tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44608192658890408402012-02-16T04:09:42.142-05:00Tools Are For Women Too!Tool Reviews, Tutorials, Projects, Link Parties, and Advice For Today's CraftswomanRory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.comBlogger2221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-12193535026870941662011-01-30T20:59:00.000-05:002011-01-30T20:59:36.859-05:00Link Party Time! - And A Contest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYKgXo_TGI/AAAAAAAABkk/3Iqp6NPYGL0/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYKgXo_TGI/AAAAAAAABkk/3Iqp6NPYGL0/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to yet another Tools Are For Women Too link party. This time I am adding a contest to the party, for a little added fun! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In the past week I bought a 6 qt crock pot and have been fooling around with some recipes. I would like to make something special in it on Super Bowl Sunday. </span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the really easy contest rules......</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) In the comment section, give me your best crock pot recipe. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Enter as much as you want. No limit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Whose ever recipe I fix on Super Bowl Sunday will be the winner of the contest.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) I suppose since it's a contest I should have a prize of some kind too, huh? How about one of my handmade pens? I don't have a particular one in mind, but below are a couple sample pics of ones I have made in he past.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYPVgz67sI/AAAAAAAABko/T45U8zDhJHk/s1600/pink+pen+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYPVgz67sI/AAAAAAAABko/T45U8zDhJHk/s400/pink+pen+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a close-up of one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYP9uOyVBI/AAAAAAAABks/ASbpNaw2szk/s1600/pink+pen+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYP9uOyVBI/AAAAAAAABks/ASbpNaw2szk/s400/pink+pen+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So let's see those recipes! Time is running short!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Now for the Link Party Rules.........</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Do me a favor and promote the contest. I'm hungry.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Link back to the party somehow. However you do it is fine. Taking out an ad for the party on The View will not get you extra consideration for your contest entry, but I might send you a pen anyway. Give it a shot.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">4.) No limit on the number of links you can post. Feel free.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">5.) You can post tutorials, blog buttons, Etsy store items, or pretty much whatever you want. If I am anything, I'm easy. Have some fun with it!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYWP02-QOI/AAAAAAAABkw/8GsawjvRKx0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TUYWP02-QOI/AAAAAAAABkw/8GsawjvRKx0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=32031"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would like to be a guest contributor for TAFWT? Email me.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-1219353502687094166?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-55714776641470890862011-01-23T20:45:00.000-05:002011-01-23T20:45:20.299-05:00Link Party Time! - 20,000 Links And Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTzSMP_VOOI/AAAAAAAABkc/LtjRFI5iZIg/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTzSMP_VOOI/AAAAAAAABkc/LtjRFI5iZIg/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here we go again!! Another link party. It won't be long and I will have hosted over 100 of them. I have not counted each and every link that was posted, but I would have to estimate that it is somewhere around 20,000 of them. That's a lot of projects and it kind of blows me away. That's 20,000 little free ads for blogs, websites, and online stores. Not bad for a little pink blog that just started last April. Gotta love it. Thank you all for your support.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here are this week's rules.......</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) I would appreciate it if you would link back to the party somehow. Show some love and publish a post about it, grab one of our yummy pink buttons, or invite your Etsy friends to come over for some free advertising. Or.......you could start a grass roots movement of women wearing pink hardhats and holding hands around the world ( with a <em>very </em>long TAFWT banner). Whatever you do is fine. Just link back somehow for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) You can post as many links as you want. No limits. Pretty much anything goes. Post your Valentine's Day tutorial, your latest project, your blog button, or a picture of that special someone you had a crush on in the 3rd grade. Take advantage of the free advertising and link like you mean it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTzYsBn4nDI/AAAAAAAABkg/cbtFkoGvHhg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTzYsBn4nDI/AAAAAAAABkg/cbtFkoGvHhg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=31199"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I am in need of a couple incredibly gifted people who would like to be regular contributing authors for TAFWT. If you are interested, just email me.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5571477664147089086?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-30316346014717781782011-01-19T22:13:00.000-05:002011-01-19T22:13:25.907-05:00Link Party Time-Sponsored By CSN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTefAwKSB5I/AAAAAAAABkU/5PDu72S8_fM/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTefAwKSB5I/AAAAAAAABkU/5PDu72S8_fM/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, did any of you out there get one of those neat flat panel television sets for Christmas? If you did, you may want to look at CSN's selection of <a href="http://www.tvstands.com/">flat panel tv stands</a>. They carry lots of other stuff too, like the vice I bought from them for my workshop, or the slip cover I purchased for my ugly old couch. Wow! What a difference. I no longer have to dim the lights in my living room when company comes over. A big thank you to CSN for being this weeks link party sponsor.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this weeks party rules.........</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Pretty much anything goes, as usual. Post as many links as you want. No limit. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) You can post buttons, tutorial links, your autographed picture of Regis Philbin, or a few things from your online store.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTembejaXYI/AAAAAAAABkY/CpTHZm1FVoE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TTembejaXYI/AAAAAAAABkY/CpTHZm1FVoE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=30860"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>We are expecting more snow here and a big pot of chili is sounding pretty good right now. I wonder if CSN has crock pots on sale?</strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3031634601471778178?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-60355451536716683152011-01-12T19:54:00.000-05:002011-01-12T19:54:27.617-05:00Link Party - Brrrr! It's Cold!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TS5G0iW3XFI/AAAAAAAABkM/3HsJw_eS49c/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TS5G0iW3XFI/AAAAAAAABkM/3HsJw_eS49c/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Time to put on another link party. For those of you who are new around here, Tools Are For Women Too has a link party of one shape or another going on 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. So anytime you feel like promoting your online store or blog, you can do it here. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My apologies for not writing more feature posts lately. It has been sort of a challenge with the the recent weather we have had. I have been spending most of my time doing things like shoveling the driveway, scraping windshields, cutting up firewood, and stoking the fireplace. To my dismay I didn't even get the enjoyment of building my snowman this year. The snowstorm was followed by an ice storm and things just did not work out. I would to see however pics of snowmen, snow sculptures, and the like from around your neck of the woods. Feel free to post a few in this week's party.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this week's party rules......</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Please advertise the party somehow. Lately Facebooking it seems to be a nice way of doing it. You could also grab one of our fabulous buttons, write a post about it, or Oprah, if you are reading this, feel free to mention it on your show.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Please visit some of the other links. I guarantee that by visiting other links and leaving some nice comments, it will greatly increase the amount of traffic into your site. It works every single time. The more you visit, the more traffic you will get in return.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) There are no limits on the number of links you can post, as usual. Post buttons, tutorial links, Etsy store items, snowmen, or that picture of your cousin that is periodically mistaken for Bigfoot.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TS5LYBQ8R9I/AAAAAAAABkQ/c3cze6pL78Y/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TS5LYBQ8R9I/AAAAAAAABkQ/c3cze6pL78Y/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=30076"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to write a few posts for TAFWT? Email me.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6035545153671668315?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-68713654009188830462011-01-09T20:08:00.000-05:002011-01-09T20:08:03.692-05:00Link Party Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSpX6H3UOHI/AAAAAAAABkE/w6joZHs2EuQ/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSpX6H3UOHI/AAAAAAAABkE/w6joZHs2EuQ/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">We have a little snow headed our way and I actually have a day off tomorrow. We are expecting possibly 3 inches. It could be one of those days where I am inspired to make a snowman. Might even make a good post. Hmmm...</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this week's incredibly easy party rules...</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Post as many links as you want. DIY projects, tutorials, blog buttons, online store items and a picture of your best snowman would all be perfectly acceptable items.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Please promote the party somehow. Write a post about it, link to it, Facebook it, Tweet it, or get your daughter's cheerleading team to choreograph a TAFWT routine for their next sporting event. However you want to do it, is fine.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSpazXVaPXI/AAAAAAAABkI/4Bnyq_0Y-Oc/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSpazXVaPXI/AAAAAAAABkI/4Bnyq_0Y-Oc/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=29748"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to be a contributing author for Tools Are For Women Too? Email me.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6871365400918883046?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-82820938380856362642011-01-07T18:05:00.000-05:002011-01-07T18:05:36.803-05:00Pine Tree Topiary Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi! It is Stacy from </span><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> again! I have seen some cute topiaries around blogland and thought to myself, "I could probably make those." So I gave it a try.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKgHlDo_QI/AAAAAAAADZg/ME7pGy-2bmw/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKgHlDo_QI/AAAAAAAADZg/ME7pGy-2bmw/s640/13.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is what you will need:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">drill, 1/16" drill bit, plaster of paris, 4" pots, burlap, sticks, glue, and fake pine branches.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKdiSGnVoI/AAAAAAAADYw/aPIUre9JTdc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKdiSGnVoI/AAAAAAAADYw/aPIUre9JTdc/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first thing you need to do is tape up the hole in the bottom of your pot. This way the plaster won't get out.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKdtJdDqkI/AAAAAAAADY0/uF1hPq32SlQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKdtJdDqkI/AAAAAAAADY0/uF1hPq32SlQ/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mix up the plaster directly in the post according to the directions on the package. Then put the sticks on the pots and let them sit for several hours until they have completely set up. I got my sticks in the backyard. I trimmed them off of one of my pine trees. Any stick would do. I cut them to be three different heights.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKd7ld_5SI/AAAAAAAADY4/e9nF4icXwz4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKd7ld_5SI/AAAAAAAADY4/e9nF4icXwz4/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drill holes in the top of each stick. Then a few more at 45 degree angles just below the top of the stick.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKeIdZkb6I/AAAAAAAADY8/OPMg30yb9F4/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKeIdZkb6I/AAAAAAAADY8/OPMg30yb9F4/s320/4.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I stripped the plastic off of the fake pine branches to expose the wire. Then I bent the wire in half until it snapped in half. If you have trouble breaking the wire you can use wire snips.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKebIeT8uI/AAAAAAAADZA/eedVZufvxt0/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKebIeT8uI/AAAAAAAADZA/eedVZufvxt0/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I put some glue on the hole before sticking the wire in it. Any glue would work.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKemxqnPbI/AAAAAAAADZE/zr5Dbnq6pR4/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKemxqnPbI/AAAAAAAADZE/zr5Dbnq6pR4/s400/6.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKe5uECV2I/AAAAAAAADZI/1txDbArDtjY/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKe5uECV2I/AAAAAAAADZI/1txDbArDtjY/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here they are all glued! Just play around with the location of the branches until it looks like what you want. The holes are small enough that if you choose not to use that hole, you can't see it. No one will know :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKfPkoPnDI/AAAAAAAADZM/av-sRb2XVoo/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKfPkoPnDI/AAAAAAAADZM/av-sRb2XVoo/s400/8.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I used burlap but really you can use whatever fabric you want. Or, you don't have to use any at all. You could add pebbles or moss to the pots to cover up the plaster.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Set the pot on the fabric and then bring all the side up around the stem. Since burlap frays so easily, I just pulled off a few of the strings and used those to tie the fabric. You could also use ribbon or jute.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKfigW2_0I/AAAAAAAADZQ/vnLfOSWuqc8/s1600/9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKfigW2_0I/AAAAAAAADZQ/vnLfOSWuqc8/s320/9a.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKf0O5jMpI/AAAAAAAADZc/Hb76U-vMp2o/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKf0O5jMpI/AAAAAAAADZc/Hb76U-vMp2o/s400/10.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKgHlDo_QI/AAAAAAAADZg/ME7pGy-2bmw/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKgHlDo_QI/AAAAAAAADZg/ME7pGy-2bmw/s400/13.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKgYC0T6SI/AAAAAAAADZk/o3TyWEH1HxU/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQKgYC0T6SI/AAAAAAAADZk/o3TyWEH1HxU/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love these because they really could stay out all year, or at least all winter. Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Would like to contribute a tutorial or be a regular author for TAFWT? Email me for details.</strong></div><div align="center"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-8282093838085636264?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-6943443450525446042011-01-05T05:33:00.000-05:002011-01-05T05:33:07.581-05:00Review BeadSmith Liver of Sulfur Patina Oxidizing Gel<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPtUdNVxSI/AAAAAAAAAYU/BKNcG-iRk_o/s1600/jewelry%2B28%2B015.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPrcRzLIZI/AAAAAAAAAXk/FXPzAIQWKnE/s1600/oxidizing%2Bgel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558545236152230290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPrcRzLIZI/AAAAAAAAAXk/FXPzAIQWKnE/s400/oxidizing%2Bgel.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, this is Brooke from </span><a href="http://www.sunsetandvine.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #993399; font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and I hope you are all enjoying the start of 2011! Today I am going to review BeadSmith's Liver of Sulfur oxidizing gel. This is a product that I use quite often in my jewelry designs. Creating jewelry with the oxidized or antiqued look has become quite popular and many suppliers even sell oxidized chain and findings now.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSProZNFQdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/nwf586wTpvM/s1600/liver%2Bof%2Bsulfur.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558545444298375634" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSProZNFQdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/nwf586wTpvM/s400/liver%2Bof%2Bsulfur.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Liver of Sulfur is an agent made with potassium sulfide and turns metals brown or black depending on how long metal is left in the solution. Liver of sulfur usually comes in a rock form which you break into smaller pieces and dissolve in hot water. There are many downsides to using the rock form. It has a very short shelf life, is flammable, and poses inhalation hazards from the dust that is created when breaking the rock form into pieces. There is a more organic method that can be used to oxidize metals but one would need to use quite a few hard boiled eggs and results vary. The egg method requires heating hard boiled eggs and placing them in a bag with the metal. This method can be timely and creates a mess from the egg yolks that would need cleaned off.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPr8ip_j8I/AAAAAAAAAX0/M9MUoB6QImc/s1600/egg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558545790432939970" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPr8ip_j8I/AAAAAAAAAX0/M9MUoB6QImc/s400/egg.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 163px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 161px;" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Because of the drawbacks of the other methods I decided to use Liver of sulfur in a gel form. With the gel form the shelf life is much longer and there are no risks of flammability or inhalation hazard. The main problem with using the gel is the nasty rotten egg odor that permeates the air when mixed with water. As long as you use the gel in a well ventilated area there shouldn't be too many issues.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPsh_OBsfI/AAAAAAAAAYE/0WmpM7SRqt0/s1600/jewelry%2B23%2B003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558546433755427314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPsh_OBsfI/AAAAAAAAAYE/0WmpM7SRqt0/s400/jewelry%2B23%2B003.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 391px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To achieve best results with the gel make sure that the metal you are using is cleaned with a method that doesn't leave behind a residue or it will effect the process. If metal isn't clean first sometimes the piece you are oxidizing will have different shades and won't have a uniform patina. You can play around with the formula for lighter or darker oxidizing and with the amount of time you leave your metal pieces in the formula. The gel can also be applied directly to metal.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPsO9QSz0I/AAAAAAAAAX8/cE3lZIUdN6w/s1600/jewelry%2B24%2B001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558546106810552130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPsO9QSz0I/AAAAAAAAAX8/cE3lZIUdN6w/s400/jewelry%2B24%2B001.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 315px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This product is very reliable and is also very easy to do. The gel makes oxidizing metals very quick and safe. Cleaning up is a breeze and storing the product is effortless because it is not effected by light or air. This product offers users a wide variety of patinas from rainbow to black and can be used on silver, copper, bronze, metal clay and fine silver. I would recommend this product to anyone and I love using it myself.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPtUdNVxSI/AAAAAAAAAYU/BKNcG-iRk_o/s1600/jewelry%2B28%2B015.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558547300799071522" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPtUdNVxSI/AAAAAAAAAYU/BKNcG-iRk_o/s400/jewelry%2B28%2B015.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 367px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am giving BeadSmith Liver of sulfur Patina Oxidizing Gel 5 out of 5 hardhats. Have fun on your next project and hopefully this review helped!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPquDmskqI/AAAAAAAAAXU/d0UjN4eaGqI/s1600/5%2Bhardhats.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558544442067817122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPquDmskqI/AAAAAAAAAXU/d0UjN4eaGqI/s400/5%2Bhardhats.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 33px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPrTMXZUJI/AAAAAAAAAXc/GUxyrCGqy3A/s1600/signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558545080074719378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TSPrTMXZUJI/AAAAAAAAAXc/GUxyrCGqy3A/s400/signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 56px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Are you interested in becoming a contributing author like Brooke? Would you like to join the "Tools Team" ? Just email Rory for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsrwomen2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsrwomen2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-694344345052544604?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-38927678478133197892011-01-02T18:01:00.000-05:002011-01-02T18:01:05.310-05:00Link Party Time - 1st One Of The New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSEAVyWCg1I/AAAAAAAABjI/RuoMnx9QZgU/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSEAVyWCg1I/AAAAAAAABjI/RuoMnx9QZgU/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Let's</span> <span style="font-size: large;">start out the New Year right! Post as many projects as you want and let as many people know about the party as you can. The internet is all about links and here at TAFWT you can just plain go crazy! This is a fun way to advertise your web site, blog, or online store....and it works too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here are this week's party rules...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already. It's free and it's a nice thing to do for your host.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) I wonder if some of you would be so kind as to Facebook about the party. I would appreciate it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Post as many links as you want. No limit. Pretty much anything goes. Tutorials, woodworking projects, blog buttons, a recipe for the champagne punch you served on New Years Eve, or a pic of your pet wearing a New Year's party hat. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSEC2dA5q7I/AAAAAAAABjM/ypWhmo1gBsY/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TSEC2dA5q7I/AAAAAAAABjM/ypWhmo1gBsY/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=28918"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to place an ad? Just email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3892767847813319789?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-58662603058648691002011-01-01T07:05:00.001-05:002011-01-01T07:05:00.388-05:00How To Build A Simple Side Table - By Stacy<span style="font-size: large;">Hi! I am Stacy from </span><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. One of the things I love to do is build furniture. Today I am going to show you how to build a simple side table.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VMTKWryI/AAAAAAAADeQ/Qj6DqwEC3uo/s1600/4table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VMTKWryI/AAAAAAAADeQ/Qj6DqwEC3uo/s640/4table.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I bought a board that measured 18" by 36". I measured, then drew a line down the middle so I would have 2 table tops measuring 18" by 18". You obviously only need one, but I was planning on making a bunch for my Etsy store. I used a jig saw to cut the wood.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2WCXFIUPI/AAAAAAAADeo/XlGwNwseets/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2WCXFIUPI/AAAAAAAADeo/XlGwNwseets/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Then I used 1"x4" boards for the front. I wanted there to be a 1 inch lip or overhang so I measured and cut 2 boards 16 inches long. That is one inch taken off for each side. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2WQg3-mgI/AAAAAAAADe0/XdUGj-EpVxY/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2WQg3-mgI/AAAAAAAADe0/XdUGj-EpVxY/s320/b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Then, since 2 of the boards will go inside the other two boards to form a box, you need to minus the width of 2 boards together. In this case, 1 1/2 inches. So the second 2 boards I cut were 14 1/2 inches.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2Wa1Rb9VI/AAAAAAAADe8/OSTbHi7VQ4o/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2Wa1Rb9VI/AAAAAAAADe8/OSTbHi7VQ4o/s400/c.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Do you see how 2 of the 1x4s fit inside the other 2? That is why 2 needed to be shorter. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2Wnj1lugI/AAAAAAAADfA/9dSHrZ0qiNk/s1600/d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2Wnj1lugI/AAAAAAAADfA/9dSHrZ0qiNk/s400/d.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add a little wood glue and then use a brad nail gun.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2W3MY-hlI/AAAAAAAADfI/SXMm48fxPA4/s1600/e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2W3MY-hlI/AAAAAAAADfI/SXMm48fxPA4/s400/e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The next step is to determine how high you want your table. I wanted mine 2 feet tall. I cut some 2"x2"s for the legs. Add some wood glue and then nail them into the corners of your box. It is very important to make sure it is flat before nailing on the legs. If the legs are not flush with the top of the box then your table top will not lay flat on your base.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2XKYFth9I/AAAAAAAADfM/KqErOL4S3Tk/s1600/f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2XKYFth9I/AAAAAAAADfM/KqErOL4S3Tk/s400/f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Your base is almost done :) You just need to add some 1"x1" to help hold the top on. Measure in between the legs and then cut your 1x1 that size.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2XcOfcXDI/AAAAAAAADfQ/Gv6TXLgJMXA/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2XcOfcXDI/AAAAAAAADfQ/Gv6TXLgJMXA/s400/g.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add some glue and nail. Do this all the way around the base - all four sides.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2XreCobYI/AAAAAAAADfc/uP0FzfUBsCA/s1600/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2XreCobYI/AAAAAAAADfc/uP0FzfUBsCA/s400/h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then add glue to the top of the base, flip it over onto the table top, and nail through the 1x1. This will attach the top to the base.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2X919W6bI/AAAAAAAADfg/v1tbEBbYLuI/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2X919W6bI/AAAAAAAADfg/v1tbEBbYLuI/s400/i.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You will need to fill the nail holes with putty. Pick one that is sandable so you can sand it smooth when it dries. I HIGHLY recommend Elmers stainable, paintable and sandable wood putty. Not only do I sand where I added putty, but I sand the hole thing. Especially the edges and corners. I try to round them a little. Use a fine grit sand paper or you will end up with lines (scratch marks) in your wood.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2ZPDidbWI/AAAAAAAADf4/CrVv4dYPr1I/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2ZPDidbWI/AAAAAAAADf4/CrVv4dYPr1I/s400/l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2Zfhxh5YI/AAAAAAAADf8/2xDYmdhHsD8/s1600/k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2Zfhxh5YI/AAAAAAAADf8/2xDYmdhHsD8/s400/k.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I painted mine and then (this is optional) sanded it to give it that shabby chi look. I love that! You can see it a little in the close up shots. It looks better in person, but you get the idea :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VMTKWryI/AAAAAAAADeQ/Qj6DqwEC3uo/s1600/4table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VMTKWryI/AAAAAAAADeQ/Qj6DqwEC3uo/s640/4table.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VZUBto5I/AAAAAAAADeU/w0tYMScTRSs/s1600/2table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VZUBto5I/AAAAAAAADeU/w0tYMScTRSs/s400/2table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VijvpgrI/AAAAAAAADeg/a6-IKB1Dsmw/s1600/3table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TQ2VijvpgrI/AAAAAAAADeg/a6-IKB1Dsmw/s400/3table.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You could use it as a bedside table, in a kid's room, next to a sofa, as a plant stand, or pretty much anywhere!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come visit me at </span><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">my blog</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> anytime for more ideas.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5866260305864869100?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-12360403680527456792010-12-30T01:58:00.000-05:002010-12-30T01:58:37.716-05:00Link Party and A Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRwjhu8wuaI/AAAAAAAABjA/lWjlxYvgQGY/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRwjhu8wuaI/AAAAAAAABjA/lWjlxYvgQGY/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Have we all made our New Year's Resolutions yet? Not me. I just don't think I can add anything else to my list right now. Between work, TAFWT, charities, consulting, guest speaking, and woodworking projects I am pretty well booked. Maybe my resolution should be about shortening the list. I seriously do not know how many of you women out there do it. I know for a fact that many of you have kids, careers, blogs, and online businesses. Perhaps TAFWT needs a guest post from someone who can give us all some insight on time management. Let me know if you are interested in writing a post like that. Meanwhile, let's party like it's .......</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this week's rules....</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Please link back to the party somehow. Spreading the word on Facebook might be nice way to do it. You could also grab one of the incredibly attractive TAFWT buttons for your sidebar, if you feel like it. Whatever you do to link back is fine and appreciated. Just do what you can.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) There is no limit on the number of projects you can link up this week, as usual. Pretty much anything goes. Tutorial projects, blog buttons, a pic of a snow woman wearing a pink hardhat, or a pic of last New Years office party are all examples of perfectly acceptable entries. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRwrDe6C3pI/AAAAAAAABjE/agXS_hEagBU/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRwrDe6C3pI/AAAAAAAABjE/agXS_hEagBU/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=28591"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If one of your New Year's resolutions this year is to become a contributing author for TAFWT, send me an email. I would like to hear from you.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-1236040368052745679?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-33349863879548544702010-12-29T09:42:00.000-05:002010-12-29T09:42:48.961-05:00New Years Resolution-Start up your own business!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TRF6JT5SKkI/AAAAAAAAAXI/XZytuktYp7c/s1600/beading.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TRF6JeHEBRI/AAAAAAAAAXA/n8aRkiPM-Zk/s1600/business%2Bfrom%2Bhome.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553354118644630802" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TRF6JeHEBRI/AAAAAAAAAXA/n8aRkiPM-Zk/s400/business%2Bfrom%2Bhome.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 236px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 277px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Years to all! This is Brooke from </span><a href="http://www.sunsetandvine.etsy.com/" style="color: #663333;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine Jewelry</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and I hope you are all having a wonderful, stress free holiday season. Believe it or not it is almost 2011 and if you haven't started making a list of resolutions you still have a few days left. Fret not because I have a great idea for you to consider adding to that list. Many of you </span><a href="http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: large;">TAFWT!</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> readers are involved in crafting and possibly run an online store yourself. If you create something and you don't sell online I encourage you to check into it. Thanks to the economy more women and men for that matter are finding themselves unemployed possibly for the first time in their lives and wondering "what comes next"?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Many of you may already be running a business in your spare time to supplement your income. There is a difference though between operating a small scale internet business part-time and on the weekends to quitting your day job and becoming your own boss. After reading an article in <span style="font-style: italic;">Glamour Magazines</span> October issue, I decided to share with you what experts believe it really takes to work for yourselves, unfortunately it isn't all passion, talent, creativity and love for your product!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TRF6JT5SKkI/AAAAAAAAAXI/XZytuktYp7c/s1600/beading.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553354115902483010" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TRF6JT5SKkI/AAAAAAAAAXI/XZytuktYp7c/s400/beading.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 275px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 183px;" /></a><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Most importantly you need to do some major soul searching to figure out if you can cut it as an entrepreneur. Ask yourself some basic questions, do you enjoy the security of working for other people, like the structure of a normal work day, enjoy vacation time, insurance and having sick days and personal days? If the answer is yes than you may want to stick with your 9 to 5 and consider running a business part-time. If the answer is no than ask yourself, are you good at time management, do you like to take risks, can you come up with solutions in times of stress, and will you be able to handle working around the clock without breaks? If the answer is yes than you will most likely be able to handle the demands of operating your own business. Being the boss does have its downsides. Sure you can set your own schedule, and you are "the boss" but you have lots of stresses too! My father has owned his business for thirty years and he didn't take a family vacation until I was 13 because he didn't feel he could leave the business for a week. He also has to pay very high monthly premiums for very crappy health insurance, he is responsible for eight employees and their health insurance and in the beginning he worked from dawn till past dark. Owning your own business can be very demanding but very rewarding. If you are looking for more information on how to get started with your business check out the </span><a href="http://sba.gov/" style="color: #000099;"><span style="font-size: large;">U.S. Small Business Administration</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. They provide assistance on how to get started and it is free!!</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Once you have the basics figured out the next step is making a business plan of sorts. I say this loosely because you don't need to have a 300 page proposal but you do need to know what your goals are for your business and it wouldn't hurt to write them down. I am a journal keeper, not because I actually keep a diary that would require consistency, but I like to keep lists and that is a great start for a business plan. Make a list of your to-dos. Are you going to need a sales license so you can buy wholesale? What about basic no-brainers such as why does your business exist, who are your customers going to be, how will you make your company successful over time? As silly as they may or may not sound you will want to be able to answer these questions fully, and with competence, you never know when a potential buyer or investor is in your midst. You will also need to be able to modify these conditions over time as the economic climate, your customer base and your business change. One thing I have found in operating a business is that just like any job you will learn as you go but there is one thing you will want to have clear guidelines about from the word go. Customer service is something that is increasingly harder and harder to find and when you stumble upon a company that delivers great customer service it is the exception not the rule. With that in mind you have the power to make sure your company will be one of those that goes the extra mile and you'll never regret making that decision. Go out of your way to make your customers happy and they will remember and it will reflect in your bottom line!</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of the bottom line, what about all the money you are going to make, after all the whole point of owning your own business and working for yourself is so you can have cash flow and a lot of it, right? Wrong, well probably wrong, at least in the beginning. Most people are lucky to break even the first year between investment and the time it takes for a business to get off the ground. I started on Etsy eighteen months ago and have just now began to realize a profit. Often you have to spend money to make money, which I never took into account when I was first starting out. Between my initial investment and money I pour back into my business, advertising and product that I give away I am probably still just breaking even but the great thing is that there is finally a buzz! When you decide to start a business you have to go into it with a lot of patience and determination. I knew that I was doing this because I loved it and that helped a lot and I knew no matter how long it took I was going to stick it out because I believed in my product and I wasn't doing it for the money. Now that the sales are coming in it makes it just that much sweeter!</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Network! Network! Network! Did I say networking yet? Networking is probably the single most important thing I have done since joining Etsy. There are endless ways to meet up with other artisans, and bloggers who are friendly and helpful and will help you build and boost your business. Make treasuries and include your friends and fellow etsians that have put you in a treasury. Join in on the forums and contact a team and apply to become a member. If it weren't for blogs like </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com" style="color: #003300;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tools Are For Women Too!</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I wouldn't have quite the traffic in my site or the number of great friends. Browse blogs and join in on the link parties and start your own Facebook pages and blogs if you enjoy writing. Just don't forget that while it is great to gain something from a relationship you also want to remember to pay it back. Help out your fellow etsians, bloggers, and Facebook friends when they need it and you will be blessed by these awesome networking relationships!</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">The Glamour article points out that it is important to build and maintain an online presence. With </span><a href="http://etsy.com/" style="color: #330033;"><span style="font-size: large;">Etsy</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://ebay.com/" style="color: #009900;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ebay</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://1000markets.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">1000 Markets</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://shopify.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">shopify.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> maintaining an online presence is easier and more manageable than ever. I would counter that building and maintaining a physical presence in our communities is the challenge for some. Having a real brick and mortar shop where our fellow community members can come in and shop our wares is a goal I have for my business. To get started you could strengthen your presence in your community by doing craft shows and art exhibits when they are offered. Scout out locations in your community and see if a lease fits into your budget. Check out your competition and do some research to determine how your product would fare in that particular market. Most importantly don't give up and believe in yourself, it also doesn't hurt to have a little faith!</span></li></ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TRF2XNRmuZI/AAAAAAAAAW4/Ztik8ziu-RU/s1600/signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553349956597102994" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TRF2XNRmuZI/AAAAAAAAAW4/Ztik8ziu-RU/s400/signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 56px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3334986387954854470?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-54059102020175479402010-12-26T10:34:00.001-05:002010-12-26T10:37:19.388-05:00Link Party - After Christmas Extravaganza!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdHmMpo1wI/AAAAAAAABiw/JRFjRIeuUpo/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdHmMpo1wI/AAAAAAAABiw/JRFjRIeuUpo/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I hope all of you had a very nice Christmas this year. Mine was rather quiet. I must say, I kinda liked it that way. A few presents, dinner, and relaxing by the fire while watching the snow fall. Afterwards we went for a walk and caught a few snowflakes in the dark.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even one of our cats enjoyed the day....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdVSnFQOrI/AAAAAAAABi0/Cl3NvuBbphg/s1600/christmas+2010-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdVSnFQOrI/AAAAAAAABi0/Cl3NvuBbphg/s640/christmas+2010-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And after it was all over we sat down, enjoyed some cheesecake, a spot of brandy cider liqueur, and watched the fire go down. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdWRwREIlI/AAAAAAAABi4/lnSPAgvBC5Y/s1600/christmas+2010-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdWRwREIlI/AAAAAAAABi4/lnSPAgvBC5Y/s400/christmas+2010-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I think I need a day like this at least once a week.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this week's party rules.....</strong></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Spread a little holiday cheer and visit some of the other links.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Link back to the party somehow. Grab a button, write a post, or build a snowman holding a TAFWT party sign. It's all up to you. Just link back somehow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) There are no limits as usual. If you have an online store and need to have an "After Christmas" sale, feel free to use the link party as much as you want. That's what it is for.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) These parties are all about "paying it forward". They are free and open to everyone. It is how I help support other bloggers and online sellers. Have fun with it. If you feel like you gained a little traffic from participating in it, please take the time to pay it forward too.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdemfBLmRI/AAAAAAAABi8/SAGWWvQZKQA/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRdemfBLmRI/AAAAAAAABi8/SAGWWvQZKQA/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=28309"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you would like to sponsor a link party, just email me for the details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5405910202017547940?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-65430060352784667712010-12-21T22:25:00.000-05:002010-12-21T22:25:42.728-05:00Easy Wood Tool Review Part 4 - The Pen Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFWl3BRz0I/AAAAAAAABh8/Md-g5jseirw/s1600/pink+pen+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFWl3BRz0I/AAAAAAAABh8/Md-g5jseirw/s320/pink+pen+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">If you thought the <a href="http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/easy-wood-tool-review-part-3-cane.html">walking cane project</a> and the <a href="http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/easy-wood-tools-review-part-2-goblet.html">goblet project</a> were nice, wait till you see this one! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This week's challenge for the <a href="http://easywoodtools.com/">Easy Wood Tools</a> was a little tougher. I had already established that the carbide tips and stainless steel shafts on the EWTs were terrific for wood. But what about acrylic or even a stone composite, like they use for making exotic pens out of? Well, only one way to find out.......</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Let's make some pens!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I went down to <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/">Woodcraft</a> to buy some pen blanks and hardware kits. I chose a nice pink blank they call <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020337/24286/Acrylic-Pen-Blank-Cotton-Candy.aspx">Cotton Candy</a>, plus a couple others. Seeing that the blog is just a little on the pink side, I thought Cotton Candy would fit right in. Here is part of the blank before I turned it on the lathe....</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFZgoJh0rI/AAAAAAAABiA/C7QpDiDSXzQ/s1600/pink+pen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFZgoJh0rI/AAAAAAAABiA/C7QpDiDSXzQ/s320/pink+pen+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really loved the pink and gray mottled looking mix of colors.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a picture of the blank mounted on the lathe after I had used an EWT lathe tool to give it some shape.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFaL3XGy_I/AAAAAAAABiE/yyWsJCH4QqI/s1600/pink+pen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFaL3XGy_I/AAAAAAAABiE/yyWsJCH4QqI/s320/pink+pen+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For this project I used only 1 basic Easy Wood Tool, the <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080216/29203/Ci3-Mini-Finisher.aspx">Ci3m Mini Finisher</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFbLvmsa3I/AAAAAAAABiI/g_BDzOUujHA/s1600/ewt+6+mini+finisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFbLvmsa3I/AAAAAAAABiI/g_BDzOUujHA/s320/ewt+6+mini+finisher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It has a round replaceable tip that cut through the acrylic pen blank like soft butter. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFb816G3WI/AAAAAAAABiM/41usnA7Rn3U/s1600/ewt+11+mini+finisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFb816G3WI/AAAAAAAABiM/41usnA7Rn3U/s320/ewt+11+mini+finisher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was amazed at how little pressure I had to use in order to make this tool do it's job on acrylic. An extremely light touch of the cutting tip is all I needed. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the end result, boxed and ready to go!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFc6SD-19I/AAAAAAAABiQ/WZ64zKTWHpw/s1600/pink+pen+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFc6SD-19I/AAAAAAAABiQ/WZ64zKTWHpw/s400/pink+pen+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also tried out the Easy Wood Tool Mini Finisher on a product called <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080374/29051/TruStone-White-wGold-Matrix-Pen-Blank.aspx">Tru-Stone</a>. Tru-Stone is a composite made up of about 85% natural stone. I thought that an EWT lathe tool might get slowed down a little trying to cut through this product. <em>I could not have been more wrong.</em> The tip cut through the stone easily. Did I mention that I am still using the same replaceable tip that I started with 3 weeks ago? Yep!, the same tip that shaped the goblet, made the cane, made the acrylic cotton candy pen, and now made this one. It still seems to be as sharp as ever, with no noticable difference in how it cuts. If you are doing production lathe work, you need a tool like this. It will save you a ton of money, by not having down time due to stopping for sharpening.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFgbIbGduI/AAAAAAAABiU/k8ot8MmRuTo/s1600/white+pen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFgbIbGduI/AAAAAAAABiU/k8ot8MmRuTo/s400/white+pen+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">After I easily conquered Tru-Stone, I was feeling pretty addicted to the Mini Finisher. I was just having way too much fun to put it down. So what did I do? I chose another pen blank, of course. See if you like the end results of this one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFivtfRTYI/AAAAAAAABiY/x6kNd-P-QXU/s1600/tiger+pen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFivtfRTYI/AAAAAAAABiY/x6kNd-P-QXU/s400/tiger+pen+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This blank is simply called "Tiger". It has a wonderful swirling of blacks, golds, and browns that are very suggestive of an animal print or tortoise shell. I kinda like this one. I am not sure which one is my favorite though. What do you think?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFkP1bC_LI/AAAAAAAABic/Y9R-L3u6hXU/s1600/pink+pen+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFkP1bC_LI/AAAAAAAABic/Y9R-L3u6hXU/s400/pink+pen+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you have all enjoyed my Easy Wood Tools Review over the past few weeks. It has been great fun. One of my goals in doing this review was to see if a beginner could use these tools easily, safely, and get great results. After several weeks of trying them out, the answer is yes, yes, and yes. Without a doubt, the EWTs are the easiest lathe tools I have ever had the pleasure of using. Their design makes them many times safer than traditional tools, and the results are amazing. They performed flawlessly in every task they were given. I give them (once again), 5 pink hardhats out of a possible 5.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFmgZsFU1I/AAAAAAAABig/iIG3cw2wLFo/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFmgZsFU1I/AAAAAAAABig/iIG3cw2wLFo/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who are considering making pens as a way of earning extra cash, the EWT line of lathe tools makes all the sense in the world.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who just want to have fun and maybe make some Christmas presents, they work really well for that too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFrFyi7tlI/AAAAAAAABio/Y4NMg00XQyU/s1600/pink+pen+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFrFyi7tlI/AAAAAAAABio/Y4NMg00XQyU/s400/pink+pen+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas Everyone!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFmuLm6ALI/AAAAAAAABik/RWeQfLXk0lE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TRFmuLm6ALI/AAAAAAAABik/RWeQfLXk0lE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Many thanks to Craig Jackson, founder of Easy Wood Tools, who goes out of his way to support women, kids, and families with their woodworking projects.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6543006035278466771?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-56639836337013808562010-12-19T19:45:00.000-05:002010-12-19T19:45:56.903-05:00Link Party Time...and the leak is fixed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQ6iKb5eXII/AAAAAAAABh0/m_nOlBvbTbg/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQ6iKb5eXII/AAAAAAAABh0/m_nOlBvbTbg/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to everyone that sent me some very nice emails concerning my pipe bursting and flooding the living room. You will all be happy to know that the leak has been repaired, along with the hole in the sheetrock. All that is left is to do some minor sanding and a little touching up of the paint. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So, Tools Are For Women Too is back on track with another link party.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this weeks party rules....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) You must be a follower if you are not one already. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) You must link back to the party somehow. Most people link back in a post or grab one of our incredibly attractive buttons, but you can do it any way that your heart desires. Get creative and maybe wear a pink hardhat and tool belt to work tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Post as many links as you want. No limit. For every link that is posted, I plan on ringing a bell and another angel will get his or her wings. So link until it hurts and have some fun with it.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQ6l97eCM_I/AAAAAAAABh4/Z27p_SSyBjc/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQ6l97eCM_I/AAAAAAAABh4/Z27p_SSyBjc/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=27882"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to sponsor one our fun link parties and advertise your site or online store? Just email me for the details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5663983633701380856?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-92019811199136712022010-12-16T23:17:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:17:17.956-05:00Link Party - Finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQrdjB124NI/AAAAAAAABhk/I983eD8PbUA/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQrdjB124NI/AAAAAAAABhk/I983eD8PbUA/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, I know I usually kick off the party on Wednesday night but yesterday was one of <em>those</em> days. You know what I mean. The kind of day where a water line in your house breaks and floods your living room. Yep! Really happened. The line that broke was inside a wall, so to repair the leak a hole had to be cut in the sheetrock. So while everyone was anxiously awaiting for the party to start, I was trying to vacuum up water. Sorry for the delay all. Couldn't be helped. Apparently Santa misunderstood when I asked for a jacuzzi for the living room. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this week's incredibly easy party rules.......</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Have fun at all times. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Tattoo "I Love Tools are For Women Too" on yourself somewhere. Okay, this really isn't a rule but be a sport and at least get a temporary one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Link back to the party somehow. Your new tattoo will work fine, or just mention the party in a post or something. That works too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Visit some of the other partiers. Leave a nice comment for them. After all, it's Christmas.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">6.) Link as many items as you want. No limits as usual.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQriXTF25OI/AAAAAAAABho/xq_EOiX2zxY/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQriXTF25OI/AAAAAAAABho/xq_EOiX2zxY/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=27654"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-9201981119913671202?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-65046802735650536812010-12-15T07:05:00.001-05:002010-12-15T07:05:00.156-05:00How To Make Your Own Snowman Earrings For The Holidays<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgyJBxOc9I/AAAAAAAAAWw/T7eP6795naw/s1600/signature.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgxi6dxlCI/AAAAAAAAAWY/fztHtbFxmvw/s1600/santa%2Band%2Bsnowman%2Bearrings%2B019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741016613590050" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgxi6dxlCI/AAAAAAAAAWY/fztHtbFxmvw/s400/santa%2Band%2Bsnowman%2Bearrings%2B019.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 390px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Hi, this is Brooke from </span><a href="http://tidbitsandglitz.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #663366; font-size: large;">Tidbits & Glitz</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. I hope you are all having a great month and are enjoying the holiday season. It is that time of year again. Depending on where you live snow may be falling, Christmas preparations are rapidly underway and hopefully you are able to spend more time with your family. There is nothing better than crafting during the holiday season and I have the perfect earrings for you to create.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Snowmen earrings are easy to make and are perfect for the entire Winter, not just Christmas. This project only requires a few materials (you can find them at any craft store) and even less steps to complete. The tools that you will need are round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and wire cutters.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgxvpBK-nI/AAAAAAAAAWg/YwOQ6CNQU88/s1600/santa%2Band%2Bsnowman%2Bearrings%2B022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741235268516466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgxvpBK-nI/AAAAAAAAAWg/YwOQ6CNQU88/s400/santa%2Band%2Bsnowman%2Bearrings%2B022.JPG" style="display: block; height: 233px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 219px;" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">You will also need the following materials:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">2-10mm beads, 8mm beads, 6mm beads</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">2-flower spacer beads, between 4-6mm</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">2-metal daisy spacers, between 5-8mm</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">2-cube beads, between 4-6mm</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">2-2" headpins</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">2-ear wires </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;">Once you have gathered the materials follow the steps below:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Take your headpin and place the 10mm bead, then the 8mm bead and then the flower spacer.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Next place the 6mm bead, then the metal spacer and finally the cube bead.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Now you will make either a closed loop or a wrapped loop (I used a wrapped loop).</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Finally dangle your snowman from your ear wire and repeat the steps for the 2nd earring.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgx5pB33wI/AAAAAAAAAWo/-yIgwmsB9zY/s1600/santa%2Band%2Bsnowman%2Bearrings%2B021.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741407070150402" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgx5pB33wI/AAAAAAAAAWo/-yIgwmsB9zY/s400/santa%2Band%2Bsnowman%2Bearrings%2B021.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 227px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I choose to use crystal beads and sterling silver metal pieces but you can use any color combination and metal you like. This is a very versatile design. After you have assembled all your tools and materials it should only take 5-10 minutes to complete. My kids love to help me with these earrings and we have also used the snowmen as a pendant and added it to necklaces. This is a fun creation for yourself or make them for Christmas presents.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgyJBxOc9I/AAAAAAAAAWw/T7eP6795naw/s1600/signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741671409251282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TQgyJBxOc9I/AAAAAAAAAWw/T7eP6795naw/s400/signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 56px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6504680273565053681?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-64724743837307823902010-12-13T23:23:00.000-05:002010-12-13T23:23:15.505-05:00Easy Wood Tool Review Part 3 - The Cane Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbalx_kiCI/AAAAAAAABgw/vaTI0BEhsjE/s1600/cane+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbalx_kiCI/AAAAAAAABgw/vaTI0BEhsjE/s320/cane+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are in Part 3 of my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgBq3yQPDoU&feature=related">Easy Wood Tool</a> review. If you saw my post last week, you read all about the incredible success I had turning a <a href="http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/easy-wood-tools-review-part-2-goblet.html">goblet</a> out of "curly" maple with these amazing lathe tools.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This week though, I wanted to try something that required a little more precision than an impromptu wooden wine glass. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This week's project is a custom cane. And, while this project may look easy (and in some respects it is), it does require near perfect tenons to be cut so that the handle, connectors, and rubber tip will fit properly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So here we go with 2 of the same basic EWT lathe tools that I used last week, the Mini Easy Rougher and The Mini Easy Finisher. That's it this week. I only used 2 tools to do the whole thing. For wood I decided to use mahogany. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Mini Rougher has a square carbide head, with a stainless steel shaft. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbeRdoc8zI/AAAAAAAABg0/CnIC3vwhVMs/s1600/ewt+10+mini+rougher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbeRdoc8zI/AAAAAAAABg0/CnIC3vwhVMs/s320/ewt+10+mini+rougher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I used it to turn my 2 square pieces of wood into nice uniform round ones. The carbide head made quick work out the mahogany. It cut through it like butter, never missed a beat, and never showed even a slight sign of dulling. I also used the roughers square head to make a clean precise tenon for the brass cane handle. Tenons like this take a little skill when using traditional lathe tools, but I think that with the EWTs I could teach someone how to do this in about 5 minutes. No exaggeration.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the contoured part of the cane I used the Mini Finisher. This tool has a round carbide tip which is also mounted on a stainless steel shaft.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbg_gWFL8I/AAAAAAAABg4/WbyKm1G6YmE/s1600/ewt+11+mini+finisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbg_gWFL8I/AAAAAAAABg4/WbyKm1G6YmE/s320/ewt+11+mini+finisher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Mini Finisher was effortless to use. It cut my contours without even taking a deep breath. Once again, there was no noticeable dulling of the tool throughout the entire project. I used the same tips on both the rougher and the finisher that I used on the goblet last week, and they performed flawlessly.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a picture of part of the cane shaft showing some of the contours.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbkFPXDgQI/AAAAAAAABg8/XWFqBcylp00/s1600/cane+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbkFPXDgQI/AAAAAAAABg8/XWFqBcylp00/s400/cane+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Notice how the brass coupler on the end of the shaft fits beautifully. I had to use a coupler like this because my small lathe would not handle the full length of the cane unless I made it in 2 pieces that screwed together.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQblY9NajxI/AAAAAAAABhA/mkSqhNrnhLw/s1600/cane+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQblY9NajxI/AAAAAAAABhA/mkSqhNrnhLw/s320/cane+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although it is more work to make a 2 piece shaft like this, it has it's advantages. For one thing, if you are an online seller, it makes it really cheap to ship. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When it came to fitting the handle the EWTs continued to shine. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQboZfXEmaI/AAAAAAAABhE/P8-OM3JESjI/s1600/cane+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQboZfXEmaI/AAAAAAAABhE/P8-OM3JESjI/s400/cane+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The rubber tip was a piece of cake.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbpFo2h90I/AAAAAAAABhM/j5rX1CthlmM/s1600/cane+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbpFo2h90I/AAAAAAAABhM/j5rX1CthlmM/s320/cane+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are a couple pictures of my completed cane.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbpkVk7ujI/AAAAAAAABhQ/STRgZSm8oac/s1600/cane+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbpkVk7ujI/AAAAAAAABhQ/STRgZSm8oac/s640/cane+7.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbp0u569nI/AAAAAAAABhU/GnXfSEGk_3c/s1600/cane+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbp0u569nI/AAAAAAAABhU/GnXfSEGk_3c/s640/cane+8.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So what will I do with it, now that it's finished? This one will be a Christmas gift to a very special friend of mine, who fell and broke his hip last year. Hope he likes it. By the way, in case you were wondering I used several coats of lacquer to do the finish and then I polished it with some steel wool and paste wax.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So how do I rate the Mini Easy Wood Tools for doing projects like this cane?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbryx7ZEeI/AAAAAAAABhY/dBWga6sEElg/s1600/ewt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbryx7ZEeI/AAAAAAAABhY/dBWga6sEElg/s400/ewt+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Without any hesitation, I give it 5 pink hardhats out of 5 again.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbr9QFUcfI/AAAAAAAABhc/9K_GdTXuGP0/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbr9QFUcfI/AAAAAAAABhc/9K_GdTXuGP0/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">These tools are pure perfection.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbsOjhb4HI/AAAAAAAABhg/zdilzKNjuYE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQbsOjhb4HI/AAAAAAAABhg/zdilzKNjuYE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you are interested in purchasing any of the EWT tools, they are available through my good friends at <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/">Woodcraft</a>. Woodcraft is the same great company that is sending several thousand Christmas gifts to our overseas soldiers again this year. Please give this generous company a call.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6472474383730782390?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-7682223147454666822010-12-12T20:00:00.000-05:002010-12-12T20:00:05.251-05:00Link Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQVsA732s8I/AAAAAAAABgo/ozcY58KHZt8/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQVsA732s8I/AAAAAAAABgo/ozcY58KHZt8/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Wind, cold, rain, and maybe some snow here in the next day or two. If it wasn't winter before, it is now. There is no doubt about it. Hope all of you are staying warm out there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here are this week's party rules.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Please link back to the party somehow. This is especially a smart thing to do if you want to get on Santa's "good" list. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Link up as much as you want. No limits, and categories are wide open. Woodworking projects, tutorials, buttons, or your favorite egg nog recipe. Have at it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQVuTnXoSmI/AAAAAAAABgs/9l0Q6l9a-JI/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQVuTnXoSmI/AAAAAAAABgs/9l0Q6l9a-JI/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=27239"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If your online store needs a little push this holiday season, you may want to try some advertising. Email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-768222314745466682?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-92089483818002986282010-12-10T07:05:00.001-05:002010-12-10T07:05:01.009-05:00How To Make A Picture Block Collage<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi! It is Stacy from </span><a href="http://www.happyhappthousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">! Here is one of my favorite cheap decorating ideas.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TIxHX1cYkII/AAAAAAAACe8/-Ra43ga9oSA/s1600/house5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TIxHX1cYkII/AAAAAAAACe8/-Ra43ga9oSA/s640/house5.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to do a collage of pictures in my hall. It is a funny little wall tucked in the corner, but it has always seemed so bare. I didn't want to do it with pictures frames though. I wanted to shake it up a bit. I came up with this. What I did was cut out 4X6 pieces of wood that were all different thicknesses using my jigsaw. The picture doesn't show it as well as I would like. Then I sanded and stained them. I could have mod podged the pictures on, but then I wouldn't have been able to change the pictures. I used sticky putty on the corners of the pictures and pressed hard to adhere it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TIxI9IOKByI/AAAAAAAACfE/l-3rf6-Uu44/s1600/stickyputty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TIxI9IOKByI/AAAAAAAACfE/l-3rf6-Uu44/s320/stickyputty.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love sticky putty. Another thing I use it for is to keep picture frames straight. Add a small amount to the bottom corners of the frame and press against the wall. You can find sticky putty in office supply stores or online.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What kinds of picture collages have you done?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Stacy is one of the team members here at TAFWT. Would you like to join the team too? Just email Rory.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-9208948381800298628?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-16507961910865744292010-12-09T08:13:00.000-05:002010-12-09T08:13:32.481-05:00Link Party Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQDQOuf8MZI/AAAAAAAABgg/N06ZxtwA8Y4/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQDQOuf8MZI/AAAAAAAABgg/N06ZxtwA8Y4/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to another link party at Tools Are For Women Too!. As usual, everyone is welcome. You can list as many items as you want. No limit. I seldom delete party items, because I know that you all have different items you need to promote. All I ask in return is that you link back to the party somehow. Pretty easy,huh?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The normal way to link back is to grab a button and post it on your sidebar or mention the party in a post. Then there are those of you who like to let you creative side show. One way for instance would be to place an ad for the party on your favorite football teams scoreboard. After all, the Superbowl <em>is</em> right around the corner. Just a thought. But the point is, whatever you do is fine. Just link back and have some fun!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you are all ready for Christmas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQDUNhIrPeI/AAAAAAAABgk/RqWz6E9Z7Bg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TQDUNhIrPeI/AAAAAAAABgk/RqWz6E9Z7Bg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=26865"></script><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If your blog or online store needs a little holiday push, you can email me for my really reasonable ad rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-1650796191086574429?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-30904469966817867432010-12-07T23:39:00.000-05:002010-12-07T23:39:57.118-05:00Easy Wood Tools Review Part 2 - The Goblet Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP7ts2g3nDI/AAAAAAAABgM/dd08Bfby4Tw/s1600/ewt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP7ts2g3nDI/AAAAAAAABgM/dd08Bfby4Tw/s320/ewt+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Last week in <a href="http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/11/easy-wood-tools-review-potential-money.html">Part 1</a> of my <a href="http://easywoodtools.com/">Easy Wood Tools</a> review, I told you I was going to give these lathe tools a real workout. I wanted to see if these lathe tools were everything I have been told they are.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Right out of the box I was impressed. They come in plastic resealable tubes, unlike other brands that are often packaged more cheaply. The handles are made of maple and the shafts on these guys are out of solid stainless steel.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And even better.........</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The tips are made of carbide! This means that they NEVER need to be sharpened. When a tip gets dull you can rotate it to a fresh cutting surface and it cuts like new again. When the tip is completely worn out, you just replace it. Carbide is somewhere around 10 times as hard as high speed steel so a sharp edge lasts quite a while compared to other tools. I talked with Craig Jackson who founded <a href="http://easywoodtools.com/">EWT </a>and he says a carbide tip on an Easy Roughing Tool will last through about 20 hours of cutting when using it on hard maple. That's pretty amazing, and it means that the tips are a huge money saver for beginning turners. Because the tips are replaceable you don't have to buy any sharpening equipment that can cost hundreds of dollars. You just wont be needing things like electric grinders, files, special jigs, and sharpening stones. It also means that your time in your shop is spent making items for you and your online store, instead of sharpening tools every 20 minutes. Can you say efficient? So before I even started cutting wood I was pretty impressed.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But now for the test. This weeks project is a goblet. I had seen a video of Craig making a goblet using his tools and he made it look and sound really easy. I would soon find out just how easy it really is.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> I decided to make my little goblet out of hard, "curly" maple. This special wood was donated by Paul and Brenda who own the local <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=560">Woodcraft </a>store here in Greenville, South Carolina. It is the same kind of wood that is famous for making butcher's blocks out of , and also for dulling ordinary tools very quickly. This would be a good test.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the goblet I ended up making on my very first try using the EWTs.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8AS03mNjI/AAAAAAAABgQ/JvDLCxtmZng/s1600/goblet+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8AS03mNjI/AAAAAAAABgQ/JvDLCxtmZng/s400/goblet+4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How do you think it turned out?</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, I am a professional woodworker. That much is true. But I decided that using these tools has such a small learning curve that I could teach people how to make a goblet like this, that had never even turned on a lathe before. It was that incredibly easy. The tools cut beautifully and they are still razor sharp. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For goblet making I have no choice but to give these tools 5 pink hardhats out of 5. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8Dvi4em-I/AAAAAAAABgU/88vYH-T1r64/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8Dvi4em-I/AAAAAAAABgU/88vYH-T1r64/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">They were a pleasure to use, don't require sharpening, are incredibly tough, and gave me beautiful results. In short, I couldn't find a fault with them. </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">So what will I do with my goblet?</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">I am thinking of making a matching set and breaking them in on Christmas Eve.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8ErZr7keI/AAAAAAAABgY/dieTb5hnjMM/s1600/goblet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8ErZr7keI/AAAAAAAABgY/dieTb5hnjMM/s640/goblet+2.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the way, if you want to buy EWT lathe tools my friends at <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=560">Woodcraft </a>carry them. Those of you who are thinking of getting into turning need to put these on your Christmas list.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next week I will be testing the EWTs on another project. I am far from done having fun with these, so check back next week and see the results.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8I2VnfWOI/AAAAAAAABgc/xAFhWuzjfxg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TP8I2VnfWOI/AAAAAAAABgc/xAFhWuzjfxg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Do you need your tool or product tested and reviewed? If so, contact me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3090446996681786743?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-51347751855411739692010-12-06T07:20:00.000-05:002010-12-06T07:20:32.256-05:00Link Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPzN0P4es_I/AAAAAAAABgE/7hbnrefY2p4/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPzN0P4es_I/AAAAAAAABgE/7hbnrefY2p4/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here it is! Let's see those Christmas projects and anything else you've been working on. I keep wanting to see a tutorial on how to rewire one of my old light-up Christmas sweaters. Must be one out there like that somewhere. If you have one, email me. Maybe I can make it a contribution post. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This week's party rules......</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Link as much as you want. The parties around here have virtually no limits, so get busy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) You can link up buttons, Etsy items, tutorials, projects, recipes, a picture of the woman you don't like at work (before and after her plastic surgery), or just about whatever you want.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Please become a follower if you are not one already. It's free, it's easy, and people here at TAFWT tend to look at you kinda weird if you don't.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Link back to the party somehow. Last week I suggested someone write a Christmas song about TAFWT and go caroling in an effort to promote the party. Most people though just grabbed a button, linked to it in a post, or started a thread in a forum. There was however a woman named Brittany, who spelled out TAFWT with raisins in her husbands oatmeal, to let him know how she would be spending her day while he was at work. Way to go Brittany!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPzTnwRgTxI/AAAAAAAABgI/b5_N1OF69qo/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPzTnwRgTxI/AAAAAAAABgI/b5_N1OF69qo/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=26481"></script></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>You could possibly join in the fun and become a team member for TAFWT just by emailing me for details. Let me know if you are interested.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5134775185541173969?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-49619731788442149462010-12-03T07:05:00.001-05:002010-12-03T07:05:00.667-05:00My Cheap and Easy Christmas Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXnYwzJMOI/AAAAAAAADRc/jb4SasmPlN0/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXnYwzJMOI/AAAAAAAADRc/jb4SasmPlN0/s400/9.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div></div><span style="font-size: large;">Hi! It is Stacy from </span><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blospot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> again! I was in need of some more Christmas decor but I am on a tight, almost non-existent budget so I came up with these. I love quick and cheap crafts! I bought 3 wreaths at the dollar store. They had bigger ones but because of where I was going to put them I needed them to be a little on the small side. I had pine cones from our backyard and I always have craft wire on hand. I used scraps of fabric I already had too. I ripped them into strips about 1 inch wide.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXnspSYoKI/AAAAAAAADRg/jsl6UPzuykQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXnspSYoKI/AAAAAAAADRg/jsl6UPzuykQ/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I tied the fabric on. I love the look of the rough edges.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXoqjpEUsI/AAAAAAAADRo/x1vvfMHIBF4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXoqjpEUsI/AAAAAAAADRo/x1vvfMHIBF4/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXpFbMX_HI/AAAAAAAADRs/qbUE5PrYbHQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXpFbMX_HI/AAAAAAAADRs/qbUE5PrYbHQ/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Then I took craft wire and put it around the pine cone, and then around the wreath and twisted it so the pine cone would stay on.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXpaoa4V9I/AAAAAAAADRw/HZjSb-2-B6s/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXpaoa4V9I/AAAAAAAADRw/HZjSb-2-B6s/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I used another strip of fabric to hang the wreath.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXpvg3cgnI/AAAAAAAADR0/360SJ8RqGkA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXpvg3cgnI/AAAAAAAADR0/360SJ8RqGkA/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I tied it to the wire frame on the back.</span></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXqHiyHTkI/AAAAAAAADR4/xTrY-_Jx4E8/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXqHiyHTkI/AAAAAAAADR4/xTrY-_Jx4E8/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXnYwzJMOI/AAAAAAAADRc/jb4SasmPlN0/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPXnYwzJMOI/AAAAAAAADRc/jb4SasmPlN0/s640/9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I normally have frames hanging here with pictures of the kids but I love these so much I am tempted to keep them up all year! They match my front room decor (did you notice they matched my rug?) so I could totally get away with it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPX0XtjpbzI/AAAAAAAADSU/PxwcqVLGqRc/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TPX0XtjpbzI/AAAAAAAADSU/PxwcqVLGqRc/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Total cost: $3.00</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks and have a great weekend!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-4961973178844214946?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-77293422350327395252010-12-01T21:05:00.000-05:002010-12-01T21:05:27.760-05:00Link Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPb6AdHKIhI/AAAAAAAABfw/V-mPKOvf8XA/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPb6AdHKIhI/AAAAAAAABfw/V-mPKOvf8XA/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I have been a little under the weather the past day or two, so I will forgo the amenities and get straight to the party.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this weeks party rules........</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Please link back to the party somehow. Blog about it, start a forum thread, grab a button for your sidebar or perhaps spell out TAFWT on the roof of your house with Christmas lights. However you do it is fine with the tools team. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Post as many thumbnails as you want. No limit. Practically anything goes. Recipes, woodworking, crafts of all kinds, blog buttons, Etsy store items, or a picture of you in last years Christmas sweater.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Please visit a few other links if you can. Leave a nice comment. Maybe become a follower of a blog or two. Remember, it's all about links. So, link like crazy and have some fun.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPb9d94wpfI/AAAAAAAABf0/NvJf_G8CUIQ/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPb9d94wpfI/AAAAAAAABf0/NvJf_G8CUIQ/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=25960"></script><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to sponsor a link party and give your blog or online store a little holiday push? Just email me for rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-7729342235032739525?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-26491874558806211872010-11-30T07:05:00.003-05:002010-11-30T07:35:28.044-05:00Easy Wood Tools Review - A Potential Money Maker - Post #1 Of The Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPLtyyCIRdI/AAAAAAAABfo/4ZlG0FL6hLE/s1600/ewt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPLtyyCIRdI/AAAAAAAABfo/4ZlG0FL6hLE/s320/ewt3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This is the first post of a series reviewing <a href="http://easywoodtools.com/">Easy Wood Tools</a> for lathe working. Along with the review will be some ideas on how you can possibly put these tools to use and make some extra spending money.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Easy Wood Tools was founded by a man named Craig Jackson. He and I met at a local woodworking show and I found him to be a friendly and terrific guy. He loves working with kids, teaching woodturning safety, and he thinks that women and family are an important element in the whole woodworking scheme of things. When I told him that I wrote a blog dedicated to helping women with their projects, he immediately wanted to help too. I wish all tool companies were a little more like EWT and Craig Jackson. He is a joy to be around. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Craig's background is that of a machinist and metal fabricator. Some years ago he started turning wood like alot of us and he quickly realized that the standard tools of the lathe working industry were not all that they could be. So, he set out to design and make lathe tools that were of a very high quality, were easy to use, had a low learning curve, and were easy to maintain. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a short video showing some of his tools in action....</span><br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SgBq3yQPDoU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SgBq3yQPDoU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have <em>really </em>been wanting to give EWT a whirl, so I have decided to start by trying out three of their tools. They are the ....</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ci2m Mini Rougher,</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> Ci3m Mini Finisher, and the </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> Ci4m Mini Detailer.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unlike other tool reviews I don't want to find out if these tools are just wonderful for the experienced woodworker. What I do want to find out is if a total beginner can quickly get the hang of using them, easily, safely, and with great results. If the answer to these questions is yes, then they could be some real potential money-makers for a large number of crafters and artists out there, that would not of otherwise considered wood turning.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So, over the next couple weeks I am going to try doing a few projects using these tools and really give them a genuine workout. With each post in the series I will attempt to do something different with the tools. I am thinking in the lines of possibly a pen, a candlestick, and a bowl or goblet. The reason I am choosing these projects is that they are all items that are small, lightweight, and can be shipped easily. Items like these make super canidates to be a part of online store inventory.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So check back with me next week when I post my first project. It should be great fun, and I can't wait to try this product out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Wish me luck!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPMSg1-lNyI/AAAAAAAABfs/s-lo1iZGis0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPMSg1-lNyI/AAAAAAAABfs/s-lo1iZGis0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Do you have a product you need reviewed? Just email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-2649187455880621187?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-35200607237332632552010-11-28T18:31:00.000-05:002010-11-28T18:31:05.551-05:00Link Party! and.....A Money Making Post Announcement.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPLfy8x1DQI/AAAAAAAABfg/_j2E4YY0xm0/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPLfy8x1DQI/AAAAAAAABfg/_j2E4YY0xm0/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone! Hopefully you all had a nice Thanksgiving and you weren't stampeded in the Black Friday soiree that I know some of you lined up for.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Before I give the party rules, I wanted to make a short announcement.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> In the next day or two I will be doing a series of articles about how many of you ( even if you have no woodworking experience), can make some extra dollars with a lathe and a few simple tools. If you are out there struggling and need some fresh ideas, you won't want to miss this series of articles, which will include some fun, profitable ideas, and some reviews of tools that are easy to get the hang of. Stay tuned. The first post of this series will be this week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Now for the party rules........</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Link back to the party somehow. Any way you do it is fine. Grab a button, start a thread in a forum, or write your own Christmas carol about the party and go around the neighborhood singing about it. It's all good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) As usual there is no limit on the number of thumbnails you can post. Pretty much anything goes. Post your best eggnog recipe, your latest woodworking project, a picture of your husband asleep on the couch, or a blog button. This is the party where you can link like crazy, so jump on in there!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Try and visit a few of the other links people have posted.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPLkSgM_QwI/AAAAAAAABfk/SFHOB3dQUK4/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPLkSgM_QwI/AAAAAAAABfk/SFHOB3dQUK4/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=25492"></script><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Can you write a post per week? Would you like to be part of the "Tools Team" ? Email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3520060723733263255?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-27679787705898689002010-11-27T10:22:00.000-05:002010-11-27T10:22:05.901-05:00A Little Introduction-Brooke Miles<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyQ3qC8GVI/AAAAAAAAAU4/hU0ht3l3Pq4/s1600/brooke%2B001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="172" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542964527240059218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyQ3qC8GVI/AAAAAAAAAU4/hU0ht3l3Pq4/s200/brooke%2B001.JPG" style="display: block; height: 344px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;">I have been asked by our gracious host, Rory, to do a small piece introducing myself and I agreed. It seemed only fitting. For the past six months I have been fortunate enough to call Rory a friend. TAFWT is truly an important resource for showcasing designs in the link parties, connecting with friends, and finding information on crafting and tools. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I was given with my TAFWT giveaway. It helped me build my blog by reaching many new readers and making new friends</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyRKxlziII/AAAAAAAAAVA/LdceohnCNc4/s1600/jewelry%2B24%2B007.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></a></span></span> <br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: large;">My name is Brooke Miles and </span><a href="http://sunsetandvine.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #663366; font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine Jewelry </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">is my creation. I also have my blog </span><a href="http://tidbitsandglitz.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: large;">Tidbits & Glitz</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, that chronicles the building of my business and all the little quips on my mind. Art has been a passion of mine since childhood and I have always loved jewelry and anything with a little sparkle but only in the last two years did I really focus that energy into creating jewelry. I joined Etsy in January of 2009, and it was a slow start with a total evolution of </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus; font-size: large;">my store, and my designs. I really appreciate the time I have had to grow because I have cultivated my style and learned so much in the process.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Andalus; font-size: large;"></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyS90oHiXI/AAAAAAAAAVg/3jV9DHd61hI/s1600/jewelry%2B21%2B012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542966832182823282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyS90oHiXI/AAAAAAAAAVg/3jV9DHd61hI/s400/jewelry%2B21%2B012.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 377px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;">My goal is to design jewelry that is stylish, classic and with a littl</span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;">e edge and </span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"> I use a range of materials with prices that reflect that. I understand that our economy is shaky and I believe that women deserve a little luxury without emptying thei</span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;">r bank accounts.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyTPovN0DI/AAAAAAAAAVo/8wq8ndBnAeU/s1600/jewelry%2B24%2B034.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542967138229014578" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyTPovN0DI/AAAAAAAAAVo/8wq8ndBnAeU/s400/jewelry%2B24%2B034.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;">There is nothing I love more than creating beautiful jewelry wit</span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;">h quality metals and gemstones, but I also love to use Czech glass, freshwater pearls, and Swarovoski crystal. I feel blessed that I actually get to send my pieces off to be loved by someone other than myself. It feels like a dream come true. When I am not designing I am thinking about designing or jumping out of bed in the middle of the night to sketch an idea that popped in my hea</span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;">d.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyR1uXwnwI/AAAAAAAAAVI/mswwFQQzb_4/s1600/party%2Bemi%2B046.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542965593553018626" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyR1uXwnwI/AAAAAAAAAVI/mswwFQQzb_4/s400/party%2Bemi%2B046.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 294px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus; font-size: large;">I have lived in Ohio my entire life and graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in psychology. Besides designing jewelry and crafting, my other passion is helping people. Before becoming a SAHM I worked with children as a case manager at a mental health facility. Someday I would like to focus on volunteering in that area.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Andalus;"></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOySlml143I/AAAAAAAAAVY/xNcuVcH3hcg/s1600/doggy%2B004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542966416098321266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOySlml143I/AAAAAAAAAVY/xNcuVcH3hcg/s400/doggy%2B004.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 357px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus; font-size: large;">I live outside Columbus, Ohio with my husband and three wonderful daughters. We are very active in our local church andwe volunteer in community outreach projects. Recently we adopted a stranded puppy and our girls are having a blast with their new brother. In the future I plan on taking metal classes and opening my own store. My dream is to have an entire day alone in my jewelry room.</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Andalus;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyRKxlziII/AAAAAAAAAVA/LdceohnCNc4/s1600/jewelry%2B24%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542964855682861186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOyRKxlziII/AAAAAAAAAVA/LdceohnCNc4/s400/jewelry%2B24%2B007.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; height: 213px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPEhG6LdGmI/AAAAAAAABfc/SDYRCJQGx1U/s1600/brooke+signature.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TPEhG6LdGmI/AAAAAAAABfc/SDYRCJQGx1U/s1600/brooke+signature.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Tools Are for Women Too is grateful to have Brooke be a part of the team. If you would like to be a part of it too, just email Rory for the details.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-2767978770589868900?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-63564797156695513192010-11-24T21:00:00.000-05:002010-11-24T21:00:05.588-05:00Link Party Time And Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TO295jNQ3PI/AAAAAAAABfU/u-UXhsHpWx8/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TO295jNQ3PI/AAAAAAAABfU/u-UXhsHpWx8/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I hope all of your are having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I am publishing the party a little early in an effort to spend less time on the computer and more time stuffing myself with turkey, watching the parade, and sharing some time with family. I also fully intend on falling asleep on the couch while watching a football game. So, if your comments don't get published right away please forgive me. I am probably snoring away and dreaming of pumpkin pie, with a fire in the fireplace. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here are this week's party rules.........</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) There a lot of bloggers out there who really do some wonderful things for others. If you know of a blogger like that, let them know how much you appreciate them, thank them, and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. Let them know how special they are.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) That's it this week. No other rules apply.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TO3Bu7eC-gI/AAAAAAAABfY/fuDhZxgMyQg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TO3Bu7eC-gI/AAAAAAAABfY/fuDhZxgMyQg/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=25117"></script><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you are traveling this weekend, please be careful. I want everyone to return home safe and sound.</strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6356479715669551319?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-63954941137945243452010-11-22T19:48:00.002-05:002010-11-22T19:52:51.752-05:00Flexcut Detail Knife And Strop Review - Christmas Gift Idea?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOr9kGMIUCI/AAAAAAAABdw/X5Ge1CIux_w/s1600/flexcut+detail+knife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOr9kGMIUCI/AAAAAAAABdw/X5Ge1CIux_w/s1600/flexcut+detail+knife.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas is on the way and some of you out there are going to be doing a lot of shopping this week. So, I thought I might do a review on a potential gift for someone. If you or a loved one has a desire to take up wood carving, this review is for you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This review is about the Flexcut Detail Carving Knife. I personally own one and I positively love it. It comes razor sharp right out of the package. And when I say razor sharp, I mean it. The blade is finely polished to a micro edge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I found the handle comfortable and easy to grip. It seems the older I get the more stiff my hands get when using</span> <span style="font-size: large;">tools like this, but I found the handle on this knife to work well for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">One of the first projects I did with this knife was a Welsh Love Spoon. Here are a couple pictures of it.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsHrIDgtPI/AAAAAAAABeE/Zis9SMItWxI/s1600/spoon+and+3+tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsHrIDgtPI/AAAAAAAABeE/Zis9SMItWxI/s400/spoon+and+3+tools.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shown above is the spoon in it's beginning stages along with the 3 main tools I used to make it. The center tool is the Flexcut Detail Knife. I used walnut for this project. Walnut is not easy to carve and a razor sharp knife like this one makes life a lot easier and safer. It has always been my opinion that more cuts happen from a knife slip, due to a dull blade than any other cause. When you are using a dull knife you tend to try and force the knife instead of letting it smoothly and easily do it's job.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Below is the finished spoon.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsJPDZI7ZI/AAAAAAAABeI/q78dp3iyIn4/s1600/spoon+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsJPDZI7ZI/AAAAAAAABeI/q78dp3iyIn4/s640/spoon+finished.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I gave this one away as a birthday gift.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all, this knife is a pleasure to use. Like any carving tool it will need to be sharpened often. I use a Flexcut Slip Strop Sharpening System like this one.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsKWNjzA8I/AAAAAAAABeM/1LL0VSc4ElU/s1600/flexcut+strop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsKWNjzA8I/AAAAAAAABeM/1LL0VSc4ElU/s200/flexcut+strop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's easy to use and was designed specifically for use with Flexcut Knives. It also won't cost you a fortune. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are out looking at wood carving tools for Christmas, let me give you my best advice about buying them. What you will find out there is a lot of cheap discount carving that look like great deals. Sometimes you can get these bargain sets that will include 5 or 6 knives for $20 or less. It might sound like a great deal, but with tools you generally get what you pay for. What I tell people is that I would much rather see them buy 1 good knife like a Flexcut, than 6 cheap ones for the same money.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I like this tool. It did everything it was supposed to do and after doing several projects, it is still in great shape. I highly recommend it and give it 5 pink hardhats out of 5.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsMvd8C5iI/AAAAAAAABeQ/qpebn3pnQ1k/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsMvd8C5iI/AAAAAAAABeQ/qpebn3pnQ1k/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have fun shopping this week and be safe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsM-RsYIzI/AAAAAAAABeU/-JZei7rNhX0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOsM-RsYIzI/AAAAAAAABeU/-JZei7rNhX0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Do you have a company that needs a tool or product reviewed? You can email me for details at</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6395494113794524345?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-10418788218845788202010-11-21T20:05:00.001-05:002010-11-21T20:05:00.601-05:00Link Link Link Party Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOkqsgkNtOI/AAAAAAAABdo/UCuS8j86TwM/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOkqsgkNtOI/AAAAAAAABdo/UCuS8j86TwM/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to another "pretty much anything goes" link party! I hope all of you are well and have some fun plans for Thanksgiving week. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Just so everyone knows, Tools Are For Women Too will have a link party on Thanksgiving day, although I will be taking the day off to be with family. I will just prepare the link party ahead of time and schedule it to run as usual. So I won't be available to publish comments, but otherwise it will all run the same. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are the rules or this week's party.....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Post as may links as you want. No limits. Acceptable submissions can include things like woodworking projects, tutorials, blog buttons, recipes, Etsy items, or a picture of you in your best Christmas sweater ( You know, the one that lights up and plays Christmas tunes).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Please try and visit a few of the other links. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) The really cool participants will link back to the party somehow. Any way you do it is fine. Grab a button, write a post, start a thread in a forum, or print it on your holiday napkins for Thanksgiving. However you do it is okay with the TAFWT team.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOkvmZwncZI/AAAAAAAABds/PAI2GHABNB8/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOkvmZwncZI/AAAAAAAABds/PAI2GHABNB8/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=24658"></script><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The TAFWT Team is growing. If you would like to be a part of it, just email Rory for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-1041878821884578820?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-6852984413648332512010-11-21T07:05:00.006-05:002010-11-21T07:05:00.122-05:00HOW TO REPURPOSE A CROSS by Layne<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TOKa2jevFSI/AAAAAAAAAp0/w7EUMZxZa58/s1600/001+%252821%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TOKa2jevFSI/AAAAAAAAAp0/w7EUMZxZa58/s320/001+%252821%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you are a West Texas cotton farmer's wife, you tend to be a little frugal every now and then, which is usually everyday for me over at </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://alaynahoward.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">THE LIFE OF THE FARMER'S WIFE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While getting some laundry detergent at the local dollar store, I came across a clock cross that I thought was absolutely atrocious. I am sure that some people would like it, but it just was not my taste and I knew that I could snazzy it up and make it something great.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Anything is possible, if you use your imagination. Then I remembered that my good friend Kayla had asked me a while back to make her a cross in honor of her dog "Prissy" who died. However, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on the project, so this is what I ended up doing.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I bought the hideous clock cross for $6, knowing good and well that I was going to go home and grab my hammer and beat the heck out of it, until the clock pieces came off. And that is exactly what I did, however the numbers were part of the cross itself, so I had to function with the imprint of the numbers.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODEX9aVwgI/AAAAAAAAApc/hVIbj2YcF78/s1600/001+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODEX9aVwgI/AAAAAAAAApc/hVIbj2YcF78/s320/001+%252818%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After that, I took spray paint and sprayed the cross a pretty pink color, since Kayla had told me she wanted the cross to be pink and black. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can still see the imprint of the numbers, but not for long. </span></span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODEd0oRRAI/AAAAAAAAApk/lTQMjB696jA/s1600/007+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODEd0oRRAI/AAAAAAAAApk/lTQMjB696jA/s320/007+%25283%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After I painted the cross, I used my </span><a href="http://www.ohforscrappingsake.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Heritage Makers</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> program to make the name PRISSY and little saying for the cross. Yes, it is a little cheesy saying, but it is something that will be special for my friend Kayla. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODGwjBUq5I/AAAAAAAAApo/JTbAOdt-7vI/s1600/Prissy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODGwjBUq5I/AAAAAAAAApo/JTbAOdt-7vI/s320/Prissy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">After I printed the name and the saying, I got some zebra fabric and applied it to the cross to cover the imprint of the numbers, with Elmer's Spray Adhesive (which I was carded for at the dollar store, when I bought it). I then applied the name and the saying to the cross, wherever they looked good, along with little bling to the cross, just to make it girly and shiny. You do not want to add too much, but you want to add just enough. Make sure before you add too much, you step back and take a look at what you have. It really does help to not over do it.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODMBPsUqlI/AAAAAAAAAps/qyBILNUKv-k/s1600/001+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODMBPsUqlI/AAAAAAAAAps/qyBILNUKv-k/s320/001+%252820%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once you have the cross glued on how you want everything, it is time to put the top coat on. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For the top coat, I use Triple Thick. I like Triple Thick, because it is a clear, non-yellowing finish and it is more like acrylic than Modge Podge. You apply the first layer and then you have to let it dry. If you do not let the first layer dry, adding more layers will not do any good. I usually add enough layers to make it completely smooth. However, in this case you will want it to have a 3D effect, with the bling.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODEaignDDI/AAAAAAAAApg/j5HqhAYwaQg/s1600/002+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TODEaignDDI/AAAAAAAAApg/j5HqhAYwaQg/s320/002+%25289%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Once the Triple Thick is dry, you can then add ribbon to your cross, to hang it on the wall or a little bow. It is truly up to you. Like I said you can make it into whatever your imagination desires. This is just an example of what you can do, without spending a lot of money on supplies and without going overboard. Now the only thing I need to do is add the ribbon.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TOIO7V_z9jI/AAAAAAAAApw/mI_4E87YrtA/s1600/001+%252821%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TOIO7V_z9jI/AAAAAAAAApw/mI_4E87YrtA/s320/001+%252821%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Now that I added the ribbon to hang the cross on the wall, I step back and look at it. It is just what Kayla wanted. Remember, you could decorate the cross any way you want, just have fun with it and don't forget you can do this with anything that you want to change the appearance on.</span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TOM7g-XBG0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/7j5EgW6a54s/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mOXqSo6waJk/TOM7g-XBG0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/7j5EgW6a54s/s320/signature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Layne is a contributing author for Tools Are For Women Too. </b><br /><b>If you would like to join the team, just email Rory for the details.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><b>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-685298441364833251?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Alayna Howardnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-48076768423444880382010-11-20T07:05:00.004-05:002010-11-20T08:20:12.123-05:00In Support Of Our Troops - The Woodcraft Pen Project<div class="separator" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOU9nwNQ82I/AAAAAAAABdQ/BM74ZP_VVOU/s320/turn+4+troops+5.jpg" width="320" /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to write a post today about a charitable event I participated in last weekend. This one was a lot of fun and it was for a great cause, Our American soldiers overseas. It was sponsored by <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/">Woodcraft</a>, a company with over 80 retail stores nationwide.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This event was all about making some handmade wooden pens as Christmas gifts for our troops. Woodcraft supplied all the materials. All the volunteers had to do was show up and donate a few hours. Anyone that wanted to be a part of this was welcomed with open arms, regardless of their skill level. There was plenty to do. Not only did the wood have to be cut, it also had to be turned on the lathe, finished, assembled by hand, and then packaged. The picture at the top right shows 2 wooden blanks being turned on a lathe.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Several lathes were operating at the same time. Below is a shot of some of the activity, with a local student doing some pen assembly in the foreground.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVAxxh3OSI/AAAAAAAABdY/3eB4sl96W4k/s1600/turn+4+troops+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVAxxh3OSI/AAAAAAAABdY/3eB4sl96W4k/s400/turn+4+troops+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a close-up of her using a "pen-press" to put one of the pens together.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOU9z2fnuwI/AAAAAAAABdU/_W-63A6uPz8/s1600/turn+4+troops+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOU9z2fnuwI/AAAAAAAABdU/_W-63A6uPz8/s400/turn+4+troops+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Along with each pen someone made a hand-written note to say thank you to the soldier that was to receive it.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVClNDbRfI/AAAAAAAABdc/aRCsPeveCJs/s1600/turn+4+troops+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVClNDbRfI/AAAAAAAABdc/aRCsPeveCJs/s320/turn+4+troops+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The store I volunteered at was <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=560">Woodcraft Store #560</a>, in Greenville, South Carolina. All together our group made a total of 352 pens. I do not know the count of pens made nationwide at all the stores but up to this year, Woodcraft has helped out to tune of over 62,000 of them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here is one I made. I inlaid this particular one with tiny bits of turquoise gem stones. I used turquoise because it is sometimes thought to be a symbol of protection from negative energy. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVDQ-bCbkI/AAAAAAAABdg/mrDzsT8yv5Y/s1600/turn+4+troops+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVDQ-bCbkI/AAAAAAAABdg/mrDzsT8yv5Y/s400/turn+4+troops+7.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know how many of you have ever been in a Woodcraft store, but I would invite you to take a look. This is not a "big box" store. They are wood specialists who are friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you. They are also incredibly knowledgeable. Please stop by and thank them for the hard work they put into this pen project if you have time. We need more businesses like them.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVGgUSfzdI/AAAAAAAABdk/RVV9yElcaqE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOVGgUSfzdI/AAAAAAAABdk/RVV9yElcaqE/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Do you have a blog or store that needs a little jump-start? Just email me for ad rates and details.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-4807676842344488038?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-45927605072824032112010-11-19T07:05:00.003-05:002010-11-22T10:50:20.595-05:00How To Build A Snowman Out Of Rocks - By Stacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWC4g_a4LI/AAAAAAAADLE/OYQVm5rsb08/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWC4g_a4LI/AAAAAAAADLE/OYQVm5rsb08/s320/2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Hi! It is Stacy from <a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/">Not JUST A Housewife</a> again :) I love snowmen! They are so charming. They can be silly or traditional. I decided to make some out of rocks this year. I had everything on hand so it didn't cost me a thing. But even if you had to pick up these supplies, it isn't very costly.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I found some rocks in my back yard that were round(ish) and washed them up really well. Then I used some heavy duty epoxy to glue them together. I usually like to use Devcon High strength 5 minute epoxy but this Loctite worked well too. The Devcon brand was a little less stinky and set up quicker but the end result is the same.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCDzNF3kI/AAAAAAAADK0/UTPUkCkUPbM/s1600/1snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCDzNF3kI/AAAAAAAADK0/UTPUkCkUPbM/s320/1snow.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Next I used a polymer clay (I LOVE Sculpey) to make the hat and carrot nose. Once you bake it is is very hard. I have been using this stuff since I was about 6 years old and I love it. It comes in all sorts of colors too if you don't want to have to paint it. I just always have the basic clay on hand so that is what I used.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCO-JB32I/AAAAAAAADK4/OqE8xZEzDuI/s1600/2snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCO-JB32I/AAAAAAAADK4/OqE8xZEzDuI/s320/2snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCYe-wJCI/AAAAAAAADK8/URLGXi2J8_E/s1600/3snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCYe-wJCI/AAAAAAAADK8/URLGXi2J8_E/s320/3snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I painted the rocks all white before gluing the hat and carrot on. Paint a face, add some button and scarf and you are done! I decided to glue mine to a board even though he was pretty steady. I have 4 boys who "look with their hands" so I thought it would be better.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCc2yz1AI/AAAAAAAADLA/wuC5hogL0nA/s1600/4snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TOWCc2yz1AI/AAAAAAAADLA/wuC5hogL0nA/s320/4snow.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love that snowmen can stay out even past Christmas. They are a winter decoration so they last longer :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Thanks!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-4592760507282403211?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-81177173627154958652010-11-17T22:05:00.001-05:002010-11-17T22:05:00.746-05:00Link Party Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOSQuCWL6ZI/AAAAAAAABdI/CmzLtbRGYbI/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOSQuCWL6ZI/AAAAAAAABdI/CmzLtbRGYbI/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the rules for this weeks party.......</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Have as much fun as possible.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Visit a couple of the other participants sites.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Become a follower if you are not one already. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Post as many links as you want. Blog buttons, Etsy Store Items, Tutorial Links, and that picture of your son or daughter on Santa's lap are perfectly acceptable. I am still waiting to see the first picture this year of a pet with reindeer ears on, so let's get with it! Link, link, link!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOST-R7dgxI/AAAAAAAABdM/rkklVQyqO9c/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOST-R7dgxI/AAAAAAAABdM/rkklVQyqO9c/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=24283"></script></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Tools Team is growing. If you would like to be a part of the fun around here, just email me.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-8117717362715495865?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-56967239752713486702010-11-17T07:05:00.008-05:002010-11-17T07:52:04.918-05:00Review JudiKins Diamond Glaze<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMZnskfFqI/AAAAAAAAAUY/QTb5MsN6q3k/s1600/diamond%2Bglaze.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540300136365627042" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMZnskfFqI/AAAAAAAAAUY/QTb5MsN6q3k/s400/diamond%2Bglaze.jpg" style="display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you are all having a great week and a great humpday! This is Brooke from </span><a href="http://sunsetandvine.etsy.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine Jewelry</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and I will be doing my first product review for Tools are for Women Too! JudiKins Diamond Glaze is a product that I have used for jewelry designs as well as various crafting projects.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMaUjNth1I/AAAAAAAAAUg/eNv7VonL-a0/s1600/jewelry%2B27%2B006.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540300906948298578" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMaUjNth1I/AAAAAAAAAUg/eNv7VonL-a0/s400/jewelry%2B27%2B006.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This product is fun and easy to use and I enjoy the results that are achieved when the glaze is used properly. I have used this glaze to make magnets, pendants and charms for jewelry. For best results I would suggest applying the glaze in thin layers and allowing one layer to dry at a time. This product also has a tendency to get air bubbles and you will need to make sure that they are removed before the glaze dries. The best way to remove the bubbles is to take a small paint brush or tooth pick and tap out the bubbles. Another tip is to ensure you are applying the product in an even coat over the surface and that it doesn't spill over the edges of the pendant or whatever tray you are filling. When following these simple directions you should achieve the desired results and I am sure you will be pleased with the glaze.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">JudiKins Diamond Glaze is a water based dimensional adhesive that when dry creates a raised glass-like finish. This product can be used to make personalized items of your choosing by taking your own image and covering it with the glaze. The glaze can be mixed with small amounts of dye ink to create custom colors and it is also a great adhesive for gluing beads and glitter to paper. You can find pendant, charm, and magnet frames for glazes at many of your local bead stores as well as Etsy and internet beading suppliers.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMa6HpkfoI/AAAAAAAAAUo/f0iuFtDslBs/s1600/jewelry%2B9%2B022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540301552383983234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMa6HpkfoI/AAAAAAAAAUo/f0iuFtDslBs/s400/jewelry%2B9%2B022.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 323px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Overall this product delivers on its promise. It gives you a great raised glass finish and is easy to use. First time users will be very happy with the results. It is also safe and easy to clean up so you can have the kids join in on the fun. This product gives you a wide variety of options to create something personal and unique. If you are looking for crystal clear image quality you will probably be slightly disappointed and I would suggest you try the more time consuming resins.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am giving JudiKins Diamond Glaze 5 out of 5 Hardhats. Have fun on your next project and I hope this review helped!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMZIO2R7iI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/x1nB_gE-DhA/s1600/5%2Bhardhats.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540299595811253794" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMZIO2R7iI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/x1nB_gE-DhA/s400/5%2Bhardhats.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 33px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMbQ-r13LI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HE4b1QaqMmU/s1600/signature.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540301945114582194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TOMbQ-r13LI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HE4b1QaqMmU/s400/signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 56px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Do you have a tool or product that needs to be reviewed or featured? Just email Rory for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5696723975271348670?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-58148505527124019202010-11-15T22:01:00.001-05:002010-11-15T22:12:38.421-05:00Review SawStop Table Saw 1.75hp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TN1tgXwSJAI/AAAAAAAABcs/H1EWN-ld3rc/s1600/sawstop+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TN1tgXwSJAI/AAAAAAAABcs/H1EWN-ld3rc/s320/sawstop+1.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I know that there are alot of new DIYers out there who are just coming into their own with the whole woodworking thing. If you are one of these people, this review is especiallyfor you.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">At the heart of any serious shop is usually a good table saw. If you are new to using one, there are some deserved fears you are probably experiencing every time you reach for the on switch. The idea of a razor sharp blade spinning at incredible speed within inches of your fingers is enough to make a person wince just thinking about it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But, here is a saw that is designed to make you wince a little less. It is made by <a href="http://www.sawstop.com/">SawStop</a>. This gem of a saw has a built-in feature that automatically detects when a persons skin comes in contact with the blade. It is designed in such a way that when you touch the blade while the saw is running, the blade stops in about 5/1,000th of a second. At the same time the blade drops below the table, unable to cause further injury.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have seen this saw in action, (using a hot dog instead of my finger). It performs flawlessly. The hotdog we used suffered a mere scratch that was not even immediately detectable. Amazing to say the least. As far as I know SawStop is the only table saw maker around that has this kind of feature available.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">There is a drawback though. Once the mechanism is triggered, you will need to replace the activation cartridge and possibly the blade. The cartridge cost is around $75. Hmmm...$75 verses a finger? Seemed like a fair deal to me.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a short video of a hotdog risking itself for the sake of your fingers. Take a look. It's impressive.</span><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/esnQwVZOrUU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/esnQwVZOrUU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you aren't convinced to buy this saw after seeing the video, consider this. It's a pleasure to use and it cuts like a dream. The model being reviewed operates on 110 volts so there is no need to run special wiring and the "T" style fence is smooth and accurate. It has plenty of power for most jobs and features a cast iron table top. It is a heavy-duty, quality machine, that may be the last table saw you ever need to buy. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My friends at <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=560">Woodcraft in Greenville, South Carolina</a> ,were kind enough to let me use a version of this saw and ruin a hotdog or two. If you would like more information, prices, and where you can pick one of these saws up, <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/">click here</a>. There are various features available including a larger 3hp bruiser that runs on 220. Check it out.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As far as giving this one a rating, I cannot find a reason to give it anything other that 5 pink hardhats out of 5. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TN117HFrNeI/AAAAAAAABcw/8WzQOxNm1ZI/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TN117HFrNeI/AAAAAAAABcw/8WzQOxNm1ZI/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Have fun and be safe.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TN12UDZ_T1I/AAAAAAAABc0/TBxRXUuPKVQ/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TN12UDZ_T1I/AAAAAAAABc0/TBxRXUuPKVQ/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Does your company need a product featured or reviewed? I can be emailed at <br /><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com">toolsr4women2@gmail.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5814850552712401920?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-75431513014765579732010-11-14T18:07:00.000-05:002010-11-14T18:07:54.877-05:00Link Party Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOBo-2gAEwI/AAAAAAAABc4/Hp1IjelF63M/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOBo-2gAEwI/AAAAAAAABc4/Hp1IjelF63M/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here go again! Post those links and have some fun!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this week's rules.....</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you aren't one.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Grab a button or link back somehow. Any way you do it is fine.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Post as many links as you want. Anything goes. Blog buttons, Etsy store items, or a picture of your favorite American Veteran. It's all good. Go ahead and link like crazy!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4,) Try and visit a few of the other links and leave a nice comment if you can.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOBqRcWB5DI/AAAAAAAABc8/-W-3x3xa8ic/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TOBqRcWB5DI/AAAAAAAABc8/-W-3x3xa8ic/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=23837"></script><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Do you have a product that you need reviewed? Do you have an online store that needs a little push? Would you like to be a part of the "Tools Team". Just email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-7543151301476557973?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-81555273141384908432010-11-13T07:05:00.003-05:002010-11-13T07:05:00.687-05:00Jet JWL 1220 Lathe Tool Review by Rory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNwwTP9fabI/AAAAAAAABcc/bD07lPkfc5Y/s1600/jet+1220+lathe.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNwwTP9fabI/AAAAAAAABcc/bD07lPkfc5Y/s200/jet+1220+lathe.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I thought it was about time I wrote a review about the Jet JWL 1220 Wood Lathe. I bought my<a href="http://www.jettools.com/us/manufacturing/en/home.html"> Jet</a> about a year ago at <a href="http://www.woodcraft.com/">Woodcraft</a>. ( Yep!, I actually own one.) As a professional woodworker I use it a lot. By a lot I mean I turned over 200 candle sticks with it the first month I used it. Since then I have turned 100 or so bangle bracelets, wooden pens, chair spindles and goblets. This machine is fun, addictive, and easy to use.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Jet JWL 1220 will turn a 12" in diameter project up to 20 inches long. There is also an available bed extension to make even long projects if you need to. It is powered by a 3/4 horse motor and is belt driven. In order to change speeds on this model you need to move the belt manually from one pulley to another. But, Jet makes changing belt positions fast and easy, and I don't mind doing it at all. Jet does make a variable speed model, but I didn't want to fork over the extra money at the time. I have no regrets about not buying the variable speed version. This one works fine for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The construction is nearly all cast iron. I really like that in a lathe. Plastic doesn't really cut it for me, and this lathe has very little of that going on. It comes with 2 tools rests, a live center, a spur drive, and a small face plate. It also comes with an attached bendable light, however the light is less than impressive. It is not long enough to look inside a bowl while you are turning it and the light does not want to stay in place at times.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But you can forget about <em>everything</em> I have told you so far, because this next feature blew me away.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It's a feature called "customer service". </span><span style="font-size: large;">After using this lathe for a few hundred hours, it broke. I can't really say I blame it. Any tool put through the paces like I have done with this one is bound to give up sooner or later. It wasn't a major breakdown though. It was just a capacitor on the side of the motor that failed. No big deal. But here is the amazing part. When I called Jet Customer Service, I had the pleasure of getting through right away. I was not put on hold. I talked to a real live person who was familiar with the product. The person spoke in a language that I could understand, and get this..............</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I made the call on a Thursday afternoon at 2pm and the replacement part was on my doorstep the next morning by 10am! The fix took 5 minutes and I was back in project mode immediately. Jaw-dropping customer service. I was stunned.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about everyone else, but to me service and product support is a huge deal. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I highly recommend the Jet JWL 1220 Lathe and give it 5 pink hardhats out of a possible 5. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNw9xvncASI/AAAAAAAABcg/4onGH5t0n0k/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNw9xvncASI/AAAAAAAABcg/4onGH5t0n0k/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Gotta love it!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNw99Tp8wJI/AAAAAAAABck/R9oR-UeHHQ8/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNw99Tp8wJI/AAAAAAAABck/R9oR-UeHHQ8/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I am looking for contributing writers who can write product reviews like this one. If you would like to be a part of the Tools Are For Women Too Team, you can email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-8155527314138490843?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-49797327565526518262010-11-12T08:58:00.000-05:002010-11-12T08:58:20.743-05:00Let me introduce myself! - Stacy Risenmay<span style="font-size: large;">Rory asked me to do a post introducing myself and it is probably about time! All of a sudden this person starts posting on Rory's blog and I am sure you are thinking "Who is she and why is she here?" I never know how much about myself to divulge. Too little and it is vague. Too much and well, its overwhelming! So I will try to find a happy medium.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I grew up in the country and we were poor, only I didn't know we were poor. My dad was a milk man and my mom stayed at home. We had horses and other animals and to a tom boy like me it was paradise. I have always preferred to be outside. I love to work hard and get dirty. I love fishing, hiking, camping, gardening, and pretty much anything outdoors. I also love to build and refinish furniture. It started when I was about 5. I would sit in my dad's wood pile and hammer and saw to my hearts content. I of course took the tools from my dad's shed with out asking. Who would let their 5 year old have a saw? But I loved it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I grew up and went to college where I met my husband. I knew right away I wanted to marry him. Problem was, so did every other female student! But I got him in the end :) My husband is the best assistant and doesn't get offended when the kids call the tools "mommy's tools".</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We have four beautiful children. All boys. And I love it.They are amazing and teach me some of life's greatest lessons (like PATIENCE!). I hope to teach them to be kind and accepting of others, to love learning, to love themselves, and to love God. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtnBhB5LGI/AAAAAAAADHI/gRG_0KY8dFo/s1600/IMG_9731+copy_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtnBhB5LGI/AAAAAAAADHI/gRG_0KY8dFo/s400/IMG_9731+copy_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtna3U653I/AAAAAAAADHM/B7z5_ZORbXM/s1600/all2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtna3U653I/AAAAAAAADHM/B7z5_ZORbXM/s400/all2_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">No. I can't get one single picture where they all look at the camera and smile "normal". But I love it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My husband and I got married relatively young. I was done with school but he had a few more years left to become an architect. We had kids right away so we were pretty poor. I loved being creative with decorating on a teeny, tiny, almost not there budget. This is when I started building furniture. I even sold some to help us in tough times.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to my projects, I almost always bite off more than I can chew. And I always think I can get it done sooner than I really can. At any given point I will have at least 3 projects in the works. My husband can't understand why I can't finish one before I start a new one and to be honest, I don't understand it either! I am not an expert by any means, in anything I do, but I am willing to share what I have learned with others because so many have been willing to teach me. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the things I have built for our home.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This red cabinet has shelves and holds our movies on the top shelves and blankets are in the bottom. And it is "antiqued" because I love things that look worn and old. I also build another just like this but it is blue and in the boys' room. I didn't antique that one. I do show restraint SOMETIMES:)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtnuUX4-II/AAAAAAAADHQ/9GBztKxFoz8/s1600/house1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtnuUX4-II/AAAAAAAADHQ/9GBztKxFoz8/s320/house1.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is actually the first thing I built and I didn't have any power tools. I wanted something that looked like an old shipping crate. It holds our board games.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtn3emlfLI/AAAAAAAADHU/CC6xqaRg8DQ/s1600/house2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtn3emlfLI/AAAAAAAADHU/CC6xqaRg8DQ/s320/house2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I built shutters for this nook in our house and painted it to look like a window. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtoDxmoqHI/AAAAAAAADHY/E4Aztg5Ee28/s1600/house7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtoDxmoqHI/AAAAAAAADHY/E4Aztg5Ee28/s320/house7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtoTWfEp3I/AAAAAAAADHc/Mmvp06az7bI/s1600/Copy+%25282%2529+of+house3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtoTWfEp3I/AAAAAAAADHc/Mmvp06az7bI/s320/Copy+%25282%2529+of+house3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I built this clock to hide an ugly power box. It slid right over it. And yep. It's antiqued.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtof3T9HNI/AAAAAAAADHg/2lEl2Tsk5Ok/s1600/Copy+%25282%2529+of+house1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtof3T9HNI/AAAAAAAADHg/2lEl2Tsk5Ok/s320/Copy+%25282%2529+of+house1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have made lots of different shelves. I love "floating" shelves the best.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love to paint. My baby's nursery is decorated in monkeys so I painted one on the wall.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtpS8FxwKI/AAAAAAAADHk/GDXyUfKui7E/s1600/IMG_7135redo_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtpS8FxwKI/AAAAAAAADHk/GDXyUfKui7E/s320/IMG_7135redo_edited-1.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">After a trip to California Adventure's Bugs Life park, my boys wanted a room where they felt like a bug. I used the head and foot boards plus the ladder from an existing bunk bed and built the rest. The bottom has a piano hinge so that it lifts up and a trundle bed can be pulled out.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtpaxUOXTI/AAAAAAAADHo/oZ96n2j8G1U/s1600/IMG_7205redo_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNtpaxUOXTI/AAAAAAAADHo/oZ96n2j8G1U/s400/IMG_7205redo_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also love to read. "How to" articles, cheesy romance novels and everything in between.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I love to try new things. Last year I even learned how to make cheese! Next on my list is welding. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I am always up for trying new things and I love to challenge myself. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I started my blog 2 months ago. Actually I started 2 new blogs 2 months ago. </span><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://creativebirthdaypartyideas.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">The Birthday Blog</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. My husband was laid off due to the economy and I took advantage of this time with him home to do what I love. I will be opening up an ETSY store soon too. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whew! I guess that this was a little on the "too much info" side. Like I said, I never know what to say and what to leave out. I hope you will visit and I can get to know a little about you! That has been my favorite part of blogging. I love the emails and comments. Thanks for letting me share!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Stacy is one of the new team members for TAFWT. If you would also like to be a part of the fun, just email Rory for the details.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com">toolsr4women2@gmail.com</a> </strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-4979732756552651826?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-27533997451718132602010-11-10T22:26:00.000-05:002010-11-10T22:26:44.622-05:00Link Party Time and A Question For You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNtWG40BUQI/AAAAAAAABcU/vqnl5OtWUmE/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNtWG40BUQI/AAAAAAAABcU/vqnl5OtWUmE/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I know that many of you out there love these link parties and I am always glad to throw them for you. I have tried to make them some of the best parties out there by doing things like making the thumbnails pics larger than most, allowing a lengthy description of your link, having 2 parties per week so that there is always one going on here, and allowing everyone to participate and post an unlimited number of links.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the question.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Have I missed anything? Is there something else that you as readers and followers would like to see improved? How can I make Tools parties the very best on the net? Or do I just need to leave them as is?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Do me a favor and leave a comment. Let me know what you think. All feedback is good feedback, so don't be bashful. I want to hear what you all have to say....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this weeks party rules.........</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Leave a comment if you have time, about how to make the parties better.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Please become a follower if you aren't one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Everyone is welcome as always. Post as many links as you want. No limits. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Examples of allowable thumbnails are things like blog buttons, projects, Etsy store items, or that special Christmas photo you are were in when big hair and leisure suits were still popular. It's all good. Link 'em up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNtc6ahWANI/AAAAAAAABcY/mSd13D-p9w0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNtc6ahWANI/AAAAAAAABcY/mSd13D-p9w0/s1600/rory+signature%255B1%255D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=23444"></script><br /><br /><br /><strong>I am still looking for a few more contributing authors, who want to be a part of the "Tools" team. Feel free to email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-2753399745171813260?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-61714965369493669512010-11-09T07:05:00.002-05:002010-11-09T19:58:57.725-05:00Introducing Stacy Risenmay - Contributing Author <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNiK17kAS6I/AAAAAAAABcM/YiNqa689jg4/s1600/Stacy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; height: 248px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 229px;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNiK17kAS6I/AAAAAAAABcM/YiNqa689jg4/s200/Stacy.bmp" width="141" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-size: large;">I would like to introduce everyone to our newest member of the Tools Are For Women Too team, Stacy Risenmay. In addition to writing for TAFWT, she also is a wife, a mom of 4 boys, writes her own blog called <a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/">Not JUST A Housewife</a>, and somehow manages time to tackle more than her share of DIY projects. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Stacy loves to refinish and build furniture, roam home improvement stores, and take on new DIY challenges. I was pretty excited when Stacy agreed to come on board and be part of the team. I think she is going to have a lot of expertise to share. Her specialty here will be writing tutorials, product reviews, and some other fun stuff. If you didn't get a chance to read Stacy's last post about Minwax Gel Stain, <a href="http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/2010/11/minwax-gel-stain-review.html">click here</a>. Gel type stains are still fairly new out there and she is a real pro at it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have no doubt that Stacy is going to be a valuable new member of the "Tools" team. Please welcome her by leaving a comment and visiting her site, <a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/">Not JUST A Housewife</a>.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Welcome Stacy!</strong></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNiR5uNKj4I/AAAAAAAABcQ/kTfSNeAxR44/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNiR5uNKj4I/AAAAAAAABcQ/kTfSNeAxR44/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I am still looking for a couple more team members. Feel free to email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6171496536949366951?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-20865969303247687202010-11-07T21:35:00.000-05:002010-11-07T21:35:33.276-05:00Link Party Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNdbw7Q-9AI/AAAAAAAABcE/lD3IpuT6V1I/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNdbw7Q-9AI/AAAAAAAABcE/lD3IpuT6V1I/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine a link party that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and welcomes every buyer, seller, blogger, and smiling face on the net. I am not sure how many of you realize it, but that's kind of the way I have it set up on Tools Are For Women Too. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Monday party ends on Wednesday at midnight and then the Thursday party starts up and goes until Sunday. So no matter what day it is there is a party going on here. Pretty neat, huh? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are the rules to this weeks link soiree.....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Everyone is welcome.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Post as many links as you want. No limit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Buttons, store items, post links, and projects of all kinds are all good. Feel free to link, link, link.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Please pass the word along about the party and invite a few friends to be a part of it. Write a post, link back, grab a button, send an email, or pass a note to the woman next to in your meeting at work about the party. However you want to promote it is fine. It's all good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) As always, have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNdglc8rXMI/AAAAAAAABcI/-SubCuLWGE4/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNdglc8rXMI/AAAAAAAABcI/-SubCuLWGE4/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=23063"></script><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Does your blog need a little help getting off the ground? Feel free to email me for inexpensive ad rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-2086596930324768720?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-28275660329345909132010-11-05T10:01:00.000-04:002010-11-05T10:01:06.671-04:00Minwax Gel Stain Review<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNN9tDiWTzI/AAAAAAAADF8/VJrLu5mmGgs/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNN9tDiWTzI/AAAAAAAADF8/VJrLu5mmGgs/s320/IMG_1362.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Friday! It's Stacy from </span><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> here and I will be doing the first product review on Tools are for Women too! </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I first need to say that my camera broke today :( My eight month old grabbed the camera strap and it fell down. Luckily it didn't hit my baby, but it did hit the hardwood floor. So I dug around my picture file and found some old photos for today. I apologize that they are not as clear as I would like.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">OK. On to the review!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really like this product. The first time I used it was 3 years ago. I would recommend practicing on some scrap wood first since it has a different consistency than regular stain. And I would use a foam brush so that you don't get lines from bristles. My favorite color, which I used for the projects I will show today, is Minwax Gel Stain Walnut 606. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is great for projects where you don't want to sand or strip off the old stain. You can even use this on fiberglass and metal!!!! I know of several people who used this to reface their kitchen cupboards with really good results. Here are two of the things I used the gel stain for.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the bead board in my bathroom before I used the Gel Stain. It had a nice beachy feel with the whitewash but it didn't fit the rest of my house.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNN-qXOK4nI/AAAAAAAADGE/HbmsK43jGOo/s1600/IMG_6731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNN-qXOK4nI/AAAAAAAADGE/HbmsK43jGOo/s320/IMG_6731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I LOOOOVE how it turned out. Suddenly my bathroom looks more expensive! I did two coats. It is very important to wait the full 8 hours (more if it is humid) before applying the second coat. I am impatient and learned the hard way. The first coat will come off when you try to put on an additional coat if you DON"T wait.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNN-RlWOSLI/AAAAAAAADGA/-HfqhmB8FK4/s1600/IMG_7182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNN-RlWOSLI/AAAAAAAADGA/-HfqhmB8FK4/s320/IMG_7182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next project I will show you is my dad's old desk. It used to be in his office and I have a lot of fond memories of it. This was the first thing I used gel stain on. I wish I had a better picture because it was really banged up with lots of water marks. Normally I would have stripped it or sanded it down but I had been wanting to try Minwax's Gel Stain so I tried it on this. I tested it out on a place you couldn't see just in case. But it was beautiful!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNOBu6rdleI/AAAAAAAADGI/1ge8Bc9DzcM/s1600/deskbeforegelstain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNOBu6rdleI/AAAAAAAADGI/1ge8Bc9DzcM/s320/deskbeforegelstain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am embarrassed to show you this <em>after</em> picture because it does not do the desk justice! And it is killing me because the desk is right here next to me in my office in all its glory and I can't take a picture. This picture was taken a few years ago before I got a nice camera and I was trying to take a picture of my office and not necessarily of the desk. But trust me, it looks great!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNOCHEPIVlI/AAAAAAAADGM/j8_mRFj7JVo/s1600/houseandsandbox+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNOCHEPIVlI/AAAAAAAADGM/j8_mRFj7JVo/s400/houseandsandbox+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I am giving this product 5 out of 5 Hardhats with the side note that it works great as long as you follow the directions correctly. Good luck on your next project!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNOGozqQvGI/AAAAAAAADGQ/HSyoENSwdHs/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TNOGozqQvGI/AAAAAAAADGQ/HSyoENSwdHs/s1600/5+hardhats.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Stacy is a contributing writer and a part of the Tools Are For Women Too Team. Please visit her site and say hello.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><strong>http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/</strong></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-2827566032934590913?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-74284399420790474142010-11-04T08:41:00.000-04:002010-11-04T08:41:20.254-04:00Another Link Party and A Question For All Of You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNKiZQAmk9I/AAAAAAAABb8/-aFr6e8P4GQ/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNKiZQAmk9I/AAAAAAAABb8/-aFr6e8P4GQ/s1600/button.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you all for joining in the parties on Mondays and Thursdays. I love seeing all the projects and links. Today's party is another one of those "anything goes" soirees, but before I start the party I wanted to make a little announcement....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Along with continuing the parties, Tools Are for Women Too will be doing some more product reviews. The reviews will not be limited to the kinds of tools that create sawdust, although there will be some of those. Products might include tools for the kitchen, jewelry making supplies, and things for scrappers, quilters, and doll makers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tools Are For Women Too will also be using our own special rating system. Stay tuned for what we are using. It is kind of fun.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So now that I have told you about the Tool Team plans for doing reviews, I have a couple questions......</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Are there any specific products that you would like to see reviewed? Let us know and we will try to look into it for you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Are you the kind of blogger that would like to write product reviews and be a part of our team? Email me at <a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com">toolsr4women2@gmail.com</a> if you would like more information.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's all I have in the way of announcements. Now let's get on with the party.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are this week's rules.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Post as many thumbnails as your heart desires. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Become a follower if you aren't one already.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Everyone is welcome, including sellers and non-sellers. The more, the merrier.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">4.) You can post pretty much whatever you want. Blog buttons, projects, tutorial links, store items, and pictures of you in your prom dress are all good. Let's see 'em!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. As always, have fun. It's a rule.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNKorXV0msI/AAAAAAAABcA/hm6VEgg3IcM/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TNKorXV0msI/AAAAAAAABcA/hm6VEgg3IcM/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=22661"></script></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Does you or your company have a product that you need reviewed? Just email me for details.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-7428439942079047414?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-52727155431374934592010-11-02T23:44:00.000-04:002010-11-02T23:44:28.350-04:00How To Wirewrap A Briolette - A Tutorial By Brooke<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDLh4UbTLI/AAAAAAAAAUI/hF3Q1qFeZgQ/s1600/signature.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDJuWiZJPI/AAAAAAAAAUA/D32Is_ypIQk/s1600/Halloween+011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535145740199339250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDJuWiZJPI/AAAAAAAAAUA/D32Is_ypIQk/s400/Halloween+011.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 389px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite techniques in jewelry design is the wire wrapped briolette. There are various ways to wrap a briolette and if you search the topic on Google or Etsy you are bound to find a multitude of styles. I prefer to wrap the wire down the sides of the briolette and if you take a look at my store, </span><a href="http://sunsetandvine.etsy.com/" style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> on Etsy, you will see some examples. This technique may look intimidating but all you need to complete your own perfect wrapped briolette are your own fingers, round nosed pliers, wire cutters, 26 gauge wire and a beautiful briolette.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDGn1HQgWI/AAAAAAAAAS4/DSOVgKNMRFs/s1600/Halloween+002.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535142329613058402" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDGn1HQgWI/AAAAAAAAAS4/DSOVgKNMRFs/s400/Halloween+002.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 337px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The first step is to take your briolette and put the wire (8 inches) through the briolette until about an inch extends on the left side and the rest of your wire is on the right side.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDG2hGqEEI/AAAAAAAAATA/9PJK4zZJlVc/s1600/Halloween+003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535142581939867714" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDG2hGqEEI/AAAAAAAAATA/9PJK4zZJlVc/s400/Halloween+003.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Then you will want to take both sides of your wire and cross them above your briolette to make an X, then continue to form a right angle with the pieces of wire and wrap the bottom piece of wire around the piece of wire that is pointing straight up two or three times.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDHSYlV19I/AAAAAAAAATI/Mmr0L7mQd6I/s1600/Halloween+005.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535143060688984018" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDHSYlV19I/AAAAAAAAATI/Mmr0L7mQd6I/s400/Halloween+005.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 314px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now you will want to take your wire cutters and trim the piece of wire that is being wrapped and tuck in any excess wire.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDHnPfzQaI/AAAAAAAAATQ/FJ9qpLh1uxg/s1600/Halloween+006.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535143419027079586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDHnPfzQaI/AAAAAAAAATQ/FJ9qpLh1uxg/s400/Halloween+006.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 345px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Finally you will take the top piece of wire and your round nose pliers and make a round loop. With the excess wire begin wrapping down and around the wire until you reach the briolette and wrap until you are satisfied. You can push the end of the wire against the briolette or tuck it into the briolette hole. Some people also wrap the wire back up to the top of the round loop and tuck it in there.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDIWeFuTYI/AAAAAAAAATg/1lqI76RLkIo/s1600/Halloween+008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535144230398086530" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDIWeFuTYI/AAAAAAAAATg/1lqI76RLkIo/s400/Halloween+008.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDI8leoUuI/AAAAAAAAATw/a_0aGVyZXkI/s1600/Halloween+009.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535144885216629474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDI8leoUuI/AAAAAAAAATw/a_0aGVyZXkI/s400/Halloween+009.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDJWYIFwrI/AAAAAAAAAT4/zaWDpVp828k/s1600/Halloween+010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535145328309027506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDJWYIFwrI/AAAAAAAAAT4/zaWDpVp828k/s400/Halloween+010.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 385px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Tips:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Practice with copper wire and glass briolettes until you get familiar with techniques so you don't waste valuable sterling silver wire.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">You can use thicker gauged wires but typically gemstones don't have thick enough drill holes to allow for anything larger than 26 gauge.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">If you want a thicker look with gemstone briolettes try doubling your 26 or 28 gauge wire to two pieces.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">You can also wrap your briolette and then wrap back to the top for a thicker, messier more rustic look.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Wrapping briolettes is something that can take time to polish but you will be able to accomplish this your first go round. Keep working on your personal style and make it your own. Add clusters to the top or make a swirl at the bottom of your wrap. Whatever you choose to do have a good time!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDLh4UbTLI/AAAAAAAAAUI/hF3Q1qFeZgQ/s1600/signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535147724952521906" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TNDLh4UbTLI/AAAAAAAAAUI/hF3Q1qFeZgQ/s400/signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 56px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5272715543137493459?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-89427304203456905142010-11-01T00:07:00.000-04:002010-11-01T00:07:13.699-04:00Link Party Time! - Sponsored By CSN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TM43YDWiMAI/AAAAAAAABbs/wc7q7wdk238/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TM43YDWiMAI/AAAAAAAABbs/wc7q7wdk238/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This weeks link party has been generously sponsored by CSN. If you have not shopped at CSN please give them a try. They carry eveything from <a href="http://www.allbarstools.com/">kitchen bar stools</a> to cordless drills. I recently ordered some kitchenware from CSN and was very pleased with the entire transaction. I think you will be too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are this weeks link party rules.....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you are not one already. Feel free to grab a button while you are at it,if you feel like you want one. No pressure here, but all the cool people are doing it these days.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Everyone is welcome to participate. Jump on in there!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) No limit on how many items you can post. Take advantage of it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Link parties are all about linking, so try to visit a few of the other blogs and link, link, link. While you are at it, be sure to link to the party somehow. It's success depends on it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have an incredible amount of fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TM47O-Q6LsI/AAAAAAAABbw/IydbhNb9IQQ/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TM47O-Q6LsI/AAAAAAAABbw/IydbhNb9IQQ/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=22185"></script><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to sponsor a link party or have a feature post written about your blog or online store? Just email me for rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-8942730420345690514?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-71499382281470395542010-10-29T07:02:00.001-04:002010-10-29T07:02:00.174-04:00Transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving Decor - By Stacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TMhN5l3ObZI/AAAAAAAADBI/em7Eqw8lzKs/s1600/nosew4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TMhN5l3ObZI/AAAAAAAADBI/em7Eqw8lzKs/s320/nosew4.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Halloween is my least favorite Holiday. I am not one for all the gore. But I have 4 boys. So to humor them I do put out some Frankensteins, skeletons, spiders, bats and things like that. The majority of what I decorate with is pumpkins and fall leaves. It goes up for Halloween and can <em>stay up</em> for Thanksgiving. Here are some of the pumpkins that I have. There is a tutorial for this </span><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-no-sew-pumpkin.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Toilet Paper Pumpkin</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> on my blog. Yep. There's toilet paper inside! It is EASY. And there is no sewing involved which makes me happy :)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKpR4pZuVrI/AAAAAAAAC4w/0R9etlPwwxw/s1600/papermachepumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKpR4pZuVrI/AAAAAAAAC4w/0R9etlPwwxw/s320/papermachepumpkins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> These Paper Mache Pumpkins were a fun family project. You can read more about them </span><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/10/paper-mache-pumpkins.html"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/THqKDwTrsRI/AAAAAAAACSQ/dHPVNGsd2Pg/s1600/redo1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/THqKDwTrsRI/AAAAAAAACSQ/dHPVNGsd2Pg/s320/redo1_edited-1.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I "scratch" pumpkins with words and pictures when they start to turn orange in my garden. They naturally scar over and it looks really neat. You can see more examples </span><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/08/different-was-to-carve-pumpkin.html"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Fall!!!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Stacy is a contributing writer and part of the team here at Tools Are For Women Too. If you would like to be a team member as well, you can email Rory for details at....</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-7149938228147039554?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-77411180631251365582010-10-28T09:18:00.000-04:002010-10-28T09:18:57.083-04:00The Halloween And Other Fun Stuff Link Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMl0LOTJNtI/AAAAAAAABbk/GnOBwi8GW6Y/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMl0LOTJNtI/AAAAAAAABbk/GnOBwi8GW6Y/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Okay!, Let's see em! This is the last link party before Halloween, so let us in on what you are doing to have fun this week. We all want a look at your costumes, jack-o-lanterns, recipes, and anything else you want to share. Hmmm...Any pet Halloween costumes this year?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you don't have a Halloween item to share, no worries. This party is open to everyone, as usual. You can post your blog button, Etsy Store Item, tutorial, or even a pic of your smiling face. Practically no rules. Just have fun and link like the wild party animals that I know you all are.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMl3DiGprEI/AAAAAAAABbo/N2T3VhtYQR4/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMl3DiGprEI/AAAAAAAABbo/N2T3VhtYQR4/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=21727"></script><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to give your blog a little push? Just email me for ad rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-7741118063125136558?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-57592387182555680382010-10-24T19:43:00.000-04:002010-10-24T19:43:16.324-04:00The 50 Something Link Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMTAxg0C8wI/AAAAAAAABbc/gsIkIERObSU/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMTAxg0C8wI/AAAAAAAABbc/gsIkIERObSU/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Tools Are For Women Too has now thrown over 50 link parties and I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of them. One of the parties reached 700+ thumbnails and it has been a pleasure for me to put them together for all of you. Please help me celebrate reaching the 50 party mark by inviting your friends and readers to participate. I would love to have them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are the rules for this week's party....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) The more the merrier. Everyone is welcome, including online sellers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Post as many items as you want. No limit. Variety is the spice of life. Post buttons, projects, tutorial links, whatever you want. It's all good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Please become a follower if you aren't one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Do me a favor if you can and link back to the party somehow. Any way you do it is fine. Not picky here. Grab a button, mention the party in a post, start a forum thread, or thrill your neighbors by knocking on their door tonight and letting them know about it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMTD6XqhLaI/AAAAAAAABbg/OX4if8wVsqU/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TMTD6XqhLaI/AAAAAAAABbg/OX4if8wVsqU/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=21313"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Don't forget about The Pink Hardhat Forum. It's free to join. Questions? Just email me.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5759238718255568038?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-53462295910124467362010-10-22T07:10:00.000-04:002010-10-22T07:10:44.480-04:00How To Refinish Furniture - The Desk Project by Stacy<span style="font-size: large;">Hi! Its me Stacy from </span><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">! I love building and refinishing furniture! It all started when I was a newly wed and received a ton of hand-me-down furniture from family and friends. Most people probably would have left it "as is" until they could afford new things. But not me. I wanted them to look nice and match <em>right then</em> ( I don't have a whole lot of patience). So I figured out how to fix them up. I still have almost all of that furniture and some are my favorite pieces even though I have lots of new things too. </span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I am going to show you how I refinished an old desk that has been collecting dust in my mom's barn for <strong>years</strong>! The first picture is the <em>before</em> before.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAA7e66OI/AAAAAAAAC-U/IIcmxYCb02k/s1600/junk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAA7e66OI/AAAAAAAAC-U/IIcmxYCb02k/s400/junk3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAZ7IQW1I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/x0B7m_W24-Q/s1600/desk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAZ7IQW1I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/x0B7m_W24-Q/s400/desk2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And here it is all cleaned up. The before picture :) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAzZj_qhI/AAAAAAAAC-c/Lph6QX4iq2w/s1600/2redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAzZj_qhI/AAAAAAAAC-c/Lph6QX4iq2w/s400/2redo.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 330px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1004px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAzZj_qhI/AAAAAAAAC-c/Lph6QX4iq2w/s1600/2redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuAzZj_qhI/AAAAAAAAC-c/Lph6QX4iq2w/s400/2redo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuG8h-oepI/AAAAAAAAC-4/gd-5NBU_8gg/s1600/desk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuG8h-oepI/AAAAAAAAC-4/gd-5NBU_8gg/s320/desk6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It needed a lot of TLC. It had a minor crack on the top, thumb tack holes along the front, and chunks missing. It also had a broken leg. I first addressed any repairs that needed to be made. I used Elmers stainable, paintable and sandable wood glue. I put glue along the crack and let it sink in. Then I wiped it off with a damp paper towel.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuBA7kleXI/AAAAAAAAC-g/aWNGv2e57oU/s1600/1redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuBA7kleXI/AAAAAAAAC-g/aWNGv2e57oU/s640/1redo.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Putting the large clamp on caused some of the glue to squeeze out so I wiped it again. I glued and clamped the broken leg too. I used a small C clamp.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The desk wasn't the best ever made. The drawers were held together with only 2 nails on each side. Needless to say, they weren't very strong. I re-enforced them with my brad nail gun. I looked around the desk and found some other spots to re-enforce as well. Really I just like to find reasons to use it. It is my favorite tool!</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuBY8vebEI/AAAAAAAAC-k/mrp6IuHxoLs/s1600/desk12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuBY8vebEI/AAAAAAAAC-k/mrp6IuHxoLs/s320/desk12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> I let the glue dry for a day before I took the clamps off and sanded it. I was lucky because it was pretty much all flat. I did most of the sanding with my hand sander. There were only a few spots I did by hand. You need to remove the old finish so the wood will accept the new stain. If you have something that you want to refinish and it would be hard to sand, you can use gel stain. I have used that several times with very good results. I use Minwax's gel stain. You can apply it over existing finishes. It is thick and sticky. It would be best to practice on something else first to get the hang of it. For an example, see my bathroom </span><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/08/bathroom-makeover.html"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuCTjqeF6I/AAAAAAAAC-o/Vnw7Aj6fuNk/s1600/3redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuCTjqeF6I/AAAAAAAAC-o/Vnw7Aj6fuNk/s400/3redo.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>It is all naked and ready for a new look!</strong> I almost forgot to mention that I used putty to fill in any small cracks or nail holes. Putty, let dry, and then sand. I use Elmers stainable, paintable, sandable wood putty. I used the natural color because it was outside and so was I. I should have used the darker colored putty (it was ALL the way inside ). This putty is stainable, but to a point. That is why they have a darker color. I added more stain to the puttied parts and it worked out fine, but in retrospect I should have got off my big behind and got the darker putty!</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuCosQSxfI/AAAAAAAAC-s/5kxOlOJ6oOQ/s1600/desk15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuCosQSxfI/AAAAAAAAC-s/5kxOlOJ6oOQ/s400/desk15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In a situation like this, I use oil based stains. This wood was old and dried out. The oil in the stain helps the wood. Plus it dries slower than waterbased stains and gives you more time to work at getting an even finish. Waterbased stains sink in fast, especially with dry or porous (soft) wood. You can also use a wood conditioner before applying the stain. It is sold in cans just like the stain and is milky white. I always use foam brushes too. There aren't any brush marks and it makes for easy clean up. Just toss them in the garbage!</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuC5ynuVnI/AAAAAAAAC-w/iJVYyX35Qd4/s1600/desk15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuC5ynuVnI/AAAAAAAAC-w/iJVYyX35Qd4/s400/desk15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I let the stain dry for a day and a half. It needs to be completely dry and not sticky at all. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuDKbrRdpI/AAAAAAAAC-0/unF0Dav0-No/s1600/desk16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLuDKbrRdpI/AAAAAAAAC-0/unF0Dav0-No/s400/desk16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Then you can add the polyurethane. I love the smell of polyurethane! I know, I know, in the state of California it is known to cause cancer yadda yadda. . . But I love it. In a well ventilated area of course. It brings the wood to life and protects it. I use Minwax's Fast Drying Clear Satin finsih. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And drum roll please. . . . . . </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Taaadaaaa! Isn't she a beaut??? All I did for the drawer pulls was scrub them in some soapy water. I love the patina on them. I think this will make a welcome addition to my office.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLx_z0jGLxI/AAAAAAAAC_I/qD4R8hGgUk4/s1600/desk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLx_z0jGLxI/AAAAAAAAC_I/qD4R8hGgUk4/s400/desk2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLyAAxf-eTI/AAAAAAAAC_M/DRsscQjl71k/s1600/desk1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLyAAxf-eTI/AAAAAAAAC_M/DRsscQjl71k/s400/desk1_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Stacy is one of the talented contributing authors here at Tools Are For Women Too. If you would also like to be a part of the "Tools" team, email us for details at</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-5346229591012446736?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-17224293301521760202010-10-20T20:00:00.003-04:002010-10-20T20:00:02.055-04:00Welcome To Another Hardly Any Rules Link Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TL7eM2X-n7I/AAAAAAAABbU/E-CV7Q-YRfE/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TL7eM2X-n7I/AAAAAAAABbU/E-CV7Q-YRfE/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about everyone else, but I am sure liking this "no rules" party format lately. Not all of us have the same needs out there and I love the way it has opened things up for all of us. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are the almost no party rules....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1). Please become a follower if you aren't one already. I won't send out a warrant for your arrest if you don't, but it would be nice. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Post as many items as you want. There are no limits. Take advantage of it and link like crazy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Post pretty much anything you want. Buttons, your latest Halloween project, tutorials, Etsy Store items, and pictures of your smiling faces, are all welcome. Post according to what you think will benefit your blog or store and what your needs are. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Please link back to the party somehow so that others will know about it. Grab my button, write a post, start a thread, or bring it up while car pooling when you have a captive audience. Be sure to turn the radio down in order to get everyone's complete attention. Whatever you do to help out is fine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Have an immense amount of fun. It's a rule.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TL7myRhwMDI/AAAAAAAABbY/YW-ow5sv-wU/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TL7myRhwMDI/AAAAAAAABbY/YW-ow5sv-wU/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=20829"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to jump-start your new blog or online store? Feel free to mail me for inexpensive ad rates and details.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-1722429330152176020?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-16662259965858533322010-10-20T08:16:00.000-04:002010-10-20T08:16:05.780-04:00Build the Best Wirework Toolbox<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5oNDR9EhI/AAAAAAAAASA/99Lzoy4_18o/s1600/wire+work+bog+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529971965885747730" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5oNDR9EhI/AAAAAAAAASA/99Lzoy4_18o/s400/wire+work+bog+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 361px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">After you have begun wireworking you will eventually realize that it will be advantageous to put together a toolbox specifically for your wirework. If you have been following along with my past few tutorials I have already detailed some of the tools needed for this particular craft. Many of the designs on my etsy site, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunsetandvine"><span style="color: #663366; font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, are made with the use of my wirework toolbox and going forward in the future with my tutorials it will benefit you if you have a toolbox of your own or are at least familiar with the tools used.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5oW2Xc4KI/AAAAAAAAASI/9oKqhJjX_uk/s1600/wire+working+blog.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529972134217834658" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5oW2Xc4KI/AAAAAAAAASI/9oKqhJjX_uk/s400/wire+working+blog.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 151px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5ohvMzxxI/AAAAAAAAASQ/vVp7rKTbKAo/s1600/wire+working+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529972321272710930" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5ohvMzxxI/AAAAAAAAASQ/vVp7rKTbKAo/s400/wire+working+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 172px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To build a great toolbox for wirework you will need the following:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Anvil or bench block, I prefer to work with a bench block, great for hammering.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Cutters, flush, side or end.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Hammers, Chasing, Ball peen, currently I use a chasing hammer and a household hammer.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Rawhide Mallet, great for strengthening wire and soft shaping.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Mandrels or dowels, I use caps,lids, bottles, really anything that has the shape I need.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Needle files, cup burr, critical for smoothing rough edges.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Pliers, chainnose, roundnose.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Sandpaper</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Polishing Cloth</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Liver of Sulfur, which is another thing entirely that I will go into in another tutorial.</span></li></ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5os9kyJwI/AAAAAAAAASY/3_4XYS2PVKY/s1600/wire+working+1.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529972514109925122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5os9kyJwI/AAAAAAAAASY/3_4XYS2PVKY/s400/wire+working+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 151px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></span></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5o6aSWilI/AAAAAAAAASg/W1i-x1Y6UhQ/s1600/wire+working+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529972745155545682" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5o6aSWilI/AAAAAAAAASg/W1i-x1Y6UhQ/s400/wire+working+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 151px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Once you have the built the best toolbox based on your needs you will be able to do almost any tutorial involving wirework. I know this is a short and simple post but I think it is great to know the building blocks for the work we will be doing together in the future. If anyone has any questions or would like to request a particular tutorial please contact me by email-sunsetandvine@live.com.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5pIREMe2I/AAAAAAAAASo/mGZOl5gtTJg/s1600/signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529972983198415714" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TL5pIREMe2I/AAAAAAAAASo/mGZOl5gtTJg/s400/signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 56px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>Are you interested in becoming a part of the "Tools Team" and being a regular contributing writer? Just email Rory for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-1666225996585853332?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-87138929723078242372010-10-17T20:59:00.000-04:002010-10-17T20:59:32.754-04:00The No Real Rules Link Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLuXtvKZMrI/AAAAAAAABbE/V1Nr-N0IN3o/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLuXtvKZMrI/AAAAAAAABbE/V1Nr-N0IN3o/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the party! And what fun is a party with a bunch of rules anyway? Post as many items as you want. Everyone is welcome. Feel free to post buttons, store items, pictures of the goofy kid down the street, or whatever you want. Just have fun with it and link like crazy! </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLuY3MRPOLI/AAAAAAAABbI/XBAWScacq_c/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLuY3MRPOLI/AAAAAAAABbI/XBAWScacq_c/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=20512"></script><br /><strong>Would you like a feature post written about your great site or online store? Just email me for rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-8713892972307824237?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-44776553268986454692010-10-15T08:04:00.002-04:002010-10-15T13:44:10.350-04:00How To Make A Button Frame - A Tutorial By Stacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQlCYiM4I/AAAAAAAAC6s/k0iblnyYp3w/s1600/buttonframe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQlCYiM4I/AAAAAAAAC6s/k0iblnyYp3w/s400/buttonframe5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I LOVE buttons. When I was little my mom had an old cigar box filled with buttons, many of them antique. I use to play with them for hours. I would sort them, pick out my favorites, and learn to sew with them. So now I have my own collection of buttons in a jar that my kids play with. I am always thinking of new ways to use my buttons. I decided to make a button frame. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQKtJD4RI/AAAAAAAAC6g/5dRphWeRI1M/s1600/buttonframe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQKtJD4RI/AAAAAAAAC6g/5dRphWeRI1M/s320/buttonframe1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> You will need a flat frame, buttons, glue, your choice of paint or stain, and a foam brush. I bought my frame at a craft store for $1.00. You can buy an already finished frame but make sure it is flat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQQVQG9rI/AAAAAAAAC6k/9SWqwUenGNo/s1600/buttonframe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQQVQG9rI/AAAAAAAAC6k/9SWqwUenGNo/s320/buttonframe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I stained mine and then let it dry completely. I like water based stains for projects like this. They dry quickly and are easy to clean up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQWRTCBUI/AAAAAAAAC6o/fqSPb2o3HaY/s1600/buttonframe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQWRTCBUI/AAAAAAAAC6o/fqSPb2o3HaY/s320/buttonframe3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next pick out the buttons you want to use and play around with the placement until you like the way it looks. I think it would look good to do one in all the same color like all brown buttons or all white. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQFKWXeSI/AAAAAAAAC6c/XvhQRKhsdd4/s1600/buttonframe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TLSQFKWXeSI/AAAAAAAAC6c/XvhQRKhsdd4/s320/buttonframe4.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The last thing is to glue them on. I chose to use a glue gun because it is easy and this frame is for me. If I were to sell this however, I would use a heavy duty epoxy to ensure they were on permanently. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What do you like to do with buttons??? For more project ideas, visit me at my blog <a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/">Not JUST A Housewife</a>.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/321/D68828E039F3C6EF14B621F237470C8D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-4477655326898645469?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-79253702813459231462010-10-14T09:21:00.001-04:002010-10-14T09:23:04.284-04:00Link Party Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLcDwcdG8FI/AAAAAAAABao/vFN4N09ky10/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLcDwcdG8FI/AAAAAAAABao/vFN4N09ky10/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here we go again! No limits as usual this week. Post as many projects as you want and link, link, link. And, do me a favor by trying to link back to the party somehow. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the not so stringent, pretty relaxed rules...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Please become a follower if you aren't one already. It's free and all the really cool people do it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Have fun!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLcCcNG4OlI/AAAAAAAABak/uYV7z14ozug/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLcCcNG4OlI/AAAAAAAABak/uYV7z14ozug/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=20093"></script><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Does your blog or online store need a little jump-start? Email me about advertising rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-7925370281345923146?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-71436992884987451572010-10-13T09:05:00.000-04:002010-10-13T09:05:40.958-04:00How To Create Your Own Hoop Earrings - By Brooke Miles<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUVB-XGp2I/AAAAAAAAARQ/YQlKckbOXeA/s1600/jewelry+28+024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527347241331107682" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUVB-XGp2I/AAAAAAAAARQ/YQlKckbOXeA/s400/jewelry+28+024.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 399px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Last week if you stopped by we learned how to make ear wires and this week we are going to build on that idea by creating our very own hoop earrings. In my Etsy store, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunsetandvine"><span style="color: #663366; font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, I have quite a few hoops featured. Hoop earrings are a timeless, classic style and they are also extremely versatile. The other great thing about hoops is that they are inexpensive to construct, they require very few materials, the design options are unlimited and they are easy to create!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUPt1BcM5I/AAAAAAAAAP4/ZwfKuaqqEG0/s1600/fall+019.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527341397668803474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUPt1BcM5I/AAAAAAAAAP4/ZwfKuaqqEG0/s400/fall+019.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 346px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The materials you will need to get started are 20 gauge or 22 gauge half-hard wire, beads of your choosing(optional), a cylindrical object (I use different sized prescription bottles), round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, wire cutters or flush cutters, file or cup bur to file the metal. Most of these materials you will already have around the house and they are the same materials needed for last weeks project.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUP9Y0larI/AAAAAAAAAQA/_FJhKMGGf-k/s1600/fall+020.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527341664976595634" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUP9Y0larI/AAAAAAAAAQA/_FJhKMGGf-k/s400/fall+020.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 348px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The first step is to take your wire and cylindrical object and wrap the wire around the object. You will want to make sure that you have about a 1 centimeter overlap with your piece of wire and then cut the piece with your wire cutters. Repeat this step so that you have two pieces cut.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUQeasOMoI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/3X-KUbXZhPs/s1600/fall+025.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342232414073474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUQeasOMoI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/3X-KUbXZhPs/s400/fall+025.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUQrQsan_I/AAAAAAAAAQY/hKAtEFzYMQM/s1600/fall+024.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342453068832754" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUQrQsan_I/AAAAAAAAAQY/hKAtEFzYMQM/s400/fall+024.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The next step is to make a round loop on one side of your hoop shape with your round nose pliers and then slightly bend it back to open up the loop slightly. Repeat this step with your other hoop shape. If you have beads you will want to slide them on the wire now.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUQ8tdOzfI/AAAAAAAAAQg/bND2eIBJqoI/s1600/fall+026.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527342752847547890" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUQ8tdOzfI/AAAAAAAAAQg/bND2eIBJqoI/s400/fall+026.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLURTKbiWxI/AAAAAAAAAQo/piLP-VbtrN0/s1600/fall+027.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527343138582190866" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLURTKbiWxI/AAAAAAAAAQo/piLP-VbtrN0/s400/fall+027.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLURs5O28tI/AAAAAAAAAQw/S2yKxiAdc_o/s1600/fall+029.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527343580642210514" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLURs5O28tI/AAAAAAAAAQw/S2yKxiAdc_o/s400/fall+029.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, you will take the chain nose pliers and make a slight bend to close the hoop for the closure. Grasp the end of the wire and bend an angle between 45-90 degrees. Take your file and smooth away any sharp edges.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUSHhYtftI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Z-8k_H8o0wQ/s1600/fall+031.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527344038097551058" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUSHhYtftI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Z-8k_H8o0wQ/s400/fall+031.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUSe6gGa1I/AAAAAAAAARA/OwKKssS1IKs/s1600/fall+040.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527344439976422226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUSe6gGa1I/AAAAAAAAARA/OwKKssS1IKs/s400/fall+040.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Tips:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Use a lighter gauge wire to practice with, try 22gauge, it will still be great to wear and it will be easier to mold and work with.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">To avoid making mistakes with costly sterling silver or gold fill wire practice with copper wire or colored craft wire.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Use a chasing hammer or rawhide mallet to strengthen your hoops by giving them a few light taps.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">For added texture hammer your hoops.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Try different sized bottles and different shapes for a variety of hoops.</span></li></ul><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUS3AW5GJI/AAAAAAAAARI/gEoWUVYfEfE/s1600/fall+041.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527344853865273490" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TLUS3AW5GJI/AAAAAAAAARI/gEoWUVYfEfE/s400/fall+041.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Have fun with this and don't stop at just one pair. I made several pairs in different metals, some with beads and some without. I made ovals, circles and squares and I had a lot of fun learning what worked for me in the process. There is nothing better than having a great pair of hoop earrings except making a pair for your best friend or family member. They make a great gift and Christmas is right around the corner!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brooke</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-7143699288498745157?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-60507687633644053232010-10-11T07:46:00.000-04:002010-10-11T07:46:02.174-04:00Link Party Time - Anything Goes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLL1nAonWWI/AAAAAAAABZs/xd9yCTkVsBk/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLL1nAonWWI/AAAAAAAABZs/xd9yCTkVsBk/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Today's link party is wide open. Anything goes. Post your Halloween projects, tutorials, blog buttons, etsy items, whatever you want. There is no limit on the number of items you can bring to the party. Here are the kinda, sorta, somewhat official rules....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Post as many items as you want. No limit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Have fun.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLL3j-sXG_I/AAAAAAAABZw/fRDxxr8wE-I/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TLL3j-sXG_I/AAAAAAAABZw/fRDxxr8wE-I/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=19783"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to become a part of the "Tools Team" and become a regular contributing author? Just email me for details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6050768763364405323?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-28104240245754912942010-10-07T08:37:00.000-04:002010-10-07T08:37:13.111-04:00Link Party Time........And Maybe A Halloween Joke Or Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TK25PgrqbgI/AAAAAAAABZM/fHHcHdtBoqY/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TK25PgrqbgI/AAAAAAAABZM/fHHcHdtBoqY/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Time to post some links and have a few laughs. Anything goes this week. Buttons, tutorials, Etsy items, whatever you want. To have even more fun, let's post our best Halloween jokes in the comment section. Here are this week's rules.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Become a follower if you aren't one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) No limit on number of links you can post. Feel free to take advantage of it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Leave us all a comment with your best Halloween joke. Here is one to get us all started........</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Q: Why didn't the skeleton cross the road?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>A: No guts, of course.</em></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, it's really lame. But, I am leaving up to all of you to do better, so have fun with it and make us all laugh a little.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TK29YNRn4nI/AAAAAAAABZQ/S1YBtLKRy8Y/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TK29YNRn4nI/AAAAAAAABZQ/S1YBtLKRy8Y/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div align="center"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=19370"></script></div><div align="center"><strong>Would you like to sponsor a link party? Just email me for rates and details.</strong></div><div align="center"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-2810424024575491294?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-45057226264235631612010-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:002010-10-06T08:00:06.146-04:00How To Make Your Own Ear Wires - A Tutorial By Brooke Miles<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFjPJ84kxI/AAAAAAAAALQ/rLBPUXyoO8o/s1600/jewelry+33+040.JPG" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521803730153411346" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFjPJ84kxI/AAAAAAAAALQ/rLBPUXyoO8o/s320/jewelry+33+040.JPG" style="display: block; height: 278px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Making your own ear wires is incredibly easy to do, it provides you with a variety of design options and it will also save you money. I work with a variety of metals in my Etsy Store, </span><a href="http://www.sunsetandvine.etsy.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunset & Vine</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, and but I prefer to use 20 gauge half-hard wire for my ear wires. The choice in wire gauge (thickness) is all yours, I just find that 20 gauge is thick enough to hold its shape while being lightweight and comfortable for your ears.<br />Materials Needed: Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, wire cutters or flush cutters, 20 gauge wire (half-hard), round pen or I used a chap stick lid, metal files and a ruler.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Begin by measuring out your pieces of wire to about 2 inches. After I measure my first piece I measure my other pieces against it for perfection.</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFhPxF4SOI/AAAAAAAAALI/aLi-HqnuCkk/s1600/jewelry+33+039.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521801541636868322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFhPxF4SOI/AAAAAAAAALI/aLi-HqnuCkk/s320/jewelry+33+039.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 275px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Next you will want to hold one of your wire pieces against your pen and mold it around the shape of the pen. Repeat this step with your other piece of wire. I do this step differently than most people who first make their loop and then make their hook shape.</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFjkePQT2I/AAAAAAAAALY/73GAlrUNrwo/s1600/jewelry+33+041.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521804096376426338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFjkePQT2I/AAAAAAAAALY/73GAlrUNrwo/s320/jewelry+33+041.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">After both of your pieces of wire are formed and have a hook shape you will want to pick up your round nose pliers and one ear wire and make a loop on the shorter side. Repeat this step with the other ear wire.</span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFkUrmYejI/AAAAAAAAALg/jJ5iI-tuaLg/s1600/jewelry+33+042.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521804924596812338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFkUrmYejI/AAAAAAAAALg/jJ5iI-tuaLg/s320/jewelry+33+042.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">To ensure the best shape possible I repeat step 2 once I have completed step 3 with both ear wires.</span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFjkePQT2I/AAAAAAAAALY/73GAlrUNrwo/s1600/jewelry+33+041.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521804096376426338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFjkePQT2I/AAAAAAAAALY/73GAlrUNrwo/s320/jewelry+33+041.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Next you can make a small bend in the end of your ear wires if you choose or you can leave them straight. To achieve this look use your round nose pliers and grasp the end of the wire and slightly bend at an angle. Repeat this step on each side.</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Finally you will want to use a metal file or burr cup to soften the ends and smooth away sharp edges in the wire.</span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFlWW9-P4I/AAAAAAAAALw/kRUKUgA5oBk/s1600/jewelry+33+045.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521806052929978242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFlWW9-P4I/AAAAAAAAALw/kRUKUgA5oBk/s320/jewelry+33+045.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFkxceIuvI/AAAAAAAAALo/z4EQ0YRB8JI/s1600/jewelry+33+044.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521805418751900402" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFkxceIuvI/AAAAAAAAALo/z4EQ0YRB8JI/s320/jewelry+33+044.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Tips:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">If you are planning on using sterling silver I strongly advise that you practice on copper wire first. Copper is cheaper and you will get all your major mess-ups out of the way before you graduate to the more expensive wire.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Use a rawhide mallet to harden your metal before working or after your ear wires are finished to harden up the shape.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">You can use a chasing hammer to get a textured look on your ear wires.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">You can use different sized pens and caps to get various sized ear wires.</span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Have fun making your own ear wires, the possibilities are endless. Once you give this a try you will never go back to buying them again. If this is the first time you have made jewelry don't be wary to give it a try, every craft store sells these materials and you will love the satisfaction of telling your friends that you made the earrings you have on. Just pick out some charms or beads and headpins to add to the ear wires when you are done.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFmLHp8G3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/nbMaouJEMnw/s1600/jewelry+31+028.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521806959352486770" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFmLHp8G3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/nbMaouJEMnw/s320/jewelry+31+028.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 318px;" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFmyzFBMuI/AAAAAAAAAMA/1d8m6L6tbaM/s1600/jewelry+31+014.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521807641023689442" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFmyzFBMuI/AAAAAAAAAMA/1d8m6L6tbaM/s320/jewelry+31+014.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 285px;" /></a></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFnR6sDFGI/AAAAAAAAAMI/--NoNHgoY3w/s1600/jewelry+16+028.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521808175642383458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFnR6sDFGI/AAAAAAAAAMI/--NoNHgoY3w/s320/jewelry+16+028.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 274px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are just a few of the fun shapes you can create!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFoPugn4WI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ZB2_hGWR5ek/s1600/signature.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521809237525127522" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PlT3KtuMzbk/TKFoPugn4WI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ZB2_hGWR5ek/s320/signature.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 56px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 242px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-4505722626423563161?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Tidbits & Glitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342995583371716948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-36002163379268079082010-10-04T09:16:00.000-04:002010-10-04T09:16:21.538-04:00Link Party Time - Everybody Welcome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKnRXmfX4PI/AAAAAAAABZE/QsTIFa-a9fE/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKnRXmfX4PI/AAAAAAAABZE/QsTIFa-a9fE/s1600/button.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Time to link up! Everyone is welcome. Here are the rules this week...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Become a follower if you aren't one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) No Limit on items posted. Post as many links as you want. Buttons, online store items, pictures of your Halloween costume, whatever you want. The sky is the limit. Have some fun with it!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKnSa_LehJI/AAAAAAAABZI/MNBHNtEVZrE/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKnSa_LehJI/AAAAAAAABZI/MNBHNtEVZrE/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=18995"></script><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Are you interested in becoming a sponsor? Just email me for rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3600216337926807908?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-87072865510945786002010-10-01T07:05:00.001-04:002010-10-01T07:05:00.146-04:00How To Make A Pumpkin Topiary Tutorial by Stacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTeROHPwwI/AAAAAAAAC2s/uJM_ARcGkW0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTeROHPwwI/AAAAAAAAC2s/uJM_ARcGkW0/s400/1.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> I made some </span><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/09/frankenstein-lights.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Frankenstein lights </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">out of terra cotta pots the other day and it gave me this idea. I LOVE topiaries. I have a few already in my house. But this one is perfect for Halloween!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am a big believer in "use what ya got". I already had this pot in my garage that I had painted and used for a houseplant. Since the house plant has long since kicked the bucket (or pot in this case) I decided to re-paint it. I made it look like a candy corn. The pot is the perfect shape for this. Another idea would be to fill this with candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters. I just might have to make another!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTf1ubR1OI/AAAAAAAAC3A/jtkqAlydpZA/s1600/3_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTf1ubR1OI/AAAAAAAAC3A/jtkqAlydpZA/s320/3_edited-1.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTgnWgrKCI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/4rZdwBcijoo/s1600/4_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTgnWgrKCI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/4rZdwBcijoo/s320/4_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> I chose to antique mine. . . because I antique <i>everything</i>. It is a sickness. And I love it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you don't want to do this to yours you can skip this step.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I use water based stain. I have one rag to dip in the stain and another that is slightly damp so I can rub off the stain. Wipe some stain on, wipe some off. Play around with it. It is hard to mess up because you are pretty much just trying to make it look dirty.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTgweazFUI/AAAAAAAAC3c/3dTvHdLfQgc/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTgweazFUI/AAAAAAAAC3c/3dTvHdLfQgc/s320/5.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Viola! One dirty ole' pot.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTg78JysfI/AAAAAAAAC3g/aZiWzg96AJo/s1600/Copy+%282%29+of+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTg78JysfI/AAAAAAAAC3g/aZiWzg96AJo/s320/Copy+%282%29+of+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Going along with the "use what ya got" idea, I used real pumpkins because. . . well, it was what I had! You could use those fake foam pumpkins as well. That way you wouldn't have to replace them every year.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThJeFU-LI/AAAAAAAAC3k/oStAUdnSOBk/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThJeFU-LI/AAAAAAAAC3k/oStAUdnSOBk/s320/2.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I tipped the pumpkin on its side and used a hammer to gently knock off the stem of the pumpkin that I wanted for the bottom of the tier.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThVfZCw7I/AAAAAAAAC3o/qt_wkgi248I/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThVfZCw7I/AAAAAAAAC3o/qt_wkgi248I/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> <span style="font-size: large;">used my handy dandy drill with a drill bit that was slightly <i>smaller</i> than the stick that I was using for the topiary. The bottom one will need a hole drilled in the top and on the bottom. The top pumpkin will only need a hole on the bottom.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThh1lPZiI/AAAAAAAAC3s/Gl6vt6Dw1YM/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThh1lPZiI/AAAAAAAAC3s/Gl6vt6Dw1YM/s320/7.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Because I was using real pumpkins I was worried they would be heavy enough to cause the whole thing to be top heavy. So I used quick set cement instead of plaster of paris. I had some left over in my garage from installing a fence this year. I put duct tape in the bottom of the pot to cover the hole first. I really didn't need to have this much. Seeing as it weighs as much as my first born, it was probably over kill. But it won't be tipping over!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThqpvTp-I/AAAAAAAAC3w/yE1mUu5NGk8/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKThqpvTp-I/AAAAAAAAC3w/yE1mUu5NGk8/s320/8.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The stick that I used just came out of my yard. I used my miter saw to cut it to length. I put some moss in the pot to cover the cement. You can buy it at crafts stores. I always have some on hand. I stick it everywhere! Plus you can use it to make a regular topiary (see </span><a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/08/topiary.html"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTh6KRy8HI/AAAAAAAAC30/fNKEI9SRnhs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TKTh6KRy8HI/AAAAAAAAC30/fNKEI9SRnhs/s400/2.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Halloween!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stacy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-8707286551094578600?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-66019814987371931452010-09-30T07:40:00.000-04:002010-09-30T07:40:15.378-04:00Link Party Time! - Sponsored by CSN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKRx0bJaWfI/AAAAAAAABY8/kDNGhew2GMw/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKRx0bJaWfI/AAAAAAAABY8/kDNGhew2GMw/s200/button.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">CSN is our party sponsor today and they would love for you to take a look at their <a href="http://www.allcoffeetables.com/">console tables</a>. I have personally done business with these guys and am thrilled that they are continuing to support Tools Are For Women Too. Along with console tables they also carry tools, kitchen items, and a huge variety of other products. I bought a bench vice from then a few weeks ago, and was pleased with the entire transaction. Please check them out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Now, on with the party. Here are the rules.....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) You must be a follower to participate. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Enter as many items as you want. No Limit. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Everyone is welcome. You can post items from your blog or online store. It's all good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Items posted can include just about anything. Blog buttons, store items, tutorials, a picture of crazy cat, or your Halloween project. Have fun with it!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKR1gMxSa2I/AAAAAAAABZA/K81stYAbA2Y/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKR1gMxSa2I/AAAAAAAABZA/K81stYAbA2Y/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=18472"></script><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to sponsor a link party and give your site a little jump-start? Just email me for rates and details.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-6601981498737193145?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-37431904432809305582010-09-26T22:32:00.000-04:002010-09-26T22:32:00.743-04:00Link Party Time! Let's Do This Thing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TJ__IkIiyiI/AAAAAAAABY0/m0xyF_HOSpA/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TJ__IkIiyiI/AAAAAAAABY0/m0xyF_HOSpA/s200/button.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Here are the easy peasy party rules this week....</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Everyone is welcome including buyers and sellers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2.) Post as many items as you want. You can post projects, blog buttons, Etsy Store items, your smiling face, whatever you want. No Limit. Link like the crazy bunch I know you all are!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3.) Become a follower if you are not one already.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4.) Have fun!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKAA1LTOSAI/AAAAAAAABY4/e3o6O7hUGfk/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yfvU0QDQ_D8/TKAA1LTOSAI/AAAAAAAABY4/e3o6O7hUGfk/s1600/rory+signature%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=18051"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to advertise your new blog or online store and give it a little jump-start? Email me for rates and details</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3743190443280930558?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rory from Tools Are For Women Too!http://www.blogger.com/profile/15443167879269427172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460819265889040840.post-35192065138375400252010-09-24T07:31:00.000-04:002010-09-24T07:31:32.263-04:00How To Make Shadow Box Shelf Tutorial - by Stacy from Not JUST A Housewife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJau70uWymI/AAAAAAAACqE/TgqQU1CneWc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever wanted to make your own shadow box? Well, I have a new treat for all of you today. It is a tutorial on how to do just that, from Stacy, over at <a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/">Not JUST A Housewife</a>. Stacy is one of our new "Tools" contributing authors. This is her first post for Tools, so please make sure you say hello and give her a big welcome. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Rory</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJau70uWymI/AAAAAAAACqE/TgqQU1CneWc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJau70uWymI/AAAAAAAACqE/TgqQU1CneWc/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Hi! I am Stacy and I am visiting from </span><a href="http://www.happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Not JUST A Housewife</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. I am going to show you how to make a shadow box shelf. I am on a mission to get you to use power tools if you are not already using them. Building your own furniture and decorations is cheaper, rewarding, and best of all you can make things to custom fit your space. If I can learn to use a sewing machine ( shudder ) then you can try power tools. I picked this project because it uses my three favorite tools. And they aren't as "scary" as some of the other ones.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I used some scrap plywood for the back of one of the boxes. I used the ruler on my level to measure the size I wanted and then used it as a straight edge to mark it.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaw-17k1eI/AAAAAAAACqk/Ms8x0ghb8JI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaw-17k1eI/AAAAAAAACqk/Ms8x0ghb8JI/s320/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxFJfxC1I/AAAAAAAACqs/dL383RfXiTc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxFJfxC1I/AAAAAAAACqs/dL383RfXiTc/s320/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">I used some scrap hard board for the other box. Both the plywood and the hard board I cut with a jig saw. You can get a jig saw for as cheap as $20.00. A table saw would work as well. If you are buying wood at say Home Depot or Lowe's, they have a large saw at the back of the store and they will cut wood for you. Before we had access to a truck we had to do that to get the wood home.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Once the backs are cut out, you will need a miter saw. If you do not have access to a miter saw, you can use a miter box and a hand saw like this one below. This is a less expensive alternative.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazpNP7hlI/AAAAAAAACsc/JiujHrED6kE/s1600/Miter-Box-and-Pull-Saw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazpNP7hlI/AAAAAAAACsc/JiujHrED6kE/s320/Miter-Box-and-Pull-Saw.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxrjptXXI/AAAAAAAACrM/LTQMIGKE5XU/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxrjptXXI/AAAAAAAACrM/LTQMIGKE5XU/s320/5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A cute assistant is optional!</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxRa6BpnI/AAAAAAAACq0/b181T-uFjGI/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxRa6BpnI/AAAAAAAACq0/b181T-uFjGI/s320/9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">For a straight cut you will need to have the saw set at 0, which is the center. To move it to the right place, twist the handle to loosen it and then press down on the trigger ( see my thumb) and it will slide right where you need it. Twist it tight again to lock it in place.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> Make sure you have on safety goggles. Mine are old, big and ugly. I am too vain to show a picture of me, but trust me. I was wearing them!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxajk74_I/AAAAAAAACq8/Yp5rkOoCKf0/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxajk74_I/AAAAAAAACq8/Yp5rkOoCKf0/s320/3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The saw will take off about 1/8 of an inch, so cut on the outside of the line that you drew. I measure as I go for this reason instead of marking all of my measurements at the same time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Once all your boards are cut and you have made sure they fit together correctly, it is time to nail them together. This is my favorite part!!! Oh how I love my nail gun :) It is right up there with my glue gun.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxj6FLxjI/AAAAAAAACrE/rgxPbN4aEsw/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxj6FLxjI/AAAAAAAACrE/rgxPbN4aEsw/s320/4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxzsRzHaI/AAAAAAAACrU/3xVXWZLs9Tk/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaxzsRzHaI/AAAAAAAACrU/3xVXWZLs9Tk/s320/6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Nail all the sides together to make the box and then nail on the back.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJayHhgb3dI/AAAAAAAACrc/l-i2oo50bfM/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJayHhgb3dI/AAAAAAAACrc/l-i2oo50bfM/s320/7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I normally do this in my garage, but the lighting was better on the driveway. I sacrificed my knees for you to have good pictures.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaySC-zHQI/AAAAAAAACrk/9aeFPwkJKZM/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaySC-zHQI/AAAAAAAACrk/9aeFPwkJKZM/s320/8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If all your measurements were right then it should be all nice and smooth.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaycD-rKxI/AAAAAAAACrs/K3aUY8i3Yp8/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaycD-rKxI/AAAAAAAACrs/K3aUY8i3Yp8/s320/10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now you will cut the molding. The miter saw will have to be turned to 45 degrees. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJayksF3ohI/AAAAAAAACr0/6H5vRrngHzM/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJayksF3ohI/AAAAAAAACr0/6H5vRrngHzM/s320/11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before you measure your molding you will need to cut the end at a 45 degree angle. Then hold it up to your box to measure. </span></div><br /><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJayzdzNOtI/AAAAAAAACr8/Ld3a23pfWec/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJayzdzNOtI/AAAAAAAACr8/Ld3a23pfWec/s320/12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Most new saws have a laser that will show you where the blade is going to cut. Remember that the saw cuts off about 1/8 of an inch. The picture is hard to see, but don't have the laser match up to the line you drew. Slide it over about 1/16 of an inch or your molding will be a tiny bit too short. If this is your first molding project then it would be a good idea to buy extra molding. It can be tricky. You might even want to practice on scrap wood.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazOsMxJEI/AAAAAAAACsE/4l8_-XKeb48/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazOsMxJEI/AAAAAAAACsE/4l8_-XKeb48/s320/13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before you nail the molding to the box, lay it out on the ground and make sure it is square. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazYioX3WI/AAAAAAAACsM/rfCDn2ghLtM/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazYioX3WI/AAAAAAAACsM/rfCDn2ghLtM/s320/14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nail the molding on the box. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazg14aHbI/AAAAAAAACsU/a1f__aFHrA0/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJazg14aHbI/AAAAAAAACsU/a1f__aFHrA0/s320/15.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">The nails get embedded below the surface. So you will need to fill the holes with putty. I LOVE Elmer's paintable, stainable, sandable putty. If I am going to be staining something dark I like to use the walnut color.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaz1m6RrCI/AAAAAAAACsk/8o1yUUR5DcE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJaz1m6RrCI/AAAAAAAACsk/8o1yUUR5DcE/s320/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Putty any cracks or holes and give it time to dry. Then sand it smooth. If there is a big area that needs to be filled, you may have to repeat that process to make sure it is nice and flat.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJavCAZXYxI/AAAAAAAACqM/paJAbbktD0M/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJavCAZXYxI/AAAAAAAACqM/paJAbbktD0M/s320/3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I painted one of the boxes white and distressed it. Doesn't it look so shabby chic with that antique china?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJavMakTVZI/AAAAAAAACqU/4ulMhWuOeqw/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJavMakTVZI/AAAAAAAACqU/4ulMhWuOeqw/s320/4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have one above my bed.</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJavUBD-2dI/AAAAAAAACqc/iSeqi5Rg_ys/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HtfDchJT5g/TJavUBD-2dI/AAAAAAAACqc/iSeqi5Rg_ys/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And they make great display shelves in kids' rooms.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What will you use yours for?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed my shadow box tutorial. Please stop by and see me at my blog, <a href="http://happyhappyhousewife.blogspot.com/">Not Just A Housewife</a>.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stacy</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>Would you like to be a regular contributing author and be a part of the "Tools" team? Send Rory an email.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:toolsr4women2@gmail.com"><strong>toolsr4women2@gmail.com</strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4460819265889040840-3519206513837540025?l=toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stacy