4 years ago, I began designing, manufacturing and marketing a line of raised plaster stencils and ornamental molds. My focus was to introduce the art of raised stenciling to the general consumer, making a new marketplace for frequent stencils, which I did rather successfully.

Then again, as news spread of the revival of this lost art, I began to receive much more and far more calls from drywall contractors and builders across the nation quizzing me about the feasible application of these methods in their drywall/plaster business.

The typical slow down in winter due to harsher constructing conditions (and now the recent downturn in the housing business) commonly left a gaping hole in revenues for businesses of this nature.

Intelligent drywall professionals began seeing Raised Stenciling and the application of Ornamental Ceiling and Wall designs as a way to bridge the gap between busy seasons and increase their revenues via this effortless and inexpensive craft.

Plaster stenciling simply involves smearing common wall mud (joint compound) over the stencil openings, removing the stencil and allowing the design to dry which creates an ornate raised design on walls and ceilings.

Ornamental molds are just as easy! Spray the mold with mold release (a silicone based spray that prevents the plaster from sticking to the mold), filling it with plaster of paris mixed with water, allowing the plaster to harden then applying joint compound (used as the adhesive) to the back of the hardened piece and holding it to the wall until it bonds.

Numerous mold designs are combined in artistic methods to make ornate ceiling medallions, ceiling corners, wall border designs, wall and ceiling frames and to turn plain fireplaces in to ornate beauties.

The investment in stencils and molds can be minimal and as everyone in the business knows, plaster of paris and joint compound are extremely cheap, permitting you to create a high ticket service for extremely little expense.

Professional creation and installation of an ornate plaster ceiling design can produce as much as $50,000.00 from the high end client and can be scaled down to the simplest frame around a light fixture for lower end buyers or builders.

How do you market such a service? That\'s straightforward. By doing some of these designs in your own house, you can rapidly begin a breathtaking portfolio to show builders and clients.
Go to plaster restoration internet websites on the online for lay-out ideas.

Don't forget that areas such as above doorways, windows and exterior doorways also benefit from the beauty of this hassle-free treatment, along with fireplace designs.

In conclusion, do yourself a favor and look in to the possibility of extending your enterprise services in to the area of decorative art to assist you by means of the slow times. What you could find is a significantly far more lucrative primary staple in your organization service line-up for the remainder of your career.

© Victoria Larsen 2006

So what is a cupcake?

Nowadays it is a little, individual cake often baked in a metal tray that holds about a dozen cakes. Quite often contained in a paper or foil liner and topped with a delicious frosting or icing. Some times confused or blurred with a muffin. Constantly delicious and typically decorated to a theme and iced with flowers, animals or fruit. The possibilities are endless.

But it was not normally this way.

The origins of the term cupcake are not entirely clear. Some consider that it was an early trend to bake cakes in smaller containers (cups). Early cooking practice was not quick with larger, hard to regulate open hearth ovens. Associated with this was the truth that many of the recipes had been significant in volume so cooking outcomes had been regularly of variable or burnt high quality. Consequently cooking in smaller containers, ramekins or \'cups\' became a practice that has remained, with variations, until this day.

Other people believe that it is extra related to a trend from weighing to volume measurement for recipes. In an era when a lot of could not read a recipe the concept of measuring ingredients by the cupful was an easy way to bear in mind a recipe. (Baking by numbers perhaps)

So we have 1,two,3 and 4 for 1 cup of butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour and 4 eggs which remains a fundamental ingredient list even today. In the same era it was feasible to make a recipe by weighing the ingredients in pounds but this produced a significantly larger cake which was regularly referred to as a \'pound\' cake. Given that of their smaller and clearly less high-priced nature \'cup cakes\' gained in popularity in both the house and the bakery.

Whatever the true origin of the term \'cupcakes, they are here to stay for us all to get pleasure from. Sarah Jessica Parker proved that point when she bit into her pink frosted cupcake in that episode of Sex and the City.

But their appeal comes from more than just a preferred tv show. It appears that cupcakes are now pretty much timeless. And this can almost certainly be put down to a number of easy elements

• They remind individuals of an era past
  
• They are effortless to prepare and cook
  
• Icing and frosting can be as effortless or fancy as desired
  
• Their selection is practically endless
  
• Everyone gets an individual cake
  
• Tiny many people (kids) can manage them much better than a cut cake
  
• The frosting to cake ratio is higher than for a larger cake

One of the most beneficial methods to develop into involved in the cupcake \'revolution\' is to commence baking a couple of your self. And recipes, frosting and designs abound in a number of locations.

Start with this beneficial for the reason that it will give you the confidence to take on other a lot more advanced ones when you succeed - and it is hassle-free to do so. And keep in mind they are often a hit with both young and old.

Then when you have created a success of the baking look for a basic frosting or icing recipe that you can use to top your baking success. And if you feel unsure of how to make your 1st batch of frosting this effortless frosting recipe will get you on the way.

As soon as you have made your batch just apply the frosting with a spatula or tiny flat bladed knife for your first attempt. Do not try anything too fancy to commence with.Then when you feel you want to advance a small further or make a lot more professional designs then it is time to buy an icing bag and tips.

Take the plunge and join in the excitement of baking, icing - and then consuming these fabulous little cakes. Always spreading the enjoyment 1 cake at a time to as a large number of others as you can.

When you hear the word \"tiki\" or see a tiki symbol, what does it make you feel of? Does your mind bring up images of island chants and rituals or foreboding searching statues? There are truly quite a couple of unique ideas behind the Tiki, some of which are related and other people which come from widely ranging origins.

One such story surrounding the Tiki is derived from Polynesian mythology which suggests that the hei tiki sculpture represents the embodiment of a god. This sculpture is said to contain a spirit within. A large number of Polynesian beliefs center on the concept that Tiki was the 1st man to inhabit the earth. Tikis can be found in lots of Polynesian countries. For instance, females from the Maori tribes of New Zealand typically wear modest tikis strung onto a necklace that, when worn around their necks, are said to help stave off infertility.

One more variety of tiki can be discovered on Easter Island in the form of the giant moia, a series of over 200 sculptures located all over the island. These tikis had been at one point idolized by the former inhabitants. The discovery of the moia by Europeans in the early 1720\'s, when they were stumbled upon Jacob Roggeveen, touched off centuries of speculation concerning their past. The moia tikis range in size, but a lot of are quite significant, with a couple of estimated to weigh as much as 80 tons.

The tiki became a trendy symbol in the United States around the 1930\'s, when clubs, restaurants, and similar hangouts took on a theme imitating the Polynesian culture. These hotspots typically had colorful fabrics accenting the tables and walls, rattan furniture, open-flamed torches mounted to the walls and floor, and even tropically-themed alcoholic drinks. The popularity of the Polynesian theme spread throughout the 1930s, and it continued to do so as soldiers from the second World War returned household. A great number of had really spent time in Polynesia and the tokens and gifts they brought back to pals and family helped the tiki craze along. Ultimately touches of Polynesian culture could be found in several areas of architecture and home decorating, where it lives on as \"tiki\" style.

The demand for tiki-themed items, parties, and décor hit a second bout of popularity when Hawaii became a part of the United States in 1959. Right now, this fad could possibly appear \'cheap\' or \'tacky\' to some, but it's kitschy and unusual to others. Dinner parties or even your entire house can be transformed into a mystical, carefree atmosphere with a few basic tiki items such as wooden signs, tiki torches, rattan furniture, and even place mats.

Tiki statues can still be discovered on a number of islands as a message of greeting to tourists, adorning tee shirts and other souvenirs, and even as logos in local companies. Tiki symbols could possibly be fashionable, but they will continually have a deep-seated meaning to the cultures they represent. Although we may feel as although \"tiki\" is merely a means to imitate the island atmosphere of Polynesia, the roots of this trend run really deep in ancient Polynesian culture.

We\'re sometimes asked about installing or renovating fireplaces in bedrooms. Here in Richmond, Virginia it is a controversial issue as creating inspectors quite often don\'t like the idea due to safety concerns.

Please be assured that we, too, feel that safety is the utmost concern with any fire. On the other hand, we also appreciate a homeowner\'s desire to install or restore a bedroom fireplace for the warmth, charm and romance a fire offers. A fireplace can be as safe in a bedroom as in any other room of your home.

What About Vent-Free Gas Appliances in Bedrooms?

This problem is especially misunderstood. Vent-no cost appliances in bedrooms need to be a wall hung heater and must be under 10,000 btu\'s.

**A vent-absolutely free log set that is under 10,000 btu\'s is not allowed considering that it is not a wall mounted appliance.

**Vented appliances in bedrooms are NOT limited to the 10,000 btu rule, unless the bedroom is regarded as a confined space, as defined below.

The developing inspector in your locale has the ultimate approval for fireplace installations. It is helpful to ask which code is applicable in your locality to determine which code he or she is quoting. For example, a direct vent fireplace may possibly be allowed even though 1 with an open fire is not.

The International Fuel Gas Code, for example, states:

SECTION 303 (IFGC)

APPLIANCE LOCATION

303.three Prohibited locations. Fuel-fired appliances shall not be
located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of the following
rooms or spaces:

1. Sleeping rooms.

2. Bathrooms.

three. Toilet rooms.

four. Storage closets.

5. Surgical rooms.

Exceptions:

1. Direct-vent appliances that acquire all combustion air directly from
the outdoors.

2. Listed vented gas fired room heaters, listed vented decorative
gas appliances and listed decorative gas-fired appliances for
installation in vented solid fuel burning fireplaces, supplied that the
room is not a confined space and the constructing is not of unusually
tight construction.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following specifics is extracted from the Gas Hearth Appliance Training Manual published by the Hearth Goods Association:

Listed Appliance:

Equipment or supplies tested to needed standards by a testing organization.....Assures suitability for use in a specified manner when equipment installed in accordance with the manufacturer\'s installation instructons.

Listed VENTED gas appliances will be either:

Room Heater:

Have to meet the federal efficiency mandates of the Energy Conservation Act and meet efficiency
standards based on an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) based on btu input.

Ought to have a vent safety shutoff system, designed to quit gas flow to the primary burner if the appliace is not connected to a venting system or if the venting system is blocked.

Decorative Appliance:

Is not created for heating its sole or primary purpose is aesthetic enjoyment

Is not required to meet fuel efficiency standards

Can't use a thermostat to control operation of the flames

Decorative Appliance Installed in Solid Fuel Burning Fireplaces

Standard Z21.60 sets forth requirements for appliances installed into an existing fireplace:

The appliance can only be installed in a non-combustible solid fuel burning fireplace that has a
working flue.

There ought to be a permanent free opening (generally the damper) of a minimum area determined by appliance input rating and chimney height.

The chimney damper should be fixed in a manner that maintains the minimum permanent vent-free of charge opening.

A fireplace screen need to be inplace in the course of operation.

What is a \"Confined Space\"?

A \"confined space\" is defined by the National Fuel Gas Code as a space (or room) with much less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 btu input of the appliance.

Example:

Can a listed decorative gas coal basket with 25,000 btu input be installed in a 12\' x 15\' room with 8\' ceilings?

25 (thousand btu input of the appliance) x 50 (cubic ft necessary per 1,000 btu input) = 1250 cubic feet.

Length x width x height of room gives the total cubic foot area. 12\' x 15\' x 8\' = 1440 cubic feet.

The room region in this example is 1440 cubic feet this appliance wants 1250 cubic feet of region. The appliance could be installed in this room based strictly on the limitations of a confined space.

Note that the creating inspector or other \"authority having jurisdiction\" in your region should certainly be able to supply you:

Which code is used in your location.

The specifications necessary and allowed per that code.

The interpretation, if necessary, of that code.

Means of implementing that code for your particular installation.

Inspection of your installation to determine that it was performed in accordance with applicable codes and according to manufacturer\'s installation directions.

Further Suggestions. For Installations in Bedrooms or Any Other Room in Your House:

Heating appliances, decorative gas appliances and their chimneys/venting systems will need to only be installed and serviced by a qualified technician.

Normally follow manufacturer\'s installation instructions.

Only perform installation in accordance with your local codes.

Apply for a developing permit, if required or on the market, and have the installation inspected by the creating inspector.

Notify your homeowners insurance provider that a new installation has been performed .

Make certain and have the appliance cleaned and serviced annually to support assure proper performance.

*This write-up copyrighted by THE FIREPLACE CHANNEL

Home Staging Misconceptions

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Recently, my partner Alana and I were asked to do a consultation for a gentleman with an investment property he wanted to sell. When we arrived at the home, it was obvious from the curb that the home required a lot of work. Soon after going by way of the home, our opinion was even further re-enforced by the obvious water damage, broken or missing cabinets in the kitchen, scarred and stained flooring ... and significantly much more. The seller didn’t want to invest in fixing up the household, he wanted us to hide all the troubles and sell the property in its present condition. This sparked the conversation about what property staging is – and what it is not – in terms of getting a home prepared for sale.

Property staging is a procedure of preparing a house for sale. That is the basic definition then again staging itself is a multi-layered procedure. A professional household stager, when going through a property, is going to address all the cosmetic and esthetic elements of a house as the overall goal is to make the property inviting, well laid out and neutral for buyers to imprint themselves on. As staging designers we address color, room function, furniture layout, de-cluttering, accessorizing and merchandising, curb appeal and the overall style of a home. As we cover so numerous categories, the can incorporate extra than just a basic staging fee as there is a lot that goes into acquiring a home prepared for the .

Household staging is not meant to disguise obvious structural flaws or mislead buyers about the condition of the property. We cannot in great conscience as professional designers, hide problems which would cost a buyer thousands of dollars to fix when they had bought the property. It’s just not ethical. Rooms in Bloom’s contracts particularly state that our staging services cover only a home’s esthetics and we always suggest fixing the difficulties just before the house goes on the marketplace – it may be cash out of pocket but those kinds of repairs instill buyer confidence and typically make the difference in what type of offer you – if any – a household gets.

Household staging is a powerful tool which has been proven to make homes memorable, sell quicker and for high cost points – regardless of the marketplace. In a slow marketplace, staging is invaluable when it comes to getting homes sold. In a hot market, staging makes sellers unbelievably happy as it regularly results in several offers for considerably over the asking price.

Here are some of the arguments nonetheless that we hear often against household staging.

1. Staging is costly

As you read above, this an argument we hear frequently about house staging. Even so, to be clear, as there are a number of facets to finding a house prepared for sale, the costs can range from $199 for a consultation up to a few thousand dollars for some painting and furniture/accessory rentals. Give some thought to this – when you are shopping for an high-priced item if you are producing comparisons between shops, it is extremely likely that you’re going to pick out the one which is in superior condition, has an appealing appearance and fits with the vision you have for it – in reality most folks upon obtaining such a treasure rarely haggle over its cost. The very same can be said about buying homes. Buyers who view a staged home will keep in mind it longer, go back for much more visits and be a lot more inclined to pay the asking price because they feel the home’s appearance justifies the asking price. So, by making a tiny in your property you guarantee that buyers will be romanced by your property and will do every thing they can to buy it.

four. My house draws compliments all the time so it doesn’t require staging

Unless your pals and family members are buying your property, you still need to have to make sure your house appeals to all the buyers walking through it. Personalized décor schemes with wallpaper, border, specialized paint finishes are tough sells for buyers. Not everyone appreciates these décor styles and buyers label these types of houses as “needing work”. Buyers are looking for homes with neutral décor styles they can live with for a few years before they have to believe of doing any type of re-decorating. By keeping the household strictly to your tastes, you risk losing a large number of of your buyers and tuck yourself into the category of waiting for the excellent buyer. Rooms in Bloom’s designers consistently tell sellers that how they live in their household is radically several from how they sell it.

5. The home down the road sold without staging

That is great nonetheless those sellers have missed out on realizing if their house could have sold quicker and for . Staging makes houses stand out from the competition and generates much more viewings, a lot more provides and a higher selling point.

 

6. If I’m pleased with it, somebody else will be as well

Genuinely? We hear this comment a lot and have to wonder if suddenly we’re living in a world of clones. Seriously but, buyers are increasingly design savvy due to the overwhelming popularity of HGTV and design magazines. Their expectations have risen and in order to capture their attention, a house truly has to stand out from the crowd. Not only does staging make the on the web photos far better, but mainly because so numerous buyers shop on line initial, staged houses generate much extra interest, visits and exposure than homes which are featured “as is”. If a residence looks as if it could possibly have to have lots of TLC then the sellers have to understand that buyers will only make an supply if the listing cost is low.

7. I already de-cluttered so I do not have to have staging

Though de-cluttering is a huge component of finding your property ready for sale, it isn’t the only component of staging. A lot of the home owners we do consultations for opt for to do the de-cluttering themselves and then opt to hire Rooms in Bloom to add the final polish and “wow” factor to their houses. Professional stagers see things that property owners don’t and they give a neutral, third party opinion on what wants editing in the house. From adding or removing furniture, maximizing a room’s layout is an integral component of the staging process. Too much furniture makes spaces appear modest and cramped even though too little furniture can make rooms seem awkward, cold and uninteresting. The perfect balance of furniture and accessories, arranged to highlight focal areas and minimize weaknesses in a room is an art.

8. Household Staging is just a trend – it won’t impact how my home sells

Years ago before house inspections became the norm, they too had been regarded as services which consumers opted to use only in extreme cases. Now, each and every realtor will tell you to never acquire a property unless you have had a property inspection completed. The identical can be said about residence staging services. Twenty years ago, property staging didn’t even definitely have a name it was just something that savvy many people did to aid homes look much better during the selling process. Currently, residence staging is 1 of the hottest topics in the media and instead of being a service reserved only for the most desperate of homes, marketplace savvy sellers are utilizing property staging to shorten their selling period and make the most of their main – their household. House staging isn’t a trend. Real estate has changed over the last twenty years and we can tell you that ten years ago when you bought or sold a residence is radically different than purchasing or selling currently. Why? Since buyers are incredibly design savvy they watch HGTV and read all the design magazines. This indicates their expectations have grown apace with their style knowledge. The outcomes? They want upgraded, professionally styled houses and they are willing to pay extra income to purchase them. So, sellers who want to attract the most buyers need to use all the tools offered to them, the most potent tool being that of house staging.

9. The Buyers can deal with the repairs when the household is sold

One of the greatest mistakes sellers can make is choosing not to address any unfinished repairs or obvious issues prior to putting the house on the marketplace. Buyers right now have small time for repairs and numerous opt for a “move in ready” home in very good repair as opposed to a house which wants TLC. Houses which are put on the marketplace in poor condition frequently scare away buyers and attract property flippers who will often give significantly less than the listing cost mainly because they know what kind of profit they can make by ensuring those repairs are taken care of. Expert stagers will consistently advocate handling these repairs in order that the house appeals to all varieties of buyers and so that the household justifies its asking cost.

10. Everyone can stage a property

This is a serious misconception. Fantastic home staging needs much much more than a style sense and ability. Professional household stagers, though they could have a background in design & decorating, are marketplace savvy and their services are real estate based, not decorating based. Expert stagers are objective and savvy about what kind of buyers each and every house should certainly be targeted to appeal to. It’s also important to know that there are differences between property stagers themselves. When sellers are performing their investigation, it is crucial to see the stager’s work both via their site and portfolio. Established and experienced stagers will have a range of photos which clearly show not only a tangible difference between the just before and following pictures, but also a flair for design and obvious creativity. Grooming a property to help it stand apart from the competition requires information of a home’s visitors flow patterns and an capability to use existing furniture & accessories to make spaces look bigger, additional contemporary and appealing to buyers. Property staging is in itself a science and produces dramatic and tangible results.

Don’t be afraid to check references or call past clients. An experienced household stager should really have at least 3 references which they can provide for sellers to follow up on. Check and see that the stagers have the training and continuing education in the property staging business as well. Understanding, expertise and a flair for style are the key points for setting expert stagers apart from the competition.

Regardless of regardless of whether it is the Realtor or seller who brings in the services of a professional home stager, it is crucial that a property show to its fullest possible in those 1st critical weeks on the market. Rooms in Bloom designers usually tell their clients to forget showing their home “as is” and instead opt to present their property as “the most beneficial it can be”.

Heather Cook & Alana Merritt

October 2009