ArtofGardening.org: New fence. Old fence.

ArtofGardening.org: New fence. Old fence.



Click the subhead for a great link. A friend of mine turned an old fence into the most fabulous walling (is that a word) for his potting shed using old paint and stains he already had. I might like walls like this in my rec room. Great recycling creating a new, not new design statement.

Refinishing the leather couch is taking longer than expedted

The old leather is sucking up the dye at an astounding rate, as are the many and deep creases where the couch is tufted. Fortunately, the weather is holding so I can open the windows and work on the couch a little each day. A filler material for some of the larger cracks is supposed to arrive on Friday. After I attend to those cracks, I'm hoping a second coat of dye goes on quickly (this time, with a sprayer). Hoping a second coat (and the sealer) are all it will need.

Done with round one of my second pair of loom knit socks.

I decided I wanted a pair of handknit socks for myself...I guess to prove I did it? Unfortunately, I allowed myself to be intimidated by the snooty ladies at the yarn shop and paid $18 for the damn skein. At least is is washable 100% wool and very pretty. I'm taking it a lot slower on this pair so the arthritis and carpal tunnel don't get too troublesome. I do enjoy the knitting process...it calms me.

My mosaic art puts broken pieces to good use.

Mosaic is a perfect match for a dedicated recycler. Especially since I've found a cheaper source for broken glass.

Damn. Missed the good used hardwood

I saw on Craigslist that 1,000 sq ft of used Brazilian cherry in excellent condition came and instantly went (for $2 a sq ft, of course it would) at our local ReUse. I guess I'll have to volunteer there or something if I want to get an exotic hardwood floor. I won't buy one new, but I will buy one used.

It has now, officially been an entire year of nothing new!

It started as a sort of whim/challenge and has ended as a lifestyle. I am solidly entrenched in repairing, repurposing and generally trying to always buy used rather than new. I may go back to shopping the clothing clearance racks, but only because I am so good at it that I feel I was getting better bargains new than used (and it's not like I buy that many clothes anyway). Plus, I think there are so many women shopping the thrift stores so effectively that you have to be a rather cut-throat early and frequent shopper to get the best stuff...and I am just not that into expending that kind of energy on clothes shopping. That said, two of my favorite clothing items were purchased used. But, consider that during these 365 days, my "cheating" on buying new clothes added up to a total of $75 for 2 pairs of pants, 5 tops and a dressy hoodie, I did pretty good value-wise. I'm still looking for a not-new engineered hardwood floor. I know I'll find one. Can't wait.

How real women prevent power tool rust.

Yes, I cover my power tools in lady products then put them in a garbage bag for the winter (workshop is in the garage). I suppose if I were a lot younger or older, I'd use diapers.