Are You Ready for Spring Projects?

Back to the Basics:  Building Your Tool Inventory

Both personally and professionally, we all know the importance of having the right tools on hand. While we prefer to plan our DIY projects, some occur unexpectedly. Do you have all the tools you’ll need? Let’s take inventory:

Hammer. They come in various sizes and weights, so find one that is comfortable. The uses are endless, for both indoor and outdoor projects.Check your wood deck for loose boards or nails that are popping up.If you’re still using your 2 lb. hand weight to hang pictures, it’s time to invest in a good hammer!

Cordless Drill. Make sure you choose one that you can easily handle, with a reversible speed. Don’t be intimidated by it-a little practice will make you a pro. Many people prefer screws to nails, so for wood projects, or if you’re building or assembling patio furniture, save time and effort with a drill.

Nuts, bolts, screws. If you’ll be doing your own projects, you’ll need a good assortment of these. You can buy individual sizes as well as assortments. Store them in that plastic container you can’t part with because you know it’ll be useful one day.

Screwdrivers. Start your collection of flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers, which you’ll find in several sizes and lengths. You can’t go wrong with a reversible 4-way, which has interchangeable flat head and Phillips head drivers that are stored in the handle.

Utility or razor knife. Not just for cutting up boxes! If you are doing projects, you will need to cut various materials, whether carpet, cardboard, plastic, wood, etc. This knife is easy to use, and when the blade becomes dull, just replace it and keep going. Blades are stored in the handle.

Measuring tape. How many times have you found yourself standing in the hardware store without your project measurements? A sturdy, retractable measurement tape is indispensable when making plans for the planters and window boxes you want to build. Buy two and keep one in your car’s glove box…you never know when you’ll need it.

Pliers. While it seems like overkill, get yourself three: regular, needle nose and channel lock.You will use these for holding objects firmly, for cutting, and for bending objects.If you’re adding patio lighting or Malibu lights in your garden, you’ll be using your pliers.

Crescent wrench. A versatile tool, this wrench is adjustable and needed for fastening nuts and bolts. It has indoor and outdoor uses, and is regularly used for vehicle and bicycle repair.

These basics will get you started and meet many needs.You can add to your collection as you gain more confidence in your skills and take on more projects.Hardware and home improvement stores sell these basic tools in kits, which is another option to consider over buying them one by one.Have fun building your inventory and good luck with your spring projects!

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Are You Ready for Spring?

How About Adding Flower Boxes to Spruce Up Your Home?

Have you ever gone to a home improvement store or garden center and priced window or flower boxes?

So many to choose from. All shapes and sizes. Wood or plastic. The price tags could make any girl swoon.

Oh yes, and you still have to get them home. Did you remember to bring the dimensions of the area for the box? What size do you need anyway?

For many of us, picking out something as simple as a window box can have us walking away scratching our heads. Or leaving in frustration because the size, color, style or look is not right for our home.

How about making your own; custom to your house? It really is quite simple, just follow the directions from eHow.com to make a window or flower box. You pick the materials you desire, measure to fit and it’s personal to your environment instead of making do with a store bought one.

You don’t need many materials. Here’s a simple shopping list to help you.

Things You’ll Need:

• Wood of your choice; size depending on box being made
• Wood glue
• Wood screws (#6 by 1-1/2)
• Wood filler
• Saw
• Drill
• Drill bit (#4 with counter sink)
• Sandpaper
• Wood primer
• Paint
• Plastic to line the box

You decide what type of wood you desire. It can even be recycled wood. Make it as simple as you wish, or as rustic. Simply nail, screw or glue four sides and a bottom together. Maybe a flower box kit is what you prefer? They have those too.

Speaking of recycled, have you thought of using an old dresser drawer repurposed as a flower box?

Okay, so maybe you’re not feeling particularly handy or creative these days (or ever)? Possibly in the past you have felt creative, bought the materials yet never actually got the project done? Then leave it to us to do it for you!

Don’t let Spring come and go without those lovely planter boxes. Imagine how beautiful your home will look with them filled to overflowing with flowers! It is an easy way to perk up your environment! Not to mention it does make a difference how you feel about your house, each and every time you walk up to it!

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February is very special to us

The month of February is very special to us. It is the month in which we were married and this year we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been that long and there were times over the years it was not so easy. However, here we are, partnered together in life and in business.

How do we work together successfully? We know our strengths and play to those. We hand over the things the other is better at doing. That means Joan is in the office and John is in the field. It takes commitment and communication.

Isn’t that the truth about anything in life? It is best to hand it over to an expert who knows how to do it right and stick to what you do best.

Maybe for you it is time to hand over the home projects?  Let John do his handyman or electrical thing for you while you do your thing! Wouldn’t it be more fun to go play then do one more chore?

Maybe this month it is a fresh paint job that will do the trick? See our Sweetheart Special for February to help spruce up your home!

Here’s wishing you a colorful and joyous February!

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