Jewelry Organization

Projects and adventures are what being a Real Retired Housewife of Florida is all about.  I find lots of my "projects" on Pinterest...just like this one

I pinned this jewelry hanger on Pinterest, but didn't think about making one until my daughter, Mallory, made it and said how much she liked it.

This project uses a few of my FAVorite things

• Cup hooks ($4 for 50 at Lowe's)
• Brass rod ($2 at Ace Hardware)
• 1" x 2" board (scrap in garage)
• Java Gel stain (leftover from bathroom cupboard project)  FAV
• Dremel drill FAV
• Command Strips FAV
• Lever (more on that later)

I drilled pilot holes with the Dremel, screwed in the cup hooks and used Command Strips to attach the hanger to the wall.  It was late in the evening when I hung up the holders and I couldn't find my small level in the garage.  My iPhone has a level on the second page of the Compass App.  I might be the only person who actually uses this feature.

One set has a row of hooks for necklaces, bracelets and rings.  Another set has two hooks that hold a brass rod for wire earrings.

I liked the hangers so much that I made another set.   I have them hanging in my closet, but they are pretty enough that you could hang them anywhere.

These hangers are great for wire earrings...but not for post earrings.  A friend told me her earring organization system using a splatter screen.  It sounded like a great place to put post earrings.  I took the splatter screen one step futher and covered the handle with polymer clay.

I learned a few things with this project...and none of them had to do with the construction process.  I had jewelry in four different boxes and trays.  I never saw all the pieces in one place.  I learned that I have more jewelry than I thought...more jewelry than I need.  Seriously, who needs 22 pairs of small gold ball posts?  I guess I won't be asking for jewelry this Christmas.

Pinterest Find - Java Gel Stain

Java Gel.  It sounds like something you add to your coffee.  Instead it is a dark gel wood stain.  I saw a few Pinterest pins on refinishing cupboards where bloggers used General Finishes Java Gel Stain (what a mouthful).   Many of the bloggers said not to think about using another gel stain.  The only place I could find the Java Gel stain was on Amazon.  It comes in a 1/2 pint for $14, 1 pint for $24, 1 quart for $26 or 1 gallon for $80.  I started small and moved up a size, but I love it so much I should have gone for the gallon.

My first project was the cupboard in the guest bathroom.  Here is a picture to compare.  

STEP 1 - PREPARE

I gathered my supplies...TSP, bucket, painters tape, newspaper, tack cloth, sand paper, rags, brushes, Java Gel, gloves, brushes and black Sharpie (more on that later).

I wiped down all the surfaces with TSP, took off the doors and hardware.  Then masked around the walls and floor.

One reason this project appealed to me was because all of the bloggers mentioned that I did not need to completely remove the original finish.  The sanding took less than 10 minutes.  After sanding, I wiped down the surface with a tack cloth.

STEP 2 - FIRST COAT

Some bloggers used paint brushes, other used rags to apply the stain.  I did a combination of both.  I applied the first coat and wiped it.  I aimed for an EVEN finish...not too thick and not too thin.  This coat needed 12 hours to dry.  

STEP 3 - SECOND COAT

The next day I LIGHTLY sanded the dry finish and wiped it down with a tack cloth.  I applied a second coat...again working with a brush and a cloth for an even finish.  Thank goodness the bloggers mentioned that the finish get darker with each coat and not to worry about the grain marks or streaks.

Like the first coat, this coat needs another 12 hours to dry.  For me that is another day.

STEP 4 - THIRD COAT

On Day 3, another light sanding and wipe down with a tack cloth.  Then I applied the third and final coat.  This time, I worked towards an even, smooth DARK JAVA color.

This coat needs TWO DAYS to COMPLETELY dry.

One more time with the light sanding and wipe down with a tack cloth.  Even after three coats of stain, I found a couple areas (corners mostly) that needed touched up.  As one blogger suggested, I used a black Sharpie to fill in these areas.  It worked great.

I finished with a coat of satin polyurethane.  It dries in a couple of hourse.

STEP 5 - HARDWARE and CLEANUP

The cleanup was easy (I throw everything away).  I added new hardware.

I did this project a few months ago and the finish has held up perfectly.  Applying the stain was easy.  The most difficult part was the 5 day process.  It took no more than an hour each day.  But patience is not one of my virtures and the wait was a test for me.

I liked the results so much that I also did the master bath.

How Does Your Indoor Garden Grow?

I will admit my garden is not all silver bells and cockle shells.  I can keep philodendrons alive, but I have killed every orchid that has entered my house...Jana 6, Orchids 0.

I am more interested in the pots and planters...the plants are secondary.

#1.  This planter is a combination of a pot I made at my first pottery class (over 30 years ago) and a wood stand I made last year.  The pot reminds me of a WWI helmet and it has held up like one.

#2  This is a "self-watering" planter made from a wine bottle.  I tried cutting bottles a couple years ago.  I thought it was going to be my next craft obsession.  Turns out that collecting the bottles became the obsession.  When it came to cutting them and using them...it didn't happen.  I do like this project, though.  I cut a bottle in half, flip the top upside down, inserted a screen and cotton twine down the neck, add soil and plant. On this one, I added copper tape for decoration...other I etched designs.  It is an easy project and is great for someone who forgets to water their plants.  (Another idea to help with this problem later).

#3  This is my minimalist plant arrangement.  The shapes are Himmeli design made from brass tubing.  So far the air plants are in good shape.  The only care they need is a weekly soak.

My daughters (Mallory and Michelle) and I are interested in the Himmeli shapes.  I shared a wreath in a past blog.  Mallory made some for Michelle's bridal shower.

 #4  Sometimes I can't resist adding my own mark.  I gold leafed this rosemary pot.  I love the little cactus.  I am afraid to get too attached, just in case it doesn't make it.

#5  I liked the first wood frame so much I made another.  Again, I thought this was to be a new craft/obsession.  Nope.  It looks simple, but the wood pieces need to be exact and I don't enjoy detail work.

#6  This fern pot is one of my favorite project.  I glazed a saucer and the rim of a terra cotta pot and fired it.  Then I added a mosaic of tiles and pottery shards to the base of the pot.  I loved everything about making these pots (glazing, firing, tiles, grout).  Here are some that I left in Ohio with my friend Jan.

I would have more plants in my house, if I could keep them alive.  I have plenty of light in my house.  The watering is the problem...either too much (I suspect in the case of the orchids) or too little.

Recently I saw on Pinterest where you can use unused disposable diapers to enhance potting soil.  You take out the super absorbing crystals and mix it with your soil to help retain moisture.

I had to give it a try.  I picked up an adult diaper at the local thrift store.  (Remember I live in FLORIDA in an area where I am more likely to find adult diapers rather than baby diapers).  I took out the crystals (mixed with cotton) from the middle of the diaper and added it to the potting soil.   I put some of the crystals (with cotton) in a glass and added water.  A 1/4 cup of crystals in cotton absorbed over a cup of water.  The cup stayed moist for over a week.

Turns out there are many uses for disposable diapers...cold pack, ultimate paper towel...think BIG sponge.  Check out these ideas from instructables.com.

Interesting how I went from house plants to disposable diapers!

FREE Digital Magazine from Your Library

Did I say FREE?  Yes, FREE!

I am a big fan of libraries.  And I love libraries even more now that I found out I can download MAGAZINES for FREE! to read on my iPad.  Wait, Wait, it gets better...there is no limit on how many magazines you can download, the magazines don't go away and (sigh) past copies are also available. OMG!

My local library is the Lake County Library System in Florida.  At my library the magazines are available through ZINIO.  Currently there are 64 magazines...everything from Taste of Home to National Geographic, with Popular Mechanics and Good Housekeeping in between.

The setup is not for the faint of heart, but still doable (and very much worth it). I will use lots of pictures to make it easy to follow.  Before you begin, have handy your Lake County Library card, an email address, think of a password (and write it down) and your tablet of choice (iPad, Android or Kindle HD).

I browse the Lake County website from my desktop computer and only use my tablet for reading.  So, these instructions are  based on using a desktop web browser for Phase One and an iPad for Phase Two.  Also, I do all my browsing and checking out magazines at home with a good Internet connection (not using a cell phone data connection).  Other options may work, but this is how I roll.

You start by creating an account in ZINIO and linking it to your library card (Phase One), then you download and set up the ZINIO app on your tablet (Phase Two).

PHASE ONE

Let's create an account in ZINIO.  I recommend you get to ZINIO from the Lake County Library website.  At the bottom of the home page, click in the ZINIO area.

This will send you to a library ZINIO webpage.  Click on the Zinio Website link in #1.

On the next webpage, click the "Create a New Account" on the top right.   In the pop-up box, enter your Lake County library card number.  

Next, you will create a ZINIO account to link to your library card.  Type in first name, last name and email address.  Type in the password you created and wrote down for your ZINIO account (that I recommended before we started).  You will need this email address and password later.  Click "Create Account".   You now have a ZINIO account and it is connected to your library card.   If you have any problems, check out this YouTube video. 

While you are on the ZINIO webpage, let's checkout a few magazines.  That way you will have some magazines to download on your tablet after you set up the app.  Browse through the magazines, scrolling through the pages (#1).  Once you find a magazine you want, click on the cover (#2).  

This will take you to the webpage to checkout your magazine.  Click on the Checkout button (#1).  You can get back issues from here also (#2).

If you see the SUCCESS! you have completed your checkout.  Click the "Keep Browsing" button or the "X" at the top of the box.  You might be tempted to "Start Reading", but not this time.  We are on a mission.  Be strong and wait until you have your tablet set up.    You can stop here or browse and check out more magazines.  When you are done go on to Phase Two to download and setup the ZINIO app.

PHASE TWO

The hard part is over!  Now you need to download the ZINIO app (ZINIO for library) to your tablet.  After it is downloaded, you will need to setup the app to connect to your ZINIO account and library card.   Follow the yellow dot.

1. Click "Log In"
2. Select Country (United States)
3. Select State (Florida)
4. Select Library (Lake Count Public Library)
5. Enter the SAME email address and password you used for creating your Zinio account in Phase One. 
6. Click "Sync Library"

Viola...you should see your magazines.  Click on the magazine cover to start reading.

BROWSING AND CHECKING OUT

You have successfully created your account and set up your tablet.  Here are some helpful tips to checkout more magazines.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I recommend using a good Internet connection to download the magazines (not a cell phone data connection).  If you see a cloud with a blue down arrow (below Mental Floss in the picture above), that means that you have checked out the magazine, but is is not downloaded to your device.  I try to remember to download the magazines I have checked out as soon as possible.  That way if I am out and want to read a magazine, I am not disappointed because I don't have an Internet connection.  This may not make sense right now...but it will eventually.

I use my desktop Internet browser to go to the Lake County Library website.  To get more magazines, clock in the ZINIO area at the bottom of the home page (same as in the Phase One instructions).   Click on the ZINIO Website in #1 (again, just like you did originally).  This time, click on the "Browse Magazines" and "Checkout" magazines like you did the first time.  You can read the magazines directly from the browser or your tablet.  

There may be a delay between when you checkout the magazine and when it shows up on your tablet.  Be patient.  Sometimes I close the Zinio app and reopen it.  

HOW TO DELETE

I found out the hard way that the magazines eat up a lot of storage on my tablet.  I recommend deleting the magazine when you have finished reading it.  To delete, click on the "Edit" button on the top right (see the last picture).  If you don't see the "Edit' button, click on the Date/Time till it shows up.  An "X" in a red circle will appear the the top left of the magazine cover.  Click that "X" and the magazine is deleted.  The amount of storage on my device is displayed at the top (center).  Click "Done' to get back.

THE REST OF THE STORY

ZINIO is a digital distributor of over 5,000 magazines.  If you got directly to the main Zinio webpage (www.zinio.com), you can PAY for digital magazines and subscriptions.  But if you go through the library, you get to the ZINIO for LIBRARIES webpages.  Also, if you let your computer auto login, it is quick and easy every time.

Some libraries in Ohio use the NOOK app to distribute their digital magazines.  Each library offers different magazines.  And some libraries don't have this service available.  

I have some good magazines to read.  Good Housekeeping has some smoothie recipes (I bought a Ninja blender this week), Do It Yourself has some clever ideas for flea market finds and Prevention says I can get slim and strong in 10 minutes a day.

Enjoy!

Zoomination

It sounds like an exclamation from a Batman movie.

"ZOOMINATION, Batman, the lights are coming from the Tampa Zoo!"

A couple months ago I purchased a Groupon coupon for admission to the Zoomination Festival of Lights at the Tampa Lowry Zoo.  Life happens and Brian and I did not find time to go until Father's Day.  It was the LONGEST day of the year and very hot.  That meant that it get dark till nearly 9 p.m. and the heat enhanced the fragrant zoo aroma.  Despite the late night, long drive home and the lingering zoo smell in the car...the light display was worth seeing.

My favorite display was the Manfeilong Pagoda.  It was made entirely of porcelain plates, cups and spoons.  It was beautiful in the daylight and lit up in the dark.

The light displays were on the main walking paths and most of the animal areas were blocked off.  Brian and I walked around all the areas before sunset and then again after dark.  I couldn't stop taking pictures!

What a fun evening of bright lights and soothing oriental music.  It was another Groupon success.

How Many Cutting Boards Should A Girl Have?

As many as she wants!  My problem is that I have not seen a wood cutting board I didn't like.  I have quite a collection.

Each cutting board has a story.  My Dad made these cutting boards.  For a long time, I had them hanging in my kitchen.  But I figure the best way to honor my Dad was to use them.

This board is a vintage Munising cutting board, probably from the 1950's.  Despite its age, it is not worth much, but I like the idea that the board has been around for a while.  I added the woodburning designs on the bottom to dress it up.

I have two BIG boards.  I bought the lighter board at a recent rummage sale.  It was a little dirty...but I could see beyond the surface problems.

I found instructions to clean and restore old cutting boards on The Wood Grain Cottage blog.  I soaked the board surface in vinegar for about 30 minutes.  Then scrubbed and scraped the board.  I repeated this a couple more times with fresh vinegar until the vinegar was clean after soaking the board.  After rinsing the board, I sanitized it with Hydrogen Peroxide and let it dry overnight.  To condition the boards, I used mineral oil.  I hesitated slightly when I saw the fine print on the bottle..."For Relief of Occasional Constipation"...OH MY!

When I got the bark-trimmed cutting boards, they were rough-sawed slices of wood.  The boards were bigger than the surface planner at the Plantation Woodshop can process.  So I cut the boards in half, planed each and glued it back together.  A little sanding and a few coats of mineral oil and the boards were ready.

Even though some of these cutting boards have a history, I use them.  Here are the boards I use in the kitchen.

The two bark-trimmed boards serve as table tops.

That leaves the two BIG boards.  I haven't found a use for them...YET.  Actually when I bought the recent board, I thought I could cut it up to make iPad holders.  Currently I am making them using  2x4s following instructions on instructables.com.

Now that I have cleaned up the butcher block board, I can't image cutting it up.

A Bit of Inspiration

A Family That Creates Together,

Stays Together

Last December, my stepson Dan, proposed a pallet wood challenge for the family.  The rules are simple:

• Must be made using pallet wood, but can contain other elements
• Must follow the given theme
• Individual projects (can have help, but must be your own work)
• Must be completed by the deadline

Mallory created a logo for the competition.  The KDH uses our last names...Krause, Danks and Hummel.

The theme for the first project is "The Office".  The deadline was supposed to be February 28.  But due to the very cold weather in Ohio (where most of the participants live), we all agreed to extend the deadline a few weeks.  

A Real Retired Housewife of Florida's

Adventure With Pallet Wood

First I found a pallet, then used a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails like butta'.  

I used a hand sander to smooth out the pieces, glued the boards to a solid piece of luan plywood and trimmed the sides with a circular saw.  I finished the wood with Minwax Wood Finish (Natural).  The clear finish brought out the rich tones of the different types of wood.

I added black 1" x 2" trim.  Notice how my work area includes the Plantation Woodworkers shop, my garage and KITCHEN!  .  

I strategically placed three clipboard clips and printed out some inspirational sayings.  The finished piece fits just right in THE OFFICE above my computer desk. I am very pleased with my project.  It is creative and useful.

The Challenge

Mallory has posted all of the entries on her blog, Danks and Honey.   Check out the projects and VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE.

I didn't know there was so much talent in this family. I will have to bring my A-GAME for the next challenge...

Space Coast Adventures

Brian and I set out to the Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach area for a SPACE COAST ADVENTURE.  We spent a day at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), watched an evening rocket launch and did a Segway tour of Port Canaveral.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

We spent the whole day at the KSC and still didn't see everything.  Brian and I started off with a bus tour to the Apollo / Saturn V Center.  The center is dedicated to the Apollo Program which used the Saturn V rockets to bring man to the moon and safely back to earth.  There is a full restored Saturn V rocket hanging overhead.  It is BIG.

The F-1 rocket engine components looked familiar.  I saw a few of these in Ohio last. year.  The company where my daughter, Mallory, works had three of them sitting in the back.  Thomarios has been involved in many spacecraft restorations.

The center is filled with exhibits from the Apollo program...a command/service module, a lunar module, a NASA astronaut van, a lunar rover replica, space suits, moon rocks.

Back at the main KSC, we saw two IMAX movies, Journey to Space (3D) and the Hubble.

My favorite area was Space Shuttle Atlantis,  On our way in, we passed under a 184-foot tall replica of the space shuttle with the external tank and solid rocket boosters.

Inside was just as impressive.  We watched a movie about the Space Shuttle which ended with the screen rising to the Space Shuttle Atlantis.  WOW.  It is hard to believe that the Space Shuttle program lasted 30 years with 135 flights.

The Shuttle Launch Experience is in the Space Shuttle Atlantis complex.  It's an adventure park ride that gives you the experience of a shuttle launch.  On the walk to the ride entrance, there are  monitors with astronauts sharing their launch experiences.  Their excitement added to the ride.

There were so many things to see in this building I could have spent the whole day in just this building.

Kennedy Space Center is fun and educational...it has something for everyone.

ROCKET LAUNCH

I planned our trip for a day with a rocket launch.  On March 12, and Atlas 5 rocket was launched at 10:44 p.m.  After spending the day at the Kennedy Space Center, Brian and I stopped to fuel up for the launch and keep up with the launch status.

We headed out to the beach and watched the launch.  Even though I could have seen the launch from our home, it was an experience to see it closer and hear the ROAR.

SEGWAY

Brian and I had a Groupon gift certificate for a Space Coast Segway Tour (a Christmas gift from our daughter Michelle).  

This was a new adventure for Brian and I.  It started with instructions from our guide, Eric, and some practice behind the shop.

Then off we went for an hour tour of Port Canaveral.  The Segway was easy to ride.  By the end of the tour I felt I could take on Paul Blart, Mall Cop.

I would recommend a Segway tour on your next vacation.