STAYING BUSY
If you have a shelf waiting to be put up, now is the time to do it. It’s not as difficult as you think.
Homebase (www.homebase.co.uk) has a list of everything you need... ■ Pipe detector ■ Spirit levels ■ Drills ■ Wood drill bits ■ Screwdrivers ■ Bradawl ■ Tape measure ■ Dust sheet ■ Wall plug ■ Screws If you head to its website, it has an easy step-by-step guide on how to put your shelf up.
Most of us probably have a cupboard door that’s sagging because of a hinge coming loose. Take this time to fix any broken or wonky hinges, and get your home looking tip-top again.
You’ll need a screwdriver and a helper if possible – get the kids involved and you all might learn something new! Visit www.dummies.com for an easy guide.
Frightened of drilling through a wire? Terrified that if you get the drill out you’ll end up powering through into next door’s living room? Well, don’t be scared – www.diygarden.co.uk says for a DIY amateur, a drill is the most“versatile tool you can own, and a decent
model will take you far”.
They say drilling requires“finesse, attention to detail and, perhaps most importantly, a certain amount of patience – which is difficult when you’re anxious to
have a job done and dusted.”
But they have a comprehensive guide on their website on where to start and how to drill into different materials, including brick, concrete and tiles. There are also lots of online tutorials on
YouTube.
According to Wayfair (www.wayfair.co.uk) mounted correctly, properly hung curtains can enhance a room and make your space feel bigger. But it’s a skill many of us don’t have.
They suggest hanging curtains 15-20cm above the window frame and 10-15cm out, as it creates the illusion of a larger window and the curtains end up blocking less light.
The Wayfair website has all the equipment you’ll need, things to consider and a step-by-step guide to hanging curtains.
Why not take this time to learn how to upcycle and turn that old chair into something special?
Most of us have some piece of furniture that could do with some TLC. There might be an old chest of drawers in the garage you were planning on taking to the dump — instead, turn it into a masterpiece for your bedroom or hall?
Strippers Paint Removers (www.stripperspaint removers. com) general manager Rosalie Lawrence says:“You needn’t give yourself a big project in order to get an enormous sense of gratification.
“Taking an old piece of furniture or tackling the dodgy looking doors that have had their fine detail all but obliterated by multiple layers of paint can be equally satisfying.
“By up-cycling you not only save something from being consigned to waste but save money too – double the satisfaction! Start with an old chair or something easy. It’s entirely feasible to take an old piece of furniture that may not be entirely to your taste and, with a bit of effort, alter its appearance to suit you.”