Home-Dzine Online May 2011

online

Home-Dzine It’s all about caring for and improving your home

May 2011

happy mother’s day

traditional ways to heat the home

In this issue ...

• affordable walls - hang wallpaper • spoil mom this mother’s day • wallpaper screen • outdoor fireplace and more...

Make it

a word or two MAY 2011 WORKSHOPS JOBURG 07 Floating Shelf 14 Basic Plastering/Beginners Woodwork 21 Upholstered Ottoman 28 Welding Workshop It’s official Our new Easy DIY magazine is now on the shelf at your local Builders Warehouse, Builders Express or Builders Trade Depot.

If you have any difficulty finding a copy - get in touch with me or subscribe so that you don’t miss an issue! See page 5 for details.

The past couple of months have been pretty hectic, but everything should now settle down and I hope to be able to bring you even more DIY, tips, tricks and techniques for your home.

For those who prefer to read online, don’t forget that Home-Dzine Online will still be bringing you plenty of ideas and inspiration.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

EAST RAND 07 Picture Framing 14 Upholstered Kist 21 Basic Tiling 28 Beginners Power Tools

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FAR EAST RAND 14 Basic Electrical 21 Beginners Power Tools 28 Closets & Cabinets CLICK HERE TO BOOK

PRETORIA 07 Basic Electrical 21 Upholstered Ottoman CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Enjoy!

Janice Home-Dzine Online is written and compiled by Janice Anderssen.

All projects in this issue, or any other issue, remain the property of Home-Dzine and Janice Anderssen, or the respective copyright holders, and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Image and content credits: good homes - family handyman - sunset publishing - popular mechanic - house & home - georgia pacific - expert village - channel4 - pottery barn - flikr - nkba - resene - mitre10 - lowes and any others.

CAPE TOWN 07 Beginners Power Tools 14 Paint & Paint Techniques 22 Welding Workshop 28 Dremel Workshop CLICK HERE TO BOOK

DURBAN Tamlynn is on maternity leave - workshops will resume in August

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

stay warm this winter

For me, personally, nothing says warmth more than a log-fed fire roaring in the fireplace. Today’s modern looks for a fireplace are definitely more than a black hole in the wall.

It is difficult to replace the feeling of warmth you get from a fireplace on a dark and chilly day. Along with the warmth, the scent of the burning wood adds a cosy ambiance to a home. Brick fireplace designs have long been utilized in home construction and are still a favourite even today. One reason being that even as the brick ages it does so without losing its original charm, and actually acquires a certain character of its own.

 The material used to face the front of the fireplace can set the tone for the rest of your home. The latest trend is to build or clad a fireplace with stone, and since it is a natural product, no two stones are alike thus resulting in a truly unique fireplace.

Flat stone can be laid with the face of the stone exposed or with the edge exposed.

Once you have settled upon a design you need to consider that there are many primary forms of heat available for a home.

When I think of a fireplace, my first thought is the scent of burning wood. While some find that to be a very appealing smell, others would just as soon not have their clothing, curtains and other fabrics retain that lingering smell of smoke.

“Although not super efficient - it’s so nice to sit in front of a crackling fire. And during a power outage, I can still make tea!”

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Residential fireplace designs allow for the use of a vented or ventless gas fireplace, electric fireplaces that simulate the real thing or even a wood burning furnace.

While a prefabricated fireplace is cheaper to install, the masonry fireplace will likely last many more years.

“A log fire in a bedroom is soooo romantic!”

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In addition to the beauty of the brick, fireplace designs also take advantage of natural ability of brick and stone to absorb the heat from the fire and radiate it out into the room. These are the reasons you almost always see people gravitate to and gather around the fireplace at family gatherings or other celebrations.

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ch n u e La ssu I

In the launch issue of EASY DIY we show you how to make your own fireplace surround.

On sale countrywide at your local Builders Warehouse, Builders Express, Builders Trade Depot and CNA.

Subscribe and save 30% click here for details

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Increasing the efficiency of your fireplace - You can drastically reduce your heating costs if you make an effort in increasing the efficiency of your fireplace by installing the following features: - Top sealing dampers replace the fireplace throat damper and are installed at the top of the chimney. It comprises a seal that acts like a storm door to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside in winter, and vice versa in summer.

- A fireback comprises a cast iron plate that is located at the back of your fireplace. It protects the back wall from damage and improves the heat efficiency of the fireplace by absorbing the heat from the fire and radiating it back into the room.

- A fireplace heater pulls fresh air from the room, circulates it through a chamber that is heated by the fire, and then blows the heated air back into the room. These heaters are closed systems to ensure that no smoke from the fire will enter the room.

www.outofafricastone.com DID YOU KNOW? The choice of putting another log on the fire has a significant impact on the environment far beyond just keeping us warm.

Wood as a fuel is environmentally friendly, as wood consumes more carbon dioxide whilst growing than it emits during burning. It is also one of the very few fuels that is renewable during our lifetimes. www.thecarbontrust.co.uk

- Fireplace glass doors are excellent with regards to heat retention – they create a barrier between the living space and the chimney, thus reducing the area that needs to be heated. They also offer another level of safety by protecting children and pets from the fire, as well as safeguarding your home from any sparks or falling embers. www.property24.com 6

http://www.progressgroup.co.za

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affordable walls

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 If you haven’t yet seen the new range of vinyl wallpapers available at your local Builders Warehouse - be prepared for a pleasant surprise!

Priced at R199.00 per roll, select from their range of absolutely stunning and modern designs - all completely washable and very easy to apply.

A friend of mine recently had wallpaper installed in her newly renovated 1940’s home and the effect was gorgeous. However, if you plan to get someone to put up wallpaper for you - make sure they know what they are doing!

“Use wallpaper to create an instant feature wall or focal point” 8

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On the following pages you will find stepby-step instructions on hanging wallpaper, as well as making a decorative screen. Not just for walls, you can use vinyl wallpaper to dress up closet doors, create a unique headboard or finish off boring furniture for a new look!

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 Having spent the main part of my childhood in England, hanging wallpapering is something I can do in my sleep. Many weekends were spent helping my mom makeover the entrance hall or hang wallpaper in one room or another.

As a trend, wallpaper has appeared here and there through the years; from the bold geometric designs of the seventies and busy floral patterns of the eighties, to a more tasteful and practical wallcovering for those homeowners who want to add more than paint to a wall.

You will need: Wallpaper* Wallpaper paste Large paintbrush or foam roller Drop cloth Plastic spatula with straight edge Craft knife with snap-off blades Clean cloth and large sponge Bucket of water Stepladder Small foam roller - for closing seams Tape measure and pencil Large work surface or table Spirit level and straightedge 180-grit sandpaper

Measure up Carefully measure the length required (normally the height of the wall) and cut from the roll, allowing an extra 50mm or so at top and bottom for final trimming. To start with, only cut one length at a time.

Ensure the pattern is the right way up and never assume that the outside end of the roll is the top - it is not always so! Mark the back of the paper with a ‘T’ at the top to avoid any confusion later on.

Before cutting the next lengths ensure that the pattern matches up with previous ones.

For detailed patterns you may have to cut a longer length in order to line up, so bear in mind that you will need extra wallpaper at least one extra roll - if the design is large or has a big repeat.

*Vinyl is easy to hang since it is more durable and its great for areas that see a lot of use.

As with every project, preparation is very important when applying wallpaper so don’t be tempted to jump right in and start hanging. Walls need to be smooth and clean. Sand with 180-grit sandpaper and then wipe clean with a damp sponge.

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images: my home ideas

Here’s how:

 1. It’s not a good idea to cut all your paper in advance (to avoid having too many cut sheets lying around) but you can cut 2 or 3 sheets. Be sure to mark the top of each sheet and number the sheets to keep track of where you need to place them. If your pattern needs to be matched, you should just cut the pieces as you hang them leaving an extra 10cm for ceiling and floor trimming.

If you have never hung wallpaper before, have someone to assist you with your first project.

Once you actually start hanging the paper another pair of hands is a great help.

2. Find the best place to start hanging, normally behind a door or in a corner.

Using the spirit level and straightedge, draw a line from ceiling to floor that is 2cm narrower than the width of your paper. This leaves you enough paper to trim to match the corner and provides a line to hang the first sheet so that it is perfectly straight. Be accurate - as any mistake now will result in the entire wall being out of line.

3. Mix the wallpaper paste according to the instructions.

4. I prefer to apply a light coat of paste directly onto the wall and on the back of each sheet.

On the wall apply paste only to a section wide enough for one sheet. For on the paper, place the first sheet face down on the work surface and use a paintbrush to completely cover the back of the paper, making sure to cover all edges.

5. To make it easier to carry up the stepladder and hang each sheet you are going to ‘book’ each sheet.

Fold the ends in so that glue is touching the glue. Once the ends are folded in, fold the new ends into the centre again being careful not to crease the paper.

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 6. Place the stepladder in the place you want to start hanging.

- Take the paper by the edge that will be placed on at the ceiling - keeping the rest of the paper folded.

- Leaving 5cm at the top for trimming, align with the top edge and with your drawn vertical line and press into the corner.

- Let the paper unfold and drop to the floor.

- Check to see if the paper is hanging straight if its not move it into the correct position, then smooth the rest of the paper onto he wall from the ceiling to the floor using a sponge from side to side all the way down to the bottom to force out any air bubbles 7. Trim away excess paper on the top, bottom and at the corner with a craft knife and straightedge.

8. Use a foam roller (or seam roller if you can find one!) to press the edge of the wallpaper down. This will ensure that the edge is securely adhered to the wall, make sure to wipe away any excess glue with a clean cloth.

Repeat this process with each sheet of paper, aligning up all edges.

When hanging around fittings, such as wall sockets, or around windows or doors let the paper hang as if you were papering the entire wall. You will then go back and trim the excess off with the craft knife.

Leave for about 10 minutes and then go back around the room and double check to make sure the corners and seams are stuck or, if not, use the foam roller to push them back in place.

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Full range of matching Wave Accessories.

For boys we offer our new Skater Boy range of furniture and accessories. www.Design-A-Bed.co.za

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You will need: A 3-panel screen* Fired Earth Wallpaper – 1 roll Wallpaper paste Large measuring jug Stirrer Paintbrush Damp, clean cloth Sharp craft knife

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Time: 4 hours

EASY

Cost: R500 *You will find instructions for making the screen in the latest issue of EASY DIY magazine

 Wallpaper is one of the hottest trends for decorating a home and I just discovered the wonderful range of Fired Earth vinyl wallpaper at my local Builders Warehouse store.

For the new EASY DIY magazine I was asked to make a selection of screens for the first issue. This one I decided to keep and share with you. For instructions on making the screen get yourself a copy of the new EASY DIY magazine at your local Builders Warehouse, Builders Express, Builders Trade Depot or CNA.

Here’s how: 1. Lay the panel on a flat, level surface and use a sharp craft knife to cut out a rough shape for each panel that is slightly larger than the shape required.

2. Fold over any excess, or use your fingertip to press the paper against the edges so that you have a line to follow.

3. Cut off any excess with the craft knife.

Go slowly so that you do not cut off too much and end up with a shape that is too small.

4. Any excess paper can be trimmed off for a perfect fit.

5. To mix up a batch of wallpaper paste you will need wallpaper adhesive, a large measuring jug and a stirrer - I used a fork.

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 Mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes; another quick stir and you are ready to apply.

6. Put each wallpaper section on a surface that is easily cleaned. It can be quite a messy process! Use a paintbrush to apply the paste, making sure to go over all the edges.

Good to know You need to apply a liberal coating of wallpaper paste but not too much that it will squeeze out of the sides when you apply.

7. Place the wallpaper at one end and use the palm of your hand to flatten out as you lay the remainder. This helps to remove any trapped air.

8. Use a slightly damp cloth the wipe over the paper from the centre outwards to remove air bubbles and ensure that the wallpaper will be firmly fixed to the board. Leave the paste to dry for the recommended time.

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made with

love

Made with fabric scraps, this rose wreath is gorgeous enough to hang anywhere in a home.

Make one for mom for Mother’s Day!

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 I keep seeing fabric flowers everywhere - clothing, jewellery and crafts - so I decided to make my own fabric flowers out of recycled materials and turn them into a pretty wreath for the door. credits: Alisa Burke

You will need: Scraps of fabric Hot glue gun & glue sticks or fabric glue Wreath form (I used a foam rubber ring) Newspaper

Here’s how 1. Start with strips of recycled fabric, canvas, paper, ribbon- you can use just about anything. I started with some scraps of painted fabric that would have otherwise been thrown away!

2. Tie a knot at the end of the strip and begin twisting and rolling the strip around the knot, dabbing glue as you

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roll. You can use fabric glue, Bostik clear adhesive, hot glue or even use stitches instead of glue.

3. Continue rolling and twisting your strip until you reach the end and secure with glue to the back of the flower.

 RIGHT: Make wreaths with difference colours and textures using a variety of different materials. Experiment with different twists and rolls for different effects.

The flowers are super easy to make and can be used in a multitude of projects!

I used junk mail, and old silk scarf and pillow case, recycled book pages, scraps of painted paper, an old shirt and more!

4. Cover a wreath form with paper or fabric and start gluing the flowers to the surface.

Stack, layer and fill the entire surface with flowers.

Alisa Burke is a freelance painter and mixed media artist. With a background in painting and printmaking, a desire to explore and push materials, Alisa is always looking for new ways to break the rules and redefine art. She draws inspiration from street art, graffiti, art history and fashion and it is not uncommon to find her digging through the trash in hopes of recycling something unique use in her artwork. www.alisaburke.com 19

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We are often requested to run a full day workshop, where ladies can get together and cover a wide range of topics at one workshop. Our new full day workshops do exactly that. Starting at 09:00 and ďŹ nishing at 16:00 - each workshop will offer as much information as possible on the various subjects.

Have a day out with the girls at the tranquil Black Eagle Guest House, just off Hendrik Potgieter Road in Strubens Valley. Enjoy a light breakfast and buffet lunch while honing up your DIY skills. The emphasis is on a casual and relaxed atmosphere, where previous power tool knowledge is not necessary. And our experience is second to none... with such projects as Decorex, Homemakers Expo, Gardenex, and more under our belt.

Interior Decorating Full day covers: * Elements of design * Basic upholstery techniques * Paint and paint techniques Design, plan & make an ottoman to take home with you.

Certificate on completion.

Do-It-Yourself Home Repairs Full day covers theory/practical: * Beginner - Advanced DIY * Basic Electrical * Basic Plumbing You will make small projects to take home with you.

Certificate on completion.

Woodwork & Furniture Making Full day workshop covers: * Joining and fastening * Hardware * Timber and board * Design and planning - bookcase, coffee table, TV unit & make a small cabinet to take home.

Certificate on completion.

Cost R1250 pp includes light breakfast, tea/coffee & snacks and buffet lunch. All materials and use of tools included.

CLICK ON THIS PAGE TO BOOK 20

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outdoor ďŹ replace

images: massucco warner miller

Use as a pizza or bread oven, or simply to heat up your entertainment area.

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1. Dig out the foundation to a depth of 300mm. Get the site level before fitting a shutterply frame and pouring the concrete. A rebar at each corner will provide additional strength for the finish assembly. Once dry - give or take a week or so - you can start to assemble the bottom section with airbricks.

2. Install framework around the inside cavity to fit the shutterply top and then build the framework around the outside of the frame for the poured concrete top. Allow to cure for a week or so. Plaster off around the bottom section.

3. Once cured and the frame removed you can start decorating the outside of the oven.

You also need to mark out for the oven section so you can start laying fire bricks for the oven section.

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4. Thick polystyrene serves as a support for building up the dome for the oven section and is easily removed once the cement mortar has cured. For information on mixing cement for the construction and finish visit www.cnci.org.za.

5. Continue to build up the front arch and add the chimney for venting. Steel mesh is wrapped over the oven and topped off with a 10mm layer of cement. Once completed, the entire assembly should be left to cure properly for at least a month before use.

For the first firing have an empty oven and start the fire at the back of the chamber. Allow the heat in the dome to even out, and for the temperature from the fire to drop down to 400°C for thin crust pizzas. Roasts or other meals can be popped in when the temperature reaches 230°C. Bread goes in last so it doesn’t bake too fast on the outside.

further reading / projects http://www.woodfiredpizza.org http://www.abc.net.au/gardening http://alexandracooks.blogspot.com http://www.youtube.com http://www.traditionaloven.com 23

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Girl Talk With all the hoo-haa about climate change one thing is certain... No matter where you live the weather is definitely changing.

In most inland parts of the country we are now experiencing rain, rain and more rain, and it looks as though we are in for a cold, chilly winter.

If you’re feeling the draughts in your home, or if heat is going up and out rather than circulating to keep your home warm and cosy, it’s definitely time to do some weatherproofing.

Ceiling insulation is just one of the many affordable ways to keep the heat in during winter - and out during summer. Since installing Think Pink a couple of years back the improvement has been amazing.

During the past couple of days I have come to the conclusion that winter (in Gauteng) has arrived, and not with a windy whisper!

Our main feature this month is the beauty of an open fireplace, but to really enjoy the benefits you need to close off the draughts. On the following page you will find plenty of tips and tricks.

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Warm up your home There’s no point in warming up a draughty home. We all know that heat rises and cold air that has access to your home forces warm air out through the ceiling. Ceiling insulation puts a stop to this, but there are also fix ups that you can easily perform to reduce draughts.

• Loose window panes can be annoying if they constantly rattle. Loose putty can be replaced on steel windows, or a thin bead of exterior acrylic sealer applied around the inside of the frame to fill any gaps and secure.

• Gaps around cornice or crown moulding are easily filled with acrylic sealer and will instantly look better as well.

• Where doors and window frames are not snug when closed, use a foam rubber self-adhesive strip to seal gaps. Also ideal for preventing draughty sliding doors where doors overlap.

FIT A DRAUGHT EXCLUDER

Fitting a draught excluder to gaps on door bottoms is an efficient and affordable way to keep out dirt and reduce heat loss in your home.

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Most South African homes are simply not designed to be energy efficient. They are badly designed and constructed, have inadequate insulation, and use a lot of energy to heat and run.

To really make your home warmer, drier and healthier to live in, it is important to think about how insulation, heating and ventilation work together as a system.

Identifying and fixing any condensation or damp issues is vital for these three elements to work together.

By thinking of each element as one part of the whole puzzle, it’s easier to see how getting each part sorted contributes to a more comfortable and healthy living environment.

Insulation

The term ‘insulation’ refers to materials which provide substantial resistance to heat flow. When these materials are installed in the ceiling, walls, and floors of a building, heat flow into and out of the building is reduced, and the need for heating and cooling is minimised.

Although ceilings and walls may be insulated, heat loss will still occur in winter if there are large areas of unprotected glass or through fixed wall vents and gaps and cracks around external doors and windows.

Appropriate internal window coverings (e.g. lined drapes) and draught proofing are vital to complement insulation.

Insulation should always be coupled with appropriate shading of windows and adequate ventilation in summer.

Without shading, heat entering the home through the windows will be trapped inside by the insulation and cause discomfort.

Heating

Heating and cooling accounts for almost 35% of all the energy a typical South African home consumes. Despite this, the majority of our homes are under-heated by international standards.

There are lots of heating options for homes, but using the right kind of energy efficient heater for your circumstances will mean that you can keep your home warm, healthy and comfortable to live 27

 in while keeping running costs low. Efficient heating means more than just having a good heater. It’s also about having a well insulated house and using your heaters wisely. Keeping your home warm is important for your health and comfort, and a good heating system (coupled with proper insulation) makes it much easier to do.

The World Health Organisation recommends the following minimum indoor temperatures: * A minimum of 18 ˚C, or a minimum of 20 ˚C for more vulnerable groups like children, the elderly. * A minimum of 16 ˚C in your bedroom overnight.

Condensation or Damp

Insulation provides a drier environment by preventing condensation, which occurs on the inside surface of a roof, ceiling or window when the temperature of the surface is at or below the dewpoint* of the air in contact with it.

Insulation raises the temperature on the insulated surface above the dew-point temperature, thus inhibiting condensation.

Insulation can also help reduce mould growing on the inside of your walls and ceilings. *Dew point is the temperature at which air can no longer hold water vapour which then condenses into liquid water. The dew point is always lower than (or equal to) the air temperature.

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