Spring Home 2023

Creative Edge Tables Opens in Burton Township

By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com

Dannie Stoltzfus has spent much of his adult life in the woods operating a portable sawmill, turning out thousands of board feet a year in all kinds of weather.

Now a grandfather, he is taking his talents and knowledge of wood indoors and into a new chapter — making and selling live edge furniture out of his workshop on Patch Road in Burton Township.

The idea for Creative Edge Tables was born from Stoltzfus’ observation of the slabs he cut off the sides of logs — slabs of oak, maple and other trees being lumbered off.

“You find very unique trees in the woods,” he said in his showroom.

Slab wood is often sold in bundles and burned, but some of the thicker, wider pieces with interesting knots in them and with the bark firmly attached looked promising to Stoltzfus.

“I said, ‘I’m going to make me a bunch of live edge tables,’” he recalled.

Stoltzfus was born and raised in Geauga County. His parents, Emanuel and Mary Ann, relocated to Ohio from the Amish settlement in Gettysburg, Pa.

“Dad made furniture at home and sold it out of a shop,” he said, adding he learned his carpentry skills while helping out.

Stoltzfus built his immaculate shop/showroom a couple of years ago and wondered if he would be able to fill it.

“It seemed like a lot of space, but it’s not enough already,” he said.

A portable sawmill will produce plenty of slabs, but there are certain characteristics Stoltzfus looks for when choosing pieces for his tables and benches, he said.

Soft maple has a distinctive grain and sometimes that pattern makes it especially attractive as live edge furniture, he said, adding occasionally, he’ll find a piece of white oak that will serve his purposes, as well.

As Stoltzfus operates his sawmill, driven by a diesel John Deere engine, he keeps his eyes open for those slabs that can be repurposed. Some of the trees may have grown oddly,

been damaged while growing, or even started to decay, which can cause spalting, a bacteria-induced darkening in the grain, he said. One coffee table on display at Creative Edge Tables shows a slice of a sizeable irregularity in the wood.

Stoltzfus also will take a cut across the trunk of a tree so the bark is all around the edge, making it useful for a side table.

Turning a green slab into a work of art takes time. Stoltzfus said he gives his inventory eight or nine months to air dry, then three or four weeks in a kiln.

“Then it’ll be ready to turn into furniture,” he said.

After cleaning the slab up, he fills cracks and crevices with translucent epoxy so the surface is smooth. If there is a gap all the way through the wood, which may happen if the plank has started to rot, Stoltzfus will fill it with the epoxy, making a kind of thick, milky window.

If making furniture to order, he can suspend items in the epoxy or add color to the finish, he said.

“Whatever the customer wants,” Stoltzfus said.

He pointed to a smooth-edged walnut from southern Ohio with a crack up the middle filled with pebbles and epoxy. It appears

like a stream running through the table.

He displays several walnut pieces he purchased and is selling.

Using smaller slabs, Stoltzfus creates handcrafted charcuterie boards used as serving trays for special occasions.

Also on display are a child-sized picnic table and benches. He said he made chairs for a set, but thinks the benches are better for children. The shop and showroom are a sideline for Stoltzfus, but he said he plans to give up his sawmill and dedicate himself to more creative efforts.

“Six months from now, I hope I’m working entirely from home,” he said.

ANN WISHART/KMG

Dannie Stoltzfus displays a live edge coffee table and two side tables he made in his Creative Edge Tables shop on Patch Road in Burton Township. He started making the furniture two years ago.

6 Strategies To Get Organized

When the new year arrives, many people focus on changes that can be implemented in the months of come. This time of year is a popular one to make resolutions to clean and organize homes and offices.

There are plenty of things that can use a little organizational attention. There’s no ideal way to get organized. Whatever works is a good approach, but the following are six strategies to help individuals clear the clutter.

1. Utilize to-do lists

People tend to be less productive when they’re storing all of their tasks in their brains. The first step to getting organized is to remove those plans from the head and put them down on paper or in some other tracking tool. A digital to-do list manager, for example, enables you to see all of your tasks, deadlines and due dates in one place so you can get things done more efficiently. Carry around a notepad or use the digital notes app on a phone to jot down thoughts and needs as they come up.

2. Corral your “smalls”

Smalls are keys, phones, chargers, wallets, headphones, and other accessories. When these items are grouped together, they’re easier to find so you can stay on track. Invest in an attractive organizer and install it by the front door or another high-traffic area. You’ll cut down on trying to find those smaller items when running errands.

3. Conquer clutter regularly

It’s easy to be put off by cleaning and organizing when clutter has gotten out of

control. Instead, by cleaning up items on a daily or weekly basis, it’s much easier to keep ahead of clutter. Treat it like a daily job, including sorting mail and tossing unnecessary items; emptying waste pails; dusting the desk; deleting emails; and putting items back where they belong.

4. Categorize emails

Utilize the folder creation option from popular email providers to sort your messages. Drop messages that need attention into categories of your choosing, such as school, health and receipts. Then you’ll know which folder to go into when searching for what you need, eliminating the time-consuming task of scrolling through a full inbox.

5. Give one; toss one

When bringing new items into the home, follow the procedure of giving away or throwing out one item for each new item that is received or purchased. This can help to tame clutter.

6. Mise en place your life

“Mise en place” is French for “put in place.” It is used in the kitchen to refer to preparing and setting out all ingredients needed in a recipe. The same concept can be used elsewhere. Lay out clothing on the dresser for the next day at work or school. Prep the foyer of a home with items you need, like an umbrella, shoes and paperwork. Organize backpacks so they’re ready for the school day. Establish a to-go bag at work for items that need to be brought home.

Getting organized can be as simple as taking small steps that have lasting impact.

What to Know About Landscape Lighting

Home improvement trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizable in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transformed how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.

Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentially safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.

Are there different types of landscape lighting?

When considering landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights project a concentrated and narrow beam of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a component of the landscaping. Individuals who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlights, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees.

Inground lighting is among the more sophisticated landscape lighting options. Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminates the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look. These circle-shaped lights also are great at illuminating walkways and driveways.

Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.

Is landscape lighting a job a DIYer can handle?

Many homeowners consider a do-it-yourself approach when pondering a potential home renovation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibility of DIY in regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install it. Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYer, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the professionals. Homeowners whose homes currently have no or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a professional. Solar lighting that does not require any electrical work can be installed quickly and easily by anyone, but such options may not provide the look homeowners are aiming for.

How much lighting is necessary?

The amount of lighting homeowners want to install is up to them. If the home currently has little or no landscape lighting, a consultation with a professional can help to determine how much lighting to install and where to install it. When discussing landscape lighting, homeowners may want to inquire about dimmers. Dimmers can increase or decrease lighting depending on the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary.

Landscape lighting is a popular home renovation trend. Homeowners considering adding landscape lighting to their property are urged to work with a skilled professional to devise and install a set-up that makes their homes more appealing at night.

metrocreAtive

Factors to Consider When Buying Furniture

Buying furniture can be an exciting prospect. The opportunity to breathe new life into a home with the addition of different furnishings inspires many people. However, at the same time, searching for furniture can be a tad overwhelming, especially when homeowners do not know where to begin.

Statistics Canada reports that Canadians spend an average of $934 on furniture each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, in 2017, Americans spent an average of $2,484 on furniture. While furniture may not be the most costly investment, it’s also not the cheapest, which is why getting it right is important.

Determine your needs

The first step in purchasing new furniture is to decide what is needed. Assess current furniture and think about what works for certain pieces and what doesn’t. Then you can gear purchases around desired features. For example, if you’ve determined chenille fabric holds on to too much pet fur, the next couch may be leather or microfiber.

Measure more than once

Measure your room multiple times and create a mock floor plan. This will help when figuring out if certain pieces can fit into the space. Some retailers even offer floor plan software on their websites so that you can upload the dimensions of your room and see

how certain items will fit in your spaces. In addition, be sure to measure the width of doors to ensure that it’s easy to get the furniture into the home when delivered.

Determine your style

Figure out which style best fits your personality and lifestyle. This may be traditional, transitional or modern. Incorporate pieces accordingly, or mix and match to create a look that is completely unique.

Confirm materials

Consider your budget when choosing the construction materials for the furniture. Solid wood tends to be more expensive, but often more durable than engineered products. In addition, check to see how items are built. Pull out drawers and check hinges to ensure the quality is there.

Save money on sales

Furniture can be expensive, but there is room for savings. Shop when retailers offer seasonal sales. Consider warehouse retailers, which often sell select items at a discount.

Read reviews

Before taking the plunge, be sure to read reviews of items and retailers. While items may appear perfect, reviews can shed light on how pieces stand up to wear and tear.

Shopping for furniture means taking steps to measure, match style, read reviews, and find pieces that fit homeowners’ lifestyles.

How to Taste Maple Syrup

The flavor and overall sensory quality of maple syrup can be influenced by multiple factors. Outside the sugar house, these include environmental conditions, location, and time in the season; inside the sugar house these include method of production, as well as filter and packaging conditions. This sensitivity makes the flavor of maple syrup susceptible to flavors not considered “typical.” This tool is meant to identify off-flavors in syrup, and link the particular sensory experience to a specific defect and category that explains why the defect has occurred.

The descriptors on the right describe the aroma, taste and/or mouthfeel of the defective syrup (ex. “chocolaty aroma and flavors, lingering aftertaste”), paired on the middle column with the specific cause of defect (ex. “buddy”). The defects are then grouped by type of defect (example: “mother-nature”) in order to better identify off-flavors, and to troubleshoot future batches. The triangle in the lower left corner denotes a defect linked to misuse or mishandling of filters.

Sampling Your Syrup

• Smell the syrup before tasting, note any atypical smells. Consult the list of descriptors to match any atypical aromas to their potential causes listed on the left.

• Taste the syrup, note of the taste and the mouthfeel. Repeat the process described above.

• Evaluate the syrup. If the troubleshooting guide indicates, address any issues with filters or processing equipment.

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“The presenter of the program was so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and patient. Our 5-year-old was full of questions. He did an impressive job rolling with all of them and he made her feel like her questions were important – all three of us loved the program!”

“Our presenter was one of the best speakers I’ve ever seen, even against some of the most prestigious corporate ones. His enthusiasm was incredible, and very knowledgeable! Loved it.”

“Presenter Chris Mentrek was enthusiastic about the night sky. The topics he covered appealed to all ages, and he made excellent use of the capabilities of the digital planetarium. Everyone in the audience surely learned something new!”

“This is the second program I’ve done with Chris and I have to say, he is truly a treasure to our county’s park system. Please take this comment to heart as I am not one to freely hand out compliments.”

The reviews are in: Astronomy Naturalist “Astro-Nat” Chris Mentrek puts on a great show – but you don’t have to take our word for it!

To see it for yourself, sign up for an upcoming monthly installment of The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show at Observatory Park in Montville Township. Using the planetarium dome in the Robert McCullough Science Center as his stage, your stellar host will guide you through the current night sky and preview things to watch for in the coming month, and you’ll leave feeling enriched, enlightened and inspired to keep an eye to the skies.

Registration is currently open for 45-minute shows on Sunday, March 26, both either 2 or 3 p.m., at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org under Programs & Events, then program type Astronomy, or by calling 440-286-9516. Or watch for springtime planetarium shows in April, May and June to be posted to our website March 20 (Geauga residents) or March 27 (out-of-county) at 10 a.m.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Home Decor Ideas

Home interiors can be spruced up in a number of ways. Ideas run the gamut from relatively inexpensive changes in paint color to more extensive (and expensive) remodels that may include demolition and reconstruction. Investing in new home decor is another way to breathe new life into spaces, and this approach that falls somewhere in the middle in regard to cost.

Material and product costs remain high across the board, so individuals interested in changing the furniture and other design elements in their homes might be seeking ways to do so in the most affordable way possible. In such instances, homeowners can try these budget-friendly ways to overhaul their home decor.

• Create the illusion of more space. Light, bright and white are key attributes to remember when selecting design elements for rooms where you want to create the illusion of more square footage. Painting the walls in very light colors, increasing natural and artificial light, including using well-placed mirrors to reflect light, and decorating with light-colored fabrics can help a space seem more roomy.

• Replace the accessories. Replacing curtains, area rugs, throw pillows, and chair cushions is an easy way to change a room without a big investment. Consider updating some wall art and tying color schemes together with all of the newly introduced elements.

• Splurge on statement pieces that will be used frequently. These may include chandeliers, unique rugs or an eye-catching piece of furniture.

• Shop ‘discount’ stores for furniture and accents. Traditional design centers can be great places to find plenty of high-quality merchandise. However, don’t overlook local discount or close-out centers that may have items at very reasonable costs. Stores like Home Goods, At Home and Big Lots routinely get new merchandise that changes with the season, helping homeowners to refresh their spaces without having to dig deep into their

pockets. Shop the high-end stores for inspiration, then try to find “dupes” in the discount stores that will mimic the looks for less.

• Cut out the clutter. Modern homes are lean and clean. A home’s interior instantly looks more high-end and appealing when the clutter is removed. Consider keeping main living areas free from too many knickknacks and other accents. If you want to display a special collection, set aside a room specifically for such items. There are many budget-friendly ways to make interior spaces more inviting.

The Basics of Fertilizing a Lawn

Spring marks the return of lawn and garden season. Lawns often bear the brunt of winter’s wrath, so spring is a great time to nurse them back to health, and fertilizing can be an essential component of that process.

Fertilizing a lawn can be intimidating. An array of fertilizers, with each seemingly designed to address a different issue, can make homeowners’ heads spin when visiting their local lawn and garden center. However, fertilizing is a very simple task that any homeowner can tackle. In fact, fears about fertilizing are often unfounded and can be overcome with some basic knowledge of the process.

• Identify which type of grass is in the yard. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that turfgrass is divided into two categories: cool-season grass and warm-season grass. A local lawn and garden center can help homeowners identify which type of grass is in the yard, and this often depends on location. Fescue, bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are some examples of cool-season grasses, while Bermuda, bahia, St. Augustine, and zoysia are considered warm-season grasses. Identifying which type of grass is in

the lawn is important because that will indicate when to fertilize. Cool-season grasses are typically best fertilized in early spring, while warm-season lawns can benefit from an application just before especially warm temperatures arrive.

• Survey the lawn to identify which spreader to use. A small yard or a thriving lawn with only a few bald or unsightly patches may not need a full application of fertilizer. In such instances, a hand spreader can suffice. For larger lawns and areas, a broadcast spreader is the ideal option. Spreaders have multiple settings, and the fertilizer package will indicate which setting to utilize when using the product.

• Test the soil prior to purchasing fertilizer. The lawn experts at Pennington® note that a simple soil test can reveal soil pH and phosphorous and potassium levels. Soil tests can be purchased at most home improvement stores and lawn and garden centers, and they can help homeowners determine which fertilizer will most benefit their lawns.

• Water the lawn prior to fertilizing. The experts at Scotts® recommend a good watering a few days prior to fertilizing a lawn. Such an approach ensures the soil is ready to accept the fertilizer once it’s applied.

• Follow the instructions carefully. Detailed instructions are typically provided on fertilizer product packaging. Once homeowners have identified and purchased the product they need, they can simply follow the instructions on the packaging, including how and when to water after application, which can make fertilizing less intimidating.

Fertilizing in spring can help a lawn recover from the previous summer and winter, ensuring it’s lush and green when summer entertaining season arrives.

Types of Bird Feed For Backyard Feeders

Birding is a wildly popular hobby. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, about 45 million Americans are birders, while data from the popular bird observation app eBird indicates that submissions from Canadian birders increased by 34 percent in 2020.

It’s not uncommon for birding enthusiasts to travel great distances to see beautiful birds in serene settings. But individuals also can entice beautiful birds to come to them. Bird feeders beckon birds to millions of backyards every day, making them an ideal addition to properties owned by people with an affinity for avians. After choosing a bird feeder, novices may not know which food to fill it with. This breakdown, courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation®, can help anyone find the right food for their feeders.

• Nectar: Individuals who want to attract hummingbirds can do so with nectar, which the NWF describes as colored sugar water. Nectar must be placed into a hummingbird feeder and also might attract orioles to the backyard.

• Black-oil sunflower: The NWF notes that black-oil sunflower is the most popular bird seed. Black-oil sunflower attracts an array of birds, including blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, and sparrows. Novices may like that black-oil sunflower seed can even be found at many grocery stores, which can appeal to individuals who live in remote locations without specialty bird stores nearby.

• Mixes: Seed mixes also can be found at grocery stores and appeal to a variety of birds. Individuals who want to keep their feeders close to their decks or patios may want to look for mixes described as “no-mess.” The NWF indicates that these mixes have been de-hulled, which means there won’t be as big a pile of unwanted seeds beneath the feeder. That tends to be the case with regular mixes that birds pick through as they choose which seeds they want and discard the others, often dropping them to the ground beneath the feeder. The NWF reports that mixes tend to attract ground-feeding birds, such as doves and sparrows.

• Suet: Suet is sought after in winter by bird lovers who want to help birds stay healthy and strong during times of year when food sources are scarce. Suet requires a suet feeder, which is unlike most bird feeders. Suet comes in squares and isn’t in seed form, though seeds are typically mixed in to the gelatinous cake. Despite its appearance, which can seem like a square block of fat, suet is an excellent source of protein for birds in winter.

• Thistle or nyjer: The NWF notes that goldfinches love this small, high-quality seed. Because thistle or nyjer is something of a specialty seed, birders who want to put it out will need to purchase a finch feeder.

Birding has millions of devotees across the globe. Knowing what to feed birds can be a great way for birding enthusiasts to attract these beautiful creatures to their own backyards.

What Consumers Can Do To Support Local Farmers

Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be.

All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods. Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there are many things consumers can do to show their appreciation for local farmers.

• Buy fresh foods at your local farmers market. Farmers markets are many foodies’ favorite places, but they aren’t exclusive to individuals with a passion for food. Everyone needs to eat, so why not eat foods grown locally, which are generally more fresh and appetizing than imported fruits and vegetables sold at chain grocery stores? Even individuals who don’t typically eat fresh fruit and vegetables can find something delectable at a local farmers market, where anything from homemade tomato sauces to locally raised fresh beef and pork might be on sale.

• Order directly from local farms. Some farmers have embraced the e-commerce revolution and begun selling the foods they grow to consumers via their own websites. Research local farms and determine if it’s possible to buy directly from them. Farms may offer delivery or pick-up, and consumers can enjoy fresh foods even more knowing that they helped farmers earn higher profits

by buying directly from them.

• Check labels before buying in local grocery stores. Packaging labels will indicate where fruits and vegetables came from. When possible, choose items produced by local farmers. This may include fruits, vegetables, meat, pork, or even desserts like pies. Locally produced foods often taste more fresh than items sent from overseas or distant farms, and consumers will feel better knowing they helped to support local farmers.

• Spread the word. Get the word out after a satisfying experience with local farms and farmers. Whether it’s buying food from farms or taking advantage of family days that let kids enjoy a day on the farm, sharing positive experiences via social media or wordof-mouth can be a great way to inspire your neighbors to support local farmers as well. Consumers can do much to support hardworking local farmers. In addition to feeling good about supporting their rural neighbors, consumers also might feel good when they sit down and enjoy a meal featuring locally grown, fresh foods.

Quick and Easy Ways to Give Your Kitchen a New Look

Kitchens are often described as the busiest rooms in a home. Kitchens are where meals are prepared and tend to be go-to gathering spots on holiday get-togethers and during other events when homeowners host family and friends.

With so much time spent in the kitchen, it’s easy to see how homeowners might grow a little bored by these rooms. The cost of a kitchen remodel won’t be cheap, as the home improvement resource Angi.com notes that the typical cost of such a project in the United States is between $13,000 and $38,000. Angi.com estimates even indicate that a high-end remodel could cost homeowners as much as $61,000. That’s beyond many homeowners’ budgets. But the good news is that there are many quick and easy, not to mention less expensive, ways to give a kitchen a new look.

• Repaint and restyle the cabinets. Cabinet space is an undeniably precious commodity in a kitchen, especially as more and more homeowners embrace their inner chef and cook more complicated meals at home. After all, the more expansive a home chef’s culinary repertoire, the more space that person needs to store all the tools of the cooking trade. A full cabinet replacement is unnecessary if the cabinets are still functional and not overcrowded, so repainting them can be a great way to give the kitchen a new look while keeping costs reasonable. During the painting project, homeowners can install new cabinet knobs and/or drawer pulls to freshen up the style of the cabinets even further.

• Install under-cabinet lighting. Another inexpensive way to give a kitchen a new look is to install under-cabinet lighting. Under-cabinet lighting serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, under-cabinet lighting can make a kitchen feel more warm and keep the kitchen illuminated when meals aren’t being prepared and homeowners don’t want to have their overhead lights on but still want to be able to navigate the kitchen safely. During meal prep, under-cabinet lighting can illuminate counters so it’s easier to chop, peel and perform other prep tasks.

• Replace existing backsplash. Replacing backsplash is another simple, inexpensive and effective way to give a kitchen a new feel. Homeowners can opt for something neutral that won’t upset their existing decor or go with a more bold backsplash that immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. This simple job can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer and the cost of new backsplash won’t break the bank.

• Replace existing seating. Whether you have an island countertop with bar stools or a breakfast nook with cushioned seats, replacing the seating is a budget-friendly job that can create a new look when entering the room. Countertop bar stools come in many styles, so giving this area of the kitchen a new feel can be as simple as shifting from classic, high-back stools to more modern swivel stools with a chrome base. For the breakfast nook, replacing a light-colored bench cushion with a bolder alternative can instantly transform the look of the space.

Kitchen remodels can break the bank. But there’s a host of budget-friendly ways for cost-conscious homeowners to revitalize these popular spaces in their homes.