Yet More!

8/29/20

Okay.... We've all seen the strands of icicle effect lights... And who actually believe they have a limited time to display? Along the ceiling of a porch or around the pergola/ceiling of a deck? Staple them up in a random pattern... Maybe include strands of colorful lights....just be aware of how low they hang.  How about a thrift store chandelier to hang in the center.. Or some colored bottles and windchimes?  Let your vision run wild!

 


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WHO SAYS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE LIMITED TO 8 WEEKS

8/29/20

 


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USES FOR COLORED GLASS BOTTLES...

8/9/20

I have spent MANY years collecting colored and interesting shaped bottles. Thrift stores, garage sales, maybe along the side of the road.
They were displayed in my kitchen window for a while until there was no more room. But I did have a back porch already festooned with lights ....
Made a trip to a local craft store to get about 3 bags of corks in various sizes . I also got E6000, my personal clear adhesive of choice. I paired up the corks with bottles they fit best, and coated the sides of corks liberally, put them their assigned bottles and left to dry for a couple days. When I was satisfied that they were secure, I assed a screwbook or cup hoop into the center. I later learned that also putting adhesive around the base at the cork would be handy....some collected rain, others slipped out.
I already had an assortment of fishing line, too.
I added Screweyes around the perimeter of the porch then cut varying lengths of fishing line.... typically at least double strength.... and tied the bottles at varying lengths and was aware of duplicating colors too closely.... roughly 6" apart.  And a couple windchimes. Cobalt Blue was the most elusive color. Not all were hung...intricate bottles remained inside as duplicate colors, flanking the TV on the fireplace mantle with a strand of white lights weaving their way between them and behind the TV. Provides good ambient light and shows off particular bottles.Came out pretty good!
Also doing similar on the backyard deck.
All of this merely amuses me, but still makes a handy landmark for givivg directions.

 


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And now, FINALLY a proper start...

8/1/20

So the original intent of this site and blog has been to demonstrate economical ways to enhance your personal life and provide some simple life hacks.
This is the first.
I bought a 1931 bungalow last year with a wraparound porch.    I had precisely lined my kitchen windowsills with differently shaped glass bottles in a multitude and colors.... then one day I realized that they'd get more light were they hung in the sunlight and the wind could provide movement. 
I had been collecting bottles for a number of years always with this intention in mind. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: SIX MONTHS OUT IS SHORT TERM THINKING FOR ME. I  checked thrift stores,  garage sales, the ever popular dollar and similar stores... and a review of bottles already on hand to make bottle oil lamps that never materialized. 
So, I  was off to a craft supply store for bags of corks in various sizes to fit the uniquely shaped bottles.
ONE IMPORTANT TRICK: check the fit of the corks UPSIDE DOWN..  having one drop to the bottom can be very frustrating. Plug the bottles AND secure the corks with waterproof adhesive of choice... and coat them well!  My personal favorite is E6000....I AM NOT A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY,  JUST APPRECIATE. Push the corks in SECURELY and allow a couple days for the adhesive to dry and cure. When they are securely in place, add a screw eye or hook to the top of the  cork. SOMETIMES water will enter the bottle through this space.... covering the cork with E6000 or another sealant should prevent this.
Space screws above where you intend to display them. Keep in mind the sizes 3bottles you're using.   Use monofilament.... fishing line.... to hang the bottles from the screws at varying heights so they don't hit each other and break in the wind. A windchime would be a bonus.



 


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One Man's Trash is TRULY Another Man's Treasure


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