Tinker Around

Welcome to my blog. It is full of basic projects and tutorials for things that I have done and feel like others out there would benefit from learning too. Be sure to take time to leave me a comment. Thanx, Pam

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Tips and Stuff in General

Ok, this week...I would just like to share some tips that I have been sharing at shows.  I was surprised that folks had not heard of some of these, so I am sharing them here.  Feel free to post any other tips under the comments at the bottom of this blog.

Are you noticing that your dishes are coming clean but looking a bit milky?  There have been so many changes in the past few years in dish detergents and some of the cleaning chemicals are being left out.  A great cure for this is something called Lemi Shine.


I was at WalMart one day looking for this product that I had heard of and met a lady there getting Finish and Lemi Shine.  She taught me how to fill the cups in the dishwasher to get nice clear glasses again.   I fill the pre wash with just one of the little cubes, and then only fill the main wash about half full.  Close the door on the solutions, close the dishwasher and run just like you always have in the past.



Now, see the glass on the left, that is what the glasses looked like in the past...before Lemi Shine.  The one on the right is afterwards!  What a difference!!!  I had to dig to the back of the cabinet to find one that still looked so poorly.  You know...I think I need to be sure that they all get through the dishwasher with the Lemi.  


Next up.  There is a fabulous product that I keep under the sink for quick access on almost any surface imaginable.  I have used this on carpet and clothes to get paint out, on an old pot that had burnt on the stove, stains on the counter top, on my plastic water basins that get covered in paint,...  In fact, I do not know of anything that I have not used it on!  Just follow the directions on the bottle.  Oh, the product... Dawn Power Dissolver.  


Ok, the other cleaning bottle that I keep on hand is the Germ-X, or your own favorite hand sanitizer.  As a decorative painter, I keep this on hand for any paint that I get on my clothes.  I do not have to rinse it out right away as I would the Dawn.  Also, hand sanitizer is great for doing a good deep cleaning of my paint brushes.  And, there is that just being able to clean your hands without water.


Now, this isn't a product, but a way of living!  Do NOT pay full price for anything unless you just have to.  I have wanted a clock to hang from a side wall between my kitchen and dining area.  Having seen several two sided clocks at flea markets and antique shops, I knew that they were not cheap.  But I am ...  frugal.  I was at Hobby Lobby and there was my clock, $49.99 and it was on sale for half off.  Awesome!  I picked up the last one and proceeded to the check out.  I explained to the clerk that the glass was not attached properly and that the entire thing was going to need to be repaired/glued back into place.  After my additional discount, I think I got the clock for about $21.   So, don't ever be afraid to ask for that additional percent off.  We work hard for our money and it is up to us to make it stretch as far as humanly possible! 


Ok.  That is it for this week.  Next time, I want to show you how to re-purpose those old booster pillows that used to be used on daybeds.  See ya in a couple weeks!  


Saturday, October 15, 2011

Upcoming Craft Shows

Just couldn't wait til Thursday to post this one!  Be sure to stop by one of these shows and introduce yourself.  My followers will be getting 10% off any purchase over $30 in my booth (rounded up to the nearest dollar).  Hope to see you there!!!


Craft/Bazaar Shows in the area that I am showing at -

Thursday, Oct. 20, 12noon-9pm (show is totally booked!) Victory Church at 6301 E. Parker Road, Parker, Tx 75002

Saturday, Oct. 29, 9am-5pm, Sunday, Oct. 30, 11am-5pm (over 10,000 people walk through this show each year!) JJPearce High School at 1600 N.Coit Road, Richardson, Tx 75080

Saturday, Nov. 12, 9am-5pm, Sunday, Nov. 13, 8:45am-3pm. (this show is new to me, but now new!) St. Joseph's Women's Guild at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 600 South Jupiter Road (Spring Valley & Jupiter) Richardson, TX 75081

 Booth name is One Stroke with Pam.  Be sure to mention that you are one of my blog followers.  - Pam

Monday, October 3, 2011

Painting Seminar with Maureen McNaughton and a Fabulous B&B

Today, I would like to tell you about a fabulous little Bed and Breakfast that four of us stayed in outside of Tyler, "The Stroud House".  As usual, I have a lot of pictures to share with you!  The owners are also going to re-open their restaurant in Henderson called "Blessings".



BED & BREAKFAST
Stroud House
7481 Hwy 64 W
Joinerville, TX
4 mi. West of Henderson
903-847-4241












Above pictures are around the grounds of the Stroud House.  Below, are pictures of a couple of the rooms, dining areas, kitchen, and the restrooms. 














IF you are lucky, you will get to see Sheila's grandson while you are there!


When you go, be sure to tell them that you read about their B&B on my website, most of their advertising is done by word of mouth.  Sheila cooks up homemade scones or a quiche for breakfast, and fresh fruit and coffee too.  When you leave, you feel like you have made a new friend for life!!!  I can't wait to take my husband there for some private little R&R at the B&B !!!


The remainder of the blog will show you pictures from the Society of Decorative Painters chapter in Tyler, where I was blessed enough to get to participate in a seminar with Maureen McNaughton out of Canada.
Special thanks to The Rose Tolers of Tyler!!!!



 

This is Maureen McNaughton, and these are just a few of her projects that she brought to show us.  IF you are interested in purchasing from/or in taking a class from Maureen-








Below are some pictures of the ladies painting at the seminar.








Now, for the pictures of my friends and my finished paintings from the Seminar.


Mary.


Bev.


Kaye.



Mary, Bev, Maureen, Me, Kaye.


Day 1 Painting.


Day 2 and 3 Painting.

I have heard a lot of things from a lot of my students as they pass through my classes.  One of the most heard statements is "getting together with other ladies is like my therapy, and much cheaper!"  IF you have ever wanted to start a hobby or just do something for yourself, give painting a try.  There are painting groups and teachers world-wide.  Do a search under Society of Decorative Painters for a chapter in your area, or just talk to friends and see if they know of anyone in your area.  If you are in the Dallas/Garland area and wish to give painting a try, drop me a line.  giftofgabsave@hotmail.com
Till next time...