With the reluctance of settling my garden in for the Winter months comes the sudden, sweet joy of finding yet another reason to decorate. Being a tad lazy, I am inclined to have decorations that will last from November to April; ones that aren’t too themed, and will stand up to the snow and ice that could easily keep them firmly in place until Springtime. They have to be something that I enjoy seeing every day, and something that won’t look misplaced in the middle of February (quite possibly the worst month of the year), and, if it somehow involves a gnome or a small, metal bird, then I may just have to wrap a plaid scarf around its neck. For me, it is all about exploiting Mother Nature, and working with rather than against the harsh elements that could crack a favorite sculpture or topple a childhood tree. Nothing should be too fragile. I like to keep it simple, play with shapes that are already there, and use materials that will only look better with a good dose of age. I am sure that my small gargoyle (made handily of resin) will last for many seasons, and that the verbena flowers can be left tall, holding onto their seeds, waiting for when the hungry birds will need them the most. The old trellis brings much needed height, while a small mason jar is able to sway, ever-so-gently in a nearby tree – holding a candle that may never get lit, but bringing the quiet magic of possibility to many of our cold, gray days. Some berries and leaves have stayed vibrant and red, defying common sense with the stubbornness of a child that won’t be ignored, holding on tight to their color next to the freshly fallen snow. I actually don’t like the cold at all, yet I find myself bracing the freezing temperatures for a few, stolen minutes outside; I am still amazed at the transformation when I stare at the harsh, brittle landscape – alternatively watching clouds and stars, gathering new images every day, and reminding myself of how simply beautiful the Winter garden can be ….. For more information on where the photographs came from, just click on the name: Birdhouse, Topiary, Bird Feeder, Trellis, Flowering Quince, Verbena, Gargoyle, Glass Jar, Metal Orbs. For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

I like simple Math; tell me how much money is in my checking account, what I can spend on a new coat, and I am very happy, but please don’t ever ask me how X multiplies into Z, or why Radicals are invading the privacy of my Square Root Quotient. See, even my brain just laughed at the mere thought of trying to figure all of this out.   But, lucky for us, I escaped from the classroom a long time ago, and found comfort in knowing that not all numbers are boring, and we can even use some equations to help us decorate. So, whether you like numbers or not, here are some of the tried and true one’s that you may find quite useful. How Close should my Sofa be to the Wall? Not that close. Pulling the sofa slightly away from the wall (about 6 – 8 inches) will do all sorts of wonderful things for your room – it will make your room feel bigger, cozier (strangely enough) and help to avoid that formal, Waiting Room appearance. How much Space do I really need between the Sofa and Coffee Table? The minimum is about 18 – 22 inches. This gives most of us enough room to move around, but also is close enough for us to sit down and put our cup of coffee on the table without pulling a muscle or having to getting up every few minutes. What actually is Eye Level Height when Hanging Artwork? This is a useful guide for when you are a hanging a large piece on a fairly empty wall; the center of your piece of artwork should be approximately 5 feet from the floor (57 – 60 inches). The same goes for if you are starting a gallery wall – put the first piece around the 60 inch mark, and work out your designs from there. If you are hanging art above a sofa, then the bottom of the piece of art should be about 6 – 12 inches above the top of the sofa. How Large or Small should my Ceiling Light be? For the height of a ceiling light, take the height of your room and multiply it by 2.5 – 3 inches (i.e. an 8 foot tall room can have a 20 – 24 inch tall light). For the width, take the width and length of your room, add them together, and that should be the approximate diameter, in inches, of your light (i.e. 10 x 15 foot room = 25 inch wide light). What is the Ideal Height and Width of a Chandelier over my Dining Table? The bottom of the chandelier should be approximately 30 – 34 inches from the top of your table, and about 12 inches narrower than your table. If your room is taller than average, add a couple of inches for each additional foot (i.e. for a ten foot tall room hang your chandelier 34 – 38 inches above the table). How High should my Coffee Table and End Tables be? Most of these are at a fairly standard 16 – 18 inches tall; just make sure they are slightly lower (or even) with the arm of your sofa, or 6 – 8 inches taller than seat level. What size Coffee Table do I Need? Look for a coffee table that is approximately close to half the length of your sofa. The goal is that everyone can reach it comfortably, and it visually fills up the space. What Size Rug should I Get? In a perfect world, in a perfect room, a rug should sit approximately 18 inches from the wall, however there are other ways to choose a rug that can help you determine the size you need. –  Decide whether you want it just as an accent i.e. just under the coffee table, with the furniture surrounding it, but not touching it. –  Do you want it to be a part of the seating area, but not taking up the entire room i.e. just the front legs of the furniture on it. –  Do you want it to act a bit like a carpet i.e. all of the furniture on the rug. Because rugs are such a cumbersome item to buy and return, a good idea is to lay down a bed sheet, or mark the space with painters tape first to see what size and layout looks best in your room before you choose. What about Using a Rug in my Dining Room? This is probably the only rule that I never mess with. The table and chairs should all be on the rug, with the rug extending at least two feet further behind the chairs so that people can push their chair in and out without getting caught on the rug. If in doubt, use a bed sheet to map it out first. For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

Every job comes with its own set of problems.Whether you work at the kitchen table, in a cardboard cubicle, on a building site, or in a gorgeous, glass office, none of them are worry free; the grass always seems greener, when really it is just a different variety of grass (with its own set of weeds). But, working from home is still seen by many as the holy grail – the luxury of being able to type in your underwear, and the giddy thought of quietly trying to eat potato chips during an important teleconference. When I began to work from home, the concept of saying I was “working” sounded kind of crazy (even to me). My daughter would see me, in my fun, little office, writing lists and updating my business Facebook page, and I know it didn’t make a whole lot of sense. It barely made sense to me, so we had to slowly convince ourselves that just because I wasn’t commuting, wearing a suit and waving around stock market tips scribbled on bits of paper (or whatever they do) it was still something that contributed to me earning a living. It took me a while (a long while) but eventually I managed to train myself to work fairly effectively from home. It will never be a perfect system, but I have still managed to find several ways that make my work at home, office appropriate… Have a designated office space where you just work. I know it goes without saying, but often, a laptop can mysteriously travel to the comfiest place, and you will find yourself curled up on the sofa. Before you know it, you find yourself simultaneously googling the latest Fall fashions and watching the Weather channel as if your life depended on it (which is ironic, considering you don’t have to step outside unless you really want to). Don’t wear pajamas, work-out clothes or gardening clothes (me). This tells you (and everyone around you) that you are ready to do something else at a moments notice (take a nap, go to the gym, eat chocolate, or mow the lawn… ) and, you are not taking it that seriously. Adjust your time to suit you. I admit, this is one of the perks of working from home. I am much more focused in the morning, so I can begin at 7:30am and do the most important things then. Late afternoon is kept for tasks that require less brain power, and the evening for nothing more than Pinterest and Facebook. Surround yourself with items that support what you do for a living. Not what reminds you of home; what you see should motivate you to work, not distract you. If you work for a financial corporation, then you probably want to keep it simple and business orientated – framed certificates, the latest projection statistics, and a piece of classic art, is probably all you need. Likewise, if your job is more creative, vision boards, success stories and color may inspire you. Indulge yourself by being organized and comfortable. Filing cabinets, shelves, noticeboards, a comfortable chair, and a desk or table, all contribute to a more productive work environment. If the space doesn’t work for you, you’re not going to use it. Have a routine. Commit to yourself that at a certain time you will always go to work. Ignore the laundry, walking the dog, or whatever else that you think should be done, because there is always going to be something to do around the house, and it is so easy to get distracted for an hour or two (or three). Tell everyone that you are working from home. And mean it. Write dates and times on your calendar, so that you and your friends and family know it is important. Take lunch and coffee breaks. Walk away from your office, have something to eat, and take a walk outside. Again, it might be a luxury that not everyone has, but when you are home alone it is also easier to park your bottom at the computer for four or five hours at a time without moving more than your fingers and eyeballs. Schedule time off and mental health days. Stop work at a certain time, take a day or afternoon off now and again, and be aware when it is leaching into your family life. We don’t get Sick days, Personal Leave, Weekends Off, or Public Holidays, so it is okay to turn off the computer, ignore the emails, and give yourself a break when you need it. Be grateful, enjoy your time at home, and (note to self) stop apologizing. For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

A lady once sat next to me on the bus with a very large, full length fur coat on. The fur spilled over onto my own coat (a bright green puffer jacket which kept me warm, but I am sure made me visible from outer space, and made any movement feel like an extreme aerobic exercise. In fact, I bet I lost several pounds every time I wore it). Anyway, by the time we got off the bus, I was nauseous from the occasional touch of the fur, and the unusual smell that the falling, wet snow had created as it seeped further into the skin of her massive coat. Never an activist, this experience has shaped my feelings about fur for the rest of my life, and it has taken me almost twenty years before I would even wear a dress with an animal print on it, never mind consider bringing a piece of fur into my home. Now, it is different, and faux leather and fur are everywhere, and they are simply gorgeous. It is so popular that we are even changing the name from faux (fake) to Vegan Leather (thank you Stella McCartney) which sounds much nicer from a retail perspective, and almost makes us feel that we are doing something healthy for ourselves when we buy it. Strangely enough, adding a piece of animal print, vegan leather or faux fur is sometimes all you need to update your home. The interesting thing is, that despite being a little unexpected they do actually go with every design style; never enough to throw your entire room into turmoil, you will find that they are just enough to up the decorating ante, while adding a carefully measured dose of personality that you never even knew you were missing. I imagine there will always be real fur and leather in our lives, but if you are a bit like me, and can be prone to a weak tummy, just walk into any store, or check your favorite place online, and blissfully indulge in lots and lots of fabulous faux’s. For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

A friend recently asked me about decorating her bedroom. After living in her home for many years, her bedroom had become a transitional mess; a place for laundry (in all it’s stages), a storage facility, and a home office that was slowly reproducing technical equipment when no-one was looking. Why do we put ourselves last? Bedrooms should be the simplest room to decorate; the focal point is already established, and the function is pretty much self-explanatory. More than anything else in the modern world, people are lacking sleep and relaxation, so wouldn’t it make sense to focus on these things before picking out kitchen cabinets, or deciding what book to carefully place on your coffee table? I promise, that whatever the state of your bedroom, all it takes is an afternoon to make it a much better place to spend time in. Why not start with the obvious, and take out everything that doesn’t belong in there. (I know this can lead to a horrible mess somewhere else, but I think your bedroom is more important than that other space, and you will be so much happier when bedtime – and morning – arrives). Minimize or eliminate all electronics (including your cell phone). Then, decide what you do (and don’t) want to see first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Close the closet doors, make the bed, straighten the dresser, and take a look at what is happening on the walls. What should stay, and what should go? Take them out now. Remove family photographs. This is not a popular idea, but I think the bedroom should be an escape; your personal space to relax, and just be who you want to be. So why not take these down and move them to a family room, the hallway, or a small wall in your kitchen? Add some artwork above the bed, but only if you think it needs it; don’t feel that it has to be “decorated” – a minimal room can look beautiful too. Use color and texture for interest. I like bedrooms to be quite simple, but this is the perfect place to experiment with something a little unexpected and daring (not an afternoon project, I’ll admit, but next time you want to paint, consider a gorgeous red or the deepest navy blue). Texture is also a great way to add interest without clutter – just use several things in the same shade family, and leave the rest alone. Have something warm on the floor for your feet, and don’t be afraid to layer a rug over your carpet if it is looking a little worse for wear (this will also make your room feel more sophisticated and cozy). Shop your house for a rug if you don’t already have one. Be selfish, and only surround yourself with what will make you happy as you drift off to sleep – a worn love letter from years ago, soft, fluffy pillows and blankets, your favorite books, a piece of Art, silence, notepaper and pencils, flowers, an old stuffed teddy bear, plants, perfume, music, nothingness … For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

Sometimes, knowing where to start is the hardest part. It’s that first move that paralyzes us, and we over-think what we imagine may happen, or worry about doing something in the exact right order. In life, that can lead to some tricky decisions, but in decorating it is rarely complicated at all; hopefully, no-one will freak out if you put the chair in a different spot, and the children will still find their way home if the door is painted yellow instead of red. But, it’s the starting that gets us. I think that we say so much about ourselves without speaking, and if we just trusted that instinct a little bit, we wouldn’t find decorating so hard. Okay, yes, it might still not be fun or easy, but if we can see what we like, then we are more than halfway there, and it gives us a visual blueprint to start from. There are a gazillion sites and apps out there that will help us design our home, but I tend to go back to basics; partly because I like to keep life simple, but also because I want the ability to change my mind whenever I want to, without spending a lot of unnecessary time and money. Sometimes, by the time we have waded through the User Id’s and help button, it seems far simpler to tear bits out of a magazine, scribble a note on a piece of paper, and bookmark a favorite room into a computer file. So, as an experiment, I pretended I was trying to figure out my own style. I set my timer for five minutes, and scanned through my photographs. Without thinking about why I was choosing them, I clicked and grabbed the images that appealed to me at that moment. From these images, you get a quick snapshot of what type of person I am, so, if you do the same, you will see what appeals to you as well, and it might help you to have a clearer direction when you go to decorate your home. At the top of the post are my pictures, and based on the result, it would seem that I lean towards Fashion, Flowers, Elegance, Quirkiness, Simplicity, Comfort, Nostalgia, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Color, Character, Texture, Chandeliers and a good dose of Organized Chaos. You should try it, because for a five minute experiment, it’s pretty accurate. *  By the way, I used PicMonkey, because I find it ridiculously easy, and there is never any sign up or passwords needed. I went to Design, then applied canvas color (I kept it white) then went to the butterfly image on the left (Overlays), added my own images from my computer, then saved. For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

I think that Realtors must be some of the most positive people on the planet. Their job is to steer you in the right direction, and help you fall in love with a home; they earn your trust, build a relationship, and hopefully complete the deal. Before they know it, they have become the unsuspecting Matchmaker’s of the work force. And, they have their own love language. We all watch the selling, flipping and goodness-knows-what-else shows that are saturating television right now, but my favorite’s are the international one’s. It seems easy to sell the attributes of a seven million dollar loft in New York City, but when faced with a small pied-à-terre in the back of a rather questionable alley, the challenge becomes a little more real. Sometimes, it can require an almost fairytale kind of imagination (and a very positive attitude). So, with respect and love to Realtors everywhere, I wanted to share some of my favorite words from their dictionary: OPEN PLAN – No privacy. Ever. COZY – Much smaller than you think, and not suitable for anyone over six feet tall. CHARMING – Has not been renovated, repaired or cleaned since 1973. A VIEW – It has a window that you can look out of. OUTSIDE SPACE – If you go out the door, from the inside of the house, you will be outside, in a space. NEEDS SOME TLC – Watch your step, sign the insurance waiver, and don’t forget to wear a helmet when you visit. PRIVATE – You will never, ever get any visitors unless they have a GPS, an overnight bag and four wheel drive. LOW MAINTENANCE BACK YARD – A slab of concrete with room for a small, potted geranium and a white plastic chair. VERY SPACIOUS, WITH AN OPEN PLAN CONCEPT – Larger than anyone could possible need, and please don’t ask me how you’re supposed to arrange your furniture. LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHT – Bring your own lamps, because there are no ceiling lights (anywhere). BUILT IN HOME OFFICE – An open shelf in a corner of the kitchen. AN EASY WALK TO ALL AMENITIES – No garage or parking space for your car. UP AND COMING NEIGHBORHOOD – One day it will be safe, but for now don’t go out after dark, and don’t remove the bars from the windows. PARTIALLY FURNISHED – The current owners don’t want to pay to remove the pool table, the beds have bugs, and they can’t be bothered to clean out the refrigerator. HAS POTENTIAL – Not for the faint of heart – contractors only, please. MOVE IN READY – We are desperate, we’ve done all we can, and we have to leave. UNIQUE HOME – Dad retired early, and decided to fix the place up; he bought a bunch of tools, a sledgehammer, a circular saw, a packet of 8-penny nails, and industrial strength duct tape (just in case). For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/ #Funnywordsthatrealtorsuse #Howtosellyourhome #Realtors #Sellingyourhome

Not a design post I know, but still a DIY one. This was the scene on my kitchen counter this morning – boots, shoe polish, glue and industrial strength clamps. I was fixing my Winter boots, and only one pair is leather. The rest are fake; not plastic looking fake, but definitely disposable by design, and not really built to last. But they are comfortable, and I have had them for almost five years now. There are a lot of articles on how to winterize your boots, but most of them are on how to preserve and care for leather, not the cheap one’s that I have. So, I thought I would share a few things that I do to keep my beloved, inexpensive faux boots lasting as long as possible. Clean them gently with a damp cloth, then let dry overnight. By the way, I never remove any decorative hardware or laces to clean, as they might be very cheap and fall apart on you. Repair any tears or dislocated bits of “leather” with E6000 glue. My friend introduced me to this a year or two ago, and it will fix almost anything – it smells a bit unpleasant, and takes almost a day to dry properly, but it works. Buy a couple of tins of old fashioned shoe polish. This is a dense waxy paste, costs next to nothing, comes in a lovely little round tin in most supermarkets, and is wonderful for covering marks and water-proofing your fakes. I wouldn’t recommend swimming in your boots after using this, but for normal puddle-jumping it will at least give you a fighting chance. Dab it on in layers, and buff the heck out of it when you are done, because it will permanently stain your clothes and the floor of your car if you let it. Wear gloves if you are protective of your hands/manicure, but if not, just scrub with Ajax or Comet afterwards. I also wore an apron when I was doing the repairs, because I was wearing one of my favorite dresses and the polish is oil based. I use cotton flannel to apply and buff the polish (my old, ripped pajamas have given me enough fabric to last a lifetime). Avoid most of the liquid scuff polishes that come with a foam applicator. They are usually water based, a temporary solution at best, and will just accelerate the demise of your fakes. If your boots are looking inexpensive, change the color. Buff them with a darker shoe polish. I have a new pair of brown boots that I have never worn, because although they are comfortable, the color was a little too light in the caramel department for me, so I rubbed in some black shoe polish, then buffed it off. It gave them a warm, vintage look which means I can now wear them with almost anything. Repair cheap, plastic heel scuffs with a few swipes of a Sharpie or magic marker. I do this regularly, no-one can see, and it lasts until you scuff it off again. Care for your zippers before they break. Close them, then use a graphite pencil, a bit of oil (almond, olive or canola) or a plain candle, to rub down the teeth of the zip. Open it and do the same; run the zip up and down so whatever you have used gets in all the nooks and crannies. Store your boots upright. I always thought this was only for very posh boots, but last year I noticed that where they had bent and crumpled in the closet, the pretend leather had cracked and peeled off. There are a ton of boot trees for sale out there, but now I just use an orange styrofoam pool noodle, cut in pieces, to keep them mine upright. Hope this helps! For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

Have we talked about feathers yet? A few years ago, my friend gave me her lime green, feather wreath as a surprise gift. Maybe it was because I couldn’t stop petting it, or maybe she had a secret pile of back-up wreaths in the cupboard, but when I discovered what she had done I almost cried with happiness. I hung it front and center in the living room window, and kept it up for way longer than I should have. Seeing it every day was the most welcome of sights, and I never wanted to take it down. As Spring started to arrive, the outside colors took over, and the green started to fade into the background; gone was the vivid contrast with the sharp, white snow outside, and I knew it was finally time to put it away. The next year, all I wanted for Christmas was my feather wreath. Carefully placed in my office closet, I never gave it a second thought, but when I tried to bring it out in November, it didn’t even come out in one piece. The foam was eaten, and the feathers were neatly piled into the corner, behind my paint swatches, surrounded by mice poo. Five hundred and seventy five million paper paint swatches, and they didn’t even taste one; they chose to seek and destroy the wreath instead. Like me, they couldn’t resist the soft feathers, and I am sure it made their Winter the most coziest one ever. This year, I might buy a new one, but it probably won’t be lime green, and it definitely won’t feel the same, but I still find myself googling feather wreaths as I sip my morning coffee. I honestly never thought I was a wreath person, but this unexpected gift really changed my mind, and now I can’t wait to find another one to hang in my front window… For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

With Fall sprinkling the first yellow leaves onto my garden, I suddenly see a million things that need to be done. Some days, my attention bounces from one thing to another, imagining what I should be doing, while also getting lost in the moment (like being distracted by a small, red salamander, or wondering why I have a leak in my ceiling when the sun is shining down so brightly). Today is one of those days; I walked the dog, dug up some weeds, threw down some flower seeds (then realized I should have waited until Spring), cleaned the garage, dragged some branches as far as I could, moved an outdoor table until the leg fell off, watched the red salamander, painted the back door, cleaned the grill, then came inside to work. All before noon. Wait a moment, before you stop reading, don’t be too impressed; none of them were done well, and most weren’t completed, but my jumbled approach satisfied that urgent need to feel the cool change in the weather, get my hands dirty, and move a few things around. It is so easy to get lost in what we think we should do. We decide we must have the perfect tool for the task, the right type of gardening clothes, and simply can’t do anything until we have the exact amount of hours left in a day. But that is just silly; life never goes as planned, we get distracted or tired, and we catch ourselves endlessly waiting to do the simplest of things. Settling sounds so awful, but in the land of home improvements (and decorating) striving for perfection is even worse; it’s the ugly sister of settling. A word that is almost like a stop sign on the road to getting things done. I hear someone imply it and I catch my breath, knowing that it is going to be a long time before something happens (if ever). Of course, there are things that can’t be skimped on, and should be done perfectly – your walls should be fairly straight, and the leaky faucet can’t be fixed with a dollop of chewing gum and a dash of hope, but there are many things that fall quite happily into the good-enough category. I tend to start with a list of my ideas, then when I get stuck I whittle it down to random intentions. Random intentions seem a little kinder, and definitely more forgiving. They give me a moment to focus on what is really important (and what can I do myself – today) rather than procrastinating about a fantasy list of distant “What if’s”. Definitely a bit of a Dr. Seuss mentality, but next time you find yourself wondering what to do, or where to begin with your DIY project, why not take perfection out of the equation, and figure out the quickest and easiest way to get (almost) there … For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

People tease me for not liking salad, but I actually do enjoy vegetables, and while I have a similar aversion to decorations that match, a beautifully symmetrical room will always make my heart beat a little faster. Symmetry is the sigh of relief in a room; the elusive thing that often makes no sense, but can take a mash-up of unexpected pieces and turn them into the most exquisite combination of comfort. It’s a small detail, that bounces and balances what you have around the room, in a fluid, joyful movement; a harmonious dance of design and personality. A symmetrical room feels more interesting, and the trick is to balance what you have, without following straight lines. Play with opposites, balance a heavy piece with several small one’s on the opposite walls. Try to think more about shapes and sizes rather than finding things that look alike. If it doesn’t look right, change it, or take it down. Move things around until it feels comfortable to you. Don’t be afraid to hang a picture too high (or too low) or change the use of a favorite piece (if your china cabinet looks better with linens in it, on the second floor landing, that’s okay…). When everything matches we become afraid to move anything. Our rooms feel so done, that we don’t want to disturb them, and we have an almost illogical fear that we might forget where everything was. Why that matter’s so much I don’t know, but it also stops us from seeing what we have. If all we see are lots of straight lines and a pair of matching lamps, our brain shuts down, and it becomes bored. So it’s kind of a double whammy; we don’t want to move things, and we aren’t inclined because we barely even see them any more. But, if we combine some symmetry with a little bit (just a little) of matching, we will get over our fear of movement, and our home will still be interesting, beautiful and composed – like a designed salad  …. For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/

I would never profess to be a painter, but I am not afraid to open a paint can and dab away at a boring room or an old piece of furniture. The lack of fear doesn’t necessarily make me do a good job, it just means that I am not afraid to try, and if I mess up, it is my own home, and I’ll try my best to fix it. From small picture frames to bedrooms and countertops, I have learned that painting is an unpredictable process (and there is a lot of “p’s” in this sentence). Just when I think I have it all figured out, the color will not be as expected, a paint can will rust without warning, or I will accidentally spray sunshine yellow all over my new, black shoes. Some things are best left to the professionals, but before you make the call there are a few DIY paint repairs and ideas that you really (really) can do yourself. FRESHEN UP BIKES, LIGHT FIXTURES, PICTURE FRAMES, CANDLESTICKS, DECORATIVE DISHES, CHAIRS ETC Spray paint is a great, fun fix for old and dated items. Just remember to practice a bit first; give it light, slow sweeping coats (too heavy and saturated will make it drip) and I find that it is best to always do it outside (the mist can reach much further than you can ever imagine) wear old clothes and shoes, and put up newspapers or tarpaulin to protect your deck, patio, fence etc. Personally, I do any spray paint projects on the grass, away from the house, then mow over it. For old chairs, dressers and tables, you can either sand and saturate them with paint, use a very dry brush to give them a worn, antique look, or rub and dab on some diluted color with a damp cloth to see what happens. I wouldn’t do this on anything too precious, but painting a flea market find, or refreshing an outdated piece, is a good way to while away a few hours. FIX CORNER NICKS You know those little annoying corners that you and the children bang into, and because the room has been painted so many times it chips off sometimes? Just spot paint them. If you have extra house paint, use that to dab onto the corner nicks, but if not, try mixing some colors from your kids paint box, or go to the craft store and look for a paint color that matches. It doesn’t get much wear, so it doesn’t have to be the exact right type of paint. Layer it, let it dry for a few hours, then add another. Three or four times should be plenty. Use a cotton bud, eye shadow sponge, your finger, or a small art brush. It will wear off again over time, but it will be a good fix for a year or two, and saves repainting the entire room. WATER DAMAGE STAINS This is for old, you-are-sure-the-water-and-the-walls-and-ceiling-have-really-dried-out stains because if you paint while they are still damp, you will lock in the moisture and cause a heap of trouble. Use a stain blocker (in a similar or identical color to the ceiling or wall) and dab it onto the stain. I find that a damp cotton cloth is often easier than a brush, and several light layers are better than one, as you can feather it as you go, and it won’t be as new looking. If it is in a very obvious place, try diluting the paint with a little water (if it is water based) dabbing it on gently, then letting it dry. Leave it for a day, then see what you think. Even softening the look of the stain will make a world of difference. DOOR KNOBS, LIGHT SWITCH COVER AND HARDWARE I have painted all of my light switch covers, and most of my door knobs. The outside door knobs I painted with an antique copper finish, and the light switch covers I paint to match whichever room they are in. It is ridiculously easy, makes your home look a little more personal, and lasts until it wears off – which by my estimation is coming up on twenty five years. A few DIY Paint Notes: I find that the original spray paints are the best quality, and have more staying power than the new, more specialized finishes. Sometimes, it is easier to spray a bit of paint onto a plastic plate, then paint from that with a small (disposable) brush. If you do this, be prepared, as it dries quickly and is quite sticky. I have had no luck with the paint that is made exclusively for plastics – it chips off at the first sign of use. Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint is always in my closet. I have used it to paint my chandelier (which is brass, and I didn’t even prime it first), the stand of my floor lamp, my walls (several upstairs and downstairs), labels on Mason Jars, my bathroom floor (with a polyurethane over it for durability) and my outside light fixtures and lamp post. Acrylic paint will wash off your hands with soap and water (and dries within a few hours). Oil based and Spray Paint is a lot more difficult to get off your skin (wear gloves) and can take a few days to dry. No matter what google says, sometimes paint is impossible to remove from your clothes, hair and shoes. When painting anything near electricity, turn the power off, cover the outlet or socket with painters tape, and paint carefully with a brush rather than using a spray (which could easily get inside the wiring). If you’re not confident in the beginning, just try a very small, easy fix; the worst that can happen is that it doesn’t work, but the best is that it will 🙂 For more by Wendy and the Blue Giraffe, go to: http://www.thebluegiraffe.com/