DIY: Restore Old Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture

Teak wood is very beautiful when it’s new, but over time the sun causes the natural wood to dry out which reveals a whitish gray tone rather then that beautiful store bought color it once was.

If you would like to restore your Teak wood furniture and make it look like new again. 

Items you’ll need

~Sander

~Light Grain Sand Paper

~Danish Oil Finish

~Water pressure machine (optional)

~Paint brush

Step 1 

 Before you begin, wash the wood using a soft scrub brush, and a solution mix of water and oxiclean multi-purpose cleaner. 

If you own a water pressure machine, use it on a light setting, and power wash the wood. 

Note: Because teak is a softer wood.  Be aware that pressure washing can cause permanent damage to the woods grain.  If the pressure setting is too high, it will strip the wood and defeat the purpose. 
The wood wont look different from afar, however, there will be a noticeable difference in the natural grain look & feel.  Hard washing can make deeper grooves, so it's important to use caution while pressure washing.

Once you have pressure washed. Lightly sand over the areas of wood to restore a beautiful smooth feel once again. 

 

Step 2

Dip a wide clean paint brush into the Danish Oil, and brush a coat over the teak.  Be sure to spread the oil evenly over every inch of visible teak wood. As the brush is run over the wood, you will notice how quickly it is absorbed into the wood. 

Step 3 

Apply a second coat for a deeper rich look. Allow 24 hours to dry.

 

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How to: Natural Looking Artificial Nails in 9 Easy Steps

Sharing a personal secret.

Came up with this simple step-by-step process for application of artificial nails that not only look great but won’t cause permanent damage to your nails as acrylic nails do. 

It's a perfect quick fix for the Holiday Season or for that "Special Occasion" when you absolutely must have your nails looking there most spectacular. 

Not only will you save time but a great deal of money due to the fact that you won’t have the expensive upkeep at the salon. Although they hold up far longer than press on nails, you may find the process worth repeating in a week, only for the first time. After this they should hold up for two weeks or longer. You will save time and money in the long run.

In addition to saving time and money, if they're properly cared for they are easy maintain.  

They really do LOOK as if you grew them overnight. Most people aren't able to tell. They can be applied just days before any occasion and will look great for close up hand shots. The product can be taken along if you travel.  

If you're a nail biter, or just can't seem to grow your own natural beautiful nails. Why not give this process a try. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  I’ll do my best to respond quickly.

List of items you'll need for this process.

Things You'll Need

• One box of artificial French manicure nail tips with light pink at the base.
• One course or med course nail file.
• One bottle of strong nail glue. Recommend: bondini brand or five-second-nail glue. Discard or avoid using the one in the package. It doesn't hold.
• One bottle of pink- BRUSH ON nail glue or BRUSH ON nail gel. Found at Sally's or drug store.
• Nail buffer
• Nail clipper
• One bottle of "Hurry Up" Nail Glue Dryer spray found at Sally's Beauty Supply.

Step 1- Open the box of artificial nails. Select out the sizes that best fits to each of your individual fingernails. Make sure they fit evenly by slightly pressing down inside the nail bed in order to avoid overlapping the cuticle.

Select each  nail one by one, to match size of natural nail.

Step 2- Remove any old nail polish, wash hands and nails thoroughly.
Hold each nail tip, and lightly file at the base to thin the nail. Repeat for all ten. 
Place each down in the line up.This process will give a more natural appearance
once they are glued in place. 

Use medium course file to thin the base of artifical nail.

Step 3- It is best to apply the nails one by one starting with your least dominant hand first. Before gluing the nails in place, take a medium course nail file and lightly scuff each one of your natural nails to remove oil and shine. Do this for all ten nails. This is an important step to insure secure application of the artificial nail. Be careful not to touch your nails it will add the oils back in and defeat the process.

Use the medium course file to remove natural oils and shine.

Step 4- Again, starting with the thumb (for the sake of this demonstration, I have used the ring finger). Pick up the nail tip that fits the thumb, apply an even coat of "brush on" nail glue, to the back of the artificial nail; carefully turn and attach the artificial nail to natural nail. Make sure to leave a tiny gap between the actual cuticle and the base edge of the artificial nail.  After placement, use a strip of plastic wrap to cover the nail, using slight pressure for 5 seconds. Repeat the process for all ten nails.

Apply glue to artificial nail, prior to attachment of natural nail.

Use medium corse file to smooth down the raised edge at base.

Once the nails are in place, take the medium course file and blend the ridge of the artificial nail until it looks like the ridge has been smoothed down to match the surface of the natural nail. At this time, you'll also want to shape the tips if needed. 

Step 5- After each nail has been smoothed and pre-shaped, use a thin coat of "brush on" nail glue or gel and just brush on glue just to fill in the gap between the cuticle and the edge of the nail tip. Apply to all ten nails.

Apply "Hurry Up" nail glue dryer

                Spray them with a coat of  the "Hurry Up" nail dryer spray. 

Step 6-   Use the medium course file, again lightly file at the base next to the cuticle. Continue for all ten until all the shine is gone at the base of the nail.

Step 7- Brush on a second thin coat of "brush on" nail glue and carefully apply over entire nail, just as you would nail polish. Cover all ten of your nails. Remember; wait until the end for the spray dryer, otherwise the dryer will get on the brush and harden it, then you've just 
ruined the entire bottle of brush on nail glue.

  Step 8- With the fine nail buffer, buff each nail to a smooth finish. Wash your hands and walla!

Buff and shape the nail to completion.

          

           Step 9- Finish by applying a clear coat or shear light pink polish for shine and your ready to go!

Apply clear or light pink polish for a completed look.

PRODUCTS :
(For your convenience, I've listed the links below)

 Your product should last for months, the only product you will need to replenish more often, will be the glue, and a new box of nail tips.

Broadway Nails (Medium Length)
Broadway Nails (Short)
Hurry Up Nail Dryer Spray
5 sec. Brush on Nail Resin 
5 Sec. Nail Glue 
Medium Course Nail Files (not available at amazon)
White Buffer Blocks 

Tips & Warnings

• When applying remember to start using your least dominate hand first. Once the nails are in place it can be a little challenging to do the other hand.
• Use glue sparingly.
• When it calls for filing at the base, avoid filing the tips of the nails. You don't want to remove the french manicure.

• Choose the length that best fits the occasion.

• Maintenance follow steps 6 through 8.
• Apply glue to all ten nails before using "Hurry Up" spray dryer.

How to Make a Hawaiian Lei

How to Make a Familiar Style Hawaiian Lei

By StephanieGellepes

 Things You’ll Need:

·         Craft thread or cotton string

·         Steal needle 12 to 18 inches long.

·         Scissors

·         Fresh Plumerias, Orchids or favorite flower with a nice center for stringing.

·         Tub of cold water

·         Plastic container or zip lock baggie

Summer is the time of year for BBQ’s, pool parties, and a host of other celebrations.

A luau is derived from the Hawaiian culture to mean feast and can be adopted into birthdays, weddings, or graduation parties.  Though many cultures from around the world have used flower to garland themselves, it is the Hawaiian lei that has become internationally known symbol for romance and celebration.   Nothing says “Hawaii” or “Luau” like a flower lei.  

Lei’s can be made of flowers, leaves, shells, kukui nuts, seeds and native plants.

The most familiar style Hawaiian Lei is made up of single strand of flowers strung through the center.  The simplest type of lei is one that anyone can make with flowers ranging from carnations to orchids or plumerias to roses.

While visiting Kauai or Hawaii, you can find plumeria trees all over.  Pick your own flowers, and make your own lei.

 If you want to make leis for your luau or throw a Hawaiian style party, gather your favorite flowers, leaves, nuts or plants.  Be creative and make it your own.  You can even combine leaves with flowers or use two different types. 

A lei has been used for worship or given as a gift.  It is appropriate to wear or give for any special occasion, symbolizing love, respect, pride, or even sympathy.

                                                                           

Step 1

When making a Lei, you will want to use the freshest flowers. Make sure the flowers have eaither just bloomed or are about to bloom and are still partically closed.

 

Step 2

Fill a sink, tub, or basin with cold water. Througly rince and clean the flowers and sumerge them into a sink or tub filled with cold water until ready for use.

Step 3

 Take the craft needle and double thread approximately 40 to 50 inches (or your choice of length) of craft thread. Tie a knot at the end to stop the flowers from slipping off the string.

Step 4

Choose each flower, and snap it off right at the base leaving the stem. Carefully Polk the needle from the inside of the flower and pull through gently to reach the knot.

Step 5  

Make sure to thread the flowers in the same direction, and move them as close together as possible. In the end it should look something like the photo to the left.

Tips &Warnings: * The lei will last much longer if fresh flowers are used. It is OK to use partially open bloomed flowers. * Check for bugs and rinse thoroughly.     * Avoid using flowers with brown edges.   
Resources
© 2010 Stephanie Gellepes  Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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