos Valley! The eighth annual Texas Reds Festival takes place in historic Downtown Bryan on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28. Every year Texas Reds provides unforgettable memories to people who come from all over to experience this event.

Join us for the extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the best things that Texas has to offer. There is lots in store for the whole family, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Though steak and wine might be the first things to pop into your head when you think of Texas Reds, don’t forget about the art! Every year it’s a privilege to feature fantastic artists from all over the nation who showcase and sell their artwork at the Artist Showcase. A hand-selected group of local and regional artists offer one-of-a-kind pieces, from woodworking to painting to leather goods and so much more. At all price ranges and styles, there is something for everyone! We are really excited about the amazing work coming to the festival this year. Check out featured artists joining us for the festival, on pages 6 and 7. Texas Reds provides a unique opportunity to meet the artist behind the work. Find out the inspiration behind your favorite painting, or even see live artist demonstrations during the festival. The Artist Showcase will be

located on Main Street near the entrance to the festival, so you can’t miss it. For a complete list of the exhibiting artists, visit acbv.org/programs/ texas-reds-festival.

The culinary arts are represented at Texas Reds as well. Downtown Bryan restaurants will feature steak specials all weekend. Enjoy delicious meals that our locally owned restaurants will feature along with an excellent dining experience.

A central element of Texas Reds is the diverse assortment of Texas wines featured every year.

Offering a great variety, taste and enjoy options that will satisfy every palette. As a new addition this year, Texas craft beers will be featured along with the wine, providing even more to explore! Take time to unwind over a glass with a friend and discover a new favorite.

The always-popular grape stomp returns once again! Teams compete to see who can stomp the most juice. Make sure you participate in this exciting activity, and bring the kids along to join in the fun!

Live music will fill the streets of Downtown Bryan during the festival this year. A variety of performances will showcase the best local and regional talent our great state offers. Five stages throughout Downtown will feature a variety of

music, from country to blues and so much more!

Listen to all kinds of performances as you savor a glass of wine and enjoy time with your loved ones.

There is plenty of fun included for kids, too.

From bounce houses to obstacle courses, and even the opportunity to participate in the grape stomp, this event is loads of fun for people of all ages. Le Hale (Purple Turtle Heart Studio) and Jennifer Christy (Creative Capsule) will host a variety of free art activities that children can take home.

This event gives you the wonderful opportunity to experience Historic Downtown Bryan in a new way, or maybe even for the first time! Texas Reds serves as a compilation of all the wonderful things Texas has to offer in one weekend. Plan to join us this year for an experience that you and your family are sure to remember. For more information and a schedule of events, visit texasredsfestival.com.

Katie Mitchell is a marketing intern with The Arts Council. For more information about The Arts Council, visit http://acbv.org or call 979 696-2787.

Event features steaks, wine, craft beers, art, music, fun activities

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Turning art

Brazos Valley group makes art out of wood, other materials

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By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle he Brazos Valley Turners make just about anything that can be turned on a wood lathe – ranging from bowls and tea pots to jewelry.

A group of about five woodturners formed the Brazos Valley Turners in January 1998. Since then, the group has grown to approximately 40 members with about 20 to 25 regularly attending monthly meetings.

“We can make just about anything that can be turned on a wood lathe: open bowls, vases, hollow forms, platters, tea pots, cups, jewelry, gavels, mallets and even irregularly shaped objects,” said Andy Chen, member and driving force behind the Brazos Valley Turners. “Some of us turn other materials in addition to wood, such as Corian and deer antlers, thus we don’t call ourselves Brazos Valley Woodturners.”

The group consists of members ranging from beginners to those with multiple Best of Show awards and blue ribbons from groups like the Brazos Valley Art League and Gulf Coast Woodturners Association.

“Our club has an open-door policy,” Chen said. “Anyone can participate, and there are no annual dues, per se. Our main activity at our monthly meetings is show and tell. Anyone is welcome to bring something turned on a lathe to talk about.”

The monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at different venues, usually at one of the members’ shops. Everyone who brings turnings to meetings gets to talk about their work.

“There are many talents in the club, and everyone is eager to share their knowledge,” Chen said. “You can learn a lot about different types of turning and turning techniques from very experienced turners.”

The club has a drawing at each meeting for anyone who brings something for show and tell. Members are asked to donate $25 per year to cover the cost of the prizes if they want to participate in the raffle.

“One thing that separates our club from other woodturning clubs, or any hobby group for that

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matter, is that we do not collect dues,” Chen said.

“The other is that our focus is on show and tell.

Some clubs judge the turnings that members bring to meetings, and only those who win ribbons earn their bragging rights and are able to talk about their work. In our club, everyone gets a chance to talk about their work.”

While the club does not offer any classes, the majority of the members are retired and are willing to teach those who might be interested in learning how to turn, Chen said.

“We do demonstrations when the occasion arises,” Chen said. “Currently we are trying to make arrangements to demonstrate at Texas Reds this fall.”

Jerry Bennett, one of the many members of the Brazos Valley Turners, has found his membership with the club invaluable.

“In addition to the great coffee and fellowship, I know I can depend on honest feedback and critique of my work,” Bennett said. “Good input of that kind is a necessity for growth as an artist.

Visiting members’ shops and seeing the work they do is a constant source of inspiration. We have some very talented, creative members.”

Bennett first started turning in 2001 when his wife Peggy suggested they take a class together.

“I was resistant at first, believing I had no interest in working with wood,” Bennett said.

“But, after completing both the original class and a subsequent class to learn pen turning, I was hooked. It was fun and creative.”

Before turning, Bennett worked with oils, iron sculpture and music.

“It did not occur to me at the time that woodturning was a great vehicle for sculpture until I attended a seminar talk by James Johnson of Kerrville,” Bennett said. “He creates the most interesting, unique pieces using a woodturning lathe. His simple talk put me on a new path of discovery.”

Around 2003, Bennett met Chen at the Brazos Valley Turners.

“Andy and some of the other turners were using a process known as segmenting, where wood patterns are created by using different

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types of wood,” he said. “I began experimenting with the process to see how far I could expand the boundaries of sculpting in wood. I could see the potential for using this method to create fluid sculptures of virtually any shape by utilizing an internal steel armature.”

Bennett, who lives and works in Huntsville, said his favorite wood is Mahogany because it has a certain warmth to it, but he also uses Ebony, Holly and Maple.

According to jerrybennettart.com, Bennett’s work is somewhat abstract, but he prefers to represent the human spirit in various ways. He loves the fluidity of glass art, and has discovered a way to incorporate it into his work in wood.

“Art is about more than seeing, just as music is about more than just listening. As an artist, I am looking for that ‘more,’” Bennett said.

For more information on the Brazos Valley Turners and Bennett visit bvturners.com. Those

r a y e o l o s h c s h i t g ! e e n o h l v a l l e c ’ c r u y a b o o k o Em l w e n n d a wi th a br y o s r s c c e A t s e r B u o Y I s A Gr eat Cut

interested in attending a monthly meeting or being put on the club’s mailing list can email info@ bvturners.com.

Above left: Jerry Bennett’s “Fire on the Mountain” sculpture. Above center: Bennett’s “The Dance.”

Above right: Bennett’s “Late Night Solo.”

Opposite page: top left: Wooden bowl made by Andy Chen. Center left: A mesquite burl hollow made by Chen. Bottom left: A classical bowl by Chen.

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Before After

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Home iN Style fall 2014

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By shauna lewis The Eagle

Outdoor living, indoor comfort

Enclosed porches allow for extended time outdoors

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Opposite Page, Top Left: The porch of Brian Windham’s house, between Wellborn and Millican, wasn’t used often because of bugs, wind and heat.

Opposite Page, Bottom Right: His company, Sunspace Texas, installed a porch enclosure system last year so that his family can use the porch more often. Left: Windham’s enclosed porch overlooks the family’s outdoor living area and pool.

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rian Windham and his family rarely used the porch in their home because of typical problems in Texas – insects, dust and heat.

That’s why Windham’s company, Sunspace Texas, y enclosed the porch last year with its Weathermaster window system – making a three seasons room. It’s nice, he said, because he and his family can savor the pleasantries of the outdoors, but comfortably, and for more time during the year.

“You can still hear the birds chirping, enjoy the breeze and watch the kids in the pool,” he said.

Three seasons rooms started out as a northern product – in demand in states such as Michigan, New York and Ohio – but they have become more popular in Texas in the last few years. In the north, enclosed porches allow residents to enjoy the outdoors in the cold winter months. In Texas, the heat, dust and insects are the most common problems for people trying to spend time outside.

But having a three seasons room, also known as a Texas room, also allows them to enjoy the outdoors when it’s cold, windy or rainy, and it blocks all or most UV rays, depending on the window tint.

Windham’s company is the sole Weathermaster window system distributor for the state of Texas, and it has installed them in several Texas counties.

His company has installed three seasons rooms in The Eagle www.theeagle.com

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Before After

about 25 homes locally, and has installed several in areas such as Marble Falls, Conroe and Austin. Installing a three seasons room in Texas allows residents of a home to enjoy the room year round.

“More and more homeowners are choosing to enclose their porches for additional living space, as well as to enjoy the look and sounds of the outdoors without the problems of insects and the elements,” Windham said.

More about three seasons rooms Weathermaster window system windows are constructed with a window and screen in one unit, allowing the homeowner to open the windows during nicer weather and close them during extremely hot or inclement weather. There is also the option to open or remove the window portions to expose a fully screened porch. The windows can be opened from 25 percent up to 75 percent, allowing for cross ventilation to full exposure.

The vinyl windows are made of a tough, resilient material, and have withstood tests such as golf balls being shot at them, Windham said. Texas rooms are often installed on an existing porch, but homeowners can opt to have a porch built during home construction, with plans to have windows installed soon afterward. Many people want their enclosed porch to blend with their home, rather than look like an afterthought, he said.

Framing can be a stained wood or painted to match the brick or siding of the house.

Clients have had Texas rooms built for different reasons and for different uses, Windham said. One client had a problem with grass and dirt being blown on his porch every time his neighbor mowed. Some people have used them as media rooms, green houses for their plants or game rooms. One homeowner decided to put a hammock in his Texas room so he could relax, keep the insects off and keep it tidy.

People can add air-conditioning or heaters to help make their three seasons room more comfortable. Windham often leaves the windows of his three seasons room open, and uses a ceiling fan to help keep it cool. But he also plans to install an air-conditioning unit since the Texas heat can be fierce.

There are as many uses for an enclosed porch as there are people’s preferences of how to use the space. While it provides protection from the elements, it also increases living space and enjoyment year round.

For more information on Sunspace Texas rooms, visit www. sunspacetexas.com.

This Page: The roof on this Bryan home was extended out about 10 feet, and then enclosed using the Weathermaster window system.

The homeowners wanted a bigger porch. The family spends the bulk of their time at home on the porch, even eating most of their meals there. Opposite Page, Top Left& Right: The porch on this Conroe home was enclosed because of insects and sun. The residents can now better enjoy their view of the golf course there. Opposite Page, Center Three Photos: Sunspace Texas enclosed the front and back porch on this Brenham home. The residents were facing intense sunlight, and they also couldn’t keep the back porch clean. They sit atop a hill and have amazing views from their porches. Opposite Page, Bottom Two Photos: The homeowners of this home in Austin mainly decided to enclose their patio because of insects, but they also wanted a place to sit, relax and enjoy the view of the pool and kids.

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HOW THERMOSTATS save money & energy Metro Creative Connection

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omeowners who have not yet upgraded to a programmable thermostat could be doing themselves a significant disservice. Not only are programmable thermostats key to saving energy, they also save money.

The Alliance for Environmental Sustainability note that for every degree they adjust their thermostats, homeowners save between 1 and 3 percent on their heating and cooling bills. Setting the thermostat slightly warmer in the summer and a notch or two cooler in the winter can save a considerable amount of energy and money. The United States Department of Energy says homeowners who make slight seasonal adjustments to their thermostats can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling costs.

But such adjustments are only truly effective when homeowners commit to them on a daily basis. The best way to stay on top of temperature settings is to purchase a programmable thermostat, which allows homeowners to predetermine when heat or air

conditioning will turn on and off. Many programmable thermostats can store multiple daily settings, allowing homeowners to further customize their heating and cooling schedules based on the time of day as well as the day of the week.

According to Energy.gov, a common misconception associated with thermostats is that a furnace or an air conditioning system works harder than normal to get the space back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been set back, and that this hard work means the overall savings are negligible.

However, when a home’s interior temperature is similar to the temperature outside, the home will lose energy to the surrounding environment more slowly. The lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss in cold weather, and a higher interior temperature will slow the flow of heat into your house in hot weather.

Programmable thermostats are available in a variety of models. Some are easier to program than others.

Certain thermostats can be linked to a home’s wireless

system so that adjustments to the thermostat can even be made when you are not at home. Consult with an HVAC expert to see if a particular thermostat works best with your system. Some homes may benefit from a dual- or multi-zoned system, which allows homeowners to adjust the temperature independently from other floors or wings of a home.

The location of the thermostat also is important.

The thermostat should be placed where it can get the most accurate reading of the house. It should be on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, doorways, drafts and windows. It should not be directly facing an air vent. Avoid placing furniture above or below the thermostat, as such furnishings can impede proper air flow.

If you feel like your HVAC system is cycling on and off even after programming, you may need to call a technician, who can determine if there are any obstructions to the thermostat or if the unit is the appropriate size for your home.

EASY ECO-FRIENDLY home projects H Metro Creative Connection

ome improvement projects have taken an environmentally-friendly turn in recent years, as homeowners look to reduce their carbon footprints en route to improving their homes’ interior and exterior spaces. Such projects can range from large scale undertakings best left to professional contractors to smaller alterations that doit-yourselfers can handle in a typical weekend.

Larger projects might make the biggest impact, but even small efforts to make a home more ecofriendly can benefit the planet significantly over time.

The following are a handful of simple DIY home improvement projects that can benefit the planet.

Install low-flow water fixtures. According to the National Resources Defense Council, installing low-flow water fixtures in a home saves both water and money. Low-flow water fixtures include toilets, shower heads and faucets, and the NRDC notes that such additions typically repay a homeowner’s initial investment in less than a year thanks to lower utility bills. A low-flow toilet is one that uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less, while low-flow faucets and showers are those that use 2.5 gallons of water per 14

minute or less.

Install weather stripping. Weather stripping is a great way to reduce energy consumption while getting the most bang for your energy buck. Weather stripping is installed around windows and doors to seal any cracks or holes that develop over time. Such holes and cracks are more common in older homes, which is one reason that heating and cooling costs in such homes tend to be so much more expensive than those in newer homes.

To determine if you need weather stripping, simply feel for drafts near doors and windows. If there is no wind or cold air outside, then place a fan or ask someone to hold a hair dryer near suspect doors and windows while you stand on the other side, feeling areas where you think there may be drafts.

Paint with a purpose. Fall is a great time of year to paint around the house, as the weather outside is pleasant enough to open windows in the home so it can air out during and after the painting. When choosing paints for your home, opt for low-VOC, or volatile organic compound, paints. VOCs are a principal ingredient of ground-level ozone, which contributes to urban smog. VOCs also pose a considerable health

risk, as studies have linked them to cancer, eye and throat irritation, headaches and damage to the liver and nervous system.

Replace old light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. Though replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents lights, or CFLs, is an easy task, that does not mean it’s ineffective. According to the NRDC, CFLs use just one-quarter the energy of incandescent alternatives. In addition, CFLs last longer, saving homeowners the inconvenience of replacing bulbs.

Home iN Style fall 2014

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Metro Creative Connection

End of Summer checklist A

fter a few months of blue skies and warm temperatures, summer revelers will soon bid adieu to the sultry days of this beloved season. Summer is often a season filled with vacations and recreation, but as the warm days dwindle and work and school commitments begin anew, there is additional work to be done in preparation for the months ahead.

Stock up on pool equipment. Homeowners who have pools can take advantage of end-of-season sales to purchase a few more gallons of pool chlorine or other pool equipment. Store them after you have winterized the pool, and you will be ahead of the game in terms of supplies for next year.

Plan your garden harvest. If you have a backyard garden, pick your tomatoes and other vegetables before the weather starts to get chilly. Herbs can be washed and frozen in zipper-top baggies so they can be used when cooking over the next several months. Boil tomatoes for sauce and freeze or jar

them. Begin to clear out residual stems and plant debris from the garden.

Clean patios and furniture. Scrub and hose down outdoor furniture, cushions and living areas. Clean and dry items before storing them for the winter, so everything is ready to go when the warm weather returns next year.

Purchase spring bulbs. Buy bulbs for springblooming flowers and map out where they will be planted for beautiful flowers next year. Wait until temperatures start to dip before planting the bulbs, otherwise they may begin to produce shoots prematurely, zapping the bulbs of energy.

Check the heating system. Although turning on the heat may be the last thing you’re thinking about, it’s a good idea to test it, and, if necessary, have the system serviced prior to the arrival of cold weather.

Tend to the deck and other repairs. Make repairs to outdoor structures now, and they’ll be more likely to survive the harsh weather that’s just over

the horizon. Apply stain or sealant to further protect wood structures in advance of snow and ice.

Examine the roof and chimney. Winter is a poor time to learn you have missing roof shingles or a leak. Furthermore, ensure the chimney and venting to the outdoors is not obstructed by abandoned animal nests.

Check your closets. Go through clothing and remove any items that are damaged or no longer fit, donating them if possible. Clean out kids’ closets as well, as pants that fit perfectly in May will not necessarily fit come September.

Stock the shed. Once the weather has cooled down, move outdoor flower pots, hoses and lawn ornaments you no longer need into the shed or garage while ensuring items needed in fall and winter, such as rakes, snow shovels and snowblowers, are more accessible.

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PREP THE YARD for Winter Weather Metro Creative Connection

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s quickly as autumn weather arrives it seems to move aside for the blustery, cold days of winter.

Winter can catch a person off guard and the seasons are now less predictable than ever before.

It’s never too early to begin preparing your yard and outdoor living spaces for winter.

Homeowners may be sad to bid farewell to the furniture and accessories of the fair-weather season, but time is of the essence when prepping for impending ice and snow.

Clean patio furniture. Give cushions and structures a thorough cleaning and allow to dry completely. Cleaning items before storing them for the winter saves time and energy next year when it’s time once again to set up the yard for recreation. If anything is damaged beyond repair, discard it and look for replacements during end-of-season sales when savings can be had.

Move things indoors. The more items you can store in a safe and secure location the better. Load the garage, basement or storage shed with outdoor gear. Leaving items exposes them to the elements, and such exposure can cause rust, wear and damage. Flower pots and lawn ornaments also can blow around in winter wind or collapse under the weight of the snow, so collect these items and store them for the winter. Take out patio umbrellas and put them in the shed. If something is too large to move indoors, such as a barbecue or a pool filter, cover it with a durable tarp and secure it with rope.

Cover delicate trees. Depending on where you live, certain fruit trees, including fig trees, may need to be covered for the winter. Covering protects them from subfreezing temperatures and helps ensure they will rebound in the spring.

Tropical plants should be moved indoors where they can thrive in a heated home. Do not rip out

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chrysanthemum plants. Contrary to popular belief, these are not annuals. They will rebloom year after year if allowed to do so.

Remove water collectors. Bring in or cover anything that may accumulate water, such as bird baths or kids’ toys. Water expands when frozen, and that means water trapped in any ceramic, glass or even plastic vessel can expand and cause the container to crack.

Clean up leaves and debris. Piles of leaves not only can suffocate a lawn and cause discoloration, but also can be attractive homes for rodents and insects looking for a warm place to spend their winters. Keep your yard neat and clean to discourage wildlife from taking up residence near your home.

Cover vegetable and flower beds. Invest in some burlap to lay down over planting beds.

This helps to keep the ground from freezing over and minimize weeds for next season.

Care for outdoor ponds. If you have a pond on your property, remove any weeds around it and fish out any leaves from the water.

Leaves will decay in the water and build up ammonia levels that can harm fish. If the pond is small, cover it for the winter. Also, start cutting back on feeding outdoor fish. These aquatic animals’ bodies begin to prepare for winter by slowing down metabolism. Continuing to feed them can harm the fish when the temperature drops.

Wrap up pool season. It’s wise to close the pool and cover it before leaves start to drop. Otherwise you will have a hard time keeping the water clean.

Now is a good time to plan where you want to put spring bulbs. Once you have mapped things out, get the bulbs in the ground. Bulbs are relatively inexpensive and will provide that first punch of color when winter finally skips town.

Home iN Style fall 2014

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Metro Creative Connection

Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun

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is the season for making changes in and around the home. The arrival of fall weather renews homeowners’ vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours.

According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA. Improve navigation. Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there’s a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space.

Enhance security. To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways.

Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people

to understand where things are.

Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be blinding, as can light that’s too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exteriorsafe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures added to a patio or porch.

Add decorative elements. Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire. Step lights

make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.

Enhance views from inside. Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home.

Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down.

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Metro Creative Connection

PAINT-FREE WAYS to brighten your home

Colorful flowers and throw pillows can brighten a home’s interior with minimal financial investment on the part of homeowners.

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utumn is a beautiful time of year marked by pleasant temperatures and colorful fall foliage. But as vibrant as nature can be in the weeks after summer has ended, homeowners know that the shortened days of autumn mean less light inside their homes, which can become dreary even in the weeks before the arrival of winter.

Many homeowners pick up their paintbrushes in an effort to make their homes more colorful. But homeowners need not embrace their inner Picasso to brighten their homes’ interiors. The following are a handful of paint-free ways to add some splashes of color to your home this fall.

Bring nature inside. Flowers and plants can make colorful additions to a home’s interior. Flowers tend to be aromatic, which can make a stuffy house in which windows need to be kept closed a lot more pleasant. Plants and flowers also can improve indoor air quality. Several studies, including one published in the Journal for the American Society for Horticultural Science, have shown that houseplants improve indoor air quality by filtering out volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be harmful to human health. That’s especially important come late fall and winter, when homeowners typically shut their windows and keep them shut until spring, making it difficult for fresh air to enter a home.

Invest in some colorful throw pillows. Natural sunlight brightens a room come spring and summer.

But sunlight is increasingly scarce as fall turns into winter, and rooms that do not boast too many colorful accents can quickly grow drab as summertime sunlight dwindles. Instead of buying new furniture, invest in some colorful throw pillows to give a room a more vibrant look. Patterns can be mixed and matched to provide some contrast and transform a room from somewhere to spend time into a sight to behold.

Paper the walls. While many of today’s homeowners prefer paint to wallpaper, those who want a less permanent solution to brighten up their homes may want to consider removable wallpaper. Such paper is less expensive than traditional wallpaper, and many do-it-yourselfers find removable wallpaper is easy to both install and remove. Choose a colorful pattern that can turn an otherwise plain wall into a potent palette that adds some life to your home’s interior. Because removable wallpaper does not require a significant financial investment, you can experiment with various colors or change things up each month if you so desire.

Add some artwork. Another way to add color to

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the walls inside your home without dusting off your paintbrush is to hang some colorful artwork. Paintings that feature bold colors tend to draw your immediate attention when you enter a room, and that quality can make you forget the room is not benefitting from natural light. If you want to go the extra mile, find a painting that features colors which match throw pillows or other accessories in the room. This way your walls and your accessories are working in concert to make a room more colorful.

Rug it out. A patterned throw rug is another accessory that can effectively brighten a room without much effort or financial investment on the part of homeowners. When choosing a throw rug, find one that’s colorful but does not clash considerably with existing furnishings, as you don’t want the rug to draw attention for all the wrong reasons. You have more freedom with regard to rugs if you’re furnishing an empty room, as you can choose whichever rug you choose additional furnishings based on the rug.

Homes tend to darken as late fall turns into winter. But homeowners can brighten their homes in various ways, even if they prefer not to paint.

DID YOU KNOW?

Homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects should prioritize dust removal to avoid the potentially negative side effects of exposure to lead dust. When undergoing a renovation, homes built before 1978, the year the use of lead paint was banned, are likely to produce lead dust, which occurs when lead paint is sanded or chipped.

That dust can be especially harmful to children, pregnant women and pets.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead dust that is as small as a grain of sand is enough to poison children, who may suffer brain damage, hearing loss, nervous system and kidney damage, and decreased muscle and bone growth after exposure to lead dust. When pregnant women are exposed to lead dust, that exposure may affect the baby’s cognitive development while increasing the mother’s blood pressure. Household pets exposed to lead dust may suffer from a series of side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and possibly death. When making renovations to their homes, homeowners can open windows and wear protective gear such as masks and safety goggles to avoid direct exposure to lead dust.

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F

Candy Corn Bottles

By Kristin Hilsabeck Special to The Eagle Photos by Daniela Weaver Photography

all will soon be in the air again, and I cannot wait to pull my fall boxes out of the attic.

There is just something about that first chilly night mixed with a spiced pumpkin candle that always gets me excited to decorate my home for fall. These adorable candy corn bottles are one of my favorite pieces and always receive lots of compliments. While they do take a little bit of time (and persistence), they are a beautiful addition to any mantle or centerpiece. These can be done with wine, beer or various condiment bottles that are made of glass. Using different size bottles allows you to customize your project for your intended space plus create various dimensions. Look for different 20

shaped bottles to create your own unique Candy Corn Bottles.

Materials needed: Orange, yellow and white yarn Scissors Hot glue gun with plenty of hot glue sticks Various sized glass wine, beer or condiment bottles Optional: Spray paint, letters to spell out “BOO”, twine, other embellishments Instructions: Rinse and dry bottles.

(Optional) Spray paint the mouth of the bottle white and the bottom orange. This is an optional step that will hide the initial color of the glass. Allow time for paint to dry.

Cut an arm’s length of white yarn. Do not worry about having too much or not enough, as you can always cut it or easily add more.

Starting at the stop, place a line of hot glue around outside lip of the bottle. (Tip: Do not use too much glue, as it will ooze out between the yarn).

Working quickly, as the hot glue will dry fast on the glass, place one end of the white yarn at the top of the glue and wrap around the bottle tightly.

Continue wrapping the yarn while keeping the

Home iN Style fall 2014

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string taut. You do not need to put hot glue down every wrap around, as it will stay on its own.

If you are ready to end the white or you have reached the end of your piece, you can cut the string and tack it with a dot of hot glue.

If you want to continue on with the white, tack the start of the new piece directly next to the finished piece and continue to wrap until you have the amount of white you would like for your candy corn (generally the top 1/3 of the bottle).

Depending on the shape of your bottle, you may need to tack the yarn every couple of inches on certain parts of the bottle.

Repeat with both yellow and orange yarn.

When finishing with the orange yarn, secure the

last couple of wrapped lines with hot glue so that the yarn does not slip off of the bottle.

(Optional) Add letters to create the word “BOO” by hot gluing the letters to the yarn or hanging them with string or jute.

Tips: Using a low or super-low temp hot glue gun will help prevent burns. If the hot glue does seep through the yarn lines, you can dab it with your finger to blend it in with the fibers.

Be sure to work quickly once your hot glue is placed on the glass.

For a more neutral or year round look, wrap the bottles with twine or jute and use a colored piece to

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create a stripe. Or use other colors of yarn to create decorated bottles for your favorite team!

Whether you create festive candy corn or bottles with your team’s colors, these colorful bottles are a fun way to upcycle old bottles into gorgeous fall decorations!

Kristin Hilsabeck is the owner of Artastic Craft Studio, in College Station. After teaching elementary art for five years, she left teaching to open an art studio that is centered around crafting and all things Pinterest. She currently teaches kindergarten, in addition to a variety of classes at the studio. For information on Artastic Craft Studio, including a class schedule, visit www.artasticcraftstudio.com.

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Fall is time to 1729 Briarcrest Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing Ron Prince Advertising Manager Linda Brinkman 979.731.4719 linda.brinkman@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706 jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects Erika Liesman Special Projects Editor Shauna Lewis 979.731.4704 shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Section Designer Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738 or email: homeinstyle@theeagle.com www.theeagle.com

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22

plant trees choose wisely

T

hroughout Texas, trees continue to die because of the long-term effect of drought.

Trees play a major role in your landscape.

They help reduce soil erosion, significantly reduce storm water runoff and they shade landscapes and structures to minimize water and energy use.

Trees are not only beautiful, but also moderate the climate, clean the air and can considerably reduce smog, noise and air pollution. Equally important is the place that trees hold in life events. Perhaps it is a childhood treehouse, initials carved into a tree, a tree swing or that perfect tree for climbing.

Whatever your motivation, it is a good idea to plant a tree.

When to plant October to January is the optimum time to plant trees in the Brazos Valley. With our mild winters, the trees continue to grow, establishing new roots into spring. Fall and winter planted trees can then better withstand the next summer’s heat and drought.

To avoid future problems and optimize your investment, take the time to thoughtfully place and select trees.

Before you decide what to plant, do a site evaluation. An inappropriate tree for your property can be a constant maintenance problem, interfere with overhead utility lines, or even be a hazard during extreme weather.

Where to plant Take a few minutes to evaluate your site. Measure the area and sketch it, locating overhead and underground utilities. Note the distance to nearby buildings, fences, existing trees, streets and neighboring property lines. Observe the site: Is it sunny or shady, level or sloped?

Study the options Your site evaluation will help you determine the type of tree to plant. For any tree you are considering, note the mature height and width; also choose trees that will be long-lived and as insect- and diseaseresistant as possible. Choose a tree that suits its site’s drainage, soil, sunlight and climate.

It is tempting to select trees that grow fast and quickly provide shade. Unfortunately these trees are soft-wooded and prone to damage by wind, insects and diseases. Examples to avoid are Arizona ash, willow and silver maple.

Is there an ideal tree?

That depends on what you want. Landscape trees are selected for aesthetics (flowering, fruiting,

By Charla Anthony Special to The Eagle

fall color, bark character, texture, overall shape) and functions (screening, noise abatement, traffic control, shade, wind modification).

To see planted specimen trees, visit the Brazos County Arboretum. Located at the Brazos County office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension on Highway 21 in Bryan, the arboretum is adjacent to their Demonstration Idea Garden.

This planting of trees was made possible by a gift to the Brazos County Master Gardener Association from local business woman, Janis Atkins. Given in memory of her parents Ira Lee and Mary Dewees, the arboretum recognizes their life long dedication to gardening and preservation of nature.

Suggested trees for Brazos County When selecting a specimen, a strong central leader with well-spaced branches is desirable. The trunk should be free of wounds or damage.

A quality root system is very important. Examine the roots, but ask first. If roots encircle the outside of the root ball or the root ball is very hard, it is potbound or root-bound, so they’re best avoided. Once planted, these roots will continue to grow around and around, impacting tree growth and survival.

Trees that will be large at maturity should be planted 20 to 30 feet from buildings. Small- to medium-sized trees are suited for areas near patios or decks The following trees are suggested for our area and are typically disease and insect resistant.

Large (over 50 feet) Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum): deciduous conifer; needlelike leaflets turn from dark green to bronze or brown in fall; tolerates standing water or dry sites once established; adapts to alkaline soils; full to partial sun. Montezuma Bald Cypress (T. mucronatum): almost evergreen in mild winters; fewer root “knees” than T. distichum.

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa): deciduous; stately; large acorn; tolerates alkaline soils; full sun.

Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): deciduous; good fall color; adapts to a range of soils; full sun.

Live oak (Quercus virginiana): majestic evergreen requiring considerable space; tolerates poor soils and drought; full sun.

Mexican sycamore (Platanus Mexicana): deciduous; tall columnar; tolerates drought and alkaline soils; full sun.

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Medium (to 50 feet) Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis): deciduous; fall color; adaptable to various soils; drought-tolerant; full sun; dioecious (males and females have flowers) with male trees preferred.

Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia): deciduous; some fall color; attractive, exfoliating bark; adapts to various soils; sun to partial shade.

Monterrey Oak, Mexican White Oak – (Quercus polymorpha): deciduous, but leaves may persist through winter; tolerates drought and alkaline soils; full sun.

Small (to 30 feet) Chinese Fringetree (Chionanthus retusus): deciduous, grows naturally as a large multi-stem shrub; can be pruned to a small tree with single or multiple trunks; full sun.

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): summer flowers; attractive, smooth bark; deciduous; tolerates adverse soils. Disease-resistant selections are Natchez, white flowers, 30 feet tall; Muskogee, pale lavender, 20 feet; Tuscarora, coral-pink, 25 feet; full sun.

Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana): springflowering; fragrant white flowers; deciduous; prefers rich soil; sun to partial sun.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua): orange to red winter berries on females; deciduous; multi-trunked;

adapts to various soils; tolerates wet conditions; full sun to partial shade.

Redbud (Cercis spp.): spring-flowering; rosepurple to magenta blooms, as well as white flowers; deciduous; well-drained soils; partial shade to sun. Varieties – Oklahoma, Texas, Mexican.

Texas mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora): spring-flowering; glossy, evergreen leaves; fragrant purple blooms resembling wisteria’s; well-drained soil; full sun, slow growing.

On the Web, check out http://texastreeplanting. tamu.edu for illustrated publications and even a video on how to plant trees.

Planting and care Proper transplanting and follow-up care can affect growth significantly.

Small, young trees will require regular watering for several months after planting; larger trees, for much longer. If you can’t meet the water needs of a given tree, choose it in a smaller size. Smaller trees recover from transplanting more readily and establish faster than larger ones.

Planting at the correct depth is critical. In heavy clay soils, dig the hole shallow enough that the top 2 inches of the root ball remain above ground level. In sandy soils, the top of the root ball can be at ground level.

Dig planting holes wide - two times the hole’s depth - to avoid crowding the roots.

Carefully position the root ball in the planting hole. Remove the container and any materials in which the root ball may be wrapped (including burlap) before planting. Back-fill the hole using only the native soil removed from the hole; do not use soil amendments. Gently firm the soil around the root ball.

After planting, build a 4-inch-high berm, creating a moat around the outer edge of the planting hole. Water-in the tree by filling the bermed basin with water; this will settle the existing soil and remove large air pockets. Cover the berm with 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

Fertilization at planting time is not recommended.

Most trees do not need staking. If staking is critical for stability, use only flat, belt-like tree straps made of a soft material; remove stakes after one year.

On the web, check out texastreeplanting. tamu. edu for illustrated publications and a ‘how to plant trees’ video.

Charla Anthony is the horticulture program assistant at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, in Brazos County, 2619 Texas 21 W., Bryan, Texas 77803. Her e-mail address is cmanthony@ ag.tamu.edu.

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