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Can You Stain Bamboo Floors?

admin — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:35:32 +0000

Bamboo floors can be stained and refinished just like hardwood floors. Much of the same materials and techniques used for finishing and refinishing hardwood floors can be used when doing bamboo floors. Although bamboo is basically made from compressed bamboo fibers, it will act very much in the same way as other wood floors when finished or refinished. If you are planning on staining your bamboo floors, then you should know about the materials and techniques available for your project’s success. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingHow to Lay Solid Bamboo FlooringDIY Bamboo Floor InstallationPrint this article StainingSand the bamboo floors in the direction of the grain. Use a large floor sander that uses a belt. Begin with 80-grit paper to remove any marks or scratches on the floor. Remove the excess dust with a shop-vac and sand the floor–in the direction of the grain–with 120-grit sandpaper. Use an edger–smaller belt sander–to sand near the walls, and an orbital sander for the corners. After you have gotten the floor smooth, screen the floor with a floor polisher and 220-grit sanding screen. The screening will be the last step before you stain the bamboo.Wipe on water- or oil-based stain using a cotton rag. Be careful not to leave any excess stain on the floor. For a quicker application, brush on the stain, and then remove the excess using a cotton cloth. Add more coats of stain to darken the floor tint and less for a lighter tint. After you have completed the floor staining, you can proceed to the finish.If you are refinishing your bamboo floor, then you will need to remove the top layer of finish in order to stain your bamboo. Use a floor polisher and sanding screen to remove this top layer. If your bamboo is in good shape, then you will only need to screen the top layer. If the existing color of your floor is dark and you want to lighten the color, then you will need to use the belt sander to remove the old stain. If the floor is light in color and you want to go darker, then you will only need to screen the surface of the floor to remove the finish.

How to Make Corn Stalks for a "Wizard of Oz" Play

admin — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:35:30 +0000

Creating props for theatrical presentations can be costly and time consuming. The theatrical performance of “The Wizard of Oz” includes a scene in which Dorothy meets the Scarecrow. In this scene, the two characters are surrounded by corn stalks. Sometimes corn stalk props are made using real ears of corn. This can create a large mess, and the corn can be heavy and difficult to move when the set for the next scene need to be placed on the stage. You can use basic craft materials and creative thinking to create lightweight and realistic corn stalks. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make Wizard of Oz Paper DollsHow to Make Your Own Props for “The Wizard of Oz”Print this articleThings You’ll NeedYellow poster boardBrown markerStrawHot glue gunNatural-colored raffia paperHeavy-duty tapeWooden dowelsBamboo stems (optional)Styrofoam blocksShow MoreInstructions 1Cut yellow poster board into large oval shapes about 1 foot high by 4 inches wide. Cut one oval for every corn stalk needed.2Draw corn kernels onto the poster board ovals using a brown marker. Draw rows of small, rounded squares until the surface of the ovals are completely covered. This will create the cob of the corn stalk.3Use a hot glue gun to add pieces of straw to the cob to create the look of corn silk. Do not add too much straw, as this will overpower the corncob.4Cut three pieces of natural-colored raffia paper into strips measuring 1 1/2 feet long by 5 inches wide. Raffia paper can be found at craft stores. Scrunch the raffia paper to create a wrinkled corn husk effect. Using a hot glue gun, glue the raffia paper to the base of the the paper corncob. Glue one piece of raffia paper to each side of the cob, and another piece to the back. This will create the illusion that the cob is growing out of the husks.5Tape the corncobs to wooden dowels or bamboo stems using heavy-duty tape like duct tape or masking tape. This will create tall corn stalks. Wooden dowels and bamboo shoots can be found at home and garden centers.6Push the wooden dowels or bamboo shoots into blocks of Styrofoam. Use large pieces of Styrofoam measuring approximately 4 feet long by 1 foot high by 1 foot wide. This will create a light base that is easily moved when set changes occur. Place several corn stalks into one piece of foam to create the corn field effect found in the Wizard of Oz. Creating several foam bases filled with corn stalks may be necessary to achieve a full-looking corn field. Attach long pieces of string to the foam bases for a quick retrieval method when the corn stalks need to removed for the next scene.

How to Preserve Split Bamboo Fencing

admin — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:35:29 +0000

You can stop outdoor bamboo fencing from degrading due to weathering, but it will take a little time. When installing bamboo fencing, it’s important not to use bamboo poles for the fence posts. Bamboo poles used for posts that you pound into the ground absorb moisture and are prone to bug infestations. Both water and bugs will quickly rot the posts. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingHow to Install Rolled Bamboo FencingHow to Drill BambooPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedWirePaintbrushExterior waterproof sealantOil stainVarnishShow MoreInstructions 1Wire split bamboo fencing to existing fencing such as chain-link fencing. The bottoms of the bamboo strips should not touch the ground.2Leave the bamboo fencing to weather from six months to a year. The purpose of this is so the tough outer skin of the bamboo weathers, which will make it more porous. Watch for the bamboo to turn gray.3Coat the gray bamboo with an exterior waterproof sealant. Seal both sides of the bamboo and the top and bottom ends to deter absorption of water and bug infestations.

How to Make Rafts From Bamboo & Inflated Tubes

admin — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:35:26 +0000

Using both bamboo and tubes to create a raft is a smart way to ensure that your craft will remain afloat even under adverse conditions. If the inflated tubes rupture, for instance, the bamboo on top will still keep the raft afloat (and you with it). The creation of a tube/bamboo raft is a simple process, with minimal materials needed, and only a few skills (such as rope lashing) need to be learned. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make an Inflatable RaftHow to Patch Inflatable RaftsPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedBambooTwine/ropeInflatable TubesSawShow MoreInstructions 1Inflate your inner tubes. Use at least four tubes–one for each corner. You can use more if you’d like, but the number of tubes may also vary depending on the size of your raft. Having four tubes may be as many as you can physically fit under the latched bamboo. For tubes, use more durable, thick rubber tubing as opposed to thin, plastic children’s tubes. Once inflated, set them aside.2Place four bamboo poles on the ground parallel to one another about two feet apart. These will just be supports–holding your raft off the ground to make it easier to lash later.3Begin making a frame out of bamboo for your raft. Place two thick bamboo poles parallel to one another across the bamboo supports from the last step. Place these poles about four to five feet apart. The bamboo poles should be about six feet in length. Cut them down to size as needed with your saw.4Place four to five lengths of bamboo perpendicular to the two poles laid down in step 3. Each pole should be approximately four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half feet long (depending on how far apart you placed the poles in the previous step), so cut them to size as needed. The poles should be placed about one foot from one another.5Lash the poles together with twine or rope. Rope will be stronger, where twine may snap or break more commonly. Make sure the knots are secure. Lash every intersection between two poles. If two poles touch, lash it with rope.6Place six-foot long bamboo lengths on top of the five cross-beams of bamboo from Step 5. Place them directly next to each other, lashing them into place as you go. Make a solid floor as you move along, as this will be what you sit on.7Place the four inflatable tubes on a square configuration at the same dimensions as your raft. Place the tubes so that the nozzles are pointing upward and can be reached easily in case you need to refill them. If you are going to use more than four tubes, place them evenly in the center of the configuration–spread them out so the weight of the raft is dispersed evenly.8Set your raft on top of the tubes so that one tube is in every corner of the raft. Use a friend to help you as the raft will be heavy.9Lash the tubes into place under the raft so they are securely in place. Set it afloat on the water and step aboard.

How to Replant Lucky Bamboo Stalks Without Hormone Powder

admin — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:35:22 +0000

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a marketing term for a tropical, perennial plant. It grows to 36 inches in height and flourishes when planted outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and above. Most lucky bamboo growers keep the plant indoors, as a novelty houseplant. Although hormone powder promotes rooting of cuttings, it is not necessary for lucky bamboo propagation. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingHow to Replant a Lucky Bamboo PlantHow to Start Lucky Bamboo StalksPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedContainerSandPruning shearsScissorsStakes, such as chopsticks or craft sticksPlastic bagShow MoreInstructions 1Fill a container with sand. Any type of container is suitable as long as it has drainage holes and is sturdy enough to not topple over from the lucky bamboo stalk’s weight of the. Run water over the sand until it’s wet.2Cut the lucky bamboo stalk if it is longer than 6 inches. Make the cut at the stalk’s bottom, just below a node, the rings around the stalk. Use sterilized pruning shears.3Pull off all but two leaves. If you prefer, cut them from the stalk with sharp scissors and include the entire shoot. Some gardeners have success pulling off the bottom leaves and rooting them in water or a small pot of moist sand.4Plant the lucky bamboo cutting 4 inches into the sand and pack the sand around the stalk.5Stick the stakes into the soil, equally spaced at the pot’s inside perimeter. Ensure that they are taller than the cutting.6Place the lucky bamboo stalk into a plastic bag and adjust the bag, so that the stakes hold it away from the cutting. Seal the bag and leave it in a bright area, but out of direct sun. Rooting time varies from six to nine weeks, but there are several ways to determine that the cutting has produced roots. If it produces new foliage, it rooted. To be sure, gently tip the lucky bamboo out of the pot to look for roots.7Remove the lucky bamboo stalk from the bag after it roots. Keep the sand moist at all times and give it lots of indirect sun.

Cabinet Crafts: How to Reface

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:44:39 +0000

If your cabinets are outdated, scratched and generally in need of a facelift, you can give them new life with refacing techniques. Select plywood and wood veneers that complement your home to completely change the look of your old cabinets. Wood measuring and cutting skills are important for a professional look; practice cutting and trimming the materials before you reface the cabinets. The skills are well worth learning; refacing rather than replacing cabinets can save you thousands of dollars. Other People Are ReadingHow to Do Your Own Kitchen Cabinet RefacingHow to Reface Kitchen Cabinets in Ebony StainPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedScrew driverWood cleanerCleaning cloth150 grit sandpaperTack clothMeasuring tape1/4-inch thick plywoodSawWood glueFinishing nailsHammerNail-setWood fillerUtility knifeSelf-adhesive wood veneerWood blockStraight edgeStain/polyurethaneSpongeShow MoreInstructions 1Remove the screws from the hinges attaching the cabinet doors to the cabinets. Remove the doors. Clean both sides of the cabinet doors, the faces and the sides of the cabinet with wood cleaner. Lightly sand all of the same areas with 150 grit sandpaper. Wipe away the sanding debris with a tack cloth.2Measure the exposed sides of the cabinet. Measure and cut plywood panels to fit the exposed sides. Apply wood glue to the backside of the cut plywood. Attach the plywood panel to the side of the cabinet with finishing nails around the perimeter. Use a nail-set to sink the heads of the finishing nails. Fill the openings on top of the nail heads with wood filler. You can also reface the exposed sides of the cabinet with decorative metal tiles, colored acrylic strips and mosaic tiles.3Measure the cabinet stiles and rails. The stiles are the vertical wood strips that make up the frame; the rails are the horizontal wood strips that make up the frame. Cut self-adhesive wood veneer strips measuring 2 inches longer and 1/2 inch wider than the dimensions of the stiles and rails. Use a utility knife to cut the veneer; the wood grain should run lengthwise on the strips.4Peel the protective backing from the end of one veneer strip. Press the strip against the top of one cabinet stile so that the veneer strip overlaps all of the edges. Peel the backing along the strip while pressing the veneer into place over the stile. Press a wood block down the length of the stile to remove any air bubbles and to ensure adhesion. Trim the excess veneer with a utility knife.5Repeat Step 4 to reface all of the cabinet stiles. Use the same technique to reface all of the rails. When you place the rail veneers, overlap the ends onto the stiles. Use a straight edge to cut a clean line through the overlapped veneer. Lift up the rail veneer and remove the excess strip of stile veneer beneath the rail veneer.6Stain the veneer strips and the plywood on the cabinet using a stain/polyurethane combination and a sponge. Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain, then wipe off the excess. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions before applying a second coat.7Stain the front and back of each cabinet door and let the finish dry. Reattach the doors.

Facts About the Rainmaker Music Instrument

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:44:33 +0000

Rainmakers, or rainsticks, are traditional musical instruments originally made and used in South America. Rainmakers simulate the sound of rainfall, and were originally used in native ceremonies during dry months to ask the gods for rain. In modern times, the instruments are a common novelty musical instrument used in the United States and throughout Mexico and Central and South America. Rainmakers, or rainsticks, are also a quick and easy craft project and a way to teach children about rhythm, percussion, and native cultures. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make a Rainmaker Musical InstrumentHow to Make a Rainmaker for Kids Out of a Carboard TubePrint this article DefinitionRainmakers are generally made of a hallowed tube or wooden stick, which is then filled with small rocks, thorns, beans or pins. The ends are then sealed to contain the pieces inside. The rainmaker may have been traditionally made of a hallow, dried out cactus. Many modern native variations of this instrument are still made of this material. Homemade rainmakers can be made with household items, such as a paper towel tube and toothpicks.Playing the RainstickTraditionally, the rainmaker is played by turning the tube so that the items inside fall up and down to either end. This falling motion simulates the sound of rain, as the items bounce off the sides of the tube interior. A rainmaker is turned repeatedly up and down to the rhythm of a song. Additionally, the rainmaker can be shaken or tapped to the beat to create a more percussive sound.History of the RainmakerThere are many theories about the origins of the rainmaker. The rainmaker may have evolved from wooden rattles filled with dried beans that have been found in archaeological digs in Peru. These rattles date back to the Incas. Similarly, the origin of the rainmaker has been linked to rattles used by the Huicho of Mexico and the Diaguita Indians of Chile. Both groups are alleged to have used the instrument to bring rain to the arid desert regions of their countries.Contemporary RainmakersContemporary rainmakers may not be used to bring rain, but are still used in a variety of different types of music as a percussion instrument. The use of rainmakers as a percussion instrument was popularized in 1960s Mexican music. Rainmakers made of reeds and painted with traditional imagery are a common souvenir items for visitors to South America and Mexico. Due to the ease with which rainmakers are crafted, they are also popular kids’ craft projects, which are then used to teach children about percussion and rhythm.

Craft Ideas for Making Table Runners

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:44:28 +0000

A table runner is an easy way of decorating your table. You can bring together the colors of your home as well as the theme behind any dinner party or holiday event. While purchasing a different runner for every occasion can be an expensive proposition, it is possible to create your own unique table runners with a little ingenuity and imagination. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingDirections for a Christmas Table RunnerTable Runner Craft IdeasPrint this article Natural DecorationUse bamboo mats placed next to one another as a table runner.For a simple and natural decoration, consider using bamboo or burlap for your table runner. Bamboo placemats can be laid out in a row down the center of the table, and accessorized with natural elements like wood or rocks. Add votive candles in groups of three and your table decoration is complete.Cut a piece of burlap wide enough to run down the center of your table. Include any printing that it might have on it for a rustic look. Decorate the center using jelly jars filled with flowers and a vine garland.HandpaintedCreate your own table runners using cotton or canvas material and some fabric paint. No matter the age, everyone will enjoy creating something special for any occasion. Cut a piece of material the length of your table and about 24 inches wide, depending upon your table dimensions. Using fabric paint, either freehand designs and swirls or use stencils and items to create geometric patterns. For example, empty cans in many sizes can be used to create circles while rulers can make lines or rectangles. Use dimensional fabric paint to highlight items and glitter paint to add sparkle. Allow to dry completely before using.Colorful TablesScarves come in many colors and patterns and can make unique table runners.Create a colorful and unique table runner using scarves that can be found in your closet. Multiple patterns with complementary colors can create an interesting look for an table decoration. Lay the scarves you choose out across the table until you are happy with the design. Stitch the edges together so that they lay flat. Place the runner on the table and decorate each section with small glasses filled with flowers or candles.A colorful runner can also be created by weaving wide lengths of ribbon together. Keep tones and hues complimentary and start with ribbon that is 1 to 2 inches wide. Cut strips in the length you need. Place the strips side-by-side and weave the complementary ribbon in and out of the lengths, allowing at least 1 inch to rest on each side of the runner. Vary the width of the ribbons for a more interesting look and continue to weave opposite pieces until the entire length is finished.Embellished RunnerIt is easy to create something rich and elegant to use as a table runner for the holidays or a special occasion. Visit a fabric store and choose a solid or tapestry design material. Purchase the size and length you need, leaving a small amount so that you can hem the edges to prevent fraying. Lightly draw a design along the edge of the runner or look at the fabric design itself. Using embroidery techniques with thread and matching beads, embellish and decorate the runner with a classic and simple design. Keep the embellishment to the edges and ends of the runner so items will rest flat in the center of the table.

How to Make Ceramic Wind Chimes

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:44:23 +0000

Wind chimes bring whimsy and music to any outdoor space. You can make wind chimes from many different materials, including ceramic tiles. Select small 2-inch ceramic tiles in a variety of colors to create vibrant wind chimes for your yard or garden. Add a few ceramic bells or crystal beads to customize your wind chimes and hang them where you can enjoy their soft, breezy music. Other People Are ReadingHow to Construct WindchimesHow to Make a Ceramic WindchimePrint this articleThings You’ll NeedMeasuring tapeMonofilament lineScissors5 ceramic bells30 2-inch square ceramic tilesWaterproof adhesiveCrystal beads8-inch metal craft ringS hookShow MoreInstructions 1Cut five 30-inch lengths of monofilament line.2Thread one ceramic bell over one of the strands. Fold the strand in half so that the bell hangs from the fold. Glue two ceramic tiles, back to back, centered on the monofilament strand directly above the fold. Waterproof adhesive will work to glue the tiles together. Arrange the tiles in a diamond formation on the strand or keep them as a square.3Thread 2 inches of crystal beads over both strands of monofilament line. Select any size or style of crystal bead as long as the colors complement the ceramic tiles.4Glue two more ceramic tiles, back to back and centered over the strand, just above the beads. Thread another 2 inches of beads over both of the strands.5Continue to add ceramic tiles and beads until you have three sets of ceramic tiles and three sets of beads, ending with the crystal beads. You will have close to 3 inches of empty monofilament line left at the top of the strand. Let the adhesive dry.6Repeat Steps 2 through 5 four more times for a total of five ceramic tile and crystal bead strands for your wind chimes.7Cut two 12-inch sections of monofilament line. Tie each end of one on the lines onto opposite sides of the craft ring. A triple overhand knot will secure the line. Do not pull the line taut; it should be loose in the center. Tie the remaining line perpendicular to the first line. You will have knots at the east, west, north and south points on the craft ring. Cover the knots with a drop of waterproof adhesive. The adhesive will further secure the knots as well as hold your wind chime hanger in place.8Separate the two sections of monofilament line at the top of each ceramic tile and bead strand. Tie the lines to the craft ring securely with a triple overhand knot. Evenly space the strands around the ring. Add a drop of waterproof adhesive on top of the knots to hold the strands in place.9Hang your ceramic tile and crystal bead wind chimes with an S hook.

How to Recycle Wood Placemats Into Window Coverings

admin — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:42:44 +0000

Placemats are featured in various craft projects, from purses to curtains. Wooden placemats, available in many styles, can be made into durable curtains in no time at all. It is important to obtain accurate measurements of the window and the placemats to make sure the curtain fits the window. Other People Are ReadingHow to Recycle Placemats Into Window CoveringsHow to Make Placemats Look NewPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedMeasuring tapeDrillDrill bit8 craft rings, 1 1/2 inches5 drapery rings, 1 1/2 inchesShow MoreInstructions 1Measure the length and width of the window you wish to cover.2Measure the length and width of a wooden placemat. This will help determine how many will be needed for the window covering. For instance, a window that measures 3 by 3 feet will need at least four wooden placemats if they measure 13 by 15 inches.3Mark spots for holes on the placemats. Two holes are on one short edge of the four placemats and two holes are on one long edge.4Drill the holes. Select a drill bit appropriate for the thickness of the mat and the rings.5Place two mats side-by-side, with short edges together. Slip a craft ring into a hole on the short edge of one mat, then slip the same ring into a corresponding hole on the next mat. Repeat this for the second set of holes on the placemats. Place the second pair of mats next to each other and repeat this process.6Place the first pair of placemats next to the second pair of placemats, long edges together. Slip a craft ring through a hole in the first pair of mats and then through the corresponding hole in the second pair of mats. Repeat this step for the remaining three holes.7Make marks at the top of the curtain panel for the drapery rings. In “The Complete Photo Guide to Curtains and Draperies: Do-It-Yourself Window Treatments,” author Linda Neubauer suggests placing the end marks about 3/4 inch from the sides and placing the remaining marks evenly about 6 to 10 inches apart. Adjust the marks until you arrive at a spacing that is appropriate for the wood curtain.8Clip the drapery rings to the curtain panel at the marks. Hang the wooden placemat curtain on the window.