----- Original Message ----- From: "Spring" <[email protected] ~*~ How to make simple drapes look expensive. Whether you have custom made or store bought panels, the best way to add some splash to them and make them look expensive, is to add trims. I love taking inexpensive antique satin and adding tassels or brush fringe to the edges and tie backs. If you have a heavier fabric, bullion fringe is wonderful. You can either sew the trim on or simply use fabric glue. ~*~ How to change the look of a table, dresser or chair. Furniture is an investment and not something most can change out when we tire of them. But how about changing the look with a simple table runner. You can either buy one in the store or make one from left over fabric. This is a great no sew project, just get out your iron and fabric glue or ironing tape. Cut to size, fold over the edges and iron. The length of the runner is up to you, I don't use a formula and have had them hang over the edges on a table or dresser. For a chair, you need a longer one and first remove the seat cushion, start the runner at the back of the chair over the top, down the back, over the seat and down the front. Then replace the cushion. Hanging Artwork Hang art at "Your" Standing Eye Level. Most people hang artwork too high. If you are unsure, drop the artwork down by 3". Over a Sofa hang your art only 6" - 8" above the back. ~*~ 13 Great Places to look for Furniture Buys 1. Yard Sales 2. Consignment Stores 3. Thrift Stores 4. Hotel Liquidations 5. Model Home Sales 6. Estate Auctions 7. Classified Ads 8. Clearance Centers 9. Rent-A-Centers 10. Swap Meets 11. Flea Markets 12. Unclaimed Items at Storage Co's 13. Bankruptcy Sales ~*~ Here are some fun and simple decorating ideas for the different areas of your home. Kitchen & Dining Rooms · Add a table cloth to your table. To keep it clean, place a piece of glass over it. · Add or change the seat covers on your bar stools. · Tie your napkins with a fun, colorful item - ribbons, pipe cleaners, beads, ivy, shoelaces, leather, pony tail holders, bandannas. · Add a colorful dish towel · Cover your bulletin board with a fun novelty fabric or wallpaper. Living & Family Rooms · Change the pillows on your sofa or wrap them in a fun fabric. · Drape ivy or a flower garland on the edge of a picture. · Change the photos in your frames. Get them out of your albums, boxes and drawers. During someone's birthday, it is fun to place photos from past years in a couple of frames. How about pictures from past Fourth of July or Halloween parties. What about old school pictures for September. · Change a couple flowers in your floral arrangements. Bedrooms & Baths · Change your accent pillows on the bed. Bring out one of the secondary colors from your bedding. · Place your make-up, hair items, or jewelry in a novelty or colorful hat box. They look pretty and they hide clutter. · Place your perfume on a mirrored tray. · Group different sized and colored candles on a mirrored tray, or use an 8 x 10 frame and sprinkle glitter, confetti or pressed flowers under the glass. · Use an accent table lamp on the bath counter as a night light. · Add colorful hand towels. · Put potpourri in a small gift bag on your dresser or guest bath counter. Don't be afraid to be creative in your home. Have fun and always remember, it is your home, so have something you love to look at in each room. ~*~ Celebrate Each Month JANUARY - New Years * Party Hats, Noise Makers, Champagne Glasses, Confetti FEBRUARY - Valentine's or President's Day * Hearts, Cupid, Candy, Roses, Lace * President's Silhouettes or Pictures MARCH - St. Patrick's Day, Spring * Shamrocks, Leprechauns, Rainbow, Pot of Gold * Butterflies, Flowers, Watering Cans, Kites APRIL - Easter, Passover, April Showers * Bunnies, Chicks, Baskets, Candy * Umbrellas, Rain Boots & Slickers MAY - Memorial Day, Mother's Day, May Day * Flag * Mother & Child, Hats & Gloves * May Pole, Ribbons JUNE - Father's Day, Summer * Pipes, Slippers, Fishing, Camping * Beach or Pool Items, Cotton Candy, Fireflies JULY - 4th of July * Anything Red, White & Blue, Sparklers Stars, Flags, Fireworks AUGUST - Barbecues * Chef's Hat, Mitts, Hot Dogs, Popcorn SEPTEMBER - Start of School, Autumn * Pencil or Lunch Boxes, Book Bags, Old Uniforms * Leaves, Rakes, Scarecrows, Cinnamon, Gourds OCTOBER - Halloween, Columbus Day * Costumes, Cob Webs, Cats, Spiders, Candy Corn * Globe, Ships, Maps, Nautical Items NOVEMBER - Thanksgiving, Elections * Horn of Plenty, Pilgrims, Indians, Turkeys * Election Buttons, Bumper Stickers, Campaign Hats and Signs DECEMBER - Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Wonderland * Holiday Decorations * Snowflakes, Snowmen, Icicles, Sleds, Skates, Mittens, Pine Cones ~~*~~ Think positive. If you fall in the creek, check your pockets for fish. ~~*~~ Sally Jo