Thought for Today: "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." ~ Sam Ewing

 
 

How to Make Your Own Contemporary Concrete Countertop

How to Make Your Own Contemporary Concrete Countertop - screenshot

When I first learned of concrete being used for countertops, I didn’t think I would like them.  But I do -- enough, in fact, to have one in my own home.   What I like about this particular version is that you can, indeed, do it yourself.  The form is made from inexpensive materials easily available at any home improvement center.  I think you’re going to like both the process and the end result.  LEARN MORE

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How to Repair and Restore Broken Ceramic Objects

How to Repair and Restore Broken Ceramic Objects - screenshot

The undeniable truth is that, more and more, we live in a throwaway society where replacing things is often preferable to repairing them.  However, some prized possessions are simply irreplaceable and, should they become broken, our ability to fix them means they can continue to be a treasured part of our lives.  Here’s a great way to mend broken ceramic objects, even if material is missing.  With a little practice, you’ll make practically invisible repairs that will let you forget the break ever happened.  LEARN MORE.

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Custom Made Closet Organizer Uses Wood and Copper Pipe

Custom Made Closet Organizer Uses Wood and Copper Pipe - screenshot

Made of copper pipe and wood, this adjustable shelving and storage unit is ideal for a closet, but, then again, it’s good looking enough to be on display in any room.   While its sturdy construction allows it to hold a heavy load of books, in appearance, it’s pleasingly simple with a bit of architectural flair.  The piece is fairly easy to build, as long as you follow the suggested technique for keeping everything properly aligned.  LEARN MORE

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How to Cut an Easily Repairable Inspection Hole in a Wall

How to Cut an Easily Repairable Inspection Hole in a Wall - screenshot

You've heard the old adage measure twice, cut once.  Well, when it comes to opening up an existing wall it is often better to cut small before cutting big.  What I mean by that is, oftentimes a small, easily repairable inspection hole will reveal the existence of wiring, pipes, ventilation ducts and other unforeseen obstacles before making a full-on demolition commitment.   Here’s a simple way to cut an inspection hole that can be easily replaced and repaired  should that be necessary.  LEARN MORE

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Venice - A City Built on Pilings


Driving pilings with an early manual post driver.  Note how
closely spaced the posts are.

My recent trip to Italy filled me with awe in many ways -- not the least of which was the remarkable engineering and building feats undertaken hundreds and thousands of years ago.  Venetians built their city in the middle of a lagoon that covered over 200 square miles and consisted mostly of mud flats, tidal shallows and salt marshes.  How did they accomplish this?  By driving fifteen to twenty-foot poles though the sandy bottom and into the compacted clay below.  And just how well have these held up?  Quite well actually.  Because the pilings are encased in sand and mud, they are cut off from oxygen and, generally speaking, do not rot.  Over time, the massive weight on the top has, in some cases forced them more deeply into the bottom.  However, the greater cause of “sinking Venice” is the globally rising sea levels.