Home-DzineIt’s all about caring for and improving your home

May 2011

online

In this issue ...• affordable walls - hang wallpaper• spoil mom this mother’s day• wallpaper screen • outdoor fireplace and more...

happy mother’s day

Make it

traditional ways to heat the home

Home-Dzine Online is written and compiled by Janice Anderssen. All projects in this issue, or any other issue, remain the property of Home-Dzine and Janice Anderssen, or the respective copyright holders, and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Image and content credits:good homes - family handyman - sunset publishing - popular mechanic - house & home - georgia pacific - expert village- channel4 - pottery barn - flikr - nkba - resene - mitre10 - lowes and any others.

It’s official

Our new Easy DIY magazine is now on the shelf at your local Builders Warehouse, Builders Express or Builders Trade Depot. If you have any difficulty finding a copy- get in touch with me or subscribe so that you don’t miss an issue! See page 5 for details.

The past couple of months have been pretty hectic, but everything should now settle down and I hope to be able to bring you even more DIY, tips, tricks and techniques for your home.

For those who prefer to read online, don’t forget that Home-Dzine Online will still be bringing you plenty of ideas and inspiration.

Enjoy!

Janice

a word or two

MAY 2011 WORKSHOPS

JOBURG07 Floating Shelf14 Basic Plastering/Beginners Woodwork21 Upholstered Ottoman28 Welding Workshop

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

EAST RAND07 Picture Framing 14 Upholstered Kist 21 Basic Tiling28 Beginners Power Tools

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

FAR EAST RAND14 Basic Electrical21 Beginners Power Tools28 Closets & Cabinets

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

PRETORIA07 Basic Electrical21 Upholstered Ottoman

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

CAPE TOWN07 Beginners Power Tools14 Paint & Paint Techniques22 Welding Workshop28 Dremel Workshop

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

DURBANTamlynn is on maternity leave - workshops will resume in August

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

stay warmthis winterFor me, personally, nothing says warmth more than a log-fed fire roaring inthe fireplace. Today’s modern looks for a fireplace are definitely more than ablack hole in the wall.

It is difficult to replace the feeling of warmth you get from a fireplace on a dark and chilly day. Along with the warmth, the scent of the burning wood adds a cosy ambiance to a home. Brick fireplace designs have long been utilized in home construction and are still a favourite even today. One reason being that even as the brick ages it does so without losing its original charm, and actually acquires a certain character of its own.

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The material used to face the front of the fireplace can set the tone for the rest ofyour home. The latest trend is to build or clad a fireplace with stone, and since it isa natural product, no two stones are alike thus resulting in a truly unique fireplace.

Flat stone can be laid with the face of the stone exposed or with the edge exposed.

Once you have settled upon a design you need to consider that there are many primary forms of heat available for a home. When I think of a fireplace, my first thoughtis the scent of burning wood. While some find that to be a very appealing smell,others would just as soon not have their clothing, curtains and other fabrics retain that lingering smell of smoke.

“Although not super efficient - it’s so nice to sit in frontof a crackling fire. And during a power outage, I canstill make tea!”

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Residential fireplace designs allow for theuse of a vented or ventless gas fireplace,electric fireplaces that simulate the realthing or even a wood burning furnace.

While a prefabricated fireplace ischeaper to install, the masonry fireplace

will likely last many more years.

“A log fire in a bedroom is soooo romantic!”

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In addition to the beauty of the brick, fireplace designs also take advantage of natural ability of brick and stone to absorb the heat from the fire and radiate it out into the room. These are the reasons you almost always see people gravitate to and gather around the fireplace at family gatherings or other celebrations.

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In the launch issue of EASY DIY we show you how to make your

own fireplace surround.

On sale countrywide at your local Builders Warehouse, Builders Express, Builders Trade Depot and CNA.

Subscribe and save 30%click here for details

Launch

Issue

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Increasing the efficiency ofyour fireplace

- You can drastically reduce your heating costs if you make an effort in increasing the efficiency of yourfireplace by installing the followingfeatures:

- Top sealing dampers replace the fireplace throat damper and areinstalled at the top of the chimney. It comprises a seal that acts like a storm door to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside in winter, and vice versa in summer.

- A fireback comprises a cast ironplate that is located at the back of your fireplace. It protects the backwall from damage and improves the heat efficiency of the fireplace byabsorbing the heat from the fire andradiating it back into the room.

- A fireplace heater pulls fresh airfrom the room, circulates it through a chamber that is heated by the fire, and then blows the heated airback into the room. These heaters are closed systems to ensure that no smoke from the fire will enter the room.

- Fireplace glass doors are excellent with regards to heat retention – they create a barrier between the living space and the chimney, thus reducing the area that needs to be heated. They also offer another level of safety by protecting children and pets from the fire, as well as safeguarding your homefrom any sparks or falling embers.

www.property24.com

DID YOU KNOW?

The choice of putting another log on the fire has a significant impact on theenvironment far beyond just keeping us warm.

Wood as a fuel is environmentally friendly, as wood consumes more carbon dioxide whilst growing than it emits during burning. It is also one of the very few fuels that is renewable during our lifetimes.

www.thecarbontrust.co.uk

www.outofafricastone.com

http://www.progressgroup.co.za

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affordablewalls

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If you haven’t yet seen the new range of vinyl wallpapers available at your local Builders Warehouse - be prepared for a pleasant surprise!

Priced at R199.00 per roll, select from their range of absolutely stunning and modern designs - all completely washable and very easy to apply.

A friend of mine recently had wallpaper installed in her newly renovated 1940’s home and the effect was gorgeous. However, if you plan to get someone to put up wallpaper for you - make sure they know what they are doing!

“Use wallpaper to create an instant feature wall or

focal point”

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On the following pages you will find step-by-step instructions on hanging wallpaper, as well as making a decorative screen. Not just for walls, you can use vinyl wallpaper to dress up closet doors, create a unique headboard or finish off boring furniture fora new look!

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Having spent the main part of my childhood in England, hanging wallpapering is something I can do in my sleep. Many weekends were spent helping my mom makeover the entrance hall or hang wallpaper in one room or another.

As a trend, wallpaper has appeared here and there through the years; from the bold geometric designs of the seventies and busy floral patternsof the eighties, to a more tasteful and practical wallcovering for those homeowners who want to add more than paint to a wall.

You will need:

Wallpaper*Wallpaper pasteLarge paintbrush or foam rollerDrop clothPlastic spatula with straight edgeCraft knife with snap-off bladesClean cloth and large spongeBucket of waterStepladderSmall foam roller - for closing seamsTape measure and pencilLarge work surface or tableSpirit level and straightedge180-grit sandpaper

*Vinyl is easy to hang since it is more durable and its great for areas that see a lot of use.

Here’s how:

As with every project, preparation is very important when applying wallpaper so don’t be tempted to jump right in and start hanging. Walls need to be smooth and clean. Sand with 180-grit sandpaper and then wipe clean with a damp sponge.

Measure up

Carefully measure the length required (normally the height of the wall) and cut from the roll, allowing an extra 50mm or so at top and bottom for final trimming. Tostart with, only cut one length at a time.

Ensure the pattern is the right way up and never assume that the outside end of the roll is the top - it is not always so! Mark the back of the paper with a ‘T’ at the top to avoid any confusion later on.

Before cutting the next lengths ensure that the pattern matches up with previous ones. For detailed patterns you may have to cut a longer length in order to line up, so bear in mind that you will need extra wallpaper - at least one extra roll - if the design is large or has a big repeat.

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1. It’s not a good idea to cut all your paper in advance (to avoid having too many cut sheets lying around) but you can cut 2 or 3 sheets. Be sure to mark the top of each sheet and number the sheets to keep track of where you need to place them. If your pattern needs to be matched, you should just cut the pieces as you hang them leaving an extra 10cm for ceiling and floor trimming.

2. Find the best place to start hanging, normally behind a door or in a corner. Using the spirit level and straightedge, draw a line from ceiling to floor that is2cm narrower than the width of your paper. This leaves you enough paper to trim to match the corner and provides a line to hang the first sheet so that it isperfectly straight. Be accurate - as any mistake now will result in the entire wall being out of line.

3. Mix the wallpaper paste according to the instructions.

4. I prefer to apply a light coat of paste directly onto the wall and on the back of each sheet.

On the wall apply paste only to a section wide enough for one sheet. For on the paper, place the first sheet face down onthe work surface and use a paintbrush to completely cover the back of the paper, making sure to cover all edges.

5. To make it easier to carry up the stepladder and hang each sheet you are going to ‘book’ each sheet.

Fold the ends in so that glue is touching the glue. Once the ends are folded in, fold the new ends into the centre again being careful not to crease the paper.

If you have never hung wallpaper before, have someone to assist

you with your first project.

Once you actually start hanging the paper another pair of hands

is a great help.

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6. Place the stepladder in the place you want to start hanging.

- Take the paper by the edge that will be placed on at the ceiling - keeping the rest of the paper folded.

- Leaving 5cm at the top for trimming, align with the top edge and with your drawn vertical line and press into the corner.

- Let the paper unfold and drop to the floor.

- Check to see if the paper is hanging straight if its not move it into the correct position, then smooth the rest of the paper onto he wall from the ceiling to the floorusing a sponge from side to side all the way down to the bottom to force out any air bubbles

7. Trim away excess paper on the top, bottom and at the corner with a craft knife and straightedge.

8. Use a foam roller (or seam roller if you can find one!) to press the edge of thewallpaper down. This will ensure that the edge is securely adhered to the wall, make sure to wipe away any excess glue with a clean cloth.

Repeat this process with each sheet of paper, aligning up all edges.

When hanging around fittings, suchas wall sockets, or around windows

or doors let the paper hang as if you were papering the entire wall. You will then go back and trim the excess off with the craft knife.

Leave for about 10 minutes and then go back around the room and double check to make sure the corners and seams are stuck or, if not, use the foam roller to push them back in place.

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Full range of matching Wave Accessories.

For boys we offer our new Skater Boy range of

furniture and accessories.

www.Design-A-Bed.co.za

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You will need:A 3-panel screen*Fired Earth Wallpaper – 1 rollWallpaper pasteLarge measuring jugStirrerPaintbrushDamp, clean clothSharp craft knife

Time: 4 hours

Cost: R500

*You will find instructions for making thescreen in the latest issue of EASY DIY magazine

EASY

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Wallpaper is one of the hottest trends for decorating a home and I just discovered the wonderful range of Fired Earth vinyl wallpaper at my local Builders Warehouse store.

For the new EASY DIY magazine I was asked to make a selection of screens for the first issue. This one I decided to keep and share with you. For instructions on making the screen get yourself a copy of the new EASY DIY magazine at your local Builders Warehouse, Builders Express, Builders Trade Depot or CNA.

Here’s how:

1. Lay the panel on a flat, level surface anduse a sharp craft knife to cut out a rough shape for each panel that is slightly larger than the shape required.

2. Fold over any excess, or use your fingertip topress the paper against the edges so that you have a line to follow.

3. Cut off any excess with the craft knife. Go slowly so that you do not cut off too much and end up with a shape that is too small.

4. Any excess paper can be trimmed off for a perfect fit.

5. To mix up a batch of wallpaper paste you will need wallpaper adhesive, a large measuring jug and a stirrer - I used a fork.

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Mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let the mixture sit for approximately 15 minutes; another quick stir and you are ready to apply.

6. Put each wallpaper section on a surface that is easily cleaned. It can be quite a messy process! Use a paintbrush to apply the paste, making sure to go over all the edges.

Good to knowYou need to apply a liberal coating of wallpaper paste but not too much that it will squeeze out of the sides when you apply.

7. Place the wallpaper at one end and use the palm of your hand to flatten out as youlay the remainder. This helps to remove any trapped air.

8. Use a slightly damp cloth the wipe over the paper from the centre outwards to remove air bubbles and ensure that the wallpaper will be firmly fixed to the board. Leave thepaste to dry for the recommended time.

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lovemade with

Made with fabric scraps, this rose wreath is gorgeous enough to hang anywhere in a home.

Make one for mom for Mother’s Day!

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You will need:

Here’s how

1. Start with strips of recycled fabric, canvas, paper, ribbon- you can use just about

anything. I started with some scraps of painted fabric that

would have otherwise been thrown away!

2. Tie a knot at the end of the strip and begin twisting and rolling the strip around the knot, dabbing glue as you

I keep seeing fabric flowerseverywhere - clothing, jewellery and crafts - so I decided to make my own fabric flowers out of recycledmaterials and turn them into a pretty wreath for the door.

roll. You can use fabric glue, Bostik clear adhesive, hot glue or even use stitches instead of glue.

3. Continue rolling and twisting your strip until you reach the end and secure with glue to the back of the flower.

credits: Alisa Burke

Scraps of fabricHot glue gun & glue sticks or fabric glueWreath form (I used a foam rubber ring)Newspaper

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4. Cover a wreath form with paper or fabric and start gluing the flowers to thesurface.

Stack, layer and fill the entire surface withflowers. Alisa Burke is a freelance painter and mixed

media artist. With a background in painting and printmaking, a desire to explore and push materials, Alisa is always looking for

new ways to break the rules and redefine art. She drawsinspiration from street art, graffiti, art history and fashionand it is not uncommon to find her digging through thetrash in hopes of recycling something unique use in her artwork.

www.alisaburke.com

The flowers are supereasy to make and can be used in a multitude

of projects!

I used junk mail, and old silk scarf and pillow case, recycled book pages, scraps

of painted paper, an old shirt and more!

RIGHT: Make wreaths with difference colours and textures using a variety of

different materials. Experiment with different twists and rolls for different effects.

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We are often requested to run a full day workshop, where ladies can get together and cover a wide range of topics at one workshop. Our new full day workshops do exactly that. Starting at 09:00 and finishing at 16:00 - each workshop will offer as much information as possible on thevarious subjects.

Have a day out with the girls at the tranquil Black Eagle Guest House, just off Hendrik Potgieter Road in Strubens Valley. Enjoy a light breakfast and buffet lunch while honing up your DIY skills. The emphasis is on a casual and relaxed atmosphere, where previous power tool knowledge is not necessary. And our experience is second to none... with such projects as Decorex, Homemakers Expo, Gardenex, and more under our belt.

Interior Decorating

Full day covers:* Elements of design* Basic upholstery techniques* Paint and paint techniquesDesign, plan & make an ottoman to take home with you. Certificate on completion.

Do-It-Yourself Home Repairs

Full day covers theory/practical:* Beginner - Advanced DIY* Basic Electrical* Basic Plumbing You will make small projects to take home with you.Certificate on completion.

Woodwork & Furniture Making

Full day workshop covers:* Joining and fastening * Hardware* Timber and board* Design and planning - bookcase, coffee table, TV unit & make a small cabinet to take home. Certificate on completion.

Cost R1250 pp includes light breakfast, tea/coffee & snacks and buffet lunch. All materials and use of tools included.CLICK ON THIS PAGE TO BOOK

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outdoor fireplaceUse as a pizza or bread oven, or simply to heat up your entertainment area.

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1. Dig out the foundation to a depth of 300mm. Get the site level before fitting ashutterply frame and pouring the concrete. A rebar at each corner will provide additional strength for the finish assembly. Once dry - give or take a week or so - youcan start to assemble the bottom section with airbricks.

2. Install framework around the inside cavity to fit the shutterply top and then build the framework around the outside of the frame for the poured concrete top. Allow to cure for a week or so. Plaster off around the bottom section.

3. Once cured and the frame removed you can start decorating the outside of the oven. You also need to mark out for the oven section so you can start laying fire bricks for theoven section.

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4. Thick polystyrene serves as a support for building up the dome for the oven section and is easily removed once the cement mortar has cured. For information on mixing cement for the construction and finish visit www.cnci.org.za.

5. Continue to build up the front arch and add the chimney for venting. Steel mesh is wrapped over the oven and topped off with a 10mm layer of cement. Once completed, the entire assembly should be left to cure properly for at least a month before use.

For the first firing have an empty oven and start the fire at the back of the chamber. Allowthe heat in the dome to even out, and for the temperature from the fire to drop down to400°C for thin crust pizzas. Roasts or other meals can be popped in when the temperature reaches 230°C. Bread goes in last so it doesn’t bake too fast on the outside.

http://www.woodfiredpizza.org

http://www.abc.net.au/gardening

http://alexandracooks.blogspot.com

http://www.youtube.com

http://www.traditionaloven.com

further reading / projects

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Girl TalkWith all the hoo-haa about climate change one thing is certain... No matter where you live the weather is definitely changing.

In most inland parts of the country we are now experiencing rain, rain and more rain, and it looks as though we are in for a cold, chilly winter.

If you’re feeling the draughts in your home, or if heat is going up and out rather than circulating to keep your home warm and cosy, it’s definitelytime to do some weatherproofing.

Ceiling insulation is just one of the many affordable ways to keep the heat in during winter - and out during summer. Since installing Think Pink a couple of years back the improvement has been amazing.

Our main feature this month is the beauty of an open fireplace, but toreally enjoy the benefits you needto close off the draughts. On the following page you will find plenty oftips and tricks.

During the past couple of days I have come to the conclusion that winter (in Gauteng) has arrived, and not with a windy whisper!

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• Loose window panes can be annoying if they constantly rattle. Loose putty can be replaced on steel windows, or a thin bead of exterior acrylic sealer applied around the inside of the frame to fill anygaps and secure.

• Gaps around cornice or crown moulding are easily filled with acrylic sealer and willinstantly look better as well.

• Where doors and window frames are not snug when closed, use a foam rubber self-adhesive strip to seal gaps. Also ideal for preventing draughty sliding doors where doors overlap. FIT A DRAUGHT EXCLUDER

Fitting a draught excluder to gaps on door bottoms is an efficientand affordable way to keep out dirt and reduce heat loss in your home.

Warm up your homeThere’s no point in warming up a draughty home. We all know that heat rises and cold air that has access to your home forces warm air out through the ceiling. Ceiling insulation puts a stop to this, but there are also fix ups that you can easily perform to reduce draughts.

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Most South African homes are simply not designed to be energy efficient. They are badly designedand constructed, have inadequate insulation, and use a lot of energy to heat and run.

To really make your home warmer, drier and healthier to live in, it is important to think about how insulation, heating and ventilation work together as a system. Identifying and fixing any condensationor damp issues is vital for these three elements to work together.

By thinking of each element as one part of the whole puzzle, it’s easier to see how getting each part sorted contributes to a more comfortable and healthy living environment.

InsulationThe term ‘insulation’ refers to materials which provide substantial resistance to heat flow. When these materials areinstalled in the ceiling, walls, and floorsof a building, heat flow into and out ofthe building is reduced, and the need for heating and cooling is minimised.

Although ceilings and walls may be insulated, heat loss will still occur in winter if there are large areas of unprotected glass or through fixed wall vents andgaps and cracks around external doors and windows.

Appropriate internal window coverings (e.g. lined drapes) and draught proofingare vital to complement insulation.

Insulation should always be coupled with appropriate shading of windows and adequate ventilation in summer. Without shading, heat entering the home through the windows will be trapped inside by the insulation and cause discomfort.

HeatingHeating and cooling accounts for almost 35% of all the energy a typical South African home consumes. Despite this, the majority of our homes are under-heated by international standards.

There are lots of heating options for homes, but using the right kind of energy efficient heater for your circumstanceswill mean that you can keep your home warm, healthy and comfortable to live

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in while keeping running costs low. Efficientheating means more than just having a good heater. It’s also about having a well insulated house and using your heaters wisely. Keeping your home warm is important for your health and comfort, and a good heating system (coupled with proper insulation) makes it much easier to do.

The World Health Organisation recommends the following minimum indoor temperatures:

* A minimum of 18 ˚C, or a minimum of 20 ˚C for more vulnerable groups like children, the elderly.

* A minimum of 16 ˚C in your bedroom overnight.

Condensation or DampInsulation provides a drier environment by preventing condensation, which occurs on the inside surface of a roof, ceiling or window when the temperature of the surface is at or below the dew-point* of the air in contact with it.

Insulation raises the temperature on the insulated surface above the dew-point temperature, thus inhibiting condensation. Insulation can

also help reduce mould growing on the inside of your walls and ceilings.

*Dew point is the temperature at which air can no longer hold water vapour which then condenses into liquid water. The dew point is always lower than (or equal to) the air temperature.