Ask Maxy

 



Much to our delight, Maxy's Nana (89 years old) will be a guest advisor on 'Ask Maxy' for a few weeks; Providing us with her own unique view on the letters we receive.

Dear Maxy,
Some years ago , my wife  and met  a lovely couple  while on a trip to Germany . We had such a good time together that we made arrangements  for the four of us  to take other trips . We kept in contact with cards, calls and emails . On the occasions where we travelled to their city, we had lunch with them .

We hadn't heard from them  in a while, so I sent a card  that came back "Deceased." We don't read the obituaries  from their city, so we have no idea whether both of them died  or one died  and the other moved, or what happened .

The couple had several children  who may have known of our friendship, although I never learned  the children's names . It surely would be nice if their survivers  would browse  through  the couple's address  book and let  the contacts  know of their passing .
Missing Them

Dear Missing Them ,
This is a situation that comes  up whenever  someone dies . The survivors  do not always  think of going through  the deceased's address book.... written or electronic ... and sending notes to those who are listed  . I hope you find out  what happened  and have the opportunity to express your condolences.
Maxy
Nana says;
You could make inquiries yourself. Although, it could be costly to find them through a computer location service or a private detective, you may wonder for the rest of your life if you do nothing.  I know this from experience.  Perhaps you will visit Germany again one day and clear the mystery up in person.

Dear Maxy,
I am a 22-year-old adoptee . My grandparents  raised me  from 6 months old  and officially adopted me  when I was 10 . They have three sons, my biological father and his two brothers . This is where the problems lies .

My "uncles" have never  accepted  that their parents  are my parents . They never refer  to me as their sister and frequently  refer my parents as my grandparents . Most of these things I ignore, but there  is one thing  I cannot . My parents are in their early 60s and the subject of their death comes up often . Their sons  have decided  that when our parents die, I have no say in anything .

Maxy , these are the only parents I've ever had, I am legally adopted, so I have a legal right  as well as a given right . How do I calmly explain they are my parents too ?
Their Child

Dear  Their Child ,
You are not going to make your uncles treat you like a sibling . They see you as their brother's child . And although your parents  are not that old , it is never too soon  to prepare  a will  and other necessary legal documents . Your parents' wishes  and the distribution  of their  assets  are things they  get to decide and they should  discuss it with a lawyer  . They should also  have a family meeting  and make sure  that ALL of their children  are aware  of how they want this  to be handled .
Maxy
Nana says,
I understand both sides of this equation. With all the broken or extended families there are today, I am sure you are not alone in your unusual situation.
You are the legal child of your parents and their will is a legal and binding document stating their wishes. That will solve everything.
Your uncles find themselves in a strange situation with a sister/ niece. Their feelings may be a bit confused but remember they are older and were there first, so be patient. I am 89 and I am still here so you may all have a long wait.

Dear Maxy ,
I recently attended a cocktail party  at  the home  of a former colleague  from our deaf program . The speaker  was a campaign worker  for one  of the Presidential candidates . The party hostess made arrangements  in advance  for a sign language  interpreter .

When the speaker  was done  with his presentationn , I waited  for my turn to talk to him . As I got clearance and  began signing, I was interrupted by three hearing female  guests  who showed no respect  for a deaf guest  while  the conversation  took place . Their rudeness  took me by surprise .

If I were to attend  another such event  and get the same  treatment  , what should I do ?
Deaf Professor

Dear Deaf Professor ,
This type of situation  can occur  whether a guest is deaf or not . People interrupt , block you from the conversation  and behave rudely  . An alert host  would have interceded, and the speaker should  have made every effort  to be more inclusive . He allowed  these women  to hijack  the conversation . You also could  have enlisted  the assistance of the interpreter . If you feel you were treated poorly  because of your deafness , please discuss this in advance with your host  at the next  such event .
Maxy
Nana says,
I agree with Maxy on this one professor but you could have signed to the interpreter that you were just a little offended by their bad manners and she would have relayed the message to the chatty females.  You have no choice but to adapt to the hearing world. They, on the other hand have never been taught to adapt to your silent world.

Three Homemade Masks That Really Work

Herbal Masks

 

Acne and Oily Skin Facial Mask
This mask is also an excellent blackheads reducer.
Ingredients

Lemon grass
Chamomile
Saint Johns wort

The How to

Add equal amounts of the herbs (you can also use a herbal tea of each kind!) to a dish. Add boiled water, then let it get cold for 1 hour. Apply the mask for 20 minutes, while avoiding getting it into eyes, then wash it with a warm and then cold water.

Be sure you are not allergic to any of the materials above, and apply your oily skin moisturizer right after the mask. The later should be done after every skin cleaning procedure.

The Benefits

Lemon grass is antibacterial, which makes it a great cleanser. The saint Johns wort is a common oily skin ingredient for cleansers and tonics, the chamomile is a great anti-inflammatory. More Acne and Oily Skin Masks.

---

Dry Skin Facial Mask
Ingredients

Calendula (Marigold)
Jasmine leaves
Lavender essential oil, 1/8 of a spoon

Instructions
Stir the equally added herbs in a hot water, then wait for an hour. Add the lavender essential oil.
Put on a clean skin for 20 minutes, then wash gently. Use this mask up to twice a week to avoid clogging the pores.

 Benefits
All the ingredients above will soften the dry skin and nourish it with antioxidants. The lavender oil adds essential oils to your skin and protects the epidermis.

---

Facial Mask for Sensitive Skin
Ingredients

Calendula leaves
Eucalyptus
Aloe Vera leaves or gel

Instructions
Mix the herbs (fresh or dry) in a boiled water. Let it to cool down completely. Apply for 20 minutes on a clear face, then wash it.
Use this mask twice a week at most and like all the masks- test it in a hidden place of your skin.

Benefits

The Aloe Vera restores damages skin cells and relaxes it, the Eucalyptus helps the itching and the swollen skin and the Marigold treats the skin for blemishes.

You can use essential oils of eucalyptus and calendula; just be sure to dilute couple of drops of these oils with water.

Ginseng...Ancient Remedy...New Craze

We beauty junkies are no strangers to wackadoo skin treatments. From coconut water to tomato paste, there's few things we haven't slathered on or slugged down in our quest for perfect skin. And we're always on the lookout for the next miracle ingredient that promises to zap zits, get rid of wrinkles and give us that elusive, healthy glow - even on four hours' sleep.

Turns out, beauty's newest miracle ingredient is actually very old: ginseng. The humble-looking, knobbly root of the ginseng plant has been consumed in Asian countries for centuries, and is credited with a host of health benefits from increased energy to weight loss. These days, ginseng is also popping up in our favorite skin care products, promising to detox skin and fight premature aging. Sounds too good be true, right? We spoke with our favorite skin care experts to get the scoop on whether ginseng is the real deal, or just the latest hype.

First up: that elusive glow. In a study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginseng consumption was found to improve circulation. According to Origins Director of Product Development Wendy Brooks, those same properties benefit the skin when applied topically: "Ginseng contains compounds that boost bloodflow, which keeps skin looking fresh, healthy, and energized." Annet King, Director of Global Education at the International Dermal Institute agrees. "It's an antioxidant and stimulant, so it's great for dull, aging skin," she says.

Tired skin will also benefit from ginseng's anti-inflammatory effects. "Ginseng brightens and depuffs undereye skin - it's great for combating dark circles," says Brooks. (We'll definitely remember that next time we're out 'til last call.)

While ginseng is a boon to most skin types, our experts agree that mature skin will see the most benefit. According to Sulwhasoo's Research & Development specialists, ginseng's antioxidant effects can help heal damaged, dry, or aging skin.

The jury's still out on whether ginseng can benefit acne-prone skin, but King says new research is promising. "In addition to anti-aging benefits, recent research points to ginseng reducing over-active oil glands," she says. "It's also recognized as an anti-bacterial agent."

So, let's review: Ginseng reduces puffiness, brightens undereye circles, prevents wrinkles, may benefit acne, and boosts bloodflow for a natural glow. Convinced this stuff deserves a place in your medicine cabinet yet? If you like the DIY route, consider this tutorial on how to whip up your own ginseng mask. For the less crafty, you can also find ginseng in a wide range of beauty products. Whether you get your beauty fix at Saks or CVS, here's a few of our fave ways to get ginseng into your anti-aging arsenal:

Origins GinZing Refreshing eye cream, $30, available at Origins; Dermalogica CoverTint SPF20, $44, available at Dermalogica; Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream, $220, available at Sulwhasoo; WEI Ginseng Repairing Hand Cream, $12, available at Beauty.com.

Pizza ... slow cooker

Prep : 25 minutes Cook : 1 hour Makjes 12 servings

3 .............. pounds ground beef

1/2 ...........cup chopped onion

1............... jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce

2 ..............jars (4-1/2 ounces each) sliced mushrooms , drained

1............... teaspoon salt

1/2 ............teaspoon garlic powder

1/2............. teaspoon dried oregano

dash pepper

1        package (16 ounces) wide egg noodles , cooked and drained

2        packages (3-1/2 ounces each) sliced pepperoni

2       cups (8 ounces each) shredded cheese

2        cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1 . In a Dutch oven , brown beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink ; drain. Add the spaghetti sauce , mushrooms , salt , garlic powder , oregano and pepper ; heat through.

2 Spoon 4 cups into a 6-quart slow cooker . Top with half of the noodles , pepperoni and chesses . Repeat layers . Cover and cook on high for 1 hour or until cheese is melted .

Pizza with a twist and it can easily be adapted to personal tastes .
Heart healthy

Ask Maxy

 Much to our delight, Maxy's Nana (89 years old) will be a guest advisor on 'Ask Maxy' for a few weeks; Providing us with her own unique view on the letters we receive.

Dear Maxy ,
I just went to a reunion at my college . I graduated more than 20 years ago and have gone back only once or twice over the years . This was a big event , so I decided to go . It was awkward , because I hardly remembered anybody, but many of my former classmates remembered me . They kept coming up, very nicely to reminisce about things that occurred years ago, and I honestly didn't remember, I tried to be nice, but it felt weird .
Now I've been asked to come back next year for another reunion . It makes me think my former classmates didn't notice how disconnected I was . What should I do to smooth things over if I attend again ?
Forgetful

Dear Forgetful ,
The more time you spend with your college classmates, the easier it will be to remember them by name . you can be cordial and kind to people without making a big investment of time and enegry in remembering their names .
What people want most is to be acknowledged . When I see people whose names or faces I don't remember, I simply greet them warmly . If needed , I ask them to remind me of their name . If they get an attitude , it's on them , but that rarely happens .
One other thing to keep in mind is that it's perfectly normal not to remember people you haven't seen in more than 20 years . You can say you're sorry you can't remember someone with out feeling guilty.
Maxy
Nana approved and agreed with our advice on this letter and pronounced it more than adequate .

Dear Maxy ,
May I vent a little about the extended family of a caregiver ? My relatives live out of state and rarely visit . This for them :
Please don't tell the primary caregiver what to do or how to do it . You don't have all the details and you do not control every situation . Good caregivers are proactive and vigilant . You are loved and your opinions matter . But unless you are a medical expert in these areas, please listen rather than resort to preconceived ideas .
When you do visit , don't say , "I guess you get the day off ." There is never a day off , especially if the loved one is in the hosiptal or rehab and preparations need to be made for what happens after they are discharged .
And while you may think it's "too early" to discuss assisted living or nursing home care , some of these places have waiting lists . It's never to early .
You may want to have a light, enjoyable visit , but some things still need to be handled , even unpleasant things . Life doesn't get put on hold simply because you are in town .
If you want to take over the full-time care , you are more than welcome . Otherwise , please respect the primary caregiver's role and reaponsibilities, and keep your interference to a minimum . You have no idea what it is like to have a family plus elderly parents to care for , with all the activities , medical appointments, medications and therapies to coordinate and facilitate . You purposely choose to live states away . Please don't fly in and start telling me what to do .
Serving as a primary caregiver is an honor and a privilege . It carries with it a tremendous responsibility and self-sacrific . I do it out of love and I want what is best for them .
Walk a Mile in My Shoes

Dear Walk ,
I have heard this plea many times and know you speak for thousands of devoted caregivers .
But I also know that many relatives who live away need to feel as if they are contributing and often react by making recommendations and creating stress .
Sometimes , all they need is a task to perform that will make them feel they are needed in a concrete way . I hope it helps them to understand what it's like to be a caregiver.
Nana feels that 'Walk' is perhaps a little harsh or even a touch bitter in her judgement of her relatives' behavior. Nana does not feel they want to "take over". They just want to take part in some small way. And Nana suggests that it may not be possible for them to move to 'Walk's' state and be caregivers, so perhaps 'Walk' should not hold that against them. She should consider their recommendations and take their visit in stride. After all, according to 'Walk' it only happens rarely.
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I spent a lot of time with a guy over the summer as friends . There's a good chance he may have had romantic feeling toward me . I had feeling for him as well , but we never talked about it .
I thought we'll still be friends once school started , but we barely talk, and our last conversation was really awkward . Should I give up on being friends at all or try to talk to him about it ?
Missing Him

Dear Missing Him ,
Too bad neither of you acted on your interest in each other . It's not too late though for you to clarify things at the very least .
Definitely seek this guy out and tell him you want to talk . When you are together, start by telling him that you miss him . Remind him of how much fun you two had over the summer .
Nana thinks perhaps you should keep it light but indicate you would like to elevate your friendship to a new level. Men react differently to strong emotion than women and you would not want to frighten him away. If he feels the same, he will say so in his own good time (no pressure). Don't ask him what turned him off. Just be yourself and let nature take it's course.
Maxy

Kevin Richardson...Lion Whisperer

 

 

 

 

Lions are some of the most dangerous animals known to man. BUT there is one man who is part of their pride. Kevin Richardson, an outdoorsman who lives just 30 miles north of Johannesburg, has an amazing ability to communicate with some of Africas most feared predators. His conservation area is home to lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards and panthers. He is able to live with them, sleep curled up with them, swim with lionesses, caress cubs and tussle with males. This exciting and touching series will take viewers on a journey to the stunning African wilderness, giving them an exclusive insight into the life of the real Lion Whisperer.

White chocolate Cherry Shortbreads

 

Pretty Valentines Cookies

• Makes: 60 servings
• Prep 40 mins
• Bake 10 mins per batch
• Stand 30 mins

• Ingredients

1/2cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped

• 2 1/2cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2cup sugar
• 1 cup cold butter
• 12 ounces white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter, finely chopped
• 1/2teaspoon almond extract
• 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2 teaspoons shortening
• White nonpareils and/or red edible glitter (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spread cherries on paper towels to drain well.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in drained cherries and 4 ounces (2/3 cup) of the chopped chocolate. Stir in almond extract and, if desired, food coloring. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball.
3. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1-1/2-inch rounds.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are set. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.
5. In a small saucepan, combine remaining 8 ounces white chocolate and the shortening. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. If desired, roll dipped edge in nonpareils and/or edible glitter. Place cookies on waxed paper until chocolate is set. Makes about 60.

Storage

• Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

They are so yummy and great for Valentines Day

Flawless Nails - How to Get Them and Keep Them

 

For many women, an anti-aging routine consists of a wrinkle cream, the occasional exfoliating scrub and a serum at night. But while you're patting, buffing and rubbing, your nails are screaming, "What about us?" They have their own list of aging-related concerns--yellowing, ridges, brittleness-caused by a gradual decrease in circulation, says Glenn Kolansky, MD, a dermatologist in Red Bank, NJ. Plus, years of painting on dark polish can stain nails. Here's how to turn back the clock.

The Doctor's Diagnosis

Turns out, exercise not only builds muscle but also stronger, healthier nails: "Twenty to thirty minutes of cardio three times a week increases blood flow to your hands and feet," says Dr. Kolansky. More common in fingernails, brittleness can be improved by taking a biotin supplement. Toenails, meanwhile, are prone to thickness-caused by being stuffed too often into tight or high-heeled shoes, says Chicago podiatrist Elizabeth Kurtz, DPM. Make sure your footwear fits properly and save heels for special occasions.

The Manicurist's Trick

Remove ridges and minimize yellowing by buffing in an up-and-down (never side-to-side) motion as needed, recommends Amber Edwards, nail director at Mario Tricoci Salon and Spa in Palatine, IL. And since deep reds and plums can discolor nails, stick to nude or light pink polish (or use a base coat before wearing darker hues).

The Home Remedy

To improve the look of your nails, massage them with a mix of sugar (to smooth), olive oil (to moisturize) and lemon juice (to lightly bleach), says Bela Pandit, DPM, a podiatrist in Evergreen Park, IL. Combine a teaspoon of each in a small bowl and rub it into your nails and cuticles in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes. "Doing this simple act increases circulation to your nail beds," Dr. Pandit explains.

Products to Try

Three inexpensive solutions for smooth, beautiful nails.

Revitalize nails with this essential oil-rich soak, which contains citric acid to brighten. Manicure by OPI in Effervescent Soak, $7.95; OPI.com

A base and top coat, hardener and whitener all in one bottle. 7in1 Wonder Nail Recovery, $11.90; LCNUSA.com

This has four sides to file, smooth, remove ridges and add shine. Sally Hansen No More Ridges Nail Shaper and Buffer, $1.49; at drugstores

Valentine wreath

 

 

Description:This tutorial will guide you through the steps to make a Fabric Flower Valentine Wreath. Beginner sewing skills are required, and anyone from a new crafter to a "Martha" will enjoy this project.

Materials Needed:
Sewing machine and thread
Glue gun and 8-12 glue sticks
1 yd 45" wide red broadcloth
1 yd 45" wide pink broadcloth
Heart shaped floral foam
2 yd 1-2" wide ribbon

Fabric to Cut:
Red broadcloth: cut 25-30 2"x30" strips
Pink broadcloth: cut 25-30 2"x30" strips
Note: the longer the strips are cut, the larger the flowers will be. The larger the flowers are, the less you will need to cover your entire wreath, so adjust your strips accordingly. The wreath pictured used strips varying from 15-22" in length.

Directions:

Make Fabric Roses
1. Fold each fabric strip in half lengthwise and press.

2. Using a basting stitch, stitch 1/4" from raw edge along entire length of each fabric strip. Leave threads long on each end and do not backstitch.

 

 

3. Gently pulling on TOP threads only, gather strips slightly. Tie off threads at each end to secure gathers.

 

4. Using glue gun, fold one end of each strip 1/4" toward rest of strip and glue. Place thin line of glue along basted stitch line and wrap strip around itself, a few inches at a time.

 

 

 

5. Continue placing glue and wrapping strip around until rose is complete.

 

Attach Roses to Foam Heart

6. Beginning of front face of heart, glue roses to wreath one at a time, alternating pink and red colors.

 

 

7. Glue roses to outside edge of wreath, alternating pink and red colors. As you place the roses, be sure to tuck them into place to cover any voids where the heart foam is visible between the roses.

 

8. Glue roses to inside edge of wreath, alternating pink and red colors. Again, be sure to tuck the roses into place to cover any voids.

 

Attach Ribbon

9. Cut ribbon into two 1 yd lengths. Glue one end of each piece to back of wreath, slightly angling towards the midline of heart. Let glue set firmly.

 

10. Tie two ribbons together into a bow at desired length. Cut off excess ribbon ends. Using a match or lighter, quickly sweep ends of ribbon near (not through or you may start a fire!) flame to seal fibers and prevent fraying.

 

Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!

11. You are done! Great job!

 

Gerry Giraffe

Giraffe Felt Sewing Pattern

Giraffe Felt Sewing Pattern Materials:     1/2" yard or 2, 18" x 22 1/2" Golden Honey Rainbow Shaggy Plush Felt 1, 9" x 12" Cinnamon Rainbow Classic Felt Polyester Fiberfill Black Embroidery Thread Instructions: All seams are 1/4" Step 1. The following pattern pieces are cut out of Golden Honey Rainbow Shaggy Plush Felt:  body , Gusset and Ears . Step 2. Cut mane , tail and various shapes to decorate giraffe body out of Cinnamon Rainbow Felt. (Layout decorative shapes onto body and secure with buttonhole stitches around edges before sewing body pieces together.) Step 3. Gusset & Body: Sew gusset to body right sides together stitching from to along  outer edge of legs. Set aside. Step 4. Ear: Sew ear sections right sides together. Repeat for second pair. Clip ear along curves and turn right side out. Turn in unfinished edge and pleat ear. Place ear on body (head) and stitch in place. Step 5. Mane: Place mane along back neck of giraffe between and stitch onto one side of  body, first. Step 6. Tail: Pin tail to body at placement. Step 7. Neck: Pin body sections together, sew between and along outer edge of neck  and head. Step 8. Body: Sew gusset seams to (leave space for turning) and to . Step 9. Clip curves and turn giraffe right side out. Step 10. Stuff firmly with fiberfill. Step 11. Slipstitch gusset closed between and . Step 12. Enjoy your giraffe!

Typical Jerk

Making hyacinths bloom in winter

 

 

 

Their blooms are colourful and fragrant, their roots long and dangly. Weeks before spring flowers start popping up outside, indoor gardeners have been making hyacinth bulbs flower in water alone during the short and gloomy days of January.

The bulbs must be kept in vases in cool and dark conditions, then, at the right moment, brought out into the light and warmth of the house.

Things You'll Need

• Hybrid hyacinth bulb
• Hyacinth jar or small vase

          Glass pebbles

          Aquarium charcoal (optional)

Most items are available at any nursery and some hardware stores

• Aquarium charcoal
• Bleach
Instructions

Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs in Water

• 1
  Purchase a hyacinth jar, which is shaped like an hourglass, at a florist or garden supply store. Select a firm, heavy hyacinth bulb that fits into the top opening of the hyacinth jar without tipping. Set the bulb, large side down, in the hyacinth jar.
  If you cannot find a hyacinth jar, use a small vase or glass bowl that accommodates the bulb without too much excess space around the sides. Fill the bottom of the vase or bowl with 3 inches of glass pebbles, set the bulb, large side down, on the pebbles and add more glass pebbles to weigh down the bulb.
• 2
  Fill the hyacinth jar with water to just below the bottom of the bulb. If using a regular vase or bowl, add water to the bottom of the bulb. If the water touches the bulb, it can cause rot. Add a tablespoon of aquarium charcoal to the water. This will help keep the water fresh. If the water gets green or cloudy, pour it out gently and add fresh water, with more charcoal and a few drops of household bleach.

• 3
• Place the "planted" hyacinth bulb in a dark location with a temperature of about 40 degrees. This can be an unheated garage, basement or refrigerator. The roots will start to develop and the bulb will be ready for the next step in three to four weeks. The roots have developed enough to move the bulb into sunlight when they are about 6 inches long and full, filling up a good portion of the bottom of the jar
• 4
• Move the hyacinth bulb in the jar to a warm location with indirect sunlight. Green shoots will appear, followed by hyacinth blooms in about 6 weeks. Moving the hyacinth to a cool location at night will maintain the bloom for longer.

Things we didn't know last week



Snippets from the week's news, sliced, diced and processed for your convenience.
1. Two per cent of Europeans lack the genes for smelly armpits.
More details (Scientific American)
2. It is possible to beam an image (the Mona Lisa, in this case) to the Moon using a high-powered laser.
More details (Huffington Post)
3. Russian soldiers don't wear socks.
More details (NPR)
4. Horse-eating is called Hippophagy.
More details
5. You can make beer out of Sugar Puffs.
More details (The Guardian)
6. Overbites didn't become standard until everyone started eating with a knife and fork.
7. Swiss cheese plants suffer from stress.
More details
8. Inflatable space capsules are as safe as metal ones.
More details (New Scientist)
9. Trees that are more than 100m tall cannot grow leaves.
More details (New Scientist)

Twin Headboards Makeover....Daybed

 

 These headboards were snatched up for $5 each at a garage sale.

POTENTIAL

Paint or stain would remedy the worn finish, but it was the indented panel design that gave this find added value. Fitted with easy-to-make fabric panel insets, the headboards could achieve a dressy, custom look.

PURPOSE

Rather than use the headboards as they were intended, we imagined them as end supports for a custom-made daybed--perfect for a guest room or den. Propped up against a garage door, the twin headboards were begging to be saved.   They knew that a fresh coat of paint would make them well worth the $10 investment. But why stop there? The fun of any makeover is giving something a brand-new look--and new life!

 

 

Paint  STEP 1:

We applied the Country Living Artisans Collection of decorative finishes to create the green distressed finish on the headboards and side rails.

 

Fabric

STEP 2:
Using foam core, batting, fabric, and gaffer's tape,  the panel inserts were assembled. Command adhesives from 3M made it quick and easy to affix the panels to the headboards.

 

 

Stylish Trims

STEP 3:
For a decorative touch, we framed the fabric panels with a border of ribbon and braid. T-pins held trims in place for hot gluing.

 

 

 

Completed Project

FINISH
We  took on the first weekend's work, having a local woodworker construct the framing for the daybed before we began the finishing process. By using a textured base coat and toner, you can give any piece of furniture a distressed, aged look.

SIDE RAILS
Side rails made of 1" x 8" pine and slat supports for the mattress were all that was needed to make the daybed structurally sound. By adding decorative routing along the top and bottom of the rails, the woodworker gave the bed a more finished look.

PATTERN
Don't be afraid to mix patterns. We chose the Zarafa toile wallpaper from Brunschwig & Fils and the mismatched pillows. The 20" x 60" Cuddledown pillow (partially visible behind) is covered in a check fabric from Jane Churchill at Cowtan and Tout.