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To keep your leaf blower in tip top condition and to maximise the life and reliability of your leaf blower, it is vital to service it regularly. Here are a some guidelines and tips that will help you maintain your leaf blower in good working order.

Daily Checks on your Leaf Blower

Clean the external surface of the machine with a cloth.

Make sure that the throttle lock and the throttle trigger function safely.

Ensure that the stop switch is working properly.

Check the housings, and make sure they are free of cracks.

Make sure that the collection bag is intact and that the zipper is working.

Make sure that all nuts and screws are tightened properly .

Give the filter a good clean and replace it if necessary.

Weekly Checks on your Leaf Blower

Check that the starter device, the starter cord and the tensioning spring are all still in good condition.

Ensure that the air intake at the starter device is in good condition. Remove any debris or dirt from it, make sure it’s not clogged.

Give the outside of the spark plug a good clean, and unscrew it and check the electrode gap. Re-adjust this gap to (0.020″) 0.5 mm, if required, or change the spark plug.

Make sure that none of the anti-vibration mountings are broken or damaged.

Clean or change the muffler’s spark arrest screen (not on mufflers with a catalytic
converter).

Give the fan blades on the flywheel a good clean.

Clean the carburetor space.

Give the air filter a good clean or replace it if necessary.

Monthly Checks on your Leaf Blower

Flush through the fuel tank with clean gasoline. Remember to dispose of this safely!

Give the outside of the carburetor and the space around it a good clean.

Do the same for the fan blades on the flywheel and the space around it.

Check the fuel line and filter, and replace them, if required.

Check that all the cables and their connections are in good condition.

Change the spark plug.

Examine and clean the muffler’s spark arrest screen if required (only mufflers with a
catalytic converter).

Leonard Mutch is a keen gardener and author. You can read more of his tips and articles at http://www.gardenleafblower.com and subscribe to his gardening tips newsletter at http://www.gardenandplantcenter.com

[tags]leaf blower[/tags]

While redecorating your home’s interior is an expensive project, there are some simple ways for you to cut costs just by making some items yourself. For example, did you know that it is possible to make perfect curtain rods that look great and save you money? If you think that making curtain rods will be too difficult or time-consuming, you may want to think again. In this article, we’ll give you all the necessary steps on how to make perfect curtain rods. You may be surprised at just how simple this project can be.

The first step in making perfect curtain rods is to make perfect measurements. Use a standard tape measurer above your intended window to find out how long of a rod you will need. It is important to measure 2-3 inches beyond the actual width of the window. This will ensure that your curtain rod provides sufficient coverage.

The next step involves driving to your local home improvement store. These stores (such as Lowe’s and Home Depot) have all the supplies you will need for making perfect curtain rods. Don’t forget to bring your measurements and tape measurer along with you. This will prevent you buying ill-fitting materials.

So, what exactly are you going to need to make perfect curtain rods? The first item you need to purchase is the rod itself, and the best fit is usually a dowel (these are very inexpensive and can usually be found in the lumber section). This is where it is important to know the proper measurements of your window, so you can choose a dowel of proper length. Remember, it is always better to buy a dowel that is too big as opposed to one that is too small. A bigger dowel can always be cut down to size. Once you have selected a dowel as your curtain rod, you will also need two large hooks (to support your curtain rod), screws to apply the hooks, and two decorative attachments to put on each end of the rod (these are known as finials). Depending on the color of your interior, you may also need to buy a paint or finish to apply to the curtain rod after completion. Usually, browns and tans work well for curtain rods, but the decision is strictly yours. You now have all of the necessary items needed to make a perfect curtain rod.

Now that you are back at home, you can begin the simple task of putting up your curtain rod. The first thing you want to do is to screw both large hooks above the window according to your measurements. There should be atleast an inch of room on both sides for the curtain rod to comfortably rest. This will reduce the likelihood of the rod falling down. The next step is to sand down your dowel and apply your chosen finish to the rod. After a period of drying, you can then slide your curtain onto your new curtain rod (make sure the rings are big enough!). The last step is to attach the finials you have selected to complete your curtain rod’s look. Hang on the hooks you previously attached, and there you have it! You have made a perfect curtain rod!

Wasn’t that easy? By following these steps on how to make perfect curtain rods, you can create a cheap alternative to standard curtain rods while giving any room in your home a truly unique look.

Jo Williams has an interest Home & Garden related topics. To access more information on curtain window or on call curtain, please click on the links.

[tags]curtains[/tags]

Drapery hardware is more than just a means to hang your draperies or curtains; it is also a decorative element for your home. Decorative drapery hardware includes rods, finials, holdbacks, rings, and decorative brackets. Decorative rods can also be traverse. You want to consider the color, finish, and material of the rods. Finials add the perfect touch of elegance, whimsy, humor, and finish to your beautiful window treatments. All of these choices will affect the overall beauty and decorative theme and balance of your home.

Rod
Drapery rods are usually mounted 3″ - 4″ above the window. If you desire a layered look for your window, choose a double bracket that mounts one rod right in front of another. You can also use a standard curtain rod with a small projection underneath a more decorative rod on the outside to achieve the same look.

Traverse Rod
A traverse rod is a rod with a mechanism by which attached draperies can be drawn with a pull cord. A two-way traverse rod pulls the draperies to the left side and right side of the window. A one-way traverse rod pulls the draperies to either the left or right side of the window. Decorative traverse rods are used with top pleated draperies and pin hooks.

Finials
Finials can be considered window jewelry. They give windows a wide range of looks. Metal is more contemporary, while wood provides warmth and a more traditional feel. You might even consider glass finials to complement sheer fabrics.

Holdbacks
Add another finishing touch to your window with holdbacks. It’s a beautiful way to coordinate accessories.

Rings
Rings are an easy way to attach curtains to the pole. They help panels slide along the rod easily while bringing decorative elements to the window. Rings have either a clip that you clip onto the drapery or they come with an eyelet and you use a drapery pin through the eyelet to hang the draperies.

Decorative Brackets
Use decorative brackets as a bracket for wood or metal rods, as scarfholders or as decorative shelf brackets.

Other Uses for Decorative Drapery Hardware
Use decorative brackets for towel rings in the bathroom.

Use any combination of decorative rods to display tapestries or wall hangings.

Use finials as holdbacks at sides of windows.

Mount decorative finials across top of window and drape scarves across or loop tab tops on finials for an innovative look.

Use metal holdbacks as decorative towel hooks in the bathroom.

About the Author

Kathy Iven, Columbus, OH
Kathy Iven is the owner of Fabric Farms Interiors, located in Hilliard, OH and is a Window Fashions Certified Professional - Specialist Level. Fabric Farms Interiors specializes in home d

The basic living room furniture layout usually includes a sofa, an armchair or love seat and a coffee table. Additions to this layout usually include a entertainment center, a few end tables and of course a rocking chair or lazy boy.

Most people don’t like to miss match fabrics. If you can afford a leather furniture set than it probably is best to not throw in you mothers brown and yellow arm chair from the 1960’s. If you have the space than a L-3 piece couch set is an awesome addition. If you plan on entertaining guests than seating for at least 3 or 4 is essential. You sure as heck don’t want your guests sitting on the floor!

The idea of the coffee table has somewhat changed. Iv even seen someone put 2 clean car tires down and a big sheet of glass on top and made the coffee table look wonderful in their home. I think its neat when people get creative like this. Glass coffee tables are not such a good idea if you have children, for a number of different reasons, one they can break and two, they usually have sharp corners. The perfect coffee table for small children is a round wooden table with padding around the sides. LOL

Finally, when adding to your living room furniture, be sure to remember to be creative. Don’t be afraid to add a bright red chair in the middle of 2 leather couches to add flair to your living room. Have fun, and most importantly don’t ever buy furniture on credit, if you can’t afford the furniture the day you buy it, you probably can’t afford it period!

Jack Smith writes about various topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intact, the bio remains in full and the rel=”nofollow” tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you - Please visit quality-furniture-shop.info and furniture-hotspot.info

[tags]furniture[/tags]

There is estimated to be over 100 billion individual wild birds on earth, and each one needs to eat certain amounts of food on a daily basis in order to survive. That’s where we come in! Birdfeeders are fun to make and are essential in order for birds to live. Bird houses can be made out of practically anything and are usually hung in different locations around your yard for birds to enjoy. Purchasing a bird feeder is another option, however this can be expensive and both methods serve practically the same purpose.

The following is a fun and easy way for children (or adults) to make a bird feeder:

What You Will Need:

An empty milk or juice carton (any size will do)

String (must be strong)

Scissors

Stapler

Hole punch

2 small sticks or wooden rods

Bird seed

Markers, paint or anything which can be used to decorate the carton. Ensure the paint is water based not to hurt your feathered friends and try not to use anything that can be potentially dangerous to swallow.

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the carton thoroughly.

2. Decorate your carton however you would like.

3. Using your scissors cut a square in each side of the carton (a square big enough to fit at least the head of a bird).

4. Using your hole punch (or your scissors) make a small hole below each square.

5. Push your sticks or rods through the holes from one side of the carton to the other (the sticks will form a “t”).

6. Fill the bottom of your carton with bird seed.

7. Punch a hole (or two if you like) in the top of your carton.

8. Hang your finished feeder to a tree branch with string.

Although these bird feeders will not last forever (or even close), they are a fun, inexpensive way for children to learn about birds and the importance of caring for our wildlife.

Greg Pilson is an avid bird watcher who also dabbles in freelance photography of his favorite subjects. When he’s not working full time in the engineering industry, he writes as a freelance writer for http://www.birdfeedersdirect.com - a site that offers information about bird feeders, bird houses and more.

[tags]bird,feeders,houses,humming,diy,craft,make,project,school,wild[/tags]

What could be more relaxing than gardening on a nice summer morning? Listening to your wind chime while you garden! Wind chimes are not only fun to look at but they add much more to your garden then just visual appeal.

Wind chimes have tones and vibrations that soothe and calm the mind helping to release all your stress. When you dig in the garden and connect with the earth, listening to your chimes tinkle in the breeze can help you also connect with your inner spirit. Chimes have been used for much more than just decoration for centuries. In fact, wind chimes are used in many Feng Shui cures. You can hang your chimes inside as well as outside, metal chimes are best for North, Northwest and West while wood chimes are best for South, Southeast and East. The number of rods can be associated with the cure you want. Use 4, 6, 7, 8 or 18 rods for luck and 5 rods to reject bad energy. Use bamboo for outside.

Of course, you should pick chimes that decorate your porch or garden area to your liking. There’s plenty of styles and materials to choose from. I favor the chimes with a stained glass decoration on top that comes in all kinds of whimsical styles. If you are more traditional, you might go for a simple bamboo chime with an Asian flair. You can even get chimes that are hand tuned if you are really into the sound quality of your wind chime.

Hanging your wind chimes is easy. To hang from the top of your porch, you can use a simple C shaped hook that screws into the ceiling. Any type hook can be used as long as it is strong enough to support your wind chime. Be sure you hang it in an area where it’s freedom of movement is not obstructed by anything. You can also buy fancy hangers that screw in or that stick up from the ground. When hanging your chime, try to pick a place that will not get a strong wind - this way you can be sure your chime does not blow off and break.

So, the next time that you get out into the garden, make sure that you hang out some wind chimes so that you can add a new level to your gardening experience!

Lee Dobbins writes for Wonderful-Wind-Chimes.com where you can find all kinds of wind chimes to brighten your day.

[tags]garden, gardening, wind chime, wind chimes[/tags]

When talking about positive and negative spaces it is important
to first understand the term “space” in itself. In interior
design any volume which is being contained within masonry
walls and are habitable is normally termed as space.

The volume that gets enclosed in an architectural structure is
just a tiny fraction of the vast amount of “universal space”.
By universal space I mean the cosmos or the gigantic vastness
in which our planet and all other planets, starts etc.. survive.

The volume, which gets contained in a building, varies according to
the use of the building. A cinema theatre and a bedroom will surely
have different purposes and hence volume. Volume gets defined by
three factors, length, breadth and height of the habitable room.

But irrespective of the volume both types of buildings mentioned
above have “spaces” enclosed within. Lets consider the bedroom
for the sake of this article.

A typical bedroom will have certain architectural elements
attached to it at the time of construction of the building and
certain “imposed” later for the sake of proper function. Also
it is important to note that no one builds bedrooms in isolation.
A bedroom is always a part of the entire home plan.

The architectural elements already present in a bedroom would be
attached toilet and its entrance door, attached terrace or
backyard entry, attached study room. All these spaces have
work like supplementary role in a bedroom. Now the “imposed”
elements are the furniture in the room, other accessories that
will occupy the space in a bedroom.

A typical bedroom will have a double bed, wardrobe, dressing
table, side tables, study table, book shelf etc.. All these
are necessary to use the room in a comfortable way. When these
furniture are arranged in a room what remains is termed as the
“circulation space”. Now most people think that the volume of
the furniture and the remaining empty space must have a balance
between them. Because it is not the occupied volume, but the
empty volume, that decides the comfort levels inside a room.

If you visit a store room on the basement of a house which is
normally used to dump useless things, you will notice that the
empty space remained is very less and hence the comfort levels
there, are poor. So in interior design the “empty space” is
equally important. Now here comes the concept of positive and
negative spaces. Normally a negative space is considered a
space which can not be used for a specific human activity.

But this is not true. As said above the over all comfort levels
in a room is determined by both the occupied as well as non-occupied
spaces. So any smallest piece of floor area that is not being
occupied is going to contribute to the comfort levels.

That’s why the terminology of being positive and negative as
far as usability is considered becomes a personal matter. What
you think as a useless and non functional space can become a
good place for your kid and his friends when they play hide and
seek. It’s just the viewpoint to look at thing that matters.

Also a little creativity can alter a non-functional space into
a functional one. But remember what I said earlier, in interior
design empty space matters. It is not just beautiful furniture,
costly paints/wallpapers/paintings that are going to decorate
your rooms. Finally it boils down to only one thing, YOU and
YOUR mental as well as physical health in that space.

I hope this article was helpful to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some excellent tips on home renovation at his interior design website. You will also find some great concept level thinking on bedrooms and decorating ideas.

[tags]interior design, bedroom design, home improvement, interior decoration[/tags]

As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago to Boston this evening, I realize I have been staring out into the dark abyss contemplating the arrival of spring. Spring is a time of anticipation and renewed life. A time when the snow finally abates and the Robins return to rebuild their nests. And a time when Tulips and Daffodils emerge from the ground and bloom, if ever so briefly. It is also a time for the voracious Black Fly that we northern dwellers know only too well. For me, however, it is a time to shift into a higher gear; there are outdoor projects that have accumulated over the winter months and there is traditional spring tasks that every homeowner is compelled to do.

There are two main questions I debate as I compile my spring “To-Do” list: What to do and when to do it?

As always with a non-vinyl sided house, there is painting. Over the years, I have come to the conclusion it is best to paint a portion of the house each year; one year the clapboards, another year the trim, and maybe in the third year the shutters. I am sure the professional painter would beg to differ with my advice, but hey, not all of us can justify the professional painter every 3-5 years, nor can we dedicate an entire week or two of our spring painting the whole house. I have found it best to do the spring painting as soon as the whether gets above 50 degrees. Any sooner, it is too cold for the paint. Any later, and one has to contend with the other flying insect, the hornet.

Another important job, but not so large in effort, is preparing the lawn for the spring rains. First there is the raking. Then there is the application of the first stage of the four-stage fertilizer process, you know, the one that halts the Crab grass in July and August. Usually every other year there is the additional task of spreading the pest control to prevent grubs and moles. Based on product recommendations and when I actually have time, I do these tasks in mid May.

For those of us with bountiful winter snowfalls, many of us have the unique task of fixing or replacing our mailboxes for hopefully the last time, or at least for the next 12 months. This is particularly an aggravating task as we spend much of the time doing it, cussing under our breath the snow plow operator that we know had pleasure wiping out our mailbox.

Then there is the garden. I am not sure why I still bother. Maybe it is due to a memory of my youth, when I spent two summers working on a farm. It may also be some innate desire to see something grow from nothing, that I had a part in. I think it is the latter, but regardless, every April I go out and till, fertilizer and lime the soil, while I sacrifice my body to the Black flies. By May I begin to plant the Peas, Carrots and Onions. By June I plant the Tomatoes, Peppers and Squash. And by July, I am at war with the local Wood Chuck.

Finally, there is the changing of the machine guards; storing the snow blower away and preparing the lawn mower, or in my case lawn mowers. I have the sit-down one for the main course, and a push one for the dessert. As my father-in-law always insists, sharpen the blades before the start of the cutting season and then a couple of more times throughout the summer. Well, being non-retired, I am satisfied sharpening them once before the cutting season begins and I have yet to see any ill side effects.

I see the lights of Boston approaching in the distance. My flight is almost over; however my spring list is nearly complete. I am sure I have missed a few items, but my wife will surely remind me. I look forward to the warmth of spring, but as I look down at my list, I think, I’ll just sit back and savor the final weeks of winter.

Mark J. Donovan
me_donovan@comcast.net

http://www.homeadditionplus.com
http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Over the past 20+ years I have been involved with Building homes and additions to homes. I have completed many projects that have included: building a Vacation Home, Family Room Additions, and a Garage. I have also finished the upstairs on unfinished homes. My formal education and profession has been as an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager.

[tags]Spring, Winter, Garden, Lawn, Lawn Mower, Painting, Clapboard, Fertilizer, Mailbox, Home Improvement[/tags]

A beautiful home is often equated with extra work to maintain its beauty. However, an attractive home and a clean home are not mutually exclusive. These days, many interior finishes are made to be easier to maintain than they were in years past.

Paint

Improved paint finishes are a good example of the trend to improve cleaning. For years, wall paints have been designed to make application easier than maintenance. Now many wall paints are designed so that they go on easily, look attractive and are cleanable, too. Some will even take scrubbing. Look for satin and eg-shel type finishes from your favorite paint brand.

Trim paint, as well, chosen with cleaning in mind, can make beautiful d

The roles of curtains have changed. At one time they were used to retain heat, block cold air, control sunlight and provide privacy. They still perform these roles, but with the many advancements in window glass and window design technology, they are often much more decorative than functional. Decorators can be much more creative in their window treatments with this shift to the decorative usage.

For many people, there is a distinction between the terms curtains and drapes. Drapes are usually floor length, lined and suspended from a traverse rod with hooks that will allow them to be opened and closed by pulling a cord. Draperies are usually very formal looking. Curtains are less formal. They are usually those fabric window treatments that are suspended by hooks or rings from a rod and opened and closed by grasping the edge and pulling the fabric panel into position. Often they are tied back to the window casing and are not opened or closed at all. In these situations, they are frequently used in conjunction with shades, or blinds which can be closed to block sunlight or provide privacy.

Types of curtains

There are three basic types of curtains. These are the panel, the cafe and tiered. Panel are simply plain panels of fabric that are hemmed at the top and at the bottom. They are suspended from the top of the window by rings or hooks and hang in natural folds, giving the window a less formal appearance. These are often used in bedrooms and dining rooms and maybe used in combination with shades, blinds or sheers. Cafe curtains are generally hung from the center of the window, leaving the upper part of the window bare or exposed. Sometimes the cafe styles will be hung one fourth or one third of the way down from the top of the window, giving the window a much different look. Either way, they are tied back. Cafe curtains are often used in kitchens and in informal dining areas. The third kind is the tiered. These are multiple panels with one or two panels hanging over the top of the two base panels. The base panels usually cover the bottom half of the window and the outer panels cover the top half of the window and hang down to overlap the base panels.

There are three basic lengths as well. The sill length is either suspended from either the halfway point or the top of the window. The bottom hem is not quite touching the windowsill. The below the sill style is cut so the bottom hem hangs just below the apron or trim board running across the bottom of the window. The floor length style is cut so the bottom hem is just above the floor.

There are also be lined or unlined styles, depending upon the amount of natural light that is to be admitted to the room. Similarly, there are interlined styles, with a third layer sandwiched between the panel and the lining. They are designed to provide protection from cold air that is conducted from the outside to the inside through the glass, or air seeping through cracks in the windowsill or between the sash and the window frame.

Tie back styles

The appearance of a window can be dramatically altered by the colour and fabric used. It can also be altered in the manner the curtains are hung. One popular and attractive arrangement is the tie back. Tie back options offer decorators tremendous choices in creating unique and very attractive windows.

The most popular tie back positions are the high tie, the middle tie, the low tie, the centre tie, the crisscrossed tie and the angled double tie.

1. The high tie is when one or two panels are hung in the window. The tie pulls the panel back above the centreline of the window.

2. The middle tie pulls the panel back at a point near the middle of the curtain. It looks best if it is not done at the exact centre, but either slightly above or slightly below the centre.

3. The low tie pulls the curtain back about three-fourths of the distance from the top to the floor.

4. The centre tie gathers one or two curtains and pulls them together in the vertical centre of the window, about two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the top to the bottom.

5. The crisscrossed tie starts with two overlapping panels hanging the full width of the window. The outer panel is pulled back to one side and the inner curtain is pulled back to the opposite side.

6. The angled tie uses either one or two curtains. The panel is pulled partially back in the high tie position and pulled back more closely to the window casing in the bottom tie position. The panel is tied back twice in such a way that it is hung in a pleasing, billowing angle from one top corner of the window to a point below the opposite side of the window.

Formal and informal styles

Curtains can be as varied as the individuals in whose homes they hang. Even with all of the variety in fabrics, colours, lengths and methods of hanging, all curtain styles can be classified as either formal or informal.

Formal window treatments are usually called draperies and hang in layers. They are most often found in formal parlors or sitting rooms, living rooms and formal dining rooms. The window treatment is usually done in two or three layers. The first layer is the sheer, which is often a single panel of sheer linen or lace that admits diffused light into the room. Sheers also tend to obscure visibility from the outside, especially if the lighting in the room is subdued. The second layer is usually the pleated floor length drapes. The drapes are suspended from traverse if they are intended to be opened and closed. Drapes are hung from above the window and cover the side casing and trim of the window as they fall toward the floor. The third layer is the curtain running across the window top and covers the top of the window casing, trim and the heading of the draperies. Draperies and valances are often lined. Draperies may be below sill length although they are often floor length.

Everything else is informal curtains, usually hung in one or two layers. They are seldom lined, and are used to diffuse light, not to block it out.

Curtains are decorative, but have other uses as well, aside from providing privacy. They are useful in room darkening to protect room contents from the adverse effects of the sun’s UV rays. Sunlight can fade the colors in furniture and carpet fabrics. Lined curtains are especially good for protecting furniture and carpeting near windows facing either to the south or to the west.

Rob Carlton is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about window coverings and home decoration for his website http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com.

[tags]curtain,drapes,window coverings,home decorating,decoration,interior design,[/tags]