Creative Genius- Spray Paint Your Hardware, Guest Project

Beckie over at Infarrantly Creative had the greatest post a week or two ago about fixing her door knobs.  She is always posting cool things that she is doing and I had to show you this project:

I have started the task of spray painting all of the tacky brass door knobs and hinges in my house.  I can handle the brassiness no more!  I know everyone’s question will be…

 “Yah but how does it hold up over time?”

 Because I knew you’d ask I called the big dogs.

The rep from Krylon said…

“The key to longevity is application and experienced spray painting.” Prep the surface correctly and do not be heavy-handed on your spraying.  Let it cure for 3 days before touching to allow the chemicals to fully harden.”

The rep from Rustoleum said…

“Make sure you clean well with soap and water and sand your surface.  Then use Clean Metal Primer.  A clear coat is optional but will give you an extra layer of protection.  I did this in my grandma’s house over three years ago and they still look great.”

Now, I know this task may seem overwhelming to some of you considering I have 18 doors in my house.  But even at a sweet deal it would cost a minimum of $300 to replace just the knobs.  That did not even count the hinges.  So what is a DIY girl to do?  Spray paint of course.  I am going to take my time and just do a room a day.  I don’t wait to get impatient and cut corners, which I know I will have the tendency to do if I go too fast.

1.  Using a screwdriver or power drill unscrew all the hinges and knobs

 being very careful not to lose anything.

2.  Wash them with soap and water.  I used soap soaked steel wool to clean them.  Let them dry.

3.  Sand! Sand! Sand!  I used 150 grit Sandblaster pad from 3M.  They work well because the sponge is flexible and gets in all the nooks and crannies. 

Sand every inch! You need a roughed up surface.  Do not skip this step.  Sand.  Did I mention sand?  Do you want the paint to stick?  THEN SAND FOR GOODNESS SAKE.

See the picture below in all it’s scuffed up brassy glory!

4.  Wipe off all the dust made from sanding….because you sanded…really well….right?

5.  Lightly…lightly…lightly spray with Rustoleum’s Clean Metal Primer.  

Let it dry and then flip your pieces over and spray the other side.

6.  Following the directions between coats on the spray paint allow enough time to dry. Make sure you spray the directed distance away from your knobs.  Light coats are better than one thick coat.  Take your time and lightly spray to avoid drips and get a professional finish.  I used Krylon’s Brush Metallic in a Satin Nickel.

Spray everything even the screws.  I stuck mine in styrofoam to keep them in place while spraying.

I let them dry for a few hours before installing them.  I would suggest waiting (if you can possibly handle it) to install them for 3 days.  I did not …but do as I say, not as I do ;-)  I am totally jazzed about the updated look.  The Brushed Metallic paint has little flecks of shimmer in it that make it look so pretty and natural.  Goodbye brass, hello class!

2 down, 16 more to go! 

Have you spray painted your door knobs?  How are they holding up?

Isn't that awesome.  I know I am so impressed!  

Make sure you check out Beckie's blog Infarrantly Creative, it is full of great inspiration. 

Read more...

Marinated Tomato Toast and a Recipe Party

Sorry that I am late with today's recipe.  I have been having technical difficulties... but I think I am finally back up and running sorta.

Today, I have a recipe that is easy and delicious.
And it makes me feel like summer is here... which I guess it really almost is.

Anyway,  my mom has a recipe for a marinated tomato slice salad.  The other day, I thought it would be fun to make them, but I have a problem with following recipes... I guess it is the "Remodelaholic" in me.  I just am always adding things, or leaving things out  that I don't feel like eating, and this recipe was no exception.  I changed it up a bit.  

See, I like tomatoes, but not SO much that I want to eat them and nothing else, I guess its a texture thing.  So, I added some balsamic vinegar, cause what could be better than that, put it on some toast and then for good measure I added fresh mozzarella cheese (I think I might have gone crazy with it, but I love mozzarella).

I am telling you, this is good.  (can you tell that I like food a lot? I am always going off about how good things are...)   Well, here is the recipe, and FYI, we eat this alone as a meal, but it could always be a side dish or an appetizer.

Marinated Tomato Toast

Serves about 6

1 loaf of Sourdough bread (thick, chewy, crusty kind, not soft and airy!)

Slice, and toast each piece till nice and crusty

5-6 Roma Tomatoes

Scald these in a large saucepan for about 1 minute.  Plunge into cold water and peel.  Slice into 1/4 inch thick slices and place close together on a large rimmed cookie sheet (or oven proof platter)

Prepare the marinade.  In a medium bowl combine together :

1/2 c Olive Oil

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (fresh)

2-3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

2-3 chopped green onions ( the first time I made this I used dried green onions cause I was out of fresh)

1-2 large Garlic cloves (fresh, crushed)

1 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

Fresh Mozzarella

Now drizzle the marinade over the tomato slices and top with sliced mozzarella.

Broil fro approx 5 minutes or until the cheese is melting and just starting to bubble.

Remove from oven and they will look sorta like this:

 

At this point there is a lot of juice from the tomatoes and marinade on the bottom of the cookie sheet,

 you can dip your bread in this(it is really good and then place some tomato slices on your bread and enjoy!

What have you been making lately?

Recipe Links only please:

Read more...

Time for a winner...from The Big Clock Store!!

Remember this giveaway from last week:

THE big clock!

From my THE BIG CLOCK STORE!

They have graciously given the go ahead for another giveaway.  This giveaway is AWESOME (in my humble, but rather loud opinion).  I hope you are excited about it.  The winner will receive:

A 30"CLOCK of your choice. 

(worth up to $100 or $100 credit only toward the purchase of a larger clock)

The greatest part about The Big Clock Store is 

the option to customize your clock:

You can pick colors to match your decor

Put your family name on it, (this is great for wedding gifts!!!)

Do you need a themed clock, design one to match your room.

You could provide a large format family picture to print on there.

The options for what is already made are endless.  Here are just a few:

       

 See anything interesting?  I hope so!

Wanna know who won?

Congratulations!!

Mrs. Adventure!!

Thanks to everyone that entered! 

 I hope that you will go and check out The Big Clock Store  if you haven't.

Read more...

Would you like some Tatertots or Jello? Blog Swap

Hello!  

I'm so excited to be over at the amazing Remodelaholic's blog. 
I think Cassity is just beyond brilliant!

 Hi -- I'm Jen from tatertots and jello

 I'm a mom of four who loves creating and trying out new things. I created tatertots and jello as a place to let out some of my creative energy andmeet new friends! 

Some of my loves are refashioning my wardrobe...

 

Decorating...

I also love making things out of burlap...

 

Thanks so much for letting me come over! It was so fun. And come by and say hi if you have time @ tatertots and jello -- I would love to meet you!

XOXO

If you want great ideas for design and desor go check out her site!
 Tatertots and Jello was one of the first blogs I found, and I have been amazed everyday at Jen's creativity! 

Read more...