Tips--Hanging Pictures
How To Hang Pictures Along a Staircase.
Create a staggered group of medium-sized pictures on a staircase wall. Use pictures with similar frames. Hang one every three steps starting from the first bottom step. Stand on the stairs and hang the picture so it's 60 inches from the top of the step to the center of the picture. This will line them up perfectly. If you are hanging a group of pictures of different sizes, put a large one in the center, then hang the others to follow the line of the stair railing
Hanging Pictures Over a Sofa.
According to decorators, when hanging pictures over a sofa, the bottom of the picture frames should be 10 inches from the top of the sofa. The reason they say is because you can better view from other areas in room, also the height is right for most people to view sitting or standing, and you don't have to worry about them being bumped when seated on sofa. If hanging in a group, hang the lowest row first, and leave at least 2 inches between each row.
Personally I prefer to hang my groupings in odd numbers, they appeal better to my sight than even numbers.
I previously made a note about decorating with collectibles in odd numbers called "Tip of the Week--The Magic # 7". You can read that note or any previous note written by going to my notes tab.
For Your Info---The Magic # 7
by Antiques Attic on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 10:29am
Put seven objects on a table and then ask someone "How many items are there".
You will get the correct answer most of the time very quickly without them counting out. Try again with eight items and most people will start counting "1,2,3..." before answering.
This has been tested many times and an immediate answer usually comes at 7 or any uneven number less (example 3,5). This means the best list for people to grasp quickly is not a "Top Ten", but should be a "Top Seven" list.
Another way to take advantage of odd numbers is in decorating. Place an odd number of things on a table or shelf and they stand out best to ones eye. Same for hanging a grouping on a wall. Try this and see for yourself, first arrange an even number of things, and really look at its appeal. Then try with an odd number and stand back and look. Great way to show off your knick knacks and collectibles !!!
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Another tip before hanging or putting nails in wall to hang pictures etc: I lay the frame on a piece of paper and outline. I then cutout along the outline. Tape these cutouts on the wall to arrange and step back to see how it will look and fit. I have numbered each cutout to match each frame. The sticky note on the framed picture matches the # I placed on the cutout. You can also determine where to place nail by these same cutouts while still on the wall.
Tip of the Week--Wrapping-Storing Antiques & Collectibles
PLEASE do not use Newspaper to wrap and store items. The ink on the newpapers can stain or adhere permanantly!!! It is fine for a temporary form of protection or padding, but never for an extended time.
The best wraps we have found to protect are of course bubble wrap or unused disposable diapers.
Trust and believe us on this issue----we have seen to many wonderful things stored in newspaper destroyed.
The best wraps we have found to protect are of course bubble wrap or unused disposable diapers.
Trust and believe us on this issue----we have seen to many wonderful things stored in newspaper destroyed.
Tip of The Week---Removing Hardware on Painted Furniture
Want to remove and restore the hardware on a piece of furniture that you want to leave painted but the hardware is kinda stuck by the paint? The answer is to use an exacto knife and carefully trace around the hardware to release the bond and remove. It should fit right back into place without disturbing the painted finish. Just be sure to number each piece so it will be replaced to the right spot.
Tip of The Week----Cleaning/Restoring Painted Brass Hardware
One of our fans shared this info--Thanks Stephen
To remove layers of paint off of brass you might want to try this 1st before restoring with any harsh chemical removers. The reason you ask: so that you return the brass to an old patina and not have a shiny patina on an old piece or take the chance that a harsh chemical could cause pitting. Never forget also, old paint has lead. Use percautions, below are safe instructions for this process and disposal. This process can be used also on door knobs,knob plates and hinges.
Place the brass items in a can of soapy water(Dawn works well) on the stove (in double boiler but **no boiling**) to steep for an hour or so. The paint should slide off and WALA the old patina!!
DO NOT let it BOIL and vaporize into the air---just let it SIMMER down.
Now you have contaminated lead water and chips to properly dispose of--DO NOT pour down drain or throw on ground--go outside and pour onto towels, wear good disposable gloves to double bag and throw in regular trash.
DO NOT do this if you are messy,pregnant, or have children 6yrs or longer staying or visiting for more than six hours a week
To remove layers of paint off of brass you might want to try this 1st before restoring with any harsh chemical removers. The reason you ask: so that you return the brass to an old patina and not have a shiny patina on an old piece or take the chance that a harsh chemical could cause pitting. Never forget also, old paint has lead. Use percautions, below are safe instructions for this process and disposal. This process can be used also on door knobs,knob plates and hinges.
Place the brass items in a can of soapy water(Dawn works well) on the stove (in double boiler but **no boiling**) to steep for an hour or so. The paint should slide off and WALA the old patina!!
DO NOT let it BOIL and vaporize into the air---just let it SIMMER down.
Now you have contaminated lead water and chips to properly dispose of--DO NOT pour down drain or throw on ground--go outside and pour onto towels, wear good disposable gloves to double bag and throw in regular trash.
DO NOT do this if you are messy,pregnant, or have children 6yrs or longer staying or visiting for more than six hours a week
Tip of the Week--Dishwashers & Collectibles
Think before putting your treaures in a dishwasher,because of the heat of the water or drying cycle and harsh detergent. You could possibly cause breakage and/or discoloration.
Examples: Pottery,Fine Crystal,Gold Decorated Glassware or China,Silver(especially hollow-handled flatware),Enameled Items, and anything with an Overglaze Decoration(also called cold paint: painted on top of fired glaze)
I have also found that kitchenware such as Pyrex mix bowls,Character glasses,or anything prior to the 1980's will fade with repeated dishwashing. I have had success with clear glass and crystal when able to turn down the heat but it is always a gamble.
Examples: Pottery,Fine Crystal,Gold Decorated Glassware or China,Silver(especially hollow-handled flatware),Enameled Items, and anything with an Overglaze Decoration(also called cold paint: painted on top of fired glaze)
I have also found that kitchenware such as Pyrex mix bowls,Character glasses,or anything prior to the 1980's will fade with repeated dishwashing. I have had success with clear glass and crystal when able to turn down the heat but it is always a gamble.
Tip of the Week---Glass Care
Never Never Never put a hot glass item into cold water or cold glass into hot!!!!
The drastic temperature change can and will cause the glass to crack. Also if putting a hot food, and especially hot liquid into a room temperature bowl first put a large metal serving spoon in, then pour/place liquid/food. The metal serving piece will absorb alot of the initial heat.
Do not use bleach or bleach like products on Pottery,China,or Linens. The bleach with be absorbed and cause immediate or long term damage, it will crystalize and break down the piece, causing disintegration. This is true no matter how often you rinse or rewash the item.
Instead soak/wash the piece in a solution of white vinegar and water. Always rinse several times. Sometimes this also can be done to a piece recently cleaned improperly to stop the disintegration. The vinegar helps to neutralize the bleach effect.
Another option is to soak in hydogen peroxide, the kind they sell at beauty stores for bleaching hair.
Whatever you use it is best to rinse/soak afterwards in distilled water.
The drastic temperature change can and will cause the glass to crack. Also if putting a hot food, and especially hot liquid into a room temperature bowl first put a large metal serving spoon in, then pour/place liquid/food. The metal serving piece will absorb alot of the initial heat.
Tip Of The Week---Chlorine Bleach---A BIG NO NO
Instead soak/wash the piece in a solution of white vinegar and water. Always rinse several times. Sometimes this also can be done to a piece recently cleaned improperly to stop the disintegration. The vinegar helps to neutralize the bleach effect.
Another option is to soak in hydogen peroxide, the kind they sell at beauty stores for bleaching hair.
Whatever you use it is best to rinse/soak afterwards in distilled water.
Tip of the Week---Removing stains from Old Fabrics/Linens
Mix color-safe bleaching powder (not CHLORINE LIQUID BLEACH) 1/4 cup with dishwasher powder 1/8 cup and warm (not HOT) water 1/2 gallon. Let soak in mixture overnight and then wash by hand or in gentle cycle in warm water. Also best to rinse out in distilled water. AIR DRY, do not put in dryer, the heat is to much no matter how low it is.
Stain still there - try process again and good luck. This does work but not always. Never use harsh detergents for cleaning vintage fabrics/linens because it causes deteriation. If colors on material it is also a good thing to test a small area first for color fastness
Stain still there - try process again and good luck. This does work but not always. Never use harsh detergents for cleaning vintage fabrics/linens because it causes deteriation. If colors on material it is also a good thing to test a small area first for color fastness
Tip of the Week---Furniture Cleaning
Recently many newspaper articles and magazines have advised going "Green" when cleaning furniture. They have suggested using olive or cooking oils with lemon juice. Some have even said it feeds or hydrates the wood. Guess what---the wood is dead and can not be feed!!! The oil will leave a glossy layer of oil which temporarily might look good, but it helps to attract insects, dust & grime, and eventually will hide the grain and make the wood darken quicker than the natural process. The oil can also become Rancid and begin to smell. Please do not follow the train of belief for this method you will ruin the furniture and devalue it drastically.
The best polishes for furniture, especially Antique, are made of pure wax. It is even a gamble to use spray polishes on the market today whether "green" or not. Some have silicone and other products that will harm the piece. The old fashion way of paste wax and hand buff is the best way and today can not be improved upon yet.
The best polishes for furniture, especially Antique, are made of pure wax. It is even a gamble to use spray polishes on the market today whether "green" or not. Some have silicone and other products that will harm the piece. The old fashion way of paste wax and hand buff is the best way and today can not be improved upon yet.
For You Yard Sales Enthusiast's
Its that time of year where the great yard sales etc start happening. If you are not into spiders and such here is a tip for you.
Examine your purchases from yard sales, garage sales, etc. Look on bottom of furniture, between layers on linens or papergoods. Those white fluffy balls are spider eggs. They will hatch in the warmth and comfort of your home. Do not let them detour you from a purchase. Just wipe off and dispose of outside the home. Do the same with any found tiny brown balls or spider webs.
SO IN YOUR MANY YEARS OF COLLECTING WHAT TIPS HAVE YOU LEARNED NOT LISTED HERE? PLEASE SHARE THEM AND ANY ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
Examine your purchases from yard sales, garage sales, etc. Look on bottom of furniture, between layers on linens or papergoods. Those white fluffy balls are spider eggs. They will hatch in the warmth and comfort of your home. Do not let them detour you from a purchase. Just wipe off and dispose of outside the home. Do the same with any found tiny brown balls or spider webs.
SO IN YOUR MANY YEARS OF COLLECTING WHAT TIPS HAVE YOU LEARNED NOT LISTED HERE? PLEASE SHARE THEM AND ANY ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
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